JEWISH LINK Livni Quits Politics Ahead of Elections Livni: “I Am Leaving Politics, but Not the Hope for Peace.” by Yori Yalon/Israel Hayom/JNS

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Hatnua Party chairwoman Tzi- NORPAC Mission to Washington pi Livni is leaving politics, she an- Tuesday, may 21, 2019 nounced at a press conference at See our ad on page 21 Sokolov House in Tel Aviv earlier this week. “I am standing aside, and Hatnua will not run in the Knesset election PRESENTS under my leadership,” said Livni. Livni said that “20 years ago, I was elected to the Israeli Knesset. The same Zionist values I learned in my parents’ home have been with me Pa throughout my years in public life.” 2019 However, she continued, “Obvi- See our ad on page 2 ous values have become controver- sial. ‘Peace’ became a bad word. The idea of separating from the Palestin- ians to achieve peace was replaced by the idea of annexing territories.” Livni spoke about how she en- visioned the role of the leadership

of Israel: “The role of leadership is Knesset member Tzipi Livni attends a Conference of Israel Hofsheet organization at Kibbutz Nahsholim on Jan. 4. CREDIT: FLASH90 to defend the right of expression of those with whom we do not agree. “Anyone who thinks that the “I know I did everything I could,” This is a battle for Israel. I think it’s struggle for a state that is both Jew- Livni said, before thanking Knesset CONTINUED ON P. 24 (845) 356-6613 terrible that today one needs cour- ish and democratic is a mark of Cain, N&OPENage to espouse the basic values that is wrong. I paid a price for that. All See our ad on page 18 form the basis for the State of Isra- throughout my public life I was will- el,” she said. ing to pay it,” she said. Soaring With SINAI SPORTS Midot Is the Theme of Wittenberg Tournament

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2 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 3 WORLD NEWSBRIEFS US Palestinian Mission Israel Set to Launch World’s Swedish and Norwegian MPs VP Pence Makes First to Combine With Israel First Privately Funded to Seek Funding Cuts to PA Auschwitz Visit Embassy in Early March Mission to the Moon (JNS) Following Palestinian Media Watch (Israel Hayom/JNS) U.S. Vice President (JNS) The U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consu- (JNS) [At press time] Israel was scheduled director Itamar Marcus’ recent briefings be- Mike Pence made his first-ever visit to late General, the latter of which has served to launch its initial mission to the moon on fore members of parliament and govern- Auschwitz last week, viewing a train car, cre- as the diplomatic office for Palestinians, will Thursday, February 21, which also represents ment officials in Norway and Sweden, Par- matoriums and the hair of victims that make merge next month, reported Reuters, citing a the world’s first privately funded lunar voy- liament members from both countries said it such a powerful testament to the evil that U.S. official. Both are in Jerusalem. age, announced Israeli nonprofit SpaceIL they would seek changes in their govern- befell Europe in the last century. “The merger of the consulate and the and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). ments’ funding to the Palestinian Authority. “I traveled in our delegation with people embassy will take place on March 4 or 5, The lunar spacecraft, called “Beresheet,” Marcus provided numerous examples of who had family members who had been at at which point the position of the con- will be aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 that will the P.A.’s escalating messages of anti-Semi- Auschwitz – some had survived, some not. sul-general will end,” said the U.S. official, launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta- tism and its hate education to children. He But to walk with them and think that two who spoke on condition of anonymity as tion in Florida. About a half-hour after discussed the P.A.’s payments of salaries to generations ago their forebears came there the date has not been officially announced launching, the lunar lander will separate Palestinian terrorist prisoners and allowanc- in box cars and that we would arrive in a yet. from the rocket and start a two-month jour- es to families of dead terrorists, the “mar- motorcade in a free Poland and a Europe The decision was made in October to ney to the moon. A few minutes after disen- tyrs,” with government officials. He called restored to freedom from tyranny is an ex- “achieve significant efficiencies and increase gaging from the rocket, Beresheet will then on MPs in Norway and Sweden to follow the traordinary experience for us, and I’ll carry our effectiveness,” according to the U.S. be in contact with the mission’s control example of their Dutch counterparts and set it with me the rest of our lives,” Pence said. State Department. center in the Israeli city of Yehud. the stage for a Europe-wide uniform 7 per- The second part of the visit took them to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said With this mission, Israel will join the cent reduction in donor funds to the P.A. un- the nearby satellite camp of Birkenau where in October that the move does not alter U.S. United States, Russia and China in landing a less and until it stops its “pay-for-slay policy.” Pence knelt and bowed his head, placing his policy on Jerusalem, the West Bank or Gaza. spacecraft on the moon. hand on a historic red boxcar used to bring Jews to their deaths there.

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 7 EDITORIAL JEWISH LINK The Importance of Rep. Gottheimer’s BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT Co-Founders/Co-Publishers David Winter Congressional Letter Moshe Kinderlehrer Mark (Mendy) Schwartz We want to use this space to thank Rep. el has hypnotized the world in its favor. in-obsessed Palestinians. Associate Publisher/Editor Josh Gottheimer (D-5) and Virginia Rep. Tlaib, meanwhile, has gone so far as to Israel is the best friend the U.S. has ever Elizabeth Kratz Elaine Luria (D-2) for penning the letter cover the State of Israel on an office map had, without argument. But the pressures Founding Partner, signed by 25 Democratic Caucus members with the word “Palestine.” brought to bear by socialist leaders such Jewish Link Design Group Adam Negnewitzky to Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemning and re- Gottheimer’s letter calls for the Dem- as announced presidential candidate Sen. jecting the very notion of anti-Semitism by ocratic Caucus to “take swift action to ad- Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and the continued vit- Senior Editor Jill Kirsch other House members. dress these issues in the coming days by re- riol from the ilk of Omar, Tlaib and even Rep. Indeed, we don’t need a codebook of any iterating our rejection of anti-Semitism.” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) pose a dan- Associate Editors Phil Jacobs sort to understand that the New Jersey Dem- We stand behind his proactive words. But ger especially to the Democratic Party’s re- Tamar Weinberg ocrat was referencing the recent anti-Semit- as long as Tlaib and Omar are public about lationship with Israel. As it now stands, the Community Editor ic and anti-Israel tropes of freshmen Reps. Il- their pro-BDS points of view and answer to Republican Party seems to have a better un- Yvette Finkelstein han Omar (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI). a constituency that supports these issues as derstanding of how important Israel is as Advertising Director Their election in the recent mid-term con- well, we look with concern at the future po- the homeland of the Jewish people and the Yaakov Serle tents made history as the first female con- litical landscape when it comes to the Dem- best friend of the U.S. Production Editor gresswomen of Islamic background to en- ocrat Party. Reasonable voices need to be part of Jennifer Hoff er ter the realm of Capitol Hill. However, they In just over a year the Democrats will be the Democratic conversation on Israel im- Offi ce Manager both come with previously known baggage. discussing platform issues prior to its con- mediately or we will be left with tropes Dena Kinderlehrer Omar recently in her Twitter feed has una- vention. We urge Gottheimer, Luria and once again: anti-Semitic tropes. Because no Bookkeeper bashedly accused AIPAC of paying off elect- others to remain vigilant as their own par- matter how hard the other side wants to Gila Negnewitzky ed officials to gain favorable votes for Israel. ty’s more liberal wing grapple with moving convince anyone, a voice against Israel is a Sales Development She has also been quoted as saying that Isra- away from Israel in favor of the Judenre- voice against the Jewish people. Ken Goff stein Sales Representatives ANALYSIS Josh Bernstein Risa Lefkowitz Rachel Ashendorf Avi Koenig More Light and Less Heat: Jews and Simon Worman Database Coordinator Abortion in Secular Law Contexts Moishie Rosenberg Sports Editor By Rabbi Michael J. Broyde a Jewish nation, such as Israel). In a secu- ing the long years of exile when we cannot Steve Gutlove & Gidon R. Rothstein lar nation such as the United States, we need live by this mandate, Jews have needed di- Proofreader/Copy Editors to factor in Jewish tradition’s dispute as to verse models of cooperation and involve- Rivky Bergstein Ruth Brody New York State’s whether the rules around abortion for gen- ment with societies which host us. On the Shifra Ebbing passing a recent abor- tiles are stricter or more liberal. continuum from complete disengagement Emily Minton tion law inspired a flur- Fourth, were we to be sure a specific to complete involvement, many valid and Contributors ry of statements by law allowed abortions in indisputable vio- reasonable options exist, as appropriate to Rachel Berger • Judy Berger • Shneur Garb Jewish organizations lations of Jewish law, whether the laws for the situation at hand. Indeed, reasonable Jenny Gans expressing halacha’s op- Jews or for gentiles (called Noahide law), au- people —including us—sometimes disagree Adam Samuel Rabbi Gidon Rothstein • Rabbi David Walk position. The hubbub thorities still disagree as to Jews’ obligation on which of these models best works to any The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester suggests Jewish tradi- to lobby non-Jews to act as God wants. Some particular case. & Connecticut tion has a clear view think Jews should strive to build a society We agree however that abortion is a par- PO Box 1027 of how Jews should rein which non-Jews fulfill their obligations ticularly hard case and urge people to invest Bronx, NY 10471 Phone: 718-564-6710 act to secular abortion and Jews theirs, either because such lobby- in realizing how important it is to take each Email: [email protected] laws, when such is not ing makes Jews “a light onto the nations” or situation on its merits, to think about what Advertising: [email protected] the case. because the ills of society reach the Jewish Jewish tradition ideally wants in a secular Subscriptions/Home Delivery: Without pretending to be exhaustive or community as well. Others see such a path society, decide whether this is an issue in [email protected] The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester & Connecticut, an independent comprehensive, we thought of seven fac- as filled with risks and did not detect such which participation is important, and then publication, promotes honest and rigorous conversations about Ju- tors—none with immediately obvious or an obligation in the sources of tradition. choose the appropriate strategy. daism, Israel and issues aff ecting our community. The opinions refl ected in articles from our contributors do not necessarily refl ect JL- unequivocal answers—to consider before Fifth, some think Jews are better off pro- Orthodox reactions to the recent abor- BWC’s positions, and publishing them does not constitute an endorse- ment from JLBWC. We simply off er food reaching a halachically reasonable evalua- moting secular laws which maximize per- tion law seem to both of us to have failed for thought. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content tion of any secular law on abortion. The personal choice and freedom, to be most sure to do this. The many pronouncements rare- and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does mutations of possible views should lead to we will be allowed to follow our religious ly mention that ninety-eight percent of U.S. not refl ect the standards of the newspaper. more nuance and less shrillness than we dictates. People choosing to sin, in this cal- abortions happen before twenty weeks (and We are not responsible for the kashrus of any product advertised in the Jewish Link have seen so far. We aim to contribute some culus, is much less problematic that people thus would be acceptable to all opinions of Bronx, Westchester & Connecticut. such careful deliberation by laying out the being forced to sin. which think abortion only becomes a prob- questions which might help parse the prob- Sixth, even those who prefer person- lem at viability), eighty-five percent or more complications which drive the decision to lem. al choice might view abortion differently, happen before the end of the first trimester, have an abortion can range from maternal First, Jewish law is not clear or unequiv- since the fetus’ rights could interfere with and a quarter before six weeks, all important physical and mental health to terrible fetal ocal as to whether a fetus is ever a person the libertarian preference for the rights of markers in Jewish law’s evaluation of the illness, or impending fetal death to a host of and whether abortion could ever be mur- the woman carrying the baby. status of the fetus and the concerns an abor- other factors which halachists themselves der. Second, regardless of whether they Finally, there has always been a strain tion would raise. Instead “Jewish law” is pre- would respect as quite possibly justifying an view abortion as possible murder or viola- of Jewish thought which argues for dimin- sented as monolithic and always completely abortion. tion of some lesser prohibition, authorities ished involvement in these kinds of secular opposed to abortion. Complicating the question further, our adopt various views of when the prohibi- disputes, and which thinks we should only Of course, we recognize an overall Jew- tradition sometimes even mandates an tion comes into play: at conception, forty protest when we are forced to conduct our- ish opposition to casual abortion — we do abortion, and we would never want to live days later, at fetal viability (23-24 weeks) or selves contrary to Jewish Law. need to care about fetuses, recognize their in a society which prohibits that which Jew- some other time. The Biblical observation of Bilam, that humanity (potential or realized) and hope ish law might require a courtesy a pluralis- Third, many of those discussions as- Jews are a nation which dwells alone, for as few unneeded abortions as possible. sumed an indigenous Jewish law context (or speaks to us to highlight this dilemma. Dur- But we also recognize that the real-world CONTINUED ON P. 24 8 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM OP-ED

regardless. This did not satisfy Booker, who It is incumbent on members of all faiths demanded that Rao tell him whether she to stand united in their opposition to reli- Booker’s Bigotry believes “it is sinful for two men to be mar- gious tests. It does not matter if the nominee ried.” In response, she once again explained is a Muslim—as was the case when a minor- By Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin er, seeing religion as a red flag, expressed that, as a judge, she would put her personal ity within the Tarrant County Texas Republi- and Howard Slugh concerns regarding how Rao’s faith might in- views to one side and follow the law. But the can Party unsuccessfully tried to impeach a terfere with her ability to function as an im- senator, apparently playing the role of grand local party official because of his faith—or if Last month, the Jew- partial judge. inquisitor, wanted more. Booker proceed- he is a Christian or Jewish judicial nominee ish Coalition for Religious Instead of focusing on Rao’s judicial phi- ed to lecture an apparently Jewish nominee under attack from Democratic senators. Re- Liberty penned an op-ed losophy and her interpretation of the law— about his personal vision of morality, indi- spect for religion is a bedrock American prin- in the Los Angeles Times the sort of issues that senators should cating that he was worried she might reverse ciple enshrined in the Constitution’s ban on defending a judicial nomi- consider when determining whether a nom- legal gains made by gay Americans. religious tests. That principle is still popular nee from attacks rooted in inee has the proper knowledge, philosophy Later on in the hearing, Senator Ted Cruz among a large and diverse group of Ameri- anti-Christian bigotry. The and temperament to serve as an unbiased rightly condemned Booker’s “hostility to re- cans. If we uniformly declare that religious piece warned that if such judge—Senator Booker chose to confront ligious faith.” He told Rao that the Senate tests for government nominees are always intolerance was not im- Rao about her apparently Jewish faith. should not act as a “theological court of in- inappropriate, we can make sure they are mediately denounced and Booker asked Rao whether she consid- quisition.” He asserted that questions about banished to the ash heap of history. repudiated, it would soon ers gay relationships “a sin.” Rao seemed one’s faith “have no business in this commit- target Jews and other religious minorities. As surprised by this irrelevant and inappropri- tee.” Unfortunately, as Senator Booker’s per- Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin is the president of the Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty and a postdoctoral fellow the leaders of this organization, we expected ate question. She patiently explained that sistence following the Senate’s recent con- at Princeton University’s James Madison Program. that this prediction would eventually come her personal religious beliefs are irrelevant demnation of religious tests demonstrates, true. We just did not expect it to occur with- to how she would rule as a judge, since she the actions of other politicians cannot deter Howard Slugh is the general counsel of the Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty. in the next month—but that is exactly what would follow the law and legal precedents this sort of misconduct. happened. New Jersey Senator Cory Book- er targeted an apparently Jewish judicial nominee, Neomi Rao. The swift and disturb- ing way that this anti-religious animus has metastasized demonstrates the importance of religious solidarity in opposing every instance of such prejudice. Let’s begin with what happened a month ago. Senator Mazie Hirono—a Democrat from Hawaii—and Senator Kamala Har- ris—a Democrat from California—ques- tioned whether Brian Buescher was fit to serve as a district court judge in light of his Christian faith. Buescher is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization. Its members included the likes of President Kennedy, Jeb Bush and even Babe Ruth. And yet, according to Senator Hirono and Harris, member- ship in the group is evidence of “extreme positions” that may impair someone’s ability to be an impartial judge. The Senate responded swiftly to this display of bigotry. On January 16, 2019, the Sen- ate passed a resolution condemning the use of religious tests in evaluating judicial nomi- nations as unconstitutional and un-American. Sadly, two weeks later, Senator Cory Booker decided to engage in exactly this behavior by attacking Neomi Rao, the nominee to fill Judge Kavanaugh’s seat on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The D.C. Circuit is sometimes unofficially referred to as the second-highest court in America. Rao is an ex- ceptionally qualified nominee for this pres- tigious court. She clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court, served in the White House Counsel’s office for President George W. Bush, and founded the Center for the Study of the Administrative State at George Mason University. The American Bar Association rated her “well qualified,” and the Senate is all but assured to confirm her. Furthermore, this nomination is a cause for celebration because it involves the pro- motion of a well-qualified woman, whom the New York Post has reported is Jewish, as well as the child of Indian immigrants. 718.256.7200 | AARONTEITELBAUMPRODUCTIONS.COM That’s the American dream, and another success story for American Jewry, right? Not for Cory Booker. He is contributing to the further erosion of the American tradition of accepting religious minorities. Book- 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 9 COMMUNITY NEWS

Soaring With SINAI to its very existence. In addition to a memo- parents who have children with the com- Now seven schools strong, SINAI’s 165 CONTINUED FROM P. 1 rial tribute to master teacher and SINAI Asso- plex needs that make them need SINAI, they students are housed within yeshiva day ciate Director Rachel Schulman, z”l, the hon- alone can’t begin to cover the cost of what schools and high schools so that they can in- that SINAI aims for. SINAI’s goal is to enable orees will be Dr. Robert and Shari Alter, Dr. SINAI provides for them.” teract with yeshiva students their own age each and every student to spread their met- Bin and Penina Goldman, and Rabbi Michael Fishman explained that the annual din- as much as their needs allow, and influence aphorical wings and fly toward their fullest and Ayelet Hoenig. Cross River Bank will re- ner is typically attended by about a thou- their fellow students toward a greater un- potential, knowing that the support they en- ceive SINAI’s community partnership award. sand people, and several thousand more derstanding and love for those with special joy today will always be there for them. “We are blessed that SINAI’s children individuals, foundations and corporations needs. At its 37th annual dinner on Feb. 24, SI- have captured the love of the community donate to the annual dinner appeal. “Most NAI seeks to honor those with a diverse vari- and have been taken up as a cause, a vital are not SINAI parents. On the contrary, most The 2019 Honorees ety of connections to SINAI, only sharing in cause,” said Sam Fishman, SINAI’s manag- parents who can afford to support us be- SINAI’s Associate Director Rachel Schul- common, perhaps, that they have all helped ing director. “For SINAI to exist depends on yond tuition do, and some of the most emo- man, z”l, who passed away last year, left a SINAI soar, whose support has been essential the support of the entire community. The tionally meaningful dollars we get are from huge void in the hearts of SINAI’s students parents who piece together a small amount and faculty. She was a teacher’s teacher, just to show their gratitude. But overwhelm- a specialist in administrating special edu- Cross River Honored With SINAI ingly, our support comes from donors who cation programs, and she was known for do not need SINAI themselves but believe in her ability to inspire teachers to more ful- Community Partnership Award and want to support our cause.” ly reach students where they are in crea- SINAI’s dean, Rabbi Yisrael Rothwachs, tive and different ways. “We are a different By Elizabeth Kratz said that despite, or even perhaps because of, school because of her. She truly taught us the extraordinarily high cost of SINAI’s pro- what it means to reach each child,” said Rab- Cross River, a Bergen County-based fi- grams, herein lies the foundation of its suc- bi Rothwachs. nancial institution, is SINAI Schools Com- cess. “We are extremely fortunate to be a part He explained that students with complex munity Partnership awardee, to be cele- of a community that recognizes the value of needs can sometimes overwhelm teachers, brated at SINAI’s annual dinner on Feb. 24. each child. This is a value we all share, and in and every situation, as well as every child, is “We have started the relationship recent years over 1,000 have come to the din- different. “It’s not always prescriptive, what this year with the creation of a scholar- ner to attest to this. This is a responsibility we do,” he said. ship fund at SINAI as well as the establish- that our community members feel they have.” “Rachel had a profound impact on teach- ment of an internship program for SINAI SINAI’s tuition is high but the school ers and students alike here at SINAI,” said students where we hope to provide them is committed to making SINAI affordable Marcy Glicksman, director of SINAI at RYNJ. with, among other things, vocational train- Gilles Gade with SINAI students at RYNJ. to parents. Thoughtful, contemplative pro- “Her breadth of knowledge was vast; we had ing,” explained Drew Parker, a director a fessionals, led by Fishman, guide that pro- only to mention an area of study and she Cross River and longtime SINAI supporter. “Throughout the years, we have taken cess toward making SINAI possible. Rabbi would jump in with her words of wisdom. “Our relationship with the institution is tremendous pride in SINAI’s growth, not Rothwachs said that just as its education is And we always had something to learn. She new but we have had a strong relationship only geographically but, more important- individualized, so is their approach to help- inspired us all, and will continue to do so for with people who have worked for Cross ly, in the quality and types of services it ing parents. There is an assumption that prac- many years to come. Her absence is felt each River for many years,” said Sam Fishman, provides and the vast number of children’s tically every parent will need financial aid, and every day at SINAI,” she added. SINAI’s managing director, who reported lives that have been immeasurably im- and that’s where the community comes in. Fishman shared that as part of preparing that the first student, from SINAI Shalem proved and enriched as a result of SINAI’s “When we’re ready to accept a child, we a prior dinner’s documentary, he had inter- High School, has already begun his voca- efforts,” Parker noted. do everything in our power to make it work view footage of Schulman from four or five tional training at Cross River. Fishman add- Parker expressed hakarat hatov (grati- financially for the parents of that child,” said years ago. “She gave such beautiful, wise and ed that the culture at Cross River is “very tude) to Cross River, saying he was “terrifi- Fishman. sweet answers. We culled from this earlier supportive of what we do. Every commu- cally proud” that Gade and Cross River have “The truth of the matter,” Rabbi footage to create a short video. We feel very nication we have with them is just ‘What chosen to partner up with SINAI. “I have al- Rothwachs added, “is that if we weren’t in privileged to ‘bring her back into the room,’ else can we do?’ As we prepared to honor ways thought that a relationship between a community like that there wouldn’t be a in a way, and to help people understand them, the CEO, Gilles Gade, has repeatedly Cross River and SINAI was a natural one for SINAI.” what a special person she was, and how said, ‘This is just the beginning of our part- many reasons, not the least of which being Abigail Hepner Gross, SINAI’s director of much influence she had,” he said. nership,’” Fishman added. Cross River’s dedication to many worth- communications, shared that it’s her goal to To be dedicated at this year’s dinner, the “In our first meeting together, Gilles while philanthropic causes over the years,” show, at each dinner, the incredible pow- Rachel Schulman Memorial Fund will sup- came off as a very sincere and thought- said Parker. “It is a company that is truly er of how community members’ generosity port the expansion of professional develop- ful gentleman; he seems to really want committed to not only doing well but also helps the students. Often, she hears that this ment for SINAI’s educators and therapists to leverage our relationship to help SI- doing much good. In my opinion, there is is the only dinner people go to aside from and will also raise funds for scholarships. NAI,” said Yisrael Rothwachs, dean of SI- no more worthwhile cause than SINAI and their own children’s school or their shul. She Englewood’s Dr. Robert and Shari Alter NAI Schools. given our Teaneck roots, it was not only de- is gratified that it has become important to have supported SINAI for years and years. Gade, for his part, was enthusiastic sirable but inevitable that this partnership donors that SINAI exists, because the com- They are generous donors to organizations about the new partnership. “Everything is form.” munity needs for every child to have a place both at home and in Israel. A beloved, high- on the table. I would be more than happy Cross River has grown over the past and an education. “It’s our goal to make our ly respected couple, Robert is an oncolo- to help them with whatever they need,” decade from a community bank with a community members understand they are a gist and cancer researcher, and Shari runs he told The Jewish Link. He explained that single Teaneck branch to a major force in part of something important. I want to have an event-planning company in Israel called on his first visit to one of the seven SINAI the financial technology world, employing them leave the dinner feeling uplifted,” she Schools, SINAI at RYNJ, it was the compo- hundreds, many of whom are from the Ber- explained. CONTINUED ON P. 12 nents of the program that impressed him gen County area. It is a shomer-Shabbat fi- the most. “They’re not just trying to help nancial institution, famously closing for the students get by; they are trying to help business each Friday at 4 p.m. Among ap- them get where they want to get in life,” he proximately 100 other charities that Cross explained. River contributes to daily, Gade said, in ad- Gade explained how he was first intro- dition to SINAI, the financial institution duced to SINAI by Parker, who himself was also financially supports and sponsors golf aware of SINAI’s good works even when he or tennis outings for Madreigos and Our- lived in Los Angeles, before moving to Eng- Place, both organizations that support Jew- lewood 20 years ago. Once local, Parker and ish children at risk. It also provides support his wife became active supporters of SINAI, for Touro College and Renewal. having learned “first-hand about many fam- Learn more about SINAI’s special part- ilies who were recipients of the myriad ser- nership with Cross River here: https:// vices that SINAI provides. www.sinaischools.org/dinner/crossriver. Rabbi Hoenig with TABC and SINAI students.

10 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM Yeshiva University Welcomes Home Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz

Rabbi Lebowitz spoke with YU News about coming back to a place he calls home.

WHAT WILL BE YOUR NEW ROLE AT RIETS? First and foremost I will be teaching Torah to our future rabbis, while developing a relationship with each one. Second, with the wonderful team of great rabbonim [teachers], I will do my best to take notice of students’ struggles and successes and to give encouragement when needed.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR NEW ROLE AT YU/RIETS? I am particularly excited about how thirsty the talmidim [students] are for growth. It is such a privilege to interact with future Torah leaders of the highest caliber.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE RETURNING TO YU/RIETS? It’s very exciting! YU is home, where I learned from great rebbeim [rabbis], developed a sense of wanting to help the Rabbi Lebowitz teaching at Yeshiva University, 2013 Jewish people and met those who still inspire me and my family every day. WHICH QUALITIES DO YOU THINK WILL BE MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE RABBIS OF THE FUTURE? WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO INVEST TODAY The successful rabbis of the future will be effective communi- IN THE RABBIS OF TOMORROW? cators and good listeners who must also continue to learn at If we want an educated and inspired community, it is important a high level. to develop leaders that can help guide people in a meaningful

way. Thousands of young men and women in yeshivot and WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO STUDENTS seminaries in Israel and in hundreds of communities, shuls and CONSIDERING A RABBINIC CAREER? schools are being led today by my RIETS classmates. To remember that despite the challenges, it is a privilege to serve the Jewish people, and inspire them in their service of Hashem. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM YOUR TIME AT YESHIVA? Every day in Rav Schachter’s shiur [lecture] was a tremendous Rabbi Lebowitz returns as Director beracha [blessing]. We appreciated then that we were sitting at of Semikhah at RIETS starting Fall, 2019. the feet of one of the Gedolei Torah [sages] of our generation. We To read the full interview, go to all realized that we were charged with the responsibility of being https://blogs.yu.edu/news/lebowitz the next links in the chain of this glorious mesorah [tradition].

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 11 COMMUNITY NEWS Westchester Jewish Council Holds 43rd Anniversary Gala

By Yvette Finkelstein America. Slingshot, ski and her husband, vice plan at a Westchester Jewish Council www.slingshot- Mark, live in Chap- Security Roundtable. A member of the se- Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains fund.org, is an an- paqua and have three curity committee at the Solomon Schech- played host to the Westchester Jewish nual competition grown daughters. ter School of Westchester, Lampert realized Council (WJC) 43rd anniversary gala on Sun- of the most inspir- Lampert serves on the importance of consistent training and day evening, February 9. The celebration ing and innovative the Board of the West- maintaining proper emergency procedures honored Tracey Bilski, Elizabeth Lampert organizations, pro- chester Jewish Council at Jewish institutions. Lampert and her hus- and Harry Mamaysky for their dedication jects and programs and currently co-chairs band, David, have three children. and service to the Westchester Jewish com- in the North Ameri- the Council’s Securi- Mamaysky, born in Odessa, Ukraine, munity. can Jewish commu- ty Committee. While came to the U.S. with his family in 1979. He The Westchester Jewish Council con- nity today. After living in Australia, received a Ph.D. in financial economics from WJC Gala honorees and committee: (l-r) nects Westchester’s Jewish communities Hurricane Katrina, William Schrag, Elizabeth Lampert, Harry Lampert volunteered MIT and was a professor at the Yale School and strengthens relationships among 140 Bilski organized Mamaysky, Tracey Bilski, Elliot Forcheimer, for the Parent Safe- of Management for several years before en- Jewish organizations and other ethnic and four teen-led ser- Nancy Zaro, Harold Aspis, Debra Weiner, Lisa ty Group (PSG) at her tering the New York business world. Decid- faith based groups, elected officials, Israel vice trips to New Roberts. children’s school, pa- ing that academia was his calling, he be- and the community at large. Orleans and Baton trolling the outside pe- gan teaching at Columbia Business School, Bilski is a philanthropic entrepreneur Rouge, offering much-needed assistance and rimeter of the school at drop off and pick up where he is currently the director of the pro- with more than 25 years of leadership ex- supplies. She also led five teen-led humani- times. Under the auspices of the Communal gram for Financial Studies. perience. Her work for the past decade has tarian missions to Cuba to bring necessary Security Group (CSG), her training as a PSG Mamaysky has a lifelong commitment been defined by the Jewish teenage experi- supplies to the Jewish community. volunteer included learning methods of de- to Jewish issues. Conscious of his roots, he ence. Bilski co-founded and chaired J-Teen Bilski has a reputation for bringing inno- fense. She was soon leading the PSG team at believes in “giving back.” He serves on the Leadership (2006-2013), an award-winning vation and metrics to non-profit organiza- her school and continued patrolling outside Board of Trustees of the Solomon Schechter community service and Jewish leadership tions. As a UJA-Federation of New York lay synagogues on Shabbat and holidays. School of Westchester. At WJC, Mamaysky program engaging more than 500 high leader, she served as co-chair of Westchester Upon returning to their home in Edgem- co-chairs the WJC Security Committee. The school students annually. J-Teen Leader- Young Leadership, chair of the Westchester ont in July, 2010, Lampert joined the securi- family lives in Scarsdale. ship has been a part of WJC since 2009 and Women’s Philanthropy and presently serves ty committee at Shaarei Tikvah and wrote To learn more about the WJC, please has been recognized by Slingshot as one of on the Board of Directors. She also chairs the a Department of Homeland Security grant go to: wwww.wjccouncil.org or call 914-328- the most innovative organizations in North Westchester Regional Advisory Council. Bil- in 201l. She presented the community ser- 7001.

COMMUNITY NEWSBRIEFS Soaring With SINAI had been on the fence about calling SINAI. CONTINUED FROM P. 10 After reading Penina’s letter asking friends Bnei Akiva’s Kenes Sniffim: A Shabbat of Leadership and community members to support the SI- Protexsia Plus. “She plans numerous bar/bat NAI dinner, she decided to call. It made it all mitzvahs in Israel for children with special worth it, Penina told me,” she said. needs,” said Fishman. “It’s hard to get that Also being honored are Rabbi Michael type of event right; she understands what an and Ayelet Hoenig, from Fair Lawn. Rabbi important, momentous occasion it is for the Hoenig is mashgiach ruchani at TABC, where parents, and how difficult it can be,” he add- he is tasked with caring for the emotional ed. “And, like the vast majority of our donors, well-being of his students. “He sees, on a dai- the Alters have never had a personal connec- ly basis, the inclusion and the benefit of in- tion with sending a child to SINAI; they just clusion to the TABC SINAI students and the know that SINAI needs to exist.” typical TABC students. He has expressed to Dr. Bin and Penina Goldman, on the oth- us what a positive impact inclusion has on er hand, are SINAI parents; Dr. Bin also is di- the TABC students,” said Fishman. rector of guidance at RYNJ, one of SINAI’s “That is the power of inclusion. It doesn’t partner schools. They live in the Clifton-Pas- just benefit the child. It benefits the entire saic community. Their son Yehuda attended community. Our world is filled with a lot SINAI at RYNJ and he is now in 10th grade at of different types of people. People who be- Every year, Bnei Akiva North East hosts affects their lives and how the movement SINAI at TABC. have differently, who look different, who a shabbaton called Kenes Sniffim; a student can make an impact in the community at Penina is a daughter of Rabbi Benjamin have different needs. Our dinner platform is leadership gathering for all the high school large. The Kenes was very successful and it and Rebbetzin Shevi Yudin, in whose Fair not only to fundraise but also to educate,” leaders from different branches of Bnei Aki- will be exciting to see the student leaders Lawn living room, almost literally, the first said Fishman. “We try to use the dinner as va throughout New York, New Jersey and take what they learned and bring it back to seeds of SINAI were sown. “She grew up in an opportunity to move the community for- Boston. Representatives from Woodmere, lead their sniffim. Fair Lawn with SINAI as a part of their lives,” ward in terms of attitudes toward people Great Neck, Scarsdale, Riverdale, New Ro- said Fishman, who added that he has per- with disabilities. Things are so much better chelle, Young Israel of Teaneck, Rinat Yisra- Bronx Jewish Center Plans sonally known Penina since she was a child. but there is still so much to do. Rabbi Hoe- el Teaneck and Boston were present. As a Community Shabbat Dinner He shared that it would have been devastat- nig helps TABC students have a better and movement that is for youth led by youth, Bronx Jewish Center will hold its next ing for her and her parents if her oldest child more enlightened approach.” this shabbaton is essential in providing community Shabbat dinner on Friday, had not been able to have a Jewish educa- Learn more about SINAI and sign up to youth leaders with the tools to successful- March 1, starting at 7 p.m.. The special theme tion. “Over the years, what I heard from Rab- attend SINAI’s dinner at http://www.sinais- ly run programming in their communities. for the evening will be Shabbat in Cuba, bi Yudin, ‘My grandson is a mensch,’ meant chools.org. See opposite page for more details This year’s Kenes took place in New Jersey, with favorite Cuban style dishes taking that the education was working, and it was on Community Partnership Awardee Cross Shabbat Terumah, February 8-10. center stage at this four course meal. not just about being able to go to shul on River Bank. The theme this year was “Captivate. Em- Please RSVP at 718-812-1701. Shabbat din- Shabbat. It was about learning to be a good power. Lead.” Each of these three words ners are held the first Friday of every month. person. Yehuda is a mensch,” said Fishman. was presented in an innovative session that “No, it isn’t all about the food,” said Rabbi “It takes a fair amount of courage for a shed new light unto the word and applica- Pewzner of the Bronx Jewish Center. “What SINAI parent to be willing to be honored, tions for today’s youth. The different sniffim is important is that the entire community to share their story and their feelings,” said (branches) were able to interact with each joins together and welcomes the start of the Hepner Gross. “But Penina agreed to do it, other, speak about their struggles and suc- Shabbat. It will be a beautiful time for every- feeling that perhaps their story would en- cesses, about the ideology of Bnei Akiva as one. Please join us.We look forward to wel- courage others to seek our help. And she just a religious Zionist youth movement, how it coming you.” told me she was talking to someone who Rachel Schulman, z”l was a teacher’s teacher. 12 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS ‘Sense of Riverdale’ Unites Community CELEBRATING THE LAUNCH OF By Judy Berger THE MARCOS AND ADINA KATZ YUTORAH APP Last month, the Riverdale community gathered for “A Sense of Riverdale,” the flag- A special session of the Arbesfeld Yom Rishon Program ship program of the Riverdale Jewish Com- for Men and Women munity Partnership (RJCP). The RJCP, funded by UJA Federation of New York, is a collaboration of 18 Riverdale Jewish communal in- KEYNOTE SPEAKER: stitutions across the denominational spectrum, including synagogues, minyanim, day Rabbi Hershel Schachter schools, seminaries and community organi- Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Kollel, RIETS zations.. Followed by a panel discussion: “A Sense of Riverdale was designed to Talmud Torah in the 21st Century allow Riverdale’s Jews the opportunity to meet and connect with other Jews using Shabbat and learning as the connectors,” Rabbi MaNishtana, who led one of the six explained Rabbi Joseph Robinson, director sessions. CREDIT: MANISHTANA of community engagement at the Riverdale YM-YWHA. “At its inception, Matt Abrams how can Jews, living in an America where he Gerber, COO of the Riverdale YM-YWHA, believes we do not have to struggle for our brought the community together explor- civil rights, challenge ourselves to realize our ing the ritual of Havdala . With last year’s traditional values in new ways? He also ex- event, hosted by the Conservative Syna- plored what can be learned from the theolo- gogue Adath Israel of Riverdale (CSAIR), gy that inspired Martin Luther King Jr’s poli- we embarked on a Friday evening experi- tics and use of a theology of radical love for ence. It was wildly successful with partic- each person. Rabbi Aryeh Mrs. Chaya Batya ipation of over 350 community members. Ariel Freidenberg, a former intern in the Lebowitz Neugroschl This year, we mirrored that success to grow Israeli Supreme Court and husband of the Landers College for Men Head of School Fall 2019 Incoming YU High School for Girls and strengthen this collaboration, reinforc- Hebrew Institute of Riverdale’s Rabba Anat Director of Semikha ing the model that the Jewish communi- Sharbat, discussed, “My Creatures are Perish- Program, RIETS ty can work together to reach out to more ing in the Sea, and You Want to Sing?” Using Jews, regardless of their level of connection the week’s parshat hashavua, Beshalach, he to the Jewish community, and significant- reviewed the Talmudic question of rejoicing ly increase the impact on individual Jews over the fall of the wicked, and how some and the Jewish collective. There were nu- communities apply this into their festivities merous ways for community members to today. participate, be it through services, dinner New York City’s Commission on Human or learning; there is something that could Rights was represented by Brittny Saunders, speak to any Jew.” the deputy commissioner for strategic initi- The evening began with three concur- atives, and Marissa Jackson, the deputy com- Rabbi Shay Rabbi Moshe rent Friday night services. Robinson not- missioner of its Community Relations Bu- Schachter Tzvi Weinberg ed, “We are so blessed to have such a wide reau. They led a workshop entitled “New Rosh Bais Medrash Rebbe and Mashgiach span of practice and observances within Frontiers in Racial Justice,” using an histori- Young Israel of Woodmere Ruchani, Stone Beit Midrash Program and our Riverdale Jewish community; what bet- cal context for race and color-based discrim- Mashpia, Congregation ter way to honor that than to have everyone ination in New York City, how they believe Beth Abraham pray together under one roof.” it impacts the lives of New Yorkers, and the The Riverdale Minyan’s Rabbi Dan Mar- approaches the city is promoting to combat gulies hosted the traditional Orthodox min- systemic racism. yan in the social hall, while Minyan Shachar Rabbi Avi Killip, vice president of strat- Sunday, March 3, 2019 and The Kehilah had a female-led Kabbalat egy and programs and director of Project Shabbat and a male-led Maariv. At the same Zug at Hadar, led a session entitled, “An Ox, 9:30–11:30 a.m. time, an Egalitarian Kabbalat Shabbat and an Idol and a Stolen Beam: Three Talmud- Maariv service was conducted by Congrega- ic Paradigms for Understanding Racism in Yeshiva University • Wilf Campus tion Tehillah, CSAIR and the Riverdale Tem- the United States.” This session explored Tal- ple. mudic frameworks for understanding the Furst Hall, Suite 501 Following a communal Shabbat dinner, role of racism in America. RSVP at www.yu.edu/YUTorahApp six concurrent sessions were featured. Organ- MaNishtana is an Orthodox writer, play- izers selected speakers who were connected wright, speaker, novelist and rabbi, who Open to Men and Women to the Bronx. “Once our educators commit- traces his roots to African-American Jews Complimentary Parking and Refreshments Available ted to the evening, they were given free rein dating back to the 1780s. He reviewed Mar- Last Day of the SOY Seforim Sale to explore ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther tin Luther King’s perspectives and a Jewish King Jr’s legacy in relationship to the Jew- textual response to them. Mason Voit, di- ish tradition,” described Robinson. “Each pre- rector of education and Jewish family life senter was challenged to use their expertise at CSAIR, in a teen-only learning session, and passions to connect with MLK’s legacy.” explored “Pursuing Peace and Justice—Are One speaker was Riverdalian Paul They the Same?” Franks, professor of philosophy and Juda- Robinson hopes “the collaborative ef- ic studies at Yale University. Franks’ session forts of the RJCP helped provide a sense of was entitled “Jewish Thought and the The- oneness that we are part of the same com- ological Foundations of Martin Luther King munity, wherever/however we affiliate or Jr’s Activism.” Franks tackled questions on choose to express our Jewishness.” 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 13 COMMUNITY NEWS ‘Intimate Voices’ to Present Final Concert of 10th Season

(Courtesy of Intimate Voic- es) Intimate Voices, a Riverd- ale-based chamber music series featuring world-class musicians, will present the third and ﬁnal series concert of its tenth season on Sunday, March 10 at 3 p.m. at its home, the Conserv- ative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale (CSAIR), 475 West 250th Street, Bronx, NY. The series presents chamber music in an intimate and acoustically excellent set- Renée Jolles CREDIT: MATT DINE, COURTESY Sheila Reinhold ting at CSAIR and in outreach CREDIT: PETER SCHAAF Alan Kay CREDIT: MATT DINE ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA James Wilson CREDIT: PAT JARRETT Dov Scheindlin events in the Riverdale community. The participating musicians have nese Jewish composer, scholar and teach- cians, and a special pre-Passover wine-tast- Voices will continue its tenth season with performed in venues all over the United er whose European career was cut short ing courtesy of Skyview Wine & Spirits its Community Outreach programming, States and abroad as soloists as well as by the Nazis and who survived the Holo- will enhance the afternoon on March 10. which includes the annual free sensory/ in ensembles ranging from major string caust by gaining refuge in England. Mu- Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. for wine-tast- autism-friendly Family Program on Sun- quartets to the Orpheus Chamber Or- sic Director Sheila Reinhold (violin) will ing, coffee and tea; the concert begins at day afternoon April 7, 2019 at CSAIR from chestra and the New York Philharmon- be joined by Renée Jolles (violin), Alan 3 p.m.. 2 - 3 p.m., as well as visits to a local spe- ic. The March 10 concert will feature Mo- Kay (clarinet), Dov Scheindlin (viola), and Tickets include all refreshments and cial-needs pre-school and to area rehabili- zart’s beloved quintet for clarinet and James Wilson (cello). wine-tasting, and may be purchased by tation and nursing facilities. strings, as well as a string quartet by Intimate Voices series concerts include credit card online at www.intimatevoices. For more information, go to www.inti- Boccherini and a trio for clarinet, violin complimentary refreshments and an infor- org or at the door by check or cash. Fol- matevoices.org or call the CSAIR ofﬁce at and cello by Hans Gál, a successful Vien- mal post-concert reception with the musi- lowing the March 10 concert, Intimate 718-543-8400. STAMFORD COMMUNITY NEWS Stamford Daf Yomi Approaches Its Third Siyum

By Judy Berger ly schedule Torah learning,” explained Rab- “Meeting every weekday after morning bi Dr. Jeffrey Cahn, a local dentist, who has services, with coffee in hand, the learning Beginning in December 1996, a small been with the group since its inception. “In begins and the group spends about an hour group of members of Congregation Agudath Stamford, at Congregation Agudath Sholom, pouring over the Aramaic text that was com- Sholom, (CAS) in Stamford, Connecticut, em- a group of congregants do just that, on a dai- piled nearly 16 centuries ago,” said Cahn. barked on a seven and a half year schedule ly basis, by participating in the Daf Yomi pro- “The Talmud comprises the basis for all Jew- to learn all 2,711 pages of the Talmud at the gram.” ish civil and ritual law: the halacha. It also rate of one page per day. A former member Daf Yomi literally means a page of the contains parables and various ethics lessons named David Cohen organized and inaugu- day. Tracing its origin to the First Interna- (agadah) and virtually all topics involved in rated Stamford’s first formal Daf Yomi pro- tional Congress of the Agudath Israel World daily life and science.” gram at CAS. In over two decades, this group Movement, held in Vienna, Austria in 1923, There is no specific leader of this Fair- has nearly completed its third rotation of this enormous project was put forth by Rab- field County group. Rather, the group mem- the Daf Yomi cycle. However, since its incep- bi Meir Shapiro. Rabbi Schapiro headed the bers rotate leading the daily lesson. One tion, this worldwide learning program is ac- Yeshiva Chachmei Lublin in Poland. While member per day is responsible for preparing tually in its 12th cycle, with its next siyum to his yeshiva was destroyed during the Hol- the lesson well enough to teach the others. be held in 2020. ocaust and he died childless, his contribu- Cahn is the designated group leader every “Regularly scheduled Torah learning is tion to daily religious studies is one of the Tuesday morning, rain or shine. Clockwise from front: Dr Larry Meiteles , Melissa an emphasis in Jewish life. The great sage, most enduring educational legacies of the “This is a wonderful way to delve into Gluck, Richard Schwartz, Nat Samberg, David Shamai, advocated for everyone to regular- last century. Jewish law. The subjects are varied and al- Bessaleli, Rabbi Dr Jeff Cahn Camera Shy:Rabbi Yisrael Deren, Dr Wendy Miles, Dr Joseph ways challenging. And the camaraderie of Feuerstein, Tamar Gershberg, Chanof Nof. my study partners add to the enjoyment CREDIT: CONGEGATION AGUDATH SHALOM of learning, as well. I can’t imagine starting the day without learning the daf,” described chances are that there will be a class in the Cahn. Cahn has enjoyed learning daily and, daf,” stated Cahn. Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 pm in fact, he said, “My children bought me a On November 1, 2018, a contract was Final concert of 10th Season! cap and shirt embroidered with Do the Daf.” signed by rabbinic organizers to hold the Some estimate that the number of Jew- 13th Siyum Hashas for Daf Yomi at New Jer- Mozart Clarinet Quintet, K.581 ish people around the world currently par- sey’s MetLife Stadium, on January 1, 2020. Boccherini String Quartet op.64 no.1, H.Gál Serenade op.93 ticipating in learning Daf Yomi each day is While the stadium can hold 82,500 for Jets Plus pre-Passover wine-tasting courtesy of Skyview Wine & Spirits in the hundreds of thousands. In the digital and Giants football games, its capacity for age, there are daily podcasts that help make the siyum will exceed 93,000 with addition- Ticket price includes wine-tasting, refreshments and reception this Talmud study accessible in any language al seats covering the playing field. The event Doors open at 2:30 for wine-tasting, tea, coffee with which one feels comfortable. “Artscroll will be simulcast to over 100 venues in 80 Publications has produced an amazing trans- countries. lation of the entire Talmud into English, He- With January 2020 fast approaching, brew and other languages. But the greatest hundreds of thousands of people who learn free parking | handicapped accessible thing about Daf Yomi is that it is literal- Daf Yomi look forward to a celebratory com- ly universal; each day across the world the pletion of the cycle and to mark their uni- same page is being studied. Wherever one is, fied milestone in learning Torah. 14 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM STAMFORD COMMUNITY NEWS #1 Manger-Lieberman Mikvah Destination Spurs Stamford’s Growth for Online Torah Learning Get the NEW YUTorah App Manger-Lieberman mikvah building. CREDIT: STAMFORD MIKVAH By Judy Berger ger Foundation Inc. is a charitable foundation established by Bernard L. Manger, z”l • 180,000 shiurim Since 2011, the Jewish community of for Jewish charitable, philanthropic, reli- • 2,000 speakers Stamford has operated a state-of-the-art gious and educational purposes. “Bennie” mikvah, enhancing Jewish life in the area. and Faye Manger were longtime residents of • Variable playback speed The Minnie Manger—Marcia Lieberman Stamford. Mikvah is located behind Congregation Agu- “We were very pleased to have supported • Faster and easier navigation dath Sholom. The facility is dedicated in the construction of the new mikvah in Stam- memory of former Connecticut Senator Jo- ford through my father’s charitable founda- seph Lieberman’s mother and grandmother, tion,” explained Renee Manger. “We knew who were fixtures in the neighborhood for it was a worthy tribute to my grandmoth- many decades. er, Minnie, and my Aunt Marcia to name “When people think about moving to a this mikvah after them. There was a time neighborhood, people want to find a com- in Stamford when very few women made munity that has all the resources of a strong use of the mikvah on a regular basis and Jewish community. The first thing any Jew- the women in my father’s family who were ish community must build is a mikvah,” stat- longstanding members of the Stamford Jew- ed Rabbi Daniel Cohen of Congregation Agu- ish Community were amongst them. They dath Sholom, who oversees the mikvah. understood and observed the laws of fami- “The previous mikvah was built in the 1960s, ly purity and understood the family values on the shul’s property, by Rabbi Ehrenkranz. inherent in the observance of those laws. I Unfortunately, not many women were using know they would have been thrilled to see the mikvah, as the mikvah was dark, with lit- so many young Jewish families moving into tle changing space. As the community grew, Stamford, but they would not have been sur- many women were finding the mikvah not prised to know this growth took place short- appealing and were going to other commu- ly after the community built a new mikvah. nities to use their mikvahs. With an eye to- They were always strong advocates of the ward the future of the Jewish community of Stamford, we set out to raise funds toward a CONTINUED ON P. 21 new mikvah. We wanted to create a beautiful mikvah on par with any other mikvah.” When the community began its fund- raising efforts, the B.L. Manger Foundation stepped in as the lead donor. The B. L. Man-

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our hands in despair of ever finding a defin- They can’t unlearn that behavior. It’s time to Follow the Crowd: Ki Tisa 5779 itive answer. Sorry, I don’t have a clever way replace them with a new population, without out of this thicket of options, but I do suggest that tainted strain of experience. By Rabbi David Walk great philosophic work on Judaism, the Kuzari, strongly that every year it’s worthwhile to re- Hurray for Moshe! He gets it. Listen to his endeavors to present the best face of Judaism visit this complex episode and try to see it plea on behalf of his flock, our alter bubbies The late author Mi- and Jews. He therefore explains: Their sin did from a new perspective. So, here’s this year’s and zeidies: Remember Avraham, Yitzchak and chael Crichton was fa- not constitute a total repudiation of God’s ser- effort. Yaakov, Your servants, to whom You promised mous for many things, vice, rather a partial repudiation of some of I perused the well-developed commentary with Your very Self (Bach), that you would in- including being the tall- God’s commands… Their offence lay in fash- of Amos Chacham (the first winner of Israel’s crease their seed (verse 13). Wow! Moshe got it! est writer in captivity at ioning a forbidden image… Their sin seems Bible Contest, who passed in 2012) in the Mos- These people can be redeemed because they 2.06m (6 foot 9). But his much more serious today because few indulge sad Rav Kook Tanach. He surveys many posi- have belief in You in their DNA. They have greatest claim to fame was taking cutting-edge in the worship of images anymore (I, 97). tions and then makes the comment that got knowledge other than their Egyptian experi- technology and making it absolutely terrify- Others try to minimize the Jews’ culpabil- me thinking. Professor Chacham writes that ence within them. They just need a leader to ing, like space exploration in the Andromeda ity by blaming the eiruv rav, the “mixed mul- this story teaches us profound lessons about remind them of whom they truly are. Moshe Strain, cloning in Jurassic Park and time travel titude” of non-Jews who accompanied our the nature of human behavior. We learn about gets an A+ in God’s class on Jewish leadership. in Timeline. He adapted science headlines and ancestors from Egypt. These true idolaters how a large group of humans act when they The argument about the Egyptians being con- transformed them into nightmares. Recently, convinced the scared Jews to slide back to the have no leader. That’s when I remembered the fused if God destroys the Jews is just a side- I picked up “Prey,” his 2003 novel about nano- common practice of that age, avoda zara. Ed- terrifying passages in Chrichton’s book. bar to the real issue. Yes, we Jews do have a technology and artificial intelligence. It is, of ward G. Robinson was very convincing: Moses The hero of “Prey” is in the Nevada desert responsibility to guide mankind, but that’s sec- course, appropriately horrifying, but I found does not return from the forbidden ground... with a swarm of living nanoparticles (sort of ondary to our primary mission, worshipping his passages about population dynamics, espe- who will lead us to this Land of Milk and Hon- man-made bacteria) that are hunting him. He God faithfully. cially swarming tendencies, fascinating. And, ey? Now we have no leader...(to Aharon) You is a computer programmer who recalls that This scenario continues to this day. We al- of course, this mob psychology material feeds will make a god for us, a god of gold, a Golden these artificial swarms will exactly follow the ways find ourselves in danger of succumbing right into an infamous incident in this week’s Calf! Very convincing, nyaaah! patterns of natural swarms, like herds, birds or to the behavior of the dominant culture. And, Torah reading. The Ramban (Shemot 32:1) famously ex- fish. They instinctively revert to behavior that tragically, a percentage of our people are lost Every year when we get to this parsha we plains that the Jews didn’t mean to replace they collectively recall saved the swarm in the in every era. But we have the loyalty to God must deal again with the phenomenon of the God, but wanted a substitute for the missing past, like from a predator or a hurricane. Lead- from our illustrious forebears in our genes. In Golden Calf. There are, of course, many as- leader, Moshe. It was, therefore, a sin some- erless swarms follow remembered behavior. every age we must look to the sincere leaders pects to this event, but the one that nags us what lower than true idolatry. For ancient humans that meant looking for an who help us remain loyal to our tradition, our the most is: How could these people who wit- On the other hand, some commentators idol. That’s what people did 2,300 years ago. mission, our God. nessed the Ten Plagues, the Crossing of the see this precipitous fall from the spiritual Monotheism had not yet been rooted into our Sea and the epiphany at Mt. Sinai possibly re- heights of the revelation at Mt. Sinai as so psyche. Rabbi David Walk, who has recently made aliyah, was a ject God so shockingly, and quickly? There are severe that its tarnish still affects us. Just as Now we can understand what God says teacher at the Bi-Cultural Day school as well as Congre- many and varied approaches to this dilemma, Adam and Chava brought a pollution (zuha- to Moshe: They have quickly turned from gation Agudath Sholom’s education director. He continues but let’s see if we can move in a slightly new ma) that attached to humanity until we re- the path I commanded them...they prostrat- to be a tireless teacher and educator. For over 30 years, direction this year. ceived the Torah, the Golden Calf stain will re- ed themselves before the molten calf...(and he has taught students from third grade and up and con- Throughout history, Jewish scholars have main upon our people until the geula shleima, most significantly) they are a stiff-necked peo- ducted many classes for teens and adults. Prior to joining split into two positions. One tries to minimize the final redemption. ple (32:8-9). God’s telling Moshe that there is no CAS, he served as director and teacher at Yeshivat Hami- the enormity of the transgression. In the lead There are a tremendous number of varia- chance for these people because they are pro- vtar in Efrat, Israel. of that pack is perhaps Reb Yehuda HaLevi. His tions of all these themes. Enough to throw up grammed to return to idols in time of crisis.

R. Arama Finishes Parshat Bereishit and ultimately self-destructive [a lesson R. Arama seems to think people then learned, By Rabbi Gidon Rothstein on striving for control or leadership, he will the physical, make sure society runs morally but which many examples of lawlessness in cause sins: will take himself and Hevel to de- and well; his murder will lead to others, and the world today would seem to contradict]. We ended last time struction. the collective cry of all the inevitable injus- Before we move on, I pause to admire with R. Arama’s idea With the symbolism of Kayin as phys- tices has reached the heavens. how well R. Arama’s symbolic reading of that Hashem turned to- ical, the incident also teaches that R. Ara- For R. Arama, Kayin’s punishment is more what he yet considers an historical event ward Hevel’s sacrifice ma’s excess focus on the physical goes be- like a natural consequence. Destroying jus- hangs together. If we accept his symbolism and ignored Kayin’s to yond the physical damage, can overwhelm tice makes society unworkable, leaves Kayin for Kayin and Hevel, the brothers’ rivalry and make a point about our concerns with morality and social wel- no place to settle, because he cannot build a tragedy reflects well a continuing tension in avoiding overemphasis on the physical. fare, bringing everyone down. The blame lasting society. He must wander, which also all human societies, how to give the physical Kayin’s annoyance at the lesson shows will rest on Kayin and his successors, those means he cannot farm, his source of liveli- its proper place without letting it run amok, why it was necessary. R. Arama thinks Kayin who turned us all toward the physical and hood. In killing Hevel, he killed himself, just and the dangers of a society too enmeshed resented both the idea that he could not in- refused to see its proper limitations. more slowly. in physical pleasure. dulge his desires at will as well as Hashem’s apparently giving his younger brother lead- The Verses Make the Same Points Kayin Absorbs the Lesson Descent to Flood, Step One: ership and/or control over him. Hashem ad- After Hevel’s murder, R. Arama reads R. Arama is not the first to read Kayin’s Mistreating Wives vised Kayin to make his peace with reality, Hashem’s asking after Hevel as reminding reaction—gadol avoni mi-neso, is my sin too For R. Arama, the end of the parsha of- accept who he was and where he could play Kayin that his brother was supposed to guide great to bear—as contrite, meekly pointing fers insight into the decline of humani- a positive role; if he did, he could work hand him through life [another idea many today out the punishment will spread beyond the ty, the moral turpitude that led Hashem to in hand with his brother to achieve a hap- reject, that many of us need leaders to follow bounds Hashem put on it. Exile also means bring the Flood. We do not have space for all py outcome. [I have often thought the same and are not qualified to make some of our no framework for social justice, dooming the textual readings he offers; one interest- was true of Esav, who might have been able own decisions without guidance]. Hevel’s ab- Kayin and his descendants to lawlessness, ing one starts with a midrash where R. Azari- to participate in the Abrahamic people— sence leaves Kayin a shepherdless flock. killing each other when need or mood arises. ah in the name of R. Yehudah bar Simon [the which would not have been called Bnei Yis- For R. Arama, Kayin’s famous “am I my R. Arama counts Kayin’s ability to see the name has a samech in the original; it’s not an rael had he joined—except he could not tol- brother’s keeper?” protests his role, Kayin bankruptcy of his world in the absence of Anglicized version of Shimon, it’s the name erate secondary status. It’s a challenge to objecting to the job of watching and serving a Hevel as repentance, and thinks the sto- Simon] claims the men of the generation of many of us, to live with the possibility we Hevel. He wants to live his own life. ry here shows human beings’ ability to get the Flood would marry two wives, one for will not be captains of the ship.] Hashem’s response, Hevel’s blood cries back on track after recognizing and accept- procreation and one for sexual pleasure. The Should Kayin reject the proposed path, out from the ground, goes beyond the prob- ing sin. Hashem warns anyone who would Midrash objects to the mistreatment of the Hashem says la-petach chatat roveitz, often lem with this one murder, expresses the cer- murder Kayin of the consequences, and procreative wife, whom the man would iso- translated as sin crouches at the door. R. Ar- tainty that removing Hevel from society will makes a sign of it—not only a literal sign, late and ignore other than when he needed ama reads Hashem as telling Kayin he, Kay- lead to a lack of justice broadly. The Hevels but a general idea prevalent among human in, will be the sin that crouches; if he insists among us, who give the proper weight to beings that to act as Kayin is self-defeating CONTINUED ON P. 17 16 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM REFLECTIONS FROM THE SCHOOLHOUSE

ture reader or Mishna scholar. And educators The Av and the Rav: A Timely and Timeless must recognize that they cannot do it alone, for it is the parents who share their priorities Lens on the Home/School Partnership with their children so they can enter the halls of the schoolhouse understanding their obli- By Rabbi Aaron Frank struction and way of life, Moshe is central. It age, the yerusha comes from the the parents. gation and mission to learn how to live a life is for this reason that we say Torat Moshe. The parents and their articulated values lay of goodness, contribution and productivity. With a weekly ses- Conversely, when we discuss the foun- the groundwork for creating the kli, the ves- The home is the space where the fertile sion with individual stu- dation for our connection with God, we nev- sel that will receive and contain their educa- soil must be laid. And the classroom is the dents, a biweekly meet- er employ Moshe as our model. For that the- tion. The Ima and Abba provide the koach, the space that nurtures and tends to the student’s ing with the parents and ological connection we employ our Avot. It potential, and the teacher, the rav or rabba or growth. a monthly conference is this reason that we refer to God as Elokei moreh or morah, provides the poal, the actual- As we move into the spring season of con- with both parents and Avoteinu. Even though we learn many lessons ization of how to live out these values in the ferences and report cards, which sometimes teachers, I spent the 1995-96 academic year of how to live from Avraham, we never em- world. bring along complicated or challenging con- participating in what was then known in the ploy the term Torat or Halachah Avraham Av- We are not a complete people without versations, all of us, parents and educators Teaneck Public School District as the Colum- inu. And although Moshe had an intimate con- both the av and the rav, and similarly, no stu- alike, would do well to respect and trust the bia Teaneck Collaboration Project. nection to God, we never use the term Elokei dent is complete without these two necessary singular role that each plays in the lives of our Created by my adviser at Columbia, this Moshe. forces understanding the critical importance precious children—by realizing the critical initiative was one where the school social R. Hutner then takes this important dis- of the other. voices of both the av and the rav. worker, or in my case the social work intern, tinction from the national level to the individ- Parents must recognize that they cannot worked to facilitate a model where each voice ual. He writes that even though Torah teach- do it alone as it is the teachers who give the Rabbi Aaron Frank is the head of school at Kinneret Day in the life of the child contributed to present- ing and ritual content instruction comes from student the content knowledge on how to live School. ing the broadest picture of the student’s dai- the teacher, the Jewish inheritance or herit- life, whether that be as a math student, litera- ly experience and challenges. This collaborative team strategized and implemented plans for school and life success. Bar-Ilan University The foundation of this approach is no se- cret. All school professionals know that the partnership of parents and teachers is criti- Making an Impact cal to identifying and maximizing a student’s potential. Each knows a truth about the child that the other does not. Yet out of all of the articles and chapters I Rapid Heart Attack Diagnosis - Every Minute Counts have seen over the years that address this important connection, it is the Pachad Yitzchak, When you are having a heart attack, every minute counts. Of the10 million people who visit R. Yitzchak Hutner’s magnum opus on Jew- US emergency rooms demonstratingsymptoms each year, over 800,000 have ish holidays, that gave me both a powerful spiritual and psychological understanding of Z\mnZeerln__^k^]Za^ZkmZmmZ\d';nmh_m^gbm\ZgmZd^lbqmhgbgâhnklhkfhk^mh\hgÛkf3 the critical roles of both parent and teacher. Time when life-saving treatment could be given. In his fourth section on Chanukah, R. Hutner quotes the Rambam. The Rambam points out that whenever Jews articulate jus- tification for a mitzvah or Jewish law, they do not use the ancestors Avraham or Yaakov as their authority. For the power of law, of in- R. Arama Finishes Parshat B ereishit CONTINUED FROM P. 16 to impregnate her. The idea fits R. Arama’s model of two names for the first woman, isha (as Adam called her when he first saw her), a com- panion to man on his terms, intellectually and more, and Chavah, mother of all beings. The Midrash is saying the generation of the Flood decided to separate the two functions Dr. Amos Danielli of women, to take pure enjoyment from one and pure procreation from another [which is wrong and corrupt, I’m pretty sure he means, NEUTRALIZINGNEUTRALIZING TERRORTERROR TTUNNELSUNNELS because Hashem intended all women to op- erate in both terms; it’s unfair to deny the At %DU,ODQRXU5RERWLFVDQG$UWL¿FLDO,QWHOOLJHQFHUHVHDUFKHUVF%DU,ODQRXU5RERWLFVDQG $UWL¿FLDO,QWHOOLJHQFHUHVHDUFKHUVFRROODERUDWHZLWKOODERUDWHZLWK procreating wife the expression of her ishah Dr. Amos Danielli side. It’s probably also wrong to help the oth- WKH,')LQGHYHORSLQJWHFKQRORJ\IRUUHPDUNDEOHURERWVWKDWVFRWKH,')BLQZk&BeZglGHYHORSLQJWHFKQRORJ\ hasIRU developedUHPDUNDE aOH deviceURERW VthatWK DreducesWVFRXU+DPDVWHUURUX Utime+DP toD VWHUURU er wife voluntarily refrain from her moth- WXQQHOVDORQJWKH,VUDHO*D]DWdiagnoseXQQHOVD theseORQJ emergencies.WKH,VUDHO* DIt] measuresDERUGHUERUGHU7KHURERWVJDWKHUSUHFLVHLQWHOOLJHQFH 7concentrationsKHURERWVJDW KofH UtheSUH proteinFLVHLQW HTroponin,OOLJHQFHDQG DaQ heartG ering side, which might be why R. Arama ZmmZ\dbg]b\Zmhk%]bk^\mer_khf[ehh]lZfie^l'Pbmabm%]h\mhkl\Zg\hgÛkfZa^ZkmZmmZ\dbg mentions she would drink a kind of contra- XWLOL]HH[SORVLYHVWRWRSSOHWKH+DPDVWXQQHOQHWZRUNDKLJXmphmhmak^âhnklZg]\Zgbff^]bZmêrlmZkmk^lmhkbg`[ehh]&ÜhWLOL]HH[SORVLYHVWRWRSSOHWKH+DPDVWXQQHOQHWZRUNpmhikô^gm_nkma^ka^ZkmDKLJKWHFKKWHFK ceptive, to show us how wrong she went. VROXWLRQWKDWLVNHHSLQJ,VUDHOVDIHDQGLWVVROGLHUVVROXWLRQWKDWLVNHHdamageSLQJ,VU DforHO hundredsVDIHDQG ofLW VthousandsVROGLHUV ofIURPKDUP¶VZD\IU Rpatients.PKDUP¶VZD\ Rabbi Dr. Gidon Rothstein has served in the community rabbinate and in educational roles at the high school and adult level. He is an author of Jewish fiction and non- 7HO fiction, most recently “We’re Missing the Point: What’s (DVWWK6WUHHW Wrong With the Orthodox Jewish Community and How 1HZ

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 17 ANALYSIS Community Researchers Launch Marriage Study By Sandy Eller ical Center on Orthodox Jew- the study is a by-the-community ish women’s knowledge and for-the-community effort, DAAS Much has been said in recent years about attitudes about breast cancer plans to share the data with com- the difficulties many singles in the Orthodox risk and prevention. Schechter munity organizations in addition Jewish community have faced finding their hopes that the shidduch study to analyzing it internally to deter- intended, with the often used term “shid- will, first and foremost, decide mine how to remedy the problem duch crisis” sparking fear and hysteria in whether or not the much-bally- and help a greater number of sin- the hearts of many. Hoping to shed further hooed crisis actually exists. gles make their way to the chup- light on the growing singles phenomenon, “We want to drive informed pah. a group of independent researchers collabo- decision making for parents, In order to achieve the most rating under the auspices of a Monsey-based for people getting married, robust results and better identi- institute is launching a multi-phase project for shadchanim and for rab- fy problems, the team is hoping that will include studies collecting hard data bis,” said Schechter, who read- to gather data from as many peo- on dating and marriage in the Jewish com- ily admits that he and fellow ple as possible, from all across the munity, so that the problem can be better researchers have no idea what religious spectrum, with a goal understood. The first step in taking correc- the study will reveal. “We did a of over 10,000 responses. While tive action. study on marriage and divorce many possible factors have been The Data Analytics Addressing Shiddu- and one of the issues was do bandied about, such as the num- chim project, also known as DAAS, is be- children of divorce have a high- ber of eligible boys versus girls, ing conducted by the Institute for Applied er risk of getting divorced, and age differentials, young men who Research and Community Collaboration we were shocked to find out are ambivalent about marriage (ARCC) which has been using rigorous re- that they don’t. That is the idea and a reduced dating pool be- search techniques to better understand and behind this—let our decisions cause of boys who have left their remediate health, behavioral health and so- be data driven.” formulate potential solutions, while also al- religious roots behind, DAAS hopes to iden- cial issues within the Jewish community. The DAAS team includes Schechter, and leviating anxiety among those who are un- tify potential issues in the dating process, if Under the direction of clinical psycholo- a pair of researchers working together un- married. Sokol acknowledged that while they exist, and resolve them. gist Dr. Yitzchak Schechter, ARCC shines the der ARCC’s auspices: project leader Dr. Yosef there are many individuals and organiza- “Our goal is to get people to hear about spotlight on the religious Jewish communi- Sokol and project manager Naomi Rosen- tions trying to help singles, DAAS hopes to this, to get a link to the study and then do ty, a demographic that is typically ignored bach, as well as a group of methodologists take a step backward in order to achieve for- it,” said Sokol. “Even if you don’t have any in studies of this nature. Among ARCC’s pre- and research assistants. Their goal is to gain ward momentum. singles in your own family, people usually vious studies were an analysis of divorce an understanding of the problem by getting “While we respect everybody’s concern know someone who is single and we hope within the Jewish community and a col- a solid estimate of marriage rates by age, and efforts to help, we feel we need more in- that they will participate in the study be- laboration with Columbia University Med- over time for men and women in order to formation to know how to best proceed as cause it can hopefully help the situation.” individuals and as a community,” said Sokol. The study will also be used to shed light The specter and fear of a possible shid- on marriage and divorce. Calling all our campers & prospective campers!!! duch crisis has a far reaching impact, ob- “The idea that there is an endless supply served Rosenbach. of girls is deeply problematic for boys, both “Right now, we are guessing and guess- before and after marriage,” noted Sokol. “We ing, and not only isn’t that helpful, but it see it even in our community where people is actually detrimental,” said Rosenbach. thinking ‘if I get divorced there is a smorgas- “There is a lot of hype and definitely a per- bord of girls available.’ That is awful for peo- ceived crisis and we have mothers making ple who are married, both the men and the their daughters crazy about what they are women.” wearing when they are 11 or 12 and choosing “There are clinical problems that occur schools that are good for shidduchim but when there is a perceived notion that there REUNION & OPEN HOUSE aren’t the best choice for their kids. We want are too many females,” added Rosenbach. “It to send the message out that we don’t know doesn’t matter if there are too many or not, Sunday, March 3rd, 2019 | 3PM - 5PM if there is a shidduch crisis and we have to if that perception exists, then it can create Lifeplex, 18 College Road, Monsey, NY assess the facts.” problems.” The first stage of the study, which has Schechter said that the study aims to been under development for two years, will move the shidduch crisis from a topic of dis- focus on what Schechter described as the cussion at the Shabbos table into quantifi- “what” of the shidduch crisis, and will fea- able numbers that can be reliably assessed ture a relatively short survey consisting of through rigorous research. just a handful of questions. Participants will “We need to look at the data across the be asked for a minimum of information in- socio-religious spectrum,” said Schechter. • Reunion & Open House – tour our facility, enjoy ice skating, cluding their age, gender and marital status “There is a perception that if a girl doesn’t and if applicable at what age they got mar- get married by 25 she is doomed, but we • COME MEET OUR DIVISION HEADS: ried. In order to provide more accurate data, don’t believe that that is true and we want Boys Division: Rabbi Josh Rossman respondents over 50 will be asked to answer the data so that we can know what the re- Girls Division: Miriam Shaprio those questions for their children over age ality is. It might confirm things that we 18, while those in the younger age bracket know or don’t know, but we can only • Sign up for Summer 2019 at the event & get 75% off hot lunch AND a Camp 613 will be requested to provide the same infor- make good decisions based on the facts on water bottle. Signggnn upup withw a grouprroup ofof 3 childrenc drre anda getget $300$3000 offo each child. mation for their siblings. The questionnaire the ground.” • RAFFLE FOR AMAZINGLY COOL PRIZES! will be distributed through social media, For more information on the study or to 1st prize - underwater camera shul lists and other channels. take the survey visit DAAS online at https:// 2nd prize - Echo Dot Kids Edition Once the first stage of the study has www.arccinstitute.org/daas/ 3rd Prize - Game Smart Watch been closed, which Schechter expects will FREE OF CHARGE | Come and enjoy a day of family fun, on us! happen by Pesach, the data will be analyz- ed and used to formulate the next question- Sandy Eller is a freelance writer who writes for numerous naire, focusing on the “why” of the problem, websites, newspapers, magazines and many private cli- FOR QUESTIONS, CONTACT US AT [email protected] before moving on to the final “how” prob- ents. She can be contacted at [email protected]. www.camp613.com | (845) 356-6613 lem solving stage of the project. Because 18 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM ISRAEL SPOTLIGHT Jonny Povman Is Loving the Bar Ilan Israel Experience

By JLBWC Staff well is Rabbi Mey- er. I find his teach- Jonny Povman is studying at Bar Ilan ing style very inter- Israel Experience in Ramat Gan. He grew esting, and I always up in Scarsdale, attended Westchester feel like I’m learn- Day School for middle school, and Ramaz ing something new. for high school. His family davens at the I also connect to the Young Israel of Scarsdale. He attended way he approaches Camp Seneca Lake for ten summers. Judaism. Through- His next stop? Studying Business at out my 10 years University of Maryland. learning in different (l-r): Bar-Ilan students Noah Friedman Jonny living the life in from Chicago, Jonny, Zach Meyer from Why did you choose to study at Bar Ilan Jewish schools, he is Israel. CREDIT: JONNY POVMAN Five Towns, Shai Laniado from Five Towns, Israel XP? one of my favorite Jacob Perelman from California and Josh and discussing the is- I chose to go here because my parents rebbeim. sues with our class. Cohen from NYC. CREDIT: JONNY POVMAN and I wanted me to have an experience Which is one of What are you most in our home country, Israel. I also believe your favorite classes at Bar Ilan? looking forward to for the rest of the year? (l-r) top to bottom: Lily Sneider from NYC, that this program is so important for stu- My favorite university class is market- What I am most looking forward to Jonathan Zinguer from Miami, Tila Lekach from dents, like myself, who can’t handle a ye- ing, because it’s a field I’m very interested is exploring more of Israel, making new Miami, Ilan Abecassis from Miami, Jacob Perelman shiva experience of learning for most of in, and our teacher makes it very relevant friends, and seeing what the program has from California, Zach Meyer from Five Towns and the day; it gives us a chance to have an to current events, reading news articles in store for the upcoming semester. Shai Laniado from Five Towns. CREDIT: JONNY POVMAN amazing, inspirational year in Israel, with plenty of learning, without an overwhelming schedule. What kind of goals do you have for the year? The goals I set for myself were to try PASSOVER 2019 to be able to speak Hebrew fluently by the end of my year, to make new friends from BOCA RATON, FLORIDA Boca Raton Resort & Club all over the United States, and to explore A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT • Gorgeous half-mile stretch of Private Beach • 2 Championship Golf Courses Israel as much as possible. • 30 Clay Tennis Courts • Enjoy the exciting Surfing Simulator What have been some of the highlights • Fantastic Scholars- in-Residence • 40,000 sq. ft. World Class Spa of your year so far? • Haute Gourmet Cuisine by the Waldorf Astoria Resort Chefs & Prestige Caterers My most memorable highlight of my • Scholar in residence Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Baka, Jerusalem experience so far is the time we spent in • International Kosher Mehadrin (IK) Glatt Kosher Supervision Eilat. Our program scheduled an amazing and fun trip. Another great highlight was PALM BEACH, FLORIDA PGA National Resort on New Year’s Eve, celebrating the new • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • AAA 4-Diamond Resort year with good friends. • All Rooms Have Private Balconies • 5 Tournament-Ready Golf Courses One of my most inspiring moments • 19 Har Tru Tennis Courts was the men’s shabbaton. All of our reb- • Fantastic line up of Scholars-In Residence beim came on this trip, and we all had an • Exceptional Cuisine by Foremost Caterers • ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision amazing time celebrating Shabbat on Fri- day Night. What kind of challenges have you faced FLORENCE, ITALY Four Seasons Florence coming to Israel? • Entire La Villa building Kosher for Pesach • Luxury 5-star Resort The biggest difficulty this year has been • Hotel set amidst a 350,000 sq.m. Botanical Gardens • Gourmet cuisine by Michelen rated Four Seasons chefs leaving all of my friends behind and being • Professional Day Camp away from home for the first time on my • Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, own. I have been able to overcome these Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv • Glatt Kosher Supervision by Rabbi G.M. Garelik difficulties, but at the beginning of the year these were definitely my concerns. How has your year been different from FIUGGI (ROME), ITALY Grand Hotel Palazzo Della Fonte your expectations? • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach My expectations were that it would be • Haute Gourmet Italian Cuisine hard to adjust to an Israeli university, and • Beautiful Spa, Indoor & Outdoor Pools • Free Daily Shuttle to Rome • Optional Amazing Day Trips that it would be hard to navigate my way • Professional Day Camp around the country on my own. So far I • Scholar-In-Residence: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks have not had too much difficulty adjusting • Glatt Kosher Supervision by Rabbi G.M. Garelik of Milan to the environment. I wasn’t as worried about the culture because I felt that my RYE BROOK, NEW YORK Hilton Westchester family and high school experiences pre- • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach pared me for this. I was not disappointed. • Only 30 Minutes from New York City Where is your favorite place to go for • Hotel Beautifully Renovated • Spectacular Lineup of Scholars-in-Residence weekends/Shabbat so far? • Fantastic Entertainment & Daily Activities • Professional Day Camp I enjoy staying in the dorms with my • Exceptional Gourmet Cuisine by Prestige Caterers friends and eating Shabbat meals by our • ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision rebbeim. I also enjoy traveling for the weekends, OUR visiting a close friend of mine in Raanana 61ST LEISURE TIME TOURS or going to Jerusalem. YEAR Who is a teacher at Bar Ilan XP you con- www.leisuretimetours.com 718-528-0700 nect to especially well? [email protected] A teacher whom I connect with very 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 19 RELATIONSHIPS ‘She Threw His Purse Into the River:’ Honoring a Parent With Dementia

By Menahem Meier humiliated, to remain silent and revere the fortable seeing familiar and loving faces and regular basis. King of Kings, who has thus decreed. of children and grandchildren throughout I should add that the cost of such care The imperatives to honor and revere The Talmud (TB, Kiddushin 31b) tells us the week. This may not always be possible should, according to halacha, come from parents are truly weighty positive com- about the late third and early fourth cen- if the home does not have a bedroom and the parent’s estate. If and when that is ex- mandments. They are demanding even tury Amora, Rav Assi, who came to the re- bath on the main floor. I know that this is hausted, it can come from the children’s when ageing parents have clear minds and alization that his elderly mother suffered an ideal situation because my wife and I tzedakah funds. are essentially healthy. These precepts are dementia and made numerous demands took my mother, z”l, into our home where While I mention the dignity of the par- even more challenging if a parent suffers a of him. He initially honored her requests she lived with two aides for three years. She ent, I should add that we really do not know physical disability or dementia. It is not for but when they became totally unreasona- expressed in her limited way that she was what a dementia parent processes. There- naught that the third century amora, Rab- ble and inappropriate (i.e., she said that she grateful to be with family. This was possi- fore one should always speak respectfully bi Yohanan ben Nappaha, whose teachings wanted to marry someone like her son), he ble because my wife was in full agreement of the parent in their presence. One should comprise a major portion of the Jerusalem turned her care over to others and super- and my brother, Rabbi Levi Meier, z”l, and speak to the parent with respect, even if the Talmud, stated, “Fortunate is the one who vised her care from afar. Maimonides (h. his wife, Marcie, were very supportive from latter cannot respond appropriately. It is es- never saw his parents.”(TB, Kiddushin 31b) Mamrim 6:10) and Rabbi Yosef Karo (ShA, their home in California. timated that there were 5.8 million Alzheim- While his statement is formulated as clear- YD 240:10) formulate a halacha based on The second option would be a kosher er’s dementia patients in the United States ly hyperbole, it does convey the enormous Rav Assi’s conduct and codify the following, facility with full time aides. Such a facili- in 2018 with the number on the rise through- challenge of properly fulfilling the com- “If one’s father or mother has become men- ty would provide the parent with a famil- out the world. These people are still living mandments to honor and revere a parent. tally disordered, he should make an effort iar environment featuring other people human beings who were created in the im- His statement also provides a positive spin to behave towards them according to their of a similar religious orientation, kosher age of God and, while not the same as their to his tragic personal history; he was raised state of mind until they will be shown mer- meals and Shabbat services. When a par- former selves, are still worthy of dignified by a grandfather (TJ, Ma’asrot 1:2) as his fa- cy. But if it becomes impossible because ent has maintained a religious and obser- and respectful human contact. ther died before he was born and his moth- they have become utterly deranged, he may vant practice their entire life, not honoring May the Almighty help researchers find er died in childbirth. charge others to take care of them, while he that standard during the parent’s final years a cure for Alzheimer’s dementia, and if not Maimonides (h. Mamrim 6:7) describes supervises the care from a distance.” Clear- certainly is a breach of a child’s obligation a cure, at least the means to arrest it when the length to which the duty of honoring ly Rav Assi assigned others to care for his to honor and respect the parent. This is par- diagnosed. May He also grant those with a parent goes. “Even were they to take his mother because of the inappropriate na- ticularly true in a case of dementia where the challenge of dealing with such a parent purse, full of gold, and cast it in his pres- ture of her demands; otherwise he would there is no concern of pikuach nefesh (sav- the wisdom to recognize the unique oppor- ence in the sea, he must not shame them, have attended to his mother. ing a life). The aides are indispensable for tunity of honoring and revering a parent, manifest grief in their presence, or display Above and beyond the halacha as out- the dignity of the parent; they can assure even one diagnosed with dementia. any anger, but accept the divine decree lined above, there are options for caring the cleanliness and hygienic state of the without demur.” The same is true regarding for a parent with dementia. The best op- parent. Without aides, most facilities do Menahem Meier served as the founding principal of The the demands of reverence as the Jewish law tion is to have the parent, with an aide, not have the human resources to address Frisch School (1971-1997) and lives in Teaneck with his wife, Tzipora. requires the son/daughter, even if publicly live with family. The parent will feel com- the parent’s bodily functions in a timely

20 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM STAMFORD COMMUNITY NEWS Stamford’s Growth CONTINUED FROM P. 15 position that a Jewish community cannot thrive without the existence of a mikvah.” Cohen explained that the current mikvah was constructed to meet the strict- est speciﬁcations of Jewish law and is under the halachic authority of Rabbi Yirmi- yahu Katz. The mikvah is open to the entire Jewish community, and is also used to facilitate conversions. The ongoing cost of maintaining the mikvah is supported not just by the Orthodox community, but by both the local Reform and Conservative communities of Stamford as well. “The user fee does not cover our operating costs and so the

Mayim League was created as a way to fund Marble-lined Stamford mikvah. CREDIT: STAMFORD MIKVAH the mikvah,” explained Jessica Batkin, who leads the mikvah committee. “Donations of hance the mitzvah for women from Stam- any size are welcome and donations above ford and surrounding communities.“It’s so a certain amount allow the donor use of the nice to be able to be in a community with mikvah for the year as well.” a beautiful, clean and warm mikvah,” stat- Further, Cohen added, “Over the years ed Batkin. Along with a dedicated shomeret Stamford has become a conference hub, and other volunteers, Batkin’s team ensures with many women traveling through; we the mikvah is immaculate and well stocked have been a resource to these women. We at all times. believe the new mikvah has helped in the In addition to two comfortable prepara- growth and expansion of the Stamford Jew- tion rooms and a well-maintained mikvah, ish community.” The new mikvah has also there is a separate side entrance for a keil- been a catalyst for mikvah education. Rab- im mikvah. bi Cohen and Dena Block, Stamford’s Yoet- The mikvah is available for women sev- zet, teach classes on mikvah use and top- en evenings a week by appointment. Addi- ics connected to intimacy. The mikvah is tional information on the Stamford mikvah also available for bridal appointments. “Hav- can be found on the website at stamford- ing a gorgeous new mikvah has helped en- mikvah.org.

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 21 PROFILE A Rabbi, an Author and an Inspiration

By Yvette Finkelstein preciating you, you will have a good day. He continued, “Perhaps you will pay this for- Rabbi Daniel Cohen would like all of us ward and make someone else’s day feel spe- to find our “Elijah Moment.” cial.” A rabbi, author and inspirational speak- What would you do if you knew that er, Rabbi Cohen is well-positioned to help you had only 24 hours to live? Would you change the world, one person at a time. And like to thank all those people who have this is what Rabbi Cohen does with wis- had an impact on your life or those who dom, authenticity, humor and humanity. have helped you? Rabbi Cohen asks us not Since 2005, Rabbi Cohen has served as the to wait. Tell people today how wonderful senior rabbi of Congregation Agudath Sho- they are, how helpful they’ve been, how lom of Stamford, Connecticut, the largest much you admire them. Try reaching out modern Orthodox synagogue in New Eng- to just one person a day to thank them for land. In addition, he is a writer, a co-host of the work they’re doing and the difference the radio show “The Rabbi and the Rever- they are making in the world. Try thanking end,” and lectures throughout the country, the cashier at your local supermarket, with delivering insights and inspiration about a smile and a connection. Show someone living an enlightened, meaningful life. that you care. In his book, “What Will They Say About Rabbi Cohen refers to Rabbi Moshe You When You Are Gone? Creating a Life Chaim Luzzatto, known as the RaMChaL, of Legacy,” Cohen encourages you to “live Rabbi Daniel Cohen an Italian Jewish rabbi, philosopher and your best life now.” He quotes Mark Twain, kabbalist who lived in the 1700s and wrote, who asked, “What are the two most im- make someone else’s world a better place? “I have written...not to teach men what portant days of your life?” Twain’s answer, How can each of us bring acts of kindness they do not know, but to remind them of Rabbi Daniel Cohen’s book. “The day that you were born and the day into the world? If we can light up one per- what they already know and is very evi- you knew why.” son’s life by performing a kindness toward dent to them, for you will find in most of ony of daily life and to set out on the path We are all born with a purpose and Rab- that person, with that one light, we can in- my words only things which most people to becoming their best selves. One can “re- bi Cohen believes we can look inward and flame the world.” By discovering your “Eli- know, and concerning which they enter- verse engineer” one’s life so that the person find out what that purpose is. You can dis- jah Moment” you will be harnessing po- tain no doubts.” you are today more closely resembles the cover who you are as a person and how you tential in every encounter to establish a In contemporary language, Rabbi Co- self you aspire to be—the person you hope can improve yourself. Cohen wants us to connection and to make someone’s day. hen explained his role is not to tell you an- will be remembered. ask ourselves how we would like to remem- Several years ago, Cohen called on his ything new, but to remind you of the obvi- Cohen believes the process of writing bered; what is the legacy that we’d like to close friend, Pastor Greg Doll, to create the ous. One should have the quest or desire to deepens his own sense of life’s mission and leave behind? During critical times in our Elijah Moment Campaign. Explained Co- hear the voice of God in one’s life, to cre- enriches his rabbinate as he becomes more lives, we give pause to consider our prior- hen, “In a world with increasing acts of vi- ate eternal relationships, to see the beau- attuned to others and helping others grow. ities, but soon resume our normal rhythm olence, we encouraged people to flood the ty of the world. We should not be mesmer- Living with a greater awareness, he is able of living. Cohen’s book challenges us “to world with acts of kindness. We asked peo- ized by what the world says we should be, to discover a lot more about himself. crystallize the life you want to lead” and ple to share their deliberate acts of kind- but by what we feel deep inside of each of Cohen shared, “I love what I do. I pray takes you on a journey of seven principles ness and to inspire others to do the same. us that will allow us to be our best selves. to God for strength every day to be His am- to “reverse engineer” your life so you can We launched a Facebook page to share ide- We should learn to act courageously, seize bassador for blessing in the world. We are lead the life now for how you want to be re- as and inspire deliberate acts of kindness.” meditative moments, live inspired and all here for a purpose. Every day, every hour membered. The book is designed as a road Cohen decided to try his experiment in transform every moment into one of im- and every moment is an opportunity to map for intentional and inspirational liv- his local Starbucks in Stamford. Standing in pact and eternity. grow, learn and spread light. As my father ing. Each chapter possesses a tool box with line for his morning cup of coffee, he paid While Cohen is an Orthodox rab- says, ‘Make everyday a masterpiece.’ We manageable tasks to directly impact and en- for his drink and told the cashier that he’d bi, “What Will They Say About You When should all ask ourselves, is what I am doing rich your life now. like to pay for the person standing behind You’re Gone?” is intended for people of today worthy of future memory?” “Discover Your Elijah Moment” is the him. Of course, that person was astounded all faith traditions. The lessons Cohen has Rabbi Cohen’s book can be purchased first principle one should develop toward and asked why Rabbi Cohen had done this. learned and shared in his book about his wherever books are sold or directly from living one’s best life. You should ask your- “If I pay for your drink, it’s because I think experiences, faith and the stories of others the publisher at 800-441-5569 or www.hci- self, “What is it that I can do, each day, to you’re a nice person and I hope, by my ap- encourage readers to rise above the monot- books.com. CAREER & FINANCE Westchester Emerging Professionals Holds Kickoff Event

By Yvette Finkelstein ty gathered to hear presentations by experi- enced Westchester business professionals, UJA-Federation of New York’s Westches- including Robin Colner, founder and CEO, ter Emerging Professionals held their kick- DigiStar Media; David Singer, president, Ro- off event on Tuesday, January 29, with a bison Oil; and Debra Weiner, SVP/Invest- panel discussion on “How to Grow Your ments, Stifel. The discussion was moderat- Business in Westchester.” The event was ed by Mark Weingarten, a partner at the law chaired by Ashley Bendell, Randi Rosen- firm DelBello Donnellan Weingarten Wise blatt and Andrew Weisz. & Wiederkehr. The new Westchester Emerging Profes- The next event will be a conversation sionals cohort was organized to provide on ethics in the office through a Jewish young Jewish professionals working in lens with Rabbi Menachem Creditor, UJA’s Westchester with the opportunity to con- scholar-in-residence and is scheduled for nect socially and professionally as they April 29. For additional information, please go about building their careers. Almost 40 contact Alexis Goldstein at goldsteina@ Andrew Weisz, NYC; Randi Rosenblatt, Chappaqua; Robin Colner, Scarsdale; Mark Weingarten, young professionals from around the coun- ujafedny.org or call 914-385-2122. Goldens Bridge; Debra A. Weiner, White Plains; David Singer, Bedford Hills; Ashley Bendell, Ardsley. 22 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM CAMPS Camp 613 Unveils New Activities and New Leadership for Summer 2019 By Jenny Gans AVI & SHNEUR FASKOWITZ PRESENT Summer is all about having fun, and Camp 613 is determined to make this summer everyone’s best one yet. “We’re so ex- OURO cited to have added incredible and quali- 117TH fied new staff to our roster,” said executive YYEAR! director Aliza Fischman. Heading the girls for grades 1-8 is Miriam Shapiro. Original- ly from Los Angeles, California, Shapiro moved to Teaneck three years ago and immediately wowed everyone with her enthusiasm and creativity. Currently a preschool morah at the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, she brings with her over 15 years of experience in education. Dahlia Sulimanoff will head the preschool division. Not only is she an experi- enced teacher, but she has a background in special education. “I am looking forward camp environment, learning becomes an- to using my many years of experience in other part of the day and something to both formal and informal educational set- which the campers look forward. “Often tings to create a fun summer filled with during lunch we call campers up and in- WESTIN BEACH RESORT & SPA FORT LAUDERDALE engaging, creative, exciting activities,” said terview them,” said Rabbi Herrmann. Sulimanoff. “Summer is a great time to cre- “If asked for their three favorite parts of ate new and lasting friendships, which is a camp, of course there’s the usual ‘skating’ EVERY ROOM HAS BEEN hallmark of the Camp 613 experience.” or ‘sports,’ but very often our campers also COMPLETELY RENOVATED These new faces will join many of the name shiur as one of their favorites, and familiar Camp 613 friends and family mem- it’s such a highlight for us to hear.” bers. Rabbi Daniel Herrmann will return “Rabbi Josh and Rabbi Dov both bring as the camp director and Rabbi Josh Ross- a hands-on, interactive approach to the man as the division head for boys, hav- learning for camp,” said Fischman, and ing spent the past summer as the learning recounted an instance when Rabbi Josh rebbe. But the new learning rebbe’s name brought a life-size moose to camp and, as won’t be too difficult for campers to re- the children climbed all over it, launched member: Rabbi Josh’s brother, Rabbi Dov into an explanation of antlers on a moose Rossman, will be stepping into the rebbe versus horns on a ram and how it all plays shoes. “What’s great is that even with roles out for use in a shofar. changing and new staff starting, many of “This is a summer lesson the campers GAD the administrative positions are filled by will remember, and that is how our learn- ELBAZ longtime Camp 613 staff and familiar fac- ing rebbes approach their time with the CONCERT es,” said Fischman. “So while there’s posi- campers,” said Rabbi Herrmann. tive change, there’s still stability.” “We really try to consider everyone’s Rabbi Josh Rossman is excited for his needs at all levels,” said Fischman. “Even new role: “As head of the boys division, our swimming program tries to adapt. We I have loved watching the campers de- know the youngest campers can’t stand velop relationships with their peers and in a 3-foot shallow section, so our pool their counselors. I love having a small and has a platform that raises them up,” she warm camp atmosphere, with large camp explained, and added how this sets the resources,” he said. campers up for a lifetime of comfort in wa- “One of the things that differentiates ter. The camp provides both instructional Camp 613 is its unique indoor and out- and recreational swim to all the campers. door facilities,” said Fischman. “Even on In addition to new staff, new program- scorching hot days when it’s too painful ming is already in the works. Each summer to think about leaving air conditioning the girls have a popular end-of-camp pres- for minute, we can bring our campers in- entation; a campwide song and dance that side to a healthy, safe, cool and fun envi- works with a show or a theme and is per- RABBI DOVID M. COHEN • DR. ERICA BROWN • PROF. MARC B. SHAPIRO • WILLIAM B. HELMREICH ronment.” Even the pool at Camp 613 is informed for mothers, sisters, grandmoth- doors, allowing swimming in any weather. ers and other women. Rabbi Herrmann The camp grounds also boast a variety of has been working with Rabbi Josh to put other facilities including rock climbing, together an end-of-summer program for ice skating, bounce houses and climbing the boys as well. This summer, Camp 613 structures. is bringing parents and sons together for “Camp doesn’t miss a beat,” said Rab- a siyum as a culmination of the learning bi Herrmann. “If it’s raining, if it’s prohibi- over the summer. “This will be an oppor- tively hot, programming continues.” tunity for families to celebrate the accom- 718-969-9100 Another part of the Camp 613 experi- plishments of their campers over the course ence is the strong focus on Torah as part [email protected] • www.majesticpassover.com of the summer fun. In the fun and active CONTINUED ON P. 24 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 23 NEWS FROM ISRAEL Four AMIT Robotics Teams Head to National Competition

(Courtesy of AMIT) Four robotics teams The theme of this year’s competition is in space, while the Panthers invented a so- from AMIT schools have advanced to the “Into Orbit,” which asks students to “explore, phisticated shower to be used in space. The national round of the FIRST LEGO League challenge and innovate in the vast expanse Gwen Straus robotics students’ project re- competition after excelling at the regional of space.” The participants must choose and lates to the feasibility of using phytoplank- stage. solve a real-world problem and also build, ton for oxygen production in space. Kipa Bots, the team from the AMIT Mr. test and program an autonomous robot. All four teams impressed the judges with & Mrs. Lester Sutker Art and Sciences Jr. and The Modi’in boys’ team created a vibrat- their initiatives and their teamwork, earn- Sr. High School for Boys in Modi’in, won ing sock that helps regulate the flow of flu- ing them spots at the national competition. first place at the regional contest and ad- ids in an astronaut’s body and strengthen They will be competing against nearly 100 vanced to the nationals for the sixth year bone density, which is weakened in space. other teams from across Israel. in a row. They based their project on research and AMIT is leading an educational revo- They are joined by the Tigers (9th grade) on information they learned while meeting lution in Israel with cutting-edge, Jewish and the Panthers (7th and 8th grades), two with Israeli astronaut Yitzhak Mayo, who values-based education. In 2018 the AMIT teams from AMIT Midreshet Art and Scienc- trained with Israel’s first astronaut, Ilan Ra- network was named the number one edu- es Jr. and Sr. High School for Girls in Modi’in, mon, at NASA. cational network in Israel by the Ministry and the team from AMIT Gwen Straus Jr. and The Tigers team developed a time-saving of Education. Learn more at www.amitchil- Sr. Science High School for Boys in Ra’anana. solution for dealing with the lack of gravity dren.org.

The robotics teams that will compete nationally.

Livni Quits Politics to pass the minimum electoral threshold, The previous weekend, some ofﬁcials Atid said negotiations “never existed and CONTINUED FROM P. 1 and Livni was not able to broker a merger in Hatnua said Livni still appeared deter- never will.” with any other party. mined to succeed in the election and prove At the start of the year, Livni suffered a members who have supported her. “I am Livni, who was trying to establish her to everyone that she was “the only one who humiliation at the hands of Labor chairman leaving politics, but not the hope for peace diplomatic credentials and launched a cam- can defend democracy,” as her campaign slo- Avi Gabbay, who blindsided her by announc- in Israel.” paign featuring pictures of herself with gan claimed. ing at a press conference—as she was sitting The announcement came less than a world leaders, was well-aware of her critical Livni would have liked to run on a joint beside him—that he was dismantling the week before the Feb. 21 deadline for parties political condition. list with Yesh Atid. But Yesh Atid leader Yair Zionist Union (the joint Labor-Hatnua list to submit their ﬁnal lists for the April 9 elec- Throughout her career she has found her Lapid said he had no desire to strike a merg- formed in 2015). tion. way to senior positions, including justice er deal with her, apparently because he did Livni said at the time that all she had Polls showed that Hatnua was unlikely minister and opposition leader. not consider her an asset. Members of Yesh ever heard from Gabbay was “me, me, me.”

Camp 613 “We boast two camp nurses, qualified to was in preschool and now have their young- is a wonderful, special camp environment CONTINUED FROM P. 23 take care of a range of medical needs,” said est part of Camp 613, and the family still and we can’t wait for the chance to share it Fischman. Yael Rosman and Ayelet Mermel- loves coming to camp,” said Fischman. “This with everyone.” of the summer,” Rabbi Herrmann explained. stein will return to tend to everything Fischman is also excited to welcome from a Band-Aid to allergies, or anything back many veteran staff members. Lisa Gold else children may need. More Light and Less Heat: able pluralistic society, Jewish and secular, holds a master’s in musical theater and has Camp 613 invites the community to CONTINUED FROM P. 8 where we account for our own concerns, ad- been the creative director at the camp since see the wonderful environment first- vocate for the world we think best, while we its inception. She continues to produce the hand. Prospective families, current fam- tic society should give to other faiths as well. also work to meet as many of others’ con- fun and lively camp-wide summer produc- ilies, families who have been part of Not to speak of the careful weighing cerns as possible, as we hope others will do tions to which the girls look forward each Camp 613 in the past and new families we believe all Jews should do before wad- for us. year. “I have parents tell me their daughters are all invited on March 3, from 3 p.m. to ing into the American political minefield on Jews and Judaism will be better off if we plan sleepaway sessions around the show, 5 p.m., to the grounds at 18 College Road, abortion, with all its nuances and complex- do. to make sure they don’t miss the chance to Monsey, New York, for an open house ities. be a part of it,” said Fischman. and reunion. There will be arts and crafts Let us be clear: The undesirable is not al- Michael Broyde is a law professor at Emory University, and Miriam Rosenfeld runs the crafts and activities, raffles and ice skating for the ways prohibited as a matter of Jewish law; is currently a Senior Fulbright Scholar at Hebrew Universi- the art programming at camp. Her creativi- whole family, as well as the chance to see that which is prohibited to Jews is not al- ty. Next Fall, he will be visiting at Stanford Law School. Gi- ty and ability to create projects that students the beautiful campus and meet the staff. ways prohibited to Gentiles; and even that don Rothstein is the author of “Murderer in the Mikdash,” can feel proud of and enjoy creating is an- RSVPs are requested. Please visit www.ti- which is prohibited to everyone need not al- a novel set in a Third Temple Jerusalem, “We’re Missing other favorite part of camp. “Miriam creates nyurl.com/613ReunionOpenHouse2019. ways be subject to coercive secular legisla- the Point: What’s Wrong with Orthodox Judaism and How fun, creative projects that allow each child “We have families who have been tion, from the Jewish perspective. to Fix It,” and blogs regularly at torahmusings.com. to shine,” said Fischman. with the camp since their oldest child We need to move back to a more sustain- 24 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM F OD & W NE LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT Sipping and Nibbling at KFWE 2019 By Bracha Schwartz

The 2019 New York City Kosher Food and Wine Experience, hosted by Royal Wine Corporation, brought together over 400 kosher wines, many with their winemakers on hand, and some of the area’s most delicious kosher food for the trade, media and consumers to sample. While most of the same winemakers appear annually, each year Lamb bacon and pesto triangles from Factory brings subtle differences to existing varie- Amichai Lourie, Shiloh Winery. CREDIT: BRACHA SCHWARTZ 220. Display of mini sandwiches. ties. New kosher runs of wines are also in- CREDIT: BRACHA SCHWARTZ CREDIT: BRACHA SCHWARTZ troduced, which is always exciting for ko- reds; at around $60 and $90 sher consumers, who increasingly seek new respectively, they are really an tastes, varietals and ever-increasing quality. example of what Israeli wine- Elizabeth Kratz and I both headed to Pier 60 makers are capable of. at Chelsea Piers to attend, and shared our But back to France: Two views with one another (and now, with you). Bordeaux blends I tried at Burgundy is one of the top regions in Elizabeth’s suggestion: the France for wine, but according to Royal’s Chateau Rollan de By Medoc Gabe Geller, the grapes are grown by farm- and the Chateau Malartic-La- ers who, on the whole, are not motivated to graviere Pessac-Leognan. Very produce kosher wine. However, aware of in- smooth! In wine, I find you Rollan de By Medoc. CREDIT: BRACHA SCHWARTZ tense market interest, this year Royal intro- often do get what you pay for. duced the Domaine Ternynck Bourgogne The step-up varieties of the Blanc Chardonnay and Bourgogne Rouge Pi- wines I buy are bolder and not Noir. Elizabeth pointed out the exceed- smoother. ingly light color on the pinot noir that was I love sparkling wines for View of wine display at KFWE. CREDIT: BRACHA SCHWARTZ indicative of its youth. I enjoyed the Do- special occasions so I was maine Pascal Bouchard Chablis Le Classique happy to sample two Barons de Rothschild let topped with Boondock’s bourbon BBQ and the Domaine Bailly Pouilly Fume, a sau- champagnes, a white and pink. I liked the sauce and pickled onions to our warm cin- vignon blanc, with charming citrusy grape- rose for its touch of fruit without being too namon buns topped with our crispy lamb fruit notes. sweet. bacon and vanilla icing. This was to show- Moving on to Israel, where most of the In the spirits category, there is a new- case the Great Falls Bistro menu plus the ca- KFWE wines are concentrated, I visited comer named Heet that produces a line of pabilities of our full service catering compa- many winemakers whose selections I have flavored vodkas. Company head Marc Gold- ny,” he said. Two Barons de Rothschild champagnes. CREDIT: at home on Shabbos and Yom Tov to sample berg said he joined Royal three weeks ago to Silver Leaf Caterers offered tiny potatoes BRACHA SCHWARTZ different varietals, and the wines in their cat- increase distribution. I sampled a Spicy Cin- in two styles: one stuffed with shawarma alogs I haven’t tried. Teperberg Impressions namon. If you like that spice, this is for you! and one with beef chili. An excellent easy- is always held shortly before Purim and Pass- merlot and cabernet sauvignon are among He also has recipes for cocktails. At the show, to-eat appetizer! West Wings had samples of over, peak times for wine-purchasing con- my favorites. Elizabeth said she enjoyed the he mixed up some Mo-Heet-Os. If you want barbecue chicken wings with a light flavor- sumption. The show gets everyone ready to 2017 line on a recent trip to Europe but it is to try, here’s the recipe: 2 ounces Heet vodka, ful sauce, requiring more than one napkin focus on menus, wines and guests. And this not yet available here. I tried the Essence se- 2 lime wedges, 10 mint leaves, ½ ounce gin- but worth it. year I’d like to add a company-sized batch of ries cabernet, which is a step up from Im- ger or simple syrup, and soda water. Muddle The timing of the KFWE is deliberate; it Mo-Heet-Os. pressions. the lime and mint in the bottom of a mix- I discovered Flam’s Classico, a Bordeaux ing glass. Add remaining ingredients. Shake blend, at a previous KFWE event, so this well. Strain over ice into a highball glass. Top time I wanted to compare it to their Noble. I with soda water and garnish with a mint www.edenwoknr.com 10% liked both; the Noble is a little bolder. sprig. Goldberg printed several recipes on a I like the lower-price-point Ohr Haganuz card and all looked inviting. wines so I tried the Maron blend and the The food selections were limited at the OFF! much more expensive French Blend (around press portion of the event we attended, but CASH ONLY. NOT VALID ON SUNDAYS, $80), which The Jewish Link has reviewed. the exhibitors represented had beautiful dis- MONDAYS AND HOLIDAYS. MUST PRESENT COUPON. I liked the Maron, a 12-month barrel-aged plays and tasty samples. Factory 220, from EXPIRES 6/30/18. blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc Passaic, with its Great Falls Bistro restau- and shiraz. The French Blend, barrel-aged for rant and Elements Catering division, contin- We Now Deliver to Riverdale and Westchester. 20 months, was significantly smoother. ues to distinguish itself with culinary treats. The Finest Glatt Kosher Chinese Restaurant and Sushi Bar Shiloh Privilege is now one of our fa- Toast triangles with pesto and lamb ba- vorite wines, so I tried the Shor series and con and small plates of risotto with brisket enjoyed the cabernet. Elizabeth enjoyed were outstanding. Factory 220’s Shamir Ein- Shiloh’s Mosaic 2016 wines: Mosaic is a Bor- horn described the evening’s offerings. “We 1327 North Ave Under Strict Kashruth of the Phone: 914-637-9363 deaux blend and Mosaic Exclusive Edition is built a custom live action open air kitchen New Rochelle Vaad Harabonim of Queens Fax: 914-637-9371 a slightly more offbeat blend. Both are much staffed with 10 chefs preparing 14 different New York 10804 E-mail: [email protected] smoother and more typical of big Israeli dishes ranging from our prime center cut fi- 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 25 THE SIMCHA LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT The Wedding Gift Query: How Much to Give?

By Nina Glick that people tend to invite many extended a monetary wedding gift. Tendr states that acquaintances from shul, work or the gym. the national average is $160, depending on Gifts are wonderful to receive and al- What is their obligation when it comes to if it is a couple or just one person attend- ways much appreciated. The age-old ques- gift giving? So many times people complain ing. For close friends or family, according to tion, which not everyone is eager to discuss about an invitation. Perhaps one should Johnson, one may want to consider $200 or openly, is exactly how much is the correct think more clearly about who is invited. higher, if that is affordable. For others, $100 amount to give, if one is giving a monetary In researching this subject it became ob- to $150 is more than okay. gift. There seems to be no rhyme or reason vious that in the Jewish world gift giving is There are few couples today that are not as to how people decide. In most cases, fam- on a higher plane than in a different cultur- registered with one or more bridal regis- ily members receive more than complete al environment. Allyson Johnson, a writer tries. An easy way to avoid a monetary gift strangers, and close friends’ children also for the WeddingWire Group, wrote in June is to contribute directly to the registry, af- have their own category. 2018 that one “should avoid a check of less fording the celebrants the opportunity to ei- Often, couples marrying who are the than $50. The old adage of matching the cost ther make use of their choice of gift or re- How many menorahs, kiddush cups, challah children of “wealth” receive larger amounts per head is obsolete; your gift should not be ceive the money. Actual physical gift giving boards and covers do they really need? than the “average” young couple. Whether about reimbursing the couple for their wed- has almost become a thing of the past. Ask Let us all continue to make many sema- or not that is right or makes any sense is for ding day.” On average, according to Tendr, a young couple what they want and they chot and be faced with these decisions for the reader to decide. Another conundrum is guests will spend between $75 and $150 on may sheepishly admit that cash is preferred. years to come. Purim is Coming. What’s Your Theme?

By P. Samuels too complicated. You must wrack your brain to come up with something that Now that Tu B’shvat is behind us, no one has thought of yet. the stores have dismantled their beau- I remember that once, before themes tiful displays of fruit, and begun con- were in style, a cousin who likes to be centrating on Purim. This year they “ahead of the times” sent my mother in actually have an extra month to adver- law, her aunt, a “lemon themed “ mish- tise and customers have extra time to loach manot. On a lemon printed plate decide what they are doing. Enter the there was an assortment of lemon fla- new phenomena in mishloach manot vored concoctions. A bottle, with lem- called “themes.” ons printed on its side, held some home- Once upon a time, preparing mish- made lemonade. A package of lemon loach manot depended solely on the printed napkins completed the package. balabusta’s talents in the kitchen, and Frankly, I think my mother in law ap- on how much time she had to devote preciated the “old fashioned” babka and to baking and packing. Whether it was ha- her Purim was done. grape juice she got from another niece just mantaschen, cookies, or a small whole I think that the new emphasis on as much. cake, she prepared the quantity she need- “themes” is putting unwarranted pressure A neighbor once had UPS as a theme, ed, found some nice way to package it, on countless families. It’s not enough to with everyone in the family dressed in the added a fruit or small bottle of wine, and come up with something original yet not familiar brown, and the mishloach manot packed in shipping boxes. At least the food part of her theme wasn’t too hard. Isn’t .Classical, Jazz & Jewish Music chocolate the same color as UPS trucks tray. I told her that she does not have to . and uniforms? spend money on something that will just Beginners to Advanced Sending fish for mishloach manot? Use be added to the clutter in my already over- .Children & Adults a fishing theme, dressing the kids as fish- filled cabinets. Her answer gave me food . ermen. Just please don’t make them carry for thought. Encourages Creativity fishing rods that they will end up tripping “Mommy,” she said, “I feel that my chil- .Enhances Motor Skills over all day. dren have to know that a zeidy and bub- It is okay to do something cute, as by are someone special, and for them we .Improves Memory long as you don’t get carried away, or have to up our mishloach manot a notch need lengthy explanations at each stop. or two. Even if I send you the exact same Piano & Keyboard Lessons One daughter in law once sent me a three thing that I send everyone else (and trust .Weddings tiered plate. The bottom plate held apple me, she doesn’t), there’s a certain excite- . by Yisroel Fishbain pie, the middle one held cherry pie, and on ment when the children see the special Bar Mitzvahs top she put a picture of her dear little “cut- tray that is dedicated for zeidy’s mishloach . 718.790.8659 ie pie.” I still cherish the card that came manot.” Orchestra along with that. So what is my theme, you ask? I don’t .One Man Band yisroelfi[email protected] I once admonished my daughter for do anything fancy or different. My theme sending me mishloach manot on a fancy is simply “Purim.” 26 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM SCHOOLS Second Annual Student-Led Film Festival Coming to SAR HS

By Yvette Finkelstein mester senior elective, Literature and Film, Meier explained, “I know that films Working in small groups of two to four taught by Ora Meier, who introduced the (and television) are a primary means for people, students watched and reviewed SAR High School will host the second an- program to SAR 13 years ago. In preparation high school students to hear stories.” With credible film shorts and selected several for nual Filmfest, in partnership with the na- for LUNAFEST, students are taught skills of that in mind, Meier’s Lit and Film class is a their presentations. tionally recognized LUNAFEST, on Mon- film analysis, literature study and critical unique class where students’ interests are Student-led presentations will in- day, February 25, starting at 5:30 p.m. at SAR writing. Public speaking and presentation piqued when given the chance to study clude technology in film; films without High School. Guests are invited to attend skills are part of the course and text themes film. Students learn how the importance dialogue; youth in animated films; com- this exciting event, which was attended by and films are related to the adolescent ex- of a director’s choice, be it with lighting, edy in film; the power of thrillers; so- hundreds of people last year. perience. sound or costumes, can “unlock the the- cial media for women; using animation The SAR Filmfest is committed to de- For the past five years SAR’s Lit and Film matic values of the film.” Meier further ex- to address real world issues; the effect of veloping empathy and mutual understand- class attended the Jewish Museum’s “Mov- plained, “Rather than let the films (or TV technology on relationships; and social ing of our communities. SAR is partnering ies That Matter High School Film Festi- shows) dictate their lives, I want to help the media’s potentially devastating impact on with LUNAFEST because of the shared be- val.” Sessions with the teaching artists have students understand their power in con- people’s lives. lief that by seeing and discussing excep- been structured around questions of un- structing narratives of their own.” Recognizing the importance of SAR High tional filmmaking, we can achieve more derstanding and assessing the films. A pri- Meier also wants to help students be- School’s Filmfest, Meier was awarded grants open and honest communication. Using mary goal of this year’s partnership was to come better readers and writers. “Some stu- from The Jewish Education Project (JEP) for film shorts, students will engage the audi- help the students imagine new aspects of dents take my class because they’ve given both the 2018 and 2019 Filmfest. ence about current issues in the Jewish and enhancing the film festival experience. For up on literature. In a way, they feel that they SAR High School is located at 503 W. modern world. example, recognizing the importance pub- don’t have the close-reading skills to appreci- 259th Street, Bronx, NY. The event is free, The festival will include student-led licity plays toward achieving a success- ate a literary text.” By interpreting and ana- made possible by grants received from The presentations, a reception, the film screen- ful filmfest, students were asked to design lyzing film adaptations, students become Jewish Education Project. For further infor- ings and a post-screening discussion. clear and engaging posters reflecting their more comfortable with close-reading skills mation about Filmfest, please contact Ora The SAR Filmfest is part of a two-se- experience as a SAR high school student. of both film analysis and literary analysis. Meier at [email protected]. Stein Yeshiva Has Fun Winter Camp MTA Supports Sharsheret Pink Day MTA talmidim, rebbeim and faculty were proud to support Sharsheret Pink Day on Wednesday, February 13, and raised more than $500 for Sharsheret’s vital programs and services.

Many families travel and go away for vacation during the yeshiva winter break. For students who do not go away, Stein Yeshi- va offers a fun and unique opportunity to attend winter camp right at school! The Stein Yeshiva Winter Camp runs a fun week of fun and engaging programming during the week WDS Third Graders Learn of winter break, the second to last week of January. How to be Astronauts During the week, the children enjoy STEM focused projects, such as a 3D wa- Third grade junior astronauts participat- tual” outer space. The commanders were so ter-colored pictures using glue and salt. The ed in a very unique science program called impressed with the children’s knowledge, children observed how the paint travels and B.L.A.S.T., Building and Learning Around Sci- curiosity and excellent participation. spreads quickly on the salt even though they ence and Technology at the Buehler Chal- did not put any paint on it! Through their lenge and Science Center in New Jersey. activities, the children investigated the pro- Teamwork was the theme as the students cess of salt absorption and were fascinated learned how astronauts live and work in to watch it happen right before their eyes. space. Using a hands-on approach, the class- Between their busy art projects and science agreed pajama day was their favorite dress es explored speed, motion, robotics and cir- experiments, the children squeezed in time up day as they drank hot chocolate and cuitry. Each child had the opportunity to op- to play in the school’s bouncy castle, move counted the mini marshmallows that ﬂoat- erate a robotic arm to retrieve objects just as around the room in a class dance party and ed in their cups. The yeshiva was happy to astronauts do in space. Before leaving the enjoyed a wacky rainbow stripes dress up welcome back all of its students to school science center everyone walked into a space day! The yeladim certainly had a great va- following the camp and hope that everyone shuttle, buckled up and blasted off into “vir- cation right in their own school. Everyone enjoyed the vacation. WDS Takes First Place in Debate Match

Westchester Day School won first place bate league. The entire debate team did an at its second debate match of the academ- incredible job preparing for the meet and ic year, in the yeshiva middle school de- made WDS very proud. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 27 SCHOOLS MTA Represents China At YUNMUN After months of intense preparation, fif- to international law to the status teen MTA talmidim participated in the Ye- of the South China Sea. Many of shiva University National Model United MTA’s delegates were cited by their Nations, which was held on Sunday, Feb- committees for their outstanding ruary 10, through Tuesday, February 12. The preparation and work and Rafi Sa- conference, located at the Crowne Plaza in perstein (’20) was awarded a Best Stamford, included 45 yeshiva high schools Delegate Honorable Mention for from all over the United States, Canada, his work on the Disarmament and Brazil, South Africa and Great Britain. MTA International Security Committee. the many opportunities they had to partic- represented China and team members par- In addition to learning about the UN and and also enjoyed making new friends from ipate in optional shiurim and the ability to ticipated in UN committees debating reso- China, MTA’s team members gained valu- other schools. The team had an incredible daven with a minyan each day, as they are lutions on topics ranging from slave trade able diplomacy and public speaking skills experience, which was greatly enhanced by true bnei Torah. Stein Nursery Asks ‘How Full Is Your Bucket?’

The yeladim of the 3 year nursery at ated hand-made mitzvah notes. First, the All together, the yeladim filled up their Stein Yeshiva want to know: Have you yeladim used ink stampers on textured sur- giant luchot with all of their completed ever walked around with a bucket on your faces for a beautiful multi-textural effect. mitzvah notes! What a beautiful way to head? Buckets filled with what, you ask? To give their notes a multi-layered look, share their mitzvot with everyone! Mitzvah Mitzvot and good midot, of course! the yelaidm added die cut flowers, leaves goreret mitzvah—keep up the great work, Kitah 3N is working hard on doing lots and hearts. The notes were then sent home kitah shalosh! and lots of mitzvot, each and everyday— for the yeladim to complete together with while also having fun balancing imaginary their parents. “buckets” on their heads. Whether helping a friend, assisting in classroom clean up, returning a lost item, at home or in school, the yeladim are filling up their “buckets” and boy, are they overflowing! What better way to bring together and in the shape of the luchot from their par- celebrate all of the children’s beautiful mitz- sha learning? vot than with a collaborative visual display To “fill up” their luchot, the yeladim cre-

WDS Educators Participate in Hebrew Workshop camp regesh presents... WDS Hebrew educators joined Dr. Var- dit Ringvald, director of the School of He- brew at Middlebury College, for a moder- ated interview session to assess Hebrew language. The administrative team has been in contact with Dr. Ringvald as part of the school’s seven year plan to advance the level of Hebrew language at WDS. Thank RaKEFet!RaKEFet!tween girls program! you to Mrs. Ament for coordinating and to (grades 6-8) the teachers for approaching this with pas- sion and enthusiasm—and a huge appreci- the summer of a lifetime at ation as well to Dr. Ringvald for sharing her a day camp with a sleep away camp feel! expertise.

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28 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM SPORTS Teaching Life Lessons Through Baseball

By Justin Sherman sons through the game of baseball. For those Baseball is not slow, it’s just different. Pa- who do not know much about baseball, the tience is a life lesson. You need to be nimble I’ve now been coaching youth baseball average player called up to the plate to hit in life, but you need to pick your spots. Like for almost six years. I currently run a private gets called out most of the time. They say if in baseball, being too aggressive can give baseball instruction business in Westches- a player fails seventy percent of the time he’s you some setbacks. Know when to attack. ter, New York. I started my business to make considered a good hitter in baseball. Don’t Finally, baseball is a constant game of ad- a couple of extra bucks giving baseball les- we all have some sort of failures in life? justments. In every game and every inning, sons to kids in the neighborhood. After put- When we do have successes in any endeav- at bat and pitch, you need to be able to make ting up some ﬂyers, making some business or it’s through hard work. Striking out hap- adjustments to set yourself up for success. In cards and getting in front of people, my hob- pens in baseball and in life. The thing you life, not everything is going to go your way; by turned into a business. need to tell your players is to move forward you need to make adjustments in order to After six years of coaching, I am now re- and learn from it. succeed. alizing that coaches at all levels have a major The youth baseball participation rate has If you are a parent coach in any sport, responsibility to their players. Baseball has taken a slight dip, according to some num- you are impacting lives. Don’t take it for so many life lessons. Whether it’s at the lit- bers, due to the pace of play in baseball. Pa- granted. Teach kids how to live while teach- tle league level or professional level, coach- tience is a life skill you learn through the ing how them how to play. Parents are the es have an ethical obligation to teach life les- game. The game is played within a game. backbone of youth sports! Midot Is the Theme of Wittenberg Tournament By JLNJ Sportsdesk

In an exciting face-off, the three-time champion SAR Sting and the returning champion Kushner Cobras both emerged victorious as they tied for first place at the 24th annual Wittenberg Wrestling Invita- tional Tournament. Over 140 wrestlers from 12 yeshiva high schools across the country participated in the event, which took place over President’s Day weekend. This annual tournament encompasses everything that yeshivas are trying to instill in their students, the ability to push beyond The Kushner roster: Sapir Filhart, Tani Shecter, Hanoch Elkin, Joseph The Frisch roster: Yehuda Farkas, Eitan Benhamu, Yoni Katz, Michael their limits and work together as a team, all Wolkoff , Ilan Cohn, Jacob Elstein, Max Yarkony, Yitzy Parat, Jeremy Katz, Froimchuk, Jakie Birman, Yehuda Farca, Josh Samoohi, Ezra Bleiberg, Binny while living a Jewish lifestyle and upholding Joey Dresdner, Yoni Ifra, Daniel Peikes, Shaya Murad, Mike Ciavarro Rivkin, Rami Cohen, Moshe Klyman (coach), Vince DiMitri (coach), Joe Yuskaitis (Coach), Yuval Bussi (coach) and Alex Eligur (coach) Jewish values. The 2019 tournament proved (coach), Coby Kestler (coach) and Ethan Wolkoff (manager). that, at least for these wrestlers, that message had been heard loud and clear. The tournament began on Friday morning, February 15, on four separate mats at The Frisch School in Paramus, continuing on Sunday, with many matches throughout the weekend in the 14 different weight classes, ranging from 106 lbs. to 285 lbs. While the individual wrestlers advanced in the brack- ets, winners also gained overall points for their teams. So, in addition to having 14 individual champions by Sunday afternoon, the TABC’s Max Schechter received the Aryeh “Captain Lou” Zinkin Yeshiva school team with the highest overall score The MTA team. Wrestling Award from members of the Zinkin family. was also to be crowned victorious. Coach Zach Kahan, of SAR, stressed that One of the Kushner wrestlers performed celebrated their amazing and well-deserved Other winners at the tournament were his job is not just about teaching technique a celebratory backflip after a win, which first place wins. Frisch in second place, Ida Crown in third but imparting life lessons. “Wrestling is the caused the team to lose a point due to “un- “Ultimately, the students made the right and TABC in fourth. The Most Outstand- best sport for teaching lessons about Jewish sportsmanlike behavior.” When the points choice, solidifying all the hard work and val- ing Wrestler award went to Yehuda Far- ethics, discipline and work ethic.” were tallied at the end, SAR had a one point uable lessons,” said Coach Kahan. kas of Frisch, with the Dominator award Coach Mike Ciavarro, of Kushner, was advantage. The SAR coaches did not (most pins in the least amount of time) proud of his team’s effort. “These guys came want to win that way. going to Joseph Wolkoff of Kushner. out here and laid it all out there on the mat. “No one wants an asterisk next to Sponsored by the Zinkin family, the That’s all a coach can ask for. It’s not as much their victory,” said Coach Kahan. “We Aryeh “Captain Lou” Zinkin Yeshiva about the winning or the losing, it’s about work hard to win and when something Wrestling award granted $1,800 to Max the effort they give and I am very pleased like this happens it’s unfair. In most Schacter, a senior co-captain of TABC. with how the team competed this year.” cases that’s just sports and we have to That award grants $1,800 to one Wit- The Cobras had a strong performance as all live it with, but not today. Today we tenberg participant each year who has 11 of their point scorers placed in the tour- had the unique opportunity to right a defied the odds to pursue their Torah nament individually. They set a record for wrong and it felt great.” identity while demonstrating a com- the amount of finalists and champions with The SAR coaching staff turned to mitment to the advancement of the eight finalist and four champions. their wrestlers and let them make the TABC Wittenberg fi nalists Mikey Schwartz (junior): fi rst Jewish community. But the big story of this year’s tourna- decision. After a short discussion, the place, 120 lbs. Ben Antosofsky (senior co-captain): fi rst Contributors to this article included ment was not about the wrestling; it was SAR team agreed unanimously that the place, 138 lbs. Gabe Greenberg (senior): second place, 152 Daniel Berger and Yonatan Najman-Licht about the midot displayed by coaches and first place trophy should be shared. So lbs. Asher Powers (senior): third place, 195 lbs. Gedalia of SAR, Coach Mike Ciavarro of Kushner wrestlers alike. together, the two championship teams Akselrod (sophomore): third place, 220 lbs. CREDIT: YWA and Coach Moshe Klyman of Frisch. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 29 REAL ESTATE Gambling in Las Vegas Pays Off

By Shmuel Shayowitz were out of money and required options. es. More often than not, the numbers speak that within 72 hours rates would dip. Once We had a few meetings, and I was able to for themselves. This property was in an ex- that happened, we would be able to cap- I was recently in Las show them creative financing possibilities tremely desirable location, it had a tremen- ture the benefit of a reduced rate and better Vegas, “the gambling and sensible strategies that Approved Fund- dous upside in the long-run, but the num- monthly payments. Fundamentally speak- capital of the world,” ing and I can offer them. They were extreme- bers didn’t present as well on paper. To ing, I saw that mortgage-backed securities and my one and only ly impressed by the diverse products and in- make matters worse, they wouldn’t quali- were undersold and approaching a firm bot- bet there played out novative loan programs that addressed all of fy at these parameters. They don’t have any tom from their recent spikes. My hunch was unbelievably. Practical- their real estate and investment needs. more of their own funds and would need fi- right, and they were able to watch the 10 year ly speaking, the odds were not in my favor, I know that sounds like an infomercial, nancing to acquire this property. U.S. treasuries drop 25 bps, which is when I and I took a risk, but I knew that my intui- but I wanted to emphasize that even expe- Not having worked with them yet, we recommended they lock in their rates. tion was reasonable, so I went with my gut. rienced and savvy real estate investors were didn’t have their full financial profile avail- Saving them $200 a month on their To clarify, I didn’t step foot into any of the surprised that unique solutions exist in to- able, but my team and I worked quickly to mortgage payment was just the amount casinos, but I certainly gambled with a time- day’s lending world to help them maximize confirm the details. From there we got the they needed to qualify and push forward ly decision that paid off. their financial needs. My theory is that many property information for analysis. In the with this deal enthusiastically! I took a I have a client couple who is very active of the current real estate buyers became ac- end, they were ready to walk away from the chance but, for me, it was an educated calcu- in buying houses for investment purposes. tive after the market crashed, and a lot of deal because the carrying costs per month lation which helped me earn the trust and Most of these houses are quick fix-and-flips, their strategies are predicated on the lack of were a bit more than they were willing to business of a family of real estate investors some require more extensive renovations, financing and loan options post-crisis. shoulder. They liked the potential, but the for life. and every once in a while there is a proper- In this particular case, they were buying numbers were such that they simply didn’t ty that they keep as a long-term hold. Before a property that would be a long-term hold qualify. Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is president and chief being referred to me, this husband and wife for them, but it only made sense to them at a Notwithstanding the above, my recom- lending officer at Approved Funding, a privately held lo- team would typically buy their properties all certain price-point. When it comes to real es- mendation to them was to pursue the of- cal mortgage banker and direct lender. Approved Fund- in cash and use personal funds for all of the tate investments, there are many schools of fer but request an additional 15 days for due ing is a mortgage company offering competitive interest transactions and renovations needed. They thought and different investment approach- diligence and closing. We crafted the word- rates as well as specialty niche programs on all types of ing of the agreement such that it was accept- residential and commercial properties. Shmuel has over able to both parties, and gave them “an out.” 23 years of industry experience, including licenses and My suggestion to wait was gambling on the certifications as certified mortgage underwriter, residen- OUR DOORS ARE OPEN! stock and equities market, and the direction tial review appraiser, licensed real estate agent and direct I believed things were heading. FHA specialized underwriter. He can be reached via email Open House I Sunday 2/24 I 9-10 am Based on current market rates the loan at [email protected]. was ineligible, but I all but guaranteed them Tips to Spend Wisely on Household Purchases (StatePoint) Running a household can all-and-end-all for saving. Prices drop all the be expensive, but experts say that there are time. But, how can you keep track of who new ways you can save big on needed items. is dropping them and when? With a track- “The days of clipping coupons may be er app, you can tell the app what to look out of style, but finding ways to save money for and it will notify you when your want- never is,” says Michael McAuliffe, president ed items drop in price. IFTTT (If This Then of Family Credit Management. “From in- That), camelcamelcamel and Price Tracker store apps to price trackers, new tech tools for Amazon will keep an eye on prices for can help.” you to make sure you’re the first to see the • Browser Extensions: Whether you use best deals. Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari • Credit Card Points/Discounts: Cred- or Firefox as your internet browser, there it cards can encourage overspending, but are sites you can visit to add an extension when used carefully and within budget, offer to your searching power. It’s like adding an certain advantages. For example, store-specif- Teaneck Square Apartments additional search box which will know to ic credit cards often offer special discounts, 1475 Palisade Ave, Teaneck look for the best deals out there whenever kickbacks and coupons for cardholders. Re- you are shopping online and compare pric- member though, that any savings you earn Contact us today for an application! es side-by-side, cutting out some of the leg- will quickly be eaten up if you pay interest work for you. Some well-known examples charges. To avoid this trap, never use a cred- Available for immediate occupancy. are PriceBlink, The Camelizer and Invisible- it card unless you can pay the entire balance Hand. in full each month. Also, think very careful- CALL US! EXCLUSIVELY LEASED & MARKETED • Coupon Apps: Mobile apps such as ly about opening a new account, as this can BY LINKS RESIDENTIAL Coupon Sherpa, SnipSnap and Yowza, ena- negatively affect your credit. ble you to scan items while you’re in-store When it comes to household spending, 201.371.1480 and find the best value coupons on the spot. be smart. You can stay within budget by TEANECKSQUARE.COM • Price Drop Alert Trackers: Don’t make practicing spending discipline and leverag- the mistake of assuming Amazon is the being the latest tech tools.

30 February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM REAL ESTATE Home Updates That Make Sense V&N REALTY GROUP

LINDA STAMKER KAREN SELIGER

SOLD! UNDER CONTRACT Let lighting take center stage in your home’s design.

(StatePoint) Whether you’re remodeling nature look. Now, they are pioneering a new for a fresh take on an old style or contemplat- trend in home culinary spaces. Pantries are 512 W Englewood Ave, Teaneck 9-11 Madison Ave, Paterson ing a new build, there are choices you can re-imagined to not only be practical, but a make that will definitely pay off, say experts. spot to display the homeowner’s hobbies To add value to your project, consid- and interests. Think useful collectibles like er these recommended tips from Stephen olive oils, wine or beer. Lighting this room Quick of Stephen Alexander Homes, build- properly is a must, as the light needs to be DEBRA BOTWINICK ESTHER SHAYOWITZ er of the 2018 Coastal Virginia Magazine Idea functional, yet have an added element of House. drama to showcase the hobby. Once an afterthought, lighting takes Beyond mere dollars and cents, make center stage in a home’s design. “Consider style choices based on the manufacturer your lighting needs at the start of the pro- rather than the component. As a builder, ject. Wait too long and it can become expen- Quick starts with a “basket” of necessary ele- sive to move or add lights,” advises Quick. ments, but it’s how they are applied that ul- When planning lighting basics, think of timately makes the design special. the design as a whole: choose your decora- Consider engaging an interior design- JUST LISTED! tive lighting fixtures at the same time you er. Even with a smaller remodel budget, hir- choose recessed. A large fixture throws a lot ing an expert who knows which brands give of light, so keep adjacent recessed lights to a you the most bang for your buck is worth 91 Sussex Rd, Bergenfield 107 Greenwich Dr, Bergenfield minimum. their fee. You’re more likely to end up with 5 Bedrooms • 3.5 Baths • $759,000 6 Bedroooms • 3 baths • $529,000 Dimming capabilities are a must, and the look you want at a price that is worth Quick recommends using “smart” dimmers the investment. like Hubbell’s iDevice to customize the dim- Paint is one of the biggest design tools ming range. The control offered by these at your disposal. “A new coat of paint sets LINDA STAMKER DEBRA BOTWINICK dimmers means you can use larger state- the tone for everything. Choosing the per- ment lighting pieces with many bulbs to cre- fect colors can be hard, but paint companies ate amazing, but not overwhelming, spaces. are on target with the latest trends within Quick tends to use lighting with a classic the color spectrum, adding colors that hit foundation, but loves to play with the eclec- the mark to give your spaces a fresh look,” tic. Adding a bold piece that is “whimsical” says Quick. in an unexpected area offers a surprising fo- And if you don’t like the color once it’s on cal point, he says. the walls? “Don’t be afraid to change it. Paint “We’ve relied on Progress Lighting for is not expensive. It’s more expensive to keep twenty years,” says Quick. “Especially in the a look you don’t like.” past few years, as they’ve taken giant leaps For design ideas, visit progresslighting. in design.” com/styles. 2150 Center Ave, 16G, Ft Lee 574 Maitland Ave, Teaneck Stephen Alexander Homes incorporate When making home updates, think of The Regency 5 Bedroom • 3 Baths • $649,000 “lifestyle focus” open floor plans as their sig- those projects that will pay off the most. 2 Bedrooms • 2.5 Baths • $240,000

MORTGAGES RONNIE FABER Purchase Loans. Refinance Loans. ...And Everything In Between • Our Local Processors Shmuel Shayowitz • Our Local Underwriters President - Mortgage Banking • Our Local Appraisers Direct Lender NMLS # 19871 • Our Common-Sense Decisions • Our Lowest Wholesale Rates (201) 833-0123 ADJACENT PROPERTIES • Our Quick Approval and Closings [email protected] JUST LISTED! 415 New Bridge Road, New Milford 409 New Bridge Road, New Milford 100 x 260 Ft • High Ceilings Your Local Mortgage Bank! Approx 76 x 234 .41 Acre • $449,000 4 Bedrooms • $525,000 (800) 475-0123 www.approvedfunding.com

LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER NMLS#5411 • NY/NJ/CT/PA/FL/TX/IL FHA/VA DIRECT LENDER THOUSANDS OF CLIENTS. BILLION$ IN FUNDING. THREE DECADES OF SERVICE 201.692.3700 | [email protected] | vnrealty.com

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM February 21, 2019 • 16 Adar A, 5778 31 Passover 2019

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