Rabbi’S Musings a Shabbat Thought As I See It Dating Today Frontlines Endearing Miracles Barack Hussein Kallahzilla Mr

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From left: MK Mickey Zohar, who hosted the Knesset event; guest speaker Gov. Mike Huckabee; co-Vice President, Dr. Joe Frager SEE STORY ON P. 49 SEE STORY ON P. 29, AND 30/31 SEE STORY ON P. 51

Rabbi’s Musings A Shabbat Thought As I See It Dating Today Frontlines Endearing Miracles Barack Hussein Kallahzilla Mr. Kerry: Israel Flexibility Around Us Obama’s Final Will Always Be A Salvo Stabs Israel By Goldy Krantz Jewish Democracy By Rabbi Dani Staum By Rabbi David Algaze In The Back es, the title of the article is a take-off of the term, By Dr. Joseph M. Frager t was defi nitely one of the he Torah is very precise in YBridezilla. We’ve all heard “most unique” gifts I ever re- every detail, and yet here By Cynthia Zalisky the term, but what does it really Iceived. Since it was given to Twe fi nd a fl agrant discrep- mean? According to Wikipedia, ast week, Secretary Kerry me, I am hardly ever apart from ancy in the count. Although the Bridezilla may refer to: “a bride decided to end his politi- it. This may sound funny, but verse gives the offspring of Leah lan Dershowitz, the famed whose behavior is seen as de- Lcal career by taking a part- when it’s with me, I constantly as 33, when counting the names Jewish attorney, was in- manding or unreasonable.” The ing shot at his perceived and feel embraced, as if in a bear hug. we get only 32! Rashi explains Aterviewed last week and word uses the “-zilla” suffi x de- imaginary nemesis, the State of CONTINUED ON P. 9 CONTINUED ON P. 14 CONTINUED ON P. 25 CONTINUED ON P. 52 CONTINUED ON P. 24

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7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 1 2 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 3 4 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 5 Stories Of Greatness R’ Dovid Hoffman The Czar’s Query

pon the death of R’ Chaim Volozhin- R’ Itzele, zt”l, would often appear before pray for the victory of the Kaiser? Is this “is as follows. Imagine a sailor in the east- er, zt”l, in 5582 (1821), the leadership the leaders of the government in Russia, not a contradiction, rendering the entire ern part of the sea who wants to travel Uof the Volozhin yeshivah was trans- meeting with various ministers on a whole prayer meaningless?” westward. He cannot set out upon his ferred to his son, R’ Yitzchok, or as he was host of issues. In most cases, he was called R’ Itzele lost no time in responding to journey unless he has the cooperation of known, R’ Itzele Volozhiner, zt”l. During upon to defend the Jews in the face of offi - the Czar’s question. “Your Majesty has the wind. At that very same time, how- his administration at Volozhin, R’ Itzele cial oppressive decrees that were frequent- said that he has seen the translation of ever, there is a sailor on the other end of had a profound infl uence, not only on the ly passed in that country. It happened on the prayer,” he began. “Certainly, then, the ocean who requires a westerly wind yeshivah and its students, but upon all of one occasion that R’ Itzele appeared as Your Majesty is aware that it begins with to carry him to the east. How, then, is it Russian, Polish, and Lithuanian Jewry. He the head of a rabbinical delegation at the the words, ‘He Who makes paths through possible that boats do in fact travel from was considered a leader among his people, Czar’s palace. When they arrived, none the sea, and passages through the mighty one end of the sea to the other, in both and like his father before him, became a other than Nicholas I, the Czar himself, ap- waters, may He exalt and uplift... the great directions, at the same time? This is in- spokesman for Torah Jewry. deed a marvel of nature that shows the The period in which R’ Itzele lived was greatness of G-d’s might in the world; that a very diffi cult one for Jews under czarist “How can the Jews in Russia pray for my victory, He can permit the existence of two oppo- rule. Many were the decrees and plots car- while the Jews in Germany pray for the victory of the Kaiser?” site forces to operate at the same time. ried out against the defenseless and op- This same attribute is applied by Him in pressed Jews, and perhaps even more so His Divine guidance of kings and rulers. were those plans that were foiled. R’ Itzele peared and wished to address the rabbinic Czar.’ Of all the magnifi cent praises that The Almighty, in His great wisdom, can once commented on the state of affairs by delegation. The Czar, known for his ex- we could say of the Almighty Lord, why is arrange that the Czar will be blessed with quoting a pasuk in Tehilim: “The nations treme cruelty toward his Jewish subjects, it that the prayer chooses this particular, victory and yet, at the same time, the Kai- will praise Hashem... for He bestows upon presented R’ Itzele with the following que- rather unusual, description of G-d as the ser will also be triumphant!” us His kindness.” Why, he asked, would the ry: “I know that you Jews say a prayer for ‘Guider of ships through the sea’? Why is R’ Itzele’s brilliant reply was enthusias- gentile nations of the world praise Hash- the welfare of the Czar every Saturday in this phrase, above all others, chosen to il- tically accepted, and this encounter facili- em for doing kindness to us, the Jewish your synagogue. I have seen a translation lustrate G-d’s greatness?” tated his mission, enabling him to benefi t people? R’ Itzele’s answer was apt for the of this prayer, in which you beseech your Nicholas I pondered this question for a from a warm reception from the Czar, who times: currently there are so many decrees G-d to grant me success and victory in all moment. Then, he demanded an answer. was generally known to be a bitter antago- and evil plots hatched against klal Yis- my undertakings. At fi rst, I was fl attered. “The answer,” R’ Itzele quickly countered, nist of the Jews. rael by the gentiles, that even before we But now I know that it’s all empty words, become aware of them they are already for I have become aware of the fact that Rabbi Dovid Hoffman is the author of the popular “Torah Tavlin” book series, fi lled foiled by Hashem. Only the gentile rulers Jews in other countries say the exact same with stories, wit and hundreds of divrei Torah, including the brand new “Torah Tavlin know how many of their evil plots were prayer for their own ruler. How, then, can Yamim Noraim” in stores everywhere. You’ll love this popular series. Also look for his book, meant to be and, ultimately, forestalled. It this prayer be explained? I have for sev- “Heroes of Spirit,” containing one hundred fascinating stories on the Holocaust. They are is they, therefore, who praise G-d, for they eral years been at war with the Kaiser of fantastic gifts, available in all Judaica bookstores and online at http://israelbookshop- see how He guards over and protects His Germany. How can the Jews in Russia pray publications.com. To receive Rabbi Hoffman’s weekly “Torah Tavlin” sheet on the parsha, nation. for my victory, while the Jews in Germany e-mail [email protected]

6 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 PUBLISHED BY Community Calendar – Rebecca Wittert ...... 43 Queens Jewish Link, LLC Recent Happenings – Susie Garber, Sergey Kadinsky, QJL Staff ...... 28-42 RABBINIC CONSULTANT Snapshots – Shua Katz ...... 36/37 Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld Classifieds & Real Estate ...... 66 MANAGING EDITOR Naftali Szrolovits General Interest Forecast This Week in History - Yakov Merkin ...... 22/23 SENIOR CONSULTANTS Financially Forward - Gerald Harris ...... 21 Yaniv Meirov Cynthia Zalisky FRI • JAN 6 TUE • JAN 10 Style & Living Helen Hoffman Beauty Briefs - Risselle Naimark ...... 62 35° 42° Dating Today – Goldy Krantz ...... 52 Rebecca Wittert NEW! Foodie Adventures – Bracha Serle ...... 61 Sergey Kadinsky 23° 34° Interior Design for the 99% – Zisi Naimark ...... 63 ADVERTISING MANAGER Style Myths Debunked - Meira E. Schneider-Atik ...... 54 Yaakov Serle Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Light & Fun COPY EDITORS Feelin’ Funny – Mordechai Schmutter ...... 57 The Fun Side – QJL Staff...... 65 R’ Yisroel Benedek SAT • JAN 7 WED • JAN 11 Snippets of Strange – QJL Staff ...... 18-21 Rivky Bergstein History Fun Sheet – ‘The Famous Abba’ ...... 50 32° 49° STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Mental Health & Physical Wellness Shua Katz 21° 37° Helpful Books Worth a Look - Eta Feuerman-Yaeger ...... 47 SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Hooked on Healing – Caroline Schumsky ...... 46 Staying Fit – Dov Segal ...... 45 Rachel Goldsmith Cloudy Showers Opinion As I See it – Cynthia Zalisky ...... 25 SUN • JAN 8 THU • JAN 12 Blue and White - Shmuel Sackett ...... 27 For what it’s Worth – Warren Hecht ...... 26 32° 45° Frontlines – Dr. Joseph Frager ...... 24 Your Say ...... 10 16° [email protected] 31° Parshah/Torah/Tefilah Rabbi’s Musings & Amusings – R’ Dani Stam ...... 1 718-880-2622 Mostly Sunny Showers 68-68 Main St., Flushing, NY 11367 A Shabbat Thought – R’ David Algaze ...... 1 www.QueensJewishLink.com The Shmuz on the Parshah – R’ Ben Tzion Shafier ...... 12 MON • JAN 9 FRI • JAN 13 Stories of Greatness – R’ Dovid Hoffman ...... 6 Design by Design2pro.com Weekly Tefilah Focus ...... 16 Design & Production 37° 38° Special Articles MICHAEL KUROV • Art Director Vleigh Place Fire Destroys 14 Businesses - Sergey Kadinsky ...... 29 27° 31° A Changed Landscape – Judah S. Harris ...... 30/31 Distributed by The Jewish Genius Of Wall Street: Remembering ‘Igo’ On His 11th Yahrtzeit – Gerald Harris ...... 49 Governor Mike Huckabee Headlines Prime Media Distribution Mostly Sunny Partly Cloudy Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Knesset Symposium - Shimmy Blum ...... 51

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 7 8 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Rabbi’s Musings & Amusings Rabbi Dani Staum Endearing Flexibility

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 anyone who praises Yehudah for his compromise with Yosef is considered a blas- This gift understands me and my needs phemer. Shimon and Levi had suggested better than anyone I know. It’s fl exible in that they kill Yosef, while Reuven wanted the sense that, on days when I need space, to save him. Yehudah had suggested that it will grant it to me, and on days when I they sell him. Yehudah’s compromise was need a stronger connection it will provide deemed inappropriate. If Yosef was truly that as well. It supports me in ways few deserving of death (because they deemed others can, and never leaves my side, un- him a rodef – see S’forno), they should have less I want it to. I can enjoy the gift based killed him. If he was worthy of being saved, on my own level. It’s durable and uncom- Yehudah should have urged them to bring promising, and grows with me. him home. But compromising ultimately Can you think of a more endearing gift? accomplished nothing. Flexibility is one of the most important There is no time of year that serves as a character traits necessary for all successful greater reminder for this concept than Cha- human relationships. The ability to com- nukah. In an age of political correctness, promise and not stand on principle is one where everyone is afraid to speak the truth, of the keys to getting along with others. the message of Chanukah is ever so vital. And yet there are times when one can- We are charged with being like the holy not, and must not, compromise. There are Maccabees, prepared to stand our ground situations in which one must be unfl inch- in regard to our adherence to the precepts ingly rigid and unbending. Those are times of Torah and halachah. when one’s ethics and beliefs are called We would be wise to remember that into question. we are not the defenders of the Torah; but Life is full of challenges wherein one rather the upholders of the Torah. We must must be able to walk a fi ne line, and not never be apologetic for our beliefs. veer towards extremes. As a classic exam- Isn’t it fascinating that the two compo-

Flexibility is one of the most important character traits necessary for all successful human relationships ple, parents must be loving and accepting, nents of the Chanukah holiday contain yet they must also be demanding discipli- these two polar opposite expressions. They narians. Finding that delicate balance is went to war with a feeling of defi ance and never easy. unrepentant religious zeal. The miracle of In a similar vein, as Jews, we have an the Menorah, however, was only able to obligation to be gregarious, pleasant, and occur because the Maccabees subjugated gracious. Being fl exible, and swallowing themselves to the opinion of their leader- one’s pride for the sake of another, is of ship in deciding what to do with that one the hallmarks for living a Torah life. How- jug of oil – the delicate balance of infl exi- ever, when our beliefs and adherence to bility and subjugation. halachah is challenged, we have to be ob- I conclude by expressing again how stinate and infl exible. After all, halachah is thankful I am for the gift I received this not ours to tamper with, but rather direc- Chanukah. After all, what is more embrac- tives that we are bound to follow. ing, supporting, and yet fl exible than… a In Parshas VaYeishev, after Yosef was belt. (I could have thrown in that it’s also sold, the brothers banished Yehudah. The hole-y, but that would have been corny.) Torah states that Yehudah “went down It may seem like a lame gift, but when from his brothers” and had to live away you don’t have a belt you really learn to from his family for some time. That is when appreciate its importance and value. And the whole ordeal with Tamar occurred. after a few doughnuts and latkes, its fl ex- The Gemara (Sanhedrin 6b) states that ibility is all the more important.

Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW, is the Rabbi of Kehillat New Hempstead, as well as guidance counselor and ﬁ fth-grade rebbe in ASHAR, and Principal at Mesivta Ohr Naftoli of New Windsor. He can be reached at [email protected]. His website is www.stamtorah.info.

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 9 Your Say • Readers Write

Obama administration. and that he, in effect, is only calling the Dear Editor: Now that the masks have been removed bluff of both the Arabs and Obama/Kerry? I read Shmuel Sackett’s column in your and the true nature of Obama and Kerry I have often thought that Mr. Netanya- voice of reconciliation, and I hope that last issue (“The UN Vote: It’s Not Obama’s have been revealed, one ought to stand in hu has the hardest job in the world, and time and mutual respect will overcome the Fault”) with a great deal of distress. In this awe of the way that Netanyahu has han- he is remarkably good at it. Is he perfect? hate and the darkness. article, Sackett claimed that there is only dled himself over these many years. It is No one is. But he deserves our support, Richard Silverman “one person responsible for this terrible easy to criticize from the outside. How respect, and admiration, and not ridicule, UN vote. His name is Benjamin Netanya- would Mr. Sackett have been able to with- especially at this time. hu.” He then launches into a distortion of stand, on the one hand, the enormous Rabbi Yehuda L. Oppenheimer the record, listing Netanyahu’s shortcom- pressure of the international community, Forest Hills Dear Editor: ings as having publicly supported a two- the UN, the Obama administration and – I was instrumental in establishing the state solution, being unwilling to com- Israeli National Skin Bank, which is the pletely annex Judea and Samaria, having largest in the world. The National Skin imposed a freeze on any settlement activ- Our nation is at a low point, Bank stores skin for everyday needs, as well ity for some time and not having allowed and Mr. Obama is trying everything to disrupt and cause chaos as for wartime or mass casualty situations. new settlements, and arresting Jews for The skin bank is hosted at the Hadassah praying on the Temple Mount. Not only Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem, where I that, Netanyahu has publicly stated that worst of all – the Israeli Leftists, consis- was the Chairman of Plastic Surgery. This “he is ready to sit any time and any place tently demonizing Israel for its policies Dear Editor: is how I was asked to supply skin for an with PLO President Abbas to continue the in the “Occupied Territories” and often I read Rabbi Schonfeld’s article (“Unity (Muslim) Arab woman from Gaza, who was peace process, and that he envisions a re- for its very existence, while on the other Now – just do it my way”) with great in- hospitalized in Soroka Medical Center in gion where two democratic states, Israel hand, facing the anger and frustration of terest. Be’er Sheva, after a gas tank explosion. and Palestine, live side by side in peace the Israeli Right and the residents of Judea, Yesterday, I visited my friend. Over We supplied all the needed homograft with secure and recognized borders.” Samaria, and East Jerusalem demonizing lunch, he related how his wife and daugh- for her treatment. She was successfully He fi nishes, as usual, by saying that only him for not doing enough to support their ter were at odds (at war) with him because treated by my friend and colleague Prof. Moshe Feiglin and his employer, the Zehut agenda? How would he deal with a world he was conservative and a Trump support- Lior Rosenberg and discharged to return to Party, can save Israel. press that is horribly biased and unfair er. They started marital counseling. The Gaza. She was invited for regular follow-up Firstly, this is an awful and foolish thing with class and intelligence and with their daughter is antagonistic, bad mouthing visits to the outpatient clinic in Be’er She- to write at this time, when Netanyahu has grudging respect? How would Mr. Sackett her father. Besides being a blue Democrat, va. to negotiate so many landmines in the – deal with the rockets and terror tunnels she is gay. My friend says his life is a micro- One day she was caught at a bor- thankfully – fi nal days of Barak Hussein and terrorists in protecting Israelis while cosm of our country. After eight years of der-crossing wearing a suicide belt. Her Obama’s presidency. (It is only surpassed at the same time dealing with a hostile hy- identity politics, Barack Obama has divid- mission was to explode herself in the out- by the brilliance of Israeli AG Mandel- percritical world that fi nds fault in every- ed America almost to the breaking point. patient clinic of the very hospital where blit’s decision to open a corruption inves- thing that Israel does? Does not Mr. Sack- Our nation is at a low point, and Mr. they saved her life. tigation against Netanyahu now, and not ett know and understand, as everyone else Obama is trying everything to disrupt This is only one example of the war be- wait at least a month.) More importantly, does, that when Netanyahu says that he and cause chaos. He is pressing our hot tween Jews and Muslims in the Land of it belies a total lack of appreciation of the is for a two-state solution, he knows that buttons. I have hope that Mr. Obama will Israel. It is not a territorial confl ict; this is class, dignity, resoluteness, and wisdom this costs him nothing (except for Sackett’s overplay his hateful hand and, just like a civilizational confl ict - or rather a war be- that Binyamin Netanyahu has shown in approval), because there is no one on the that, G-d will step in and help us heal. tween civilization and barbarism. the face of dealing with the hostility of the Arab side willing to negotiate a real peace, Thank you, Rabbi Schonfeld, for being a Dr. Arieh Eldad

10 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 11 The Shmuz On The Parshah R’ Ben Tzion Shafier By What Currency Do You Measure Success? “And they related to him all the words of very different value system than we do. To Yosef that he had spoken to them, and he them, their words of Torah and novel un- saw the wagons that Yosef had sent to trans- derstandings of it were earth-shattering. port him; then the spirit of their father Yaa- Because they understood the value of To- kov was revived.” rah and the change that it brought to them — B’reishis 45:27 and to the world they lived in, they recognized learning as one of the most signifi - or 22 years Yaakov Avinu was in a cant activities a human can ever engage in. state of mourning. His beloved son, And so, they lived those Torah discussions Fthe one who most closely followed as epic moments in time. in his ways, the one whom he envisioned For that reason, the sugya that Yaakov as the leader of the next generation, had and Yosef last discussed was ever-present in been taken from him – and the boy was Yaakov’s mind. It wasn’t just another detail still a youth. For all those years, Yaakov was in his day; it was a defi ning moment. That inconsolable. Now the brothers had come is why Yosef took it as a given that one of back with the news: “Yosef is still alive!” the fi rst things that his father would think At fi rst Yaakov could not believe it – it just about when recalling him was their last To- couldn’t be. The brothers convinced him rah discussion, and therefore, the play on that it was true by showing him the wag- words would not be distant from his mind. ons that Yosef had sent. Rashi explains that the wagons were a Changing Currency code. The last sugya (Torah topic) that Yo- One of the secrets to the Avos’ success sef had been learning with his father was was their clarity in values. They knew what Eglah Arufah, about a calf that is killed for was truly precious and how valuable it was. atonement. The Hebrew word eigel, or calf, One of the secrets to the Avos’ success was their clarity in values. This is very different from what we typical- is similar to agalah, which means wagon. They knew what was truly precious and how valuable it was ly experience. Most people we meet spend Yosef was using a play on words to refer their lives with ever-changing priorities; back to the last topic that they discussed that which was so important at one stage in their Torah studies. Once Yaakov saw the this. It’s a clear sign that it’s Yosef. He is still expect his father to vividly recall a conver- becomes insignifi cant and irrelevant at an- wagons, his mind was reminded of their alive!” sation that they had had 22 years earlier. other. last Torah discussion, and he knew that Yo- The problem with this Rashi is that it Even if Yosef had sent back a clear message, To a young boy growing up in America, sef was alive. “No one else could have known is diffi cult to imagine that Yosef would it would be diffi cult to imagine that Yaakov sports are king. That’s what really counts would remember a conversation that far in his world. But it doesn’t last. It is soon back. But that isn’t what Yosef did. He sent replaced by friends and being popular. As the wagons as a cryptic hint. Why did Yosef he matures, grades and what college he gets assume that his father would recall their into become the measure of success. With- conversation from that? And how, in fact, in a short while, his career and making did Yaakov make the connection? money are all that really matter. This phase The answer to this question lies in un- passes, as well, and then he fi nds himself derstanding the signifi cance of certain willing to trade away huge amounts of his events. wealth to build his reputation. As he nears retirement, his health and then his future Where Were You When Kennedy Died? nursing home become his primary concern. Each generation has its defi ning mo- Throughout his existence, that which was ments. If you ask people who grew up in precious and coveted at one point becomes America in the 1960s where they were when devalued and traded away as new priori- Kennedy was shot, many will be able to de- ties take over. The currency is constantly scribe not only where they were standing changing. And so, while at each stage of life when they heard the news, but even the he may have done well, in the totality of details of the wallpaper of the room they what he has accomplished, it may not be were in. much. Since he lived with an ever-changing In more recent times, if you ask some- system of values, he likely has not come one, “Where were you on 9/11?” many peo- even close to achieving his potential. ple will vividly recall the exact part of the This concept applies to all of us. When offi ce they were standing in and who they we have done our job here, we will leave were talking to when they heard about the this earth, and we will view things from Twin Towers going down. The same per- a very different perspective. Our curren- son who can’t remember what he had for cy then will be profoundly different from breakfast this morning can clearly recall an the way it is now. The amount of money event that happened years ago. that we had, the honor that we received, Certain events make an indelible im- and even our place in the community, just pression upon us. Because of their signif- won’t matter to us. And we will then look icance and deep meaning, they become back and realize that had we been focused permanently etched into our minds. If we on true values, we could have accom- didn’t understand the implications of the plished so much more and we could have moment, or if we didn’t view them as mon- become so much greater. umental, they would pass as just another The Avos lived their lives with Olam one of the millions of events that we live HaBa (the World to Come) fi rmly in front through. But because we see these events of them. This clarity shaped the value sys- as world-changing, as moments in history, tem that motivated them in everything they become part of us forever. they did. We need to use them as a model This seems to be the answer to this so that we can learn to measure our accom- Rashi. The Avos (Forefathers) lived with a plishments in a currency of eternal value.

Born and bred in Kew Gardens Hills, R’ Ben Tzion Shafier joined the Choftez Chaim Ye- shiva after high school. Shortly thereafter he got married and moved with his new family to Rochester, where he remained in for 12 years. R’ Shaﬁ er then moved to Monsey, NY, where he was a Rebbe in the new Chofetz Chaim branch there for three years. Upon the Rosh Yeshiva’s request, he stopped teaching to devote his time to running Tiferes Bnei Torah. R” Shaﬁ er, a happily married father of six children, currently resides in Monsey.

12 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 13 A Shabbat Thought R’ David Algaze Miracles Around Us “These are the sons of Leah whom she many miracles that go unrecorded and to this fact: There are miracles around us, vivor, an illustrious rabbi in Lithuania bore to Jacob…all the people – his sons and not mentioned in the Torah at all. Not ev- all the time. As we say in our daily prayers, – Rabbi Mordechai Prugmansky – who daughters numbered thirty-three.” ery miracle is noted because, unlike com- “For the miracles and wonders that are asked why there was no prophecy about (Beresheet 46:15) mon opinion, miracles are not that rare with us every day, evening, morning, and the rise of a Jewish state before the arriv- or infrequent. On the contrary, the entire midday...” A famous witty comment by an al of the Messiah! The Rabbis prepared us CONTINUED FROM P. 1 Torah and all the events recorded in it are Israeli leader summed it up well. He said, for the many tribulations we are to en- miraculous and not natural phenomena. “In Israel, to be a realist, you have to be- dure in the period prior to the Messiah’s that the 33rd child was Yocheved, Moses’ Miracles are the norm, not the exception. lieve in miracles!” I recently came across arrival – the period called “the birth pangs mother, who was born entering the gate- The Torah assumes that miracles are in a clever sign in a shop: “What is possible of the Messiah.” Why they did not inform way of the city in Egypt. the very fabric of Jewish history. is already done; the impossible is in prog- us of this great development of the birth Ibn Ezra (1089-1164) is very troubled by The only times that miracles are ex- ress, for miracles, expect a 48-hour delay.” of the State of Israel? He answers that this this interpretation, because if Yocheved plicitly mentioned are when a prophet For us, miracles occur every moment. is a period of testing of our faith and that was born at this point, then she would the periods of testing are not revealed in have been 130 years old when giving birth advance. Our times are for the gathering to Moses. The calculation is as follows: A miracle does not have to look like a miracle to be a miracle. of all Jews from around the world, in or- The slavery in Egypt was 210 years long This is an essential Jewish belief der to create a state that will respond to and Moses was 80 years old at the time Jewish ideals and principles. This is our of the Exodus. Since the sojourn in Egypt test today, and we must stand ﬁ rm so that commenced when Jacob and his family en- or an angel announces them and they Rav Moshe Sternbuch, a prominent we pass the test that G-d has delivered to tered Egypt and since Yocheved was born are fulﬁ lled. Therefore, we should not rabbinical leader in Jerusalem, comments our generation. at that point, therefore, she must have assume that something is not a miracle that Nachmanides’ point applies especial- Thus, not everything is recorded and ex- been 130 years old when she gave birth just because it does not appear to be so. ly to our generation – the last before the plained. There are things that will remain to Moses. Ibn Ezra is extremely troubled This is the principle behind the concept arrival of the Messiah. We have to accept hidden and unexplained. Miracles happen by this interpretation because this would of “hidden miracles.” There are miracles that every development is ordered by G-d around us, tests are sent our way – it is up have been a greater miracle than Sarah’s all around us, even as we perceive them and we have to believe in His kindness. to us whether we view them as miracles or giving birth at the age of 90 and yet the To- as natural occurrences. A miracle does not Therefore, as we acknowledge His design as natural and fortuitous events. Miracles rah does not even mention it. Therefore, have to look like a miracle to be a miracle. in every move and every occurrence, we do not come with greeting cards proclaim- he suggests another interpretation – that This is an essential Jewish belief. also have to be grateful to Him for all ing what they are and who sent them. As the 33rd person was Jacob himself. In Israel, we have witnessed many His kindnesses and mercies without sec- we hold on to the belief that there are Nachmanides (1194-1270) sharply and miracles in our time. The incredible rise ond-guessing Him or drawing any conclu- miracles around us all the time, we will be furiously disagrees with Ibn Ezra. He as- of the State of Israel and the attendant sions from His acts. able to understand the world better and serts that “hidden miracles” are a funda- events surrounding it, its surviving the at- Rav Sternbuch quotes a Holocaust sur- live with greater tranquility and faith. mental concept in Judaism and that the tack of all Arab nations, its ability to with- fact that Yocheved’s giving birth at 130 is stand isolation and incessant hostilities Rabbi David Algaze is the founder and Rav of Havurat Yisrael, Forest Hills. He is a noted public not recorded is not unusual. There are and, of course, the Six-Day War – all point speaker and author and is the President of the international Committee for the Land of Israel.

14 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 15 Weekly Tefilah Focus

Shemoneh Esrei 51 V’Al Nisecha: Miracles – Large and Small

V’al nisecha she’b’chol yom imanu, v’al most intolerable. As one of the younger nifl ’osecha v’tovosecha she’b’chol eis boys in a yeshivah that was fi lled to ca- for Your miracles that are with us ev- pacity, he had to sleep on a cold, hard ery day, and for Your wonders and favors fl oor. In the frigid winter with no heat in every season and no blankets, he was suffering. ***** “One Wednesday, he received a letter Throughout our history, Hashem has from his uncle inviting him to come join performed many open miracles and him in his business. He was a successful even many more hidden miracles for blacksmith with no children, and he as- klal Yisrael. Some of these open and sured his nephew that he would teach initially hidden miracles are celebrated him the trade, and the business would and “re-experienced” by us as we travel eventually become his. His uncle asked through time during the yearly cycle of him, “Why stay where you are in pover- yamim tovim. ty and hunger? Work for me and your HaRav Avigdor Miller zt”l, in his sid- life will be set.” The young Rav Shach dur Tefi los Avigdor, points out that we, thought about it for a day, and by Thurs- in our generation, experience nisim each day night, he decided his uncle was right. and every day, as we say in Modim: “for He was going to leave.

We are less cognizant of the miracles that occur to us at all times because they can be attributed to “nature.”

Your miracles that are with us every day.” “The next morning, a woman came to The difference between the past open the yeshivah, saying that her husband, a miracles, such as Y’tzias Mitzrayim, and blanket salesman, recently passed away. the miracles of today are that, in the She was in town sitting shiv’ah with his past, these miracles were open and re- family, and she had a few extra blankets vealed to all, whereas today miracles are that she wanted to donate to that yeshi- hidden, due to “hester Panim.” vah. They were heavy Russian blankets, The word “nisecha” includes both mir- fi lled with goose down. One of them was acles that occur to the klal and miracles given to the young Rav Shach. That Fri- that occur to us as individuals. These are day night, he was warmer than he had less frequent miracles. been all winter, and he decided to stay Perhaps we are less cognizant of the in yeshivah. miracles that occur to us at all times – “He eventually grew up to become the “Your wonders and favors in every sea- Gadol HaDor, a rav who impacted gener- son” – because they can be attributed ations of people to live Torah lives. That to “nature.” These miracles are more woman never remarried. She lived a qui- frequent and are disguised as “teva (na- et and seemingly uneventful life. Little ture).” did she know that her small act of kind- Each of us, in our own personal lives, ness changed the world. She will reap experiences hidden miracles all the time. the rewards for eternity.” Many times, these are “small” everyday Many of us ignore the blankets sent miracles, like fi nding a parking spot in to us by Hashem, not recognizing the an “impossible” area. miracles in our lives. Let us learn from Often we don’t recognize these more the way a gadol ha’dor recognized the frequent miracles. The following story miracles in his life, and the hakaras comes from “Emunah Daily,” produced ha’tov he displayed for Hashem’s worthy by Rabbi David Ashear: messenger. Let us seek Hashem out and “Rabbi Paysach Krohn told a story contemplate Hashem in our own lives about Rav Shach, in his old age, attend- more deeply, as we say in Hodu: “bakshu ing the funeral of a woman in Haifa who fanav tamid (seek His Presence always).” had very few relatives. Upon inquiry, Rav Shach explained who the woman was. To access Audio, Video, and Archives He said that when he was younger, learn- of previous Tefi lah segments, please visit ing in yeshivah, the conditions were al- www.WeeklyTefi lahFocus.com.

You can direct any questions or comments to Eliezer Szrolovits at 917-551-0150.

16 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 17 Snippets Of Strange

Freddy The 7-Foot-Tall drew said. A priest who organized the service said Great Dane Named Fleur when he was tiny so I had no idea he a “young boy” volunteer had accidentally was going to be this big at all.” downloaded the lyrics to the rap song in- World’s Tallest Dog Claire says she spends about $123 a week stead of the prayer while preparing the pro- to feed Freddy a diet consisting of whole gram. roast chickens and peanut butter on toast. “I had no experience with Danes and how big they should be and no expecta- Young Girl’s Teddy Bear tions,” she said. Despite the immense cost to keeping Goes On Airport Adventure the massive dog fed, Claire said she is “ut- terly devoted” to Freddy, who also draws After Being Left Behind quite a bit of attention while out in public. the girl that her stuffed friend would be “If we go out in the daytime we get inter- okay until she returned to Russia. rupted every ﬁ ve seconds,” she said. “Cars “While you swim and sunbathe, he lives brake and stop to look at him.” here,” the airport said. “Here are some photos of how he spends his time.” The photos show the sweater-wearing Rapper’s Lyrics bear enjoying a ride in a coin-operated rocket ship, having some honey cake, rid- Printed In Church Program ing a rocking horse, sleeping in the “children’s room,” lounging about with some In Place Of Prayer trees, and “waiting” for his young owner while watching planes out the window. New York Uber Driver’s Video Appears To Show Him Hit 236 Consecutive Green Lights

priest in Sri Lanka apologized after the program for one of the country’s Alargest holiday services contained rap lyrics instead of the traditional Catho- lic prayer, “Hail Mary.” Attendees at the church, during one of the country’s largest services, said they dis- covered the “Hail Mary” printed in a middle page of the program for the service wasn’t the prayer asking for the intercession of New York Uber driver’s dashboard Mary, but rather the lyrics to a 1997 song camera video purports to show him of the same name by late rapper Tupac Ahitting 236 consecutive green lights 7-foot-tall Great Dane in England Shakur. before stopping at a red. was revealed as the new Guinness “A lot of people were in shock as wheth- Noah Forman posted a video to YouTube AWorld Record holder for world’s er it was a joke or someone would actually showing his 26-minute Manhattan drive in tallest dog. rap the song,” said a man named Andrew, Russian airport shared photos of a the early morning hours Dec. 6, hitting 236 Guinness World Record offi cials identi- who attended the service. “A few of the young girl’s teddy bear having ad- green traffi c lights before being stopped by fi ed Freddy, who is 7 feet 6 inches tall when older ladies in front of us could not stop Aventures around the facility after it a red light. standing on his hind legs, as the world’s looking at the printed booklet.” was accidentally left behind when the girl A friend posted a condensed version of tallest. His owner, Claire, announced the Andrew said the misprint, which con- departed. the video, edited down to just over 4 min- news of the record to the public two weeks tained numerous profanities, went unad- Koltsovo International Airport said in a utes. ago. dressed during the service. Facebook post that the mother of a young Forman, who became a cab driver in Claire says she got Freddy as a puppy, “No explanation was given [by organiz- traveler named Ulyana contacted airport 2005 before turning to Uber, said the same and that he was the runt of the litter. She ers] at all,” he said. “They didn’t acknowl- staff Monday to tell them the young girl friend got him interested in green light was stunned when he grew larger than his edge it at the venue. To be honest, I don’t had lost her teddy bear somewhere at the runs a few years ago and encouraged him sister Fleur. think many people saw the booklet at all. facility before catching a plane to Thailand on a 186 green light streak a few years ago, “I got him a couple of weeks earlier The people that realized were shocked at on December 25. which he said was unoffi cially a borough than I should have done because he wasn’t fi rst but then took it in good humor around The airport’s post said staff quickly lo- record. feeding off mum, so he was feeling pretty me.” cated the bear and started snapping pic- poorly,” Claire said. “He was half the size of “To be honest, I was bursting inside,” An- tures of it around the airport to reassure CONTINUED ON P. 19

18 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Snippets Of Strange

CONTINUED FROM P. 18 King was crestfallen earlier this month, when she received a half-dozen dead canar- Forman’s latest feat bested his own re- Ashlynd’s holiday gifts. ies in a package marked with tire tracks. cord by nearly 60 lights. “Well, Santa found out and that is what Nothing can bring back the canaries He started his 27-minute journey near Santa is going to bring you for the holi- with tape to prevent injury to the reptile, from that fi rst mangled package, whose Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem and took days,” she said. takes two chomps from the alligator before tiny souls left this Earth somewhere be- Fifth Ave. down to Washington Square he brings it back to examine. tween Houston, Texas, and northern Ala- Park. The iPhone appears to still be function- bama. From there, he took Sixth Ave. up to South Carolina Man Starts al, but its screen is shattered to the point But the avian horror of that fi rst delivery 59th St., headed crosstown to Second Ave., of severely inhibiting the clarity of the pic- has been replaced by soothing orchestral and drove south until he hit Rivington St. GoFundMe To ‘Protect ture. music, King said. The sound made by a ca- He fi nally hit his fi rst red light in nearly The vlogger lowers the phone to the al- nary is one thing she loves about them, but a half hour of driving at the Bowery and Betty White From 2016’ ligator one last time and the animal takes a even better is the combined song produced Prince St. fi rm hold of the device. by a fl ock, she said. “Every now and then, I feel lucky and I The fi nal bite from the alligator, which “They sound like small instruments of give it an attempt, but this night I could tell took several seconds to release, renders the orchestra music,” she said. “It’s just beauti- right from the beginning it looked good,” phone completely inoperable. ful, soft, harmonizing, orchestrated music.” Forman said. Last Thursday, like seven small mythi- “It seems like you go with where the cal phoenixes who rose from the ashes, the lights take you. The minute I think too California Driver Places new birds arrived in Alabama. hard and I veer off course... I just get hit “They’re beautiful birds,” King said a few with a red light somewhere.” Plastic Zip Ties On Tires hours after their arrival. “They’re just pic- The driver said his new goal is to double ture perfect!” his current record. Instead Of Snow Chains “It’s not going to replace the other birds, “I would love to take it further,” he said. South Carolina man raised more but they did the next best thing and I’m “Not any time soon. Maybe in a year or two, than $2,000 in a GoFundMe cam- proud of them,” King said of the Postal Ser- see if I could get 500.” Apaign to “protect Betty White from vice. 2016.” A postal manager who visited King A man named Demetrios started the named one of them “Carrie Canary.” Pokemon-Crazed 6-Year-Old crowdfunding campaign to “protect” the Asked whether she’d use the Postal Ser- Golden Girls actress from the string of ce- vice again, King paused for a brief moment Uses Sleeping Mom’s lebrity deaths that took place in 2016. and then said: “I would. I really would.” “Help 2016 catch these hands if it goes Thumbprint To Buy $250 anywhere near Betty White! If she’s okay Worth Of Toys with it I will fl y to where ever Betty White South Korea Shuts Website is and keep her safe till Jan 1, 2017,” he wrote. Mapping Women In the likely event that White declined driver in California baffl ed local po- his “protection,” Demetrios revealed that lice by fi tting his tires with plastic Of Childbearing Age all of the funds from the campaign would Azip ties to combat the snowy condi- be used to fund a local theater. tions. “Now, assuming she doesn’t want a California Highway Patrol shared a pho- strange Greek standing guard outside her to of the unusual placement for traditional door all monies will be donated to the local snow chains, which offi cers spotted at a little theater to help craft new stars of stage chain control stop in Truckee. and screen to carry mantle of the legends “Can offi cially say we have never seen that have left us this year,” he said. this before,” police said. “Seriously don’t be Word about the campaign quickly this guy! Zip ties!” spread and it gathered $2,141 from 201 indi- Some commenters argued that the zip vidual backers within its fi rst 19 hours. ties in the photo were a special variety that Demetrios said he was inspired to include grips to emulate the effect of snow launch the fundraiser after actress Car- chains, but police clarifi ed that plastic ties outh Korea’s government closed its rie Fisher died on Tuesday and explained are not legal in California. website that drew fury for showing he has no connection to the theater apart “Not for driving on the highway,” police Sthe number of women in childbear- from enjoying their work. said. “We have never seen anyone try and ing age by each city district and region. “2016 has taken so many great artists and go through chain control with these be- The Ministry of the Interior’s website the theater helps support and nurture new fore.” featuring the pink birth map remained n Arkansas mom thought her Ama- budding talent in our town,” he said. “I’d closed last Friday, a day after its launch, zon account had been hacked until like to think that Betty, Carrie and Bowie showing instead a notice that the site is Aher 6-year-old admitted to using the would be happy with any proceeds going After Dead Birds undergoing corrections to refl ect public sleeping woman’s thumbprint to buy $250 to that cause, which I assure you it will!” opinion. worth of Pokemon. Arrive In Mail, The website had gone offl ine after just a Bethany said her daughter, Ashlynd, few hours following criticism the govern- used her mother’s thumbprint to unlock Vlogger Stress-Tests iPhone 7 Woman Gets Living Canaries ment is trying to shame women for not her iPhone while she was taking a nap and having babies. Some said the government opened the device’s Amazon app. By Having An Alligator Bite It treated the birth rate issue as concerning Bethany said that “$250 later, she has only women, pointing out that no picture shopped for all her Christmas presents on of men was used on the website. Amazon.” Using pink as the main color, the site Bethany said she thought she had been contained information on birth rates, ben- hacked when she received confi rmation efi ts from local governments on child rear- emails for $250 worth of Pokemon mer- ing, average marriage age, and other data. chandise - Ashlynd’s favorite - but the On top of the website, it showed a picture 6-year-old soon confessed to the shopping of a woman kissing a little girl. spree. In the birth map, the regions with a “’No, Mommy, I was shopping,’” Betha- higher number of female residents aged 15- ny recalled Ashlynd telling her. “’But don’t California tech vlogger tested out he carnage of broken wings and dead 49 were colored in dark pink while the re- worry - everything that I ordered is coming the durability of the iPhone 7 by pit- canaries that arrived in an Alabama gions with a lower number of such women straight to the house.’” Ating it against the famously power- Twoman’s mail have been replaced were shown in light pink. The site also fea- “She is really proud of herself,” the ful jaws of an alligator. by the cheerful chirps and tweets of brand tured a ranking of regions by the number mother said. The vlogger posted a video to YouTube new birds — live ones. of women aged 15-49. Bethany said she was able to return four showing him using a pole to entice an al- The U.S. Postal Service paid for seven Users could look up how many women of the items, but the rest of the purchases ligator, under the supervision of a handler, new canaries plus the postage needed to who can have a baby resided in their neigh- were non-refundable. to bite down on an iPhone 7. send them to Rhonda King, who operates a She said the Pokemon haul ended up as The phone, which had been covered hair salon in Alabama. CONTINUED ON P. 21

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 19 20 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Financially Forward Snippets Of Strange Gerald Harris CONTINUED FROM P. 19

borhood for the past 10 years. Lots Of Change Many users reacted with wonder and anger, saying they do not understand what the number of women who can get Coming To Your Money pregnant has to do with encouraging people to have more babies. “I felt so angered that it blatantly showed how the government saw women’s body as the country’s reproductive tools, not that belonging to the woman,” said a 24-year-old feminism writer. “I felt like nothing has changed and the hatred of women that I have experienced appeared again.” The government had touted it as a tool to increase the public’s understanding of the country’s low birth rate and compare the benefi ts from local governments for having a baby or raising a child. “It was established to encourage local governments to learn and compare other governments’ benefi ts and to promote free competition,” the ministry said in the hy are so many countries trying to dangers. Here’s how one of them explained press release at the time of its launch. eliminate cash? Is it because cash the issue. “[A cashless society] is being South Korea is struggling to boost its Wcan easily be lost, stolen, and is pushed as a crackdown on those who break rock bottom birth rate, one of the lowing a donation to cover the late fees — at diffi cult to trace? Or is there a more sinis- the law, but the reality is it’s all about the est among rich countries. This year, the the 1970s-era rate of a nickel a day. ter explanation? Whatever the answer, the government wanting to obtain 100 percent country also saw growth of vocal feminist The Minnesota man and his fam- trend is unmistakable in the U.S. and is even control over the fi nancial system.” movements protesting misogynist views ily gave the Maryland library a check for more evident in numerous other countries. There are some mainstream critics who refl ected in government policies and pop about $1,550 to cover the fees. A survey taken in 2014 by Vouchercloud share those concerns. “A cashless society culture. Jon Kramer says he was searching found that 57 percent of Americans “never” will certainly permit governments to ex- through his deceased parents’ library last carry cash, that 17 percent carry it just “some- ercise incredibly powerful control over all month at their cabin when he found a times,” and only 10 percent “always” carry human behavior,” Scott Shay, a founder and Massive Late Fee? camping book and a cookbook that had cash. According to CNBC, even back in 2013, former chairman of the board at Signature been checked out from a Maryland library 80 percent of U.S. consumer transactions Bank, told CNBC. No Problem: Check Covers in the 1970s. Kramer remembered family library Library Books 40 Years Later trips fondly and sent a $1,552.30 donation. Whether we like it or not, library lover who found two books Kramer says he’s keeping the books but efforts toward implementing a cashless society are accelerating more than four decades overdue at is willing to continue paying late fees in Aa vacation cabin in Canada is mak- the future. were electronic, and cash was used only What does this mean? If a government for small-ticket items. What does all of this staff employee suspects an individual of mean? That cash is already well on the way misconduct or fi nds that person’s politics or to being phased out and has taken a back speech unacceptable, by simply pushing a seat to other methods of making payments. few keys on a computer an individual could Without question, there are benefi ts to be denied access to his funds; they can even a cashless society. First, stores, companies, be transferred to the government. “A cash- and large organizations would not have to less society would cause an incalculable spend a great deal of money to track their cost to our humanity... We would lose our cash and keep it safe. And ordinary consum- freedom to make decisions,” Shay adds. ers would not have to carry lots of dollars when shopping or traveling at home or Ready Or Not, It’s Coming abroad. Whether we like it or not, efforts toward Unlike real money, plastic cards repre- implementing this policy are accelerating. senting cash can easily be canceled if stolen, Just take a look at these recent headlines: which not only adds a measure of protec- *Sweden is leading the way in Europe in tion but also deters their theft in the fi rst the race to become a cashless society. Close place. behind are its Nordic neighbors: Norway, And there are even more benefi ts. Reve- Denmark, and Finland; nues to local, state, and federal governments *According to an analysis in the Harvard would increase since the underground econ- Business Review, the following countries omy would come to an end. Billions could have the greatest potential for becoming a be saved by not having to print new money, cashless society: the U.S., The Netherlands, and the problems caused by very sophisti- Japan, Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, the cated counterfeiters would be eliminated. Czech Republic, China, and Brazil; Also, the absence of cash would make doing *Citigroup’s Gold Expert Demands a “business” very hard for drug dealers and Cash Ban; other criminals. *The War on Paper Currency Offi cially With so many benefi ts to people, govern- Begins: ECB Ends Production of 500 Euro ments, and companies, it seems as if a cash- Bill; less economy would be the best thing since *The Shift to A Cashless Society is Snow- sliced bread. balling But it also could introduce potential Surprisingly, it is India that has taken the problems. For example, if a technical mis- lead in this race. On Nov. 8, it pulled 86 per- take were made in recording your money it cent of its cash out of circulation, a very dra- can quickly vanish or be withheld from you matic move since more than 90 percent of – and technical glitches certainly happen. Conspiracy theorists warn of even worse CONTINUED ON P. 25

Gerald Harris is a ﬁ nancial and feature writer. Gerald can be reached at geraldhrs@ yahoo.com

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 21 This Week In History Yakov Merkin We next hop back almost a century to January 2, 1863. On that date, the Battle of Stones River in the American Civil War concluded, with a Union victory. The battle, which was fought at Murfeesboro, Tennessee, was a crucial victory for the North, which had been starved for success. The Union Army, under the command of William Rosencrans, had January 1-7 been attempting to drive the Confederates, commanded by Braxton Bragg, out of central Tennessee for some time, but for numerous reasons a full confrontation had been de- t is said that those who do not know their history are condemned to repeat it. This, layed. Finally, on December 26, Rosencrans moved his force south, and the armies clashed when you think about it, is actually fairly challenging, given that new history is made on December 31 along Stones River. In the cold morning fog, the Confederates, who were Ievery day. At the end of a year, we become the most aware of this, I think, as people the smaller force, attacked the Union’s right ﬂ ank, and managed to drive them back, but often recap the events of that year. Now, as we welcome a new one, let’s take a look back, failed to break them, failing to secure the quick victory that was required in the bitterly while also maybe paying some more attention to the new history made in 2017. cold weather as both sides suffered heavy casualties. On January 2, the Union launched its attack, and Bragg’s force was defeated, in part because he attacked against the advice of ======his generals and lost the conﬁ dence of his forces. Following its defeat, the Confederates were pushed back to Chattanooga, leaving the North in control of central Tennessee, and 1942: United Nations is created in possession of a needed morale boost after the Union defeat at Fredericksburg, Virginia, in December. The Battle of Stones River was an extremely hard-fought battle, with high casualty rates. The Confederates lost 33 percent of their force, and the Union suffered a 31 percent casualty rate. In all, there were nearly 25,000 combined casualties. 1861: Delaware rejects a proposal to secede from the Union

For another Civil War-related event, we step back slightly to January 3, 1861. On that date, two weeks after South Carolina became the fi rst state to secede from the Union, Delaware rejected a proposal to secede. Delaware, while technically a slave state, had been expected to side with the North. By this time, slavery was not at all widespread, with only 1,800 of the state’s population of 20,000 being slaves. Still, the state had south- ern sympathizers, and like many other states, a secession proposal was put forward, but the Unionist-dominated state government overwhelmingly voted to remain a part of the United States, and provided a temporary reprieve from what had been a parade of seced- We begin this week, as chance would have it, on January 1, specifi cally January 1, 1942, ing states – by April 1861, ten states would secede in addition to South Carolina. the date on which the United Nations was created. On this day, US President Frank D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued a declaration, which was signed by representatives of 26 countries, and called the “United Nations Declaration.” 1999: European Union unites Europe with the euro The nations that signed the declaration committed to create, after the war, an international peacekeeping force. This declaration grew out of the Arcadia Conference between the two men regarding a unifi ed war strategy and post-war peace plans. Now that the US had entered the war (following the Pearl Harbor attack), both leaders of the two main adver- saries of the Axis saw the need for close coordination. They created a combined general staff and began to plan the invasion of the European continent, which would ultimately lead to the 1944 invasion of Normandy. The United Nations agreement, however, arguably had the longest reaching impact. Under the leadership of the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union, all of the signing countries agreed to do the utmost to defeat the Axis as a united front, and that none would seek a separate peace with Germany, Italy, or Japan. More important, they committed to the future organization, which would be dedicated to ensuring “life, liberty, independence, and religious freedom, and to preserve the rights of man and justice.” Unlike its predecessor, the League of Nations, the United Nations would endure, and, for a time, at least, do its job.

Our next event relates to a different kind of Union, and one that ultimately may have 1863: Battle of Stones River in the Civil War concludes far more trouble remaining such. I am, of course, referring to the European Union, which united Europe with a common currency, the “euro,” for the fi rst time since Charlemagne in the ninth century, on January 4, 1999. The currency was launched in 11 European Union (EU) nations (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain), with a total population of 290 million people, hoping for increased economic growth and integration in Europe. It had a positive launch, clos- ing at 1.17 US dollars on its fi rst day and looked to be a force to be reckoned with in a global economy. The cash itself, which was decorated with images of architecture, symbols of European members states and of European unity, went into circulation three years later, on January 1, 2002, and replaced the Austrian schilling, Belgian franc, Finnish markka, French franc, German mark, Italian lira, Irish punt, Luxembourg franc, Netherlands guil- der, Portuguese escudo and Spanish peseta. Additionally, Monaco and Vatican City, non- EU members, adopted the Euro as well. Of course, there was controversy around this as well. There were concerns that while there would, of course, be benefi ts, the changeover process would be costly, chaotic, lead to counterfeiting and infl ation, in addition to taking away the ability of individual nations to control their economic policies. As a result, Great Britain, Sweden, and Denmark chose not to adopt the Euro. On the other hand, Greece, after fi rst being rejected, joined the Eurozone and adopted the Euro currency in 2001. In the following years, ten countries would join the 12 Eurozone nations: Cyprus, Czech Re- public, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

22 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 This Week In History 1895: The Dreyfus Affair takes place Remaining in Europe for the moment, we go to France for an event many of us have some familiarity with. On January 5, 1895, what is commonly referred to as “the Dreyfus Affair” took place. French army of- ﬁ cer Alfred Dreyfus, accused and convicted of passing military secrets to Germany, was stripped of his rank in a public ceremony outside of Paris’ Ecole Militaire. Dreyfus, Bill Clinton declared DC and nine other states to be disaster areas, as the estimates of who was Jewish, and had been an artillery damages ranged from $600 million to $3 billion. captain, had been convicted on ﬂ imsy evidence in an irregular trial, and began serving a life sentence in the Devil’s Island Prison in 1979: Khmer Rouge is overthrown in Cambodia French Guyana four months later. However, the incident did not end there, and the case became a clear example of anti-Semitism in both the French military and general public, which supported the verdict. Following the verdict, interest in the case waned until 1896, when new evidence implicated French

Major Ferdinand Esterhazy. The army tried and failed to suppress this knowledge, an up- roar ensued, and they had to try Esterhazy. However, in 1898, he was almost immediately acquitted. In response, French novelist Emile Zola famously penned an open letter in a newspaper titled, “J’Accuse,” accusing the judges of being controlled by the military. That day, 200,000 copies were sold, and a national division was born of the scandal. Later that year, the offi cer who had initially implicated Dreyfus admitted to forging much of the evidence and committed suicide – and Esterhazy fl ed France. Dreyfus had a new trial, another show trial, where he received a ten-year sentence, but a new French administration pardoned him and, in 1906, his conviction was overturned. This debacle heralded several We conclude this week over in Cambodia, on January 7, 1979. On that day, the brutal, changes in France: increased liberalization, a reduction of military power, and a formal oppressive communist Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, was overthrown by (com- separation of church and state. munist) Vietnamese troops as they took control of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge group had been formed during the 1960s in the Cambodian Jungle, and advocated a violent Communist revolution to wipe out Western infl uences in the country 1996: Blizzard of ‘96 begins and establish an agrarian society. In 1970, with the aid of North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, they began a major insurgency against Cambodian government forces, and quickly took control of almost a third of the country. By 1973, the Vietnamese forces were forced out of Cambodia by secret US bombing, creating a power vacuum that was fi lled by the growing Khmer Rouge movement. By 1975, they captured the capital, overthrew the pro- US government, and established the Kampuchean People’s Republic. Now the ruler of the country, Pol Pot began to create his agrarian utopia. Cities were evacuated, schools and factories were closed, and currency and private property were abolished. Anyone considered to be an intellectual, including anyone who spoke a foreign language, was killed. Additionally, skilled workers, as well as anyone caught with eyeglasses, a wristwatch, or any other modern technology, were also killed. By use of violent forced marches, millions who had been unable to escape were moved into rural collective farms. Over the next three years, approximately two million Cambodians died of execution, forced labor, and famine. In 1978, the Vietnamese invaded, and by January 7, 1979, took control of the capital, forcing the Khmer Rouge back into the jungle. The organization survived, in a lesser form, and in 1985 Pol Pot “retired” but remained in effect the head of the Khmer Rouge, which continued carrying out guerilla actions against Cambodia’s new government. How- For a much more recent event, we move to January 6, 1996. On that date, snow began ever, in 1997, he was tried by his own organization after an internal power struggle, and he to fall in Washington, DC, and along the Eastern seaboard, beginning the infamous bliz- was sentenced to life in prison by what many saw as a show trial. In a later interview, Pol zard of 1996 that killed 154 people and caused more than $1 billion in damages by its end. Pot declared his conscience clear. While many hoped to see him extradited to stand trial The blizzard, which began unassumingly with a cold front from Canada meeting a warm for his crimes against humanity, Pol Pot died of apparently natural causes while under one from the Gulf of Mexico, caused a formidable mix of snow and wind. Snow began to house arrest in 1998. fall in DC that evening, and within 24 hours, 12 inches had accumulated; in Lynchburg, That’s all for this week; I hope you found the events interesting, and that as we start Virginia, a record 20 inches fell in one day. Between the snow and up to 50-mile-per- a new year we give a bit more attention to the events taking place around us that will hour winds, huge snowdrifts formed, making travel almost impossible. The storm moved eventually become the next year’s history. Apart from that, I hope you will also continue northeast, setting yet more records, dumping 28 inches of snow in Newark, New Jersey, 32 to join me next week...in history. in Providence, Rhode Island, and 30 in Philadelphia. In unprepared Philadelphia, schools were closed until January 16 due to snow. Heavy snows also caused structural damage, Yakov Merkin was a lifelong resident of Forest Hills, prior to making aliyah in August 2016. He collapsing barn roofs in Pennsylvania and a church roof in Harlem. The storm was respon- holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in History from Queens College, as well as a Master’s De- sible for many traffi c accidents, which was one of the largest causes of death, along with gree in History, also from Queens College. He is a writer of science fi ction, fantasy, and historical fallen trees and hypothermia (among homeless people), and some people trapped in cars fantasy novels, and discusses writing and history, among other things, on Twitter @yakovmerkin. died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Most deaths took place in Pennsylvania. The federal If you would be interested in supporting the publication of his fi rst book, visit his GoFundMe cam- government was forced to shut down for almost a week due to the storm, and President paign at gofundme.com/br-help-me-publish-my-fi rst-novel.

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 23 Frontlines Joseph M. Frager Mr. Kerry: Israel Will Always Be A Jewish Democracy

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 Mahmoud Abbas, Israel does not receive a word of praise from the president or secre- Israel. Why in the waning days of a lame- tary of state. Israel gets barb after barb. It duck presidency after a crushing defeat, only gets more demands and more edicts. the secretary of state decided (more on Can Israel just be left alone, even for a this in future articles) that Israel had to be day? The president and secretary of state the target and focus of his pent-up frustra- had to use their precious little time left tions and tempestuous wrath is not en- to beat up Israel? Instead of learning any tirely clear. Could Iran be paying for both lessons from the election on November 8, the president and secretary of state’s fu- the president digs in deeper to blame Isra- ture libraries and foundations (this would el for all his colossal troubles. The Ameri- be the ultimate kickback from the Iran can people have spoken. They don’t want deal)? As Charles Krauthammer framed Israel treated this way. The president and it, Secretary Kerry made a “tossed salad” secretary are manifesting deep patholo-

It is an utter shame that both the president and his secretary of state don’t get it. Their tenure could not come to an end soon enough

of the Middle East. I might add it did not gy. Both are taking out all of their anger qualify as gourmet. It was an incoherent from collective failures around the globe, tirade against Israel ostensibly in support whether ISIS, Syria, or Iran, and rising of President Obama’s premeditated use of worldwide terrorism, on the State of Isra- the United Nations Security Council to el. Why blame themselves when they can hurt Israel. The former DNC Chair Debbie blame Israel? Wasserman Schultz characterized the U.N. Israel has been and will always be a “assault” as unnecessary and inappropri- Jewish state. When Ben Gurion decided ate. She further said, “I don’t think you can on a name for the State of Israel, he could solve a problem with a friend by fl ogging have kept the name Palestine. (The Jeru- them publicly.” There were many prob- salem Post used to be called the Palestine lems with Kerry’s “tantrum.” One that was Post.) Because the founding fathers of the particularly galling was his remark that “if State of Israel wanted their new state to the choice is one state, Israel can either be be a Jewish state, they used the name “Is- Jewish or democratic. It cannot be both.” rael,” since it was the name given to our Israel is the only real democracy in the forefather Jacob and the name applied to Middle East. Israel has bent over back- the Jewish people throughout the Bible. wards and forwards to try to make peace As to democracy, Thomas Jefferson based with an irascible and intransigent foe. In the United States Constitution upon the return for concession after concession Torah – The Holy Book of Moses. the past 23 years (since Oslo was signed The forever-Jewish State of Israel re- in 1993), Israel has gotten increased terror- mains the bastion of democracy in the ism and incitement with over a thousand Middle East. Secretary of State Kerry killed at the hands of suicide bombers, bus should be thanking Israel for the stability bombings, stabbing sprees, truck attacks, it has brought to the Middle East. It is an deliberate arson fi res, and rockets. Israel utter shame that both the president and gets a raw deal. his secretary of state don’t get it. Their Despite numerous overtures to make tenure could not come to an end soon peace with fi rst Yasser Arafat and now enough.

Joseph M. Frager is a physician and lifelong activist.

24 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 As I See It Cynthia Zalisky Barack Hussein Obama’s Final Salvo Stabs Israel In The Back CONTINUED FROM P. 1 that could “suspend or signifi cantly reduce” that fi nancing. The US subsidizes more than mentioned that prior to Barack Obama 22% of the UN’s budget. Bibi stressed that assuming his presidency eight years ago, he is “encouraged by the statement of our he met with his old Harvard professor. At friends in the United States, Republicans that time, he stated to Dershowitz that “he and Democrats alike. They understand how would watch Israel’s back.” Dershowitz reckless and destructive this UN resolution remarked now that it is obvious that he was; they understand that the Western Wall wanted to watch Israel’s back in order to isn’t occupied territory.” Netanyahu went be able to take a knife and stab her there on to say, “We will do all it takes so Israel with it. emerges unscathed from this shameful de- I have been wondering for some time cision.” now as to what makes Barack Obama tick. Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas said Is he just your run of the mill anti-Semite or that he held President Obama directly to is he some sort of a Manchurian candidate blame for the resolution. “President Obama in the clutches of Islamic radicalism. As im- is personally responsible for this anti-Israel plausible as that may sound, it is the only resolution. His diplomats secretly coordi- explanation for his fostering the lopsided nated the vote, yet he doesn’t even have the Iranian nuclear deal that gave Iran billions courage of his own convictions to vote for of dollars to promote their radical Islamic it. This cowardly, disgraceful action cements terror and future nuclear development all President Obama’s richly deserved legacy as over the world, in particular targeting Isra- the most anti-Israel president in American el’s very existence. He is also planning to history.” release some of the most vicious terrorists I used to think that no one could be worse than Carter; I agree with Senator Cotton. History will from Gitmo for no logical reason. These not be kind to Barack Obama and he de- men are so violent that no country except now I know better serves our contempt. I wish Barack Obama the Muslim radical states wants them. To a long life so that he can wallow in the compound that theory even further, two The Israelis have accused the Obama ad- Kassem, a Hamas spokesman, proclaimed, knowledge that he is the worst president weeks ago at the United Nations Security ministration of abandoning a longtime US “We praise the countries that voted for the that we ever had. I fi nd it amazing that this Council, the United States allowed for the ally and has made no secret of their opti- resolution; we emphasize the need to turn all happened on Chanukah - and just as the fi rst time without vetoing a resolution con- mism at the prospect of a new administra- such a resolution not only to halt settle- little Maccabean army defeated the mighty demning Israeli settlement construction to tion under a more positive-leaning President ments but to eradicate Israel’s occupation Syrian-Greeks, so too in our time, the small pass, even though President-elect Trump Donald Trump. Netanyahu’s offi ce said in a in all forms.” The Palestinians defi nitely feel Jewish country, Israel, will overcome the and Prime Minister Netanyahu stood res- statement: “Israel looks forward to working that they have the upper hand in this issue. large anti-Israel forces, led by Barack Obama olutely together to stop the measure in its with President-elect Trump and with all our Mustafa Barghouti said, “This is a victory for and John Kerry, who wish to destroy her. We tracks. As the resolution passed on a 14-0 friends in Congress, Republicans and Dem- the people and for the cause, and it opens need “savlanut” (patience) and faith. It is go- vote with the US abstaining, there was an ocrats alike, to negate the harmful effects doors wide for the demand of sanctions on ing to happen. obscene applause in the chamber, which of the absurd resolution.” Obama’s antago- settlements.” Mahmoud Abbas said that he It is very important for all of us to re- was a blow for Israel as the world effectively nists in Israel and in Congress, meanwhile, would resume negotiations “the minute the spond to this travesty. We need to write lined up to pronounce its settlement build- stressed the fact that by failing to veto the Israeli government agrees to cease all settle- to our representatives in the Congress to ing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as resolution, the outgoing President was turn- ment activities.” severely punish the UN and the countries illegal and an obstacle to the stalled peace ing his back on diplomatic precedent under The UN’s action has caused a large outcry that participated in this abomination. We talks and the establishment of the two-state which Washington has shielded Israel at the in the US, which is traditionally aligned with need to prevent Barack Obama from making solution guaranteeing a Palestinian state. UN from the outset. President-elect Trump Israel and considers the country one of the money after January 29 at any forum that This diplomatic ambush would defi ne Ju- tweeted that, “we cannot continue to let Is- few real allies in the unstable Middle East. we can protest and object to his appearance. daism’s holiest site (the Kosel) as occupied rael be treated with such disdain and disre- A large segment of United States senators He needs to become the same kind of pari- Palestinian territory, and encourage nations spect. They used to have a good friend in the and representatives from both parties have ah that Jimmy Carter is. I used to think that to boycott goods made by Jews in East Je- US – not anymore. The beginning of the end denounced the resolution out of deep loy- no one could be worse than Carter; now I rusalem and the West Bank. It also negates was the horrible Iran deal and now this UN. alty to Israel. Senator Charles Schumer said, know better. Barak Obama will outdo him the legitimacy of Jews living in the Jewish Stay strong Israel, January 20 is fast coming.” “It is extremely frustrating, disappointing, in that respect. I am confi dent that he will Quarter – something that has been going on The dangers of this new development are so and confounding that the administration be eventually publically discredited so that for thousands of years. serious that the Simon Wiesenthal Center has failed to veto this resolution.” Senator no one in his right mind will give a hoot The UN declaration sparked outrage in declared the UN Resolution condemning Is- Lindsey Graham, who mans a subcommit- about what he says or thinks. Once his Arab Israel and led to a new low in the already rael as the top anti-Semitic incident of 2016. tee that oversees United Nations funding by lovers will realize that, they will have no use strained relationship between Netanyahu This UN action gives the Palestinians the the United States, threatened to take steps for him either. and Obama. In reaction to the UN vote, Ne- go-ahead to claim these territories as theirs tanyahu’s statement read: “At a time when through delegitimization and economic Cynthia Zalisky is the Executive Director of the Queens Jewish Community. She can be contacted the Security Council does nothing to stop means that could impair Israel for years to at [email protected] the slaughter of half a million people in come. Syria, it disgracefully gangs up on the one Although Obama’s advisers maintained true democracy in the Middle East, Israel, that his team did not make a fi nal decision and calls the Western Wall occupied terri- on whether to veto or abstain from voting Lots Of Change Coming To Your Money tory. Israel rejects this shameful anti-Israel on the resolution until Friday, Netanyahu CONTINUED FROM P. 21 though the pieces are starting to fall into resolution at the UN and will not abide by accused them of colluding with Israel’s ene- place at an accelerating pace, it’s still not its terms.” The Israelis made clear their in- mies at the UN. Netanyahu told his Cabinet all transactions made in that country have clear what the picture at the end will look tense disappointment with the US over the on the Sunday after: “From the information been made with cash. like. shameful move against the State of Israel, that we have, we have no doubt that the Although it may be lessening crime, it Maybe there is no ulterior motive; may- which calls on Israel to immediately and Obama administration initiated it, stood is also having unintended results: farmers be everyone should just relax and enjoy completely cease all settlement activities in behind it, coordinated on the wording, and can’t afford to buy the seeds they need, the benefi ts they bring. But it will be hard the occupied Palestinian territory, includ- demanded that it be passed.” A senior Israe- property sales are slowing, manufactur- to convince conspiracy theorists and other ing East Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister li offi cial said that, “President Obama and ing in many regions is down sharply, day skeptics of this. They believe something Benjamin Netanyahu says he plans to defy John Kerry secretly cooked up with the Pal- workers who depend on cash to buy food shocking, historic, and life-changing may the United Nations resolution that bans estinians an extreme anti-Israeli resolution are going hungry, and even the number be imminent. Who can say with certainty his country from building settlements. Ne- behind Israel’s back, which would be a tail- of weddings, historically made in cash, that they’re wrong? tanyahu announced that, “Israel rejects the wind for terror and boycotts and effectively are down sharply. Gold, which has been a shameful anti-Israel resolution.” The resolu- makes the Western Wall occupied Palestin- prized possession in India for millennia, Sources: cbsnews.com; cnbc.com; tion reiterates that settlement activity in the ian territory.” has been effectively banned. hbr.org; infowars.com; West Bank is illegal and counterproductive. The passing of this action has embold- These developments in countries makemoneyinlife.com; quora.com; Bibi said, “Friends don’t take friends to the ened Israel’s enemies. Hamas expressed ap- around the world are all part of a very reference.com; theguardian.com; Security Council.” preciation to the Security Council. Hazem large and complicated jigsaw puzzle. Even vox.com; zerohedge.com.

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 25 For What It’s Worth Warren S. Hecht Fame Is Fleeting here is a fascination with celebri- breakup of her marriage, when her hus- other for 10 years. They later became so ties. We look at the life of a celeb- band Eddie Fisher, whom she had mar- close that they lived right next to each Trity as being glamorous and excit- ried in 1955, left her for another famous other. Carrie wrote a semi biographic ing, forgetting that these are real people celebrity, Elizabeth Taylor. Taylor ended novel, Postcards from the Edge, and a who go through the same struggles as up being married eight times. biography, Wishful Drinking, which ad- we do. This truth was shown this past Reynolds continued working in show dressed her relationship with her moth- week. First, actress Carrie Fisher died as business but ended up having ﬁ nancial er and her alcohol and drug use. a result of a heart attack at age 60. The next day, her mother, Debbie Reynolds, suffered a fatal stroke that resulted from Mother and daughter did not speak to each other for 10 years, the stress of her daughter’s death. but later became so close These were two stars from two different generations. Reynolds was known that they lived right next to each other for many roles on stage and in movies. The most famous was in the movie Sing- ing in the Rain, in which she co-starred problems. Reynolds, after being divorced There is much that we can learn at the age of 19 in 1952. Carrie became from Eddie Fisher, married two other from their story. Fame does not equal famous as Princess Leia in the Star Wars men. One of them had a gambling prob- happiness and success. It is possible to movies. lem and she ended up divorcing both of overcome adversity. Relationships can The worst thing that a parent has to them. The third husband was a terrible be repaired if people are willing to take deal with is burying a child, no matter businessman. Ms. Reynolds later bought the effort to try to make it work. The what age. One can only imagine the pain a hotel and ended up having to declare fact that they were celebrities was not a scope of tabloids watching what they that Reynolds was going through when bankruptcy when it failed. beneﬁ t for them trying to improve their are doing. she learned of her daughter’s death. Carrie had problems with drugs, alco- lives and overcome the obstacles before If they can overcome their challenges, Although both mother and daughter hol, and depression. She was also diag- them. For celebrities, it is even harder there is no reason why non-celebrities were stars, they had many problems that nosed as suffering from bipolar disorder. since they are always under the micro- can’t also try to make their lives better. they had to try to overcome. There were problems between mother For Reynolds, it started with the and daughter. They did not speak to each Warren S. Hecht is a local attorney. He can be reached at [email protected]

26 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Blue And White Shmuel Sackett Every Jew Is A Kohen Gadol have always said that if I could be a “fl y on the wall” the Nesivos Shalom revealed an amazing secret: We can during any story in Tanach, it would be in this week’s have that feeling every single day. Every single one of us! Iparshah , when Yehudah faces off against the Number We can enter – all by ourselves – the “Kodesh HaKodashim” Two man in Egypt – who turns out to be Yosef. The mid- and be one with Hashem… and we don’t even have to be rashim on that encounter are simply incredible. As part of a kohen to do it! that story, Yosef did something he had never done before. It’s called Sh’moneh Esrei. It’s one of the most precious The Nesivos Shalom points out that the whole time when gifts known to Jews – the gift of praying to Hashem. Yosef was with his brothers – accusing them as spies Take your time in Sh’moneh Esrei. Close your eyes and and everything else he did to them – there were always see yourself all alone... just like the Kohen Gadol on Yom people in the room around him – his slaves, bodyguards, Kippur. Just like Yosef in this week’s parshah. During those servants, Egyptian offi cers… he was never alone with his few moments, there’s no world politics, no NFL playoffs, brothers. Yet, in this parshah, when he wants to reveal no school, no business deals, there’s nothing going on… himself to his brothers and tell them who he really is, the it’s just you and Hashem. fi rst thing he does is send everyone out of the room: I realize that we are all in a rush and I too am known “And he cried out, ‘Have everyone leave my presence!’” as a “fast davener”… in all areas except Sh’moneh Esrei. (B’reishis 45:1) During that amazing tefi lah I take my time. I connect to Why all of a sudden did he need to be alone? our Father and King. I make those moments count and do Think about it for a second. When is there a time in the best I can to be just like the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kip- the Jewish calendar when someone is all alone? Nobody pur. You can do the same. No special skills are necessary… is around. Nobody – not even the greatest rabbi or proph- just a loving heart and a burning soul, which every Jew et – can accompany this person. He must be all by him- I am known as a “fast davener”… in all possesses. Let’s get to work! self. When is that?? areas except Sh’moneh Esrei. It’s Yom Kippur – when the Kohen Gadol enters the Ko- During that amazing tefilah I take my time Shmuel Sackett is a 100% product of Queens. He was desh HaKodashim, the Holy of Holies. He must be alone. born in Middle Village and moved to KGH shortly be- The k’dushah in that room, the connection to Hashem is fore his bar-mitzvah. He graduated from YCQ (1975) and so awesome that he simply cannot share it with anyone brothers were the Aron – the Ark – that is inside. Nothing YHSQ (1979). He was Havurat Yisrael’s fi rst Youth Director in the world. else is there… except holiness and being one with Hash- (4 years) and started the fi rst 2 NCSY chapters in Queens. That was the feeling that Yosef wanted to experience em. He wanted to feel that “Kohen Gadol moment” when Shmuel made aliyah in 1990 and co-founded Manhigut Ye- when the time came to reveal himself to his brothers. It he told his brothers the truth. hudit, together with Moshe Feiglin. His website is www. wasn’t just a brother saying, “Hey, guys, it’s really me!!” It People think that this special feeling is only once a JewishIsrael.org Sackett is married with 6 children and 4 was “Yom Kippur.” Yosef was like the Kohen Gadol and his year, for one person in the world – the Kohen Gadol; but grandchildren. He lives in Herziliya Pituach.

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 27 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Chanukah Brunch For 25th Anniversary Of YESS! By Susie Garber Sladowsky, who, as diplomat extraordinaire, failure, but YESS! is a game changer for suc- forged the working relationship between cess. At YESS! children and parents can dream think this is the best school I’ve ever YESS! and YCQ. With parts of the Youth Build- again. YESS! opens other dreams. Many grad- been to. They really help me learn ing of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills uates of YESS! and older alumni learn in yes- “Iand I am surprised nobody ever already promised to YESS! by Rabbi Fabian hivah, work full-time or attend college. All taught me like this before, but there is some- Schonfeld and his magnanimous congrega- contribute to our communities. thing special about this school that no other tion, Rabbi Sladowsky secured the critical Following this, Mrs. Hellman introduced school ever had.” A student from YESS! (Ye- mainstreaming relationship with YCQ. That Dr. Pelcovitz: “Dr. Pelcovitz holds Yeshiva shiva Education for Special Students) voiced relationship has fl ourished over these 25 University’s Straus Chair in Jewish Educa- these accolades about the school. These years and continues to give the children of tion. He is Professor of Psychology and Edu- words encapsulate the story of the YESS! YESS! a dimension to their special education cation at the Azrieli Graduate School and of Program, which is housed in the Yeshiva of unsurpassed value. That legacy is yours, Pastoral Counseling at RIETS. Dr. Pelcovitz Dr. David Pelcovitz of Central Queens building. As Neva Gold- Rabbi.” lives and inspires an amalgam of the teach- stein Hellman, Founding President of YESS!, She also thanked the presidium, Gail ings of Torah and the science of psychology. nach withdrew or pulled away. Yaakov ran points out, “At YESS!, we are not just engag- Keren and Jesse Rosenbaum, and the vice He has been a dear friend of YESS! for all 25 away. Moshe ran away, and David HaMelech ing minds academically, although we do that president for outreach, Rebecca Wittert, years.” ran away. The Midrash teaches us that we with utmost distinction, but we are engaging whose commitment helped YESS! to come Dr. Pelcovitz then spoke about instilling must determine when to pull back and when souls spiritually. Our students thrive espe- into existence and who continue to support civility in our children. He offered key ways to fi nd time to deal with the challenge. When cially because they are being educated in a YESS! She also thanked the esteemed Prin- to do this, and he shared moving anecdotes consequences for behavior are administered, Jewish environment in which their n’shamot cipal of YESS!, Rabbi Yaakov Lustig, and the as well. He began by sharing a study done by they should fl ow from the misbehavior. They feel at home.” Directors, Mrs. Leora Hecht and Mrs. Gittie a psychologist who was a Holocaust survivor should be short. The key is to be unemotion- On Sunday morning, December 25, the Rothschild. and who studied what makes a hero. He in- al. fi rst day of Chanukah, a large crowd of com- She then spoke about the child-centered, terviewed righteous non-Jews who risked We need to show respect to others as a munity supporters, parents, local rabbanim, academically excellent, developmentally ap- their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. model to our children to respect us. We must and local politicians gathered at the Young propriate, individualized yeshivah education He found that they grew up in a similar demonstrate respect to our spouse, relatives, Israel of Hillcrest to show support for the that students receive at YESS!. YESS! is open way. None of them felt that they were do- friends, neighbors, etc. Do we complain YESS! school and to hear an uplifting lecture to all Jewish children. It is wheelchair acces- ing anything remarkable. Consistently, their about anybody in front of our children? If we from Dr. David Pelcovitz. sible and includes walkers, sign interpreters, parents were calm and clear when they con- show respect for others even if we disagree One parent commented about the school: and safety aides. Mrs. Hellman pointed out, veyed to their children that this is what we with them, then our children will grow up “My daughter has made a lot of progress in “Our students continue to have the opportu- do in our family. This is our standard of be- instilled with the attribute of kavod. the three years she has attended YESS!. The nity to encounter Chumash, Navi, Halachah, havior. Their parents showed confi dence that He spoke about a Shabbaton for parents of teachers and administrators meet individ- Mishnah, and Gemara in ways that they can their children could do this. So, Dr. Pelcovitz children off the derech. One boy had shared ual needs of students. They go out of their learn. They come to love the texts of our stressed that parents need to calmly explain with his therapist that he refused drugs be- way to help each student grow to his or her traditions and share that learning at their the proper behavior with clarity and repeti- cause of the image of the love in his father’s fullest potential. My daughter comes home own Shabbat tables, as do their siblings and tion. Screaming and losing it will not teach eye when he gave the boy a blessing Friday very happy and she is always eager to go to friends.” this message. night. school.” One special aspect of the program is that Dr. Pelcovitz said we need to see how we Rabbi Pelcovitz also told the story of the Another parent who has two students in since it is in the Yeshiva Central Queens handle wrongdoing in our children. We want grandson of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai who was the school and a third who graduated from building, students can be mainstreamed into to capture the uniqueness of our child and misbehaving terribly and involved in z’nus. YESS!, commented that she loves the school. some classes in YCQ. Also, the art program fan the fl ame of her uniqueness. We must be The behavior was changed in three ways: “It was a big help for my children who have at YESS!, under the direction of Mrs. Corey calm, but fi rm. Sometimes we need to pull They assigned him a mentor. They moved learning disabilities.” Franco, brings crafts to YESS!. Students at back. We must not get pulled into screaming him to a new town. They gave him s’michah. Mrs. Neva Goldstein Hellman addressed YESS! decorated the gorgeous vases on dis- and criticism. If you pull back, that is the key Dr. Pelcovitz concluded that we as parents the crowd fi rst. She thanked and welcomed play on the tables at the brunch. to kavod. We must choose battlegrounds. We should appreciate that unique spark in each Rabbi Yitzchak and Rebbetzin Faye Slad- She shared how learning disability diag- have no control over our child’s behavior, but of our children. We must show our gratitude owsky. “Many people did valiant work to nosis is so diffi cult for parents to deal with, we have control over consequences. to YESS!, which is an incredible yeshivah that get YESS! started, but none more than Rabbi as well as for students as it leads to school He pointed out that three people in Ta- brings out the unique spark in each student. History Professor Sergey Kadinsky Speaks At YIKGH About The History Of Chanukah In America By Susie Garber depicted rebels who fought for their beliefs The mitzvah of publicizing the miracle en- the fi rst public menorah lighting inside the against a tyrant. This theme resonated as it couraged Jews to decorate, sing, eat, and do White House. The event was memorable be- id you know that George Washington echoed the American revolutionary narrative whatever was needed to be done to counter cause after the fi rst candle was lit he put out knew about Chanukah? Mr. Sergey that spoke of the British king as a tyrant. Gen- the ubiquitous Christian holiday of the sea- a fi re on a girl’s ponytail that had spread from DKadinsky, reporter, author, history tile audiences familiar with the Maccabean son that was seemingly everywhere: on the the menorah. President George W. Bush was professor, and speaker, shared a fascinating story found it relatable in the struggle for in- street, in school, at work, and on the radio. the fi rst president to personally light the me- talk about Chanukah in America at the Young dependence. Interestingly, George Washington knew norah. He and his successor, President Barack Israel of Kew Gardens Hills on Friday night, In early American society, Jews experi- about Chanukah. George Washington was Obama, borrowed famous menorahs from Parshas VaYeishev. enced tolerance alongside pressure to con- dining in Easton, Pennsylvania, at the home museums and shuls for the annual party, es- Mr. Kadinsky explained that Chanukah vert from well-meaning missionaries. Six-day of a merchant named Michael Hart in De- tablishing yet another Chanukah tradition. was historically a minor holiday with few workweeks and lack of an organized Jewish cember 1778. Mr. Hart lit the menorah and During the years following World War II, traditions associated with it. He noted that communal structure made observance diffi - then began to explain about the holiday of the Lubavitcher movement grew, and the the nationalistic aspects were downplayed cult to maintain. Chanukah. General Washington told him idea of publicizing Chanukah took on more so non-Jews would not misinterpret it. Recognizing the existential threat, that he already knew about it. A year earlier meaning and visibility with the public me- He went on to illustrate how the Jewish Charleston resident Penina Moise wrote the a Jewish offi cer at the Valley Forge battlefi eld norah displays and lightings. A holiday that experience in America has shaped how we Feast of Lights hymn in 1824, which celebrat- was lighting a menorah and had already ex- allows for traveling enables shluchim to post celebrate Chanukah. To maintain Jewish ed the faith in Hashem as the “great arbiter of plained it to him. menorahs atop their vehicles, among other identity, Chanukah was elevated to a higher human fate” who inspired the Maccabees to Mr. Kadinsky pointed out that from then moving things. status. He taught that Chanukah took on new battle idolatry and reclaim the Beis HaMik- until 1979, there was no acknowledgement Also, today, Jewish music groups like the meaning and traditions on three accounts: dash. of Chanukah by the American presidents. In Maccabeats are popular. They use popular its status as a minor holiday that provided Mr. Kadinsky informed the audience that 1979, President Jimmy Carter attended the songs and substitute Jewish lyrics, shaping opportunities for new approaches, the free- many customs we associate with Chanukah lighting of the new National Menorah across how we interpret well-known tunes in line dom in this country to shape one’s identity, are quite recent. The Dreidel song dates to the street from the White House, in the with the message of the holiday. and the use of Chanukah to strengthen one’s the 1920s, authored by a musical songwriter, northeast quadrant of The Ellipse. After this, Mr. Kadinsky pointed out that in America, spiritual identity in a time of the year when originally in Yiddish and then in English. President Ronald Reagan hosted rabbis at the freedom from tyranny, independence, and it is most in danger. Around that time, the song, “Chanukah, Oh White House on Chanukah. Also, President standing up for one’s beliefs are all part of the In 1746, composer George Handel wrote Chanukah” also appeared on records and at George H.W. Bush held a Chanukah party for celebration of Chanukah. These concepts are an opera called Judas Maccabeus. The story concerts. his Jewish staff. President Bill Clinton held part of the American ideal.

28 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Community Corner • Feature Story Vleigh Place Fire Destroys 14 Businesses Cause of devastating 5-alarm blaze currently unknown; building condemned Photo credit: WABC

By Sergey Kadinsky of the commercial strip. “Once the fi re gets ident Rabbi Chaim Schwartz, whose agen- may have started. At this time, the investi- into these concealed spaces up above the cy verifi es the kashrus of four stores that gation into its cause is ongoing. he secular New Year date is often as- roof, it’s almost impossible for us to put were destroyed. “These are families that Partially because of Shabbos, in relation sociated with new beginnings and it out. We have to worry about the safety lost their parnasah and the Vaad will do to the extent of the damage, no civilians Tresolutions, but for Kew Gardens of our fi refi ghters,” said FDNY Chief James everything that it can to get these business- were hurt, although three fi refi ghters were Hills the year started with a void, following Leonard in a statement. es on their feet.” Popular with Bukharian carried away from the scene that required a fi ve-alarm fi re that destroyed 14 business- The commercial block is the oldest in Jews and their Ashkenazi neighbors for its the effort of nearly 180 of their colleagues. es on Vleigh Place, between 77th Road and Kew Gardens Hills, built in 1939, accord- tandoori oven and authentic recipes, D&G Particularly unfortunate was Elyahu’s Bar- 78th Avenue. “The fl ames were extremely ing to city records. The grid-defying Vleigh Bakery (known to many by its previous ber Shop, which had relocated to Vleigh high,” said local resident George Srolovits. Place was laid out at least two centuries name, King David) had a unique niche in Place just a month ago from its previous “That was my barber; that was the bakery earlier. the neighborhood’s commercial scene. Two storefront on Main Street, near the Post where I got my bread.” Among the popular kosher establish- doors down from it, Avraham Kosher Bak- Offi ce. The fi re was reported at 6:30 p.m. on ments that were condemned as a result of ery offered dessert items that appeared on For the owner of Avraham Bakery, news the evening of December 31, when most the fi re were D&G Bakery, Avraham Bakery, many Shabbos tables in the neighborhood. of the fi re was not known to him until after of the stores were closed for Shabbos and Kosher Moshe’s Pizzeria, Elyahu’s Barber On Sunday morning, the charred store- Shabbos, which he spent in Forest Hills in neighbors were in their homes having Shop, and Tolmas Restaurant, along with a fronts were partially obscured by a ply- celebration of his daughter’s wedding. “He their Shabbos meals on the seventh night law offi ce, dry cleaner, and a convenience wood wall as residents stopped by to look davens in my synagogue. I know him and of Chanukah. Although fi refi ghters arrived store. “On Friday afternoon the line was at what remained of the familiar shops. the other storeowners,” said Rabbi Shlomo on the scene within minutes, the fi re had out of the door at D&G Bakery,” said Vaad Looking at which stores had the most dam- Nisanov. “It was tragic. I hope to see them spread quickly across the shared rooftop Harabonim of Queens Executive Vice Pres- age, bystanders guessed where the blaze get back on their feet.”

Photo credit: WABC Photo credit: Josh Einiger

Photo credit: Josh Einiger

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 29 Community Corner • Feature Story A Changed Landscape: One Stretch Of Popular Neighborhood Shops Gone, But Locals Hope For A Rebound

Text and Photography eras and others, including the fi re chasers, by Judah S. Harris enthusiasts, and avocational news gath- erers who offer up strong coverage (one n Friday, I was debating whether to drove from a far-off part of New Jersey). drop off eight shirts and a pair of The video indicates that about the 9:30 Odress pants at the cleaners on my p.m. mark, fl ames were burning strong. The way into the city. I decided not to – I was large response that’s been reported – 200 headed to the photo lab to pick up baby fi refi ghters, perhaps half fi ghting the fi re pictures and bar mitzvah photos to deliver at the same time, and the 20 paramedics – to clients over the weekend, and had to had thinned, but the emergency situation catch the lab before it closed at 2:00 p.m. I was still in progress. Instead of fi ve ladder also wanted to have time to prepare a holi- trucks dumping water, the situation earlier, day gift for the dry cleaners to give them during the time I stayed out (till about 2:00 the next time I went in. As I headed out a.m.), I saw fi refi ghters in the buckets of the door, I left the pile of clothes on my two aerial ladders and watched them pour wicker storage trunk. I would deal with it a forceful stream onto the roof of the com- early next week. Maybe Sunday or Monday, plex. A pocket of black smoke went up at I thought. one point and, during my hour and a half, I still have my shirts and the gray suit only small fl ames were occasionally visi- pants. ble from ground level. They probably were Eating dinner about eight blocks away more than small, but not as ferocious-look- on Friday evening, I was totally unaware ing as what people saw during the earlier of the fi re that broke out and had engulfed hours. Watch the videos and you’ll see the the row of stores on Vleigh Place, including magnitude of the fi re that consumed the my cleaners. It was unusually late when I stores and the multiple hoses being used returned from my meal and post-dinner to attack it from ground level and above. conversation. I saw emergency vehicle The fi re hoses deliver the intake of wa- lights some blocks away, but was unable ter, which is funneled through the trucks. to tell how many vehicles, if more than The hoses in use can put out 300 gallons one. As I neared my turn towards the street a minute, and when I asked if that lowers where I live, I decided to proceed further, water levels in the area, the response was wanting to see what was happening. It was no. There are other hoses of various sizes about a quarter after midnight when I got that are used in fi refi ghting that propel dif- to the block of the fi re. The fi refi ghters ferent volumes of water, including less, and were still dousing the building from above. with supply hoses, as much as fi ve times The block had small pockets of onlookers, more. If you want to add some lingo to paramedics, Con Edison personnel, a few your repertoire, a charged hose or charged police cars, and the relief fi refi ghters wait- line is a hose that is pressurized by water ing for their turn to take over. I asked – as and ready to fi ght a fi re. everyone does – what happened. I asked One fi refi ghter with whom I was speak- only twice, during my stay at the scene, ing, as he waited for instructions for his what might have caused the fi re. That’s an company to relieve those currently at over-asked question, though a legitimate work, said he’d been with the department query. Some witnesses could guess, based for more than 20 years. I wanted to know on the fl ames they saw at the onset, but who was in charge and he explained the one fi refi ghter explained that the marshals hierarchy and pointed out a man, about will initiate an investigation – they’ll be in- 5’7, who was the battalion chief. The rank vesting for a couple weeks, he thought – to above him is a deputy or division chief. determine the cause. Earlier, the Chief of Department – the high- “How can they tell?” I asked him. est uniformed offi cer who oversees all uni- He explained to me that they look for formed FDNY and EMS personnel – and the fi re patterns to determine where it orig- Chief of EMS were at the scene, observing inated. It’s more complex than that, but the fi refi ghters in action. They can be seen that was suffi cient for the layperson. On in the video footage, identifi ed by their Motza’ei Shabbos, I watched some videos of the fi re as it was observed by news cam- CONTINUED ON P. 31

30 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Community Corner • Feature Story

CONTINUED FROM P. 30 but I made a mental note and if were the adjusters handing out it was still there on Sunday, I’d business cards and advice. The names on the backs of their jack- take the photograph. I headed insurance company wants to pay ets. back again after shul services let $80,000, said one man whom I I asked the fi reman why he out before noon. Owners of some saw on the scene a couple times, didn’t rise in the ranks over the of the stores were there and I met including Sunday afternoon as years. He said he didn’t want to the proprietors from my clean- he was speaking to store owners take on that leadership role, as ers, Paragon, and even told them about their options. “I get you it would mean having to move about my shirts and pants. The $100,000.” These independent around to remote areas of the wife smiled slightly; earlier her adjusters advocate for the policy- city, wherever needed. It could husband had said he felt bad for holder, as the insurance company be a place like Staten Island, for the customers who lost clothes. adjuster has primarily the compa- instance, and he was happy with They told me they would pay ny’s interest at heart. He was out a short commute from home to their workers, even if not able to with a number of his associates. The owner of the Vleigh Place convenience store gazes at his business. work. open shop. They hadn’t told them “You go to these types of things to He was one of the only shops still open when the fire broke out “Do you get a lot of these ques- yet what happened, and their son get clients?” I had asked him on Friday evening tions?” I inquired, after having had only informed them on Satur- Saturday. We’re like “ambulance asked some of mine. day morning about the fi re. The chasers,” he said. He shared with me that he was a in the fi re, plus tens of thousands “I don’t usually get to talk to husband didn’t want to speak to When I went back again Sun- fi refi ghter in the Israeli Air Force. of dollars in equipment (the fam- civilians, but I’m waiting around the 1010 WINS reporter who was day afternoon, it was to photo- They used foam to contain burn- ily has established a GoFundMe doing nothing, so I might as well seeking comment, but I caught graph. The painted boards en- ing jet fuel fi res and he wondered campaign). talk to you,” he said matter-of-fact- the owner later on a news clip, so circled the store completely in why the fi re department wouldn’t I have been close to the scene ly, but with no disrespect meant. he must have been willing soon front, around to the sides. People have used that on the roof. Make of a fi re only a few times that I He explained combustion, the after. from the neighborhood and those two holes and pump it in to the can think of. I recall a summer refi re triangle of heat, oxygen, and “Do you think it’s suspicious?” who used to live here, as well as area where the fi re was travel- sponse on a block in Washington fuel. Heat alone, with the pres- a female radio reporter asked the others, were walking along the ing. (He was asking more global- Heights a couple of decades ago ence of oxygen, will cause things newsstand convenience store sidewalk and peering though the ly about their techniques and if and inquiring about the weight of to combust at high enough tem- owner, as she held out her palm- square cutouts. A positioned milk fi refi ghting modernization is re- what these men wear – and in the peratures. “Ever hear of Fahren- size digital recorder towards him. crate provided a boost for short- quired.) heat of summer. Winter is also heit 451?” he asked me, maybe A leading question, but I guess er people (who mostly came with This owner believes his busi- hard on these dedicated men (and slightly surprised that I didn’t that tactic could produce a right their parents). I took photographs, ness and that of the others might approximately 52 women em- know at what temperature paper sound bite, assuming the inter- heard the conversation about in- have been saved, in part. I sug- ployed by the FDNY). Then there burns (it is dependent on the type viewee thought there could be surance, and listened to one of gested that he write to the Fire are the residents who face hard- of paper). something non-accidental. the business owners (there were Department, and request that lo- ship from a fi re, and in this case He stood there with his back He had nothing to offer her. 14 businesses, per reports, one be- cal politicians help gain a clarifi - those who lost their businesses, to the Steppingstone Day School He’d been there as one of the ing the landlord of the building) cation. I work with the presump- and may have been under-insured, building across the street from last still-open shops, the other suggest that the FDNY should tion that the experts – in this case and will have to bear the brunt of the commercial row. As all fi re- stores – especially the many Jew- have put the fi re out when it was the FDNY – know what they are rebuilding a business and fi nding men, his gear included an oxy- ish-owned ones – having closed a young, rather than spending time doing and that their agenda is not space to rent nearby (if they opt gen tank hoisted on his back. A couple hours earlier. A man was investigating for what he consid- necessarily going to align with to continue), while attempting to weighty device, but it stays there present from NYC Department of ered to be more than an hour. the preferences of any individu- retain their customer base that ready in case it’s needed. Small Business Services. They will He saw the fl ames at around 6:30 al business, this one man having A salter truck drove forward help businesses liaison with dif- p.m. and came out to take video. lost at least $30,000 of supplies CONTINUED ON P. 43 and in reverse as it covered patch- ferent city departments in the af- es of the wet road with salt that termath of the fi re, as well as pro- would melt the ice that could vide some other support services. form. I felt the granules of salt hit He spoke to the owner of the the lower portion of my pants, as dry cleaning business. The store, it scattered widely from the vehi- when I peeked in the next day, cle. Soon enough, the relief men, had clothes still in plastic bags, who’d been waiting on standby some hanging from the conveyor for a long time, got their call. rack, but most others evidently “Take the 1-2 corner,” rang out the on the fl oor. What they suffered command on the radios. in water or smoke damage is un- I headed back in the morning, known, and the possibility of the sometime shortly after 8:30 a.m. customers maybe getting them With the assistance of daylight, back at some point would require I surveyed up close, approach- organized manpower that won’t ing the storefronts – or what re- be readily available (assuming mained. The damage was heavy there was anything that could be from the water dispensing, which cleaned and worn). broke through windows (watch Later on Saturday, storeowners news videos of the fi refi ghters also were able to retrieve some items, sawing through metal security but by around mid-afternoon gates), but the fi re was the real cul- time the carpentry team had ar- prit. There were parts of the stores rived. They were erecting wood intact, even if the roof was not. boards on frames. The building At the corner Russian restau- had been offi cially condemned, rant, a ketchup bottle lay outside, for good reason, with white 8.5x11 resting on top of a burnt or dirt- vacate signs posted. ied beam of some sort. It was a Out on Shabbos during the day, picture and it was the Sabbath, aside from assorted news crews,

Judah S. Harris is a photographer, ﬁ lmmaker, speaker, and writer. For photo or video coverage of events or information on his photography workshops, visit www.judahsharris.com/visit.

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 31 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Statement By The Orthodox Union Yeshiva University And The Rabbinical Council Of America Receives $1 Million Gift For Program On UN Resolution Of “Israel And The Rule Of Law” Secretary of State John Kerry’s speech Bequest from the Dr. Joseph and Faye Glatt Estate failed to defend the indefensible UN Resolution will support innovative programming and US Abstention at YU’s Center for Israel Studies Contrary to the Secretary of State’s asser- eshiva University has received a and Faye Glatt ardently supported the tions, the UNSC resolution made the goal bequest of $1 million from the survival of Jewish communities around of peace more elusive by undermining di- YDr. Joseph and Faye Glatt Estate the world. Joseph wrote his doctoral rect talks, reinterpreting UN Security Coun- to create a new program housed in the dissertation at Columbia University on cil Resolution 242, and providing the recal- Center for Israel Studies (CIS), titled the Histadrut, the Israel federation of la- citrant Palestinian leadership with further The Joseph and Faye Glatt Program on bor organizations founded in 1920; and incentive not to compromise or negotiate “Israel and the Rule of Law.” Faye, who trained as a speech therapist, with Israel. “The new program will present and worked with Torah Umesorah in the Over the past decades, Israel has repeat- explore Israel in all of its complexity,” establishment of Jewish day schools. edly made concrete sacrifi ces for the sake said CIS Director Dr. Steven Fine, the They took great pride in what they saw of peace. In response, the Palestinians have Dean Pinkhos Churgin Professor of as the convergence of Israel and the consistently made no signifi cant gesture Jewish History. “It will infl uence both rule of law, and committed their profes- to advance the cause of peace. Yet, the in- the next generation and people far sional lives to promoting this principle. he leaderships of the Orthodox Un- transigence of the Palestinian leadership is beyond YU through a broad and deep “Dr. Joseph and Faye Glatt commit- ion (the nation’s largest Orthodox now being rewarded by the Administration range of scholarship, programs, and ted their lives to the State of Israel as TJewish umbrella organization) and and others through destructive resolutions events.” a Jewish State, grounded in ethics and the Rabbinical Council of America (the and counterproductive attempts to inter- Tentative programming for 2017 will the rule of law,” said President Richard nation’s largest rabbinical membership or- nationalize the confl ict. include lectures from both YU faculty M. Joel. “This new program will focus ganization) issued the following statement The Orthodox Union and the Rabbini- and visiting speakers, courses, book on the relationship between Medinat today in response to the speech delivered cal Council of America call upon bipartisan discussions, conferences (such as a re- Yisrael [the State of Israel] and Jewish by Secretary of State Kerry on December 28: members of Congress and the incoming cent gathering to honor the work of values. With this bequest, Yeshiva Uni- “In his address on the topic of the Israeli- Trump administration to renounce the re- Nobel Laureate S.Y. Agnon), museum versity looks forward to sharing those Palestinian confl ict, Secretary of State John cent action taken by the Obama adminis- exhibitions, and artistic presentations, values with the world through the Kerry failed to defend the decision by the tration and to work to repair the damage such as Fine’s digital restoration of the Center for Israel Studies.” Obama administration to not veto UN Se- done to the cause of peace and the US-Isra- Arch of Titus. Learn more about YU’s Center for Is- curity Council Resolution 2334 last Friday. el relationship.” Throughout their lives, Dr. Joseph rael Studies at www.yu.edu/cis. Most Event-Filled Chanukah Ever For Chazaq n its mission to build a stronger future for the Jewish people, the Queens-based IChazaq organization had the busiest Hanukkah since its founding a decade ago. “We’ve reached a tremendous number of people with a variety of events throughout the community,” said Chazaq operations manager Yaniv Meirov. Ahead of Chanukah, Chazaq ran a toy donation drive that brought over a thousand toys and countless smiles to the young patients of the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn. Ahead of the distribution, the Chazaq offi ce on Jewel Avenue was fi lled wall-to-wall with toys. In the village of West Hempstead on Long Island, Jewish families often have to travel to the Five Towns and Queens for of Queens were treated to their own Uncle concerts. This year, Chazaq brought the Moishy concert on December 26 at the siz- music to them with popular children’s en- able John Bowne H.S. auditorium. “This was tertainer Uncle Moishy headlining a Decem- a day when the stars came to Queens,” said ber 20 show with Cousin Nachum. “It was Meirov. “People could arrive early in the af- packed; it seemed like every child in West ternoon for Uncle Moishy, and then later in Hempstead was there,” said Meirov. “This the evening for the legendary Miami Boys is a growing community and we look for- Choir.” Ahead of the vocal group’s concert, a ward to having more Chazaq events in West preview of its voices was given with the Un- Hempstead.” cle Moishy concert by the Miami Trio. They That evening in partnership with Touro were joined on staged by Cousin Nachum College’s Lander College for Men, a public and Eric the Illusionist, who was featured lecture on the lessons and legacy of Yemei on America’s Got Talent. Chanukah (Days of Chanukah) given by For women in Forest Hills, Chazaq held Rabbi Yonason Sacks, Rosh Yeshivah of the a Chanukah Paint Night on December 28 Beis Medrash L’Talmud; and Rabbi Eli Man- at Beth Gavriel Community Center, which middle of winter.” their parents and siblings. sour, a renowned lecturer, author and mara brought out the talent of participants while In addition to the community-wide The success of these multiple programs, d’asra of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue. raising funds for the Chazaq after-school events and programs, Chazaq also held sev- held so closely to each other on the calen- The lecture was an ideal way of ushering in program. “This program fi lls a much-needed eral special Chanukah activities in various dar demonstrates Chazaq’s ability to mobi- Chanukah, a minor holiday on the calendar void for public school students who get dis- locations for students of their after school lize its staff, volunteers, and supporters in but one with great potential for inspiration, missed early and have an opportunity to fur- programs for public school children and living up to Chazaq’s mission. “We look for- outreach, and appreciation of the miracles ther their Jewish education,” said organizer teens. Scores of students brought the inspi- ward to doing the same with other chagim that underscore the unique history of the Leora Meirov. “It was a beautiful event, as ration of Chanukah to their homes, by not throughout the year, in multiple locations, Jewish people. it included wine tasting, a Chinese auction, only lighting their own menorah, but also reaching the greatest possible audience,” In the middle of Chanukah, residents and music. It warmed our neshamos in the by bringing the lessons of the holiday to said Meirov.

32 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Yeshiva Torah Vodaath Holds Annual Kew Gardens Hills Reception

eshiva Torah Vodaath held its Annual Kew Gardens Hills Reception at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Yisroel Blumenfrucht on Thursday evening, December 22, with the par- Yticipation of the Mashgiach Ruchani, Moreinu HaRav Moshe Wolfson shlita, and k’sivas osiyos l’zeicher nishmas Moreinu HaRav Yisroel Belsky zt”l. Yachad To Offer More Programs Yeshiva Ohr Hachaim Hosts Alumni And Services In The 5 Towns And M’laveh Malkah Far Rockaway Area

Yachad’s Rayim division (ages 26+) at a miniature golf event he Yachad programmatic season has inclusive tefi lah at other Shuls in the com- been in full swing with the fi rst half munity, ensuring that individuals of all Tof the year seeing over 20 weekend abilities have their place in Jewish life. In Shabbatons and numerous events around other related news, this past week Yachad the country, with hundreds of individuals introduced the newest member of their with disabilities and peer groups enjoy- amazing team, Meira Samet. Meira will be ing the experiences together. On Decem- joining Yachad as the Program Coordina- ber 10, Parshat Va’Yetze, Yachad joined the tor for the Long Island area including the Young Israel of Woodmere Teen Minyan 5 Towns and Far Rockaway. Meira will be for an inclusive tefi lah. This was a beauti- involved primarily in increasing program- ful initiative spearheaded by Rabbi Ahron matic offerings in the local area, parent Rosenthal, Director of Yachad-NY, bringing support groups, vocational services and together local Yachad members and high general increased community engagement. school students for a Shabbat morning of To hear more about Yachad’s amazing work davening, kidush, and chaburah. It was a and to meet the leadership of Yachad, beautiful opportunity of inclusion that is please join them on Motzeai Shabbat, Janu- the hallmark of all that Yachad stands for: ary 7, for a community Melavah Malka inclusion of individuals with disabilities featuring sushi, wine tasting, and music at into all areas of Jewish life. Many thanks to the Okun residence, 826 Central Avenue in Rabbi Avi Weber, Rabbi of the Teen Minyan, Woodmere. They look forward to greeting who led and facilitated the inclusive Min- the entire 5 Towns/Far Rockaway commu- yan. The next date for the inclusive min- nity at what is sure to be a beautiful even- yan will be on January 14, Parshat Va’Yeche. ing. For more information, please contact Yachad hopes to continue the model of [email protected].

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 33 34 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 35 Shua Katz is a Queens-based photographer who currently works Community Snapshots for the Queens Jewish Link and is a photographer at Yaakov Katz Studios. Photo Credits: Shua Katz Miami Boys Choir Concert at John Bowne HS - Monday night, December 26, Kew Gardens Hills

36 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Shua Katz is a Queens-based photographer who currently works Community Snapshots for the Queens Jewish Link and is a photographer at Yaakov Katz Studios. Photo Credits: Shua Katz RSA Chanukah Mesiba at Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim - Tuesday night, December 27, Kew Gardens Hills

Community Corner • Recent Happenings Orthodox Jewish Chamber Of Commerce Aron’s Chanukah Party For Congratulates Jason Greenblatt The Queens Community And Beyond Upon His New High-Level Position In Trump Administration

father of six who resides in Teaneck, has worked for Mr. Trump for nearly 20 years, and currently serves as Executive Vice Pres- ident and Chief Legal Offi cer of The Trump Organization. The statement read: “Over the past year, the Chamber has had the fortune of developing a close personal relationship with Mr. Greenblatt, and we’ve held high-level meetings with him in Trump Tower throughout the presidential campaign to discuss pertinent issues. Mr. Greenblatt also delivered a special address at the Chamber’s 2016 J-Biz Expo and Busi- ness Conference. “During all our interactions, we’ve seen fi rsthand a man of incredible character, he Orthodox Jewish Chamber of wisdom, experience, and compassion to- Commerce’s Executive Public Policy wards his fellow Jews. May Hashem bless TCommittee released a statement Jason and his family with success in this congratulating Jason Dov Greenblatt, Esq. consequential new endeavor. We are confi - upon his appointment as special represent- dent that Jason will be a tremendous asset ative for international negotiations in the to the Trump administration, and we look Trump administration, with a special focus forward to continue working together on on the Middle East peace process and Cuba issues of importance to the Jewish commu- policy. Mr. Greenblatt, an Orthodox Jewish nity and its economic success.”

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 37 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Rabbi Ronen Dvash Joins UN Security Council Anti-Israel Resolution Mesivta Of Queens Tops Simon Wiesenthal Center’s By Devorah Brody Top Ten Worst abbi Ronen Dvash has joined Me- sivta of Queens, which is slated to 2016 Anti-Israel/Anti-Semitic Incidents Ropen its doors this coming Sep- tember in the Maspeth Jewish Center. he US abstention on the vote al- Rabbi Dvash will be serving as Mena- lowed the adoption of an onerous hel of the Mesivta, as well ninth grade Tone-sided resolution that deﬁ nes Rebbe. He has been learning in Beis Judaism’s holiest site as “occupied Palestin- Medrash L’Talmud (Lander College For ian territory” and encourages nations to Men Kollel) for the past nine years, and boycott goods made by Jews in East Jeru- has been serving as Rabbi of the Young salem and the West Bank. Other major 2016 Members Minyan in the Young Israel of anti-Israel moves included UNESCO’s vote Queens Valley for the past three years. erasing Jewish (and Christian) links to Juda- Residents of Kew Gardens Hills who ism’s holy sites, and the General Assembly’s know him describe Rabbi Dvash as a dy- 20 resolutions condemning Israel (with namic speaker with leadership qualities, four for all other nations combined). These eign Minister, France’s labeling of Jewish and the ability to teach a wide spectrum 2016 moves placed the United Nations at #1. goods, The Netherlands, Global BDS Cam- of talmidim. He has also developed an in- Mesivta of Queens will be hosting an Among the top ten: UK’s Labour Party, paign, Sports Venues, Poland’s Holocaust novative and very effective program for Open House on January 15, at 2:00 p.m. It America’s Richard Spencer, Sweden’s For- revisionism, and PA anti-Semitism. teaching the skills which are needed for will be held in Rabbi Oelbaum’s Shul, at successful independent Gemara learning. 141-39 73rd Avenue, in Kew Gardens Hills. Rabbi Dvash will be teaming up with For more information about Me- Rabbi Gershon Brafman in achieving the sivta of Queens, please send an email to Chanukah Menorah-Lighting goals and objectives of the Mesivta. [email protected]. With Borough President Melinda Katz Held At Queens Borough Hall

n Tuesday, December 27, Queens rah-lighting ceremony at Queens Borough Borough President Melinda Katz Hall. The event featured potato latkes, drei- Oand Chabad of Queens held a meno- dels, chocolate gelt, menorahs, and music. 38 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 39 Community Corner • What’s New In School Yeshiva Primary: Lighting The Way In Hollis Hills By Susie Garber

eshiva Primary, like the Maccabees of old, is fi ghting the age-old battle of assimilation, one student at a Ytime. On Wednesday, December 28, the fourth day of Chanu- kah, excitement fi lled the air in Yeshiva Primary, as students in grades 1-8 lined up to enter the ballroom. Mrs. Judy Klein, Principal, welcomed everyone to the special annual Chanukah assembly. Dean and Founder of Yeshiva Primary, Rabbi Zalman Deutscher, praised all the student performers and moros. Each class performed either original class plays, skits, or songs with the theme of Cha- nukah. colorful props. The students crafted a Wheel of Dreidel and tive cake-decorating contest the next day. Each class chose The fi rst group of younger students, wearing dreidel a sign with letters that slowly revealed the message, “Happy an important Jewish theme and decorated their cake ac- crowns, began the assembly with reciting the brachos on Chanukah, Yeshiva Primary.” They included audience par- cordingly. the Chanukah candles. A fi rst grader said the blessings ticipation in their Chanukah question game show. It was a This writer interviewed some of the Yeshiva Primary stu- aloud and then Rebbetzin Channah Hecht lit the meno- fun, creative, interactive skit. dents who attended public school last year or in previous rah. The students then performed a medley of Chanukah Then some of the oldest students performed the fi nal years. I wanted to know how their experience in Yeshiva favorite songs with their morah, Rebbetzin Hecht, conduct- play, which clearly taught the message of Chanukah and Primary contrasts to their experience in public school. ing them. They concluded with a rousing rendition of ask- sticking to our beliefs against assimilation. The students “In public school we didn’t learn about Chanukah,” one ing Hashem to build the third Beis HaMikdash. performed magnifi cently. Their Greek and Maccabee cos- third grader noted. “In this school we learn about Chanu- Following this, Morah Devorah Sadom’s young students tumes added to the overall effect. The boy who played the kah and we get kosher lunch and it’s more fun.” sang some lively Chanukah songs. After that, Mrs. Yocheved kohen gadol (high priest) said, “We don’t care how many A seventh-grade Yeshiva Primary student noted, “In this Abramovitz’s class sang a beautiful medley of stirring Cha- weapons the Greeks have. We will continue to serve our school we get educated about the history of Chanukah and nukah songs. Mrs. Abramovitz’s lovely piano accompani- G-d in His Holy Temple.” all the miracles and the menorah. We learn mitzvos and ment added to their performance. Another boy stated, “Hashem helps us win our battles halachos. In public school they decorated stuff for X-mas. I Next, a group of students performed an original Chanu- and gives us everything!” Their rebbe, Rabbi Daron Sillman, learned a lot here. It is defi nitely better than public school.” kah play about two boys who go back in time and face the instilled the Chanukah lessons beautifully. Watching the smiling students’ excitement and love of Syrian-Greek army. The boys learn the importance of the This was the theme of the plays and skits and songs. Mrs. mitzvos and Hashem was truly a special experience. spiritual. Klein praised the students and teachers for this outstand- Hashem should bless the school to continue its holy After this, a group of older students performed a won- ing performance. work and the students to continue in their path of growth derful game-show Chanukah skit complete with original The joyful Chanukah celebration continued with a crea- in Yiddishkeit. Bais Yaakov Of Queens Early Childhood Center Experiences The Chabad Olive Press Workshop he Pre-K children at the Bais Yaakov periment with oil, they were ready to learn Academy of Queens Early Childhood from where olive oil comes. They were TCenter had a deLIGHTful Chanukah. treated to a fascinating olive oil workshop. In preparation for Chanukah, the children They enjoyed this special hands-on learn- studied light, shadows, and refl ections. ing experience and were fully engaged as During a class discussion, some of the chil- they helped select the biggest, juiciest ol- dren commented that oil also makes light. ives from baskets, poured the olives into The junior scientists became interested in a miniature olive press, and operated it. oil, wanting to know more about this slip- They were thrilled when olive oil actually pery substance. They predicted that if oil is dripped out! As they poured the olive oil mixed with water, it might become squishy that they made into a large menorah, they and messy, but they never imagined that oil excitedly waited for the moment of truth: would not mix with water. After some excit- Would the oil burn? Much to their gratifi ca- ing experimentation using cups and Ziploc tion it did burn! bags, the children were amazed to fi nd out The pictures of their deLIGHTful learn- that oil and water do not mix, no matter ing experience are captivating. What a won- how much they are “pushed” together. derful learning experience for young stu- Once the children had the chance to ex- dents. It was truly enLIGHTening.

40 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Community Corner • What’s New In School Yeshiva of Central Queens Celebrates Chanukah

hanukah festivities were in the air at by classroom parties. a staff Chanukah party complete with lat- istration had, as some of the JHS hosted stu- YCQ this week. To begin the celebra- Students spent time learning about the kes, sushi, and gifts for the faculty, showing dents from HASC for activities and a party, Ction, all students danced and sang at miracle of the oil and partook in competi- the hakaras ha’tov for all of the hard work and some of the Grade 5 students took a a concert by Shlock Rock. The Grade 4 and tion that was challenging and fun, as the el- they put into caring for and teaching the trip to Amazing Savings to purchase toys Grade 5 students attended a chocolate activ- ementary division participated in a school- students. with money they raised for the sick children ity, making Chanukah-themed chocolate lol- wide dreidel spinoff, ending the week with As much fun as all the parties and activi- through Chai Lifeline. This lesson in chesed lypops. Each kindergarten class performed a big dance party run by Azamra DJ. ties have been, the highlights of the week and caring will teach the students a lifelong a Chanukah play for their parents, followed The administration and PTO sponsored were the nachas that the faculty and admin- lesson in how to give to and care for others. Celebrating Chanukah, SKA Style

Dr. Mila Klahr and SKA Seniors Mrs. Helen Spirn and SKA Juniors

t was a very freilichen Chanukah at the The spiritual and joyful celebrations of ers. The pre-schoolers at Lev Chana had a eagerly awaited annual Chanukah Chagi- Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls! Chanukah in the school continued through- leibidik time sharing Chanukah simchah gah and Chanukah Auction capped off the I The festivities began on Tuesday out the week with yom tov lectures for with SKA Seniors; it was hard to tell who week of merriment. In the “bowling alley,” morning, December 27, when the student mothers and alumna arranged by SPARKS was having a better time! long rows of colorful boxes offered oppor- body, divided into many groups, enjoyed – a Torah li’shmah initiative by SKA stu- “Part of the Chanukah fun in SKA is tunities to bid on class parties, lunches, breakfast and hachnasas orchim at the dents – given by Rabbi Isaac Rice, Head of having an evening party in your teacher’s and outings with faculty members and homes of SKA’s faculty members. It was a the Torah She’b’al Peh Department, Limudei house,” says 10th grader Elisheva Miller. Shabbos invitations. Since the funds raised wonderful opportunity to bond with teach- Kodesh teacher Mrs. Rochel Chafetz, and As- Both the Sophomores and Juniors enjoyed go to tz’dakah, this has always been a very ers and fellow classmates in a relaxed at- sociate Principal Mrs. Deena Kobre. Chesed amazing food and activities, thanks to their popular event and bidding is friendly but mosphere. Many students played dreidel and Chanukah combined with Otzar par- Grade Level Advisors and madrichot. ﬁ erce. and other games, some made cupcakes and ticipants feted by 9th graders, Ivdu students Providing delicious goods and specialty We hope everyone had a happy Chanu- sang Chanukah songs, and some even fed entertained by 10th graders, and a clothing drinks for purchase, thanks to our G.O., kah. The students and faculty of SKA cer- geese in a backyard pond! drive for Yad Leah spearheaded by 11th grad- “Nes Cafe” opened on Thursday, and the tainly did! Midreshet Shalhevet Celebrates Chanukah Spirit n Wednesday, Midreshet Shalhevet cotton candy, and snow had its annual Chanukah Chagi- cones. With the DJ Hillel Ogah. Organized by our fantastic G.O. K playing all the hits, the members Rivka Raizel Goldshein, Aviva MSH students were up on Chait, Shifra Chait, Maayan Sandowski, and the dance ﬂ oor and danc- Basya Borenstein, the ballroom was deco- ing to the music. With all rated in the school’s blue and orange, lead- the girls involved in Cha- ing up to another Chanukah surprise. The gigah, the G.O. closed out refreshments gave the girls a break from the party with color war the traditional sufganiyot with popcorn, breakout!

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 41 Community Corner • What’s New In School YHT Yom T’hilim V’Torah For Rabbi Kelemer his past week, the Yeshiva Har Torah 7th and 8th grade students participated in a Yom T’hilim V’Torah dedicated for Ta r’fuah sh’leimah for Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer, HaRav Yehu- dah ben Rivkah Leah. The day began with the recitation of T’hilim and a Mi She- Beirach. Rabbi Menchel then shared a d’var Torah and painted a moving and beautiful picture of Rabbi Kelemer and the incredible impact that he has on the entire community, including Yeshi- va Har Torah. Rabbi Menchel used personal stories to illustrate how much Rabbi Kelemer is needed, how we all look to Rabbi Kelemer to lead us towards lives of Torah, sh’miras ha’mitzvos, and chesed. With the charge that “now Rabbi Kelemer needs us to help him,” the students went to two mini-learning sessions with their rebbeim and moros who shared with the students new insights into neis Chanukah and its mitzvos and minhagim. At the ﬁ nal session, the students made Chanukah/r’fuah sh’leimah cards to be distributed to patients in local hospitals. The Yeshiva Har Torah community joins with all of klal Yisrael in the prayer that Rabbi Kelemer should have a r’fuah sh’leimah b’soch sh’ar cholei Yisrael.

Community Corner • Upcoming Events Active Bukharian Queens Synagogue To Participate In Day Of Torah Event At Citi Field On Sunday, January 15, Presented By The Orthodox Union ne of the most active Bukharian spire and strengthen Jewish observance. sentatives from all walks of Orthodox or of introducing the lectures discussing Synagogues in the US, the Beth Chazaq has gotten so popular that it has Jewish life for a meaningful conversa- Kashrus in Israel. OGavriel Center of Queens, will be spread to other boroughs and even other tion about Halachah (Jewish Law), Tan- This program is a milestone for the joining hundreds of shuls and organiza- states. ach (The Jewish Bible), Hashkafah (Moral OU, as the organization expands its fo- tions across the tri-state area in an un- Chazaq’s founder and director, Rabbi and Ethical Code), and Israel. cus to provide opportunities for Jews to precedented Day of Torah being held Ilan Meirov, also serves as one of the A key component of this effort is in- explore the knowledge and inspiration at Citi Field on Sunday, January 15. The youth minyan rabbis at Beth Gavriel. His troducing dimensions of Torah study behind their religious observance. day-long event is open to both men and brother, Yaniv Meirov, is President and that speak to each individual. From “The community should make it their women and is presented by the Ortho- CEO of Chazaq. Kashrus, and Women and Torah, to Con- business to come out to this Day of Torah, dox Union, the umbrella organization “Chazaq is known for offering many version and the Role Judaism May Play which is being held just minutes away for Orthodox Jewry. programs and services that our entire in American Politics Today, these top- from Beth Gavriel in Queens. The topics Beth Gavriel, with more than 1000 community benefi ts from. It was only ics and many others will be part of the are captivating and benefi cial, and will members, recently joined the Orthodox natural to get one of our partnering dialogue for people to engage in, learn benefi t the individual as well as the com- Union’s (OU) community of member synagogues, Beth Gavriel, to join the about, and question. Additional topics munity at large,” states Yaniv Meirov. synagogues, in an effort to enhance the OU and to help them devise topics and include Living in Diaspora vs. Living in Attendees are welcome to attend any growing efforts of Beth Gavriel and its secure great rabbis and speakers from Israel, Dating and Marriage, and Balanc- part or the entire event. Admission is $18, affi liated yeshivah. around the world for its Day of Torah,” ing Torah Study with Other Obligations. with free parking and kosher food availa- The synagogue’s recent growth is due says Yaniv Meirov. “In turn, we all ben- Among the speakers for this special ble for purchase. There will be children’s in part to Chazaq, a prominent organiza- efi t from the OU’s many services, includ- event are Rabbi Yonason Sacks, Mina programming for ages 1-5 and 6-10. The tion that serves the Queens community ing guidance for educational programs Glick, Rabbi Eli Mansour, Rabbi Shalom Day of Torah is being held indoors at Citi and beyond with afterschool programs, and synagogue business development, Rosner, Mr. Charlie Harary, and Rabbi Field Convention Center, in Flushing, on synagogue lecturers, and community- among others.” Menachem Genack, among others. Rabbi Sunday, January 15. Pre-registration is re- wide programs and events that help in- The Day of Torah will feature repre- Ilan Meirov of Chazaq will have the hon- quired. Register at ou.org/city. Momentum Builds As TEAM Shabbos Approaches ust two weeks remain until the The momentum and positive energy of the clarity and beauty that the To- and Toronto, to cities in Ohio, Nevada, highly anticipated Shabbos that is overwhelming as the number of par- rah view has to offer. Parshas Vayechi, and Tennessee, Jews from all walks of Jis already galvanizing hundreds ticipating communities and shuls is which discusses Yaakov Avinu at the life and backgrounds are joining the of shuls and communities around the increasing every single day. Jews from end of his life, is replete with sources initiative. TEAM Shabbos is creating a country into positive action: TEAM all over are enthusiastically embracing and lessons. dramatic shift in the common approach Shabbos. In its second year following the opportunity to bring the topic of There are several ways your Shul can and perspective that people have re- last year’s tremendous success, this end-of-life, a subject which is often un- participate in TEAM Shabbos. Utilizing garding the issues surrounding of end- year’s Traditional End-of-Life Aware- comfortable and therefore avoided, out the week leading up to TEAM Shabbos of-life care and preparation. Subjects ness Movement (TEAM) Shabbos is into the open in an honest, inspiring by incorporating related material in Shi- that were once taboo and concerns and scheduled for Shabbos, Parshas Vayechi, and positive way. Regardless of the age urim, and newsletters, and by dedicating questions that have gone unanswered January 14. or demographic of your shul or com- the Shabbos Drashos, Shiurim and Divrei are now being addressed in a helpful A project of the National Association munity, the need for this program is Torah to these topics is an excellent way and constructive way. of Chevra Kadisha (NASCK), TEAM Shab- real and signifi cant, whether the infor- to open the discussion and ensure that Has your Shul or community joined bos addresses and discusses the vital mation pertains to the shul members the largest number of people will have the growing number of Shuls who are concepts and concerns related to end- themselves or their relatives. the chance to be informed and inspired. responding enthusiastically to the call of-life within the Jewish community. So far, 357 shuls in 188 cities have Communities can still use this special of TEAM Shabbos? The mission of TEAM Shabbos is reso- joined the movement for this year’s opportunity to collaborate with NASCK To learn more about participating, call nating strongly within communities Shabbos, already exceeding the remark- and run programs or host renowned 718-847-6280 or visit teamshabbos.org. all over: to generate positive awareness able number of participating shuls in lecturers to speak on a vast array of end- Unite with thousands of Jews around and provide education and direction 5776. Many hours of work and thought of-life related topics, further boosting the country who have a growing appre- regarding the value of life and critical are being devoted to portraying these awareness and knowledge. ciation of: “Respect for life - here and end-of-life decisions. sensitive issues within the context From Shuls in New York, Florida, hereafter.”

42 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Community Calendar A Changed Landscape Compiled by Rebecca Wittert CONTINUED FROM P. 31 on calculations that the news would have reached Harlem at about 5:00 p.m., and will invariably head elsewhere at least in Shabbos ending that day at about 7 p.m., the interim. There are possible advantag- per sunrise/sunset charts. The six-plus- THE CALENDAR es to be had from incidents like these, but mile walk from West 122nd Street to Wash- the owners would not have preferred to ington Street would have taken a little FOR ALL EVENTS IN QUEENS gain them this way. For some, this could under two hours.) materialize into an “unchosen,” but pos- The answer is probably that they were event. Admittance $18 before December itive, opportunity. It’s happened before, anxious. It’s a mishnah and subsequent JANUARY 2017 16; $25 December 16-January 12; $36 day but there are many variables that will de- gemara in the sixteenth chapter of Ma- of event. Free parking. Kosher food is termine the future lot of those who are seches Shabbos that tells about a ﬁ re that At 7:30 p.m., the available for purchase. Please register at now not able to go to work just as they breaks out in one’s home on Shabbos, Queens Village Re- ou.org/citi. did last Friday morning. and what can be saved for the Shabbos publican Club will Thoughts of a city blaze and busi- meals. To salvage other items beyond the hold its monthly Friday-Sunday 20- ness-owner reaction have come up in my requisite food is not permitted (there are meeting at Knights 22 mind in recent years. My great-grandfa- exceptions, such as Holy Books, and from

Thursday 5 e\ 9ebkcXki%Ij$ Dirshu will hold ther and his brothers had their well-es- there the chapter derives its name, Kol Anne’s Council, 263- a I^WXXei 9^_pka tablished men’s clothing company, Harris Kisvei Kodesh), since a person is “bahul” at

'+Kd_edJkhdf_a["=b[dEWai$<[Wjkh[Z Friday BÊBecZ[_ JehW^ Bros., located on the fourth fl oor of the (anxious) concerning their possessions If[Wa[h0 C_Y^W[b 9kjb[h" I[d_eh If[Y_Wb 20 j^[ IjWc\ehZ 9ed- Asch Building. That’s the building at 23-29 and may, if allowed to rescue more items, 7][dj"?DIH[j$ edÇ?cc_]hWj_ed9h_i_i corde Plaza. Details Washington Place where in 1911 the Tri- forget that it’s Shabbos and extinguish the kdZ[hj^[Jhkcf7Zc_d_ijhWj_ed$È to follow. angle Shirtwaist Factory fi re broke out. fi re, a non-permissible activity. It was later on a Shabbos – at about 4:30 Anxious business owners on Vleigh Motzaei Shabbos 7 p.m. – that it began with a shout of “fi re,” Place have major property loss and much At 8:00 p.m., according to a next day’s New York Times to sort out, but fortunately for the com- Yachad will hold report. The family lore that was shared munity, the danger was contained. I am a m’laveh malkah FEBRUARY 2017 with me in recent years relates that the sure that a large group of supportive cus- at 826 Central Av- brothers, observant Jews, walked down- tomers will make an effort to direct some Shabbos 7 enue, Woodmere. Bnos Malka Acade- town from their Harlem home to the lo- of their business to the stores that do Iki^_"m_d[jWij_d]" my will hold its an- and music. For more information, please nual dinner. Details cation of their business. Their insurance choose to reopen nearby in the coming email [email protected]. to follow. had supposedly run out on Friday, but I months, and I know that this paper, as have no way of confi rming that, nor fully well as other community news sources, At 7:30 p.m., the Monday 6 understand why they didn’t wait a cou- will keep the public informed so we all Ninth Annual Asar- ple hours and take a cab? (This is based can contribute towards a rebound. ah B’Teves Pro- gram will be held At 8:30 p.m., at the Young Israel P’eylim/Lev Sunday 8 of Kew Gardens L’Achim will hold a Hills (70-11 150th community recep- Ijh[[j"A[m=WhZ[di>_bbi $=k[ijif[Wa- tion welcoming [h0HWXX_DeiiedIY^[hcWd"][d[hWb[Z_- Tuesday 21 Maran HaGaon Ha- jeh e\ 7hjIYhebb C[iehW^$ ?djheZkYjeho HWl I^ck[b AW- remarks by Rabbi Ephraim Glatt, Esq. A c[d[jiao i^b_jÈW" Wj j^[ êc[ e\ :h$ light buffet will be served. Parking will Chi$CWhYI_bl[hcWd-)#&)'),jÎjh[[j" X[WlW_bWXb[_dj^[O9Gbej$_]^ IYêebm_bbêbZ_ji NASCK (National annual dinner. De- Association of tails to follow. Chevra Kadisha) will hold its annual Sunday 26 TEAM (Traditional Shabbos 14 End-of-Life Aware- ness Movement) Shabbos. For more information, please YWbb -'.#.*-#,(.& eh l_i_j mmm$J;7C- shabbos.org. MARCH 2017

At 8:25 p.m., Yeshiva Kesser Torah will O[i^_lW e\ 9[djhWb hold its 32nd Annual Journal M’laveh Queens will hold MalkahWjj^[Oekd]?ihW[be\A[m=Wh- its 76th annual din- Z[di>_bbi$>edeh_d]:h$FWkbChi$:he- d[h Wj j^[ IWdZi$ hW8heZoWdZOWd_lB[ehWC[_hel$=k[ij Details to follow. if[Wa[hHWXX_I^ck[bCWhYki$C[dWdZ Sunday 26 women are welcome. Admission by contribution; $100 per person suggested. For reservations, please contact 718-793-2890 or o[i^_lWa[ii[hjehW^6]cW_b$Yec$ MAY 2017 From 8:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., the Or- NORPAC will hold thodox Union will its annual mission hold a full-day To- to Washington. rah program for Meet directly with Sunday 15 both men and members of Con- women indoors at gress and their staff

Wednesday 10 D[mOehaÊi9_j_<_[bZ$J^[[l[djm_bb\[W- to make a true im- jkh[h[fh[i[djWj_l[i\hecWbbmWbaie\Eh- pact. Round-trip transportation to Wash- thodox Jewish life for a meaningful con- ington, DC with Glatt Kosher meals in- l[hiWj_ed WXekj >WbWY^W^" JWdWY^" YbkZ[Z$7Zkbji'(+"IjkZ[dji-+$Fb[Wi[ >Wi^aW\W^"WdZ?ihW[b$7jj[dZ[[iWh[m[b- register at DEHF79$d[j or call 201-788- come to attend any part or the entire 5133. TO ADD YOUR EVENT TO OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PLEASE EMAIL THE EVENT, DATE/TIME, PLACE, AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION TO: [email protected] Your business can sponsor the QJL Community Calendar. Please contact Yaakov at 718-880-2622 or e-mail [email protected]

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 43 Daf Yomi Classes Mincha Minyan List

SUNDAY 5:40 am Degel Israel(Shein- 137-58 70th Avenue, KGH SUNDAY 4:00 pm • Chazaq 141-24 Grocery 82-38 Lefferts 6:00 am Young Israel of Kew feld), 144-02 68th Drive, 6:05 am Congregation Nacha- 12:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser Jewel Avenue, KGH Blvd,Kew Gardens Gardens Hills, Youth Build- KGH las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 4:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 2:00 pm • Jewish Heri- ing Library 150-05 70th 6:00 am Ohel Yitzchok (Arieli), 39 73rd Avenue, KGH KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, tage Center 68-20 Main Road, KGH 137-58 70th Avenue, KGH 7:45 am Congregation Nacha- 1:00 pm • Rabbi Rubin’s KGH Street, KGH 6:55 am Ahavas Yisroel,147-02 6:15 am Congregation Nachalas las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- shul 70-03 147th Street, 2:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 73rd Avenue, KGH Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141-39 39 73rd Avenue, KGH KGH TUESDAY Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 7:00 am Ohel Yitzchok (Arieli), 73rd Avenue, KGH 9:00 am Queens Jewish Center, 1:30 pm • Ahavas Yisroel 12:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser KGH 137-58 70th Avenue, KGH 7:45 am Congregation Nacha- 66-05 108th Street, Forest 147-02 73rd Avenue, Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 2:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 7:00 am Kehilas Ishei Yisrael, las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- Hills KGH KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, YCQ Junior High School 39 73rd Avenue, KGH 8:00 pm Congregation Nacha- 1:30 pm • Yeshiva Ohel 12:55pm • Yeshiva Madrei- KGH Building(150th St nr 70th 9:00 am Queens Jewish Center, las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- Simcha 141-41 72nd Ave- gas HaAdam 165-14 69th 3:30 pm • Gift World 72- 20 Rd), KGH 66-05 108th Street, Forest 39 73rd Avenue, KGH nue, KGH Ave, Hillcrest Main Street, KGH 7:10 am Degel Israel(Sheinfeld), Hills 8:00 pm Agudath Israel of Kew 1:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 1:00 pm • Rabbi Rubin’s 3:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 144-02 68th Drive, KGH 8:00 pm Congregation Nacha- Gardens Hills, 147-37 70th Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, shul 70-03 147th Street, Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 7:30 am Congregation Nacha- las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- Road (YCQ Building), 1st KGH KGH KGH las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- 39 73rd Avenue, KGH fl oor, KGH 1:45 pm • Aron’s Kissena 1:30 pm • Ahavas Yisroel 4:00 pm • Chazaq 141-24 39 73rd Avenue, KGH 8:00 pm Agudath Israel of Kew 8:00 pm Young Israel of 8:45 am Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, 147-37 70th Queens Valley, 141-55 77th Farms 72-15 Kissena 147-02 73rd Avenue, Jewel Avenue, KGH Gardens Hills, 147-37 70th Road (YCQ Building), 1st Avenue, KGH Boulevard, KGH KGH 4:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser Road (YCQ Building), 1st fl oor, KGH 8:30 pm Degel Israel(Shein- 1:45pm • Rosenblum’s Gro- 1:30 pm • Yeshiva Ohel Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, fl oor, KGH 8:00 pm Young Israel of feld), 144-02 68th Drive, cery 82-38 Lefferts Blvd, Simcha 141-41 72nd Ave- KGH 8:00 pm Young Israel of Queens Valley, 141-55 77th KGH Kew Gardens nue, KGH Queens Valley, 141-55 77th Avenue, KGH 2:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 1:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser THURSDAY Avenue, KGH 8:30 pm Degel Israel(Shein- FRIDAY Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 12:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 8:30 pm Degel Israel(Shein- feld), 144-02 68th Drive, 5:30 am Young Israel of Kew KGH KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, feld), 144-02 68th Drive, KGH Gardens Hills, Youth Build- 2:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 1:45 pm • Aron’s Kissena KGH KGH ing Library 150-05 70th Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, Farms 72-15 Kissena 12:55pm • Yeshiva Madrei- 9:30 am Queens Jewish Center, WEDNESDAY Road, KGH KGH Boulevard, KGH gas HaAdam 165-14 69th 66-05 108th Street, Forest 5:30 am Young Israel of Kew 5:30 am Ahavas Yisroel,147-02 3:30 pm • Gift World 72- 20 1:45 pm • Seasons 66-18 Ave, Hillcrest Hills Gardens Hills, Youth Build- 73rd Avenue, KGH Main Street, KGH Main Street, KGH 1:00 pm • Rabbi Rubin’s ing Library 150-05 70th 5:40 am Degel Israel(Shein- 3:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 1:45pm • Rosenblum’s shul 70-03 147th Street, MONDAY Road, KGH feld), 144-02 68th Drive, Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, Grocery 82-38 Lefferts KGH 5:30 am Young Israel of Kew 5:30 am Ahavas Yisroel,147-02 KGH KGH Blvd,Kew Garden 1:30 pm • Ahavas Yisroel Gardens Hills, Youth Build- 73rd Avenue, KGH 5:30 am Kehilas Ishei Yisrael, 4:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 2:00 pm • Jewish Heri- 147-02 73rd Avenue, KGH ing Library 150-05 70th 5:30 am Kehilas Ishei Yisrael, YCQ Junior High School Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, tage Center 68-20 Main 1:30 pm • Yeshiva Ohel Road, KGH YCQ Junior High School Building(150th St nr 70th KGH Street, KGH Simcha 141-41 72nd Ave- 5:30 am Ahavas Yisroel,147-02 Building(150th St nr 70th Rd), KGH 2:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser nue, KGH 73rd Avenue, KGH Rd), KGH 6:00 am Ohel Yitzchok (Arieli), MONDAY Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 1:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 5:30 am Kehilas Ishei Yisrael, 5:40 am Degel Israel(Shein- 137-58 70th Avenue, KGH YCQ Junior High School feld), 144-02 68th Drive, 6:15 am Congregation Nachalas 12:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, Building(150th St nr 70th KGH Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141-39 Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 2:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser KGH Rd), KGH 6:00 am Ohel Yitzchok (Arieli), 73rd Avenue, KGH KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 1:45 pm • Aron’s Kissena 5:40 am Degel Israel(Shein- 137-58 70th Avenue, KGH 7:45 am Congregation Nacha- 12:55pm • Yeshiva Madrei- KGH Farms 72-15 Kissena feld), 144-02 68th Drive, 6:15 am Congregation Nachalas las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- gas HaAdam 165-14 69th 3:30 pm • Gift World 72- 20 Boulevard, KGH KGH Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141-39 39 73rd Avenue, KGH Ave, Hillcrest Main Street, KGH 1:45 pm • Seasons 66-18 6:00 am Ohel Yitzchok (Arieli), 73rd Avenue, KGH 9:00 am Queens Jewish Center, 1:00 pm • Rabbi Rubin’s 3:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser Main Street, KGH 137-58 70th Avenue, KGH 7:45 am Congregation Nacha- 66-05 108th Street, Forest shul 70-03 147th Street, Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 1:45pm • Rosenblum’s 6:05 am Congregation Nacha- las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- Hills KGH KGH Grocery 82-38 Lefferts las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- 39 73rd Avenue, KGH 8:00 pm Agudath Israel of Kew 1:30 pm • Ahavas Yisroel 4:00 pm • Chazaq 141-24 Blvd,Kew Gardens 39 73rd Avenue, KGH 9:00 am Queens Jewish Center, Gardens Hills, 147-37 70th 147-02 73rd Avenue, Jewel Avenue, KGH 2:00 pm • Jewish Heri- 7:45 am Congregation Nacha- 66-05 108th Street, Forest Road (YCQ Building), 1st KGH 4:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser tage Center 68-20 Main las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- Hills fl oor, KGH 1:30 pm • Yeshiva Ohel Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, Street, KGH 39 73rd Avenue, KGH 8:00 pm Congregation Nacha- Simcha 141-41 72nd Ave- KGH 2:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 9:00 am Queens Jewish Center, las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- SHABBOS nue, KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 66-05 108th Street, Forest 39 73rd Avenue, KGH 7:25 am Ahavas Yisroel,147-02 1:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser WEDNESDAY KGH Hills 8:00 pm Agudath Israel of Kew 73rd Avenue, KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 12:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 2:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 8:00 pm Congregation Nacha- Gardens Hills, 147-37 70th 7:45 am Young Israel of Kew KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, las Yitzchak (Oelbaum), 141- Road (YCQ Building), 1st Gardens Hills, Youth 1:45 pm • Aron’s Kissena KGH KGH 39 73rd Avenue, KGH fl oor, KGH Building Library 150-05 Farms 72-15 Kissena 12:45 pm • Ahavas Yisroel 3:30 pm • Gift World 72- 20 8:00 pm Agudath Israel of Kew 8:00 pm Young Israel of 70th Road, KGH Boulevard, KGH 147-02 73rd Avenue, Main Street, KGH Gardens Hills, 147-37 70th Queens Valley, 141-55 77th 7:50 am Degel Israel(Shein- Road (YCQ Building), 1st Avenue, KGH feld), 144-02 68th Drive, 1:45 pm • Seasons 66-18 KGH 3:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser fl oor, KGH 8:30 pm Degel Israel(Shein- KGH Main Street, KGH 12:55pm • Yeshiva Madrei- Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, 8:00 pm Young Israel of feld), 144-02 68th Drive, 8:00 am Ohel Yitzchok (Ari- 1:45pm • Rosenblum’s Gro- gas HaAdam 165-14 69th KGH Queens Valley, 141-55 77th KGH eli), 137-58 70th Avenue, cery 82-38 Lefferts Blvd, Ave, Hillcrest 4:00 pm • Chazaq 141-24 Avenue, KGH KGH Kew Gardens 1:00 pm • Rabbi Rubin’s Jewel Avenue, KGH 8:30 pm Degel Israel(Shein- THURSDAY 1 hr before mincha Congre- 2:00 pm • Jewish Heri- shul 70-03 147th Street, 4:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser feld), 144-02 68th Drive, 5:30 am Young Israel of Kew gation Nachalas Yitzchak tage Center 68-20 Main KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, KGH Gardens Hills, Youth Build- (Oelbaum), 141-39 73rd Av- Street, KGH 1:30 pm • Yeshiva Ohel KGH ing Library 150-05 70th enue, KGH 2:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser Simcha 141-41 72nd Ave- TUESDAY Road, KGH 1 hr before mincha Agudath Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, nue, KGH FRIDAY 5:30 am Young Israel of Kew 5:30 am Ahavas Yisroel,147-02 Israel of Kew Gardens KGH 1:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 1:15 pm • Yeshiva Kesser Gardens Hills, Youth Build- 73rd Avenue, KGH Hills, 147-37 70th Road, 1st 2:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, ing Library 150-05 70th 5:30 am Kehilas Ishei Yisrael, fl oor, KGH Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, KGH KGH Road, KGH YCQ Junior High School 1 hr before mincha Degel KGH 1:45 pm • Aron’s Kissena 1:45 pm • Aron’s Kissena 5:30 am Ahavas Yisroel,147-02 Building(150th St nr 70th Israel(Sheinfeld), 144-02 3:30 pm • Gift World 72- 20 Farms 72-15 Kissena Farms 72-15 Kissena 73rd Avenue, KGH Rd), KGH 68th Drive, KGH Main Street, KGH Boulevard, KGH Boulevard, KGH 5:30 am Kehilas Ishei Yisrael, 5:40 am Degel Israel(Shein- 40 min before mincha Ke- 3:45 pm • Yeshiva Kesser 1:45 pm • Seasons 66-18 1:45pm • Rosenblum’s Gro- YCQ Junior High School feld), 144-02 68th Drive, hilas Ishei Yisrael, YCQ Ju- Torah 72-11 Vleigh Place, Main Street, KGH cery 82-38 Lefferts Blvd, Building(150th St nr 70th KGH nior High School Building KGH 1:45 pm • Rosenblum’s Kew Gardens Rd), KGH 6:00 am Ohel Yitzchok (Arieli), (150th St nr 70th Rd), KGH

SPONSORED BY SHIMON’S KOSHER PIZZERIA VAAD HARABONIM OF QUEENS 71-24 MAIN STREET • KEW GARDENS HILLS • 718 793-1491

44 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Staying Fit Dov Segal

5 Workout Tips For Beginners

our New Year’s Resolution was to hit ious types of exercise, which are aerobic, the gym. Here’s how to start torch- resistance (strength) training, fl exibility Ying calories and staying injury-free. (which includes yoga), and balance (which With 2017 here, it’s the time of year is especially important for seniors). when millions of people begin exercising to meet their resolution of losing weight Tip 4: Know Your Weight or getting healthy. When beginning any and the Right Way to Use it exercise program, it’s important to pace Most people are confused the fi rst time yourself and not risk injury by overexert- they walk into a gym; try taking a class and ing yourself from the get-go – especially if talking to an instructor about your goals. it’s been a while since you worked out. To If you don’t know, ask a trainer who can prevent that, here are some tips and tricks help show you how to work out safely and to get you started on your journey towards effectively; it can save you from badly in- a healthier life. juring yourself. In addition, many gym newbies go for Tip 1: Start Slow the heaviest weight they can - a major mis- Don’t just jump right in and start exer- take. cising fi ve days a week - that’s a recipe for Go on a weight machine and, starting at disaster. It’s better that you gradually work the lowest weight, pull it down and keep up to exercising several days per week adding on from there. Just keep increasing while you see how your body responds. the weight until you reach a point where The current recommendation is 2-3 days you can only do one repetition (rep) or you per week, for at least 30 minutes per day. can’t do any. But for someone who is just starting out, Once you fi nd your maximum weight, we recommend that they start at 1-2 days two-thirds of that number is where you per week and ramp it up from there. should start. You should be able to do about 12 reps. It Tip 2: Know When to Stretch should be easy, but it shouldn’t be diffi cult Stretching right before a workout may to the point where you’re straining. seem like the best thing to do, but you Finally, once you have a weight you’re might be putting yourself at risk of injury. comfortable with, don’t get too eager to in- After you warm up, you should stretch crease it. your muscles and hold it for about 15 seconds, You are less likely to injure yourself Tip 5: Know When to Take a Break when you’re stretching if your muscles are When people start out, they often try to already a little warmed up. get to the gym every day. However, by not letting your body rest, you can be doing Tip 3: Mix it Up much more harm than good. Whether you’re going for weight loss or If you don’t give your body time to heal bulking up, a mixed regimen of aerobic and and repair itself, your performance will go strength training is the best way to achieve down and you’ll get into a vicious cycle the body you want. But even within those where you never fully recover. categories, don’t stick to the same exercises You will be sore after your workout if every workout. you pushed hard, and that’s good - unless it In addition, move between the four var- hurts too much.

***** Stand with feet together, knees slightly bent, and arms to sides. Jump while raising arms and sep- arating legs to sides. Land on forefoot with legs apart and arms overhead. Jump again while lowering arms and returning legs to midline. Start with as many as you can for a minute. Work your way up to 3 sets of 1 minute with 1-minute breaks in between for recovery.

Dov Segal is a master fi tness trainer and cycling instructor. He has been training clients one- on-one for over 10 years, specializing in obesity, post rehab, heart conditions, and overall strength building. He and his wife, Ava, have a studio in Queens, separate for men and women, called Clique Fitness, which offers personal-training sessions, group fi tness classes, massage, and other Clique care services. www.cliquefi tnesscenter.com, (718)380-0046

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 45 Daily Zmanim Hooked On Healing Caroline Schumsky, LCSW, MS

Be Who You Want To Be, Not What Others Want To See o you fi nd yourself always making a mental note of who looks better, Ddid better or is better than you? Do you pretend not to care but really care about...well… just about everything? Who got the highest grade, who ran the fastest, who got the best promotion? And just think. With all that fretting going on, someone somewhere is trying to fi gure out how to replace you with a computer program. Is all of life just one big competition? Well, outside of jobs, grades, looks, partners, wealth and status—not really. Sure, we’re told to up-manship, we may just do the best we can, fi nd 100 self-imposed and that after all- we “obligations” that we are really just compet- “must” do just to prove ing with ourselves, but to our “competitors” ahem…who are they that we are just as busy kidding, right? and productive as they If you bear in mind, are. And since when that whatever props did “busy” become so you get from society cool anyway? is based on their sub- Of course that goes jective perceptions, and oftentimes selfi sh hand in hand with who can appear the perspectives- you may not stay awake won- most “stressed out” (as if that is a good dering how the world “rates” you. Is it all thing). Yes, you babysat the most for the a numbers game in the end? Suppose you grandkids, cooked abundantly for the un- wrote what you think is an extraordinary appreciative guests over the holidays and book, but only one person read it. And sup- worked the most overtime to pay the bills - pose someone else wrote a trifl ing, trivial, taking the least amount of vacation days of shallow book that a million people read. course. Ding, ding, ding: You win. Will the Who do you think “society” would value King and Queen of Stress come and receive more? Which one of you would make it on their just desserts. Come to think of it, why the cover of People magazine? aren’t we handing out awards to the most Who gets paid more: the hard work- relaxed, chilled out people on the planet? ing janitor in your child’s school or some Oh and how about this lil gem? You’re tragically, anorexic girl donning the latest at a social gathering, chowing down and so called “fashions” - who our culture calls maybe even cheating a tad on your diet, a “supermodel”? If you were at the right and invariably someone pipes in: “Oh yes, I place at the right time, you may have saved only eat sugar-free, low-fat, non-dairy, pea- a dog from a fi re and became an instant nut-free, low-carb, vegan, organic, trans fat small-town hero that most of us never even cookies...and you? Oh Lordy. heard of, but score enough touchdowns, Oh yea, you can tell them…it’s also egg- and you’re a “legend.” free, soy-free and gluten free. I believe it’s You have an intuitive, instinctive sense called : Water. Okay, please don’t say that. of right and wrong. Sheesh, why doesn’t But honestly, enough of the “who eats the the world adhere to it? It’s not fair. As a most restrictive diet” competition please. matter of fact, it can be downright intoler- Y’all know the sequel, don’t you? Well, most able at times. You may have made all the women do, that’s for sure. It starts with: “I right efforts and moves and still –nada, can’t believe I ate _____. Fill in the blank, zilch, nothing. You studied all night and if you please. Ten latkes? Three bowls of still did not ace the exam. You were kind to cholent? Seventeen Oreo cookies? So now your family member and still- no respect in we get to compare our food guilt too? Who return. You may have even fallen head over feels the guiltiest? Good grief. I mean how heels in love, yet the feelings along with much Hershey’s syrup before it’s really not the texts were not returned. Sigh. Going a SlimFast shake anymore? Heh. for the gold does not always ensure win- And don’t think for a New York minute ning the rat race. that the gym rats aren’t on the same do If being competitive means you don’t or die treadmill. Who bench-pressed the settle for less and push yourself to be the most, who lasted the longest doing planks, best you can be, then more power to you. who is the bendiest in Yoga class: “Hey, I But if your confi dence takes a beating can touch all my toes but she can put her simply because you were not #1 in the whole palm on the fl oor.” Okay, everyone. race, or you won’t even try new things Altogether now: Say, “Ohhm.” Na’ Amastay for fear of being perceived as a newbie right here, then. and “less than” others, then perhaps your Remember, sweet friends: Life is a jour- killer instinct needs to be toned down a ney, not a competition. As they say: The notch or 10. best way to beat the competition is to stop Not everything in this life is a standard- trying to beat the competition. ized test or a marathon. If we major in one- In the end it is always You vs. You.

Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an ofﬁ ce in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at [email protected] or at facebook.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.

46 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Helpful Books Worth A Look Eta Feuerman-Yaeger, LMSW

Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How To Stop The Fighting And Raise Friends For Life By Dr. Laura Markham This book will help you:

• Manage your own emotional reactions so that you can help your children manage theirs SCHOOL BUS • Increase the connection between you and your child, and their siblings Safety ibling rivalry can be intense for everyone involved. Dr. Laura Markham Only cross the street in front of a Sprovides a detailed guide in managing bus– never in back of one. relationships between siblings of all ages. Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings emphasizes strengthening the connection between par- Make sure that the driver can ent and child in order to help children reg- ulate all their emotions, including the ones clearly see you. they have toward their siblings. My brother with punishments, in the long run, you are and I used to fi ght all the time, torturing only further deregulating and distancing At all times keep a safe distance my parents. Now I am experiencing a simi- your children, without teaching any coping lar exhausting torture with my children. skills or impulse control. Furthermore, Dr. Dr. Markham discusses how the parent’s Markham advocates that parents need to from the bus. own emotion regulation is the fi rst step, so do preventive maintenance by giving chil- that your parenting can remain construc- dren special time and attention on a reg- When crossing in front of a bus, tive and helpful. It is infuriating for me to ular basis so they feel connected. She also see when my son hits my daughter for the discusses roughhousing, play fi ghting, and always come to a full stop at the thousandth time in a minute, or doesn’t laughing as a way to help kids release ener- let her use any of the toys, even ones that gy and tension. Because of this book, over other side and are really for her. I feel myself getting very the past few days I have made rough play angry very quickly, and usually that will happen more often with my kids and it has carefully look only cause me to be very reactive with him. helped me be more playful with them. This only teaches him to be more reactive, Finally, a parent’s job is to mediate be- and he gets punished but doesn’t learn tween siblings and help them learn how to both ways for anything about himself, his emotions, or manage their relationship on their own. As how to handle them, because I’m not han- Dr. Markham describes, it is like being an oncoming dling my own very well. I have gotten more interpreter between each child. You need to aware of my anger and what to do with it. show them over and over how to use their traffic. I have been able to have more compassion, words to express themselves and negotiate, especially since Dr. Markham explained so until they can do it on their own. This is Never stop to specifi cally how children’s acting out and absolutely exhausting but so worth it. It is misbehavior comes from very legitimate kind of like being a couples’ therapist, facil- pick anything emotions. Because of that, I am better able itating communication so that each party to see his misbehavior not as something can understand each other and negotiate he is doing to infuriate or hurt on purpose, compassionately. Dr. Markham stresses up when crossing a street. but more because he doesn’t know what to that parents should not take sides, as this do with his own anxious, angry, or jealous will only create more of a power dynamic feelings. Dr. Markham encourages parents between siblings, while not learning emo- to use a mantra or take a breath to stay tion regulation or problem-solving skills. calm while managing sibling fi ghting. Many parents jump in to separate fi ghting The second step is helping your children siblings; however, this deprives them of an manage their own feelings, and providing opportunity to learn how to solve confl ict connection and security when they most constructively. The basic formula for con- need it. If children are acting out, it means fl ict management with kids is: describe that they are having a feeling that they don’t what you see happening, validate each know what to do with. Parents can help the one with empathy, coach them to use their child interpret, express, and manage what words to express their feelings and needs, has come up for them. Dr. Markham pro- and then problem solve collaboratively. vides the mantra: Children need our love I found this book readable, compas- most when they deserve it least. The theme sionate, and very useful. It has encouraged of this book is connection no matter what. me to increase my focus on coaching my It is hard to get out of the mindset of a children and doing preventive measures to power struggle and who is right, such as, deepen my relationship with them. I have “How dare you hit your sister? You must already made use of some of Dr. Markham’s be punished!” Dr. Markham discusses how strategies and plan to continue.

Eta Feuerman-Yaeger, LMSW is a psychotherapist who works with children, adults, and groups, with ofﬁ ces in Queens and Brooklyn. She can be reached at [email protected].

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 47 What is Behind the Limud HaTorah and Limud Halacha Renaissance in Klal Yisrael?

A Dirshu shiur in Boro Park addressed by HaRav Yitzchok Zalman Gips HaRav Shlomo Cynamon addressing a Dirshu Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Siyum

By Yosef Sosnow tunately, many of them were left with little their days ensconced in the koslei beis their mitzvah observance seriously and time for learning. Today, baruch Hashem hamedrash understand the concept of have therefore become very focused on abbonim have a unique perspec- we have more discretionary time - Yidden limud haTorah. As time goes on, mature learning halacha and knowing halacha. tive and often, as a result of their have Friday, Shabbos, Sunday and other individuals do not suffi ce with perfunc- Another fascinating insight by Rav Gips Rexposure to Yidden from all walks times during the week to learn. Addition- tory sedorim just to ‘be yotzeh’. They want is that perhaps the fact that many of the of life both in their kehillos and beyond, ally, virtually all of today’s baalei batim to maximize their time spent learning and gedolei hador of the previous generation are able to notice changing trends in the are yeshiva graduates with very solid back- have found new ways to learn with lomdus were world renowned poskim and baalei community before many others. grounds in learning while nearly everyone and accountability. This is contributing to halacha also contributed to this phenome- Two prominent Rabbonim, HaRav Yitz- has children and grandchildren learning the Torah revolution of sorts that we are non. The gedolei hador have a hashpaah on chok Zalman Gips, shlita, Rav of Beis Me- full time in kollel. They are so surrounded witnessing.” the whole generation and the fact that the drash Birchas Avrohom of Boro Park and by Torah, they are supporting Torah and Rav Cynamon clarifi es with something great gaonim, Rav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Nahardaah and they are now saying, “Why shouldn’t I that he observes every day. “I am zocheh to zt”l, Rav Shmuel Wosner, zt”l, and Rav Ova- HaRav Shlomo Cynamon, shlita, Rav of learn Torah as well?” They therefore join lead the Dirshu Kollel in Flatbush. We get diah Yosef, zt”l, were all great poskim may Kehal Bnei Torah and Rosh Kollel Dirshu learning programs and become talmidei together every morning and learn from have had a hashpaah. of Flatbush, commented on the recent tre- chachomim in their own right.” 6:30 until 7:30. We learn with a schedule mendous increase in both in-depth limud Rav Gips points out that another fac- and offer tests. For many of the lomdim “Dikduk In Halacha haTorah with accountability as well as lim- tor is the tremendous increase in kavod however, that one hour of learning just Is Not Born In A Vacuum” ud halacha. haTorah that we see in our times. When whet their appetite for more. They recog- Rav Shlomo Cynamon explains that we see the large, impressive siyumim such nized how broad Torah is, how vast and “dikduk in halacha is not born in a vacu- “A Person cannot be a Yid as the Daf HaYomi Siyum and the Dirshu how geshmak and they wanted more. A um. The fact that the entire generation has without Limud HaTorah!” Siyumim it increases the chashivus of To- large group therefore asked me to create become more connected to bnei Torah, to “Yes, over the past few years, there has rah. People realize how choshuv Torah is. another seder after davening that evolved learning Torah with iyun creates a keener been a tremendous increase in limud ha- In our time we see that lomdei Torah are into a two-hour seder from 8:30 until 10:30 perspective when it comes to halacha and Torah in our communities,” Rav Gips com- gaining a tremendous amount of credit am where we learn the same limud as be- yiras shomayim as well. Today, people ments, “but it is also important to note and recognition from both men and wom- fore davening but with more depth and don’t want to learn halacha by rote. They that we have always been the Am haTorah. en for their Torah accomplishments. This greater breadth. I can’t tell you what this want to understand its depth. It is amazing It is insuffi cient to dress like a Yid or to spurs them to achieve even greater mile- learning has done for them. They have to see how the members of the shiur re- eat Jewish foods. Without limud haTorah stones in learning. experienced the essence of geshmak in spond to an introduction to a diffi cult se’if a person cannot be a Yid! The Yidden and learning. When one has a maggid shiur presented by the Mishnah Berurah. When Torah are one. How a 1-Hour Shiur Whet the Appetite… who is able to give over the tzurah of the the Mishnah Berurah brilliantly explains “Historically what has transpired is Rav Shlomo Cynamon, Rav of Kehal sugya there is no end to how far one can the reason behind the halacha, the hala- that after a war, the survivors were so fo- Bnei Torah and Kollel Dirshu of Flatbush, go! My experience is that we are living cha comes alive!” cused on rebuilding Yiddishkeit and their points out that, “In our generation we in a generation with an unprecedented own personal lives that they often worked have an erudite, yeshiva-educated public. cheshek for learning. They don’t necessar- From V’im Tomar to V’yesh Lomar! three jobs just to make ends meet! Unfor- Even those who are not zocheh to spend ily just want to attend a shiur. They want Rav Cynamon concludes his remarks to learn in a chaburah, they want to toil in with a telling anecdote that perhaps en- learning, they want the give and take of compasses the depth of the Torah and in-depth learning that transforms the sed- halacha revolution that we have witnessed er from an obligation into the highlight of over the past two decades. He related, “Rav their day!” Yisroel Salanter once overheard a person Rav Gips adds that, “Another very signif- quickly reviewing one Tosafos after an- icant factor, at least in the Chassidic com- other. The person was saying, ‘V’im tomar’ munity, is the fact that virtually every ke- and then immediately ‘v’yesh lomar’ indi- hillah now has their own Gemara learning cating that he was quickly reviewing the program, wherein the entire kehillah picks questions and answers posed by Tosafos. a masechta and learns it with a schedule, Rav Yisroel commented, “If you don’t stop offering tests and a stipend for excellent to think between the ‘im tomar’ and the results. In this case, Dirshu blazed the trail ‘yesh lomar’ where will you get your yiras and all of the varied communities saw it as shomayim?” What Rav Yisroel was saying the ultimate successful model to emulate.” is that yes, you may be able to rattle off a question and perfunctory answer, but if The Focus on Halacha you don’t stop to think how will you real- Another pivotal development high- ize the importance of what you are learn- lighted by the Rabbonim is the marked ing? How will you truly respect what you increase in both learning halacha and are learning and therefore have the requi- practical halachic knowledge. Rav Gips site yiras shomayim?” comments, “We currently live in a society Our generation is one that is stopping where people want to know, ‘What is the between the ‘im tomar’ and the ‘yesh lo- bottom line?’ People are ehrlich, they take mar’!

48 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Feature Story The Jewish Genius Of Wall Street: Remembering ‘Igo’ On His 11th Yahrtzeit Forest Hills’ Ignatius Teichberg survived the Holocaust and become a stock-picker extraordinaire By Gerald Harris

e was called “the genius of Wall Street,” a “stock-picker extraor- Hdinaire,” and some of the most powerful people in the stock market asked him for advice. But the simple thank yous ordinary people told him and While the market obviously played their appreciative handshakes meant an important part in his life, it defi nitely much more to him. was not the only thing. Family was very A long-time Forest Hills resident, Igna- important to him and so was religion. tius “Igo” Teichberg was original, unique, He gave a very large contribution to help and one of the very fascinating charac- a yeshivah construct a much-needed ters on Wall Street. The fi rst time I met new building, and in gratitude the yeshi- him was nearly 25 years ago. I was writ- vah offered to name the building after ing an article for a market publication I anyone of his choosing. worked for and wanted input from him. But a few weeks later, a philanthro- At that point I knew nothing about him pist offered an even larger contribution, except his reputation and, despite his which he said he would give only on the name, wondered how he would react to condition that the building would be my yarmulke. named after someone he chose. Teich- To my pleasant surprise he was also berg yielded that honor in order not to wearing a yarmulke. He smiled when I deprive the yeshivah of the much-need- walked into his offi ce, motioned for me ed money. to have a seat, and quoted from a Gema- And Israel was also important to him. ra. I felt like I was speaking with an old Teichberg was very proud of the Jewish friend. state and was deeply concerned when I was working in his office on the day the first Iraq War broke out he felt it was making a political or for- An Art, Not A Science eign-policy mistake. He was not only In the early 1970s, Teichberg began and the price of oil was going through the roof. an enthusiastic supporter of Israel but working in the retail side of the business I asked Teichberg which oil stocks he bought. “I didn’t buy,” also made no secret of his feelings, even and quickly built a huge clientele as cus- he said with a chuckle. “I sold short.” though doing so undoubtedly cost him a tomers tried to cash in on his stock-pick- lot of business. ing prowess. He was in a select group Teichberg was not a perfect analyst; of brokers who earned more than $1 mil- the market closed. quick study, learning quickly about how like everyone else he sometimes made lion in commissions in a year – a huge Many of the stocks he wrote about the market worked and also from the mistakes. But his batting average was accomplishment today and even more were either little known or out of favor. mistakes that he and others made. But higher than those of most others. Also, so back then. Later he became an ana- However, his column put them into play. he also benefi ted from some of the life making another commission was not lyst. In fact, dozens of the companies he fea- experiences he had. his top priority; he genuinely wanted to Over the years, many millions of peo- tured went on to be acquired in the fol- When the Nazis invaded Poland, Te- help clients. Over the years he made a ple have fancied themselves as undiscov- lowing months at huge premiums over ichberg escaped to the forest and took difference in many people’s lives. ered market gurus, only to learn the hard the recommended price. The column up with partisans to fi ght them. Sub- Those who knew him well lost a cou- way that there’s a world of difference be- became so popular that circulation of sequently, he was captured, and while rageous, loyal, and sincere friend when tween getting lucky and picking a good the Post increased by 10% on the day it he was reluctant to talk about that he passed away on January 10, 2006. stock once or twice and trying to do that appeared. part of his life, it’s a certainty that his Those who never got to know him lost every day for a living. It was not only retail customers who stock-picking abilities benefi ted greatly even more. With his 11th yahrtzeit next “Stock picking is an art, not a sci- followed his advice but also some of the from the survival skills and other lessons week, Teichberg’s memory still remains ence,” Teichberg said. During trading most powerful people on The Street. Ru- he learned during the war. an inspiration to family and friends. hours he kept a very close watch on the pert Murdoch, Carl Icahn, and the heads ticker, studying the stock symbols whiz- of huge mutual funds would sometimes zing past him and making mental notes call and ask, “What do you like today, about them; he never studied charts. Igo?” One day, he pointed to the ticker. “The I was working in his offi ce on the day stocks and block trades and price chang- the fi rst Iraq war broke out and, as one es you see going by are not random. It’s would imagine, the price of oil was go- a language; the market is talking to you, ing through the roof. Teichberg was bus- and the analyst’s job is to try to under- ily making trades and when he fi nally stand that language.” took a breather I asked which oil stocks To a great extent, Teichberg learned he bought. “I didn’t buy,” he said with a that language, not panicking if a stock chuckle. “I sold short.” sold off, not becoming overly enthusias- I was taken aback. The world was fac- tic if it went higher, and avoiding many ing a war, economies could be wrecked of the pitfalls that proved to be the un- by an oil shortage, and yet you sold doing of many investors. short, I wondered to myself. But by the His reputation grew and he was of- end of the day his cooler attitude proved fered a weekly column in The New York to be the correct approach and the price Post. Teichberg’s stock picks almost al- of oil was down sharply from the morn- ways popped by the afternoon the col- ing highs. umn appeared, but daring readers quick- I practically demanded of him to ex- ly realized that they could make more plain why he sold short. “Simple,” he money by buying an option on the stock said. “The price of oil was clearly too early that morning; often, they were able high. It was a great selling opportunity.” to sell at a profi t that same day before The Poland-born Teichberg was a

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 49 50 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Governor Mike Huckabee Headlines Orthodox Jewish Chamber Of Commerce Knesset Symposium, Boosting Hope for Improved US-Israel Relationship By Shimmy Blum der the Jewish Chamber’s umbrella. The current 30-person-strong delegation and t is diffi cult to get even a small hand- high profi le schedule of events made ful of Knesset members to attend a a strong mark. “Let’s hope this sets the Ispecial Knesset event. Yet, a diverse tone for the next eight years under Pres- dozen of them gathered Tuesday morn- ident Trump,” said Dr. Frager. ing in the Knesset’s Jerusalem Hall for Mr. Honig noted the Jewish Cham- a special two-hour-plus symposium on ber’s particular motivation to utilize its US-Israel economic and diplomatic rela- global network of Jewish community tions. The “US-Israel Business Alliance” businesses and business leaders to fi ght mission was arranged by the US-based BDS and other efforts to harm the Israe- Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, li economy. “An eye for an eye,” he stat- and headlined by its special guest, for- ed with visible passion. “We’ll use our mer Arkansas governor and presidential strength to fi ght them all.” Mr. Honig candidate Mike Huckabee. added the importance for Israel and the The MKs were seated alongside mem- Jewish People to recognize and respect bers of the Jewish Chamber’s Executive the Biblical traditions and laws, in order Public Policy Committee – Dr. Joseph to be able to expect the world to respect Frager, Dr. Paul Brody, Odeleya Jacobs, our historical Biblical connection to and Duvi Honig – as dozens of other del- the land. He also highlighted the strong egation members and media personnel personal connection that the Jewish fi lled the hall. Chamber maintains with top aides to You could hear a pin drop in the room President-elect Trump, particularly Jason throughout the symposium. The sensi- Dov Greenblatt, Esq., and Israel Ambas- tivity of the times was felt in the air. We sador-designate David Friedman, Esq. were mere days since the UN Security Dr. Brody kept his remarks succinct, Council passed Resolution 2334 – with in both Hebrew and English, herald- the aid of the US abstention – which ing Governor Huckabee’s longstanding delegitimized Israeli settlement in East friendship with Israel, and concluded by Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Vice President for Public Policy Odeleya Jacobs Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Secretary raising the Israeli fl ag and proclaiming of State John Kerry compounded matters “Am Yisrael Chai!” addresses the assemblage. From left, MK Mickey Zohar, who hosted the Knesset event; when he delivered a speech denying Is- The last member of the Jewish Cham- guest speaker Gov. Mike Huckabee; co-Vice President, Dr. Joe Frager; and Duvi Honig, rael’s ability to remain a democratic and ber’s Executive Public Policy Committee founder and President of OJC Jewish state simultaneously. At the same to speak was Odeleya Jacobs. She noted Photo credit: Dov Yarden time, we are just over two weeks away the months of work that were invested from Donald Trump being inaugurated to arrange this event and the importance as President of the United States, which of the mission. “The Jewish People are is expected to signifi cantly affect US pol- indigenous to this land,” she exclaimed. icy towards Israel. “No power can go against G-d.”

“When I first came here, Israel was struggling to live, many in kibbutzim, but it is now one of the most entrepreneurial nations in the history of mankind”

Crucial Support at a Crucial Time Aaron Klein, chief of the Jerusalem Speaker after speaker thanked Gov- Bureau of Breitbart News, sounded the ernor Huckabee and the entire Jewish alarm on the BDS movement, which the Chamber delegation for displaying un- UN resolution “put on steroids,” and staunch pro-Israel position than even Jewish connection to the land, and help apologetic US support for Israel at this urged the MKs to ensure that the Israe- many Israelis. the world at large to appreciate it, too. crucial juncture. The governor has visit- li government makes a full-throated ef- He described his initial reaction to Sec- ed Israel more times than he can remem- fort to combat the movement and its The Huckabee Finale retary Kerry’s speech as one of disbelief. ber since age 17, and has been a strong key backers. He urged them to follow The audience was clearly moved at the “It only makes any sense if you take faith pro-Israel voice during his political ca- the direct, combative model that led to governor’s unfl inching words of support and religion out,” he said. reer and the many media appearances the stunning political success of Donald during his address, which concluded the Citing that he was probably the only he makes to this day. The governor and Trump. “Troll the world with the truth,” symposium. Repeating the mantra that non-Jew in the room, Governor Hucka- his wife Janet visited the Jewish State Mr. Klein advised. “history is to a nation what memory is bee stressed his strong religious faith in 2014, as rockets were raining down Efrat Mayor Oded Ravivi praised Gov- to an individual,” Governor Huckabee and how it shapes his view of Israel. from Gaza. The nickname “Huckabee the ernor Huckabee’s understanding of the extolled the people of Israel to appre- Maccabee,” initiated by Dr. Brody and re- threat of the BDS movement and how to ciate the strong Biblical and historical CONTINUED ON P. 57 peated by several others, was an instant counter with an effective pro-Israel mes- favorite in the room. The fact that Gov- sage to the media and the world. He then ernor Huckabee has a particularly close presented the governor with a framed relationship with incoming President map of Israel, remarking, “We trust you Trump was particularly heartening. because you know what this is about.” Likud MK Miki Zohar, who chaired The MKs at the symposium each the conference, highlighted the UN res- voiced their own thoughts during brief olution’s boost to the BDS movement addresses. The most commonly touched and danger to the Israeli economy. He upon themes were gratitude towards thanked the Jewish Chamber for har- Governor Huckabee and the Jewish nessing its clout to fi ght BDS and pro- Chamber for their support; outrage at mote stronger US-Israel economic ties. the UN and the Obama administration; Zohar praised President-elect Trump’s re- optimism of better days ahead under the sponse to the recent anti-Israel moves by Trump administration; the importance the UN and his predecessor, remarking, of Biblical tradition and history to the “I am fi lled with optimism for January Jewish connection to all of Israel; and 20,” the date Mr. Trump will take over opposition to the creation of a Palestin- Efrat Mayor Oded Revivi presents Bas-relief map of Israel to special Knesset guest speaker the Oval Offi ce. ian state. Governor Mike Huckabee, in appreciation for the governor’s outspokenness for Israel and Dr. Frager noted that this is the fi fth During her remarks, Likud MK Shar- its people. (L-R) Yigal Dilmoni, Moetzet Yesha; MK Mickey Zohar (partially obscured), host of time that he, Dr. Brody, and Mrs. Jacobs ren Haskel, the youngest member of the special concert event; MK Moti Yogev; OJC Chamber of Commerce Vice Presidents Dr. have accompanied Governor Huckabee the Knesset, pointed out that Governor on a trip to Israel, but the fi rst time un- Huckabee has more courage voicing a Paul Brody, Odeleya Jacobs, and Dr. Joe Frager. Photo credit: Dov Yarden 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 51 Dating Today Goldy Krantz

Kallahzilla

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 paying then I want this one!” The kallah then proceeded to toss the box of couscous rived from the Japanese movie monster (that Eli liked) into the wagon and then in a Godzilla. I don’t think I was a kallahzilla. I huff strolled off with the wagon. wasn’t a young girl when I became a kallah; It made me recall that a few months I was in my 30s. I was mature (or so I like to ago I went to a store that sells silver. I believe) and I had been working for twelve had my candlesticks dipped so they shine years by then. When I had a discussion bright without me putting elbow grease with my parents about my upcoming wed- and effort into it every week. As I waited ding and when opinions differed, we spoke for my candlesticks to be brought to me, about it and would come to an agreement I couldn’t help but look around the store – a compromise. Never did I throw a ﬁ t or at the beautiful objects they had for sale. say something to the effect of, “It’s my wed- At another counter, a young woman stood ding and what I say goes.” I can’t say that I with someone who I imagined was her witnessed the same type of behavior a few mother. The saleswoman brought different weeks ago. candlesticks for her to choose from. The As a fulltime working wife and mother, kallah didn’t exhibit the jubilation that I

Why is it that some normal-minded girls with seichel turn into kallahzillas as soon as the ring or bracelet is presented to them?

I run errands when opportunities present exhibited upon receiving my candlesticks themselves. One day I quickly did some when I was a kallah. She seemed down- grocery shopping on my lunch break from right angry. I was able to overhear her tell- work. I was in a heimish store where I wit- ing her mother in a harsh tone that she nessed a kallah acting like a kallahzilla, and wanted a candelabra. The mother kept an it had absolutely nothing to do with the even tone when speaking with her daugh- wedding. But I was absolutely appalled by ter telling her that candlesticks were more her behavior. I can only imagine how the appropriate to purchase when she is a new mother of the kallah felt. It was the mother bride rather than a candelabra. The sales- who had to bear the brunt of the “tantrum” woman also added that kallos begin with in the middle of a store rather than to cause candlesticks and then move on to cande- more of a scene. labras once they start a family. The kallah I think the kallah was going to prepare said that she knew what she wanted and a meal for her chasan. She was discussing she was not going to take “no” for an an- the likes and dislikes of her chasan with her swer. She then said something I will never mother. The mother provided some advice, forget. She looked at her mother and said, as mothers do, and from her many years “You and Tatty can afford it. Don’t be cheap of experience. The kallah lashed out at her with me. You have all the sheitels and jew- mother: “You don’t understand: Eli doesn’t elry you want. I don’t want candlesticks. like that! He’s not like Tatty! It has to be Why do I have to get what I don’t want?” this type of couscous!” I am not joking; the Wow. I turned away so that I would not be kallah was yelling in the store about cous- facing this spectacle of a seemingly mature cous. The mother pointed out that another young woman throwing a temper tantrum type of couscous was on sale. “I can spend in a store. All I was able to think was that whatever I want, you’re paying. After the wedding, I’ll buy cheap stuff. But if you’re CONTINUED ON P. 61

Goldy Krantz is an LMSW and a lifelong Queens resident, guest lecturer, and author of the shidduch dating book, The Best of My Worst and children’s book Where Has Zaidy Gone? She can be contacted at [email protected].

52 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 53 Style Myths Debunked Meira E. Schneider-Atik Wedding Party Uniﬁ ed Myth: Since all eyes are on the chasan and kallah, it doesn’t matter what anyone else wears. Truth: For those in the wedding party, it does matter

n the secular world, it’s still common to strongly advise the kallah to be fl exible and have a formal wedding party featuring not demand just one specifi c color or style. Ia bunch of bridesmaids and grooms- It only makes things more diffi cult. No, you men. It used to be that you had to have a won’t please everyone, but if you choose a certain number based on how formal your color family and level of formality, then wedding was, and that you had to have an you’ll have far fewer complaints. equal number, and that they all had to be If you’re in the wedding party, it’s im- dressed alike. Not so much anymore. The portant for you to go with what the kallah For a formal wedding, it’s good to have a unified look for the wedding Jewish world had that, to some extent, but wants. This is her wedding, not yours, and party. By this, I mean that it looks best when the wedding party sticks even when my parents and my in-laws got your job is to make her happy. You may not to similar colors and one level of formality married, those rules were more relaxed. like the color or color family she’s chosen, Nowadays, it’s not unusual to have no but you need to go with it anyway. If your wedding party at all – just the chasan and dress/gown really bothers you in some kallah with their parents. Even if there is a way, just get rid of it after the wedding. wedding party, it’s likely to be family only. Assuming you can get a dress/gown in a And, thank goodness, the uniform dress good version of the color, go for that. Make code for the wedding party is not necessary sure that the style and details of the dress/ anymore. gown fl atter your shape, and make sure the From me, you get the truth. whole thing fi ts perfectly. Notice that I’ve Even in the secular world, a uniform been saying “dress/gown.” That’s because look for the wedding party (those walking shorter dresses, even as short as JBTK (just down the aisle), while permitted, is not below the knee), are considered appro- considered stylish anymore. In our parents’ priate even for formal weddings. But be day, it wasn’t necessary either – in both my aware that if your dress is JBTK, you have parents’ wedding and my in-laws’ wedding, to wear at least a 1½-inch heel with it. Any- the family members walked down the aisle thing shorter and it won’t come off dressy wearing formal gowns/tuxedos that blend- enough. And the shoe itself has to be a ba- ed together without looking exactly alike. sic pump or slingback because open-toe And in my opinion, that’s the best way to shoes are not safe for simchah dancing, and go. because these styles are more streamlined For a formal wedding, it’s good to have a and look dressy. unifi ed look for the wedding party. By this, By the way, dresses and gowns are also I mean that it looks best when the wedding available as separates. If you feel that sep- party sticks to similar colors and one lev- arates are an easier fi t for you, go for that. el of formality. This is why I would always My aunt wore a three-piece gown for her advise brides to do what I did – give the son’s wedding and she lent it to me for my women one color family and then let them sister’s wedding. The jacket and skirt were wear any version that works well for them. both great, but I had to use a different shell My color was dark green. The moms, sis- that fi t me better. ters, and grandmas each looked stunning If you’re wearing hair of some kind, ei- in their versions ranging from medium to ther your own or a sheitel, make sure that dark green. They also looked amazing to- the style and color fl atter you perfectly. If gether, both in person and in the photos. your outfi t is in a color that fl atters you, It’s very important for the kallah to com- then feel free to wear an updo, but if the municate what she wants and be prepared color doesn’t fl atter you, make sure your If your outfit is in a color that to answer questions. If you want your wed- hair is down to frame your face. If your hair flatters you, then feel free to ding party to avoid a certain color, say so. If is curly, go with that – the natural volume wear an updo, you want the look to be formal, informal, will frame your face and counteract the but if the color doesn’t flatter or anywhere in between, say so. And if bad color of your outfi t. If you’re wearing you, make sure your hair is anyone from your wedding party asks you a non-sheitel covering, make sure it’s in a down to frame your face about it, just answer. Having said that, I also good color that blends with the color of Shorter dresses, even as short Gentlemen, if you’re in the wedding par- as JBTK (just below the knee), ty, it’s a little simpler for you. Just take your are considered appropriate cues from the chatan. If he’s wearing a clas- even for formal weddings. But sic tuxedo, that means your best bets are be aware that if your dress is a classic tuxedo or updated tuxedo. If he’s JBTK, you have to wear at least wearing an updated tuxedo, then your best a 1½-inch heel with it bet is the same. In general, you should be dressed to match the formality. your outfi t. Hats, berets, or mitpachot can If you’re in the wedding party, remem- all look amazing, but don’t even think ber that making the chatan and kallah about a snood or pre-tied – they’re not fl at- happy is a big mitzvah, so go with that. To tering nor are they dressy enough. And, of the chatan and kallah, if you communicate course, make sure you have good makeup; your wishes without being infl exible, you’ll a bare face, even with a fl attering outfi t col- make it much easier for everyone to enjoy or, is not a good option here. this and to make you happy.

Meira E. Schneider-Atik is a wardrobe organizer, personal shopper, jewelry designer, and fashion writer and speaker. She helps women look great while saving time, effort, and money, all within tzniut. Her jewelry pieces can be seen on Facebook (just look up Rena Mei) or in person. She also has the YouTube channel “Look your best in mitpachot,” where she does head- wrapping tutorials, and she is available for private demonstrations. She can be reached at (718) 644-6135 or at [email protected].

54 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 55 56 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Interior Design For The 99% Zisi Naimark Home Depot Flooring Options

have recently been in the unfortunate position of carcinogens, so if you order laminate, it’s great to open the home behavior, and you consider riding bikes inside and shopping for inexpensive ﬂ ooring from the Home De- box and leave it on a porch overnight to “breathe” before scratching wall paint to be on the low-end of the misbe- Ipot. This has taught me several things: installing. Even if this is not possible, you still should leave havior spectrum, then this item may chip and expose the The Home Depot website is a thundering bore, even all windows wide open for a day after installation. (That’s cheap underside. (This doesn’t happen in normal circum- when you are generally interested in things like wood actually a good policy after any kind of construction work stances; only in circus homes. What goes around…) ﬁ nishes. or installation. Everything is toxic. Seriously, everything.) For those of you who did discipline your children, this It’s even worse when you are shopping for someone Laminates are cheap and can look great. They are super beautiful option starts at $2 a square foot: else. long-lasting and can take a high level of abuse, and they You can’t have champagne taste on a beer budget. (I are appropriate for any space. For these reasons, the prod- knew that already; the Home Depot experience just un- uct is not going anywhere, despite its high toxicity. (Same derscored my knowledge.) deal with plastic and aluminum, my friends. They are pure There are some pretty good, cheap options out there poison. Yes, literally.) once you do the sifting. This beautiful laminate is 56 cents a square foot. In the spirit of altruism, I will spare you some sifting and show a few of my favorites. Solid Hardwood Bath Tile:

These are, of course, a very small selection from a very large website. And if you so desire, you are welcome to look for more. The Home Depot does not give out aspirin or Tylenol at checkout, though. Good luck.

At $2.57 a square foot, this black-and-white composition This is a better-looking option than the laminates, even Zisi Naimark holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The New York will give you a sophisticated look without breaking the to an untrained eye. Since wood is a natural material, it cre- School of Interior Design and has been working for professional bank. (Ha. Whatever your budget for redecorating is, add 15 ates a sense of warmth. Woods come in all stains and start design fi rms since 2012. She lives in Kew Gardens Hills, where percent. There’s always unexpected expenses.) You’re wel- at a very reasonable $3 per square foot. Dark woods, either she is tolerated by her husband and sons. She can be reached at come to buy the same item in marble, just multiply the in pure brown or reddish brown, are timeless. Walnut, ash, [email protected]. price by four. and oak are all good options. Gray stains like driftwood are very popular now, but will be out in six years. Honey tones Basement Floor: had their heyday in the ‘90s and are offi cially dated. I am partial to a warm-colored tile for a basement. First- Governor Mike Huckabee Headlines ly, basements are the fi rst place to fl ood in heavy rain (al- Engineered Hardwood though in KGH this is not really an issue), so tile is sensible. Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Secondly, a warm color is generally needed in the least- warm space in your home. This one is $2.32 per square foot. Knesset Symposium, Boosting Hope for Laminate Flooring: Improved US-Israel Relationship CONTINUED FROM P. 51

“When I ﬁ rst came here, Israel was struggling to live, many in kibbutzim, but it is now one of the most entrepreneurial nations in the history of mankind. Israel won many wars it shouldn’t have (by conven- tional measure),” the governor explained. “There is no explanation for this other than G-d’s unique personal involvement.” The governor reiterated his belief that Israel has rightful sovereignty over Judea and Samaria, and warned that abandoning portions of land won’t sa- tiate Israel haters. “The world doesn’t hate you because of where you are, but because of who you are and Whose you are,” he exclaimed. “Those who hate Israel won’t hate her any more if she takes steps to ensure her security and opposes a Palestinian state.” As a close friend and early supporter of Presi- dent-elect Trump, Governor Huckabee boosted the This is a thin layer of hardwood over a cheap mounting already strong sense in the room that the next Pres- surface. Since it’s just a thin layer and not solid hardwood, ident will be nothing like his predecessor regarding it’s cheaper than solid but still looks the same. However, if Israel. He concluded with a powerful message to Laminate is basically a very-heavy-duty roll of not-ex- you skipped out on teaching your children how to live in the world: “Say what you want about Israel, but I actly-plastic that gets rolled onto your ﬂ oor. It is full of a house, and they are therefore unaccustomed to civilized wouldn’t bet against her!”

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 57 58 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 59 60 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Foodie Adventures Bracha Serle New Feature! Become A Foodie!

L-R: Plum pie and gluten-free avocado toast. Look for the recipes in upcoming columns! Photo credits: Sara Knieberg

(Foodie /food͞ ē/ noun: a person with a before Yom Tov and they have their menu mersaults, so they fi nd some other ways to check out what’s new at the supermarket particular interest in food; a gourmet.) planned and some dishes in the freezer get nourishment. To these people, the oven that can be a grab-and-go meal to hit the already. Whether this person is trendy in may be more useful as a storage closet for spot. ne thing is universally established: their cooking or totally old-school, he/she shoes, a countertop a place to fold laundry, So, what scares you in the kitchen most? Everyone needs to eat in order to is bound to want a new recipe once in a and the kitchen cabinets may function as How can we fi nd shortcuts for long and Olive. Now the question is, do you eat while. It’s always good to switch things up bookshelves. If your kitchen is not exactly strenuous recipes? Does the mess make to live or live to eat? Regardless of what oc- a bit and discover new recipes. I hope to the destination when hunger pangs need to you stress? Does the time make you whine? curs during any given day, there are three (Okay, now I’m just having a little too much things that must (well, let’s just say, most of fun.) Basically, how can we make the kitch- the time) happen during every one of them. How can we make the kitchen experience en experience more pleasurable for our- Yup, you guessed it: breakfast, lunch, and selves? You’ll fi nd the answers in this col- dinner! From the minute we are born until more pleasurable for ourselves? umn. the minute we pass, sustenance is a neces- You’ll find the answers in this column No matter how you slice it (pun intend- sity. ed), our lives revolve around food. So, come In my opinion, people can be placed into with me on my weekly foodie adventures three categories regarding cooking. There bring some fresh ideas to you in upcoming be attended to, you likely fall into this cate- and whereabouts. Discover new recipes, are those who fi nd cooking irresistible and columns. gory. For you, a review of a restaurant may products, kitchen tips, and gadgets. Hear can cook till their feet fall off, and every- The largest group of all fall into the sec- be particularly useful. It can be a trendy, about upcoming foodie events or ones that thing they make comes out impeccably ond category – those who don’t have a ha- up-and-coming restaurant, or a well-estab- I have attended. Be enticed by reviews of gorgeous and scrumptious. Let’s call these tred for cooking, but they don’t love it ei- lished, classy restaurant that just needs to restaurants I have visited, both young and people the culinary masters. You know, the ther. These people are what I call one-bowl be remembered in its old age. No time for a old. We are about to embark on a foodie ad- ones who can put together a spread of food kitchen masters. Kitchen tips and hacks sit-down dinner on your busy travels? We’ll venture together! for 20 people in 20 minutes (or less!), and - the easier, the better - are useful to all, es- make it seem as if they slaved over it for pecially one-bowl kitchen masters. Bracha Serle works as a private chef, specializing in healthy cooking such as gluten-free, dairy- days. The individuals who always have a In the third category are those who de- free, sugar-free, nut-free, and other dietary restriction or allergies. She runs a personal chef cater- few batches of cookies in their freezers just spise cooking; just the thought of produc- ing business from her home. You can check out her products on Instagram @shesthechef, and can in case company shows up. It’s two months ing dinner makes their stomach do sum- be reached via email at [email protected].

said, I realized that what I wanted was just I once wrote of a chasan who broke his Kallahzilla that – a fantasy. My wedding would still be engagement when his kallah complained wonderful and beautiful without the one about the size of the diamond ring. He said CONTINUED FROM P. 52 has. In that moment, the kallah feels that detail that I wanted because, in the end, my that she was petty and shallow to be upset she must get her way, and if she doesn’t parents were right. But I didn’t throw a his- about the ring and not see what it symbol- if I opened up my mouth like that and said then it’s a slight upon her that she can nev- sy fi t. Yes, I was disappointed, but I got over izes and the life that can be built, and that these things to my mother – well, I don’t er recover from. Truthfully, I was appalled it quickly. it showed her true colors, and he wanted have to fi nish the sentence for any of you, by the actions and words of both kallos and Why is it that some normal-minded girls nothing any longer to do with her. if you know what I mean. But then again, I can only hope that there wasn’t a time with seichel turn into kallahzillas as soon as Yes, dating someone you care for and I never would have said anything like when I acted like these “kallah meidels” the ring or bracelet is presented to them? who cares for you can be exciting, and that to my mother. The mother and the when I was engaged. I remember wanting Do they think it’s respectful to treat parents when you move into the engagement saleswoman were trying to explain that a something very specifi c for my wedding, this way and to be chutzpadik to them (in phase a whole level of excitement comes kallah starts with candlesticks, not elabo- but when my parents explained to me why public)? Do they think they have “the right” into your life. But do not let the “bling” rate candelabras. (The kallah was pointing it wouldn’t make sense to have it and why to do this because they are the kallah? Of or excitement make you forget who you at one with seven branches!) it would just be a waste of money, I under- course, everyone wants everything to be are and how to act. The engagement lasts True, two examples can’t be made into stood and changed my mind. Why should perfect or as near to perfect as possible, months, the wedding lasts hours, and your generalizations for society, but I am sure I have my parents throw money out? Yes, but we still must speak and act correctly. life with your spouse will hopefully last ad others have witnessed a scene here or there what I wanted had been in my fantasies for How would the chasan of the girl that I mei’ah v’esrim shanah (until the age of 120) where a kallah doesn’t seem to want to lis- many years, but when the reality of it came saw and heard in the silver store react if he -and that is the most important phase of all. ten to reason or to use the seichel that she to be and I really heard what my parents heard what his kallah said to her mother? Hatzlachah to you all!

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 61 Beauty Briefs Risselle Naimark

Bedside Beauty: When Things Don’t Turn Out The Way You Planned

ife is always full of surprises! ambulance to Tower 7 – North Shore’s Mentch tracht un Gut lacht! Man trauma unit. Luckily, my niece Esti was Lplans and Hashem laughs. As some- outside and hopped aboard as well. one who likes to be in control of situa- That was my fi rst experience in an am- tions, I recently had a real wake-up call. bulance, and I realized that they travel I was eagerly counting down the days at the speed of lightning, as we arrived toward my niece, Dr. Aviva Rosner’s, at the hospital in 12-15 minutes, cutting wedding to Zechariah Gutwein, which through all the holiday traffi c. took place, Wednesday, December 7, at My X-rays proved to be worse than Addison Park. Although my mother had I could have imagined. It seems I did been hospitalized for a month with com- a real acrobatic number and managed plications from pneumonia, we were all to smash my right hip and femur bone hopeful that Hashem would answer our badly. They immediately scheduled tefi los and pull her through. me for major surgery on the following As I was gingerly applying my make- day. Since the trauma unit, aka torture up for Aviva’s momentous occasion, my chamber, is bombarded with accidents, husband surprised me by coming home the surgeon was simply overloaded on quite early. My excitement soon turned Monday and I got bumped to Wednes- to disbelief, as I noticed he looked awful day. Those four days were simply un- and came home with a bad case of the bearable, and despite heavy painkillers, fl u. There was no way he could drive or I don’t think I slept for even fi ve min- even attend this wedding, so I managed utes. I watched the clock move round to hop along with my kids and decided and round as I eagerly waited to be tak- to make the best of the situation. en to the OR. Although North Shore is a

After surgery, I was hopeful things would finally get better. Again, I realized I was not in control and Hashem runs the world!

Hashem indeed answered our tefi - very decent hospital and the nurses are los and my mother was released from quite nice, I was completely traumatized the hospital on Erev Shabbos of sheva by the course of events – sleeping face brachos. Although she was very weak and up in excruciating pain, totally immobi- in no condition to attend, at least she lized and attached to IVs in not exactly a was out of imminent danger. Of course, comfortable position. my husband was still not well enough After surgery, I was hopeful things to spend Shabbos away from home. I, would fi nally get better. Again, I realized therefore, made arrangements with hub- I was not in control and Hashem runs by’s wonderful sister and brother-in-law the world! It seems I had a tremendous to check on him over Shabbos, as they amount of blood loss during the surgery live across the street. The Shabbos she- and needed a blood transfusion. I over- va brachos was beautiful and memora- heard the doctors tell one another, “She’s ble, but my husband was sorely missed as white as the sheets.” They must have by all. I fi gured he could at least make thought I was Casper the Friendly Ghost. an appearance as a panim chadashos at Luckily, there were no mirrors for me to Monday night’s sheva brachos, which we even see what I looked like. I was total- were planning to host. Of course, that ly compliant and agreeable, as I had no did not pan out either. strength to even argue with anyone. Sunday was a regular workday for me. As they say, time heals wounds, and Although I was somewhat tired from patience is a virtue! As a perfectionist, all the weekend festivities, I fi gured I’d this was not an easy situation for me to be fi nished working by 5 p.m. and then deal with, as I was completely out of my off to party at another sheva brachos. It comfort zone. Well, at this point, baruch was about 4 p.m., and I was in midst of Hashem, I realized that I’d better calm giving a young lady a makeup lesson. I myself down, acquire some patience, ran upstairs for just a moment, and that and lower my expectations. Although it moment seemed to transform my life. I takes just one moment to slip and fall, it was wearing uncomfortable shoes, lost can take many weeks to recuperate. my balance, slipped on my shiny wood- After spending almost 10 days in the en fl oors, slid for several feet, and then trauma unit, I am grateful to Hashem landed with a thud on my right side. that I managed to make it home in time The young girl was quite startled to for Chanukah, the season of miracles. fi nd me lying motionless on the fl oor. As that is a most auspicious time, I am As luck would have it, she was unable to hopeful that Hashem will answer every- reach any of my family and immediately one’s tefi los l’tovah. called Hatzlolah. Within moments, my I would like to take this opportunity wonderful neighbor, Moshe Vatch, and to thank my family and friends for their his Hatzolah partner, Mr. Kreisman, mi- warm wishes, care, concern, help, and raculously appeared. They gently immo- chizuk throughout this trying time. May bilized me and whisked me away in the we only hear besuros tovos.

Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.

62 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 Feelin’ Funny Mordechai Schmutter Partying Hard y son was chosen to give out nosh can fall back asleep in three seconds. I’m But the rebbi specifi cally wrote that at Shabbos party this week. And always that tired. But I still don’t like be- Gedalyah had to bring two bottles of ap- Mby “chosen,” I think I mean “al- ing asked to pasken a pointless fi ght be- ple juice. I don’t know how one kid is sup- phabetically.” I don’t think they do this tween two screaming kids before I open posed to bring two bottles of apple juice. on merit. my eyes. Two bottles of apple juice is heavier that If you don’t have kids, I should explain This might seem mean, but otherwise, my kid. that Shabbos party is a really big deal. It’s what do we hold over their heads to get But apparently, two bottles is just the I have no idea what he did when he got to not every day that you get Shabbos party. them to let us nap? Kibbud av? Yeah, we right amount for the class, provided the the stairs. It’s only about twice a week. The fi rst time tried that. The fi rst few years of their lives rebbi pours the drinks. If the kids do, it’s In our house, there’s also no Shabbos is in school on Erev Shabbos, where even was us waiting for them to learn about enough for two kids to spill, disastrously, Totty and Mommy, unless you count the though the school normally has a “no- kibbbud av in school so we could use it and then lean into their cups, surrounded actual Totty and Mommy. I’ve been the nosh” policy, there are two exceptions: Shabbos Totty for 12 years now, and it’s not Amendment A. If you bring in enough as fun as it sounds. All Shabbos afternoon, for everyone, it’s okay. For kids, Shabbos party is candy. For adults, Shabbos party is the nap the kid are asking, “When’s Shabbos par- Amendment B. If it’s a half-day, they that the kids let us take or else we don’t give them the candy ty?” “Can I earn my Shabbos party back?” don’t so much mind pumping the kids full “I don’t like this week’s Shabbos party.” of nosh and sending them home. To get us Does that happen with Shabbos party in back for the sugar cereals. to magically get them to listen. (I fi gured by juice, and sip it like havdallah. school – that the kid shows up and every- The other time Shabbos party comes that if we taught them about it ourselves, (That’s not how you sip havdalah? I one starts bothering him? (“What did you about is at home on Shabbos afternoons, they might not believe it’s a thing.) The guess I need longer naps.) bring?” “Can I have?”) No, not when you’re or, if Shabbos afternoon is really short, next few years was us wondering why I was worried that Gedalyah couldn’t the guy bringing the apple juice. Especially then sometimes on Motzoei Shabbos. Our they hadn’t learned about it yet. lift the juices, so I had him bring up both if you’re hunched over, hoping your rebbi home Shabbos party is the one time per But they have learned about Shabbos bottles from the basement, just to see if he notices you and helps you get your knap- week that I give my kids candy without party. They learned about it the fi rst week could. He was able to do it with one bottle sack off before you fall over. But even the making them actively earn it. This is as of kindergarten. Every kindergarten has in each hand, but he had to keep putting kid with the candy doesn’t get hassled, be- opposed to the candy that I give out dur- “Shabbos parties”, which is as opposed to them down. I fi gured he’d be okay once cause you have a rebbi moderating it. I’m ing the meal when my kids answer ques- “regular parties”, where everyone brings they were in a knapsack. a Shabbos Totty every week, but you know tions correctly (I have to pay them to pay in some kind of nosh, and unless every- So I put the bottles in his knapsack, and what I need? A Shabbos Rebbi. attention in a school where I already pay one comes in with the same thing, they he couldn’t get it on, because you have to Maybe I should appoint one of my kids tuition. I’m paying both sides here) and all go home with a bag containing an un- fi rst lift the knapsack behind your back as the Shabbos Rebbi every week, and it the candy they sneak during the week wrapped mix of several types of nosh that with one arm, and he couldn’t do that. I would be his job to tell me what to buy where they somehow always forget to do not go together, such as candy corn and had to drive him to yeshiva, get out of the last minute and make sure the other kids sneak the wrappers into the garbage. And popcorn, and everything tastes like every- van, and put it on him myself, and then don’t hassle me. I need my sleep. the candy I have to give them for behaving thing else. watch him tumble backward for a bit be- What does my son’s rebbi do every at the dentist. But with Shabbos party, only two kids fore leaning forward and running, trying Shabbos? You think he wouldn’t mind But Shabbos party is a great way to help bring in candy. In kindergarten, there’s to keep his momentum before he fell over. coming over? your kids look forward to Shabbos, as well a Shabbos Totty and a Shabbos Mommy, as, in our home, a bribe to keep them qui- and they both bring candy into the mar- et on Shabbos afternoons and let us nap. riage, which is, I guess what makes it such I mean yeah, sure, there’s the Shabbos a good shidduch – their mutual love of seudah, where we have a lot of great foods, candy. A lot of couples don’t have that. and some of them are just as good as Shab- My son, Gedalyah, is in Pre-1a, and for bos party. But that’s not a party; that’s a those of you who don’t live in the NY area, meal. You’re strapped to the table and you Pre-1a is a grade that we made up so we have to make polite conversation, and you don’t have to teach our kids Aleph Beis have to help, and you have to be quiet for and ABC in the same year, and have them divrei Torah, and if you get up to play, your write words going in random directions parents don’t stop bothering you about using a combination of Hebrew letters, it. And you can’t have dessert unless you English letters, and numbers, like an ab- fi nish everything on your plate, but it’s 3 normally safe computer password. entire courses, which is something you But there are no girls in the class, so ac- never have during the week. cording to a note Gedalyah brought home, “Who on earth can eat chicken after he was chosen to be something called a they’ve already eaten challah, soup and “Shabbos host”. The hosts are in charge of fi sh? I weigh 35 pounds! You think I’m buying the food. The guests are in charge interested in dessert? How come when of showing up fi ve minutes before had- I go to a chasunah, I’m allowed to get up lakah and asking after Shabbos whether between courses and dance around? A they should strip the beds. chasunah’s a party, right? What kind of But that wasn’t all the note said. Ap- party do I have to sit quietly at the table parently, he was supposed to bring some- and listen to the grown-ups talk?” thing very specifi c for Shabbos party – ap- Yes, a lot of the conversation does focus ple juice. around the kids, but it’s mostly, “What did This was a fi rst for me. Last year, you learn in school?” Gedalyah could bring whatever he want- “Why are we talking about school? ed. And as far as I know, no one ever What kind of party is this?” thought to bring a drink. When it was his For kids, Shabbos party is candy. For turn, I used to bring him to the store and adults, Shabbos party is the nap that the let him pick something, and then I’d say, kids let us take or else we don’t give them “No, pick something else,” because there’s the candy. We call it “party”, but it’s ac- no way I’m sending in 22 of those candy- tually a hostage situation full of black- laser-muktzah-fl ashlights so the teacher mail, bargaining, and kids fi ghting quietly can spend the rest of the day not teach- downstairs and trying not to wake us up. ing. Then I’d steer him toward something That’s what we celebrate. cheaper. Though one time he convinced The nap thing is actually my wife’s rule. me to send in whistle lollies. I made sure I don’t mind being woken up, because I to include an apology note.

Mordechai Schmutter is a weekly humor columnist for Hamodia, a monthly humor columnist for The Jewish Press, and has written three books, all published by Israel Book Shop. He also does freelance writing for hire. You can send any questions, comments, or ideas to [email protected]

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 63 64 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 By: Yoni Glatt, [email protected] Down See solution in this issue “Getting Animated” Difficulty Level: Easy 1. Mashuga like the Joker 32. 2013 Best Picture winner with 2. How some look after fasting 52-Across 3. “___ Will Be Blood” (Day-Lewis 33. Yutz film) 34. Cartoon that’s pure tref? 4. Does teshuva, in a way 36. Star of Steven’s “Jaws” 5. Ben Canaan and Gold 39. Respected an elder 6. Where Israel is outlined 41. Make like Ben Stein in Ferris 7. Idina’s Queen of Arendelle, and Bueller’s class others 44. Actress Portman 8. Say “G-d willing by you” at a 46. Greatest of the prophets wedding, e.g. 49. Voldemort’s snake that tries to kill 9. Rav Chen or City (viewing centers) Radcliffe’s Potter 10. Response to a Talmudic Q 51. Maker of kosher (and tref) 11. Cartoon about a gentile man of gummies the house? 53. Simmons and Kelly 12. “I’m ___ you!” (I’m no yutz!”) 55. Jewish Federation funder 13. Baseballer Braun 56. Work by Gershwin or Mozart 18. Bialik who played “Blossom” 57. Bird locales for doing the mitzvah 22. 1983 Woody Allen title character of Shiluach HaKan 25. Recent red states of those in blue 58. Har where 46-Down died states? 59. JCC alternative 26. Chagall, e.g. 62. See 22-Across 28. Poles that might be idoltarous 64. Rob Reiner’s “A ___ Good Men” 30. First name in Israeli basketball 65. Frank McCourt memoir or a 31. ___AQ, where many Israeli stocks contraction for Lazarus are traded

Across 1. Bava ___ (Talmud Tractate) 24. Avraham’s oldest 52. Yoni Netanyahu helped free 6. City that doesn’t allow Jews entry 27. Mix (the cholent) several of them 11. “___ the love of G-d!” 29. Towards Genesis 54. ___ Olam 14. Biblical brother often paired with 32. They’re near this puzzle 58. Steven Bochco’s “Blue” cop show Gad 35. One of 49 60. David’s was 70 at his end 15. Norman Lear’s “___ the Family” 37. Mark of Cain, e.g. 61. Shtetl locale 16. Oliver Stone’s “___ Given 38. Bird locale for doing the mitzvah 63. Rock genre of Joe Trohman’s “Fall Sunday” of Shiluach HaKan Out Boy” 17. Cartoon family that breaks all the 40. What some might do at the Kotel 64. Cartoon about writer R.L.’s Commandments? on 9 Av ancestors? (with “The”) 19. YU’s high school for boys 42. “Young Frankenstein” hunchback, 66. What ppl. used to use to tape 20. Mother who brokered a temporary and others “The Nanny” cease-fire in the 1982 Lebanon 43. Allergen in most challah 67. Esa ___ War 45. Kippur and HaZikaron 68. End an IDF mission early 21. Unreturned serve for Sela 47. Jew 69. Common tree in Israel 22. Jerusalem or a National Park in 48. Empire that ruled Jerusalem for 70. Rabbi Avi that made headlines 62-Down 400 years 71. Simcha dances 23. Israeli news site 50. “The Plot Against America” author

CAN YOU SPOT 10 DIFFERENCES?

7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 65 Classifieds & Real Estate TEACHERS LK Morah AM • Experienced/Grades 1-8/Small Classes Kiruv Yeshiva for ZISSA YIDDISHA KINDERLACH • Hillcrest Queens • Send in your Classified ads to [email protected] T: 718-217-4700 • FX:718-217-8739 [email protected] Three line ad: 1 week - $15 2 weeks - $21 4 weeks - $36 Four line ad: 1 week - $20 2 weeks - $30 4 weeks - $48 Five line ad: 1 week - $25 2 weeks - $40 4 weeks - $60 TEACHERS General Studies Degreed/Experienced/PM/Small EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Classes Grades 1-8 Hillcrest Queens Yeshiva T: 718-217-4700 FX:718-217-8739 [email protected] Baal Korei wanted for small Orthodox shul Young man with car available for in Nassau County. Salary, accommodations all kinds of personal services. No job too small. Con- and Shabbos meals. Call Rabbi at 516-444-2393 tact Elliott at 718-427-0180 Secretary for Queens Kiruv Yeshiva Ofﬁ ce Computer literate • Responsible • Basic bookkeeping skills • Warm personality Part time driver wanted for dry cleaning route. Part time mornings and evenings REAL ESTATE Monday - Friday • 718-217-4700 • Fax: 718-217-8739 • [email protected] Call Marc 917-612-2300 Updated 2br apt for rent in KGH Separate dining and living room area, double sink, Ofﬁ ce Administrator at Yeshiva Primary School Are you tired of your present job or out of work and dishwasher, self clean oven, large bedrooms, 210-10 Union Tpke • Hollis Hills, NY 11364 or 80-11 210th Street Jamaica, NY 11427 looking for a job where you can make good money washer and dryer hookup Tel: (718) 217-4700 • Fax: (718) 217-8739 • email: [email protected] and be your own boss. We are looking to hire a mar- CALL NOW!! Natan 718 514-5888 website: yeshivaprimary.com keting/sales specialist. Sentinel realty • We have others!! Job will require your own car and being computer/ internet savy. If you consider yourself a marketing HOUSE FOR RENT - NEW HYDE PARK professional, this is the position for you. Opportunity freshly renovated single family 4 bdrm. house, to make unlimited income potential, Don’t delay. 2 full baths, EIK w/2 sinks, refrigerator, stove, micro- Give us a call at 917-612-2300 917-612-2300 wave, and dishwasher, fin. bsmt., washer/dryer, gas heat, storage shed in back yd. - - around corner from ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT YINHP - - NO alternate side parking. Mo. rent $2,750 + F/T position available in a busy office in KGH. util. - - Credit check required - - NO RENTAL FEES. Must be fast-paced with excellent administrative, For more info call 646.761.2694 multitasking, and organizational skills. or email [email protected] Duties include data entry, filing, answering phones, replying to emails and other office tasks as required. Large One Bedroom Apartment in Lawrence. Great opportunity for the right candidate. Spacious Living Room/Dining Area. Lots of Closet Email resume to [email protected] and storage Space. Underground Parking. Close to train. Motivated Seller $118,000. Queens’s office looking for full time responsible sec- Call 917-299-8082 retary/office assistant – knowledge of excel is a must. Fax resumes 347-338-2056 Large private bedroom available for rent in all male house in the heart of KGH. House is clean, quiet, Real Estate Investment and Development firm based non-smoking, SS/SK. Centrally located, minutes out of Queens seeks motivated individuals to join from multiple shuls, shopping, and bus stops. $700 a Acquisitions team. High Commissions, no splits. month plus utilities. [email protected] • 718-285-0931 Email [email protected] for more details.

66 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017 7 Tevet 5777 • Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 67 68 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VI No. 1 (#193) • January 5, 2017