Acheinu Beis Yisrael Heard in the Bagel Store

See Pages 3, 4 & 5 SeeSee Page XX $1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 11 NO. 14 10 TEVES 5771 hjhu ,arp DECEMBER 17, 2010 INSIDE DINNER ON ISRAEL’S FRONTLINE Communication FROM THE Dvorah Levy, LCSW 23 EDITOR

Weight Botchers BY LARRY GORDON Pam Moritz 39 We were all there to assert Barons And Bankers and demonstrate our support Miriam Handler 47 for an issue that should be near Truth About Transplants and dear to all of us. That is the Leon Zacharowicz, MD 67 right of Jews in Israel to settle and live throughout the land of Terror Cells In Jerusalem the Jewish people without dis- Samuel Sokol 70 crimination. As we know, there

PhotoByEliBlachman was an attempt earlier this year to hammer home as acceptable the idea that there needs to be one set of rules for Jews in On the fifth night of Chanukah (December 5), over 1,500 supporters of the Israeli community of Bet El gathered at the New York Marriott Marquis. L–R: MK Yaakov Katz, Jean Gluck, Governor Mike Huckabee, and Eugen Gluck. Continued on Page 13 ACHEINU BEIS YISRAEL HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

An Evening For Reb Sholom was translated into Yevanis, into Midwinter Dilemma Mordechai Rubashkin the Greek language. BY RAV ARYEH Z. The Gemara explains that BY LARRY GORDON than the things kids would like Ray-Gordon wedding. GINZBERG Talmai HaMelech placed 72 today. For me, as I can recall, the See Page 50 CHOFETZ CHAIM TORAH CENTER sages into 72 separate rooms Only over the last few years thing I yearned for most was to and asked each of them to have I come to realize that when be off on Sundays. That really The Talmud tells us that on translate the Torah into Greek; I was in yeshiva, in the 1960s and never happened. the eighth day of Teves, a terrible and, through a special miracle, early ’70s, the system was tap- Perhaps what motivated me event happened that warranted a neis, all of them made exact- ping around trying to find its most in that direction was that Chazal’s establishing that day as ly the same variations from a way and figure out the proper I had neighbors who were off a national fast day. The event literal translation. way to function. I now realize on Sunday, and my sister and that is remembered on that day that the things I wanted then as in infamy was that the Torah Continued on Page 20 a kid are not that much different Continued on Page 16 The Orlando Magic The Past In THE CASE OF THE WIG: The Present NOT CUT-AND-DRIED

Mayor Cory Booker at YU. BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN See Page 48 Several years ago,I made a Many people are already quick trip to my hometown, familiar with the case of a recent Baltimore, to crash a party. appearance of a religious Jewish It was a celebration hosted by couple, “Heidi and Mendi,” on my brother, a rebbe, or “Talmud/ The People’s Court in a case ethics/philosophy teacher and involving a Georgie wig that was counselor” in Ner Israel Rabbin- erroneously washed by workers The Ohr Meir Foundation took 48 young cancer patients from across the ical College’s high school divi- at a laundry service. The People’s United States and Canada on a four-day dream trip to Orlando. See Page 58 Continued on Page 12 Continued on Page 17

Chanukah at Woodmere Rehab. See Page 50

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2 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 3 4 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 5 6 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 7 8 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 9 10 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 11 Past In The Present which he was completing his course of But he couldn’t have known that then, told by a passenger that, due to the war, all Continued from Front Cover study, I pictured my father as a 14-year- and he was determined. the yeshivos in that city had relocated to old, when Germany invaded Poland and At the siyum, my brother recited the Vilna. When the train arrived in Bialystok sion. After many years’ effort, he was he and his family, along with the rest of special prayer traditionally offered at the boy asked how to get to Vilna. marking his completion of the study of the residents of his shtetl, fled before the such celebrations, putting “the Talmud” “Someone comes over to me and says . .. the entire Babylonian Talmud. advancing Germans. where the name of a single tractate there is a train that goes to Vilna. I said I A small group of local relatives and He experienced some hair-raising would normally go. And I remembered, have no ticket. He said don’t worry about a esteemed rabbis were present; my brother moments during that flight, including the incongruously, how my father at 14, when ticket—go! People were hanging from the (whom I taught everything he knows— murder of his uncle by German soldiers he said his final goodbye to his parents, doors . . . I’m standing there . . . probably about hitting a baseball) had purposefully who overcame the refugees, and being had never before been on a train. crying . . . something was telling me ‘you not informed me of his accomplishment or must get onto the train.’ And all of a sud- its celebration; he hadn’t wanted me to den I see the train moving . . . so I grabbed make the 200-plus-mile trip to join him. But the handle of the steps—people were I was tipped off by his wife, who thought, Sixty-seven years earlier, carrying his standing on the steps and I couldn’t get on correctly, that I wouldn’t have wanted to the steps . . . as the train started to move miss so festive an event in honor of so mag- faster and faster, people pushed them- nificent an accomplishment. apples, his phylacteries, and a prayer- selves in and I got between two cars . . .” It was a wonderful experience, not I, too, am proud of my brother’s accom- only because I was able to participate in book, he boarded a train to Bialystok. plishment. He and his wife—whose own the event itself—the meal served in cele- commitment and assistance made his bration of a siyum, or “completion cere- achievement possible—deserve tremen- mony,” is considered religiously signifi- dous credit for the thousands of hours of cant—but because I was able to break packed, along with the rest of the towns- “I [had] promised [myself] that I would hard work and sacrifice that underlie it. bread with my father, stepmother, broth- folk, into a synagogue that was then set go to Bialystok and something was telling But at the siyum I couldn’t help but think er, sons (students in Ner Israel), sister-in- ablaze. (The people were released at the me—maybe it was because I was stub- a thought that I know they would agree law and her parents and siblings, to last moment, through the intercession of born—I said I am going to yeshiva and with, a thought that has occurred to me whom I feel very close as well. a passing German general—who the vil- I’m going to go.” countless times about my own life. I found myself thinking about my lagers suspected had been Eliyahu Those gathered at the siyum offered All of us surely play a major role in father’s experiences as a youth in Poland HaNavi in disguise.) Nevertheless, once my brother their hearty congratulations whatever we may achieve. But in the end at the outbreak of World War II. Although the refugees reached another town and and broke into song. we can never really know just how much he rarely spoke about that era to his chil- settled into some abandoned barracks, “[It was] a promise to myself, a prom- our achievements are due to our own will dren when we were younger, I was able the boy who was my father made an ise to myself . . . they thought I was so and determination, and how much to the to learn much from the videotaped inter- announcement to his parents. dead-set to go . . . so they let me go. My merit of the choices, commitment, and view he granted Steven Spielberg’s Shoah “I said . . . that I’m going to yeshiva now mother, peace be on her, brought me a determination of those who arrived here Foundation in 1998. And, at the siyum, . . . to Bialystok yeshiva. I was supposed to few apples . . .” before us. O between courses and the words of Torah go a month ago . . . They said . . . the war Several rabbis spoke at the siyum, and congratulation that were delivered, I is not over, it’s not settled . . .” including my father, who expressed his © 2010 Am Echad Resources. Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of found myself recalling pieces of my The war, in fact, had only begun, and it pride in his son’s accomplishment. America. A version of this essay was distributed in father’s testimony. would come to take the lives of my Sixty-seven years earlier, carrying his 2006. Rabbi Simcha Shafran’s memoirs were published After my brother expounded on the father’s parents and most of his siblings, apples, his phylacteries, and a prayer-book, earlier this year. Inquiries can be sent to final words of the Talmudic tractate with not to mention countless other relatives. he boarded a train to Bialystok—only to be [email protected].

12 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FROM THE EDITOR structure projects, Mr. Gluck and his wife, Continued from Front Cover Jean, are consulted on and indeed person- ally involved in the development and Israel and another set for everyone else. progress of these projects. The so-called experiment based on The event on Sunday night at the the premise that such a move would Marriott in the city is something along serve to allure the Palestinian Arabs the lines of the annual Bet El State of the back to direct talks with Israel proved to be both bogus and an abysmal failure. On Sunday night, December 5, over 1,500 people, supporters of the Bet El The governor, as he is community in Israel, gathered at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan to referred to by many, has express material and moral interest and solidarity for Israel. become a no-nonsense Our weapons of choice that night were sushi, sweetbreads, and a host of other spokesman for what is delectable menu items carefully prepared for the guests by the inimitable Michael good and right about the Schick. I suppose you can say that the evening featured weapons of mass con- U.S.–Israel relationship. sumption. The city of Bet El is the brainchild of present Member of Knesset Yaakov Katz, who, along with a tight-knit group of Union address. In the course of the friends, founded the community, which evening, the large gathering gets to hear abuts the makeshift Palestinian capital of from Mr. Katz, Mr. Gluck, the honorees, Ramallah. American interest in Bet El and and a guest speaker or two, who

Shifra Fox and Dr. Joshua Fox (Keter Torah awardees) and Eugen Gluck. PhotosByEliBlachman

Sandy Weiss and Rabbi Dr. Richard Weiss (Guests of Honor) and Eugen Gluck. its multifaceted projects has been poignantly assess the status of the spurred on for decades by the energetic U.S.–Israel relationship. and popular philanthropist Eugen Gluck This year’s keynote address was made of Queens. by former governor and Republican pres- There are few things in Israel that are idential candidate Mike Huckabee. The dearer to Mr. Gluck than the goings-on in governor, as he is referred to by many, Bet El. From its flourishing yeshiva to numerous other educational and infra- Continued on Page 14 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 13 FROM THE EDITOR at the Bet El dinner the other night was Continued from Page 13 impressive. He talked passionately about his dedication to Israel’s security, has become a no-nonsense spokesman and when he talked about finally mov- for what is good and right about the ing the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to U.S.–Israel relationship. It was easy to Jerusalem, it seemed that, unlike those observe in the pre-dinner get-together who came before him, he really meant that Mr. Huckabee and Mr. Gluck imme- what he was saying. diately took to one another as they These are complicated political times, shared their feelings about the role of the but it seemed that it took a night out to U.S. in the future of Israel and the ongo- celebrate the city of Bet El to straighten ing need to safeguard the health of that out some of the important issues about relationship. the future. The Obama approach to Israel Today, as the jockeying for position in is rapidly coming to be known as an aber- the Republican field of potential presi- ration. This fact cannot be clearer than in dential candidates moves into high gear, the matter of Bet El. The city and its peo- Governor Huckabee’s name is prominent- ple are living proof of today’s very real sit- ly mentioned. Listening to him speak uation as well as the future of Eretz about his vision for America, it is poten- Yisrael. This wasn’t only a frontline din- tially tantalizing and the possibility elec- ner, it was a first-line dinner as well. trifying that this country may someday Part of the insanity of the American have a president like Mike Huckabee. approach to peace in that region of the The fact is that Huckabee was high on world is that a city like Bet El is theoreti- the list of John McCain’s possible running cally on the chopping block, with its resi- mates in 2008. That was, until someone dents someday forced to evacuate in the pulled the name Sarah Palin out of a hat, interests of peace. It’s astounding that and the rest of the story is presidential anything along these lines can in this day political history. While Huckabee was a and age be considered reasonable by front-runner for a while in 2008, he faded responsible, clear-thinking diplomats. after McCain, with his senatorial promi- But that’s the way Israel and the nence and his background as a Vietnam greater Middle East function. It takes War hero, was catapulted into the lead. people like Mike Huckabee, Malcolm But that was then and this is now. Hoenlein, Yaakov Katz, and Eugen Gluck McCain is no longer a viable presidential to put things in their proper perspective. candidate, and Palin has for the most part And that’s precisely what was accom- moved more in the direction of being a plished at this year’s 28th annual Bet El Hollywood starlet than a candidate for dinner. May all involved in this great and president of the United States. That by no sacred process go from strength to means leaves Huckabee as a front-runner greater strength. O in the early presidential field. Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at His erudite and forceful presentation [email protected].

14 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 15 BAGEL STORE on these types of holidays. lowest common denominator when set- total recess from school for about ten Continued from Front Cover For my part I never understood what ting policy of this nature. That means if days. Let me just interject (that is if I can was so dangerous and prohibitive about there is a percentage of students that interject in my own interjections) and say her friends, as far back as I can remem- turkey with sweet potato and cranberry will use one of these days off to indulge that as far as I can recall, we never had ber, never had yeshiva on Sunday. Maybe sauce. As it turned out on this one or partake in the traditional revelries as midwinter recess or intersession or what- it was this now trivial, but then very vital Thanksgiving with which I am currently promoted and emphasized in the ever you want to call it. yearning, that best represented the strad- obsessed, my mother did prepare turkey media, then, without exception, all of us Certainly it’s good and important for dling of the fence and the factor that and my family did have my grandparents, have to deal with an across-the-board- everyone—teachers and students alike— would determine which way my life and uncle and aunt, and a few other relatives policy to preempt that. to have a break. It reinvigorates all those of my classmates at the time over that afternoon while I was in yeshi- A few years ago, I had this very discus- involved in the educational process and would go. va. When I arrived home at about 7 p.m. sion with a friend. I remember talking to should bring everyone back ten days later This issue comes to the fore as that night they were still dining and I did this gentleman about the need to drive raring and ready to go. But something yeshivas in the New York area come to in fact join them for some turkey and my children to school on either X-mas or must have happened along the way that grips with what to do about classes on then dessert. New Years, and he immediately made some school a little leery of the X-mas and New Year’s Day and the My father was a patriotic, tradition- expressed to me his indignation at the process. Maybe it was the kids who had annual advent of intersession, which al individual who had an appreciation attitude and position that necessitates too much time off and no place to go. Or has been characterized as something for what America had afforded him that our yeshivas are in session on these maybe it was the kids who had too much between enjoyable and potentially and his family, and my mom is still the secular holidays. time off and could go anywhere their lit- extremely harmful. So as we approach same way. That doesn’t mean that we From the perspective he and many tle hearts desired. that time of year, what else can a guy celebrated the Christian holidays at all, others believe in, we are guests in these Either way, midwinter recess is either like me with this platform do except but rather the aspects of these obser- here United States and have an obliga- good and great or bad and dangerous, tap into my vast and mostly inconse- vances that are unobtrusive and can tion to stay in line with the accepted depending on where you’re coming from quential experiences so as to try to apply to all, regardless of the nature of national traditions as observed by the on the issue. On the intersession break place some intelligent perspective on the religion we adhere or subscribe to. overwhelming numbers of Americans. you can either lose the momentum that what is at stake here. But it looks like that approach doesn’t By doing otherwise we are setting our- you’ve built up over the first half of the I know that when I was in eighth grade work for everyone, so we all had to selves apart from the masses which his- school year or you can recharge your bat- in what was then known as Yeshiva of bear a dose of extreme noninvolve- torically, the argument goes, was not all teries for the spring term and the home Eastern Parkway (which I don’t think ment in these observances just to that healthy for Jewish communities. stretch. I think the good students who go exists anymore), the administration made make sure everyone survived to the While that may indeed be so, it can be away to Florida, Israel, or elsewhere most certain that we stayed in school extra maximum extent. argued that today things have changed likely take their seforim and textbooks long on Thanksgiving so that in case any Perhaps the best way for me to char- radically. The U.S. is a bigger melting pot with them. Most of the other students of our families were having an American acterize it is to say that even though my than it’s ever been, the scores of reli- probably have trouble finding their traditional Turkey dinner, we could not dad was from the Old Country, some- gions, sects, customs, and traditions a books as matter of routine. participate. Needless to say, as I can recall how he managed to develop a “middle part of our everyday life. It’s a tough call, as we live in new from the age of 13, I was not too happy way” approach to the American/secular The point is that whether we have and unusual times. I never even about this situation. My parents, howev- observances without communicating an school on New Year’s probably doesn’t dreamed about an intersession for er, were totally unsympathetic—so there it’s-okay-to-be-secular message to his make a difference; no one notices, and myself. All I wanted was a Sunday off I was in yeshiva on Thanksgiving until children. Most of our schools—or at neither does anyone care anymore. That once in a while. O 6:30 p.m., without any secular-studies least those who market themselves should just about bring us to the next big classes because in those days they could more to the so-called right—feel the potential crisis for our yeshivas: the Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at not ask the teachers to come in and teach need to adopt a stance that uses the upcoming intersession, when there is a [email protected].

16 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The Wig wig. The show made its rounds Wigs company also confirmed of procedural issues from both a ecution and the defense. But Continued from Front Cover via a clip of the high-drama that the judge in the case had, in halachic and historic perspective. our judges do not engage in exchange on YouTube. fact, contacted their company France and the United States investigation. Court, although appearing to be Although not affecting the and not Georgie. are very different countries. The In France, on the other hand, a courtroom, is, in fact, an arbi- ultimate disposition of the case Unless five people are lying judicial system in the United the court system is an inquisito- tration venue that litigants sign anymore, Georgie (owner of in concert, the judge had spoken States is an adversarial system: rial system. There the court is up for to adjudicate their cases. actively involved in investigat- The show promotes itself on ing facts of the case. What the its website as follows: The ver- judge did in the now infamous dict is in . . . Judge Marilyn Milian Georgie confirmed that this couple had indeed sheitel case was engage in the brings back her sassy style of jus- investigation of the facts, in the tice for her seventh season of purchased both the ruined wig as well as the short 25-minute interval that “The People’s Court.” Judge she took while the filming was Marilyn Milian, the first Latina replacement wig from her. taking place. judge to host a nationally syndi- In the judge’s “investigation,” cated television court show, is she spoke to witnesses and proud of her Cuban heritage and arrived at a conclusion without often uses phrases from her Georgie International) came for- to two different people and con- the role of the judge is that of an (a) identifying who these witness- grandmother when addressing ward and confirmed that this flated both responses of her impartial referee between the es were and (b) giving the oppor- litigants. Milian admonishes a couple had indeed purchased “out-of-court research” into one two sides. In a civil case, the tunity for cross-examination. litigant who is trying to lie in her both the ruined wig as well as when she laid forth her accusa- judge referees between the two In both halachah and, l’havdil, courtroom, “No sabes ni adobar the replacement wig from her. tions against the hapless couple. litigants; in a criminal case, the la mentira ... You don’t even An e-mail from the rival Georgie What follows is a discussion judge referees between the pros- Continued on Page 19 know how to season the lie to make it palatable.” The highly successful court series takes view- ers inside a television courtroom where Milian dispenses her own unique brand of justice daily. At the end of the “case of the wig,” in a surprise turn of events, the judge, Judge Marilyn Milian, accused the couple of fraudulently misrepresenting the cost and origin of the ruined

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 17 18 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The Wig s”xc Continued from Page 17 secular legal systems, the right to question and cross-examine witnesses is one of the safeguards that ensures integrity, accuracy, and justice. Cross-examination is the best and most indispensable way known to the law for discovery of truth. In criminal cases, this right is also found in the confrontation clause of the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The judge, in this case, also made an accusation and did not even allow “Heidi and Mendi” to respond, much less cross- examine. The judge’s actions here under- mine the very concept of justice enshrined in thousands of years of secular legal codes. In secular law, it first appeared in the Roman legal system, made its way into the English common law, and was carried over into the laws of the United States of America. Lehavdil, the Shulchan Aruch has codi- fied this halachah, which dates back in Jewish law thousands of years before the Romans developed it. The Choshen Mishpat section (28:15) states as follows: “We do not accept testimony from witnesses outside of the presence of the litigant.” The Sm’a (1555–1614), Rav Yehoshua Volk HaKohen Katz, one of the most famous commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch, cites the Talmud (Bava Kamma 112a–112b), which traces the origins of this concept back to the Bible itself.1 The requirement is considered to be biblical when it comes to capital cases, but rabbinic in origin when it comes to monetary cases. What is the reason for the rule that the testimony must be before the litigant? The Rema (C.M. 110:9) indicates that there is a concern for error—interestingly enough, the same type of error that it is alleged by both Georgie companies has occurred here. The rule goes so far that if the litigant is a minor and is thus incapable of determin- ing errors on the part of the witnesses, it is considered as if the testimony was not made before the litigant and is considered invalid according to Jewish law (C.M. 28:19). There are, of course, mitigating circumstances that will allow such testimony to be taken when there are no other choices (see §28 and §110). The reason for this allowance is that since the requirement is rabbinic in origin, there are certain times when exceptions were made on account of hardship. This case, however, would not be one of them. Perhaps the error here lies in something described in the show’s own mar- keting material: Judge Milian explains America’s fascination with the court show genre: “We are a fast-food nation, people love to see resolution, they want to watch someone who has done wrong confronted and see justice prevail ... all in an hour.” On the other hand, according to Rashi (Devarim 1:16), the Torah warns judges, “Hevu mesunim ba’din—be delib- erate in your judgment.” One hour just doesn’t seem to cut it. The People’s Court may be a court of arbitration, but it is far from justice. O

The author can be reached at [email protected].

NOTES: 1. The verse in Sh’mos (21:29) states, “But if the ox had gored previously or the day before and the owner had been warned…” This is expounded to mean that the owner of the ox must be present at testimony to this point. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 19 Acheinu Beis Yisrael all rallied together in support of this very ground of this gross abuse of the legal sys- “echav” because they came to stand by Continued from Front Cover worthy cause. On Wednesday night, tem. I am here, and we all are here, to sim- him in his confrontation with Lavan; December 22 at 8:15 p.m., there is to be a ply help a Yid . To do whatever we can to they stood together with him, so they The late rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Chaim community evening of chizuk and achdus try to save a family from the Gehinnom are called his brothers. Berlin, Rav Yitzchok Hutner, zt’l, once on behalf of Reb Sholom Mordechai that they are suffering through. My son-in-law Rabbi Yudi Jeger com- insightfully commented, somewhat in Rubashkin at the White Shul We all recite the important tefillos mented that while it’s of course only nat- jest, that it would have been an even (Congregation Kneseth Israel, 728 Empire after k’rias haTorah referred to as the “Yehi ural that Yaakov’s sons would stand with greater miracle if the king had kept all 72 Avenue in Far Rockaway). Ratzons.” We conclude with a tefillah him against Lavan, the Torah is teaching sages together in one room and they had The majority of our Torah leaders have referring to “Acheinu Beis Yisrael,” our us that in order to be called an “ach,” a still written the same translation! themselves participated in events of this brothers of the House of Israel. What brother, you have to show that you It is no secret that our community is nature for Rubashkin and have encour- makes one an “ach,” a brother? stand together. splintered and divided into many differ- aged all of us to participate in our com- When we say these words “Acheinu ent kehillos, and so are our Torah leaders. munity event as well. Beis Yisrael . . . ha’nesunim batzarah At times, our Torah leaders differ in their A few disclaimers are in order. u’bashivya . . . ,” who are found to be in approaches and in their sense of priori- Neither I nor any of the other rabban- Some of the most pain and in captivity, it is not just lip serv- ties for their respective kehillos. And im, rebbeim, and laypersons that are on ice. We need to act like “achim” and stand maybe it has always been this way, and the organizing committee for this event prominent legal minds with Reb Sholom Mordechai in this diffi- maybe it will continue to be this way had known Reb Sholom Mordechai per- cult time. until the coming of Mashiach (may it hap- sonally, nor do any of us share any com- in the country feel We need to put aside our communal pen speedily in our day). mon relatives with him. And I think it’s differences and separations and stand And so when a communal event is safe to say that most of us are not affiliat- confident that a together as brothers. As the Boyaner being planned for the entire Five ed with the Chabad kehillah that he is so successful appeal is Rebbe, zt’l, put it so well once in a public Towns/Far Rockaway community on a much a part of. call for unity, it doesn’t matter if there are subject matter that has the full support of We became involved for only one rea- possible. And we can chilukei dei’os (differences of opinion) so many Torah leaders from every seg- son: there is a Yid who is known far and between people; the most important ment of the community, it should catch wide for his many chesed activities who do our part to help thing is that there should not be pirud all of our attention. A communal project received a lifetime prison sentence (yes, ha’levavos (separation of the heart) that is supported by the Skverer Rebbe, 27 years is a lifetime), which several pre- make it happen. between us. the Lakewood roshei yeshiva , Rav Hershel vious United States attorneys general As mentioned earlier, I have never Schachter, and so many others should have publicly testified is completely met Reb Sholom Mordechai, and it’s no underscore for us just how important this unjustified. secret that many of my rebbeim had issue is to them and to us. The fallacies and injustice in this very The Torah tells us at the end of strong differences of opinion with The issue that they all find so com- public case have been well publicized Parashas Vayeitzei that Lavan and Chabad in many areas. But how can any- pelling is the tragedy and miscarriage of and documented by some of the most Yaakov make a pact, a b’ris, between one with a Yiddishe hartz listen to the justice in the previously unheard of 27- prominent legal professionals in the them, and that Yaakov Avinu built a cries of Reb Sholom Mordechai’s daugh- year prison sentence for Reb Sholom country. matzeivah to commemorate that pact. ter who spoke here recently about her Mordechai Rubashkin. The Far Rockaway But that is not the theme of this article, The pasuk says “Va’yomer Yaakov l’echav, father and family and not run to stand and Five Towns community is following nor of the communal event. I am not here ‘Liktu avanim,’” that Yaakov asked his alongside him as any ach, as any brother, in the footsteps of several other commu- to discuss the merits of the case; I leave “brothers” to gather stones. Rashi com- would do? nities, including Monsey, Lakewood, New that to those more familiar with the ments on the word “echav” that they It is truly heartbreaking to hear some Square, Monroe, and Brooklyn, that have details of the case to provide the back- were Yaakov’s sons. They are called of the reactions from members of the

20 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES community who have voiced their opposition to this communal event, despite the support of gedolei Yisrael from all segments of the community. One person via e-mail voiced his opposition by saying, “He committed a crime, and while clearly the sentence is cruel and unfair, this is not pidyon shevuyim and we should not claim it is.” Rather than entering into a halachic debate on the merits of pidyon shevuyim, I told him that with all due respect to his opinion, two of the senior gedolei ha’dor in Eretz Yisrael, Rav Ahron Leib Shteinman and Rav Chaim Kanievsky, have publicly acknowledged that this is a clear and unequivocal case of pidyon shevuyim. A wonderful caring woman from North Woodmere called me with a complaint, that while she supports our efforts for Rubashkin, why aren’t we doing a communal event instead for Gilad Shalit? While I clearly felt the sincer- ity in her heart by her question, I really don’t even begin to understand her complaint. Is there anyone among us that doesn’t think about Gilad and say the name Gilad ben Aviva in our daily Shemoneh Esreih? If we were told that a certain sum of money is needed to have him freed, who among us wouldn’t give until it hurts, to bring this beloved Yid home? But unfortunately those are not the circumstances that he is in today. In fact, when we met with Gilad’s father more than a year ago, I asked him, “What can we do to help?” and he answered us, “Just pray.” And that we do. Reb Sholom Mordechai’s case is completely different. There is a legal system where some of the most prominent legal minds in the country feel confident that a successful appeal is possible. And we, all of Acheinu Beis Yisrael, can do our part to help make it happen. Our Chazal have taught us again and again that there is no greater power then the koach ha’rabbim, the power of communal action. When we act in unity, as achim, everything and anything is possible. We are calling upon the entire Five Towns/Far Rockaway community to put aside our differences, our biases, and our fin- ger-pointing for just one evening. Let us all get together on Wednesday evening, December 22, at the White Shul as Acheinu Beis Yisrael for a brother who is “nesunim bashivya,” sitting in captivity. And in that z’chus,Hashem will be mer- acheim on him and on his family, and we will all be zocheh to the closing words of that tefillah, that we will merit to see the light of Mashiach in the coming days. Amen. O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 21 Palestinians Insist On Continued Freeze Despite American Retreat

BY SAMUEL SOKOL by the Palestinians for a future state. MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENT “Anyone who talks about comprehensive peace must stop settlement building Despite an American decision to cease and Israeli activities,” Abbas told Mitchell, pushing a recalcitrant Israeli government to who arrived in the region in an attempt extend its 10-month building freeze in the to salvage a rapidly deteriorating political West Bank (Judea and Samaria), Palestinian process. Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told The PLO’s executive committee, meet- American mediator George Mitchell on ing on Monday, issued a statement that Tuesday that he would not enter into either Israeli policies “threatened the stability of direct or indirect negotiations without a the region” and that Israel is focused on cessation of construction activity that “settlement, expansion, and perpetuating includes Jerusalem neighborhoods claimed the occupation.” Mitchell met with Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. Prior to the meeting, the American envoy CALENDAR declared that the goal of the Obama administration was to continue negotiations according to the framework estab- LUACH lished during the previous round of negotiations in September, Haaretz reported. During a speech at the Globes Business Dec. 17–Dec. 25 Conference, Netanyahu expressed his sat- ZIP Code: 11516 isfaction with the American decision to drop the issue of extending the construc- 10 Teves – Ta’anis tion freeze, saying that the decision was Friday, December 17 “good for Israel and good for peace.” Fast of 10 Teves “The U.S. understood after six months Daf yomi: Zevachim 37 Z’manim*: of futile discussions on the future of the Dawn: 5:44 am settlements, the important thing is to dis- Earliest tallis/teﬁllin: 6:14 am cuss the core issues.” Sunrise: 7:13 am Netanyahu, whose coalition refused to Latest Shema: continue the freeze without a written M. Av. 8:55 am guarantee from the United States, Gr’a 9:31 am expressed that “the Americans under- Midday: 11:51 am stood that the Palestinians will only start Earliest Minchah: 12:22 pm talking about significant matters on the P’lag ha’minchah: 3:31 pm 90th day of the second freeze.” Candle Lighting: 4:11 pm Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor 11 Teves – Shabbos Lieberman, who has been sidelined as a Saturday, December 18 Shabbos Parashas Vayechi (Chazak) player in negotiations with the Palestinian Shabbos ends**: Authority, stated reservations regarding the 5:16 pm possibility of arriving at a mutually accept- 72 min. 5:42 pm able deal in the near term. 17 Teves Speaking during a joint press conference Friday, December 24 with Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Daf yomi: Zevachim 44 Rudd in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Lieberman Z’manim*: stated that Israel has made several “gener- Earliest tallis/teﬁllin: 6:17 am ous” and “far-reaching” proposals in the Sunrise: 7:17 am past, only to find them rebuffed by the PA. Latest Shema: “I would also remind you of Ehud Barak, M. Av. 8:59 am Gr’a 9:35 am as prime minister, at Camp David,” P’lag ha’minchah: 3:34 pm Lieberman said. “There, too, far-reaching Candle Lighting: 4:14 pm proposals were made, but nothing helped.” 18 Teves – Shabbos The foreign minister called expectations Saturday, December 25 that a comprehensive agreement could be Shabbos Parashas Sh’mos reached in one year “unrealistic.” Shabbos ends**: Such expectation, he said, “will only cre- 5:19 pm ate a lot of anticipation; and when the 72 min. 5:46 pm anticipation is not fulfilled it will cause dis- * All times from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to appointment and there will be another your minhag deterioration in the situation, into violence Municipal Calendar as well.” For 5 Towns and NYC Tzipi Livni, the leader of center-left November 25–December 25 opposition party Kadima, chastised Free parking in Cedarhurst municipal lots, Netanyahu, calling for him to agree to starting at noon on weekdays (all day Saturday another, 90-day, moratorium. and Sunday). During a joint interview with December 24–January 2 Palestinian Authority Prime Minister NYC and Lawrence public schools winter recess. Salaam Fayyad on ABC, Livni stated that “in Hewlett-Woodmere schools recess begins December 23. choosing between building more buildings or making peace, I prefer to make peace.” Friday, December 24 Israel’s Ambassador to the United Transit services on modified schedule. NYC meter and parking regulations suspended except where States, Michael Oren, told Bloomberg that in effect 7 days a week. Israel requires American security guaran- Saturday, December 25 tees before agreeing to final borders or Local post offices closed; no regular mail delivery; the cessation of settlement. “The deeper transit services on modified schedule; no garbage our sense of security, the more flexibility collection. NYC meter and parking regulations suspended except where in effect 7 days a week. we can show,” Oren said. O 22 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Making Communication Work In Marriage

BY DVORAH LEVY, LCSW ask, “Can I talk to you?”—meaning she thing like “You’re making me feel pres- are intending to say?” We can also share wishes to move to the privacy of their sured” or “I hear you criticizing me.” the impact their words are having on us by The most common form of communi- bedroom and talk. Avi, however, was “Wow, that was not my intention!” saying something like. “I am aware of feel- cation among distressed couples is mis- accustomed to hearing “Can I talk to may be your surprised response, along ing criticized and becoming defensive,” or communication. As a psychotherapist, I you?” while growing up inevitably mean- with an explanation of what your inten- “I’m not feeling heard in this conversation.” bear witness to the great frustration that ing “You’re in trouble.” tion actually was. Finally, practice empathy. Empathy is partners experience with each other asso- When Avi hears Sara ask, “Can I talk to Take, for example, the night Sara, tired the effort we make to feel our way into ciated with missed opportunities and you?” he quickly develops a knot in his from her day at work, finished feeding our partner’s perspective. It means trying mixed messages. We take communica- stomach and an attitude in his voice. He her five children dinner and tackled a to understand not only the literal meaning tion skills for granted, assuming they are walks into the bedroom and assumes a burned pot that had been soaking on the of the words we are hearing but also the acquired simultaneously with language “what do you want now?” posture. Sara counter for a night. Avi, her husband, meaning behind what our partner is say- skills. We expect what we say to have the keeps getting the message that she can’t came into the kitchen, noticed the now- ing. It involves listening with the part of intended impact on our partners. We also express herself to Avi, and so her message clean pot and said, “You cleaned the pot.” ourselves that knows our partner’s back- assume, often with great certainty, that usually comes out stronger than she Sara had a quick internal response upon ground, history, and vulnerabilities. The we know what our partner means when intends. Inevitably both end up feeling hearing Avi stress the word “you,” think- ingredients to empathetic listening are to they communicate something to us, even unheard. ing he was making a comment on her listen compassionately without judgment, if they deny our understanding as their We are already programmed to hear cleaning abilities, or lack thereof. actively, and with understanding. intent. Communication can often be very things and express things in a particular But before snapping back defensively These three steps—slowing down our complicated, and poor communication manner long before our partners come at him, she asked him what he meant. He responses, checking in with our partner, in a marriage takes a toll on the health of into our lives. Because these imprints are replied that he didn’t think the pot could and listening with empathy to what our the relationship and the emotional ener- often formed unconsciously, we assume be cleaned and that his emphasis had partner is communicating—go a long gy of the couple. our partner understands us and even been on the word “pot.” This interchange way in strengthening our marital rela- A great deal of work has gone into study- thinks as we do, and we are greatly frus- could have easily spun into anger and tionship and infusing it with health. ing the different ways men and women trated when they don’t. hurt if not for Sara’s careful checking in Practicing positive communication perceive events based on their different Patterns of miscommunication can be by asking, “What do you mean?” skills with our partner ensures that our needs and natures. These differences are changed. Much of the work involved in Communication is not easy. marital relationship remains strong and is one of the factors leading to partners’ miss- communicating more skillfully and posi- Communicating while feeling emotional filled with closeness and emotional safe- ing each other’s message. Another factor tively involves becoming more conscious is even harder. There are steps we can ty. The rewards of being in a healthy rela- has to do with the fact that we each come of the impact our words have on our part- take to maximize our chances that com- tionship are huge—on our physical and into marriage with distinct family histories ner. This requires careful listening and munication will go well. emotional selves, on our partners, and on and unique patterns of what we think is questioning on our part. First, slow it down. When you feel your- our children, who grow up in the space the “normal” and expected way to commu- If we say something we feel is emo- self starting to react emotionally to some- that exists between us and our partner. O nicate, what is not OK to communicate, tionally neutral and it evokes a strong thing your partner said, take stock of what Dvorah Levy, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in and varying sensitivities and hurts. angry response from our partner, it is you are feeling, identify the feeling, and private practice working with individuals and For example, when Sara has some- helpful to check in and ask, “What did then check in. Checking in means helping couples. She has offices in Hewlett and Flatbush, and specializes in marriage therapy thing to say to Avi that’s private and she you hear me say?” We may be surprised our partner clarify what he or she meant. and relationship issues. She can be reached at wants to say it away from the kids, she’ll to hear our partner respond with some- We are basically asking, “Is this what you 516-660-7157.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 23 TAG Announces 48th Annual Dinner Honorees

At Torah Academy for Girls, dinner home on Shabbos to a variety of guests, learning in Medrash Shmuel. Their sons hatov to TAG. chairmen Moshe Feuer, Evan Genack, including friends, yeshiva bachurim, and Rafi and Zev are students at Yeshiva of Far Educator Of The Year Awardee: Morah David Greenbaum, and Tzvi Perl college students who are experiencing Rockaway. Mashi Willner. The fortunate girls in announced the honorees for this year’s Shabbos for the first time. Together they Pesach, an attorney whose private Morah Mashi Willner’s kitah aleph class dinner which will be held, iy’H, on have built a beautiful home with a solid practice is located in Lawrence, has start their day with the following tefillah: Sunday evening, January 16, 2011 at the foundation of Torah hashkafos, chesed, always been helpful and given his legal “Hashem please give us a good day, a Sands in Atlantic Beach. and a keen appreciation of responsibility services to TAG. He has been a talmid of healthy day, a day filled with much hat- Parents of the Year: Josh and Aviva for Klal Yisrael. Rabbi Naftali Jaeger, shlita, for the past 25 zlacha, a day that we should serve you Brody . Josh and Aviva Brody’s concern for Kesser Shem Tov Awardees: Pesach and years. Pesach serves as gabbai of the 7:00 with simcha, a day we should make you their community, their shul, and their Matty Sod. Matty and Pesach Sod have a.m. minyan at Sh’or Yoshuv and previous- happy with us and make everyone happy children’s yeshivos parallels their commit- four daughters who have attended or are ly served as a gabbai at Shaaray Tefila, with us.” This meaningful tefillah reflects ment to their beautiful mishpachah, bli currently attending TAG. Batsheva, who where the Sods are mispallelim . Pesach is Morah Willner’s philosophy in teaching ayin ha’ra. Their daughter, Rena, attends her precious neshamos . For the past 27 fourth grade in TAG. Yonason is a sixth years, Morah Willner has inculcated into grader in Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island; her curriculum yesodos of emunah and of Ezra, a first grader in Yeshiva Darchei strengthening a relationship with Torah; and baby Noam. Many of the founders are no longer with us, but Hashem that have stayed with her talmi- Josh, an associate at the law firm of dos for many years. Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel, has their presence is felt within the walls of not It is really no surprise that Morah played a pivotal role as a member of K’hal Willner is such a stellar educator. It is in Machzikei Torah’s board and in helping only Torah Academy for Girls, but in every her DNA, and most importantly, in her the shul’s rapid growth. He organizes the neshamah. As the daughter of HaRav shul’s 6:00 a.m. morning chabura and mossad of this community. Moshe Shain, z’l, who was a rebbi and a Monday night va’adim with the rav, Rabbi menahel in RJJ, and of the renowned Nosson Greenberg. Josh also likes to stay teacher and author Rebbetzin Ruchoma involved in his sons’ yeshivas, and has Shain, t’bl, Morah Willner was raised in a served as journal chairman for Yeshiva attended TAG through eighth grade, is cur- also active in Partners In Torah. home that reverberated with Torah Ketana’s annual dinner. rently living in Ramat Eshkol. Baila, who Matty, nee Eckhaus, graduated from TAG knowledge and with a thirst to teach. Aviva, a busy audiologist and mother, graduated from TAG High School in 2009, herself. Her family has a long-time associa- Morah Willner was able to take that still finds time to serve as co-president of is currently attending college and work- tion with the Weitman family and TAG. A treasure trove along with her when she the n’shei of the shul. Aviva has also been ing for JEP of Long Island. Chani is in former programmer analyst, she is currently married her husband, Rabbi Elimelech an active participant in the TAG Women’s fourth grade, and Sarah is in kindergarten. a stay-at-home wife and mother, occasional- Willner, a talmid chacham and outstand- League. In particular, for the past three They are also the parents of four sons. ly substituting at TAG. She is also a volunteer ing rebbi who has inspired talmidim in years, she has been an integral part of the Yanky, an alumnus of Darchei Torah, and shadchan and writes a column on shid- Mesivta of Long Beach for 41 years! After team of women who produce the annual his wife Leah, who also attended TAG, duchim for The Five Towns Jewish Home. living in Lakewood and Woodridge, the father/daughter melaveh malkah. live in Far Rockaway. Yossi, likewise an The Sods do not seek recognition and Josh and Aviva enjoy opening their alumnus of Darchei Torah, is currently accepted this honor only out of hakaras Continued on Page 26

24 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 25 TAG Dinner Continued from Page 24 Willners settled in Long Beach and have been an asset to that community for the past 41 years. The love of teaching and being mechanech future generations was trans- mitted to Morah Willner’s own family. All her children are involved in avodas hakodesh as prominent rabbanim, rebbeim, and marbitzei Torah, in Brooklyn, Monsey, Lakewood, and Montreal. With a blend of warmth, love, and structure, Morah Willner gives her young charges the gift of everlasting life skills. She strikes the unique balance of master- ing a curriculum of the highest level and impressing upon her talmidos that the derech of life they are learning is what will help shape them as bnos Yisrael for years to come. The Rabbi Moshe Weitman Memorial Award: The Founders. Last year, Torah Academy for Girls inaugurated the Rabbi Moshe Weitman, ob’m, Memorial Award in memory of its beloved dean, Harav Moshe Weitman, ob’m. The award was established to be presented annually to an individual or individuals who represent the commitment, dedication, and loyalty to chinuch habanos that inspired and motivated Rabbi Weitman, z’l. From TAG’s earliest inception, Rabbi Weitman strove to educate and provide his talmidos with true Torah hashkafos, middos tovos, and yiras Shamayim. This year, TAG feels it is most appropriate to recognize the founders of the school who displayed dedication, devotion, and a tremendous amount of mesir- as nefesh to see that this community have a Beis Yaakov school for its girls. Unfortunately, many of them are no longer with us, but their presence is felt within the walls of not only Torah Academy for Girls, but in every mossad of this community. At the dinner, TAG will be privileged to recognize the following: Rabbi Amos Bunim, yb’l; Marvin Eichen, ob’m; Sidney Glick, yb’l; Bernard Greenberg, yb’l; Leo Karmel, ob’m; Eugene Katz, ob’m; Dr. Moshe Katz, yb’l;Julius Klein, ob’m; Irving Maisel, ob’m; Scotty Marcus, yb’l; Louis Newman, ob’m; Mortimer J. Sklarin, ob’m; Eugene Steinmetz, ob’m; Rabbi Moshe Weinberg, ob’m; and Menashe Weissman, ob’m; TAG will also be recognizing their visionary n’shei chayil who worked hand in hand with their husbands to insure that TAG become a reality: Dr. Sarah Bunim, ob’m; Roz Eichen, tb’l; Elaine Glick, tb’l;Rona Greenberg, tb’l; Hinda Karmel, ob’m; Miriam Katz, tb’l; Leah Katz, ob’m; Suri Klein, tb’l;Helen Maisel, tb’l; Muriel Marcus, ob’m; Blanche Steinmetz, tb’l; Selma Weinberg, ob’m; and Bea Weissman, tb’l. Rabbi Amos Bunim, who continues to be a beacon of encouragement and support for the school, will accept the award on behalf of the founders. A moving video will be presented at the dinner in conjunction with this award. Journal chairmen Hillel Axelrod, David Klein, Yaakov Spinner, and Jeffrey Weinberg are anticipating a large crowd of attendees. They are working to produce a most meaningful souvenir journal. For ad blanks or information regarding the dinner, please contact the school at 718- 471-8444, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.tagdinner.org. O 26 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 27 28 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 29 until the inside is cooked and the outside is covered with grill marks. Mashed. Potatoes are not the only root vegetables that can be mashed. Mashed parsnips and rutabagas are all the rage in fine dining. You can also mix these unconventional vegetables with the traditional mashed potatoes to lend an Cooking With Root Vegetables added complexity of flavor. You can peel the vegetables or leave the peel on. Cut The fresh bright flavors of summer ing liquid should be well seasoned so that into chunks and add to cold water before fruits and vegetables are long gone during the vegetables will soak up all that flavor. boiling. Drain well and mash, then add the winter months, but that doesn’t mean The vegetables should be cut into medi- butter and milk (or pareve substitute), we have to settle for frozen or canned veg- um-size pieces, browned in oil, and then salt, and pepper. etables. Winter produce is full of hearty seasoned with salt and pepper. Then a fla- Roasted. Roasting, like grilling, brings root vegetables that are versatile and will vorful braising liquid, such as wine or out the natural sugars of root vegetables leave you feeling full and satisfied. Root stock, should be added to the pot. and results in a caramelized, crispy dish. vegetables are the edible starchy roots of Simmer slowly while tightly covered It’s a simple and delicious way to cook plants such as carrots, parsnips, beets, and until you achieve fork-tender results. these vegetables. Simply cut into equal- potatoes. These vegetables are underap- Grilled. Grilling works wonderfully for size pieces so they can cook evenly. Coat etable. Cut the vegetables into match- preciated but can be wonderful when uti- root vegetables. The starchy characteris- with oil and season with your favorite stick-size sticks or wedges. You can deep- lized in the right way. Here are the best tics of these vegetables create a crunchy, herbs and spices. You can also roast them fry or oven-roast the fries for a tasty side ways to cook them to get the most out of caramelized exterior from the natural together with chicken or meat for a one- dish or snack. these winter vegetables. sugars, while the inside becomes soft and pot meal. Just add them about half an Baked au gratin. A gratin consists of Braised. Braising refers to browning tender. Potatoes and beets can be great hour before cooking time is over. thinly sliced vegetables that are layered followed by slow cooking in a liquid. off the grill. Cut thick slices from large Fried. Another cooking method that is traditionally with a creamy sauce, topped When root vegetables are braised, they vegetables and coat with olive oil and sea- traditionally reserved for the potato, fries with cheese, and baked until creamy and become soft and full of flavor. The brais- soning. Grill over medium-high flame can work well with any starchy root veg- tender. The vegetables must be thinly and evenly sliced so they can cook completely through. You can make a cream sauce or just layer with cream and shredded cheese, then top with more cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake till golden and bubbly and vegetables are cooked through. In soups. Root vegetables are great for soup. Their starches help to thicken the soup and make it more filling. If making a chunky vegetable soup, add diced root vegetables 20–30 minutes before the soup is done so they keep their consistency and do not become too mushy. When making a creamed soup, cook until very tender and then purée and add cream or milk.

Root Vegetable Gratin Ingredients: 1/2 Tbsp. butter substitute, melted 2 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced (1/8-inch-thick slices) 1 1/2 cups carrots, peeled, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch-thick slices) 1 1/4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese 4 oz. celery root, peeled, thinly sliced (about eight 1/8-inch-thick rounds) 2 cups whipping cream Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush a 13" x 9" glass baking dish with melted butter. Arrange one fourth of potatoes evenly over bottom of baking dish. Arrange half of carrots evenly over potatoes. Arrange one fourth of potatoes evenly over carrots. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over. Arrange celery root evenly over cheese; arrange one fourth of potatoes evenly over celery root. Arrange remaining carrots evenly over potatoes. Arrange remaining potatoes evenly over carrots. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour cream over vegetables. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup cheese over top. Cover vegetables with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until vegetables are tender and top is golden, about 35 minutes longer. Remove gratin from oven and let cool 15 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onion and serve.

Eating quality, delicious meals is easy when all the work is done for you. Hire a personal chef to prepare your dinners, Shabbos meals, or small parties. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-508- 3663, writing to [email protected], or visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net. 30 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 31 for believers. quibble with David Smith. But Silverman? The group responsible for putting up It had to be Silverman, of course, a typical- the obnoxious message is composed of ly Jewish name! Great, just great! avowed atheists. I don’t much care about My husband Arnie, a.k.a. Hubby, may that, or them. But I do care about one not be physically here, but he’s always thing, which brings me to this question: with me, so I can hear him. And right now Why does the leader of this group have to he’s ranting and raving about the fact that be someone named David Silverman? this Silverman character is a Jew. I would Don’t we Jews have enough to contend often respond to Hubby’s annoyance If It Had To Happen with without a member of the tribe going with something like, “What’s important is public with his non-beliefs? that he isn’t the typical Jew. And besides, If it had to happen, if someone had to didn’t discourage a group of atheists, Why couldn’t this pain in the neck, no one is going to blame all Jews for the do it, I wish someone else had done it. because apparently the group members who was interviewed immediately after absurdities of one, or even a few. People Right now, somewhere along a New Jersey will go on to something else and forget highway there is a billboard proclaiming all about it.” that the story of the nativity is just that—a That was often my (something less story and nothing more. Hubby used to than) sage advice. It was rarely enough to describe stories as bubbeh meissas. How Of course, not everyone thinks of calm him down, but it was the best I nice that, in this season of holidays for peo- could do under the circumstances. Oddly, ple of different faiths, a group of people working for the ACLU as being a now that Hubby isn’t here to speak up, decided to do something so outrageous as I’m taking over where he left off. to rent a billboard with a nasty and mean- Immediately after I heard news of this spirited message for everyone to see. negative, but I do. outrageous billboard, I ranted and raved The likelihood is that this message will to anyone who would listen. remain in place at least through the The problem is that I don’t have the month of December. The fee for the quiet type of charisma that Hubby had, so rental space was somewhere in the neigh- had an agenda. They were determined to the sign appeared, be someone by the no one listened. My kids certainly didn’t. borhood of $20,000. But that hefty sum put a damper on the holiday celebration name of John Smith? I wouldn’t even They looked at me like I was crazy, but that’s another story. And in this case they may have been right. I was crazed when I saw the interview of the David Silverman responsible for the billboard message. So I had a brief but intense outburst. Chances are that I’m just being supersensitive, but the word supersensitive may be considered synonymous with the word paranoid. Okay, so maybe there is a little paranoia here. So what? It’s what happens when a member of the tribe, my tribe, does something wrong. And there are infi- nite possibilities for wrongdoing, such as cheating thousands of people out of bil- lions of dollars, getting oneself labeled as a slumlord, or, as in this case, going public with a mean-spirited message. My best guess is that many people feel as I do. I would bet the farm (if I had a farm) that people of Italian extraction cringe whenever the word mafia makes the news. And chances are that African- Americans aren’t exactly overjoyed when they read that it is a hugely dispropor- tionate number of African-Americans who are incarcerated for violent crimes. And on and on it goes. Law-abiding citizens, solid citizens, don’t like to be included in a biased global generalization about their particular religion or ethnici- ty based on a few bad apples. Especially those citizens who have always had to battle prejudice, even when no one in their group is making waves. To be sure, I detest the ACLU. I never actually took a head count, but it is my strong suspicion, and perhaps mine alone, that many of the lawyers who work for that organization are Jewish. That’s another irritant and embarrass- ment. What is it about members of my faith that they often feel the need to step outside the box and call as much negative attention to themselves—and, by associa- tion, to us—as humanly possible? Of course, not everyone thinks of working for the ACLU as being a negative, but I do. And Hubby felt the same way. We always said that if we had spent our hard-earned money to send a child to law school only to have him or her join that group of head cases at the ACLU, we would plotz. Note: Plotzing, for those unfamiliar with the term, is a cross between an adverb and a verb, and it is most definitely not a good thing. 32 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Unfortunately, plotzing is something I able to own a home and having to settle do when a “Silverman” embarrasses me for renting instead. by putting up a sign like the one that now Arguments for getting rid of the mort- sits on a highway in New Jersey. The only gage interest deduction point to the thing that is surprising is that he hasn’t amounts of money that would be raised, delivered a similar message to those of us which could be used for purposes of who celebrate Chanukah—at least not lowering the huge deficit from which that I know of. But there’s always next this country now suffers. Possibly those year. This Chanukah is behind us and Shaking The Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction same influences figure it is easier to grab hopefully it was a joyous one for all. these new taxes from the average Joe The good news is that the lunatic who At this point we have all heard that return has come up. Over the years it than to go after the big guns, those mul- founded WikiLeaks and recently used it there are little elves at work in has been brought up several times, timillion-dollar corporations, and get to leak highly classified and sensitive Washington, suggesting that a viable only to be dismissed by any politician those extra needed taxes from deeper information is a fellow by the name of solution to reducing the deficit should wanting to be reelected, since the pockets instead. Julian Assange, an Australian journalist, be utilized by canceling the mortgage mortgage interest deduction has been How about charging new taxes to publisher, and Internet activist. interest tax deductibility option considered a “sacred cow” as long as all companies who outsource their He is not a Silverman. Nor is he a offered to the average taxpayer by anyone can remember. jobs and call centers out of this coun- Goldberg, Cohen, or Schwartz. So I hope home ownership. try? Or maybe we should create a new we don’t eventually learn that he is in fact As a tax-paying homeowner, I am government agency whose sole Jewish, because right now I couldn’t deal appalled at even the thought of losing responsibility is chasing all U.S. cor- with another Jew making a (lousy) name this valuable tax deduction tool, and How about charging porations dumping their monies in for himself. And for the sake of accuracy, most people I talk to agree that the offshore accounts rather than paying I’ll correct the above statement and say mortgage interest deduction is part of new taxes to all their share of taxes. that he didn’t just leak the information— the inalienable right of being an There are many ways to really go after he put it out there big time! American citizen. companies who new taxes that do not affect the masses To be sure, Mr. Assange has many For those of you who are presently not and in fact tax the business entities that defenders, legal and otherwise. And mem- homeowners, or who have no mortgages outsource their jobs are really hurting the U.S. economy. bers of the WikiLeaks project have pro- existing on your properties, let me Maybe we should all e-mail the White claimed that if he is extradited to Sweden, explain how mortgage interest and call centers out of House and Congress and encourage them for alleged other crimes, they will contin- deductibility works. to go after those parties who are not car- ue to put out this sensitive information as When a homeowner prepares their tax this country? rying their weight in this country and quickly as possible. I’m still scratching my return each year, and practices itemiza- leave the rest of us alone. O head trying to figure out exactly what tion of their deductions, one of the items motivates people to do these crazy things. that they are allowed to deduct when Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. If I find out, I’ll let you know! But that isn’t they own a primary or second home is Ending the mortgage tax deduction mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, likely to happen. Some things in life are the interest being paid on their mortgage would create a new weight on an already offering full-service residential and commercial inexplicable to me. O from either of these properties, up to a overburdened middle class, since deduct- real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in cap of $1 million. ing mortgage interest in most cases gives the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a Now this is not the first time that the average taxpayer the edge towards She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her licensed real-estate broker associated with website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at this issue of canceling the mortgage qualifying for a comfortable home to encouraged to send questions or comments to [email protected] or 516-902-3733. interest deduction allowed on a tax enjoy, as opposed to possibly not being [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 33 Continuing The Tradition Of Avraham Avinu

BY RABBI E. SANDLER established the Torah and chesed network first time, at least in many years that they Yaakov school, it is not only their studies that has made a difference to the lives of have been in a shul. They cannot believe which are important but preparing them There is one place where the tradition of over 50,000 young people in Eretz Yisrael. that this is their son and brother bedecked for a life as an eishes chayil with all the char- Avraham Avinu is filled in the fullest sense As the Rebbe has always emphasized, in tefillin who strides so confidently up to acteristics of a bas melech. For many, there of the word. Not just hachnosas orchim for Chesed L’Avraham is not a Skulener enter- the Torah, leins flawlessly and at the seu- is a lot of catching up to do in limudei a meal. Rather, as the father of our people prise. It is the achrayus of the klal for the dah delivers a pshetel be’al peh. The trans- kodesh and they receive tutoring and other used to do, welcome them in even if they younger generations that he has had the formation is nothing short of dramatic. But help. Much emphasis is placed on their look totally down and out. Even if others honor to help maintain. the task does not end there. After graduat- reject them, bring them in, show them love, ing elementary school, the boys are helped and then change their lives forever. Chesed Homes to choose and enroll in a good mesivta That is being done every day in four chil- In the homes, the av and em habayit where they can grow in their lomdus, their Chesed L’Avraham dren’s homes and over 50 chapters across make all these children part of their own yedios, and their ruchniyus. As long as the continues the tradition Eretz Yisrael by Chesed L’Avraham. (The families. With the berachah and encourage- boys need the connection and support, home in Miron is currently under renova- ment of the Rebbe they reach out and Chesed L’Avraham is there for them. Just begun during the war by tion) Orphans, troubled children, and touch these lives. Their children become before the summer, the graduating classes abused kids looking for respite come to the role models for the chesed kids and the fam- from the four schools present an evening the Skulener Rebbe, zt’l, doorways of Chesed L’Avraham homes. ily warmth encourages them to become of Torah that would make any yeshiva and Some are scarred on the arms and legs. regular children. The Chesed homes have a parent proud—all bnei Torah va’Chesed. when he took hundreds Others are scarred in their hearts and souls. full backup staff of therapists and social of frightened war Some are as young as six years old. They workers to ensure that the children’s fears Chesed Girls don’t trust adults. They find them fearsome. are addressed and assuaged. The personal The Chesed girls’ home in Bnei Brak is a orphans into his home. That’s not what the Ribboono shel Olam had stories of many of the children can fill phenomenon in the development of Bnos in mind when He created this world. tomes on psychological and other abuse. Yisrael. As with the boys, the girls come Baruch Hashem, the homes are an oasis of from many sordid and unhappy back- A Tradition From War Orphans calm and the children flourish. There are grounds. Had they not crossed the thresh- social skills and ability to run a home. Chesed L’Avraham continues the tradi- those kids who refuse to go home for ‘off old of Chesed L’Avraham, they would all be Under supervision, they learn to cook and tion begun during the war by the Shabbosim’. The trauma is too great. Others excellent candidates to continue cycles of other skills needed to run a home—sewing, Skulener Rebbe, zt’l, when he took hun- have nowhere to go. However, Tatte and neglect and abuse with their own children. budgeting, decorating—to name a few. dreds and hundreds of frightened war Mama (Chesed L’Avraham) remain the Rebbetzin Leah Liba Stern, daughter of the When it comes to shidduchim, the respon- orphans into his home, where he and his happy constant in their lives. Rebbe, takes a personal interest in every sibility is Chesed L’Avraham’s. This includes rebbetzin wiped away their tears, held girl. In addition, there is also an em habay- ‘checking out’ the boy, meeting with the them close, and gave them hope. He Chesed Bar Mitzvah it who is there full time. Any visitor to the mechutanim, the wedding arrangements, smuggled them to Eretz Yisrael to enable A Chesed bar mitzvah is an experience home cannot help but be overcome by the and the finding and furnishing an apart- them to grow up as free Jews. After jail and many people ask to sponsor such air of calm and happiness that permeates ment with the basics. In addition, Chesed and torture by the Communists, so remi- events—the tefillin, new clothes, and the the home. Therapists are on hand, and L’Avraham commits itself to the first six niscent of the tests of Avraham Avinu, he seudah. In most cases, the boy’s family many hours are spent in counseling. months rent. An average of 12 Chesed wed- and his son, the present Rebbe, shlita, members attend. For most of them it is the While all the girls attend a local Bais dings a year take place, at an average cost of

34 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES $25,000. Hundreds of people make it their changed through a Shabbaton. The snow- 8:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be one of Chesed L’Avraham has unfortunately business to attend and mesamech chosson ball effect is making Chesed L’Avraham a the prominent marbitzei Torah, noted suffered a hard year financially due to the and kallah because a Chesed wedding is a growing power in changing the spiritual speaker, Harav Ephraim Wachsman, shlita, fact that the Rebbe has not been able to true simcha of the klal. landscape of the Holy Land. rosh yeshivas Meor Yitzchok. travel and attend the fundraising activi- The visit will be a rare occasion to see ties as in the past. Please reserve the date A Chesed Revolution Lawrence Visit By The Skulener Rebbe a sage of the previous generation, and an and attend this event and have a zchus in The network of the afternoon moadon- On Thursday December 16, we will have opportunity to become a partner with saving future Yiddishe doros. It promises im is another crowning jewel of Chesed the honor of the Skulener Rebbe, shlita, the the Rebbe and to support his efforts that to be a most inspiring evening. and the derech of Avraham Avinu. Close to driving force of Chesed L’Avraham, visiting are making such an impact on acheinu For further information please call 718- 2,000 children from public schools leave Lawrence, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. bnei Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael and across the 384-6642. Please see the ad on page 62 for their friends of the street to attend an after- Aaron Wolfson, 1019 New McNeil Ave, at Jewish world—Chesed L’Avraham. details of the Rebbe’s visit. O noon of Torah, inspiration, and fun at a Chesed L’Avaraham moadon. It is not uncommon to see mothers with no sem- blance of tzniyus bringing their children every afternoon. Some travel almost an hour each way. When asked why they come, their inevitable reply is, “I know what’s happening on the streets and I saw what Chesed L’Avraham did for my neighbor’s child. If he can become a clean decent human being, and that is done through the mesorah and Torah, tavo alav berachah.” Chesed L’Avraham has become an answer to gangs, wild afternoon activities, latchkey kids who have no purpose in their lives, and for those who are seeking an alternative to emptiness. There are separate chapters for boys and girls. Most meet on Shabbos as well. In some neighborhoods it is becoming fashionable to belong. From time to time, there are trips and tiyulim and every month there is a four-day Shabbaton where the youngsters go to Yerushalayim and Bnei Brak. There they have the opportunity to meet ‘normal’ frum Jews who are so unlike the media caricatures of the fearsome chareidim. They see yeshivas and the excitement of a Torah life. The highlight, of course, is the Shabbos experience. Any child or accompanying adult has their lives

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 35 our home, and so even though she will Dear Resentful, occasionally accept an invitation from I think it’s pretty clear what is going on some other couple, most often she winds here, and I’m sure you’ve figured it out as up with us. well. The comments that your husband When Barry and I are arguing about has been making are not coded in any anything that has nothing to do with way. He is giving you two very specific Alice, he will sometimes say some- messages. thing childish like, “If Alice wanted Obviously, the first message is that Dear Esther, how Alice managed to stay married to you to do that . . .” or, “If Alice needed Barry is feeling trumped by Alice. It feels Once upon a time, “Alice” and I were such a difficult man. And yes, during her you . . .” If that isn’t bad enough, when to him as though her needs have the very best of friends. We met in our marriage, Alice did speak to me quite a we are really going at it, Barry might become more important to you than his first year of high school and immediately bit about her difficulties and even the say something like, “Do you think Alice needs. And whereas you would probably connected. The connection we had and pros and cons of staying together or not. is lucky to be divorced? Are you envi- do anything for Alice, especially during still have is unlike any other friendship That’s just the kind of relationship we ous of her freedom?” Which of course this trying period of her life, you may that either of us has experienced. We had. We had the utmost trust in one couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, not necessarily be at Barry’s beck and totally trust one another, are never jeal- another’s opinions. like I said, Barry and I have our differ- call quite so readily. ous, and feel each other’s pain and suc- Though Alice and I have spoken at ences at times, but I do love him and No doubt you believe you have good cesses as much as anyone could possibly least once a day since high school, have no intention of ever wanting to reason to be so available to Alice. Divorce experience for another person. through this very difficult period of her leave him. To even hint at that is is a devastating event in one’s life and a During our last year of high school, life we’ve been on the phone much more ridiculous and childish. time when family and friends should Alice set me up with “Barry,” who lived on often. I feel as though she has needed At this point, I can tell that Barry is rally around to offer support. I give you her block. She lived on a very friendly my support more than ever during this starting to pull away from Alice. In fact, much credit for remaining true-blue to block in Brooklyn, and everyone seemed past year, and I want to be there for her. Alice has even mentioned to me that she Alice. She was and is lucky to have you in to know each other well. Barry and I She calls me first thing in the morning feels he is angry with her for some reason her life, and I’m certain that you have dated and got engaged about one year and last thing at night. But we can also and wonders why. I find it very sad that enabled her to survive her ordeal. later. I would say that we have a typical talk once, twice, and maybe even more the three of us can’t remain close and However, I would imagine Barry is marriage. Good times, not so good times, during the day, if there are things we trusting of one another, the way we were wondering when his life will go back to but all in all, we’re fine. Except . . . need to discuss. way back when. It was just so nice normal—normal being the pre-divorce Backing up for a minute, Alice got At first Barry seemed to be OK with between the three of us, and now I see it days—and when he will once again feel married about a year after Barry and I these calls. He always liked Alice and was all crumbling and don’t understand why as though he is the number-one person in did. The four of us spent a lot of time concerned about her. But now that the it has to be that way. your life. together. Frankly, Barry and I were divorce is final, he wants things to go What can I do to restore the friendship If forced to spell out a pecking order, never crazy about her husband. He back to normal with the two of us. He’s between Alice and Barry? And how can I most people would agree that a spouse always seemed very moody, critical, and made it clear that he’s not happy about get Barry to stop worrying about my rela- should be the number-one priority in a self-absorbed. But because Barry and I the amount of time I spend on the phone tionship with Alice and just let me be? person’s life, assuming that they have a both loved Alice, we went out with and in person with Alice. He also isn’t After all, I don’t tell him whom to spend stable, healthy marriage. Friends are won- them often and even went on vacations crazy about the fact that Alice has an his time with, and I resent his telling me derful and even necessary for a fulfilling with them. open invitation to spend Shabbos meals whom I should spend my time with and life. But it’s your spouse whom you come Last year, Alice divorced her husband. with us, which I am happy to say she how much time I should be spending home to every day, and your spouse who I can’t say that Barry or I were surprised. often takes advantage of. Other people with them. should be your first line of defense Prior to that, we often asked ourselves invite her, but she is most comfortable in Resentful against all that life throws your way.

36 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Barry has clearly lost his footing on this ladder of loyalties. Or at least that is how it is feeling to him. Secondly, it sounds as though during those creepy moments when the two of you are going at it, Barry may be wondering whether he too can be disposable, the way Alice’s husband was ultimately disposable. Not that there is any logic behind this thought, but sometimes people feel insecure, and when divorce hits so close to home, it can suddenly show up on one’s radar. Once your tightly constructed foursome was torn apart, it may suddenly have felt as though all bets were off. I doubt that Barry is always feeling this way, but it sounds as though he has his fearful moments. I believe the obvious solution right now is for you to start paying more attention to Barry. Alice is no longer in crisis and is hopefully moving along with her life. I’m not suggesting that you drop Alice. However, would it be impossible for you to have your conversations with her when Barry is at work or out of the house? I find that many women who are on the phone with their girlfriends, mothers, sisters, or whomever do not show their husband the courtesy of hanging up when he walks through the door at the end of a long day of work so that they can respectfully welcome him home. Those chatty conversations that can take place any other time should probably be taking place any other time. You also may not realize how Alice’s divorce has shaken Barry up. After all, he has also been very close to her for so many years. It’s frightening to be so close to the storm and not feel the after- math in some way. Divorce offers a reality check to the people closest to the victims and enables them to take a closer inspection at the state of their own marriage. Maybe Barry sees things in himself or within the way that the two of you interact that could use improve- ment. Maybe he’s wondering if the two of you are as close as you can be. Is he wondering if you feel as close to him as you feel to Alice? Also, with Alice spending so many Shabbos meals with the two of you, do you and Barry get enough alone time? Couples desperately need time to speak privately and intimately about themselves in a way that can only be done when no one else is around. The open- door policy that you have with Alice may have to occasionally be closed for your ultimate good. Therefore, without casting any aspersions on your marriage, I would venture to say that this might be a good time for you to pay closer attention to your husband and to your relationship. Before feelings get any more threatened, use this time as an opportunity to strengthen your bonds with him and validate him and all that is wonderful between the two of you. You will find it’s a win/win move. Not only will you revitalize your marriage, but I would guess that Barry will once more begin feeling comfortable having Alice around (within reason) without feeling threatened. Esther

Esther Mann, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in Lawrence. Esther works with individuals and couples. She can be reached at [email protected] or 516-314-2295. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 37 Make Sure Brain Is On Before Putting Mouth In Gear

“But as for me, when I traveled from city, or even in an inhabited place, but Padan, Rochel died on me in the Land of right there on the road where she died. Canaan on the road, while there was still You should know that I did this about a beras of land to go Ephras, and I because Hashem commanded me to. buried her there on the road in Ephras, which is Bethlehem.” —Bereishis 48:7 Yaakov Avinu spent the final 17 years Every time of his life in Mitzrayim. While there, he lived in peace for the first time in they spoke many, many years. Near the very end of his days, he called in his beloved son Yosef and made an impassioned and every time request: “Please do not bury me in Mitzrayim.” they were together, After this event, when Yaakov felt his end drawing nearer, he again there was a certain spoke to Yosef, saying, “On the road your mother Rochel died, and I buried her there.” wedge keeping Rashi explains that these two conversations were connected. In this final them apart. meeting, Yaakov was expressing something that he had held inside for many years. He was telling Yosef, “I know that you have harbored a complaint in your Many years from now, when heart against me. You feel that when Nevuzaradan will force the Jews into your mother died, I didn’t treat her exile, they will pass along that road with due respect. I didn’t bury her in a where she is interred. Rochel will cry

38 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES out with bitter weeping, and her tears them apart. And yet Yaakov wouldn’t ents similar to that of the orange. will save the Jewish people.” say a word. Even though these feelings Weight Botchers: Research shows (and Weight Watchers The Sifsei Chachamim explains why were completely unfounded, he would- is finally waking up to this) that the more Yaakov chose this particular moment n’t talk about it because that would Where The Points fruits, vegetables, and whole grains we to explain this to Yosef—“If not now, cause a Jew to suffer, and he couldn’t eat, the better off we are. The body when?” He hadn’t told him up till then be a part of that. This self-control is System Went Wrong digests and processes fresh foods more because he didn’t want to tell him illustrative of the way that Yaakov lived efficiently; the farther away a food is about the suffering that was to occur. every moment of his life. BY PAM MORITZ from its natural source, the less it is good But he had to tell him now because it What this means to us. When we for us. A freshly baked potato, for exam- would be his last opportunity. He was study the Avos, we come to recognize Have you heard? Weight Watchers is ple, can’t really be compared to a potato about to leave this world. that while we will never function on overhauling its points system. Apparently chip. (Just think of the expiration date; This Rashi is difficult to understand. their level, we can gain insight and it’s OK to eat an apple or a banana now. foods are supposed to decompose quick- If Hashem had told Yaakov to bury inspiration from them. And from their Women who for years were limiting ly—that’s what makes them fresh. A pota- Rochel there, why didn’t Yaakov sensitivity we can become conscious of their intake of fresh fruits in order to to will go bad in a day if put in a bag on a explain this to Yosef years ago? Why the power Hashem gave us called trade them for a piece of cake or a few grocery shelf without refrigeration.) did he allow his beloved son to feel speech. Our words can be the source of potato chips have now learned that the But where Weight Watchers has really some sense of ill will against him for so great comfort and support to others, or Great and Mighty Weight Watchers may gone wrong (like so many of its counter- long? Yosef was not a fragile youth who they can be callous, biting swords that have made a mistake. parts) is its weekly worship of the weigh- would fall apart if he heard bad news. cut away at the soul of those around us. Of course they did. in. When we make eating healthy all He was a mature, sophisticated talmid With speech, we can build worlds . . . or How can you replace an orange or about the scale and how much we’ve chacham. His role at the time was destroy them. O two—with vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, K, gained or lost, then we’ve lost focus. leader of all of Mitzrayim. He could biotin, and folate, and minerals of calci- Healthy choices have to come not from have handled the knowledge that the For more on this topic please listen to Shmuz um, magnesium, phosphorus, and potas- the number on a scale, but from the inner Jewish nation would suffer. And Yaakov #158: Discretion: Me and my big mouth. sium—with anything processed or wisdom of knowing when we’re truly The new Shmuz on Life book: Stop Surviving knew that eventually he was going to and Start Living is now in print! It is a powerful, refined, in which the vitamins and miner- hungry and knowing when we’re satis- have to tell Yosef anyway. Why not just inspiring work that deals with major life issues. als have been stripped? The logic simply fied. An understanding of the basics of Prerelease copies are now available at tell him right away and eliminate all of www.TheShmuz.com. The book will be released doesn’t work. Choose any other fruit, by those bad feelings? in sefarim stores March 1, 2011. the way, and you will find a list of nutri- Continued on Page 41 The sensitivity of a tzaddik. The answer to this question is that Yaakov Avinu was extraordinarily guarded in what he said. Every word was meas- ured; every expression was weighed. And he had a policy: “I am not the one to cause suffering to others. If I tell Yosef why I buried his mother on the road, I will have to tell him that the Jewish people will be sent into exile. That fact will cause him much suffering, and I won’t be a part of it. When he has to hear the bad news, I will tell him, but not a moment sooner. If this will cause him to have questions on my actions, if this will cause him to feel some element of resentment toward me, I am willing to pay that price, rather than cause him the pain of knowing what will occur.” This Rashi illustrates a number of beautiful concepts. First, we see the extraordinary sensitivity that a tzaddik has in not causing another human being to suffer. Even though Yosef could “handle it,” and even though Yaakov would eventually have to tell him, he was willing to bear the burden of letting his son think of him as insen- sitive, rather than cause him pain. “I can’t be the one to cause another Jew to suffer.” We also see a second point: an incredible example of discretion. Yaakov was extremely guarded in the words that came out of his mouth. Yaakov had been separated from his beloved son for 22 years. For those two decades, Yaakov was living in a state of unending mourning. When they finally met, Yosef was so filled with joy that the tears couldn’t be stopped. The love between the two was overflowing. And yet, there was something that stood between them. Yaakov knew that within the heart of his son was a sense of resentment, of ill will. In Yosef’s mind, his mother had been mistreated; her final honor had been compromised. And his own father was the man who dishonored her. It wasn’t just at one moment that this was a barrier between them. For the next 17 years, every time they spoke and every time they were together, there was a certain wedge keeping 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 39 40 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Weight Botchers Continued from Page 39 good nutrition certainly helps. Pick up a copy of Breaking Free from Emotional Eating, by Geneen Roth, or Intuitive Eating, by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. These books and many others have proven that eating when hungry and stopping when satisfied is the key to healthy eating habits and healthy weight. It’s not enough to know that bananas are good for you. What’s more important is that you don’t eat one after you’ve already had a big sandwich and a side order. There’s no way you’re hungry at that moment, so put it away and eat it when you are.

Don’t eat with distractions, since you won’t pay attention to your inner signs of hunger or satisfaction.

Diets, even nutritionally sound ones, don’t work. It’s well known that 95% of dieters gain back any weight they might have lost on any given diet; most gain back even more. So the unsuccessful dieter feels depressed and fat, and ends up going on another diet, setting herself up for another letdown. If you’re skepti- cal, ask your friend or neighbor how many diets she’s been on; I have a number of neighbors who are on Weight Watchers. Again. Eating when hungry, moderate exer- cise, and healthy lifestyle choices— including plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—keep a body energetic and feeling good. When I lecture to women, I usually admit that of all the diets out there, at least Weight Watchers is concerned about good nutrition and lifestyle changes. But when the focus is on the number on the bathroom scale, or on the number of calories consumed, then participants feel like failures when they’ve gained weight and successes when they’ve lost. It isn’t about the weight. It’s about good health overall. Unless you must diet to save a life (because of diabetes or allergies, for example), diets should be avoided alto- gether. Try eating when hungry and stopping when satisfied. Don’t eat with distractions like television or your favorite Sudoku puzzle, since you won’t pay attention to your inner signs of hunger or satisfaction. Sit down and enjoy your food and concentrate on how it tastes and on when you begin to feel full. And don’t eat when feeling overly emotional; again, you’ll have trouble paying attention to those inner signs. All of these simple rules will help you to eat in a healthy way, without spending a single dime on a single point. O

Pamela Moritz is the founder of Worth the Weight , a program dedicated to healthy eating, healthy™ lifestyle, and positive self-image. She lives in Chashmonaim, Israel. To contact her about lecturing in your community, e-mail her at [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 41 TouroCOM Student Selected As A school students in the East Harlem Tutorial “Local Hero” By The Bank Of Program (EHTP) while getting them inter- America Charitable Foundation ested in practicing medicine. Mr. Khan was Noman “Nomi” Khan, a fourth year stu- honored along with other New York City dent of Touro College of Osteopathic winners at a reception on November 16 at P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f B a n k o f A m e r i c a L–R: Jeff Barker, New York City president for Bank of America, and Nomi Khan, a fourth-year student at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Medicine (TouroCOM) in Harlem, was the New York Public Library. selected as a “Local Hero” by the Bank of According to the Bank of America’s America Charitable Foundation through its Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, Neighborhood Excellence Initiative. Mr. Khan was selected for mentoring high Continued on Page 45

42 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 43 44 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS medicine when they are here, and we are Continued from Page 42 very encouraged that we can mentor Harlem’s future health care providers.” “Local Heroes” are individuals who con- “Through our Neighborhood tribute significantly to the health of their Excellence Initiative, we are helping to neighborhood through volunteer serv- generate meaningful and cumulative ice and civic engagement. With this economic and social impact at the local recognition, Mr. Khan had the opportu- level where it’s needed most,” said Jeff nity to direct a $5,000 donation from Barker, New York City president, Bank of the Bank of America Charitable America. “In New York City and across Foundation to the EHTP. the country, we are leveraging the com- For three years, Mr. Khan has volun- bined strength of our philanthropy and teered at EHTP and created life-changing lending and investing initiatives to help opportunities for high school students in set opportunity in motion for organiza- the community. As a full-time medical tions, families, individuals, and entire student at TouroCOM and an EHTP tutor, neighborhoods.” he recognized local schools lack adequate “I am incredibly humbled and honored educational resources, particularly in sci- by this recognition by the Bank of ence, and thus pioneered a unique pro- America Charitable Foundation,” said Mr. Drs. Peter and Laurel Steinherz Sandy and Bruce Lilker gram that pairs TouroCOM with EHTP to Khan. “Together with TouroCOM, EHTP, provide advanced level science education and the entire Harlem community, we and support students’ efforts to address can make a difference in the lives of stu- threatening hematologic illnesses. But cancer and cancer treatment. crippling community health issues such dents who might lack adequate science thanks to Drs. Steinherz, every summer Each summer, 430 children attend as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. resources in their schools. The students these children are treated to an unfor- Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special The East Harlem youth also visit are very intelligent, and we will continue gettable overnight camp experience (for children with debilitating chronic TouroCOM and realize that working in to be there to mentor them and offer that allows them to trade hospital conditions), the only kosher overnight the medical field can be a reality. them access to excellent medical and sci- rooms and doctors’ offices for fun, camps for seriously ill children and teens “We are so proud of Nomi for his hard entific education.” O friendship, and hope. in the country. Each day is packed with a work and dedication to mentoring future The Steinherzes will receive the inau- mix of traditional camp activities and physicians, and for this incredible recog- Drs. Peter And Laurel Steinherz To gural Maimonides Legacy Award for their special events, including talent shows, nition by the Bank of America’s Be Honored By Chai Lifeline, tireless devotion to Camp Simcha at Chai concerts, and helicopter and motorcycle Neighborhood Excellence Initiative,” said December 21 Lifeline’s tribute dinner, celebrating the rides that make every hour special. Robert B. Goldberg, D.O., dean, There are as many definitions of suc- 25th anniversary of the camp’s founding, Campers return home enriched by their TouroCOM. “When we host the students cess as there are people, but for Drs. on December 21 at the Marriott Marquis experiences, filled with joyful memories, in the East Harlem Tutorial Program at Laurel and Peter Steinherz, the founding in New York City. Dr. Peter Steinherz, who and armed with a community of friends TouroCOM, we provide them the same medical directors of Camp Simcha, suc- serves as the camp’s medical director, is who will help them through the rough access that our medical students have. cess is as simple as the smile on the face director of leukemia and lymphoma stud- patches in their lives. They go from the lecture hall to the of a Camp Simcha camper. ies at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Camp Simcha is a program of Chai patient simulation lab, and to our There is nothing simple, however, Center, where his wife, Dr. Laurel Lifeline, an international non-profit microscopy and cadaver labs, to study about the lives of these campers, all of Steinherz, is the pediatric cardiologist anatomy. They are always fascinated by whom are battling cancer and other life- and an expert in the cardiac toxicity of Continued on Page 46

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS risk that a child will become gravely ill; staff and volunteers. They personify ded- bravery and strength. Our relationships Continued from Page 45 the Steinherzes are thankful they have ication. All our doctors take time from with them in camp definitely continue never lost a child during the camp season. their regular careers, often from their into our relationships with them as organization dedicated to meeting the But loss is a part of their lives and the precious vacation time, and volunteer for physicians in the hospital. Our love and non-medical needs of seriously ill chil- couple relies on their deep faith to carry camp without pay year after year. Our admiration for them is something we dren, their families, and communities. Its them through. “It’s very hard. We are sad nurses are incredible, proficient, warm, have shared as a couple and as a family.” mission is to enhance lives through pro- together. We cry together. We try to be and caring. Our counselors and adminis- As for the future, the couple would grams and services that offer friendship, there for the family. We simply try to trative staff are tireless and devoted. love to see the camp go out of business. good times, great memories, and social keep going—there are more children They are all very special, and knowing But for now, they really don’t have time and emotional support. who need us,” said Dr. Laurel Steinherz. them has enriched our lives,” stated Dr. to think about it. They’re busy getting Camp Simcha (so named to symbolize The couple prefers to focus on the Laurel Steinherz. ready to leave for a four-day trip to happiness) was founded in 1985 to pro- good times: the boys’ camp singing in As for their own family, after 25 years Orlando with 60 campers. vide an overnight kosher camping experi- Times Square (“The city stopped for them. Camp Simcha has become an extension Information about the tribute dinner ence for children with cancer. A handful There’s no way to describe it. It was so life- of their family life. All four of their chil- celebrating the 25th anniversary of attended what the Steinherzes described affirming”); attending the weddings of for- dren worked at the camp while growing Camp Simcha is available by calling 212- as a “small trial run” in 1986 in rented mer campers or the brisim of their chil- up; their daughter, a pediatrician, is a cur- 699-6620. To learn more about Camp space at Camp Sternberg. After a stop in dren; or rafting down the Delaware (one rent staff member. “Camp Simcha Simcha, call 877 CHAI LIFE or visit Connecticut, in 1991 the camp settled into of Dr. Peter Steinherz’s favorite activities). became part of their lives. They saw by www.chailifeline.org. its current 125-acre campus in Glen Spey, “It’s a privilege to be able to relate to the example what had to be done,” said Dr. Camp Simcha is dedicated in memory of N.Y. Totally free-of-charge, it accepts chil- kids when they are having fun. It’s never Peter Steinherz. Dr. Samuel Abraham. Camp Simcha Special is dren from all denominations. The success quite the same after you’ve gone down This past summer, a granddaughter dedicated in memory of Zvi Dovid Obstfeld. O of Camp Simcha led to the establishment the Delaware with them,” said Dr. Laurel (one of the couple’s 15 grandchildren) of Chai Lifeline, which now offers year- Steinherz, laughing. worked at camp, one niece was the pro- YILC 30th Annual Dinner, round services to the families of more The Steinherzes are also deeply grate- gram director, and several great-nieces February 19 than 4,300 children with cancer and ful and humbled by their Camp Simcha and nephews were staffers. “The next The guests of honor at the Young other life-threatening or chronic illnesses “family.” “We have met amazing people generation is already involved,” said Dr. Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst 30th around the world. who comprise the team members of Laurel Steinherz, who added, “The annual dinner will be Elizabeth and As a “cancer camp,” there is always the Camp Simcha and Chai Lifeline as career campers continually inspire us with their Bezalel Mayer. The dinner is scheduled to take place on motzaei Shabbos, Parashas Ki Sisa, February 19, 2011. The distinguished dinner chairpersons are Marjorie and Steven Kellner, Dina and Michael Kollander, and Fran and Marc Sicklick. The dedicated journal chairpersons are Terri Herenstein and Dassy Kwestel. The dinner committee is in formation but as of now includes Naomi and Aryeh Davis, Renee and Brian Greenspan, Karen and Eddie Lifshitz, Leah and David Mandelbaum, Mimi and Ari Schreier, and Lisa and David Zaslowsky. Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum is the mara d’asra of Young Israel of Lawrence- Cedarhurst. Brian Greenspan is president. YILC is located at 8 Spruce Street in Cedarhurst. To learn more, call 516-569- 3324 or visit www.yilc.org. If you would like to join the dinner committee, send an e-mail to YILC executive director Marvin Schenker, at [email protected]. O

Sephardi Chief Rabbi Visits YU Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, paid a visit to Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), an affiliate of Yeshiva University, on December 9, the last day of Chanukah. The chief rabbi, also known as the Rishon LeZion, delivered a shiur to RIETS students, met with various roshei yeshiva and members of the YU faculty and administration, and held a private question and answer session with members of the RIETS Kollel Elyon. “Chief Rabbi Amar is a towering per- sonality in the world Jewish community and an outstanding Torah scholar,” said Rabbi Yona Reiss, the Max and Marion

46 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Grill Dean of RIETS. “We are privileged to have this opportunity to solidify our strong relationship with the Chief Rabbinate and work together earnestly for the benefit of Klal Yisrael, both in the Diaspora and in Eretz Yisrael.” While students and rebbeim packed the beit midrash in YU’s Glueck Center for Jewish Studies to hear Rabbi Amar’s shiur on Chanukah, the day held added sig- nificance for the Sephardic students on campus. “It’s a great honor to have the chief rabbi visit YU and to have the opportunity to meet and ask him questions,” said Yosef Chaim Yanetz, a RIETS shoel u’meishiv [mentor] and student at YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. “We are very proud that YU has invited Chief Rabbi Amar,” added Yosef Sharbat ’09 YC, a RIETS student currently enrolled at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. “As a Sephardic student it means a lot to have this great rabbi here.” For over a century, RIETS has educated and trained the rabbis who have shaped our Jewish world. Combining the highest levels of Torah learning in the legacy of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, zt’l, an unmatched program of professional prepara- tion for the rabbinate, and an impassioned commitment to impact the Jewish community, RIETS produces the finest rabbinic leadership for the next generation and beyond. Visit RIETS online at www.riets.edu. O

Barons And Bankers To Benefit Rachel’s Place After a nearly 20 year hiatus, Miriam Handler and the N’shei Tzedaka Players are returning to the stage with Barons and Bankers, a live musical drama pre- miering at the Millennium Theater on December 18 and 19 and January 8 to benefit Rachel’s Place. In the 1980s, NTP burst on the scene with all-women’s plays that set a new standard for tzedakah performances, giving new meaning to the term “class act.” Producing 11 hit shows in the 80’s and 90’s, its legendary, sold- out performances including My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, The King and I, The Diary of Anne Frank, and others, are still remembered by thousands of women who have eagerly await- ed the next show. Now, Rachel’s Place has teamed up with NTP and proudly brings you Barons and Bankers: a masterpiece of music and drama featuring a cast overflowing with outstanding talent, all performing on a volunteer basis for this critical cause. Seasoned actresses and singers join with debuting artists in this captivating play, which chroni-

Continued on Page 48 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Schwadron, Miriam Leah Droze, Chanie When You Sing Upon A Star A number of other contenders also Continued from Page 47 Berger, Abby Meyer, as well as an exciting An all new season of “A Jewish Star,” the found fame after entering the competition, guest appearance by Malky Giniger. world’s first Jewish music singing competi- some of who are now household names. cles the rise of the Rothschilds’ dynasty. Producers Brandy Kreisman and Chaya tion, began on November 25 with many see- With season two beginning, and a par- Breathtaking musical numbers, arranged Teitelbaum have been working round ing the contest as the next obvious step in the allel “A Jewish Star Juniors” race being and accompanied by master NTP pianist the clock together with Rachel’s Place recent evolution of the Jewish music industry. added to the contest for boys ages 8–14, Chani Schick, are set against a magnificent founders Esta Goldman and Esti Scharf Career musicians and music enthusiasts the anticipation is skyrocketing. Who will custom-built backdrop designed by NTP to ensure a professional, state-of-the art from around the U.S., Canada, South audition this round, who will be the pub- veteran stage designers. All of this magic is presentation. America, Israel, Europe, and even former lic’s favorite, and what will the judges say? woven together with a fascinating plot Rachel’s Place is a shomer Shabbos shel- Soviet countries like Azerbaijan were capti- The deadline for auditions is December replete with adventure, humor, and emo- ter and youth development program for vated last year by the possibility of discov- 21. Finalists will perform at a live show on tion. Princes, bankers, and royal courtiers runaway and homeless girls ages 16-21. All ering the world’s next singing sensation. February 20 in Brooklyn. For complete rules, outfitted in authentic period costume the girls in the program deal with issues “I think it’s amazing that you are giving visit www.ajewishstar.com/submit bring alive this rags-to-riches tale of ped- of abandonment, some because of abuse, young people a chance to connect to -your-audition/. dlers who used courage, wit, and faith in neglect, or dysfunction. Sometimes the Torah and Jewish music,” the legendary “A Jewish Star” was created and is exec- Hashem to accumulate a fortune and girls come from the best of homes and composer Yossi Green gushed about utive produced by Mica Soffer, owner become world-renowned barons who still for varied reasons find themselves Season 1, which attracted over 50 audi- and publisher of community news serv- used their money and power to achieve lured by the “streets.” The mission of tions and 61,893 votes cast online. ice COLlive.com and Yossi Soffer, owner reforms for their Jewish brethren in Rachel’s Place is for girls who enter the The winner was Binyamin Moshe, a of Unique Image Advertising. Yehuda European ghettos. program to find the skills and the where- Brooklyn yeshiva student, who recently Ceitlin is the creative director. Allow yourself to be swept away by withal to be a credit to themselves, their had his self-composed single Romemu The unparalleled superstar of Jewish this captivating celebration of acting and community, and to the generations that recorded and produced by famed music music Avraham Fried, who has been inspir- song which boasts a masterful perform- will follow them. producer Ruli Ezrachi and with music by ing audiences for the last 30 years, will ance by Leah Forster in her first-ever dra- Don’t miss the opportunity to be part the renowned Freilach Orchestra. once again assume the mantle of a judge matic role and includes in its diverse and of the audience as NTP makes its glori- Semi-finalists Avraham Ohayon and on “A Jewish Star,” contributing his wise dazzling cast exciting performers, new to ous comeback, in a performance that is Shuki Sadon were in high demand as and astute insight as he did in season one. the Brooklyn stage, alongside local bigger and better than ever! Call today, entertainers ever since they made it to the Joining him once again will be Chassidic favorites such as Debby Jacobs, Sara 718-506-9900. O finals and performed live at the show. comic Mendy Pellin, who admits he has “zero knowledge in music” but is well versed in the entertainment business. He was recently spotted on set with Brad Pitt filming for a Hollywood sports movie. A new addition to season two’s judges panel is Eli Gerstner, the multi-talented Jewish singer, songwriter, and producer who is responsible for the successes of the Yeshiva Boys Choir, The Chevra, Menucha, Dovid Stein, Tek-noy, and the Yosis Orchestra. O

At YU Hanukkah Dinner, Mayor Cory Booker Implores Jewish Community To Be True To Itself Cory A. Booker, mayor of Newark, NJ, delivered the keynote address at Yeshiva University’s (YU) 86th Annual Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation at The Waldorf- Astoria in New York City on December 12. The mayor implored members of the audience, and the Jewish community at large, to be true to themselves, to their faith, and to their heritage. “This world needs Jews who are mani- festing the truth of who they are, who recognize that yes, there is a ‘chosen-ness’ in Judaism but it necessitates in the individual making a choice.” In an address replete with references to Jewish history and the Torah that brimmed with humor, warmth, and wisdom, Mayor Booker sought to outline exactly what that choice means. “We are in a world that cries out for redemption; there is pain and suffering all around us. Why am I so drawn to Judaism? Because this world needs people who will choose to live those values, instill them in their hearts, and manifest them in their actions.” Recently reelected as Newark’s mayor with a clear mandate for change, Mayor Booker understands the importance of working with and depending on others. He noted that his bold vision for Newark could not have been set into motion without vital outside help and cooperation. And he sees in YU opportunities for cooperation and unity and restorative hope that must continue to be carried out. “We are sitting here in homage not to individuals but to a tradition at a university that at its very core is that mission. Why I am so honored to be here, why I feel the gravity of the gift of kindness that 48 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Mayor Cory Booker and Chancellor Dr. Norman Lamm at YU’s Annual Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation. you all have shown me, is because this factor and significant supporter of YU’s university is answering that call.” Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. President Richard M. Joel conferred The convocation and dinner, the uni- the honorary doctor of humane letters versity’s main annual fundraising event, degree on Mayor Booker, and honorary raised a record $4.1 million this year. degrees were also awarded to Emanuel Echoing the words of Mayor Booker, Gruss, a prominent investment executive President Joel summed up the evening and philanthropist, and benefactor and with these words: “Nights like tonight are honorary trustee of Yeshiva University; so important for those of us who dream business executive Arthur N. Hershaft, a about the Jewish future. We must contin- benefactor and member of the board of ue working with other people of good- overseers of YU’s Albert Einstein College will to advance civilization; that’s our of Medicine; attorney and community sacred mission, and that’s what we are leader Murray Laulicht, a YU alumnus celebrating tonight and what we will con- and benefactor and member of the board tinue to celebrate in the days and months of overseers of the university’s Stern and years to come.” O College for Women; and philanthropist and civic leader Laurie M. Tisch, a bene- Continued on Page 54

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 49 A Five Towns Simcha Chanukah At Woodmere Rehab Photo By Jerry Meyer Studio

Mari Ray and Dovi Gordon were wedded Tuesday, December 14, at the Westin O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. Music was by the Shloime Dachs Michoel Pruzansky made a surprise visit to the residents of Woodmere Orchestra with Benny Friedman singing lead and floral arrangements by Rehab at their annual Chanukah party. Above: Rabbi Herschel Reisz, A Gentle Wind. The wedding was planned and coordinated by Suri Brody. Avrumie Slansky, Mr. Pruzansky, and Bar Giberstein. Mazel tov to parents Sari and Alan Ray, and Esta and Larry Gordon. Top: Dean Avdoulos dancing with resident.

50 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES have more luck than I. I had scanned It must be somewhere in the nooks and almost every inch of that house, includ- crannies of my huge lug of a bag. After all, ing my mini-office in my van. Alas, they why does it weigh so much? had no more luck than I did. However, This morning, both Yussie and Lea Rochel did uncover two brand-new must have sensed my high stress level checkholders for the eventual replace- and both woke up right on time and got ment checks. dressed without too much of a hassle. The loss of that checkbook caused After pondering life, I came to the conclu- me much anxiety and caused a practi- sion that a lost checkbook was no big cally sleepless night. If I was able to deal—surely checks are replaceable, and Under Control lose such an important item, what else with a little effort we can re-create the could I lose? I really must get more check register that was lost along with organized! Life is just too short to be the book. I was already looking on the Did you ever misplace one item and “How much of a reward?” inquired my losing sleep over something that should bright side when I looked out the win- suddenly your life seemed out of control? business-minded Rochel. have been avoidable. dow: Snow! How did that happen? Is it Until that one item is recovered, you actually winter already? Well, maybe not seem to lose your hold on almost every- exactly, but it is December, so this defi- thing else that is important. nitely was in the realm of occurring . . . As my loyal readers know, I consider but why today when I had to be in court myself a disorganized organized per- Isn’t that great? When your own in Mineola and my checkbook was still son. Everything on my desk at work on the loose? (I hadn’t quite given up on might seem in disarray, but I know words come back to haunt you? that issue yet.) exactly where everything is at (almost) After trudging through the half an inch all times. That holds true for my seem- of snow, I made it to court and back to ingly bottomless pit of a pocketbook. announce to my officemate Chaya Rosner Yet, when I went to write a check yes- that my checkbook was still missing. Yes terday and turned to that same trusty “Let’s first find the checkbook.” I was still focusing on going through pocketbook for my checkbook, it was I was excited. Maybe they would my pocketbook for the umpteenth time. Continued on Page 52 nowhere to be found! Immediately, I texted my husband with the news. He responded, “To quote you, ‘I guess you’ll have to retrace your steps and figure out where it is.’” Isn’t that great? When your own words come back to haunt you? But if I thought it was sound advice for him when he mis- placed his phone last week, then I guess that same suggestion should be appropriate in this situation as well. When did I last use the checkbook? A light bulb went off in my head: the Bikur Continued on Page 52 Cholim breakfast at the White Shul the previous day! Maybe I left it when I was writing out my check? The breakfast was beautiful—good food, a great speaker, and an extremely worthwhile organization. The good that the Bikur Cholim of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway brings to many members of our community is endless. I immediately called up the White Shul office, but was out of luck. Either somehow my checkbook was thrown out with the trash, or it was still somewhere in my house. The surprising part of the story was that shortly upon our return from the breakfast, I went to J Stores to redeem a credit that I had, and—surprise!—I couldn’t find it in my pocketbook. While at the store, I physically dumped my bag to find the missing credit, and because I couldn’t find it, I left the store empty-handed. Suffice it to say that my life was not the same from that moment in time until this afternoon. I was totally out of control! I could not focus on planning a simple item such as dinner and was forced to bring my kids to Shula’s Pizza (where we had to pay with cash rather than the usual check) and I found it necessary to take my husband out to eat later on in the evening, because, after all, I couldn’t find my checkbook! Surely dinner out with my husband detracted a bit from the stress attached to the loss, but it was still lingering in my head even while I enjoyed the delicious fare. Before leaving to meet Leib for dinner, I had given both Rivka and Rochel an assignment and a follow-up text: there will be a monetary reward for the person who finds the missing checkbook. I thought that should surely do the trick. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 51 “I called you yesterday morn- Be that as it may, I gave tionist who weighs me in each MOTHER’S MUSINGS For the next issue, Continued from Page 51 ing and left you a message on Marion a huge hug and gave J week (almost each week, unless I your phone,” Marion pointed out. Stores a call. They had found my play hooky). Thank you, J Stores, deadline for reserving indeed, if you are fortunate to be “Oy, I didn’t check my voice- lost materials immediately after I for keeping custody of my very sharing an office with Phyllis J. mail. My phone didn’t even tell had left the store, but the only important documents. ad space is Lubin, you have the bonus of me that I had any messages to telephone number they could By the way, I found the store Monday, finding out all about me (maybe check!” find was my business card and credit, and Yussie and Lea now December 20 even a tad more than my read- I need to get a better phone. no one answered the phone on have new pajamas to keep them ers). After plopping my stuff It should specifically tell me if I Sunday afternoon, when they warm in the winter months at 5:00 P.M. down around my organized dis- have a message. I am not that tried to call originally. When I ahead! organized desk, I made my way adept in interpreting the various finally came into the store to And so, it was smooth sailing to the front of the office to signs on the phone; I need retrieve my found checkbook, I from there. I managed to plan a All graphics for ads check my mail. something more obvious: a big discovered that I had unknow- meal for myself and my hus- must be in by No sooner had I reached the announcement that I have ingly lost another, possibly more band, and I was able to write Tuesday, front desk than Marion Rosen- voicemail messages. Sometimes important, item. Thankfully, I some more checks. I am back to man, an esteemed member of it tells me, but it is not consis- had not known about that miss- being under control (for now). O December 21 the Rosenfeld & Maidenbaum, tent with its reminders. Had I ing treasure or my stress level at 5:00 P.M. LLP staff, asked me if I had made heard Marion’s message yester- might have been even higher: my Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with contact with J Stores to pick up day morning when I should Weight Watchers book, with my Rosenfeld & Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst with her my checkbook. have, when I went to get my actual weight printed inside! husband Leonard and six children: Call “They found my checkbook checkbook at 3:30 in the after- There are only two people who Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. She welcomes your questions 516-984-0079 and they called here?” I asked in noon from my pocketbook it are privy to my actual weight: me and comments at stunned amazement. would have been back in there! and my Weight Watchers recep- [email protected].

52 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 52 Traveling Around The World With Gan Chamesh The children in Gan Chamesh, Chabad’s preschool, have embarked on some interesting travels around the world. In conjunction with Parashas Lech Lecha, when Avraham went “traveling,” the children began an exciting program called Travelmania. Each child receives a passport and every month they “visit” a new and exciting country. Morah Susy Adler visits each classroom with her magic suitcase and inside it she finds interesting things about their destination. The children talk about the national currency, typical foods, traditional garb, etc. and Getting a sense of our geography. We learned the kazatzkah. Playing with matrushka dolls. they even learn a few words in the local language. This month they visited Russia where they learned the world around them and internalize Scholar-In-Residence Shabbos At December 17–18, featuring Rabbi Y.Y. kazatzkah, ate potatoes, and played the fact that there are Jewish people The White Shul Rubinstein, world-renowned speaker, with the matrushka doll. all around the world and that Torah Congregation Kneseth Israel (The author, and Gateways lecturer, visiting Through this program, children and mitzvos are relevant in any lan- White Shul) of Far Rockaway will have us from England. gain a deeper understanding of the guage. Do Svedanya! O a scholar-in-residence Shabbos, Rabbi Y. Y. Rubinstein is an outstanding, provocative, informative, and enter- taining speaker. He always has something important to say and says it well. He is a fascinating person with a sense of humor and a gift for reaching people’s minds and souls. He regularly speaks in the United States, U.K., Gibraltar, South Africa, Israel, and Belgium. Rabbi Rubinstein is a regular broadcaster on BBC National TV and Radio. He writes for HaModia and the Jewish Tribune. He lectures for the UK’s Project SEED and is a senior lecturer for the Gateways organization in the U.S. He serves as university rabbi for thousands of Jewish students in the northwest of England. Among the popular books that he has authored is Dancing Through Time, That’s Life!, and On The Derech. Rabbi Rubinstein spent seven years at Gateshead Yeshiva, where he received semichah, and several years in the Liverpool Kollel. Friday evening, at 7:45, Rabbi Rubinstein will give a lecture, entitled “Dreams And Dreamers: Symbols Of Prophecy Or Mystery?” Shabbos morning, he will deliver the derashah before Mussaf, “The New Anti-Semitism…A Very Old Phenomenon.” At 3:00 p.m., Rabbi Rubinstein will deliver an address entitled, “When Life Gets Tough, Why Do Bad Things Happen To Really Good People?” At 4:25 p.m. (following the 4:00 Minchah), he will speak on “My Plane Crash And Other Interesting Flights I’ve Taken.” All men, women, and young people are invited to what is expected to be an informative, interesting, and exciting Shabbos experience. O

MAC Program At SKA By Ahuva Goldstein, Estee Rubinstein, and Tova Hammer The MAC (Modesty Awareness Committee) of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls has grown from just a few students to nearly one third of the school! We discuss modesty issues that we see in school and in the community and what we can do to help raise awareness of the struggles and rewards of tzniyus. The first major program had a very special guest, Rachel Factor, address the freshmen, sophomores, and HALB eighth graders. Rachel, who grew up in Hawaii and converted to Judaism, shared 54 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION who will discuss the historic perspective of which beautiful memories are made. and modern day applications of kosher Acclaimed the world over for his gor- wine. Dr. Pollak, president of the STAR-K geous signature chuppahs, masterfully and a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology arranged and orchestrated to perfection from City University of New York, will by the legendary Yisroel Lamm, Aaron is present, with his expansive expertise, the himself a legend. With nearly three fascinating world of kosher wines. decades of experience in Jewish music, All of these lectures are at no cost and he is arguably one of the most respected begin promptly at 8:00 p.m. There will be names in the industry. an opportunity at the end of each lecture In the relatively short time since its to address any questions regarding these debut, Aaron Teitelbaum Productions has fascinating and timely topics. OZ would become the most sought after orchestra like to thank the STAR-K for assisting in on the Jewish music arena. Working in providing these world-renowned lectur- tandem with Yisroel Lamm, this dynamic ers and for helping Congregation Ohab duo of musical genius has hand-picked a Zedek to facilitate what will most certain- dream team of world-class, high-caliber ly be an educational and informative musicians that comprise the superb series. For more information about this orchestra that makes Aaron Teitelbaum SKA’s latest Modesty Awareness Committee program. series, please contact Rabbi Boaz Tomsky Productions truly unique. Mesmerizing at the shul office at 718-474-3300. O guests as they weave their web of musical magic at every celebratory event are the The following Monday, December 27, Dream Makers: The Exquisite incomparable Yisroel Lamm, conductor the series continues with the topic, “Your Music Of Aaron Teitelbaum and arranger; Sergei, Matt Hill, Chaim Right to Rely on a Kosher Certification” Productions Golynsky, Eli Cohen, Joseph Deninzon, with guest speaker Rabbi Mordechai By Rochelle Maruch Miller and Eli Joseph. Your simcha deserves the Frankel, director of STAR-K’s Institute of From beautiful beginnings to happily best—which is precisely what this premi- Halacha. The series concludes on ever afters, Aaron Teitelbaum Monday, January 3, with Dr. Avram Pollak Productions proudly presents the music Continued on Page 56

Rachel Factor at SKA. her empowering story and expressed the beauty of Judaism from a different perspective. She also performed beautiful dances and songs which reflected her journey to becoming Jewish. MAC’s members were also privileged to have a back- stage event with Rachel Factor and discuss tzniyus issues; production heads were even able to present their dances to her and confer as to how to be tznua while dancing! Our next program was even more inspi- rational. Last week, students walked into Room 110 and gasped in amazement. The space had been transformed into a girlish lounge, which certainly helped create an intimate setting. We then watched a video produced by MAC members, a twist on the Maccabeats’ hit song, Candlelight, with words relating to the concept of tzniyus. Then students had the opportunity to question a panel of faculty members, alumni, and other students about general and personal tzniyus issues. It was a very encouraging program and we really gained so much from the presentations. O

Congregation Ohab Zedek In Belle Harbor Hosts Lecture Series Congregation Ohab Zedek, located at 134-01 Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Belle Harbor, will be holding a lecture series to discuss the historical perspectives and practical applications of modern day kashrus. The series begins on Monday, December 20 with guest lecturer Rabbi Dovid Heber. Rabbi Heber is respected as a foremost expert in the field of kosher pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals, and med- ications from the STAR-K. He will address the topic, “A Discussion of Medication, Vitamins, and Nutritional Supplements.” 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION December 17, 2010 55

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS any aspect of the concert quality. Continued from Page 55 Aaron Teitelbaum Productions cordial- ly invites you to experience Jewish music um orchestra is all about. Chances are, you at its finest. For further information, have already experienced the breathtaking please call 718-256-7200 or 917-335-4144, or beauty of an Aaron Teitelbaum chupah e-mail [email protected] and and have been inspired as never before. let them bring your dreams to fruition. O Featuring the gorgeous voices of Shloimie Daskal and Yumi Lowy, this is a musical Rambam Mesivta’s Light From experience exclusive to Aaron Teitelbaum Darkness Campaign Illuminates Orchestra. What Aaron and Yisroel have Chanukah is the time of year when it is done is raise the bar of Jewish music. not about looking but about seeing. When From the initial consultation to the the Jews are commanded to publicize the Members of Rambam Mesivta’s Light From Darkness taking a respite from constructing last dance, Aaron Teitelbaum Productions miracle, it is to understand that to some chanukiyot from recycled materials to benefit Israeli soldiers. brings every couple’s dreams to glorious the candles are just candles, but to others, fruition. With meticulous attention to they represent the eternal flame of the every detail, Aaron oversees every aspect Jewish people that cannot be extinguished. Golani Israel Defense Forces unit. es and allows for people to clearly focus of the event. “Light From Darkness” is the essence With the help and guidance Dr. Lisa on the chag. Dr. Korman and her family Neither inclement weather nor Arctic of Chanukah, and the name of a Rambam Korman, Rambam psychology teacher designed “Appropriate Irony,” an olive oil temperatures can deter him from taking a chesed project that embodies the ideals of and artistic guru, Aaron Friedman and container now turned chanukiyah. The trip to the simcha venue to research the the chag. Light From Darkness (LFD), the Chaim Stauber, Rambam class of ‘06 old met the new in freshmen Jack place in order to ascertain the best sound creation of freshman talmid Sam Cohen alumni, and a number of Rambam stu- Benzakein and Josh Elkouby’s science fic- equipment for the location and simcha. and assistant principal Mr. Hillel dents, everyone was shown how you can tion influenced creation, “Chess Meets And Aaron is just about the nicest per- Goldman, was born from Sam’s desire to, make something beautiful out of some- Technology.” The modern twist was also son to deal with—a sea of tranquility to “do some chesed.” With Chanukah quick- thing forgotten and thrown away. given to Jake Plaut’s other chanukiyah, alleviate any stress. Providing every client ly approaching, and with the Rambam Sam Cohen constructed the aptly titled “Modern Day Maccabees,” featuring Lego with impeccable, customized service is a Green Team’s thoughts of recycling per- “Battle Chess” chanukiyah. Made from the and army soldiers. hallmark of Aaron Teitelbaum meating the hallways of the school, it was materials of a chess set that was about to Senior Evan Linder was very impressed Productions. He forms a close bond with a natural idea to create beautiful be discarded, this chanukiyah depicts a with the LFD creations and said that, “It is every client and “goes over and beyond” chanukiyot from the remnants of discard- chess battle in progress and is inspired by fitting that by Chanukah we did a project to make every event unique. ed materials. After all, the oil that lit the the Maccabeean victory over the of rebirth. Just like the oil by Chanukah You can attend three weddings in one menorah at the conclusion of the victory Hellenistic forces. The imperial was being thrown away, we are now allow- week featuring Aaron Teitelbaum over the Greeks was actually found in a “Countdown to Liftoff” was built by jun- ing these items to be reborn and given Productions—each will be a distinctively jug that was cast to the side. Thanks to iors Sam Grill and Aryeh Korman. fresh life.” Evan captured the thematic goal different, magnificent musical experience. the LFD project, these chanukiyot were Comprised of cans of soda, sheet rock, of this project which was to inspire others And what about the sound level and auctioned off and over $200 was raised. and other discarded material, this to always remember that where there is how it impacts honored guests of a cer- The LFD money was earmarked to con- chanukiyah depicts the countdown to darkness, there is soon to be light, and tain age? No need to worry. Master sound tribute to Operation JK Golani, another liftoff of an American shuttle and the where there is a chance to do some good engineers Baba and Stas expertly cus- Rambam chesed project that is providing “liftoff” of the eighth and brightest night when all anyone else sees is waste, there is tomize the sound levels to every client’s warm clothing, hats, and gloves to of Chanukah. Jake Plaut’s “Seeing the Rambam’s Light From Darkness. O specifications, without compromising Rambam alumnus Jeremy Kugalman’s Miracle,” features numerous pairs of glass-

56 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION What A Difference Nearly nings—a few volunteers scat- During serious emergencies, coordinated and staffed by local drop whatever they are doing, Three Decades Can Make! tered around Far Rockaway, when every second counts, residents, it services our local day or night, to help another Jew. 1982. Two forward-thinking improvised station wagons with Hatzalah’s fast response time neighborhoods, and it is funded The next time you see your members of the Far Rockaway cherry strobes, sirens, and some and advanced equipment has entirely by support from our local Hatzalah ambulance speed community, who had been basic lifesaving equipment. But undoubtedly made the differ- local community. by, as you say Tehillim or whis- Hatzalah members in Brooklyn, those first years of Hatzalah ence between life and death to Quite simply, Hatzalah’s signif- per refuah sheleimah, take a realize the need to bring were filled with fortitude and many of our neighbors. Every icant growth and its dedication moment to appreciate the amaz- Hatzalah to our community to determination to accomplish a dollar that the organization to our safety and well-being is ing service that they provide for provide excellent emergency sacred mission for our commu- spends, whether to maintain its one of the most awe-inspiring you and your community. You medical care quickly and nity—saving lives. Much can be ambulances, train its volunteers, “mi k’amcha Yisrael” success sto- need to donate to Hatzalah now according to the halachah. accomplished with persever- construct new garages or any ries of our time. Where else can to ensure that they are ready to 1984. Two years later and 15 vol- ance. In just 28 years, Hatzalah other project, is money well- you find an organization so large, protect our community. Later unteer members strong, Hatzalah of the Rockaways and Nassau spent because it helps Hatzalah so efficient, and so capable, yet may, chas v’shalom, prove to be of Nassau and the Rockaways pur- County has grown into a mas- save lives better. staffed entirely by volunteers? too little, too late. chases its first ambulance to han- sive operation. When a Hatzalah volunteer Simple fellow Jews, our friends dle urgent medical emergencies. As a community we can and gets that extra training in the lat- and our neighbors, who will Continued on Page 58 In the first year alone, the new should take immense pride in est CPR, when the neighborhood ambulance was dispatched hun- the remarkably fast response ambulance is properly outfitted dreds of times to help save lives in time of our local volunteers. for the winter months, and our community. Two years ago on Chanukah, at when a garage is built to protect 1997. Hatzalah builds its first the scene of a large-scale motor the quarter-million dollar hi-tech ambulance garage and training vehicle accident, fast-working ambulances from the damaging center at 621 Beach Ninth Street Hatzalah members were at the elements, Hatzalah saves lives in Far Rockaway, dedicated in scene in lightning speed. better. Because when it comes to memory of Chananya Katz, z’l. Amazingly, 12 of the 14 injured saving lives, only the best will do. 2009. With nearly 100 mem- victims were already en-route to Perhaps most remarkable bers, seven ambulances strategi- the hospitals before any other about Hatzalah is that it is quite cally situated throughout the agency arrived at the scene. literally a grassroots effort—it is community, a service area that stretches from Belle Harbor to North Woodmere, JFK Airport, and East Rockaway, and 4,000 calls yearly, Hatzalah embarks on a capital campaign to construct another ambulance garage—this one in memory of Mark Davidman, z’l, a beloved member of Hatzalah—to house and protect the ambulances that protect Cedarhurst and Woodmere. It started with humble begin-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS The entire Friedman family works tire- in their fellow campers and forge lasting Jewish education to teenagers, favoring Continued from Page 57 lessly all year to ensure that the trip goes bonds with the entire staff of Ohr Meir, sites such as Starbucks and tour buses off without a hitch. Ohr Meir teams with establishing an invaluable support sys- rather than classrooms, has established a Hatzalah of the Rockaways and Nassau Chai Lifeline to recruit the children and tem for the road ahead. They return new formal educational venture, placing County’s year end fundraising campaign is to find dedicated counselors who will home refreshed, revitalized to face any it firmly on a college campus and offering going on now until December 31. To partic- inject energy and exuberance into the future battles, G-d forbid. The Friedmans college credit to students who have com- ipate in the campaign and support Orlando experience. The entire trip is view this renewed energy as the greatest pleted the coursework. Hatzalah’s lifesaving services, call 718-337- coordinated and paid for in full by Ohr gift that the trip provides. “When we see The program is called Gesher (Bridge): 5445, visit www.HatzalahRL.org, or mail a Meir Foundation—which has no over- the twinkle return to a child’s eye, we The Judaic Scholars Institute (JSI). It is check to Chevra Hatzalah, 621 Beach 9th head or administrative costs; every penny know that a reinvigorated spirit is more located on the Brookville, Long Island Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. O raised is spent to benefit the children and powerful than any medicine or treat- campus of C.W. Post, a division of Long their families. Ohr Meir’s staff is comment,” Ari Friedman says with quiet Island University. The students are aca- Ohr Meir’s Trip To Orlando prised entirely of volunteers who gener- pride. “A bright smile is the greatest demically talented upperclassmen, both By Yitty Berkovic ously donate their time and expertise; reward for our efforts.” boys and girls, from yeshivas and public To the unknowing passerby, the ebul- doctors, nurses, businessmen—people of Each year, Ohr Meir seeks to improve high schools in Long Island, Brooklyn, lient children disembarking from the air- all ages—don T-shirts and caps to join in on the success of the previous year’s trip. and Queens. The success of the program plane look content and carefree. Their the merrymaking, rolling up their sleeves This year, Ohr Meir utilized technology to is paving the way for it to go national in eyes are bright and their smiles are wide to partake of any task that ensures the allow the parents at home to experience the future. and genuine. But the joy on their sun- trip’s resounding success. the magic together with their children. NCSY is the international youth pro- kissed faces belies the painful reality that Each day of the trip is a colorful The Ohr Meir website (www.ohrmeir.org) gram of the Orthodox Union. “NCSY is these children must deal with every day: whirlwind of fun and surprise. As soon recounts every moment of the trip in real always trying to expand our education each of these children is battling cancer. as they arrive in Orlando, each child is time, using Twitter accounts, uploaded efforts, our scope, our outreach. We’ve Thanks to the Ohr Meir Foundation, gifted with his or her own digital video pictures, video, and daily reports to done a lot of work in Israel—this is one these 48 children from across the United cameras to capture and relive every enable parents miles away to rest assured more step towards educating Jewish teens States and Canada have just been magical moment. The day is jam-packed that their children are well cared for and in a Jewish way,” declared Rabbi Steven whisked away from their daily regimen with thrilling escapades: shopping having the time of their lives. Burg, international director of NCSY. of chemotherapy treatments and hospital sprees at Toys R Us, personal meet-and- As soon as their plane lands at Newark “We wanted to offer something edu- stays for a four-day trip that dreams are greets with Disney characters, nightly airport, the Friedmans immediately get to cationally to match the high level of made of. concerts, and elaborate banquets. The work to coordinate programs that Ohr inspiration NCSY has offered for The Ohr Meir Foundation is the brain- children receive free entry to all of the Meir runs throughout the year, and begin decades,” added Rabbi David Bashevkin, child of Ari and Idy Friedman, who lost amusement parks and attractions, to plan for next year’s trip. “It is our fer- associate director of education for NCSY, their ten-year-old son Meir after a seven- including Sea World, Universal Studios, vent wish that our services won’t contin- who administers the program and teach- year battle with leukemia. In his memory, and the Magic Kingdom. ue to be needed,” says Idy Friedman, “but es the courses. the Friedman family hoped to establish a The trip, from start to finish, truly is as long as they are, we will work as hard The courses are “Jewish Mysticism and foundation that would capture Meir’s magical. With medical personnel on as we can to provide a burst of sunshine Hasidism” and “Jewish Culture in indomitable spirit and infectious smile. hand to make certain that every child has to the children who need it the most.” O America.” Classes meet for two hours on With their annual Orlando trip, they suc- his or her needs met, and a one-to-one alternate Sunday mornings from ceed tenfold. Their foundation provides ratio of counselor to child, the children NCSY To Provide Jewish October-May. Three college credits will be an all-expense-paid adventure to children are free to be children again, without the Education With College Credit awarded by C.W. Post for each course. The who need it most, an invaluable reprieve cloud of worry that has become their NCSY, which for decades has concen- program also includes optional participa- from their dreary day-to-day experience. daily companion. They find true friends trated on informal means of providing tion in the two-week “March of the

58 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Living” in the Spring, with its visits to Eastern European concentration camps and then on to Israel. The program was the brainchild of Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone, the director of Long Island-based New York NCSY; Rabbi Lightstone saw the program as a means of creating committed, activist young Jews. “Many programs exist today that will create a legion of Jewish young adults who will become active writers to the editor,” he said, “but there are not nearly enough programs which develop the proverbial editor. This program does exactly that.” Rabbi Bashevkin was recruited to design the curriculum and teach the classes. As Rabbi Lightstone explained, “David Bashevkin was the logical choice to serve as the first educator in JSI. His academic acumen and integrity are stellar, along with being a charismatic per- sonality and gifted orator, enabling these ‘extra’ courses to be equally fulfilling, educational, and enjoyable.” Rabbi Bashevkin studied at Yeshivat Shaalavim and Ner Israel Rabbinical College and is receiving rabbinical ordi- nation from the RIETS seminary at Yeshiva University. He holds an MA in Jewish philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University and has been involved in educational programming for a variety of Jewish organizations, including one in Sydney, Australia. He holds the rank of adjunct professor at C.W. Post. This formal classroom-based program, with its reading list emphasizing scholarly articles from journals and magazines, is a world of difference from having a latté at Starbucks and discussing the week’s Torah portion between sips. The mysticism course includes such topics as “What is Jewish Mysticism?,” “Is G-d Everywhere?,” and “History and Survey of Great Hassidic Thinkers.” Jewish culture includes “Rupture and Reconstruction: The Immigrant Experience,” “Were We Our Brother’s Keepers? Jewish Americans during the Holocaust,” and “Can’t We All Just Get Along: The History and Development of Jewish Denominations in America.” “Students bring both their minds and their hearts to class to participate,” Rabbi Bashevkin said. According to a position paper prepared by Rabbi Bashevkin, the program is founded on NCSY’s mission statement of “Inspiring the Jewish Future.” As he wrote, “Lasting inspiration cannot exist without substantive education. NCSY has realized that long-lasting Jewish identity must be built upon the strong framework of Jewish knowledge; for this reason, the organization has begun looking for new vistas in which it can provide higher level Jewish education to its constituents.” According to Rabbi Burg, “For a variety of reasons—whether they are financial, academic, or old-fashioned scholarly interest—many high school students have chosen to enroll in college courses to get a jump start on higher education. This trend caught NCSY’s attention.” That led to Rabbi Lightstone’s proposal and the hiring of Rabbi Bashevkin. “The students are a combination of public school and day school students, sharing a great forum for high school

Continued on Page 60 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Rabbi Lightstone declared. “By offering Continued from Page 59 college courses and seminar experiences at ‘wholesale’ costs, JSI will now teens who are interested in learning be able to service a very significant about Jewish literature and philoso- underserved niche in the greater phy,” declared Rabbi Bashevkin. Jewish community.” “Everyone brings their own understand- Rabbi Bashevkin agrees. “C.W. Post is ing to the classroom. It’s a great venue the starting point but we are actively to have high school students from dif- speaking to other colleges across the ferent backgrounds to come together country,” he said. “We hope other colleges and interact.” come on board to offer substantive col- In his research, Rabbi Bashevkin lege classes in Jewish education to high learned that C.W. Post had been offering school students.” O college classes with credit to high school students for some time and in a Warmth And Fun At Ohel’s variety of subject areas. He reached out Annual Chanukah Party to Dr. Nicholas J. Ramer, associate dean Clients from Ohel Children’s Home of the College of Liberal Arts and and Family Services celebrated a wonder- Sciences and associate professor of ful Chanukah evening together with Ohel chemistry. Following a series of meet- board members, friends, volunteers, sup- ings, “Eventually we had this program porters, and staff at Ohel’s annual up and running to bring top level Jewish Chanukah party. studies to our constituents,” Rabbi This year’s party took place on Bashevkin said. Wednesday night, December 8, the eighth “Thanks to generous gifts and dona- night of Chanukah, at Ateres Chaya in tions along with NCSY support, the pro- Boro Park. Entertainment was provided gram has been heavily subsidized,” by The Shloime Dachs Orchestra. The fes- added Rabbi Bashevkin. Because NCSY tive evening also included cotton candy does not want an exclusive classroom and jelly doughnuts. Everyone had an program, students who do not partici- opportunity to get their faces painted. pate in the European trip will visit muse- There was also balloon art and many ums and attend lectures to supplement other fun-filled activities. The singing, their work at Post. dancing, and smiles of the faces of those Both Rabbi Lightstone and Rabbi who attended were endless. Bashevkin are looking ahead to expand The evening was generously spon- the program, beginning in the next sored by Lea and Sammy Trencher, long- school year if possible. “The potential time friends of Ohel. Ohel’s annual growth of this program is exponential Chanukah party is a unique opportunity as it has within it the hallmark of for the clients and staff of Ohel to come Jewish programming—academic excel- together and celebrate the holiday of David Mandel, Sammy Trencher, Shloime Dachs, and other Ohel participants lence and experiential inspiration,” Chanukah. O enjoying the annual Chanukah party.

60 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES How Is Your Relationship With Your Kids? If you are like most parents, you would probably be very interested in improving your relationship with one or all of your children. After all, no matter how good that relationship is, it could always be better. If there is anyone in the Jewish world who can give some solid, down-to-earth advice on this subject, it is Dr. David Pelcovitz. Aside from being a respected talmid chacham, he is a world-renowned expert in child psychology and parent- child relationships. He has decades of experience helping families reinforce strong relationships and mend broken ones. On December 25 at 8:00 p.m., P’TACH will be sponsoring a powerful event by Dr. Pelcovitz for parents at Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills—“Three Keys to Having a Great Relationship with your Child.” P’TACH has been in the forefront of Jewish special education for 35 years and has been integral to the success of all of our children’s chinuch. P’TACH provides school based programs of self-contained classrooms for children with learning differences and supplies professional development for regular classroom teachers. P’TACH also publishes popular workbooks that are used in many of our regular yeshivos and day schools. P’TACH continues to remain at the cutting edge of special education. This is an event that you won’t want to miss. Call 718-854-8600 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. O

Pesach 2011 In Israel And Kosher Cruises 2011 Joey Freudmann of Ophir Tours, one of Israel’s largest travel companies, has been running the very best English- speaking Pesach programs in Israel for the past 17 years. For Pesach 2011, among the hotels offered are the 5-star deluxe Crowne Plaza Hotel in Tel Aviv, the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Dead Sea, and the Sharon Hotel in Herzliya. Whichever hotel you choose, Ophir Tours provides a wonderful daily program for all ages. Prices include first and second seder, all meals on yom tov (chag) and Shabbat, half board on chol hamoed and weekdays, sweet hour every afternoon, activities, optional tours, top class entertainment, superb guest speakers, and much more. Discounts are available for guests who book early—up to the end of January. For full details, call 718-395-3755 or e-mail [email protected]. Joey Freudmann also operates kosher cruises on one of the world’s leading 6- star cruise ships, the Crystal Serenity. In 2011, Ophir will be operating two cruises on this ship with their own glatt kosher kitchen and with leading kosher chefs. Departing on July 8, their 14-day cruise to the Arctic includes the polar icecap, starts in Copenhagen and ends in London via various ports of call in Norway and the Arctic Circle. This fascinating cruise is being offered for the first time with kosher facilities. The other summer cruise departs Barcelona on August 26, for 12 days, ending in Venice via various Mediterranean ports of call including Cannes, Florence, Rome, Florence, Sorrento, and Dubrovnik. The glatt kosher kitchen on board the

Continued on Page 62 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 61 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS and steam room plus massage and spa Fifth-Graders Run gelt toss and pin the candle on the Continued from Page 61 treatments. There are golf driving ranges Cheder Carnival menorah. At the popular balloon booth, and putting greens and PGA golf instruc- Cheder at the Ohel’s fifth grade creat- each student popped a balloon to Crystal Serenity will be under the man- tors. Experts and clinics are on all sail- ed a Chanukah carnival for the whole answer the question inside. The stu- agement of renowned kosher chef ings. There are full-size paddle tennis school. The students made interesting dents won tickets to be redeemed for Malcolm Green and under the supervi- courts. Movies and enrichment lectures, games and booths for the other boys to prizes. Everyone had a great time while sion of Rabbi Stewart Weiss. Both have complimentary bridge classes, and a enjoy. The event was so successful that increasing their simchah and knowledge had years of experience operating library with more than 3,000 book and everyone agreed to continue the carni- of Chanukah! kosher cruises. DVD titles also round out the schedule. val the next day. The boys made meno- Cheder at the Ohel, founded in 1996, The Crystal Serenity is a 6-star ship sail- The Creative Learning Institute offers rahs from marshmallows. They made located minutes away from the Lubavitcher ing the world. This ship sets itself apart keyboard lessons with Yamaha, language latkes. The knock-down-the-Greek-sol- Rebbe’s ohel, is dedicated to providing a from other cruise ships and the difference classes with Berlitz, Tai Chi introduction dier-bowling game was a smashing hit. yeshiva education to elementary-school-age is Crystal clear. Staterooms feature 100% with the Tai Chi Cultural Center, Other favorite activities included the boys based on Chabad chassidus. O cotton linens, duvet covers, bath towels, a Wellness at Sea lectures with the pillow menu, lightweight kimonos and Cleveland Clinic UCLA, and art instruc- plush free bathrobes; wireless in-state- tion with Odyssey Art Masterpiece room internet access; twice daily house- Program. The Crystal Visions Enrichment keeping with nightly turndown service; Program lecture series includes complimentary soft drinks and bottled Computer University at Sea with compli- water; complimentary launderettes and mentary instruction on all voyages. same-day laundry and dry cleaning on Lavish Broadway-style and musical the- request; and TV, DVD, and CD player. atre productions in the Galaxy Lounge Penthouses feature 24-hour personal feature headline artists, instrumentalists, butler service, unpacking and repacking and vocalists, plus variety entertainers on request, private verandah, Jacuzzi tub including comedians, magicians, ventrilo- and separate shower, complimentary quists, and more. There is also jazz and kosher wine and beer, choice of liquor piano in the Crystal Cove. upon embarking, and complimentary The Ophir kosher program includes pressing and shoe shine. four meals per day—breakfast, lunch, The Crystal Serenity offers a 360 afternoon tea, and dinner. There is a degrees promenade deck, exclusive “Walk Jewish interest lecture program with on Water” WOW fitness program, innova- Rabbi Stewart Weiss. There will also be lec- tive new Nordic Walking Pole program, tures on ports of call with Jewish interest. outdoor lap pool plus smaller pool under Experience the cruise line that has a retractable dome, fully equipped state- been setting the standard in luxury cruis- of-the-art fitness center with personal fit- ing for 20 years. Ophir guests will receive ness instructors, and kinesis machines $1,000 per person on-board ship credit— and spin bikes, aerobics step and to be spent in the spa, shore excursions, strength-training classes, and Pilates and tips, or in the ship’s shops, just to name a yoga instruction. The Feng shui-inspired few. For full details, call 718-395-3755 or e- Crystal Spa & Salon features a dry sauna mail [email protected] Students at the Cheder creating marshmallow menorahs.

62 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Your Ad Could Be Here. Call 516-569-0502

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 63 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

Beautiful business-size cards with Boro Park Ladies & Children Coat Kiruv websites, are available for free Gemach accepting gently used coats in (to give to not-yet-Frum people). excellent condition. Woodmere drop-off. Please text or call 718-501-2110 718-972-3699

“Used or Abused” Before you buy a used HK Ilanas Agency — Provide you with car, come in for a free frame (structural) screened, Experienced Nanny, check. Precision Auto Body 691 Burnside Housekeepers, Aids, Companion to the Elderly. 21 years in the Industry. Ave, Lawrence. 516-371-1137. Friends Licensed and bonded. 718-575-1700, 718- don’t let friends drive junk! 575-0887 Simchas Naava Menadvim— Furniture and Appliances. Share your simcha flowers! Be Like new to Donate and Receive. m’sameach other simchas! Donate your Call 718-MEN-ADVIm (718-636-2384) fresh flower arrangements! We will We deliver. match your simcha date with simchas following yours or deliver them New Table and Chair Gemach for to nursing home residents. short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct., To donate or obtain flower Far Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368 arrangements call 516-239-6066 In memory of a special friend, Naava Wassner Katlowitz Retired public school teacher available to tutor men and boys in Hebrew, Boro Park Ladies Hat Gemach accept- English, and/or Yiddish in the 5 Towns. ing hats in excellent condition. Recession buster. Call 718-552-5525 Woodmere drop-off. 718-972-3699 G'Mach Chasdei Yisroel — Lending money to people in Klei Kodesh & for Klei Kodesh purposes. In the Far Your Rockaway-Five Towns area. Please call 917-822-9910 for more info. Or email Real Estate, [email protected]. In Memory of R' Yisroel Ben Binyamin, a"h. Service, or Small beginners Siddurim, and Shabbos guidebooks, both in Russian, are avail- Help Wanted Ad able for you to distribute. Please call Tashbar Publications at Here Every 718-438-9025 (leave message with address, Thursday IY"H we will mail them to you for free.) Help Kosiner Bikur Cholim maintain their apartments near Manhattan hospitals. Sponsor a Shabbos as a z’chus. 100,000 readers Donations accepted. Tax deductible. look forward to 347-924-4205 what’s happening HELP WANTED in the 5 Towns by reading Male shadow for immediate placement. The Five Towns Work 1-on-1 with a 7th grade boy in a Far Rockaway Yeshiva. Mon-Thurs. Jewish Times. 7:30am-2:00pm, Friday 7:30am-12:00 pm and Sunday 7:30am-1:00 pm. Great hourly wage. Experience a must. Deadline is Monday Fax resumes to 718-338-3277 or e-mail at 5:00 p.m. [email protected] Jewish news website seeking a paid 1 Week ...... $35 intern to regularly update the site. Knowledge of Drupel CMS, basic html 2 Weeks ....$60 and photo editing a huge plus. Major potential for growth and a great learn- 4 Weeks ..$100 ing opportunity. 516-569-0502 ext. 201

Insurance office looking for motivated Weekly Ads of up to individuals for customer service/sales 25 words in Long Island. FT. Licensed/ experienced a plus. Call 917-868-4900 or e-mail [email protected] Call: 516-569-0502 Fax: 516-977-0608 REAL ESTATE Or E-mail ads to: FOR SALE

[email protected] Hewlett — Co-op new to market. Mint 1BR w/ updated kitchen and bath, w/d, Include payment info. patio, great location, walk all, parking and storage included ...... $95K 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 64 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL REAL FOR SALE FOR SALE ESTATE FOR RENT FOR RENT

Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full North Woodmere — New to market. Single office space with waiting room Cedarhurst — House for rent. New to deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. Custom 6BR (4 on one level), new gran- and bathroom for rent in office suite on market. Freshly painted, LR, FDR, ...... $729K ite kitchen, LR, FDR, 2 dens, quiet tree- Central Ave. Great location. large kitchen, 3BR, 1.5bths, basement, 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 lined street. Walk all shuls. . . . . $679K Reasonable rates. Utilities included. in prime location, walk all . . . . . $2250 Owner. 516-902-8908 Please e-mail [email protected] Cedarhurst: Co-op. 1st Show 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 1st Flr, large LR, FDR, 2BR, 2bths, Hewlett — Beautiful 5 BR, 3 bths, split. Terrace. Views of Gdns, W/D, Lo maint, All updated, in SD#14. Separate FOR RENT VACATION Grt. loca’n, Walk all ...... $320K entrance can be M/D with proper per- 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 mits. Owner motivated, reduced. RENTAL ...... $499K 5 Town Homes 516-569-5712 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 Newly Renovated house on an excellent Cedarhurst: NU 2 Mkt. Lg LR, DR, block in Far Rockaway For Rent near Founainbleu Hotel — Miami Beach — Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! EIK, Den, 5BR, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana, Agudah, White Shul and Shor Yoshuv. Magnificent 850 sq. ft. studio, sleeps 4-6. 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, Lg prop, IGPool, Walk to all . . . $659K Call owner at 917-617-0768 Daily/ weekly. 347-804-4666 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, Cedarhurst — New construction. First clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space Cedarhurst — New to market! apt ﬁrst parking, 2 family, professional use, show. Col. 9’ ceilings, 5BR, 2.5bths, full ﬂoor. 3BR, 1.5bths, large LR, FDR, BUSINESS basement, on quiet tree-lined street. accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- OPPORTUNITY tional and religious uses. Grand colonial kitchen, great location, walk all . . $2,250 Call for details ...... $799K with charm and great possibilities. includes all utilities. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Become an Acai Berry Juice distribu- Open Houses 12/19 By appointment Owner 516-322-3555 tor and earn commission immediately. Woodmere— Updated Large 6BR, 5bth, Cedarhurst — Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. Online trainer, work from home, no Lawrence/Far Rockaway — finished Bsm’t. M/D w/permit. Great for Oversized 1BR, 1Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat investment, e-mail [email protected] 833 Central Ave. Spacious 1 BR, light and Large family. Waterfront. $900’s & prk incld...... $1,600 Woodmere Co-ops bright, doorman/elevator building, walk 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Business opportunity for individual Large 1BR. 1st floor. $134K nego. all. Price reduced ...... $179K familiar with Facebook. We are looking 2BR, 2bth, $169K nego. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Valley Stream — Ranch house. 3BR, to build our fanbase through social net- Dalia Fritz Realty 516-342-6624 new EIK, quiet street, SD24, walk all. working with incentives and giveaways. Lawrence — Gracious brick c/h col. LR ...... $2,250 Commission based. email with fireplace, FDR, large EIK, den, Far Rockaway — 2 Family. All NU, 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 [email protected] 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great 4BR (1 level), 3bth, finished basement, Location ...... $599K great location, quiet block . . . . . $895K Cedarhurst — All updated charming Cedarhurst — Ours alone! Brick legal 2 Call 516-322-3555 Col. New granite EIK, FDR, LR with MISCELLANEOUS family house, 3BR/3BR, 2 fireplaces, fireplace, 4+ BR, CAC, in the heart of deck, CAC, new roof, oversized rooms, Tower 41 — Building very in demand, Cedarhurst. Walk all. fully renovated modern and sleek. 1BR, basement, quiet tree-lined street, walk Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Helping poor brides is a big z’chus to 2bth, ocean front, pool front, best floor, all...... $779K Far Rockaway rentals: find a shidduch! Donate to Yad P’sucha large balcony, fully furnished, priced 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 1, and 2BR apartments. some bal- Hachnasas Kallah. Call 718-972-3699 for quick sale. Contact 347-324-8904 North Woodmere — Decorator’s Dream. conies. New kitchens, lots of closets, 24 Beautiful bi-level, large granite kosher hr doorman, FIOS, security cameras. Wants To purchase minerals and other Lawrence — Ours Alone!! EIK, FDR, large LR, den, 4BR, water- Close to White Shul, Shor Yoshuv and oil & gas interests. Send details to P.O. Brick, C/H COL, Stately brick, w/old view, all systems, walk all shuls. Owner train. Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Box 13557, Denver, Co 80201 world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 bths, motivated. Present all offers. Weissman Realty Group, LLC Kosher EIK, Lg. FDR, Library, Fin. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 516-791-6100 The Ocean Corp. 10840 Rockley Road, Bsmt., Lg Prop., walk all. Houston, Texas 77099. Train for a New 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Hewlett — Apt for rent. Modern 2BR, Career. *Underwater Welder. COMMERCIAL REAL new kitchen, LR with fireplace, DR, Commercial Diver. *NDT/Weld Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth ESTATE FOR SALE SD#14...... $1,800 Inspector. Job Placement Assistance. Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Financial Aid available for those who Call 516-322-3555 qualify. 1-800-321-0298 Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU Cedarhurst Warehouse w/ Parking Lot Oceanside — Brand new construction. Bth, LR, DR, EIK...... $1,300 For Sale Beautiful CH col. Large 4 BR (1 level), 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 LOST AND FOUND 2.5 bths, granite EIK, FDR, den with fp, ±15,000 SF bldg, parking for 75 cars, 20’ ceiling, 2 docks, $2.95 million, seller full bsmt, in cul-de-sac, walk all, best Hewlett — 1BR co-op w/ updated financing price ...... $675K kitchen and bath w/d, patio, great loca- CBRE Excl David Gross 718-720-7706 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 tion, walk all, SD14 parking and storage Found — Pandora style bracelet in included ...... $1375 Hewlett bagel store at the end of June, 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 2010. Please call 718-258-4137 Lawrence Open House by appt COMMERCIAL REAL 284 Central Ave.— Co-op-2BR, 2bth, ter- ESTATE FOR RENT Cedarhurst — CH col. 5BR, 3.5bths, fin. race ...... $139K bsmt, c/ac on cul-de-sac...... $3250 Deadline for 360 Central Ave.— Co-op Jr 4, elevator, Call 516-330-2904 doorman bldg ...... $300’s Cedarhurst — Office rental: Executive Classified 833 Central Ave.— Co-op 1BR, 1bth, lg 2 Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, Advertising EIK, terrace, doorman...... $199K CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. 267 Rockaway Tpke— 2/3BR duplex apt Call 516-322-3555 in next week’s Three newly decorated offices available for rent ...... $1900 for sublet on Central Avenue. Double 91 Sealy Dr.— Charming country col. on Cedarhurst — All new bright, 1st flr, issue is office “Suite”, 9’x11’ & 9’x15’. The third 2BR, 2bth, LR, FDR, EIK w/new appli- beautiful st...... $695K Monday, office is 10.5’x13’. Available furnished or ances, terrace, h/w floors, walk all. Cedarhurst by appt unfurnished. 24 hour access. Includes ...... $2,250 463 Summitt Ave.— Co-op mint 2BR, December 20 A/C, alarm, utilities, internet, cleaning 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 2bth, terrace ...... $269K at 5:00 P.M. service. For more information please 601 Chestnut St.— Mint 1BR, 1bth, new Valley Stream — First show! Lovely 4 call Renee at 516-569-4949, ext. 104. Call kitchen ...... $159K BR, 2 bths, in SD#14, LR, DR, den, on 445 W. Broadway— 3BR col+ finished large property, walk all, ...... $2,350 516-569 -0502 Cedarhurst office for rent— 2 small attic ...... $448K 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 offices on Central Ave. 1 flight up, C/H, Inwood C/A. Call owner 917-417-5725 194 Wanser Ave— Mint 4BR col 100x186 Hewlett — House for rent. Updated 3BR, 2bths, new EIK, SD#14, walk all. Classified Ads are prop...... $515K by appt Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq. ft., fully Milky Forst Properties Inc. wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. Available immediately ...... $2,600 Continued on the Next Page. 516-239-0306 Call 516-322-3555 Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 65 5TJT Puzzle: Hidden Messages

B Y YONI GLATT

Across 1. VCR button 60. Fool 6. Some comps. 64. “I hear ya.” 10. Disney Pixar film 65. Naphtali, perhaps 14. Doeg, e.g. 66. Unknown holy site 15. Kind of gin 67. Exam 16. Hodgepodge 68. 3:1 or 4:2 17. Some bets 69. Tom and Aaron 18. King who went mad 19. Kind of lox Down 20. Kohath 1. Age 23. They get in the way 2. Yeshiva vacation mnth. 26. Most con men 3. NY clock setting 27. ___ tov 4. Commit adultery 28. Cole of note 5. Island off an island continent 29. Berachah ender? 6. Angelina Jolie ______(recent line on a 31. It’s good to have one, as a suspect poster) 33. ___ out (get by) 7. It’s often placed somewhere Solution to appear next week. 34. Currency in Italy 8. Greek dish with eggplant 38. Rav considered the father of the 9. ___ sustaining Mussar movement 10. Africa, e.g. 42. Half 11. Shalom in Oahu 35. Wombs 52. Ocean Acoustics and Seismic 43. Suggestion 12. Styx or Colorado 36. It might be dug up Exploration Synthesis 44. Cemetery stone 13. Hovers 37. Black and white cookies 54. Wrapped up (with cloth) 45. Shylock might give one 21. Major Orthodox org. 39. Letters at the airport 55. It often affects perceptions 47. Leopard, e.g. 22. Beer 40. Printer button that advances paper 57. ___-China 49. Big South American city 23. Allows 41. What miracles do 61. Lodging locale 50. Bad belly bacteria 24. Contradict 46. The Gulf has a lot of it 62. Strong tree 53. Possible major 25. Quake 47. Red, white, and blue, e.g. 63. “___ nobler in the mind . . .” 56. Organization that runs Camp Simcha 30. Hilarious Brooks 48. I, in Israel 58. A Simpson sister 32. Like the Vilna Gaon 50. Splendor 59. Not the best Roman Emperor 33. 6th sense 51. Ring

66 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ents were born! The Truth About Organ Transplants In addition, they realize fully that a decision not to permit vital organ removal from a “brain dead” patient BY LEON ZACHAROWICZ, MD donate as well.” donation has always been based on med- may very well result in the death of a Allow me to attempt a response, based ical need, not on discrimination. Organs critically ill person in immediate need A new organization, founded by in part on my recent participation at a are not open for barter. of that organ. Orthodox Jews, made the “mistake” of session on Thanksgiving Day entitled Mr. Miller labels as hypocrites those Notwithstanding these pressing con- paying for an advertisement in multiple “Modern Medical Mores and Halacha: Are among us who follow the halachic cerns, their firm belief that “brain death” Jewish newspapers, including the secular they truly irreconcilable?” This public ses- decisions, on life-and-death matters, of does not constitute death from a halachic Forward, seeking a live donor for a kidney sion was held at the recent Agudath Israel any of the very many halachic authori- point of view precludes them from urg- to save someone’s life. national conference. ties, in camps ranging from YU to Eidah ing followers to donate vital organs, such Seth Cohen, M.D., waxed indignant The issues surrounding organ dona- Chareidis, who reject “brain death” as heart and lungs, before death. Why? against our rabbis and the chareidi com- tion are complex, yet in over a dozen (either because of the inconvenient Because while saving a Jewish life is a car- munity for what he calls their refusal “to years of personal interactions with Israeli fact that a percentage of patients dinal principle in Judaism, overriding endorse halachic procedures to take chief rabbis and other leading rabbinic labeled “brain dead” may very well such laws as Yom Kippur and Shabbos, organs from either normal living or brain- authorities of Orthodox Jewish law from have some remaining brain function, killing someone to save another is simply dead people to heal chronically ill across the Orthodox spectrum, I have or because of other reasons too com- not acceptable. Once an organ has been patients” (Letters, Forward, October 8). never encountered a single rabbi who is plex to summarize here). removed, however, these rabbis do not The Forward declined to publish my let- against organ donation from live donors They are hypocrites, Mr. Miller argues, insist that someone who is in desperate ter in reply and Rabbi Shafran’s letter, and such as kidney donations. It is simply because they are morally opposed to need of it refrain from accepting it. Rabbi Shafran apparently wrote a column libelous to assert otherwise. donation, and won’t give the organ they A few years ago there was a stunning to more broadly address the charges With regard to “brain dead” patients, then wish to receive. Here, he misunder- halachic decision that achieved interna- raised by Dr. Cohen (“Punishing People there is an ongoing controversy as to stands how an Orthodox Jew must deal tional attention, including in the Chinese for Their Beliefs,” 5TJT, November 19). whether vital organs may be removed with a question concerning Jewish law media. Rav Elyashiv, considered by many Jeffrey Miller (Letters, 5TJT, December from such individuals, based on defini- and how he must respond to the answer to be the foremost halachic authority in 3), in reply to Rabbi Shafran’s column, tions of death. This controversy is not given to him. The layman has no religious the world, forbade his followers from argues that “those who would accept an limited to Orthodox Jewish circles. choice but to obey the halachic authority. seeking organs in China. Why? There was organ but would not donate the same Dr. Cohen claimed that “it is unseemly One is not permitted to go “rabbi hop- circumstantial evidence that criminals organ are hypocrites.” Mr. Miller then and cynical to recruit potential donors ping” after getting an undesirable answer were being executed within a suspicious- raises the issue of live-donor kidney when there is no theoretical potential for until he finds some rabbi who will pro- ly short time of the potential recipient’s transplantation. Apparently with regard paying the good deed forward.” Does he vide the answer he desires. To do that arrival in a Chinese hospital seeking a to someone who is unwilling to donate a mean to suggest that the potential recipi- would be the mark of a religious hyp- matching organ. What a coincidence! As kidney, Miller claims that “the halachic ent of a kidney should be denied a life- ocrite. I can assure Mr. Miller that the reli- soon as the Israeli patient arrived, the principle of lifnei iver . . . would certainly saving organ simply because an organiza- gious scholars involved in these matters doctors “just happened” to have a prison- preclude him from accepting a kidney.” tion trying to save this person’s life hap- have given much thought to the public er, about to be executed, whose organ He then states that, if Rabbi Shafran pens to have been founded by Orthodox policy implications, for many years, was a match for the recipient. The execut- would counter that pikuach nefesh takes Jews, an organization that tries to provide including appearances of impropriety, ed prisoner’s organs would be immediate- precedence when accepting an organ, organs without respect to whether the hypocrisy, and worse. Centenarians like ly taken by an ambulance crew for place- then he must explain why it doesn’t take recipient is an Orthodox Jew? If so, he is Rav Elyashiv were aware of concepts like precedence when [one is] asked to calling for outright discrimination. Organ mip’nei eivah well before some of our par- Continued on Page 69

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 67 Solution To Last Week’s 5TJT Puzzle: Before And After

Puzzle appeared on Page 66 of the December 10 issue.

68 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION Transplants above would nonetheless publicly and Continued from Page 67 falsely mock our leading rabbis in the RCA and, by implication, all rabbis who ment in the recipient’s body. oppose their viewpoint on brain death. Given only circumstantial evidence, I invite Dr. Cohen, Mr. Miller, and Rav Elyashiv decided that the shortening anyone interested in learning this of a life, by even a second—even the life sugya thoroughly to participate in any of a criminal who himself might be a of our yarchei kallahs on Jewish med- murderer—is forbidden even to save the ical ethics held around the world multi- life of the most worthy of our brethren. ple times per year since 1997. These For anyone who knows of this world- have involved the participation of the famous case to suggest that Orthodox chief rabbis of Israel and major halachic Jews who follow this sage’s rulings favor authorities from around the world. Sit the lives of Jews over those of non-Jews is down, as I have, with authorities like outrageous. Rav Yehoshua Neuwirth, Rav Zalman A recent internal paper of the Nechemiah Goldberg, Rav Yitzchak Rabbinical Council of America, prepared Zilberstein, Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav by its halachah committee in a painstak- Mordechai Willig, Rav Moshe ing process lasting over four years, report- Sternbuch, and many others. edly determined that there is insufficient I’ve also learned with Rav Mordechai halachic evidence to support the notion Eliyahu, zt’l, who explained that the that the RCA should continue to describe chief rabbinate relied solely on the “brain death” as “the criterion” for death opinion voiced by two doctors, one of and hence for removal of vital organs. whom was not a neurologist, that “brain That paper, prepared by distinguished death” meant the whole brain was dead rabbis in consultation with such halachic (which has been shown in many cases luminaries as Rabbi Hershel Schachter not to be the case), and Rav Aharon and Rabbi Mordechai Willig, among oth- Soloveichik, zt’l , who, despite his debili- ers, cited many authorities and raised tating stroke, spoke strongly against many questions about this topic, in a very “brain death” and who told me that his erudite discussion. brother, Rav Yosef Ber Soloveitchik, zt’l, Yet its conclusions were publicly never indicated agreement with those ridiculed and mocked by some in our in the “brain camp.” community. How sad that some choose There is clearly much that all serious to replace a learned, serious discussion of laymen and rabbis could learn in such the issues with an ad hominem attack on venues. O our own Rabbi Tzvi Flaum and so many Dr. Leon Zacharowicz, a board-certified others who are true experts in this area. neurologist in Far Rockaway, is the co-founder of I find it interesting that learned indi- the annual international Yarchei Kallah on Medical Halacha (www.j-c-r.org) and has been viduals who were, or should have been, involved in Canadian and U.S. legal cases well aware of the Chinese case cited involving Jewish medical ethics.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION December 17, 2010 69 Terror Cells Active In Jerusalem

BY SAMUEL SOKOL by leaving them on the eastern side of the MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENT security fence. According to Eldad, the police do not venture into these areas. Ido Minkovesky, aide to Public Security The police, he claimed, refused to provide Minister Aharonovitch, last week told the him with an escort for an excursion Five Towns Jewish Times that several beyond the fence, resulting in a near organizations, including Hamas, maintain lynching by Palestinian security person- covert cells in Jerusalem. Minkovesky nel operating in the area. “Israel created a indicated that the government of Israel is power vacuum in East Jerusalem,” Eldad aware of “several groups that are consid- said, and it is no surprise that “Hamas has ered illegal that are [operating] in East followed Fatah into that vacuum.” Jerusalem,” including what he termed Adnan Husseini, an aide to Palestinian “Hamas undercover groups.” President Mahmoud Abbas and his advisor According to the Ministry of Public on Jerusalem affairs, denied that the ruling Security, there are several such organiza- Fatah faction was connected with any tions, both overt and covert, operating in covert networks in the capital. Husseini the Israeli capital and the government is admitted, however, that the Palestinian “not going to put up with this situation, Authority is active in providing social serv- [regarding] things you can see and about ices in East Jerusalem in order to “alleviate things you cannot see.” the suffering of Palestinians living under Minkovesky declined to identify Israeli occupation.” which groups aside from Hamas are Dr. Omer Abdel Razeq, a representative active in Jerusalem, explaining that he is of Hamas in the Palestinian Legislative not authorized to discuss what he termed Council in Ramallah, said that he has no “intelligence stuff.” knowledge of any Hamas activity in Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum Jerusalem. The political representatives was unavailable for comment, as was the of the movement in the PLC have no con- spokesman for Fatah’s armed wing, the nection with Hamas’s armed wing, the Al- Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. Qassam Brigades, Razeq stated. MK Aryeh Eldad, a far-right Israeli legis- The Prime Minister’s Office declined to lator and former Israeli Defense Forces comment regarding the Public Security chief medical officer, told the Five Towns Ministry statement. Jewish Times that he is not surprised at Until 2002, a Hamas cell based in hearing that Hamas and other terror Silwan carried out a series of terror groups maintain a network in the eastern attacks against civilian targets, including half of the city. Eldad charged that Israel the Hebrew University’s Frank Sinatra abandoned several neighborhoods of East Jerusalem to Palestinian Authority control Continued on Page 72

70 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION December 17, 2010 71 Terror Cells Jarrah neighborhood into a de facto President Jimmy Carter and a Jordanian arguing over who is responsible for dealing Continued from Page 70 Hamas headquarters. envoy, and have held photo ops with vari- with the matter. According to David Baker, A fourth, Muhammad Abu Tir, was ous local Arab notables. Among the foreign a spokesman for Prime Minister Cafeteria, the Moment Cafe in Jerusalem, expelled from Israel this past week, fol- politicians who have visited are British Netanyahu, the matter is the responsibility the Sheffield billiards club in Rishon lowing a decision by the Jerusalem peers Lord Nazir Ahmad, Lord Raymond of the Foreign Ministry, which is “entrusted LeTzion, and more. Police and the Internal Magistrates’ Court. The ruling stipulates Hylton, and Baroness Jenny Tonge, as well with matters concerning the ICRC,” a claim Security Service (GSS), the Israeli domestic that he is forbidden from returning to as MPs Andrew Slaughter and Jeremy vigorously contested by the MFA. “We can’t intelligence service, arrested 11 Hamas Israeli territory. Corbyn, who were accompanied by order the police or any other unit to pro- members from Jerusalem in 2007, disrupt- Ahmad Atoun, Khaled Abu Arafa, and Seumas Milne, the associate editor of the ceed to arrest them—it’s not our authority, ing what was reported to be “Hamas’s Muhhamad Totach, all representatives of Guardian newspaper. A delegation of it’s not our call,” responded Ministry secret command” in the capital. Following Hamas’s Change and Reform list in the European politicians led by EU parliamen- spokesman Yigal Palmor. When told that the arrests, Hamas denied any connection Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), have tarian Gerald Kaufman, former United the Prime Minister’s Office had said that it to the cell. “Israeli intelligence is attempt- camped out in the Sheikh Jarrah building Nations High Commissioner for Human was within his purview to deal with the ing to make an illusory security victory,” since Abu Tir, a former leader of the Al- Rights Mary Robinson, and retired Indian matter, Palmor lashed out at Netanyahu’ spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said. Qassam Brigades, was detained by Israeli parliamentarian Ela Bhatt also visited. and his staff. While reticent regarding the possibility police on June 30. The three remaining Dorothea Krimitsas, a spokeswoman “That’s what they always do when they that Palestinian mujahadin are operating in MPs are wanted for illegally residing in for the ICRC, stated that the three men are embarrassed,” he argued. “Every time Jerusalem, Hamas and the PA have been Jerusalem after their residency cards were requested Red Cross “protection” from something occurs in this country that calls extremely vocal regarding what they say are revoked by Interior Minister Eli Yishai Israeli security forces and were informed for media attention and they’re embarrassed Israeli human-rights violations currently due to their refusal to renounce ties with that “they could remain on ICRC premis- or just lazy, [or] they don’t want to answer, or being committed against three Palestinian Hamas. Without a repudiation of ties, es, but also that the ICRC could not pre- because it’s too much work, they would legislators currently residing in Jerusalem. Israeli authorities warned, the four men vent the Israeli authorities from taking always refer [the matter] to me. I’ve had a As the Five Towns Jewish Times report- would face arrest and deportation. action against them.” The Red Cross has number of talks with them about that.” ed in July, three members of the political During their time at the Red Cross, the called upon the Israeli government to Palmor argued that the prime minister, echelon of Hamas are currently active in fugitives have held regular Friday prayer respect its “obligations under internation- as chairman of the security cabinet, is the East Jerusalem and have turned the head- services attended by large crowds of al humanitarian law.” one who makes decisions about the sta- quarters of the International Committee Jerusalem residents, greeted visiting digni- The Israeli government has been slow to tus of Jerusalem and whether Palestinian of the Red Cross in the capital’s Sheikh taries, including former American act, with various ministries and politicians personalities can or cannot organize an event in the capital. “Of course, technical- ly it depends on the police; it depends on the minister of public security, [Yitzhak] Aharonovitch. These are the people who actually handle the issue. But the political decision is the responsibility of the prime minister.” Palmor also stated that in the view of the Foreign Ministry, “the Red Cross compound enjoys immunity.” A spokesman for Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman concurred with Palmor, stating that “this is not an issue of foreign relations but a security issue for the police to deal with.” The ministry admitted in July that it was in touch with the Red Cross regarding the three fugitives but did not reveal any details of the talks between the two parties. The Prime Minister’s office denied Palmor’s allegations, stating that they were not “passing a hot potato” and that the matter is “definitely a Foreign Ministry issue.” “If Hamas were working out of the German consulate, would [Palmor] say it’s not [his responsibility] either?” asked Netanyahu spokesman Mark Regev. The Public Security Ministry weighed in on the conflict between the Prime Minister’s Office and Foreign Ministry, saying that dealing with the fugitive Hamas MPs is a GSS affair and as such falls under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister. According to Jerusalem Police spokesman Lt. Col. Shmulik Ben Ruby, the police “don’t want to detain them right now,” citing unspecified “opera- tional reasons.” While Ben Ruby did say that the MPs are under 24-hour surveil- lance and are not a flight risk, he declined to answer whether they would be detained should they leave the premises of the Red Cross. He also declined to address a report from AOL news correspondent Matthew Kalman that at least one of them has already done so. Kalman reported in August that Khaled Abu Arafa was sighted at Dina’s, a local café, sitting several tables away from policemen tasked with arresting him. According to a source representing Israeli security services, “There is currently cooperation between the various security agencies to enforce the law. We will not detail the nature or scope of this activity.” Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat’s office has called the ongoing situation “alarming.” O 72 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION Recipe: Homemade Potato Gnocchi With Bolognese Meat Sauce BY MARTY LEVIN EXECUTIVE CHEF MAUZONE’S CATERING BY CELEBRATION

Yields 6–8 servings Ingredients for Gnocchi: 3 large russet potatoes 3 egg yolks 1 1/2–2 cups all-purpose white flour 1/4 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. white pepper Directions for Gnocchi: Bake potato in a 350°F oven until soft, about 1 hour. Peel potato and place it in mixing bowl with paddle. While potatoes are still warm, add egg yolks, salt, and pepper, and mix thoroughly. Slowly mix in flour, mixing lightly, until dough comes together. (You can test dough to see if there is enough flour by rolling out a small piece; if it stays together it is ready.) Roll dough into 3/4-inch rope and cut into 3/4-inch lengths. Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float. Drain and toss with Bolognese sauce or your own favorite sauce. Garnish with fresh basil. Ingredients for Bolognese Meat Sauce: 2 pounds lean ground beef 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 1/4 cup olive oil 6 oz. smoked beef slices (diced) beef fry 1/4 cup diced onions 1 cup diced celery 1/2 cup diced carrots 2 29-oz. cans tomato purée 1 12-oz. can tomato paste 1 cup beef broth 1 tsp. crushed red pepper 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 cup dry white wine salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 bunch fresh basil julienne Directions for Bolognese Meat Sauce: In a 3-quart saucepan, heat olive oil. Add smoked beef and cook 4–5 minutes, or until most of the fat has been ren- dered. Add the carrots, onions, and celery and sauté 3 minutes. Add garlic, sauté 1 minute. Add ground beef, red pepper flakes, and dry oregano, cook until beef is no longer pink. Add white wine and simmer until alcohol is evaporated. Add tomato products and cup of beef stock to saucepan. Once hot, simmer on low heat for approximately half an hour, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste; stir in fresh basil. Serve over homemade potato gnocchi or your favorite pasta, and enjoy!

For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 718 274-1100. Follow Chef Marty on Facebook at Chef Marty’sKosher Kitchen. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION December 17, 2010 73 ation but entirely dependent on import- teries will not involve any extra cost for The victims have been laid to rest. The Tidbits From Israel ed oil for transportation. the customer. Biofuels do not need to be injured are being treated. The process of The only way to reduce oil dependen- produced from crops such as corn or emotional and physical rehabilitation BY RON JAGER cy in the United States is to change the other food crops. “Second generation” has begun. The question of who bears energy consumption of engines. There biofuels, as promoted by GreenFuel, are responsibility for the disaster is being and are two realistic alternatives: electricity produced from waste, algae, and non- will continue to be discussed. At this Ending The Oil Monopoly: Israel and biofuels. Israeli technology is revolu- food vegetation. moment, however, it is critical to address Can Lead The Way tionizing the use of electric transporta- In recent years, Israel has been in the the immediate lessons that can be The emergence of China as a major oil tion and biofuels. Israeli scientist Yitzhak forefront in dealing with the challenges learned from the fire—before the next importer is feeding geopolitical tensions Barzin founded GreenFuel, a company posed by Islamic terror. Today, most one flares up. throughout the world—North Korea and that produces biological fuel from sea- Western countries have acknowledged 1. Firefighting, fire rescue, and fire pre- Iran being the most blatant and recent weed, in 2002. Israeli entrepreneur Shai this threat to world peace and are vention fall into the realm of para-securi- examples. The solution to this problem Agassi founded Better Place in 2007, with responding to it. In a similar fashion, ty. Only when this distinction is recog- lies in ending oil’s monopolistic status by the purpose of spreading the use of elec- Israel can lead the technological revolu- nized can the issue be given a higher promoting the use of biofuels and electric cars worldwide. tion to end oil’s monopoly over Western place on the national agenda. tricity for transportation, something in In January 2008, Better Place signed a nations. Beyond the practical solution of 2. Firefighting should not be under the which Israel can assist thanks to its tech- partnership agreement with Renault- energy consumption, this effort will not jurisdiction of the Interior Ministry, a nological lead in electric cars and second- Nissan to launch a new electric car proj- only strengthen Israel’s strategic value vis- ministry under Shas control for the last generation biofuels. ect. Renault-Nissan is building the vehi- à-vis the United States and Europe, but it decade and probably for the coming Oil is at the core of global geopolitical cles while Better Place is building the will also provide its oil-producing neigh- decade. The amount of attention paid to tensions because of its monopoly as an electric recharging grid, which will bors with a good reason to be more prag- local governments by minister Eli Yishai energy source for transportation (land, enable its customers to recharge their matic as far as Israel is concerned. is overly dependent on local political con- sea, and air). U.S. dependence on oil is not cars wherever they park. More signifi- siderations. The Israel Fire and Rescue related to power generation. Only 1% to cantly, battery-switching stations will Learning From Our Mistakes Commission must be moved to a differ- 2% of the electricity used in the U.S. is enable drivers to switch their car battery Now is the time to address the lessons ent ministry. generated by oil. Similarly, only 4% of the in less time than it would take to fill a gas of the megafire in the Carmel forest 3. The Ministry of Public Security per- EU’s electricity is produced from oil. The tank. These stations will be spread out before the next one flares up. formed very well in the Carmel fire disas- U.S. is nearly self-reliant for power gener- just like gas stations, and switching bat- The fires in the Carmel forest are out. ter. If reinforced, it could control, in addition to the Israel Police and the Israel Prison Service, the Fire and Rescue Commission. The commission itself must be reconstituted, with a professional national command structure and access to proper resources. Forest fires have become a strategic threat for Israel, as in the case of the Carmel fires. Hundreds of smaller forest fires over the years are the work of Arab arsonists. Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran are the major funding and ideological back- ers. Israel’s response should answer the national security aspects of this current threat. As the flames in the north died down, former Shas chairman Aryeh Deri came up with a surprising proposal to counter the storm surrounding the chareidi yeshiva-student law: Recruit charedi yeshiva students into the firefighting services by way of national service. “They will bring blessings,” Deri said during an interview with Channel 10. “Just as there are organizations like ZAKA, there could also be an ultra-Orthodox organization of firefight- ers.” Deri’s opinion is unusual and daring, since only two weeks ago MK Chaim Amsellem was ejected from Shas for his opinions, which included support for yeshiva students working and leaving their studies, as Deri suggests. Aryeh Deri, who once held the position of interior minister, and who still has a large and loyal political support base throughout Israel, can redefine the political map in Israel should he decide to reenter politics. O Ron Jager is a 25-year veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, serving as a field mental-health officer. Prior to retiring in 2005, he served as the commander of the central psychiatric military clinic for reserve soldiers at Tel-Hashomer. Since retiring from active duty, he has been providing consultancy services to NGOs, implementing psychological trauma programs in Israel. To contact him, e-mail [email protected].

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74 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION ATale Of Two Towns Swept Up In Dirshu Fervor

BY CHAIM GOLD

“Dirshu has had a profound hashpa’ah on the entire olam haTorah. It has a direct impact on its participants but also has a profound, indirect influence on those who are not participants. The zechus of Dirshu’s harbatzas haTorah is incalculable. In fact, there are few historical prece- dents where one person was able to merit to facilitate so much harbotzas haTorah.” These heartfelt words of the Skverer Rebbe, shlita, were spoken to Rav Dovid Hofstedter at their meeting in advance of the Dirshu siyum in Shikun Skver on Sunday, November 28. The entire town of Skver was swept up with Dirshu fervor as a large crowd flocked to the main beis midrash building to participate in the festivities. Skver has a very substantial Dirshu contin- gent learning daf yomi and partic- ipating in Dirshu’s Kinyan Torah program. The extremely warm welcome afforded to Rav Hofstedter and the sizeable crowd that participated in the siyum testified to the all-encom- passing role that Dirshu has in so many of their lives. Following an intricate, well- received shiur pesicha on Seder Kodoshim by Rav Hofstedter, the assemblage relocated to a second part of the beis midrash where a beautiful seudas mitzvah and siyum were held. It was amazing to see the tremendous chashivus that the leadership of the Skverer community attaches to the role Dirshu plays in the lives of Skverer Chassidim. The siyum was graced by the distinguished children of the Skverer Rebbe who came as emissaries of their father. In addition, the Skverer dayan of Boro Park and renowned posek, Rav Yechiel Mechel Steinmetz, shlita, jour- neyed from Boro Park to Skver to participate and address the siyum. The Skverer Dayan of New Skver, Rav Yisroel Yosef Eisenberg, shlita, joined the festivities and addressed the mesibah along with roshei hakehillah. Rav Avrohom Moshe Silberman, shlita, one of the roshei hakehillah, riveted the crowd and called the members of the community who take the monthly Dirshu tests, “The crowns of our community.” He prefaced his remarks by saying that “A Dirshu mesibah is different than virtually any other mesi-

Continued on Page 76 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION December 17, 2010 75 Dirshu Fervor Continued from Page 75 bah usually held here. Generally, other mesibahs have some monetary component attached—such as raising funds to support others who are learning Torah or for some other important cause. Dirshu, however is different. It is pure, pure Torah. Dirshu does not seek donations, in fact, they don’t even accept donations. Rav Dovid Hofstedter wants only to promote Torah learning, Rav Dovid Tzvi Ordendtlich, the rav of yediyos haTorah, and accountability in Beitar, addressing the Beitar event. learning.” Rav Silberman highlighted the colossal global Torah impact made by Dirshu, and underscored Dirshu’s power to Chassidishe Yidden, Litvishe Yidden, ba’alei motivate and bring out the best in yun- batim, and all Jews under the banner of geleit who were already the elite members Torah, and dedication to limud haTorah.” of the town. A highlight of the evening was the Rav Silberman said, “When one learns derashah delivered by Rav Dovid Hofstedter in Dirshu, he realizes that he has more who brilliantly tied in the message of the time in the day, finding minutes and hours weekly parashah with the mission of that he previously did not know exist.” Rav Dirshu and effusively praised the Dirshu Silberman recalled entering the beis participants in the Skverer community. midrash on Shabbos morning in the early, Not long before the siyum in Shikun pre-Shacharis hours. The previous night, Skver, a similar siyum on Seder Nezikin was the Rebbe’s tish had ended several hours held in the town of Beitar Illit in Eretz after midnight, and, in the early morning Yisrael. At that siyum, Rav Dovid joined when the entire shtetl was still asleep, he together with hundreds of Beitar residents found Dirshu participants in the beis who came to show their support and adula- midrash learning for an upcoming test. tion for what Dirshu has brought to their Even more amazing was erev Pesach. community. Whereas in Skver, the unique Everyone knows that erev Pesach is per- achdus wrought by Dirshu was discussed, haps the busiest, most pressure-filled, hec- in Beitar one did not need to speak about it; tic day of the year, but on erev Pesach I one could actually see it. Chassidim repre- noticed a Dirshu yungerman studying for a senting virtually every Chassidic court in test on Masechta Nazir! That is the power Eretz Yisrael, Litvishe bnei Torah, both of Dirshu and that power extends far Chassidic and Litivishe ba’alei batim, beyond the borders of Skver. Everywhere Ashkenazim and Sephardim all packed the in the Jewish world, one sees the net of hall to show their thanks and identification Dirshu spread far and wide unifying with the mission of Dirshu.

76 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION The siyum was graced by the of the Kehillas Haperushim in special and exceptional about has no physical building, nor is because its goal and purpose is spiritual leadership of virtually Beitar. In his baritone, animated Dirshu. Dirshu is not a ‘mossad’ it limited to one place. Its . . . to foster Torah learning and every kehillah in Beitar. The beau- voice, he emotionally in the common understanding uniqueness lies in the fact that motivate Yidden the world over tiful, wide dais was adorned by exclaimed, “There is something of the word. It is not a yeshiva, it Dirshu is pure ruchniyus ... to succeed.” O the rav of Beitar, Hagaon Harav Dovid Tzvi Ordendtlich, shlita, the Beitar Bais Din, the rabbanei hakehillos and the town’s numerous Dirshu maggidei shiur. Rav Yisroel Layush, shlita, one of the senior members of Dirshu’s hanhalah in Eretz Yisrael, chaired the event and explained that Dirshu is an organization that is fulfilling the life dream of Rav Meir Shapiro, founder of the daf yomi movement. Rav Shapiro desired that wherever a Jew would go in the world, he should be able to find another Jew learning, immersed in the same sugya as he was. “Where can one find a person truly immersed in a daf yomi sugya if not in Dirshu?! It is not only daf yomi on Shas,” said Rav Layush. “It is also daf yomi b’halachah, Dirshu’s daily Mishnah Berurah program that is sweep- ing Klal Yisrael by storm. Thousands of Jews the world over are learning the same daf of Mishnah Berurah every day, reviewing [it], and being tested on [it]. The dream of Rav Meir Shapiro is being expanded and realized.” Another poignant moment during the Beitar evening was the derashah given by Rav Avrohom Yudelevitch, shlita, rav

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION December 17, 2010 77 78 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES December 17, 2010 79 80 December 17, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES