Exposing the I.S.M. Heard in the Bagel Store

See Page 6

See Page 8 $1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 11 NO. 6 14 CHESVAN 5771 trhu ,arp OCTOBER 22, 2010 INSIDE BIG STRETCH RUN PUSH FOR BECKER FROM THE EDITOR Olympians We’re Not Talmid X 17 BY LARRY GORDON Settlers Are Human Why Not Taub? Ron Jager 35 As a community, we tend to Shabbos Yerushalayim kowtow when it comes to R’ Nison Gordon, z’l 36 praising and appraising elected Inherit Or Disinherit? officials chosen to or hoping to R’ Meir Orlian 43 represent us in some fairly influential legislative forums. Esther Epstein, a’h Certainly this year, there is no shortage of vital and con- Rabbi Yair Hoffman 81 PhotoByBrianG tentious races on almost every level that the world happens to r auer be watching and that can At a Tuesday reception in the New York offices of Weil Gotshal & Manges to support Francis Becker, the change the direction this coun- Republican candidate for the 4th District running against incumbent Carolyn McCarthy are (L–R) Phil Rosen, Ambassador John Bolton, Fran Becker, and Eliot Lauer. Polls show the race too close to call. See Page 80 Continued on Page 6 EXPOSING THE I.S.M. HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

BY TOBY KLEIN Network, who is currently in And Now, The News... GREENWALD Israel to consult to the Israeli Justice Department on the BY LARRY GORDON bickering and fawning over Bat Mitzvah of Part I involvement of the ISM in the Republican gubernatorial candi- Meira Nussbaum. Is the International Solidarity cases of the flotilla and Rachel We have to somehow debunk date Carl Paladino. Paladino was See Page 79 Movement (ISM) composed of Corrie. this long-held notion that con- recently maneuvered and non-violent peace activists or The trial has already deter- tributing one’s efforts to the manipulated by self-serving and supporters of terrorism? mined that Rachel Corrie was political sphere ought to neces- self-promoting individuals to The answer is clear to Lee not protecting a house, as earli- sarily be labeled “public service.” promote their own important Kaplan, investigative journalist, er claimed. Cindy Corrie, From even a cursory glance at but nevertheless narrow agenda. senior intelligence analyst, and Rachel’s mother, is still claiming the process, it is simple to con- To me, Paladino looks more communications director for clude that it is anything but. the Northeast Intelligence Continued on Page 23 Case in point is the rabbinical Continued on Page 14 Scholars With Distinction A Great, FROM MINERS Tragic Divide TO GEDOLIM Students write software to gives criminals a WHACK. B Y RABBI AVI SHAFRAN BY RABBI DR. See Page 66 CHAIM WAKSLAK The timing couldn’t have been YOUNG ISRAEL OF LONG BEACH more uncanny. Or more sad. It was the week of the Torah The entire world was capti- portion of Noah when a flood of vated by the miracle that invective poured forth follow- occurred in Chile—the rescue of ing a statement by the New 33 miners following their being Jersey Jewish Standard, a region- ensconced underground in a This year’s group of HAFTR AP Scholars. See Page 54 Continued on Page 26 Continued on Page 27

Anne and Sheldon Golombeck, AMIT honorees. See Page 60

CANDLE LIGHTING October 22 – 5:46 PM October 29 – 5:37 PM 2 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 3 FEATURES

Around The Five Towns 48 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 Classified Ads 72 [email protected] [email protected] Daf Yomi Insights LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 20 Publisher/Editor Managing Editor YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON The Dish Sales Managers Elke Probkevitz 70 CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Editorial Assistant Five Towns Simcha Glamorous Pics/Naomi Cohen 79 SIDI BARON YAKOV SERLE Insights On The Torah Sales Representatives R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 38 SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC R’ Shai Taub 57 Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Letters To The Editor 16 Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Yoni Glatt, Luach 6 Toby Klein Greenwald, Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz, MindBiz Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, Esther Mann, LCSW 46 Elke Probkevitz, Dr. Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Rabbi Avi Shafran, Mother’s Musings Rabbi Ben Tzion Shaﬁer, Rabbi Meir Orlian, Phyllis J. Lubin 32 Eli Shapiro, Dr. Ari Sher, Samuel Sokol DOV GORDON, ELISHEVA ELEFANT Real Estate Staff Graphic Artists Anessa V. Cohen 40 IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers That’s The Way It Is! Hannah Reich Berman 42 FRANKEL & CO. Design & Production Tidbits From Israel TALIYE CORLEY Ron Jager 35 Art Director

The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- Travel 58 paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not The Year In Israel responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or Talmid X 17 establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times.

4 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 5 FROM THE EDITOR helplessly observed as members of the many of us absorbing as much as a 40 anti-incumbency movement and an Continued from Front Cover House of Representatives voted—not percent increase in health-insurance effort to finally place the right people necessarily in our best interest, but premiums. who can get the job done into elected try takes for years to come. rather based on what they thought was And today, ten days before the office. Voters have had enough of names If any of us have in the past underes- best for their careers and survival in the midterm elections and with the presi- that sound good or that we are familiar timated how critical the composition of Obama Democratic Party—for the president facing a prognosticated colossal with as a reason to re-elect a candidate. Congress is for everything that happens dent’s heath-care plan, which instead of repudiation by the American people of The leadership of this country is failing in this country, then just think back a making health insurance affordable for his agenda for this country, Mr. Obama on a broad variety of levels; it is nothing relatively short time ago. Recall how we businesses in this country will have remains relentless in his campaign to other than common sense to want to raise our taxes and essentially redistrib- replace the management team and give ute the wealth in this country. And new leaders with fresh ideas the oppor- that’s not all; in fact, there are extensive tunity to get the job done. This approach additional factors that make the benefits all of us. November 2 election extremely impor- For us in the Orthodox Jewish com- tant for all of us. munity, there is a long-held and tradi- Still, though they may not represent tional belief that we are better off having our best interests as taxpaying citizens someone else—meaning someone other or as a Jewish community that deeply than a member of our community—to cares about the security of Israel, we. do our bidding even on vital issues of the as election districts and communities, day. Granted that there are very few reflexively vote incumbents back into instances of having homegrown talent office as if we were robots obeying willing to throw their hat into the ring some preprogrammed command. Not and get involved in the often tough and to follow that maddening crowd of thankless electoral process. knee-jerk reactors takes thought, As a result, we end up with represen- deliberation, and effort. tation in places like the United States Even a cursory view of news coverage Congress by people who are considered these days features intense talk of an dear and close friends of the Jewish community only to learn that the reality is precisely the opposite. And that is the case, for example, in Queens, with longtime Congressman Gary Ackerman. No one doubts that Ackerman is a good and well-intentioned man. Local residents will tell you that he cares deeply

Continued on Page 10

CALENDAR LUACH Oct. 22-Oct. 30 ZIP Code: 11516

14 Cheshvan Friday, October 22 Daf yomi: Avodah Zarah 69 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/teﬁllin: 6:20 am Sunrise: 7:14 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 9:20 am Gr’a 9:56 am P’lag ha’minchah: 4:56 pm Candle Lighting: 5:46 pm 15 Cheshvan – Shabbos Saturday, October 23 Shabbos Parashas Vayeira Shabbos ends**: 6:45 pm 72 min. 7:16 pm 21 Cheshvan Friday, October 29 Daf yomi: Avodah Zarah 76 Earliest tallis/teﬁllin: 6:27 am Sunrise: 7:22 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 9:23 am Gr’a 9:59 am P’lag ha’minchah: 4:49 pm Candle Lighting: 5:37 pm 22 Cheshvan – Shabbos Saturday, October 30 Shabbos Parashas Chayei Sarah Shabbos ends**: 6:36 pm 72 min. 7:06 pm * All times from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag 6 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 7 8 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 9

FROM THE EDITOR year and this is the election. Which openly expressed puzzlement at how Meeks in the general election. This, Continued from Page 6 leads us to try to understand the attach- quiet Meeks has been as he abstains however, is not a conventional year and ment, at least of our Jewish community, from any campaigning while waiting Mr. Meeks’s days in office are numbered about the residents of his district and to the reelection of Congressman for the other shoe to drop in the inves- because of an expected and impending fights for their fair share of the multi Gregory Meeks. Meeks may be a nice tigations. indictment on fraud charges. trillion-dollar deficit that our grandchil- guy with a fairly decent relationship His supporters expect him to issue a Taub has worked very hard over the dren will struggle to pare down. with the rather small Jewish communi- letter this week asking President Obama last six months to become the first On perhaps the most vital issue of the ty—Far Rockaway and Bayswater—that to issue an order of clemency for Orthodox Jew to be elected to the day, however, Mr. Ackerman has gotten it are part of his district. But Meeks is dis- Jonathan Pollard. Where has Meeks Congress of the United States. He is all wrong. His close identity with groups tracted with an assortment of legal been on this issue for the last ten years? running in a very ethnically diverse dis- like J Street—the so-called pro-Israel and problems that have kept him busy for Issuing such a letter is like releasing a trict and has great relationships in sev- pro-peace movement—which has recent- most of the last year. statement that declares the sky blue or eral ethnic communities in his district ly been brought to the fore, demonstrates including the Guyanese, the Indians, at best an unforgivable ignorance that and the Sikhs who have mobilized— even according to Israel’s leaders does determined to get Mr. Taub elected. daily damage to the Jewish state. Additionally Taub has reached out to Still Ackerman will be reelected by a There is too much at stake this the African American community in wide margin on November 2. And this the district, appeared before the will be the case even though almost year to be apathetic, look the other NAACP, and has significant support in everyone in Israel’s government from that community as well because Prime Minister Netanyahu down will Meeks, they say, has failed to deliver to tell you that the J Street objective is to way, and believe that all this has the community. hurt and diminish Israel’s interests in a Still, Meeks is the incumbent and the most deceptive fashion. It’s the J Street nothing to do with us. race is neck and neck with Orthodox position that an Israel without Judea Jews in the district able to make the dif- and Samaria and an Israel without East ference between winning and losing. Jerusalem is a stronger and more There is too much at stake this year to secure country. Oddly enough that is be apathetic, look the other way, and also the position to date of the Obama He’s had a problem with an $800,000 the grass green. Of course it is. believe that all this has nothing to do administration. This notion, however, home that he bought in Queens and Still Meeks is being coddled by a with us. It has everything to do with has been conclusively proven to be the nature of his relationship with the small number of community activists in our community and adding an intelli- dangerous and wrong. Just look at builder. He has been identified with Far Rockaway’s Jewish community gent advocate for Israel to the mix in what happened after Israel withdrew Texas Ponzi scheme swindler Alan while there is a perfectly suitable and Washington. Electing Asher Taub to from Gaza in 2005 and from Southern Stanford and has been accused of capable candidate running on the Congress on Tuesday, November 2 is Lebanon in 2000. Both concessions fraudulently raising money for Republican ticket in the person of Asher very doable. All we have to do is make and indeed sacrifices for peace result- Hurricane Katrina victims amongst Taub. I’ve written about Taub extensive- sure that district residents go out to ed in war. We don’t want to see that other things. His closeness to President ly in the past and you’ve seen his ads vote and do it. We will not only be mak- happen again. Obama has kept him relatively quiet on displayed here on these pages over the ing history, we will be making the right If there was ever an election that was the matter of Israel, which is vitally last half dozen or so weeks. In a conven- decision. O ready to throw the sacredness of incum- important to his Jewish constituency. tional election year, Taub would never Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at bents out the window, then this is that His supporters in Far Rockaway have even have thought about opposing [email protected].

10 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 11 tional concessions until Israel receives Fran Becker Welcomed In Woodmere full recognition as a Jewish State, including removing any expectation of B Y RABBI AVROHOM cost New York $1 billion. That can only ents wanted him to have a solid reli- a Palestinian “right of return” to lands SEBROW mean higher taxes for all of us. gious education, so they sent him to a designated as Israel’s after the final- Dr. Galler said that there are 15,000 private school. He knows how difficult stage negotiations. A standing-room-only crowd of well- Orthodox families in our area and we are it is for parents, especially with large Fran Becker’s view on Iran is clear and wishers and supporters came to greet a large enough constituent base to have a families, to put food on the table and unambiguous. A nuclear-armed Iran is an Fran Becker last week in Woodmere. The congressperson who actually represents pay for tuition. Yet at the same time existential threat to Israel, the entire event was held at the home of Dr. David us. Why should we leave the state of these parents must maintain public Middle East, and the world as a whole. and Mrs. Malky Galler. I assumed that Dr. affairs to the status quo, if we have the schools with their high taxes. He is in All options to prevent Iran from becom- Galler must somehow be well-connected power to change it? favor of a tuition tax credit. Parents who ing a nuclear power must be considered, to host an event of this sort. His uncle’s At the event, we were privileged to pay tuition out of their pocket would including conventional military means brother’s cousin must be the campaign hear from the candidate himself. Fran get a tax credit or refund from the or otherwise. manager. A more plausible explanation is Why didn’t Carolyn McCarthy have that Dr. Galler is Fran Becker’s dentist. any event in the Five Towns? Someone Neither is true. Dr. Galler views himself as contacted her campaign and they a poshiter Yid who seized the opportunity explained that the Jewish community to do something for his community and We are a large enough constituent historically doesn’t vote in midterm con- for Israel. He has no political aspirations gressional elections. To stay in power, she of his own. is counting on our not voting. Fran What led to his awakening to the need base to have a congressperson who Becker has a lot of grassroots support. A for congressional change? During the month ago, Carolyn McCarthy enjoyed a flotilla crisis, Israel was being harpooned actually represents us. 20-point lead in the polls. Now that has from all sides. Israel was sharply rebuked all but evaporated. The latest poll showed for its defensive actions. They were a statistical dead heat in the labeled the aggressor. This despite the Becker–McCarthy matchup. The pollster fact that videos clearly showed Israeli sol- noted, however, that clearly the excite- diers were being attacked. Where were Becker said that he has been hearing Unites States government. ment and momentum is on Fran Becker’s Israel’s supporters in Congress? Why from seniors that they are afraid of los- Fran Becker knows that the U.S. gov- side. The only way McCarthy can possibly were all our elected officials quiet save ing their doctors. Obamacare authorized ernment must view the security and win is if we don’t vote. for Eric Cantor and Peter King? Where the government to cut reimbursement prosperity of Israel as a vital U.S. inter- At the event, Dr. Galler pointed to the was Carolyn McCarthy? Shouldn’t she rates for doctors seeing Medicare est. The world gauges America’s strength map of our district and demonstrated amplify our feelings and concerns? The patients. Already many doctors refrain and resolve by its treatment of Israel, how this election might very well be sad truth is that she doesn’t. from seeing Medicare patients because and every U.S. effort to protect and determined by the Five Towns communi- Most of our community—and, for that of the low reimbursement rate. defend Israel’s interests is viewed ty. Carolyn McCarthy has support in the matter, most Americans—were not in Obamacare just exasperates this already accordingly. Pressuring Israel to make areas around Mineola. Fran Becker has favor of Obamacare. Yet, Carolyn untenable situation. painful concessions in the name of support in the areas around Lynbrook. McCarthy still voted in favor of it. One Fran Becker knows what type of bur- peace is farcical, considering the numer- The Five Towns community must come provision of this federal law mandates den tuition is placing on our families. ous painful concessions Israel has made out in force on Election Day and vote for that the states provide insurance and will He comes from a family of 12. His par- so far. Israel must not make any addi- Fran Becker. O

12 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 13 BAGEL STORE fall from that position just as quickly, or Paladino really has no chance to win and Citizens Council. The investigations into Continued from Front Cover you want to do the prudent thing to get this would be the rabbi’s opportunity to Lopez are multitiered, mostly dealing your candidate elected. The way Levin garner national headlines while promot- with fraud and misappropriations of gov- surprised than anyone else out there that and Caputo went about it was much ing an agenda he has been committed to ernment money. he’s managed to progress this far in the more of the former than the latter. all his life. The relevance to Williamsburg is that political process. At the same time, it is So they made their point that the gay The entire sordid episode, along with Lopez had supported the part of the easy for the common man to identify lifestyle represents social dysfunction the fashion in which another local race is Satmar sect that follows Reb Zalman Leib with Paladino’s disheveled and more than anything else and that if we playing itself out while interfacing with —who is in ongoing struggles with his ungroomed look while indulging in “tell elect Paladino we would not have to be the Brooklyn Chassidic community, leads brother Aharon for control of the valu- it like it is” plain talk that makes many subjected to the “brainwashing” that one to wish for new levels of separation able real-estate assets of the group. feel like he is just one of the guys sitting comes with trying to indoctrinate society of religion and state issues. Political Somehow the Aharon side, or the around shooting the breeze, as they say. with the idea that same-sex marriages maneuvering and equivocating being “Aronies” as they are known, see the It is precisely this impression and his potential downfall of Mr. Lopez to be a lack of preparedness that made Mr. catalyst for them to once again organize Paladino a target of political activist and their efforts to retake Williamsburg. former New York mayoral candidate The issue is not ideological or reli- Rabbi Yehuda Levin. Levin had his shin- The entire sordid episode leads one gious differences. The two factions have ing moment with a good amount of what no such differences, as both are devoutly they call “face time” on local news. But in observant. So what is the dispute really the aftermath of the near disaster that he to wish for new levels of separation about if not plain old-fashioned and presided over for Mr. Paladino, Levin has unmitigated power, influence, and once again been relegated to the sidelines of religion and state issues. money? And that’s why the media enjoys and to the irrelevant file in the process. reporting the story so much. The Aronies, I don’t think it is necessarily a question whose stronghold is in Kiryat Joel in of what the people who attended the rab- upstate New York, are threatening to binical meeting in Williamsburg with Mr. exploit the Zalies’ weakness, according Paladino were doing there. One look at should be an acceptable societal norm. what it is seems to make it into the top of to the New York Post on Sunday, along the blank faces on the video that scanned The entire bizarre charade that played the news in New York when it involves with the waning political influence of the room and it is easy to conclude that out in Williamsburg last week may have Orthodox Jews. Vito Lopez. probably few even understood what served this very specific purpose, but at And that is the case once again back in According to the Post, the real-estate Paladino was talking about as he rambled the same time it also knocked the Williamsburg. Vito Lopez is the assembly- portfolio of the Satmars in Brooklyn his way through a statement prepared by Paladino campaign back on its heels and man from the district that includes the exceeds $375 million. I suppose that’s Rabbi Levin and campaign manager Mike for a loop from which it may be impossi- densely populated Chassidic community. something to become both exercised and Caputo on the issue of same-sex marriage ble to recover. He is also the head of the Democratic animated over, despite the piety and and gay rights. Throughout the race—which began in Party of Kings County and wields a great humility that most of the Chassidim Clearly, it’s one thing to force your per- earnest following the September primary deal of power in particular when it comes would prefer to be known for. The paper sonal or even a communal ideology on an when Paladino defeated former Long to public housing in the community. This reports that members of the Aronie fac- entire population and quite another to Island congressman Rick Lazio— is of significant importance in William- tion are planning on a physical takeover do so over the entire state of New York. Paladino has trailed in the polls behind sburg. Lopez is currently under no fewer of buildings and shuls that until now Either you want to make quick points Democrat Andrew Cuomo. It just might than three separate investigations related have been controlled by Zalman Leib’s that race to the top of the news and then be that Rabbi Levin calculated that to his Ridgewood Bushwick Senior followers. One leader of the Aronies said

14 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES that he would not be surprised if riots deride. And that is the trap that personal- would result from the anticipated move ities like Levin and even the Satmar lead- to force. ers have fallen into. Interestingly enough, that’s where The Times, the Post, and the TV news Satmar comes in conflict with Rabbi outlets care little about the reconciliation Levin, the Paladino supporter, as well. of Jewish law and any particular candi- The Satmar rabbis are supporting Andrew date. Their interest tends to be aroused Cuomo for governor and have hosted when they detect their proverbial “man well-publicized meetings with him. Levin bites dog” story. Or translated more loose- has been a staunch opposition force to ly, if Jews, who have a long-held tradition the encroaching legitimization of the gay of care and tolerance, can be seen as lifestyle and views the acceptance of can- being uncaring or intolerant, then that’s a didates like Cuomo as an acceptance of great and interesting story that viewers what he considers untenable positions. and readers will enthusiastically buy into. Making peace with same-sex marriages or We know that’s who we are; the job or abortion rights, Levin has always con- even obsession of the media is to illus- tended, flies in the face of the fundamen- trate or demonstrate that we are exactly tals of Torah and halachah. the opposite of what we as a larger and Few of the personalities involved in greater community claim to be. this debate will disagree too vociferously This doesn’t mean we should resist with Rabbi Levin. They do see, however, plunging ourselves into the political the need to set aside their approach to process when our interests as citizens can opposing legislation they find objection- be served. What it does mean is that we able, for the greater good of their overall need to be cautious and cognizant of the communities. As rabbinical leaders, they fact that every effort will be made to have apparently determined that, politics paint us, as a community, as being some- being what it is today, it is impossible to thing we are not, but rather something be in full and complete agreement with that the media needs us to be. O every position adopted by a candidate. Levin doesn’t see it that way. Rather, his Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at approach is that certain issues are of such [email protected]. a fundamental nature that based on those positions alone a candidate should be rejected, in particular by those identified with Torah lifestyles. The not-so-well-kept secret is, howev- WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? er, that this is not the way the media E-MAIL US AT views or deals with these situations. The desire nationally and in particular here in [email protected] New York is to reduce those in the news to characters who are easy to ridicule and

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 15 Rockaway area, where so many YU stu- donate, Alyn Hospital can really use your dents and alumni make their home, and I help; you can visit www.wolusa.org/aviru- look forward to deepening that connec- bin or www.wolusa.org/markrubin. You can tion. Every member of my family has also mail checks to 250 Ocean Avenue, attended a YU school and my understand- Lawrence, NY 11559 made out to “American ing of the university as a community of Friends of Alyn Hospital.” people with diverse experiences and shared Mark Rubin values will shape my work. I welcome your Lawrence Fuzzy Feeling Just Fluff schools, including yeshivos “as normal.” readers’ input and recommendations and Dear Editor, This means that children will be taught can be contacted at [email protected]. Tea For You The pictures of 60 Jewish and Muslim that a boy can date and marry a boy, and a Julie Schreier Dear Editor, schoolchildren engaged in a fuzzy, feel- girl can date and marry a girl, no discrimi- Woodmere This coming Election Day provides the good exercise of cooking “side-by-side” in nation! Any school refusing to teach this Jewish community the incredible oppor- Sydney’s Chabad-run community center in will lose government funding or worse. Wheels Of Love tunity to join the political tsunami that is Sydney, Australia surely did not warrant the In this upcoming election on November Dear Editor, overtaking this nation. The power of this importance of its front-page prominence. 2, we must go and vote in the Republican or Yedidyah Herskovics will not be the “revolution” is rooted in anger against The whole concept of coordination Conservative complete line. Their represen- youngest rider from the Five Towns riding overreaching government. The Jewish and cooperation between Jewish and tative will vote against this, and Governor in the Alyn Hospital Wheels of Love. [As community has the potential to join Muslim populations in such inane ven- Paladino has pledged to veto that bill. reported in the October 15 issue.] I will be together with the Conservative movement tures is fraught with inherent challenges Rabbi Isaac Levy riding this year for my fourth time and I with lighting speed all across the U.S. which will remain insoluble as long as Jews for Morality will be bringing my son Avi with me this Jews are closely linked in almost every the putatively “moderate” Muslims con- year who is a junior at Mesivta Rambam. major population center, strategically tinue to maintain silence in the face of YU Shabbaton When I mentioned the idea last year to clustered in a multitude of districts. We the extremists’ bombings targeting civil- Dear Editor, Rabbi Friedman, he thought it was such a are like an enormous family who give of ians, even other sects in their mosques, Thank you for your coverage of Yeshiva worthy cause that he didn’t hesitate to say ourselves to help each other, once we rec- and beheadings, honor killings, and shari- University’s Community Shabbaton two yes. From past experience, I know that ognize an urgent need. Once in action, ah compliance, which hardly conform to weeks ago. President Richard Joel and our Yedidyah, Avi, and I will have a great expe- there will be no stopping us. What has any civilized and democratic norms. other distinguished speakers were wel- rience while helping Alyn Hospital help kept our community from getting Surely there were more newsworthy comed so warmly; the energy and enthusi- children get better. Not only is it an awe- involved politically are two major factors: enterprises or causes which could have asm were palpable throughout the neigh- some ride, but the ending is very moving. 1. Our strong adherence to guidance merited the front-page exposure? borhood. We’ve received wonderful feed- We end the last day at the hospital with the from our rabbis; but they are prevented Mrs. Fay Dicker back about the weekend from rabbanim, children lined up greeting us. We shake by law from endorsing or opposing polit- Lakewood, N.J. lay leaders, and members of the communi- their hands and they are thrilled at that. ical candidates. As a result, our rabbis are ty and, as Yeshiva University’s new Long We are their heroes, while they are our often prevented from speaking out on Proposed ‘Hate Crimes’ Bill Island regional director, I’m proud to tell heroes by trying their hardest every day. political issues, such as parental choice in Dear Editor, you that this was just the first of many new Then at the closing ceremony, we see them education and other moral issues as they When the State Legislature in Albany initiatives and programs that we plan to riding on their bikes that they use for reha- relate to public policy. convenes in January, it will consider a “hate bring to the community in the coming bilitation. If anyone will be in Israel on 2. Although most Orthodox Jews believe crimes” bill. It will mandate that gays along months, b’ezrat Hashem. October 28, it is worthwhile to be at this school vouchers to be just, and a major with other minorities must be protected There is a special relationship between moving closing ceremony, to see these and their lifestyles must be taught about in Yeshiva University and the Five Towns-Far brave children. If anyone still wants to Continued on Page 18

16 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES just to the routine. It’s a constant struggle, their intensity and thirst for learning. My Olympians, We’re Not… especially when I occasionally succumb afternoon chevrusa, who I learn Gemara and will have a single coffee one morning. bekiyus with, is a perfect example. He’s just But while I’m much more aware on those the type of guy I’d love to be after a year The Year In Israel, Part 11 brochures just for all you moms!), and I rare mornings, I’m conscious of the fact spent growing here. I can’t imagine that I’d BY TALMID X was fool enough to think I could handle that if I get addicted, the days that I don’t be having nearly as good of a time as I am doing one. During my break, on one of the “get my fix” will be much worse than the here if it weren’t for the friendly and dis- Here’s a recipe for disaster if I’ve ever seen past couple of days, I headed out on a current worst ones. Plus, it certainly ain’t tinguished class of shana bet talmidim. one: take one pretty athletic teenager, and packed bus to go and prepare food pack- nutritious, and I’d like to preserve whatev- I went over on my allotted phone min- add two solid months of physical inactivity. ages for local needy families. And, I’m er small bit of health I have left. utes for the first time. Stupid bein hazman- Divide the hours of sleep he used to get in proud to inform you, that after a hearty 15 im. My parents were understanding about half, and subtract all the normal foods and minutes of working as diligently as I could it but I’m going to have to monitor how comforts he had enjoyed before. Now, mul- in the boiling midday sun heaving around After a hearty 15 minutes much I yap on the phone from now on… tiply that by the fact that he’s been under enormous sacks of potatoes, I spent the I also got a haircut, which was a pretty near constant concentrated mental pres- remainder of the afternoon locked away in of working in the boiling big deal for me. I’m a bit particular about my sure during the aforementioned time peri- a bathroom stall, dehydrated and certainly midday sun heaving hair (don’t ask), and seeing one of my pals od, and then put him in the oven (a.k.a. the feeling the effects of it. Fun, right? casually flipping a shaver back and forth late summer Israeli sun) set at approximate- “Choref zman,” I told myself, “we’re around enormous sacks between his hands did little to settle my ly two million degrees for about six hours. working out, man!” While I’m sure others of potatoes, I spent the nerves. In the end it wasn’t so bad, and it’s Wait patiently, and voila! You’ve got yourself have actually stuck resolutely to their not like that much of my scalp is showing. one impossibly sore and woefully out of vows, “we” have yet to begin. Hopefully remainder of the But still, I’m forced to say I miss Ruben’s… shape yeshiva guy! Well done! some of the mental toughness and deter- The weather’s starting to cool down, Our yeshiva’s pre-zman schoolwide tiyul mination I’ve gained through the study of afternoon dehydrated. and the recitation of v’sein tal u’matar has was fantastic. We got a chance to get to Torah late into the night will aid me in already been successful. It rained once, know each other far better, to participate my efforts. But don’t hold your breath— although I don’t know that I would have in some intensely competitive sports, and I’ll let you know when it happens… I feel like I haven’t spoken enough classified the 17 water droplets that fell as to go through some awesome experiences While on the topic of trashing one’s about the older guys here in yeshiva, when “rain” by New York standards. Either way, together. However, the tiyul awakened me body—it’s shocking how many people are they’re such a crucial part of the highly it doesn’t feel like the middle of the sum- to some rather unfortunate truths, the sum addicted to drinking here. Coffee, that is productive and impressive atmosphere. I mer anymore, so that’s a definite plus. of which was that I am currently horribly (What? What’d I say…?). But this is one pretty much try to latch on to the shana Anyhow, I hope this was enough ran- unfit. Sitting in a beis medrash for who trap I won’t let myself fall into. Look, I’m bets as much as I can. That’s because, for dom information to share with you folks knows how many hours a day can do that tired. Dead tired. Nearly constantly. I have the most part, they are a stellar group of back in America, and I’ve kind of got to go to you. Alas, this is a situation which I am an extremely rigorous schedule, and I get brilliant and strongly motivated individu- to night seder now. See, I would stay and going to attempt to rectify, when I’m pret- less sleep than a first-year law student. als who have accomplished so much in chat some more, and then quickly sprint on ty sure the result is going to be the same as Until my body adapts and my Circadian the past 12 months it’s scary. I doubt I’ll over to the beis but quite frankly, I’m a little whenever I’ve tried to work out in the past: rhythm gets in sync, I’m forced to catch ever feel surrounded by so many potential worried the exertion might kill me. O initial optimism quickly followed by up on sleep on weekends and bear the candidates for the upcoming generation’s “Talmid X” recently graduated from a high school unprecedented levels of rationalization burden of my oh-so-heavy eyelids. Jewish leadership positions again. We first in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway community and and procrastination. However, there is absolutely no way I’ll years all speak of them in almost reverent is enrolled in a well-known yeshiva in Israel for the 2010–2011 academic year. Comments and My yeshiva offers chesed opportunities allow myself to get hooked on caffeine. I tones (not an exaggeration—take my word questions for him are welcome at on a fairly steady basis (they put that in the do that, and I know I’ll never truly read- for it), and we derive inspiration from [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 17 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 16 relief from double taxation, they are convinced that vouchers are politically impossible to achieve. The current political tsunami has changed the political cli- mate in the U.S, and anything is now possible. Not only can we win a majority in Congress, by alerting our friends all across the U.S. to vote for Tea Party candidates, we can win a veto proof Congress and pass voucher legislation in the new Congress. It will be in their best interest to pass such legislation, because individual liberty is a central issue in this political revolution. Next year, when the entire New Jersey Assembly and Senate are up for election, we can vote for Tea Party candidates all across New Jersey. They would surely follow the example of their fellow Tea Partiers in Washington. To find the Tea Party candidate in your district visit www.TeaPartyPreferred.com. United We Stand Israel Teitelbaum, Secretary Alliance for Free Choice in Education Morristown, N.J.

Remembering Chana Glenn Dear Editor, I would like to express my appreciation to you and to Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the beautiful obituary of my dear wife, Chana Glenn, ob’m. I was very touched by the way R’ Hoffman was able to touch on the essence of her pure neshamah with such eloquence. With just a few days before going to print, he culled information from me and from her children to tell the life story of my eishes chayil very succinctly. I was proud knowing that you felt her important enough to share it with your readers. Because your readership is so wide, I would like to take this opportunity to express my hakaras hatov to some very special people and organizations, although they would rather remain anonymous. To the Ohel Sarah Amen Group and its leadership for their constant visits and for rally- ing the troops to storm Shamayim with tefillos.Words seem inadequate. To the n’shei chayil of Bikur Cholim of Far Rockaway and Five Towns, and its officers, thank you for keeping us well satiated during our difficult time. To all our neighbors and friends from far and near who visited and who called, thank you for your comforting words and for being in our universe. Hashem should pay you for all your kindnesses and spare you any sorrow. Hashem granted us a beautiful silver lining to dispel our large, dark cloud. A baby grand- 18 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES daughter was born to us during the days of shivah and was named after her wonderful Bubby on the last day of shivah. May her Bubby be a melitza tov for her and all of us and all of you. This is also an opportunity to wish a hearty mazel tov to Editor Larry Gordon and his wife upon the engagement of their son. May you escort him to the chuppah b’shaah tovah umutzlachas, and see much Yiddishe nachas from the young couple as well as from all your children. Mazel Tov. Rabbi Avrohom Glenn and family

Brad Sherman Weighs In On Rubashkin’s Plight Dear Attorney General Holder: Thank you for your past commitment to ensuring that all criminal matters presented to the federal courts by the Department of Justice are handled in a just manner conforming to the highest of ethical and professional standards. In this spirit, I wanted to bring to your attention the criminal case of Sholom Rubashkin, which involves allegations of judicial impropriety and unduly harsh sentencing. Until 2008, Mr. Rubashkin was a manager of the largest kosher meatpack- ing plant in the country, located in Postville, Iowa. The business—known as Agriprocessors—eventually went into bankruptcy following the massive federal immigration raid in May 2008. Mr. Rubashkin was indicted in seven super- seding indictments and went to trial on numerous counts relating to financial transactions between Agriprocessors and a local bank and cattle vendors. Mr. Rubashkin was convicted on 86 counts of financial fraud in November 2009. I would like to first express my serious concerns about the arguments proposed by the government with respect to Mr. Rubashkin’s release on bail. Based on a press article: The prosecutors sought to revoke bail, alleging that Jews pose a unique flight risk as a consequence of the laws set up in Israel after World War II allowing Jews to go to Israel after their near extermination. At the time of the bail hearing, Rubashkin was 49 years old, married, the father of 10, and a citizen of the United States with no prior criminal record. Moreover, he is not an Israeli citizen; he has no bank accounts, property, or assets in Israel; he does not have an Israeli passport or visa; and his wife, children, and parents reside in the United States and are U.S. citizens. Did the Department of Justice ever have a policy of arguing against bail for criminal defendants solely on account of their being Jewish? If so, does it still exist? Such a policy is highly discriminatory, and I request, if it is still in existence, that you publicly reverse it immediately and ensure that Department attorneys do not make such arguments in the future, Secondly, documents produced via a FOIA request may show that Chief Judge Linda R,Reade, the federal judge overseeing Mr. Rubashkin’s case, had a number of ex parte communications with federal prosecutors concerning the preparations for the May 2008 immigration raid on Agriprocessors, (See Case No, 2:08-cr-01324-LRR), According to allegations made by Mr. Rubashkin’s attorneys, these communications were not disclosed to them, as they likely should have been under the law. And, without knowledge of these communications, Mr.

Continued on Page 28 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 19 world be obligated to keep the seven It’s beyond his control. What can he do Noahide laws? They never heard of them! if he doesn’t believe? R’ Elchonon Wasserman, Hy’d, answers Further, how can we expect even this and other questions in the Sefer young adults to believe in Hashem? Kovatz Ha’aros on Masechta Yevamos Rambam wrote that Aristotle was so wise which he published himself. (Most works that his wisdom was close to the level attributed to him were published posthu- needed for prophecy, yet he didn’t believe mously.) The last few pages of that sefer in Hashem. A person is obligated to have several discourses that were written believe in Hashem from the time he turns Who Knows One? on Aggadita. What follows is an adapta- into an adult, just as he becomes obligat- tion of the first piece. ed in all the other mitzvos . How can a Our sages taught that the words “V’Lo teenager be expected to come to an We All [Should] Know One! There are three opinions quoted in the sasuru acharei levavchem,” Do not be led awareness that Aristotle didn’t attain? The Gemara in Avodah Zara poses the Beraisa as to what an individual must do astray by your hearts, are an admonition Moreover, every gentile in the world is following query: What is a ger toshav?A to gain the status of a ger toshav. The sec- against heresy. The heart in this context expected to keep the seven Noahide laws. ger toshav is not obligated in all the ond opinion is that he must publicly usually refers to one’s desires and emo- Hashem will punish all those who didn’t mitzvos that a Yid is. Yet, there is an obli- declare that he will observe the seven tions. However, it seems out of place keep them. What type of cruel joke is gation to financially support him, just as Noahide laws. The third opinion is that here. Heretical ideas are a product of the this? How can they be punished for vio- there is an obligation to support a Yid. Of the individual must accept upon himself intellect, the mind, not the emotions, lating laws they know nothing about? course, even if someone were not a ger additional mitzvos besides the seven the heart. To answer these questions we must toshav, there is an obligation to support Noahide laws. Rashi explains that the dif- A seemingly unrelated question may point out that the fact that Hashem creat- him mipnei darchei sholom. However, ficulty with the second opinion is, what be asked on the Rambam. The Rambam ed the world is obvious and clear to any- that obligation does not rise to the level difference does it make if he publicly in Sefer HaMitzvos lists the very first one who has intellect. Just as one who of support one is required to give a ger accepts them or not? Either way every mitzvah as belief in Hashem. How can sees a beautiful poem would not enter- toshav. This may be similar to the person in the world is obligated to keep there be a mitzvah to believe? Either tain the possibility that is was the prod- halacha that one has an obligation to at least the seven Noahide laws. one believes or he doesn’t. If someone uct of an accidental ink spill, so too the support his family members first, before This raises a question that often both- doesn’t believe in Hashem, chas world, which is much more sophisticat- he supports strangers. ers many. How can every person in the v’sholom, it should be akin to an oneis. ed, is certainly the product of intelligent design. If one were to see a machine that performs one specific task, it would be obvious that its inventor was a skilled person. The human body performs an infinite amount of tasks that are entirely interdependent. Perforce, its creator must be infinitely greater. Although, R’ Elchonon wrote these arguments 80 years ago, they are still relevant today. Consider the following: Dr. Michael Denton, in his book Evolution: A Theory in Crisis describes the intricate organization of nerve cells in the brain [pp. 330 - 331]. There are 10 billion nerve cells in the brain. Each of the 10 billion cells sprouts between 10,000 to 100,000 fibers to contact other nerve cells in the brain, creating approximately 1,000 million million connections, or, 10 to the 15th power. It is hard to imagine the multitude that 10 to the 15th power represents. Take half of the United States, which is 1 million square miles, and imagine it being covered by forest, with 10,000 trees per square mile. On each of the 10,000 trees, which are on each of the one million square miles, there are 100,000 leaves. Add up all the leaves. That’s how many

Continued on Page 22

20 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 21 DAF YOMI INSIGHTS like holding the door open. They felt ness was essentially an instrument of lib- the truth will lead him to the discovery of Continued from Page 20 that after the tiny favor, their judgment eration. The liberation we desired was … the seven Noahide laws. Ignorance is not was impaired. liberation from a certain system of moral- an excuse. If he doesn’t acknowledge the connections are crammed inside your So too, when any man has to make a ity. We objected to the morality because Creator and diligently try to discover His brain. And they’re not just haphazardly rational decision about Hashem’s exis- it interfered with our sexual freedom.” will, it is only because he allowed himself thrown together. They form an incredibly tence, his judgment is impaired. He would Consider as well the frank admission to be blinded by his desires. intricate network system that has no par- much rather be free to engage in the pleas- by NYU professor Thomas Nagel in his They say that R’ Yonason Eibshitz was allel in the industrial world. ures of this world without any conse- 1997 book The Last Word. “I want atheism asked by a gentile, “Your own Torah says Imagine walking by that in the desert! quences. The idea that there is a G-d in to be true and am made uneasy by the you must follow the majority. So why do The natural response when perceiving this world will have a major impact on his fact that some of the most intelligent and you persist in the belief in Torah and design of such mind-boggling complexity life. His conscience or subconscious is well-informed people I know are reli- Hashem? There are many more people is to conclude that there must be a forcing him to accept seemingly implausi- gious believers. It isn’t just that I don’t that follow our religion.” R’ Yonason designer who created it. None of this “just ble scientific justifications to remain free believe in G-d and, naturally, hope there Eibshitz answered, “The Torah only com- happened.” mands us to follow the majority in cases So the question now is really reversed. of doubt. For example, what is the law in How could such a wise man like Aristotle this case? Is this piece of meat from the and other great men not see what is kosher pile? When it comes to the truth patently obvious? Why did they not “It isn’t just that I don’t believe in of the Torah, we have no doubt.” come to the realization that the world is His answer was certainly true, but a product of intelligent design? based on the above we can answer differ- The Torah warns a judge against tak- G-d and, naturally, hope there is no ently. Suppose there was a court case and ing a bribe and tells us the reason for the some judges ruled one way and some prohibition. Ki hashochad yeavair einei G-d! I don’t want there to be a G-d.” ruled differently. If it came to light that chachamim—bribery will blind [even] some of the judges were partial based on the wise men. Even taking a measly bribery or other factors, they would be quarter violates this precept. This pasuk disqualified even though they are the applies to all wise men—Moshe majority. So we don’t follow the majority Rabbeinu as well. If he were to accept of any Higher authority. So there really is is no G-d! I don’t want there to be a G-d; I if their judgment is impaired. So, too, the even an inexpensive trinket from a liti- no intellectual basis not to believe in don’t want the universe to be like that.” only reason people do not believe in gant, his judgment would not be com- Hashem. Heresy stems from caving in to The mitzvah to believe in Hashem obli- Hashem is due to impaired judgment. If pletely fair and balanced even though he one’s desires and pursuit of pleasures. gates us to examine ourselves and remove we were to follow the majority of people was aware of the bribe. The Torah is giv- That is why the Torah admonishes us to any motivational factors from our thought who saw things impartially, namely the ing us a tremendous insight into the psy- not follow our heart. In other words, our processes. Once we do that, belief in tzadikim, Tanaim, Amaraim, Rishonim, chological nature of man. Even a small, thought processes to determine the ori- Hashem comes automatically. It is possi- Acharonim, then we would perforce almost meaningless bribe can render his gins of this world should not be influ- ble even for a teenager to engage in these accept Hashem and the Torah. decisions suspect. Certainly if the judge enced by our desire for earthly pleasures. processes. Even a gentile who thinks May the time come quickly when all was given a large bribe, the effect would Consider the following: The novelist rationally will come to the conclusion that the world will recognize and proclaim be much greater. The Talmud records Aldous Huxley, in his treatise, Ends and there is a Creator. Once he knows that Hashem as King. O that the greatest of our Sages did not Means, says the following: “For myself, as, there is a Creator, he will have to wonder, Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz want to be judges after one litigant did no doubt, for most of my contempo- why did Hashem create this world? Does Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead. He even a small insignificant favor for them raries, the philosophy of meaningless- he want anything of me? This pursuit of can be contacted at [email protected].

22 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Exposing The I.S.M. organized to deliberately help the Improbable Activist Plaza, the campus commons, where that Continued from Front Cover Hamas terrorist regime recruit more Kaplan’s revelations about the move- group was having a demonstration for ISM activists again for Gaza to break ment and how they train volunteers to be the Students for Justice in Palestine, tar- her daughter also served as a human Israeli control of seaports that can be supportive of terrorists are chilling. And geted against Israel. I noticed that on the shield to “protect” Palestinian water wells used to smuggle weapons and terrorists how Kaplan fell into this role is a story of Pro-Palestinian side they had mega- and municipal water workers from the into Gaza. its own. In his youth, he worked out of phones and signs and all kinds of dis- IDF. Kaplan says those wells were in fact Kaplan says, “The ISM poses a greater college as a writer and editor, eventually plays and on the Jewish side they had weapons smuggling tunnels and those threat to Israel’s existence than the becoming the owner of a successful jew- nothing. I said to the pro-Israel demon- workers were Hamas terrorists. Corrie, he armed terrorists do. It is funded by elry business, one of whose stores was strators, ‘Doesn’t Hillel provide you any says, was trying to help kill IDF soldiers as Saudi Arabia, the PLO, Hamas, and was located on the campus of the University kind of support?’ and they said that well as civilians in Israel. organized originally by the PFLP. They of California at Berkeley. Hillel didn’t give them any help at all. Kaplan began his examination of the are the revolutionary communist party The change in his life occurred as he ‘I’ve got some money,’ I told them, ISM seven years ago. He monitors their wing of the PLO and the ISM follows watched the growing presence of because I had just sold my business. ‘I’m activities and fundraising and tries to that line. This is one reason that they’re Hamas and similar groups on campus. going to help you fight back.’ alert both the American and Israeli gov- It was then that he created DAFKA ernments to their activities in advance, (www.dafka.org). It is, he says, “A perfect he says, “to save Israel problems.” Both name. It’s an acronym for ‘Defending U.S. and Israeli security officials have American for Knowledge in Action’ but it used his reports to undertake legal action “We did not have as many also means, in Hebrew, ‘in your face’ and against ISM activists in Israel and the ‘in spite of everything’. It also refers to the United States. time manna fell from heaven and saved According to Kaplan, the ISM has problems with the Arab students as the Jews when they were most desperate, consistently shown itself to be on a most fitting name. the side of terrorist movements we did with the Jews.” “We were enormously effective,” says that prolong the Israeli-Palestinian Kaplan. “We had Jewish students com- conflict and prevent peace. At the ing up and crying and thanking us for same time, he says, Israel’s fear of being there. We screened videos by the creating international incidents has PLO and Palestinian television. The prevented her from cracking down aligned with communist and anarchist But the watershed came in 2003 when, Muslim and Palestinian students would on foreign nationals who are groups in the U.S. and Europe. For exam- “I had gone over to the campus to partic- rant and rave and we’d say, ‘Show us one trained to work in solidarity with ple, International ANSWER or its parent, ipate in the Holocaust Day memorial thing on the table not from your media,’ Arab terror groups. the International Socialist Organization, ceremony. I was wearing a jacket with and they had nothing to say. One Kaplan cites sources statements which calls for a violent overthrow of an Israeli flag on the back and reciting woman came up wearing a chador and made by ISM leaders at national confer- the U.S. government to create a dictator- the names of the dead, and a young she screamed, ‘You’re prejudiced against ences in the U.S. and even a letter to the ship of the proletariat. They march in woman, from the Hillel organization, the Muslim people, and I’m going to Washington Post in which well-known support of Hamas and all the terrorist came over to me and asked me to not complain,’ and I told her, ‘Take every- ISM leaders such as Huwaida Arraf and groups, like Columbia’s FARC, and oth- participate in the Yizkor service because thing on the table into the office and Paul LaRudee have openly stated they ers. They are in close contact with all of my Israeli flag jacket. complain’ and she did, and I didn’t hear work with Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the terrorist groups in the U.S. too.” He ‘I asked her if she was joking and she anything after that because it was all even Hezbollah. This new effort on the refers one to his website: said that it offended the ‘Jews for part of the ISM, says Kaplan, is being www.StoptheISM.com. Palestine’ and pointed over to Sproul Continued on Page 24

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 23 Exposing The I.S.M. sion—the same sort of training that manages the Faisal Youth Hostel in Continued from Page 23 Rachel Corrie underwent—and has the Jerusalem. “That’s ISM Central, according printed training manual to prove his to ISMer Joseph Carr, who maintains he from their own media.” points. At the ISM, he says, they were was with Corrie when she died. I wrote But Kaplan says, “We did not have as given instruction on how to falsify docu- about the Hostel in my article ‘The ISM- many problems with the Arab students as ments, how to lie to Israeli officials, and Terror Connection,’ found easily on the we did with the Jews.” DAFKA and the how to violate Israeli law by deceiving Web,” Kaplan says. ZOA were voted out of the Hillel Jewish border guards about the nature of their ISM leaders speak openly of their student union because “of leftists within visit, their destinations inside Israel, their desire to bring about the demise of the conspiring against them and radicals of identities, and more. “Everything we State of Israel in favor of a Palestinian Jewish descent who really were helping were instructed to do in the course of our State from the river to the sea. ISM offi- the Palestinian group. When they held training while we were in Israel would cials and volunteers have been pho- the vote to vote us out, they didn’t notify involve some form of breaking Israeli tographed in the company of known us so our student leader did not attend, so law,” he says. Furthermore, he says, the terrorists, sometimes holding AK-47 it was a kangaroo court,” says Kaplan. ISM training manuals contain articles by assault rifles. Some volunteers disguise Kaplan became immersed in investiga- radical groups including War Resisters themselves as Jews living in the West tive journalism, including working for League, Act Up, Direct Action, and several Bank, like the woman shown here pho- Front Page Magazine, and he was hired “anti-global organizations, all that pro- tographed with an Al Aksa Martyr by its editor, David Horowitz, as a cam- mote revolutionary violence and adhere Brigade terrorist. pus organizer for Students for Academic to the concept of ‘by any means neces- (To be continued.) O Freedom. While he worked for that foun- sary’ as voiced by Malcolm X, which Conspiring for terror in the West Bank. dation, he began doing research on anti- means violence.” In Part 2, we will focus on Rachel Corrie and Israel activism on the campus and on other dangerous effects of the ISM Middle East studies, abuses on the part ISM Complicity With Terror the ISM. These Pakistani Muslims from of the faculty, and on the part of campus The ISM website is filled with Great Britain entered Israel through organizations such as Students for expressions such as “legitimate resist- Jordan as clients of the Alternative Justice in Palestine. ance” or support for “legitimate armed Tourism Group, an operation set up by Submit your photo to the struggle as well as the ISM motto, “By Andoni to aid ISM volunteers coming to 5 Towns Jewish Times! A Fly On The Wall Of ISM Training any means necessary.” Israel. They then met with the ISM at “While working freelance, I wrote an Other examples of ISM complicity their offices for an entire day in Gaza article called ‘Solidarity with Terror’, pub- with terrorism and cooperation with ter- before proceeding on to Tel Aviv where lished in 2004,” says Kaplan. “I had found rorists has been documented by major they bombed a popular beach bar, Mike’s You can upload your out that the ISM was having a training newswires, including: Place, killing three people. digital photos and see them session on going to Israel. I was already • Hiding terrorists such as Shadi • According to ISM founder Adam identified as a pro-Israel activist, but Sukiya, arrested in an ISM office in the Shapiro, the ISM has Palestinian “han- printed in the weekly edition when I was in my 20’s I had been an actor West Bank. dlers,” or undercover supervisors at all in film and TV, so I dyed my hair and eye- • Hiding of an arms cache that was also demonstrations against Israel. These of the 5 Towns Jewish Times brows and colored my skin and made found in an ISM office. supervisors direct attacks against the myself up to be a Pakistani and I went to • Facilitating the entry to Israel of sui- West Bank security fence and IDF sol- the meeting.” cide bombers who gained entry for their diers. One of the handlers is Hisham www.5tjt.com/sendphotos Kaplan infiltrated an ISM training ses- murderous agendas under the auspices of Jamjoun, a member of the PLFP who also

24 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 25 Great, Tragic Divide to imagine the assembled rabbis similarly about the immeasurably vast chasm Jews today have been led to feel they can Continued from Front Cover condemning a Jewish newspaper’s policy between so large a part of the non- erase it from that canon is not only outra- to, say, not include announcements of Orthodox Jewish community and its reli- geous but tragic. al newspaper based in Teaneck, that it Jews for Jesus events. There is a rather gious heritage. “It is sad to think a small group can had erred by including among marriage large difference, it shouldn’t need to be Few moral precepts are as deeply root- influence a newspaper like this,” said one announcements the intention of two said, between censorship and standards. ed in the Torah as the one forbidding of the young men whose announcement young men to live together as a couple. In any event, newspapers, particularly Jews—and non-Jews as well, since it is begat the controversy, adding—in an According to the Midrash, the great flood nondenominational Jewish ones, are ulti- part of the Seven Noahide unfortunate choice of words, considering in Noah’s time, which wiped out almost mately beholden not to the marketplace Commandments governing all the week’s Torah-reading—“But I’ve been all of humanity, was especially destruc- of ideas but to the marketplace. The New humankind—from engaging in the behav- flooded with support.” tive because of antediluvian society’s Jersey Jewish Standard may be an excep- ior that supporters of the young men He has, indeed. And that’s precisely the endorsement of “writing marriage con- tion, and its decision to cease publication insist must be celebrated in the pages of tragedy. tracts for men.” He and his friend and their supporters The newspaper’s decision “not to run are frighteningly removed not only from such announcements in the future” came the Jewish religious heritage’s teaching in the wake of quiet protest by some local about human relationships but from the Orthodox rabbis. The firestorm of anger There is a rather large difference, it lesson of the Torah portion following that later ensued has caused the paper to that of Noah. consider adding a flop to its flip. shouldn’t need to be said, between In that portion, Lech Lecha, we are Among comments posted online introduced to Avraham, the first of the about the paper’s decision to discontinue Jewish people’s forefathers. He was known same-sex couple announcements were: censorship and standards. as the “Ivri”—the “other-sider,” because, “disgusting and abhorrent,” “craven and Jewish tradition explains, he was not ridiculous,” “despicable” and a “shande.” afraid of taking a stand for G-d and truth Several media outlets, including The New even when the rest of the world remained York Times and the New York Jewish Week, of celebrations of gross violations of the an ostensibly Jewish newspaper. The on the opposite side of the divide. O saw fit in their reports on the brouhaha Torah’s moral code might in fact have Scriptural sources are well known. The Midrash associates homosexual acts not © 2010 Am Echad Resources. Rabbi Shafran is to remind readers of the suicide of a been born of sincere concern for its director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of homosexual college student several days Orthodox readers’ feelings. But it may only with the great flood of Noah’s time America. earlier, as if to subtly convey the notion also have been a cold business decision but with the Canaanite peoples whose that support for maintaining the tradi- intended to not jeopardize subscriptions behavior defiled the Holy Land and tional meaning of marriage somehow and advertisements from the Orthodox caused their expulsion from it. A state- begets such things. community. If so, industry strategies ment in the Talmud asserts that one of At 5TJT.com you can enjoy The Conservative movement’s often change with changed circum- human society’s redeeming qualities has Rabbinical Assembly weighed in with its stances, and the uproar at the paper may been its refusal to countenance the exten- articles in 3 ways: own creative take on the controversy, yet yield a new business plan. sion of matrimony to pairs of men. 1. Read couching it as a “free press” issue and the But the real story here isn’t about a Judaism’s rejection of homosexual newspaper’s decision as “censorship.” community organ or the relative clouts of activity as something deeply wrong can- 2. Print Leaving aside the assertion of a relation- Orthodox and non-Orthodox consumers. not be denied. It is as essential a part of ship between the First Amendment and It isn’t, either, the story of two young men the Jewish faith as the rest of the moral 3. Email simcha announcements, one finds it hard who want to live as a married couple. It is and ethical imperatives in the Torah. That

26 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Miners defeats King Chedorlaomer and his posse. wage battle with an army of only 318 extrication of his nephew Lot from the Continued from Front Cover What happens next? “The king of Sodom talmidei chachamim or, even more clutches of the four kings. Malchi-zedek rec- came out to meet him in the Valley of incredulously, with only Eliezer (whose ognizes that a miracle of such proportion state of virtual captivity for 69 days. It is a Shaveh, which is the Valley of the King” name is b’gematria 318). Despite the indis- must elicit a recognition and expression of well established fact that the parashah of (Bereshis, 14:17). putable odds against Avram, he achieves a gratitude to Hashem as Shem states: “and the week relates to the events that we are The reappearance of the king of definitive victory and in the process res- blessed be G-d, the most high, Who has currently experiencing, and it is therefore Sodom is somewhat problematic. Didn’t cues his nephew Lot, the true reason for delivered your foes into your hand” (14:19). not surprising that the rescue of the min- the king of Sodom just make a fatal swan his going to war in the first place. Avram’s In contrast, the king of Sodom tells ers from the depths of the earth can truly dive into a pit? Rashi makes reference to victory is nothing short of miraculous. Avram “Give me the persons, and take the be classified as a miracle. a Midrash according to which the king of Immediately following this astounding possessions for yourself” (14:21). For the Parashas Lech Lecha describes an event Sodom was miraculously saved. This is victory, the King of Sodom encounters king of Sodom it is “business as usual” and called the “Battle of the Kings” which compared to what is traditionally viewed Avram, “The King of Sodom went out to “what’s in it for me.” He is completely and occurred in the region adjacent to the Dead as another miraculous escape: Avram’s meet him after his return from defeating totally oblivious to the divine interven- Sea. Five kings had been paying allegiance tion; let alone acknowledging Hashem’s to King Chedorlaomer for a dozen years. role or expressing gratitude for his own Deciding that “enough is enough,” they salvation or Avram’s miraculous victory. rebelled. Nevertheless, they were soon van- In witnessing and reading about the quished by a coalition of four kings. For the king of Sodom it is “business events that occurred in Chile, we can react The battle took place at the Valley of in one of two ways: One manner of Siddim, now the Dead Sea (Bereshis, 14:3). as usual.” He is completely oblivious response is to be in awe of the technologi- Among the rebels were the kings of the cal sophistication that was responsible for notorious cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. the successful rescue, the heroism of the The Torah describes what happened to to the divine intervention. miners themselves, the rescuers who risked them on the battlefield: Now the Valley of their own lives to save others, and the Siddim was dotted with bitumen pits; and integrity of the Chilean government to the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, in their spare no expense in the rescue effort. And flight, threw themselves into them, while journey leaving his homeland, birthplace, Chedorlaomer and the kings that were yet, with all of these factors being worthy of the rest escaped to the hill country. and father’s house in Ur Kasdim (Ur of the with him, to the Valley of Shevah which is admiration, we would be most remiss for (Bereshis, 14:10) Chaldeans). Cast in this “fiery furnace” of the Valley of the King” (Bereshis 14:17). failing to recognize the hand of Hashem Sodom and Gomorrah were in an area idolatry, Avram emerges unscathed. Thus, This encounter is immediately inter- throughout this miracle of our times. dotted with bitumen pits. The end result extrication from the depths of the earth rupted (14:18) with the introduction of a Every detail, we are taught, is of signif- would be a biblical version of the La Brea is no less a miracle today than it was in heretofore unknown individual, Malchi- icance in the overall plan of Hashem. We Tar Pits: Two rulers sunken under the sur- biblical times. zedek, King of Salem, whom Rashi identi- take note that there were 33 miners face of the earth to remain for eternity in Of greater significance is that the fies as Shem, the Son of Noah. Following which corresponds to Lag B’omer, the bitumen. parashah teaches us the manner in which this brief encounter, the Torah once again holiday associated with Rabbi Shimon There is one small problem with the one is to respond to a miracle. Rashi returns to the King of Sodom (14:21). Why bar Yochai. Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, kings’ sticky situation; and it calls for a bit points out the army of four kings was a the interruption and what is the message? together with his son, were confined to a more background first. Among those military machine that at that time domi- The Torah’s presentation is designed to cave for a period of 12 years. The Talmud caught in the maelstrom of war was nated the entire region, if not the entire force a comparison between the two types (Shabbos 33a) tells us that the time spent Avram’s nephew Lot, who had settled in civilized world. Ironically, in response to of reactions elicited by Avram’s miraculous Sodom. Avram sets out to rescue him and such a mighty force, Avram sees fit to military victory, against all odds, and the Continued on Page 28

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 27 Miners Continued from Page 27 isolated in the cave and con- sumed exclusively in intense Torah study was a life-altering experience. Although not to be compared with the experience of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, it is hoped that the miners’ miraculous experience will have a dramatic effect on them as well as on all who witnessed this miraculous event. O

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 19 Rubashkin was unable to move for a recusal of Chief Judge Reade, which should have been his right. I request that you review whether any federal prosecutor involved in the Rubashkin case violated his or her ethical and/or legal obligations with regard to these ex parte communications, And lastly, I am in possession of a letter from six former United States Attorneys General, and others, to Chief Judge Reade concerning the government’s initial sentencing memorandum in Mr. Rubashkin’s case. The letter notes that the government’s assertion that a guideline sentence was warranted for Mr. Rubashkin amounts to a “potentially severe injustice,” I am particularly con- cerned about the letter’s statement that the government “erro- neously suggests that a variance from the guideline sentence of life imprisonment would have to be supported by ‘compelling grounds,’ and never acknowl- edges [the] court’s fundamental obligation to make an ‘individualized assessment based on the facts presented.’” Mr. Rubashkin ultimately received a 27-year sentence from Chief Judge Reade, which added two additional years beyond the government’s requested 25-year sentence, As you know, sentences imposed for high-loss, white-collar offenses similar to or greater in severity than Mr. Rubashkin’s charged offenses have been consistently below the guideline sentences, with some judges imposing sentences as low as one year. While I fully respect your department’s discretion in recommending sentences for the criminal cases under its jurisdiction, because of the particular severity and peculi- arity of Mr. Rubashkin’s sentence, I request that you determine whether the government prosecutors in this case engaged in a fair deliberation and paid due respect to all relevant sentencing laws. Thank you for your attention to this matter.I know that you will do everything you can to make sure that Mr. Rubashkin, and every person prosecuted by the United States Government, receives fair treatment. Brad Sherman Member of Congress 28 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 29 30 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 31 The Getaway

I’m hideous! Well, maybe not totally think we would in reality ever use. But hideous, but a bit on the frightening side. it was just too sad to let them expire “You don’t even notice it. I thought it without even trying. In fact, the agent I was just freckles,” said my daughter spoke to explained that this would be a Rochel when I awoke yesterday morning. “random” booking and that when I was The fact that I would think of doing sure of when we would actually want to something so drastic a couple of days travel, we should give the reservations before our big trip is a bit on the cooky department a call. Every so often I side, but that’s “par for the course” (as my would get e-mails from JetBlue with husband loves to say). new flight information as various Lenny and I are going away for a few flights were changed or canceled . . . this days to California. We had JetBlue miles way it was never far from my mind. expiring in April, and to “save” the flights, As October neared, we began to think: I made arbitrary reservations to Long Can we really do this? Can we really get Beach, California for October. Why Long away? October was probably the most Beach one might ask? Well, when I men- ideal time to go—sufficiently before tax tioned a destination to Lenny, the first season for Lenny, and hopefully when thing he thought of was Long Beach the weather would be pleasant. because of the small, efficient airport “Not to fear, the kids will be fine,” my that was easy to deal with. And the fact mom insisted. “Not to worry, we are right that Los Angeles, only a 40-minute trip here, ready to help out. Go away and have from there, is filled with kosher food, fun for a few days,” my mother-in-law was an enticement as well. And most assured us. We are so fortunate to have importantly, getting free tickets to parents who live nearby. Whenever we California was more of a “value” than to are in a bind and need coverage, they are closer typical Florida. ready and willing to help out. When we Who thought at the time that we broached the issue with Rochel, Rivka, would actually go through with it? It and Naftali, they were all on board. was an imaginary “booking” that I didn’t And so, mid-September I officially

32 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

booked the flights for October 17 through October 20. As I said, literally “a few days.” With all the three-day yom tovim this season, Lenny didn’t have much vacation time left to spare, and we really can’t leave the troops for any more time than that.

What if I were “discovered”? Surely that would not or could not happen with bushy eyebrows!

We celebrated my birthday this past weekend. We had already planned on eating lunch at my folks’ house on Shabbos. My mom offered to sponsor our Friday night meal as well. And so my mother and I trudged through the pouring rain on Thursday to choose just the right delicacies that all the cast of characters would enjoy. Surely pota- to nick for Yussie, and of course gefilte fish for Rochel and my father, and various other menu items that we would be sure all the Davidsons and Lubins would enjoy. With the Shabbos fare basically all prepared by Thursday evening, I would be free to finish up some loose ends at work on Friday. I checked my e-mail on Thursday, and noticed I had received an e- mail from my office manager, Joanne, “We will be celebrating Phyllis’s birthday at 12:30 on Friday.” Aw . . . they remembered . . . How cool was that! And so after completing most of the emergencies on my desk, I enjoyed some cake (sorry Weight Watchers) with my friends at Rosenfeld & Maidenbaum, LLP. After returning home and greeting Rivka, Rochel, Lea, and Yussie, I decided to take some time out for myself. What better choice than to get my “eyebrows done.” That entails a pleasant woman pouring hot wax around my eyebrows to give them a better shape. A definite neces- sity if I was to be leaving for California on Sunday. What if I were “discovered”? Surely that would not or could not happen with bushy eyebrows! While sitting

Continued on Page 34

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 33 MOTHER’S MUSINGS event. All of a sudden Yussie looked at me Continued from Page 33 strangely, and without saying a word, began to stroke my right cheek (the worse in the back room waiting to be “waxed” I of the two), and then looked at me with glanced in the mirror . . . look at my face his soulful eyes and said “What . . . just too much fuzz . . . Within ‘appened?” (Remember readers, “h”s are moments I asked the woman to get rid of still hard for Yussie to handle). it all. Anything on my face that could or Not noticeable, huh? I’m hideous, but should be waxed would be. After a few there is nothing I can do about it. Life is minutes of agony it was over. For those just too short to fret over things you can’t who are unaware, hot wax on one’s face control . . . well, maybe I could’ve con- is not exactly relaxing or comfortable. trolled this moment if I hadn’t thought to But it was over, and I was ready for the try something I had never done before talent scouts! right before my trip, but that is just Another glance in the mirror: my beside the point. whole face was red. Not just red . . . beet Yussie hugged me anyway. I guess once red! “Don’t worry,” the wax specialist he realized it was still me, I was worthy of announced, “it will go away in a half an one of his terrific hugs! hour!” With her reassurance I returned My birthday celebration was great! Not home . . . I could handle a little redness only did I get a cake and a happy birthday for beauty, couldn’t I? song at work on Friday, that night my I woke up Friday morning and looked husband surprised me with my favorite in the mirror. I was a mess. Ghastly pim- Bell cake. The fun continued on Shabbos ples all over my cheeks. What was I think- afternoon at my parents’ home for lunch ing? Who waxes their cheeks? But the when I was again serenaded with a big wax specialist thought it was a good idea. chocolate cookie cake! Only a half hour of redness . . . well, the And so, this morning I woke up by 4:00 redness was gone, but I had returned to a.m. and am happy to report that my my teenage years, but with a breakout to breakout has subsided a bit (well, maybe end all breakouts! not, but I am more used to it by now). We “You don’t even notice it . . . I never are all packed up and Naftali is prepared would have known if you hadn’t pointed to take us to the airport. The weather it out,” Rivka comforted me. report in California is not ideal, but we Maybe Rivka and Rochel were right. are going! I’m off to the supermarket for Maybe it’s just in my head and it will go some last minute purchases and then the away soon. fun will begin. Wish us luck! O After getting dressed and all ready for Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & shul, I began the task of getting Yussie Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst dressed. Yes, he can dress himself, but with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. Shabbos shirt buttons are a bit much for She welcomes your questions and comments at him to handle, so it is a collaborative [email protected].

34 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES who behave like children. Their attractive Israel would be brought to a safe haven in families live in attractive homes. They are Judea and Samaria. They were shown fac- Tidbits From Israel broad-minded. All of a sudden settlers tories in which thousands of Palestinian have to fix leaks in the kitchen faucet, Arabs are happily employed enjoying the BY RON JAGER Jew is also a settler. They are presented they pay income taxes, they pay munici- same benefits as all workers within the with personal acquaintances and heart-to- pal taxes, and they have to tune-up their green line. So why report everything Settlers Are Human Beings heart talks with settler leaders, settlers cars and do a yearly road test. They have through the prism of politics when they Sukkos is the festival of the ushpizin, making organic yogurts, settlers ferment- been transformed into human beings. can exchange shared experiences about the traditional biblical guests. And ing world-class wines and pressing olive Something very similar if not identical to their military service, or common experi- because every Sukkos is a Sukkos of oil, settlers who make an honest living and Jews living in Ramat Aviv. ences from the world of high tech? What peace, and because there is no Jew who raise their children to live and love Eretz Suddenly the natural inclination to seemed an impossible reality for Jews liv- doesn’t want peace—as we all know— Yisrael, without apologies. report on the settlers through the prism of ing beyond the green line is in actuality not there are many potential guests. How did they fail to think of this earlier? politics exclusively becomes uncomfort- so different from the towns that they A very long line formed this year at the How did both sides waste decades in vain able after seeing that the reality is much themselves live in; for once they feel more invitations counter of the Shomron arguments, as if Judea and Samaria had not more complex, when the reality is so very common denominators transcending dif- Council. When the council understood ferences than previously assumed. that the seven traditional ushpizin— So as we in Israel have just celebrated those great leaders of ancient Israel—had the holiday of Sukkos, we can rejoice succeeded in implanting the settlers into Why did the journalists become together with our brothers and sisters people’s hearts, it decided to think out of who make it their business to “report” on the box and invite the new shapers of the settlers, hoping that their experience public opinion, mainly journalists from enemies when it’s so simple to connect in meeting real settlers and not the demo- Israel and from among the 350 foreign nized settlers that are portrayed in the journalists stationed in Israel. broadcast and print media, will change Until recently, settler leaders consid- to them as friends, brothers, and sisters? how they report about them. ered journalists the representatives of a I’ll tell you friends, I remain optimistic. hostile media. But now they have discov- Even Fidel Castro, the longtime president ered among them inquisitive types with and leftist icon who stepped aside during a open minds. Only donkeys will not always been here, as though it would disap- different than what has been reported, so health crisis but still leads the Cuban change their opinions, and opinionated pear soon? Why did the journalists become very different from what they had believed Communist Party, only recently stated pub- journalists are the opposite of donkeys. enemies when it’s so simple to connect to in prior to participating in this eye-opening licly that he believes that Israel definitely Operation “Get to know the other” has them as friends, brothers, and sisters, to and mind-opening experience. has the right to exist. O been crowned a success: Senior journal- “open a window” letting them in and put- The panoramic view of Tel Aviv, ists were invited to become acquainted ting aside grudges and stereotypes? Netanya, and Ashdod from the hills of Ron Jager is a 25-year veteran of the Israel with the revivers of Zionism and their The visitors returned home from their Judea and Shomron is beautiful. There is a Defense Forces. He served as a field mental health officer. Prior to retiring in 2005, he served as the enterprises—after all, seeing is believing. visit full of good impressions. Suddenly, pleasant breeze. They were given a bird’s commander of the central psychiatric military They left their moods and their prejudices the cataracts had been removed: The set- eye view and explanation of the strategic clinic for reserve soldiers at Tel Hashomer. Since retiring from active duty, he has been providing for once on standby mode. tlers don’t have horns, they look like significance of these hills for the center of consultancy services to NGO’s, implementing These guests were invited as “objective human beings. They speak in the lan- Israel. They were reminded that in the psychological trauma and psychological education programs to communities in the north, south, and journalists.” For the most part, they are not guage of human beings, milk and honey event of a mass evacuation of the greater heartland (Judea and Samaria) of Israel. To quick to ostracize brothers only because a on their tongues. They have cute children Tel Aviv area, the residents of the center of contact him, e-mail [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 35 Shabbos And Sunday In Yerushalayim

BY R’ NISON GORDON, Z’L climb up the mountain passing the hotel, tion” of Sunday in Israel, which guests week. One would be free from work and which wake us during the week. The from America assume as another free day could visit relatives and friends. During A spiritual Shabbos and a common- building machines which clean plenty of in the week, often mixing up Monday as the week, there is no time to do what is place Sunday. At the pause before the stone pieces from their dirt now rest Tuesday till they get accustomed that not permitted on Shabbos. reading of the Torah in the Beis Midrash from their tiring work. The Jew, who the Sunday is the first workday of the week. I The problem is that one does not want of Ger, the question of a weekday of rest entire week carries Paz-gasoline or ben- once heard a great rosh yeshiva say that to give Sunday a different status because to help the observance of Shabbos arises. zene on wagons to his customers, is in Sunday in America is an example of what of its Christian connotation. It resembles The first glance at the street on shul this morning for the first minyan. scholars meant when they said that the the struggle of Jews in America to do Shabbos morning reminds me of the And the young Teimani who helps him Jews in the Diaspora are idol worshipers away with or lighten the strict Sunday white Shabbos tablecloth which covered sleeps a little later, as is befitting a ben in innocence. Even among the most reli- laws from which Sabbath observers suf- and enveloped the old small towns on melech (son of the King). gious Williamsburg yeshivas, people fer. If in Eretz Yisrael, Sunday would be a the other side of the ocean. It may have rest day it would take away the Jewish been a childish fantasy but in it was a bit arguments about the American Sunday in of reality. On Shabbos, the shtetl had a one shot. However, Friday is a short day different look. The dirty streets assumed since Shabbos comes quickly in the a clean appearance and the gloomy faces At a table, situated near the south evening. Therefore people are limited in became brighter and shone with all their their comings and goings. There is also charm. However, in the town there was the fact that Friday is the Mohammedan a woman shopkeeper who sold a pound wall, sits modestly a prince of the day of rest. What weekday is there left to of sugar or herring behind a half closed pick to halt all commercial wheels? door. A young man, a wise guy, won a bet old Jewish royalty of Poland. Perhaps that time will come but now it is that he would dare ride a bicycle necessary to have a six day work week. through the streets on Shabbos the Not all Jews in Israel go to shul on width of the town’s market. Never- Shabbos, and a few of the young go about theless, the white Shabbos tablecloth the streets wandering aimlessly as if they did not slip off the table. The Shabbos Notwithstanding, there are stains on make their simchas, parties, and dinners were being driven by a secret force. While day still looked different and the Jewish the Shabbos tablecloth in Yerushalayim. on Sunday. Obviously, Sunday is a normal it is a pleasure to look at the happy, care- people looked different. Private autos ride by—many Jews own weekday for them; nevertheless it still free faces of Jewish children who do not This Shabbos distinction has disap- their own cars, k’ayin ha’ra. Small trucks falls into the category of idol worship in know the taste of the Diaspora, of anti- peared from even the nicest Jewish neigh- ride by with a sign “passengers” alerting innocence. In Israel, the Sunday for idol Semitic offenses, at the same time, one borhoods in America. What one feels and us that there are passengers inside. Taxis worship becomes null and void. Here in regrets that they are not “Shabbosdik” sees with the first glance Shabbos morn- also go by. But, there is still a tremendous Israel there is no American “second and do not know of the holiness of ing in Yerushalayim has in many cases in difference between the movements of Shabbos in Diaspora.” There are some Shabbos. Why are they being raised so America been transferred to the alien traffic on Yaffo Road and King George religious Jews who feel that there would that the holiness of Shabbos and Sunday. Here one does not hear the grind during the week and on Shabbos. be more observance of Shabbos in Israel Yerushalayim are so strange and foreign of the motors of the loaded buses as they One should not overlook the “viola- if there would be a rest day during the to them? In the last edition of Beis Yaakov

36 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Journal, published while I was in Israel, this Malchei Yisroel Street, the Gerer previous minister of the first with a gut Shabbos, one notices that this HaRav Tzvi Markovitz, the rabbi of Ramat courtyard was transplanted in all its Government in Yisrael had just complet- Jew is looking at the long lines of Gan, commented that the unrest of the splendor with a magnificent looking ed a session of the World Vaad HaPoel of Chasidim, pushing not to lose their space. youth on the streets on Shabbos and yom building. Here, one finds a gigantic beis the Agudas Yisroel of which he was the However his thoughts are far away some- tov is an expression of inner disquietude. midrash filled, k’ayin ha’rah, with young chairman. There had probably been a dis- where in Bendin, where his father, R’ He then notes that concealed within and old, where everything centers around cussion about which conditions would Chanoch Henich Levine, the son-in-law them lives the essence of their Jewish the figure of the Gerer Rebbe. make it possible for the Agudah to come of the Sfas Emes, zt’l, was the town rabbi identity for which they are seeking and On Shabbos morning at half past back to the government. R’ Itche Meir, the and had a leading role among the Polish longing and therefore cannot find rest. To eight, the Gerer beis midrash looks more Gerer chasid, the son-in-law of the previ- Rabbinate, as gaon and author (his sefer understand and help, one must be an out- like a yeshivah than a shul. It has a con- ous Rebbe, and the brother-in-law of on rabbinical responsa is entitled standing mediator or, even better, a psy- gregation of hundreds of Jews—fathers, today’s Rebbe, who sits at the Chumash Yehachein Pier) and as spokesman for all chologist. An ordinary observer can inter- sons, and grandchildren sitting at their no longer, is the R’ Itche Meir who had set Polish Orthodox Jewry. pret their purposeless immature behavior Gemaros. In Ger, before the reading of the political tone of a party. However, he The son, R’ Pinye Levine is not as well as the fruit of an upbringing which dis- the Torah, there is a pause of an hour and is not one to run away from the struggle known as a party leader. Perhaps he is not carded the yoke of Divine government. everyone sits down to learn. On the right for the principles of the movement well known for he is a person whose There are streets in Yerushalayim side of the Ark, there is an empty space which he had built in Poland, and the rel- nature is to be in the background. where the taleisim flutter and one can vir- for the Rebbe, who should be there. evant positions of the same party which However, he is an outstanding, interest- tually touch with one’s hands the However, he keeps moving about in is now working in Yisroel. ing personality, and to meet him is an Shabbos atmosphere. It happened that I short walks, every time in another direc- In the middle of the beit hamidrash, experience which illustrates in the fabric was able to see a Shabbos morning on tion. When he stops at a corner and opposite the Ark, left of the Rebbe, stands of life how the sage survivors of the olden Malchei Yisroel Street, which looks simi- glances at the mass of Chasidim sur- a black-bearded young man. He stands days of Poland today create and build in lar to a Mea Shearim street, and Strauss rounding him, the crowd seems to thin stiffly, does not move, and does not take the Holy Land. O Street, which is similar to King George out and under his gaze they part into two his eyes away from the Chumash. That is Street and is an unofficial boundary groups. As soon as the Rebbe’s gaze looks Pinchas Menachem, the Rebbe’s brother This article is an excerpt from Alt Un Nei In Yisroel. between Mea Shearim and the greater elsewhere, the place again becomes and rosh yeshivah of the Gerer Yeshiva Translated from the Yiddish by Victor Cohen. part of religious Jews of Yerushalayim. filled. They return struggling silently to Sefas Emes. He is the youngest child of The streets which split from Malchei get back to the position where they had the previous Rebbe and is 25 years Yisroel Street carry names of prophets: been and another corner empties for the younger than his older brother, who is Amos Street, Yonah Street, Zephaniah Rebbe’s gaze. the present Rebbe. Submit your photo to the Street, etc. Kings and prophets go hand in On the right side of the Rebbe, closer At a table, situated near the south wall hand, and the Shabbos outlook all to the south, sits the Rebbe’s brother-in- closer to the west, sits modestly a prince 5 Towns Jewish Times! around harmonizes the signs on every law, R’ Itche Meir Levine. Today in Yisrael, of the old Jewish royalty of Poland, capti- corner. Jews walk with silk kapotes, he assumes the same position of leader- vating one with his noble look and You can upload your shtreimlichen, in white frocks—signs of ship which he had in Poland, during the friendly eyes. When he gives you his digital photos and see them generations of Yerushalayimers. One sees lifetime of his father-in-law, the previous hand with a gut Shabbos, one feels that a young child dressed in a Warsaw hat of Gerer Rebbe, zt’l. He sits with the talis you have met a Jew with complete printed in the weekly edition long ago with a short visor. There are also over his head and reads the Chumash and integrity, one who elicits deep feelings of older yeshivah boys in European dress. glances at the people, among them the respect for one of the finest sons of the of the 5 Towns Jewish Times Here, in the Geulah neighborhood, one Gerer survivors of days gone by, together old Jewish Poland and of the present reli- www.5tjt.com/sendphotos walks in the middle of the street for the with the new Gerer generation who are gious life in Yisrael. After services, when street exudes a Shabbos atmosphere. On being brought up in the Holy Land. The the worshippers pass the Gerer Rebbe

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 37 waking moment was devoted to spread- many students, but there was only one ing Hashem’s name and bringing others who was truly devoted to knowing and to recognize their Creator. However, he understanding the ways of his teacher. knew that only through a distinct and That was Yitzchak. separate people could the name of The bond of love and devotion that Hashem be brought to its glory. His des- Avraham felt towards his “only” son is tiny and ultimate aspiration was to be the hard to imagine. The nature of a tzaddik father of the Jewish nation. is to be kindly, compassionate, and giv- Yet for many, many years that dream ing. When a tzaddik connects to an The Shmuz On didn’t come true. almost equally perfect tzaddik, the bond Avraham was 100 years old when he of love and devotion between them is had Yitzchak. He waited month after extremely powerful. For years, this rela- month, year after year, begging, beseech- tionship grew. It wasn’t until Yitzchak The Parashah ing, and imploring Hashem for this son— was 37 years old, in the prime of his life, but to no avail. Finally, in a most miracu- that Hashem tested Avraham. The Beginning Of Time One has the right to ask, “What was so lous manner, at an age when both he and BY R’ BEN TZION SHAFIER great about this act?” Even today we wit- his wife couldn’t possibly parent a child, ness people who are willing to slaughter the malachim told him the news: “Your “And Avraham awoke in the morning, themselves or their children in the name greatest single ambition, to be the father This refined, caring, hitched his donkey, and took his two lads, of their beliefs, and we certainly don’t of the Klal Yisrael, will come true through and Yitzchak with him. He split wood for consider them great! Why is this act con- this child Yitzchak.” loving tzaddik was the sacrifice and went to the place that sidered one of the ultimate accomplish- Avraham’s relationship with his son. Hashem had commanded him to.” ments of man? From the moment that Yitzchak was asked to slaughter and —Bereishis 22:3 The answer to this question lies in born, he was the perfect child. Not only then prepare his most Avraham Avinu was commanded with a understanding not so much what was he nearly identical to Avraham in supreme test, and one of the greatest chal- Avraham did, but how he did it. look and in nature, from the moment beloved child and lenges ever presented to man: “Take your The father of the Jewish People. that he came to understanding, he went son, your only son, the son that you love . . .” Avraham lived to serve Hashem. His every in the ways of his father. Avraham had talmid as a sacrifice— not to sit by and allow it, not to witness it, but to do it with his own hands.

Avraham wasn’t asked to kill his child; he was asked to bring him as an olah, to perform all of the details that are done to a sacrifice in the Beis Hamikdash. Many a person has difficulty learning the particu- lars of bringing a korbon when it is done to a sheep or a goat, but this wasn’t an animal. This was his son. This refined, caring, loving tzaddik was asked to slaughter and then prepare his most beloved child and talmid as a sacrifice—not to sit by and allow it, not to witness it, but to do it with his own hands. You would imagine that if such a person could actually muster the self-mas- tery to do this, it would be with a bitter and heavy heart. Yet that isn’t how the Torah describes the events. “And Avraham got up early in the morning, hitched up his donkey,” and set off on his journey. Rashi quotes the Midrash that explains that this was out of character. Avraham was an extremely wealthy and honored individual. He had hundreds of loyal students, and many, many servants. Hitching up his donkey was not something that he normally did. It was done for him by a servant. Yet this time was different because “love blinds.”

Remember that article? Visit our archive section and find any issue of the 5 Towns Jewish Times online @ www.5TJT.com

38 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Avraham was so enraptured me.” (Hence, the term “Akeidas make the ultimate sacrifice in a with this great act, so caught up Yitzchak,” the binding of manner that seems to transcend in the moment, that he got car- Yitzchak.) every emotional limitation? ried away and did something Avraham did just that. He tied Akeidas Yitzchak was a singu- that he never would have done Yitzchak’s arms and legs behind lar event that actualized the himself. He hitched up his own him, put him on the mizbei’ach, years and years of extraordinary donkey. and raised up the knife to kill perfection that represented The crescendo. With a calm his son. Avraham Avinu’s life. Because he demeanor and joy in his heart, The Midrash tells us that lived in this world, he felt real Avraham set out on a three-day Avraham stood over Yitzchak, love for his child, but even that expedition to accomplish this “With tears in his eyes and great love was something he har- great mitzvah. Along the way, joy in his heart.” The tears in his nessed to show his greater love Yitzchak discovered that he was eyes were the tears of a father of Hashem—the perfect balance to be the sacrifice. He said to his parting with his most beloved of a man in complete control. O father, “Please bind me so that I son, but there was joy in his don’t twitch and spoil the sacri- heart because of the fantastic For more on this topic please listen to fice.” A korbon must be slaugh- opportunity to show Hashem Shmuz #9 Akeidas Yitzchak: The Anatomy of a Nisayon. tered in a particular manner. that nothing, not even his most The Shmuz, an engaging and Any deviation and the sacrifice beloved son, was more precious motivating Torah lecture that deals with real-life issues, is available free at is invalid. Yitzchak was afraid to him than serving his Creator. www.TheShmuz.com. The Shmuz on that he might inadvertently The act in perspective. And the Parsha book, a compilation on all of Chumash, is now available for move and spoil the process. now the question becomes: purchase in your local sefarim store Therefore he said, “Please bind how is it possible for a man to and at TheShmuz.com.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 39 How About A Foreclosure?

Some people would call it an that some people think that there are epiphany, other more enlightened real bargains out there with their names on estate professionals would tell you that it? These dream deals are just waiting for these are the nightmares in this business them to buy and live happily ever after! that will just not go away. What am I Now this may very well seem like an talking about? New homebuyers looking innocent question rather than a night- for that perfect house with a list of mare, unless you are aware, as we real-

Purchasing a foreclosure and hoping to realize a bargain has about the same odds as winning at the roulette table.

amenities they know are more than tors are, of the baggage that comes with their house budget calls for coming into most foreclosures, as well as the gamble your office and asking, “We cannot homebuyers looking to purchase them afford the house we want in the regular are taking. Unfortunately most buyers real estate market, but maybe you have do not realize that purchasing a foreclo- some foreclosures that you can show us sure and hoping to realize a bargain has which we could get for less?” Why is it about the same odds as winning at the

40 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES roulette table. In the past, if you took a poll from the average guy on the street where the best home buys are to be found, in all likeli- hood the overwhelming response would have been “the lucky ones are those who have found a foreclosure for sale since banks sell those foreclosures for a song and you can get huge bargains in house shopping if you are able to find this option.” The realities are very different, and finally are coming out in newspaper print after all these years of sitting there like a silent bomb with the reputation of being the grand prize. Rather than being offered at bargain rates, these banks did not get rich by simply giving out these houses at bargain basement prices. Banks typically have their foreclosed properties professionally appraised and then put them on the market with an additional cushion for market value based on those appraisals. They are also more difficult to purchase in the ordinary manner, meaning making an offer, having the home inspected, apply- ing for a mortgage, etc. Banks usually request offers in writing together with proof of the ability to purchase the property. In cases where the buyer is making an offer contingent on a mortgage, the bank wants proof of a preapproval letter from the mortgage lender. You then may wait weeks or months until they decide if they are even interested in your offer. If this was not enough to dissuade someone shopping for a home, foreclosures are also usually placed on the market with the bank making no guarantees as to the condition of the house or property. A foreclosure purchase typically means you buy it as it is. If there are walls missing, toilets or medicine cabinets missing with open holes in the walls, broken windows, leaking roof, etc, the bank’s declaration of “as is” is just that—they want to sell it with no other representa- tions on their part. This alone might scare off the bravest of new buyers, but an even more dangerous version of foreclosure purchases comes with those who try to get a good deal at a foreclosure auction, putting down large deposits when their bid is taken, only to find all kinds of liens against the property that they as the new homeowner are now responsible for. The look on these poor souls’ faces! After jumping up and down in excitement for grabbing a great deal, you then see them ready for tranquilizers when they later find all the liens on the properties. It’s not a pretty sight. It reminds me of that saying “If it looks like it is too good of a deal, there must be a catch.” It is really a good saying since these guys really got caught! O

Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, offering full-service residential and commercial real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are encouraged to send questions or comments to [email protected].

Visit us at 5TJT.com

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 41 Notice To Seatmates

This is it! I’ve had it! The time has to a sardine, but my sympathies are come for me to speak up. So consider this with all of them. Mostly, the other sar- a notice to all slender people, or even dines (passengers) are polite, well man- people of average weight and girth, who nered, and friendly, but I don’t always fly on Israel’s National Airline. Not every- love my seatmate; specifically, the per- one is so blessed as to be slim. Some of us son who sits right next to me. On my possess an above average girth and weigh previous sojourn to that glorious coun- in at a higher number. try just last year, I had a seatmate who Having just returned home from a two undoubtedly had either a weak bladder week stay in Israel, I haven’t yet recuper- or overactive kidneys. I assumed that to ated from the pain of flying. And yes, I do be true since he left his seat on the aver- mean pain. I always fly with this particu- age of once an hour, and each time he

Somehow he never quite got the point that some of us need every inch of room we can get.

lar airline and would in fact never consid- did so he had to climb over me as I had er traveling to Israel with any other. For the aisle seat. He was an affable fellow, starters, this airline’s cabin crews, hosts but just not someone I wanted to be sit- and hostesses alike, are generally pleas- ting next to. ant and helpful. There are exceptions, of This time I had no such problem. My course, but those are few and far seatmate stayed put for almost all of between. the 11 1/2 hours of our return flight to Another bonus is that I get a kick out New York. That’s not to say that I didn’t of listening to announcements from the have an issue with him. I most assured- captain in both Hebrew and English. ly did. But it was another type of a prob- That’s because, if I should happen to nod lem. He was a young fellow, not more off or miss a word here or there, I know than 30 years of age and he was thin. that the message will be repeated in Normally I don’t much care whether a English about 30 seconds after the person is thin or heavy. In fact, I gener- Hebrew one ends. These messages, partic- ally prefer to be seated next to someone ularly on the way to Israel, reawaken my who is thin, since I am anything but! senses. Although my knowledge of Ivrit is And two overweight people seated next more limited than I would like it to be, to one another and crammed into those the Hebrew sets the tone and prepares incredibly narrow seats can prove to be me in a way for the language I will be most uncomfortable as well as down- hearing the most of and (hopefully) right embarrassing. If my shoulder speaking the most of for the duration of touches the shoulder of a stranger, I can my stay in Eretz Yisrael. live with it. But what I cannot abide is I love the country and to an extent I thigh contact! even love the airline—in spite of the The young man sitting next to me was fact that it’s something akin to flying in a sardine can. I’ve never actually spoken Continued on Page 44

42 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Inherit Or Disinherit?

BY RABBI MEIR ORLIAN BUSINESS HALACHA INSTITUTE

Avraham disinherited Yishmael and his children from Ketura in favor of Yitzchak. Should a person disinherit his children who do not behave properly in favor of those who do? Mr. Morris came to the States as a baby just before the Holocaust. “My father was deeply religious,” he would reminisce. “I remember his steadfast dedication to observe Shabbos and kashrus even when it was difficult.”

“Then do that,” said one of his friends. “It’s your money; you earned it. You can do as you wish!”

Mr. Morris worked hard to be able to give his children a Jewish education. “Transmitting Yiddishkeit is the greatest gift I can give you!” he would tell them. However, to his great disappointment, only the oldest son remained observant. Mr. Morris’s second son drifted away slowly from religious life. He kept a kosher house, but was not careful when eating out; when there was pressure at work, he would work in the privacy of his house on Shabbos; his children attended the local public school, but learned at a Talmud Torah in the afternoon. The third son, however, abandoned religion entirely; one of his children even intermarried. Mr. Morris tried his whole life to maintain a connection with his sons and bring them back, with minimal success. One day, as he sat in his senior citizens’ club, the conversation turned to wills. “I wish I could leave everything to my one religious son,” Mr. Morris commented. “I feel that the estate bears my name, and only he carries on my name in the proper manner.” “Then do that,” said one of his friends. “It’s your money; you earned it. You can do as you wish!” “I don’t exactly agree that the money is mine to do as I wish,” said Mr. Morris. “G-d granted me the money to use and distribute properly. “I don’t think that you should leave the inheritance to one son,” said another friend. “It’s liable to lead to tremendous fights. It’s not right! Look what happened with Yosef and his brothers because Yaakov played favorites.” “Listen to what I did,” argued a third person. “One of my children is very respectful and calls me every day; the other calls me only when he needs money. I decided that he didn’t deserve

Continued on Page 45 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 43 THAT’S THE WAY IT IS! after a while he seemed to my need for extra space and Continued from Page 42 catch on so he didn’t intention- realize that he had once again ally put the piece down. The caused me some serious pain. thin but that turned out not to bad news was that he kept for- On the average of once every be as much of an advantage as I getting and periodically he half hour he would say selichah would have thought it would would lower it just a tad and (I’m sorry) and I would smile be. Somehow he never quite then inadvertently lean his arm and assure him, through the got the point that some of us on it so it came down on my tears that involuntarily sprang need every inch of room we hip with a zetz like you would- to my eyes, that it was okay, can get. I refer here to myself of n’t believe. Heck, I was there although it wasn’t at all okay, course. And what I needed was and even I didn’t believe it! The not by a long shot. And we both to keep the armrest that divid- only thing worse than the pain knew it. And then, quickly, we ed us in an upright position. that I endured was the embar- would simultaneously reach for When it was down, it dug rassment I suffered when he the armrest to once again put it uncomfortably into my left hip. apologized every time he up a few inches, and away from But did he care? Not at all! In remembered what my problem my hip. This went on for the fact he remained totally oblivi- was. And that happened when I duration of the flight and after a ous to the fact that I, possessed would involuntarily gasp in while I began to think that I was of a considerable amount of pain and then take in a sharp over-reacting. extra adipose tissue, was in breath that came out as a hiss So it was little tight—so agony every time that armrest that sounded remarkably like what? At least this fellow wasn’t went down. air escaping a car tire. And only climbing over me every hour (or The good news was that then did he remember about asking me to get up) so that he could leave his seat. So who was I to make him feel bad about pushing that armrest down and into my rapidly bruising hip? Surely I could tolerate a little discomfort for a few hours. I told myself that we would be landing soon. But in fact it wasn’t soon enough because this took place last Wednesday, October 14 and as I write this it is now Monday October 18, a full five days later, and the hematoma (black and blue mark) that graces my left hip is the size of a silver dollar and has yet to fade. Maybe next time I’ll get lucky. Maybe I’ll get a seatmate who doesn’t make frequent trips to the bathroom and who also knows why the armrest between us needs to stay up. Of course there’s a third option here. Maybe by the time I make that trip again there will be less of me and the armrest can stay down without poking into my side and causing me pain. One can always hope. Then too, one can always diet! O

Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at [email protected] or 516-902-3733.

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, October 25 at 5:00 P.M.

All graphics for ads must be in by Tuesday, October 26 at 5:00 P.M.

Call 516-984-0079

44 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Inherit or Disinherit? s”xc Continued from Page 43 my money after death if that’s how he behaves, so I omitted him from my will!” “I’d give their share to tzedakah,” sug- gested a fourth. “In fact, since my children are all established in their business, I decided to leave almost everything to tzedakah!” The next day Mr. Morris consulted with his attorney. “I’m not sure that there’s a ‘proper’ or a right and wrong approach,” said the attorney. “But if you want, take up the issue with Rabbi Tzedek.” “Splendid idea,” said Mr. Morris. “I’ll make an appointment with him.” Rabbi Tzedek heard the various opinions and said: “In general, a person should not disinherit his children even if they are not following the proper path of their father. It may suffice, though, to leave them just a small amount. However, if the children have completely abandoned religion, it is permitted to disinherit them. It is also permissible to leave any amount to charity.” Rabbi Tzedek then elaborated: “Our Sages recommended not showing favoritism between the children. (Shabbos 10b) Furthermore, they frowned upon revoking the inheritance from the rightful heirs, even from a “bad son” to a “good son.” (B.B. 133b) This is because the inheritance will ultimately pass to later descendants, and although the ‘bad son’ does not deserve the inheritance, perhaps subsequent generations will. (Kesubos 53a) “The Rambam understands ‘bad son’ as referring to a son who does not behave properly to his father. Thus, even if the son is not respectful, it is not proper to disinherit him. (C.M. 282:1) “Other commentators understand ‘bad son’ to refer to the son’s religious behavior. Thus, even a child who is not observant should not be cut off from the inheritance. (SM’A 282:1) However, many authorities explain that this applies only when the child maintains a connection to religion and there is reasonable hope that his descendants will return. It does not apply, though, to one who willfully rejects Judaism and desecrates Shabbos publicly with disregard, where the likeli- hood of his descendants returning is low. (Igros Moshe C.M. II:50) “Some poskim write, however, that as long as a small amount of significance is left to the heirs it is not considered as revoking the inheritance. (Pischei Teshuva 282:1) Furthermore, a person may give whatever charity he wishes before his death, since it serves as a merit for the person’s own soul and this takes priority. (Rama Y.D. 249:1 and Aruch Hashulchan C.M. 282:3) “In any case,” Rabbi Tzedek concluded, “you should make sure that your will con- forms also to halachic requirements. We can fill out and attach the necessary forms to do so.” O

This article is intended for learning purposes and not to be relied upon as halacha l’ma’aseh. There are also issues of dina d’malchusa to consider in actual cases. Rabbi Meir Orlian is a faculty member of the Business Halacha Institute, which is headed by HaRav Chaim Kohn, shlita, a noted dayan. For questions regarding business halacha issues, or to bring a BHI lecturer to your business or shul, please call the confidential hotline at 877-845- 8455 or e-mail [email protected]. To receive BHI’s free newsletter, Business Weekly, send an e-mail to [email protected]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 45 Dear Esther, their primes, constantly attending many I am 78 years old and have three daugh- simchas and dinners, I want them to be ters and one daughter-in-law. I believe I’m able to enjoy wearing the jewelry when in good health and hope to be around for it will mean the most to them. And I a while. want to be alive to see them enjoy the However, I’ve been thinking a lot late- experience. Personally, there are still ly about distributing most of my jewelry occasional simchas to attend, but those to my daughters and daughter-in-law. My busy days of running and going and dear husband has always been a generous doing have passed me by. I am happy to

Do I even attempt to get it right and give out my jewelry in a way that seems fair to me and try to ignore the inevitable complaints?

and successful man. Over the years he’s be where I am today, watching more given me so many beautiful pieces that than doing. It’s time for my children to I’ve loved and worn a lot. Sadly, I’ve take over that aspect of life. So why not already witnessed situations with family help them dazzle? and friends who have died and was horri- I’ve been struggling while trying to fig- fied to see the problems that took place ure out how to make this happen. There because of fighting over special pieces of are definitely certain special pieces that jewelry. It was heart-wrenching to see. I I’ve seen my daughters eyeing from the want to have some control over making time they were young. I know that they sure that it doesn’t happen in my family. would all love to be in possession of my Also, since my children are now in seven-karat diamond engagement ring.

46 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Though my daughter-in-law is not as here to suffer the consequences, but also and choice. materialistic as my own three daughters, no longer here to see them enjoy these From the way you have described in truth she’s been better to me than they valuable and sentimental gifts? Is there a your children, my guess is that there will I will make you swear have been in many ways. She’s always the way to help them grow up, see the light, still be those who end up unhappy with by G-d, G-d of heaven first one to offer to go with me to a doc- and teach them how to stop worrying the numbers they drew, the choices they tor’s appointment. Or the first one to about what the other one gets and just be made, or just plain life itself! That speaks and G-d of the earth invite me to stay with them during the grateful for what comes their way? I can to the nature of your children. It doesn’t holidays. As crazy as it sounds, in some use some guidance here. mean that you necessarily did anything (Bereishis 24:3) ways I feel like she deserves more than Stuck wrong or caused these natures. Most like- my own flesh and blood. Dear Stuck, ly, they were born that way. Some chil- But further on (in verse 7) My three daughters, who are very You bring up an important situation dren, from the moment they are old he says,“G-d, the G-d of close in age, have always been competi- that many parents find themselves think- enough to express themselves, are in tive with one another and jealous of ing about as they get on in years and are constant competition with their siblings. heaven, who took me from what the other received. When they realistic about the inevitable future, We see it early on. And though parents were young, and I would be slicing up whenever that future may appear. It can can gently or not so gently admonish my father’s house.” pieces of cake for each of them, they be five years away or twenty-five years their children to stop being jealous or would be studying each slice of cake so away. But it’s not unreasonable to be pre- competitive, the feelings these individu- This is what Avraham was carefully to make sure that their own pared and have some sort of plan in mind als possess seem to spring from a deep saying to Eliezer:“When piece wasn’t any smaller than their sis- so that, as you say, you have some mod- and insecure place. It’s difficult, if not ters’. When I would go shopping with icum of control over how things play out. impossible, to change a person’s person- G-d summoned me from them for clothing, they would each I will first tackle your questions from ality, their very essence. the house of my father, he worry that their sisters’ outfits were a practical perspective. One way that a If you decide to go this route, be realis- nicer or more plentiful. It was always a situation like yours is handled is by set- tic with yourself. You may still hear mutter- was G-d of the heavens but losing battle. No matter how carefully I ting up some sort of lottery system. Let’s ings of complaints, but the upside is that tried to treat each of them equally, some- say, for instance, that you are in posses- you will be able to enjoy seeing your chil- not of the earth: the inhabi- one was always complaining about get- sion of twenty pieces of jewelry that you dren wear, appreciate, and sparkle in your tants of the earth did not ting the short end of the stick. And I would now like to gift to your children. treasured items, and also know that the have to tell you, till this day, the compe- That means that each of your four chil- bickering over who gets what, once you are recognize Him and His tition is still going on. dren will be getting five items. Take four gone, is much less likely to happen. name was not referred to So the thought of giving them my jew- pieces of paper and number them one Rarely is there a perfect end game. We elry frightens me on some levels, even through four. Fold up the papers and put do what we can to minimize the down- in the land. But now that though I want it to happen when I am them in a bowl. Let each child pick a sides, try to preempt if and when possi- still alive and am able to see them look- piece of paper and that will designate ble, and hope and pray that our children I have made His name ing so beautifully adorned. the order in which she can choose a continuously mature and ultimately take familiar in the mouths of So my question to you is the follow- piece of jewelry. This process gets on the values that we’ve tried from the ing: Do I even attempt to get it right and repeated five times, so that each round beginning to instill in them. His creatures, He is G-d give out my jewelry in a way that seems starts off with the same odds. This is Esther in both heaven and earth.” fair to me and try to ignore the inevitable probably the fairest way to approach complaints? Is that even possible? Or your situation. You remove yourself Esther Mann, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in Lawrence. Esther works with individuals and (Rashi) should I just do what most people do and from any potential finger pointing or couples. She can be reached at let them fight it out when I am no longer blame, and it becomes a matter of luck [email protected] or 516-314-2295.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 47 prepared you for a choice like this. Park, at 5216 11th Avenue, and will be free Do the Torah and Talmud have some- of charge. Come hear interesting guest thing to offer? And what about the speakers and have opportunities to meet great Jewish sages whose teachings we others “who understand,” while enjoy- value so? ing a light, healthy snack. For more These classes promise to be lively as information, please leave a message for class members interact, debate issues, Yafa, at 718-438-2020, ext. 7451, and tell and examine case studies with Rabbi her the most private way to reach you. “Sleep Difficulties And Memories” “Medicine And Morals” At Chabad, Wolowik. The examples are taken not This project is sponsored by the Caring At The Afternoon Chevra For October 27–December 1 from some theoretical viewpoint, but Commission of the UJA Federation of Retired Men, October 21 Chabad of the Five Towns will be host- from real life itself. No issues are off lim- Greater NY. O Retirees: Looking for something to do ing an intriguing new six week class from its, no topic taboo, and no issue too com- on Thursday afternoons? How about a the Jewish Learning Institute entitled plex to fully consider. When it comes to Held By The Taliban For 45 Days: good vort, lively Torah discussions, and Medicine and Morals starting Wednesday today’s medical issues, you will find that Journalist To Discuss Harrowing getting together with other heimishe evening, October 27, 8:15-9:30 p.m. your faith can offer more than comfort. It Experience, November 2 men for the Afternoon Chevra! Centrally Complicated and contentious medical can provide wisdom that will mean so In 2008, six years after Daniel Pearl located at the Boro Park Y, at 4912 14th decisions are becoming more and more a much to anyone caught in the maze of was kidnapped and beheaded, CBS Avenue, The Afternoon Chevra is a satis- part of our lives. They range from today’s medical miracles and mishaps. reporter Jere Van Dyk crossed into the fying way to spend time with friends. whether you’re obligated to donate a kid- These dramatic topics provide a deep tribal areas of Pakistan, where no west- They offer hot potato kugel and coffee, ney to a relative in need, or what is and insight into the nature of Judaism and ern reporters had penetrated. He was an exercise group with Dr. Yosef isn’t ethical when an infertile couple what we believe is ethical and just. You kidnapped and imprisoned by the Rappaport of Metro SportsMed, and a turns to a surrogate mother. And they will leave feeling closer to your faith and Taliban in the no-man’s land between regular derashah by well known magid don’t allow for any easy answers. better equipped if a difficult medical Afghanistan and Pakistan. On Tuesday, shiur Rabbi Asher Israel. The enriching Whether you face a heart-rending choice comes your own way. November 2, at 1:30 p.m. the veteran program with guest speakers and lectur- medical choice now or in the future, Register for this remarkable and eye- journalist will speak about his harrow- ers gives the Afternoon Chevra true you can indeed turn to your faith for opening course today by calling 516-295- ing experiences as a prisoner of the Yiddishe ta’am every Thursday afternoon guidance. There are no easy answers 2478 or visit www.chabadfivetowns Taliban for 45 days. at 2:00 p.m. There will be a special dis- here, but you will learn new ways to .com/JLI. Classes will be held at Chabad of Cut off from the outside world, Van cussion this Thursday, October 21, on look at things, taking into consideration the Five Towns, 74 Maple Avenue in Dyk knew he could trust no one—not his “Sleep Difficulties and Memories” with all the subtlety and nuance that our reli- Cedarhurst. O jailers and certainly not the charismatic psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Rosen (who has gion brings. Someday, even if it’s many Taliban leader whose fleeting appear- expertise in assisting Holocaust sur- years from now, you may look back and Meeting For Frum Women ances carried the hope of redemption as vivors with difficulties caused by be very glad you came to investigate With Cancer, November 2 well as the prospect of immediate, vio- wartime experiences.) For more infor- these subjects. Bikur Cholim of Boro Park, in partner- lent death. In his new book, Captive, Van mation or to arrange for transportation, Imagine this scenario: there you stand, ship with Sharsheret and CancerCare, Dyk offers an inside look at the Taliban: please call Mr. Boruch Bindiger at 718- about to make the toughest decision of hosts monthly friendship gatherings for who they are and what they really think. 438-2020, ext. 7450. your life. You gaze down at a loved one, frum women who are in treatment for or Jere Van Dyk has been an international This program is cosponsored by Project deep in a coma, and think about how the have been in treatment for cancer. Their correspondent for The New York Times, for Holocaust Survivors at Bikur Cholim of doctor told you there’s little or no hope for next confidential meeting will take CBS News, and National Geographic. Boro Park and Club Nissim for Holocaust recovery. Do you continue life support or place on Tuesday, November 2, 11:00 When Van Dyk went into the tribal area Survivors at The Boro Park Y. O tell them to give it up? Nothing has ever a.m.–12:30 p.m., in Bikur Cholim of Boro of Pakistan for the last time, he was doing

48 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES what he had done throughout his career His affable nature and clear concern for as a foreign correspondent, going into every student allows everyone to feel that one of the most dangerous corners of the they can approach him with any person- world. This time, his search for the story al or learning issues that they might have. nearly led to his death. Yisroel Lerner of Toronto, a former Jere Van Dyk’s talk is one event in the talmid of Rabbi Klein’s, said, “He makes a fall author series presented by the Hevesi concerted effort to give people an oppor- Jewish Heritage Library of the Central tunity to learn with him, and it’s so easy Queens YM & YWHA, at 67-09 108 Street in to observe his tremendous passion for Forest Hills. All events are open to the learning Torah. He’s become such a role general public, with a $6 donation. For model to a lot of the guys because of that more information, call 718-268-5011, ext. personal kesher he is able to foster with 151, e-mail [email protected], or each of them.” visit www.centralqueensy.org. Chaim Dovid Mendelovitz, currently The Central Queens YM&YWHA is a in his second year of learning in Rabbi non-profit community center offering Klein’s shiur at the yeshiva, also pointed recreational, educational, cultural, and to the extraordinary quality of Rabbi social events to enhance the quality of life Klein’s Gemara shiur, where he first saw in the Central Queens community. The Y is his rebbi’s breadth of Torah knowledge an agency of UJA-Federation. O and skill in relating this to his students. Rabbi Klein, who gives a weekly shiur Toras Moshe Dinner, November 7 on Fridays on halacha focusing on the Rabbi Zev Klein, longtime rebbi at the week’s parashah, makes sure to e-mail it yeshiva and Reb Zelig Valis, a close to Toras Moshe alumni and anyone else friend of the yeshiva and mentor to so who is interested. So inspired were sever- many of its talmidim, will be honored al talmidim that they brought their copi- on Sunday, November 7 when Yeshivas ous notes on the shiurim to Rabbi Klein, Toras Moshe will hold its 28th who then turned it into a sefer for even Anniversary Tribute Dinner at Ateres more people to learn from. That sefer, Avrohom Hall in Brooklyn. Nachlas Tzvi, has been well received Rabbi Klein, the dinner’s guest of throughout the Torah world. honor, is admired and beloved by the Reb Valis—fondly known as “Wallace” talmidim at the yeshiva. He is known for by Toras Moshe talmidim and alumni— his warm personality and ability to form will receive the yeshiva’s hakoras hatov close relationships with so many of his award at the dinner, for creating a home students. They point to his selfless away from home for so many bachurim. nature, as Rabbi Klein makes himself The “Wallace” home is right next door to totally available to his talmidim by set- the yeshiva’s former building, and Reb ting up personal sedarim with them that Valis quickly became much more than a often take place during lunch, late into the evening, or at any hour of Shabbos. Continued on Page 50

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS summer. The yeshiva will remember the audience gets the information they need. Prevention Center, more than 40 percent Continued from Page 49 remarkable bas Yisrael, who was the epit- For example, a presentation for parents of all teenagers with Internet access have ome of chesed and nurtured a special love includes definitions of some commonly reported being bullied online over the good neighbor who instituted an open- for children, by establishing a chesed fund used terms, such as “blogs and chat past year. Thirty-five percent have been door policy for the students at the yeshi- in her name. The fund will be used to pro- rooms” that they might not be familiar threatened and 21 percent have received va on “off” Shabbosim, but a close friend vide for the special and personal needs of with. The presentation geared towards mean or threatening e-mail messages. and mentor to many who spend time the bachurim and the avreichim in the adolescents stresses the importance of In some instances, the abuse is so learning at Toras Moshe. Reb Valis’s home yeshiva while they are in their home protecting their personal information, severe that the victims take their own is filled with warmth and laughter, and away from home. such as phone numbers and addresses. lives. Last January, a 15-year-old permeated with Torah, attributes that Talmidim and friends of the yeshiva Nearly a dozen presentations have Massachusetts girl hanged herself in a describe his character as well. are urged to reserve ad space in the din- already been scheduled for high schools, stairwell after being verbally abused and Hillel Feldman, who was a Shabbos ner journal to show appreciation and colleges, P.T.A.s, and professional organi- harassed by classmates both at school guest in the Valis home during the time gratitude to these two great friends of the zations throughout the county. and online. Six of her classmates are fac- he spent in yeshiva, came to appreciate yeshiva, Rabbi Klein and Reb Valis. “New technology and social networking criminal charges in that case. In the incredible Yiras Shamayim of Reb Dinner and ad space reservations can be ing sites have taken harassment and Suffolk County, after a 17-year-old girl Valis. “He’s a tremendous masmid,” said made at www.TorasMosheDinner.org, or intimidation to new and increasingly committed suicide last March, an online Hillel, “and frequently learns by himself by contacting 718-336-1770. O deadly levels,” Rice said. “This program tribute page to her was subject to vicious for the entire day, which requires a lot of created by my office will not only edu- comments and insulting messages. self-discipline and something that very STOP, Then Send cate students, parents, and teachers about “We’ve heard too many stories about few can accomplish.” In response to the escalating cyber-bul- the dangers of cyber-bullying and the children committing suicide because R’ Sariel Kalish of Lakewood, who lying crisis affecting teenagers, members Internet, but it will also send a strong they were overwhelmed by unrelenting learned at Toras Moshe for over four of Nassau County District Attorney message to students that the decision to cyber-bullying,” Rice said. “We need to years, shares a bond with Reb Valis that Kathleen Rice’s Technology Crimes Unit press ‘send’ can have far-reaching and change the way we teach our kids toler- continues to this day. “Wallace makes have created an innovative, multimedia devastating consequences to themselves ance and change the way we look at the himself known right away to the presentation designed to teach both kids and others.” dangers of the Internet. I strongly bachurim when they arrive at yeshiva, and parents about the dangers of cyber- Jericho Middle School principal believe that this program is essential and you can instantly tell that he really bullying, Internet predators, and social- Donald Gately, who has seen the “STOP viewing for every child and parent in cares and is genuinely interested in you,” networking websites. Then Send” program, said, “I thought the Nassau County.” he stated. “As an authentic Yerushalmi, he The program, entitled “STOP Then program was right on target. It offered According to Rice, New York is among also has the attitude that Yerushalmis are Send,” encourages students to consider concrete advice to parents without scar- fewer than a dozen states whose laws known for, just a very upbeat and positive four factors before sending an abusive ing them away from the technology.” have yet to acknowledge the issue of outlook on life, and very sharp and quick text message, inappropriate photo, or “The presentation provided by the cyber-bullying. In April, she urged state to get things.” insulting message board post: Nassau County’s District Attorney’s office lawmakers to support cyber-bullying leg- Reb Valis will visit the United States • Study the content was timely and informative,” said islation that would require cyber-bullying for the first time in his life when he • Think of others Principal Al Bauer of George W. Hewlett education programs and mandatory will attend the 28th Anniversary • Only send if appropriate High School. “This presentation gave the reporting in New York schools. Tribute Dinner. • Photographs are forever faculty and staff of George W. Hewlett Most young people would be sur- At the dinner, the yeshiva will also The STOP Then Send presentation High School valuable tips on how to both prised to know that “Sexting,” or texting honor the memory of Sara Klein, a’h, varies slightly according to the audience, recognize and address cases of cyberbul- sexual messages or sexually explicit pho- Rabbi Klein’s daughter, who passed away whether students, parents, educators, or lying in the schools.” tos, can be a crime. Minors can be prose- at the age of 17 in a tragic plane crash last professional organizations, so that each According to the National Crime cuted for child pornography, and those

50 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES who solicit or distribute nude photos enormous challenges of the moment and “The goal of the conference,” said and the Case for Moral Clarity.’ He can be arrested. to formulate constructive action. The CAMERA executive director Andrea focused special attention on the crisis on In January 2009, three girls—ages 14 important event was co-sponsored by the Levin, “was to define the issues, raise college campuses, calling out J Street as a and 15 years old—sent naked pictures Florence and Chafetz Hillel House at awareness, and create an action agenda. potent threat that “. . . serves as a platform to their boyfriends. They were charged Boston University. It won’t be easy to turn back the tide for anti-Israel zealots who claim alle- with disseminating child pornogra- More than 1,000 people attended the running against Israel, but it’s impossi- giance to Israel.” He pointed to the irony phy. Their boyfriends, 16 and 17 years conference from across America, as well ble if people aren’t clear about the that Israel, with one of the best human old, were charged with possession of as Australia, England, Canada, Argentina, prime sources of the campaign to dele- rights records in the world, is criticized child pornography. Israel, and France. Over 200 of these were gitimize the Jewish state.” more than any other country and held to “The emotional toll that can result college students, from 13 U.S. states, Professor Alan Dershowitz opened the from sexting can be devastating,” Rice Argentina and Canada. conference with his presentation, ‘Israel Continued on Page 52 said. “Most teens do not understand that once you put anything online—a naked picture, information, a casual post—it’s available to anyone, even if you have it set as ‘private.’ Photos are forever.” The STOP Then Send program also teaches young people how to avoid sexual predators and urges internet users to keep things private. “Don’t reveal personal information or trust anyone you meet online,” Rice said. “Sexual predators look for victims in chat rooms by pretending to be someone else. Don’t give out cell phone numbers, pass- words, or any personal information, and never agree to meet anyone in real life.” To book “STOP Then Send” in your community, please contact Lori Mark at 516- 571-2149. O

CAMERA’s International Conference To Counter Bias Against Israel Now, more than ever, Israel finds itself in a battle for fair treatment on the world stage. CAMERA (Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America) has just concluded a two-day conference at Boston University that brought together international experts to articulate the

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 51 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS NGO Monitor Gerald Steinberg described Continued from Page 51 the NGO challenge, and how his organization strives to reverse the deleterious a standard of perfection. “Moral clarity effects of their ‘research.’ Steinberg emerges from unvarnished truth. Pursue explained how, through sole reliance on truth without fear or compromise,” he Palestinian ‘eyewitness accounts,’ NGO’s exhorted attendees. “Challenge constant- report alleged human rights abuses ly those on the other side in every con- which media outlets accepted as trusted, text and forum and we will prevail.” solid sources without any fact checking. Professor Daniel Pipes (director of the Melanie Phillips (British columnist, Daily Middle East Forum) and Yigal Carmon Mail) and Manfred Gerstenfeld (chairman (founder of MEMRI—Middle East Media of the steering committee for the Research Institute) addressed percep- Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) tions of Israel in the Arab-Muslim World. addressed anti-Israel sentiment in the Pipes’s historical analysis of Muslim UK, Europe, and Israel. With his trade- anti-Semitism portrayed it as, in the mark charismatic and humorous delivery, main, a Christian import and not indige- political commentator Mark Steyn pre- nous to the Muslim religion and culture. sented a message at the conference din- He argued, this augurs well for the future ner that was anything but funny. He through alliances with like-minded described a current tendency in the moderate Muslim scholars and activists Muslim world to believe ‘state construct- and hard work. Carmon, although pre- ed realities,’ e.g. versions of reality that senting a grim picture of simultaneous contain internal contradictions and have Holocaust denial and morbid glorifica- no basis in rationality. For example, only tion of the Nazi killing of Jews in main- 17% of Arab Muslims believe there was stream Arab media, ended on a similar any Arab involvement in 9/11, yet huge note of hope—showing footage of crowds and national celebrations laud reformers from within the Muslim/Arab the ‘magnificent 19’ who carried out the community courageously and ably refut- heinous acts. ing the anti-Semitic slander. Irwin Cotler (Canadian MP and former Andrea Levin (President of CAMERA) Attorney General of Canada) discussed and Philippe Karsenty (French media ana- ‘lawfare,’ or the delegitimization of Israel lyst and founder of Media-Ratings) under the disguise of law. Tammi addressed the assault against Israel in Rossman-Benjamin (professor and lectur- today’s media, examining several of the er in Jewish Studies, UC Santa Cruz) and most critical threats. Anne Bayefsky (sen- Alex Safian (Associate Director of CAM- ior editor of Eye on the UN and senior fel- ERA) addressed anti-Israel sentiment in low at the Hudson Institute) presented an American universities. Alex Safian historical snapshot of the extreme anti- focused on Walt and Mearsheimer’s infa- Israel agenda of the U.N. and, in particu- mous book, The Israel Lobby: despite the lar, its Human Rights Council. Founder of fact that the authors falsified quotes and

52 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

abandoned scholarly methodology to Associate sponsors of ‘War by Other ‘prove’ their provocative thesis, the fact Means’ included: Hadassah, Stephen S. that the two held named chairs at two of Wise Temple (Los Angeles), Sinai Temple the world’s leading universities lent great (Los Angeles), East Brunswick Jewish weight to their arguments and led to Center (NJ), Har Zion Synagogue huge impact in the popular conscious- (Philadelphia), Boston Israel Action ness. Psychiatrist and historian Kenneth Committee, Boston Synagogue, Levin (author of The Oslo Syndrome: Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Delusions of a People Under Seige), Alvin Christians and Jews United for Israel, Rosenfeld (professor of English and Congregation Kehillath Israel (Boston), Jewish Studies at Indiana University), and Consulate General of Israel to New Yaakov Kirschen (creator of the Dry Bones England, David Project, Doc Emet political cartoon) addressed the topic of Productions, Israel Campus Roundtable, Israel’s Jewish defamers. Bret Stephens Stand With Us, Jewish Community (foreign affairs correspondent for The Relations Council, Maimonides School, Wall Street Journal) argued we no longer MIT Hillel, Temple Emanuel (Boston), need to make the case for Israel. We don’t Temple Isaiah (Boston), Temple Reyim need defense lawyers, but prosecutors (Boston), Tufts Hillel, and ZOA. instead. He described the entire debate as CAMERA, the Committee for Accuracy one sided, focusing only on Israel’s need- in Middle East Reporting in America, is a Michael Rosenfeld (sophomore) and Binyamin Wallin (freshman) presenting at the ed ‘concessions.’ Instead of asking what national research, educational, and Rambam Open House. else Israel can do for the Gazans, why not activist organization that monitors media ask what the Arab world has been doing coverage of Israel and the Middle East, to help Palestinians? working to promote accurate, balanced, The program began with students Dani Edelman and (freshman) Aaron Attendees participated in breakout ses- and complete reporting. For more infor- and principals literally opening the Koppel, and went on to discuss the sions for advocacy and activism focused mation, visit www.CAMERA.org. For more doors for their guests. The parents and school’s ideal graduate: A boy who can on using blogs and social media in information about the War by Other eighth graders were then ushered to the learn, earn a living, is a mensch, and isn’t defense of Israel; getting published in the Means conference, contact David shul where live Jewish musical enter- afraid to speak out on behalf of Israel, mainstream media, and making an Mladinov 617-789-3672 or at davidm@cam- tainment, provided by Rambam’s own America, and what is right. Rabbi impact online; effective activism within era.org or Isabel Smith at 818-922-5520 or (junior) Dani Edelman, (junior) Sam Friedman was proud to detail the the Spanish-language media; and how to [email protected]. O Grill, (sophomore) Eric Grossman, and Mesivta’s efforts to deport Nazi war respond to anti-Israel bias in mainstream ninth grade Rebbe, Rabbi Ari Bioangiu, criminals and act as the vanguard of Protestant churches. The conference also Rambam Open House awaited. The beautiful negunim were many protests. (Sophomore) Michael included practical workshops and discus- Draws A Crowd matched to a slide-show that featured Rosenfeld and (freshman) Benjamin sions geared especially for students dedi- At the 20th Rambam Mesivta Open Rambam events such as blood drives, Wallin introduced Assistant Principal cated to letter-writing, student leader- House there was standing room only as Sukkah building, father/son learning, Hillel Goldman who elaborated on the ship, and activism. These student pro- prospective parents and eighth graders cemetery clean-up, and numerous sport- school’s focus on writing and commit- grams are co-sponsored with BU Hillel, were welcomed with open arms to ing events, including a rebbe/talmid ment to chesed as the main function of The David Project, and StandWithUs and experience the chevra and standards of hockey game. the student activities program. It is the were lead by Bret Stephens of The Wall excellence that are the trademarks of Rosh Mesivta Rabbi Zev Meir Street Journal. Rambam Mesivta. Friedman was introduced by (junior) Continued on Page 54

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS (senior) Aaron Kattan discussed discussed the importance of the The Cooper Union, Macauley and Rambam’s tradition of Continued from Page 53 the school’s diverse student rebbe/talmid relationship and Honors College, and other top excellence provided a flavor of body: Sephardic, Ashkenazic, how the kesher continues to programs. And the list goes on what Rambam is all about. O school’s goal to hone their stu- Queens, Brooklyn, West grow even after graduation. and on,” he said. dents’ leadership skills during Hempstead, Five Towns, Rabbi Yotav Eliach, the Following Rabbi Eliach’s HAFTR Scholars their unique Club Hour so that Plainview, and concluded that school’s principal, was intro- address, Science Wizard Mrs. HAFTR has amassed a large the boys of today grow into the in short, this year’s ninth grade duced by (senior) Azariah Rivky Isseroff really caught list of AP Scholars in varying cat- leaders of tomorrow. class of 45 is represented by 12 Hacohen and (junior) Aryeh everyone’s attention as she made egories. These students in the (Senior) Nathan Akhavan and elementary schools. They also Korman before discussing the science come alive with her Class of 2010 and 2011 have theme of academic excellence. famous “Potato Rifle” among attained the highest level of aca- He mentioned that Rambam other fascinating demonstra- demic performance on the AP students garnered approximate- tions of the principles of science exams given in May 2010. The ly $1.6 million merit-based schol- which she imparts to her stu- HAFTR faculty and administra- arships for its 2010 graduating dents in her chemistry class. tion are proud that HAFTR has a class. “The average SAT score for Parents and eighth graders were national scholar, which is very all students is approximately soon after sent on separate tours rare. A national scholar has an 1250 (based on the old scale), of the school. Parents and stu- average of at least a 4 on all approximately 50% of our students were able to see class- exams and a 4 or higher on eight dents score 90 and above on all rooms and interact with rebbeim AP exams; Alexa Lempel com- Regents exams, students are dis- and teachers on their tour of pleted nine AP exams. An AP proportionately admitted with Rambam’s facility. scholar with distinction has an full scholarships to Yeshiva To all those who attended, average of at least a 3.5 on all University’s Honors Program, the food, the smiles, the chevra, exams and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams. An AP scholar with honors has an average of at least a 3.25 on all exams and a 3 or higher on four or more exams. An AP scholar des- ignation is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. National scholar. Alexa Lempel (class of 2010) AP scholar with distinction. Dani Aronovitz, Harrison Beitler, Ellie Davis, Rebecca Glikman, Alyssa Greenberg, Josh Gross, Davina Kirschenbaum, Michael Kornblit, Jenna Laufer-Gesser, Alexa Lempel, Jessica Lovett, Deanna Meyer, Zachary Mostel, Aliza Rudman, Michael Schiff, Joseph Stern, Alana Warhit, Samantha Weinerman, Aaron Wengrofsky, Michael Wotman, and Kenneth Zauderer (all from class of 2010) AP scholar with honors. Simone Blond (2011), Atara Charnoff (2011), Danielle Goldberg (2010), Darren Goldschmidt (2010), Stephanie Greenberg (2011), Pamela Hershman (2011), Lauren Hoffman (2011), Rebecca Klahr (2011), Jennifer Korff (2010), Kayla Levinson (2011), Danielle Miller (2010), Miriam Rosen (2010), Jeremy Sacks (2011), Jason M. Schwartz (2011), Avichai Vazana (2011), and Eric Wilzig (2010) AP scholar. Emily Alon (2010), Leor Bareli (2011), Jamie Bernstein (2010), Joseph Borgen (2010), Lowell Brazin (2011), Jason Fruchter (2011), Ari Goldberg (2011), Jason Goodman (2010), Elianna Kaufman (2011), Mariah Langweil (2010), Daniella Lazar (2011), Shlomo Leibtag (2011), Aaron Ozeri (2011), Benjamin Parnes (2010), Jacqueline Segelnick (2011), Alexandra Shafran (2011), Jonathan Shapiro (2011), Sabrina Sosnick (2011), Max Spector (2010), and Michael Zaslowsky (2011). O

The Bayswater Players Present “Brooklyn Boy” The Bayswater Players star- ring Barbara Berg, Ira Cohen, Michael Fogel, Miki Heino, Dara Lifschutz, Stuart Rappaport, 54 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES L–R: Bayswater Players Jack Tarzik and Stu Rappaport with director Claire Ginsburg Goldstein (rear center), founder of “Bears from Bergenfield,” prior to the Mario Martone in rehearsal of “Brooklyn Boy.” 100,000th teddy bear departing for Israel.

Jack Tarzik, and Etty Weiner are now in 100,000th Teddy Bear Flies El Al leadership of Claire Ginsburg Goldstein, Israel Defense Forces, and many more. rehearsal for the fall production of El Al, the national airline of Israel, and the “teddies” were obtained through Additionally, passengers departing Brooklyn Boy by Donald Margulies. “Bears from Bergenfield” have reached a donations by friends, congregants, neigh- Israel on El Al will hear an in-flight The play will be presented throughout milestone in their effort to send 100,000 bors, and nearby communities. announcement advising that all unused the month of November at the Bayswater teddy bears to Israel as part of a six year El Al has a history of providing shekels or any currency can be donated Jewish Center, Healy Avenue and Dickens long charity project. Upon arrival in humanitarian assistance to those in to two worthwhile causes Aleh and Alut, Street in Bayswater, Far Rockaway. Israel, the 100,000 soft and cuddly teddy need, many of which have been lifesav- which benefit children who have brain Performances are on Thursday bears have been delivered to sick children ing missions. In addition, the El Al injuries and autism. Collection nights, (except for Thanksgiving) and in hospitals as well as to underprivileged Matmid frequent flyer club partners envelopes are located in the seat pocket Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m., and children living in orphanages, day care, with other charitable organizations so in front of every passenger and are given Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. Ticket and community centers, as well as shel- that passengers can donate points to to a flight attendant upon disembarking prices are $12 for Thursday evenings, ters throughout the country. worthy causes such as Make A Wish the aircraft. For more information about and $15 for Saturday and Sunday per- El Al has formed a strong partnership Israel which assists children with life El Al Airlines, visit www.elal.com, or call formances. For more information call with “Bears from Bergenfield,” an organi- threatening illnesses, Chai Lifeline 800-223-6700. O 718-471-7771. For reserved seating call zation based at Congregation Beth Israel which offers help to family members Marion at 516-239-2632. O in Bergenfield, New Jersey. Under the with pediatric illnesses, Friends of the Continued on Page 60

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 55 56 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

True Desire gular desire—to serve G-d. It is this If we were speaking of a Jew soul that comprises the underly- who is coerced to perform a ing and most basic will of the Jew. mitzvah or refrain from a trans- At times this will is suppressed gression, we could cite the fol- and one may be urged to disregard lowing ruling of Rambam Torah law. This feeling, however, (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Gittin does not originate within the Jew 2:20): If a man is obligated to and is rather the result of an exter- divorce his wife but refuses to nal influence, namely, the Evil From The Chassidic Masters present her with a divorce docu- Inclination which acts upon him. ment, the rabbinical court may In light of the above, we would physically compel him to con- be able to understand the spiritu- sent—and the divorce is valid. As al mechanics behind Avraham’s Extorted Faith explained, even when a Jew is methods if he had been enforcing forced to do as Torah demands of Torah observance amongst Jews. Avraham built an inn at Be’er Name to be recognized by My cre- cessful, then how did it work? him, he is considered to have This, however, was not the case. Sheva and called out there in the ations and I thus consider it as if How could coercion produce acted of his own will. This Avraham imposed the worship of Name of the L-rd . . . you had been a partner with Me anything but one-time lip serv- despite the fact that, according to G-d upon every gentile that —Bereishis 21:33 in the world’s creation” (ibid. 43:7). ice? And, if indeed the praises Jewish law, a bill of divorce is would wander into his tent. He What is the connection Apparently, Avraham’s methods that Avraham forced his guest to invalid if not given consensually. was not dealing with a dichoto- between establishing an inn had a very real effect—and on a offer to G-d were said in truth, There is a mystical basis to this my of inner and outer wills. If and calling out in G-d’s Name? grandiose scale at that. how did his simply bullying ruling. The G-dly soul of a Jew, the Our Sages interpret the mean- But if this practice was so suc- them bring this about? nefesh ha’elokis, is driven by a sin- Continued on Page 58 ing of this verse and say, “Do not read ‘He called out’ but rather ‘He caused others to call out’” (Sotah 10a–b). At his inn in the harsh desert terrain of Beer- Sheba, Avraham would offer hospitality to weary travelers and there he would bring them to the belief in one G-d. After providing lavishly for his guests, they would get up to thank their host and leave. Avraham would then say, “Was it of mine you have eaten? It is the G-d of the world of Whose you have eaten. Thank, praise, and bless Him Who spoke and the world came into being.” So would Avraham do with all of his guests, advancing the central aim of his life to publicize belief in G-d to the world. What if, however, his guests did not wish to praise G-d in turn for the hospitality they had enjoyed? The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 49:4) also explains how Avraham would deal with these cases. If a guest would decline to recite the blessing as instructed, Avraham would present him with a bill from the inn. Quoting an exorbitant sum for each item, he would challenge the guest and say, “Who else gives you wine in the middle of a desert? Who gives you meat in a desert? Bread in the middle of a desert?’” Faced with the prospect of massive debt, the guest would opt for Avraham’s original offer and recite the blessing as told. There is clearly something here that we must understand. Avraham’s method of disseminating monotheism seems like—in a single word—extor- tion. It is thus difficult to see what real benefit there was to be had by obtaining momentary and external acquiescence to his demands. Those who did not wish to praise G-d would pretend to do so in Avraham’s presence and be on their way. It would seem to be a futile exercise. Yet, the Midrash says concerning this very conduct at the inn in Beer-Sheba that G-d told Avraham, “My Name was not recognized by My creations. You caused my 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 57

CHASSIDIC MASTERS ous his situation was and, due to his Continued from Page 57 coarseness, would not have been able to appreciate any moral guidance or advice these gentiles said they did not wish to that R’ Elazar could offer. The sage thus praise G-d, that is precisely what they intended to break through this coarseness meant and there would be no reason for with an attack to the man’s ego. them to make an external show. And so it was. Surprised and hurt, the We must say that Avraham truly moti- man searched his heart and promptly vated his guests to sincerely praise G-d. arrived at an answer, the only true Otherwise, there would have been no answer, “Go to the Craftsman who made point to his actions. So while he surely me and tell Him, ‘The vessel You have seemed to have been compelling his made is ugly.’” At that moment, he was guests to abide by his command, he was reminded of the G-d who created him, a somehow winning them over to a sincere G-d Who is a Craftsman and fashions His and newfound belief in G-d. vessels with purpose and meaning. The man had become poignantly aware The Ugly Man And The Sage of an idea that just a moment before he A story is related in Talmud (Ta’anis 20a–b) would not have been able to hear. In his concerning the Mishnaic sage R’ Elazar, who moment of humiliation, he regained a sen- once while traveling encountered a man sitivity that lifted him from his former who was “extremely ugly.” Said R’ Elazar to ugliness and caused him to instantly him, “Oh, empty one! How ugly you are. Are intensify his relationship with G-d. all the people where you are from as ugly as After their encounter, R’ Elazar asked the you?” Taken aback, the man replied, “Go to man for forgiveness, to which the man the Craftsman who made me and tell Him, responded, “I will forgive you only if you ‘The vessel You have made is ugly.’” will not become accustomed to speaking We ask: Did R’ Elazar not know before this way.” The vast majority of people—and the man’s answer that the body of a man even those who are “ugly” in their deeds and is the work of G-d? character—do not need to be scorned in Further, how is it possible for a man of order to arrive at a spiritual breakthrough. R’ Elazar’s stature to have allowed himself The man did not stipulate, however, that R’ to speak in such an insensitive manner? Elazar should never again speak this way, The story may be explained in the fol- for as our story conveys, there are times— lowing light. The man indeed was ugly; for certain people and in rare cases—when that, however, was not R’ Elazar’s concern. a spiritual ascent comes about only through R’ Elazar saw the man in spiritual terms the initial breakdown of callousness that is and found him to be spiritually ugly— brought about at a moment of despair. devoid of any merit, that is (see commen- tary of Iyun Yaakov on Ein Yaakov, Ta’anis, Request Denied ibid.). In this condition, the man lacked Along these lines, we may understand even the sensitivity to recognize how seri- another story, an episode recounted about

58 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION the fifth leader of Chabad, the above. The man had come to the that prompts a true and drastic ‘Blessed is the G-d of the world of no effect. Avraham would Rebbe Rashab. Rebbe with a serious problem, breakthrough in spiritual devel- of Whose we have eaten.’” It then proceed to break through In the early years of the and commensurate with the dire opment. The ugly man was not was not coercion that made the unusual coarseness of this Rebbe’s leadership, a Jew came to nature of his situation was in receptive to hear about living a them repeat the words they guest and, in one carefully him and asked for his blessing in need of an extremely great bless- life of purpose, and thus R’ were told. It was the circum- orchestrated moment of dis- a serious matter. Answered the ing from on High. The Rebbe saw Elazar did not even begin to stance of distress that jarred tress, the previous explanations Rebbe, “There is nothing I can do that in the man’s present spiritu- speak with him about that. The them from their callousness would begin to penetrate and for you. I cannot help.” The star- al stance, he was not worthy of man who came to seek the aid of and propelled them to a new the guest would know the truth tled man left the Rebbe’s office such an extraordinary blessing. the Rebbe Rashab was unable to level of spirituality. and exclaim, “Blessed is the G-d and began to cry bitterly. Indeed, no blessing could help receive G-d’s blessings and was The level to which every non- of the world of Whose we have At the same moment, the him at that time, for the man therefore denied. Yet, after fac- Jew may aspire is that of a right- eaten” (Likutei Sichos, vol. 15, pp. Rebbe’s older brother, R’ Zalman was—in common Chassidic tering despair, each of these men eous gentile who observes the 122–128). O Aharon, passed by and found minology—not a “vessel” for was changed. Seven Laws commanded to Based on the teachings of the the man in tears. R’ Zalman such a mighty effusion of Divine So too, Avraham did not pres- Noah, and is promised a share in Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem asked the man why he wept so, help. The Rebbe thus told the ent obstinate guests with a bill to the World to Come (Mishneh M. Schneerson; adapted by Rabbi Shais Taub. This essay is taken from and the man related to him the man truthfully that he could not blackmail them into praising G-d. Torah, Laws of Kings 8:11). One of his upcoming book soon to be entire story, including the help him. The point was rather to create a these seven commandments is published by Sichos in English. Rebbe’s terse reply. This rejection, however, situation in which the guests the belief in G-d. And being that Courtesy of Chabad.org. Find more Torah articles for the whole family at R’ Zalman entered the Rebbe’s caused the man to become so would become sharply aware of a non-Jew is commanded to www.chabad.org/parshah.NOTES: office and asked bluntly, “Is that anguished over his plight that their helplessness. This would believe in G-d, he has the ability 1. Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Laws of Idolatry 1:3) offers a biography of the way it is? Somebody asks for he could do nothing but cry out then break through the coarse- to do so. Avraham’s life in digest form. your blessing and you tell him to G-d with a broken heart. At ness that prevented them from Avraham would thus engage Regarding Avraham’s work in Be’er you cannot help until he cries that very moment, he was understanding the validity of his guests with proofs and rea- Sheva, he states that Avraham “would influence each individual according to endless tears of sorrow?” renewed and became a vessel fit Avraham’s request on their own. soning, ultimately persuading his intellectual capacity and place him The Rebbe put on his gartel (a to receive G-d’s blessing. We now may also under- them to become true believers on the true path.” See also Sefer HaMa’amorim 5711, “Ki Chelek” ch. 8 1 special belt donned before stand the precise wording of in G-d. When, however, he and Sefer HaMa’amorim 5700, “Lech prayer) and sent for the man to Avraham’s Method the Midrash in saying, “When would confront an exceptional- L’cha” ch. 3, which describe the various philosophical proofs that led Avraham return. The man reentered the The idea expressed in both they would see how he was dis- ly obdurate guest, he would see to a belief in G-d and which he in turn Rebbe’s office, the Rebbe then stories is a moment of distress tressing them, they would say, that all of his explanations were employed when convincing others. blessed him, and the blessing was fulfilled. But why had the Rebbe refused to help the man at first— and in such a manner as he did? Supposing even that the Rebbe could not help him, he could have offered words of encour- agement and comfort rather than flatly turning him away. We may understand this story in the same manner as we have explained the story of R’ Elazar

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION October 22, 2010 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS yeshiva or seminary graduates often lack the face-to-face time. His well-researched Local Residents To Be Honored At Continued from Page 55 interviewing skills, a knowledge of the “ATL” process (Assess/Target/Launch) uses AMIT Dinner, November 14 business world, and the ability to net- a series of tools, discussions, social Anne and Sheldon Golombeck of Steve Safier: Getting The Job Done work to find suitable job opportunities. media, video training, and his own back- Lawrence will be honored at the 2010 By Larry Gordon For example, Dr. Safier says, perform- ground of having hired and managed AMIT Annual Dinner Sunday evening, Dr. Steve Safier has his finger on the ing effectively in an interview requires scores of people around the world to November 14, at 5:00 p.m. at the Hilton weak pulse of our struggling economy more than simply being qualified for the help young adults get a leg up on their Hotel in New York City. Hundreds of and, at the same time, a sharp eye on the position; it’s also a matter of projecting competition. members, friends, and supporters of job market that awaits young people. an appropriate level of confidence (not As for his background, Dr. Safier was AMIT from throughout the tri-state area Dr. Safier’s company, Of Both Worlds, too much and not too little), and the trained as a clinical psychologist and are expected to attend. All proceeds will Inc., is unique as it utilizes his well- ability to successfully manage relation- made the transition to the business benefit AMIT’s network of schools and known coaching expertise and his deep ship skills in order to “connect” with the world almost 25 years ago. First as a programs throughout Israel, which in operational experience in corporate interviewer. What’s more, it involves consultant and partner in the recent years has grown to encompass America to help the young, talented per- knowing the right questions to ask an HayGroup, a global management-con- more than 20,000 students enrolled in sonalities that come through our col- interviewer, not only to gain informa- sulting firm, and then as a COO within kindergarten through junior college. leges, yeshivas, and seminaries prepare tion but also to impress. the Subway restaurants chain, he came Being honored together with Mr. and to find their first job. “That’s what corporate people are look- to appreciate just how important effec- Mrs. Golombeck are their parents, “It’s about anticipating the future and ing for,” Safier says, “because recruiters tive interpersonal skills are for getting a Marilyn and Leon Moed of New York City, having a personalized plan,” Dr. Safier and hiring managers want to feel com- job and for growing in one’s career. He’s and their siblings, Debbie and Sam Moed said the other day in a phone interview. fortable that a job applicant can relate also a graduate of Touro College and a of Englewood, New Jersey, and Sandra He explained that his firm recently con- well to bosses, colleagues, and, depend- member of the Teaneck community, and Howard Blank of Livingston, New ducted a survey of over 100 people and ing on the job, customers.” which has provided him with unique Jersey, plus Stacey and David Kanbar of found that only 10-20% of respondents, Safier works with job candidates one insight into the inner workings of what New York City, and Elana Loeffler, also of consisting of college students, recent on one or in groups in the Of Both he calls “both worlds,”—the secular and New York City. graduates, and their parents, believed Worlds, Inc. Teaneck offices. He also pro- the yeshiva worlds. The annual dinner is being chaired by that college courses do a good job in vides coaching via the phone and inter- For the prospective job candidate, Of Baila and Stanley Weiss of New Rochelle. preparing students for getting jobs when net for those who can’t make it to Both Worlds, Inc. (www.ofbothworlds Dinner co-chairs include Marissa and they graduate. What’s more, college and Teaneck or whose schedules won’t allow .com) gets the job done. O Daniel Katz, Rona and Ira Kellman, and Mimi Lieberman, all New York City residents; Sharona and Michael Loeffler of Boca Raton, Florida; Sharon and Solomon Merkin of Englewood, New Jersey; and Trudy and Stanley Stern of Lawrence, New York. Anne Golombeck has been a member of the AMIT new generation board since its formation, and her support for the organization has only grown since participating in a new generation mission to Israel where she experienced AMIT education first-hand. She was instrumental in the creation, establishment, and growth of Midreshet AMIT, and presently serves on its advisory board. Anne is a reading education specialist at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway and is active in the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst Sister- hood, of which she is a past president, and has served on the SKA High School for Girls Parent Council. Sheldon is a vice president of Morris J. Golombeck, Inc., a family spice business in its fourth generation. He is a past member of the executive committee of the American Spice Trade Association and a member of the association’s national arbitration board. He has joined Anne in her support of AMIT, participating in a Purim carnival in Sderot, as well as sharing in the bar mitzvah twinning of their son David with an AMIT child at AMIT Frisch Beit Hayeled in Jerusalem. He also has been very active on behalf of the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, serving as vice president, HAFTR, the Rambam Mesivta, and Tomchei Shabbos. Anne and Sheldon are the proud parents of Avi and Caryn, Joel, Lisa and Ben, and David, and the proud grandparents of Lilly, Avi and Caryn’s daughter. All of their children have been involved with AMIT and even Lilly is a lifetime member. AMIT enables Israel’s youth to realize their potential and strengthens Israeli society by educating and nurturing children from diverse backgrounds within a framework of academic excellence, religious values, and Zionist ideals. A significant percentage of AMIT students cope with educational, psychological, economic, and/or social risk factors. AMIT approaches each child as an individual, maximizing his or her potential, 60 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES and enabling its students to Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim contin- Pheffer (D-Queens) is asking all become vital, productive mem- ues its record of developing residents to join her in calling bers of Israeli society. The AMIT Jewish communal leadership upon the MTA board to vote schools promote religious toler- and assisting Jewish communi- down the toll increase for E-Z ance, service to the state, and ties throughout America to Pass users. the recognition that every child grow and thrive. On October 27, at 9:30 a.m. is blessed with unique talents A breakfast reception on the MTA board members will and abilities. Currently marking behalf of Yeshiva Chofetz vote on a method to increase its 85th anniversary, AMIT oper- Chaim will be held on Sunday toll revenues. “There are two ates more than 85 schools, morning, October 24, at 9:30 proposals that the MTA board is youth villages, surrogate family a.m. at the home of Mr. and considering. One is an all- residences, and other programs, Mrs. Barry Septimus, 207 around hike, which would constituting Israel’s only govern- Harborview South, in increase both EZ Pass and cash ment-recognized network of Lawrence. HaRav Dovid users alike. This would have a religious Jewish education Weinberger, mara d’asra of crippling effect on the already incorporating academic and Congregation Shaaray Tefila, an overburdened residents of my technological studies. For fur- esteemed alumnus of the yeshi- community. The other is a cash- ther information and reserva- Rabbi Akiva Grunblatt (L), rosh yeshiva of Chofetz Chaim in Queens, va, will address the gathering. O only hike plan, where only tions, please call AMIT at 212- with the Novominsker Rebbe, Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, shlita. cash-paying customers will pay 477-4725. O Pheffer Asks MTA a toll increase. The cash-only throughout Queens and Long Chofetz Chaim alumni, touch- To Reject E-Z Pass hike plan (COH) is the only Woodmere Clean Sweep, Island are flourishing under the ing the lives of countless people Toll Increase October 24 rabbinic and lay leadership of of all ages and backgrounds. Assemblywoman Audrey I. Continued on Page 62 On Sunday, October 24 at 10:30 a.m., the Woodmere Young Republicans (YRs), part of the Woodmere Republican Club, are hosting their first annual “Woodmere Clean Sweep—fall edition.” Brenden Strauss, student president at Hewlett High School, and coordinator of this community service effort, explains, “We hope that this and other upcoming events will help jumpstart our Woodmere business district with community spirit and involvement. This is our first all-out effort to literally clean up our ‘downtown’ area.” The students urge community residents, merchants, and community leaders to participate. The “Sweep” begins at 1026 Broadway in Woodmere, at 10:30 prompt. Ann Salpeter Schockett, Woodmere executive leader, is “very proud of our YRs, their school friends, and all the young people in our community. We all love Woodmere and what better way to show it than through good deeds like this.” Schockett adds, “This is not a partisan event but a community-wide effort open to everyone. This is the first time that, during the 25 years I have lived here, anything like this has taken place in our area.” Schockett hopes that this will also be a friendly, positive way to connect with people of all backgrounds throughout our neighborhood.” Brooms and gloves will be available for everyone. Kosher and vegetarian lunch items are being donated by local merchants including Pizza Pious. For more information, call 516- 837-3339. O

Annual Lawrence Reception for Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, October 24 Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim has enjoyed a very special and close relationship with the Five Towns/Far Rockaway Torah community. Numerous day schools, yeshiva high schools, shuls, and kiruv programs 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 61 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS website at http://mta-nyc.custhelp.com er bullying experts, teachers, school cussed how bullying is most prevalent in Continued from Page 61 and click on e-mail us (for MTA service administrators, and non-profits from school settings, and noted that contrary option, select Bridges and Tunnels, for New York City, Westchester, Long Island, to what many believe, bullies do not suf- option the MTA should be considering. subject, write toll increase, for question, and New Jersey to learn practical strate- fer from poor self-esteem and are, in fact, This option would prevent E-Z Pass users submit testimony), or fax to 212-878-7468. gies to curtail bullying and combat vio- very popular, especially with adults. To from enduring another toll increase,” You may also drop off your letter at either lence. The Honorable Robert T. Johnson, combat bullying, Dr. Green said, “Schools said Pheffer. of Assemblywoman Pheffer’s offices and district attorney of Bronx County, the need to have clear, consistent rules, and The cash-only hike plan (COH), is not it will be submitted on your behalf. event’s keynote speaker, discussed New meet with the children involved—both only supported by residents who partici- “The Cross Bay Bridge toll must be York Gov. David Paterson’s recent signing the bully and the child who is bullied. pate in the rebate program, but is also eliminated for all—that is the ultimate of the “Dignity for All Students Act” on School administrators and teachers need supported by commuters throughout goal—however, for now, the cash-only September 8, which aims to ensure that to convey that bullying is not acceptable New York City. The COH was inspired by hike is the only option we will accept. I school administrators and educators behavior, and they need to understand the many individuals who testified at the implore everyone to join me in demand- have the tools and resources in place to that inaction is not an acceptable reac- MTA’s public hearings. Cash transactions ing the MTA not raise the E-Z Pass toll,” afford all students, and particularly those tion to the problem.” He added that bul- are less efficient, more costly, and create said Pheffer. O who are traditionally targeted by bullies, lying is a worldwide problem, and that it a burden on traffic flow and congestion. an educational environment in which usually peaks during the middle school The COH would create an incentive for Symposium On they can thrive. years, in grades 6 through 8, stressing the drivers to utilize the more efficient E-Z Violence-Prevention Strategies “This effort to address how young peo- importance of intervention in the ele- Pass program. At a time when reports of bullying are ple sometimes treat one another is mentary school grades. Assemblywoman Pheffer will be testi- on the rise across the country, with con- appropriate and very timely,” Mr. Whether in person, in social media, or fying on October 27 against any further cern about some cases leading to suicide, Johnson said. Much of the behavior that by text, bullying has become the most burden to E-Z Pass users. Assembly- Touro College’s equity assistance center we are witnessing, particularly on so- common form of violence in schools, woman Pheffer encourages all residents housed in the Lander Center for called reality television programs, sug- according to the National Association of to voice their support for the cash-only Educational Research of the Graduate gests that constant humiliation of others School Psychologists (NASP). The hike plan and oppose the 10% E-Z Pass School of Education hosted a sympo- has become an acceptable national sport. National Education Association (NEA) increase. You may do so by testifying, or, sium on “Bullying and Harassment: The The results have been tragic.” Dr. Stuart estimates that 160,000 children miss for those who cannot attend in person, Most Common Form of Violence” on Green, chairman of the New Jersey school every day due to fear of attack or send your testimony through the MTA’s September 28. The event brought togeth- Commission on Bullying in Schools, dis- intimidation by other students. Additionally, two-thirds of students believe that schools respond poorly to bullying, according to the NASP, with a high percentage of students believing that adult help is infrequent and ineffec- tive. “Schools should be a safe place for learning, free from bullying, with a support system of adults who will address the problem immediately,” said Dr. Lamar Miller, dean of Touro’s Graduate School of Education. “The symposium provided practical, valuable information that teachers, administrators, and parents can use to combat bullying,” said Dr. Velma L. Cobb, director of Touro College’s equity assistance center. “We need to give these adults, who spend a lot of time with our children, information that helps identify the most vulnerable students, and how to work together to stop bullying.” Additional speakers included David Hensel, Coleen Chin, and Miriam Nunberg, attorneys from the New York Office of Civil Rights; Corrine O’Hara, RN, health educator, LGBTQ coordinator, HiTops; and Jason Siros, assistant project director, A World of Difference Institute, Anti-Defamation League. The event was hosted by Touro College’s equity assistance center-Region II in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education New York Office for Civil Rights, and was held at the at the Lander College for Women/The Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School. O

Chanoch L’naar Parenting Course It’s the most important job in the world, and it comes with no formal training. There’s no degree, no certification, and no internship, just the natural cycle of life and suddenly, you’re a parent. In a way our whole lives are preparation for this significant job, all of our own chinuch and training is in order to perpetuate the same middos and ideals in our children. But sometimes, even with the strongest convictions or clearest goals, it’s hard to stay on track. And the mother who promises herself that she will never raise her voice at her kids, will sometimes find her throat tightening around the loud scream, “Don’t do that!” Or the mother who wonders if she spends her whole day giving to her chil- 62 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES dren, why she doesn’t feel like she gets Nechama Leah S. describes her feelings porary Jewish woman is making it easier that I’d received from women learning anything back. And, what happened to in a voice choked with emotion.”I look to observe the complex laws of taharas about mikvah observance. They asked her dreams of close, loving relationships back over the past year and I realize how hamishpacha. me to develop a program to calculate with them? much things have changed, in me and in On the web-based solution called their important dates. We were already What can a woman do to maintain her my family as a whole. The atmosphere MikvahCalendar.com, users are guided swamped with log-ins from women just ideals, and reach her parenting goals? here has become so much more positive. through the process of inputting informa- days after the website launched. The Enter Mrs. Dina Friedman’s parenting Looking back, there are times I barely rec- tion and the confidential site’s calendar women are of all backgrounds, including course, Chanoch L’naar. Over the past six ognize that this is the same home as one takes over from there, tracking and calcu- Chareidi, Modern Orthodox, Chabad, and years, Dina; together with thousands of year ago. I am so grateful to Dina.” lating dates, times, and patterns, generat- Chassidic. As of now, a woman may women, has been leading a quiet revolu- Join the many women whose homes ing e-mail and text message reminders, choose customs within Ashkenaz, tion. Through her weekly sessions and and entire lives have been transformed! and facilitating anonymous “Ask the Chabad, and Sephardic.” teleconferences, women are learning to Take the steps you need to become a bet- Rabbi” help via e-mail. Launched in As the user enters the website, which deal with challenges, coping with every- ter mother, and a better person. Gain the March 2009, MikvahCalendar.com is the is completely secure and confidential, day scenarios, and rising above challeng- feeling of true empowerment and brainchild of Rebbetzin Rivkah Bloom, she is greeted by warm, welcoming ing situations to become the mothers menuchas hanefesh, by becoming a who earned a bachelors and masters words and blessings. Unique in its con- they always wanted to be. Many of these happy mother who enjoys her life’s work! degree in computer science and electrical cept and design, this individualized women tell of how they felt as if they A free demo with information and engineering from the Massachusetts guide to taharas hamishpacha obser- went on a journey. They started out excerpts of classes is available by calling Institute of Technology. vance helps women calculate dates, either feeling unsure, guilty, or afraid of 718-819-3020 or by visiting www.clparening. “MikvahCalendar.com was developed times, and patterns of family purity, their children’s misbehaviors, and by the com. If you have further questions, or to by my colleague and me,” Rivkah told the facilitating the observance of this great end of the program felt strengthened and register, call Henny or Sori. O Five Towns Jewish Times. “My colleague, mitzvah. Featuring a choice of visual supported, understood and educated. who prefers to remain anonymous, holds backgrounds, the website, which Dina’s easy delivery and charming MikvahCalendar.com: A High-Tech a bachelors degree in computer science launched in the United States, now fea- accent make her a pleasure to listen to. Personalized Approach and electrical engineering and mathemat- tures options in Hebrew, French, and There’s no accusations, no blaming, just To Taharas Hamishpacha ics and a masters in CS from MIT, and is Spanish, in addition to English. an explanation of what is happening, By Rochelle Maruch Miller very close to finishing his PhD in CS at MikvahCalendar.com is rabbinically and the tools to deal with it. She always An online mikvah calendar created Yale University. We worked on it for four presents her wealth of professional especially for the internet-savvy contem- years, in response to requests for help Continued on Page 64 information to be in line with the Torah hashkafos. Chavy M. relates, “I love the whole experience, but especially the fact that Dina’s so real! When she describes a scenario, I feel like speaking into the phone, ‘That’s me you’re describing! How did you know?’ She speaks straight to my heart, not just to identify the problems, but also to come up with real, tried and true solutions.” And there are opportunities to speak back. Aside from the weekly class which is posted every Sunday, and can be dialed in at your convenience or listened to online; Dina also offers a question and answer session via teleconference, where mothers benefit from asking Dina live, about the class material. And women all over the world gain support from hearing of others who are struggling with the same challenges and working towards the same goals. These sessions are recorded and available for listening at any time. The entire program can be heard over the phone or on the website. Classes are also available in .mp3 format for those who complete the course, so that they can always review all that they have learned. Geared for ages two through teens, this course offers tools for every mother. With topics such as increasing self control, building self esteem, problem solving, sibling rivalry, and trust and lying, Dina helps to identify issues, explain how to understand the dynamics behind them, and then gives practical and effective solutions. Dina speaks to the mothers about themselves first, helping each woman to work on her own emotional health, self control, and personal connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu. She then teaches how to transfer these values to our children, with practical techniques. Raizy H describes another benefit of the course. “It’s all encompassing. Dina really touches on every aspect of your life. Once you understand what causes children to act in certain ways, and what their needs are, you can understand and work with all people better. Because you start seeing people in a different light, it affects your relationship with your children, your spouses, your co workers. I feel like my entire home has been enhanced. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 63 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS vah, please visit MikvahCalendar.com. The new signal system upgrade will No LIRR train or bus service will oper- Continued from Page 63 The website is dedicated in memory of bring state-of-the-art computerized ate to or from Atlantic Terminal, Forest Rivkah and Gavriel Holtzberg, z’l, and microprocessor technology to Jamaica’s Hills, Kew Gardens, Hollis, Locust Manor, and expertly approved and recommend- the Mumbai Kedoshim. O critical switching area and centralizes the Laurelton, Rosedale, Merillon Avenue, ed by Rabbi Fishel Jacobs, author of switching and signal control from three New Hyde Park, St. Albans, Nostrand Chochmot HaTaharah and Family Extremely Limited LIRR Train existing signal towers at Jamaica—includ- Avenue, and East New York. Purity, which Rivkah cited as being Service, Weekends Of October ing Hall Tower, where the switching Since the Port Washington Branch is especially inspirational in bringing her 23–24 And November 6–7 board was damaged by a major fire in the LIRR’s only branch that does not oper- service to fruition, as well as Rabbi The Metropolitan Transportation August that disrupted service. ate through Jamaica Station, regular Yosef Carmel, rosh kollel of Eretz Authority is advising riders that during Extensive testing of the new equip- hourly weekend service, with some Chemdah, av beit din Mishpat the weekends of October 23–24 and ment requires these weekend service added trains, will be provided on these VeHalacha BeYisrael, author of Tzofenet November 6–7 there will be extremely reductions, including no train service two weekends. Eliyahu; and Rabbi Moshe Ehrenreich, limited Long Island Rail Road service, between Mineola and Jamaica Station, no Key information for traveling on the rosh kollel of Eretz Chemdah, and especially between Jamaica Station and train service between Queens Village and LIRR to or from the Far Rockaway/Five dayyan in the Conversion Court of the Penn Station, as the LIRR cuts over to a Jamaica, and no train service between Towns area for both weekends includes: Chief Rabbinate of Israel. modern signal and switching control sys- Jamaica Station and Atlantic Terminal. • On the Long Beach branch, trains “Based on rabbinic input and user tem at Jamaica. LIRR train service on all branches will be will run hourly direct to and from Penn feedback, we’re continually upgrading As a result of the extremely limited significantly affected, except for the Port Station, making local stops between and adding to the site,” said Rivkah. service, the LIRR recommends that dur- Washington Branch. Valley Stream and Long Beach. Long Indeed, MikvahCalendar.com is even ing these two weekends riders use the Riders are advised to allow up to 70 Beach trains will also connect with Far easier to use than ever before—from LIRR for essential business travel only. minutes of additional travel time and to Rockaway trains at Valley Stream Station. anywhere! Sunrise and sunset are Riders traveling for recreational purposes pick up special weekend timetables dated • On the Far Rockaway branch, service adjusted automatically, based on the during this period should consider travel October 23–24 and November 6–7 and to is reduced from hourly to every two user’s current location. Plus, the print- on the Port Washington Branch or other familiarize themselves with the signifi- hours. Shuttle trains will operate friendly format is ideal for personal travel alternatives. During the two cant changes taking place these week- between Far Rockaway and the Valley records. For your personal guide to taha- cutover weekends, many riders will need ends. Extra LIRR personnel will be on Stream station. Connections will be ras hamishpacha and to experience the to take the “E” subway line service duty throughout the two weekends to made at Valley Stream with Long Beach beauty and tranquility of this great mitz- between Jamaica and Penn Station. assist riders. branch trains for direct service to and from Penn Station. • On the Hempstead branch, train service will be provided every two hours, instead of hourly, between Hempstead and Queens Village. Buses replace LIRR trains between Queens Village and Jamaica on the Hempstead Branch. Westbound riders will take trains to Queens Village, where they will board buses for travel to Jamaica. At Jamaica, riders will transfer to NYC Transit’s “E” subway line for express service to Penn Station. Eastbound riders will take NYC Transit’s “E” subway line at Penn Station to Jamaica and transfer to buses bound for Queens Village. At Queens Village, riders will transfer to a train for the remainder of the trip to Hempstead. • Only three trains will operate each hour between Jamaica and Penn Station (about one-third regular weekend service level). Alternative subway service is available via NYC Transit’s “E” subway line between Penn Station and Jamaica (the Archer/Sutphin stop on the “E”). • There will be no LIRR train service between Jamaica and Atlantic Terminal. Eastbound riders at Atlantic Terminal are advised to take NYC Transit subway service to Penn Station, and then take one of the three trains per hour leaving Penn to either Ronkonkoma, Babylon, or Long Beach. For travel to other eastern termi- nals, riders at Penn should take NYC Transit’s “E” subway line to Jamaica. Subway service between lower Manhattan, northern Brooklyn, and Jamaica is also available via the “J” subway line. Westbound riders at Jamaica looking to travel to Atlantic Terminal should take NYC Transit’s “E” subway line to Times Square or World Trade Center for transfers to the “2” or “3” subway lines to Atlantic Terminal. • Buses replace LIRR trains between Mineola and Jamaica on the Huntington/Port Jefferson, Ronkon- koma (overnight period only), and Oyster Bay branches. Babylon and Huntington weekend service will be reduced from half-hourly to hourly. Most Ronkonkoma trains will be rerouted along the Babylon branch for a portion of the trip. For more information about the service changes, riders can refer to the Jamaica Cutover brochure, visit www.mta.info/ 64 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES LIRR, or contact the LIRR’s Travel Mayor Parise Presents $12,000 Information Center, in Suffolk County at Donation To Auxiliary Police 631-231-LIRR (5477), in Nassau County at 516- In Cedarhurst Village Hall, Mayor 822-LIRR, or in New York City at 718-217- Andrew Parise presented the Five Towns LIRR. The Travel Information Center’s TDD auxiliary police department with a dona- telephone number for the hearing tion of $12,000 from the Village of impaired is 718-558-3022. O Cedarhurst. The auxiliary police will use these funds to enhance their operation Yeshiva Tifereth Moshe and continue keeping the people of Rebbeim, parents, grandparents, Cedarhurst safe. and great-grandparents gathered as The auxiliary police of the Five Towns the 5th grade talmidim of Yeshiva is a volunteer force of over 30 officers Tifereth Moshe in Kew Gardens, who all complete a 25-week training Queens received their first gemaras at course. They work to prevent crime, serv- the haschalas Gemara mesibah. Rabbi ing as the eyes and ears of the local police

Yeshiva Tifereth Moshe students with menahel Rabbi Yaakov May and rebbeim Rabbi Saks and Rabbi Lisker.

Yaakov May, menahel of the yeshiva departments and maintain order during and world renowned speaker Rabbi special events including fairs, parades, Noach Isaac Oelbaum, delivered divrei chizuk. O Continued on Page 66

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 65 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 65

and holidays. Daniel Gluck, the com- manding officer of the Five Towns divi- sion described the force saying, “We are the largest and fastest growing contin- gency in Nassau County.” This donation will help cover operating costs and aid in supplying the auxiliary officers with necessary equipment, including radios and uniforms. Mayor Parise, appreciative of the work of the auxiliary force and their continued help in Cedarhurst, was full of praise for the force. “The Village of Cedarhurst has an excellent relationship with the auxiliary police. They Presenting the League MVP prize, a Croton do a great job and are used on numerous watch, to Yehuda Konig. L–R: Dom DeRosa occasions; concert nights, directing traffic, (chief umpire), Yehuda Konig, and Evan policing the area, as well as attending the Blachman (commissioner). Cedarhurst courts weekly,” said Mr. Parise. Mr. Gluck accepted the donation saying, “[The Village of Cedarhurst] has always Smackin Pitches 6, Warriors 4 come through for us, whatever we need David’s Famous Pizza MVP Dovid Blum from them.” This donation would not have Protege 6, Sunday Crew 3 been possible had it not been for David’s Famous Pizza MVP: Cedarhurst’s generous citizens, village George Rafferty trustees, and Mayor Andrew Parise. O For more information, visit www.Crotonsoftball.com. All games are Croton Softball League sponsored by Croton Watches and XL Semi-Final Playoffs, Best of 3 Energy Drink. O Monday, October 25, 8:00 p.m. Protege vs. Mad Dawgs at Bay Park in East Students Receive Award For Rockaway. “Most Useful Software” Tuesday, October 26, 7:00 p.m. Justice UIST (ACM Symposium on User League vs. Smackin Pitches at North Interface Software and Technology), as Woodmere Park. described by its website, www.acm.org/ October 18 and 19 scores uist/uist2010/Student_Contest.html, is the Justice League 9, 5TLobos 0 premier forum for innovations in the soft- Mad Dawgs 10, Banjo Momasitas 8 David’s Famous Pizza MVP: Ari Witkes Continued on Page 68

66 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 67 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS in from Israel for the contest, put it, “this modems for all your communication Continued from Page 66 revolutionary software is the answer to needs in Israel. Visit www.amigo-us.com stopping traditional keyloggers, for or call 1-888-264-4687 to learn more. ware and technology of human-computer which no other solution currently exists.” For travel to other destinations, visit interfaces. Each year, students from These students, under the guidance of www.uno4.com to learn about free around the globe are challenged with Dr. G.L. Warren, visiting assistant professor incoming calls in most countries and designing software for unique hardware. of chemistry at Yeshiva University, hope to low cost direct dialing. Uno4 also offers This year’s competition involved a continue working with the keyboard, and prepaid SIM cards for travelers arriving Microsoft Applied Sciences “adaptive key- eventually to market their software if in the U.S. These SIM cards allow the board,” a computer keyboard with dynam- Microsoft releases the prototype. O traveler to call their home country direct- ic (visually modifiable) keys, equipped with ly without calling cards. a touchscreen. Free Vacation Offer For Mediguard travel insurance in Yair Saperstein (Lawerence) of Yeshiva From Amigo-US Israel, visit www.mediguardtravel.com. University together with Yosef Skolnick Amigo-US, a leader in phone rental for So, take the Amigo to Israel; then (West Hempstead) of Brooklyn College, travelers, is now offering a free vacation take your amigo on a three-day, two- and Yosef Reisin and Marco Pariente- to over 40 choice destinations through- night vacation. O Cohen, both of the Jerusalem College of out the U.S. and Canada. For every phone Technology, designed software for the rental application to Israel, you will Ohel Brings A Unique Educational keyboard which thwarts both software L–R: Yosef Reisin, Yair Saperstein, Marco receive a voucher entitling you and a Opportunity To Managers In The and hardware keyloggers. Keyloggers cap- Pariente-Cohen (seated), Dr. Lee Warren, companion to enjoy three fun filled days Non-Profit Community ture every keystroke inputted to the com- and Yosef Skolnick. and two exciting evenings of deluxe During the months of October, puter. With the W.H.A.C.K. (We Hinder hotel accommodations at one of their November, and December, the The Mel almost All Criminal Keyloggers) software beautiful destinations. and Phyllis Zachter Ohel Institute for designed by the group, the dynamic key deciphers the appropriate password, and Now you can enjoy Amigo’s quality Training is sharing a unique opportunity displays are scrambled. A random config- the user continues unhindered. phones offering you the lowest prices with managers in the non-profit commu- uration of letters is displayed over the Keyloggers only record the hardwired and their exclusive free walkie-talkie. And nity. “Turning Managers into Successful QWERTY keyboard. When the user types key, and will not be able to record the then receive a great vacation on them. Leaders,” an advanced, skill-building his password, the W.H.A.C.K. software user’s password. As Yosef Reisin, who flew Amigo-US also offers BlackBerrys and workshop series and certificate program, will feature dynamic, expert presenters and a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare human services professionals for future leadership challenges. Interactive discussions, case examples, and experiential exercises will enhance the learning experience, and provide participants with hands-on strategies to increase their effectiveness in the workplace. The workshops will take place at the Young Israel of Avenue K in Brooklyn. On October 27, the keynote address “Great Leaders vs. Good Managers” will be presented by David Mandel, CEO of Ohel. Rabbi Peretz Hochbaum, director of Ohel’s Camp Kaylie, will present the keynote address “Leading Change” on November 10, and Gail Magaliff, CEO of F.E.G.S, will present the keynote address “Leadership in Challenging Economic Times” on December 22. The series’ interactive workshops will address key com- petencies for leadership success, including personality differences and staff development on Day I, communication and conflict management on Day II, and team building and performance management and review on Day III. Advance registration is required. For more information about this and other upcoming educational opportunities, contact The Mel and Phyllis Zachter Ohel Institute for Training at 1-877-EDU-Ohel (1- 877-338-6435), or visit www.ohelfamily.org. O

Beyond the Racial Laws: Fascist Anti-Semitism Revisited, November 3 On November 3, at 6:30 p.m., the Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust will partner with the Primo Levi Center and the Italian Cultural Institute for an eye-opening discussion of Beyond the Racial Laws: Fascist Anti-Semitism Revisited. This new assessment is crucial to the understanding of the specifics of fascist anti- Semitism and the unique characteristics of the Shoah in Italy. Tickets are free and are available at www.mjhnyc.org or by calling 646-437-4202. This program will be moderated by Alessandro Cassin of the Primo Levi Center and will include Michele Sarfatti, director of the Center for Contemporary Jewish Documentation, Milan (CDEC); 68 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Annalisa Capristo of the Center for The 10 finalists of each category will The deadline to enter is Monday, Douglaston, Little Neck, College Point, American Studies, Rome; and Guri all receive $100 each, a “Power of November 15, Ches Kislev. Bellerose, Hollis, Jamaica Estates, Floral Schwarz and Ilaria Pavan, both of the Jewish Children” award certificate and All submissions must be uploaded to Park, and Glen Oaks. Since assuming University of Pisa. a family pack of six tickets to the www.powerofjewishchildren.com and office, he has made things safer through The scholars will discuss new docu- Jewish Children’s Museum. The first accompanied by a completed application his Safe Streets/Safe City program, made ments and perspectives on the complex 1,000 contestants will receive two tick- form. Visit the website for more informa- things greener through the establish- relationship between Italians and Jews ets each to the Jewish Children’s tion and for an application form. ment of the Northeast Queens Nature under fascism, including the contradicto- Museum and a “Power of Jewish Tzivos Hashem, now in its 30th year, and Historic Preserve Commission, and ry circumstances that allowed a high per- Children” award certificate. was established upon the urging of the just made things better overall for his centage of Jews to survive. This discus- A panel of judges will select 10 final- Lubavitcher Rebbe, in order to put every constituents. He is a highly respected sion is part of a series taking place on ists in each of the three categories. The Jewish child under 13 years of age on the figure in the State Senate and has November 3 and 4 entitled “Purely Italian: general public will vote on these 30 win- forefront of making the world a place authored some key legislation making Racial Policies and Persecution of ning entries via the website where goodness and kindness prevail. great inroads in the areas of finance, Minorities in Fascist Italy” which will www.powerofjewishchildren.com from Since its inception, Tzivos Hashem has education, entitlement programs, men- offer new information about the fascist November 16 until December 16. Three become a global movement, using books, tal health issues, and more. mindset and policies on race and minori- finalists from each category will be cho- magazines, youth groups, contests, work- Many would classify Senator Padavan ties. The series will focus on the 1920 per- sen by the general public as well as by shops, and worldwide rallies via the inter- as a mentsch in his dedication to helping secution of the Slovenians and the anti- the judges on a 50/50 basis. net to educate and inspire over a million others and his political dealings. Jewish laws of 1938, the construction of The top three finalists will receive an children who have joined to usher in a new Sometimes, Padavan has whole fami- post-war memory, and recent discoveries all-expenses-paid trip to New York City era of good. O lies—grandparents, parents, and chil- by up-and-coming historians. for the Tzivos Hashem anniversary din- dren—coming to speak with him at a Natalia Indrimi, director of the Primo ner and concert on January 16 and will Frank Padavan Endorsed By 5TJT public event to express their support for Levi Center, said, “It is our hope to dispel be eligible for great prizes! The nine By Larry Gordon the great work that he has done for the the myths that surround racism and finalists will be required to showcase Since 1973, Frank Padavan has been a community. That’s why it’s so important Italian fascism. It is an uncomfortable their talent at the concert, either in per- devoted and sensible voice for those he for everyone to come out and vote for history, but one that we need to confront son or by video. The final winner in represents in District 11. His district him on November 2—so that he can con- in order to understand how a society in each category will be selected by a includes the communities of Queens tinue supporting this community every which any form of critical debate has panel of judges. Village, Flushing, Bayside, Whitestone, other day of the year. O been suppressed can produce and embrace the means to destroy some of its components and ultimately itself.” Presented with the CDEC, Milan, and the Primo Levi Center in cooperation with Casa Italiana Zerilli Marimó and NYU Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies. The “Purely Italian” series will explore different facets of Fascist racial policies. On November 4th the Center for Jewish History (www.cjh.org) with PEN America and the Slovenian Consulate will present an evening on Boris Pahor and the destruction of the Slovenian minority. For more information about the series, visit www.primolevicenter.org. O

Tzivos Hashem’s “Power Of Jewish Children” Competition In honor of Tzivos Hashem’s 30th anniversary, a special worldwide “Power of Jewish Children” competition is being launched. The competition is comprised of three categories: Heart. This chesed award is for an exceptional act of kindness for another. It can be a project for charity or another mitzvah involving someone else. Hand. This performance award is for the best display of talent. It can be playing a musical instrument, a personally written story or poem, artwork, a comedy skit or singing (singing for boys only). Head. This achievement award is for exceptional studies, researching and writing about something important, or mas- tering a difficult concept. All Jewish children ages five to bar/bat mitzvah are eligible to enter. Participating children have the chance to win valuable cash prizes for the non-profit organization of their choice! 1st Prize. $5,000 towards a non-profit Jewish institution; plus $2,500 for the winner. 2nd Prize. $2,500 towards the winner’s school or favorite organization; plus $1,250 for the winner. 3rd Prize. $1,000 towards the winner’s school or favorite organization; plus $500 for the winner. Winners will receive cash for the organization of their choice. They will receive half their prize money in cash and half in a gift of Jewish books. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 69

cubes and cheese or serve with a crusty bread to dip in. Thicken soups by pureeing vegetables. Pureeing is not only for creamed soups. If you want to thicken any soup, remove some of the vegetables to a blender with a little of the broth and puree before adding it back to the soup. This is a lower-calorie alternative to making a roux, which consists of a fat combined with flour used as a base for Soup’s Up thick, creamy soups. Make your soup in advance. Some dish- When the weather begins to get chilly, take a little more time prepping the ingredi- es are best eaten fresh and others are best there is something about a bowl of ents to impart a richer flavor. Here are some made in advance. Making soup a day steaming hot soup that warms and com- tips for making your soup even better: before you plan on serving it will give the 1 bay leaf forts you from the inside out. Such a ver- Sauté or roast your ingredients first. ingredients a chance to meld together. salt and freshly ground pepper to taste satile dish with so many options and Browning bones in the pot or oven and The more times you reheat it, the stronger 8 cups beef broth combinations to choose from, a good sautéing onions and other vegetables will the flavors will be. 8-oz. can chickpeas, drained bowl of soup can be a great starter or a give your soup an added depth of flavor. This soup was inspired by my hus- 2 cups cooked flat pasta meal in itself. Although not necessary, it will noticeably band’s grandmother’s cooking. It can defi- parsley for garnish, optional Eating soup at the beginning of a meal enhance the flavors of your soups. nitely be a meal in itself and takes very lit- Directions: can be an excellent way to help you save Using pre-made stocks and brothsu. Yo tle effort to make. Heat oil in large pot on medium-high calories. It will fill you up so you eat less dur- can basically make any type of soup by heat and brown bones and stew meat. ing the main course and you can load it up adding fresh vegetables and meats to store- Lamb, Beef, And Vegetable Soup Remove the bones and meat, and add car- with endless healthy ingredients. Especially bought stocks and broths. Using these With Noodles rots, onions, and parsnip to brown for 10 for the pickiest of eaters, throwing in an products instead of water will give your Ingredients: minutes. array of healthy vegetables, herbs, and pro- soup a boost of flavor in a fraction of the 2–3 Tbsp. canola oil Add potatoes and simmer for another teins that your child might not eat other- time. Just make sure to use low-sodium 1 lb. meaty lamb bones five minutes. Add tomatoes and stir well, wise will help you sneak some nutrition broths so you don’t over salt your soup. 1 lb. beef stew, cut into cubes then add coriander, cumin, garlic, and bay into their diet. You can puree the soup so Add salt towards the end of cooking since 2 large carrots, peeled leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. the vegetables are unrecognizable, or even a portion of the liquid will be evaporated and coarsely sliced Return meat to the pot and add stock serve just the broth if a child refuses to eat and you might need less than you think. If 2 medium onions, and chickpeas. Stir well, then raise flame their vegetables. By simmering for an the soup is too salty, you can add a peeled coarsely chopped to bring soup to a boil. Cover and lower to extended period of time, all those great whole potato to absorb some of the salt, 1 parsnip, peeled a simmer; cook for 50 minutes. Serve with nutrients will be infused into the broth, and then discard when finished cooking. and coarsely chopped pasta and garnish with parsley. O even more so than the vegetables that have Make it a one-pot meal . To make a soup a 2 large potatoes, peeled been cooking in it. complete meal in a bowl, add vegetables, and diced into large pieces Eating quality, delicious meals is easy when all the work is done for you. Hire a personal chef to Aside from these benefits, a good soup protein, and carbs to fill you up. A vegetable 1-lb. can crushed tomatoes prepare your dinners, Shabbos meals, or small will usually take very little effort to assem- soup can become more filling with shred- 1 tsp. ground coriander parties. For more information, contact Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-508- ble. You can throw all the ingredients in a ded cooked chicken or beef, and/or pasta or 1 tsp. ground cumin 3663, writing to [email protected], or pot and leave it to simmer unattended, or rice. You can also top with toasted bread 1 large garlic clove, peeled and crushed visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net.

70 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 71 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

Shomer Shabbos. Cheapest Rates ever Advance your guitar skills. from Ben Gurion to Jerusalem day or Experienced in all genres with a pas- night 180 Shekel four passengers + four sion for hard rock/and metal training. suitcases included. Call 050-6341-234 Advanced rhythm, soloing and jam sessions. Patient and attentive. Adaptable Speak to Shaul. lesson-plans to fit all playing levels. 45 Photography - Small Event Specialist min session $65. Bar/Bat Mitzva - Bris - Yeshiva/Shul Call Victor at 917-561-8486 Functions - Family Portraits New Table and Chair Gemach for Reasonable prices - Quality Work - Fast short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct., Turnaround. Call Eli - 516-319-7709 Far Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368

The Computer Place Menadvim— Furniture and Appliances. Computer Consultants, Technical Like new to Donate and Receive. Support, Network, Internet Solutions. Call 718-MEN-ADVIm (718-636-2384) Call 866-583-2443 We deliver.

Beautiful business-size cards with Couture dress making. Perfect tailor- Kiruv websites, are available for free ing. Excellent alterations. Works with (to give to not-yet-Frum people). fine fabrics and designer’s clothes. Please text or call 718-501-2110 Pick-up and delivery available. By appointment only. Please leave mes- Nehora Tours Travel. Not a gimmick. sage. 516-808-3231 Best rates ever, best service JFK NY/Newark NJ to Ben Gurion all credit Handyman— General Maintenance cards accepted best deal all airlines. Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, [email protected] Appliances, Insulation, Drywall, Doors, Windows & Much More 516-417-8042 “Used or Abused” Before you buy a used car, come in for a free frame (structural) Personal Trainer— Female— Right In Your Home. No Excuses, I Bring The check. Precision Auto Body 691 Burnside Gym To You. $ 3 For $99 Intro Special. Ave, Lawrence. 516-371-1137. Friends Jodi 516-225-9420 Or E-mail Me don’t let friends drive junk! [email protected]

Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring. SAT Math prep, regents, high school Your and elementary math, high school physics. Call 516-371-5522 Real Estate,

Simchas Naava Service, or Share your simcha flowers! Be Help Wanted Ad m’sameach other simchas! Donate your fresh flower arrangements! We will Here Every match your simcha date with simchas following yours or deliver them Thursday to nursing home residents. To donate or obtain flower arrangements call 516-239-6066 In memory of a special friend, Naava Wassner Katlowitz 100,000 readers look forward to Help Kosiner Bikur Cholim maintain their apartments near Manhattan hos- what’s happening pitals. Sponsor a Shabbos as a z’chus. in the 5 Towns Donations accepted. Tax deductible. 347-924-4205 by reading The Five Towns G'Mach Chasdei Yisroel — Lending money to people in Klei Kodesh & for Jewish Times. Klei Kodesh purposes. In the Far Rockaway-Five Towns area. Please call 917-822-9910 for more info. Or email Deadline is Monday [email protected]. In Memory of at 5:00 p.m. R' Yisroel Ben Binyamin, a"h. 1 Week...... $35 Work On Your New Goals. Big pix 2 Weeks ...... $60 and doable pieces with unique clarity. Inner & external goals. Proven 4 Weeks ....$100 track-record. Self-discovery, collaboration, taking action. Creative, out- Weekly Ads of up to of-the-box. Testimonials speak for themselves. For Women. 25 words www.OrthodoxJewishLifeCoach.com 516-569-8074 [email protected] Call: 516-569-0502 Fax: 516-977-0608 Small beginners Siddurim, and Shabbos guidebooks, both in Russian, are avail- Or E-mail ads to: able for you to distribute. Please call Tashbar Publications at [email protected] 718-438-9025 (leave message with address, Include payment info. IY"H we will mail them to you for free.) 72 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SERVICES REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE PROVIDED FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE

HK Ilanas Agency — Provide you with Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth Cedarhurst — New construction. First Houses For Sale Nassau County screened, Experienced Nanny, Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K show. Col. 9’ ceilings, 5BR, 2.5bths, full 5 Towns Jan Kalman Rlty Housekeepers, Aids, Companion to the Call 516-322-3555 basement, on quiet tree-lined street. Open Houses, Oct.24th Elderly. 21 years in the Industry. Call for details ...... $799K Ced. 315 Leroy Av (BA) 4BR Col. Licensed and bonded. Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 ...... $515K 718-575-1700, 718-575-0887 deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. Ced. 336 Westminster (BA) 3BR Cape...... $729K ...... $3s Fabulous buy in Inwood. Large updated 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 N.Wdm. 775 Gilbert Pl (11:30-1) 4BR Col. A new twist on an old tradition. We are home with two kitchens on large lot...... $5s here to assist with all your challah bak- Close to everything!! A must see!! North Woodmere — New to market. N.Wdm. 872 Park Ln (11:30-1) Exp Spl. ing needs! Flexible and accommodat- ...... $449K Custom 6BR (4 on one level), new gran- ...... $519K ing. Great for beginners who want to be Possible Mother/Daughter (with permits). ite kitchen, LR, FDR, 2 dens, quiet tree- Wdm. (Hew Nk) (BA) Eleg 5BR Col. perfectionists. Individuals or groups Move right in!! Call Leah 516-208-5114 lined street. Walk all shuls. . . . . $679K Prime loc. POR welcome. Contact Baila 347-522-4090 Far Rockaway — Perfect Starter Home Owner. JanKalman.com & Perfect location. 3BR, 2bth, EIK, den. 516-902-8908 516-569-5651 Needs some TLC. Reduced to . . . $359K Hewlett — Beautiful 5 BR, 3 bths, split. Weissman Realty Group. 516-791-6100 HELP WANTED Woodmere — Updated spacious 1BR apt All updated, in SD#14. Separate co-op, 1st floor. Large BR, Large LR, entrance can be M/D with proper per- Open House Sunday, Oct. 24th 1:00-3:00 EIK, High ceiling ...... $139K nego. mits. Owner motivated, reduced. 175 Philips Lane, Hewlett Neck Paid internship at a start-up sports ...... $499K Three story spacious country home on Woodmere — Waterview 6BR, 5bths, related website available starting 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 dead end street. Large country eat in finished basement, all redone. immediately. Must be computer savvy, kitchen, updated bathrooms, full fin- Mother/Daughter w/permit. Good for preferably knowledgeable in WordPress. Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! ished basement. Motivated sellers. Large family ...... $900’s Photo editing skills a plus. Work from 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, ...... $1.250M Dalia Fritz Realty 516-374-4411 home. Must be local in the five towns 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, Morton M. Haves Inc. 516-374-0100 area. Contact [email protected] for clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space more information. parking, 2 family, professional use, Lawrence co-op — 1 Roslyn Place — COMMERCIAL REAL accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- Jr4, 1 full bth, LR/DR with terrace Salespeople needed for a local Brooklyn ESTATE FOR SALE tional and religious uses. Grand colonial overlooking Central Ave. Low mainte- business. You must be energetic, reli- with charm and great possibilities. nance, possibility of two parking spots. able, and enthusiastic. Base salary + Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable commission. Great opportunity. Call Joe Reduced! ...... $170K Building For Sale: 125 Cedarhurst Ave. Owner 516-322-3555 646-619-2822 ext. 6100 Please call Ari 516-521-8870 6,400 sf retail/comm. bldg w/HSBC. 5 Far Rockaway/Lawrence — 833 Central units 100% occupied ...... $3,965,000 Immediate opening for assistant teacher Lawrence/Far Rockaway — 1BR co-op, large LR/DR, updated Call Ben Weiss at Besen & Associates M-TH 1:50-4:30. Five Towns area school. 833 Central Ave. New to market. kitchen, 24-hour doorman, Shabbos ele- 212-951-8418, [email protected] Send resume to [email protected] Spacious 1 BR, light and bright, door- vator, low maintenance. Reduced $195K or Fax 718-471-0925 man/elevator building, walk all. . . $195K Also for rent $1,100.00 Commercial Property/Income Prop For Sale 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Weissman Realty Group, LLC Hewlett Open House 516-791-6100 REAL ESTATE 1208 W. B’way, Sun (B/A) Attn Investors/Profl’s. FOR SALE House for sale by owner, on a very cute Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU Comm/Res. 10 rms, 2 EIKs, 2Bths. block in Cedarhurst, 3 BR, 1 1/2 Bath, EIK, 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt LR/DR and Finished Basement. Priced to Motiv!...... $3s All features ...... $779K Co-ops For Sale Nassau County sell. For more info please call 516-569-1685 JanKalman.com 516-569-5651 Call 516-263-6417 Lawrence Open Houses (leave a message if no answer). 285 Central #A4 (1-3) Mint 1BR, 1st fl. Tower 41 — Building very in demand, Cedarhurst: Co-op. 1st Show COMMERCIAL REAL h/w flrs. Low maint. Red! fully renovated modern and sleek. 1BR, 1st Flr, large LR, FDR, 2BR, 2bths, ESTATE FOR RENT ...... $120K 2bth, ocean front, pool front, best floor, Terrace. Views of Gdns, W/D, Lo maint, 1 Rosalind Pl. #1H-1J (1-2:30) Lg 3BR, large balcony, fully furnished, priced Grt. loca’n, Walk all ...... $320K 2Bth, nu kit, 2 encl terr, patio. for quick sale. Contact 347-324-8904 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 Three newly decorated offices available ...... $369K for sublet on Central Avenue. Double JanKalman.com 516-569-5651 Lawrence Open House by appt Lawrence — Ours Alone!! office “Suite”, 9’x11’ & 9’x15’. The third Brick, C/H COL, Stately brick, w/old 284 Central Ave — Co-op-2BR, 2 bth, office is 10.5’x13’. Available furnished or Exclusives world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 bths, terrace ...... $139K Kosher EIK, Lg. FDR, Library, Fin. unfurnished. 24 hour access. Includes Lawrence 40 Lismore Road — 5BR, 360 Central Ave — Co-op Jr 4, elevator, Bsmt., Lg Prop., walk all. A/C, alarm, utilities, internet, cleaning 3.5bth Col...... $700s doorman bldg ...... $399K 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 service. For more information please Woodmere 816 Jefferson Street — 9 Copperbeech Lane — Prestigious call Renee at 516-569-4949, ext. 104. Cream puff 3BR ranch...... $425K Lawrence —Wonderful c/h col. house brick c/h col...... $1.1M Lawrence — Large 5 rm condo. Enclos on the nicest cul-de-sac there is. Brand 102 Harrison St. — 4BR home with golf Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. heated porch. 10 closets...... $375K new kitchen, finished basement. views ...... $699K Asking ...... $875K 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near Wdsbrg — 6BR,7bth, colonial. Near all. Woodsburgh Open House Call 516-902-0936 Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be Mint...... $1.6M 72 Willow Rd. — Expanded ranch 2/3 divided. Owner 917-359-9776 Smolinsky 516-295-4444 Back Lawrence — 519 Chauncey Lane 5 acre ...... $998K BR, 3.5 Bths, 8/10 of an acre, facing golf Woodmere Glendale/Ridgewood, NY — 5,500 sq. Oceanside — Brand new construction. course, igp, priced right. 2 Prospect Ave — Ch col. 4BR,base- ft. available for immediate. High ceil- Beautiful CH col. Large 4 BR (1 level), 516-581-2058, 516-374-4001 ment, attic...... $675K ings $5.50/sq. ft. Call 917-841-1580 2.5 bths, granite EIK, FDR, den with fp, 1039 Magnoila Pl. — Spacious 4BR,den, full bsmt, in cul-de-sac, walk all, best North Woodmere — Decorator’s Dream. basement, beautiful cul-de-sac .. $845K Cedarhurst office for rent— 2 small price ...... $675K Beautiful bi-level, large granite kosher 560 Woodmere Blvd — Beautiful 6BR offices on Central Ave. 1 flight up, C/H, 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 EIK, FDR, large LR, den, 4BR, water- col. Wdmr park ...... $800’s C/A. Call owner 917-417-5725 view, all systems, walk all shuls. Owner 236 Henley Rd. — Brick s/h col. huge 5 Town Homes 516-569-5712 motivated. Present all offers. Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq. ft., fully EIK, main lvl den ...... $599K Cedarhurst: NU 2 Mkt. Lg LR, DR, 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. EIK, Den, 5BR, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana, 301 Kirby Ave. — Traditional col. den, Call 516-322-3555 finished basement lg prop Lg prop, IGPool, Walk to all . . . $659K Far Rockaway — 2 Family. All NU, ...... $629K Cedarhurst — Office rental: Executive 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth, Cedarhurst 2 Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., Location ...... $599K fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large 373 Westminster Rd — 3BR col sale or CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 Call 516-322-3555 prop ...... $800sK rent 12-1 p.m. Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, Kew Garden Hills — 3 Family Brick Inwood 194 Wanser Ave. — 4BR col. Classified Ads are deck, all new, grt loc, full bsmt corner house, Across from Chofetz 100x186 property ...... $549K 4-5 p.m...... $795K Chaim, Finished basement, Large prop- Milky Forst Properties, Inc. Continued on the Next Page. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 erty. 917-836-0146 Principles Only. 516-239-0306 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 73 CLASSIFIED ADS Continued from Page 73 FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT

FOR RENT Flatbush Apt. for rent. New listing. Hewlett — Apt for rent. Modern 2BR, Sunny Isles Beach, Winston Towers — Prime location. East 10th J&K. Private new kitchen, LR with fireplace, DR, Luxury 2BR, 2BTH, Ocean & Bay Views house, 3rd floor, 2 bdrms, huge closets, SD#14...... $1800 Computer & Internet Access Doorman/ utilities separate ...... $1,500 Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Newly Renovated house on an excellent Call 917-371-7982 Security Young Israel Downstairs. block in Far Rockaway For Rent near Hewlett — House for rent. Updated 347-776-1918 Agudah, White Shul and Shor Yoshuv. Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU 3BR, 2bths, new EIK, SD#14, walk all. Call owner at 917-617-0768 Available immediately ...... $2600 Bth, LR, DR, EIK...... $1,300 Cedarhurst — Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 Cedarhurst — All new bright, 1st flr, bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, Valley Stream — Ranch house. 3BR, incld ...... $2,300 2BR, 2bth, LR, FDR, EIK w/new appli- LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new new EIK, quiet street, SD24, walk all. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 ances, terrace, h/w floors, walk all. carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. $2250 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 ...... $2,250 Far Rockaway — Prime location. 1BR, Walk all ...... $2,150 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 all-inclusive, very large L-shaped stu- 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. Far Rockaway — Beautiful 6.5 rooms, 3 dios, beachfront, w/hardwood floors, Call 516-322-3555 Valley Stream — First show! Lovely 4 BR, 2 baths, new kitchen, separate steps from everything. BR, 2 bths, in SD#14, LR, DR, den, on Far Rockaway rentals: entrance, own thermostat. Best block in ...... $950 No broker fee! large property, walk all, ...... $2,350 1 and 2BR apartments. some balconies. Far Rockaway. 718-868-1153 Rapid Realty 516-233-6914, 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 New kitchens, lots of closets, 24 hr door- [email protected] Woodmere — Spacious 1BR with hard man, FIOS, security cameras. Close to Far Rockaway — 2BR First floor apt. floors, easily convertible 2BR, separate Special Prices At Sand Castle For newly renovated Kitchen, LR, large White Shul, Shor Yoshuv and train. Call DR, good lighting, street parking, MBR with walk-in closet, front porch, Sherri 516-297-7995 immediate occupancy ...... $1,400 5TJT Readers — Studios for $895. back patio with sliding doors, own elec- 833 Central. One bedroom, 24 hour door- No broker fee! Includes utilities. No brokers’ fee! HW tric meter and thermostat. 516-643-9204 man, Shabbos elevator. 1 month’s rent Rapid Realty 516-233-6914, floors, big windows, fully-equipped [email protected] Alexander Hotel, Miami Beach — free! Reduced ...... $1,100 kitchens, cable and internet connectivi- Weissman Realty Group, LLC 2 BR apts., 2 Bth, breathtaking views, Century Village Boca Raton Amsley ty, closets. Gym, gourmet market, phar- 516-791-6100 Southern exposure, 10th floor. beaut 2 bed 2 bath 1st fl corner near macy, Rabbi Korn's shul, and laundry 516-581-2058, 516-374-4001 shul furnished for rent 3 mnth min facilities in BLDG. 711 Seagirt Ave. on Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom 917-282-5063 the beach - convenient to subway, Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator Cedarhurst — All updated charming LIRR, and Q113 bus. Col. New granite EIK, FDR, LR with bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at Cedarhurst — New to market! apt first www.sandcastleny.com. fireplace, 4+ BR, CAC, in the heart of Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv, floor. 3BR, 1.5bths, large LR, FDR, Cedarhurst. Walk all. transportation, and shopping. kitchen, great location, walk all. . $2250 Weissman Realty Group, LLC Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 718-471-2593

74 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Solution To Last Week’s 5TJT Puzzle:

Helping poor brides is a big z’chus to Furniture— LR, DR, & BR sets, French Natural Blessings find a shidduch! Donate to Yad P’sucha & Italian Provincial. 917-836-0146 Hachnasas Kallah. Call 718-972-3699 Huge Moving Sale! Sunday, October 24, 2-year-old baby girl in Eretz Yisroel is 10 AM- 4 PM @ 348 Beach 9th Street in need of an expensive formula Far Rockaway. Everything Must Go! Neocate. To send formula or cover One Day Only! More info costs, please call 718-395-9558 between [email protected] 7am-9pm.

The Ocean Corp. 10840 Rockley Road, Houston, Texas 77099. Train for a New Career. *Underwater Welder. Deadline for Commercial Diver. *NDT/Weld Inspector. Job Placement Assistance. Classified Financial Aid available for those who qualify. 1-800-321-0298 Advertising AUTOS in next week’s FOR SALE issue is

2002 Ford Windstar — 66,000 miles, one owner, well-maintained, perfect running Monday, condition ...... $5,995.00 Call 516-378-5444 October 25 BUSINESS at 5:00 P.M. OPPORTUNITY Call

Become an Acai Berry Juice distribu- 516-569-0502 tor and earn commission immediately. Online trainer, work from home, no investment, e-mail [email protected] Puzzle appeared on page 65 of the October 15 issue.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 75

76 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 77 Hempstead. On Friday, tigators to the owner is asked to Kerstiens of the 8th Squad. October 8, at approximately 5:40 contact the 8th Squad, NCPD at Mineola . On Tuesday, August a.m., Pedro Corvera was found dead in his auto behind 95 Jerusalem Ave. The victim suffered a gunshot wound which caused his death. Levittown. The 8th Squad is attempting to identify the owner of assorted jewelry which was found during an investigation. The shown jewelry is some of the more unique items recovered. Anyone with 516-573-6854. Please forward the 24, at approximately 3:40 p.m., a information that can lead inves- information to Detective black male of medium build, appearing to be in his late thir- ties, bald with facial hair, dressed in a button down yellow shirt and black pants, entered Chase Manhattan Bank located at 175 E Jericho Turnpike and attempted to cash a fraudulently signed check in the victim’s name. He also attempted to use a fraudu- lent Georgia state driver’s license, and a Capital One credit card bearing the victim’s name. Roosevelt. On Monday, October 18, at approximately 11:50 p.m., an intentional fire occurred inside an occupied house at Peace Valley Haven located at 86 Park Avenue. The fire at the homeless shelter was started in the rear of the residence causing evacuation of the residence and damage. Roosevelt. On Sunday, October 10, at approximately 12:37 a.m. an unknown subject shot a 30-30 rifle into a house located at East Greenwich Avenue. An occupant of the home was injured when he was struck by one of the bul- lets. This incident is believed to be gang related. Seaford. The suspect was apprehended for the September 25 petit larceny at CVS located at 2250 Merrick Road. The identifica- tion request has been recalled. O

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone with information about these crimes to call the toll free hotline: 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). There is up to a $5,000 reward available. All calls remain anonymous.

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, October 25 at 5:00 P.M.

All graphics for ads must be in by T uesday, October 26 at 5:00 P.M.

Call 516-984-0079

78 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES A Five Towns Simcha Photos By Naomi Cohen Of Glamorous Pics

Meira Nussbaum, daughter of Tsippy and Stuie Nussbaum of Cedarhurst, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi on June 6. Meira is a student at Shulamith. Catering for the affair was by Supersol, music was provided by Sima Gefen, and photo favors by Naomi Cohen of Glamorous Pics.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 79 Fans Of Fran Becker Monkeying Around At The Zoo Photos By Goldie Sebrow

On Wednesday, October 13, some of the preschoolers at the Torah Academy for Girls enjoyed a trip to the Queens Zoo. The girls enjoyed viewing a sampling of Hashem's magnificent creatures, from big bisons to colorful L-R: Nassau County Legislator Howard Kopel, Attorney David Seidemann, parrots, sleek sea and Ambassador John Bolton at a reception Tuesday evening for the benefit lions to wooly sheep. of the Congressional campaign of Fran Becker who is in a tight race with The girls also incumbent Carolyn McCarthy in the 4th District on Long Island. Becker is a enjoyed the political and fiscal conservative looking to unseat the seven-term Democrat opportunity to in a conservative-leaning district that includes the 5 Towns. monkey around.

80 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES able values that she instilled in her family Sholom Bender of Lakewood, rosh mesivta Rebbetzin Esther Epstein, a’h that helped forge the face of chinuch today at Yeshiva Darchei Torah; and Rav Michoel in this country. The second is the remark- Bender, rosh mesivta Yeshiva Bais B Y RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN by her mother, she helped raise the next able family she leaves behind. She is sur- Binyomin of Stamford; and her sister, generation of Benders who would impact vived by her husband, her brothers, Rav Rebbetzin Nechama Blumie Shapiro of The Talmud tells us two very interest- Klal Yisrael remarkably. Rebbetzin Epstein’s Yaakov Bender, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Lakewood, wife of Rav Moshe Shimon ing thoughts. “Eishes chaver kechaver”— focus and pride and joy was the fact that Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway; Rav Paltiel Shapiro, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Yam the wife of a scholar is like the scholar. It she was married to an extraordinary talmid Bender of Boro Park, rosh mesivta at Hatalmud in Brooklyn. further tells us that if one wishes to know chacham and marbitz Torah . Her goals were Yeshiva Darchei Torah; Rav Shmuel Tehei nishmasah tzror betzror ha’chayim. O what a woman is like, one must look at entirely spiritual—far removed from the her brothers. Both of these sayings of notion of the acquisition of material items. Chazal are necessary in order to under- Her joys and her pleasures—she found stand and appreciate the remarkable eim them in her husband’s cheilek in Torah. b’Yisrael that Klal Yisrael has just lost— Torah and chinuch were primary focuses. Rebbetzin Esther Epstein, aleha hashalom. One can see her virtues in the accom- plishments of both her brother’s yeshiva and that of her husband. Rabbi Bender has Her joys and her pleas- succeeded in lifting the banner of mechanchim across the country. The ures—she found them respect shown to the teachers of our children has come a long way since the early in her husband’s cheilek decades of chinuch in this country. Much of it is due to the remarkable chinuch that in Torah. Rav Dovid Bender, z’l, and his wife Rebbetzin Basya Bender. These values were transferred to their children, much of it by She was the wife of Rav Chaim Epstein, an older sister that helped raise them. shlita—one of the foremost talmidim of Her legacy to us is twofold. The remark- Rav Aharon Kotler, zt’l, and a rosh yeshiva and remarkable talmid chacham. She was also the sister of Rabbi Yaakov Bender, the menahel of our own Yeshiva Darchei Torah. And like the Chazal suggest, she shared the remarkable qualities of both of these Torah leaders. Rebbetzin Epstein nee Bender was born to a remarkable Torah family that personified chesed—Rav Dovid Bender, z’l, a student of the Mirrer Yeshiva in Europe and of Rav Dovid Leibowitz of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Brooklyn, was the menahel of Yeshiva Torah V’Daas, and was well known throughout Brooklyn as a ba’al chesed extraordinaire. The young Esther Bender watched her parents’ tire- less efforts always helping others without concern for themselves. Although she lost her father at a very young age, she inculcated much from his way of life. She too dedicated her life to chesed—both in deed and in words to others. Like her father, she was entirely unassuming and yet also had that uncanny gift of making people feel good about themselves. She joked with people, she smiled, and encouraged. “Anyone who visited her came away smiling and with a remarkable warm feeling inside,” remarked a friend of the family. More than this, however, she made wives feel good about their husbands, mothers feel good about their children, and husbands feel good about their wives. She always took the time to relate an interesting story or event that helped characterize the wonderful middah that that person exhibited. What was even more remarkable was that she did not exaggerate. She was able to hit the nail on the head time after time in describing someone’s virtues to the other. These qualities she obtained from the home and table of her beloved parents. At a young age, she was married to Rav Chaim Epstein and was one of the pioneers of the Lakewood Torah community. Back then, Lakewood was a vacation town with a few very modern Jewish communities— hardly the Torah community that it is now. She and her husband were of the very first and their impact lasted for quite a while. Upon the tragic death of her father, she and her husband moved into the Bender family home, where Rebbetzin Esther helped raise her younger siblings. Standing 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 81 82 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 22, 2010 83 84 October 22, 2010 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES