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May 24, 2018 | Published Bi-Weekly | 10 Sivan, 5778 Issue #77

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May 25 - 11 Sivan, 5778 JEWISH LINK Parshat Naso CANDLE Light Candles: 7:57 PM BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT LIGHTING Shabbat Ends: 9:05 PM IDF Attacks Hamas Tunnel, Naval Force Targets Retaliating to terrorist infi ltration from the strip into Israel Tuesday, IDF jets destroy tunnel in northern Gaza, two Hamas naval force targets. in light of “continued attempts to As a result of the strike, Palestin- or of Catering | brian.fi nneran@hilt insert drones and kites into Israel ian sources reported, a boat set to r Ave | Rye Brook, NY 10573 | westc for the purposes of terrorism and participate in a protest fl otilla call- o December 31, 2019 with a contracted food and bevera arson.” YOUR SPECIAL SIMCHA CONTINUED ON P. 11 TOS COURTESY OF ANDRÉ REICHMANN PHOTOGRA IN ULTIMATE LUXURY See ad on page 2 Riverdale Community Partnership Launches

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Join Us See ad on page 3 The strikes were carried out in response to the ongoing attempts to dispatch

Education is the key drones and kites (pictured), with the intention of conducting terrorist activity that unlocks the and setting Israeli territory on fi re. CREDIT: BT NEWS ONLINE door to Success! By Yoav Zitun/Ynetnews.com Gaza-ruling terror group’s naval As your child’s advocate, Dr. Kirshenbaum will: force were hit. • Request special education testing • Make sure appropriate and timely evaluations occur The IDF attacked a Hamas ter- A spokesman for the IDF said

• Help you understand your rights under the Individuals with ror tunnel in the northern Gaza that strike came in response to the Rabbi Joseph Robinson and Emily Hausman; Ben-Ami, Liam and Ruth. Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and 504 Strip with ﬁ ghter jets early Wednes- inﬁ ltration of Palestinians from the • Review Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 Plans • Attend meetings and hearings day. Two additional targets of the strip into Israel Tuesday, as well as By Yvette Finkelstein spearheading the Riverdale Jewish • Access resource, information and referrals Community Partnership (RJCP) by

To learn more201-214-83252 about0 1CALL (Child2 A1dvocate4 Liaison8 L3ink) 2ASSOCIATES,5 contact: With much energy and enthu- [email protected]. Gerald Kirshenbaum CONTINUED ON P. 12 316 West Englewood Avenue siasm, Rabbi Joseph Robinson is T k NJ 07666 See ad on page 19 Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl Discusses Modern Carmel Academy SPORTS Orthodoxy at YINR Girls Get a League By Judy Berger of Their Own The Young Israel of New Ro- chelle welcomed Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl Carmel Academy seventh grad- as their scholar-in-residence for ers Francesca Margolius and Nili

INVEST IN ISRAEL BONDS Shabbat Behar-Bechukotai, May Sprecher had been playing on the ISRAELBONDS.COM ISRAELBONDS.COM 11-12. He is currently the head of school’s baseball team for a num-

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 3 WORLD NEWSBRIEFS

Friedman Pic Prompts PA Outrage sy said in a statement that he had not been content of the photo. Earlier this week, European Union aware of the image and was “deeply disap- “We demanded an apology from the or- spokesperson Maja Kocijancic called on Is- pointed” that his visit had been taken ad- ganization for allowing one of their em- rael to investigate an incident in which Ja- vantage of in that way. ployees to present the controversial im- far Farah, director of the NGO Mossawa, The picture, which was a photograph of age to the ambassador during his visit, and the Advocacy Centre for Arab Citizens in Is- the modern Old City of Jerusalem and the the American policy is absolutely clear: we rael, claimed he had his leg broken by po- Temple Mount with the Holy Temple dig- support the status quo regarding the Har- lice during a demonstration against the itally imposed over the Dome of the Rock, am al-Sharif/Temple Mount,” the embassy deaths of dozens of Palestinians in events was presented to Ambassador Friedman by source said. on the Gaza border on May 14. the Achiya organization. The organization apologized for the in- The EU statement also called on Isra- Commenting on the photo, Saeb Erekat, cident and said: “The management of Achi- el not to deport Omar Shakir, the local di- a close associate of P.A. leader Mahmoud ya wishes to apologize to the U.S. Ambas- rector for Human Rights Watch. Israel has Abbas, said, “This is reckless, brazen behav- sador to Israel, David Friedman, and to the revoked the U.S. citizen’s entry permit and (Daniel Siryoti/Israel Hayom/JNS and ior. It is aggression over Jerusalem. Anyone U.S. Embassy in Israel. A member of the ordered him to leave the country for his al- Arutz Sheva) The Palestinian Authority was who does this is blatantly trying to turn the Achiya staff presented the picture to the leged support of boycotts against Israel. outraged by a photo of U.S. Ambassador to conﬂ ict into a violent one on the basis of ambassador without the approval of Achi- Steinitz accused the EU of “chutzpah Israel David Friedman holding an image religion.” ya, the embassy or the ambassador.” and hypocrisy,” saying that the organiza- of Jerusalem altered to remove the iconic The publication of the picture on the tion “sucked up to Iran” and would help Dome of the Rock and insert an as-yet-non- haredi news site Kikar Hashabbat aroused Minister Says EU Can ‘Go Tehran in the face of newly imposed Amer- existent Third Temple. outrage among left-wing activists on social to a Thousand Hells’ ican sanctions. According to Israeli media reports, the networks, despite the fact that the picture (TPS) Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Stein- “Iran executes and tortures homosex- picture was thrust into Friedman’s hands was thrust on him without his knowledge. itz blasted the European Union following uals, harms women’s rights, supports ter- during a visit to an ultra-Orthodox NGO in An ofﬁ cial at the U.S. Embassy respond- critical remarks on Israel’s human rights re- rorism and the regime of [Syrian President Bnei Brak that works with haredi children ed to the criticism Tuesday evening, claim- cord, saying the organization could “go to a Bashar] Assad who uses chemical weapons with learning disabilities. The U.S. Embas- ing the ambassador was unaware of the thousand hells.” against his own people, and they [the EU] pick on us?” Steinitz said in an interview with the 103 FM radio station. GRAND HOTEL PALAZZO DELLA FONTE Literary Community Mourns Celebrated American- L Jewish Author Philip Roth MEMBER OF LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD (JLNJ) As part of worldwide comments made after the death of an American lit- SUMMER VACATION SUCCOS VACATION erary giant, Newark Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr., celebrated the life of New Jer- TUES. JULY 24 - TUES. AUGUST 21 FRI. SEPTEMBER 21 - WED. OCTOBER 3 sey-born novelist Philip Roth, who passed away on Tuesday, May 22, at the age of 85.

CONTINUED ON P. 7 JEWISH LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT TABLE OF CONTENTS World Newsbriefs ...... Pages 4-7 Editorial………………………....Page 8 Letters to the Editor……………Page 8 Op-Ed By Giulio Meotti…. …………..Page 9 World/Israel News……………Page 11 Community News……….Pages 11-17 Community Newsbriefs……..Page 14 Dvar Torah By Rabbi David Walk……….Page 18 By Rabbi Gidon Rothstein….. Page 18 Bringing the Prophets to Life By Rabbi Neil Winkler………Page 19 • DDelectableelectable Haute ItItalianalian CuCuisineCuisinisine • MemberMember of thethhe LLeadingeading HotelsHotels OfO TheThe WorldWorld 5-Star5-Star LuxuryLuxury ResoResortrt • 1 Hour from Rome • Professional Day CampCamp The World According to Schmutter • Inspiring Lectures •Evening entertainment By Mordechai Schmutter…….Page 20 GlattGlatt KosKosherher supervision bbyy RaRabbibbi G.M. GareGareliklik anandd RaRabbibbi M. SShaikewitz,haikewitz, Community Profile……………Page 21 thethe mostmost well–knownwell known hashhashgachagacha in IItalytaly News From Israel…..………Page 22 Classified Ads……………….Page 22 LEISURE TIME TOURS THE MINKOWITZ FAMILY Food & Wine Link…………..Page 24 NEW YORK MILAN ITALY SIMCHA LINK………………Page 25 61ST +718-528-0700 +39-349-538-8060 +39-328-801-8098 SCHOOLS………………Pages 26-28 www.leisuretimetours.com www.elitekosherevents.com SPORTS……………………..Page 29 Real Estate Section.….....Pages 30-32

4 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 5 Yemei Iyun On Bible & Jewish Thought Generously sponsored in memory of Riva Koschitzky z"l by Tamar & Eric Goldstein

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CONTINUED FROM P. 4 one of the clauses would gradually reduce and then eliminate the ability for Israel to “Philip Roth was among the greatest writers spend any of that funding in the Jewish of the 20th century, but he never forgot his state. Up until the signing, Israel was able humble roots in New Jersey. Some of the to spend 26.3 percent of the funds in Israel. most celebrated literary creations put to pa- The Knesset members expressed con- per by an American were each anchored in cern that the destruction of Israel’s mili- Roth’s upbringing in Newark. Roth’s works tary industry would threaten Israeli inde- taught generations about the pain inher- pendence in times of emergency and make ent in postwar Jewish life, the frustrating Israel reliant on America. They urged the search for identity, the threat of creeping prime minister to discuss the clause with fascism and the dark humor underlying Trump in the hopes that the more sympa- the human experience. Producing his fi n- thetic administration would amend it to est novels when most authors are entering enable Israel to spend the aid money in retirement, many of his books are timeless the country. and continue to inform our society. “Two years ago, spurning offers from Israel Is World’s First Country larger institutions, Roth left all of his pa- to Attack With F-35s pers and personal texts to Newark Public (JNS) Israeli Air Force Commander Maj. Library. His generosity will ensure that stu- Gen. Amikam Norkin told foreign air-force dents and scholars will be able to study his commanders that Israel was the fi rst coun- life in the same place that aroused Roth’s try in the world to carry out military at- own interest in books. That is the perfect tacks with F-35 stealth fi ghter jets. capstone to an unparalleled literary life.” At a conference in Herzliya, Norkin showed commanders in attendance a pho- Knesset Committee Urges to of an Israeli F-35 jet circling over Beirut Netanyahu to Implore Trump to and revealed that Israel’s harsh response to Change Part of US Aid Deal an Iranian attack against Israel on May 10 (JNS) Knesset members told Israeli Prime came after the Iran fi red 32 missiles at Isra- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that up to el from Syrian territory—more than the 20 22,000 workers in Israel’s defense industry missiles originally reported. could lose their jobs to the tune of a whop- “We attacked twice in the Middle East ping $1.3 billion in annual losses if he does with the F-35. We’re the fi rst in the world to not convince U.S. President Donald Trump do so,” said Norkin, who also praised Israel’s to reverse a clause in a military funding deal Arrow, Iron Dome and David’s Sling aerial-designed with the United States in 2016. fense systems for their 85 percent success The aid package signed between Net- rate at intercepting foreign missile fi re. anyahu and President Barack Obama pro- Israel responded to the Iranian attack vided Israel with $38 billion in military as- by decimating more than 50 Iranian mili- sistance for 10 years, starting in 2019. But tary targets in Syria.

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 7 EDITORIAL JEWISH LINK A 12-Step Program for Iran BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT Last week, the administration decer- sanctions against fi ve Iranians who had tion in the Middle East was made nec- Co-Founders/Co-Publishers tifi ed the U.S. role in the Joint Compre- provided expertise and weaponry to essary by previous administrations that David Winter hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), better Yemen’s Houthis, who use the technolo- looked to appease instead of restrict. Moshe Kinderlehrer known as the Iran nuke deal. gy to threaten U.S. ally Saudi Arabia. These steps provide measures of se- Mark (Mendy) Schwartz This week, Secretary of State Mike Secretary Pompeo further warned curity for Israel and other American re- Pompeo told Iran it would have to take Iran that should it choose to defy gional interests. And they once again Associate Publisher/Editor 12 positive steps for the U.S. to consider American demands, the rogue nation send a message to Iran that its political Elizabeth Kratz any new accord. Some of those steps in- would face the “strongest sanctions in and military behavior in the Middle East clude the total dismantling of Iran’s nu- history.” will not be tolerated now or in the fu- Founding Partner, clear program, the end of ballistic missile The U.S., and certainly Israel and re- ture. Jewish Link Design Group testing, a complete withdrawal from Syr- gional Arab nations who rightly see Ira- Perhaps Syria and its backer, Russia, Adam Negnewitzky ia, and ending its program of Middle East nian infl uence as a serious threat, will will also get that message. Sec. Pompeo and worldwide terrorism. benefi t from strong American action. is no John Kerry. Senior Editor The administration added further The posture of the Trump administra- And we are grateful for that. Jill Kirsch

Associate Editors A Day to Remember Phil Jacobs Tamar Weinberg For many Americans, Memorial Day is the unoffi cial fi rst day of summer. It’s a nice Community Editor day off from work or school. Yvette Finkelstein If we did a word-association test of sorts and we wrote or said “Yom Hazikaron” in Advertising Director our community, we’d talk about the solem- Yaakov Serle nity—the sacred, soulful sadness of the day Production Editor because of our connection to the IDF or because this day of observance is symbolical- Jennifer Hoff er ly joined at the hip with Yom Ha’atzmaut, Offi ce Manager Israel’s Independence Day. Dena Kinderlehrer Memorial Day in the U.S. has, for many Americans, moved from that solemnity to Bookkeeper mean resort traffi c congestion, a family bar- Gila Negnewitzky becue or a chance to save some money at the shopping mall. Sales Development For those family and friends of ours Ken Goff stein who have served in the U.S. Armed Forc- es, Memorial Day is a hallowed holiday. It Sales Representatives is a day to fl y the American fl ag with pride speak Yiddish better than English, served graves and adorned them with small fl ags Josh Bernstein from our homes. For the Jewish communi- their new nation with honor, be it at York- or perhaps fl owers. It became Memorial Risa Lefkowitz ty, it’s a day to remember that Jewish men town, Gettysburg or Normandy. In contem- Day in 1971. and women paid the ultimate price for the porary and current times, as our great na- On Monday, it behooves us all to ex- Rachel Ashendorf very nation that in some cases accepted tion takes on terrorism in all of its forms, plain to our children that yes, this is a day Avi Koenig them and appreciated their service long be- Jewish Americans are serving with distinc- to enjoy together, but it is also a time to Simon Worman fore there was even a State of Israel. Jew- tion, sometimes paying the ultimate price. pause and be thankful for every American ish American immigrants sometimes found Indeed, Memorial Day dates back to who was willing to defend our freedom Database Coordinator that an important way to become part of the years just after the U.S. Civil War. The and our country’s way of life. Moishie Rosenberg the fabric of our nation was to don a uni- observance was known for many years as So enjoy the summer. But remember Sports Editor form. Jewish soldiers, some of whom could Decoration Day because Americans visited the real meaning of this day. Steve Gutlove

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Proofreader/Copy Editors Abbas Propagates Terrible soldier killing a Palestinian baby with a Rivky Bergstein Image; Little Difference milk-bottle ﬁ lled with gas. Ruth Brody Between PA and Hamas Our statement reads: “Whatever Abu Contributors The Simon Wiesenthal Center urg- Mazen’s physical ailments, his latest es the governments of Germany and prank—displaying a horriﬁ c cartoon de- Rachel Berger • Judy Berger • Shneur Garb France to lead the European Union in picting an Israeli soldier gassing a Pales- Jenny Gans • Josh Warhit condemning the weaponization of an- tinian baby—shows how deep the can- Adam Samuel ti-Semitism by the Palestinians and their cer of hatred the Palestinian Authority Rabbi Gidon Rothstein • Rabbi David Walk enablers in the media. The statement president harbors for the Jewish state, The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester comes in response to Palestinian Au- her people and values. The validation of thority President Mahmoud Abbas’ pos- that cartoon by him exposes how little & Connecticut ing for a picture that displays a horrify- difference there is between the PA and PO Box 1027 ingly anti-Semitic depiction of an Israeli Hamas. Both continue to brainwash a Bronx, NY 10471 Phone: 718-564-6710 Email: [email protected]

new generation of children that Israelis Advertising: [email protected] are interlopers and latter-day Nazis. Subscriptions/Home Delivery: “The big lie tactics employed in the so- [email protected] called marches of return gained the Pal- estinians nothing of practical value, with The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester & Connecticut, an independent the exception that the man in the street in publication, promotes honest and rigorous conversations about Juda- Turkey and elsewhere in the Middle East ism, Israel and issues aff ecting our community. The opinions refl ect- is convinced that Jews are baby killers, ed in articles from our contributors do not necessarily refl ect JLBWC’s cold-blooded murderers who deserve what- positions, and publishing them does not constitute an endorsement Send in your letter to the editor to ever terrorist or other bombing attacks are from JLBWC. We simply off er food for thought. We reserve the right infl icted on Jews in Israel and/or around to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We [email protected] and it may the world.” also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not be featured in our next issue! Rabbis Marvin Hier refl ect the standards of the newspaper. We are not responsible for the Abraham Cooper kashrus of any product advertised in the Jewish Link of Bronx, West- chester & Connecticut. Simon Wiesenthal Center 8 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM OP-ED Iran’s Leaders at War With Western Civilization; Why Is the West Putting Up With It? By Giulio Meotti/Gatestone threw the Shah, and The idea of using children as hu- it now threatens Sau- man bombs was also advanced by Iran. The United States di Arabia and the UAE As the German scholar Matthias Küntzel just withdrew from and others in the re- wrote, “Khomeini was the fi rst to devel- the Iranian nucle- gion. op a full-blown death cult.” During the ar deal. The move In the early years of Iran-Iraq war, the Ayatollah Khomeini is fully justifi ed not the revolution, a fero- imported thousands of plastic keys from only on the grounds cious puritanism hit Taiwan. The ayatollah sent these Irani- of security, but primarily because Iran’s the nation. Thousands an children through the Iraqi minefi elds Khomeinist revolution is a deadly and of “prostitutes,” drug in the direction of the enemy to open a propulsive ideology that the West can- addicts and homosexu- gap with their bodies. Before each mis- not allow to become a nuclearized one. als were executed. For sion, Iranian children were given a key For the French satirical magazine the fi rst time, the Ira- to hang around their neck; they were Charlie Hebdo, everything changed nians declared war on told it would open the doors to paradise. when Said and Cherif Kouachi murdered their own cultural life: Since then, babies as suicide bombers 11 people in its Paris offi ce. Among the theaters were closed, made their appearance in Gaza, Iraq, Syr- texts recovered on the Kouachi broth- concerts were banned, ia, Nigeria and Afghanistan. ers’ laptop was the Iranian call for death entertainers fl ed the against the novelist Salman Rushdie, country, cinemas were Giulio Meotti, cultural editor for Il Foglio, is an Italian journal- calling it “fully justifi ed.” The killers confi scated and broad- The leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Rouhollah ist and author. were inspired by Ayatollah Khomeini’s casting was forbidden. Khomeini, pictured in 1979. CREDIT: ASADOLLAH CHAHRIARI/KEYSTONE/GETTY IMAGES deadly edict against Rushdie. The blood- bath at Charlie Hebdo is one of the poi- soned fruits of the Islamic Republic. The Iranian ayatollahs fear the allure of Western culture. That is why, since 1979, they have been at war with it. Before the Iranian Revolution, no Arab writer was marked for death. Since Khomeini, murdering literary dissidents has become a routine: the Algerian writer Tahar Djaout, the Egyptian intellectual Farag Foda, Turkish writers murdered in Sivas, and recently butchered blog- gers from Bangladesh. The fatwa against Rushdie was one of Iran’s most successful attacks on Western civilization and efforts to intimidate the West. U.S. fl ag-burning and chanting “Death to America” became common in the Mid- dle East only after the Iranian takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. When Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the nuclear deal, Iranian MPs in their parlia- ment burned the American fl ag. In the past few months, Iranian girls who took off their veils were arrested and beaten. It was Iran that made chador, the most severe form of hijab, a symbol of political Islam. Women never used to be covered in Egypt, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey and the Maghreb. Khomeini changed all that; he called the veil “a fl ag of the revolution.” It is not a coincidence that 1989 was not only the year of Rushdie’s fatwa but also when the Islamic scarf controver- sy started in France. A school principal told three Muslim teenagers they could not attend high school in Creil due to France’s constitutional commitment to secularism. The Iranian ayatollahs were the fi rst to formally persecute the Christian populations in the Middle East. Today, Iran is on the list of Open Doors’ 10 worst countries for Christians. The idea of at- UPSCALE MUSIC FOR AN UPSCALE EVENT. tacking Jewish communities around the world is also an Iranian invention: in 1992 and 1994, the Jewish community and the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires were blown up. Until Iran’s revolution, no country had promoted a false Holo- caust denial. The archipelago of political Islam ORCHESTRA & PRODUCTIONS in Europe, from Tariq Ramadan to the Muslim Brotherhood, revolves around 718.256.7200 | AARONTEITELBAUMPRODUCTIONS.COM the Qatar-Iran axis. The Egyptian Mus- lim Brotherhood openly sided with Khomeini’s revolutionaries as they over- 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 9 Join New York NCSY for a Pop-Up Restaraunt with Chef Nir Mesika KOSHER FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!

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10 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS NEJC to Host Memorial Day Concert and Kosher Barbecue By JLBWC Staff ist, The Sopranos). Although The Persua- sions “Still Ain’t Got No Band,” their show This Sunday May 27, The Persuasions is upbeat, interactive and unique in style will be making a stop on their “2018 Good across all genres of music. Times Tour” at the Northeast Jewish The inspiration for this event comes Center. The venue is located at 11 Salisbury from Post # 68 of the Jewish War Veter- Road, Yonkers, NY and will be in honor of ans, housed at NEJC in Yonkers. The post our brave veterans. organized in the early 1930s and is still The resurgence of a cappella in the me- active and involved in many important dia and on college campuses have brought community events. Current leaders in- a new audience to The Persuasions, which clude Stan Bernstein (Commander), Alex has sparked many new recordings, fea- Strohmayer and Harold Dworetzky. The tured commercials and awards. Some of Persuasions are proud to support such an the group’s most recent accomplishments honorable event, on this Memorial Day include a 2018 featured song, “People Get weekend. Ready” for Comcast’s Olympic commer- Ticket information and advance pur- cial, an album with Canadian rock group chases at northeastjewishcenter.org or call Barenaked Ladies and recordings with Ste- 866-222-0369. BBQ at 4pm, Concert to fol- ven Van Zandt (Bruce Springsteen, Guitar- low.

IDF Attacks Hamas Tunnel fl age nets used by Israeli snipers during The IDF noted that the Palestinians in- the entire time and that the incident will CONTINUED FROM P. 1 the weekly border protests near the fence. fi ltrating Israel were under surveillance be investigated. ing to break the naval blockade on Gaza caught fi re. A statement by the spokesperson’s unit said that the army “views gravely contin- University: ued daily attempts by the Hamas terror group to damage security infrastructures on Israeli territory, while threatening the Making an Impact security of both residents and soldiers, and is determined to realize its defensive tasks and ensure the safety of the people of Israel.” The statement further reiterated the IDF’s oft-stated stance that Hamas was “ex- clusively responsible for the goings-on in Gaza both above and below ground, and will face the consequences of the terrorist activities carried out from Gaza against Is- rael’s people and its sovereignty.” Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman tweeted about the strike, saying, “The IDF destroyed another tunnel belonging to the Hamas terror group tonight. Attempts to assail Israel from the air, through the fence and below-ground will be met with an iron wall and the IDF’s might.” “It’s good for the heads of Hamas to internalize that their military project is a failure and invest all of their efforts in improving the life of Gazans (instead),” the defense minister added. Several Palestinian terrorists crossed the border Tuesday morning, getting several dozen meters into Israel, and set fi re to an abandoned IDF post before return- ing to the strip. The entire incident was documented by the terrorists themselves. IDF tanks fi red at a Hamas post in the Meet Dr. Baruch Barzel, an Israeli physicist and applied mathematician vicinity in retaliation. at Bar-Ilan University. His main research area is network science The video published by the Palestini- VSHFL¿FDOO\WKHXQFRYHULQJRIZHDNQHVVHVLQFRPSXWHUV\VWHPVDQG ans showed the terrorists attempting to set fi re to several sandbags and camou- ILQGLQJZD\VWRPDNHWKHPUHVLOLHQWWRFDWDVWURSKH 'U%DU]HO¶VUHVHDUFKIRFXVHVRQVXFKLVVXHVDVWKHVSUHDGRIGLVHDVH SRZHUJULGFDODPLWLHVDQGHFRV\VWHPUHSDLU

Tel: 212-906-3900 160 East 56th Street 1HZ

A boat set on fi re in Gaza in Tuesday’s violence. PHOTO COURTESY OF YNETNEWS.COM 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Pam Ehrenkranz Brings Jewish Programming to Greenwich By Yvette Finkelstein

Pam Ehrenkranz is on a mission. As CEO of UJA/JCC Federation of Greenwich, Connecticut, for 21 years, she believes “the fi rst order of business is to engage the Jew- ish community” through innovative, enter- taining and compelling Jewish programming. For Ehrenkranz, being active in the Jewish community was a given. “We have the best product on the market. We have years of Jewish history, multiple methods of Jewish learning and countless possibilities of community in- volvement that we must make available to the Jewish community of Greenwich,” she “The Last Suit” at Bow Tie Cinema, Greenwich, Connecticut. said. “We have a competitive product, but we need to get people in the door.” Auschwitz. Written and directed by Pablo take advantage of its programming. Green- Focusing on her constituents’ needs Solarz, this bittersweet movie, with its klez- wich is a thriving, growing and active Jew- and interests, Ehrenkranz has brought a mer-infused score, relays a message of the ish community, with Jewish preschools, a high level of learning and events to the Pam Ehrenkranz, CEO of UJA/JCC Federation enduring importance of family, friends and day school and a pluralistic high school, the UJA/JCC Federation building. of Greenwich, Connecticut. honor. The fi lm, in Spanish with subtitles, Jewish High School of Connecticut, on its As part of the Davis Film Festival at UJA/ will be shown at 7:00 p.m. at Bow Tie Cine- border. JCC of Greenwich, now in its third year, the have sold his home in the suburbs and ma, 2 Railroad Avenue, Greenwich. Tickets Ehrenkranz invites the community June 13 offering will be the Argentine/Span- booked him into a retirement home. Refus- are $15 per person. to learn about additional events and pro- ish co-production “The Last Suit.” Abraham ing to bow to family pressure, he embarks Ehrenkranz said the unique role of a grams offered by UJA/JCC of Greenwich— Bursztein (Miguel Angel Sola), an 88-year- on a journey, traveling by train across Eu- Federation is that one doesn’t have to “be- The Center for Jewish Community Cul- old tailor living in Buenos Aires, is about to rope from Spain to Poland, in search of the long,” but as a self-identifi ed member of ture and Caring by visiting their website at be put out to pasture by his children, who man who saved him from certain death at the Jewish community, an individual can www.uja.jcc.org or calling 203-552-1818.

Partnership Launches own early childhood center at the Riverd- CONTINUED FROM P. 1 ale Y. The family, which includes three children, Ruth, Liam and Ben-Ami, came River- organizing events and programming that dale,where Robinson interviewed for and will interest a broad base of the Riverdale accepted his current position as director of community. Robinson was recently hired community engagement and is grateful to as the director of community engagement the amazing team he joined at the Y, where at the Riverdale Y, and jumped in head fi rst he works with community leaders and laity by organizing powerful and meaningful in advancing engagement within the Jew- community programs such as the Riverdale ish community of Riverdale. observance of Yom Hazikaron and celebra- To learn more about the Riverdale Y, tion of Yom Ha’atzmaut, followed by a Lag please visit www.RiverdaleY.org or call 347- B’Omer festive event. In addition, the 10th 913-4432. The Riverdale calendar of events Annual Riverdale Run on May 6 boasted al- can be viewed at www.riverdaleY.org/ most 600 people, with 27 teams, as more events/2018-05-24, or use https://www.river- than $40,000 was raised to provide scholar- daley.org/riverdale-jewish-community-part- ships to families in need, daily lunches for nership/ to connect to the RJCP. The River- seniors and funds for the teen’s performing dale Y is located at 5625 Arlington Avenue arts program at the Riverdale Y. in the Bronx. As the organizing institution of RJCP, the Riverdale Y has a mission to bring together diverse parts of the community Lag B’Omer at the Riverdale Y, May 2: Rabbi Joseph Robinson helping distribute supplies to through programs, services and events. As make s’mores. a non-denominational organization that serves Jews of all backgrounds and levels Jews and the Jewish collective,” explained sity in California. Robinson’s goal, when he of connection to Judaism, the Riverdale Y Robinson. There are currently 18 Riverdale became a rabbi, was to “walk hand in hand is “a low barrier of entry to Jewish life and Jewish communal institutions participat- with partners.” He envisions a path where uniquely positioned to be the convener of ing in the RJCP, including synagogues, min- people have the opportunity to grow and the Jewish community. RJCP is poised to yanim, day schools, seminaries and com- learn. In his work at various days schools grow and strengthen this collaboration, re- munity organizations. and Jewish summer camps, he learned inforcing the model that the Jewish com- Robinson hails from California and about navigating the needs of diverse pop- munity can work together to reach out to studied rabbinics at the Conservative Ye- ulations and fi nding common ground to more Jews, regardless of their level of con- shiva in Jerusalem, followed by ordination build greatness together. Participants at the RJCP celebration of Yom nection to the Jewish community, and sig- from The Ziegler School of Rabbinic Stud- The Robinsons were living and working Ha’atzmaut enjoying the festive meal catered nifi cantly increase the impact on individual ies, located at the American Jewish Univer- in Birmingham, Alabama, when Robinson’s by K-Grill. wife, Emily Hausman, was hired to run her

Song and dance featured at the RJCP’s celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut. Community celebrates Lag B’Omer with music, fun and food at the Riverdale Y. 12 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE EDUCATIONAL REVOLUTION HAPPENING IN ISRAEL? WE’RE LEADING IT!

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 13 COMMUNITY NEWSBRIEFS

Bret Stephens to Discuss ‘Israel er donated to Feeding Westchester, Mount Services Cabinet and previously served as services, support and coordination of com- @ 70: What Does the Future Hold Kisco Interfaith Food Bank and the Bronx co-chair of UJA’s Synergy Westchester Advi- munity resources. for Israel and the Middle East?’ Jewish Community Council, a UJA partner. sory Council. He is a board member of the For reservations and more information, The volunteer event kicked off UJA’s Westchester Jewish Council. please contact Clarice Itshakov at 718-652- poverty-awareness week, which included Alan Weissman is principal of Alfred 5500 x206 or [email protected], or a conference—Tackling Poverty Today— Weissman Real Estate, LLC, in Harrison, email [email protected]. during which leaders and inspired commu- which provides services in commercial real nity members gathered to collaborate and estate investment, asset management and Fleetwood Synagogue strategize about the best ways to address development. Weissman has served on the Goes to Citi Field the issue. board of directors of the Yonkers Cham- On Tuesday, June 26, at 7 p.m., Fleet- “UJA’s commitment to fi ghting poverty ber of Commerce, the Westchester Land wood Synagogue at Citi Field: Come watch is a cornerstone of our work,” said Donna Trust, the Community Planning Council, the Mets battle the Pittsburgh Pirates and Divon, manager of UJA’s Westchester Com- the Center for Entrepreneurial Jewish Phi- support the Fleetwood Synagogue at the munity and Volunteer Services. “We’re rais- lanthropy (CEJP), The Solomon Schech- same time. Tickets will be available for a ing awareness in the community about this ter School of Westchester and the Yonkers contribution to the shul of $18 per ticket, pervasive issue and giving people an oppor- Public Library Foundation. A past president and if you buy two tickets the third is half tunity to fi ght hunger in a hands-on way.” of the Yonkers Jewish Council, he is a cur- off! Every penny goes to the shul! To order, rent board member of CJEP and Homrun, please contact Rabbi Daniel Rosenfelt at which helps Israeli companies sell their in- Rabbirosenfelt@fl eetwoodsynagogue.org. novative products abroad. The event raised funds for UJA-Feder- Westchester Jewish ation, which supports a network of more Community Services Appoints than 80 core partners and hundreds of oth- Seth Diamond as CEO Bret Stephens er nonprofi t organizations, large and small. Westchester County Jewish Communi- ty Services announced today that its board Award-winning New York Times col- Bronx Jewish Community of directors has unanimously approved umnist Bret Stephens will discuss “Israel Council Holds Annual the selection of Seth Diamond as its new @ 70: What Does the Future Hold for Isra- Breakfast for Champions CEO. Diamond will offi cially assume all el and the Middle East?” on Thursday, May The Bronx Jewish Community Coun- duties as CEO on June 25. 31, at 7:30 at Temple Israel Center in White cil will be celebrating its Annual Breakfast “We are very happy to have Seth join Plains. The event is co-sponsored by the for Champions on Friday June 8, at 8 a.m. us as the next CEO of WJCS,” said Neil Jewish National Fund and the Five Syna- at Riverdale Jewish Center (3700 Independ- Sandler, president of the WJCS board of gogues of White Plains Israel Action Com- ence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463). directors. “He brings a wealth of experi- mittee as part of the annual Positively Isra- This year’s honorees are Michael Spicer, ence in public service and in helping un- el Reception. St. Joseph’s Medical Center and St. Vin- derserved communities. The board was Formerly a longtime editor and col- cent Hospital: Visionary Leadership Award; very impressed by Seth’s credentials and umnist at The Wall Street Journal and pri- BronxCare Health System, accepted by Rob- his proven track record of shaping and im- or to that, editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem ert Sancho: Guardian of Chesed Award; The plementing strategic plans. In numerous Post, Stephens has reported from around Young volunteer packaging meals at “Time Hon. Jeffrey Klein, New York State Senator: positions, he has worked with multiple the world and interviewed scores of world for Good” initiative. Public Service Award; and Dr. Ruth Rosen- stakeholders to ensure programs provide leaders. Author of “America in Retreat: The blatt, professor emeritus of clinical radiol- assistance in the most accessible, effi cient New Isolationism and the Coming Global UJA-Federation of New ogy, Weil Cornell Medical College: Lorance and impactful manner possible. We are Disorder,” his journalism awards include York’s Westchester Business Hockert Labor of Love Award. confi dent that Seth will lead WJCS to its two honorary doctorates and the 2013 Pu- and Professional Division “We can look with pride at what Bronx next level of success.” litzer Prize for commentary. Honors Leaders Jewish Community Council has accom- Diamond has extensive experience plished, at the number of lives that are pos- working in New York City government, ‘Hungry to Help Service Day’ itively impacted by BJCC outreach and ser- most recently as chief operating offi cer of Held at JCC in Scarsdale vice. Funds raised at this breakfast allow Metroplus, a health insurance company More than 120 community volunteers BJCC to keep up with the ever-increasing serving a half million New Yorkers. Previ- came out to help combat local food in- demands for vital services that give hope to ous to that, he was executive director of suffi ciency at the Hungry to Help Service Bronxites in need,” stated Arlene Salman, a the Governor’s Offi ce of Storm Recovery Day, held at the JCC of Mid-Westchester chair of the annual breakfast. for New York City, commissioner for the of Scarsdale. The event, which took place The annual breakfast is the council’s Department of Homeless Services in New on Sunday, May 6, and attracted hundreds principal fundraising event and an oppor- York City, executive deputy commissioner of volunteers at this and similar events tunity for the community to gather and of New York City’s Human Resources Ad- throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan share in a memorable day. The Bronx Jew- ministration and deputy commissioner of and the Bronx, was part of UJA-Federation ish Community Council, which is a com- its Job Center Operations. He holds a J.D. of New York’s “Time for Good” initiative. munity-based social service agency, serves degree from New York University School With a DJ providing a festive backdrop, Honorees David Ruzow of Waccabuc and Alan thousands of low-income individuals and of Law and a B.A. degree in political sci- volunteers of all ages packed more than Weissman of Rye. families of every creed, race and religion. ence and economics from Brown Univer- 32,000 meals for the hungry. Food was lat- While specializing in addressing seniors’ sity. UJA-Federation of New York’s Westches- needs, particularly those of seniors aging Diamond will succeed Alan Trager, ter Business and Professional Division hon- in place, BJCC provides a wide range of ser- who has been CEO at WJCS for 20 years ored David Ruzow of Waccabuc and Alan vices across the Bronx. In addition to home and at the organization for 42 years. “I Weissman of Rye at its 2018 Annual Lunch- attendants, emergency assistance and con- am pleased to pass the baton to Seth Di- eon on Wednesday, May 9, at Brae Burn nections to benefi ts and entitlements, the amond,” said Trager. “I’ve no doubt that Country Club in Purchase, New York. council offers care management, men- with his background, expertise and values, More than 235 guests came together to tal health outreach and other life-sus- Seth will build on WJCS’s key strengths pay tribute to the honorees for their lead- taining services. Notably, their food pan- that we’ve developed over many decades ership in the Westchester Jewish commu- try is the only one in the Bronx accessible and continue to expand the organization’s nity, and to support UJA-Federation in its fi ve days a week that regularly stocks ko- impact in benefi tting Westchester resi- mission of caring for people in need, re- sher and non-kosher food and serves over dents.” sponding to crises close to home and far 12,000 food packages a year, feeding fami- “I am proud to have the opportunity to away and shaping the Jewish future. lies and the elderly. BJCC has assisted more lead WJCS, an organization that has had Ruzow is the owner and president of than 10,000 individuals this past year and such an important and positive impact Eastern Appraisal Company, a full-service provided assistance via food vouchers and on generations of families throughout real estate appraisal and consulting fi rm transportation for the elderly; helped close Westchester,” said Diamond. “I’m deeply in Pleasantville, and he also serves as pres- to 1000 people obtain food stamps; and committed to WJCS’s mission of provid- ident of Granite Real Estate Tax Consult- provided legal counseling, social activities ing outstanding and compassionate care ants, LLC, which helps property owners for isolated adults and a myriad of other to the residents of Westchester County. I reduce their property assessments. A past services. am honored to join the dedicated board, president of Temple Beth El of Northern The mission of BJCC is to provide en- staff and volunteers to seek new ways to Volunteers packaging meals at “Time for Westchester in Chappaqua, he serves as a hanced quality of life to the residents of the improve lives of every person in need in Good” initiative. member of the UJA’s Westchester Program Bronx, particularly older adults, by offering Westchester.” 14 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS Yom Yerushalayim Lecture at YINR Delights Audience By Yvette Finkelstein on weekdays prior to “benching.” Accord- weekday recitation of “Al Naha- an University. He is currently ing to Grossman, the psalm is divided into rot Bavel,” containing sorrow writing a new commentary of A highlight of Yom Yerushalayim events two parts, with the poet sitting in Baby- and sadness, to Psalm 126, “Shir the Chumash (“The Noam Se- at Young Israel of New Rochelle was wel- lon, seemingly content while looking at Hamaalot,” a psalm of joy, recit- ries”). Grossman is a senior lec- coming Rabbi Dr. Yonatan Grossman of the powerful but peaceful waters. Soon we ed on Shabbat, when Hashem turer at the Department of Bi- Bar-Ilan University to deliver a lecture in come to realize the opposite, as the pastoral returns everyone to Zion. ble, Bar-Ilan University and at Hebrew on the topic, “Al Naharot Bavel” scene disappears and the poet laments, in Grossman’s Yom Yerushalay- the the Department of Bible, (“By the Rivers of Babylon”), on Sunday utter dismay, that he must never forget Ye- im presentation solved seem- Herzog College, Alon-Shvut. He evening, May 13. To the delight of the au- rushalayim. Even when one is in the midst ing ambiguities in the text, has taught at Midreshet Lin- dience, Grossman’s poetic imagery, togeth- of good times, he must swear that he will resulting in “ahs” from the au- denbaum and Midreshet Mig- er with his sincerity and careful analysis of remember Yerushalayim. Not only must we dience as he interpreted the po- Michael Raskas, dal Oz. In addition to his new the text, contributed to his appealing lec- remember Yerushalayim, but we will ob- et’s words and meaning in nov- president, YINR, and Dr. publication “Abraham—A Sto- ture. tain retribution in the harshest terms if we el ways. Yonatan Grossman. ry of a Journey” (Yediot Sfarim), In discussing Psalm 137, “Al Naharot Bav- do not do so. Grossman explained Psalm Grossman received his MA he is also the author of “Es- el,” Grossman noted the beauty and sig- 137 with reference to Jeremiah 51, particu- in Jewish Philosophy from the Hebrew ther—The Outer Narrative and the Hidden nifi cance of the psalm, which is recited larly 51:50. Additionally, he compared the University and his PhD in Bible from Bar-Il- Reading” (Eisenbruans). Stamford Residents to Participate in Organ Donation 5K (Courtesy of HODS) Stamford residents more organs were available for transplant. als and letters to the editor. tributed to a very low rate of organ donors Michael Feldstein, Maury Rosenbaum and The mission of HODS is to save lives by Recently, a 10-year-old Jewish boy was among the Jewish population,” said Feld- Dr. Steven Thau are spearheading an effort increasing organ donations from Jews to injured in a car accident in New York City. stein. “Our job is to counter those myths to raise awareness about the issue of organ the general population (Jews and non-Jews Upon arrival at the hospital, he was de- by educating more Jews about the sub- donation and Jewish law in the Stamford alike). Its goals are to educate Jews about clared dead. HODS facilitated consulta- ject, which hopefully will convince more community. They will be participating in the different Jewish law and medical is- tion with several rabbis, and his family ul- people to become organ donors. There are the annual 5K race organized by the Hala- sues concerning organ donation, to offer a timately chose organ donation. Eight lives more than 100,000 individuals in America chic Organ Donor Society (HODS), which unique organ donor card that enables Jews were saved. in need of a transplant, waiting to receive will be held on Sunday, June 10, in Marine to donate organs according to their beliefs A few years ago, a 21-year-old Jewish an organ. Unfortunately, many of them will Park in Brooklyn. and to provide rabbinic consultation and woman in a New Jersey hospital was strick- die waiting.” Feldstein has been a member of the oversight for cases of organ transplantation. en with meningitis and declared dead. Her You can join the annual 5K fundraising board of directors of HODS for more than Since its inception in 2001, HODS has parents contacted HODS to learn about the race as a runner or a walker, and if you can’t a decade. Rosenbaum became involved in helped save hundreds of lives, educated issues of Jewish law surrounding organ do- make it to the race you can join as a “virtu- the organization after he received a life-sav- more than 37,500 people through more nation. Consequently, the parents donated al runner” and still help the cause. Or you ing kidney transplant. Dr. Thau has been in- than 600 lectures, recruited more than 300 their child’s organs. Six lives were saved. can make a donation to the Team Stamford volved fi rsthand with end-of-life issues, and rabbis to register and carry organ donor “Unfortunately, there are many myths page, which has been set up for contribu- has witnessed the suffering of end-stage cards and raised awareness of the issue by and superstitions about cadaveric organ tions at https://hods5krace.rallybound.org/ disease that could have been prevented if publishing more than 100 articles, editori- donation and Jewish law, which has con- Team/View/63126/Team-Stamford. EARN YOUR EMBA ON SUNDAY A Sy Syms Business School EMBA will elevate your career and increase your growth opportunities.

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 15 16 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS New Rochelle Mikvah Holds Annual Pre-Shavuot Bake Sale By Judy Berger chance to view a royal wedding. The mood of the waiting crowd is always elevated On May 16, the New Rochelle Mikvah when they see Rabbi Reuven Fink and his hosted its 11th annual pre-Shavuot bake wife, Abby, entering the hosts’ home for a sale. This year’s hosts were Debbie and Da- preview of the products (and fi rst dibs on vid Isaac. selections). And then, at exactly 7:30 each Dozens of local families prepared hun- year, the doors are opened to the public. dreds of baked goods, challahs, desserts Some customers peruse, contemplate and and holiday-related delicacies. Some of the negotiate with their family members. Oth- usual sought-after items each year include ers make a beeline to their usual favorites. lemon squares, linzer tarts, rugelach, assort- This event gives everyone a chance to ed soups, cheesecakes, kugels and quich- participate: Some plan, some prepare dishes. Over the past decade, some local chefs es, some help set up and many make pur- and bakers have been rather creative with chases. With items priced from $18 to well their submissions, including cake pops, key over $100, and minimal overhead, this ac- lime pies, white chocolate-dipped Oreos tivity raises a large part of the annual oper- and giant black-and-white cookies the size ating budget for the mikvah. of a large pizza. In addition, shoppers have The New Rochelle Mikvah, serving been able to purchase fresh fl ower arrange- Westchester, Lower Connecticut and the ments, candy platters and, in some years, Bronx, has 2,500 visits each year. Leader- fresh-brewed coffee and serving utensils. ship has been consulted for other mikvahs While the committee members spend seeking advice on decor and Jewish laws of an entire day wrapping, pricing and lay- design and logistics such as staffi ng, sup- ing out the displays of dishes inside, doz- plies and operational systems. The bake ens of families queue up outside, as if they sale is one of its two major annual fund- Baked goods on display before the rush. Young shopper contemplating her purchase. were waiting for hot concert tickets or a raising activities. CREDIT: RACHEL BERGER CREDIT: RACHEL BERGER

Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl CONTINUED FROM P. 1 WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A life. Many believed that the increased Torah study during the additional year JEWISH FUNERAL DIRECTOR. off, following the seventh Shemita year of each Yovel cycle, would protect the land. In 1883, the fi rst Yovel in modern Israeli history occurred. Rabbi Ber- lin broke with many mainstream rabbis and suggested the heter mechira that allows the temporary sale of farmland movement of his generation. He pro- during Yovel rather than leaving the duced a number of writings that made land fallow. reference to earlier maskilim and oth- The main minyan learned about er “banned” rabbis and even non-Jew- “Egalitarianism, Hedgehogs and the Fu- ish leaders and thinkers. Perl suggest- ture of Modern Orthodoxy.” His intrigu- ed that the best rabbinic leaders should ing use of “hedgehogs” in the title was have an understanding of the world in based on an essay by Isaiah Berlin. Suc- order to understand and promote their cessful “foxes” know a little about lots religious teachings. of subjects while “hedgehogs” are ex- Turning to Perl’s fi nal session, “Edu- perts in their chosen fi elds. He advocating Moshe: Ancient Insight for Mod- cated for taking a “hedgehog” approach ern Parents,” Perl contrasted Avraham as to Modern Orthodoxy. After highlight- a knight of faith with Moshe as a knight ing the small percentage Jews represent of doubt. Some commentators view in the world’s population, and the even God’s anger as resulting in Moshe’s loss smaller numbers for Orthodoxy, Rabbi of leading the Mishkan, or his loss of Joel Simon is a Jewish Funeral Director. Perl delineated the main streams of Or- crossing from Jordan into Eretz Yisrael. It means he serves the very important needs of the Jewish Community. thodoxy. Chasidism champions d’vey- Others perceive that Moshe’s self-doubt It means Compassion, along with a strict adherence to Halacha, committed to kut (piety), Chabad leads in kiruv, the of his abilities prevented him from as- Kavod HaMet, being mindful of each communities Minhagim, working dati leumi fosters religious life in Is- suming full leadership. Using his back- rael and the yeshiva world stresses To- ground as an educator, Perl suggested with Chevra Kadisha to provide Tahara and Shmira is first in everything he does. rah study. He then challenged the con- that the incidents of Moshe’s life were And finally, it means the highest level of service regardless gregants assembled to name the focus parallel to a parent raising a child. While of financial or any other needs. This is what has made Riverside Memorial of Modern Orthodoxy. Some view the parents may appear angry at times, and Chapels the source of support for our Jewish community since 1897. biggest challenge for Modern Ortho- children may doubt their abilities, these That tradition of excellence continues with Joel Simon doxy to be the push for egalitarian- are actually common building steps in a Jewish Funeral Director. ism or fi nding an acceptable niche for guiding and teaching one’s young. women in the community. Perl suggest- After completing his undergraduate RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPELS ed that perhaps a focus on being a light education at the University of Pennsyl- For Generations A Symbol Of Jewish Tradition. unto the nations (ohr lagoyim) should vania and graduate study at Harvard Uni- Westchester: 21 West Broad St., Mt. Vernon, 914 664-6800 be the goal. Having witnessed the pas- versity, Rabbi Perl received ordination Manhattan: 180 West 76th St., 212 362-6600 sion of students in their youth, he is from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac El- A subsidiary of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77219 713-522-5141 concerned that the unifi ed future of chanan Theological Seminary. In addi- Modern Orthodoxy can be lost without tion to several terms as an instructor at a strong identifi able focus. Yeshiva University, he also served as asso- Continuing his discussion of the life ciate head of school of Yeshiva Universi- Send your local of the Netziv in an afternoon session, ty High School for Boys (MTA). As an ed- Perl spoke of “What Was the Rosh Ye- ucator, Rabbi Perl served seven years as Sports pics to: shiva Reading? Intellectual Openness in principal of the Margolin Yeshiva of the the Work of the Netziv.” During his doc- South in Memphis, Tennessee, before as- toral research, he discovered that the suming his dual roles at Kohelet. He was [email protected]! famed rabbi could actually have been also chosen as professor of the year while a closet maskil, of the Enlightenment on the faculty of Yeshiva University. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 17 DIVREI TORAH A Blessing on Your Head By Rabbi David Walk stow upon you peace” (verse 26), is more 27). Which is it? Well, actually both. The should take these blessings seriously then complex. Some believe that this is a combi- verb l’varech can have a number of mean- they must have some effectiveness. But One of the many nation of the fi rst two blessings, culminat- ings. It can be a prayer asking God to be- why should they? Because every Jew must awesome things about ing in a blissful synthesis of physical and stow the blessings, or it can mean God ac- feel responsible and connected to every living in Eretz Yisra- spiritual. Others have explained that this tually granted the bounties of the blessings. other Jew (Talmud Sanhedrin 27b). Our el is that we get bless- lifting of God’s face as the opposite of the In this way, each participant is contributing fates are intertwined. If, God forbid, a Jew ed every morning. I famous curse in Devarim called hester pa- their own part in this process. is injured anywhere, we should all be say- love it when the ko- nim, or God hiding from us. The blessings Perhaps, though, there is another way ing ‘Ouch!’ So, again, their blessings should hanim bless us. I can’t are a progression from three words to fi ve of explaining the role of the kohen in this be effective. get enough. I try to go over to every kohen words to seven words, and from mundane process. The Levush (Rabbi Mordechai This brings us to our last question. If and say yasher koach (Sephardim look at requests to greater connection to God and Yaffe, 1530-1612), that great mystic, asked everybody’s blessings are so good, why do me funny; they expect to hear chazak u’var- heavenly spheres. why the blessings were placed in the sec- we need the kohanim to bother with this uch), because I want to hear their tradition- There is another well-known approach. tion of thanksgiving (Modim) right after the ceremony, and, even worse, why am I im- al response of baruch tihiye (may you be Many authorities suggest that the three blessing of the Temple service (Retzei). He pressed by it? Because the kohanim are the blessed). I just want that extra helping of blessings represent the three Patriarchs. suggests that in the Beit Hamikdash the ko- paradigms for this process. We carefully ob- blessing. Look, it can’t hurt. More, please. The opening idea of “may you blessed” re- hanim blessed the community right after serve their demeanor and we work hard to It’s always fascinating to watch the ko- minds us of God’s fi rst words to Avraham, the morning offering, and we are connect- emulate it. That doesn’t mean we have to hanim. Some are truly moved by this cere- “And I will bless those who bless you...and ing those assignments. In other words, the take off our shoes and wave a tallit around. monial request, while others are very non- all the families of the earth will be bless- kohanim are blessing us because it’s part of It’s about attitude, content and intensity. chalant about it. I especially like going over ed through you” (Bereishit 12:3). The sec- their offi ce. The effi cacy of their supplica- My daily excitement isn’t only about re- to the lackadaisical ones; it catches them ond blessing, which says ya’er, or being en- tion to God to grant us these boons is based ceiving a blessing. It’s about learning how off guard. But there are a lot of questions lightened, reminds us of the line Avraham upon them doing their job. It’s part of what to give blessings. If I’m moved by the expe- about these blessings, which, coincidental- said to Yitzchak on the way to the Akeida, they are supposed to do. rience of receiving this wonderful blessing, ly, appear in this week’s Torah reading. The God will reveal (yir’eh, same letters, simi- Well, does this work for others? Should I’ll be motivated to bless my offspring and most important of which is: What makes lar meaning). While Yaakov embodies the we be excited by blessings from sourc- others with the proper gravitas. I remem- them work? blessing of shalom, because his family was es other than kohanim? Perhaps parents. ber as a young rabbi being embarrassed However, fi rst we must deal with the shalem or complete, in that all his offspring Moms and dads are tasked with raising when a student asked me for a bracha be- most obvious question about the bless- stayed within the fold. Also, Yaakov left his children, and if the requested blessings fore departing the yeshiva. Today, I hope I ings, which is: What is their content? The encounter with Esav shalem (33:18). In this are in line with this responsibility, then know better. Acceding to such requests, I’ve fi rst blessing, “May God bless you and pro- way, these blessings are a legacy from our it’s only logical that these blessings should learned, is very special and is a blessing on tect you” (Bamidbar 6:24), concerns mate- beloved ancestors. be effective. This reasoning is also in con- my head too. May we all be blessed. rial needs. We’re asking for suffi cient ba- But the truly thorny issue our par- sonance with the rabbinic idea that God is sics and for those assets to be protected sha presents us with is: Who bestows the one of the three partners in the raising of Rabbi David Walk, who has recently made aliyah, was a teach- from loss. The second blessing, “May the blessing? Initially, we’re told, “Speak to Aar- every child. These blessings are in line with er at the Bi-Cultural Day school as well as Congregation Agu- Lord’s countenance shine upon you and on and his sons, saying: This is how you the responsibilities of parenting. dath Sholom’s education director. He continues to be a tireless grant you grace” (verse 25), is a request for shall bless the Children of Israel” (Bamid- Again, what about others? There’s a fa- teacher and educator. For over 30 years, he has taught stu- spiritual growth, probably success in To- bar 6:23). However, later we’re told, “They mous rabbinic statement, ‘Don’t allow the dents from third grade and up and conducted many classes rah study. The fi nal blessing, “May the shall recite My Name upon the Children blessings of a regular person to ever be for teens and adults. Prior to joining CAS, he served as director and teacher at Yeshivat Hamivtar in Efrat, Israel. Lord’s face be lifted toward you and be- of Israel, so that I will bless them” (verse taken lightly (Talmud, Megilla 15b).’ If we All Politics Is Personal By Rabbi Gidon Rothstein tribute to what might lead to her being out- it goes down, but verse 27 says it will only Hashem than ordinary people, and should ed as a sinner was a step too far, Ramban produce negative impact on an adulteress. ideally hold on to the sanctity achieved for- The Sotah reads the Torah as saying, especially since Ramban understands the verses to mean ever. In Amos 2:11, Hashem says He has set Ceremony: A the water will kill her (as we’ll see) if she the water will taste fi ne as she drinks, but up some of the people’s children as proph- Jealousy Offering has indeed committed adultery (and refus- will change in her stomach if she’s guilty. ets and some as nezirim, a parallelism that Chapter 5 of Bamid- es to admit it before drinking the water). An adulteress will suffer stomach pain, sees nezirim as positively as prophets. In bar lays out what hap- Ramban understands the Torah to be the water will act as an emetic, bringing our own chapter, verse 8, the Torah de- pens if a husband sus- saying there would be something unfair or foul-tasting elements into her mouth, and scribes this nazir as sanctifi ed to Hashem pects his wife of having even cruel about requiring her to bring it then causes its other terrible effects on her all the days of his/her nezirut. an affair. He is supposed to make his con- herself [not unlike the Fifth Amendment stomach and thigh. In what today would be a countercul- cerns clear to her, to warn her in front of right against incriminating oneself]. Three short comments toward a pic- tural claim, Ramban saw the indulgences witnesses not to be seen secluded with ture of how the Torah prescribed handling of ordinary life as somewhat sinful, even the man in question. If she disregards the The Sotah Ceremony: Stormy a marriage that has gone wrong: the impli- when there was nothing excessive or pro- warning and is seen to have been alone Barley, Poison Water cated wife is not made to contribute to her hibited to them. 6:21 adds a personal ele- with the man in a way they could consum- Viewing the mincha as an inferior of- trial by ordeal, the offering plays on words ment, a sense in which each nazir makes mate their affair, the husband must bring fering explains why the husband does not to invoke Hashem’s wrath should she have the experience his/her own. The verse re- her to the Beit Hamikdash for a sotah cer- bring wheat, not why barley is then chosen committed the suspected wrong, and the fers to the sacrifi ces a nazir brings upon emony. [halacha recognizes three other types of water goes down like ordinary, then checks completion of the vow, and adds “milvad Verse 5:15 discusses a fl our offering to grain—oats, rye and spelt]. Ramban points (and punishes) her internally. asher tasig yado, in addition to whatever be brought as part of the proceedings. Most to a play on words—the Hebrew word for else s/he can afford.” fl our offerings are made of wheat, with oil barley is se’orah, and the offering will bring The Praiseworthy and Ramban reads the verse to teach us and frankincense added in, but this one is down the storm (se’arah) of Hashem’s wrath Personal Nazir each nazir would at the outset promise to offered purely of barley fl our, with no addi- on the evildoer. To move to a more positive part of the bring additional sacrifi ces to mark the ex- tional materials. To explain why it is so dif- He sees barley creating the same sym- parsha, let’s look at the nazir, the Jew who perience. Those sacrifi ces then become ferent, the Torah says ki minchat kena’ot hu, bolism when Shoftim 7:13 tells of a Midian- voluntarily takes on a status in which s/he part of the person’s nezirut, which cannot it is a fl our offering of jealousy. ite having dreamt of a cake of barley bread may not have contact with the deceased, be considered complete without those of- Rashi quotes Sifra Naso 3, which iden- tumbling through their military camp. The ingest any grape products, nor cut his/her ferings. A rich man or woman who prom- tifi es the jealousy as both the husband’s dream shows Gidon will defeat them, and hair (until the completion of the time s/he ises a thousand offerings when the nezirut and Hashem’s. Ramban thinks the phrase Ramban says the barley cake prefi gures the undertook for this status, at which point s/ is over would not be allowed to return to comes to explain why the husband is told storm about to descend on their camp. he shaves off all hair). In 6:14, the Torah obli- drinking wine until and unless all thou- to bring this offering. Since she’s the person Ramban likes the idea despite the two gates the nazir to bring a chatat, a sin offer- sand had been brought. of interest, she should have had to bring it words being spelled differently—se’orah, ing, to mark the successful completion of a It’s an unusually stark example of what [as would any other woman who had cause barley, has a sin (the S sound version of nezirut, a time as nazir. we might not always stop to notice, how to bring a sacrifi ce]. The verse therefore the letter shin), and se’arah, storm, has a sa- Some rabbinic sources read the chatat the Torah allows Jews to create religious points out the difference here—it’s specif- mech. as evidence of a certain sin in the choice experiences that then become obligatory. ically brought as part of a ceremony to un- In another part of the ceremony, she to vow to be a nazir; Ramban claims the Nezirut takes a person to a higher plane, cover a sin of hers, where other sacrifi ces drinks water referred to in 5:18 as mei hama- simple sense of the text disapproves of the which s/he should ideally continue forev- are brought to atone for sins the perpetra- rim, the bitter water. Calling it mei hama- nazir’s return to ordinary life. The nazir tor already recognizes. To force her to con- rim makes it sound like it will taste bitter as lives a more sanctifi ed life in the service of CONTINUED ON P. 19 18 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM BRINGING THE PROPHETS TO LIFE A Story of Lost Opportunity By Rabbi Neil N. Winkler generations. A close reading of the sefer raelite army against the Plishtim and yet The fault, however, was not Shim- will refl ect a slow deterioration in the be- also be a nazir, one who would live a more shon’s alone. The people, who knew of Parshat Naso havior of Israel and their commitment ascetic life, dedicated to spiritual pursuits. the prophecy given to his parents, nev- Our haftarah this to Hashem and His Torah. Throughout The promise of a spiritual, God-inspired er accepted him or chose to follow him. week relates the story this time period, Israel falls into a danger- personality who would also be capable of The nation who suffered so under the rule of the predicted (and ous cycle of sin—punishment—repent- defeating Israel’s enemies and bring salva- of the Plishtim never turn to Samson for eventually actualized) ance—redemption…..sin, never fully learn- tion to Israel and relief from the oppres- help. The population who needed his sup- birth of Shimshon ing from their lapses in observance of the sive hold of the Plishtim was a promise port never supported him. HaGibor who, his parents are told, would mitzvot. In fact, we do not read of any fes- not realized since the days of Yehoshua. The story of Shimshon is one of lost begin the process of weakening the Phil- tival or sacrifi ce being offered in the Mish- Nor was it through Shimshon. opportunity. But it is also a story that un- istine hold upon the nation. Our rabbis kan in Shilo throughout the entire Book Samson lives a rather hedonistic life, derscores the need for people to band to- chose this story of the only nazir we fi nd of Judges! marrying a Philistine woman and eventu- gether and fi ght off the common enemy. in Tanach, since all the laws of nezirut are The story of Shimshon, besides the bat- ally seduced and handed over to his death Victory and defeat are not defi ned by lead- found in this week’s parsha. tles and successes he had, is a story of op- by another Philistine woman. He is a war- ers alone but by the ability to stand behind Sefer Shoftim, from which this hafta- portunity lost. rior but one who never organized or led a leader as one people, as one nation. rah is taken, is a record of the events that As the haftarah relates, the birth of an Israelite army into battle, a hero who And the truth of these ancient lessons transpired over a span of 350 years, be- Shimshon could have ushered in a new era was regarded by his own nation as a threat have stood the test of time until this very tween the passing of Yehoshua and the of strength and independence for the Isra- to their security, a leader who was hand- day. rise of Shmuel HaNavi. But, as I have of- elites. The powerful Shimshon was to be ed over to the enemy by his own country- ten pointed out, the purpose of any book the leader who would start breaking the men. In the end, he dies a defeated man, Rabbi Neil Winkler is the rabbi emeritus of the Young Israel of in Tanach is not to relate history but to bonds of Philistine oppression. He would blinded by his enemy—a man who choos- Fort Lee and now lives in Israel. teach a prophetic message to the future be a military leader who could lead the Is- es to die with the enemy. All Politics Is Personal Ramban fi rst sees the length as the To- tribe came up with an offering to refl ect es in mind means the Midrash thinks many rah’s way of honoring those who evince the future he knew from the tradition go- roads, in this case, led to the same way to CONTINUED FROM P. 18 proper fear/awe of Hashem. When the ne- ing back to Yaakov’s predictions. All those mark the completion of the Mishkan. er. For those who do not, the completion si’im agreed on the offerings to bring, one of offerings turned out to be exactly the same A husband’s relationship with his wife, a of the commitment includes the element them had to go fi rst, but the Torah did not items, but could not be lumped together nazir’s move from sanctifi ed aloofness back the particular individual added to his/her wish to single out whichever one would do since they sent very different messages and to regular life, and the nesi’im’s choices of nezirut, likely different for each nazir. so for greater honor than his colleagues. meanings. offerings: all personal and individualized. Rashi also quoted a Midrash according Neither Rashi nor Ramban make the The Coincidentally Similar Nesi’im to which each of the nesi’im thought of the point explicitly, but the Midrash draws our Rabbi Dr. Gidon Rothstein has served in the community rab- Parashat Naso’s extraordinary offering on his own, independently, for his attention to an expected underlying uni- binate and in educational roles at the high school and adult length—176 verses, longest in the Torah— own reasons. He gave the version of the ty in the world. It would be remarkable level. He is an author of Jewish fi ction and nonfi ction, most re- is somewhat illusory, since 72 of the vers- Midrash in which their reasons have to do enough if the nesi’im individually arrived cently “We’re Missing the Point: What’s Wrong With the Ortho- es list the offerings of the 12 heads of the with the nature of the Mishkan, Creation, at the exact same offering as all the others. dox Jewish Community and How to Fix It.” He lives in Bronx, tribes to celebrate the dedication of the the Patriarchs and Jewish history. Ramban For them to have done so when each had New York, with his wife and three children. Mishkan, which were identical to each notes Bamidbar Rabbah 13:13, according to different motives, symbolisms and purpos- other. Had the Torah listed only the offer- which Yaakov told each of his sons their en- ings of Nachshon b. Aminadav, head of Ye- tire history until the days of Mashiach [an hudah, and then said something along the idea at some tension with the story in Pesa- lines of “and so did each of the rest of the chim about why we say baruch shem kevod Education is the key heads, each on his day,” the parsha would malchuto in Shema, but Ramban does not be at least 60 verses shorter. So why does get into that]. the Torah repeat itself this way? For Bamidbar Rabbah, each head of that unlocks the EDUCATION door to Success! Meir Finkelstein Among YU’s Valedictorians As your child’s advocate, Dr. Kirshenbaum will: (Courtesy of Yeshiva Uni- “I had the opportunity versity) Hundreds of students to learn in Rav Hershel from Yeshiva University’s un- Schachter’s shiur for three • Request special education testing dergraduate schools received years and to learn and re- their degrees at YU’s 87th com- ceive guidance from Rabbi • Make sure appropriate and timely evaluations occur mencement exercises, held at Mayer Twersky in the Mas- the Prudential Center in New- midim Program.” ark, NJ, on May 16. Nine of the After graduation, Fin- • Help you understand your rights under the Individuals with students were honored with kelstein hopes to pursue the designation of valedicto- semicha at YU-affi liated Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and 504 rian for their outstanding aca- Rabbi Isaac Elchanan The- demic achievement. ological Seminary. Refl ect- • Review Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504 Plans Meir Finkelstein of Tean- ing on his favorite mem- eck was named valedictorian ories, Finkelstein said he of the Yeshiva Program/Mazer really enjoyed Shabbat • Attend meetings and hearings School of Talmudic Studies. and the High Holidays on Finkelstein is the grandson of Yvette and campus. “These times brought out a real • Access resource, information and referrals Jack Finkelstein of New Rochelle. sense of community and provided a warm Finkelstein was a participant in the YU and uplifting context for growth,” he said. Masmidim Honors Program, which offers Other valedictorians include Golda Aha- C A L L accelerated study and scholarship support ron, Stern College for Women; Shany Hava, To learn more about CALL ( hild dvocate iaison ink) ASSOCIATES, contact: to a small group of exceptional students. Sy Syms School of Business; Michael Klein, Program members have the opportunity Sy Syms School of Business; Jared Rut- Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum to maximize their potential through a rig- ner, Yeshiva College; Jesse Joseph Salver, Ir- orous learning schedule and curriculum, ving I. Stone Beit Midrash Program; Mindy 316 West Englewood Avenue within the framework of the university’s Schwartz, Rebecca Ivry Department of Jew- Teaneck NJ 07666 unique commitment to Torah Umadda. ish Studies; Brent Weinberg, Isaac Breuer 201.214.8325 | [email protected] “I am grateful to my rebbeim who had College; and Mordechai (Mark) Weiss, James a great impact on me,” said Finkelstein. Striar School of General Jewish Studies. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 19 THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SCHMUTTER Seat Politics By Mordechai Schmutter So the gabbaim spent a lot of time ar- and bothering everyone in the room? Then guing about ideas. Should we get rid of the we’d need aisles all over the place. Frequent readers of tables? Then everyone will complain. Guys So his suggestion was, how about we my column will know want their tables, because otherwise they’d make the bookcases taller? That way we that I don’t really fol- have to juggle their siddur, their chumash, need fewer of them. low politics. And the their tallis bag, their hat and whatever se- OK, so we don’t have infi nite ceilings, same goes for shul poli- fer they got during shemoneh esrei, and fi g- but for every two bookcases we make tall- tics. But just this week, I ure out how to show each of their kids the er, we get to lose one. Unless someone do- happened to accidentally get caught up in a place. nates more seforim, Heaven forbid. discussion between three or four gabbaim A lot of the discussion revolved around But then the fi rst gabbai said, “Then as to how to maximize the seating space of the seforim shranks. This was a big sticking how do people reach the seforim?” Do they our shul. A. Go to the bathroom, which they point. The thought was that if we moved stand on the chairs of the guys in the back It’s not one of those big, offi cial shuls. seem to do way more during shul hours the row of seforim from behind the back row? Do we get one of those ladders that We rent out an area that used to be a store- than they probably do at home. row, we get an extra… well, 12 inches, prob- slide along the wall? front, so we have a rectangular shul that B. Go look for a sefer if they fi nish ably, in the back of the room, which is not Maybe we should forget about seats, is signifi cantly wider side-to-side than it is Shemoneh Esrei early, so that by the time large enough for another row of people, and just have a rotation of people that have front to back. Front to back, we have an they fi nd it and get back to their seats but might be large enough to get the guys to go away for Shabbos certain weeks, or at aron, an amud, a bimah, a hagbah chair and (which isn’t easy, because you have to time in the back to stop complaining about hav- least try out other shuls. a wall. The rabbi has to keep looking left to your steps around everyone’s shuckling, ing no room, and instead start complaining But why am I writing this article? Half right when he talks, or he can just speak di- like you’re playing Frogger), the chazzan about how they now have to walk some- the shul is going to complain that every- rectly to the wall. But the question is how will have already started. where else to get their seforim. one’s going to come to our shul now, be- to maximize the space. So the most recent thing they did was But what do we do with the seforim? cause I just said we’re looking to make Our fi rst issue is that our shul keeps get- stick in an extra row. This added some One gabbai suggested that we move more room. And half the people are going ting new members. No offense. seats, but not enough. And now the guys in the bookcases all over the room—wherev- to complain that no one’s going to join our Usually, this is a good thing, because new the back row are complaining that people er there’s a small space—instead of all in shul now, because I just said we’re a crowd- members mean new money, except that we bump into them when they’re coming to one row. Like for instance, we can move ed shul of complainers. And the third half get the kind of new members that, like the get seforim, although seeing as there is now the big plush Kisey Shel Eliyahu, seeing as will say that what goes on in the shul is not old members, don’t really have money. It’s an extra row, you’d think these guys would how often do we have a bris in shul? Can’t for public discussion—it’s between the 87 great that people who have no money like just move forward one row and pretend we just bring it in when we do? Or do we of us and our families and friends. hanging out with other people who have the new row is the back one. Meanwhile, have to have it sitting there all the time, in But anyway, if everyone in my shul no money, but how on earth are we going the guys in the front row are complaining case there’s an emergency bris? Yes, I know is going to complain to me, it might take to build a bigger shul with no money? that people heading to the bathroom are that whoever sponsored the chair will com- some of the brunt off the gabbaim. A little But seating is just one issue. The most bumping into them, although you’d think plain. But maybe he’ll stop if we let him thank you for involving me in politics. obvious solution is to add another row of they would just move one row back and have it for his makom kavua. tables, and the most obvious place to put pretend that the new row is the front row. But then the second gabbai pointed out Mordechai Schmutter is a freelance writer and a humor col- it is the aisle. Which brings us to the other And the people who pass by are complain- that do we really want seforim all over the umnist for Hamodia, among other papers. He also has six problem: We need aisles for people to walk ing, because it’s easier to complain than to place, so people have to go from bookcase books out and does stand-up comedy. You can contact him at [email protected]. through so they can: cut through the basement. to bookcase looking for what they want, DINNER4th Annual HONORING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6TH, 2018 23 SIVAN 5778 7:00PM BUFFET DINNER CONGREGATION KETER TORAH 600 ROEMER AVENUE Rabbi Steven and Rachel Burg Sheri and Binny Baum TEANECK, NEW JERSEY 07666 COGUESTS OF HONOR Reservations can be made at ohrhatorah.com/dinner

20 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY PROFILE The Elizabeth Kehilla Is Ready to Welcome You By Harris Salzburg members of the kehilla since day one,” of- tential yet was still affordable. leaders and parents.” Elly mentioned, “I fered Rachie. “We have the best of all worlds here,” have been learning with Rabbi Herman, If one wonders what factors infl uence Lee became involved with the develop- confi rmed Elly, “a wonderful chevra of our and it is incredibly special. His classes are a family when they are looking for a warm ment of Hatzalah of Union County, and, as peers and their families…great friends for simultaneously fun and absorbing…and and open community in which to settle, a charter member of the organization, has us and our kids.” “For example,” enthused the nosh can’t be beat!” Chanie and Elly whether to raise their children or to re- remained an active member throughout Chanie, “there is an incredible playground are clearly the future of the Elizabeth ke- tire, the best way to determine this is to its years of operation, having a signifi cant that was constructed in the neighborhood hilla—dynamic and engaged, working ask those who have done so. There are a impact, one life at a time. Rachie has been a few years back…even the mayor, Chris ceaselessly to make their chosen home host of factors that have brought togeth- employed at the business offi ce of the JEC Bollwage, calls it the Shabbos Park! On the very best that it can be for generations er the individuals who comprise the ke- almost since the day of their arrival, and any given Shabbat the park is bursting at to come. hilla of Greater Elizabeth. Among them as such is a fi xture in the administration the seams with our friends and their chil- Brooklynites until very recently, Fran are the Jewish Educational Center and its of the institution that binds the kehilla. dren. It is a social happening!” and Chezky Medetsky were seeking a new comprehensive day school system, the di- Both Rachie and Lee are members of the Chanie and Elly are dedicated parents home to inspire them, a welcoming place versity and warmth of the community, the board of directors of the JEC Elmora Shul, whose daughters are satisfi ed, thorough- where they felt they could yet make a dif- affordability of the housing, and both the responsible for many of its myriad daily integrated, happy students at the JEC. ference while simultaneously being ap- intrinsic and extrinsic conveniences asso- ly and weekly functions, but none more “The new principal of the lower school, preciated and encouraged for their con- ciated with its location in the greater tri- than Lee’s management of the shul’s ex- Rabbi Uzi Beer, is fantastic,” commented tributions. “Brooklyn was an odd place; state area. tensive youth department. Together with Chanie. “He has boundless energy and en- we raised our family there, but there is Now in their “chai” year as Elmora Shul Youth Director Elie Bodner, Lee oversees thusiasm,” added Elly. no sense of community,” lamented Chez- Elizabethans, Rachie and Lee Niren relocat- activities for Shabbat and the chagim, as Their children absolutely love the ky, “You can literally walk down a street ed to town for all of the aforementioned well as social activities throughout the ac- school and have endeared themselves to on Shabbat, offer greetings to a fellow Jew, reasons. Both graduates of Yeshiva Uni- ademic year. In short, Rachie and Lee have one and all, from administrators to faculty and receive absolutely no response.” versity, Rachie and Lee had lived in Wash- embraced their hometown and have been and staff to the beloved women and men Ultimately, with their children no ington Heights—the “Breuer’s Side”—and, indispensable in shaping its ever-present who maintain the physical plant. Neither longer at home, the Medetskys actual- remaining within the great metropolis, and future course. Chanie nor Elly can believe that their old- ly felt isolated. They had the opportuni- moved to Brooklyn for the sake of proxim- Chanie and Elly Miller are an interest- est child will be moving up to middle ty to spend a Shabbat in the Elmora Shul ity to Lee’s work with OHEL. As they starting hybrid couple in the Elizabeth kehil- school at Bruriah in the fall. kehilla and knew immediately that they ed their family, they were increasingly dis- la. As the child of parents involved in chi- As enamored as they are of the offer- had found their new home. “The people heartened by life in the boroughs. nuch, Chanie mentioned, “I never truly put ings of the kehilla, Chanie and Elly are ex- were so friendly and interested…there was “Despite there being such an over- down roots anywhere,” whereas Elly was tremely fond of the rabbinic leadership of a simple warmth, a heimishness that was whelming Jewish presence, there was raised in Elizabeth and forever remains the Elmora Avenue Shul, Rabbi Avrohom incredible,” enthused Chezky. “We have simply no sense of community,” related a “JECer” through and through. Together Herman and his rebbetzin, Rivky. “Both been here since the chagim and I do not Rachie, “and there was very little oppor- as newlyweds they were searching for a the rabbi and the rebbetzin are totally believe that we have eaten a Shabbat meal tunity for the children to have their own community that would resonate “home” available, at any time, night or day. They at home yet,” offered Fran, “And there is [safe] space to play—on Shabbat or at any —a welcoming place offering educational are fantastic people who care for their ke- no cliquishness. Everyone, but everyone, other time.” Rachie and Lee (and close and social opportunities for themselves as hilla as few I have ever observed do,” said has welcomed us, and it feels as though friends) stumbled upon Elizabeth, and the well as their future, planned family; an es- Chanie, rest is history. “We have felt like integral tablished community that had growth po- “They are tremendous role models as CONTINUED ON P. 22

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Phone Number: 908-355-4850 Website: www.jecelmorashul.org Email: [email protected]

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 21 NEWS FROM ISRAEL Network Science: A Strategy to Prevent Future Calamity Dr. Baruch Barzel at Bar-Ilan University is working to rid the world of power outages, the spread of infectious diseases and other mass catastrophes. (Courtesy of Bar Ilan University) On Au- monumental task for Israel is Dr. in physics. Barzel completed deploy their tools quickly for states, cor- gust 14, 2003, the unthinkable happened. Baruch Barzel, a top researcher, his Ph.D. at Hebrew Universi- porations and others aiming to avoid Just after 4 p.m. on a warm summer’s day, a physicist, applied mathematician ty, then pursued his postdoc- the next cascading collapse of their net- massive power outage instantly struck the and network specialist at Bar-Ilan toral training at the Center for works. northeastern United States, shutting down University. Complex Network Research at Dr. Barzel could easily lead his network lights, phone service, air conditioning and “Network science has greatly Northeastern University and science research anywhere in the world. mass transit for more than 55 million peo- evolved in the past decade and is at the Channing Division of Yet he feels strongly committed to con- ple, including those across the New York currently a leading scientifi c fi eld Network Medicine at Harvard ducting his vital work in Israel. tri-state area. Most did not get their pow- in the description of complex sys- Medical School. “I believe that Israel has three primary er back for two days. Others were left in tems, which affect every aspect of Says Dr. Barzel: “It’s not im- advantages for this kind of endeavor,” he the dark for as long as two weeks. This was our daily life,” says Dr. Barzel. “We possible that maybe within explains. “First of all, it’s the pertinence. the second-largest power outage in world inhabit a world more interconnect- Dr. Baruch Barzel the next fi ve years, that just as These questions that we are addressing history, and the most signifi cant blackout ed and interdependent than ever today after the headline news are actually at the heart of Israel’s many ever to hit North America. before. Today, an Ebola breakout in we get a weather forecast, security platforms. Infrastructure today is In early 2015, a widespread epidemic Africa can rapidly spread across the globe; we’re instead going to receive a forecast much more than a convenience. Breaches of Zika fever, caused by the Zika virus in one disaster on a highway or water source for diseases. What strain of the fl u will be through cyber-attacks that can cause a cas- Brazil, spread to other parts of South and can break the fl ow of transportation or coming to which cities in the world? And cading failure are national security breach- North America. It also affected several is- drinking water for an entire city. And an how can we prevent an outbreak? I think es. Is our infrastructure vulnerable? Can lands in the Pacifi c and Southeast Asia. In attack on computer infrastructure can cut that within 10 years, something like Ebo- we detect the weak spots? Can we create January 2016, the World Health Organi- off power, communications or fi nances la or Zika, which is now a global scare, is incentives to create a more resilient infra- zation said the virus was likely to spread for millions.” not going to be as scary when we know structure? The pertinence of this problem throughout most of the Americas by the Dr. Barzel and his team of network sci- how to predict how they will spread, con- is crucial to the Israeli state of life. I be- end of the year. It was a scare that terror- entists are working to uncover weakness- trol their spread and be able to mitigate it lieve that these kinds of problems should ized millions and had health workers the es in real world systems and fi nd the best online as the path penetrates social net- be solved here in Israel where there is true world over scrambling for secure methods ways to make them more stable and resil- working.” motivation to actually solve them. From of treatment. ient. This includes improving the stabili- The scientists in Dr. Barzel’s Network there, we share our fi ndings with the rest What do the above calamities have in ty of power grids, ecosystems, populations Science Impact Center create new mathe- of the world.” common? And how do we prevent these vulnerable to disease and more. matics, advanced big data techniques, so- For more information on how to help catastrophes from plaguing the masses in Dr. Baruch Barzel arrived two years ago phisticated computational models and contribute to Dr. Barzel’s vital research, the future? at Bar-Ilan University. His Complex Net- high-powered computer simulations. please contact American Friends of Bar-Il- The answer lies in network science. works Dynamics lab is in the math de- And they incorporate their discoveries an University at 212 906-3900, or on the And the man at the forefront of this partment although his background was into automated frameworks so they can web at AFBIU.org. AMIT Atidim Film Students Reel In Another Success (Courtesy of AMIT) Lights! Camera! And most importantly, action! Students from AMIT Atidim Junior and Senior High School took fi rst place at a national competition for creative youth with their fi lm, “Gog and Magog.” This is another achievement for the students of the fi lm and communications track at the school, who already have competed in international competitions for student fi lms numerous times. The students won two awards for “Gog and Magog (Armageddon),” one for best production and another for best fea- ture. Yossi Bar David, who heads the Ed- ucation Ministry’s fi lm and communications track, awarded the AMIT team their honors. The fi lm, which was produced in 2017 by students who are now in the army or in the process of enlisting, sounds like something of a horror fi lm crossed with science community in Israel is destroyed by terror- the teachers’ room and distributes it to his our students and alumni to excel academi- fi ction. It tells the story of Adam, 18, who ists. As Adam searches for other members classmates on Facebook. cally and have strong vales as well.” survives a war in 2023 in which the Jewish of his family, unwanted visitors sabotage “The fi lm, television and communica- AMIT is leading the educational revo- their reunion. tions track at the school is one of the lead- lution in Israel with cutting-edge Jewish CLASSIFIEDS Another fi lm created by students at the ing ones in the country,” said Etti Laredo, values-based education and having a pro- school made it to the fi nals of the Valen- AMIT Atidim’s principal. “Every year, fi lms found impact on Israel’s educational land- - HELP WANTED cia International Film Festival, which pro- from the school take part in and win com- scape and its society. AMIT is creating an motes young fi lmmakers, in the category petitions at festivals in Israel and abroad. educational sea change with its innovative of fi lms made by students under the age of Many of the track’s graduates go into the pedagogical methods. Recently AMIT was 12. The fi lm, called “The Test,” is a morality communications fi eld in the army and in named the #1 Education Network by the OFFICE COORDINATOR tale about a student who steals a test from civilian life, and we will continue to lead Ministry of Education in Israel. The Beth Din of America, located in Manhattan a few blocks from Penn The Elizabeth Kehilla it’s fantastic.” Fran and Chezky have em- Each had their own reasons for choosing braced their newfound hometown and an- Elizabeth, but combined they truly em- Station, is looking to hire an offi ce CONTINUED FROM P. 21 ticipate welcoming newcomers in the fu- body the type of families you will fi nd coordinator. Full job description is at we have been living in town for years.” ture, just as they were welcomed only a here. Warmth, openness, friendship and www.bethdin.org/job. Fridays off , nice “I was a gabbai at our shul in Brooklyn, few short months ago. support are the characteristics of what work environment, very interesting work. and would love to become involved with All together, these three families rep- you will fi nd if you are looking for a place Resumes can be sent to [email protected]. the kehilla, stated Chezky, “The commu- resent the width and breadth of the Eliza- to put down roots. Hope to see you in Eliz- nity really beckons me to become active, beth JEC Elmora Avenue Shul community. abeth one day soon. 22 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM Thinking of traveling?

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 23 F OD & W NE LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT Bon Appetech! Israeli Food and Wine Tech Play Key Roles in the Way We Eat and Enjoy Life By Ken Stephens The Tel Yosef facility currently pro- duces 1 billion slices of yellow cheese a The Jewish state’s renowned “start-up year—50,000 slices per hour! The cheeses nation” mentality isn’t just confi ned to cre- are sent to 100 different suppliers and dis- ating cyber-security, med-tech or software tributors in 10 different countries, includ- solutions. During the past 70 years, Israel’s ing North America and the UK. burgeoning food and wine industries have Tnuva has also used its food technol- quietly revolutionized product develop- ogies and culinary experts to increase the ment, which has enabled both Israeli and number of products that are kosher for global consumers to enjoy the very best that Passover, as well as gradually reducing the Land of Milk and Honey has to offer. the salt content in a growing number of The growth of Israel’s food tech indus- dairy cheese products based on changing try has spurred both the private and gov- consumer health and lifestyle patterns in ernment sectors to invest in food tech start- Israel and around the globe. up hubs and research institutes. Recently, “As the world’s largest manufacturer the Israeli government earmarked $27 mil- of high-quality kosher products, Tnuva’s lion dollars to the city of Kiryat Shmona culinary and technological experts are in Northern Israel to establish a food tech always paying close attention to both start-up accelerator and national research consumer food and lifestyle trends,” facility. The popular Israeli business news- said Yoram Behiri, president of Tnu- paper Calcalist, along with Tnuva and the vaUSA. “Because of our elite standards world-renowned Technion, are launch- of kashrus, we also invest time and ef- ing a food tech competition in the coming fort to secure the fi nest new ingredients weeks for start-ups who wish to “infl uence that we can incorporate into the many the future of the food industry.” different lines of products, from the lat- Two of Israel’s most advanced food and est new fl avors for dairy products to our wine companies, who have already estab- expanding line of easy-to-use frozen pas- lished themselves in the international food tries.” marketplace, Tnuva and the Golan Heights implementing in our vineyards over the slower and less consistent hand sorting we Ironically, it isn’t unusual these days Winery, are continually upgrading their years. With the increase in power of com- did until fi ve years ago. This allows us to to see Golan Heights Winery and Tnuva technological capabilities and facilities. puting, with global positioning satellites, sort out the grapes that could bring down products served up together at family oc- Tnuva, the largest kosher dairy in Isra- with the increase of plant, soil and weath- wine quality, especially on our highest-end casions, business events and ritzy wine el and the largest kosher food manufac- er sensors, we have been able to greatly wines. And while the percent of rejected and cheese soirees in America, Europe, turer in the world, debuted its new Tel Yo- increase our understanding of our natu- berries may be low, usually under 10 per- Asia, Africa, Australia and of course…Isra- sef dairy manufacturing facility at a cost of ral conditions and the vineyards’ reaction cent, these berries can have an exaggerat- el. Golan Heights Winery’s Yarden, Gam- over $80 million dollars. Because of its cut- to those conditions,” revealed Schoenfeld. ed detrimental effect on wine quality. So to la and Hermon brands are sold in over 30 ting-edge automation and robotics, the fa- “The increase of computing power, along be able to do this important task effi ciently countries around the globe, while a big cility has been lionized as one of the most with the ability to know precise global po- and consistently is a huge advantage.” portion of its exports are also found in advanced in the world. sitioning, has led to the rise of mapping as Tnuva’s Tel Yosef dairy is the prod- some of the most high-end restaurants The Golan Heights Winery has changed a basic tool. We can map soil characteris- uct of “230 years of engineering experi- and leading wine stores around the globe. the way consumers have viewed Israe- tics, various vine performance characteris- ence.” A Tnuva executive added, “This fa- Pretty amazing for an Israeli winery. li-made wines by winning a large number tics, leading to a much greater spatial un- cility, which has been built with some of Yael Gai, the winery’s international of medals in international competitions. derstanding of our vineyards. The bottom the world’s most advanced technologies, sales and marketing manager boasted, According to Golan Heights’ legendary line is that these tools [have] allowed us to allows us to produce a wide array of dairy “No winery has had or continues to have chief winemaker, Victor Schoenfeld, there continue to increase grape and wine quali- cheese products to meet all of our consum- a larger impact on the Israeli wine indus- are several keys to their success, which start ty at an impressive pace. In terms of tech- ers demands.” try than the Golan Heights Winery.” in the vineyards. nology in the winery, the biggest revolu- “There has been a huge revolution in tion has been the introduction of optical agricultural technology that we have been sorting of grapes, which replaced the much FOODIE NEWSBRIEF

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He con- ing adherence to halacha New York 10804 E-mail: [email protected] tinued: “Our products have with a superior taste and minimal processing and are quality. 24 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM THE SIMCHA LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT Wedding Hair Is in the Air By Sari Friedbauer be plumped up, and wrapped with a Planning a wed- strand of hair or vel- ding soon? Mazal tov! vet ribbon to cover One of the most ex- the elastic. Wig wear- citing aspects of plan- ers will need the new ning a wedding for pony updo wig for the bride and her brid- the higher-up ponies. al party is of course the dresses! When shopping for a dress you need to factor in The New the overall look you want to achieve. The Half Updo hairstyle and makeup you choose need to Part half updo, compliment the dress, of course! part side-swept, the Wedding hair trends for 2018 are all new half updo com- about the natural, laid-back, no-fuss look. and sophistication. 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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 25 SCHOOLS Carmel Academy Student Kinneret Scores High at Bronx Wins Award in Statewide Middle School MoMathlon Writing Contest On May 4, the Kinneret Day School elite math team competed in neet Brill. Students also read, “Letters from the Con Edison Bronx Middle School Rivka,” a book about a young Jewish girl’s MoMathlon at the Ethical Culture fl ight from Russia the early 1900s. Fieldston School. After an individu- The students also welcomed several al round, a team round and a mixed- guest speakers, including Carmel Acade- team round, KDS placed third, be- my’s Admissions Director Ella Shteingart, hind SAR Academy and PS/MS 194. an émigré from the former Soviet Union. Noa Nordenberg was named a top “It was meaningful to help the children fi ve seventh grader, while Mikael connect my personal immigration sto- Weinsteiner took fi rst place for all ry with the story of Rivka from the book eighth graders. Carmel Academy fi fth grader Liora that they had read. The students discov- Wilkins was awarded the third place prize ered many similar themes and were able to in the Connecticut Celebrate America Crea- ask me thoughtful questions from a deeper tive Writing Contest. point of knowledge,” Shteingart said. Westchester Day School The contest, which was organized by Carmel Academy alumni parent and im- the American Immigration Council and migration lawyer, Beth Boyer, also visited Student Wins Library of sponsored by the American Immigration the students and taught them about mod- Lawyers Association of Connecticut, gives ern day immigration, the process of immi- Congress Competition fi fth graders throughout the country the gration to the U.S. and the important role opportunity to explore America and im- immigration plays in our society. When Westchester Day School sixth As a winner, Maya will be presented migration and challenged them to write “The unit really opened up their eyes to grader Maya Tratt fi rst learned of the Li- with a special certifi cate of honor at the about the theme, “Why I Am Glad America how our country was formed and where brary of Congress’ Letters About Literature New York State Writers Hall of Fame Induc- is a Nation of Immigrants.” their family stories started,” Brill said. competition, she was immediately interest- tion, being held at the Princeton Club, in Liora’s essay, “Everyone an Immigrant,” The students’ enthusiasm and curiosi- ed. The national reading-and-writing pro- New York City, on Tuesday, June 5. She will which she wrote from the perspective of ty came alive in their creative writing sto- gram, open to students in fourth through also have her name listed on the Empire the Statue of Liberty, was selected as a fi - ries, essays, poetry and dialogue—and each twelfth grades, asks participants to write to State Center for the book’s website, along nalist by a panel of judges. Her essay was of the students submitted an entry to the an author, either living or deceased, about with the other fi rst-place winners in each then chosen by U.S. Senators Richard Blu- contest, Brill said. how his or her book has affected the partic- age category. menthal and Chris Murphy as the third “When I thought about what I wanted ipant’s life. In refl ecting on her success in this com- place winner. to write, I decided to write from the per- After careful thought, Maya decided petition, Maya has a message for other stu- Carmel Academy’s fi fth graders stud- spective of the Statue of Liberty and her that Anne Frank would be the recipient of dents. “If you have the possibility of trying ied the history of immigration to the Unit- take on immigration,” said Liora. “I did her letter. As she wrote, “Dear Anne, You something new, you should just go for it. ed States, learning why people immigrate some research about the Statue of Liberty are thirteen, only two years older than I, You never know what might happen!” and the different waves of immigration to before I started writing. I am really happy but you are in hiding. You are thirteen, and our country, said fi fth grade teacher Da- and excited about my essay.” your world is hidden behind a bookcase and a diary. You are only thirteen, yet you have endured more pain and hardship than Bi-Cultural Celebrates I would ever wish upon someone in a life- time. Yes, you are only thirteen, but little do Yom Yerushalayim you know, your, “musings of a thirteen year old schoolgirl,” became a symbol of hope On Thursday, May 10, stu- for Jews, girls and me.” dents at Bi-Cultural Day School After submitting her heartfelt piece to in Stamford celebrated Yom Ye- the competition, Maya returned to her reg- rushalayim (Jerusalem Day), a ular routine, not thinking too much about national Israeli holiday com- what would come of her work. Then, while memorating the reunifi ca- in Israel with her family for the Passover tion of Jerusalem in 1967, with holiday, everything changed. a special assembly. As part of “Right after Yom Tov ended, I checked the festivities, the school’s my voicemail and it said ‘Congratulations, eighth-graders captured the at- you’re a winner!’” Maya says. Quickly, she tention of students in the low- checked her email, where she discovered er grades as they showed a vid- even more exciting news: Her letter to eo of their recent month-long, Anne Frank had secured fi rst place in the school-sponsored trip to Israel. Level 1 (fourth through sixth grade) competition. WTA Fifth Grade Engineers Visit New Tappan Zee Bridge For several weeks, Westchester Torah Acade- my’s fi fth grade students have been learning about, and experimenting with, bridge structure. They have built their own model bridges and studied a number of different bridge de- signs. As a culmination of this unit of study, the fi fth grade met with the engineers who designed and built the new Tappan Zee Bridge, and toured the new bridge project with its de- signers. 26 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM SCHOOLS Bi-Cultural Day School Hosts ‘Blue Ribbon’ Celebration Close to 450 guests fi lled the ballroom Head of School Jackie Herman called the of the Hilton Stamford Hotel on Sunday evening “a spectacular success, thanks to evening, May 6, to pay tribute to Linda and our chairs, dinner co-chairs, as well as to Len Russ of Stamford, and several other the entire celebration dinner and journal leaders of the Connecticut Jewish commu- committee.” nity, for their commitment to Jewish education and their dedication to community service at the Bi-Cultural Day School (BCDS) celebration dinner. Among those in attend-

ance was U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Alumni Award. The gala evening also hon- who presented each honoree with a certiﬁ - ored Pia Walker, the school’s longtime ad- cate of commendation. ministrative secretary, with the school’s An annual event, the theme of this Jane Shoztic Memorial Award, presented year’s celebration dinner was “Blue Rib- annually to an outstanding staff member. bon,” in recognition of the school’s recent Along with a lavish buffet dinner, designation as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon guests enjoyed a musical performance School of Excellence by the U.S. Depart- by the BCDS choir, joined by the school’s ment of Education. eighth-graders. Newly returned from their In addition to the evening’s guests of month-long school-sponsored Israel Expe- honor, Linda and Leonard Russ, the school rience, the eighth-graders brought to the presented Larry Rezak with the BCDS Com- dinner the spirit of Israel. munity Service Award, Craig L. Price with Noting both the “record-breaking the BCDS Young Leadership Award, and crowd,” and the fact that the annual fund- Dr. Pamela Schaffer Singer with the BCDS raiser “exceeded all expectations,” BCDS

Kindergarten Scientists Carmel Academy Girls that you didn’t even know you were good at.” The team plays within the Fairches- CONTINUED FROM P. 1 Present at Kinneret Science ter Athletic League, competing with other team might make the other girls feel more private schools throughout Fairfi eld and comfortable to try something new and it Westchester Counties. The inaugural game Fair gives us an outlet for our own sport,” said against Sacred Heart was a day that Franc- Francesca, the team’s pitcher. esca and Nili say they will never forget. Admiring their middle school peers, Nili, the team’s shortstop, said they did “Everyone was excited, but it is safe to Kinneret kindergarteners asked their teach- face some challenges getting the team off say we were also nervous. It was our fi rst er, Dorit Nevis, if they could run their own the ground. game and we are all new to the sport. As science fair. From an exploration of plan- “Most of the girls on the team have nev- the game went on it got easier and easier,” ets, to fossils, to insects, the budding scien- er played,” she said. However that didn’t Francesca said. tists learned skills of research and presenta- deter the duo from recruiting members. Nili added that a big reason their nerves tion as they held their science fair for both During recess, Nili said she and Francesca subsided was a surprise on the sidelines— parents and students alike. made the rounds, speaking with their peers members of their former all-boys baseball about the sport and drumming up interest. team took time away from their practice to With a clipboard in hand, they slowly start- come cheer them on. ed building a roster. By the time the spring “I am so proud of these pioneering ath- season hit, they had a full team. letes,” said Carmel Academy’s Athletic Di- “We both really appreciate that our rector Philip Goldberg. “Their determina- teammates went out of their comfort zone tion and commitment has created another to try something new,” Francesca said. milestone for the Carmel sports program. Classmate and fi rst base player Sophie I am really proud of this founding team; Citron said she didn’t hesitate to sign up their enthusiasm is contagious and with when she found out about the new Carmel some strong coaching they will create a sports team. “I love trying new things, espe- legacy that other girls will benefi t from in cially sports, because you learn new skills years to come.” SAR HS Sophomores Go Camping! Last week, 25 SAR HS sophomores and ing in the wilderness, before packing up four faculty members had an unforgetta- and heading back to SAR. The event was a ble time in the Wilderness of Fahnestock memorable experience that was nothing State Park. short of epic. Students came as 25 individu- The annual camping trip began with als and left as a family. As Aaron Levitt said, a amazing hike up Breakneck Ridge, aptly “We should do this every week!” named for its steep cliffs and spectacular views. What an experience! From there, the group drove to the campsite in Fahnestock State Park. After setting up tents, they enjoyed a BBQ dinner cooked by Yoram Ro- schwalb, Laurie Popiel and beit midrash fellow Elana Perlow. Following dinner, the students sat around a campfi re and bonded with stories, singing and of course, marshmallows! It was an incredibly uplifting spiritual experience that ranks as a sophomore year highlight. In the morning, students woke up and experienced daven- 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 27 SCHOOLS Linked In: Teaching the Shoah to Children With Special Needs By Dena Mayerfeld hoff much Jewish joy. portunity to talk and become close with The SINAI students were mesmerized her mother. The young adults were ad- Sometimes, an individual can have a tre- and touched by Sauerhoff’s story. They monished to “be an ‘upstander’ and not a mendous impact on the collective strength were able to appreciate her struggles, both bystander, seek justice and not to ever tol- of his or her community. This was demon- emotionally and physically. Upon hearing erate bullying.” Her fi nal charge to the as- strated recently at SINAI Schools at RYNJ, of her late-in-life return to Jewish studies sembled, as the next generation that must when Erika Sauerhoff, a child Holocaust and Torah practices, one of the students ex- continue the chain, was the reality that survivor, spoke to SINAI’s middle school claimed, “You are like a modern day Rabbi “the future is yours to own—own it.” students about her experiences and refl ec- Akiva who also discovered Judaism when As a result of this talk, SINAI middle tions pertaining to the Holocaust. One of he was older!” Another student found her school students were exposed to the fi rst- the teachers at SINAI at RYNJ is a fellow story poignant and, visibly moved, he re- hand, eyewitness account of a survivor, as congregant of Sauerhoff’s at Congregation marked, “I am so sorry that you are an or- well as an understanding of some of the Adath Israel in Hillside. She seized the op- not know that she was Jewish and accepted phan!” and then asked, “Your mother didn’t cruelties of the Holocaust through the eyes portunity and recruited Erika to address her into their family in order to proselytize love you?” expressing his bewilderment at of a child. Sauerhoff’s presentation was il- her students as part of their observance of her to Christianity. Eerily, the family’s busi- how Sauerhoff’s mother “gave her away” to lustrative of how children of all abilities Yom HaShoah. ness was production of child-size coffi ns, the Blanchards. Still another student artic- should be given the opportunity to gain As with each of SINAI’s schools, the stu- and they often used young Sauerhoff as a ulated his total disbelief at her having to appreciation of their heritage, even when, dents at SINAI at RYNJ have a range of com- human yardstick for their measurements. leave her family, asking, “Your mother was like the Shoah, it is painful and diffi cult to plex disabilities. It is challenging to present She was baptized and lived a Christian life murdered?” because he could not under- comprehend. These SINAI students were emotionally sensitive and diffi cult topics until after the war, when she was reunited stand why she otherwise would live with charged with the responsibility of their fu- such as the Shoah to any group of children; with her family. By the time she returned, the Blanchards. ture. Sauerhoff impacted all who were for- this is magnifi ed when children have spe- at age 7, her father had been murdered and Sauerhoff patiently interacted with tunate to hear her presentation, linking cial needs or complex learning challenges. her mother was a struggling young widow the students, charging her young listeners them into the strong and everlasting chain In a slideshow presentation, Sauerhoff with four children and a younger broth- with a number of life lessons that she has of our tradition, history and community. related that she was 3 years old, living in er to take care of. Sauerhoff was unhappy gleaned from her tumultuous experienc- Paris, when the war broke out. Sauerhoff’s about leaving the Blanchards and did not es. She expressed deep remorse over her father had joined the French army, as did want to return to her former Jewish life. disconnect with her mother when she re- Dena Mayerfeld is a learning disabilities teacher consultant many foreigners, and was subsequently She became distanced from her mother as turned after the war and confi ded to the and a middle school teacher at SINAI Elementary at Rosen- sent to a labor camp. In order to save her well as the practices and beliefs of Judaism. students that only now does she appreci- baum Yeshiva of North Jersey, including the Riva Blatt Wein- daughter’s life, Erika’s mother sent her to Many years later, she returned to the fold, ate how brave her mother was to do what stein Judaic Studies Program. For additional information, visit live with the Blanchards, a gentile family. married and raised a daughter, who, togeth- she did to keep her alive. Erika wishes she the SINAI blog at www.sinaischools.org/blog. The Blanchards, according to Sauerhoff, did er with her family, continues to give Sauer- could turn back the clock and have the op- MTA Freshman Sam Verstandig Leads TABC ‘Stop Bullying’ Program in Albany Welcomes MTA freshman tary of education, and to speak with students at two local Sam Verstandig, of state senators Jewish day schools—Maimonides Hebrew AIPAC Queens, has been and state assem- Day School and Bet Shraga Hebrew Acad- lobbying for an- blymen. On these emy of the Capitol District. “I like helping Last Friday, Carly Sternberg, AIPAC’s di- ti-bullying legisla- trips, Verstandig others and want to be a voice for those rector of High School Engagement, met tion at the State and his father, who can’t speak up for themselves,” said with graduating seniors to share with them Senate and Con- Stuart, davened Verstandig. “I think it’s really meaningful to how they can become involved in Israel ad- gress levels for the each day at Con- be an advocate for important issues, even if vocacy on their college campuses. In her past two years and gregation Beth they don’t impact you directly.” In an effort presentation, Sternberg emphasized that Is- was recognized as Abraham-Jacob, to motivate other students to get involved, rael advocacy is not only about combating one of the “Jew- where they met Verstandig founded the New York Political anti-Israel sentiment and propaganda, but, ish Week’s” 36 Un- the shul’s leader, Action Club at MTA, which meets with lo- more important, about political action that der 36 in 2017 for Rabbi Roy Feld- cal elected offi cials and lobbies for educa- will continue to ensure that our congress- his efforts. Accom- man. When Rabbi tional legislation. “It’s inspiring to watch men and senators are well educated about panied by his par- Feldman learned Sam empower other students and encour- issues pertaining to Israel and thereby to ents, Verstandig has made multiple trips to that the purpose of Verstandig’s frequent age them to get involved in meaningful ensure that Congress continues to support Albany, where he has been introduced on trips to Albany was to lobby on behalf of causes,” said Head of School Rabbi Joshua Israel in all of the challenges which it con- the State Assembly and State Senate fl oors anti-bullying legislation, he organized a Kahn. “Sam’s dedication to helping others fronts. The Israel Advocacy Club then had and has met with a plethora of elected of- “Stop Bullying” program, and invited Ver- has made a profound impact on our stu- the special opportunity to meet with Stein- fi cials, including the NY State deputy secre- standig to speak at the shul over Shabbos dents.” berg in a smaller setting. SPORTS SAR HS Girls JV Soccer Team Advances to Ship By Ellie Kosowsky, ‘20 fense. At the end of the fi rst quarter, SAR was leading 5-0 and they fi nished the half The semi-fi nal JV soccer game was held strong with a score of 6-0. Other goals at SAR High School on Wednesday night, were scored by Amalia Labinsky-Fleischer May 16. SAR Sting competed against the and Gabi Mogilner. The Sting team contin- North Shore Lions for the third time this ued to show their agility, speed and talent season, winning both previous games, so through the third quarter as they ‘mercied’ they were favored to win. Scoring the fi rst the Lions winning 9-0. While it wasn’t the two goals of the night was Zahava But- highest scoring game, this was SAR’s fi rst ler with assists from Laura Brandwein. shutout of the season. Brandwein played incredible defense, As the championship game approach- getting many rebounds, and also played es, it seems that the SAR girls JV soccer amazing offense scoring the most goals team is well prepared to take on their ri- for the team. Of course Emily Feit, star vals, the Frisch Cougars. With their star player of the team, outplayed her oppo- goalie, Mogilner, and co-captain Feit, Sting nents throughout the game with her clev- Nation is ready to compete and hopefully er foot work, and managed to score two bring home the JV girls soccer champion- goals even though she mostly played de- ship trophy. Let’s go Sting! 28 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM SPORTS Escape From Alcatraz: Part IV By David Roher

I have made so much out of swimming with the sharks (Yes, we know) MOVING TO BERGEN COUNTY? that I did not want to neglect telling you about the bike. (Land shark...just asking) This is a triathlon, but it is not an IRON- We’ve got the home for you! MAN (The difference being?) Three events: swimming, biking and NECHAMA POLAK DEBBIE BOTWINICK running, but a third of the distance of the 140.6 race. (So you will ﬁ nish before midnight?) I hope so. I would like to take my wife sightseeing.

San Francisco is famous for three things. (Just three?) Shuddup. Alcatraz, cable cars, Rice-a-Roni, the Biking in cold weather hurts. 1139 KORFITSEN ROAD, NEW MILFORD 615 RUTLAND AVENUE, TEANECK Golden Gate Bridge, Metallica and Tony If the air temp is 50, the wind chill Bennett’s Heart. on the bike is 30. It’s not fun riding in ski $740,000 • 4 BEDS • 83 FT FRONTAGE $979,000 • 6 BEDS • 4.5 BATHS (Metallica and Tony Bennett’s Heart?) gloves. Trust me, I’ve done it. When it gets Just Tony Bennett’s Heart. Google it. warm, I am going to bike the hills of 9W The hills of San Fransisco are notorious overlooking the Palisades. I am looking for- ESTHER SCHLANGER NECHAMA POLAK for their steep inclines. ward to doing hill repeats on River Road. (Don’t you hate hills?) I will continue to ride inside one to two I hate hills. times a week, right up until two weeks be- (So naturally you chose a race in the fore the race. hilliest city in America.) (What happens two weeks before the Naturally. race?) This type of race requires a different ap- TriBikeTransport will ship the bike to proach than an Ironman, with its 112 miles San Francisco. of cycling. Starting in January, I spent an hour 515 STANDISH ROAD, TEANECK 662 QUEEN ANNE ROAD, TEANECK twice a week, on the bike, in the house. (Your own private hamster wheel?) $629,000 • STUNNING TUDOR •151 DEEP PROPERTY $792,000 • 6 BEDS • 135x130 PROPERTY Pretty much. (How can cycling indoors prepare you for climbing the hills of San Francisco?) ESTHER SHAYOWITZ NECHAMA POLAK Indoor cycling does not allow you to coast along like descending down a hill. A 60 minute workout is 60 minutes of nonstop pedaling. The training is a series of higher and lower levels of resistance. It is that resistance that teaches your body to resist fatigue. In the end that is all this is. Training your body to swim, to bike, to run longer than it ever imagined it could. (But when do you take the bike outside?) 937 PHELPS ROAD, TEANECK 36 WILBUR ROAD, BERGENFIELD When the air temp hits 60 degrees. $949,000 • 5 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS $1,075,000 • 5 BEDS • 4 BATHS (But you run in snow and ice)

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 29 REAL ESTATE How Does New York City Deal With Gas Leaks? By Vivian J. Oleen a greenhouse gas, is a primary component trols are turned off and extinguish any in the presence of the building owner or of natural gas, leaks release methane into open fl ames such as lit candles. building superintendent. When the build- A few days ago, my dog and I arrived the environment. Therefore, Con Ed repairs The odor of rotten eggs is not the ing’s gas is turned off due to a leak, the home from an hour-long walk to fi nd New pipes and replaces gas mains so as to re- only sign that the situation is dangerous. building owner must hire a contractor to York City Fire Department trucks in front duce emissions, and now reports a 27.5 per- You may hear unusual noises in your gas do the repairs. When the repairs are com- of my neighbor’s house, two houses north cent reduction in methane emissions since pipes—hissing, roaring, whistling. A white pleted, the contractor obtains a certifi ca- of mine. The sidewalk had been opened 2005. Con Ed has also been replacing all old cloud, bubbles, or mist may be present in tion from the DOB and submits the paper- and several workers were examining the cast iron and steel mains with plastic that standing water. Unexplained presence of work. Then Con Ed performs a pressure gas supply lines below it. Several days lat- is less prone to leaking. Con Ed also advis- dead vegetation may indicate a leak. Your test, and if there are no pipe leaks then the er, the work having been completed, two es that in order to avoid damage to under- gas appliances may not be producing gas or gas goes back on. Building owners must fi re trucks and a Con Ed van visited the ground gas equipment, call 811 at least two may have abnormal pressure as in a high or have their gas piping systems inspected site, offi cials performed an inspection and days before you break ground and Con Ed low fl ame, or you may not be able to stop every fi ve years by the DOB. Owners and tests, and pronounced that gas could be re- will mark the approximate location of all the fl ow of gas when you shut off a heating gas service operators must notify the DOB stored to the premises. If you fi nd yourself gas lines, at no cost to you. unit or other appliance. Water that is con- within 24 hours if gas is shut off in a build- in a similar situation, go to Con Ed’s gas Natural gas is odorless, so methyl mer- tinuously leaking from your heating unit ing, and notify the DOB if gas can’t be re- leak map, enter the address of the building captan (methanethiol), which smells like could be another sign of a gas leak. stored due to safety concerns. in question, and you will see the status— rotten eggs, is added to gas so that you can Since 2014, the NYC Fire Department Con Ed has 4,300 miles of gas mains in updated every 24 hours—of leaks reported smell it if gas is leaking. If you suspect a will respond to all reports of suspected gas New York City. Following state and feder- and already made safe. A green dot on the leak, exit the premises immediately and call leaks. Even if you call 311, you will be trans- al guidelines, Con Ed checks all gas mains map means “poses no threat. Crews moni- 911 (which can also be done anonymously) ferred to 911. NYC’s offi cial website instructs about once a month and all streets once a tor to keep area safe.” A blue dot means “im- when you are at a safe distance. Don’t as- you to call 911—it does not even mention year. Con Ed also has a mobile leak detec- mediately inspected and made safe.” sume that someone else has already report- calling Con Ed. Previously, Con Ed was tion truck that conducts 12 additional sur- Gas leaks are serious business, in terms ed the leak. When near the suspected leak, called, but the city maintains that FDNY veys per year of all 4,300 miles within Con of both public safety and the environment. do not activate anything that could cause trucks can respond in about eight minutes Ed’s service area. Interior and exterior gas leaks can be caused a spark, such as lights, fl ashlights, car igni- whereas it can take Con Ed as long as 20-25 Is this reassuring? Maybe not, for ap- by cracks and corrosion of the pipes and by tion, matches, turning electrical equipment minutes. As was shown in the massive ex- parently not all leaks are repaired. Con Ed contractors’ accidental damage. Indoors, on or off, doorbells, telephones, pulling plosion in East Harlem in 2011, the time dif- divides leaks into three categories. Type 1: faulty appliances and leaky pipe fi ttings plugs from outlets, and lighting a cigarette ferential can be crucial because the explo- “Leak requires continuous attention un- may also be the culprits. Because methane, or pipe. Make sure that your gas oven con- sion occurred 20 minutes after the initial til the leak is made safe, and daily inspec- report of the gas leak. tion until permanent repairs are complet- In response to the 2015 East Village gas ed.” Type 2: “Leak poses no immediate explosion, New York City enacted 10 bills threat to people or property. Frequency regarding gas safety. Now, as of June 4, 2017, of further inspection is dependent on the tenants must be notifi ed by the landlord amount of gas and the location of the leak. what tenants must do in the event of a sus- Repairs must be made within six months pected leak (“Gas Leak Notice”). The notice to a year.” Type 3: “Leak poses no hazard to must accompany leases and be posted in people or property. Inspection must occur a common area of the building. All work annually to ensure safety but no repairs are on gas piping systems must be done by a required.” licensed professional or person with gas- work qualifi cations issued by the Depart- ment of Buildings. The DOB must conduct Vivian J. 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30 May 24, 2018 • 10 Sivan, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM ISRAEL REAL ESTATE A Voice Among the Silent By Gedaliah Borvick during World War II to help Jews escape ish to open then-Palestine to Holocaust the Suez Canal, attempted to wrestle con- the Nazis. Such people include Japanese survivors. trol of the large southern region from Isra- Many streets across diplomat Chiune Sempo Sugihara, who Upon the establishment of the state of el to Trans-Jordan. Israel are named in was based in Kovno, Lithuania, and helped Israel, President Truman picked McDonald The street in Netanya named after this memory of righteous approximately 6,000 Jews fl ee Europe by to serve as the United States’ fi rst ambassa- modern-day hero houses a synagogue that gentiles who were issuing transit visas; Carl Lutz, a Swiss dip- dor to the nascent state, where he contin- the community has amusingly renamed sympathetic to the lomat based in Budapest, Hungary, who is ued advocating for the Jewish people. One “McDonald’s.” Notwithstanding the gentle plight of Jews and credited with saving over 60,000 Jews, the little known but major example: McDon- humor, it is fi tting that a house of prayer stood up to anti-Semitism or supported largest rescue operation of World War II; ald played an important role in helping Is- bears his name, as McDonald was a brave the establishment of the state of Israel. and Raoul Wallenberg, Sweden’s special rael retain possession of the Negev when voice of moral clarity and ethical princi- Some streets are named for world lead- envoy in Budapest, Hungary, during the the British, trying to protect its interests in ples during history’s darkest hour. ers who supported the creation of a Jewish later stages of World War II, who similarly homeland, such as Czechoslovakian presi- saved tens of thousands of Jews. dent Tomas Masaryk, South African Prime I recently attended the screening of a Minister Jan Smuts and British Prime Min- fascinating documentary called “A Voice ister David Lloyd George. Among the Silent: The Legacy of James G. Other streets are named for individ- McDonald.” Let’s focus on this hero who uals from the private sector, most nota- was honored by the city of Netanya with bly Oskar Schindler, who saved 1,200 Jews a street named after him in recognition of from the Nazis by employing them in his his lifelong advocacy of the Jews. factories. His activities were chronicled in In 1933, McDonald was appointed the the novel “Schindler’s Ark” and the subse- League of Nations’ high commissioner for quent fi lm adaptation, “Schindler’s List.” refugees from Germany. McDonald quickly Several streets are named for gov- became aware of the German Jews’ plight ernment employees and diplomats who and informed President Roosevelt of Hit- risked their jobs and their families’ lives ler’s open threats to destroy the Jews. Un- fortunately, his clarion call failed to sway Roosevelt and his policies toward Germany. Roosevelt was not alone in ignoring Mc- Donald’s protestations, as many world leaders turned a blind eye to his alarming predictions regarding the impending demise of Ger- many’s Jews. McDonald de- jectedly resigned from his James McDonald with David Ben Gurion. CREDIT: WWW.AVOICEAMONGTHESILENT.COM post in 1935 to protest the international community’s indifference to the plight of FFEATUREDEATURED HOMESHOMES German Jewry. In 1938, McDonald was appointed chairman of a new commission called the President’s Advisory Com- mittee on Political Refu- gees. Again, Roosevelt paid him lip service but did not heed his advice. Despite FDR’s strict immigration policy, McDonald was able to bring 2,000 Jewish refugees into the United States on the eve of the Holocaust. 3.5 elegant bathrooms, beautiful modern After the war, McDonald Van Cortlandt Crest, Yonkers at the kitchen, spacious and sunny great room served on the Anglo-Ameri- with dining area, den with pellet stove, can Committee of Inquiry Riverdale, N.Y.C. border recreation room or offi ce with sepa- on Palestine and, in that ASKING PRICE REDUCED! rate entrance, large garage plus drive- James McDonald with FDR. CREDIT: WWW.AVOICEAMONGTHESILENT.COM role, he pressured the Brit- $999,999! way. Central air conditioning. Located 5 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms in the upscale Yonkers Van Cortlandt Sopher Realty Crest community, convenient to River- (718) 601-4000 ext. 127 dale’s amenities, including transporta- MORTGAGES A very special home, just steps from tion, shopping, SAR Academy, and shuls. Riverdale! 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