The 5 Towns Jewish Times

$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 7 NO. 24 26 ADAR 5767 hsuep-kvehu ,arp MARCH 16, 2007

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK A CONSTRUCTIVE MOMENT

Ultimate Commuter BY LARRY GORDON Danny Block 20 MindBiz Esther Mann, LMSW 38 Another Peace Plan On Our Toes About five weeks ago, I was noticed MK Yossi Beilin cau- Hannah Reich Berman 40 standing near the cafeteria of cusing with a couple of people the Knesset (Israeli parlia- whom I didn’t recognize. Cooking Concepts ment), waiting for my appoint- Beilin is notorious as one Naomi Ross 45 ment with MK Avraham of the architects of the Oslo Ravitz. He was attending a Accords and as a man single- Guilt-Free Fur Knesset session and phoned handedly dedicated to diplo- Shlomo Pill 62 his office to say he would be a matically dismantling the little late because he had to State of Israel, one dunam at speak at the session before a time. At the construction site of the new building for Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi (formerly known as the Red Shul) on the corner of Oakland Avenue and being able to come to the This doesn’t mean that West Broadway in Cedarhurst, Rabbi Yaakov Feitman, Yakov Bodner office. So I sat and looked (president) and Chaim Puderbeutel (building committee leader) look over around, and off in the corner I Continued on Page 9 building plans, as construction commenced this week. See Page 60 PURIM TIMES TWO HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 43 A FUNdraising Weekend BY SHMUEL KATZ Bar Mitzvah of Reuven BY LARRY GORDON part of the program and a cup Kupferstein. See Page 46 We had been looking for- of coffee, a gentleman stood ward to Purim the entire win- If I recall correctly, it was a up and said, “OK, folks, it’s ter. As new olim, one of the Sunday morning about 15 time to leave.” There must real pleasures has been expe- years ago in Great Neck at a have been about 50 people in riencing the various chagim breakfast for a well-known the room, and most of them and other special days on the institution in Israel. I arrived started to move around in Jewish calendar, Israeli style: Shmuel and Moshe Katz. a little late, but was impressed preparation to exit. My first Visiting the Kotel excavations at the large turnout and how thought was, “Did they all during the three weeks. out Santa). The experience of most of the seats in the room travel together? And where Yamim Nora’im in our holy a major religious holiday in were filled, although I noticed are they all going together?” land. Sukkot and our first the land of the Jews is some- that there were only a handful A quick inquiry of the host one-day Yom Tov. Chanukah of cars parked outside the with real sufganiyot (and with- Continued on Page 11 stately home. After the formal Continued on Page 5 Library room at the White Shul. See Daf Yomi Insights, Page 22 Anshei Chesed’s Big Day The Shul BLIND DATING BY IRWIN H. FOR DUMMIES BENJAMIN BY MICHELE When I was little, and some HERENSTEIN boy hit me or made me cry, I couldn’t wait to run home to I’m sure that by now all of tell my mother what that bad you guys out there have read boy had done to me. It didn’t “Blind Dates 101” (Five Towns matter what she said or did, Jewish Times, February 16) but whatever it was, it helped. and have thought long and She relieved my pain and hard about the kinds of things Moreshes Aviva, founded in anguish. It was like magic. It you say and do on a date. If memory of Aviva Aryeh, a’h, made the hurt go away. Today, you’ve been on a date in the meets March 20. See Page 59 unfortunately, I no longer past few weeks, I’m sure that Pictured above, Senator Dean Skelos (at left), guest speaker at the have my mother. I can no when you picked up your CANDLE LIGHTING Congregation Anshei Chesed of Hewlett annual dinner, being longer run to her. But what I date, you greeted her by name Mar. 16 – 6:44 PM presented a community service award by Rav Simcha Lefkowitz (in do have is my shul. (and the girl used your name, Mar. 23 – 6:51 PM center), rabbi of Anshei Chesed. At right is Sheldon Wayman, dinner chairman. The dinner took place at Ohr HaTorah last month. Continued on Page 15 Continued on Page 7 2 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 3 4 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE Continued from Front Cover revealed that a bus was about to pick up these 25 or so people and deliver them to the next community reception, which was scheduled to begin about a half-hour later. I had been to more than a few of these breakfast receptions before, and I had never seen anything like this, nor have I seen anything like it since then. This was amazing—a shuttle bus that takes groups of people around from fundraiser to fundraiser, thereby ensuring several things. The first is that the reception’s hosts will have a decent showing so that guests from the organization the money is being raised for are not embarrassed by a poor showing. It does the same for distinguished speakers, who are sometimes flown in from Israel or from distant parts of this country. I’ve

It is expected that 90 percent of the money is going to come from 10 percent of the people. seen some of these luminar- ies speak to rooms of empty chairs on occasion because things were just not planned well (or at all). There are two other situations this system successfully deals with. One is the parking problem. Once the first 25 or so cars have been parked near or around the home that the reception is taking place in, many people who have intended to participate in these events have just turned around and gone back home because they could not find a close enough parking space. Then there is the matter of walking into a room alone, which is also a deterrent that keeps many people away from these events. Some people will tell you that the reason you mostly see the same faces at these receptions is because the greatest deterrent is writing a check that might put a little crimp in your monthly budget. I don’t necessarily agree with that estimation, though there is

Continued on Page 8 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 5 6 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Blind Dating For Dummies cool idea for a date that involves dress- optimistic, upbeat, and cheerful, per- tions to these “rules,” and yes, of course, Continued from Front Cover ing down, then I’m all for it. It’s just so haps—will tell you a lot about his per- nothing is true 100 percent of the time. unusual to go on a cool, fun, active date sonality, as opposed to hearing some- However, good manners, interest in the as well), and these actions surely per- that I almost forgot to mention the one tell you in a monotone all the person you’re with, dressing like a guy sonalized the date. Good start. dressing down part. But it definitely is in things they like to do, or rather, don’t. who wants to impress, and a modicum But there is so much more to discov- the Code for Blind Dates (XVIII 1.b.) Guys: making sure your date gets of creativity will take you a long way. er. Don’t fret, however; it’s very doable, and it was put there for a reason. home safely is really important. And to ensure a second date, you’ll have and as long as you want to learn, you So now your cell phone is off, your Whether you put her into a cab, drive to wait to read “Blind Dates Advanced.” will. There are a couple of things to do mind is focused, and you’re dressed her home, or make sure she gets home Just kidding. There is no sure way to before you pick up your date; one of well—all excellent ingredients for a some other (safe) way, an excellent way guarantee a second date, but I would the most important is to shut off that good first date. Add to the recipe some- of making a great impression on either advise you to be true to yourself while at cell phone. Don’t just sneakily put the thing most people take for granted but side is to call or e-mail to say thank you. the same time being the kind of person phone on vibrate so you can peek down shouldn’t: good conversation. I read This is mostly true if you had a good you’d want to go out with again. Who at the screen to see which “crucial” somewhere that a guy would much time and would like to go out again. can say no to that? ❖ calls you’re missing. Unless you’re prefer to be asked about the kind of Girls: If the guy put a lot of time Michele Herenstein is a freelance journalist who planning to chat on the phone while person he is then to be asked what he into the planning of the date, after he lives and works in New York City. She can be you’re sitting with your date, there is no does for a living. Fair enough. And I drops the girl off, calling and saying reached at [email protected]. reason for a cell phone to be on, unless happen to agree with that one. Most thanks shows the girl’s appreciation you’re a doctor or otherwise may need people go on a date knowing their and will probably make the guy feel to tend to emergencies. date’s profession beforehand; it’s not good about himself. He’ll realize that Once the phone has been turned off, important to ask the question just to working/planning for a date pay off. WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? you need to focus your mind on the make idle conversation. Instead, focus And I believe it does. I’ve heard my date. Think for a minute about the per- on asking questions and talking about girlfriends chatting, and even if the WE WANT TO KNOW! son you’re about to meet. Personalize things that ultimately matter, or are girls didn’t want to go out with a cer- them in your mind. Put aside work con- fun to chat about. Also, you can often tain guy again, the guy who planned a E-MAIL US AT cerns and other issues that may be tak- get to know someone just as well by really fun date got praised often, and [email protected] ing up space in your brain. I know, I what’s not said as by what is. The man- got set up often, as well. know—for many of you that’s nearly ner in which someone talks to you— I’m sure you can all think of excep- impossible. But your date deserves your undivided attention. Period. In fact, I would like to propose this theory: if you can’t focus for long periods of time, go on a shorter date. But as long as you’re on your date, focus single-mindedly on the person you’re with. It shows maturity, and I personally would have a high degree of respect for a person who was showing respect for me. Let me add that doing some medita- tion or Pilates before the date wouldn’t be a bad idea for those of you with dating ADD. If you’re a serious dater, getting your mind/body into shape is vital to experiencing a good date. But I wouldn’t suggest you discuss your work- out experience with the person you’re dating. Not everyone is as “open mind- ed” as I am about preparing for a date. All right; the cell phone is turned off, and your mind is so focused that not even an explosion could take it off the person you’re about to meet. And, very importantly, you’re dressed like an adult going on a date, not like a guy going with his buddies to a baseball game. Guys, no baseball caps. As cute as they may look on a downtime Sunday (and they are cute), they’re kinda inappropri- ate for a first date. And jeans, blue jeans—where should I begin? When I go on a date, I put some thought into my outfit, apply some makeup, fasten some earrings and accessorize with a bracelet or necklace, and grab one of my nicer handbags. I do this so I’ll look nice for myself as well as for the person I’m about to meet, because a first date makes a huge first impression. When a guy comes looking like he’s just come out of the gym, I must admit to being a lot less than impressed. Obviously there isn’t as much for a guy to do to get ready for a date, but dressing (cleanly) in slacks and a shirt—or whatever it is you guys wear on a date that’s not jeans— would be a step in the right direction. Women do notice. Believe that. As a side note, if the guy explicitly states on the phone that you’ll be doing something like ice skating, hiking, or wall climbing on the date, then don’t get perturbed by him dressing down. There is a time and a place for everything. If a guy can be creative enough to think of a 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 7 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE not important—because it is. or groups who may be able to provide Continued from Page 5 And then there is the matter of very valuable assistance. scheduling these events that can And so it goes round and round, some validity to it. I believe that walk- drive a community crazy. Most year after year. Sure, there’s been ing into a room where you know no organized communities feature what much talk about limiting the P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 one or at best very few people is an is usually referred to as a communi- entrance of outside groups to 516-984-0079 [email protected] even greater deterrent than parting ty calendar, which planners of these fundraise in this and other communi- [email protected] with a few bucks. events routinely consult to avoid ties as long as there is such a pro- LARRY GORDON In reality, it’s not important how conflicts on the community’s busy found need at local community Publisher/Editor much an individual who comes to one fundraising schedule. Somehow, yeshivas and tzedakahs. But that’s ESTA J. GORDON of these many events contributes. You however, either not everyone is been limited to mostly talk, for the Managing Editor may disagree as you read these words, aware of its existence or some just same reason that you won’t see a YOSSI GORDON but there’s a principle in fundraising neglect to consult the calendar. As a minibus shepherding people from Director of Sales that deals with this dynamic: It is result, there are Sunday morning home to home and from reception to CHANA ROCHEL ROSS expected—even welcomed—that 90 receptions, Sunday evening dinners, reception: We’re all too independent Editorial Assistant percent of the money is going to come and sometimes even weeknights that and free-thinking these days to be SIDI BARON, YAKOV SERLE, JERRY MARKOVITZ from 10 percent of the people who par- are cluttered to the point where it’s grouped together into one cohesive Sales Representatives ticipate in these events. Not everyone just impossible to attend all the bunch, especially for these purposes. SHMUEL GERBER who walks into someone’s house on a events you would like to. That’s why this past weekend, here Chief Copy Editor Sunday morning is going to write a Of course you can support all these in the Five Towns and Far Rockaway MICHELE JUSTIC check for $1,800. True, some will give groups without so much as sipping a area, people were not enjoying a Copy Editor as much as $10,000 or even more, but cup of coffee or ingesting a croissant, melaveh malkah or a good speech by a CONTRIBUTING EDITORS that is a rarity. by simply sending them a donation in guest rosh yeshiva. Many people—who Howard M. Adelsberg, Esq., Irwin Benjamin Hannah Reich Berman, Jamie Geller Those 10 percent who give the dis- the mail. While I’m certain that this did not just stay home—were running Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Yochanan Gordon proportionate amount of money to would be fine and good with just about between places to do what has Michele Herenstein, Rabbi Yair Hoffman schools and other institutions usually all organizations, this mode of support become known as “making a showing” Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller do not want to do so in a vacuum. In does very little to help burnish an at various events. Fortunately the Naomi Ross, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro other words, they don’t want to be the image that needs to be out there, to my weather was cooperative and none of YOSEF BROWN, MICHAL WEINSTEIN only one or one of just a few people mind, for a variety of reasons. Chief the places that I popped into were Staff Graphic Artists supporting an institution. For what- among those reasons is to send a signal overly crowded, so parking wasn’t IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS ever psychological or practical rea- to others about the important and really a problem. Will we as a commu- Staff Photographers son, they require that there be a worthwhile work that the organization nity ever get our act together and FRANKEL & CO., CREATIVE DESIGN LLC groundswell of support for the insti- or institution does. Many organizations coordinate these things properly so Design & Production tution in question and that they sim- are well-known, but these days there that each event can be appreciated on TALIYE CORLEY Art Director ply be recognized as a top donor. This are so many new groups for which, on its own merit? Probably not, because is the way in which this dynamic hap- top of whatever money they can raise, even with all its drawbacks and prob- SUZETTE LEE Art Director Assistant pens to function. So don’t think that it’s just as important to raise their flag, lems, for most organizations the sys- just because you don’t give or cannot be out in the public, get into the news- tem, as it is, is working—believe it or The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not give a large sum of money to some papers, and attract attention. This way not—just fine. ❖ necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not organization that your money or your of doing things generally allows them responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. presence at a breakfast or a dinner is to draw the interest of new individuals [email protected].

8 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FROM THE EDITOR tourism, and the introduction of a new Continued from Front Cover era of peace to the entire Middle East. All the above will require giant steps Beilin is bad or evil. He is no doubt by all parties to the process, none of well intentioned and just sees things in which is likely to happen any time a most twisted and destructive way. soon—which is probably exactly why Beilin shares this vision with others Mr. Olmert introduced the idea at this like him, the basis of which is that a point in time. All other relatively shrunken and weak Israel is the best recent peace plans, from Oslo to the way for the country to survive. Taken Road Map, are basically dormant and to an even more absurd length, you’ll not going anywhere. Olmert is find that Beilin and his allies, such as extremely unpopular in Israel and will Shimon Peres, feel that Israel’s best probably go down in history as the shot at survival is to cease to exist in its Jimmy Carter of modern-day Israeli current state. It’s a little difficult to politics. He needed to do something to fathom, but I did say that the whole invigorate his position on peace, which approach is a little twisted. was the hallmark of his campaign for And that’s probably where Prime office and the reason for the creation Minister Ehud Olmert’s new idea to of the Kadima party by Ariel Sharon in bring peace to the region comes from. the first place. After a successful In a speech, Olmert said that he can career as Jerusalem’s mayor, Olmert see Israel agreeing after some tweaking has become the most unpopular and negotiating to what is known as incumbent Prime Minister in the the Saudi Peace Plan. The announce- country’s brief history. ment last week by Olmert was called a So, why the rather extreme and far- “bombshell” by some and a “ground- reaching Saudi peace plan at this time? breaking development” by others. The Because this is the plan with the broad- plan, hatched by the Saudis in 2002 est popular support around the world— and endorsed by the Arab League, calls and it’s the one least likely to work any- for peace between Israel and the time in the next 50 years. And that’s the Palestinians and a comprehensive key. It seems to be both Israel’s and peace with the entire Arab world—in even Saudi Arabia’s objective to create exchange for Israel withdrawing to the the impression that this so-called great pre-1967 borders. movement toward peace is progressing For Israel it would mean redividing while in reality there is fundamentally Jerusalem, a complete withdrawal nothing happening. from Judea and Samaria, giving the This past Tuesday, before the first Golan Heights back to Syria, and so trace of talks on the Saudi plan has on. And for the Arab side, it means no even begun, the Saudi government more war, diplomatic relations some- time down the road, trade agreements, Continued on Page 10

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 9 FROM THE EDITOR looks like that is precisely the idea— ty. The architect of the diabolical plan, tions of what it means. And none of Continued from Page 9 get into negotiations that can never Ariel Sharon, oddly continues to also this, of course, includes Iran, because reach a conclusion. This way, the Arab cling to a condition somewhere they are not an Arab country. already slammed Mr. Olmert for intro- countries can continue to reject Israel between life and death itself. At some point over the last decade ducing the workability of the plan as a state and have a few politicians Whatever it was, the Gush Katif events or so, both the Oslo accords and even while at the same time calling for collect billions of dollars in aid for the were not a sufficient catalyst or inspi- the Road Map at times looked like they modifications if it is in fact ever going poor impoverished Palestinians stuck ration for additional such withdrawals. had some hope in them for real future to work. The Arab interest is not so in refugee camps for more than a half The one clever thing about endors- peace. Maybe the sides even got close much to have peace with Israel neces- century. As far as Israel is concerned, it ing the Saudi peace plan while simulta- at the Wye plantation and at Camp sarily, but rather to have Israel—or, can continue to insist that the Israelis neously rejecting its major components David (you remember those). But this more specifically, Jews—completely want a just, fair, and lasting peace is that at least both the Israelis and the Saudi plan for peace has to be the expunged from what they consider while not withdrawing from anywhere big and powerful Saudis are talking biggest piece of pie-in-the-sky in the sacred Arab land. Whatever you want and continue to build one of the about peace. Frankly, Israel and the “peace talk” universe. It may produce to call it, the Arab objective of all strongest economies in the world. Saudis have problems with elements of some good photo opportunities—you these spent peace plans is not peace, know, Tzipi Livni with this or that but rather victory—or the same results member of the Saudi royal family. The that might have been accomplished in pictures may be symptoms of progress war: vanquishing the enemy. by virtue of the parties sitting down to Prime Minister Olmert says he How does anyone expect this to talk, but there is no great break- accepts the Saudi peace plan but has a through that’s going to take place there couple of conditions to add to it. The work if only the name of the anytime soon. main feature of the plan is that Israel And I had this sense confirmed to withdraw from all territories that it me on that early February afternoon as moved into in the aftermath of the Six applicable peace plan is changed? I sat in the cafeteria of the Knesset in Day War in 1967. The key Israeli con- Jerusalem waiting for MK Ravitz to dition to accepting the plan is that become available to meet with me. I Israel not have to withdraw from all met another member of the Knesset the territories conquered in ’67. Israel That’s why the Gush Katif expulsion the plan other than the underlying full whose office I had visited a few years obviously would like to stay in the was such a surprise and uncharacteris- withdrawal in exchange for full rela- earlier. Our brief conversation drifted main population centers that the Arab tic of the usual Israeli approach to the tions with the Arab countries in the over to the talk of peace and negotia- countries call “occupied territories.” peace process. They really fooled region. Let’s not kid ourselves too tions. I said to him that its been almost They’d like to hold on to Maale everyone into thinking that the pow- much: a full withdrawal is kind of 40 years that Israel and the Arabs have Adumim, most of Gush Etzion, and ers-that-be in Israel are ready to fold definable and definite. Go ahead and been in a state of mostly war intermin- probably the Jordan Valley. But that’s up the entire enterprise. But just look try to hammer out an agreement with gled with occasional talk of peace. I what the Middle East Road Map to at the awful aftermath of that miscal- 22 Arab countries that amply and com- asked when he thought they could peace calls for that is apparently culated move. The area evacuated is a prehensively defines what “full rela- finally make some real progress and unworkable. How does anyone expect staging ground for rocket fire aimed at tions” really means. If there are indeed peace would come to the region. this to work if only the name of the the Israeli civilian population. Gush 22 Arab countries that will join the “Hopefully,” he said, “It will take applicable peace plan is changed? Katif refugees are still unsettled and deal, as the Saudis promised, you can another 40 years.” ❖ Clearly, it cannot work. cling to something that looks like rest assured that there will be at least Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at But then again, on some days it homelessness wrapped inside insecuri- three times that number of interpreta- [email protected].

10 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Aliyah Chronicle the costumes are in my brother’s went to the shuk in Machane Yehuda mishloach manot (covering most of the Continued from Front Cover house in New Jersey, so we couldn’t to pick out some pineapples, I discov- people we felt obligated to give some- use the “A” costumes. ered that the price for the smallest of thing to) as well as the local block thing special. Each one has its own So we dug into our bag of Purim pineapples was something near $7 mishloach manot. special flavor and traditions and is an costumes (after 16 years of marriage each, and the normal sized ones were Our block has its own Yahoo news- absolutely eye-opening event for peo- and 15 years of parenthood, you have no less than $12! group. With two-family houses on one ple like us, who have grown up in a dif- such things) and pulled out a zebra for You see, in Israel, the availability of side of the block and multifamily town ferent culture. Moshe, a policeman for Mordechai, fruits and vegetables is totally con- houses on the other, there are a lot of We knew that Purim would be and a samurai for Aliza. Batya’s trolled by what is in season. The coun- people who live on this one block. something special, especially for the princess had finally gone to costume try is too small for each item to always Since almost everyone is religious and kids. It was even more exciting when heaven, and we had nothing for be available, so there aren’t any straw- friendly with each other, we have a we considered the fact that we are so Chaya, so we ran around town, eventu- berries or celery to be had in the sum- “grab bag” program where each family close to Yerushalayim and its Shushan ally finding a butterfly for Batya in mer; in the late fall they are in the is assigned one family to actually deliv- Purim celebration. Ramat Beit Shemesh and having to stores but expensive (and, in the case er a package to, and that package cov- Of course, with Goldie’s recent ill- head to Yerushalayim with Chaya for a of celery, incredibly puny) and avail- ers everyone on the block. ness (and no, we still do not have a costume, where we found a very nice able in abundant supplies (and huge So, with most of the people we diagnosis and continue to test and clown suit. sizes) only at this time of year. know here already covered by the vari- test, although Goldie is certainly up For mishloach manot, we had to Pineapple season is only just starting ous group packages, we only had a and about and able to function nor- make a change. For the past 15 years now, so the choices are limited and couple of our closest neighbors and mally in most ways) we have been or so, we have given the same thing to expensive. Next year, when there is a those few families outside of our quite distracted from our “normal” our friends (an idea stolen from the leap year, we might be able to return to neighborhood left on our list. It was lives, without much time to prepare Lopin family in Chicago). Each year pineapples for Purim. strange to pack a dozen packages and ourselves for Purim. It felt as if it everyone knew to expect a pineapple Another difference for this year is have that be our entire delivery for the came upon us more suddenly than we and bottle of grape juice wrapped in the number of packages we prepared. day. But our kids more than made up had anticipated and we had tremen- cellophane, with additional goodies As we are new to the community, there for it. We had been told that the kids dous feelings of guilt about not thrown in. are not yet that many people whom we are much more active in giving all their preparing the kids for Purim as well We had initially planned to replicate consider to be extremely close friends. as we could have. this package here in Israel. Yet, when I So we participated in the shul Continued on Page 12 A couple of years ago, one of the kids had an awesome idea for us each to dress up as a cat in the hat and be “the Katz in the Hatz.” We really enjoy that getup. Unfortunately, last year we took a break from them and CALENDAR LUACH March 16 - March 24 ZIP Code: 11516

26 Adar – Erev Shabbos Friday, March 16 Daf yomi: Mo‘ed Kattan 6 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/tefillin: 6:12 am Sunrise: 7:06 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 9:28 am Gr’a 10:04 am Candle Lighting: 6:44 pm 27 Adar – Shabbos Saturday, March 17 Shabbos Parashios Vayakheil–Pekudei Parashas HaChodesh Blessing of Chodesh Nissan Shabbos Ends**: 7:44 pm 72 min. 8:16 pm 1 Nissan Tuesday, March 20 Rosh Chodesh Nissan 4 Nissan – Erev Shabbos Friday, March 23 Daf yomi: Mo‘ed Kattan 13 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 6:00 am Sunrise: 6:54 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 9:21 am Gr’a 9:57 am Candle Lighting: 6:51 pm 5 Nissan – Shabbos Saturday, March 24 Shabbos Parashas Vayikra Shabbos Ends**: 7:51 pm 72 min. 8:22 pm

* from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 11 Aliyah Chronicle put their costumes on quickly. After kids pounced on the bag, which Goldie had gotten a call on Purim Continued from Page 11 the Megillah reading, we took the kids turned out to be a mishloach manot afternoon (our Purim). Her sister’s to the “social hall” for the shul Purim bag. Only in Israel. mother-in-law had unfortunately friends, so we were very prepared for party. After the shul’s party, we took We enjoyed our Purim seudah with passed away on Shabbat, and the the onslaught of requests to give this the kids home, and I headed to the Broderick family (Nesher and funeral was to take place the night friend and that friend. We bought Yerushalayim for a yeshiva event in a Chaia and kids), who made aliyah just a after Shushan Purim at the Har them special bags and printed up indi- restaurant that evening. Concerned month after we did. We were joined by HaMenuchot cemetery. vidual stickers for each kid, and let that the teenagers would go overboard Alan and Naomi Schwartz and their Although the weather for Purim them enjoy. in celebrating two days of Purim, we family (who made aliyah from the Five had been very nice, by the time we got On Friday, we went to Chashmonaim had deliberately scheduled an event Towns about five years ago) and Darrin to Har HeMenuchot it was very windy to see my brother, since he would be for the night of Purim to keep the guys and Dina Shaw and their family (who and very cold. The eulogies were brief traveling to the U.S. Purim night. Our occupied and having fun. made aliyah from London at around the and conducted in the parking lot, just real reason for going to him was the So we had a nice melaveh malkah same time we came). Chaia had deco- outside the van that the chevra security checkpoint located five minutes with them, followed by a Megillat rated the house and table with masks, kadisha (burial society) had used in from his house. We had decided to take Esther and general-knowledge con- and with all the kids (and some of the transporting the body to the cemetery some of the kids’ packages and present test between the shiurim. With a spe- adults) in costume, the mood was fes- from the airport. them to the chayalim (soldiers) sta- cial lunch at the restaurant of their tive and fun. We had a nice time and We drove behind the van to the sec- tioned at the checkpoint. Living in Beit choice awarded to the winner, every- enjoyed the chance to just relax for a tion where the burial was to take place, Shemesh, where we feel removed from one really got into the competition. few hours with no worries or pressures. and as a kohein I had to stay on the the most severe security issues, we felt The competition ended at 1 a.m., and After taking everyone home, I ran road with the women (and two other that it would be important for the kids I headed home. back to Yerushalayim to join the yeshi- kohanim) while the men proceeded to to see and experience us personally On Purim day I spent a lot of time va for Shushan Purim and the yeshi- the burial. As cold as it was in the showing our love and appreciation for driving kids around from place to place va’s Purim mesibah (party). The stu- parking lot, it was freezing on the the chayalim for all that they do. dropping off their mishloach manot dents put on a very funny skit (full of exposed side of the mountain. The kids were all pumped up to go packages. There were kids everywhere inside jokes) poking fun at their After the burial, the aveilim and they were fighting over who would we went—partying, taking each other rebbeim, and it was a lot of fun. (mourners) needed to daven Maariv get to personally hand over each bag. mishloach manot, and simply enjoying The next day I took Mordechai and and then head back to the airport. The chayalim were wonderful. They the day. It was great to wander around Batya with me to the yeshiva for the Since they weren’t sitting shivah in posed for a picture with the kids and with the kids dressed up without hav- Purim seudah. They were excited to Israel, they were essentially free to you could see that their appreciation ing the rest of the world looking at us come and celebrate a second day of daven anywhere and decided that for our visit was sincere. They even let as if we were strange. Purim. The highlight for the kids was rather than davening at the airport, the kids climb up into the guard tower As we were driving through one of seeing a video the students had put they preferred to seize the opportunity to present a bag to the chayal stationed the less religious neighborhoods, we together lampooning (among other to daven at the Kotel. there. I think that going to the securi- passed a Chabad “mitzvah tank” driv- things) my giving a tour to a prospec- As their driver, I had the treat of ty checkpoint and sharing a few ing in the other direction, with music tive student and his father. I have to fighting Shushan Purim traffic (not a moments with the chayalim was the blasting from a speaker on the roof of admit that they did me very well. pretty sight) to get to the Old City and most meaningful part of the Purim the vehicle. I waved my hand out the the Kotel. As residents of Israel, we experience in Israel for me. window as if dancing in rhythm with To Har HaMenuchot And The Kotel sometimes take certain things for Our shul had scheduled Maariv to the music and, as they passed us, the We had to leave the yeshiva before granted, and I think that visiting the begin ten minutes late to allow for the driver (expertly) tossed a sealed bag the seudah ended so that I could drop bringing of Megillot and for the kids to out his window and into mine. The the kids off and pick Goldie up. Continued on Page 14

12 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 13 Aliyah Chronicle report got back to her mother, who is Continued from Page 12 (understandably) very concerned. On Wednesday, Goldie started her Kotel is something we don’t do ulpan classes again. She has finished enough. I go with the yeshiva, whenev- the government-provided class, but er we have a tiyul in the area. But the wants to continue to expand her rest of the family really has to have an knowledge and Hebrew-speaking abili- excuse to go, and it had been a couple ties, so she signed up (and we pay) for of months for Goldie. additional ulpan classes, twice weekly. I was happy to have a chance to say a She needed to get a ride from short tefillah for Goldie after davening, another student, and with her vision and I know that Goldie felt the same for issues it was not an easy thing, but she herself. There were more people than came home very excited that she was we had expected to be there, but it was able to resume some of her normal Shushan Purim in Yerushalayim, so I activities. Of course, everyone in guess that people make an extra effort ulpan made a big fuss over her being once they are already there. back, especially her teacher, making As we headed to the airport, we made sure that Goldie really had a great day. a stop at the Beit Shemesh exit. Beit And, to top things off, by the end of Shemesh is about 5 miles off the high- the week we had some truly terrific way, and we had originally planned to weather, with temperatures in the 80s have the aveilim stop at our home for a through Shabbat. ❖ bite to eat and a break before heading to Shmuel Katz is the director of Yeshivat Eretz the airport. Goldie had prepared hard- HaTzvi in the Katamon neighborhood in boiled eggs and rolls for them, the tradi- Jerusalem. Shmuel and his wife, Goldie (the telecommuting controller at Bnos Bais Yaakov of tional first meal for aveilim. Far Rockaway), and their six children (ages 1 to We hadn’t counted on making a spe- 15) made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive director of the cial trip to the Kotel, so time was run- Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett. You can ning short. While driving through traf- contact him at [email protected]. fic, I had arranged for Josh Rudoff (who made aliyah from the Five Towns two summers ago) to pick up a package of the food from our house and literal- WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? ly meet us at the side of the road with the food package so that we could WE WANT TO KNOW! make it to the airport on time. Although it was not for good tidings, E-MAIL US AT one positive thing that came out of seeing her brother-in-law was that he [email protected] was able to personally see that Goldie is OK and can function; hopefully that

14 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The Shul Continued from Front Cover

Now, when situations come up, and s”xc when things in my life need clarity (which lately seems to be happening with more frequency), or I hurt for some reason, physically or emotionally, I can’t wait to get to shul so I can tell the Ribbono shel Olam my story. I can then pour out my heart and tell Him what’s troubling me. And, just like my mother’s magic, I can always feel the burden being lifted and my anguish relieved. “Hashleich al Hashem yehavcha v’hu yechalkelecha—cast your burdens upon Hashem, and He will sustain you” (Tehillim 55:23). Recently, or maybe it has always been that way, the shul is no longer a place where one merely comes to speak to Hashem. It has become a bustling meeting place, loaded with interesting and sometimes explosive dynamics. It has become a forum where one can vent or play out his frustrations. Politics, personalities, and pet peeves intersect, at times col- liding, with differences in degrees of frumkeit, traditions, and preconceived notions. In short, the shul of today, in a way, has become the arena where opinions, strength of mind, fortitude, and resolve are tested. Indeed, the shul has become a microcosm of life itself. Baruch Hashem, despite the deep contrasts in varying beliefs and opinions, the shul, for the most part, has maintained a reasonable degree of decorum and civility. The atmosphere, to a large extent, remains pleasant and amiable. However, it is not always that way. You can never tell when some extremely self-centered person who is so set in his ways touches a raw nerve of some weaker person, sending the sparks flying. Sometimes even worse happens. Unfortunately, this sordid affair that I am about to relate is basically true. Only the names and a few of the facts have been changed for obvious reasons. It relates to a physical altercation in shul between two adults, Mr. Chaim Beckman and Mr. Gary Apel. It took place in a shul which is housed in a nursing home. Granted, the characters and personalities depicted in the story are extreme, but it could very well occur in your own shul. ◆◆◆ As was his custom, Mr. Beckman arrived at the nursing home at precisely 6:00 a.m. Morning services at the shul did not start until 7:00, but Mr. Beckman made sure he arrived early. There were always things that had to be taken care of. After buzzing him in, Melissa, the African-American guard, returned to working on her green, two-inch fingernails. Gino, the owner’s 30-something son, sat in Melissa’s brightly lit glass booth, busi- ly engaged in paperwork. Seventy-five-year-old Mr. Beckman was bent over, leaning on a cane, which made him look even smaller than his five feet, two inch frame. Mr. Beckman slowly ambled toward his usual spot on the bench in the reception area opposite the glass booth. “Tell me, Gino, what do you think

Continued on Page 16 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 15 The Shul Mr. Beckman smiled. He proved his wrong, you’re wrong. It doesn’t matter pray. It also gave him time to reflect. Continued from Page 15 point once again. Gino was wrong. He who you are or how big you are. Truth Mr. Beckman remembered the good didn’t know what he was doing. Of and honesty is what is important. old days, when many of the neighbor- the temperature is outside?” course, Mr. Beckman knew that he And when he thought he was right, hood kids and teenagers used to come. “I dunno. What do you think?” was right. Mr. Beckman was always watch out—he was unstoppable and They liked helping the old people. He “No, I’m asking you. You always say right. He slowly lifted himself off the unflappable, no matter the odds. He laughed to himself as he reminisced you know. You’re the one claiming to bench and walked into the shul. was also a man to be reckoned with. how he always made sure those kids be the expert.” His retirement 15 years ago did not Despite his age and size, he could turn learned a thing or two from him. Of “Mr. Beckman, don’t start like y’do slow him down. Not one bit. It did not into a pit bull, iron jaws and huge course he knew the reason they every day. I’m asking ya in a nice way: stop him from searching for the teeth locked on to someone with no stopped coming, but that was not leave me alone. I got lotsa work t’do. truth—fighting for what’s emes, for letting go. important. They stopped coming Don’t aggravate me.” what is honest and right. The shul was dark. He was the first because they weren’t interested in “It’s a simple question. You claim When working for the City of New to arrive. As soon as he flicked on all hearing him teach them; they were you turn on the air-conditioning based York, he was proclaimed the city’s the light switches, he checked the happy doing things improperly, with- on the outside temperature. That’s biggest whistle-blower. He discovered thermometer. Then he adjusted his out regard to what was the right way. what you always say. So it’s your duty more fraud and reported more people glasses in order to look up at the ceil- He remembered Dovid Eisen, to know. You can’t guess. There are for stepping out of line than anyone ing. He strained to lift his head up as Simcha’s boy. He wore the smallest yar- sick people in the nursing home.” else in the city’s history—or at least far as it would go, given his hunched mulke he ever saw. Mr. Beckman told “Seventy. Okay?” Gino answered since they began keeping records for back. He saw the little strip of white him that what he was wearing was a grudgingly. such things. And this was not because paper connected to the ceiling vent fly- joke, that a yarmulke should cover the “You see, you’re wrong. It’s 76. I just he was a “company man.” Absolutely ing in the wind, indicating that the air whole head, not just an inch or two. heard it over the radio.” not. He proved that by suing the City conditioner was on. Good. After When Dovid replied that that was the Before Mr. Beckman could say of New York itself—his own employer. checking all the windows to see that size yarmulke all his friends wore, and another word, Gino opened the glass He sued them on a variety of charges, they were closed, he walked to his seat his rebbi had never said anything about door, stared contemptuously at Mr. ranging from discrimination and at the far side of the shul. it, Mr. Beckman sneered, and dispelled Beckman, and walked out. He went unfair labor practices to unbalanced Mr. Beckman enjoyed being in shul that response with a wave of the hand; into an inner office, slamming the ethnic representation. When you’re before anyone arrived. It showed the he said that the boy’s rebbi probably got wooden door behind him. right, you’re right, and when you’re Al-mighty his eagerness to come and his semichah out of a box of Cracker Jacks. He liked that expression. He used it a lot. Getting his semichah out of a box of Cracker Jacks. Of course that was the last time Dovid came to the nursing home to daven. But that was okay; at least he heard what was right—he heard the right way. It felt good teaching these kids the right way. It was just a shame the parents didn’t. They probably looked for the easy way out, or even worse, afraid of their own kids. Imagine! Mr. Beckman knew he was in a strong position. There were many shuls in the neighborhood just crying to have people daven there. Some shuls even paid young boys or men to come to their minyanim, as each shul desperately struggled to keep up its minyan, or else face closure. The nursing home shul was, indeed, lucky to have him. That’s pretty much why the rabbi looked away when Mr. Beckman imposed various stringencies and dic- tated how the shul should be run. He demanded that the davening be slow. If, in his estimation, the davening was too quick, he stamped his foot or yelled out, “You’re not davening, you’re skipping!” If the shaliach tzibbur (leader) turned around, he would yell out, “Respect, respect. You can’t turn your back on the aron.” Talking during davening was punishable by a very loud Shaa! or a caustic reprimand, like the one he recently gave to Rabbi Traub for speaking during davening. “Another one who got his semichah out of a box of Cracker Jacks.” But of course, the worst thing Mr. Beckman could do was to walk out. That was the ultimate punishment. At least once or twice during an average morning service, that threat was usually evoked for some infraction, real or perceived. Patients at the nursing home were not excluded from Mr. Beckman’s dili- gent surveillance. No exceptions. Whether they suffered from Alzheimer’s or not. If they yelled or spoke out, or in some other way disturbed the decorum and sanctity of the services, Mr. Beckman would come down hard on them, as well. If they were not quiet, they should leave, or the rabbi should 16 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES take them back to their rooms. What’s “You’ve got to control that temper of himself: “How could they? How could At that point, Mr. Goldstein, a new right is right. No exceptions. yours, Gary. Calm down.” they be so harsh? She’s only a little patient, called out to Mr. Benzakain. ◆◆◆ “Ruthie, remember when we got girl. How could they justify it? It just “Mister, can you tell me how I can get Gary Apel, though not a regular, married? Remember how we looked up doesn’t make any sense.” to this place?” He held a piece of white occasionally davened at the nursing to the religious people; how we wanted By the time he arrived at the nursing paper in his hand folded over twice. Mr. home minyan. Gary had married Ruth so badly to be like them?” home, he had succeeded in getting Benzakain came over and unfolded the after returning from a 10-year stint “Yes,” answered Ruth, “and you’re himself sufficiently worked up to near paper. Gary walked over to join them. abroad working for Alcoa. Raised in the doing great. You never miss a minyan. bursting level; he was completely Mr. Benzakain looked at the paper and neighborhood, 40-year-old Gary You go to almost every shiur that is wired. He entered the shul and quick- then quietly whispered in Mr. returned to be near his elderly parents, given in town.” ly walked to the back, into the empty Goldstein’s ear, “This is a telephone who became residents of the nursing “But nothing seems to be enough. ladies’ section. Trying to alleviate some number, not an address.” Gary, with his home. It was then that six-foot-two No matter what we do, we keep getting of his pent-up frustrations and con- booming baritone voice, added, “Don’t Gary married the former Ruth Wolf, a kicked in the pants.” cerns, Gary deeply inhaled and worry, Mr. Goldstein. After davening, 28-year-old investment adviser with the “That’s not altogether true,” said exhaled, sucking in air and blowing it I’ll call that number for you.” firm of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Ruth. “For the most part, we have had out. The forced breathing was audible Mr. Beckman turned around, looked They moved into an apartment next to a good, wholesome life because of it. through the partition. He felt he was at Gary, and yelled “Shaa! Don’t you his parents’ apartment. Fifteen years We’ve met some very interesting and in no condition at that point to put on have any respect? But how could you later, when his parents died, they broke good people. Just forget about this his tallis and tefillin. have respect? You’re in shul and you’re through and combined both apart- incident and calm down. Go daven at When he thought he had suffi- not even wearing a jacket.” ments into one, and now had a large, the nursing home. You like talking to ciently calmed himself down, or at Still reeling from his earlier high beautiful apartment on the 15th floor, the rabbi and Mr. Benzakain. Tell least as much as he was able to, he state of frustration, Gary ran over to with a magnificent view. them what happened. Maybe they can came out front. Perhaps taking care of Mr. Beckman, stooped down, and Gary recognized way back that he make some sense out of it.” the old patients, fussing with them, yelled loudly, directly in his ear, had a temper that was quick to flare “I’ll try, but the way I’m feeling I’m straightening out talleisim and adjust- screaming with all his strength, “Shush up. He held it in check by taking cer- afraid nothing is going to help me.” ing their tefillin would have a calming yourself, Mr. Beckman!” tain medication to help him cope with On the way to the nursing home, effect. He rubbed their backs, as if by The velocity and volume was deaf- his anxieties. He had a Ph.D. in chem- Gary was a pot of water that continued soothing them he would somehow istry, but because of his explosive ten- to boil. He mumbled over and over to soothe himself. Continued on Page 18 dencies, he purposely took a less stressful job with the City of New York. They sent their two daughters, Beth (10), and Susan Ellen (12), to Ramaz Day School. Originally both agnostics, when they got married, Gary and Ruth decided to become Orthodox—not only for their own sake, but for their children’s, as well. They had personally experienced the decadence and danger of today’s society and witnessed the destructive- ness and devastation it has on families. Gary struggled with many things. Having a short fuse did not help matters. He felt he was undervalued and underappreciated in his profession. Given his credentials, the city should have given him a much higher position and salary. His much younger wife made more money than he did. Despite being very intelligent and going to many shiurim, he found learning Gemara extremely difficult. No matter how hard he tried to master it, he felt he just couldn’t grasp it. Another source of frustration was trying to instill in his family a sense of deep frumkeit, for which he sorely yearned, but no matter how hard he tried, it just did not seem to be happening, or at best, was an extremely slow process. Gary nervously paced back and forth. He had just gotten off the phone with Susan Ellen, who was at a religious camp for the summer. Crying hysterically, she informed him that she had been severely punished because she came late to an activity. “For a ridiculously minor offense they took away all her privileges for three days. It’s a religious camp, for goodness’ sake,” cried Gary, “not a concentration camp. Let them show some compassion. Isn’t that what frumkeit is all about?” “Don’t get all upset about that, Gary; there’s nothing you can do about it,” Ruth said. “What are we going to do, Ruthie? We’re trying so hard, but no matter what we do, it just doesn’t seem to work out.” In desperation, Gary pounded his fist hard on his redwood mahogany desk. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 17 The Shul his prior redness had erupted onto Mr. into the shul. He turned the lights on Mr. Beckman said, “I need to get my Continued from Page 17 Beckman. He was completely spent, and adjusted his glasses to look up at tallis and tefillin.” wiped out. He was shaking. Mr. the vent. The white strip of paper was “Let him get it,” barked Gino, “but ening to the people standing around. It Beckman had his head down. Someone limp, hanging straight down. The air walk with him. Don’t leave his side, and would have been a miracle if Mr. yelled out, “Mr. Beckman is dead.” Mr. conditioning was not on. Mr. Beckman make sure once he gets it, he’s outta Beckman’s eardrum survived that Beckman picked up his head and said, tried to walk quickly back into the here. This is the end. I’ve had enough.” thunderous blast. Mr. Beckman had to “Who’s dead?” They brought him a glass lobby, but he ached too much. Melissa followed a slow-moving, shake his head to regain some equilib- of water and told him to rest. Nevertheless, things had to be taken hunched Mr. Beckman to where he rium. He took a few seconds before Mr. Benzakain and the rabbi care of. He leaned heavily on his cane kept his tallis bag. He picked it up. composing himself. And then, after admonished Gary for what he had and slowly walked back out. And as the congregants of the shul thinking a few moments of how to done, telling him that he had to get “I must talk to Gino,” he demanded. looked on, Melissa escorted the word his response to have the most hold of himself, that he was totally out “I told you already: he can’t be dis- aching and slow-moving Mr. Beckman impact, he smirked and said, “No won- of line and totally out of control. turbed,” said Melissa. out of the building. der his daughters look like they do— When the realization of what he had “Tell him I’m calling the Health ◆◆◆ because his wife wears pants and does- actually done sunk in, Gary was seized Department. It’s hot, and the air con- One month later, Gary Apel sold his n’t cover her head.” with a profound sense of guilt and deep ditioning is off, and there are sick peo- apartment and moved to New Jersey. Gary felt as though he had just been feelings of remorse. He stared into ple here. If there is no air conditioning Mr. Beckman is now the newest run over by a bulldozer. He was so space, sobbing, saying over and over here, I will call the Department of member of the Klitnick Shtiebel. stunned, he did nothing for a few sec- again, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Health and have this place closed up.” And rumors persist that Mashiach’s onds. Then he felt a deep-seated rage ◆◆◆ Melissa put down her nail file, arrival is imminent. ❖ boiling inside him, overtaking his very The following morning, despite the buzzed a button on her phone, and Irwin Benjamin can be reached at existence. The veins in his neck bulged previous day’s violent and traumatic whispered something into it. A few [email protected]. to almost rope-like thickness, his face episode, the undaunted and unfazed Mr. minutes later, Gino appeared. and neck turning bright red. Then, the Beckman arrived at the nursing home at “Whadya want, Beckman?” dam broke. his regular time, precisely 6:00 a.m. “The air conditioner is not on, and And Moshe assembled “How dare you!” he screamed, as he Melissa buzzed him in as usual. She then it’s very hot.” leaped across four rows of pews, jump- went back to her nails, which today were “It’s only 73 degrees outside, and the entire congrega- ing on top of Mr. Beckman. “How dare bright orange. She did not notice the I’m not going to put it on.” tion of the Children you talk about my family! You despicable deep scratches on Mr. Beckman’s face Mr. Beckman raised his cane men- little man! You disgusting individual!” and neck or his black-and-blue wrists. acingly at Gino, and said, “You’re a liar, of Israel Physically, Gary lifted Mr. Beckman The day was hot. Mr. Beckman sat and if you were my son I would slap out of his seat, shaking and choking at his usual seat. He took out his hand- your face for lying.” (Sh’mos 35:1) him. The old man’s arms flailed as he kerchief, lifted his hat off his head, This time Gino had had enough. He This was on the morning tried unsuccessfully to fight back. The and wiped his wet brow. Ready for yelled out, “Guard, get that man outta shaking of Mr. Beckman in midair another day. this building. He just threatened me after Yom Kippur, the day continued until Mr. Benzakain and the “Where’s Gino?” asked Mr. with a stick. Throw him out. Get him that Moshe descended from rabbi ran over, pulling them apart. The Beckman. off the premises.” the mountain [with the incident took no more than a minute, “In his office—and he told me he Melissa quickly put the top of her Second Tablets]. but it seemed an eternity. can’t be disturbed,” Melissa answered. nail polish bottle back on, put on her Like fighters in a ring, each returned Mr. Beckman painfully got up—he guard’s hat and walked toward Mr. (Rashi) to his corner. Gary was white, as if all could hardly move—and made his way Beckman.

18 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 19 than I had expected. We eventually left there were loud excavation noises the lounge about an hour and a half around us. It was a wonderful, heart- Honey, I’m Home late and spent another hour and a half felt presentation, and nothing could in the plane on the runway. I did not detract from it. There were several care, because I was going home early. divrei Torah that discussed the concept The Ultimate Commuter: to the apartment in Cedarhurst. I learned an important tip that flight. of prayer. One of these mentioned the From Israel To New York And Back, On the trip back to Cedarhurst, I I learned that if I am going to surprise power of the prayers of children, and Part 4 called several car services. The first my wife by coming home early, I had that someday, due to these powerful BY DANNY BLOCK turned me down, saying that the air- better make sure to be on the ground prayers from the siddurs that these port was closed and refused to believe somewhere with my cell phone on children were receiving today, hopeful- It was a brilliant plan. As I sat in my me when I insisted that El Al was fly- when she calls me to say good morning. ly the remainder of the Beis office on Wednesday, grateful to have ing. The second flatly refused to drive By the time I landed, it was 8:45 a.m. Hamikdash will be rebuilt on the site arrived unharmed after driving in such weather. So I called Stan’s New York time, and my wife had been just behind where we were standing. through treacherous conditions of Limo. Luckily I have an account, and calling me, frantically searching for me Monday’s experience was one that I snow and ice, I hatched it. After five no, I did not take a limousine to the for about two hours. When she called know my wife and I will never forget, minutes in my office, it became obvi- airport (it was, however, a very nice my office, they were unhelpful to her and I suspect it made a lasting impres- ous that my schedule was quickly van- Town Car). It cost a bit more than my (as instructed). When she finally sion on our six-year-old. Standing in ishing as my patients were calling to usual car service, but I didn’t care, reached me (my cell phone works in the auditorium at the Hebrew reschedule their appointments. because my plan was coming together. Israel, too) I was at Ben Gurion Academy of Long Beach, as we did for Thursday did not look particularly I took 15 minutes to change into my Airport. When she inquired as to where Miriam’s and Jordan’s chag ha’siddur busy, so I made an executive decision. flight suit, threw the week’s Costco I had been, I told her I would give her presentations, just does not have the I would try to get myself on that purchases into my bag, collected a hint (she was not as yet amused) and same power. It was not the fault of the evening’s flight back home instead of myself, and left for the airport. Stan’s handed the phone to Jeffrey Mark, a school. Those presentations were far waiting for my scheduled flight car was, of course, right on time—with fellow ultimate commuter. He said more professional, complete with live Thursday night. Stan’s wife behind the wheel! She did hello and Laura (my wife) then asked accompaniment and solos from each I usually leave the U.S. on not want to leave me without a way to why Jeffrey was at my office. It was of the children. We were just as proud Wednesday night if I am not staying in the airport after two of Stan’s drivers then that I told her that I was at the air- of Jordan and Miriam as we are of Eli, Israel for an entire week. I figured that turned her down. That’s why I love port. I was happily received and forgiv- but we did not feel the connection to I would get an extra day at home and Stan (and Mrs. Stan). I arrived at the en. When I get to spend an extra day at past generations, to Klal Yisrael, and to surprise my wife and children, who I airport on time (actually early for me). home, no matter how long it takes to King David himself as we did today hoped would be happy to see me early. I checked in and went to the lounge. get there, it’s a great day. watching our youngest son get his sid- I called Judy, my “caseworker” at my In the lounge, I met some of my fel- This Monday, my wife and I went to dur at the Kotel. travel agency (Express Travel), and low ultimate commuters, davened Yerushalayim for the mesibat ha’siddur That was only one of many connec- asked her if she could work some Maariv, and even received the coveted for my six-year-old son, Eli. The mesi- tions one feels living in Israel. magic for me and get me on a flight upgrade to business class (Yes!). This is bat ha’siddur is the presentation in Sometimes these moments catch me that night. She came through with fly- the point at which things started to which first graders receive their first unexpectedly. Several months ago, ing colors (as she always does), and slow down a little. I sat with my friends siddur from school. Eli’s class had Bnei Akiva had its “Chodesh Irgun.” It booked me on the 7:30 p.m. out of and a bottle of Chardonnay, and wait- theirs at the Kotel. There was a musi- is a month in which children and teens Kennedy. I left work as soon as I com- ed. We were told that there would be a cal presentation (without musical work on multiple projects, including pleted treating my last patient at 4:00 delay of about an hour due to the instruments or solos). There was no several murals that cover the walls of p.m., and made my way, carefully, back inclement weather, which was less musical director. From time to time their meeting house. Every snif

20 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES (branch) in the country takes part. a much-needed break. I wanted to take Schools know that the youth of Israel the family away for a mini-vacation. I is “busy” that month, and they give less especially wanted to give my wife a homework. It’s very exciting. The break. I wanted to take her away so month culminates with “Shabbat someone else could cook and make the Irgun.” That Shabbat, the youth have beds. I could make the beds, but I am their own minyanim and eat lunch reasonably confident that no one together. In the afternoon, they take would eat my cooking. We went to the the parents on a tour of the murals Dead Sea for two days and then to they painted. Yerushalayim for Shabbat. On motzaei Shabbat, there is a huge The weather was great, and we had presentation. Most of the children in a wonderful time swimming and jeep- Chashmonaim, where we live, were ing around the Dead Sea. Shabbat was involved. The evening’s festivities were outstanding. It was the first time we quite elaborate. It started with a pres- had been in Yerushalayim for Shabbat entation of flags. The oldest children since we started living in Israel. When sang and danced with large Israeli we previously vacationed in Israel, flags in a very impressive and highly Yerushalayim was usually our home organized display. There were about 50 base. I enjoyed getting up early and flags going in different directions, all walking to the Kotel for Shacharit.I being waved by the children of our enjoyed the sights and smells of yishuv (settlement). I felt a lump in my Yerushalayim (OK, not all the smells) throat and my eyes began to well up. I early in the morning, as well as the was doing my best not to display my uplifting experience of davening at the emotions and embarrass myself, when Kotel. It was fun to be tourists for a lit- I looked around and saw I was not tle while. It was reenergizing to be alone. There was not a dry eye in the home for a longer period, but it always house! The emotion of that night took makes it harder to leave. me totally by surprise. There was no It’s now Tuesday night in the U.S., religious “holy site” involved. It was and I know tomorrow is going to be a held on the yishuv basketball courts. It great day because I am going home. was just the emotion of being in Israel The day I leave, I walk around the and feeling pride for our children office with a permanent smile. My dancing with the Israeli flag in our staff tells me I am happier and easier land. It was so powerful that everyone to deal with the day I fly back home. present felt it and could not help but The ultimate traveler’s prayer: I hope I show it on their faces. get the upgrade. ❖ I took this week off and stayed in Israel. It was wonderful. For 11 days, Danny Block, a dentist from Cedarhurst, moved to Israel last year and commutes weekly from his we were a normal family (almost). family’s home there to his office in Forest Hills. Toward the end of the week we all took He can be reached at [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 21 Chinuch. They seem to be there every morning. The last Daf Yomi Insights use of this room is as an impromptu ezras nashim.For BY RABBI the beis midrash, which is the example, if a bar mitzvah boy AVROHOM SEBROW primary location for tefillos is having a full dress rehearsal during the week. Depending and leining for the first time There is a room at the on the noise level in the during the week, his mother White Shul which is official- room, it may be possible to might want to hear the lein- ly a library. It does in fact hear Kaddish, Kedushah, and ing. She would then daven in contain a large number of leining through the open this room. When a woman sefarim and English Judaica. window. Whether one actual- comes to daven in the library, However, people who attend ly fulfills the mitzvah of teffi- a mass exodus of the men minyanim at the White Shul lah b’tzibbur in this room is begins, with tallis bags flying in the morning know it also the subject of debate (and in every direction. The room functions as a tallis/tefillin possibly also the subject of a is officially designated an room. A large number of peo- future article). ezras nashim by closing the ple utilize this room to put on Another use of this room is door to the hallway. (Other- and take off their tallis and for studying Torah. There is a wise the door is virtually tefillin. A smaller number of chavrusahship of two always left open.) people actually daven in this esteemed members of our Let’s say someone puts on room. There is a window in community who utilize this his tallis and tefillin in the The side entrance/exit of the beis midrash at the White Shul. this library which opens to room to study Minchas library and then enters the

beis midrash to daven with the tzibbur. At the conclusion of davening he returns to the library to fold his tallis and wrap up his tefillin. He then remembers that he parked his car in the White Shul’s parking lot. The easiest way to get there is to walk back into shul and use the side exit. Otherwise, he has to go back to the entrance hall and use the egress there, and on the way out pass by the spot he would have been had he used the beis midrash side door. May he enter the shul just to use the side exit? (Good question. Ask your rav. But for a discussion of these issues, read on.) The mishnah (Megillah 28a) says, “A synagogue that has fallen into ruin may not be used for eulogies, for twist- ing ropes, of for spreading nets. Nor may one utilize its roof to spread out fruits (to dry), and one may not use it as a shortcut.” The novel point of this mishnah was that a synagogue retains its sanctity even after falling into dis- use. The laws of the mishnah, though, most certainly apply to a synagogue that is currently in use. The Shulchan Aruch (151:5), in its discussion of the laws of the sanctity of a synagogue, writes as follows: “If a shul had two entrances, one may not enter through one entrance to make a path to exit through the other entrance in order to shorten his way. However, one who already entered the shul through one door to daven may use the other door to exit.” (He does not need to exit through the same door that he entered from.) It would seem according to this Shulchan Aruch that our davener who removed his tefillin in the library may not then reenter the shul just to shorten the way to his car.

Continued on Page 24 22 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 23 Daf Yomi Insights if he is a Torah scholar, let him recite Continued from Page 22 a halachah, and if he knows Mish- nah, let him say a mishnah, and if he The Biur Halachah, though, com- knows Scriptures, let him say a verse, ments that one may, employing a sort and if he is not proficient in any of of halachic subterfuge, enter the these, let him say to a child that he shul, say a pasuk or tarry awhile [the child] should say his pasuk [that inside the shul, and then exit the shul he is currently reading], or alterna- tively, let him wait a bit and then get up. He then may proceed to call the person out.” Rav Acha’s concern is based on the When a woman premise that one may not enter a synagogue except for the purpose of a mitzvah. (See Rambam, Laws of comes to daven in Prayer 11:8) However, learning something in shul is also considered a the library, a mass mitzvah and alleviates this problem. In fact, Rav Ashi went so far as to say that if he just tarries a bit extra in exodus of the men shul that is also enough of a mitzvah, as it says, “Ashrei yoshevei veisecha— begins, with tallis Praiseworthy are those that sit in your house” (Tehillim 84:5). The Mishnah Berurah (151:13) writes The library–tallis/tefillin–davening auxiliary–learning–ezras nashim bags flying in that the extra time one must tarry to room at the White Shul. fulfill this mitzvah is the time it takes every direction. to walk eight tefachim (between 2 from being drenched. They justified bar Masnah entered the shul for their and 2 2/3 feet, depending on the cor- their actions by saying, “We did not own personal benefit of escaping the rect measurement of a tefach). The enter the synagogue to escape the rain, wouldn’t it have been permitted, Aruch HaShulchan says that one does rain, but rather because halachic dis- since they in fact learned once they not actually have to sit down, but cussions require clear weather.” In entered the shul? Doesn’t the from the other side, thereby using the rather just wait this extra time before other words, they did not enter the Gemara say that one may enter a shul shul as a shortcut. calling the person out. shul for their own personal comfort; for a non-mitzvah purpose provided What is the source for this halachic Immediately preceding the above rather, they entered the shul for the that he at least learns a little upon subterfuge? Gemara, the Gemara relates the fol- sake of the Torah they were learning. entering? The Chofetz Chaim The Gemara (28b) says that Rav lowing incident: Ravina and Rav Adda It’s pretty hard to concentrate on answers (Shaar HaTziyon 151:2) that Acha bar Rava said to Rav Ashi: “And bar Masnah were standing and asking Torah studies while one is being one is only permitted to enter a shul when one needs to call someone from a question of Rava. As they were drenched. for a non-mitzvah purpose if there is the synagogue, what should he do?” speaking, a downpour of rain came. The following question may be no alternative. For example, if some- He said to him: “[He may enter and] They entered a synagogue to escape raised: Even if Ravina and Rav Adda one is waiting for his son who is in

24 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES shul, he may enter the shul, say a to go to the lobby and exit from there Teshuvos 151:14). way—s’char halichah applies to a pasuk, and then call his son out of is considered a significant amount of Finally, even if it were permitted to return trip, as well. In addition, the shul. Since his son is in shul, there is exertion that would form a basis for use the shul as a shortcut with the most common form of exercise is no alternative but to enter the shul. the Chofetz Chaim’s leniency. Further- appropriate verse recital, the Tzitz walking to and from one’s car. Why However, in Ravina and Rav Adda’s more, there are those Acharonim who Eliezer (12:16) writes that this is only diminish those precious few moments case, there was another building disagree with the Chofetz Chaim and on a temporary basis. One would not of strenuous aerobic activity? nearby. They didn’t have to enter the prohibit the use of a shul as a shortcut be permitted to habitually employ this Have a good Shabbos and a good shul to escape the rain; they could altogether, even with the recital of a subterfuge. So our davener could not walk. ❖ have gone to another building. In verse. The Magen Avraham (151:7), for do this every day that he is in the Rabbi Sebrow delivers a nightly shiur on the daf such a case, a halachic subterfuge is example, seems to understand the library. In any case, he will get more yomi at Priority-1. He can be contacted at not permitted. They were only per- Shulchan Aruch in this way (see Piskei s’char halichah if he goes the long [email protected]. mitted to enter the shul because they were previously engaged in learning and didn’t want the rain to disturb them. To escape a sudden downpour one cannot decide on the spur of the moment that he wants to learn and enter a shul, if he has another viable way of keeping dry. Based on this reasoning, the halachah should be that one is not permitted, simply by saying a pasuk inside the shul, to enter a shul to use it as a shortcut, because there is an alternative—go the long way! Yet the Biur Halachah (also written by the Chofetz Chaim) explicitly permits it! I asked R’ Moshe Brown, mara d’asra of the Agudah of West Lawrence, to reconcile this difficulty. He said that perhaps the Chofetz Chaim only permitted one to use the shul as a shortcut, provided he says a pasuk, when there is sufficient extra exertion involved in going the long way. In that case, the long way is not really considered a viable alternative. So, back to our davener who is in the library and wants to use the beis midrash as a shortcut. I don’t know if the ten extra seconds it would take him

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 25 Chofetz Chaim Torah Center Annual Dinner In the first month… Photos By Tiegman Photography on the first day of the month, the Tabernacle was erected (Sh’mos 40:17) On the 25th of Kislev the work of Mishkan was completed, and its components sat folded up [for three months] until the 1st of Nissan, because G-d wanted that the Mishkan should be erected in the month that Isaac was born… The month of Kislev was thus deprived. Said G-d: “I must compensate it.” The Fifth Annual Dinner of the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center took place on Sunday, March 11 at the Ateres Nechama Liba Simcha Hall in Far Rockaway. The shul, under the leadership of Rav Aryeh Z. Ginzberg (above, center), has How did G-d compensate become a popular makom Torah in Cedarhurst over the last few years. Dinner guests of honor were the month of Kislev? With (above) Moshe and Aviva Eichler and Mordechai and Racheli Mushell. The dinner guest speaker was Rabbi Yaakov Bender. The dinner chairmen were Rabbi Nosson Neuman and Avi Dreyfuss. the dedication of the Temple by the Chashmoneans (on Chanukah). (Pesikta Rabbati) When did the consecration of the Mishkan begin? On the twenty-third of Adar. And on the first of Nissan the days of consecration were completed. During each of the seven days of consecration Moshe set up the Tabernacle and offered his sacrifices in it every morning and then pulled it down. On the eighth day he put it up but did not dismantle it again. (Midrash Rabbah) Seven times Moshe erected the Mishkan and then dismantled it, presaging the seven Sanctuaries that would serve the Jewish people: the Tabernacle in the desert, those at Gilgal, Shiloh, Nov and Givon, and the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. Seven times Moshe dismantled the Tabernacle and then set it up again, so that the future falls of these Sanctuaries should not be permanent, but be followed by a rebuilding.Thus we are guaranteed that the destruction of the seventh Mishkan will be followed by the building of the Third Temple, which shall never be destroyed. (Rabbi Avraham Mordechai of Gur)

26 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 27 “dwelling for G-d in the physical cows, for example. world” whose construction constitutes This has led humans to invent all our mission in life. That’s why the sorts of salves and balms for stress, on details are so important. But why do the one hand, and all sorts of devices they have to be related twice? to do away with (or at least numb) the Couldn’t the Torah simply say, “And brain, on the other. Which is a shame, the Children of Israel built it exactly since it’s great having a brain, and it’s as G-d had commanded”? healthy to experience stress. That’s the lesson implicit in the Having A Brain “superfluous” chapters of Vayakheil From The Chassidic Masters Having a brain means that you not and Pekudei. only know how things are, but you also The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains understand how things ought to be. that the Torah wants to emphasize Why It’s Frustrating Which means that you’re constantly that there will always be two versions being made aware that things are not of G-d’s home on earth: the ideal ver- as they ought to be. sion, as G-d envisions it and describes To Have A Brain Human beings deal with this frus- it to Moshe, and the real version, as it tration in a variety of ways. Some is actually built in and from of our This week’s Torah reading—the the account of the Mishkan’s actual become “academics,” which means physical lives. joined parashios of Vayakheil and construction in the parashios of that they concentrate on the way Does this means that G-d is making Pekudei—is replete with questions and Vayakheil and Pekudei. The most things ought to be and make believe allowances? That His vision can be contradictions. The first enigma is the amazing thing is that these two that that’s the way things are. Those compromised by “the way things are” question of why these parashios exist at descriptions are virtually identical! who, for some reason (usually job- down here? But in the Torah’s all. Most of their content seems com- The only real difference is that in the related), are compelled to deal with account, both versions are exactly the pletely superfluous. The Torah is not same! In other words, we are empow- extravagant with its words: laws whose ered—and expected—to recreate the details cover many pages in the Divine ideal in its entirety—down to Talmud are expressed by the Torah in a Being human means never ceasing every last peg, clasp, and carrying single sentence or word, or even by pole—within the material world. means of a single extra letter. But Recreate—not duplicate. G-d does not when it comes to the Mishkan, the the effort to translate the ideal want us to transform physical matter Mishkan made by the People of Israel into substanceless spirit; He wants us in the Sinai Desert, the Torah does a into the real. to make the physical world hospitable very unusual thing: it elaborates. And to His presence. then it elaborates some more. Being human means never ceasing First (in the parashios of Terumah the effort to translate the ideal into the and Tetzavveh) we get a description of first account, the description of each the way things are try not to think real. Not that we can eliminate the gap every one of the Mishkan’s dozens of item begins, “And they shall make…” about the way things ought to be. between matter and spirit. We can do components as spelled out in G-d’s and in the second account it begins, Since neither approach can be main- better: we can make our lives a physi- instructions to Moshe. And then we “And they made…” tained 100 percent of the time, human get all the details a second time, in The Mishkan is the prototype of the beings enjoy a higher stress level than Continued on Page 30

28 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 29 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH Continued from Page 28

cal version of the Divine vision. Human life is an attempt to achieve the impossible—an attempt that fails, and, in failing, achieves something even greater. If you’re experiencing stress, you’re doing something right.

The Second Enigma: Transposed Headings The second enigma of the parashios of Vayakheil and Pekudei concerns the names by which they are called, and an apparent contradiction between each parashah’s name and its content. To the casual reader, the names by which the 54 sections of the annual Torah-reading cycle are called seem quite incidental: a parashah is almost always named after the first distinctive word to appear in its text. Chassidic teaching, however, which sees every event and phenomenon as specifically determined by Divine Providence, rejects the very concept of “incidence.” Furthermore, says the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Chassidism teaches that the name of an object in Lashon HaKodesh constitutes its soul and essence; the Rebbe also points out that the word “Torah” means “instruction,” implying that there is nothing in Torah that is not instructive. Hence, the Rebbe concludes, there certainly cannot be anything “incidental” about the name of a section in Torah. At his weekly Shabbos farbrengens, the Rebbe would often dwell on the name of the parashah read that week, demonstrating how this single word or phrase indeed enfolds within it the entire breadth and variety of the parashah’s contents, and how this parashah’s name, when its nuances are analyzed and set against the other components of the Jewish calendar with which it intersects, carries a wealth of information and instruction to our daily lives. “Vayakheil” means “assembly” and “community,” while the word “Pekudei” connotes itemization and individuality. So these two parashios, which follow each other in the Torah and on certain years are even joined together to form a single reading, express the conflict, interaction, and paradox of these two components of the human soul: (a) our need and desire to bond together in a communal identity, and (b) our need and desire for an individual identity distinct and unique from our fellows. But the most amazing thing about Vayakheil and Pekudei is not that both are given equal prominence in the Torah, nor that they appear in the Torah in such proximity to each other, and not even that these seem- ingly dichotomous concepts are often fused to form a single reading called Vayakheil–Pekudei. The most amazing thing about these two parashah names is that they seem to have switched places. If we look beyond these names to the actual content of their respective parashios, we discover that the content of the parashah that carries the name Vayakheil would seem to be most appropriately named Pekudei, while 30 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES the content of the parashah of Pekudei begs the name Vayakheil! Vayakheil begins by telling how Moshe assembled the people to command them on the observance of Shabbos and the making of the Mishkan; this act of assembly gives the parashah its name (“Vayakheil” means “and he assembled” and is a form of the word “kahal,” “congregation”). But the remainder of the parashah is filled with the particulars of the Mishkan’s construction. Each of the Mishkan’s dozens of components is individually listed and described: its roof coverings, wall panels, foundation sockets, pillars, braces, brackets, and curtains; the Ark, the Table, the Menorah, the two Altars; even the washbasin and its pedestal. We are given the exact dimensions of these components, the materials out of which they were made, and the details of their design. “Pekudei” means “accounts,” and the parashah begins with the statement, “These are the accounts of the Mishkan…” The etymological root of Pekudei,“pakod,” means to count, to remember, and to appoint—all expressing the concept of itemization, of particular attention to detail (in modern Hebrew, a pakid is a bureau- crat). But while Pekudei also includes details of the Mishkan’s construction (specifically, those of the priestly gar- ments), a major part of the parashah is devoted to the Mishkan’s assembly. In Pekudei, the Torah relates how the components listed and described in Vayakheil were fitted together to form the Mishkan, and how the Divine Presence came to dwell in the completed structure. Indeed, the parts of the Mishkan, even as each was fash- ioned in perfect concurrence with its Divine specifications, could not house the Divine Presence until they were assembled to collectively form the whole Mishkan. In other words, the parashah of Vayakheil is taken up with the individual natures of the Mishkan’s parts, while Pekudei describes how these combine to form the greater structure—the very opposite of what each parashah’s name means!

Five Lessons To summarize: 1. The Torah includes a parashah called Vayakheil, and a parashah called Pekudei. 2. In certain years they are joined as a single reading, called “Vayakheil– Pekudei.” 3. In other years, these two parashios form two separate Torah-readings, read on separate Shabbosos. 4. “Vayakheil” means “community,” but the content of that parashah is the value of individuality. “Pekudei” means “individuality,” but its content is the advantage in union and integration. 5. Vayakheil comes first in the Torah, followed by Pekudei. Each of these nuances, says the Rebbe, is significant. Each illuminates the relationship between our individual and communal identities: The first lesson: We have and need them both. The fact that the Torah contains two parashios, one called

Continued on Page 32 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 31 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH individuals, each contributing his or entail a compromise of one or the Individual perfection has value inde- Continued from Page 31 her distinct personality and capabili- other (or both). Perhaps our individu- pendently of how this contributes to ties toward the communal goal, with ality has value only in that it con- the communal good, and the creation Vayakheil and the other called Pekudei, the community, in turn, providing the tributes in some way to the communi- of a community is likewise an end means that our need for communality framework within which each can ty; or perhaps the sole function of the unto itself, for it represents a state of and our striving for individual distinc- strive for his or her personal best. community is to provide a framework being that is greater than the sum of tion are both important and desirable its individual parts. components of the human soul. The Fourth Lesson: Each consists The second lesson: We can, and of the other. We have seen how com- should, achieve a synthesis of the The most perfect community is a munity (Vayakheil) and individuality two. If Vayakheil and Pekudei were (Pekudei) each represent a desirable only to appear in the Torah as two community composed of individuals who goal, and how they can be integrated separate parashios, this would imply to form a third model, a community of that while both are necessary, each are fully in touch with and exercising individuals (Vayakheil–Pekudei). But has its time and place: there are times the Torah goes even further: it tells us when our communality must be their individuality. that even when each is considered as emphasized (to the negation of our an end unto itself, the two are inex- individuality), and there are times orably bound with each other. when an assertion of individuality is This is the lesson to be derived called for (albeit disruptive to our The third lesson: We must also for the development of the individual. from the fact that the content of communality). We would not know nurture each of the two as a thing We would not know that each is also Vayakheil is the nature of individual that the two could be integrated. of value in and of itself. If Vayakheil an end unto itself. things, while Pekudei contains the The fact that, in certain years, and Pekudei were to appear only in The fact that Vayakheil and Pekudei description of how diverse parts are Vayakheil and Pekudei are joined to their joint form, however, this would also appear in the Torah as two sepa- joined into a greater whole. The form a single reading teaches us that imply that the only desirable objec- rate readings teaches us that, in addi- Torah is telling us that even when the we can, and should, achieve a synthe- tive is the achievement of some sort tion to the objective of integrating the objective is solely the creation of a sis of the two: a community that is not of balance between these contrasting two, individuality and community are perfect community, the most perfect a faceless mass but a community of drives—a balance that may well viable objectives in their own right. community is a community composed of individuals who are fully in touch with and exercising their individuality (as Vayakheil, even as a parashah on its own, is composed of individual parts). And the Torah is telling us that even when the objective is exclu- sively the realization of individual potential, an individual can best actu- alize his uniqueness only as a member of a community (as the parashah of Pekudei includes the creation of community). The Fifth Lesson: Imperfect individuals make a perfect community. The question remaining is, Which should come first, the development of the community or of the individual? Logic would seem to dictate that individual development (“Pekudei”) should come before community building (“Vayakheil”): first one needs the parts, and then one can assemble these parts into the greater organism. So the initial emphasis, it would seem, should be on the perfection of the individual, after which these perfected individuals could be knit into the ideal community. The Torah, however, places Vayakheil before Pekudei, teaching us that the very opposite is the case: our very first objective, concludes the Rebbe, must be to bring people together, regardless of their individual state. Personal perfection will follow, fostered by the love and fellow- ship we show towards each other. (Chabad.org.) ❖ Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; adapted by Yanki Tauber.

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32 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 33 Heartfelt Shabbos

BY RABBI YONI POSNICK close to transgressing the holy Parashas Vayakheil discusses the Shabbos. One of the only other areas building of the Mishkan. In both this where we find such serious and severe parashah and the previous one (Ki- warnings and consequences is that of Sissa), the Torah juxtaposes the mitzvah the Mishkan and Beis HaMikdash. to construct the Mishkan with the mitz- One who is not a kohen who comes vah of Shabbos, indicating a connection between Shabbos Kodesh and the Mishkan, the house where Hashem’s Shechinah rested. Shabbos is the sign Shlomo HaMelech knew between Hashem and His chosen nation of the love and relationship they how to tap into that share. Every time the building of the Mishkan is mentioned, the Torah spiritual spring, and immediately speaks about the impor- therefore was able to tance of Shabbos. This should give us a glimpse of the plant every type of plant appreciation we must have for this great gift, the weekly Shabbos! in Yerushalayim. The admonitions regarding Shab- bos are of the most severe in all of Torah. The punishment for violating the Shabbos is sekilah, the harshest into the Mishkan—even if he has the punishment beis din can mete out. best of intentions and wants to do the Even for taking another life, the pun- avodah b’lev shalem—is punishable by ishment is hereg, a lesser form of death. And the law is severe even for death. Again and again in the Torah, a kohen; if he entered the Mikdash we are warned against even coming wearing begadim that did not fit

34 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES exactly right—if they were a little too short or too long—he was also chayav misah. What is it about these two areas that warrant such stern and strict guidelines? Think of a person’s physical being: An injury to an arm or a leg is often healed without severe complications. But an injury to the heart is a different story! Even a small wound must be treated with the utmost care, and any permanent damage to the heart is liable to be life-threatening. So, too, Shabbos is at the heart of Judaism. A Yid’s entire life draws its sustenance from Shabbos. Indeed, the entire world gains its ability to endure from Shabbos. As we say in Magen Avos on Friday nights, “mei‘ein ha’berachos.” Shabbos contains all blessings, but the word “mei‘ein” has the same letters as “maiyan,” a spring or fountain. Shabbos is the fountain from which all berachah springs—into our lives and into the world! Just as the heart lies at the center of the body and sends life-giving blood and vital nutri- ents to the rest of the body, so does Shabbos give life to our existence. This is why the Torah places such caution and consequences when it comes to Shabbos Kodesh. When it comes to the heart, utmost care must be taken to keep it healthy and strong. Similarly, the Mishkan (and, later, the Beis HaMikdash) served as the conduit connecting Heaven and earth. It, too, served as the heart of K’lal Yisrael. The Midrash on Mishlei tells us that Shlomo HaMelech planted every type of tree and plant in Yerushalayim. How is this possible? We know the climate of Eretz Yisrael does not suit every type of plant life. The answer is that Yerushalayim— and the Beis HaMikdash at its center— was the heart, the source. All of the veins protrude from that base and spread throughout the world, manifest- ing different climates and environ- ments, but ultimately they stem from the source. (The Talmud tells us that the Kodesh HaKadashim was built on the Even Shesiyah, for “from there the entire world was watered.”) Shlomo HaMelech knew how to tap into that spiritual spring, and therefore was able to plant every type of plant in Yerushalayim. For this reason, as well, the Mishkan was at the center of the Jewish camp in the Midbar, for it represented, literally and symboli- cally, the heart and soul of K’lal Yisrael and every Jew. This idea should give us a new perspective and a newfound appreciation of Shabbos Kodesh and our approach to its many work-related restrictions. Shabbos is the heart of a Jew, and there cannot be too many precautions to ensure a healthy heart! And this lies behind the juxtaposi- tion to the parashah of the Mishkan. Just as the Mishkan was the central place where the Divine Presence rested on earth—and as the source and center of every Jew is the neshamah, the portion of the Divine Presence—so is Shabbos the time when the Divine Presence is found in our lives, our homes, and our world. (Perhaps this gives us new insight into the concept of the “neshamah yeseirah” of Shabbos).

Continued on Page 36 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 35 INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH look. The queen saw what was going Continued from Page 35 on and became distraught. She realized that the king no longer talked to Shabbos Takes Precedence her or paid her much attention at all. In the middle of instructing us con- So she came into the room during yet cerning the building of the Mishkan, another discussion with yet another the Torah interrupts to speak about leading architect, and complained to Shabbos—a mitzvah that is described the king that she was being ignored. in many other places. This teaches us, The king recognized that she was right. as Rashi says, that as important as the He immediately commanded that a building of the Mishkan is, it does not party be held to honor the queen the

“There is something even greater than the Mishkan! There is another even more powerful way to bring My Shechinah into your lives—Shabbos Kodesh!”

override Shabbos Kodesh. There is a very next day. The queen was invalu- definite connection between these ably more important than his new two lofty concepts, but in the end, building, and from then on he kept Shabbos is even greater than the Beis that in mind. HaMikdash! Similarly, Hashem cautioned Bnei The Midrash gives the following Yisrael not to forget Shabbos in their mashal: The king decided to build him- excitement over building the Mishkan. self a new palace. But he wasn’t satis- Building the Mishkan is certainly a fied leaving the job to others, so he great mitzvah; nonetheless it should summoned leading architects and con- not make us lose sight of or overshad- tractors to discuss how it should be ow our basic priorities. Some might built, giving them instructions about otherwise have “lost themselves” build- every detail. Every waking moment ing the Mishkan, arguing that only was spent consulting with yet another through building the Mishkan could expert, watching the workers lay the we experience Hashem’s presence in foundation, or simply dreaming about our lives. So the Torah teaches us oth- how this marvelous structure would erwise. Hashem is in effect telling us,

36 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES “There is something even greater than With this, the Slonimer answers the the Mishkan! There is another even question of why these parashios are more powerful way to bring My read specifically on Shabbos. Seem- Shechinah into your lives—Shabbos ingly they should have been read on Kodesh!” Shabbos is a sign of the specific calendar dates—Shekalim on unique relationship between a Jew and Rosh Chodesh Adar, when the collec- his Creator. Even the building of an tion took place; Zachor on Purim, earthly home for the Divine Presence when we commemorate the downfall of does not take precedence over the Haman (Amalek); Parah, two weeks Shabbos. With this interruption, the before Pesach, when the parah adumah Torah sends us a crucial message: was burnt; and HaChodesh on Rosh Today we no longer have the makom— Chodesh Nissan, when Hashem com- the place of the Mishkan—but we do manded us concerning the new moon have the z’man—the time of Shabbos, and the Korban Pesach. Why do we the time when Hashem’s presence read them instead only on Shabbos? rests upon us. We can make Shabbos a The Nesivos Shalom explains that simple day of rest—or we can truly Shabbos is a day when a Jew can reach appreciate its holiness and make it a unparalleled deveikus b’Hashem, the day of growing closer to our Creator very theme of the Arba Parashios. and experiencing kedushah on par with Unlike the six days of the week which that of the Beis HaMikdash! are days of the guf (the body), Shabbos The Slonimer Rebbe, in his Nesivos is called, in the Zohar,“yoma d’nish- Shalom, writes that the Shabbosos of masa,” “the day of the neshamah,” and the Arba Parashios have tremendous its unique kedushah enables us to grow spiritual kochos. He explains that these spiritually more than any other day readings contain a unified theme, that and to achieve great strides in our rela- of deveikus b’Hashem, attachment to tionship with the One Above. During Hashem. The shekalim were the yearly the Shabbosos of the Arba Parashios, donations for the korbanos, highlight- (such as Shabbos of this week), these ing the connection of every Jew to the two powerful spiritual kochos unite— Beis HaMikdash, the Makom the deveikus of Shabbos and the HaShechinah. Parashas Zachor speaks deveikus of the Arba Parashios. And of uprooting Amalek, those who seek although we cannot nowadays fulfill to distance us from our closeness and the mitzvos contained in these read- connection to Hashem. Parashas Parah ings, their spiritual koach is present on speaks of our desire to purify our- these Shabbosos. What more fitting selves, achieving new levels of close- time to read and think about deveikus ness with the Al-mighty. And Parashas than on the day of deveikus itself— HaChodesh speaks of the opportunity Shabbos Kodesh! to renew ourselves and our relationship with Hashem every year. Continued on Page 39

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 37 other men that he learns with, some of say you returned home from Israel con- whom have more children than I—some vinced that the way to live a proper life of whom don’t even have any family was by marrying someone who wants to nearby to help out—and they seem so sit and learn indefinitely, while you go happy. I can’t understand how they do it out and earn a living. You chose your so well, and I wonder what is wrong husband because he fulfilled your with me that I’m starting to crack under dreams. Good for you. You were true to the pressure. yourself and acted according to your Dear Esther, ous learner. Is it fair for me to tell my husband belief system. All well and good. I’ve been married four years now, and And a serious learner I found. My that I changed my mind? Or is telling However, dreaming of becoming a kol- already we have three children. My old- husband is very sincere about it, and I him too risky and I should just keep lel wife and actually living that life are est are twins, and then I have a baby. I admire him and love him very much. doing what I’m doing, hoping that one not always the same. Until you’ve lived also teach in a local yeshiva. So, as you My problem is that I feel as though we day I just don’t collapse altogether? a certain life, there is absolutely no way can imagine, my hands are very full. My need to make changes in our lives. I’m Starting-to-Crack of knowing what the reality feels like. parents and in-laws are supportive in pregnant, and I can’t imagine schlep- Sometimes you just have to walk the certain ways. For instance, if the twins ping yet another child to day care so Dear Starting-to-Crack, walk to truly “get it.” There is no decep- or the baby can’t go to their day-care that I can run to work. I’m not happy It sounds as though your issues and tion going on here; you simply didn’t centers because they are under the about leaving my children for so much fears are building and have been build- understand the day-to-day reality of weather, I can usually (but not always) of the day. I’m starting to really resent ing for some time, and that the final being the one in charge of running the find a family member to pitch in. Also, being responsible for running the act in this multitiered drama is certain entire show. Perhaps if you could have my mother-in-law is very good about home—the bill-paying, cooking, clean- magically had a trial period, you may taking me shopping before Yomim ing, shopping, etc. It’s too much for have then decided that there should be Tovim for a new suit. me already. a cap on how many years you want to But, I have to admit, it’s a hard life. Though I hide it from everyone— For all you know, he live this type of life. Your intentions We live very sparsely, and literally count including my husband—I am very short were honorable, but then real life set pennies. The day is never long enough with my children and often yell at them may surprise you and in. This isn’t a guilt issue; it’s about to do everything that needs to get done. in a way that sounds out of control, say that maybe it’s time growing up, testing the waters, and dis- I feel tired a lot; I feel much older than even to me. I feel anxious a lot of the covering that things are getting hotter my 24 years. time and often have a knot in the pit of he started earning a by the minute. When I returned home from Israel, I my stomach. Next, I have to wonder, why is every- was all fired up about marrying some- But I married my husband claiming living, thus enabling you thing on your shoulders? Is there some one who would sit and learn. It made to want to live one sort of life and am way that your husband can take over perfect sense to me. I never really afraid that if I tell him now that that to stay home. some of your responsibilities? There thought much about the practical mat- life is no longer working for me, he will are supermarkets that are open 24/7; ters of such a life. I also never really think I am a liar or someone who can he do the grocery shopping at thought much about a time frame. deceived him. I’m worried that he to be a calamity. Before that happens, night on the way home? What about Though my parents asked often how won’t respect me anymore and maybe let’s see if there is some way in which the bill-paying? Who said you have to long I wanted my husband to learn for, I will stop loving me. He married one we can rewrite this script so that you be superwoman, in charge and respon- never considered the question to be very woman and I seem to have become a feel more in control and optimistic sible for absolutely everything? important or even worth thinking about. different woman. about your future. All I knew was that he had to be a seri- I look around at the wives of the First let’s discuss the guilt factor. You Continued on Page 43

38 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES INSIGHTS ON THE TORAH changed person. His entire appear- Continued from Page 37 ance seemed to have transformed. From that Shabbos on, he observed The Gemara states that Hashem Shabbos meticulously. “What did the said to Moshe, “I have a precious gift Chofetz Chaim tell him that changed in my hidden treasure house; its name his life?” the rabbi was asked. “I do is ‘Shabbos.’ I wish to give it to K’lal not know.” Years later, an older gen- Yisrael.” The Malbim explains that in tleman approached the rabbi and this world, a human being cannot fath- said, “I was that errant student.” om or feel the pleasures and spiritual “What did the Chofetz Chaim tell delight of Olam HaBa. For this reason, you?” the rabbi eagerly asked. the Torah does not speak about it— The student replied, “I came to the except for one area: Shabbos! Shabbos tzaddik’s room. He took my hands in Kodesh comes from Hashem’s “hidden his and began to cry. As he was cry- treasure house,” meaning that great ing, he kept repeating the words spiritual enjoyment which is hidden ‘Shabbos Kodesh! Shabbos Kodesh!’ beyond our comprehension in this His tears flowed down onto my hands world. The Al-mighty Himself says, “I and I felt as if they were burning. I wish to give it to K’lal Yisrael.” immediately had a deep feeling of Hashem, in His infinite love, so wish- regret for what I had done and es to give us a taste of the greatness of accepted upon myself from then on Olam HaBa, He gave us Shabbos as a to observe Shabbos.” When one cries small hint of that magnificent world. for chillul Shabbos as the Chofetz This is what Shabbos is—a little piece Chaim cried, the tears leave a burn- of Olam HaBa! ing and lasting impression. In truth, this is the call of all of our Appreciating Shabbos neshamos—they long for that kedushah The following story gives us a and call out, as did the Chofetz Chaim, glimpse of the profound appreciation “Shabbos Kodesh!” In the z’chus of let- the gedolim had for the kedushah of ting the awesome blessing of Shabbos— Shabbos. An American rabbi was and, with it, Hashem’s Presence—into once giving a sermon on the impor- our lives and hearts, may we merit to see tance of Shabbos observance. He the time of yom shekulo Shabbos, the related an incident that took place in day of everlasting Shabbos! ❖ the yeshiva of Radin. A student was suspected of desecrating the Shab- Rabbi Posnick will iy’H deliver a shiur for young bos. This rumor was brought to the women on motzaei Shabbos, March 24, at 9:15 p.m. at 611 Broadway in Cedarhurst. The venerable Chofetz Chaim, who subject of the shiur is “Knowing Yourself: Let’s be immediately called the student to his friends—the power of chevrah.” For more information about the shiur, or for any feedback home. After a short while, the young regarding his column, please contact Rabbi man left the Chofetz Chaim’s house a Posnick by e-mail at [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 39 Matthew Steven, and instead of Yehudit In a whisper, I confessed to her that I Batsheva being Judith Betsey, she’s call them by their Hebrew names and Betsey Judith. And in English is Gila wasn’t sure about the English. She nod- Tamar known as Gail Tammy? Of course ded understandingly and said that if I not; she’s Tammy Gail. Go figure! knew their birth dates and would supply Lest anyone wonder why any of this her with the family name, she could fig- should matter, let me enlighten you. It ure out who they were and which charts matters a whole lot when you have to to pull. I’m good at remembering birth- Keeping Us On Our Toes pinch-hit for a parent and take a days, and of course I know the family grandchild to the pediatrician. name, so everything worked out okay— When it’s time to name a newborn same-first-letter-sound for this daugh- My daughter was sick in bed with a provided one thinks that needing a infant, some moms don’t make matter. Instead, she went a little weird on high fever, so I was asked to take two of receptionist to tell me the names of my ters simple. Simple would be giving a us. Naftali Mordechai is Justin Scott, own grandchildren is okay. Hebrew name and a corresponding Tzipporah Leah is Jennifer Sue, and Next, I glanced surreptitiously English name, preferably one with a Ahron Simcha is Zachary Mark. Should around the room to see how many peo- similar sound. My own daughters are any of them ever decide to run for In a whisper, I confessed ple were listening in. But, while the shining examples of how to compli- President of the United States, it will young mothers in the waiting room had cate the naming process. Had they work out fine, but in the meantime, that I wasn’t sure about obviously heard the exchange, not a sin- realized how their choices would since the English and Hebrew names their English names. gle one looked up. Chances are they eventually affect their loving mother have no relevance to one another, hubby weren’t surprised by my encounter at (that would be me) and their adoring and I can’t remember a single one. And the receptionist’s window. The demo- father (that would be my husband, when we attend an event where English graphics of our neighborhood, being Arnie) perhaps they would have made names are being used, we encounter the her little ones, who were also not feeling what they are, they’ve undoubtedly seen different choices. same difficulty as described above, but well, to the pediatrician. The doctor’s this happen before. In fact, their own Instead, each of our girls inadver- in reverse. So we’ve learned to keep the waiting room was full and, as I walked parents probably run into the same tently pulled a fast one on us in one way camera ready. It’s a “don’t fire until you over to the receptionist’s window, every problem. And, because so many moms or another. All of them send their chil- see the whites of their eyes” type of sce- eye followed me (presumably because work outside the home these days, dren to yeshivas and all gave their chil- nario. When we see the right kid stand they all wanted to hear what time my grandparents often need to pitch in by dren English names as well as Hebrew up, we snap the picture. appointment was; people in waiting taking youngsters to the pediatrician. ones, but the similarity ends there. There is one daughter who almost rooms like to be sure that no one is There’s no problem with older children, One daughter calls her kids by their made things easy—almost, but not sneaking in ahead of them—I wasn’t!) because children over the age of ten English names. As a result, Arnie and I quite! She uses the children’s Hebrew I was fine when the receptionist usually know their English names. don’t always remember their Hebrew names, and she did give corresponding asked me about the time of our But with the older child, other issues names, and when we attend a siddur English names to them. So it could appointment, but as soon as she asked can arise from time to time. For exam- party or Chumash party, we have no have been a simple case of translating, for the names of the children, I was in ple, not long ago, a friend’s 13-year-old clue that it’s our grandchild’s name except for one minor detail: she trouble. I realized she was referring to granddaughter informed her family being called until the kid stands up. reversed every name. the English names, and I didn’t have a that she would no longer answer to The children of another daughter, For example, one would expect clue, and these kids are too young to Miriam; she wanted to be known by known to us only by their Hebrew Shmuel Matisyahu to be Steven know their English names. They’re so her English name, Madison. The par- names, didn’t get English names that Matthew in English. But that’s not the young they don’t even know there is are even remotely similar. None of that way it was done. Shmuel Matisyahu is such a thing as an English name! Continued on Page 42

40 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 41 THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! Continued from Page 40

ents voiced their objections, and then called both sets of grandparents to head them off at the pass. “Ma, Pa: Miriam will be informing you of her new plan, but don’t capitu- late—please. As your son, I’m begging you; do not call her Madison.” He could have spared himself the bother of both the calling and the begging. Miriam was named for his father’s mom, and the elder man went ballistic when he heard of the plan. (We may safely assume that this gentleman’s late mother, who was born and died in the “old country,” was never, at any time, known as Madison.) “Don’t you worry; to me she’ll always be Miriam,” the grandfather assured his son. The episode had a happy ending, however, because it didn’t take long for the kid to give up on the idea and go back to answering to Miriam. As it was explained to me, “she did- n’t have any choice if she wanted to eat.” It turns out that the parents had issued an ultimatum: “If you want meals in this house you should know that they will only be prepared for, and served to, our daughter, Miriam; we don’t know any Madison.” One of these days I’m going to ask my children for a print- out of all the kids’ names—first names and middle names, English names and Hebrew names. I will keep that sheet with me at all times so that, when we go to any school event, we’ll know who’s who and what’s what. It will also prevent me from having an anxiety attack the next time I have to take a little one to the pediatrician or pick up his prescription at a drug store. There’s nothing like standing at a pharmacy window, asking for Simcha Dov’s medicine, and having the druggist say, “No prescription has been called in for anyone with that name.” PS: The names of our children were omitted and the names of our grandchildren were changed. This is to protect the innocent—the innocent being me. Presumably the omis- sions and changes will prevent any of our daughters from accus- ing me of identifying which of them confused us in which way. Not that there’s much chance of getting fired from my job as parent assistant—and thank goodness for that, because I enjoy the work. ❖

Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at [email protected] or 516-902-3733. 42 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES MINDBIZ Continued from Page 38

Stop looking at other kollel wives. Though many may be perfectly happy, trust me— many are feeling as tired and stressed as you are, and maybe even more. Presenting a lovely smile to the world tells nothing about what might be going on behind closed doors. Most women don’t want to admit that they are finding it hard to handle their lives—which is a shame, because misery certainly loves company. Perhaps if more women were open and honest about their long, difficult days, women like yourself would feel comforted and relieved to know that you are not alone with your worries and stress. Furthermore, everyone is different. One woman can be at the gym at five in the morning, work full time, care for nine children, and still have plenty of time to cook for the needy and have company galore. These women are enor- mously blessed. But not everyone has such stamina. We all have to know ourselves well enough to recognize and respect our individual limits. Finally, the real question you ask is whether it is a risk to tell your husband that you need a change. You haven’t said much about him, but from the tone of your letter, it sounds as though he is a fine, loving young man. I would venture to guess that he cares deeply about you and your well-being. I would therefore suggest that you sit down with him and have a heart-to-heart talk. Explain that the issue is not one of having a different belief system toward the importance of a man spending his day learning, but rather an issue of your well-being. Ask him to come up with sugges- tions that might help lighten your load. For all you know, he may surprise you and say that maybe it’s time he started earning a living, thus enabling you to stay home. Or he may come up with other solutions that might make a significant difference in your life and relieve you of some of the pressure you are under. But if you don’t put it out there, your husband has no way of knowing how you’re really managing. If he is a mensch, which I believe he is, he will not turn on you, but rather show you kindness and consideration. Hopefully, together as a team, you’ll be able to figure out a lifestyle that is rich in everything you hold dear. Esther

Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in Lawrence. She can be reached at 516-314-2295 or [email protected]. She works with individuals, couples, and families. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 43 their willingness to deal honestly with vious disclosure form, called a broker’s the buyer in disclosing all facts known agent. A broker’s agent is an agent who to the agent, so they may make a is authorized through the listing broker knowledgeable decision regarding the to show and offer a seller’s property for property involved. sale. A broker’s agent also has a fiduci- Another agency relationship is one ary responsibility to the seller. where the buyer comes into the real- The other category added to the real- Real Estate Agency Disclosure is representing the seller and the sell- estate broker’s office and engages the estate disclosure form is called “dual Form—What’s That? er’s best interests, working toward the broker to represent the buyer’s inter- agency.” This is not a common category, When dealing with a real-estate bro- goal of selling their home. est. (This means that the buyer is but it does happen sometimes that a ker for the first time, the broker sits As a seller’s agent, it is the responsi- responsible for the broker’s fee.) real-estate broker who is a seller’s agent down with you and shows you a form bility of the real-estate broker to disclose In this instance, the real-estate bro- for a particular seller also represents a called the “real-estate disclosure to each buyer, in their offer to show ker has a fiduciary responsibility to the buyer as a buyer’s agent specifically on form,” and you look at it and think, them the seller’s home, of their relation- buyer and represents their interest the proposed negotiation of one specific “What do I need to sign this for?” ship to the seller, by having them sign with undivided loyalty. The buyer’s real-estate transaction. In a case such as This form, created by the Depart- this, where the broker is representing ment of State of New York, is required both parties in the transaction, the dual to be signed by buyer and seller in all nature of the broker’s relationship must residential real-estate transactions, and If a real-estate broker is a seller’s agent, be disclosed to both the buyer and sell- it must also be signed by potential buyer prior to showing and negotiating a ers before any residential real estate is deal between the two parties. shown to them for the first time. it does not mean that he won’t deal fairly No matter which category you fall The purpose of this disclosure is to into, the most important thing is to make sure that the consumer, make sure you are presented with this whether a buyer or a seller, is proper- and honestly with the buyer. disclosure form prior to looking at, ly informed of the agency relation- buying, or selling any properties, so ship of the real-estate agent they are you know up front which category you working with and the rights and obli- the Real Estate Disclosure Form (with a agent does this by negotiating the pur- fall into. gations it creates. What exactly does copy retained for the buyer, as well) in chase of a home at a price and on If anyone has any questions regard- this mean? which it states that the broker has dis- terms acceptable to the buyer, with the ing this disclosure, or any of the other If a seller hires a real-estate broker closed to the buyer that they are a “sell- buyer’s interests in mind. issues I have been discussing weekly in to sell his home (paying the broker a er’s agent.” When representing the buyer as a my column with you, please do not fee for doing so), the broker has the By the way, if a real-estate broker is buyer’s agent, the real-estate broker hesitate to call me anytime. ❖ relationship of a seller’s agent with the a seller’s agent, it does not mean that must also disclose to a seller, when seller. This means that the broker has he won’t will not deal fairly and hon- showing their home, that they are Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a a fiduciary responsibility with undivid- estly with the buyer. In fact, the oppo- doing so as a buyer’s agent and repre- licensed real estate broker (Anessa V Cohen ed loyalty to the seller. Any information site is true: disclosing to the buyer, up senting the buyer, not the seller. Realty) and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker (A.C. Action Mortgage Corp.) with over 20 years in the course of selling or negotiating front, their relationship with the seller Some changes in the disclosure form of experience, offering full-service residential and the seller’s home must be done with should only show the buyer the real- were implemented by the Department commercial real estate services and mortgage services. She can be reached at 516-569-5007. reasonable care taken to represent the estate broker’s good faith in making of State as of January 1 of this year. Readers are encouraged to send any questions or rights of the seller. The broker in fact them aware of this relationship and These include a category not on the pre- scenarios to [email protected].

44 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES freeing yourself from a stressful experi- deep baking dish, and add wine, sugar, ence, better able to focus on the enjoy- cinnamon, and vanilla. Add enough ment of the holiday. water to cover pears 1/3 of the way up Cooking Concepts Here is a wonderful recipe for in the dish. poached pears, a perfect end to an ele- Place pears in oven and cook uncov- gant meal any time of year. It’s OK to ered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or The Pesach Menu Hotline only make shopping more manageable give up the cake for dessert; these until pears are soft when pierced with BY NAOMI ROSS and organized, but if you make a large pears are way better than almost any a fork, basting pears with wine liquid menu plan for all of your Yom Tov Pesach cake could be! every 15 minutes. Several people have approached me meals, the cooking will become easier, Remove pears, and transfer liquid to for Pesach recipes lately. It is normal as well. Perhaps you’ll choose to dou- Poached Pears a saucepan. Cook sauce over medium- to get overwhelmed in preparation for ble a main dish, freezing half of it to Serves 6. low heat until the liquid reduces to Yom Tov, but Pesach, with all of its save for the end of Yom Tov. Maybe Ingredients: thick syrup-like consistency. dietary restrictions and cooking “chal- there’s a vegetable dish that, upon con- 6 or 7 Bosc pears Remove from the heat and add lenges,” often leaves women feeling in sideration, is best prepared closer to 2 cups Marsala or dry red wine crème de menthe to the syrup. crisis over what to make and how to mealtime. Taking a few minutes to 1 cup sugar Reheat pears before serving. Place a plan their menus. plan now will save you hours later, as it 1 tsp. cinnamon mint sprig in the top of each pear for a We are always hard-pressed to find will enable you to effectively tackle 1 tsp. vanilla colorful garnish, and pour syrup over good recipes to make on Pesach. Each how and when everything will be water pears. Serve immediately! year another Pesach cookbook comes made. 1/4 cup crème de menthe* (If making in advance, it may be out, which we buy without hesitation If you don’t already have one, create fresh mint necessary to add a tablespoon or two of in the secret hope that it will contain a Pesach folder for menus, photo- *If crème de menthe cannot be water to the wine syrup if it is too thick the answer to the real question we are copied recipes, important shopping found kosher l’Pesach, try using 3 Tbsp. when reheating). asking: How can I make the chamet- lists, cleaning lists, and even receipts. of Triple Sec instead. Naomi Ross teaches Cooking Concepts, courses zdikke food that my family loves, but in Loose scraps of paper are easily lost or Directions: on cooking skills and kitchen management for a kosher-for-Passover version that still misplaced, and it would be a shame to Preheat oven to 350°F. the Jewish woman. For more information, visit her website at jewishcookingconcepts.com. tastes good? The answer to this ques- lose all of that information. With your Trim bottoms of pears, so that each Naomi can be reached at tion is, you can’t. Instead, we must folder in hand, you’ll be on your way to pear has a flat base. Place pears in a [email protected]. shift our mentality and rather ask which are the best recipes to make that naturally do not require chametz or that require only small substitutions. Let’s free ourselves from getting stuck in a rut. The world is full of many kinds of wonderful foods that do not require chametz. If we choose recipes that are innately good and not just “not bad for Pesach,” then we will all be happier with the food we eat. Roasted vegetables are a simple and delicious side dish. Marinated salads can be prepared in advance and are a great way of adding color and balance to what can be the heaviest meals of the year. Also, some of your tried-and-true recipes can be made on Pesach; your favorite green leafy salad is welcome any time of year. Part of the pre-Pesach stress can also be reduced if you do your menu planning now. Planning ahead will not

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 45 Five Towns Simcha Gallery Photo By Captured Images Photo By Dr. Norman Kupferstein

Reuven Kupferstein of Lawrence, a student at Yeshiva Darchei Torah, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah over Purim in Eretz Yisrael by participating in a program that distributed shalach manos to hundreds of IDF soldiers stationed around the country. The Bar Mitzvah seudah will take place March 16–17 in Long Beach. At right, Reuven davening at the Western Wall. Below, with soldiers in Israel.

Yitschok Schwab of West Hempstead celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with family and with friends from Yeshiva of South Shore. The event was held at HANC on March 10.

46 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Ayelet Hashachar: ancient and outmoded set of rules, fig- Returning The State Of Judaism To uring that the people observing them The Jewish State would eventually expire. On the other By D. Mishory hand, the religious Jews in Israel want- “It’s not my Torah; it’s our Torah, ed to protect their families from out- and I am just returning something that side influences, and attempted to iso- is theirs.” It is this belief that propels late themselves from society at large. Mrs. Tzila Schneider, the director and As the years passed, a large number of driving force behind the Ayelet secular Israelis began to see a severe Hashachar “telephone chavrusa” pro- deterioration in secular society and in gram, to fulfill her dream of bringing their family lives, while the religious Israelis closer to Judaism. Under the communities not only remained alive, auspices of Rabbi Shlomo Raanan’s but flourished and grew. Today, literal- Ayelet Hashachar organization, the ly tens of thousands of secular Israelis telephone chavrusa program pairs a realize the essential emptiness that Torah-observant Israeli with a secular accompanies a life without Torah counterpart for a one-hour phone con- Judaism, and are desperately searching versation once a week. for, and hoping to find, meaning and The two chavrusas study together— truth. In response to their cry for help, any topic of Jewish law or thought many religious people have begun to they choose—using books generously look beyond the confines of their own provided by the program. The goal of religious communities and are reach- the partnership is for the Torah-obser- ing out to bring Torah to others. Ayelet vant chavrusa to warmly reach out Hashachar’s telephone chavrusa pro- and help quench the thirst that the gram is a highly successful medium secular chavrusa has for truth and ful- that brings these two groups together. fillment in life. Since the beginning of the program The growing desire for spirituality one and a half years ago, 2,500 secular within the secular community is quite women and men are studying with reli- revolutionary. Twenty years ago, the gious partners. Out of 1,000 individu- attitude of secular Israelis towards als who have been with the program practicing Jews was one of marked ani- for more than six months, 200 are now mosity. The secular community generally viewed Torah observance as an Continued on Page 48

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS The success of this program is chavrusa learning, as well as the con- For many of the chavrusas, a warm Continued from Page 47 astounding and unprecedented, since tinual follow-up by the chavrusas, who friendship quickly develops through there is no other program that has pro- maintain a personal interest in the the learning—and, with it, a sense of fully-observant Torah Jews, and anoth- duced such incredible results. The success of their partners. trust in the Torah-observant partner. er 200 have started keeping Shabbos. secret behind the success of the pro- Some of the advantages of the tele- Because of this trust, the religious The other 600 have decided to take gram is its ability to reach large phone chavrusa program are the min- chavrusa is able to gently guide his or upon themselves something new, amounts of people without sacrificing imum commitment it requires and the her partner to change and grow in either in Jewish law or Jewish thought. the individual attention of one-on-one ease of learning in the privacy of one’s Judaism. One 82-year-old woman, a own home. The weekly phone call is professor of Bible study at an Israeli scheduled for a mutually convenient university, joined the program. She time, with the Torah-observant part- claimed that she wanted to learn with ner making the call. Both chavrusas a chavrusa, but that at her age there eagerly await their phone time togeth- was no way that she would change. er, knowing that the learning session Through the weekly phone conversa- will bring them closer to each other tions, she became extremely close to and bring more meaning into their her chavrusa, and six months later, to lives. Many of the secular partners are everyone’s surprise, she started to keep so happy with their chavrusas that Shabbos. As Mrs. Schneider, the tele- they encourage their friends and fam- phone program’s director, succinctly ily members to join the program. One put it, “There is nothing better than a secular woman, to the astonishment warm heart.” of her hairdresser, ran out in the mid- The relationship between the two dle of a hairdressing appointment to chavrusas often goes far beyond the be home on time for her weekly ses- telephone. A large majority of partners sion. When the hairdresser found out want to meet each other and deepen what caused her client to leave in the friendship after only two months of such a hurry, she, too, wanted a learning together. Shabbosos are often phone chavrusa. spent together, and the secular chavrusa is able to experience the beauty of a true Shabbos spent in a religious home. One secular woman, the daughter of an Arab father, became extremely close to her Chassidishe chavrusa and now goes to Meah Shearim almost every week to experience Shabbos with her chavrusa and her family. Other partners forge such close relationships that they come to view each other less as chavrusasor friends and more as family members. As one middle-aged chavrusa speaks about her younger, now fully-observant chavrusa, “she is my daughter, and her children will be my grandchildren.” The growing desire of so many secular Israelis for truth and meaning is matched by the caring of thousands of religious men and women who yearn to help their Jewish brothers and sis- ters grow in Judaism. The tremendous energy and love that continually pours into Ayelet Hashachar’s telephone chavrusa program keeps this incredible program alive and flourishing, giving it the potential for far-reaching and never-ending growth. To receive more information about Ayelet Hashachar’s telephone chavrusa program, please e-mail yyehrman@ gmail.com or call 011-972-2-586-9281 or 011-972-52-743-4743. ❖

Hofstra Engineering High-School Award Jacob Steinerman, a junior at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, is the first yeshiva student to be awarded the Hofstra Engi- neering High-School Award. Hofstra University’s Department of Engi- neering, which has been offering ABET- accredited degree programs since 1971, recognizes outstanding high-school juniors with this award. Students are selected based on their demonstrated interest in engineering and technology. The selection committee includes Hofstra engineering faculty as well as working engineers and high-school MST teachers. Each award recipient receives a cer- tificate from Hofstra and an invitation to attend a special awards banquet in June, along with their family and nom- 48 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES inating teachers(s). Eligible students Passover concerns. rabbi before making a decision to not Passover or which in certain cases do must be juniors who are enrolled in A featured topic is non-food items, take a medicine. not have to be certified if they bear the chemistry or physics, math B, pre-cal- which according to a consensus of the A wide variety of information regular OU certification. ❖ culus or above and have demonstrated OU’s poskim may be used on Passover includes, among other topics, dried an interest in engineering and technol- without certification; these include fruits, frozen fish, meat and poultry, OU, RCA, And Lincoln Square ogy. Demonstrated interest may baby ointments, bags, detergents, and nuts, spices, coffee, soy milk, gluten Synagogue Passover-Law Seminar include presenting projects that feature soaps, among others. For a complete allergies, kitniot (a group of foods tra- To provide insights into significant engineering/technology at science-in- list, please refer to the website. ditionally not eaten by Ashkenazim questions of Jewish law and practice engineering competitions, participating Another featured topic is “medicine during Passover), alcoholic beverages, related to the observance of Passover, in the FIRST Robotics Competition or guidelines,” which discusses creams, baby formula, baby rice cereals, milk, the Harry H. Beren ASK program, in extracurricular clubs that feature engi- pills, injections, and liquid medicines and vitamins. conjunction with the Rabbinical neering/technology, or taking a that can be used on Passover, and what The website also contains the Council of America and the Lincoln Principles of Engineering course. ❖ to do when a substitution is not possi- Jewish Action Guide to Kosher for Square Synagogue, will present a ble. The website emphasizes that peo- Passover Foods as a PDF download. Pesach Yom Iyun—a day of in-depth ELITE’s New Chocolate Products ple should exercise extreme caution The guide lists products which the For Passover 5767 and consult with one’s doctor and OU has certified as kosher-for- Continued on Page 52 Five new premium kosher-for- Passover Mehadrin chocolate treats have been introduced to Elite’s large lineup of products now available at supermarkets and candy stores across the country. The new products include • Milk and White Chocolate Spread—A delectable treat that has become a runaway bestseller with children of all ages in Israel. A colorful and tasty snack spread that spreads smooth- ly on matzos and Pesach biscuits. • Mini Chocolate Assortment—A perfect gift for friends, family…and even yourself! • Splendid Milk Chocolate and Splendid Milk Chocolate with Cara- melized Almonds—A high-quality chocolate bar that is also available in gift boxes. One of the gift-box versions also features bittersweet chocolates. “We are always working on innova- tive new items that are designed to attract more and more kosher consumers to our growing lineup of Mehadrin products. Thus, Passover represents the best opportunity for Elite to show both children and adults alike that we offer the most exciting lineup of candies, spreads, and chocolates in the marketplace,” said Adit Schneider, Elite’s export and market- ing manager. Elite, which is part of the Strauss Group global food conglomerate, is also bringing back three of last year’s most popular Passover items—plat- inum coffee (jar), instant coffee (can) and Turkish coffee (can and insulated bags)—for consumers looking to enjoy a premium “cup of Joe” during the holiday. ❖

OU Website Answers Passover Queries To answer questions that frequently arise during the Passover season, when the dietary laws are different and even more stringent from the ones that govern the rest of the year, the Orthodox Union Kosher Department for the second year is making available www .oupassover.org. The website is a one-stop shop for all Passover-related queries, ranging from recipe substitutes to cleaning tips to making a house kosher for Passover to the proper amount of specific food and beverages to be consumed at the seder, and an explanation of which foods are considered chametz. Added benefits for consumers are listings of newly certified kosher-for- Passover restaurants, supermarkets, and food items. In addition, a team of OU Kosher experts, the “Webbe Rebbe” staff, offers solutions to 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 49 50 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 51 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS following: Public Passover Seders BACH Jewish Center will offer a fam- Continued from Page 49 • Telling Our Children, Telling At The BACH ily-friendly, “Start Early–End Early Ourselves: Haggadah as self- Experience the freedom of Passover Passover Seder” that will be filled with analysis—at the synagogue, 200 definition, with Rabbi Yitzchak the way your ancestors did as they left children’s stories, traditional songs, Amsterdam Avenue at W. 69th Street, Etshalom, educational coordinator of Egypt 3,319 years ago. The Jewish hol- and props that bring the story of on Sunday, March 18, 10:00 a.m.– the Jewish Studies Institute, Yeshiva iday of Passover, celebrating the Passover to life for our children, mak- 1:15 p.m. of Los Angeles and the Solomon Hebrew exodus from Egypt, begins this ing a lasting positive impact on the life The free seminar is open to both Wiesenthal Center; year at sundown on April 2, and the of your child. This Seder, which is to men and women. • Kashering for Pesach—A BACH Jewish Center—a Jewish out- begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:30 Funding for the program has been Demonstration, with Rabbi Moshe reach organization servicing the com- p.m., will be a warm, stimulating, and provided by the Harry H. Beren Perlmutter, OU rabbinic field repre- munities of Long Beach, Lido Beach, enjoyable Passover Seder at its best. Foundation of Lakewood, N.J. in sentative and kosherization specialist; and Atlantic Beach—is offering two On the second night of Passover memory of Mr. Beren, z’l. • Products and Medications for Use unique approaches to the traditional (April 3), the BACH will offer the According to Rabbi Yosef Grossman, on Pesach, with Rabbi David Mintz, Passover Seder. “Many American Jews community a chance to participate in a director of ASK and kashrus education Rabbinic Coordinator of OU p’sak and have at best a neutral attitude towards full-fledged traditional Seder that will at the Orthodox Union, “Besides the policy; and the Passover experience,” explains take participants on an unprecedented variety of speakers and Passover-related • Wine and Grape Juice for the Four Rabbi Eli Goodman, educational and journey that will change the way they topics, this yom iyun is unique in that Cups, with Rabbi Menachem Genack, outreach director of the BACH Jewish experience Passover. This Seder will we will be catering at the same time to CEO of OU Kosher. Center. “The first thing that comes to have all the trimmings, including a both learned rabbis as well as the In addition, Rabbi Shaul Robinson, mind is Uncle Sidney’s boring Passover- sundown start (8:00 p.m.), a late fin- inquiring Passover observer. It is being senior rabbi at the Lincoln Square time family get-together. Thus the ish, kabbalistic mystical insights, held early enough so that those prepar- Synagogue, will provide greetings. Co- Seder, unfortunately, has become Jewish humor, and lively discussions— ing for Passover will have enough time masters of ceremonies are Rabbi meaningless to much of the Jewish an enchanting evening guaranteed. to implement what they have learned Grossman and Rabbi Shalom Morris, public. Our goal here [i.e., in staging Both of the BACH Jewish Center’s in their holiday preparation.” assistant rabbi at Lincoln Square. the public Seder] is to make the Passover Sedarim are open to the pub- Passover begins the night of For further information, contact Passover experience as positive, vibrant, lic and are interactive, easy to follow, Monday, April 2, with the first seder. Rabbi Grossman at 212-613-8212 or and relevant as possible.” and set in an inviting atmosphere of Sessions at the yom iyun include the [email protected]. ❖ On the first night of Passover, the warmth and acceptance. “Everyone of all ages will feel comfortable at this Seder,” promises Rabbi Goodman “It will be an experience to remember for a lifetime!” For more information and reservations, please call 516-897-2473 or log on to www.BachYouth.com. The cost is $40 per adult, $15 per child, or $100 to sponsor. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Reservations requested by March 23. ❖

Sruly’s Story: Chen V’chesed V’rachamim You just never know what your next- door neighbor is going through. Consider the story of Sruly and his family: A heimishe, picture-perfect family living in the heart of Boro Park, they seemed to have everything going for them. Nice people, good children, successful business—what else could any- body ask for? If only the neighbors knew what this family was destined to endure. Sruly always struggled in yeshiva. Because of his learning disabilities, he never quite made it in class. Soon after he finished mesivta, it was recommended that Sruly go to work. He did well at his job, but became restless when his friends began to get married, one after another. Shidduchim were recommended to his parents, but none of them worked out. It was not easy for Sruly to develop a solid relationship, and he was feeling more and more like a failure. Time went by and the pressure continued to mount. It all came to a crashing end one fine evening. Sruly’s father, Reb Dovid, tells the story this way: “It was Friday night and I had sent Sruly to his uncle for Shabbos. That night my cell phone began to ring and ring and ring. It was my brother on the caller ID but how could I pick up the phone on Shabbos? I was anxious and worried, but I didn’t know what to do. Finally the police came to my house with the shocking news. My son had a nervous breakdown and my brother was desperately trying to reach me. Please pick up the phone.” Thus began a nightmare for Reb Dovid and his family. Their idyllic life had fallen apart in an instant. Sruly was hospitalized and treated, but it soon became clear that he needed 52 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES some long-term care. What to do? on behalf of Chen V’Chesed Where to send him? V’Rachamim, in the home of Mr. Zev That’s when Reb Dovid remembered and Mrs. Yehudit Cohen in Flatbush. A a flyer he had once come across about large gathering turned out to learn an organization in Eretz Yisrael called about this remarkable organization “Chen V’chesed V’rachamim.” He and to offer their support because gov- picked up the phone and called them, ernment funding has slowed to a trick- having a conversation which he now le and the residents of this home have admits was probably the most difficult nowhere else to go. one of his life. The founder of the It’s no secret that there are individ- organization, Rav Ederey, and the direc- uals among us who are not coping with tor, Tamir Shefer, discussed the situa- life. Some suffer from a mental illness; tion with him calmly and confidently. others have simply lost control. Chen They offered him chizuk at a time when V’Chesed V’Rachamim is the safety he desperately needed it. They told him net that rescues these lost souls before about their group homes for young men it’s too late. They offer rehabilitative who were in similar straits as his son. services, counseling, and life-skills Reb Dovid listened carefully, hung up training. Their group homes, located the phone, and booked the next flight to in Ramot and Har Adar, offer a full Eretz Yisrael. range of supportive services, dedica- “When I got there,” remembers Reb tion, and caring. Counselors and ther- Dovid, “Rav Ederey took me around to apists teach their clients how to live show me all the homes. I was very full and productive lives. They work impressed. The homes are clean and wonders with those whom others have neat, and the boys are taught to take considered hopelessly lost. care of themselves. Best of all, Rebetzin At the meeting, Mr. Cohen opened Ederey is like a mother to these boys.” the program by referring to the Sruly was accepted into the program Talmudic discussion of saving the life and Reb Dovid visited him often to of your fellow Jew when you see him check on his progress. Now that Sruly drowning at sea. The source of this has been living in Chen V’Chesed mitzvah is “Lo sa‘amod al dam V’Rachamim for over a year, Reb Dovid rei‘acha.” “This,” said Mr. Cohen, “is sees a marked difference. “I hear it in the mission of Chen V’Chesed his voice,” he says. “And I don’t have to V’Rachamim.” visit as much anymore. I am confident Tamir Shefer, director of the pro- that he is in the very best place he could gram, pointed out that this organiza- be. Baruch Hashem, we were guided in tion does wonders not only for the men the proper way and were able to make and women who live there, but also for the best out of our situation.” their parents and families. He Reb Dovid shared his story with the guests at a recent parlor meeting held Continued on Page 54

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS V’Chesed V’Rachamim is the refuah ness. And yet, the deadly disease she cancer,” said her mother in a voice that Continued from Page 53 for those who so desperately need it. triumphed over left its deep imprint mingled pain with pride. “She’d just And for those who don’t, we must upon her, an imprint that would put that smile on her face, put one foot described the tremendous stress and thank Hashem by offering our support remain with her for life. The parashah in front of the other, and proceed to anxiety that a family goes through and encouragement. of shidduchim, challenging under the astound the doctors. We can’t thank when faced with a child in crisis. He Dr. Schuck spoke about the best of circumstances, was completely Hashem enough for his chasadim that asked all those present to “open your machatzis ha’shekel which was the daunting for Leah and her daughter. the disease is finally behind her. But hearts and listen to your hearts” in great equalizer among K’lal Yisrael. “Where do we turn?” she wonders her fight is far from over.” A pause. order to support this worthwhile “Everyone gave half a shekel,” he said, silently. “I am not about to trumpet my “She is now in the midst of shid- organization. “rich or poor, the fellow on the battle- daughter’s limitations to all and sundry, duchim, and I’m afraid it’s this fight Then Reb Dovid spoke, and the field and the fellow in the psychiatric yet I have to be realistic about the situ- that is wearing her down,” Shulamis’s urgency of his message was not lost on ward. None of us rate very much by ation. We are looking for something mother continued. “She is under his audience. He took umbrage at the ourselves. We are all brothers and unique, someone who would be deserv- tremendous pressure and does not feel fact that the organization was called a responsible for each other. That’s how ing of the special girl she has become she is even being given a fair chance. “residence,” stating emphatically that we were mekabel the Torah—as a and yet a match as far as her physical We’re at the end of our rope and sim- his son Sruly is living in a “home,” not united nation.” Dr. Schuck continued, limitations. The stress we are experi- ply don’t know where to turn.”… a residence. He recalled the first time “It’s a tremendous z’chus to be given encing as we try to weather this is ago- Where do we start? Where do we he visited the homes and what he the opportunity to do this kind of nizing.” There is a break in Leah’s turn? Where can we go and not feel encountered. “When I met the chesed for others, a wonderful z’chus. voice. “And the worst part is that we so alone? Ederys,” he said, “I saw a group of kids Let us make sure to use it and take feel so alone,” she adds quietly… Now there is an answer to those who were really adults but were chil- advantage of it.” Needles and medications are a daily heartbreaking questions. Now there is dren in their minds. Rav Edery speaks Chen V’chesed V’rachamim can be part of Shimshy’s life. He’s been doing someplace those who have already softly to each one. He gives each one contacted at 718-208-4809. ❖ this since he was six years old, and he endured so much can turn to. Now the time of day, discussing his prob- takes it all in stride. With a sunny per- there is Sos Tassis. lems with him and gracing him with Sos Tassis: Bringing A Double sonality and a zest for living, he has A continuity of caring. “Sos Tassis” his special smile. The Ederys are as Measure Of Joy managed to turn his diabetes into a was created by Chai Lifeline, the devoted to these children as only a By C. Grossman simple fact of life, a minor detail in his organization devoted to helping those father and mother can be.” Reb Dovid “I thought that there was nothing otherwise busy schedule. A minor coping with pediatric cancer and other then asked the guests to be grateful to that could quite compare to the detail…until he reached shidduchim. serious illnesses. “The inspiration and Hashem for having healthy children wrenching feelings of watching one’s “We know his special qualities, quali- impetus for Sos Tassis came from the and thriving families. “How can we say child suffer,” Leah recounts softly. “To ties refined and perfected through his countless phone calls we received,” ‘thank you’ to the Ribbono shel Olam?” witness my pure, innocent baby challenging life experiences,” relates says Mrs. Faige Yudkovsky, director of he asked. “By supporting an organiza- endure the agony of treatments and Shimshy’s father. “However, we are services for Chai Lifeline. “Parents tion like Chen V’Chesed V’rachamim.” surgery was simply heartbreaking. I realistic, knowing that we are looking would call and we could hear the Dr. Shlomo Schuck, a guest speaker felt there could be no greater agony.” for an unusual combination and would heartbreak in their voice. ‘You’ve been at the fundraiser, is a renowned psy- She pauses for a breath. “Well, this like to focus our search in the right there for us every step of the way when chiatrist who is personally aware of the comes close.” direction. The million-dollar question we were dealing with illness,’ they’d work of Chen V’Chesed V’Rachamim By “this,” Leah was referring to the is, Where do we start?”… relate. ‘And now, when we’ve baruch and endorses it highly. He quoted the challenge of shidduchim. Her little “Shulamis has always been a fighter; Hashem “graduated” from Chai daf which says that Hashem sends the baby, a courageous survivor, was a after all, she beat the odds again and refuah before the makkah. Chen walking testimony to Hashem’s kind- again as she fought bravely against Continued on Page 56

54 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS volunteer is the one contact they will Continued from Page 54 personally be in touch with and the one person in the organization who Lifeline and happily reached the mile- will know their name. We try to match stone of shidduchim, we feel so alone. the shadchan to the family’s back- We have no one to turn to.’ For years ground and orientation, although we’d hear these words, yet we did not some families might request a shad- have an answer.” chan who is specifically not from their The reason for the lack of answer circles, and we are glad to accommo- was simple: Both the area of pediatric date that. The shadchan receives all illness and the area of shidduchim are the specifics about the client and then extremely sensitive. The difficulty was assigns the young person a number. in facilitating shidduchim for those in Then the networking with our other unique circumstances while still strict- shadchanim begins. ly maintaining their privacy and confi- With Sos Tassis, the bottom line is dentiality. Rabbi Simcha Scholar, exec- that everything is completely private,” utive vice-president of Chai Lifeline, continues Mrs. Yudkovsky. “The Sos along with his dedicated staff, Tassis volunteers do not even know searched for a system that would the names of our clients. We work enable these young survivors to suc- with a number system and just one cessfully navigate the shidduch process volunteer shadchan, with whom the in a strictly confidential way. After family is in direct contact, knows the years of careful thought and research, client’s name.” Sos Tassis was born. Networking and brainstorming. The brainchild of Mrs. Goldy Fogel The Sos Tassis shadchanim are in con- of Eretz Yisrael, Sos Tassis is an organ- tact with each other, networking ization devoted to arranging shid- together for potential matches. Once duchim for those with medical issues, they have two that seem compatible, past and current. “The challenge was information is exchanged without devising a completely confidential mentioning any names. If both parties method that really works,” explains are interested, each is independently Mrs. Yudkovsky. “Mrs. Fogel had asked if they are ready to go ahead and worked out a brilliant system which redt the shidduch with names. If they would allow shidduchim to be redt and are ready to do so, Sos Tassis will go researched with no names divulged ahead in that direction. If they would until the two young people are ready to like to proceed anonymously, the shid- meet. That appealed to us.” duch process can continue without If a shidduch is a name, how does names, too. Even the inevitable “infor- this work? “When a family contacts mation gathering,” so much a part of Sos Tassis, they are assigned a shad- the shidduchim process, can be done chan,” explained Mrs. Yudkovsky. “This anonymously using the confidential

56 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES system Sos Tassis has devised. A Sos Tassis shidduch is still a “Our lives are ruled by shidduchim,” shidduch. Sos Tassis’s focus is on shid- explains one volunteer Sos Tassis shad- duchim with medical issues, “but we chan. “Whether we like it or not, peo- always remember that it still is a shid- ple do everything with shidduchim in duch,” says Mrs. Yudkovsky. “The mind. There is tremendous fear of young people have to match up and be shidduchim out there, and this is much compatible regardless of their medical more acute for a family with an ill status, and therefore the choices can child. There are situations that people seem limited. By working through Sos are extremely private about and the Tassis, the families involved open a fear that someone will find out is enor- much larger pool of options. We have mous. We are therefore extremely extensive contacts throughout the careful, knowing that we are dealing world, with representatives in many with the most sensitive of areas.” countries. Information in our system One mother, whose daughter is now can be accessed by our offices world- happily married through Sos Tassis’s wide. Families will find that they have efforts, shares her experience: access to many more potential shid- “My daughter dreaded each new duchim than if they went through con- shidduch. We were instructed by our ventional shadchanim.” rav that she not reveal her personal sit- Sos Tassis: the focus. Unfor- uation until the third date. She tunately, there are many young people approached each shidduch with a great with all sorts of special needs in need sense of dread, with a dark, ominous of shidduchim. It is impossible for one cloud marring each meeting. She was organization to help them all, and scared of that inevitable ‘fateful therefore Sos Tassis has established a moment’ and the rejection she was set of guidelines as to whom they can sure would be not long in coming. It service. “We get many calls from those was really taking a toll on her. suffering from a variety of mental and “Then we heard about Sos Tassis, emotional disorders, but we do not and decided to explore that avenue. service that clientele at all,” stresses What a relief it was for her! Now, if Mrs. Yudkovsky. “Our scope is limited she was meeting the young man, it to servicing young people up to age 30 meant that he knew what her issues with past and current medical physical were and had agreed to go ahead any- illnesses.” way. She approached her dates with Although Sos Tassis was created to peace of mind and a sense of serenity. be able to offer a continuity of services Sos Tassis enabled her to properly to Chai Lifeline clients, one does not focus on the shidduchim process have to be a Chai Lifeline client to instead of worrying about rejection. have access to Sos Tassis. The two are Our gratitude to Sos Tassis for that alone is tremendous. Continued on Page 58

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS “but I contacted you some months ago and into the wintry night, I felt no cold. wave of the brush this way and that Continued from Page 57 about a shidduch for my son. I was Ten feet in front of me was a beautiful way on the paper, and voila! (Woops— adamant about remaining completely large white tent glowing with light that should be for Purim in Italy; independent of each other and do not confidential, unwilling to divulge my against the night sky. Inside was maybe next year!) The child’s name share databases. name to even the one contact assigned unfolding a most magnificent, trans- appeared in multi-colored, authenti- Does it work? To date, the number to me. I was amazed at your willingness forming, holy Purim experience of cally styled Chinese-looking English of “success stories” at Sos Tassis is to accommodate my wishes. I cannot being in China for Purim. It was hard letters, some made up of gorgeous heartwarming. Each represents a tell you how much chizuk it gave us to to believe that, standing outside, non- birds, or frogs, etc. dream come true and the miracle of know that you were there for our child, Jewish passers-by knew nothing of our Red pagoda lights lined the ceiling continuity for those whose past was deeply caring and helpful, yet always unbelievable, wonderful, Jewish her- of the tent. Many were dressed in cos- marked by the long shadow of serious giving us the space and privacy we itage. They knew nothing of the holi- tume, including, at the helm, our illness. But even greater than the actu- needed.” There was a break in his voice. ness that penetrated the mirth and ele- “Chinese” Rabbi and Rebbetzin of the al number of matches completed is the “Although my son’s basherte came vated spirits in the Chabad Purim tent. shul, Rabbi Zalman and Rebbetzin hope Sos Tassis offers their clients. through a different channel, I had to In case you weren’t there, I’ll tell Chanie Wolowik. Also dressed in beau- “Just knowing that there was someone call you today. I will be walking my son you what my large table looked like. tiful Chinese costumes were Chabad’s out there who really cared, someone to his chupah tonight and I felt I cannot For the centerpiece, there were tall, beloved Rabbi Meir and Hadassah who was doing all she could to help us do so until I called to thank you and thick bamboo shoots, sprouting red Geisinsky, without whom the entire find our son’s basherte, was incredibly invite you to join in our simchah.” Chinese flowers. That was surround- evening would not be possible. They comforting and encouraging,” shares She came. She joined with family ed by what looked like Chinese barbe- were the administrators, the re- one Sos Tassis mother. “The shadchan and friends under the star-studded sky cue briquettes—black shiny stones searchers, and the coordinators of this we dealt with was understanding and and prayed for a bright and happy encircling the center piece, corralled grand event. empathetic as well as capable and effi- future for the young couple standing in by long bamboo shoots and four You say you want dancing on Purim? cient. Although we still wait for ‘ours,’ under the wedding canopy. After the deep-sea green candles sending out Our dinner guests beheld three kinds we know we are not alone.” chupah was over, she approached the their light to dance for us around the of dancing. The Rebbetzin told us the Yet another mother called Sos Tassis chasan’s mother and introduced her- bamboo shoots. lengths they went to to find a Chinese the morning after her daughter’s vort. self. Immediately, she was engulfed in On both sides of the table were a dancer/dance that had absolutely “Have you informed our shadchan a warm and heartfelt embrace. “Thank bottle of wine, each dressed in a nothing to do with religion. The yet?” she asked breathlessly. “I must let you,” the mother tearfully whispered. Chinese robe made for a doll. Each Rebbetzin introduced the dancer to us, her know, as she was so helpful, en- She was too overcome to say anything place setting got a gold bag with a for- “In China, people love the monkey. It abling us to reach this milestone.” As more. But it was not necessary. For two tune cookie and some chocolates. is very cute but can sometimes be a lit- far as the shadchanim are concerned, words had said it all. Two words that The stage touted a four-piece, tle wild.” And so, the Chinese gentle- the warm feelings are mutual. “I had to make all the difference: Sos Tassis. authentically outfitted band playing man with his face painted (somewhat make it to the wedding last night,” May they continue to bring double Chinese — and yes, Jewish — music. like “The Lion King” makeup) to hint related one shadchan. “That girl is like measures of joy to families every- Chinese Jewish music is really some- at a monkey, did an enchanting dance my daughter!” where. ❖ thing special, especially when you’re in of twirls, sleight of hand, and an irre- The phone rang one afternoon at the China for Purim. sistible monkey twitch upon his face. Sos Tassis office. Thick with emotion, Chabad Celebrates Two unique Chinese artists were My seat-mate at one point turned to the voice on the other end asked to “Purim In China” painting the children’s names as they me and said, “Where does one go to speak with a particular shadchan.“I By Hinda Sheva Kohn eagerly stood on line waiting. I mar- get such a dancer? What do you look don’t know if you remember me,” the I must say I was really overwhelmed. veled at the brush technique—a short up in the Yellow Pages?” We laughed a man began when she came on the line, Stepping outside the Chabad house brush, dipped in paint, and then a good Purim laugh, and later asked

58 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Rebbetzin Chanie Wolowik, who you might feel awkward and begin to playing could be a significant factor in truly cherished each moment of her informed us that they called many question your decision to wear red helping to build their self-esteem. life. She lived each minute of her years Chinese associations. Hadassah shoes. This questioning about your Daily supervision and professional to the fullest. Geisinsky, I’m told, can tell you every slight but obvious difference in instruction of sports and free time will search item that comes up on Google footwear may lead to self-doubt and an help adolescent girls to exercise good for “C-H-I-N-E…” overall questioning about your identity decisions individually and collectively. The second dancers were Yeshiva and self-worth. I know that you are Professional and mature supervision boys, spray-painted with silver-metallic either saying you never notice the will make connecting the building on their face, arms, and clothes. They footwear of others or that you want to blocks of self-esteem on the road to treated us to an animated statue be a trendsetter, but most probably the maturity that much more successful. dance, and a great Purim shpiel rhap- first time you found yourself in a situa- In either red or blue shoes (or sneak- sody of the story of Purim. tion that you felt you were one click ers, as the case may be). I did say three kinds of dancing, did- off, your emotional psyche went a little Dale is the owner and director of n’t I? The third, of course, and the (or a lot) haywire. OK, you felt down- Camp Neshama, a premier sports camp best, was the Chabad dancing. After right humiliated, and you would have for Orthodox girls.” She can be reached the band played, we heard Chabad done anything at that moment, either at 516-404-3239. ❖ music over the loudspeakers, at once to have worn the footwear of the mass- subtle and lively. Circles of men es or to flee the situation never to Moreshes Aviva Gathering danced, jumped, and moved as one, return again. An adolescent reevalu- By Michal Klerer arms clasped over shoulders, at once ates every ten seconds… On 8 Nissan, 5766, the lives and in heaven and on earth. Camping is an intense process of hearts of those in the Five Towns com- What are you doing next year the informal education of developing munity and beyond were broken. We Chabad? As one attendee said, “How and adjusting social skills through have suffered a loss that has affected Ms. Aviva Aryeh, a’h. are you going to top this one?” ❖ active participation in social settings. many of us on so many different levels. Upon hearing the tragic news of This means that participants are con- On 8 Nissan, a tragedy took a holy Aviva’s untimely petirah, an over- Can We Talk stantly trying to adapt and learn new young neshamah from our midst. whelming feeling of pain and loss (About Camp Neshama)? social cues by their perception of how Aviva Aryeh, a’h, was just 18 years engulfed all those who knew her, as By Dale Pianko, Ph.D., LCSW they are viewed by others of the same old when she was nifteres. She made a well as many who had never even had What is the connection between an peer group. Hence, the goal of “fitting tremendous impression on all those the z’chus to meet her. Continuing to adolescent’s self-esteem and profes- in” is a perpetual and elusive objective. whose lives she touched. Her midos lead our lives as we had in the past was sionally supervised summer camping? So, where are we? One would hope were exemplary. Her personality was incomprehensible; something immedi- Let’s break that question down so it that the supervision and the interven- luminous. Her neshamah was pure. ate had to be done to counteract the doesn’t sound so intimidating. tion by those in charge carry the She embodied a deep love of family impact of her passing. “Self-esteem,” for our discussion, as “right” message. Uh-oh—another and a profound respect for friends. Having Aviva’s extraordinary midos defined (by me) is “how an individual undefinable, personal, subjective term. She exuded simcha and went through and her passion for personal growth in views herself in relation to the crowd Academic excellence and athletic life with a vibrance that affected and mind, a group of women from different she is in at any given time.” In other proficiency are defined objectives of uplifted all those who knew her. Aviva communities, under the direction of words, if you walk into a room for the building self-esteem. Offering teenage was a true role model and an inspira- Rabbi Yosef Eisen, mara d’asra of first time, and your perception is that girls an opportunity to explore their tion to so many. She loved everyone Kollel Bnei Torah in Brooklyn, laid the everyone in the room is wearing blue own physical potential through super- and was loved by all. Aviva lived her life shoes and you are wearing red shoes, vised athletic instruction and team- in a simple and quiet manner, and she Continued on Page 60

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS bring this galus and the tzaros of K’lal school, the organization gives out text- established a strong reputation for serv- Continued from Page 59 Yisrael to a final end. books and school supplies for hun- ing both its membership and the larger This month, in honor of the dreds of children. The organization community, offering numerous ongoing groundwork for a project that would yahrtzeit, we will be having a special pays for dental care for children whose programs and activities. Shabbos youth bring women together for the purpose Moreshes Aviva event at which all of parents cannot afford it. Every day, the groups, daily shiurim, shabbatons for of tikkun ha’midos and self-elevation. the Nassau and Far Rockaway groups organization sends teachers to the Ohel residents, scholar-in-residence Thus, Moreshes Aviva was born. will join as one group. This special houses of the children who have trou- programs, early-morning and late-night Today, nearing the first yahrtzeit of shiur will take place iy’H on Tuesday, bles in their studies to help with their sedarim, and a popular Shabbos-morn- Aviva Rachel bas Emmanuel v’Malkah, March 20, at the Renov home at 9 homework, thus allowing them to do ing youth minyan are just some exam- Moreshes Aviva groups have sprouted Beechwood Drive in Sutton Park. The better on their tests. Once a year, the ples of the shul’s dedication toward the in many different communities around shiur is to begin at 7:30 p.m., and the organization holds a bar mitzvah for continued development of Torah and the East Coast. There are groups in group will be honored to have Rabbi about 300 children whose parents can- avodah in the Five Towns. Brooklyn, Passaic, Lakewood, Moshe Weinberger address them. not afford to buy talleisos and tefillin. Thanks to the Ribbono shel Olam Teaneck, Baltimore, Great Neck, Far For more information, please call For two months before the bar mitz- and the continued efforts of Cedar- Rockaway, North Woodmere, and West Michal Klerer at 718-338-0209 or vahs, the organization hires people hurst Mayor Andrew Parise, Deputy Hempstead, as well as a high-school Renee Schleifer at 516-239-4852, or e- learning in kollel to learn with the chil- Mayor Ari Brown, Wayne Yarnell of girls’ division in the Five Towns. mail [email protected]. ❖ dren the leining of the parashah. the Building Department, the local Every month, a midah is chosen. To make a donation to Yad Assaf, zoning board, and many shul mem- Around rosh chodesh, women are invit- Yad Assaf you can send a check to Yad Assaf c/o bers, plans have been approved and ed to come listen to a shiur on the cho- By Moshe Zari A. Harstien, 1216 58th Street, the construction project itself has sen midah of that month. At the shiur, Five years ago, an organization Brooklyn, NY 11219. (Donations ful- finally begun. The Kehillas Bais a list of practical applications is dis- called “Yad Assaf” was established, in fill the mitzvah of maos chitim.) Moshe Yehudah Tzvi family looks forward to tributed as a tool to help improve upon honor of an Israeli soldier who was Zari will be in New York until erev the future opening of its new the designated midah. Throughout the killed in Lebanon, for the purpose of Pesach. To contact him, please call Mikdash me’at for the entire commu- month, the women work to improve helping children who are struggling. At 347-528-9982. ❖ nity, creating extended opportunities themselves and, subsequently, their first, the organization would distribute for Torah learning, tefillah, and spiri- family and friends become a part of the food once a week for dozens of impov- Construction Begins At Kehillas tual enhancement for all. growing process, as well. erished families; but the distribution Bais Yehudah Tzvi Building; The commencement of construc- Baruch Hashem, the response has soon became daily. Every day, they now Annual Dinner Is Set For March 25 tion on the new building corresponds been incredible. Women are drawn to give 200 children warm meals at 4:00 Construction began this week on with the upcoming Sixth Annual Moreshes Aviva because introspection p.m.—their first meal of the day!! the new home of Kehillas Bais Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi Dinner, and contemplation of who we are and The organization takes care of the Yehudah Tzvi (formerly known as the which will iy’H take place at the what we do are intrinsic to a Jewish children from birth and provides the Red Shul). Located on the corner of Lawrence Village Country Club on woman’s role as wife, mother, daugh- mother with items such as clothing, a Oakland Avenue and West Broadway Sunday, March 25. For more informa- ter, daughter-in-law, sister, friend, breast pump, a baby carriage, and in Cedarhurst, the new building will tion about the shul’s construction proj- neighbor, etc. With Hashem’s help, we pacifiers. Every month, the organiza- help to serve the needs of a growing ect and dedication opportunities, look forward to accepting future kab- tion pays the tuition for 200 students membership and the surrounding please e-mail [email protected] or visit balos and stepping up to the challenges whose parents can't afford to pay. community. www.kbyt.org. ❖ that are presented to us. It is done with Before Pesach, and Rosh Hashanah, Under the dynamic leadership of its the constant tefillah that Hashem will the organization gives out clothing and mara d’asra, Rabbi Yaakov Feitman, shli- recognize our efforts and desires, and shoes for hundreds of children. Before ta, Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi has Continued on Page 70

60 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 61 A Response To “Animal Wrongs: Tza‘ar Ba‘alei Chayim”

BY SHLOMO PILL

In his article “Animal Wrongs: Tza‘ar Ba‘alei Chayim,” published in last week’s Five Towns Jewish Times, Rabbi Yair Hoffman attempted to advo- cate for and justify a ruling issued by Rabbi Yona Metzger that banned the wearing of fur based on the fact that the fur is commonly skinned from live animals and the wearing of such fur is thus a violation of the issur of tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim. In his article, Rabbi Hoffman attempted to show that Rabbi Metzger’s position is not merely a politically expedient method of “pan- dering to ‘animal lovers’ ” but is in fact well-grounded in halachic literature. Rabbi Hoffman makes use of the many references throughout Tanach wherein Hashem saw fit to test the leadership abilities of potential manhigei Yisrael by examining the manner in which they treated animals. Among these illustrious personalities are Moshe, Dovid, and Rivkah. Rabbi Hoffman indicates that the testing of these great leaders through the manner in which they tended their flocks provides a degree of support for the notion that we should not use fur obtained through inflicting pain upon animals. With respect to Moshe and Dovid, that assertion seems to disregard the fact that these two great men were not chosen as leaders of K’lal Yisrael because they were kind to sheep (if you stop to think about it, the very notion that one is qualified to lead a nation because he is concerned with the well- being of a beheimah is quite absurd); rather, it was the devotion for and concern for the well-being of that which was placed under their care, to watch and protect, that confirmed Moshe and Dovid as competent leaders of the nation with which Hashem would entrust them. Furthermore, as indicat- ed by the meforshim (Rashi, Sh’mos Rabba), the examination of Moshe and Dovid was primarily a test to see how they would handle their responsibilities. It was the fact that Moshe and Dovid grazed their flocks in the midbar rather than in settled areas, so as to prevent their sheep from eating from the fields of others, that entitled them to a position of leadership.

62 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES In regard to Rabbi Hoffman’s proof of the importance of treating animals kindly based on Eliezer’s testing Rivkah to see whether she would provide drinks to Avraham’s camels as well as to himself, the Seforno writes (and Rashi indicates a similar idea) that Eliezer’s actions were twofold: First, Avraham’s loyal servant, entrusted with the most important mission of his life, simply made a deal, so to speak, with G-d, indicating that Hashem should orchestrate events in such a way that the proper woman for Yitzchak should perform a specific action, thus indicating to Eliezer that she was the right one. From this reasoning, it seems that Eiezer could just as easily have stipulated that “when a woman performs a double back-flip, I will know that she is the right one for Yitzchak.” The Seforno continues, however, and says that the reason why Eliezer chose the sign of a woman watering the camels after he asks only to quench his own thirst is that it is fitting for the woman who would enter Avraham’s house to be imbued with the same sort of chesed as Avraham was. Just as Avraham would always do more for others than was asked of him, so too Eliezer stipulated that when he would request water for himself, the woman who would go the extra mile and perform more chesed than was asked for would be the proper wife for the son of Avraham. Rabbi Hoffman further indicates that Yaakov, when he arrived in Charan, rolled a large rock from the mouth of a well because he was concerned with the tza‘ar of the sheep waiting to drink from the inaccessible water. The Seforno points out, as is clear from the pesukim, that Yaakov did not roll the stone from the well’s mouth until Rochel arrived with her own flock. The Seforno explains that Yaakov was worried that if he removed the stone, the other shepherds would water their flocks and depart, leaving latecomers to the watering hole unable to remove the stone and access refreshment for their own flocks. When Rochel arrived, however, Yaakov did remove the stone, despite his earlier concerns, in order to, as Rashi says, display his strength. Clearly Yaakov’s primary concern was not with how thirsty the sheep were, for he managed to delay rolling the stone off the well until Rochel arrived. Rather, his concern was with establishing himself in Charan and with the family of Lavan, with whom he knew he would have to remain for some time to escape the wrath of his disgruntled brother, Esav. I must of course concede that Rabbi Hoffman did not confine his support of Rabbi Metzger’s ban merely to Aggadic lessons to be learned from events recorded in Tanach.In fact, Rabbi Hoffman has supported his view with a plethora of solid halachic sources, including Gemara, the Ri Migash, the Ramban, Pischei Teshuva, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, and the Chasam Sofer. For the sake of brevity, I will not deal with each of Rabbi Hoffman’s halachic sources individually; rather, I shall attempt to explain how this mass of rabbinic liter-

Continued on Page 64 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 63 Animals causing pain to animals for the pur- sources to be an incorrect determina- kill it immediately (even for no human Continued from Page 63 pose of fulfilling a human need. Thus, tion of what constitutes a valid pur- purpose) does not constitute a trans- all that can be truly proven from the pose for which causing pain to ani- gression of tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim.” ature as a whole does not lend support vast sea of halachic literature present- mals is allowed. The Nodeh Beyehuda goes on to say to Rabbis Metzger’s and Hoffman’s ed by Rabbi Hoffman is this: One may The Nodeh Beyehuda writes that since one goes hunting for sport rulings that the wearing of fur is pro- not harm an animal arbitrarily, and (She’eilos U’teshuvos Nodeh Beyehuda, and enjoyment, the hunt serves a hibited due to the fur having been when an animal must be harmed for Y.D., mahadura tinyana, siman 10), in human purpose and is thus not a skinned from live animals by Chinese the needs (or even wants) of man, this response to a query whether a Jew was transgression of the issur of tza‘ar fur farmers. injury must be inflicted in the least permitted to hunt for sport in woods ba‘alei chayim. It would thus seem that First, it is important to mention that painful manner. that he owned, that from a strictly if the subjective enjoyment of a hunt while the above sources all emphasize One can certainly argue, as Rabbi legal point of view there is no problem can be considered a valid reason to the importance of the prohibition of Hoffman does, quoting Rabbi Chaim with hunting for sport, as “anything subject an animal to pain, certainly the tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim and the great Dovid HaLevy, that the wearing of fur that serves a human purpose does not donning of fur, which actually does lengths to which we are obligated to go is a vain status symbol that is entire- present a problem of tza‘ar ba‘alei serve the function of protecting the to avoid causing pain to animals, all of ly unnecessary and thus the harming chayim and, likewise, tza‘ar ba‘alei wearer from the cold, is a legitimate this refers to causing pointless and of animals in the pursuit of acquiring chayim is relevant only when one seeks human purpose which will render the unnecessary pain to Hashem’s crea- fur should indeed be prohibited. to torture an animal and keep it alive tures. These sources do not refer to This, however, is shown by halachic for the purpose of torturing it; but to Continued on Page 66

64 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 65 Animals Continued from Page 64

pain caused to animals during the acquiring of the fur permissible. (It should be noted that the Nodeh Beyehuda does maintain that although there is nothing wrong, from a strictly halachic perspective, with hunting, the use of firearms in the woods and the presence of wild animals does constitute a level of sakanah that a person should avoid unless truly necessary). However, even if one were to dis- count the p’sak of the Nodeh Beyehuda and assert that the wearing of fur is not a legitimate human need, the only conclusion that can be reached, based upon Rabbi Hoffman’s sources, is that lechatchila (in the first instance) it is prohibited to cause pain to animals in order to acquire their fur. To progress from this point to the ban on the wearing of fur that Rabbi Hoffman advo- cates, however, requires a leap in reasoning. Namely, that since it is prohibited for a person to harm an animal in order to acquire its fur, it is therefore likewise prohibited to wear or use fur that was obtained in this halachically incorrect manner. In other words, in order to prohibit the wearing of fur, rather than merely the skinning of live animals, we must assert that an issur hana’ah exists on items that are produced in violation of the prohibition of tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim. But it is clear from halachic literature that such an assertion cannot be made. The Gemara (Pesachim 26a– 27b) discusses how we know that the products of certain aveiros (including the mixing of milk and meat and the planting of kelayim) are assur b’hana’ah and that no benefit may be derived from them. It is clear from the Gemara that it is forbidden to derive benefit from the product of an aveirah only when the Torah has explicitly said so, in the form of a gezeiras ha’kasuv. In the absence of such a Biblical prohibition, the products of the transgression of an aveirah may be used as seen fit. Indeed, even in regard to such a strict and essential prohibition as that of performing melachah on Shabbos, since no gezeiras ha’kasuv exists, it is permitted, mi’d’oraisa, to use the products of chillul Shabbos. It is only through a takanas chachamim that such products are prohibited, and even then only until after Shabbos. Thus, the assertion that fur produced though tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim may not be used by others is unfounded. Even if the skinning of the animal is itself a violation of the issur (which we have shown to be a tentative assertion at best), there is still no reason to claim that it is halachicly assur to use such fur. It seems clear, therefore, that the fact that the Chinese produce fur in a way that may violate the prohibition of tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim is merely their problem. They might be held accountable for these actions, but it cannot be maintained that the fur produced in this inadmissible manner cannot be used. Thus, it appears that the wearing of fur on account of its being a violation of the issur of tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim should not be prohibited based on 66 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES halachic, or even Aggadic, sources. To make such a claim essentially amounts to the issuing of a halachic ruling based on the feeling that the treatment of fur-producing livestock is immoral and backed by the assertion that the issur of tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim displays G-d’s desire that animals be treated kindly. The Gemara (Berachos 33b) shows that to make such an assertion—to simplify Hashem’s command- ments to the point of their being mere ethical precepts of displaying kindness and compassion—is incorrect. The Gemara mentions, among the various things that one should not say as part of his tefillah, that one who prays that “G-d should have mercy on us just as he has [mercy] on the mother bird” (by instructing us, in the mitzvah of shilu- ach ha’kan, to send away the mother bird before taking the baby), should be silenced, because he is insinuating that “G-d’s intentions are merely mercy when they are nothing more than decrees.” It is clear from here that one cannot attribute the reason for the mitzvah of tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim, or any mitzvah, merely to G-d’s desire for us to be kind to animals. Rather, G-d’s decree of prohibiting tza‘ar ba‘alei chayim must be taken at face value: what the Torah prohibits is prohibited and what it allows is allowed. It seems clear that the wearing of fur acquired through the live skinning of animals is indeed halachically permitted. Thus—the modern liberalized political and moral climate that instructs us to be concerned with the comfort and well- being of animals notwithstanding— there are no halachic grounds for determining that a fur coat (or a streimel, for that matter), may not be worn by those who wish to do so. ❖

Gold, silver, and copper (Sh’mos 35:5) “Gold” represents the purity and perfection of the tzaddik.“Silver” represents the great yearning of the Baal Teshuvah (“returnee” or penitent) for closeness to G-d—a yearning many times more powerful than that of the tzaddik, because it is a yearning from afar (kessef, the Hebrew word for silver, also means “yearning”); copper, the lowliest of metals, represents the good deeds of the sinner. G-d’s home on earth is complete only when it includes all three.

(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 67 Your Ad Could Be Here.

68 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 69 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS a long and venerable history included important articles by nificant financial savings. as Hadarom begins its second Continued from Page 60 among American Torah jour- Rabbi Joseph Dov Solo- Rabbi Dale Polakoff, presi- jubilee under the auspices of nals, edited first by the late veitchik, of blessed memory, dent of the Rabbinical Council the RCA.” RCA ‘Hadarom’ Rav Chaim Dov Chavel, zt’l and others. of America, said, “The Torah The Rabbinical Council of Goes Online (from its founding in 5717 Several years ago, issues world, and every student of America, with national head- The Rabbinical Council of until 5742), and since then by that appeared until 5760 were contemporary Jewish law, is quarters in New York City, is a America, the largest Orthodox Rav Gedaliah Dov Schwartz, scanned and made available indebted to Rav Schwartz for professional organization serv- rabbinic group in the world, av bes din of the Bes Din of on a CD-ROM. his extraordinary efforts to ing nearly 1,000 Orthodox announced on Monday that America and of the Chicago The advantages of utilizing ensure that all of this scholarly rabbis in the U.S., Canada, Hadarom, the Torah journal of Rabbinical Council. During the new technology of the Torah research can be shared Israel, and around the world. the RCA, is now—after 50 that time, hundreds of worthy Internet include opening its with so wide an audience. We Membership consists of duly continuous years of print pub- articles have appeared in its contents to a vast audience of are thrilled to embrace and ordained Orthodox rabbis who lication—fully accessible to pages, covering practical law, new readers, thereby giving project the synergies of serious serve in positions of the congre- the interested public, in online Talmudic insights, studies in Hadarom an expanded impact. Torah scholarship, applied gational rabbinate, Jewish edu- form, at www.rabbis.org. Aggadah and Midrash, and It also streamlines the publica- Jewish law, and the leveraging cation, chaplaincies, and other The annual journal has had book reviews. These have tion process and allows for sig- powers of modern technology, allied fields of Jewish communal work. ❖

Ohr HaLimud Awarded Teacher Training Grant By Leah David, Executive Director of Ohr HaLimud Ohr Halimud–The Light of Learning opened its doors just four years ago utilizing the research-based Orton- Gillingham approach to teaching reading. In this short time, their professional staff has helped over 35 children learn to read. Many of these children have continued on to mainstream schools with the tools necessary to be successful readers and learners. “Our mission statement is very simple,” said Mrs. Leah David, executive director and founder of Ohr HaLimud:

70 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES “All children must read! The Classes will meet on Monday Halimud program. For com- hopes and prayers that this Gruss Lipper Family Found- and Wednesday evenings, plete information, please call would be a makom Torah of And they spoke ation concurs with our hopes 6:30–9:30 p.m. Ohr Halimud today at 718- the highest caliber and a to Moshe saying: and dreams and joins with us Applicants must all have 972-0170 or e-mail ldavidny@ source of the finest education in recognizing this need in experience, dedication, and a earthlink.net. ❖ available to the children of the “The people our community and has natural love of children and community. The phenomenal bring much more awarded Ohr Halimud a education. Preference will be New Building For growth of the student popula- than enough…” three-year Orton-Gillingham given to holders of master’s Yeshiva Ketana tion has necessitated the new teacher training grant. This degrees in special education “This day marks a monu- state-of-the-art building that (Sh’mos 36:5) grant will allow us to offer or reading, candidates for mental advancement in the will house 450 students, be’H. Said Rabbi Aba bar scholarships to deserving bachelor’s or master’s degrees, annals of yeshiva education in “It is very appropriate that women and men who have a and other qualified teachers. the Far Rockaway and Five this phase of the construction Achah:There’s no desire to become a part of the There will be a sliding scale Towns Jewish communities,” begin during the parashah of understanding the Ohr Halimud team.” of scholarship support to said Rabbi Avrohom Liss, exec- the construction of the character of this “Operation Read,” the new match. utive director of Yeshiva Ketana Mishkan,” said Rabbi Zvi people! They’re Orton-Gillingham teacher Applications, accompanied of Long Island, as workers Bajnon, the menahel of the solicited for the Calf, training course, is scheduled to by letters of reference, will be began erecting the steel super- yeshiva. Rabbi Liss’s hope is and they give; they’re begin in May 2007. It will con- reviewed by the Ohr Halimud structure for the new yeshiva that every nediv leiv will come sist of 60 hours of class work admissions committee, and building on Doughty Blvd. in forth and enable the comple- solicited for the and a 200-hour practicum personal interviews will be Inwood. tion of the structure in a time- Mishkan—they give. which must be done at Ohr scheduled. The goal is to train After a Shehecheyanu was ly fashion, with the conviction Halimud, either in the school teachers who will be commit- recited, the first girders were that Borei olam b’kinyan, hash- (Jerusalem Talmud, Shekalim 1:1) or in its after-school program. ted to remain with the Ohr put into position with the leim zeh ha’binyan. ❖

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 71 We know from Biblical prophecies The alternative scenario of redemp- and from the Talmud that there are tion is an evolutionary one and is based In Fire Or In Ice? two possible scenarios for the Final on human progress—whether slow or Redemption. The difference between fast—toward a higher state of existence: them lies in a fundamental question: “For you shall not go out in haste, nei- BY RABBI ADIN festivals and all through the year. Even will it be a revolutionary event, or an ther shall you go by flight; for the Lord STEINSALTZ events in Jewish history as important evolutionary one? The first redemp- will go before you, and the God of Israel as the re-establishment of sovereignty tion, the Exodus from Egypt, was a will follow you behind” (Yeshayah The Exodus from Egypt was apoca- in Israel during the Second Temple era whirlwind of supernatural events, a 52:12); or, in other words, “in sitting lyptic, not only because of the super- are not considered to be equal to the total revolution. Indeed, many descrip- still and rest will you be saved” (ibid, natural events that took place during Exodus. Our Sages teach that only the tions of the Final Redemption—in 30:15). While the Exodus from Egypt its unfolding, but also because it Final Redemption will be able to over- Jewish and non-Jewish sources alike— contained an element of flight, this sparked an extremely significant shadow its significance. depict the final redemption in a similar redemption will be a slow, smooth change within a relatively short The Exodus has also become a pro- way. For example, in this approach, process and, despite the enormous dif- amount of time – and without any totype of redemption for all nations of “the great and terrible day of the Lord” ferences between the present and the warning or preparation. It is true that the world, a model against which other (Malachi 3:23) is a universal earth- future, it will still be possible to discern the events recounted in the Book of redemptions are measured and quake which begins with “darkness, the steps that paved the way for the Exodus did occur over the course of a assessed. The coming of the Messiah not light” (Amos 5:18) and involves redemption. Even the Biblical metaphor few months, but when we think about is a momentous event—not only for colossal wars between “the children of that likens redemption to birth—a dra- the amazing transformation that the the Jewish people, but for the entire light and the children of darkness.” matic event with a clearly defined People of Israel underwent as a world. It is not simply a matter of Like the Exodus, the Final “before” and “after”—presupposes the result—from a loosely related ethnic national deliverance, nor even of a Redemption is, so to speak, a Divine long pregnancy that came before it. group of slaves to a new nation—the Jewish renaissance, but of an intrinsic tour de force vis-à-vis the world. When The difference between these two redemption from Egypt does indeed change in world history. In a certain God wills it, all of reality will be torn to diametrically opposed scenarios can be seem very sudden and surprising. way, the Final Redemption, as its name shreds, and the new day will shine, as explained by the somewhat enigmatic While Passover is the festival of implies, marks the “end of history,” or, was the case in the Exodus from Talmudic saying: “The son of David redemption, the Exodus from Egypt is at least, the end of history as it has Egypt—out of “blood and fire and pil- [the Messiah; in other words, the final commemorated on each of the Biblical been for the last several millennia. lars of smoke” (Yoel 3:3). redemption] will come only in a generation that is either altogether righteous or altogether wicked” (Sanhedrin 98a). Redemption for an “altogether righteous” generation is preceded by years of preparation in which people work to better themselves. This kind of redemption is just the finale of an evolutionary process. On the other hand, the redemption of an “altogether wicked” generation cannot possibly be an extended, slow process, because such people, by their very nature, make no preparations for it. Therefore it must entail a revolutionary outburst, which, in this case, is not a grass-roots effort but a Divine one. As such, it must shatter the old patterns of existence—a painful, even tragic event. The future redemption is, in many ways, the continuation and completion of the Exodus. We know from Sefer Sh’mos (12:29) that the redemption from Egypt occurred at midnight; the end of the Passover Haggadah includes references to the future redemption as the second half of this night of deliverance. This is not only solace and encouragement in the face of our present trials and tribulations; it is also a logical sequence. The Exodus, then, is a comma in the manuscript of world history, whereas the final redemption is a full stop. But what shape the final redemption will assume depends, to a great extent, on us as human beings. Through the totality of our actions, we will deter- mine whether we are an “altogether wicked” or “altogether righteous” generation and, consequently, if we can expect “blood and fire and pillars of smoke” or salvation through “sitting still and rest.” ❖

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? WE WANT TO KNOW! E-MAIL US AT [email protected]

72 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 73 Nazi Records To Be Opened BY HILLEL FENDEL on board. say there are still gaps to be Millions of secret files on The files, stored in Bad filled in by the Bad Arolsen concentration camps and Arolsen, Germany, have been files. The papers include orig- their victims are likely to be used since the 1950s to help inal Nazi letters, details of the opened by the end of the year. locate missing persons or concentration camps’ struc- Representatives of the eleven uncover the fate of people who tures, slave labor records and nations that comprise the gov- disappeared during the Third uncounted testimonies of vic- erning commission of the Reich. Later, the files were also tims and ordinary Germans International Tracing Service used to validate claims for who witnessed the brutality of voted on Thursday to begin the compensation. Only personnel the Gestapo. process to publicize the papers, of the Tracing Service, an arm The Bad Arolsen archives AP reports. The Tracing Service of the International Com- index 17.5 million names that controls between 30 and 50 mittee of the Red Cross, has appear in its files, making million pages of Holocaust doc- had access to the files, which them the world’s most com- umentation. fill 16 miles of gray metal filing plete record of individual suf- The body approved a set of cabinets and cardboard binders fering during the Holocaust. recommendations for copying in six buildings. Meister said the collection and transferring files to Though ratification is still of documents on concentra- Holocaust institutions for use incomplete, the process of tion camp incarcerations- by survivors, victims’ relatives opening the files “is irre- some 13 million pages of and scholars. Two obstacles versible,” Reto Meister, direc- death registers, transportation still remain, however: A more tor of the Tracing Service, told lists and camp registries-will formal vote needs to be taken AP. Notably, the 11 delega- be ready in June. The rest of two months from now, and a tions agreed that the Tracing the documents will be unanimous ratification of a Service should begin electron- scanned and transferred with- previous agreement to end the ically transferring scanned in a year. 60-year ban on using the files files even now. AP reports that Germany, for research. Institutions on the receiving which funds the Tracing Among the 11 nations, end, such as the U.S. Holo- Service, agreed to increase its Israel, the United States, caust Memorial Museum and allocation beginning next year Poland and the Netherlands Israel’s Yad Vashem memorial, to help offset the $3.2 million have completed ratification, will need several months to needed to speed up the digiti- while Germany, Britain and integrate the data and get them zation and transfer of files, Luxembourg are expected to ready for public use. and the U.S. Holocaust do so within the next two Despite the tremendous Museum also will provide an months. France, Belgium, amount of literature written unspecified amount. (Israel Italy and Greece are still not about the Holocaust, scholars NationalNews) ❖

74 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES America, if you can touch Americans for stadiums. Starting out, the six Diamond In The Rough: Israel through sports, they can see that teams will share three fields. Israel is not just a fortress,” Krasna The IBL will have no official rela- Launching A Pro Baseball League said, adding that exposing new audi- tionship with Major League Baseball, ences to Israel is an important part of but it is getting a hand from the BY JACOB BERKMAN Israeli, a dynamic the league hopes to this initiative. world’s most profitable baseball change as interest in baseball spreads League officials are adamant about league: MLB.com will carry coverage Modi’in may not be the Mudville of and the players improve in a game that getting Israel into the 2009 World of Israel’s games. On April 15, after Casey fame, but its Miracles will enter now exists in the Jewish state only on Baseball Classic, an international big-league teams have broken camp baseball lore when their pitcher the Little League level. baseball tournament comprised of pro- and started their seasons, Major unleashes his first fastball against the There is no official connection fessional and amateur all-stars. League Baseball and the IBL will Petach Tikva Pioneers on June 24. between the Israeli government and Krasna said that names such as hold a tryout in California for players The central Israeli town is hosting the IBL, according to the league’s Blomberg, Shamsky and Holtzman who did not make major or minor the opener of the new Israel Baseball founder and managing director, Larry could pique American interest, as league rosters. League, which will feature six teams Baras. But infusing a deep-seated part could convincing a high-profile Jewish One thing Israel has to work on, playing a 45-game schedule this sum- of Americana could be a public rela- player, such as the New York Mets’ Krasna says, is its baseball lexicon: mer, officials announced Monday at a tions boon for Israel. Shawn Green, to play in Israel after his There is no Hebrew word for bat, and press conference in New York City. Fittingly, the league’s first commis- American career ends. pitch and throw are the same word. The IBL officials are hoping the league sioner is Daniel Kurtzer, a former U.S. That might be a tough sell, consid- IBL features a Hebrew-English glossary will quickly spur Israeli interest in ambassador to Israel. ering that each team will have a salary of baseball terms on its Web site. American baseball—they aim to draw The opportunity to show Israel not cap of $45,000 for its entire 20-player At the press conference, Shamsky about 1,000 fans per game in the only as a country at war but as a coun- roster. stumbled over a couple of Hebrew first year—while government offi- try involved in sports—quintessentially The Jewish National Fund is help- phrases he thought would come in cials hope it will help boost Israel’s American sports at that—could help ing connect potential funders to the handy with umpires during his first image abroad. Americans bond with Israel, the coun- IBL, which will have a budget of $2.5 season. As the IBL’s early fan base will like- try’s deputy consul in New York, million in its inaugural season. “‘Ata iver’ means ‘you’re blind,’ and ly be American expatriates yearning for Benjamin Krasna said. According to CEO Russell Robinson, ‘patach einayim’ means ‘open your a baseball fix, the league has enlisted “Sports is such an important part of the JNF may help the league find land eyes,’ ” he said jokingly. (JTA) ❖ three high-profile Jewish ex-Major Leaguers as managers: Ken Holtzman, the winningest Jewish pitcher in baseball history with 174 victories, including two no-hitters; New York Yankee Ron Blomberg, pro baseball’s first designated hitter; and Art Shamsky, a member of the New York “Miracle” Mets that won the 1969 World Series. Shamsky, an outfielder and first baseman, smacked four consecutive home runs while playing for the 1966 Cincinnati Reds. “My mother’s proudest moment for the past 41 years has been the day in 1966 when I pitched against Sandy Koufax,” Holtzman said. “Now that I have the chance to manage in Israel, she’s also very, very proud.” Dan Duquette, former general manager of the Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos, will serve as the IBL’s director of baseball operations. Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig is on the advisory board, as is his daughter, Milwaukee Brewers owner Wendy Selig-Prieb. On the field, the league will provide opportunities for players like Leon Feingold to continue or revive their baseball dreams. Feingold pitched for the Cleveland Indians in 1994 and 1995 before elbow surgery ended his career. Instead of attempting a comeback he went to law school. But at 33 he will put his law career on hold to resurrect his baseball dreams. Feingold, who has been playing semi-pro ball in Westchester, N.Y., also has been ranked as high as 12th in the world by the International Federation of Competitive Eating. He once downed 152 hot dogs in 12 minutes. In Israel he will trade buns for fielding bunts—an opportunity he relishes. “Getting a chance to play baseball again on the same level is getting a second chance at something that most people don’t get a first chance at,” Feingold said. The IBL has signed players from eight countries including the Dominican Republic, Australia, Vene- zuela and the United States, Duquette said. About a dozen players will be 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 75 Unprecedented Humanitarian Appeal By Rabbis To President Bush: Free Pollard

The ongoing incarceration of The call-in drive is sponsored by tory of the United States to receive a Pollard has previously issued public Jonathan Pollard has prompted two Comprehensive Network, Inc and life sentence for spying for an American apologies and expressed remorse for leading international authorities on enjoys the support of many national ally. The maximum sentence today for his actions. Dennis DeConcini, former Jewish Law to make an urgent appeal to and regional Jewish organizations. such an offense is 10 years and the U.S. Senator for Arizona and a former U.S. President George W. Bush for Rabbi Lerner says that it is encour- median sentence for this offense is 2 to chairman of the Senate Select clemency. The Israeli Torah sages, aging that so many prominent 4 years. Pollard entered his 22nd year Intelligence committee has written Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv Americans have joined the call for of a life sentence in prison in November that “I am convinced that Mr. Pollard (Jerusalem) and Rabbi Aharon Leib Pollard’s release, adding: “We must 2006 in a federal penitentiary in has expressed the appropriate remorse Shteinman (Bnei Brak), joined a chorus seize the moment to do everything in Butner, North Carolina. Life sentences and served adequate time.” of notable Jews and non-Jews from a our power to end this incarceration have previously been handed only to “The 22-year period is significant,” says cross-spectrum of society who have which has gone on for too long. We are those individuals who are found guilty Dr. Joseph Geliebter, Director of the urged the President to consider Pollard’s appealing to this country’s strong of spying for enemy countries. Rabbi Leib Geliebter Memorial plight and his remarkable long incarcer- sense of justice to finally recognize Pollard’s time already served in jail Foundation. “In Jewish Biblical tradition, ation. Executive clemency is Pollard’s that Pollard’s sentence is unprecedent- has led legal experts and political figures 22 years was the period that Joseph was only legal recourse as he has already ed in U.S. history and beyond any pro- to express their opinion that the sen- separated from his father, Jacob; the exhausted his options in the American portion to the original crime.” tence Pollard is serving outweighs the Talmud also indicates that during the justice system after the Supreme Court Upon discovering that information offense committed. Former New York 22nd year of an unresolved matter there is declined to re-open his case last year. vital to Israel’s security regarding City Mayor and former federal prosecu- Heavenly intervention (Tractate Ketubot, In their unprecedented, brief letter, Iraqi and Syrian gas, chemical and tor Rudolph Giuliani said that “given 42b; see commentary of Rashi).” the two Torah sages wrote: “We appeal biological warfare capabilities, and the comparative sentences, after view- The National Council of Young to you as president of the greatest power Soviet arms shipments to Arab coun- ing documentation, [Jonathan Pollard’s] Israel has urged Jews to call the on earth, the epitome of compassion tries, was being withheld, Pollard, a sentence is way beyond the sentences White House switchboard between and generosity, to grant clemency to Mr. Jewish-American from South Bend, served by other people that have been 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Eastern) at 202- Jonathan Pollard who has been incar- Indiana and a naval intelligence offi- convicted of the same crimes.” 456-1414 every day through the cerated for more than 20 years.” cial, provided this information to R. James Woolsey, who served under upcoming Passover holiday, the holi- Notable amongst the recent voices Israeli officials. The information President Bill Clinton as CIA Director day celebrating freedom. Calls should for Pollard’s release is the Council of Pollard subsequently passed on to said, “In my view, a 20-year sentence is continue through Passover to request Torah Sages of Agudath Israel of Israel is credited with allowing Israel enough and the close relationship Pollard’s freedom. ❖ America that called on Jews to join in a to prepare civilians with gas masks between the United States and Israel 60-day “call-in campaign” to the White and sealed rooms in the event of poi- as fellow democracies is also a consid- House, initiated by the National son gas attacks, five years before the eration.” (Israel National News, WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Council of Young Israel, under Rabbi eventual attacks. Pollard was arrested January 23, 2007). Dennis Ross, the Pesach Lerner, its executive vice presi- and received a life sentence in 1986 top U.S. Middle East negotiator under WE WANT TO KNOW! dent, and in conjunction with the Rabbi after entering a plea bargain with Presidents George Bush and Bill Leib Geliebter Memorial Foundation. American officials and pleading Clinton, commented that “Pollard has E-MAIL US AT Callers are asked to urge the president guilty to the crime of giving classified been in jail long enough and whatever to “end Pollard’s disproportionate incar- information to a friendly nation. facts he might know would have little if [email protected] ceration by granting him clemency.” Pollard is the only person in the his- any effect on national security today.”

76 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES German Attack On Chabad Kindergarten

BY TOBY AXELROD In a letter to Rabbi Teichtal, a rabbi in her home state of Bavaria. against democracy,” she said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel Stephan Kramer, secretary general The Israeli Embassy, which also had “All Germans must actively fight wrote that she was “distressed and hor- of the Central Council of Jews in a representative at the service, issued a prejudice” was the common message rified to hear about the ugly attack” on Germany, told JTA he was concerned statement condemning the attack. at a solidarity service days after an the kindergarten. about extremism from neo-Nazis and “This act crosses a boundary,” the attempted arson at the Chabad-run “The security agencies will do every- Muslim extremists. “They are now vio- statement said. “We are very worried to kindergarten in Berlin. thing to arrest the perpetrators,” she lent,” he said. “There is a change in observe that in recent years there has Leaders of the Jewish community wrote. “Every attack on Jewish institu- quality. And this is not only concerning been an increase in anti-Semitic and were joined March 1 by representa- tions is an attack on our entire democ- Jews but also non-Jewish Germans.” right-wing extremist crimes in tives of all the major political parties. racy, an attack on peaceful coexis- “The question is whether security was Germany, and we see this incident Among the officials on hand were tence, and on tolerance between reli- enough,” he said, suggesting that within this context. We are sure that German Interior Minister Wolfgang gions and cultures. Together we must because the Chabad school is not offi- the democratic institutions and civil Schauble and Berlin Interior Minister society of Germany will do everything Ehrhart Korting, who had visited the in their power to stop this disastrous site soon after the Feb. 25 attack. Also trend and to bring the perpetrators to present was Kenan Kolat, head of the In recent years there has been an justice.” (JTA) ❖ Turkish Association in Berlin and Brandenburg. Anti-Semitic and Nazi graffiti were increase in anti-Semitic and right-wing scrawled on the school and on chil- And Moshe assembled dren’s toys left outside. A smoke bomb the entire congrega- was thrown into the building but did extremist crimes in Germany. not detonate. No one was inside at the tion of the Children time. of Israel, and said to Police have asked witnesses to come forward, but no progress has been oppose every attempt to injure these cially part of the Jewish community, it them…a sabbath of reported in the investigation. basic values of our democratic society.” had fallen outside the usual security sabbaths to G-d “Any such attack is one too many,” Gideon Joffe, head of the Berlin considerations. “The Berlin Jewish (Sh’mos 35:1–2) Schauble told reporters after the serv- Jewish community, at the solidarity community has a responsibility, moral- ice, which was led by Chabad Rabbis service called on non-Jews in Germany ly and ethically,” for all Jewish institu- This teaches us that Moshe Yehudah Teichtal and Shmuel Segal. to don a kipah or Star of David in pub- tions in its area, Kramer said. instituted the practice to “It is not only a matter for the police. lic to get an idea of how it feels to be Deidre Berger, head of the American This was an attack against human val- openly Jewish here today. Jewish Committee office in Berlin, assemble on Shabbos to listen ues. We have to defend our Jewish Claudia Roth, a member of told JTA she appreciated the presence to the reading of the Torah. community. We want to have a very Parliament from the Green Party, said of all major political parties at the serv- secure, normal Jewish life in she would consider wearing the Star of ice. “It sends a signal to all Germans (Midrash) Germany.” David in public but would first consult that acts of anti-Semitism are acts

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 77 terrorism,” “ethnic cleansing,” “crimes in the books and articles reviewed by against humanity,” and “pure geno- Professor Rosenfeld, all of them pub- Beyond Self-Hating cide.”(Radicals, Rabbis and Peacemakers) lished within the past few years; and “We take Zionism to be a form of still more in hundreds of similar writ- BY RACHEL NEUWIRTH dal concessions that one Israeli gov- collective insanity.” (Rose) ings by these and many other anti- ernment after another has made to “How did one of the most persecut- Israel Jews that Professor Rosenfeld’s Zion-hating Jews have blood on the terrorists since 1993. Israel is ed peoples of the world come to essay does not mention—through no their hands. dying a slow death by poisoning from embody some of the worst cruelties of fault of his, since a complete digest of The most potent weapon in the arse- this propaganda. the modern nation-state?” (Rose) all of these scurrilous writings by “self- nal of the Arab and Islamist extremists And within this arsenal of Arab- “The soul of the nation [Israel] was hating” Jews would require a several seeking the destruction of Israel and Islamist propaganda, by far the most forfeit from the day of its creation.” score volumes at a bare minimum—but the Jewish people has always been not devastating weapon has been those (Rose) these extracts will give us some idea of bombs, not guns, not missiles, not air- Jews who participate in manufactur- “Zionist atrocities” are part of “a race the mentality and bias of this faction of craft, not even the barbarism of sui- ing it. An article posted on the website war against the Palestinians,” aimed at “progressive” Jewish “intellectuals.” cide-homicide bombers, but propagan- of the American Jewish Committee “the extinction of a people.” (Michael In addition to producing overheated da. Their massive and unrelenting for the past year, which has received Neumann, a professor of philosophy at rhetoric against Israel, some of these propaganda campaign over the past 60 renewed attention recently, docu- Trent University in Canada) Jewish haters of Zion admit that they years has depicted Israel as a vicious, ments the published rhetoric of a The Palestinians “are being shot are not entirely opposed to anti- conspiratorial aggressor against, and number of these Jewish anti-Israel because Israel thinks all Palestinians Semitism. And if anti-Semitism should oppressor of, the Arab people, and propagandists (only a small fraction, should vanish or die.” (Neumann) lead to violence against Jews, “Who “world Jewry” as parties to and support- unfortunately, of the total number of “Most [Jews] support a state that cares? …To regard any shedding of ers of this conspiracy by “Zionism” and them). The language used by these commits war crimes.” (Neumann) Jewish blood as a world-shattering “the Zionist entity.” American and Canadian Jewish col- “The case for Jewish complicity [in calamity… is racism, pure and simple; Most of the world has come to lege professors and other “intellectu- war crimes] seems much stronger than the valuing of one’s race’s blood over accept this big lie, as well as the thou- als” to describe Israel and Jews, as the case for German complicity” in the all others,” writes Neumann. “We sands of smaller lies that have been documented by the author of this Holocaust. (Neumann) should almost never take anti- used to construct it like the individual study, Professor Alvin F. Rosenfeld of “[The] real scandal today is not anti- Semitism seriously and maybe we stones that form the Great Pyramid of Indiana University, includes the fol- Semitism, but the importance it is should have some fun with it.” Giza. Unfortunately, many Jews, lowing: “belligerent,” “bloody, “bru- given. Israel has committed war Many of the Jewish Zion-haters including Israeli Jews, have come to tal,” “cataclysmic,” “corrupt,” “cruel,” crimes. It has implicated Jews general- make it clear that they seek to “annihi- accept it, too. Anti-Israel propaganda “dangerous,” “deadly,” “militaristic,” ly in these crimes, and Jews generally late the Jewish state” itself (this phrase has been given so much credence “apocalyptic,” “blind,” “demonic,” have hastened to implicate themselves. comes from Joel Kovel, a professor of within Israel itself that it has sapped “fanatical,” “insane, “ and “mad.” This has provoked hatred against Jews. philosophy at Bard College). And some the will of the Israeli government and (Jacqueline Rose) Why not? Some of this hatred is racist, are open about their support for terror- sections of Israel’s people to resist the Israel is “amoral,” “barbaric,” “brutal,” some isn’t, but who cares?” (Neumann) ism against Jews. Steve Quester says incessant, murderous terrorist cam- “destructive,” “fascistic,” “oppressive,” “What the Nazis had not succeeded in (in Radicals, Rabbis and Peacemakers), paign waged against them. The “racist,” “sordid,” and “uncivilized,” (from accomplishing, we as Jews have “[W]hen the suicide bombings started acceptance of the Arab-Islamist “nar- the volume Radicals, Rabbis and embarked upon.” (Marc Ellis, a self- one after the other, I was like, ‘Okay, rative” by many Israeli politicians, Peacemakers: Conversations with Jewish styled Jewish “theologian” and professor now everyone’s got to understand how journalists, and scholars has been the Critics of Israel, edited by Seth Farber). of Jewish Studies at Baylor University) horrible the Israeli behavior is’…. So, I principal cause of the endless, suici- Israel is guilty of “apartheid,” “state There is much, much more like this just went out and bought myself a lit-

78 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES tle Palestinian flag pin and wore it complete annihilation of Israel openly around all the time.” threatened by President Mahmoud Righteous Gentiles Finally Recognized As Professor Rosenfeld puts it, Ahmadinejad of Iran, by Hamas, and “[N]o convincing evidence is offered to by so many others in the Arab and By France For Their Life-Saving Deeds support any of these extreme charges. Islamic lands, becomes morally accept- Rather… it is an unquestioned able to hundreds of millions of people BY BRETT KLINE years ago by Yad Vashem, the assumption of [these Jewish progres- throughout the world. Israel’s six mil- Holocaust memorial museum in Israel. sives’] collective thinking that Israel is lion Jews (yes, there are now nearly six Sixty-five years later, Maurice According to Pelosse, 240 righteous an inherently racist, oppressive, and million of them) have become isolated Arnoult still has nightmares about the French are still alive. singularly brutal country and, ipso and extremely vulnerable to those who boy and girl he couldn’t save when “I can say that this process started facto, stands guilty as charged.” mean to do them harm. French Vichy police were rounding up in 1995, when President Chirac In other words, for these “progres- As a consequence of their endorsing Jews and deporting them to Auschwitz. admitted for the first time that the sives,” no evidence is needed to and actively disseminating these mon- Sitting in the tiny, cluttered shoemak- French government, the Vichy collabo- defame an entire nation and people. strous libels against Israel and their er’s workshop where he has worked rationist regime, was officially respon- But the very fact that such extreme fellow Jews, and thereby giving them since 1937, Arnoult even at 98 has no sible for deporting 76,000 Jews from anti-Israel allegations and rhetoric credibility in the eyes of the world, the problem recalling the people he helped France,” Pelosse said. originate with Jews give them a legiti- “progressive” Zion-hating Jews have save, and the adults and children he She said the idea for the ceremony macy and credibility in the eyes of already got a lot of blood on their never saw again. Outside the weather came from the Holocaust Foundation, world opinion that they would never hands. And it is all too likely that in the is wet and chilly, he has a cold and is and that the French government have otherwise. Most people, natural- future they will dip their hands in a lot coughing, but his heart is strong. immediately agreed to organize the ly enough, cannot believe that Jews more. (Arutz Sheva) ❖ Arnoult was among 75 righteous proceedings. would make up vicious lies about their French people honored recently as “Some people said it is too late for Rachel Neuwirth is a Los Angeles-based analyst fellow Jews. Surely, many readers of on the board of directors of the West Coast “righteous ones” at the Pantheon, the this because most of the righteous these books and articles by “progres- Region of the American Jewish Congress and the burial ground for some of the great people are already dead of old age, but chairperson of the organization’s Middle East sive” Jews must ask themselves, “How committee. (Note: The views expressed in names in French history, in the first- I don’t think it is too late,” Pelosse could any human beings be capable of Rachel´s articles are strictly her own, and may or ever ceremony hosted by the French said. “It is late, but not too late.” may not reflect those of the American Jewish inventing lies about their own people, Congress leadership.) government recognizing officially the Arnoult was cited, among other their own ethnic group, or their own John Landau contributed to this article. Gallic French who saved Jews in deeds, for lodging and feeding six faith-community, or about the nation France during World War II. adults and four children for nearly formed by their own people or faith- Former French Cabinet minister three years at his home in a Paris sub- community?” and Auschwitz survivor Simone Weil, urb. They were Jews he had managed It is not unnatural for non-Jews to the president of the Holocaust to spirit out of the city’s Belleville sec- believe that what Jews say about each WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Foundation in France, served as mas- tion, where thousands of Eastern other or their own institutions must be ter of ceremonies. Arnoult also European Jews lived and worked. true. And once these extreme allega- WE WANT TO KNOW! received congratulations from He also escorted dozens of others tions against Israel are accepted as President Jacques Chirac. from their hiding places, providing fact, then the constant terrorism and E-MAIL US AT Marie Laure Pelosse, a Holocaust food and new addresses for them to armed aggression directed against [email protected] Foundation official, wondered why hide. Some of them he knew vaguely Israel over the past 60 years, the sui- France waited so long to recognize the from the neighborhood; others were cide-homicide bombings directed at Jewish rescuers when the official lists Jewish civilians, and perhaps even the of righteous people were drawn up Continued on Page 80

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 79 Life-Saving Deeds indirectly, he hasn’t forgotten those he words in Yiddish. ple, without raising any suspicion.” couldn’t help. Among the client names and num- Yad Vashem named Arnoult a Continued from Page 79 “I told the father, ‘Bring me the big bers listed in worn notebooks, hand- Righteous Gentile in 1994. friends and acquaintances of people boy tonight, and bring the little boy written and barely legible, is a Like Pelosse, Krolick wonders why he knew. Arnoult was part of an infor- and girl tomorrow,’ ” he begins slowly, Madame Chirac, the mother of France waited so long to hold this cer- mal network of French people who referring to the Krolicks. “The big boy France’s current president. emony. “I talked with Simone Weil at helped hide Jews in transit. came, Joel, and I got him out. The next “She liked black satin evening the Pantheon,” Krolick says, “and One of the children he saved in day I went looking for the little ones, shoes,” Arnoult says with a smile. Weil said, ‘Finally France held this August 1942 was with him at the but they had been rounded up by the “She came regularly after the war. ceremony. Finally.’ ” Pantheon ceremony. When Arnoult French police with their parents. They But let’s face it, all of my old clients Krolick adds, “I’m French, France is took him in, Joel Krolick was 11 years were never seen again.” are dead by now.” my country, but I criticize the govern- old, living with his parents and siblings He raises his hands in a helpless As those clients died and large fac- ments, the connivance of politicians. in the same building where Arnoult gesture. “I couldn’t save them, I could- tories took most of the business, Maurice Papon, who deported all the still works. “Maurice saved my life,” n’t save them,” Arnoult says softly. “I Arnoult turned to instructing young Jews from Bordeaux as the police Krolick says in a telephone interview couldn’t take them all out at once.” His people—mostly girls from abroad—in chief there, was given the Legion of from his home outside Paris. “He shoulders move up and down and his the trade. They pay him what they can. Honor years ago for his great career allowed me to live another 66 years.” eyes water. Arnoult is crying for Arnoult’s shoemaking trade was the after the war, but Maurice Arnoult Krolick stayed with Arnoult for nearly Krolick’s brother and sister. vehicle for saving the Jewish families. never got anything from France until three years. After the war he lived in an For decades Arnoult designed fine “All food supplies were rationed now. What can I say?” orphanage, where he met his wife. The women’s shoes for stores and select during the war,” he explains. “I went Arnoult has an idea of why it took so rest of his family was not so fortunate. private clients. The women drove from to the black market collaborators, long to be recognized in France. “My little sister Annette was 6, my well-to-do neighborhoods to Belleville, the guys working with the Vichy peo- “The bottom line, no matter what brother Joseph was 3,” Krolick says. a traditionally immigrant district in ple, and made deals with them. I kind of ceremonies are held, is that “Today their names are on the wall at northeast Paris. made shoes for all the women in France is an anti-Semitic country,” the Martyrs’ Museum in Paris, along By the 1930s, Eastern European their families, got more leather for he says. “However, except for some with my parents. What can I say?” Jews were heavily represented in mak- more shoes, and was able to pur- marginalized or extremist Muslims While Arnoult estimates he helped ing the shoes and supplying the chase potatoes, sugar, flour and here, it’s not active. For the Gallic save a couple dozen people directly or leather, and Arnoult learned many everything I needed to feed 10 peo- French, it’s latent anti-Semitism, like a person temporarily cured of a sick- ness that is still there deep down, like the dying embers of a fire that refuses to be put out.” A French-language book was written about Arnoult in 2002, and Paris Match magazine recently did a large spread on him. The award has no stipend; Arnoult gets by teaching the young people his craft. Krolick comes to see him twice a month. They have lunch at a couple of spots near the workshop in Krolick’s old neighborhood. Neither knows what happened to the people Arnoult saved. Except one: Arnoult’s companion of more than 60 years, a Jewish woman named Alice, was a former employee he saved during the war. She died several years ago. Arnoult shrugs his shoulders; he wants to live to 100. He also wants to find a younger woman, perhaps one in her 70s. Smiling, he says, “It would be great to have a girlfriend, someone I could share a glass of wine with and talk to.” (JTA) ❖

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80 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Nazi Hatred Survives In The Arab World

BY SHELOMO ALFASSA This spirit of hatred festered through sieur’, no more ‘mister’—G-d in heav- Arab Brigade. The latter groups were the relationship between Amin Al- en; on earth, Hitler!” trained by the Nazis and used by them. As a Turkophile, who understands Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Anti-Jewish feeling continued to Hitler made it clear that the project the history of the inter-relationships Jerusalem, and Hitler. mount in the Middle East during the of killing Jews was by no means con- between both Jews and Muslims The relationship between Al- 1930s, as the fascist and Nazi regimes fined to Europe. As he explained to throughout the Ottoman Empire, I Husseini and the Nazis strengthened and doctrines made increasing sense the Mufti, “his hopes of military victo- am saddened whenever I read an arti- when the Mufti visited the German to many Arab nationalists. Both the ry in Africa and the Middle East would cle that mentions or insinuates that Consul General in Jerusalem in German and Italian regimes were bring about the destruction of Jews in Jews and Arabs never got along. What 1937. After that, he met with Adolph active in propaganda in the Arab the Arab world.” In November of is known is that Jews and Muslims, in Eichmann when he visited Palestine. world. King Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia 1941, Hitlereian Nazi regimes and Arab, Persian and other Islamic This was when the Nazis were exam- sought German arms and contacts, doctrines made increasing sense to countries, certainly did get along. ining the possibility of deporting and was favorably received. Various many Arab nationalists. The fact that there was never official- German Jews to Palestine. It has delegations of Syrians and Iraqis He informed the Mufti at a meeting ly sanctioned, state-sponsored anti- been reported that, based on war- attended the Nuremberg party con- in Berlin that he intended to kill every Jewish attacks in the Ottoman crimes testimony and the Eichmann gresses; and there was much pro- Jew living in the Arab world, including Empire seems to have gotten buried trial transcripts, Eichmann and the German sentiment in Egypt. those in Palestine, as well as “Syria, among the piles of propaganda that Mufti enjoyed a close relationship. Nazi propaganda broadcasts from Iraq, Iran, the Arabian peninsula, are continually spewed out in the The Mufti would eventually become Berlin and Stuttgart, as well as broad- Egypt and French Northwest Africa.” modern world media. the spiritual leader of the Islamic casts from fascist Italy, added fuel to Hitler asserted that, in the event of a If one reads books by Sephardic legions that were trained by, and for, the ongoing anti-Jewish campaigns. German advance into the Middle East, Jewish authors, they will tell you of the Nazis. The Mufti’s radio broadcasts were the German objective would be the the many experiences—positive expe- The rise of Hitler to power in 1933 some of the most violent pro-Axis “destruction of Judaism” in Palestine. riences—Jews enjoyed with their Arab marked a turning point in the Mufti’s broadcasts ever produced. He had at During 1941, in Mosul, Iraq, pro- neighbors and friends over the cen- activities. He sent a cable of congratu- least six stations—Berlin, Zeissen, Nazi Arab activists continued to propa- turies. Was it perfect? Never. But lations to the Nazi leader and Bari, Rome, Tokyo and Athens. He gandize against Jews. In Baghdad, there was never state-sponsored expressed support for the boycott of used these radio broadcasts to tell when the war film For Freedom hatred of the Jews like there was in Jews in Germany. Soon after, Hitler’s Muslims across the world to commit showed in cinemas, audiences cheered Christian countries. Mein Kampf appeared in four different acts of sabotage and kill the Jews. Hitler and booed Churchill. The virulent hatred that resonates Arabic translations and was circulated The Mufti developed a world head- In October 5, 1943, the Mufti today throughout the modern world, in Beirut, Baghdad, Cairo and Berlin. quarters in Germany. In an office in arrived in Frankfurt, Germany, visiting that ever-agonizing disgust felt for In the first few months of World War Berlin, his activities included: 1) radio the Research Institute on the Jewish the Jewish people, is not an old-time II, shops in the towns of Syria would propaganda; 2) espionage and fifth Problem. There, he declared that Arab feeling toward the Jews. This frequently show posters with Arabic column activities in the Middle East; Arabs and Germans were “partners hatred is a result of the Nazi influ- sayings: “In heaven, G-d is your ruler; 3) organizing Muslims into military and allies in the battle against world ence, which never died. Although the on earth, Hitler.” In the streets of units in Axis-occupied countries, in Jewry.” The Mufti continued to beam Allies destroyed the Third Reich, Aleppo and Damascus, a popular verse North Africa and Russia; and 4) estab- what has lived on is the Nazi spirit. in a local dialect said: “No more ‘mon- lishment of the Arab Legions and the Continued on Page 82

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 81 Nazi Hatred In Arabia Continued from Page 81

radio sermons to the Balkans, the countries of North Africa and the Muslims in India. Arabs in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq and Egypt were called upon for jihad against the British; his statements included the suggestion that Muslims could “save their souls by massacring the Jewish infidels” they came across. In a letter to Heinrich Himmler, dated September 28, 1944, General Berger of the Waffen SS reported: “Today, the Mufti came to see me for a long talk. He talked about his work and noted happily that the day is nearing when he will head an army to conquer Palestine.” It was said the Mufti even visited Auschwitz and Maidanek. In both of these death camps, he paid close attention to the efficiency of the cre- matorium, spoke to the leading personnel and was generous in his praise for those who were reported as particularly conscientious in their work. While it is easy to reinvent history, it is not easy to overlook original, first- hand documents, tens of thousands of which show the Mufti of Jerusalem in bed with Hitler. As Dr. Bernard Lewis of Princeton University recently said, “The Nazi propaganda impact was immense. We see it in Arabic memoirs of the period….” The fierce anti-Jewish hatred that was exacerbated by the Mufti in the Islamic context, fueled by the German war machine, continues to resonate today throughout the Arab and Persian world. Incitement, instituted decades earlier, remains a root cause of anti- Semitism, as well as the reason for hostility toward the State of Israel after its formation. This is the reason why over 900,000 Jewish people, born in Arab countries, were made refugees after 1948. Simply because, while the Nazis were destroyed and the Holocaust ended, the intense hostility instituted during that era lived on— and continues to live on in the Islamic world. (Arutz Sheva) ❖

Six days work shall be done; and the seventh day shall be holy… (Sh’mos 35:2) Here the Torah describes the Jew’s work in the course of the week as a passive endeavor—“Six days work shall be done” (not “six days you shall do work”). For the Jew regards his workday endeavors not as the source of his sustenance, but merely as a “vessel” in which to receive G-d’s blessing. (The Chassidic Masters)

82 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Gov’t Promoting Plan For New Ultra-Orthodox East Jerusalem Neighborhood

BY MERON RAPOPORT the 1967 Six-Day War. to build in Jerusalem still exists. “The The idea to build an “eastern fence” The neighborhood, which will ultra-Orthodox public needs its solu- to separate the settlements of the Government bodies have been pro- apparently be built on state or Jewish tions,” he said. “There is the possibili- Jordan Valley and the mountains from moting a preliminary plan over the past National Fund land, would sit in the ty that it will conquer the inner city, large Palestinian communities like few weeks to build a neighborhood of heart of one of the most crowded urban and that this city will then become an Ramallah had been raised in the past. 11,000 units for the ultra-Orthodox Palestinian areas in the West Bank. ultra-Orthodox-Arab city, which I The construction of the tunnel might near the East Jerusalem airport. The architectural firm planning the would not want to happen.” be the first step in this direction. “If it The plan also calls for the construc- project, Reches Eshkol, refused to Schneller, who is the former head of is someday decided that Kokhav tion of a tunnel under a Palestinian divulge which government body had the Yesha settlement council and now Yaakov will be part of the ‘Jerusalem neighborhood to connect the new commissioned the plans. Despite the serves as Prime Minister Ehud envelope’ it would be logical to create quarter to one of the settlements in the Housing Ministry’s response, Haaretz Olmert’s liaison to the settlers, said he such a link, but it has not yet been Beit El area east of Ramallah. has learned that the plan was present- has not yet spoken to the prime minis- decided,” Schneller said. MK Otniel Schneller (Kadima) said The municipality said that “when that the Housing Ministry is the body the plan is officially presented to the that developed a plan to erect a massive municipality, it will be discussed and a new ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in decision will be made about it.” East Jerusalem. The neighborhood would sit in the heart of Some of the neighborhoods built Schneller also said that the around Jerusalem after the Six-Day Jerusalem municipality was “happy one of the most crowded urban Palestinian War were planned by the Housing with the idea.” Ministry and were established over the In response to Schneller’s claims objections of then-mayor Teddy that the housing ministry hatched the areas in the West Bank. Kollek. Meron Benvenisti, who served plan, they said, “The ministry has no as deputy mayor at that time, said that knowledge of this plan. At most, only the area has complex problems: prior the Jerusalem district of the ministry to the Six-Day war some of its land knew about it.” ed a number of times to various official ter about the plan. “But from what I belonged to municipalities like al- The plan has not yet been submitted bodies, and that the director of the know of the government’s position, Bireh, which are today in the to the various planning committees Housing Ministry’s Jerusalem district, there is an Israeli interest in establish- Palestinian territories. “It is complete since, according to Schneller, “it is Moshe Merhavya, was present at least ing a neighborhood in Atarot. insanity to place tens of thousands of only in the idea and feasibility stage.” at one such instance. The plan proposes connecting the ultra-Orthodox Jews in the heart of a The new neighborhood is to be Schneller said of the project: “I saw new neighborhood to the ultra- densely populated Arab area,” he said. built close to the separation fence the plans in the programs division of Orthodox settlement of Kokhav Yaakov “No one thinks about how they will near the Qalandiyah road block, the Housing Ministry and I very much east of Ramallah, which is at present live there. It’s like living in the middle which separates the Palestinian enjoyed seeing them.” outside the planned route of the sepa- of Ramallah.” neighborhoods of north Jerusalem Schneller explained that even ration fence. To this end, a tunnel a Attorney Danny Zindman of the Ir from Ramallah. If approved, it would though the Safdie Plan to construct few hundred meters long would be dug Amim association says such a plan will be the largest building project over housing in the western part of beneath the Palestinian village of Aqab lead to the “balkanization” of the Green Line in Jerusalem since Jerusalem has been shelved, the need and under the separation fence. Jerusalem. (Haaretz) ❖

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 83 84 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 85 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

Simchas Naava Too Much to Type? Too Much to Do? Share your simcha flowers! Be College Reports, Simcha Lists, m’sameach other simchas! Donate Secretarial Support. Call Gold Star your fresh flower arrangements! We Typing Service for help. Reasonable will match your simcha date with rates. Call 718-471-9712. simchas following yours or deliver them to nursing home residents. To Master Teacher Tutors donate or obtain flower arrangements, Limudei Kodesh/Secular Subjects call 516-239-6066. Specialize grades 1-8. Adults; In memory of a special friend, Boys; Girls. Call 718-868-3968. Naava Wassner Katlowitz Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring. SAT Math prep, regents, Plumbing and Heating: Sundial high school and elementary math, Plumbing. Boilers/water heaters high school physics. serviced and installed. All leaks fixed. Call 516-371-5522. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements. No Certified and 718-252-1234 Golda E. Katz, MS — job too big or small. . Experienced Teacher available to New Table and Chair Gemach for Tutor your child. Elementary/ H.S./ Regents/ homework help/ study skills/ short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct. organizational skills Far Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368. Call 516-650-0758. "Maid 4 You Agency" We can help. Worry free, inc. Waiter service agency. Call and you'll have a maid. We pro- We supply waiters for caterers and vide full / part-time or temporary house parties. Outstanding service. From setup to cleanup. help. Housekeepers / Babysitters / Rafi: 917-415-9666 Day Workers / Elder care 917- office: 347-809-9553 574-2306 Located in the 5 Towns. Add murals to your world. The Computer Place — Professional artist and painter. Computer Consultants, Technical Call 718-471-3258. Support, Network, Internet Solutions. Housekeeper Matchmaker We Call 800-613-2634. specialize in Housekeeper placements Wallpapering/painting. Every home in the Five Towns. Call early for needs a woman's touch. Pesach cleaning. Consultations available. Wallpapers, Szilvia: 917-620-2149. painting, and borders for any room of your house. 20 years experience in Handyman— Large and small home the area. Call Sasha at improvements and repairs. Call Steve 516-812-0089. at ISA. Licensed and insured. 516-812-0089.

86 March 16, 2007 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AUTOS HELP HELP REAL ESTATE FOR SALE WANTED WANTED FOR SALE

Cars are 4-Door and automatic shift Looking for something exciting to do Yeshiva Ketana Long Island seeks Far Rockaway 215 Beach 14th the last 2 weeks of August?!? Join experienced, warm, and dedicated Street. Two family, 3/3 4 full bath, unless specified. Most cars have a 1- full finished basement, needs TLC, year bumper to bumper warranty. Ohel Bais Ezra's End of Summer nursery teacher September 07. good investment opportunity. Price Programs in Brooklyn and Queens Please fax resume 516-791-3901. reduction $575K. 2006 Nissan Sentra—white, 9K Weissman Realty Group, LLC. serving children and young adults Morah position available in Queens factory warranty, mint condition 718-327-5600 or 718-327-8743. with developmental disabilities. pre-school camp. Caring and respon- ...... $11,900 Separate boys & girls programs. sible a must. Competitive salary. Cedarhurst house 575 Oxford Road 2004 Ford Taurus—silver, 20k Positions Available: Art & Music 718-755-1299. Also seeking coun- 4 BR split + guest BR. Renovated, kosher granite kitchen, FDR/LR, power everything...... $7,900 Specialties Head Counselors, selors aged 16+. den/family room, large backyard Group Leaders, Counselors, 2003 Infiniti I35—39k miles, pearl $$$$$$ $500 Sign On Bonus $$$$$$ Price $635K Volunteers For more info call Weissman Realty Group white leather,sunroof,power..$12,900 Ohel Bais Ezra is offering a $500 718-327-5600, 718-327-8743. Yocheved at 718-686-1350, or email Sign On Bonus to successful candi- 2001 Chevy Lumina—38K miles, [email protected]. dates for the following positions: Woodmere, by owner. 5 BR split, 2.5 white, ABS traction power..... $5,500 Call Center Sales Reps— Fast paced Direct Care Worker— Sunday bths, c/ac, great location, walk to all. $679K. Call 516-569-4042 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix—57k "Support Israel" credit card company through Thursday 3:00 - 11:00 p.m. miles, brown, power everything, alloy seeks PT and FT aggressive call cen- or awake overnights Sunday through Hewlett move right in 4 BR, 2.5 Thursday 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. for bths, hardwood floors, new roof, new wheels...... $5,500 ter sales reps. Pleasant phone manner security, walk to YIH and YSS.$625K 2000 Honda Civic—54K miles, and computer knowledge a must. our new East 14th Street group home Weissman Realty Group for women with developmental dis- 718-327-5600 or green LX, power windows...... $5,500 Flexible evening hours. Great abilities and Registered Nurse— part 718-327-8743. 1999 Ford Contour—46K miles, Atmosphere. Hourly base + commission! Hewlett location. Please e-mail time in Flatbush or full time in Long Cedarhurst/Lawrence — 7+ BR, red, 4 cylinder, power, excellent 4.5 bths, EIK, FDR, LR, den, two resume to [email protected] Island. English communication and condition...... $4,300 writing skills required for all posi- master suites, wood floors through- or call 516-761-8425 to schedule out, huge finished basement, 3-zone tions. Phone: 718-686-3102, Fax: 1999 Ford Taurus—53k miles, an interview. CAC, walk to shopping, railroad, YILC/Chabad. $835K by owner. silver, sunroof, power all...... $4,800 718-851-6428, E-mail: Full-time Youth Services and [email protected]. In order 516-860-9624 1999 Ford Taurus—43k miles, Summer Camp Director. Entry- to qualify, applicant must: 1. Respond Cedarhurst— Great Location. Mint blue, CD changer, power everything level position. Must be highly organ- to this ad by Friday March 23, 2007, condition. 3 BR,2 bths, 60x100, large ...... $4,700 ized and personable. Please e-mail 12:00 noon. 2. Meet the qualifica- basement, LR, DR, kitchen. Close to all. $550 or rent $3000/m Asher 1999 Mercury Sable—52K miles, resume to [email protected]. tions for the positions advertised in Cohen Realty. 516-569-5759. this ad. 3. Be hired and pass probation. blue, leather, sunroof, power every- Inwood— Spacious house with huge thing...... $4,900 Your Real Estate, United Colors of Benetton on Central back and side yard. 4/5 BR, 2 full Service, Ave in Cedarhurst seeks p/t sales- bths, new floor and windows. $479.999. 2002 Mitsubishi Galant GTZ— Call Janet 516-569-0056 person with style, who is comfortable 47K miles, white, leather, sunroof, or Help Wanted Ad with people and computers. Amazing Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU V6, side airbags...... $7,900 Here Every Thursday 3 over 1 Br. 3Fbth, Grt Shomer Shabbos atmosphere! 1996 Nissan Altima—80K miles, Location...... $599K 100,000 readers look Call 516-295-0310 ask for Avrohom Call 516-322-3555 black, power windows...... $2,500 forward to what’s Salesperson needed for women's North Woodmere— House for sale Automaven 516-996-5555 happening in the boutique. Cheerful, professional, and by owner. 4 BR, 2.5 bths split, new 5 Towns by reading windows, new finished basement, detail-oriented. Sales experience EIK, large den, move-in-condition. HELP The Five Towns needed. Full or p/t positions. For $685K 516-791-6655 WANTED more info call Amy at 516-374-1095. Jewish Times. Woodmere Co-op— Prime location. Fax resumes to 516-295-7287. Deadline is Monday First floor. 2 BR, 1.5 bths, oversized LR, walk to shul and RR, owner. Coordinator for End of Summer at 5:00 p.m. $349K 516 295-3857 Program Seeking a program coordi- 1 Week...... $35 nator to organize and supervise the Kings Point Delray Beach condo management of a 10-day end of sum- 2 Weeks ...... $60 for sale 1100 sq. feet. 2 BR, 2 bths, mer program for children and new European kitchen and appli- 4 Weeks ...... $100 ances, updated bath, new carpets, 24- teenagers with special needs in hour guarded community. Golf, Queens during the last two weeks in Weekly Ads of up to 25 words theater, library. $199,999. August. Applicants must have experi- Call 631-664-0075. Call: 516-569-0502 ence working with the developmental- 5 TOWN HOMES ly disabled population, as well as Fax: 516-977-0608 supervisory experience. Ohel Bais Or E-mail ads to: 516-569-5710 Ezra, phone 718-686-3102, fax [email protected] VALLEY STREAM: OPEN HOUSE 718-851-6428, email 202 Hollywd Ave,(12-1:30 pm)(2-4) [email protected] Include payment info. Cape, brick, MIC, 3Br, NU Eik ...... $499K CEDARHURST: OPEN HOUSE 11-1 p.m. 321 Peninsula Blvd - All renov., 4 Br, 2 Bth, Lg Prop...... $469K CEDRHRST: Ranch: Renov’d, 3 Br, 2Bth, Lg prop. PRICED TO SELL...... $519K 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Classified Ads are Continued on the Next Page.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES March 16, 2007 87 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 87 FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Far Rockaway – Lg. Hse Rental: Room for rent at busy hair salon. Cedarhurst — House Rental 4br, 2bth, bsmt., Hi ceil’g, NU bths, 516-374-1144 LR/FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt. W\D. Call 516-322-3555. $2,300. Call 516-322-3555. Commercial Building For Sale in Cedarhurst—House Rental; Lr/FDR, Bayswater—"Forget Far Rockaway". den, 3br., 2.5 bth. Fin. bsmt.$2500. Far Rockaway—Legal 2 Family, Lynbrook— 36,000 SF. Office and 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Lr, Dr, manufacturing use. Amazing location Move to this cozy Bayswater 1 BR Call 516-322-3555 apartment. Furnished or unfurnished, EIK, laundry room, hardwood floors. on Broadway. $3,000,000 516-792- Lori & Associates 516-791-8300. 9888. EquiShares Real Estate private entrance, washer and dryer. Apt for rent in Israel. Available Call 516-374-3635. March 22-April 14. Stunning spacious 3 br. 1.5 bth, DSL,1/2 flight Far Rockaway— Apartment avail- 5 Towns Jan Kalman Realty down. Ideal for Pesach. $1000- able. Brand new construction. Cedarhurst — House Rental FDR, $3000. 845-364-7164 Furnished or unfurnished. 3 BR, Open Houses, Sun. 3/18 den, 3br, 2.5bth,Bsmt. $2,500. 2bths. Cleaning and laundry services 42 Carman Av, Ced (12-3) Call 516-322-3555. Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office available. Perfect for the elderly. Renov 5BR...... $749K Spaces. 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Call Sherri 516-569-5450. 562 Oxford Av, Ced (11:30-1) Lawrence, 2-3 bedroom, 2 bath, Floor. Near Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can Be Divided. Lawrence — 2 Br, LR, 1 Bth, all nu quaint carriage house, private yard, Renov. Red...... $598 Owner 917-359-9776. apt., own heat. 917-757-9351. 451 Westminster, Ced (12-1:30) long driveway, walk to all, possible Renov...... $649K mother-daughter. $1800/ month 1057 Quentin, Wdm (1:30-3) Call 917-642-4308. Mint Col...... $655K Cedarhurst—House Rental; kit, den, Deadline for classified 812 Glen Dr, Wdm (11-12:30) 3br., 2.5 bth. bsmt.$2500 Reblt 4BR,...... $675K 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 552 Derby, Wdm (11-12:30) Renov Rnch...... $7s Woodmere. Elevator building. Close advertising in the next issue is 353 Wdmere Blvd (12-1:30) to train and houses of worship. Kesef Renov 4BR...... $949K Holdings. Call Sonya 516-284-0262 115 Ocean Av, H. Nk (1-2:30) Renov 4BR ...... $1.599M Warehouse Space in Monday, March 19 Woodmere/Hewlett — 1150 Broadway 1320 Auerbach, H. Hbr (3:30-5:30) 5,000-30,000 avail. Will divide. 8BR Col...... $2.48M 516-792-9444 660 Nutley Pl, N. Wdm (1-3) EquiShares Real Estate at 5:00 P.M. Mint Spl. IGP...... $659K Private office space in 759 Sherwood, N. Wdm (11:30-1) Hewlett/Woodmere— All utilities Fab Spl...... $759K included, Conference room, On-site parking, 24/7 Access. $600 P/M. Call 516-569-0502 516-792-9444 JanKalman.com 516-569-5651 EquiShares Real Estate

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