Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

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Lost Tzedakah BY LARRY GORDON Rabbi Meir Orlian 20 Brotherly Love Who Owns Judaism? Yochanan Gordon 25 It was a healthy and thought- what constitutes genuine MindBiz provoking exchange. Last week, Judaism. Livni made the com- Esther Mann, LMSW 31 in Israel’s Knesset, Kadima party ment in response to a remark by Thanks, Mel leader Tzipi Livni addressed Porush that “anyone who Hannah Reich Berman 33 comments to Israel’s Deputy belongs to Kadima cannot be a Minister of Education, Meir believing person.” Hishtadlus And Bitachon Porush, saying: “You will not The trading of condescending R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 36 take Judaism away from us.” barbs by these two members of Livni was firm and indignant. parliament speaks precisely to She demonstrated a weariness what ails Israeli society in partic- Protesters outside the United Nations in New York calling for the world with the notion that only the ular and, to an extent, Jewish body to condemn the killing of civilians by U.S. forces as they pursue Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan. A UN report recently Orthodox—and in this case the communities just about every- stated that the responsibility for civilian deaths lies with the Taliban. This so-called ultra-Orthodox—were stands in sharp contrast with the UN Goldstone Report condemning Israel the purveyors and assessors of Continued on Page 5 for its conduct in the Gaza military operation last winter. See Page 57 ABSENCE MAKES THE HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE HEART GROW FONDER Back Of The Bus HaRav Ephraim Kenig, BY LARRY GORDON Rockaway community liaison to shlita, in Five Towns. B Y A. GREENBLATT Let’s think for a moment the NYPD’s 101st Precinct, in Far See Ad, Page 80 what that means. It means no It’s always good to sit and Rockaway, he is also consulted This past Shabbos could have shared lunches (for those who grab a chat with Alex frequently on community mat- been one of the most memorable have kids or need to carry), no Wercberger, the proprietor of ters by the Nassau County in recent years in the Five Towns. play dates for many children, no Kosher World in Far Rockaway. Police Department as well as a Not because a specific rebbe was carrying seforim or siddurim to Aside from being the consum- number of other government in town or something earth-shat- various minyanim and shiurim, mate food impresario and the agencies. He does all this in tering happened. Rather, this past no carrying your house key, and dynamo who runs a very busy addition to his very active and Shabbos could have been the countless other things that local supermarket, his involve- influential involvement in the first one in many years that the many of us have taken for grant- ment in community-oriented local Hatzalah organization. Five Towns community would projects seems endless. have been without an eiruv. Continued on Page 13 In addition to being the Far Continued on Page 10 Giving Life And Hope Mishenichnas Adar, CALEB’S In support of Neveh Zion. Mishenichnas Av See Page 78 Part 2 GIFT BY RABBI UREN REICH BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN We discussed last week the phenomenon surrounding the When I was a teenager, a well-known dictum concerning long, long time ago, I felt self- the month of Adar. One of the conscious about praying in pub- most intriguing aspects of this lic places such as airports. On at P h o t

o halachah is the way in which it least one occasion, I entered a B y I v a

n is presented by Chazal. It seems, phone booth (remember those?) H . N o

r in some way, to be connected to while awaiting a flight, closed m a n the halachah governing the the door (yes, they had doors), The annual breakfast of Tomchei Shabbos/Yad Yeshaya took place mood of another month—the and spoke to the Ribbono shel Sunday morning at the home of Ronnie and Bruchie Lowinger in MK Arieh Eldad visits Lawrence. Vital funding was generated, enabling the organization to month of Av, wherein we are Olam through the telephone Kew Gardens Hills. continue its life-giving work. Above (L–R): Mr. Moish Lamm, Rabbi Tzvi See Page 54 Flaum, Mr. Lowinger, Rabbi Yaakov Bender, and Dr. Hylton Lightman. Continued on Page 15 Continued on Page 12

CANDLE LIGHTING Feb. 19 – 5:16 PM Feb. 26 – 5:24 PM 2 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 3 FEATURES

Around The Five Towns 39 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 Classified Ads 70 [email protected] [email protected] Daf Yomi Insights LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 34 YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON Sales Managers The Dish Elke Probkevitz 29 CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Editorial Assistant Five Towns Simcha SIDI BARON Jason Feingold 76 YAKOV SERLE Sales Representatives Health 60 SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Insights On The Torah CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen, R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 36 Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Toby Klein Greenwald, Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz, Letters To The Editor 38 Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, Luach 7 Martin Mushell, Elke Probkevitz, Naomi Ross, Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Rabbi Avi Shafran, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher, MindBiz Samuel Sokol Esther Mann, LMSW 31 DOV GORDON, ELISHEVA ELEFANT Staff Graphic Artists Mother’s Musings Phyllis J. Lubin 22 IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers Puzzle FRANKEL & CO. Yoni Glatt 81 Design & Production TALIYE CORLEY Real Estate Art Director Anessa V. Cohen 30 SARAH GREENBAUM Assistant Art Director That’s The Way It Is! The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- Hannah Reich Berman 33 paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or Travel 37 establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times.

4 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FROM THE EDITOR safe dealing with the religious, respecting Continued from Front Cover them and even placing them on a pedestal. In the age, however, of Barack Obama and J where. There are weaknesses on both Street—which really has its roots in the sides of this debate. For a long string of redefinition of reality known as the Oslo Israeli leaders, dating back to Ben Gurion, peace accords—it has become legitimate to the Orthodox Torah community in Israel move the furniture of reality around while was the group to look to for spiritual guid- attempting to redesign the whole house. ance on matters of religion as well as the That’s why a secular Jew like Ms. interface of religion and state in Israel. Livni—who, as foreign minister in the gov- At the same time, from the perspective ernment of the disgraced Ehud Olmert,

Queen Vashti, it is suggested by the feminist revisionists, was the heroine who should be honored.

of the Orthodox, especially in Israel, there routinely negotiated and offered part of may be a religious complacency that leads Jerusalem to her Arab counterparts—can many to the misguided belief that being lecture Porush, a lifelong devout Jew com- frum or Torah-observant means that mitted to the biblical ideals of Eretz Yisrael you’ve arrived at a safe and comfortable to not “take Judaism away from us.” If position in life. This too may be a wrong- nothing else, it’s ripping off a feature from headed approach, as most true Torah Jews the Palestinian playbook that depicts the know that this type of life does not toler- Arabs as being the real chosen people and ate complacency but rather demands con- the Jews the intruders and invaders in the tinued intellectual and spiritual growth. land promised to the Palestinian people. In Israel, some secular people, such as It is this theme that allows President Livni, get a feeling of being looked down Obama to call for an undivided Jerusalem upon from some high but very safe perch; while addressing an AIPAC conference, while some Orthodox people tend to and then qualifying that statement to look at the non-observant with an air of mean that he really does not want to see a superiority. For decades, secular political leaders felt Continued on Page 6

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 5 FROM THE EDITOR Continued from Page 5 barbed wire fence erected through the middle of the city. It’s this way of doing things that allows the J Street PAC to call itself “pro-Israel and pro-peace,” while working hard to undermine the ability of the Jewish state to protect its rights to our ancient homeland. What Livni was doing the other day was taking a stab at turning the tables and casting the secularists who want Israel to be little more than a Hebrew- speaking Portugal into the new religious Jews and trying to turn the Torah Jews into the new secularists who’ve long had enough of what they are not ashamed to call the burden of Israel and its Jewishness. Livni’s approach and the con- fidence she displayed in her position by verbally attacking Porush in public did not take place in a vacuum. The merchants of the new Jewish experience have no qualms about rearranging traditional Jewish laws and customs on a wholesale basis. Case in point is an article in this month’s Commentary magazine entitled “The Problem with Purim,” by Abby Wisse Schachter, an associ- ate editor at the New York Post. Ms. Schachter describes some of the problems faced by the new observant Jews—and by that, I mean the secularists. Among the problems she lists is the discom- fort they have with the nature of the Jewish victory over the anti- Semitic oppressors that Purim celebrates. She writes, “In recent years Purim has come under criticism from some Jewish thinkers in large measure because of the bloodiness of the triumph at its conclusion. (The Jews killed 75,000 Persians in a single day.)” She adds, “The aspects of Purim that seem to embody a triumphalist spirit of Jewish power are unnerving to those who are more comfortable with a history of the Jewish people that dwells almost exclusively on the story of their suffering.” In other words, according to the modern theorists, we ruined the whole party by going ahead and, with G-d’s help, overcoming and defeating our enemies. Ms. Schachter’s piece plumbs further into the problems that some Jews have with the Purim celebration: that we are celebrat- ing the wrong female personality in the Megillah. Queen Vashti, it is suggested by the feminist revisionists, was the heroine who should be honored; it was Vashti who stood up for women’s rights, defied King Achashverosh, and even sacrificed her life in doing so—whereas Esther married the king and sought to pla- cate him (and save her people) from the inside, instead of taking

Continued on Page 14 6 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES CALENDAR LUACH Feb. 18–Feb. 27 ZIP Code: 11516

5 Adar Friday, February 19 Daf yomi: Sanhedrin 7 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/teﬁllin: 5:50 am Sunrise: 6:44 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:50 am Gr’a 9:26 am P’lag ha’minchah: 4:26 pm Candle Lighting: 5:16 pm 6 Adar – Shabbos Saturday, February 20 Parashas Terumah Shabbos ends**: 6:17 pm 72 min. 6:48 pm 11 Adar – Ta’anis Thursday, February 25 Ta’anis Esther (advanced) Machatzis HaShekel Dawn: 5:14 am Midday: 12:08 pm Earliest Minchah: 12:38 pm Fast ends: 6:16 pm / 6:23 pm 12 Adar Friday, February 26 Daf yomi: Sanhedrin 14 Earliest tallis/teﬁllin: 5:40 am Sunrise: 6:34 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:44 am Gr’a 9:20 am P’lag ha’minchah: 4:33 pm Candle Lighting: 5:24 pm 13 Adar – Shabbos Saturday, February 27 Parashas Tetzavveh Parashas Zachor Shabbos ends**: 6:25 pm 72 min. 6:56 pm Sat. night: Purim/Megillas Esther * All times from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Monday–Friday, February 15–19 Midwinter recess for public schools.

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 7 8 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 9 BAGEL STORE you doing?” I asked. He didn’t pay any Continued from Front Cover attention to me, and a minute or so later I was surrounded by three or four men— So if you have to be standing in a room some whom I recognized, others not. when the walls start spinning and you are As this was happening, I was thinking suddenly not feeling too well, try to that for years I’d been asking the local arrange that it take place in the presence Hatzalah men to give me an opportunity of Alex. That’s what happened to me a to ride in one of their ambulances for a few weeks ago as I was doing some rou- few hours one night so I could get a feel tine customer service, dropping in on my for what it’s like to be one of those brave long-standing client and chit-chatting about community issues. I was getting ready to leave when the room started to spin. I can’t say that I’d Before I knew what was never had that experience before, as I do recall waking up in the middle of the happening, I was being night about a week or so before this event and also realizing that the room wheeled past the fresh was spinning. Okay, yes, I do understand that the room was indeed standing still, fruits and vegetables and but something was going on inside me out onto Cornaga Avenue, that caused dizziness. Standing in the back office of Kosher and loaded like a UPS World, I instinctively grabbed for a chair to sit down, to anchor myself and package into the to hopefully not fall down and G-d forbid cause myself any additional injury. I back of the bus. was more uncomfortable and embarrassed than concerned as I sat there trying to ground myself and gain my full composure. and selfless volunteers who set every- All I could really hear at the time was thing aside—day and night—to help oth- Alex saying, “Are you all right, are you ers. The answer, after some deliberation okay?” over and over again. “Yes, I’m fine,” has always been that they cannot allow I said, believing and hoping that I was. me to do that, because that would invade Anyway, as I was sitting there trying to the privacy of individuals involved in gain my composure, I saw Alex sitting these emergency calls. across from me, talking on his phone, and I was sitting there with a blood-pres- I suspected exactly what would happen sure cuff on my arm and some other next: Just to play it safe, he was calling sticker-like things attached to my chest, out the local Hatzalah cavalry. “What are thinking that if all is well, if nothing else

10 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES I would have a pretty good can be transported to a hospital blood pressure, (either to me or ther sociologically motivated medically substantive. They story to tell. Interestingly or to receive appropriate profes- about me) while wondering if or psyche-probing questions gave me some antibiotics and enough, while I was thinking sional medical care. any of it could actually be true for the moment. sent me home with a clean bill that, I was also pondering In retrospect, I was upset but for a guy with no real medical Okay, here’s the end of the of health, as they say. The good whether it was possible for me I also enjoyed the ride in back of history. story. After spending three news is that there is no news. to ever experience anything the bus and being able to sur- When my blood pressure set- hours in the emergency room at The better news is that our sys- without actually thinking vive and now reflect on the tled down from all the unantici- South Nassau and having a full tems work, from the volunteers about doing a story about it. I experience of being “rushed to pated upset and the heart medical workup, it was deter- of Hatzalah and the gentle, pro- quickly concluded that just the hospital,” which I had never machines showed that it was all mined by the doctor on call that fessional, and efficient way enduring something without experienced before. systems go, I was still on the I had a pretty bad sinus infec- they hand you off to the hospi- analyzing journalistic value I have a bit of critical advice way to South Nassau Hospital tion that was impacting on my tal staff and the (thankfully) and angles was not—for me— regarding the way these situa- so the doctors could try to ascer- equilibrium, which caused what positive experience all along within the realm of possibility. tions are handled by some of tain what exactly had happened felt like a pre-Olympic games the way. So, I’m sitting there with the Hatzalah personnel, as well. back inside Kosher World. triple lutz back in the office of Now that it’s over, I can say Alex, and off to my left I see And that is, to refrain from diag- When everything checked out the supermarket in Far that it was a good and interest- these guys wheeling a gurney nosing the ailment for the as reasonably normal, one of the Rockaway. ing experience. More than any- into the store. By this time the patient as he or she is being guys asked me, “Mr. Gordon, is The doctors and nurses at thing else, I am pleased that it is room had stopped spinning— moved in the direction of possi- there anything unusual or South Nassau were attentive now an experience that belongs the whole thing lasted only a bly needed medical attention. upsetting that is happening in and personable. They didn’t let to the past. O few seconds—but before I knew What is the point of speculating your life?” That’s an interesting me just hang there wondering if what was happening, I was and guessing what may be trou- question, I thought. what had happened was any Comments for Larry Gordon are being wheeled past the fresh bling a patient when you are After deliberating on the indication of something more welcome at [email protected]. fruits and vegetables, past the not a doctor and your hypothe- issue I told the questioner that freshly baked cakes and bread, sis only serves to further unset- yes, there was something very and out onto Cornaga Avenue, tle the patient? troubling happening and that and loaded like a UPS package In my case a few weeks ago, was upsetting me quite a bit. into the back of what these guys as I was sitting there in the back And that, I explained, was that call a bus. of the ambulance, my shirt I was strapped to a gurney in These men who drop every- unbuttoned, my sleeves rolled the back of an ambulance and thing and run out of their up, and attached to all kinds of being taken to a hospital for homes or work in a split second machines, I was checking my only G-d knows what reason. I cannot be commended enough BlackBerry messages (it was in explained to the young man for what they do. Their objec- the middle of a busy day) and lis- who posed the query that this tive in these situations is to tening to these heroes talk was indeed somewhat trou- keep the patient alive until he about my heart rate and my bling. He backed off any fur-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 11 Caleb’s Gift boy’s arm and head, he politely explained to the religious practices of Orthodox even landed. Continued from Front Cover to her that it was a religious ritual. Jews, and has reached out to airlines as (There was considerable amusement Some have sought to blame the atten- well, offering a brochure explaining value in some news reports, too. A mouthpiece. (In its own strange way, it dant for then reporting the still-suspi- Orthodox laws and customs.) Philadelphia law-enforcement official enhanced the experience.) cious-to-her goings-on to the captain. But In any event, security protocol appar- soberly informed television viewers how But it didn’t take long for me to realize while most experienced attendants have ently required the pilot to land the plane the “devices” worn by Mr. Leibowitz were that praying was nothing to be ashamed called “olfactories.”) of. And in subsequent years, when there Although the halachic parameters of was no other option, I performed my what constitutes kiddush Hashem are share of religious devotions, even with complex, the term is colloquially used to tallis and tefillin, in an assortment of pub- A program that encouraged mean a Jew’s act that impresses others lic places. When on a plane, though—and and generates positive feelings. That is this has been my practice since well not to say, though, that any act resulting before 2001—I engage my seatmate in members to don tefillin in such feelings is a kiddush Hashem—or, some conversation first, to try to estab- conversely, that an act resulting in nega- lish my normalcy credentials, and then experienced a huge surge of interest tive feelings in others cannot be proper, explain what I am about to do. and even a kiddush Hashem. Caleb Leibowitz, the young man For an example of the latter, we need whose tefillin-donning inadvertently in the wake of the phylactery fiasco. look no further than a few weeks hence, caused the diversion of a flight from New when Megillas Esther will be publicly York to Louisville, Kentucky a few weeks read on Purim. It describes how ago, acted in a similarly responsible way. Mordechai refused to bow to Haman. The Seated nearby was his sister; presumably Midrash explains that the Purim villain she knew what he was doing. And, probably seen tefillin, there are surely at the next available airport, in this case, wore an idol around his neck, the reason according to the boy’s father, quoted in neophytes who haven’t, and she may well Philadelphia, and the rest was history— for Mordechai’s refusal. Many Jews at the the January 25 daily Hamodia, when a have been one of them. (Agudath Israel of or, at least, a few days of grist for news time were disapproving of Mordechai’s flight attendant inquired about the America has tried to sensitize the organizations, which posted the story of decision—after all, they argued, it would leather straps and the small boxes on the Transportation Security Administration the suspect tefillin before the plane had only stoke Haman’s hatred and render all Jews even more vulnerable! Nevertheless, it was the right decision, whether or not it was a popular one. Haman’s hatred was indeed stoked, but in the end it led to his downfall. Caleb Leibowitz did something right, too, on the plane that morning. He donned tefillin with pride and explained politely what he was doing. And most people recognized that Mr. Leibowitz was a shining example of an observant Jew, an example only reiterated when law- enforcement personnel described him as “completely cooperative” throughout. And if his tefillin-donning frightened a flight attendant or bothered others, or if the image of a young Jewish man kneel- ing on a tarmac in handcuffs brought anyone to think of Mr. Leibowitz as some wrongdoer, that’s unfortunate. But no amount of misguided disapproval can change the fact that G-d’s name was sanc- tified by his performance of a mitzvah. It was a kiddush Hashem with ramifica- tions, too—a gift that kept on giving. As the Jewish Week reported recently, an annual program among the Conservative movement’s Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs that encouraged members to don tefillin experienced a huge surge of interest in the wake of the phylactery fiasco. A movement spokesperson noted that the international “World Wide Wrap” event “had 5,000 participants the first years and the number has been consistent ever since.” This year, though, he added, nearly 9,000 men had pledged their participation. May Caleb’s gift continue to give. O

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12 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Eiruv other obstacles to check their assigned upkeep of the eiruv. Much the same way tain the eiruv. Until now, the financial bur- areas. I have seen pictures of these young we often like to know who is responsible den has fallen mostly on a select group of Continued from Front Cover men in the truck purchased a few years for something when it goes wrong, we shuls as well as on the Yeshiva Gedolah. ed over our years living in this area. Plus, ago, high up in the air checking on the should equally seek to give credit to those We all realize how crucial the eiruv is to it just so happened that Chai Lifeline was eiruv wire. One downed wire can affect who care for something which, until our community, and hopefully we can all in the neighborhood this Shabbos for a not only the block it is on, but an entire now, has always “gone right.” begin to participate in its upkeep and con- shabbaton, and many of the participants area. The process of making sure we are Specifically, there were e-mails and tinue enjoying its benefits. were wheelchair-bound or needed to able to benefit from the presence of an phone calls circulating throughout the Many communities have experiment- carry for various medical reasons. eiruv is quite involved, and it encompass- community this past Friday after the ed with an “off Shabbos.” Meaning, one Perhaps this near absence should be an es a few hours on a weekly basis—even yeshiva alerted community shuls about Shabbos every year the eiruv is taken opportunity to better understand the in a normal week when there are no the possibility of not having the eiruv down to make sure that people realized concept of eiruv as well as to appreciate that they should not take its use for those people who each week ensure that granted and should themselves check we do not have to worry about any of the with the local eiruv group as to its status problems mentioned above. I would ven- on a weekly basis. For several reasons, ture a guess that most of us are not famil- Much the same way we like to know who most communities do not make this iar with the limits of the eiruv as well as their practice, and therefore many of us, who maintains this important communi- is responsible for something when it goes myself included, fail to even think about ty service. We might not know what to do the possibility of its not being available. in the event of not having the eiruv. In fact, when the e-mails started going For the last several years, the job of wrong, we should seek to give credit to out, it was the first time that I even maintaining and improving the eiruv found out what number I could call to has fallen on students of the communi- those who care for something which, until check on its status. ty’s own yeshiva, Yeshiva Gedolah of the They say sometimes you do not know Five Towns. Led by two of its yungerleit, how good something is until it is gone. Reb Duvie Zomick and Reb Mordechai now, has always “gone right.” That certainly would apply if we were all Picker, the yeshiva goes to great lengths forced to deal with the inconvenience to check the eiruv weekly and ensure its that would come without the use of an adherence to the highest halachic stan- eiruv. So, if nothing else, we learned two dards. With their team of bachurim and major problems. available. Due to damage from the big things: First, we should be more cog- young married men, coordinated by Reb A little over a year ago, the yeshiva sent snowstorm, there was a very real possibil- nizant to check the status of the eiruv and Baruch Shachar, this group braves the out a book with tremendous detail about ity that we would all have needed to alter not take it for granted. Second, we should harshest of weather and toughest condi- the existing eiruv. Since that time, there our Shabbos plans to accommodate the get to know about the organization, in tions to make sure that we all enjoy the has been tremendous expansion of the lack of the eiruv. Only due to the tremen- this case the Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five benefits of having a legitimate way to eiruv, including Hewlett, Hewlett Neck, dous effort put forth by these young men Towns, that spends time and other pre- carry on Shabbos. and Valley Stream. The yeshiva is current- were we all able to again, as usual, enjoy cious resources to provide us with such Here is just a small idea of what is ly working to include the remaining parts the enhanced Shabbos experience with an outstanding and imperative service. O involved. Picture young men walking of Woodsburgh in the eiruv so the resi- an eiruv. through yards of local homeowners dents there too can enjoy this asset. It In recent months, a committee has To find out the status of the eiruv, call 516-295- 0150. To help support the eiruv project, checks can (with permission, of course), climbing up took until this past Friday for many of us been formed which is trying to coordinate be sent to The Five Towns Eiruv, P.O. Box 396, trees, trudging through rain, snow, and to finally ask who is responsible for the the raising of the necessary funds to main- Woodmere, NY 11598.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 13 FROM THE EDITOR she would like to see Israel identified with Continued from Page 6 is a Unitarian type that celebrates and Holocaust or by virtue of the UN dec- observes a non-involved, impersonal and laration, but because it is the Jewish a stand, like Vashti, from the outside. distant god that has little relevance in our Livni: Nation’s legitimate right—the expres- Schachter quotes Maxine Segal day-to-day life. It’s a backward way of sion of our historic vision to return to Handelman of the Joint Distribution thinking, but the secularists are holding “We Must Make our land. But sadly, that which was Committee in Europe, which sent out on to it as if it were a life preserver. self-evident when the State was estab- some suggestions for teaching children The Livni piece in the Israeli daily lished, is no longer self-evident.” the “valuable lessons” that we can learn Haaretz was authored by Shahar Ilan, Hard Decisions” Livni reacted to the hostile from Vashti and Esther. Handelman urges who concludes his report by saying: “If Goldstone report, saying it “originated Jewish educators to downplay Esther’s less funds are budgeted for Haredi educa- BY HILLEL FENDEL in a council that promotes processes bravery, reports Schachter, because, tion, the prospects for Zionism and the almost exclusively against Israel… The “though she does make the world a better Jewish state to survive are greater. . . . it Ex-Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, report is not only a delegitimization of place, it is only better for Jews.” will be clear that there are no greater ene- head of the opposition in the Knesset, Israel, but affects our very right to The Commentary piece throws light on mies of Judaism than the ultra-Orthodox spoke at the Jerusalem Conference on exist and defend ourselves. Hamas a classic display of uncomfortable Jews parties [in Israel].” her vision of Israel as a Jewish state. refuses to accept our existence, while intellectually attempting to contort It’s from this new jump-off point that “My vision, and that of the Kadima the Goldstone report attempts to cut themselves to wiggle somehow out of Ms. Livni can declare to the Orthodox from party, deals with the continued exis- off our ability to fight terrorism. We who they are plain and simple—Jews. the Knesset plenum that “you will not take tence of Israel as Jewish and democrat- must fight these threats together.” Tzipi Livni does not want to forget that Judaism away from us.” It was a fascinating ic, living securely in the Land of In contrast to Minister Benny she is Jewish; she just wants to radically underreported event and, on a low level, Israel,” she said. “This is a vision that is Begin, who told the Conference on change what it means to be a Jew. something of a declaration of war between shared by many in this country, but Tuesday that no solution is feasible in She has apparently grown tired of being the Jews in Israel. I would like to suggest unfortunately, there are deep rifts in the foreseeable future and that we content with having the Orthodox in allowing Ms. Livni to have her brand of our society, and these overshadow our must strive simply to make the most Israel control the religious nature of what Judaism back and waiting for her to discov- mutual goals. out of the present stalemate, Livni it means to be a Jew, and after all these er how vastly empty it really is. O “The establishment of the State of said, “We must make hard decisions, decades wants her new and reconstituted Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at Israel did not happen as a result of the for if not, we will find ourselves living Jewishness back. It seems that the Judaism [email protected]. in two different societies [Jewish and Arab], hostile to each other, with different school systems and with nothing in common.”

“We will find ourselves living in two different societies . . . with nothing in common.”

“If we don’t make hard decisions now, we are in danger of losing all that is precious to all of us. Our existence as a Jewish state is not just a technical matter… Maintaining a Jewish majority is important, but it’s not just a question of numbers, but of our ability to maintain an enduring Jewish national character—not only in Bnei Brak and Meah She’arim, but also in Tel Aviv.” Livni said Israel must move forward towards a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria, “because if not, we will end up not with one bi-national state, as some think, but with one Arab state between the Mediterranean and the Jordan River. We must make hard decisions—not out of weakness, but because it’s in our interest… The price of such an arrangement is dear—but not if we compare it to the alternative, namely, the loss of all that we believe in.” Livni also spoke about the need to define the parameters of a Jewish state, the role of conversion to Judaism, the “undue” influence of hareidi-religious parties on Jewish matters, the need for a Constitution, and more. Concluding on an optimistic note, she said, “I believe that we will be able to form and reach a common denomi- nator, not only politically, but also socially.” (IsraelNN.com) O

14 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Adar, Av Continued from Front Cover instructed to mitigate our joy. This was the implication of the particular wording used by the Gemara, which tied the two together with the all-important term of “kesheim (just as)”: “Kesheim she’mishenichnas Av mema’atin b’simchah (Just as, when Av arrives, we mitigate our joy), kach mishenichnas Adar marbin b’simchah (similarly, when Adar arrives, we increase our joy)” (Ta’anis 29a). And so, we offered some possibilities as to what this connection could be; in what way is the joy of Adar tied to the sadness of Av? We saw how this statement of Chazal could be understood on numerous levels. In truth, the ideas manifest in this teaching of Chazal contain the utmost profundity; as we shall see, it reflects the fundamental mission of the Jewish people in a struggle that began long ago— and continues to this day.

When the world stood in awe of Hashem, not daring to question Him or agitate His chosen people, it was Amalek who stepped up to break this barrier.

Amalek vs. Yisrael Something interesting takes place during the Yamim Nora’im. This is a time, of course, when we all stand in judgment before Hashem, and He determines the course of our lives for the coming year. And yet, upon scrutinizing the main parts of the special Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur davening, one makes a surprising discovery. Very little mention is made of our personal needs; instead of lengthy pleas for health, wealth, etc., the davening seems to be focused on something else entirely: “U’v’chein tein pachdecha,” we beseech repeatedly, “Place Your fear” over all of your creations. The main theme of the davening seems to be a plea to Hashem that the whole world should recognize the greatness of the Creator of the world, fear Him, and proclaim His kingship. The truth is that these prayers repre-

Continued on Page 16

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 15 Adar, Av Continued from Page 15

sent the deepest, innermost yearnings of every Jew. For deep within his soul, this is what a Jew longs for most—kavod Shamayim, the honor of Heaven. This is the real desire and mission of the Jewish people in the world—to increase the glory of Hashem and the recognition and acceptance of His dominion. A child’s sense of happiness is often very dependent on his father’s status and success. For example, if someone publish- es a sefer, his son feels great pride and joy. Trouble may start, however, if someone else then puts out a sefer on the same topic. Should people stop buying his father’s sefer, and purchase the rival’s instead, the son will then feel great anguish at his father’s compromised pop- ularity. Yet the son’s demeanor will lift again when his father’s fortunes increase; should there suddenly be an increase in demand for his father’s sefer, such that it has to go to a second printing, the son will be exuberant. So it is with K’lal Yisrael. When the world recognizes Hashem as the Master of the Universe, and kavod Shamayim is abundant and apparent, then Hashem’s children are full of joy. When the world seeks to ignore or question Hashem’s Presence, however, the Jewish people experience tremendous pain. Amalek, of course, is just the opposite; he seeks to hide and diminish the glory of Hashem. In Parashas Zachor, the Torah describes the behavior of Amalek as “asher korcha”—“who ‘cooled’ you down” (from “kor”—cold). As Rashi explains, a bath could be scalding hot; but when someone jumps in, he cools the temperature for everyone else. Amalek made this aspect their life mission; when the world stood in awe of Hashem, not daring to question Him or agitate His chosen people, it was Amalek who stepped up to break this barrier. They introduced a hith- erto unknown and very insidious attitude to the world; they “cooled off” the world’s respect for the Creator, and attempted to raise doubts as to His very existence. Against the backdrop of the conflicting missions of these two opposing forces, the interdependency between the two halachos mentioned above should be much more apparent.

Mishenichnas Av There was one place on earth that Hashem desired to retain in an entirely pristine and spiritual state; one place that was not subject to the usual rules of nature or the seasons, where miracles were commonplace; one place where kavod Shamayim was constantly and plainly on display for all to see. This was the Beis HaMikdash. And the role it played was not limited to this location alone; by the mere fact that, somewhere on earth, a connection was maintained with HaKadosh Baruch Hu to such a remarkable extent, the entire world was transformed and elevated. The Beis HaMikdash enabled kavod Shamayim to permeate throughout the world. With the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash in the month of Av—where even this hallowed place was altered— kavod Shamayim suffered a severe blow. And so, for K’lal Yisrael, the mood automat-

Continued on Page 18 16 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 17 Adar, Av queen was gone; what a stir that must Continued from Page 16 have created! With the announcement of a search for a replacement, coarseness ically becomes somber in this month. became the order of the day, as all the Their mission and goal—their “business,” maidens sought to propel themselves to if you will—is increasing the glory of the forefront of consideration. Hashem. When the Beis HaMikdash stood, And who was chosen? The one rebbet- the honor of Hashem throughout the zin who wanted nothing more than to world was safeguarded and maintained. avoid the whole scene: Esther—who, When it was destroyed, it was as if the according to Chazal, was 87 at the time! Of entire “business” of K’lal Yisrael took a course, the remainder of the story is famil- tremendous hit. Hashem’s children were iar to all; by the time the conclusion was cast into sorrow with the reversal of the reached, and the salvation was complete, world’s recognition of Hashem’s sovereign- the glory of Hashem had emerged from ty. Mishenichnas Av, mema’atin b’simchah. the midst of concealment, and His orches- tration of events was apparent to all. Mishenichnas Adar Through the amazing resurgence of The events of the month of Adar kavod Shamayim that took place in the served as a shift in the other direction. At month of Adar, it was now Amalek’s first, Hashem’s Presence was still approach that took a major hit. The b’hester—concealed. This served Amalek’s notion of mikreh—that events just “hap- purposes, and conformed to the plan of pen” of their own accord—was shaken to Haman, of Amalek’s progeny. Throughout the core. It was plain to the world that the many days of King Achashveirosh’s Hashem was pulling all the strings, and great feast, everything—on the surface— His Presence was universally recognized went according to plan. Those participat- and acknowledged by Jews and gentiles ing in and observing the proceedings alike. K’lal Yisrael’s “business” prospered must have been impressed by the opu- greatly, and they were filled with joy and lence, the indulgence, and the apparently happiness. Mishenichnas Adar, marbin secure position of Achashveirosh in his b’simchah. kingdom. Onlookers may even have been This is the mission of K’lal Yisrael, tempted to be led astray by the display of which continues to this day: to yearn and power of this rasha who flouted Hashem, strive for an ever-increasing measure of and begun to question where, indeed, kavod Shamayim in the world, and to rec- Hashem was to be found, as His Presence ognize what is truly the “real world”: not was not apparent. one where Washington or Wall Street is But then, on the last day of the grand paramount, but where we sincerely feel party, Hashem began to turn things com- the Presence and Kingship of Hashem. O pletely around. Events proceeded at a Rabbi Reich is the rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva rapid pace, no doubt catching the aware- Gedolah of Woodlake Village in Lakewood, New ness of all the pundits. Suddenly, the Jersey.

18 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 19 knows!” Aruch (C.M. 301:6) writes that one who “Of course,” apologized Mr. Jacobs, “I was negligent with unspecified tzedakah Lost Tzedakah was just wondering what the halachah is. is “exempt,” since nobody can claim the I’ll have to discuss the issue with Rabbi money from him. The donors cannot Tzedek.” claim the money, since they never expect- BY RABBI MEIR ORLIAN and checked at the stores where he had NNN ed the gabbai to return it to them, but BUSINESS HALACHA INSTITUTE been, but could not find the money. He When Rabbi Tzedek heard the story, he rather to distribute it to the poor. Each panicked. What would he do with the said: “You must pay the money that was individual poor person also has no claim, During the weeks before Purim and tzedakah money? There was over $1,000 of collected for specific causes, namely the since the gabbai can choose not to give Pesach there are many tzedakah collec- general tzedakah; old Mr. Katz alone had yeshiva and Hatzalah. On the other hand, the charity to him, but to some other tions zecher l’machtzis hashekel and for contributed $200 in honor of his father’s nobody can claim the unspecified needy person. kimcha d’Pischa. What happens if the gab- yahrtzeit. There was almost $400 for the tzedakah from you, not even old Mr. Katz, If, however, the money was earmarked bai loses the tzedakah money? Is he held local yeshiva, and $300 for Hatzalah. but you have a halachic duty towards G-d for specific people or organizations, they accountable? Mr. Jacobs came home with a glum to make good to the poor.” have a definite claim to the money, and NNN look on his face. His wife took one look the gabbai is fully accountable to them if For many years Mr. Jacobs served as at him and asked, “What happened? You he was negligent. the gabbai tzedakah in Ahavas Chesed look terrible!” Mr. Jacobs related what “And what did you mean by ‘a halachic Synagogue. He had earned a reputation had happened. “First time this ever “I was careless. duty towards G-d’ about the unspecified for integrity throughout the community occurred,” he added. tzedakah?” asked Mr. Jacobs. and people entrusted him with their “I’m sorry it happened,” said his wife, On the other Rabbi Tzedek continued: Later author- charity money to distribute as he saw fit. “but you know it’s not secure to keep ities explain that even when the money In addition to the general tzedakah money in your coat pocket.” is not earmarked for anyone specific, the fund that he managed, Mr. Jacobs also “I know. I usually put the money in my hand, I do this as gabbai is only “exempt” in the sense that collected for the local yeshiva and attaché case,” responded Mr. Jacobs, “but neither the donor nor an individual poor Hatzalah. Every day he would place three I didn’t have it today. It’s $1,700 down the a volunteer; person can demand the money from pushkas in shul, each of which was clear- drain.” him. However, the gabbai certainly has ly labeled. At the end of each month, he Mrs. Jacobs thought for a moment, and I don’t get an obligation to G-d to fulfill his respon- would count the money and deposit it in then asked, “Are you going to be held sibility to the poor. His commitment to the designated account. accountable for the money? It’s going to handle their money is no less a commit- One day, after counting the money, Mr. be very hard for us to cover such a sum.” anything for ment than one who pledges to them. Jacobs got ready to head to the bank. He “I was wondering the same,” answered (Pischei Teshuvah 301:6) Therefore, you hadn’t brought his attaché case, so he tied Mr. Jacobs. “I was careless. On the other being gabbai.” are expected to pay the entire sum that the money in a bag and stuffed it in his hand, I do this as a volunteer; I don’t get you were negligent about, to the best of coat pocket. On the way to the bank, he anything for being gabbai. Furthermore, your ability. O stopped off at the fruit store and the nobody’s keeping track except for old Mr. Rabbi Meir Orlian is a halacha writer for Business supermarket for some shopping. When Katz. He asks me every day if I distributed Rabbi Tzedek then explained: A gabbai Halacha Institute. BHI, which is headed by he finally reached the bank, he put his the money already, and may even want it tzedakah is responsible for negligence HaRav Chaim Kohn, is committed to providing awareness, education, and services in all areas of hand in his pocket and suddenly realized back to distribute himself. But he’s the the same as any other person who is monetary issues that arise in our daily lives. For that the money was gone! only one.” entrusted with money. If he is paid for his more information, visit www.businesshalacha .com. For questions regarding a halachic “It must have fallen out along the way,” “But you know that you lost the services, he would be accountable even monetary issue, please call 877-845-8455 or e-mail he thought. Mr. Jacobs retraced his steps money,” retorted his wife, “and G-d for theft. Nonetheless, the Shulchan [email protected].

20 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 21 Snow Days

Imagine my surprise when I pulled ents. What to do if you can’t take off from into my driveway last Friday and found a work? And even if that isn’t a concern, young girl posing for pictures on my what to do with them in general? front lawn. As I was trying to maneuver My seven-year-old daughter, Lea, has into the driveway through the ice and difficulty getting up in the morning for piles of snow, the young lady taking the school. Somehow her internal radar pictures asked if I needed her to move her alerts her when she has a day off from car. No, I explained, I prefer to park in the school, and on those days she is up way driveway when I can—leaving the car on ahead of time. Snow days are no excep- the street is usually quite dangerous, tion. If there is a rumor that it might since the street is not as wide as many snow the next day, Lea is up by 6:30 a.m., drivers think, and our side mirrors seem assessing the weather and waiting to

Members of the Lubin family with their snowy creations.

to be in constant jeopardy. “play in the snow.” When I finally parked the car, the Yussie is more consistent: he always young lady explained, “We live in the city, wakes up early, no matter if there is and my daughter usually never gets to see school or not. His internal radar is some- such a thing!” what similar to mine, but although I do “Not a problem—enjoy!” wake up early regardless of the weather, Wow! We seemed to suddenly be he is more “raring to go” as soon as he famous—or rather, the snow family that awakens than I. Breakfast must be on my kids had built were. Rochel was the the table by 7 a.m., no matter the day of mastermind behind the adorable crea- the week. tures. Off from school for the two previ- My older kids have the ability to sleep ous days because of the snow, the kids late, regardless of whether there is school were busy. Yussie and Lea assisted with or not. It’s really a talent I wish I had. gathering the snow; Lea searched for the When the sun is shining outside, there is winter wear to keep them “warm” (hats, no way I can keep my eyes closed. My scarves, etc.), and Yussie procured the car- husband has internal radar dependent rots and raisins from the kitchen to help upon what day of the week it is. them “see, eat, and smell.” Somehow he does not trust himself and Rochel artistically sculpted the snow has the alarm go off almost every morn- people (mother, father, and child). Seeing ing at 5:38, but when it is Shabbos or yom that we were one hat short, she even cre- tov, his internal alarm wakes him up atively sculpted a hat for the dad! Rivka is regardless, and he is up and ready to go our in-house photographer and managed way before the minyan begins. to get a number of beautiful shots of the Most of the time I can do without the crew before nature began its own creativ- snow days. Fortunately, my office is walk- ity (the sun began to melt them at a cer- ing distance from the house, so although tain point). I do not enjoy driving in bad weather, Snow is difficult. Drivers must be con- walking in the snow is actually rejuvenat- stantly maneuvering between the ice ing! The white-topped trees and snow- patches while keeping an eye out for covered bushes give the neighborhood an oncoming traffic, and pedestrians need to instant refurbishing. Walking in the rain balance themselves among the snow is wet and dreary, while marching in the piles that many times block the side- snow is fun and refreshing. walks. When the kids have off from school, I Snow days when the kids are off from am fortunate that I have in-house babysit- school are especially difficult for the par- ters to keep everyone safe and enter- 22 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES tained. Obviously they still need outings, so I have the flexibility to walk to work, and because our house is very well geo- graphically situated, I am able to walk them to all the food establishments along Central Avenue. But I must truly thank both Rivka and Rochel for keeping the home fires burning, so to speak, while I completed some “time of the essence” work in the office and giving my husband (who worked from home on the snow days) some much-needed time and quiet to do his own work.

Somehow her internal radar alerts her when she has a day off from school, and on those days she is up way ahead of time.

This morning it snowed again. Fortunately, though, school did not take a break. The buses were able to plow through the streets and pick up the kids, and Yussie began his first day of the Kulanu holiday inclusion program. When the snow days seem to be too numerous, and your snow families have all been built, remember: with Purim in less than two weeks, that means Pesach is around the corner—so we can start cleaning out those closets in preparation for what will soon approach! O

Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. She welcomes your questions and comments at [email protected].

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

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 23 to beat the winter weight blues! (Sounds a based snack after school to improve the Some of you may be saying, “that’s not Snacking Right: lot like a Snickers ad, doesn’t it?) quality of their diet: Nuts and peanut but- exactly how it works with me.” However, Each individual is unique and has spe- ter along with vegetables and fruits (such this is what often happens when you over cific nutritional needs and hereditary pre- as apple slices or baby carrots with peanut eat nuts (or any food for that matter). You A Tough Nut To Crack dispositions. However the perception butter, or trail mix with peanuts and dried think to yourself, “I just blew my (overly that nuts are “bad” or are “soooo fatten- fruit). These snacks replaced the popular strict) diet by eating some almonds, so I B Y RACHAEL E. ing” may not entirely be the case! While chips, cookies, and snack cakes. The might as well eat the whole jar to get rid SCHINDLER, PH.D. nuts are indeed a calorie-dense food, results showed that these kids lost weight of them, and then I can get back on my studies have shown that people who con- on the nut regimen and kept it off for diet.” Or, another scenario may look like At this time of year, many of us are sume nuts within moderation aren’t any longer than six months! Equally as impor- this. You are at a social occasion and end making promises to ourselves—Post fatter than people who avoid nuts. Nuts tant they liked the snacks. There’s no up eating too many peanuts because you Chanukah/Pre-Purim/Pesach guilt—in are satiating, meaning they stick to you denying that a plain apple seems boring are starving or drinking… and you may say the hopes of looking and/or feeling bet- and help you feel ‘fed.’ For example, a and may be unpopular because in and of to yourself, “This is my last chance to eat ter. Some of the most popular wishes small closed-fisted handful of nuts itself it’s not substantial enough to satisfy peanuts before I go back on my diet. I’d people share with me include being (around 150 calories) for an afternoon afternoon hunger and cravings alone. But better eat them now because I’m never stricter about eating habits (i.e.: eating snack, often ends up being lower in calo- add peanut butter and that apple touching them ever again!” The best way less, especially junk/cake etc.), losing ries than the 100-calorie pack of cookies becomes a yummy treat! to handle these diet-sabotaging thoughts weight, going for a checkup/special exam, that leads to another and yet another 100- So why are so many people afraid to eat is to change the way you perceive nuts and, a big one, exercising! calorie pack because you are still hungry. nuts? I have a client, (who is also an avid and thereby your relationship with them So when clients ask me, “What should I Snacks such as crackers, pretzels, and rice runner) once tell me, “I don’t dare keep a as a food. Don’t deny, modify. While this do to lose weight/ get rid of these thighs, cakes fail to keep you satiated because jarful of cashews in my house. I’d end up may sound scary to overeaters after eating stomach, backside etc…and feel good they lack the right amounts of protein, eating them all and gaining weight!” So if nuts for a few days you will find that you about myself and how I look?” one big tip fat, and fiber which nuts contain. you are afraid that the “handful” will turn will be able to cut back on them when that I give is, “go nuts!” Yes, literally! Proper Working with many teens, I discovered into a “jarful,” you can portion it out in you want to, without penalty! snacking, especially with such a nutrient- a fascinating study of adolescent students advance and remember that the best way So now that I may have convinced you rich, heart healthy, incredibly satisfying, who took part in the “Family Lifestyle and to take the power away from a so-called to break out the nuts as snacks, you may fun to eat, and not to mention delicious Overweight Prevention Program” in “trouble food” is to eat it more often, or sin- be wondering, “Which nuts are best to treat such as nuts, may be just the solution Houston. The teens were given a nut- cerely know that you can, even every day! eat?” That is kind of like asking, “What is the best fruit to have?” Aside from satiety, each type of nut offers its own special health benefits. Almonds contain a little more fiber than cashews and per ounce you can have 28 vs. 23 for cashews for about the same calories (170 calories). Walnuts have slightly more polyunsatu- rated fat than hazelnuts and contain omega-3-fatty acids (great for your heart, brain, hair, eyes…) Peanuts have a little more vitamin E than walnuts, and pista- chios are the lowest calorie variety with a serving size of about 30 nuts for just 150 calories. But no one nut is distinctly supe- rior to another one. My advice: Mix them up! Choose a variety for the best nutritive, flavor, and health protective attributes! For both health and weight manage- ment advantages, add a spoonful of sliv- ered almonds on your morning oatmeal, afternoon salad, or in your green beans at dinner! Don’t panic about the calories/fat. Remember, nuts are filled with nutrients that can easily be processed out of refined foods. Some vitamins and minerals include magnesium, niacin, vitamin E, copper, manganese, phytochemicals, even resveratrol (like in red wine!). Not surpris- ingly, people who consume nuts or peanut butter five or more times a week reduce their risk of heart disease or dia- betes by more than 20%! Other fresh ideas for good health that will upgrade your diet and redefine your waistline include: Kick start your A.M. with protein, you’ll wind up eating less during the day. Lighten up your cooking, especially Shabbos, fry less, use less oil and sugar (fewer kugels?) and more fresh herbs and flavors. Substitute for high fat foods (especially with fiber), and please don’t drink your day’s worth of calories in a coffee coolatta or pina colada for that matter. Last but not least, don’t forget to snack smart! For a more customized healthful eating solution (which includes a meal plan plus snacks/treats as well as an appropriate exercise program), contact me and start “On Your Weigh! O

Rachael E. Schindler, Ph.D., MA, MS, CAI, CPT, has over 18 years experience in exercise physiology, Pilates, nutritional counseling, and teaching, as well as multiple degrees in forensic and developmental psychology. She specializes in food and behavioral “issues” for both children and adults, providing the right combination of diet, exercise, and support all in one stop! Insurance is accepted. To contact her, e- mail [email protected] or call 917-690-5097. 24 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

overstep each other’s boundaries. At the so vain and so out of place have a positive same time it is important to take note of and constructive manifestation in the Brotherly Love the tremendous good that can be accom- service of G-d. When we are invaded with plished with these very so-called dangers. If thoughts during prayer, said the Besht, we turn a blind eye to its positive side, we take that thought and channel it along its BY YOCHANAN GORDON evil. Rather, the urge to constantly have miss the very purpose behind its creation— virtuous path. The Baal Shem Tov taught more symbolizes unhappiness with what being utilized as a tool to create an aware- us that these thoughts were summoned There is no better feeling for parents we presently have. But when we create ness of G-d’s presence in this world. to our mind at that moment precisely so than seeing their family closely knit, where that balance between physical and spiri- Concentration on the spiritual is most that we can use it towards serving G-d. each child is ready and willing to lend a tual and start using our money for chari- important during prayer. Prayer is a pri- The Torah, in a verse describing forbid- helping hand and always be there for their ty, inviting guests into our home, and eat- vate audience with G-d. One of my teach- den relationships, writes, “For it is a kind- siblings as a springboard for constant ing for the sake of having enough energy ers told me that taking three steps for- ness.” That very action, reserved for a spe- growth and development. Focusing from to properly serve G-d, then the physical ward as we begin Shemoneh Esrei should cific person at a proper time, brings pleas- time to time on family pictures taken with adopts a spiritual component which be viewed as the three steps into the ure to G-d and a fulfillment of the com- everyone sitting together in a perfect pose becomes an aid to further serving G-d on King’s inner chambers. One of the biggest mandment “be fruitful and multiply.” So instantly elicits a smile and a feeling of a level that we could not do previously. deterrents in prayer is alien thoughts we see the same action has the ability to hope that things should remain this way. The problem with indulging in our phys- which confuse us and distract our con- be a sin and a virtue depending on the But the sad reality is that things are not ical pursuits before that separation occurs centration. Sometimes the Satan tries to context in which it is expressed. always this way. I may be reading too deeply is the fact that we do not allow the spirit to bring on the vainest thoughts during the In every relationship, both parties into the matter, but I always felt that the express itself. The urge for constant physi- most crucial times. Here we are, exerting need their own time and space. The expression “brotherly love” is said with a cal achievements in a primarily physical all of our spiritual energies solely on the moment one party feels the other tinge of sarcasm, as if to say that the relation- world comes on too aggressively and does unification of G-d as the sole King of the becoming too involved and bordering ship between siblings leaves room for an not allow the spirit to manifest its purpose. world, and the Satan brings thoughts of a on dominance, tension reigns. In our occasional quarrel that does not necessarily Dangers that threaten not only our youth movie that we saw ten or more years ear- case, having to satisfy both urges—the threaten the future of that brotherly bond. but certainly ourselves are clear and present lier! The Baal Shem Tov taught us how to physical and the spiritual—the purpose However, I feel that in life we must dangers until we learn how to balance deal with these thoughts. He said that is to show the body that it is possible to set goals and not sell our expectations these two worlds to the point where they everything in this world has a root in short. Those family pictures should both learn their places in life and do not holiness. Even those thoughts that seem Continued on Page 27 serve as a reminder of how things should ultimately be. Our rabbis taught us, “Behold, there is nothing better or more pleasing than brothers dwelling in harmony.” The word “brother” represents more than just siblings or close friends, including any people who are supposed to coexist side by side, despite possibly harboring opposing natures. Brothers are supposed to be together at all times, looking out for one another. However, situations arise where something can stand between them which threatens to cause a rift. Sometimes the distance caused by these situations can serve as the impetus towards their reunification. When brothers are separat- ed for longer than they can bear, they start to realize that they cannot exist alone. That distance puts things back into place. We are truly an amazing creation. We embody a transcendence of matter and spirit. Scientists would probably say that these two forces are mutually exclusive, unable to coexist in harmony. But G-d designed this world, and He created us as an amalgamation of matter and spirit with the purpose of fusing the two into one unified entity. Imbuing our naturally limited physical entity with spiritual nourishment is really the purpose of mitzvos which involve physical action and intense meditative thought to syn- thesize both worlds. The only way to reach the point of melding the two opposite realities is by first separating them. We cannot literally separate the physical and the spiritual; that would result in death. However, when we practice restraint from overindulgence yet realize that life without its physical nourishment is not possible, it inspires a newfound balance between the spirit and the matter, allowing the two to operate in tandem. When we use our possessions for a higher purpose and not as an end onto themselves, it adds meaning and depth to our daily actions and to our life as a whole. These are two concepts mentioned time and again in chassidic thought known as askafya and as’hapcha. Askafya means to suppress that inner urge which compels us to acquire more and inces- santly amass larger fortunes. This does not necessarily mean that the fortune is 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 25 26 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Brotherly Love the living G-d). As we now understand, sal resolution. If the nature of the disunity was for Continued from Page 25 the law while in exile is in accordance Exile has sent us wandering the world the sake of Heaven, chances are I would with the more lenient approach of Hillel from Russia to Spain, from Hungary to not be writing about it, since it is nothing resort to physical pleasure and ameni- whereas in the era of Mashiach we will Japan, and now throughout the United out of the ordinary. But something tells ties while at the same time satisfying defer to the more stringent manifesto of States and the world. Various communi- me that amongst all the holy arguments and further developing our spiritual pur- Beis Shammai. ties adapted specific dialects, tradition, there exists a few which are not so altru- suit and sensitivities. It is sort of like So while dispute and argumentation and emphasis on one area of learning istic or constructive in nature, and I feel someone who has a hard time giving have become an ingrained characteristic over another. But as long as these tradi- G-d experiences pain as a result of them. charity but would be willing to give of who we are, it is supposed to be done tions have been passed down through Torah is a path of sweetness and pleas- towards a Chinese Auction where he or for the sake of Heaven. As the Mishnah in the generations, based firmly on sources antness. Even the harshest of punish- she stands to benefit tangibly. While it is Avos states, “Any dispute in the name of in Torah and performed for the sake of ments in the Torah are administered in certainly not the ultimate in saintliness Heaven will be resolved.” The Mishnah Heaven, they are etched into the Torah, the most proper way not to overly debase and generosity, it is a step in the right then continues, “What is an example of a as it says, “minhag Yisrael Torah hi.” Still, the inflicted. In Judaism we hate the sin, direction. Our sages have said, “L’olam dispute for the sake of Heaven? Hillel these variances often result in dichoto- not the sinner. If that is our overall yilmad adam Torah shelo lishmah, shemi- and Shammai; conversely, the example my or discord which is not what G-d approach in personal relationships then toch shelo lishmah ba lishmah.” given for a dispute not in the name of wants of us. how much more so should we resort to Similarly, while it is certainly greater to Heaven is Korach and those who Even if it is a global misunderstanding diplomacy and lend an attentive ear to realize the benefit derived from learning attempted to undermine the leadership of the concept of Mashiach in the philos- our fellow—notwithstanding the nature Torah and performing mitzvos for the of Moshe Rabbeinu. ophy of Chabad as it was passed down of the disagreement? And if our problem sake of G-d, sometimes it is necessary to All of this obscurity and confusion throughout the generations from the is primarily with individuals amongst the make our way slowly in that direction so resulting in dispute is a product of our Baal HaTanya who received it from his greater community, why should we sub- that we actually get there. long exile. In general, it is the Talmud rebbeim the Maggid and the Baal Shem ject the masses to a grudge? Until now I have addressed the issue of Bavli which contains all of the shakla Tov, these are not matters which should We are all family and should continue sheves achim gam yachad in a rather meta- v’taria and machlokes, whereas Talmud cause a divide or a proverbial gap within to view each other in that light. If broth- physical manner referring to the body and Yerushalmi is written in a matter of fact the Jewish nation. If at times differences erly love reserves space for an occasion- the soul, or the evil and virtuous inclina- manner, stating each opinion as law as in opinion or priority do cause a minor al dispute, then so be it, as long as the tions coexisting harmoniously. But cer- opposed to entertaining four variant rift, it should remain minor and not com- distance created ends up bringing us tainly within all this lies a very important approaches trying to orchestrate a univer- promise the future of the relationship. back together. O message on a more down-to-earth level vis-à-vis the global Jewish people. I mentioned at the outset the joy that a parent feels when knowing that each member of the family is part of one greater cohesive unit. Certainly every parent has expectations, despite the obstacles and setbacks, that their family will be the model family, one where despite the inherent differences each member feels close with each other. This being the case, in a time where there is strife or disunity prevailing within the family, a parent expresses dismay, as if to say a higher standard is expected of each of us to avoid these situations at all costs. The reason that we as humans feel this way is because G-d Himself feels this way. If you, as a parent of children, cannot bear the sight of discord within the family, how much more is this true in the relationship between G-d and us, his children. Excuses will always exist to justify our thoughts regarding a family member, peer, or fellow Jew, but are these provoca- tions so hurtful that it justifies a reaction which runs much deeper than our own personal comfort or ego? Isn’t the basis for our hard feelings towards each other often relatively minor? This is the question that we need to ask ourselves. There are 70 facets to the Torah. Each letter, word, and verse can be interpreted on multiple levels ranging from the sim- plest understanding of the text all the way through its mystical analysis. For this reason, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sedlikov, known as the Degel Machane Ephraim, writes that the Torah was given without vowels in order that each word can be read in various ways, implying numerous messages. Trekking through the glosses of the Talmud, nary a page goes by without argument regarding a law or the proper reading and implications of various vers- es throughout Tanach. At times it seems that some of these disputes take on a rather personal dimension where one rabbi would shout at the other as a result of what one felt was the wrong interpre- tation. Still, as the Gemara tells us, following a drawn out three-year dispute between Beis Shammai and Beis Hillel a heavenly voice shot out, “Eilu v’eilu divrei Elokim Chayim” (both are the words of 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 27 28 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Cupcakes Take The Cake

Cupcakes are those tiny delectable stick spray with flour. desserts that are easy and quick but look Filling the cups. For a consistent cup- and taste fantastic. When they first came cake size, fill cups one-half to two-thirds about, they were made with simple cake full. The best way to add the batter is to recipes, and they were far from the deca- use an ice-cream scoop with a lever han- dent desserts we can find today. Although dle. Fill the scoop with batter and place in classic vanilla with chocolate icing baking cup, repeating until cavity is half options are still popular and evoke a to two-thirds full. It takes about 1/3 to 1/2 sense of nostalgia, upscale bakeries and cup batter for a regular-size cupcake, or 2 and textures right into your cupcakes. the pan. Be sure to lightly grease pan even people who bake for a hobby have tablespoons for mini-cupcakes. You can After mixing the batter, just before filling edges when making large cupcakes. Bake created elaborate flavors with even more also use a heaping tablespoon. It will take the cups, gently fold in chocolate chunks cupcakes in a 350°F oven. It takes about 21 elaborate options for design. Fancy fla- 3 to 4 tablespoons of batter. Another or chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, to 26 minutes for regular-size cupcakes vors such as raspberry meringue and method is to use a measuring cup to crushed hard candy, or fruit. The possibil- and about 10 minutes for mini-cupcakes. espresso fudge can be found on menus in transfer the batter so you get cupcakes of ities are endless, and it’s an easy way to Decorating cupcakes is like decorating bakeries and coffee shops. uniform size. create your own signature cupcake. sugar cookies. It’s up to your imagination. There’s a little more to the cupcake Mix-ins. You don’t have to wait for the Baking the cupcakes. Remember that than meets the eye. When cupcakes frosting; you can bake delicious flavors the batter may spread over the edges of Continued on Page 41 emerged, it was revolutionary because of the amount of time it saved in the kitchen. Cupcakes conveniently cook much more quickly than larger cakes. There was also a shift from weighing out ingredients when baking to measuring out ingredients. In the beginning, cupcakes were sometimes called “number” cakes, because they were easy to remember by the measurements of ingredients it took to create them: One cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, four eggs, one cup of milk, and one spoonful of soda. Clearly, cupcakes today have expanded to a wide variety of ingredients, measurements, shapes, and decorations—but this was one of the first recipes for making what we know today as cupcakes. Preparing the batter. As a general rule, most cake recipes or mixes will work for cupcakes. The batter for a two-layer cake makes about 24 regular-size cupcakes or 60 mini-cupcakes. Simply adjust the baking time for the smaller portion and test by inserting a toothpick during baking. Proper measuring of ingredients is a key to perfectly baked cupcakes, especially when you’re making them from scratch. For dry ingredients, spoon into nesting measuring cups, overfilling the top. Level by running a spatula along the top. For wet ingredients, use glass measuring cups and pour to the exact level needed. Preparing the pan. There are two easy ways to bake cupcakes, both of which will help you turn out fluffy, crumb-free cakes perfect for icing and decorating. If you are baking in a pan with a dark or non-stick surface, you should lower the recommended recipe temperature by 25°F to avoid over-browning. Dark pans give your cakes a darker finish when baked at 350°F. Paper or foil cups create a pretty, fluted surface and allow you to bake without grease or pan spray. They also help keep cupcakes from drying out. Be sure to spread cups evenly in pan cavities and check that cups are level before filling. When using foil cups, remove paper liners, if included, before filling and baking; liners are included to help separate the thin foil cups. Even non- stick pans must be prepared before baking. Prepare pan cavities by spraying with non-stick vegetable oil pan spray or non- 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 29 • If your card has a variable interest Rules For Billing rate tied to an index, your rate can go up Your credit-card company must mail or whenever the index goes up. deliver your credit-card bill at least 21 days • If there is an introductory rate, it before your payment is due. In addition: must be in place for at least 6 months; • Your due date should be the same after that, your rate can revert to the “go- each month. to” rate the company disclosed when you • The payment cutoff time cannot be got the card. earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the due date. • If you are more than 60 days late in • If your payment due date is on a New Credit-Card Rules paying your bill, your rate can go up. weekend or holiday (when the company • If you are in a workout agreement does not process payments), you will and you don’t make your payments as have until 5:00 p.m. the following busi- The Federal Reserve’s new rules for cred- can double the percentage of your balance agreed, your rate can go up. ness day to pay. it-card companies, which come into effect used to calculate your minimum payment If your credit-card company does raise If you make more than the minimum February 22, mean new credit-card protec- (which will result in faster repayment than your interest rate after the first year, the payment on your credit-card bill, your tions for you, the consumer. Here are some under the terms of your account). new rate will apply only to new charges credit-card company must apply the of the key changes coming your way. The The company does not have to send you make. If you have a balance, your old excess amount to the balance with the following has been provided courtesy of you a 45-day advance notice if: interest rate will apply to that balance. highest interest rate. But there is an the New York State Banking Department. • you have a variable interest rate tied You cannot be charged a fee for transac- exception: if you made a purchase under to an index (if the index goes up, the com- tions that take you over your credit limit, a deferred-interest plan (for example, “no Required Notices pany does not have to provide notice unless you have opted in to allow over- interest if paid in full by March 2012”), the When it plans to increase your rate or before your rate goes up); the-limit transactions. (If you do not opt credit-card company may let you choose other fees, your credit-card company • your introductory rate expires and in, such transactions may be turned down to apply extra amounts to the deferred- must now send you a notice 45 days reverts to the previously disclosed “go-to” by the card issuer; but if a transaction is interest balance before other balances. before they can: rate; or allowed to go through and you have not Otherwise, for two billing cycles prior to • increase your interest rate; • your rate increases because you are in opted in, you cannot be charged an over- the end of the deferred interest period, • change certain fees (such as annual a workout agreement and you haven’t the-limit fee.) If you do opt in to allow the credit-card company must apply your fees, cash advance fees, and late fees) that made your payments as agreed. transactions that take you over your cred- entire payment to the deferred interest- apply to your account; or Your monthly credit-card bill will it limit, your credit-card company can rate balance first. • make other significant changes to the include information on how long it will impose only one fee per billing cycle. You Credit-card companies can impose terms of your card. take you to pay off your balance if you can revoke your opt-in at any time. interest charges only on balances in the If your credit-card company is going to only make minimum payments. It will current billing cycle. O make changes to the terms of your card, it also tell you how much you would need Rules For Young Consumers must give you the option to cancel the to pay each month in order to pay off If you are under age 21, you will need Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. card before certain fee increases take your balance in three years. to show that you are able to make pay- mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, effect. If you take that option, however, ments or you will need a cosigner in offering full-service residential and commercial your credit-card company may close your Limits On Rates And Fees order to open a credit-card account. If you real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in account and increase your monthly pay- Your credit-card company cannot are under 21 and have a card with a the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. ment, subject to certain limitations. For increase your rate for the first 12 months cosigner and want an increase in the She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are example, the company can require you to after you open an account. There are credit limit, your cosigner must agree in encouraged to send questions or comments to pay the balance off in five years, or they some exceptions: writing to the increase. [email protected].

30 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Moishe really doesn’t want to go any- spend my time, and I realize that we have where with me or deviate from his rou- a problem here. Though Moishe doesn’t tine at all. He seems perfectly content seem to agree. with the way things are, and I can’t seem My question is, how do I move on to budge him. from here? How can I get Moishe to Moishe considers my “date night” idea understand that a marriage is about two “silly” and unnecessary. He is perfectly people acting loving and concerned content to go on living in his singular about each other? About two people who world, which doesn’t include me. Yes, he actually care about what the other one Dear Esther, their mates would answer to various provides for the family financially, and he has to say. Yes, our marriage is functional My husband doesn’t want to go any- questions. I really think that if we went isn’t a bad father, but it’s become very and efficient. But that’s about it. where or do anything. We’ve been mar- on that show today, Moishe and I would clear to me that I’m not really a very Lonely ried for 28 years, and I guess this is noth- get absolutely every answer wrong about important part of his existence. Dear Lonely, ing new. But as the family has grown and each other. I don’t know what his I feel very insulted by his behavior, You are absolutely correct in assessing our children and grandchildren take up thoughts are these days, or where he is very shut out of his life, and very lonely. your marriage the way that you have. It more of our time, space, and conversa- holding on many important topics. Aren’t our spouses supposed to be our shouldn’t feel like a corporation, where tion, I realize that weeks or even months people do their jobs, but nothing emo- can go by, and I haven’t even shared one tional is happening. Ideally, a marriage is meaningful conversation with my hus- about two people who are committed to band, “Moishe,” about myself. one another on every level: two people More and more, it feels as though we Moishe thinks that because he picks up who understand each other, who work at are two ships that pass in the night. He growing together, and who truly enjoy works all day, gobbles down a quick din- the laundry, buys me birthday presents, one another’s company. But as I said, that ner, and runs out for shiurim in the is the ideal. Many people don’t get every- evenings. Weekends are busy with chil- and never treats me disrespectfully, he’s thing, or even close to everything. But cer- dren and grandchildren. tainly you should be getting something, I can’t even remember the last time I basically done his job. while continuously putting forth effort actually felt connected to Moishe in any to build on what you already have. real way. During the 28 years that we’ve The biggest problem that I’m hearing been married, I know that I’ve grown in here is that it sounds as though Moishe is many ways. I’m not the same person that So, for the past year or so, I have sug- best friends, our soul mates? Moishe clueless to the “marriage divide” that was he married. And yet I sometimes wonder gested, then asked, and finally begged thinks that because he picks up the laun- created so long ago and continues to whether he even knows the new me. Moishe to commit to “date night” with dry when I ask him to, buys me birthday widen. While being so caught up in his When we dated, we sat opposite one me. I thought it would be great if, at least presents, and never treats me disrespect- routine, he fails to look around and see another and had long, revealing conversa- for one evening a week, we could spend fully, he’s basically done his job. He does- the big picture. He’s been operating on tions about ourselves. We were open and some time alone, maybe going for a walk, n’t seem to understand that without any autopilot, and a sense of joy and passion curious about each other. That doesn’t out to eat, or anyplace where we would emotional connection, we’re nowhere. for the marriage has all but disappeared. happen anymore. shut off our cell phones and just be alone I know my story is not unusual. The Moishe needs a serious wake-up call. I remember from my youth that there together, without any distractions. A children are leaving the nest, I find My guess is that he believes he’s a perfect- was a show called “The Newlywed friend of mine had suggested this, and I myself having more time to think about Game,” and spouses had to predict what thought it was a brilliant idea. But my relationships and how I want to Continued on Page 32

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 31 MINDBIZ Continued from Page 31 ly fine husband, since he makes a living and can pull off an errand. Some men don’t even do that. But as you clearly recognize, our souls need to be nourished. We need to be “seen” by our spouses. We need to feel valued and loved and even cherished. It doesn’t sound as though you are getting any of that. I admire your attempt to establish a “date night” for you and him. It is a great idea that can cultivate marriages that are in need of inspiration. Frankly, all marriages do better with a regular routine of meaningful “together time,” wherein two people have the ability to focus solely on one another. But Moishe is not taking the bait. I’m wondering if you might want to talk to his rabbi about this problem and encourage him to approach Moishe for a much- needed heart-to-heart discussion. Maybe, coming from a spiritual source, Moishe will be more receptive to this idea. It’s certainly worth a try. If that doesn’t work, you might try negotiating for what you want. Sometimes change is a matter of give and take. I’ll do this for you, if you do that for me. Are there things that Moishe expects and appreciates getting from you? Maybe you can hold back in order for him to realize that one hand washes another. Call it compromise, call it blackmail, call it whatever you want. If it brings about change, it’s a good thing. Of course, therapy would be lovely! But I mention this last, because if you can’t even motivate Moishe to go out with you for a date night, I hardly think he’d be jumping for joy at the prospect of committing to marriage therapy, even though it could be most helpful. I’m not getting the feeling that Moishe is in any way a bad guy. He is just someone stuck in his ways and unwilling to think out of his little box. Once you find the hook for lighting a fire under him, you’re on your way. In the meantime, or if somehow that hook is nowhere to be found, be sure to nurture yourself with other meaningful relationships that are available to everyone. There is something primal and wonderful about a husband’s love and attention, but we can also feel very cared for by extended family and friends. Seek out the validation and com- panionship that every human being craves. You no doubt deserve it and should have it. Esther

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

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32 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

a simple “I’m sorry” doesn’t cut it. It’s unclear why any judge agreed to Of course, that entire episode is in the expunge Gibson’s drunken-driving incident past, and people have incredibly short from the record, but one did. However, no memories. If Gibson were able to keep his judge in the world can erase the memory of mouth shut and control his erratic behav- what happened from the minds of people. ior, chances are that many people, most The public now knows him for what he is— notably in the world of celebrity, would no good! Mr. Gibson may still have a hand- once again think of him as an okay guy. But ful of friends and supporters, but as his Gibson is unable to do either, and since behavior continues in its downward spiral, then he has gone on to make things worse even those folks can’t deny his true nature. Thanks, Mel for himself. That makes me happy. That he is one of eleven children is I appreciate what he consistently does upsetting, because it means that his Four years ago, Mel Gibson (the movie transgresses has to look at their own part to demean himself, because the last thing Holocaust-denying father passed down actor/director) showed his true colors or look at their own culpability.” I want is for an outspoken Jew-hater to his anti-Semitic views to a large passel of with his drunken anti-Semitic tirade. He Hmm, what culpability could he be refer- have any credibility. Why should people kids, who have probably grown into anti- apologized afterwards, and some of his ring to? I wonder about that! But then I think of him as an upstanding citizen just Semitic adults who then went on to pass friends bought his mea culpas, but most wonder about many things, because I also because he happens to have a successful those views on to their own broods. The of us weren’t swayed by the half-baked wonder where his Jewish friends’ brains are. film career? One’s talent has nothing to fact that Mel may be the most famous of apologies. Why would we be? The apolo- the lot doesn’t mean that his siblings gy was unremorseful and insufficient, aren’t espousing the same garbage. because it didn’t go to the essence of his Adding to all that he has done to demean bigotry and anti-Semitism. himself, dear Mel—after fathering nine We disregarded the fact that he has The last thing I want is for an children with his wife of close to 30 years— friends in high places—namely, other picked himself up, marched off with a celebrities—who, at the time of the out- outspoken Jew-hater to have any Russian singer, and then announced to the burst, insisted that they had known him world that he and his young chanteuse for years and that he had never been anti- were expecting a bambino. This might sug- Semitic. Think again, you fools! credibility. gest that even those few who were not In 2004, two years prior to that drunk- totally put off by his atrocious behavior in en rant, Gibson directed, co-wrote, and the past now know him for what he really co-produced a film that was offensive to is—a bum! A bum who is now the father of Jews. When he was asked to appear on In all this time, I have never watched a do with his mindset. And now, oh happy ten children! What a class act! screen at the end of the film and clearly single performance by Mr. Gibson—not day, most people do not view him as We should love it every time he gets state that the Jewish people are not to even a rerun on the small screen in the upstanding in any fashion. himself into hot water, which he is des- blame for the death of Jesus, he refused to privacy of my home. When one sins In the years since that first outburst (and tined to continue doing. It’s a pity that do so. He did remove the subtitles from a against another, he incurs an obligation who knows if that was his first), the man some folks don’t know about the man that scene in which a Jewish mob says, “His to right the wrong; and the more serious has alienated thousands of people with his Mel calls Dad. Dad is Hutton Gibson, who blood be on us and on our children,” but the wrong, the more serious the obliga- public drunkenness and his penchant for has been known to espouse more than one he left the offensive line in the film. At tion to set it straight. Some of Mel’s driving when intoxicated. Now he is indeed wacky idea. Pappy has also stated that he the time, Gibson said he had no wish to Jewish buddies in Hollywood have either considered a true menace. But some of us offend, but he then added, “Anybody who forgotten, or are unaware of the fact, that knew long before this that he was a menace. Continued on Page 35

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 33 exactly who wrote the document. should never praise his friend? The Gemara relates that another time The Rashbam explains that the Rebbe Shimon was sitting in front of his Gemara is referring only to excessive father, Rebbe, while he was reading praise. When one starts extolling the Tehillim. Rebbe commented, “How neat is virtues of an individual, there is likely to the writing in this Tehillim!” Rebbe be a listener who will counter, “Yes he’s Shimon replied, “I did not write it. R’ great in many ways, but . . .” Alternatively, Yehuda Chayata did.” Whereupon Rebbe the speaker himself might feel the need responded, “Desist from this lashon to temper his words, such as by saying, Bound To Get Criticized ha’ra!” Seemingly, in this instance, Rebbe “He’s so great, he has only one flaw, Shimon was just directing the praise to which is . . .” Since excessive praise can Doctors are notorious for having Rebbe Shimon, said that perhaps the date the proper person. What lashon ha’ra was lead to lashon ha’ra, the sages forbade it. messy handwriting. Could it be that the was on the crease of the fold and would there? The Gemara explains with a The Maharsha questions how the same gene that propels doctors to choose become visible when the knots were Beraisa quoted by Rav Dimi that states, “A Rashbam’s understanding can be recon- their career choice also causes them to loosened. The date was indeed there. person should not speak about the good ciled with our Gemara. Rebbe Shimon have poor penmanship? It seems the Rebbe then looked at his son disapprov- qualities of his friend.” The lashon ha’ra wasn’t praising R’ Yehuda Chayata exces- solution is a lot more mundane. I asked a ingly. Apparently he was upset that his was that Rebbe Shimon praised R’ Yehuda sively. He was just indentifying him as doctor who attends my daf yomi chabu- the scribe with the neat handwriting. rah to explain this phenomenon. He sim- This was only praise in one area. The ply said that doctors who are often Seder Mishnah (authored by the son of pressed for time trying to squeeze all the Machatzis HaShekel) explains that their patients in write quickly and sloppi- When he identified the scribe who excessive praise even in only one trait is ly to save a few moments. Can we find a forbidden as well. Rebbe didn’t simply Talmudic source for cutting down on the wrote the Tehillim, he was also say that the person who wrote the neatness of handwriting to save a few Tehillim had neat handwriting. He said, moments? “Kamah—how neat—is this handwrit- The Gemara relates (Bava Basra 164b) identifying the scribe who wrote ing,” indicating that the handwriting was that Rebbe was examining a sh’tar exceptionally beautiful. Thus, it was for- mekushar—a “bound” legal document. bidden for Rebbe Shimon to identify the This particular type of document is diffi- the faulty sh’tar mekushar. person to whom this lavish praise should cult to draft properly. It was instituted for be directed. use by kohanim to ensure that they could The Maharsha offers an alternative not divorce their wives quickly in the explanation to the Gemara’s explanation. heat of an argument. A kohein is not person had written the document in such a Chayata by identifying him as the scribe Originally, Rebbe showed displeasure at mitted to remarry his divorced wife, so manner, not being careful that the date who wrote the Tehillim. the scribe who composed the sh’tar this situation was of particular concern should be plainly visible. Whereupon However, all the commentators are mekushar. Rebbe Shimon said that R’ to the sages. Rebbe Shimon exclaimed, “I didn’t write perplexed at the simple reading of the Yehuda Chayata wrote it. Since this was The top of a sh’tar mekushar looks like it; R’ Yehuda Chayata wrote it.” Rebbe Beraisa. We find many instances in the lashon ha’ra, presumably Rebbe did not a Chinese fan with the folds sewn togeth- retorted, “Desist from this lashon ha’ra.” Talmud where scholars praised one accept and believe it. In Rebbe’s mind, the er. Rebbe was inspecting one such docu- Rebbe Shimon could have deflected another. How can we understand this identity of the scribe was still in doubt. ment and failed to find the date. His son, blame from himself without identifying Gemara, which ostensibly states that one Rebbe Shimon should have realized that

34 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES when he identified the scribe who wrote presumably doctors will as well) pre- make the Tehillim fetch a higher price.) THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! the Tehillim, he was also identifying the ferred a p’shat offered by Iyun Yaakov. He The extra time it took to write such a Continued from Page 33 scribe who wrote the faulty sh’tar agrees with the Maharsha’s understand- beautiful script could have been better mekushar. This is because Rebbe would ing that only praise that also includes spent delving into the secrets of the doesn’t believe that the September 11 realize that the handwritings of both the derogatory information is forbidden. But Torah. This criticism was latent in attacks were perpetrated by Al Qaeda. This Tehillim and the sh’tar mekushar were he differs as to what the derogatory infor- Rebbe’s words, “What a beautiful script is a case of having a father who is a tough similar. mation in our Gemara was. He says that this is.” Therefore, Rebbe Shimon act to follow; as racist and anti-Semitic as should not have identified the scribe Mel is, Hutton is worse! But Mel is trying who was simultaneously praised and hard to keep up. He did insist that Jews are criticized. My talmid feels that at his responsible for all the wars in the world. Good Times sheva berachos we will be able to say While the Gibsons have some mighty about him that he did not waste any strange and evil ideas, Hutton did do one time writing neatly. His time and energy thing right: he moved his family from were conserved for Torah! (However, in upstate New York to New South Wales, the meantime, his teachers need to Australia! If only Mel Colmcille Gerard spend an inordinate amount of time Gibson had stayed there! But he and his deciphering his words.) O new family currently live on U.S. soil, where he will undoubtedly go on making Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz more of a fool of himself and reminding Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead the public that he is just no good. and is a rebbi at Mesivta Kesser Yisrael of Willowbrook. He can be contacted at Recently, while promoting his latest [email protected]. film, he was verbally abusive to a reporter. And one week after that incident, he had another outburst, this time when another reporter asked if his absence from the big Submit your photo to the screen had anything to do with his DUI arrest. Apparently Gibson can’t stop him- 5 Towns Jewish Times! By Binyamin Pretter self. By now his temper is legendary, and if he isn’t in trouble for actually doing something wrong, he gets himself into hot water So, in effect, Rebbe Shimon was although we find a mitzvah that a sefer You can upload your by railing against anyone who dares bring guilty of saying the same piece of lashon Torah should be written exceedingly up the topic of the latest escapade. And ha’ra twice, namely that R’ Yehuda beautifully, no such mitzvah exists for digital photos and see them there is always a latest. Chayata wrote the sh’tar mekushar. sefer Tehillim. Of course, the Tehillim Thanks, Mel. We don’t need to refute printed in the weekly edition According to the Maharsha this in fact is should have been written neatly. your outrageous statements. We don’t the intent of the Beraisa. We see from However, it needn’t have been written of the 5 Towns Jewish Times need to fight with you. You do that all by this story that one must be careful with an exceptional script that had to be yourself. You are your own worst enemy. O when praising an individual, so that the painstakingly completed. praise does not indirectly imply some- For a talmid chacham as great as R’ Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a www.5tjt.com/sendphotos licensed real-estate broker associated with thing negative as well. Yehuda Chayata, this was considered Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at However, one of my talmidim (and bitul Torah. (The nicer script did not [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 35 could not understand its inner nature The question is, what is man’s part? If and how to form it, then why did Hashem determines all outcomes, how is Hashem bother to show him the image of man supposed to act? What is his role? the menorah in fire? Hashem knew that How much effort should I put in? Moshe wasn’t going to be able to create The Chovos HaLevovos teaches us that the Menorah himself. He knew that in the we are obligated to act b’derech end it would have to come about by ha’tevah—in the ways of the world. In Moshe’s throwing the clump of gold into other words, we are obligated to go the fire. Clearly, creating the Menorah through the motions as if the results are was beyond human capacity. Why did dependent upon us, knowing all the The Shmuz On Moshe need to have a clear image of what while that the outcome is completely out it was to look like? of our hands. We work for a living, knowing that the The Parashah Balance Of amount of money we are to make has Bitachon And Hishtadlus been set on Rosh Hashanah. We go to The answer to this question is predi- doctors when we are sick even though we Hishtadlus For A D’var Mitzvah could actually see the finished form and cated on understanding the balance know that our health is determined sole- BY R’ BEN TZION SHAFIER imitate it. between Hashem’s involvement in the ly by Hashem. We are obligated to go to Yet Rashi tells us that when it came running of the world and man’s obliga- great lengths to protect ourselves even “And you shall make a Menorah of time for the construction of the tion to put in his effort—the balance though we know that whether we live or pure gold, hammered out shall the Menorah, Moshe still could not fathom between bitachon and hishtadlus. die has been predetermined. We put in Menorah be made. Its base, its shaft, its its structure and was unable to fabricate One of the basic facts of life is that our effort, knowing all the while that it is cups, its knobs, and its blossoms shall be Hashem’s world and that He alone deter- (hammered) from it. mines the outcome. —Shemos 25:21 The guide to choosing the correct Moshe Rabbeinu was charged with the level of hishtadlus is to pretend that construction of the Mishkan, the If the only way to earn a living is to Hashem is not in the picture. We must dwelling place of Hashem in this world. weigh every situation according to the While the components of the structure work on Shabbos, then one is not ways of the world. What is the normal are physically complex, the kavanos—the effort that a person should put in to specific intentions required during the expect this result? How would a sensible process of building it—are even more allowed to use the derech ha’tevah. financial advisor tell us to approach it? intricate. What would a wise physician recom- The most complicated of all of the mend? That answer is the derech ha’te- vessels is the Menorah. Its design is so vah for the situation. That defines the elaborate that even after Hashem taught it. Hashem said, “Throw the clump of Hashem runs this world. While it may correct hishtadlus. Moshe how it was to be built, Moshe gold into the fire, and it will form by appear that man is in charge, Hashem However, there are factors that change still didn’t understand its unique nature itself.” This is how the Menorah was cre- orchestrates every activity on the planet. the correct hishtadlus. For instance, if the and was unable to form it. Therefore, ated—on its own. As we say in the first Ani Ma’amin: derech ha’tevah conflicts with halachah, Hashem showed Moshe an image of a This Rashi is perplexing. Since the “Hashem did, does, and will do all then the correct effort changes. If the menorah made of fire so that Moshe Menorah was so intricate that Moshe actions.” only way to earn a living is to work on

36 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Shabbos, then one is not allowed to use Man Is Given Credit sense could it be considered something how to get there. We are obligated to go the derech ha’tevah. He must utilize a For His Actions he made—it would have been the fire through the motions, and we rely on higher level of bitachon. So, too, if a per- If a man sets out to build a shul and, that made it. Once he knew what he was Hashem to bring about that which is best. son is obligated in something that is against great odds, succeeds, he must setting out to make, he then harnessed a When we succeed, we are credited with impossible to bring about according to understand that Hashem was helping force that Hashem created to bring about having done it all. That is the way that the ways of nature, he must set out to do him every step of the way, but the build- that result. In this case, the force was the Hashem created this world, and He as much as he is able and then rely on ing of the shul is still credited to him. He fire bringing about the Menorah. allows us to use it for our benefit and Hashem to provide the rest. is considered the cause of it, and it is growth. O When it comes to earning a living, we credited to him. The reason is that Bitachon In Our Lives The Shmuz, an engaging and motivating Torah go out to work even though we know Hashem created the complex system This concept has great relevance to us, lecture that deals with real-life issues, is available that we don’t control market condi- called tevah that He hides behind. When as it clarifies many of the things we do. In free at www.TheShmuz.com. The Shmuz on the Parsha book, a compilation on all of Chumash, is tions. One little worldwide depression, we use that system, it is considered as if most situations, we are obligated to use a now available for purchase in your local sefarim and we are all out of a job. One stock- we did the action. more “ways of the world” approach. We store and at TheShmuz.com. market crash, and everyone’s business This seems to be the answer to the are obligated to ask ourselves which is acumen and career training is worth- question on Rashi. Hashem wanted the the wisest course to follow according to less. Our role is to go out there, use our Mishkan and its vessels to be constructed the ways of nature and then come up best judgment, and then rely on by man. However, it was impossible for with a solid business plan to attain those Hashem. If we are to succeed, Hashem man to make them. Even the greatest of results. will arrange that we will make the right men couldn’t comprehend how to make However, there are many situations in Submit your decisions. The deals will then fall our a Menorah. So his hishtadlus was to do which we reach a point where there is no way, and we will succeed. all that he could and then rely on clear path to follow. Whether it be decid- Five Towns Events/ Amazingly, whenever we accomplish Hashem for the rest. Moshe would put ing from two almost identical career something in this world, the results are the gold into the fire, and the Menorah choices, determining which medical News for the credited to us even though we are fully would form on its own. Moshe used the “expert” to listen to, or deciding which aware that Hashem was the One Who did system that Hashem created to bring school to enroll our children in, we are Next Issue by it all. We merely went through the forth the Menorah. obligated to be responsible, use our best motions. However, for the creation of the judgment, and determine according to We use Hashem’s system, and are cred- Menorah to be credited to man, Moshe the ways of the world what is the best 5:00 P.M. Monday. ited with having done it. If I feed my fam- had to at least have a vision of what it approach. Once we have reached that ily, I am considered the supporter. If I give was that he was creating. Once he had point, we “throw our clump of gold into Send e-mail to: tzedakah, it is considered that I gave my that concept in mind, throwing the the fire.” We rely on Hashem to bring own money and I am credited with hav- clump of gold into the fire was consid- about the results that He has predeter- [email protected] ing saved a poor person from starvation. ered as making the Menorah himself. If mined to be the best for us. In Hashem’s system, we are credited with Moshe didn’t have a clear vision of what We have a vision of the outcome. We the outcome. it was that he was creating, then in no know what we want, but we aren’t sure

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 19, 2010 37 Exclusive Purim Seudah Recipe

B Y ITZIK BARAK Directions: EXECUTIVE CHEF, INBAL HOTEL (JERUSALEM) Pre-heat oven to 350°F for 40 minutes. Mix the soy sauce, honey, and garlic in Grilled Chicken In A Honey And Soy a bowl. Add the chicken and potatoes and Marinade With Bok Choy Leaves mix well until all ingredients are covered Max Schreiber’s Legacy In The Vital Connection And Baked Potatoes in the marinade. Woodmere Dear Editor, Ingredients: Place the chicken and the potatoes in a Dear Editor, As the mother of many boys, most of 1 chicken pullet (about 2 lbs.) tray. Pour the leftover marinade on top of I just wanted to let you know how them married at this point, I would like 1 fresh, crushed garlic tooth the chicken and the potatoes. Add the nice it was to hear about what a won- to comment on Rabbi A. Ginzberg’s arti- 1⁄2 cup of soy sauce thyme leaves then place in the preheated derful, special person my grandfather, cle (“Divorce: The Cause and Effect,” 1 spoon of honey oven for 40 minutes. Max Schreiber, was (Heard in the Bagel February 5) decrying the lack of 2 fresh thyme branches Pour boiling water on the bok choy Store: “A Legacy of Words,” in the rebbi–talmid relationships as being a fac- 2 bulbs of bok choy leaves leaves. Leave to cool and then sauté them February 5 issue of the 5TJT). As his tor in the rising number of divorces. 7 ounces peeled potatoes in a frying pan with olive oil adding the granddaughter, I am very proud and My boys attended various large yeshivos 1 spoon of olive oil salt and pepper. honored to have had such a special and mesivtos, and I must say that each of 1 pinch salt Cut the chicken into four portions. grandfather. I have tried, on a much them has a rebbi that he feels comfortable 1 pinch pepper Place in a plate with the bok choy leaves smaller level, to continue in line with approaching to be “sho’eil eitzah” (consult) and the potatoes. Chag samayach! his wishes regarding the importance of on different matters. I have found the rebbis family purity, along with my family, by extremely caring and devoted to their being active in the very mikveh that my talmidim. In fact, I think the level of devo- dear Papa Max dreamed of starting one tion and concern of rebbeim for talmidim day in the Woodmere area. His dream today is actually greater than before, precise- They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will came to life when my uncle David ly because of the type of society we live in. dwell amongst them Schreiber, along with my mother, But yes, Rabbi Ginzberg is correct in say- (Sh’mos 25:8) Malkie Alpert, set out with the commu- ing that many young men don’t realize nity to build the mikveh that I am today how vital this connection can be in life, G-d desired a dwelling place in the lower realms. very proud to say I am involved in. and therefore don’t seek it out sufficiently. Thank you again, Sincerely, (Midrash Tanchuma, Naso 16) Ariella Bruger Mrs. Chaya Goldstein This is what man is all about; this is the purpose of his creation and of the creation of all the worlds, higher and WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? lower—that there be made for G-d a dwelling in the lower realms. WE WANT TO KNOW! E-MAIL US AT [email protected] (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi)

38 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION

tary Chaplain’s School. candy for Pesach; Amazing Chaplain Shulman was sent to Meals; tuna, chumus, and other Baghdad and when he request- food items requested by the ed challah, Lowsky sent it to chaplains. She also sent wash- him. Lowsky is friends with ing cups and towels, yartzeit Five Towns resident Chana candles, and benchers. Epstein. Knowing Marla’s pen- Over 100 soldiers benefit chant for chesed projects and from Marla’s packages. Both as a Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel Packages For Soldiers One feisty Five Towns resi- her strong organizational skills, practical gift of needed items To Visit 5 Towns, March 5–6 We encourage our soldiers to dent ignored the “what can one Epstein suggested that Marla and as a symbolic demonstra- Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, “be all that [they] can be.” But do person do?” excuse which puts take over when Lowsky could tion of our support for our executive vice president, we give them all that we can a stop to many chesed projects no longer coordinate the ship- troops, the packages leave quite Agudath Israel of America, will give? Military life can be before they even start. Marla ments. Marla expanded the an impression. One captain be visiting the Far Rockaway/ rough—especially for Jewish Turk, a retired principal and cur- shipment destinations from thanked Marla and noted, Lawrence communities on soldiers. The government pro- rent volunteer at Chabad of the one chaplain to ten different “Everything we do, we are able Shabbos, Parashas Ki Sisa, vides them with the most basic Five Towns, set out to literally locations of chaplains and lay to do because of the kindness of March 5–6. of necessities and tries to “feed an army.” Three years ago, leaders. Marla has sent packages people like you back home. My He will be speaking in several accommodate religious needs Debbie Lowsky of Chabad of for about one and a half years, gratitude knows no bounds for neighborhood shuls and at a by providing kosher food and a Columbia, South Carolina host- averaging about 30 challos per your thoughtful mitzvos.” A sol- Friday night oneg Shabbos. chaplain. That means Shabbat ed and befriended Chaplain month. She also sent packages dier wrote to Marla that without His visit will culminate at a without challah, Chanukah Shlomo Shulman during his for Chanukah with chocolate her challah, they would have melavah malkah at Agudath without latkes, Purim without training. Columbia is the home gelt, decorations, and CDs; dried Israel of West Lawrence, where hamantashen, etc. of Fort Jackson and the US mili- fruit and nuts for Tu B’Shvat; Continued on Page 43 he will be the featured guest speaker. Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Scharf will be hosting Rabbi Zwiebel for Shabbos. O

Levi Yitzchak Sefer Torah Ceremony, February 21 Seven years ago, Levi Yitzchak Wolowik announced with his mother, “Torah tzivah lanu Moshe—The Torah is com- manded to us through Moshe.” His excitement for Torah, family, and community was clear even at three years old and continued to manifest itself throughout his life. To honor his memory and upcoming yahrtzeit, Rabbi Zalman and Chanie Wolowik have planned a ceremony to finish the sefer Torah written in his name. On Sunday, Zayin Adar, February 21, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. a scribe will finish the sefer Torah at the Wolowik home, 748 Central Avenue in Woodmere. Then, a grand procession will escort the Torah to The Jean Fischman Chabad Center, 74 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst. A dessert reception will follow. This Torah is of the community, by the community, and for the community, as a tribute to the neshamah of Levi Yitzchak. Through the Torah 4 Levi cam- paign, in one year 717 children, from 13 countries and 25 states ,memorized and learned 32,387 lines of Torah. Torah is univer- sal and constant as is evidenced by the participating countries: U.S. China, England, Australia, Denmark, Venezuela, Canada, Mexico, France, South Africa, Argentina, Columbia, and Israel. In the United States: California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, Texas, and Wisconsin. The community is invited to join in this special celebration on February 21. To learn more, visit www.chabad5towns.com. O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 19, 2010 39 40 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION THE DISH Continued from Page 29 Frost them, and then add sprinkles, candies, or piped-on deco- rative designs. Be creative with your flavor combinations and you might come up with a new irresistible creation.

Red Velvet Cupcakes Ingredients: 3⁄4 cup (11⁄2 sticks) unsalted butter substitute (such as Earth Balance), softened 2 cups sugar 3 large eggs, at room temperature 6 Tbsp. red food coloring 3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa 11⁄2 tsp. vanilla extract 11⁄2 tsp. salt 31⁄2 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted 11⁄2 cups buttermilk or soymilk 11⁄2 tsp. cider vinegar 11⁄2 tsp. baking soda store-bought vanilla frosting Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two muffin pans with paper liners. In a large bowl, on the medi- um speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a small bowl, whisk together the red food coloring, cocoa, and vanilla. Add to the batter and beat well. In a measuring cup, stir the salt into the buttermilk. Add to the batter in three parts, alter- nating with the flour. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but do not overbeat. In a small bowl, stir together the cider vinegar and baking soda. Add to the batter and mix well. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl, making sure the ingredients are well blended and the batter is smooth. Divide the batter among the prepared muffin pans. Bake the cupcakes until a tester comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool the cupcakes in the pan 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a rack before icing. To ice, mound about 1/4 cup of frosting on top of each cupcake and use an icing spatula to make a swirl on top. If desired, decorate with colored sprinkles. Eating quality, delicious meals is easy when all the work is done for you. Hire a personal chef to prepare your dinners, Shabbos meals, or small parties. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-596-8865, writing to [email protected], or visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net.

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 19, 2010 41 42 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 39 none. He explained, “In the states, challah was never one of my favorite things to eat, but being here, and not being able to have it (not to mention being surrounded by a country full of people who hate you for being Jewish), I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for it. The first Shabbat (a couple of weeks ago) when we had one of the challos you sent was wonderful. Every week, I have looked forward to services a little bit more knowing that we will have a real challah at the end…Your kind deed makes Shabbat a little bit better for each of us.” Regarding Marla’s Chanukah Party in a Box, one soldier thanked Marla, noting that she made “our Chanukah away from home so special. Gifts have been distributed, care packages handed out, meno- rahs placed around the Embassy and military com- pounds, and (tonight) the first candles lit. Tomorrow we come together as a community for Shabbat services and after, a Chanukah party. There will be latkes, bagels and lox, hal- vah, and other assorted goodies. We’ll spin the dreidel and listen to songs. All thanks to the kindness of you and others all across the U.S. who pitched in to help make this holiday special.” In August, Senator Joseph Lieberman paid a visit to the troops and to the Shabbat services. The lay leader described the scene, “Although we had 15 congregants, the real story of the evening was the makeup of the group. We had a priest, a rabbi, Jews, Christians, soldiers, sailors, numerous Embassy employees, and our prized guests were two Iraqi Jews— Ezra, a Baghdad man in his late sixties who wore tefillin for the first time in decades, and Rachel, a dentist who services the local orphanages and whose husband was kidnapped by Al Qaeda. It was inspiring to see these Jews, who have faced so much adversity by virtue of their faith, summon the courage to come onto the U.S. com- pound to pray with us. Saturday morning services were equally as special. We set up the room for an Orthodox service…The room was packed with over 30 people. The rabbi read at light speed from the Torah (first time in a long time for a lot of us) and called both the Senator and his nephew for aliyos… Then Senator Lieberman was kind enough to provide a d’var Torah about the significance of the service itself (i.e., Jews, once again united in Mesopotamia, Iraq), the progress American

Continued on Page 46 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 19, 2010 43 44 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 19, 2010 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS country who had contact with Harmony VIII To Benefit ticipate. Everyone works togeth- Girls Choir and Dance, The Continued from Page 43 Chaplain Shulman. She hopes Project Extreme, March er in a cooperative and friendly N’Shei Dance Troupe, Original to raise more money from the 6–13 spirit, elevated and united by Musical Drama Vignette, writ- efforts have had on Iraq, the community so she can continue For the past several years, the special mitzvah of benefit- ten and directed by Debbie importance of what we have to brighten these brave soldiers’ Harmony has been entertaining ing a community organization, Waltuch, plus the Miryam accomplished, and what work is Shabbosos and holidays. The the Five Towns-Far Rockaway Project Extreme, an organiza- Ghermezian Academy Girls’ left to be done… We couldn’t average cost of a package is $36 community, as well as many tion which works with teens-at- Choir, will all be starring in this have done it without the help of including shipping. On a semi- other women and girls from risk and their families. not-to-be-missed event, which is our Embassy Chaplain’s Office monthly basis, she sends ship- other communities, with a spec- Building on its past successes, sponsored this year by the Five Staff…Finally, thanks to Marla ments to Iraq, Kuwait, and tacular musical production. The Harmony VIII promises to sur- Towns Jewish Times, Jewelry on Turk, who has provided the for Afghanistan with each box con- talent and professionalism is pass all expectations with an 5th, The Pratt Park Group, Staff our congregation since I have taining five challos, granola bars, comparable to a Broadway pro- evening that should not be Pro, Fruit Platters and More, and been here. The Senator had two nuts, and candy. duction. Attendees wistfully missed. The three performanc- Kaituz Bridal. loaves waiting for him on Friday As you are preparing your recall the masterful scenes, es—Saturday, March 6, Sunday, That this year’s concert is in night so he could make the mishloach manos for friends and wishing that the Harmony March 7, and the following support of Project Extreme is blessings with his nephew. family, Marla is busy preparing Concert would take place yearly week, Saturday, March 13—will most fitting. This unique not- Mitzvos all around.” Purim packages for the soldiers. instead of every other year. all take place at the centrally for-profit organization provides The packages are certainly a To sponsor one or more pack- The primary goal of the con- located Lawrence Middle Jewish-sponsored continuum of big hit. Marla estimates that she ages, please send a check to the cert is to foster a sense of unity School Auditorium. The N’Shei care and therapeutic programs, has spent about $4,000 on the Chabad Charity Fund—Soldier within the community, as girls Zimriah Chorale, directed by with year-round programming, shipments. Donations have Project, c/o Chabad of the Five from every school of the area Karen Daitchman with for troubled teens. come from friends and a net- Towns, 74 Maple Avenue, are invited to join, and all Orchestral Ensemble directed Many cities all across the U.S. work of people from around the Cedarhurst, NY 11516. women are encouraged to par- by Kayli Joseph, Shira Chadasha and beyond are experiencing serious challenges with teens-at- risk. Project Extreme works with over 200 teens locally and 700 teens nationally. Since its inaugural program in 2000, Project Extreme has served thousands of teens, ages 13–18. Of these participants, 80 percent have been successfully reintegrated into mainstream society and have become productive members giving back to their respective communities. Camp Extreme, the organization’s adventure camps, consists of two gender-exclusive programs and targets troubled teens ages 13–18. Using the proven Outward Bound model, students are placed in wilderness settings in order to develop self-confi- dence, teamwork skills, and respect for others and themselves with the goal of overcoming destructive patterns. Teenage boys participate in one four-week session that trav- els the West Coast, including the San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Sacramento areas. The program is pretty “extreme” and has a 1:1 staff ratio. Camp Extreme’s program for girls is also staffed with a ratio of 1:1 and has a travel itinerary to the Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise areas. The home base for their summer program is located in Edmonton, Alberta. Both groups are involved in extreme sports activities such as skiing, horseback riding, white- water rafting, mountain climbing, and other fun and challenging activities, which eventually add much to their pride in their achievements, sense of self- worth, and enhanced cama- raderie and closeness to peers. Evenings are spent around cozy campfires, with sessions focusing on teen issues, as well as hashkafah questions, where each teen is encouraged to participate. Slowly but surely, the warm and caring atmosphere seeps in to the neshamos of those present, allowing the youngsters to break the cycle of their dangerous, self-destructive behavior. By the end of the summer, the goal is to ease each teen 46 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION

into a program, whether educational or students’ academic, social, and personal Ethiopian community. occupational, that will work for him/her growth and maturation. The academy There will be no solicitation of funds for September and for the coming year. seeks to promote the highest level of aca- at the event. Refreshments will be served. Extreme Weekend Retreats plus intense demic achievement while instilling a RSVPs would be appreciated by Monday, Sukkos and Pesach Retreats help teens strong sense of womanhood, healthy ego February 22. For further information or to overcome difficulties in their daily lives development, and social and life skills. RSVP, contact Rebecca Langer at 212-906- and offer superb and challenging recre- A very special part of this year’s concert 3917 or [email protected]. O ational activities. The retreats also provide will be the participation of a group of an opportunity for new teens to be intro- girls from MGA, who have been practic- Back To The Future: duced into the program and become inte- ing for the past few months, composing Eighth Grades Visit SKA! grated into the group’s culture. the words of the theme song themselves, Getting a head start on experiencing “Nights on the Town” offer the teens and cooperating enthusiastically with their high school years, eighth-grade clean fun within their own environment every facet of the intense preparations. applicants from various metropolitan ele- while stressing proper decision-making. Their excitement is palpable as they look mentary schools spent a good part of It also gives their 250 life mentors anoth- forward to participate and use their tal- Thursday, February 4 at the Stella K. er way of connecting with the teens in a ents constructively, joining the other Abraham High School for Girls. non-threatening manner. women and girls with a strong unity of Rabbi Sharon Shalom The halls of SKA were filled with over Integral to Project Extreme’s success is purpose and a common goal. 100 students from schools as diverse as its staff of professionals, all of whom Please support this organization’s HALB, Shulamith, Bais Yaakov of Queens, have been rigorously screened. Each staff noble lifesaving mission by attending Ethiopia to Jerusalem as Part of the YCQ, HANC, and others. Hoping to pro- member is chosen from a diverse group Harmony VIII. Every ticket sold helps Historic Story of Ethiopian Jewry and the vide a glimpse of the warmth and energy of applicants with backgrounds in educa- reshape the lives of youth-at-risk. By join- Challenges They Face in Israel” on their school offers, SKA students planned tion, mental health, health care, social ing for an enchanted evening of first- Tuesday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m. at the a special program for the incoming girls. work, and psychology. Also, Project class, wholesome entertainment, you will Young Israel of Oceanside, 150 Waukena After a welcome from Mrs. Helen Spirn, Extreme employs highly experienced be giving a troubled teen a second chance Avenue. SKA’s principal, Rabbi Jeff Rothman, asso- adventure guides. Working in tandem, to live a productive life. Rabbi Shalom will discuss his moving ciate principal, and Rabbi Yosef the staff team is led by a licensed social For more information about Harmony personal story, which includes coming to Zakutinsky, director of student program- worker, a drug therapist, and a registered VIII, call 516-612-3922. Tickets can be pur- Israel on his own as a young boy, reunit- ming, the eighth-graders were given cards nurse or trained EMT. chased at www.projectextreme.org. O ing with his parents after he thought they to write down any questions they might This past May, Project Extreme were dead, serving as one of the first have about the school and direct them to expanded its potential exponentially by Ethiopian Israeli Rabbi To Speak At Ethiopian officers in an elite army unit, a panel of SKA students from different opening the doors of the first residential, Young Israel Of Oceanside, studying Talmud at Bar-Ilan University grades and various elementary schools. therapeutic school for Jewish girls-at-risk, February 23 where he became the first Israeli of The visiting girls were then entertained the Miryam Ghermezian Academy. The Rabbi Sharon Shalom, an Ethiopian Ethiopian descent to teach; and being by the 11th grade with a presentation school caters to girls who are failing to Israeli rabbi who serves as spiritual leader one of the first Ethiopian-Israelis to be called “The Museum of Natural Kindness,” thrive in their current educational and of a Holocaust survivors’ synagogue, will ordained by the Chief Rabbinate of the a series of skits about the midah of chesed. social environments and/or have be a special guest speaker at an event co- State of Israel. He now heads a temple in They enjoyed a delicious lunch while embraced self-destructive life choices. sponsored by the Young Israel of Kiryat Gan, which was built in honor of socializing with SKA students, and the MGA is committed to creating a warm, Oceanside and the American Friends of Shoah victims. In addition, Rabbi Shalom eighth-graders had a chance to spend “An nurturing environment, removed from Bar-Ilan University. Rabbi Shalom will lectures at Bar-Ilan University on the pressures of everyday life, to hasten speak about “My Personal Journey from halachah, minhag, and masoret in the Continued on Page 48

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS ing a seven-night stay at the hotel, which Continued from Page 47 includes breakfast, the first seder, and five holiday meals beginning at $2,240 per per- Hour at SKA,” attending actual Tanach, son in a beautifully remodeled double math, art, and dance classes. room. The communal seder will be led by The departing guests left with SKA sou- Cantor Asher Hainowitz. The seder dinner venirs and a most appreciated Shema al will be a glatt mehadrin (non-gebrochts) culi- ha’mitah. “The whole experience was nary extravaganza, with traditional and awesome,” said one eighth-grader. “What unique dishes prepared by the hotel’s exec- a great school!” O utive chef, Itzik Barak. There will also be an afternoon tea and coffee station. Guests Kulanu Mishloach Manot Sale will also have free access to the pool, fitness Alison Scharf, a HAFTR student and room, and sauna. Festive holiday services Michal Yacker, a HALB student, chose to will be conducted in the hotel’s synagogue. celebrate their upcoming bat mitzvahs “There isn’t anywhere else in the world with a chesed project at the Kulanu where the Jewish people can see, feel, Center for Special Services to benefit the and celebrate the Pesach experience like children of Kulanu. Each of the students in Jerusalem. Nothing compares to invited her classmates to package over singing ‘Next Year In Jerusalem’ amidst In honor of upcoming bat mitvahs, participating in a chesed project to benefit the the mesmerizing beauty of springtime in children of Kulanu. the Holy City,” added Mr. de Schuyter. For reservations, e-mail rsvp@inbal hotel.com or visit www.inbalhotel.com. O 1,000 mishloach manot to be sold at the “During the past few years, we have upcoming Kulanu Purim Cuisine Sale. completely renovated the hotel from top Malverne Jewish Center Blood Mazel Tov! to bottom, including all rooms and public Drive, February 21 To place your advance order for areas. We have opened an Executive On Sunday, February 21, 9:30 a.m.–2:00 mishloach manot, e-mail Heidlesk@ Lounge where private personal and busi- p.m. the Malverne Jewish Center, 1 aol.com or call 516-569-3083 ext.106. O ness meetings can be conducted. And, we Norwood Avenue in Malverne, NY, will have built a first-class health club, featur- hold a blood drive in the Garden Room, Enticing Pesach Packages At The ing Technogym equipment, a swimming parking lot entrance. To schedule an Remodeled Inbal Hotel In pool, as well as a spa and sauna, where appointment, please call and leave a mes- Jerusalem guests can enjoy a variety of treatments sage at 516-593-6364 or visit https://drm The Inbal Hotel’s energetic new general and massages. Based on the feedback we .nybloodcenter.org/PublicScheduler/Group manager, Bruno H.P. de Schuyter, revealed have received from guests during the past Welcome.aspx?Group=05015. For ques- that he has created a ‘specially priced’ few months, I believe the Inbal offers tions concerning medical eligibility call 1- Pesach package, so that both new and some of the most attractive amenities in 800-688-0900. returning guests can discover the physical- Israel,” said Mr. de Schuyter. Eligibility Criteria: ly and spiritually uplifting experiences Thus, the Inbal Hotel’s dramatic transfor- • Bring ID with signature or photo. that await them in the renowned five-star mation plays an integral role in this year’s • Minimum weight is 110 lbs. luxury-class 283-room Jerusalem facility. Pesach vacation package. The Inbal is offer- • Ages 16–75 (16-year-olds must have

48 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES parental permission. Age 76 and over The National NY Gala Dinner is the need doctor’s note.) largest single fundraising event for the • Eat well (low fat) and drink fluids. O FIDF organization. The funds raised at this dinner will provide much-needed Friends Of The Israel Defense and deserved services such as financial Forces Dinner, March 9 support to soldiers in need and “lone sol- The National New York Gala Dinner of diers,” academic scholarships to former Friends of the IDF is schedule for combat soldiers, weeks of rest and recre- Tuesday, March 9, when more than 1,200 ation for entire IDF units, as well as cul- notable business and philanthropic lead- tural, educational, and sports facilities. ers from across the country will come This year, the gala will be themed together at New York City’s famed around the concept of education. Friends Waldorf Astoria Hotel to show their sup- of the IDF sponsors a wide range of edu- port for the soldiers of Israel. cational programs that benefit soldiers The program for the gala is extremely and emphasize the importance of person- exciting. As in previous years, the gala will al growth, responsibility, and social duty. be chaired by Mr. Benny Shabtai, presi- The significance of these programs is dent of Di Modolo, and author and grounded in their contribution to the gen- nationally syndicated radio host Monica eral knowledge of every soldier as well as Crowley will serve as the evening’s mas- to the society of Israel as a whole. Flatbush Basketball Green All Star squad. ter of ceremony. Notable dignitaries from Please join in saluting the soldiers of the Israel and Washington will be in atten- IDF and showing them our love and sup- dance; and Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, Chief port. Learn more at www.israelsoldiers.org/ Motzei Shabbos February 20. Subsational 38, Printing Factory 36. In of the IDF general staff, will attend as the gala_09_invite.html. O Final Regular Season Games: a game to decide the top seed in their evening’s keynote speaker. In addition, Flamin Burger 60, Friedman’s Market division, Subsational was able to over- several distinct IDF officers will address Flatbush Basketball League, 54. With both teams putting up three- come Printing for the second time this the audience via live satellite from Israel. Week 12 Recap pointers all night, Amiel Benjamin was season in what no one expected was a A silent auction will take place prior to Playoffs: too much as he had 38 for Flamin. defensive struggle. Mordy Reiser knocked the program and, in accordance with Lazer Marble 58, Schreibers Bakery 35. Chesky’s Friedman team falls from the down 20 for Subs. FIDF gala tradition, the IDF orchestra will Lazer continues to dominate as three three seed to number five. Sweet Choice 53, Five Towns Jewish join again this year, infusing the evening players scored in double figures to help Boro Rug and Carpet 51, Global Times 51, OT. Both teams needed this with Israeli sounds and spirit. the one seed advance to the champi- Leasing 40. Yumi Gruen and Ari Orshitzer win desperately to solidify a playoff FIDF is also privileged to share this onship game. Ozzie Gleiberman had 20 in made sure of this one as they combined place and Choice was able to pull it out evening with 30 active combat soldiers. the loss. for 37. Boro is looking strong as they head with clutch shooting. Yisroel Mesch had These young men and women of the IDF Jewish Press 62, TSI Exterior 29. Tzvi into the playoffs. 33. Yossie Einhorn shot a tying three are going through difficult times, experi- Moller and Elazar Halberg combined for Jerry Meyers Studio 39, Aura Electric with 3 seconds left to send the game encing tremendous stress. They are con- 36, as J.P. used a strong second half to pull 35. A shorthanded Aura gave them their into overtime for 5TJT. stantly fighting to prevent terrorist away. So it will be the two best teams dur- best chance at their first win but it wasn’t Lobos 63, En Vogue Studios 55. Lobos attacks and guarantee the security of the ing the regular season as Lazer Marble to be as Meyers pulled it out. Shlomo has convinced all winning their sixth in a Jewish people worldwide by protecting will face off against Jewish Press. The Safdeye had 16 for Jerry’s club. They take the State of Israel. Championship game will be played on Friedmans in round one. Continued on Page 50

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS democratic state, we honestly believe in oping a new policy to deal with such inci- Continued from Page 49 free speech, transparency, and full disclo- dents. “The fact that they can shout sure—so long as it does not serve to ‘Slaughter the Jews’ tells you just what we row and setting up a marquee matchup preach hatred or endanger others. Israeli are facing,” Ayalon said. “This type of war- against Schnitzel King next week. Eli Arabs cannot hold both ends of the stick. fare is on a global scale, which is guided Klein had 23. Lobos is the one seed with On the one hand they call for the end of by the Palestinian Authority and Islamist a 8-1 record. Israel as a Jewish State, and they call for a groups. We are moving to put them on Burtoluccis 49, Mountain Food 44. Palestinian state,” Ayalon said. “There are the defense and have decided to use After finding out they were eliminated Arab members of Knesset who were advi- deterrence by filming these events and from layoff contention, Food came out sors to Arafat and now to Mahmoud passing the video from the Oxford Union rusty and Burtoluccis took advantage. Abbas. This is like U.S. Members of to the British police who are investigat- Dovi Freidman had 16. Congress advising the Taliban!” ing these incidents.” Schnitzel King vs. Kold Kuts. King In reference to the Palestinian “We need to focus Jewish NGO’s and keeps setting records with their second Authority’s accusations against Israel in organizations to this issue. They say, ‘Free straight hundred point performance. international forums, Ayalon said that Palestine’ and try and prevent us from Kold Kuts was out of this one early. though there should be no preconditions speaking; we say, ‘Free speech,’ Ayalon Zalmy Leiberman had a season high 36 for negotiations to resume, Israel will cer- continued. “We have learned how to for Schnitzel. tainly not sign an agreement until incite- defend against terrorism and now we are Netzach 66, Pizza Nosh 59. After trailing ment in the Palestinian Authority stops. learning how to defend against verbal ter- by 10 Netzach mounted a comeback to Daniel Ayalon Ayalon pointed out that the Fatah rorism.” dethrone Nosh from the one seed. Boruch Constitution still referred to the destruc- Deputy Minister Ayalon added, “We Bergman had 26. Nosh falls to 7-2. O ship conference in Israel, thanked the tion of the State of Israel and at the need to intensify Israel’s international Conference of Presidents for its many recent Sixth Fatah Conference there were ties for a better perception of Israel and Daniel Ayalon: “Israeli Arabs Cannot efforts for supporting Israel, especially in calls to return to terrorism and education political understanding, as well as eco- Hold Both Ends Of The Stick” light of the increasing attempts at delegit- to terrorism. nomic growth and other benefits.” Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs imizing Israel. Deputy Minister Ayalon Referring to his recent experience In reference to Israel’s relationship Daniel Ayalon, in his address to the stressed that, regrettably, this global trend speaking at the Oxford Union, the Deputy with the U.S. and the joint effort at Conference of Presidents annual leader- is reflected also from within Israel: “As a Foreign Minister said that Israel is devel- advancing regional stabilization, Deputy Minister Ayalon stated that Israel is on the same page with the U.S. administration, mentioning the recent successful meetings with Senator Mitchell. “Though we have witnessed recent global developments and consequent changed priorities, we are working with the U.S. and await the Palestinians to come forward.” Ayalon also noted that Israel will have to pay the Palestinians with additional assets in order to achieve further progress. Responding to a question regarding the U.S. organization JStreet, deputy minister Ayalon stressed: “Though we do not have to agree with their ideology, it is important to understand that not only do they not represent the reality, they cannot claim to be a pro-Israel organization since they have bashed Israel on many occasions, such as their solicitations in Congress against Israel following the Goldstone report.” The Conference of Presidents is the central coordinating body representing 52 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern. O

Jewish Heritage Center Collegiates Visit Five Towns One Sunday this past month, Rabbi Moshe Turk and Rabbi Yoni Katz of the Jewish Heritage Center of Queens and Long Island led 20 college students from Hofstra University and LIU/CW Post on a field trip to Far Rockaway and the Five Towns. Many residents of our area know the Jewish Heritage Center for its popular yom tov hotel programs geared for the frum community. Year round, however, this local kiruv organization has made a name for itself on the frontline of kiruv in America with programs throughout the Metropolitan New York area. These 20 students, who had virtually no previous knowledge of a religious community, were given a tour of select organizations and people that comprise Jewish communal life in general and chesed institutions and ventures in particular. The students were amazed by Motty Fox’s guided tour of Brach’s, the largest all-kosher supermarket in the New York area. They were even more impressed to hear from Mark Gross, the local Hatzolah director, about the lifesaving work of Hatzolah volunteers who give up their 50 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES precious time to be there for others at all detailed and informative hands-on pres- boasts a beautifully manicured 18-hole kashrus. The entire hotel will be Kosher hours. Esther Wein conducted an inspir- entation of safrus, right in the middle of golf course, tennis, basketball, volleyball, L’Pesach with shmurah matzah only. All ing tour of the mikveh and had a heart-to- Judaica Plus. outdoor and indoor pools (separate cuisine will be non-gebrochts and all heart talk with the girls, while the boys One student summed it up well, swimming only), fitness center, a special meats are Chassidishe shechitah. They enjoyed the grandeur of Yeshiva Sh’or “WOW!!! What an interesting, informa- “Kids Zone,” two video-game rooms, and have a separate dairy kitchen and dining Yoshuv with a guided tour by Ricky tive, growth-inducing trip! I thoroughly two miles of walking and jogging trails room which will be chalav Yisrael. Kramer. This tour, of course, ended with a enjoyed taking the field trip to the Five winding past beautiful lakes, farms, and Popular leading Jewish singers and game of basketball in the yeshiva’s gym. Towns with all my newfound friends. cornfields. The resort recently completed captivating mentalists and magicians pro- Max G. from Boston wrote in his jour- There is so much to learn about Jewish a stunning top-to-bottom $10 million ren- vide high class entertainment for chil- nal, “Visiting the yeshiva was also very culture that I had no idea about.” If you ovation and features oversized rooms dren and adults. This year they will pres- interesting. Being a Reform Jew, it was a know someone (college age or older) who and suites, all rooms on ground floor or ent separate and exciting concerts by two bit of a culture shock to see so many would benefit from their many creative one flight away, and two floors of spa- immensely popular performing artists, Orthodox men with tzitzis and payos outreach programs, please contact the cious ballrooms with multiple lobby Eli Gertner (who will also join them for studying Torah with such enthusiasm Jewish Heritage Center at 888-4- JUDAISM areas. Every guestroom has been newly Shabbos) and Pruz (Michoel Pruzansky). and intensity. People were yelling back (888-458-3247). O renovated and there are many with pri- Of course, there will be an exciting and and forth about Torah and its meaning; it vate patios and balconies. The wide array professionally run day camp with daycare was very inspiring. I think most Jews our A Dream Team Brings You of local attractions include Hershey Park and babysitting for younger children. age do not realize how much wisdom is Pesach 2010 (open Sunday Chol Hamoed), numerous Tons of indoor and outdoor space and a written on the pages of Torah that is The Jewish Heritage Center, Green- amusement parks, the Amish Country warm, dedicated, and creative staff will absolutely still applicable to modern life. wald Caterers, and Sabra Tours have (the “Heimish” meet the “Amish”!), huge guarantee the children the time of their I have found in my Hebrew school that joined forces to be your host for a truly shopping malls, outlet malls, and much, life so their parents can get the relaxation the study of Torah was regarded by stu- spectacular Pesach 2010 experience for much more. of a lifetime. Integrated into the day camp dents to be somewhat of an anachro- the frum Torah community. This extraor- For the gashmiyus, Greenwald Caterers program will be a learning division where nism; seeing that Torah study is alive and dinary trio, a veritable “dream team of of Lakewood, New Jersey, is known for experienced rebbeim and moros provide well impacted me strongly.” gashmiyus and ruchniyus” each with doing everything on a grand scale, from age-appropriate learning for the children. Next the group met up to enjoy an many decades of experience and expert- their spectacular kiddushim, five-course For the adults’ ruchniyus, the Jewish elaborate and tasteful lunch hosted by ise, promises to make your Pesach 2010 meals, and lavish buffets to their Heritage Center of Queens and Long the delightful Mendy and Leah Elefant an unforgettable experience . . . spiritual- Viennese desserts and inviting tea rooms. Island, with co-directors Rabbi Moshe and family at their home in Sutton Place. ly inspiring, deliciously fattening, and Renowned for their world-class cuisine Turk and Rabbi Naftali Portnoy, never Just before dessert the students learned phenomenally entertaining! that is consistently first-rate in taste, pres- ceases to amaze their guests. Although all about the Achiezer organization from With sensitivity to the current eco- entation, and service, their commitment year round this organization is in the its director Baruch Ber Bender, who gave nomic climate and due to the negotiation is to meet your desires and exceed your forefront of the kiruv movement in a passionate explanation promoting an of an excellent deal with the resort, this expectations. We recommend bringing America, on yom tov they run hotel pro- awareness of the chesed as it is performed partnership has put together a Pesach an extra set of clothes one size larger! grams geared specifically for the general daily by the many volunteer residents of 2010 package with room rates starting at The rav hamachshir for Pesach 2010 frum Torah community. In fact, they get a the Five Towns. The college students then only $1,599 per person (double occupan- will be Rabbi Chaim Schwartz, who is the remarkable crowd of warm, friendly fam- ran off to Central Avenue for a simulated cy) plus 18% occupancy tax and service head of kashrus for the Vaad Harabanim ilies from the complete range of local demonstration of typical motorist res- charge. This is their lowest rate ever. of Queens. Rabbi Schwartz is well-known frum neighborhoods. Their professional- cues from Aryeh, one of the local Pesach 2010 will be held at the luxuri- for his halachic knowledge, years of expe- ism and attention to fine detail under the Chaverim members. At the end of their ous Lancaster Host Resort & Conference rience in the field of kashrus, and scrupu- day, Rabbi Yair Hoffman gave them a Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which lous adherence to the strictest level of Continued on Page 52

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 51 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS his guests. Last Pesach, he www.PesachInLancaster.com or call Up of Cedarhurst to provide our kashrus, taste, and quality are Continued from Page 51 secured the contract on this Jewish Heritage Center 1-888-458- children with the stuff of which the best.” beautiful resort in Lancaster 3247 or Sabra Tours 1-800-231-4111. O childhood memories are made. With the focus shifting to tireless administration of David and was one of the few Pesach “Our son had a Pump It Up experiential parties and activi- Kaye have kept their loyal clien- programs to sell out early. Pump It Up: The #1 Source birthday party and we were very ties, the industry for children’s tele coming back year after year. People were amazed and appre- For A Bouncing Great Time! impressed by every detail of the activities is expanding exponen- Their learned and dynamic staff ciative to have had such a beau- By Rochelle Maruch Miller event. Pump It Up is an award- tially. There is little demand for and internationally renowned tiful well run yom tov and at Turn your child’s next party winning company with fran- a freestyle type of party. Parents speakers present all new shi- such affordable prices. into a bouncing, laughing, slid- chises throughout the country. want a more structured type of urim, lectures, and a daf yomi This amazing Dream Team— ing, exciting extravaganza! At Lisalynn and I decided to bring agenda and there is more com- that will leave you informed the Jewish Heritage Center, Pump It Up you’ll jump into this wonderful concept to the petition to find the most unique and uplifted. There will be both Greenwald Caterers and Sabra your own private arenas filled Five Towns community and option to really “wow” the kids. Ashkenaz and Nusach Sefard Tours—are now busy planning with huge, fun, and kid-friendly we’ve had a great response,” Given the scramble to find the minyanim and a dedicated beis every aspect of your Pesach vaca- inflatables. Steve and Lisalynn Steve told the Five Towns Jewish perfect itinerary, little wonder medrash stocked with sefarim. tion to ensure a most pleasura- Mauriello have created a magi- Times. “We are working closely that Pump It Up has elicited Leading the array of speakers ble, entertaining, and ruchniyus- cal experience where every visit with the community—several such an enthusiastic response this Pesach will be the popular dik experience for the entire is a celebratory event. shuls and organizations have throughout the Five Towns, and dynamic Rabbi Zecharia mishpachah. Let yourself get Four enormous inflatables already booked us for fundrais- resulting in bookings through Wallerstein, founder and senior pampered and they’ll do all the plus a gigantic inflatable basket- ing events. Our kosher menu is the coming September. lecturer of Ohr Naava. work as you sit back, relax, and ball are the key components to delicious—we offer pizza and The inflatable party zone is a Yitzchak Neger of Sabra Tours enjoy. an amazing fun adventure. dairy choices from Sabra and place where parents can set chil- of Baltimore always works night Get your reservations in soon! Warm and welcoming, Steve meat options from Carlos and dren loose in a mass of sturdy and day to secure the best for For further information visit and Lisalynn opened Pump It Gabby’s, so you know that the blow-up structures within a warehouse-sized space. The group is supervised by a personable and professional staff whose job is to create a truly memorable experience from start to finish. They interact with the children, encourage them, and really make them feel special. Sarah W., whose daughter cel- ebrated her sixth birthday at Pump It Up, said the party was the perfect turnkey solution. “Aside from writing the check, we didn’t have to do a thing.” Staffers provide setup and cleanup service, even ensuring kids wash hands before eating, as well as moving coats and shoes to each room as the party relocates. “The kids had a wonderful time. It was A+ in my book; I was very impressed with how things were run at Pump It Up. It really allowed my husband and me to sit back and enjoy.” Susan, another very happy mom, concurs. “The staff was even better than we expected. We heard from friends that this was a great choice for a party. From the planning stage to the day of the event, they were kind and helpful and got the party moving smoothly and efficiently. We are very happy and highly recommend Pump It Up as the perfect party choice.” What makes the Pump It Up experience special is the special people who own it. Steve, a deputy inspector for the police department, and Lisalynn care about our community residents. They have crafted every aspect of the party experience to meet the right expectations of their party hosts. There is the incredible fun of the inflatables. But there is so much more! Pump It Up is firmly committed to privacy for all their party packages. It’s just you and your guests. Not only is this more exciting, it also ensures guest safety. Because every child is different every party should be unique. When you arrange your party at Pump It Up, Lisalynn and Steve will customize your event to create the perfect party experience. They will also help 52 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES you pick the party, according to size, day of the week, and extras. Perhaps you’d like a “Glow Party”— complete with t-shirts and other goodies. They can orchestrate your theme of choice to perfection. And if you don’t have a birthday to celebrate, they can do that, as well—school field trips, fundrais- ers, corporate events; Pump It Up affords you a plethora of party possibilities. Your primary source for wholesome fun, Pump It Up is a party venue with heart. Caring, compassionate, and concerned for the greater good, Lisalynn and Steve

have designated April 22 for a special P h o t o s

fundraising event at Pump It Up, with all C o u r t proceeds to benefit the Autism e s y o f

Association of America. A l e That Pump It Up is a party center like no h other is evident in every detail of the facil- Ariel Schwartz with his family, Dr. Terry Davies, Susan Settenbrino, and brother Adir. Dov Hirth of Aleh Presenting Ariel with a ity and its programs. Your child’s safety is a plaque and gift from the children of Aleh. primary concern and a responsibility Steve, Lisalynn, and their staff take very seriously. reciting the blessing over the Torah, pletely aware of the momentousness of dedicated all of his bar mitzvah gifts to Pump It Up recognizes the importance of Ariel stepped forward and handed the the occasion. Chen and Aleh, left an indelible safe play and takes great pride in its safety Torah to Chen, who was wrapped in a Chen, his mother, and his Aleh fam- impression on all those present. And record. They have taken a rigorous and sys- traditional prayer shawl. Chen’s facial ily joined the Schwartz family party at the speeches of Chen’s mother and tematic approach to identifying safe prac- expressions and joyous responses their lunch celebration following the tices in every area of their facility. made it evident that his spirit was com- ceremony. Ariel’s speech, in which he Continued on Page 54 Moreover, they share your health concerns. Which is precisely why they take extra care in ensuring that their inflatables are as clean and hygienic as possible. Pump It Up follows rigorous cleaning guidelines and procedures to ensure a clean, healthy, and attractive facility. Aside from their safety functionality, Pump It Up’s dedicated staff is committed to affording you and your guests with an enchanting and unforgettable party experience. Pump It Up of Cedarhurst is located at 136 Washington Avenue. For further information please call 516-791-2222 and watch the fun begin! O

A Bar Mitzvah Of Brotherly Love Emotions ran deep at the moving bar mitzvah ceremony held at the Kotel on Thursday, February 4 of a special set of twins—connected not biologically but through love and kindness and true Jewish commitment to help the weak and needy. Ariel Schwartz of New Jersey was preparing for his upcoming bar mitzvah. The values his family had instilled in him made him stop and think: How can I make this special day meaningful? How can I make a difference now that I am becoming a full-fledged member of the Jewish people? The answer was simple: by giving the same opportunity to someone who would otherwise never be able to have it. Chen Ron lives in Aleh Moriah. He suf- fers from severe cognitive and physical disabilities, including autism, and requires ongoing medical and paramed- ical care. Ever since he was three, his devoted mother Orna dreamed of Chen becoming bar mitzvah at the Kotel. But as time went on and his disabilities became more pronounced, it was hard to believe there was any way to make the dream come true. Ariel’s determination brought her dream alive again. “When I got the phone call from Aleh telling me that a boy in New Jersey wants to become bar mitzvah together with Chen, I couldn’t believe it. I started crying. It was just amazing!” says Orna. The emotional meeting between Ariel and Chen took place at the Kotel, on the day of the bar mitzvah. After 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 19, 2010 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS nationwide shiur lichvod siyum Maseches Continued from Page 53 Bava Basra. A spotlight was trained on the community of Atlanta, Georgia, which hosted the event. Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, rav of Agudath Israel Zichron Chaim Tzvi of Madison and rosh yeshiva, Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, speaking to a crowd of more than 300 people in Atlanta, Georgia, began his shiur by declaring “In avodas Hashem, the most important thing is to do things right.” Known far and wide for his Motzoei Shabbos live telecasts, Rabbi Reisman focused on the challenges commonly faced in the realm of finan- P h o

t cial disputes. o s C o

u Congregation Ner Hamizrach spon- r t e s y

o sored the event, the Eighth Nationwide f A l e h Shiur of the Daf Yomi Commission of Chen Ron with family. Agudath Israel of America, which is dedicated by Mr. and Mrs. Elly and Brochi Kleinman in memory of their fathers. It Ariel and Chen sharing a moment of one else’s dream and making the great- Atlanta Community Hosts Eighth took place at Congregation Beth Jacob’s brotherly love. est difference you could have ever Nationwide Daf Yomi Shiur Heritage Hall, and was joined at a dis- wished for! To find out how you can As lomdei daf yomi worldwide ushered tance electronically by thousands of Aleh representatives moved everyone celebrate a twinning bar/bat mitzvah in Maseches Sanhedrin, hundreds gath- other Jews in cities across America. to tears once again. with an Aleh child, please e-mail ered in batei medrash across the U.S. and Rabbi Chaim Glazer, an Agudath Thank you, Ariel, for fulfilling some- [email protected]. O Canada on Sunday night for the eighth Israel askan in Atlanta, arranged for Rabbi Reisman’s visit and opened the program by leading the participants with some pirkei Tehillim. Leonard Habif, president of Congregation Ner Hamizrach, praised the year-round work of Agudath Israel and paid tribute to the memory of Rabbi Chaskel Besser, founding chairman of the Daf Yomi Commission, who was niftar the previous week. The shiur was dedicated l’iluy nishmaso. Mr. Habif then introduced the rav of Ner Hamizrach, Rabbi Shmuel Khoshkerman, a respected local rav, whose commitment to Agudath Israel has helped paved the way for numerous inspiring speakers to share their wisdom with the community in Atlanta. Rabbi Reisman began his shiur by pointing out that Moshe Rabbeinu, Shimshon, Devora, Dovid Hamelech, and Shlomo Hamelech spent much of their time judging monetary disputes in Klal Yisrael. That, he explained, is because honesty in the area of finance is funda- mentally part of our Torah. “It’s a tremendous challenge for anybody who studies the financial laws of the Torah,” he explained, “to fix that which is broken.” But, he added, it is an essential part of what defines Klal Yisrael. Rabbi Reisman went on to quote his venerated rebbi, Rabbi Avrohom Pam, zt’l, as emphasizing that going to a beis din for its decision is a “natural event” when Yidden have a disagreement. In closing, Rabbi Reisman encouraged his listeners to embrace “doing the right things,” and to remember that “times were peaceful when the judges judged.” O

The World Committee For The Land Of Israel Sponsors MK Dr. Arieh Eldad At KGH Event On Saturday night, February 13, Dr. Arieh Eldad, a member of the Israeli Knesset, spoke at an event sponsored by the World Committee for the Land of Israel and cosponsored by the Queens Jewish Community Council. In front of a packed audience at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, Dr. Eldad was introduced by Rabbi David Algaze, president of the World Committee, who thanked the 54 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst. Rabbi which are the hallmarks of the yeshiva. Shaya Cohen, rosh yeshiva and founder All of the dinner’s honorees represent of Priority-1, presented this year’s the best of what makes up this vibrant Hakaras HaTov award to Rabbi Yehuda makom Torah. Shmidman, rosh kollel of Kollel Ner The emcee, Mr. Binyomin Goodman Yehoshua, the yeshiva’s kollel program. opened the evening by welcoming the Rabbi Cohen conferred the award, attendees and proceeded to regale every- speaking about the importance of one with his famed wit and humor. The adhering to mesorah and Rabbi rosh yeshiva, Rabbi Yechiel Perr, then Shmidman’s intense and authentic spoke and presented Mr. Ephraim adherence to the mesorah of his rebbi, Tempelman, the Distinguished Alumni Rav Henoch Leibowitz, zt’l. Upon receiv- Awardee, with a beautiful silver kiddush ing the award, Rabbi Shmidman spoke cup and thanked him for graciously Is there a doctor in the Knesset? Officers of the World Committee for the Land of Israel hosted briefly about the dynamics of hakaros accepting the award in order to help the MK Dr. Arieh Eldad (center), including (L–R) Dr. Paul Brody, Odeleya Jacobs, Rabbi David hatov as being part of a “team” and yeshiva. Rabbi Perr spoke of Ephraim’s Algaze, and Dr. Joseph Frager. “maintaining a balance” giving and honesty, sincerity, loyalty, and humility, receiving. Over 120 alumni and their and of the great nachas the yeshiva wives attended the melaveh malkah and derives from talmidim such as him. Mr. host rabbis, Fabian and Yoel Schonfeld. dents Dr. Paul Brody, Eli Hertz, Dr. David enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect Tempelman spoke of his feelings of Rabbi Algaze explained the mission of the Hurwitz, and Dr. Steve and Odeleya with their rebbeim and friends. O appreciation and closeness to the yeshiva newly launched World Committee as Jacobs. For more information and to and the hanhalah. educating the public on the right of the become active in the World Committee, YFR 41st Annual Dinner Rabbi Aaron Brafman, the menahel, Jewish people to the entire Land of Israel visit www.onelandonepeople.org. O There may have been snow outside, introduced Dr. Aaron Mandel, a parent at from a biblical and a historical perspec- but inside the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway the yeshiva, who was the Distinguished tive. “We need to remind the world and Zichron Aryeh Melaveh Malkah building, at its 41st Annual Dinner, there Ahavas Chesed Awardee. Dr. Mandel is a ourselves that the Land of Israel belongs On motzaei Shabbos parashas Yisro, was an atmosphere of warmth, com- special individual who has inspired thou- to the Jewish people and that all other Yeshiva Zichron Aryeh held its annual bined with an intellectual and creative considerations need to be secondary to alumni melaveh malkah at the Young excitement about Torah and Yiddishkeit, Continued on Page 56 this basic premise,” Rabbi Algaze proclaimed. Dr. Eldad, who is a medical doctor and served as chief medical officer of the Israel Defense Forces with the rank of Brigadier General, analyzed the political situation in Israel from a medical perspective. He said, “We have misdiagnosed the problem, and when an illness is misdiagnosed, it can never be cured.” He went on to explain that the issue between Islamists and Jews in the Middle East is not territorial but cultur- al and religious. Therefore, ceding land to the Arabs will not appease them. He conceded that the problem stems from the “occupation” which needs to be ter- minated. However, the “occupation” is that which occurred in the seventh century with the invasion of Arabs into the Holy Land, and not “Israeli occupation,” since Israelis cannot be occupiers in their own land. Dr. Eldad added that when Jordan will allow a truly democratic parliament, a true Palestinian state would emerge. MK Eldad stated as his mission the opposition to the creation of another Palestinian state, in addition to the already existing one, namely Jordan. He exclaimed that this position is not new and is not exclusively the position of the rightist parties, but was already stated by Yitzchak Rabin, who had proclaimed, “The Palestinian state can only emerge upon the ruins of Israel.” Dr. Eldad added that the Iranian nuclear ambitions are a direct threat to the existence of Israel that cannot be ignored. If no other nation will act, Israel will have to act alone. In a sharp remark about President Obama’s pressure on Israel, he stated that Obama was the worst American president regarding Israel. MK Eldad urged the audience to write to the White House demanding that Obama stops the pressure on Israel, both regarding the settlements and his urging Israel to refrain from acting in its self- defense. The World Committee for the Land of Israel consists of a group of dedicated individuals concerned with the future of Eretz Yisrael. Its officers include Rabbi Algaze, president, Dr. Joseph Frager, chairman of the board, and vice presi- 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 19, 2010 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Brownsville and East New York under Beis Hamikdash was presented to the solution. Engage a shopping agent. In Continued from Page 55 very difficult conditions, going on to Guests of Honor. These include a number response to years of helping friends and become a talmid chacham and a premier of valuable ancient coins, as well as a jug family members navigate the changing sands as the organizer of the Shivah Asar mechanech with an irrepressible sense and oil lamp from that period. technology landscape, and making sure B’Tamuz and Tishah B’Av programs in of humor and love of life. Rabbi Mr. Weisz accepted his award and then that, Heaven forbid, they didn’t pay too Flatbush, as well as of numerous yarchei Kleinkaufman is known for his large spoke movingly of the special qualities much, Rabbi Melamed started a personal kallah programs. He is a true ohev chesed sefarim collection and was presented described in Chazal as being essential for online shopping service called theshop- and ohev Torah. Dr. Mandel, who was pre- with a first print copy of the Toras a rebbi who transmits Torah to talmidim, pingagent.com. Through this website, and sented with a beautiful kiddush cup as a Kohanim with the commentary of the as well as of a number of the characteris- with live phone service, he specializes in token of recognition, expressed his admi- Chofetz Chaim which has the word tics that typify the ideal relationship helping people buy the right piece of ration and hakaras hatov to the rosh mugah (inspected) penciled in, in the between a rebbi and his talmidim, and equipment at the right price. yeshiva and the yeshiva. Chofetz Chaim’s own handwriting. In how these are present at the Yeshiva of Rabbi Melamed says that along with a Rabbi Heshie Grossman, an early Rabbi Kleinkaufman’s remarks he Far Rockaway. This was a fitting close to gene for high cholesterol, “Computers alumnus of the yeshiva who now is rosh thanked the rosh yeshiva for the oppor- an inspiring and uplifting evening, which and electronics are in my blood.” The yeshiva of Yeshivas Ohr Yoseph in the tunity of harbotzas Torah for these was enjoyed by all. O rabbi explains that he knows how to get Teaneck/Englewood area, was called many years. the best products and best prices by care- upon to introduce and speak about Rav Finally, Rabbi Chaim Balter addressed My Rabbi—My Shopping Agent ful Internet navigation. He says he spends Avrohom Kleinkaufman, the the assembly, as he made the presenta- Consumers often feel guilt and stress hours of his own time researching all of Distinguished Marbitz Torah Awardee. tion to the evening’s Guests of Honor, Mr. over recent purchases in a phenomenon the latest technological developments Rav Kleinkaufman has been with the and Mrs. Steven Weisz. He spoke of the called “buyer’s remorse.” The confusing and comparing prices. yeshiva for close to 40 years, and has Weisz’s commitment to Torah, Torah val- overabundance of purchasing options Rabbi Melamed cautions, “Some been a mechanech for close to half a ues, and Torah institutions, and of how boggles the mind. Rapidly evolving tech- Internet sites are scams, or even if legit, century. Rav Kleinkaufman’s life story is fitting it was that they, as parents of a nology forces shoppers to buy with little some add on all kinds of fees, or push a reflection of the eternity of Klal Yeshiva of Far Rockaway talmid, had been understanding of what they are getting or outmoded features. And retail sales per- Yisrael. Having been orphaned early on selected as honorees by the yeshiva. A whether they are paying too much. With sonnel only assist customers in choos- in WWII, he remained learning in the special collection of rare artifacts from buyer’s remorse comes guilt, with guilt ing options offered in their store. Also, chadarim in the DP camps in Germany. various excavations throughout Eretz comes…rabbinic counseling? sometimes they get paid extra if they After arriving in the U.S., he grew up in Yisrael dating to the time of the Second Rabbi Moishe Melamed has another convince you to buy extended war- ranties and accessories.” “I assist customers in mapping out exactly what they are looking for,” said the rabbi. He insists that no other factors impact upon his decisions. “I get paid by the customer for my time—not by selling any specific product or brand. My loyalty is with my client, 100 percent.” TheShoppingAgent.com does not allow any advertisements on its site to avoid even the appearance of any bias. “For years, whenever I needed a new computer, I went to the Dell website, and ordered a computer for what I thought was a good price,” said Gary Greenstein, a user of theshoppingagent.com. “But when I recently engaged Rabbi Melamed to help me buy a new system for my law office, I realized that previously I purchased features I didn’t need and systems with old generation processors. I am embarrassed to admit that I also paid way too much. The new system that the rabbi helped me get came in at one-third of what I would have paid for a comparable system had I put it together myself.” The most popular items on The Shopping Agent are computer systems, flat screens, cameras, gaming systems, and mp3 players. But they also assist with high end kitchen appliances and other basic devices. But the rabbi is not without his crit- ics. “I don’t know why anyone would hire someone to help do Internet research, it’s so easy to just do it by yourself,” said Billy Liebel a self-professed computer geek and an outspoken critic of Rabbi Melamed. “His fees are reasonable, I can’t argue with that, but I don’t need a rabbi to help me do something that I can do myself,” he said. “If you spend an hour or two online, anyone with basic computer literacy can come up with a system that matches whatever the rabbi recommends,” said Liebel. Rabbi Melamed counters that his indi- vidualized attention can result in hundreds of dollars in savings, which he says is well worth his low up-front fee. “Maybe I have had a little help from above,” said the rabbi, “but so far, with my money- back guarantee policy, I can track a 100% customer satisfaction rate.” O

Continued on Page 80 56 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION

UN Afghanistan Report Shows Double While not speaking about any particular evidence of weapons being stored in UN resolution, Perry said if the mosques in the Gaza Strip, Travers said Standard In Judging Civilian Casualties Palestinian Authority said that the earth that he did not believe the photographs, was flat, an automatic majority at the calling them “spurious.” BY SAMUEL SOKOL January 2009 incursion into the Hamas United Nations would vote to confirm it. One of Hamas’s favorite tactics in fight- ISRAEL CORRESPONDENT ruled Gaza Strip. Dan McNortan, UNAMA spokesman in ing Israeli forces is to cause the IDF to The Goldstone Report, as it is colloqui- Afghanistan, refused to comment regard- respond to attacks originating from civil- The United Nations’ Afghanistan ally known, discusses “eleven incidents in ing allegations that the United Nations has ian infrastructure such as hospitals and Annual Report on Protection of Civilians which Israeli forces launched direct applied a different standard to the coali- mosques. Subsequent deaths and proper- in Armed Conflict, issued in January, has attacks against civilians with lethal out- tion forces than it has in judging the IDF. ty damage are then carefully filmed and absolved coalition forces of culpability come… in which the facts indicate no jus- The United Nations alleged that distributed to the press by members of for the majority of civilian casualties in tifiable military objective pursued by the Israeli forces engaged in “intentional the de-facto Hamas government. the almost decade long allied occupation attack.” These allegations of war crimes attacks against the civilian population Noted Jewish-American jurist Alan of Afghanistan. on behalf of the Israeli Defense Forces and civilian objects,” in discussing Dershowitz has spoken out harshly According to the report issued by the have been vociferously protested by attacks on Gaza mosques. against Richard Goldstone, calling him a United Nations Assistance Mission in “traitor” and stating that his report “accus- Afghanistan, at least “5,978 civilians were es Israel of using Hamas rocket attacks killed and injured in 2009, the highest against its civilians as an excuse—a number of civilian casualties recorded If the Palestinian Authority said cover—for a carefully planned and exe- since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001.” cuted policy of deliberately targeting Already in 2009 the United Nations innocent civilians for mass murder.” reported that the annually rising death toll that the earth was flat, an Israel entered the Gaza Strip as a result in the war ravaged Muslim nation was of almost a decade of continuing rocket mostly due to suicide attacks and impro- automatic majority at the United and mortar fire on its population centers vised explosive devices placed by insurgent in the Western Negev desert. groups. While there was blame placed on The Israeli Defense Forces recently American forces for unnecessary casualties Nations would vote to confirm it. issued a counter-report addressing some amongst the civilian population, the 2009 of the war crimes allegations. The United report explained that the Taliban would Nations blames Israel, rather than Hamas, frequently attack coalition forces in dense- for the conflict, with the United Nations’ ly populated areas. The report did suggest Israeli and Jewish leaders. Israeli Prime While the mission only checked two report going so far as to suggest Israeli that coalition forces keep only a necessary Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called mosques, the mission’s military expert, reparations to the population of the Gaza minimal military presence in civilian the report a “strategic threat,” saying that retired Irish Col. Desmond Travers, stated Strip, a territory ruled by an internation- zones, but did not go so far as to blame the it hampers the ability of democracies to with assurance that there was “no evi- ally recognized terrorist organization. United States army for resultant deaths. fight terrorism and to engage in asym- dence that mosques were used to store In the case of Israel, the United The Afghanistan report stands in stark metrical warfare. munitions.” He said, “Those charges Nations decided, “the incident and pat- contrast to a report recently written by a Ashley Perry, media advisor to Israeli reflect Western perceptions in some terns of events that are considered in this United Nations’ investigative team head- deputy foreign minister Danny Ayalon, quarters that Islam is a violent religion,” report have resulted from deliberate plan- ed by Judge Richard Goldstone, a South told the Five Towns Jewish Times that ignoring the role that radical political ning and policy decisions throughout the African Jewish judge, which was sent to Israel is held to a different standard than Islam plays in the worldview of Hamas. conduct a post-mortem on Israel’s other countries in international forums. When the IDF produced documentary Continued on Page 58

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 19, 2010 57 UN Report Continued from Page 57

chain of command, down to the standard operating procedures and instructions given to the troops on the ground.” The United Nations Afghanistan report, on the other hand, noted that many attacks on civilian targets originate from forces outside of the normal coalition chain of command. However, the UN stopped short of saying that attacks on civilians or unintend- ed deaths because of night bombing raids were the product of a formal policy decision to harm non-combatants. Coalition forces have been given credit for attempting to minimize civilian casualties in Afghanistan. “International military forces did take strategic and specific steps to minimize civilian casualties in 2009,” according to the United Nations. “The change in ISAF command, clearer command structures, and a new tactical directive have all contributed to the efforts by ISAF to reduce the impact of the armed conflict on civilians.” In contrast, Israeli attempts to warn civilians before airstrikes with pre-recorded telephone calls were dismissed as lack- ing “credibility and clarity.” In summarizing its findings, the Afghanistan Annual Report on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict found the “ISAF’s declared strategy of prioritizing the safety and security of civilians is a welcome development.” By the same token, the Taliban was blamed for active- ly attacking Afghan civilians. The report concludes, “the inability or unwilling- ness of the armed opposition to take measures that preempt and reduce the harm that their tactics entail for civilians translates into a growing death toll and an ever larger proportion of the total number of civilian dead.” The New York Times reported in 2009 in the name of the United Nations that “for all the civilians killed at the hands of the Afghan government and American-led forces, the Afghan people have more to fear from the insurgents.” Significantly more non-combatants have been injured or killed in Afghanistan by allied troops than by IDF forces in the Gaza Strip. The former British commander in Afghanistan, Col. Richard Kemp, told the BBC that he did not “think there has ever been a time in the history of warfare when any army has made more effort to reduce civilian casualties and deaths of innocent people than the [Israel Defense Forces] is doing … in Gaza.” A career diplomat with years of experience at the United Nations confided that it is no surprise that the United Nations uses a different standard to judge Israel. Speaking off the record and requesting to remain anonymous, he mentioned the UNHRC’s refusal to condemn the brutal tactics used by the Sri Lankan army against Tamil insurgents last year. The United Nations, he said, referred to the brutal civil war as an “internal matter.” Speaking in Dublin, Navi Pillai, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for an investigation of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka. According to the BBC, she expressed “disappointment that the issue of alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka was not properly addressed at the Human Rights Council.” The United Nations’ spokesman in New York could not be reached by the Five Towns Jewish Times for comment. O 58 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION Studying Nechama Leibowitz

BY JUDAH S. HARRIS logue. This writer suggests that demand the source. “How could Yosef’s words heard in the you not know it is a “Nechama Leibowitz: Her Life Midrash are the “unsaid” com- Shakespeare miforash (an obvi- and Work” was the theme for the ments of the listener, who in ous reference)?” he questioned. Winter Week of Learning that the actual biblical text is verbal- But even with the family’s took place December 23–24, 2009 ly silent during Yehudah’s plea, penchant for knowledge and at the Drisha Institute for Jewish but speaking or responding worldliness, they remained criti- Education in Manhattan. Drisha, nonetheless. cal of the fact that Nechama, as a center for advanced Jewish “Interesting,” she acknowl- a young woman, was also a Studies, offers ample learning edges, with a tone indicating “scholar” in Tanach. The sociore- opportunities throughout the clearly that she’s not too accept- ligious outlook of the time con- year, as well as special programs ing of that explanation. “Let’s sidered immersion in Torah during popular vacation seasons. see what Nechama says.” study more appropriately the The December community learn- We read together Nechama’s domain of men (even in later ing event featured presentations answer to the Midrash’s embel- years during her career, the sight by Nati Helfgot, Walter lished transformation of a thor- of a woman teaching Torah was Hertzberg, Moshe Sokolow, and oughly moving speech, surprising, if not shocking, to Chayuta Deutsch from Israel. Yehudah’s monologue, into a many who sat in on her lectures Part 1 of this essay appeared in harsh, combative, accusatory dia- or classes). Nechama’s brother, G r a p the January 1, 2010 issue of the Yeshayahu Leibowitz, also h

logue between the two brothers. i c B y

Five Towns Jewish Times. The The words attributed to Yosef— excelled, and became, in Israel, J u d a h full essay, with additional pho- he could not possibly have said the more famous of the two— S . H a r r tos, can be viewed at them, especially since he has yet probably, Deutsch assumes, i s P h o t

www.judahsharris.com/writings/ to reveal himself. But who then since he was the more outspo- o g r a p nechama-leibowitz. is this accuser that the Midrash ken, more provocative one, with h y a n d

presents? Nechama asks. philosophical and religious D e s i g Part 2 The sages, she answers, want- views that seemed radical com- n In an afternoon session, ed to reveal the inner con- ing from an Orthodox Jew. Chayuta Deutsch, author of science of Yehudah, the “voice Nechama Leibowitz was two where the family was then liv- age of 92, three years after her Nechama: The Biography of of remorse that plagued him,” years younger than her brother. ing. Nechama was born in 1905 Nechama Leibowitz (published now that the brothers’ fate was Both were born in Riga, Latvia, and passed away in 1997 at the Continued on Page 61 in Hebrew in September 2008) totally in the hands of this handed out a photocopied page Egyptian monarch. The more where Nechama examines the Yehudah objects to their treat- story of Yosef and his brothers. ment, she writes, the more he’s Yehudah, a pivotal character reminded of his own persecu- throughout the entire narrative, tion of another, “the injustice he has “drawn near” to Yosef to inflicted on Yosef.” issue a plea to the ruler to allow “It’s the voice of remorse and Binyamin, the very youngest, shame,” says Deutsch. “But why and in whose sack the missing did Nechama bring this goblet has been found, to return Midrash?” home to his father along with “She was drawn to the the other brothers. Yehudah drama,” explains Deutsch. offers himself instead, as a slave. Admittedly, the Yosef story Asking for mercy, and predicting ranks high amongst the most their elderly father’s demise if dramatic in the Torah, but Binyamin is not returned safely, Nechama found drama through- Yehudah recounts the series of out the scripture and wanted to requests and indictments that bring that to the reader. “Her Yosef had leveled against them. theme was to bring Torah to But the Midrash Tanchumah, life,” says Deutsch. “She brings which Nechama cites, portrays a Shuk HaCarmel (the large flavor- much harsher exchange ful Tel Aviv market) to class.” She between the two men, as this wanted Tanach readers to think partial excerpt illustrates: about the psychology (such as in “A false judgment against us,” the Yosef story). “Nechama loved declares Yehudah. drama, understood what drama “There is no more false a is…she had a good ear for the judgment, than the sale of your text and people.” brother,” Yosef replies. Her capacity with people is “The fire that burned well noted, and many former Shechem is rekindled in me,” students told Deutsch, while Yehudah declares. she was researching for her “That is the fire (of passion) of book, that Nechama had a good your daughter-in-law Tamar. I feeling for people and could will douse it,” says Yosef. sense if something was the mat- “I will go out now and color ter with someone. the marketplaces of Egypt in Literature, in all its forms, blood,” Yehudah threatens. Biblical or otherwise, evokes the “You were dyers from an ear- human drama. Nechama lier time, coloring the garment Leibowitz taught literature, she of your brother in blood, and taught poetry, and she even saying to your father: He is torn “liked detective books,” shares to pieces,” Yosef retorts. Deutsch. An appreciation and Chayuta Deutsch solicits command of great literature responses from the class, and a was instilled in Nechama’s own number of participants volun- home in the early years. Around teer possible explanations for the family table, her father the Midrash’s contrived dia- would quote a sentence and 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 59 ceed. What makes a good life coach? It more people in more ways.” ly and in terms of satisfaction. Coaching is Refuah Institute: begins with the personal traits and com- The Refuah Institute was founded and effective in helping people change and munication skills needed to establish a exists to serve the community in accor- become more successful and fulfilled. Life Coaching Inspired relationship based on trust between the Coaches are often paid more than thera- coach and client. pists, in part because coaching clientele By Gedolei Yisrael At the Refuah Institute students are usually are more prosperous than therapy guided to find their own special niche, patients. The size of the fee will frequently B Y ZEEV BREIER such as crisis counseling, youth coaching be related to the income of the client. and coaching for educators, shidduchim Refuah graduates are finding a better qual- Professor Joshua Ritchie, M.D., dean and or marriage coaching and counseling, ity of life for themselves and their clients founder of the Refuah Institute, Jerusalem, coaching for habit transformation, career and often advance in their careers or find was personally trained in life coaching and business, writing, wellness, and supplemental income. Coaches are increas- while intimately serving and observing retirement. If your niche cannot be easily ingly being employed as counselors in serv- gedolei Yisrael. As a ben bayis and shamash characterized, you will be given the tools ice and educational institutions. to the previous Amshinover Rebbe, zt’l, to enable you to discover your own Graduates of the Certified Professional Professor Ritchie was privileged to spend unique specialty. Coach course receive a Refuah Institute over a thousand hours observing the meth- As a life coach, you will be coaching Diploma, as well as Certification by the ods employed by one of the great shep- yourself for success. You will keep the American Association of Professional herds of Am Yisrael caring for thousands of skills you learn for life. You can coach Coaches. They also receive a certificate individuals in private yechidus. yourself through a new transition, includ- from the William Glasser Institute of V’Ahavta, “Love your neighbor as your- ing the transition to your new coaching Reality Therapy. self,” is the essence of coaching and is career. Your own personal development, The program begins Tuesday, Refuah’s motto. The Torah approach to through the challenges you overcome, February 23. Refuah has trained hundreds healthy relationships is based on devel- will empower you to better coach others Professor Rabbi Joshua Ritchie, M.D., of successful coaches from all over the oping a warm, sincere, and caring atti- in similar situations. Dean of Refuah Institute. world, and now the course is even more tude, employing Torah values of compas- Members of the faculty include convenient. Classes will iy’H be held sion, loving-kindness, empathy, respect, Professor Joshua Ritchie, MD; Rabbi Zelig weekly on Tuesdays, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and positive regard for every Jew. Pliskin; Rabbi Eliezer Glatt, MA; Rabbi Zev dance with Torah hashkafah. Leading EST. The course can be attended by tele- What exactly do coaches do? 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60 February 19, 2010 HEALTH SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Nechama Leibowitz then finished his medical degree in Continued from Page 59 Switzerland. Nechama’s marriage to her uncle, brother’s death. In her childhood she Yedidya Lipman Leibowitz, who was 29 attended public school; Jewish education years her senior, caused not only wonder- was taught at home. ment, but also strife in her family (her par- In 1919, after World War I, the family ents were not at the chuppah). He was a big moved from Russia to Berlin, the German man, says Deutsch, and blind. Nechama capital. This was a prosperous time for took care of him, and some supposed she Jews in Berlin, the start of the era of the married him specifically to enable her, as a democratic Weimar Republic, a time of religious woman, to be able to properly Jewish Renaissance, a term introduced care for him. But observers of Nechama years earlier, at the turn of the century, by Leibowitz point out that indeed it was for Martin Buber to encourage a Jewish cul- love. She felt he was the only one who tural, as opposed to solely political, could really understand her. revival. Berlin had become a new home In 1936 Nechama traveled to for 70,000 East European Jews (according Strasbourg, where her family was living. to some figures) that arrived during and She made peace with them, and escorted after the war, and soon grew as a center her family back to Israel, where they for Hebrew culture (by 1930, it is estimat- resided in her neighborhood. This was the ed there were more than 103 Jewish peri- only time in her life that she left Israel odicals being published in Germany in after having made aliyah from Germany. both German and Hebrew). At one point during the afternoon, Nechama studied at the University of Deutsch, who has studied with Rabbi Yoel Berlin from 1925 to 1930, and simultane- Bin-Nun, references Rabbi Nati Helfgot’s ously continued her Jewish studies at lesson of the morning. She feels the need Hochschule für die Wissenschaft des to further explain to the class the reason Judentums, the Higher Institute for Nechama Leibowitz “couldn’t stand” the Jewish Studies, a liberal or non-denomi- touring-with-Tanach phenomenon, an national institution. “Why did she go?” educational activity which would seem Deutsch jokes, but with a serious point enticing to many Jewish studies teachers, intended. “Since she wasn’t going to be and which Nechama herself might have accepted to Beit Medrash L’Rabbanim accepted as an additional means to make (the Rabbinical Seminary).” “the text come to life.” She was con- In 1930, Nechama completed her doc- vinced, says Deutsch, that this type of dis- torate. Her thesis examined Yiddish trans- covery activity could “disprove” the verac- lations of the Hebrew Bible, “in the ity of Tanach, when used by scholars with Fifteenth and Sixteenth Century, as a non-traditionalist historical agenda or Exemplified by Translations of the Book clearly anti-religious approach. of Psalms.” She married and moved to Israel. Her brother stayed in Berlin, and Continued on Page 63

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEALTH SECTION February 19, 2010 61 62 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Nechama Leibowitz in developing and bettering the world, so Continued from Page 61 too the woman shares this mission. It is not dependent on having children. A Rabbi David Silber, the founder and woman “deprived” of her “secondary” pur- dean of Drisha, who has been sitting in pose (in the Biblical text, Chavah comes one of the back rows during the class (the after Ishah) “will be left with the ability to back partition has now been opened up do evil or good, like the man who is bar- to join the classroom with the larger beit ren,” writes Rabbi Arama—the good midrash), speaks up and offers to frame deeds of the righteous are their children. the difference between Nechama Yaakov, with his harsher response, strong- P h o

Leibowitz and the educators who sub- t ly reminds Rochel that she was not “dead” o C o scribe to the new methodologies for u without children, Rabbi Arama concludes r t e s teaching Tanach. During visits to Israel, y in his commentary. Their joint purpose in o f t h he has met Rabbi Yoel Bin Nun, sat next e life remained very much alive. f a m i l

to him in shul. “Rabbi Yoel Bin Nun is y “She sided with which parshan?” o f N

about making it real,” says Rabbi Silber. “I e Deutsch asks the class, prodding us to c h a have many issues with it (his Torah), but m look again at the handout in front of us, a L e i it’s about constructing Torat Eretz b and to choose a winner. “Ramban or o w i t Yisrael”—a term referring to knowledge z Rabbi Isaac Arama?” Womanhood and love of the Land, the integral nature Nechama Leibowitz speaking at the 1983 award ceremony for the Bialik Prize, granted by defined solely by having children, or by a of Eretz Yisrael within Religious-Zionistic the Tel Aviv municipality for significant accomplishments in Hebrew literature. She was dual purpose? thought. “Nechama Leibowitz may have awarded the prize that year, and she spoke on behalf of the winners. Both, answers Deutsch. “Publicly she more of a ‘galus mentality,’” he surmises. kept the harmony of both sides.” The dual As indicated by this special series of remains childless, Rabbi Issac Arama chai, the mother of all living,” but ishah, purpose of being a woman; if one purpose classes at Drisha; the popular stories that chooses instead to stress the dual pur- says Rabbi Arama, infers “taken from is biologically unattainable, the other her students will at times relate casually, pose that every woman has in life: being man” (some scholars question the etymo- remains forever present and integral to but proudly, to their own students, con- both an “Ishah” and also a “Chavah.” The logical connection between ish and gregants, and friends (I have heard many); latter name references being an “eim kol ishah), and that just as a man can advance Continued on Page 64 and the books and articles that have been published since her death, there remains a strong interest in understanding the moti- vations of Nechama Lebowitz—her world outlook, her philosophy as a pedagogue, and who she was as a private person. Those who studied with Nechama Leibowitz in her time, surely must have caught glimpses of her personal life. And those who study her now are invariably often seeking an understanding of the woman as well as the teacher. For 40 years of her life, Nechama Leibowitz was married, but she had no children. Her housekeeper had to help her with food preparation, because Nechama simply didn’t know how to cook. The housekeeper told Chayuta Deutsch that she prepared all the food on the heating platter; Nechama just had to plug it in. The many biographies written about her, based in part on hundreds of interviews and conversations with those who knew her, offer ample details—stories, recollections, and analysis. The authors also ponder whether Nechama Lebowitz’s life as a woman and her life as a teacher only existed side-by-side, or if her private life influenced the teachings she shared with her students. Deutsch addresses this question direct- ly, during the last class of the day, by circulating a handout with an English trans- lation of the explanations by Ramban, Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, and a later Spanish commentator, Rabbi Isaac Arama, who lived in the 15th century, and authored Akedat Yitzchak, a collection of 105 philosophical sermons on Chumash. In this 1953 lesson on the weekly Torah portion of Vayeitzei, Nechama’s private life plays out on the page, as she presents the two different exegetical approaches by these commentators, which deal with the third matriarch’s inability to conceive. The textual sentence is Rochel’s saying to her husband Yaakov: “Give me children or else I will die” (Bereishis 30:1) Yaakov responds with anger: “Am I in the place of G-d, who has withheld from you children?” The commentators each wonder why Yaakov was angered. But while Ramban focuses on Rochel’s request for Yaakov to pray to G-d on her behalf, and the effica- cy, or not, of that prayer, since she still 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 63 Nechama Leibowitz Continued from Page 63 the success of mankind, Rabbi Arama’s approach. “But in private,” continues Deutsch, “she kept the sadness of not having kids,” the Ramban’s approach. Nechama wanted to have children, and Deutsch quotes her as saying, that if she did, “she wouldn’t have written one folio,” implying that the children would have P h o t been her preferred accomplishments. o s C o

Nechama Leibowitz’s children are her u r t e s thousands of students, and at her burial y o f t h on Har HaMenuchot in 1997, a nephew e f a m i l turned to the gathered audience and y o f N

announced that anyone who felt a con- e c h a nection should recite the Kaddish too. m a L e i In an inscription in her books, she also b o w i t refers to her published works as her chil- z dren. Her writings survive her on multiple Nechama and her brother, Yeshayahu. continents, on tens of thousands of book- requested to publish her works, that she Torah Education in the Diaspora, that if shelves, but initially Nechama didn’t want felt that would mean she had to provide there were books in print, people might to publish any formal books. “Yidabru ered only a scholar, says Deutsch. “She the answers to the questions she posed, not come to her to learn, a financial loss haTorot sheli,” she said. Her Torah, as she was a human being, a person.” and people should be thinking on their and serious compromise of the personal taught it, would speak loudly, be passed When approached to publish her own. She was also afraid, says Deutsch, relationship between teacher and stu- along, and need not be confined to print- teachings, she initially refused. She con- who conversed with Dr. Chaim Chamiel dent. She finally did agree, though, and ed volumes. She didn’t want to be consid- veyed to the Jewish Agency, which had of the Jewish Agency’s Department of was happy with the results and even with the answers now provided; she supple- mented additional material for students to ponder. The first books were published in Hebrew and later translated into English, French, Spanish, and Dutch. Though Nechama never wanted the title of “scholar” (her tombstone has only the one word, “morah,” teacher, as an epitaph), she was by all accounts respected as a scholar at the highest levels in the field of Jewish studies, well versed in Torah she’ba’al peh, a lecturer in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (of “per- former” status, says Deutsch) whose ever- popular public talks were heralded with large signs and public announcements. The curious wondered about her popu- larity. Yael Unterman, in her book Nehama Leibowitz: Teacher and Bible Scholar, published in 2009, tells the story of “a distinguished-looking ultra-Orthodox man” who asked to sit in on her class at the Efrata College, a religious teacher training program in the Baka neighborhood of Jerusalem (formerly the Mizrachi College for Women). Nechama obliged and, as Unterman writes, after the class was over “he introduced himself as a student’s father. He had felt the need to substantiate with his own eyes that the teacher behind his daughter’s impressive class notes and worksheets was a woman.” Unterman relays another anecdote, this time of a Modern Orthodox yeshiva student who arrived in Israel in 1972 as a newlywed, to learn at the Gruss Kollel of Yeshiva University, and was encouraged by his rosh yeshiva, Rabbi Dovid Miller, to study with Nechama Leibowitz. He did not take the opportunity seriously. The student was Rabbi Hershel Billet, rabbi of the Young Israel of Woodmere (and a past president of the Rabbinical Council of America), who tells Unterman that his thinking was “I had already spent five or six years in Rav Soloveitchik’s shiur. What could a woman teach me about Torah? So she wrote a few books, quotes a few commentators—simplistic stuff!” Rabbi Billet finally phoned her, and they scheduled a meeting. He was soon surprised at just how much he could yet learn from this woman. “I walked up a couple of flights of stairs and knocked on the door, and a feisty lady opened it, say-

Continued on Page 67 64 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 65 66 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Nechama Leibowitz Continued from Page 64 ing, ‘Come in, you’re two minutes late.’ Then she sat me down and gave me a worksheet to fill out. I thought it would be a piece of cake. The first question was a breeze, but the second wasn’t. It had an X, and the third had two X’s, and I could- n’t believe this was happening.” He was humbled. Nechama conveyed she was a “busy lady too,” but agreed to give him an hour and a half a week. Often Rabbi Billet’s wife would join for the sessions. Not only could longtime students of Rabbi Yosef Soloveitchik gain immensely from shiurim with Nechama, even the rav’s son himself benefited. Chayuta Deutsch tells of Rabbi Dr. Haym Soloveitchik, who studied b’chavrusah with Nechama for nine months, on a weekly basis. What did they study? Chumash with Rashi. Of course. If Nechama Leibowitz had serious hes- itations about formally publishing her work, was reluctant to contribute to certain Tanach journals (critical of what she perceived as “amateur” attempts, but also wondering what she might possibly have to add), and continuously exemplified modesty and simplicity in most aspects of her life, what would she say about these books now being published about her, about multi-day learning programs that are examining not just her method- ology and “shitah,” but her person, her essence, her inner thoughts? Yael Unterman, who spent 10 years researching and writing her 607-page biography of Nechama, looks back and feels that a lot yet remains elusive. “I think the question of how exactly she came to be who she was—what influ- ences shaped and formed her, and how she became this legend—was not fully covered by either myself or Chayuta, though we both made brave attempts at it from various angles. I also believe neither of us really got into who she was in her most private moments, though again, we make some suggestions.” Unterman is grateful that the publica- tion of her book, together with other recent books, including a number of col- lections of teachings, has led to a renewed interest in the work of one of the greatest contemporary teachers of Jewish studies. Unterman measures the overall impact of this one woman who taught Torah, in the broadest possible terms, and believes that the “Jewish intellectual discourse” can benefit immensely by looking to Nechama Leibowitz when discussing “Torah study, feminism, pedagogy, and other major issues of concern.” Those who research and write about Nechama and those who studied with her personally offer us a more complete appreciation of her legacy. Their opinions or conclusions may differ at times, both in style and information conveyed, but with the help of these “commentators,” so to speak, a cohesive impression is for- mulated nonetheless, one that can be transmitted further to all those who choose to study Nechama Leibowitz. O

Judah S. Harris is a photographer, filmmaker, speaker, and writer. He graduated from Yeshiva University and spent a year of study at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh. His work can be seen at www.judahsharris.com/visit and in a popular e- mail newsletter that circulates to thousands of readers. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 67 68 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Your Ad Could Be Here.

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Woodmere — Academy area. Brick Lawrence/ Far Rockaway Co-op — Far Rockaway: 2 Family. All NU, Coming to Israel? Or would you like to Tudor. 5 BR, 3 bth, MIC. February New to market. Jr. 4, spacious, light 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great help out your married children who are only: Don’t miss Low price! Owner and bright, doorman/ elevator building. Location ...... $599K making Yom Tov in Israel? Someone pays first year’s tax. No brokers ...... $239K Call 516-322-3555 have a baby? Want to prepare 516-312-6645 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 Shabbos meals? Offering a variety of Heimish home-cooked catered dishes. House For Sale — Gorgeous, newly ren- 5 Town Homes 516-569-5712 COMMERCIAL REAL ovated, $649K, 5BR, 3.5 bath, fpl, 7,630 Full Menu filled with Delicious Cedarhurst: NU 2 Mkt. Lg LR, DR, ESTATE FOR RENT lot, 2-car garage, cathedral ceilings in Gourmet Food. Excellent Prices, EIK, Den, 5BR, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana, den, fin bsmnt w/wetbar. Delivery Available, References avail- Lg prop, IGPool, Walk to all . . . $659K Rose Hill Realty, 516-596-8976 Brian Rental Store for Rent in Cedarhurst able upon request. Contact Tehila to Tiveriah — House near the Kineret, 3 2600 sq ft store on Central Ave in have the menu Cedarhurst — Motivated seller. Tudor floors, 7 rooms, swimming pool. Cedarhurst Center e-mailed or faxed 845-364-7164, oversized rooms, great street, ready to Tiveriah — 50 room hotel EquiShares, Inc 516-792-9888 glattcooking.com deal ...... $455K Jerusalem — 50 room hotel with 7 stores Woodmere — Incredible C.H. col. 011-972-50-413-1988 or 011-972-4-672-2998 Cedarhurst: Office rental: Executive 2 Totally Redone, 6 BR, 3 bths, Designer Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., HELP WANTED Magazine kitchen, 1-of-a-kind, . . $1.1M Lawrence — Wonderful c/h col. house CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 Old Woodmere — 8-year-old Col. 6 BR, on the nicest cul-de-sac there is. Brand 4.5 bths, High ceilings, ...... $1.29M new kitchen, finished basement. Asking Hewlett- Class A Office Building. 65 Levine Realty Group 516-295-4700 $875K Call 516-902-0936 Parking spots. 13,000 sf, Will divide. Asking $27.50 psf. Lawrence: OURS ONLY!! INTERNSHIPS Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth, EquiShares, 516-792-9888 BRICK, C/H COL, Stately BRICK, w/old fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large AVAILABLE world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 prop ...... $800sK Lawrence — 290 Central Ave. Office BTHS, Kosher Eik, Lg. FDR, Library, space for sublease in professional build- in editorial, Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, Fin. Bsmt., Lg Prop., WALK ALL. ing— Furnished— 750 S.f— Call Dr. deck, all new, grt loc, full bsmt classified production, and ...... $995K Feibusch 516-375-8894 ...... $795K 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 advertising departments. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. E-mail to arrange interviews: North Woodmere — First show! 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near Cedarhurst — New Construction. 5BR Decorator’s dream. Beautiful bi-level, Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be colonial w/bsmt on huge property. $995K [email protected] large granite kosher EIK, FDR, large divided. Owner 917-359-9776 Woodmere — New Construction. Classic 5BR CH colonial w/ bsmt. Large LR, den, 4 BR, waterview, all systems, Shared Office Space property. Edward Ave. Location & Walk walk all shuls...... $679K Looking for volunteer drivers to deliver Cedarhurst/Woodmere All utilities inc + to All Shuls. Call for details. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Shaloch Manos on Purim day to nursing free internet & conf room. Hewlett Neck — New Construction. homes. If interested, please call Starting at ...... $500 Over 5,000 s.f. 6BR, CH colonial. Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full 212-365-8892 EquiShares, Inc 516-792-9888 w/bsmt. 2-car garage, on 1/2 acre lot, deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. Walk To All Shuls. Call for details!! ...... $729K Cedarhurst Office Space for Rent REAL ESTATE Open House 11am -1 pm 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 1,000-3,000 sq ft avail. Start at . . $1,500 Cedarhurst — 637 Branch Blvd. Move in FOR SALE EquiShares,Inc 516-792-9888 4BR on 1 level, contemp. 2-car garage, House for sale by owner, on a very cute huge den, lg. yard. Present All Offers! block in Cedarhurst, 3 BR, 1 1/2 Bath, Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq ft, fully 5 Towns exclusive Open Houses ...... $550K EIK, LR/DR and Finished Basement. wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. by appt Sun 2/21 South Shore Estates 516-569-4980 Priced to sell. For more info please call Call 516-322-3555 Atlantic Beach — 99 Genesee Blvd 3BR, 516-569-1685 (leave a message if no Hewlett/ Woodmere border — 3 BR (4th 2bth ranch, year rental. $2,700/mo. answer). BR or den), 2 full bths, LR w/ fireplace, Woodmere — 816 Jefferson St 3BR FOR RENT ranch mint ...... $469K DR, finished basement, lots of storage, Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU Woodsburgh — Mint 6BR, 7bth huge fin near LIRR. $489K 917-783-4873 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt bsmt Near all ...... $1.7M All features ...... $779K West Lawrence/Far Rockaway — by appt. Lawrence — 40 Lismore Rd. 5BR, Call 516-263-6417 Valley Stream — All new beautiful large Contemporary c/h col. high ceilings, 3.5bth col ...... $800Ks 2 BR, EIK – FDR, upper of 2 family skylights, fpl ...... $859K Cedarhurst: 1st Show Wdmr — Young spac 4BR, 2.5bth colo- house, quiet residential street, includes Brick Dramatic Young 5 BR Col. cul-de- 1st FLR, FDR, 2BR. 2BTHS Terrace. nial ...... $725K heat and parking...... $1,700 sac MIC ...... $900’s Lawrence — Huge fab Carlyle condo 10 Views of Gdns, W/D Spacious California ranch, huge finished 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 closets 2-car gar ...... $500Ks Lo maint, Grt. loca’n, Walk all. . $319K basement ...... $900’s Smolinsky Properties 516-295-4444 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU Legal brick 2 family 6/6 + fin. Bth, LR, DR, EIK...... $1,300 Basement ...... $850K Lori & Associates Realty 516-791-8300 Bayswater: Great houses- from 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 $399,000- low NYC real estate taxes- Open House Sunday 11-12 p.m. LoriandAssociates.com 146 B9 and 156 B9 condos new construc- interest rates rising- “$8,000 income tax W.Lawrence/Far Rockaway— Reads North Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch tion for sale or rent credit” ends April 30th. Call now, don’t Lane Area, Off Virgina Exp Ranch, 4Br, in MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. wait until spring. It’s later than you 1250 B12th St 3BR 2bths 2Bth, LR/ DR EIK, Screened-in porch, 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 think! Joe Hersh, Milky Forst Properties Inc 516-239-0306 Fbsmt, 70x100, Room to expand $875K Noam Realty 212-431-1234 Woodmere — By owner. Waterfront. Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth Lawrence — Large house on deep prop- 4BR, LR, DR, EIK, den, finished base- Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K erty. 5BR, 4 bths, high ceilings, LR, DR, ment, completely renovated, driveway, 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, Call 516-322-3555 garage, quiet dead-end block. Close to 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, office/ den, hardwood floors throughout, main shuls. Reasonable price. clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space Hewlett — New to market. Beautiful 5 prime location, close to all. Reduced! 917-681-9500 parking, 2 family, professional use, BR, 3 bths, split. All updated, in SD#14...... $649K accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- Separate entrance can be M/D with Far Rockaway — 2 houses New to mar- Cedarhurst — All updated charming tional and religious uses. Grand colonial proper permits. Owner motivated, pres- ket! Brand new construction. Col. New granite EIK, FDR, LR with with charm and great possibilities. ent all offers...... $550K Detached 1 family house, 3 BR, 2.5 bths, fireplace, 4+ BR, CAC, in the heart of Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 beautiful kosher kitchen, private drive- Cedarhurst. Walk all. Owner 516-322-3555 way, full basement, porch +2 balconies, Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Woodsburgh, Woodmere, Mayfair — convenient location. Priced to sell. . . . Oceanside — Brand new construction. Co-op. Huge LR, huge DR, huge Beautiful CH col. Large 4 BR (1 level), foyer/den, large EIK, 3 large BRs, 3 full ...... $479K 2.5 bths, granite EIK, FDR, den with fp, bths, 9ft. ceilings, pillars. One of the 2 family 3/3, 4.5 bths, beautiful kosher Classified Ads are full bsmt, in cul-de-sac, walk all, best biggest co-ops. Qualified only. kitchens, parking, full basement. Only price ...... $675K Motivated $475K Esther Walfish ...... $599K Continued on the Next Page. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 516-295-7776 Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 71 CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS Continued from Page 71 FOR RENT FOR RENT OPPORTUNITY

Become an Acai Berry Juice distribu- FOR RENT Lawrence/Far Rockaway — 833 Central Far Rockaway rentals: tor and earn commission immediately. Ave. Jr 4 (2 BR) Spacious doorman/ ele- 1 and 2 BR apartments. some balconies. vator building, walk all ...... $1,500 Online trainer, work from home, no New kitchens, lots of closets, 24 hr door- 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 investment, e-mail [email protected] Far Rockaway — Beautiful 6.5 rooms, 3 man, security cameras. Close to White BR, 2 baths, new kitchen, separate Cedarhurst — Nu House CH Col. LR, Shul, Shor Yoshuv and train. entrance, own thermostat. Best block in FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR, 3BTHS. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 MISCELLANEOUS Far Rockaway. 718-868-1153 Bsmt. For Rent ...... $2,500 Brand new construction 3&4 BR, 2 full 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 baths, custom kosher kitchen, w/d Bayswater — 3 BR apt for rent, second hookup, c/a, balcony for sukkah, 1-park floor. EIK, LR, DR, backyard, great Cedarhurst — NU House, CH Col., LR, spot included, no rental fee, 1 month’s Ocean Corp. Houston, Texas. Train for location. Asking $1,375 Call 917-709-2564 FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 5BR., 3BTHS., New Career. Underwater Welder, rent free if lease signed by 3/1. Full Bsmt., Lg Bkyd...... $3,200 Commercial Diver, NDT/Weld Cedarhurst — Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. 5 TOWN HOMES New to market first floor 3 bed 2 bath, Inspector. Job placement and financial 2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk 516-569-5710 extra large living room, formal dining aid for those who qualify, 1-800-321-0298 incld ...... $2,300 room, kitchen with meat and dairy Far Rockaway — Basement apt for 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 ovens on Caffrey Ave. rent. 2 BR, EIK, large bathroom, pri- Call Avi 516-351-3061 Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place vate entrance, great location, near Deadline for 833 Central. Studio and One bedroom, LIRR, near all shuls. Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning 718-868-4636, 646-696-1780 24 hour doorman, Shabbos elevator. cul-de-sac, best location . . $4K monthly Classified Advertising Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 Call Irene 516-652-7099 Valley Stream — First show! Lovely 4 BR, 2 bths, in SD#14, LR, DR, den, on Flatbush AveN/E4 Newly renovated, Lawrence — New to Market. Pristine in next week’s issue is large property, walk all, ...... $2,350 4BR, 2Bath, LR, DR, EIK, W/D, ter- house on quiet cul-de-sac. 5 bed 4 full 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 race, in pvt house. Near all. Call bath. Oversized master suite with Monday, 917-929-3118 Special Prices At Sand Castle For Jacuzzi. Cac. Walk to all . . $4,500 Neg. Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom 5TJT Readers — Studios for $895. Avromy 347-752-0948 February 22 Includes utilities. No brokers’ fee! HW Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator Weissman Realty Group, LLC floors, big windows, fully-equipped bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at 516-791-6100 kitchens, cable and internet connectivi- at 5:00 P.M. Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv, ty, closets. Gym, gourmet market, phar- Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 transportation, and shopping. macy, Rabbi Korn's shul, and laundry bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, Call Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180 facilities in BLDG. 711 Seagirt Ave. on LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new the beach - convenient to subway, Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, LIRR, and Q113 bus. www. carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. 516-569-0502 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. sandcastleny.com. Weissman Realty Walk all ...... $2,150 Call 516-322-3555 Group, LLC 718-471-2593 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

72 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Solution To 5TJT Puzzle: Jewish Geography

Puzzle appears on page 81.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 73 The Pintele Yid

BY RABBI AVROHOM them their first Shabbos experience. WALKIN AND RABBI ARYEH These families and shuls epitomize true LIGHTSTONE OF NCSY Torah living as a natural outgrowth of true Torah learning. One teen, Edith from St. As Jews today, it seems almost under- Louis, commented on her way back from standable to have negative perspectives the afternoon seudah, “I never heard of and feelings towards Judaism. It seems Shabbos before signing up for this JSU safer and more natural to be skeptical; trip. I was a little nervous at first when I recent headlines have erected nearly was told of the dress code (a modest skirt). impenetrable walls for the thousands of Yet, I can truly say that my first true unaffiliated Jews to search and pursue a Shabbos experience has been eye opening Torah life for which their earlier ances- and exhilarating for myself and my tors sacrificed so much. friends. I’m still not clear how to sort it all The Baal Shem Tov makes a profound out, but one thing is certain: when I—with comment on the juxtaposition of the G-d’s help—start a family of my own, I words Na’aseh V’Nishmah—“we will do would want them to experience Shabbos and we will hear.” Bnei Yisrael proclaimed every week just as I did this past week.” these words as they stood at the foot of This is the power of turning inspiration Har Sinai, as we read in parashas into action. This was the koach of the won- Mishpatim. We read in this week’s derful families who hosted these teens and parashah about the taking of the terumah gave willingly. As the pasuk in this week’s (donations). The Besh’t comments that it is parashah states: “Mei’eis kol ish asher yid- not enough to be inspired to do all that venu lebo tikchu es trumasi,” From all who Hashem asks and expects from us; one has give willingly shall you take my portion.” to channel that inspiration into action. These families served as tremendous role Inspiration without follow-through is just models. Their love for acheinu kal Beis that—inspiration. On the other hand, Yisrael made an everlasting impression on inspiration channeled into action the many teens who may never otherwise becomes internalized and everlasting. have gotten the opportunity to see the It is in this vein that over 30 families beauty of the Jewish home in practice. from Lawrence, Cedarhurst, and Far Our community was also blessed to Rockaway, specifically members of host roshei yeshiva and gedolei Yisrael Congregation Shaarei Tefila and Beth from Beis Medrash Gevoha of Lakewood. Sholom, joined together to host over 60 Their divrei chizuk and awe-inspiring public school teens from the New York presence left an indelible impact on a area and the Midwest, giving many of truly unforgettable Shabbos. O

74 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 75 A Five Towns Simcha Photo By Jason Feingold

The Bar Mitzvah of Yehuda Segelnick of West Hempstead, son of Mark and Michele. The simcha took place at Young Israel of Hillcrest, with music and entertainment by Azamra DJ.

76 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Singing With Simcha

Members of the Neshoma Orchestra entertaining children of Chai Lifeline/Camp Simcha at the home of Yehuda and Beth Honig on Motzaei Shabbos Parashas Beshallach (January 30). L–R: Aryeh Kunstler, Yekusiel Sebrow, Yosef Wartelsky, and Mo Rosenblum.

They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell amongst them (Sh’mos 25:8) The verse does not say,“and I will dwell within it,” but “and I will dwell within them”—within each and every one of them. (Shelah)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 77 A Great Night For Neveh Zion

Shea and Estee Pollack of Lawrence hosted a melaveh malkah in their home to benefit Yeshiva Neveh Zion last Motzaei Shabbos, February 13. Enthusiastic supporters of this vital institution in Yerushalayim enjoyed a lavish buffet and a Chinese auction.

78 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 79 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS “These letters,” Ms. Clarke wrote, “are had appeared. court” brief submitted on February 4 to Continued from Page 56 uneven in their application of pressure The participants in the meeting with the United States Supreme Court, and do not sufficiently present a bal- Congresswoman Clarke greeted her new Agudath Israel of America urged the Congresswoman Clarke Disavows anced approach/path to peace.” “open letter” with cautious optimism. Court to reverse a decision by the Ninth Recent Letters On Middle East The Congresswoman went on to One expressed hope that the Circuit Court of Appeals and uphold the After meeting earlier this week with a explain the challenges facing Israel and Congresswoman “now clearly under- right of a Christian student group to group of Jewish community representa- pledged to “be the strong and unwavering stands the issues well, and that her continue to operate at the University of tives and activists, Congresswoman Yvette supporter of the State of Israel [that] I stances on Middle East issues in the California Hastings Law Center. The D. Clarke, who represents a diverse district have been throughout my entire public future will reflect the support for Israel Orthodox group’s brief contends that if covering a large swath of Brooklyn, issued life while working with the she is voicing now.” the Court allows the law school to deny an “open letter” to her constituents express- Administration and my colleagues in Agudath Israel of America executive the Christian group the right to follow ing regret regarding her participation in Congress to ameliorate human suffering vice president Rabbi Chaim Dovid its religious dictates (which include lim- two letters that were critical of Israel. wherever it may exist.” Zwiebel, citing the effective efforts of the iting membership to members of its The first letter, to Secretary of State The community representatives who participants in the meeting with faith), then religious organizations and Clinton, asked for pressure to be brought met with the Congresswoman included Congresswoman Clarke, said that the institutions throughout the country on Israel to end a ban on student travel (in alphabetical order): Chaskel Bennett; results of the meeting “show what can be could well be relegated to “second from Gaza to the West Bank. The second Rabbi Eli Cohen; Leon Goldenberg; Rabbi accomplished when the community class” status and denied many of the was a more recent letter signed by 53 Shmuel Lefkowitz; Rabbi Michael Miller; comes together and works together.” freedoms and benefits to which they other members of Congress that called on Rabbi Yechezkel Pikus; Yeruchim Silber, Regarding Congresswoman Clarke, are currently entitled. President Obama to pressure Israel to lift Rabbi Chanina Sperlin; and Rabbi Rabbi Zwiebel said: “Her reiteration of “Christian Legal Society v. Martinez” the blockade of Gaza. Gedaliah Weinberger. These individuals, her friendship today, and the principled involves a Christian student group at a In her new “open letter,” executives and lay leaders of Agudath stance she has again taken, are more than state-run law school that was informed Congresswoman Clarke wrote that the Israel of America, COJO of Flatbush, appreciated by the Jewish community. by school administrators that it cannot two earlier letters do not “reflect my Crown Heights Community Council, and They are deeply valued.” O be considered a recognized student record with regards to Israel” and “have a the Jewish Community Relations Council organization if it continues to restrict provocative and reactionary impact, as of New York, expressed the Jewish com- Agudath Israel Urges Supreme membership to Christians only. Agudath they do not provide a complete, and there- munity’s deep concern over the letters on Court To Uphold Religious Liberty Israel of America, an Orthodox Jewish fore accurate, picture of the situation.” which Congresswoman Clarke’s signature In a strongly worded “friend of the organization whose constituents would all be denied membership in the Christian Legal Society, nonetheless sup- ports the right of such religious groups to “discriminate” on the basis of their deeply held religious beliefs. As the Jewish group’s brief points out, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees both freedom of religion and freedom of speech and association. If state entities are allowed to deny benefits to a religious organization like the Christian Legal Society, the Agudath Israel brief argues, simply because their beliefs and practices do not conform to contemporary mores, then many other faiths’ institutions would also be in danger of being excluded from many benefits because their practices, too, differ from contemporary norms. The Agudath Israel brief was drafted by Jeffrey Zuckerman and his colleagues at the law firm Curtis, Mallet-Prevost. Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel, thanked the firm for working pro bono on the brief and urged the Court to heed its message. “If the lower court decision denying the Christian Legal Society the right to operate is upheld, traditional religious communities whose beliefs do not conform to the secular mainstream will be relegated to second class status in our country. It is hard to believe that that is what the Founding Fathers had in mind when they crafted the First Amendment.” O

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80 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5TJT Puzzle: Jewish Geography

BY YONI GLATT Across 75. Buzzing insect 1. Plot 76. Slapstick pastry 4. UK station 77. Benji or Beethoven, e.g. 7. Many effects today 78. ___ Moines 10. Swine locale 79. Some albums 13. Period 80. Birthday present, perhaps 14. MGM’s lion 15. Title on a judge’s mailing address (abbr.) Down 16. Japanese fish 1. Y bearers 17. Home of Americas oldest Shul 2. We ___ the Champions 19. Jewish expulsion country of 1290 3. Dog hand 21. Had a siyum 4. Both sides of the page, in a shiur 22. Got up 5. French hat 23. Beat (the odds) 6. Bunk bed 26. Forbidden 7. Aron hakodesh image 29. Biblical vessels 8. ______further! (Stop!) 33. Mentalist Geller 9. Gerund letters 34. ___ legend 10. Local girls’ school 37. Latke need 11. Heavy weight 38. Purim treat 12. Jew 40. Airport lttrs. 18. Settle a debt 41. Jamestown, once 20. Grassland Solution on page 73. 43. South America city with the most 23. Shoveled Jews 24. Before, to the bard 50. The loneliest number 46. Venice has the world’s first Jewish 25. Nut option 51. Itty one of these 27. Car 54. Two semi-circles 48. Played a child’s game 28. More arrogant 57. Bloody Sunday terrorist org. 49. Pack 30. Kosher bird 59. “Stay above 50” flick 52. ___ Town 31. Family 60. Actress Tina 53. White 32. Clever 62. Ancient Roman poet of note 55. Be’er Sheva to Jerusalem dir. 35. Burning liquid 63. Somewhat common school parasite 56. Bigfoot’s cousin 36. Neither’s pal 65. In debt 58. Cinema, literature, etc… 39. Egyptian ruler, once 66. Kind of pole 60. On the house 40. Son of Seth 67. Folly of many men 61. Throw dice 42. The most common word in English 68. Breaking it can be good or bad 64. Raven poet in French 69. Network with a lot of recent drama 66. City with the most Jews 44. Flight letters 70. Choose 69. Where the first American Jews landed 45. Not 71. Future Olympics locale 73. 8,16, or 24 46. Opposite of 12-Down 72. West or Largo 74. Diamonds 47. Tint

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 81 82 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 19, 2010 83 84 February 19, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES