Happy Pur M! Pur Happy

Happy Pur m! Pur Happy

Candle-lighting/Shabbos ends Friday, March 14: 6:43/7:43

Vol. III No. 6 (#55) March 13, 2014 • 11 Adar II 5774 NOW WEEKLY! Free Tens Of Thousands Special Purim Features Attend Sunday’s Atzeres Teﬁllah Full Purim Purim Torah Face Painting 101 PHOTO COVERAGE OF SUNDAY’S ATZERES TEFILLAH ON P. 36 Feast Menu P. 53 P. 62 P. 58-59 , Recipes Feelin Funny Beauty Briefs

Remembering A Giant, Rabbi Dr. Ephraim R. Wolf zt”l On His 10th Yahrzeit Why I was somewhat torn / Pioneer for Orthodoxy in Great Neck about participating in the Atzeres Tefillah SEE ARTICLE BY RABBI YEHUDA OPPENHEIMER ON P. 31 SEE STORY ON P. 39

Blue And White Shabbos Inbox Community Snapshots As I See It Stories Of Greatness Baruch Hashem The Non-Human by Yaakov Katz Queen Esther – The Great For The IDF Rights Commission The Perfect Jewish Silent Debate

By Shmuel Sackett By Eytan Kobre Role Model By Rabbi Dovid Hoffman By Cynthia Zalisky will surprise many of you ne of the great farces hroughout the ages, by the following nine of the United Na- many a Jewish com- Iwords: Nobody should be Otions – and there are have a love-hate relation- Tmunity has encoun- forced to serve in the IDF. My many – is the General Assem- ship with the holiday of tered enemies comparable to position, and the ideology and bly’s 1948 adoption of “The IPurim. On one hand, I the evil Haman of the Purim vision of my partner, Moshe Universal Declaration of Hu- detest the excessive noise, story. Sometimes the Jews suc- Feiglin (Deputy Speaker of the man Rights.” It is not that the drunkenness, and rudeness cumbed to his persecutions,

CONTINUED ON P. 29 CONTINUED ON P. 17 SEE P. 37 CONTINUED ON P. 24 CONTINUED ON P. 10 , Best of ‘Late Night See ad on page 57 See Page 68 2 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 3 4 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 5 6 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 7 PUBLISHED BY Queens Jewish Link, LLC RABBINIC CONSULTANT Forecast Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld

MANAGING EDITOR FRI • MAR 14 SAT • MAR 15 42° 54° Contents Naftali Szrolovits 38° 33° SENIOR CONSULTANTS AM Clouds / Regular Features Mostly Sunny PM Sun Eliezer Szrolovits Advertiser spotlight – Shira Diamond ...... 35 SUN • MAR 16 MON • MAR 17 As I see it – Cynthia Zalisky ...... 1 Yaniv Meirov Beauty briefs – Risselle Naimark ...... 62 Cynthia Zalisky 40° 35° Blue and white – Shmuel Sackett ...... 1 28° Helen Hoffman 28° Classifieds ...... 55 Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy ADVERTISING MANAGER Community calendar – Rebecca Wittert ...... 47 Community corner – Susie Garber ...... 41 TUE • MAR 18 WED • MAR 19 Yaakov Serle Community snapshots – Yaakov Katz ..... 36/37 41° 42° Daf Yomi concepts & halachah – COPY EDITOR 34° 28° R’ Avi Dubin ...... 56 R’ Yisroel Benedek Daf Yomi schedule – Rebecca Wittert ...... 56 Partly Cloudy Snow Shower Delectable dishes – Estee Kafka ...... 58 STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER THU • MAR 20 FRI • MAR 21 Feelin’ funny – Mordechai Schmutter ...... 53 Yaakov Katz Financially forward – Gerald Harris ...... 32 40° 39° For what it’s worth – Warren Hecht ...... 49 27° 26° Frontlines – Dr. Joseph Frager ...... 28

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8 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 9 Stories Of Greatness R’ Dovid Hoffman The Great Silent Debate

CONTINUED FROM P. PB Realizing that they didn’t have much in it a challenge and readily agreed. looked back at him and quickly raised of a choice, the Jews looked around for The day of the great debate fi nally one fi nger. The priest then waved his stances there was a reversal of fortune, a rabbi – any rabbi – who would be arrived. The pope, his chosen debat- arms all around his head and in all and they were saved. At such times, a willing to champion their faith. But er, and his glorious entourage seated directions and Moshe countered by Purim Katan, a local Purim, would be the task was daunting and the risk was themselves on one side, while Moshe, pointing to the ground where he sat. enacted. Its observance on that same too great, and a volunteer could not be and whoever from the Jewish commu- Finally, the priest pulled out a wafer date in future years would serve to found. After exhausting their list of nity bothered to show up, sat opposite and a glass of wine. Moshe took an ap- commemorate their deliverance from ple out of his bag. impending disaster. Where the se- Suddenly, the pope stood up and de- quence of events rendered it appropri- How could a simple, feeble-minded old man clared, “All right, that’s it. The debate ate, a day of fasting was instituted on is over. The Jews may stay.” And with the day previous to the new Purim. do what all the great rabbis thought was impossible? that he stormed away with his entire A story is told (most likely in jest) following. about the time when, centuries ago, it After a while, a member of the pope’s was decided that all the Jews in Rome candidates, a simple, old man named them. The crowd was hushed and the group mustered up the courage and were to be expelled. Naturally, there Moshe, who spent his days as a care- debaters eyed each other for a full min- asked what happened, why did he give was a big uproar from the Jewish com- taker in the local synagogue stepped ute. Then, the pope gave the signal and up? The pope explained, “I coached the munity and due to the pressure, the forward and humbly offered his ser- the Christian priest suddenly raised his pope fi nally decided to make a deal. vices, reasoning that being old, poor, hand and held up three fi ngers. Moshe CONTINUED ON P. 55 He would conduct a debate on reli- and alone, he had less to lose than the gious and theological issues. A ranking others. With nothing left, the elders Rabbi Dovid Hoffman is the author of the popular “Torah Tavlin” book series, fi lled Christian theologian would face off agreed, but Moshe had but one condi- with stories, wit and hundreds of divrei Torah, including the brand new “Torah Tavlin against any rabbi who would be cho- tion. Since he was not used to lengthy Yamim Noraim” in stores everywhere. You’ll love this popular series. Also look for his sen to represent the Jews. If the priest conversations, he requested that the book, “Heroes of Spirit,” containing one hundred fascinating stories on the Holocaust. won, all the Jews were to be expelled. debate be held in silence, with sign lan- They are fantastic gifts, available in all Judaica bookstores and online at http://israel- If the rabbi won, the Jews would be al- guage as the only form of communica- bookshoppublications.com. To receive Rabbi Hoffman’s weekly “Torah Tavlin” sheet lowed to remain in Rome. tion. The pope, full of confi dence, saw on the parsha, e-mail [email protected]

10 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 11 The Shmuz On The Parshah R’ Benzion Shafier Hashem And Man: Master And Servant

“The Kohen shall don a garment of competition, and this wouldn’t cause linen, and he shall don linen breeches him any pain. He had so eliminated on his skin, and he shall remove the bad character traits from his heart ashes.” that he would feel nothing negative. – VaYikra 6:3 In fact, when Moshe assumed this position and Aharon set out to meet ne of the daily activities him, the pasuk says, “It was with joy in the Mishkan was taking in his heart.” Oout the ashes. The Chovos Hashem was telling Moshe that HaL’vavos explains that Hashem com- Aharon was in a different category of manded Aaron to do this action each people. He had mastered his nature. day “to lower himself and rid himself He was like a mal’ach in human form. of the arrogance in his heart.” Of all men, Aharon wouldn’t be This statement seems to imply that haughty and overbearing. So why did Aharon was arrogant, and that Hash- Hashem feel that it was necessary for em felt he needed specifi c work to him to take out the ashes each day to get rid of that sense of superiority. eliminate arrogance from his heart? The problem with this is that it is dif- The answer to this question is fi cult to imagine that Aharon HaKo- based on understanding the under- hen was a haughty individual. This pinnings of our relationship with concept becomes even more prob- Hashem. lematic when we focus on the Torah’s description of Aharon. A Servant Needs A Master And A Master Needs A Servant A Man Of Sterling Character Traits The Chovos HaL’vavos (Shaar When Hashem appeared to Moshe HaK’ni’ah) explains a basic truism: A and said, “I want you to lead the Jew- servant needs a master, and a mas- ish people out of Mitzrayim,” Moshe ter needs a servant. By defi nition, a refused. He was afraid that Aharon servant can’t be a servant without a would feel slighted. Up until that master, and a master can’t be a master point, Aharon had been the leader without a servant. They are mutual- of the nation, the one who brought ly dependent. With that, he explains the word of Hashem to the people. the danger of arrogance. The arrogant

Of all men, Aharon wouldn’t be haughty and overbearing. So why did Hashem feel that it was necessary for him to take out the ashes each day to eliminate arrogance from his heart?

Now his younger brother, unheard person feels powerful, mighty, and of for forty years, would usurp that independent. These are not the traits position. As great as Aharon was, that one ﬁ nds in a servant; quite the Moshe knew that he was still human opposite, these are the traits of supe- and would feel the pain of being dis- riors, people who rule. These are the placed. Therefore, Moshe wanted no traits of the master. For that reason, part of it. the arrogant person can’t be a servant Hashem explained to Moshe that of Hashem. while this might be a well-founded Hashem alone has the right to fear in regard to the average person, wear the trait of gaavah. He alone because of Aharon’s great spiritual stature he was above jealousy and CONTINUED ON P. 55

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

12 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 13 14 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 15 16 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Shabbos Inbox Eytan Kobre The Non-Human Rights Commission

CONTINUED FROM P. PB se, but with instilling in ourselves Chayim 139:3). An adopted son may, in feelings of care and compassion.” some situations, use the name of his was not. It’s that the very declaration As the corporeal embodiments of adoptive father when being called to that purports to provide equality to all the Torah itself, tzadikim take great the Torah (Igros Moshe, Yoreh Dei’ah mankind has, ironically, been twisted pains to avoid embarrassing others. R’ 161; see also Minchas Yitzchak 5:44). and bastardized, and is now used to Akiva Eiger once hosted a poor man And a rabbi who usually recites the justify the trampling of human rights, for a Shabbos meal. When the poor S’fi ras HaOmer aloud for the congrega- all to suit specifi c – and unsurprising- man lifted his glass of wine, it slipped tion but who may no longer recite the ly anti-Semitic – political goals, such out of his hand and spilled over the blessing because he has missed a day as the fi ctitious “right of return.”” pure white tablecloth. Seeing the may nonetheless recite the blessing The Torah has its fair share of pro- poor man squirm in embarrassment, aloud to spare him embarrassment nouncements aimed at protecting hu- R’ Akiva Eiger promptly lifted his (see e.g., Sheivet HaLevi 3:96; Nit’ei man rights and dignity, particularly own glass of wine and “accidentally” Gavriel, Hilchos Pesach 3:17:27).” when it comes to public humiliation. spilled it over the tablecloth. As the But the Torah is not concerned with “One should sooner let himself be poor man looked on in relief, R’ Akiva the welfare of the pious only. An an- thrown into a fi ery furnace rather than Eiger remarked, “It seems as if the ta- imal used to commit bestiality must shaming his friend in public” (K’subos ble or the fl oor is shaky.”” be killed because it would be embar- 67b; Sotah 10b; Shaarei T’shuvah 3:139). The Torah also foresees uncommon rassing if people were to point to it “One who embarrasses his friend pub- situations that might cause embar- and recall that this animal was used licly has lost his eternal portion in the rassment, and its laws are designed to by so-and-so to commit bestiality world to come” (Pirkei Avos 3:15; Bava protect against such situations. For (Sanhedrin 54a). This is not altogether M’tzia 59a; Rambam, Dei’os 6:8); in meals are covered during the recita- example, one whose father is a heretic different from the reason animals are fact, “one who embarrasses his friend tion of Kiddush, according to the Tal- – and who would be embarrassed to be unable to converse with people – to spare Bilaam the embarrassment of publicly” never leaves Gehinnom, and mud Yerushalmi, “so that the bread called to the Torah using his father’s “it is as if he shed blood” (Bava M’tzia will not see its embarrassment” (Rosh, name – may be called up using his 58b). Indeed, the only reason public P’sachim 10:3; Tur, Orach Chayim 271). grandfather’s name (see Rama, Orach CONTINUED ON P. 26 humiliation is not listed among the Since one would ordinarily recite the cardinal sins for which one must give blessing over bread before the bless- Eytan Kobre is a lecturer, writer, and attorney, residing in Kew Gardens Hills with his up his life is because it is not written ing over wine, we cover the challah wife and children. He can be contacted at [email protected]. explicitly in the Torah (Tosafos, Sotah so that it not bear witness to its own 10b).” shame.” But the Torah not only commands But it is much easier to worry about us generally to avoid embarrassing covering challah than it is to worry others, it enacts specifi c regulations about the embarrassment of another. ” designed solely to meet that very goal. While traveling, the Chofetz Chaim The Olah sacrifi ce (which could be was once invited for Shabbos to the brought simply as a donation) and the home of a local Jew. The hosts ensured Chatas sacrifi ce (brought only to atone that everything in the house was per- for certain unintentional sins) were fect and, understandably, much of the offered in the same place (VaYikra workload fell upon the wife. Return- 6:18). This was done so that onlook- ing home from shul on Friday night, ers were unable to identify the reason the host and the Chofetz Chaim were each offering was being brought, i.e., greeted by an enticing aroma and a it was not apparent whether one was magnifi cent Shabbos table. But there bringing the offering as a donation was one problem: the challah lay on or to atone for some sin (Yerushalmi, the table, uncovered.” Y’vamos 8:3). Interestingly, this is the Afraid to appear ignorant in front of basis for our practice to recite the the Chofetz Chaim, the host looked for Sh’moneh Esrei in an undertone – to his wife and, fi nding her asleep on the spare the embarrassment of one who fl oor, scolded her. “Don’t you know might be confessing sins (Sotah 32b).” the challah must be covered? How A similar enactment was made vis- could you forget?”” à-vis bikurim, the fi rst fruits offered at “Do you know why we cover the the Beis HaMikdash together with the challah?” the Chofetz Chaim asked offerer’s recitation of certain Torah the husband. ” passages. At fi rst, the offerers would The husband, eager to show off themselves recite the relevant passag- his knowledge, explained with pride, es, with those unable to read being “Why, it is so the bread will not suffer assisted by a kohen. When illiterate embarrassment.”” people stopped bringing bikurim out “Precisely,” replied the Chofetz of embarrassment that they required Chaim. “But what embarrassment can assistance, Chazal instructed that ev- bread feel compared to your wife, who ery person bringing bikurim be assist- toiled to prepare for Shabbos? If you ed by a kohen (Bikurim 3:7).” are to avoid embarrassing the bread, And the Torah goes yet further, how much more so must you be care- commanding us not to embarrass ful not to embarrass your wife!”” even inanimate objects. The two Our concern, of course, is not with loaves of challah used for Shabbos the feelings of inanimate objects per

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 17 Purim Is Approaching - Get Ready! eople are starting to prepare boys have! Their excitement about paign, Rabbi Sender Gluck, to get a Baruch Hashem, local yeshivah for Purim in many interesting Purim is based on gladdening the better idea of what it’s all about: students raised enough funds last Pand different ways. Some are hearts of the less fortunate. The “One family lives in an apartment Purim to help 20 families – fami- preparing costumes for their kids. truth is, this is not limited to the in Flatbush. One in a co-op in Queens. lies I personally met or thoroughly Others are fi guring out the right talmidim of Rabbi Doniel Lander. In- And another in a cramped walk-up screened. I know for a fact that with- color cellophane paper with which deed, this is a community-wide proj- in Meah Shearim. All around us, to- out our help, many of these families to wrap their mishloach manos bas- ect. Rabbi Oelbaum, Rabbi Peretz day’s horrifi c economy continues to would have been kicked out of their kets. Steinberg, Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, and destroy families I personally know. apartments, refused another line of However, the students of Yeshivas Rabbi Friedman, among other dis- Too many hard-working Jewish men credit from their grocery store, or Ohr HaChaim and Mesivta Yesodei tinguished rabbis, are all involved and women lost their jobs this year, forced to sleep without heat. This Yeshurun are making plans how to in this great act of chesed during the leaving them months behind in their year, the economic conditions are raise money for the V’Chei Achicha Purim season. rent, unable to pay their grocery bills, even worse. Week after week, I Matanos La’Evyonim Purim cam- Please read the following letter and most importantly, with nowhere hear heart-wrenching stories – sto- paign. What a beautiful attitude the written by the organizer of this cam- to turn for help. ries that bring me to tears – about another family that’s desperate for help. By donating $36, $180, $360, or $1,800, V’Chei Achicha can help these families get out of their horrifi c debt and start fresh.”

If you would like to have the z’chus to be your shul’s representative for V’Chei Achicha, please call Rabbi Gluck at 718-851-1113.

Rabbi Matisyahu Salomon Mashgiach Ruchani, Beis Medrash Govoha of Lakewood, NJ I, too, request of our dear brethren to participate in this mitzvah, since this collection is being done by the instruction and encouragement of G’dolei Yisrael. Please give with a generous open hand, for this is an ideal way to fulﬁ ll the mitzvah of Matanos La’Evyonim.

Rabbi Moshe Wolfson 1574 43rd St., Brooklyn, NY 11219 How wonderful the institution “V’Chei Achicha” is! It functions under the guidance of trustworthy volunteers and under the careful eye of my dear friend, an outstanding teacher of Torah, Rabbi Sender Gluck shlita. Since I personally know the director of this organization as a trustworthy, G-d-fearing man, I feel that it is proper and commendable to join this great mitzvah of supporting ﬁ ne, honest, needy brothers and sisters. In merit of this joint effort, we look forward to our Father in heaven judging us favorably and sending us our global salvation, which we so desperately need.

Rabbi Yisroel Reisman 1460 East 19th St., Brooklyn, NY 11230 This is to conﬁ rm that Rabbi Send- er Gluck is a long-time friend of mine, who is a recognized talmid chacham, and a true y’rei shamayim. During Adar, Rabbi Gluck is very involved in helping poor families. Rabbi Gluck is careful that the matanos la’evyonim distributed through him is distributed al pi halachah. I contribute to matanos la’evyonim through Rabbi Gluck, and encourage others to do the same.

18 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 A Shabbat Thought R’ David Algaze The Higher Morality

e are blessed with the capacity man, and many others descended from meant to say was that in his opinion the anism of the universe is far more compli- to reason and the freedom to this family, have sought to exterminate values of our society have superseded the cated than we imagine, we should accept Whave our own ideas. Yet these the Jewish people many times. values of the Torah and that they should with humility that there will be times precious gifts become a challenge in a The tendency to substitute our own be favored over the Torah values. Imag- when our sensibilities will be challenged, person who recognizes with humility morality for the morality of the Torah is ine the Nazis saying that their values when our sense of right and wrong may that he may not possess all the knowl- ubiquitous. We fi nd it hard sometimes supersede the values of the Judeo-Chris- be stretched, but ultimately accept that edge or all the reason. This confl ict be- to reconcile our own views of what is tian tradition! Or how would we react if the higher morality of G-d should prevail. comes even more marked for a religious right and wrong with some command- a medical practitioner with a misplaced The more we study and the more re- person who believes that there is a high- spect we give our teachers, the easier er Reason. The tension becomes even it will be to understand the wisdom of more pointed for a person who accepts We should accept with humility that there will be times the Torah, even if some rulings seem to the concept of Revelation or the manifes- when our sensibilities will be challenged, our limited mind to be “not righteous tation of the Voice of G-d in our midst. enough.” We need to resist the desire to There may be times when our concepts when our sense of right and wrong may be stretched, improve on the Torah and recognize that or values may fi nd it diffi cult to accept a but ultimately accept that the higher morality of G-d should prevail when there is a confl ict or tension be- ruling of the Torah or a story from the Bi- tween our values and the Torah’s design, ble or the Talmud. In those occasions we we should yield to the Torah and the need to ask ourselves, “Whose values do I ments of the Torah or some historical sense of mercy announced that he had higher morality. Just as we cannot im- uphold?” and decide which is the higher necessities, such as actions that need to precipitated the death of our ailing rela- prove on the beauty of nature or the in- morality and the path he should take. be taken in times of war and self-defense. tive because illness is too hard! telligent design of our bodies, we should In the story of Saul and Amalek recount- On those occasions we struggle with our In similar fashion we should resist the respect the wisdom of the Torah values, ed in the haftarah read on Shabbat Zakhor own conscience and some people, like temptation to replace G-d’s values with even when they appear to be “too cruel” (I Samuel 15) we fi nd a perfect example Saul, commit the tragic mistake of believ- our own. Acknowledging that the mech- or too harsh to our simple limited minds. of this confl ict and the fatal mistake by ing that their morality is higher than the King Saul. When G-d told Saul, through Creator’s. “To be overly righteous” – as Rabbi David Algaze is the founder and Rav of Havurat Yisrael, Forest Hills. He is a His prophet Samuel, “Go and strike down King Solomon puts it, is wrong. A moral- noted public speaker and author and is the President of the international Committee Amalek…kill man and woman alike, infant ity is like any other organism or device: It for the Land of Israel. and suckling alike, ox and sheep alike…” has many parts and sometimes we may Saul argued in response, “What sin did the not understand why a particular piece is children commit; how did the animals where it is, but the builder of that device sin?” A Heavenly Voice emanated and understands why, and that is the reason said to him, “Do not be overly righteous” he put it there. It would be foolish to al- (Ecclesiastes 7:16) (Yoma 22b). ter the design or change the placement Saul found it diffi cult to slay the chil- of a piece thinking that the device would dren, because in his view they were inno- work better. Similarly, G-d’s values and cent. He placed his own values and his morality – even when it runs counter to own sensitivity above G-d’s command- our own sensibilities, still contains basic ment as if his own feelings were higher truths as to how the device – or the uni- than G-d’s. It is to this attitude that G-d verse in this case – would work properly. rebukes Saul by saying “Do not be overly To attempt to tamper with this system, righteous.” When we spare an evil per- thinking that we would do better, is both son who deserves to die, that mercy will foolish and dangerous. result in cruelty for other people. In the I once heard a rabbi speak about a cer- few hours of his remaining alive, the Ama- tain law in the Torah that included a se- lekite king Agag – who had been spared vere punishment for some behavior, and by Saul – managed to father a child from the rabbi commented that “today we do whom Haman was descended. This Ha- not hold that view any longer.” What he

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 19 Snippets Of Strange

‘Too Drunk’ Gambler void, as well as unspecifi ed compensato- Man Charged With DWI Fishermen Find ry and punitive damages. Sues Las Vegas Casino Lyttle said he expects the casino will Blames GPS Century-Old Postcard fi le a countersuit seeking payment of the n alleged drunken driver stopped Over $500,000 Debt debt, after failing to have it withdrawn in Connecticut last week blamed In A Bottle In Baltic from Johnston’s bank account. Athe GPS on his cell phone for “I’m frankly baffl ed by the way this sending him the wrong way onto an in- was handled and all I can really think to terstate. chalk it up to is inexperience,” Lyttle said. Police Offi cer Peter Senick was as- “This is a casino that opened its doors in signed to the DWI patrol when he saw a November.” car go onto an off-ramp on around 2 a.m. last Saturday, driving the wrong way despite the “Wrong Way” signs. Next Round’s On U.S.; Offi cer Senick immediately went after the man and stopped him about 200 feet California man who lost $500,000 Obama To Deliver On onto the ramp. in 17 hours gambling at a Las Ve- Beer Bet With Canada Agas casino was so drunk he could not remember the episode after waking he United States defused a brew- postcard dated May 17, 1913, and up in his hotel room, said a lawsuit fi led ing, and cordial, crisis with Can- found in a bottle by German fi sh- on his behalf that seeks to erase the debt. Tada on Friday, after Prime Min- Aermen appears to be the oldest Mark Johnston, 52, arrived drunk at ister Stephen Harper joked that Barack such message ever found. the Downtown Grand casino and was Obama has yet to deliver the beer he Konrad Fischer, captain of a fi shing plied with free alcoholic drinks while he promised if the U.S. hockey teams lost to boat said that he was about to throw the gambled, according to the suit. Canada in the Olympics. bottle back in the sea when someone After leaving the gaming tables, John- The White House responded the presi- told him it was not empty. ston went to his hotel room and woke up dent does not welsh on his bets. The driver, from Springfi eld, Mass., “When I saw the date I got really excit- the next day with no memory of his time “In fairness to President Obama, he’s told Offi cer Senick that he was not from ed,” he said. at the tables, stated the lawsuit, depict- lost bets to me before, and he’s always the area and was following the GPS on The postcard, from Denmark, had Ger- ing his mental state while gambling as a paid up before,” Harper said to laughter his phone, which led him to drive the man stamps on it. It was signed by Rich- “blackout period.” from his interviewers on the radio in To- wrong way. ard Platz and addressed to his own home Johnston’s attorney, Sean Lyttle, de- ronto. “I’m sure he will.” The offender’s blood alcohol concen- in Berlin with a message asking the fi nd- scribed him as a self-made millionaire During a summit in Mexico, the lead- tration was found to be .101 and .095. er to put it in the mail. who previously owned a number of car ers bet a case of beer on the men’s and He was arrested and charged with The Guinness Book of World Records dealerships and was involved in real es- women’s hockey teams. The Canadian DWI and driving the wrong way. lists the oldest previous message in a bot- tate development. men beat the United States 1-0 in the tle as 97 years, found in 2012. Starting on the night of January 30 and semi-fi nals and then advanced to gold Fischer said his previous fi nds during running into the next afternoon at the over Sweden, and the Canadian wom- Man Steals Wallet, his 50 years as a fi sherman have been casino in downtown Las Vegas, Johnston en came from behind in a late surge to more alarming, including mines, bombs, played pai gow and blackjack for 17 hours snatch gold from the United States 3-2. Eats Cash torpedoes and a body. and was served about 20 drinks. “I’m not privy to the details of the in- Lyttle said he has never heard of a ternational beer delivery, but I can tell On Way To Jail gambler in Las Vegas being allowed to you that the president is somebody who Florida man was arrested after Man Goes To Court lose such a large amount while intoxicat- makes good on his bets,” White House deputies say he robbed his girl- Over Girl Scout Cookies ed. spokesman Josh Earnest said. Afriend and then ate some of the “Mr. Johnston, an experienced gam- “So I’m confi dent that Prime Minister money that he stole. man originally wrote a $42 check bler, was dropping chips on the fl oor, Harper and members of his team will The man was allegedly intoxicated for Girl Scout Cookies and it has confusing chip colors and slurring his soon be enjoying some delicious White when deputies say he left a party and be- Aturned into an almost $800 law- speech badly, and he was unable to read House beer.” came angry at his girlfriend and son and suit. his cards or set his hands properly,” the The White House has brewed original demanded that they go home. lawsuit stated. varieties of beer since the Obama family Once the family arrived home, the The description of Johnston’s behavior became its occupants in 2009. man took his girlfriend’s wallet that had came largely from Eric Weis, a bartend- Harper, an ardent hockey fan who $750 in cash. er at the casino who had previously be- wrote a book about the sport while serv- Deputies later arrested him and found friended Johnston and sat beside him at ing as prime minister, recounted the last the cash in his pocket. one point during the gambling episode. time President Obama paid up, when Offi cials said that the cash left in the Weis has since stopped working at the then-U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson suspect’s pocket was there temporarily as casino, where he felt pressured by man- brought over a case of beer. deputies walked him outside to the pa- agement over the incident. “President Obama had signed it, so I trol vehicle. Deputies attempted to fi nd Before his arrival in Las Vegas, John- thought: ‘Oh, jeez, so I can’t really keep the cash once they were outside but the Tad Osborn bought about a dozen ston, had been given credit in the this now - it’s now got the signature of cash was missing from his pocket. boxes of Girl Scout Cookies for $42. Six amount of $250,000, and that amount the president of the United States on The man said he placed the stolen months later, he received a notice saying was increased while he was gambling so it,’” Harper said. “So we shipped it to the cash on the bed inside his home. that his check had bounced and he was he ultimately lost $500,000. Hockey Hall of Fame for their collection.” However, during the ride to jail, a dep- told he owed double what he originally Nevada gaming regulations prohibit uty noticed a strange sound in his back- paid. The Girl Scout Troop’s bank claimed casinos to allow visibly drunk guests to seat and saw the suspect chewing on a that his account was closed, but he pro- continue to gamble. mouth full of cash. The deputy pulled vided documentation saying that was A spokeswoman for the Downtown over and tried to save some of the cash not true. Grand declined to comment on the but only $277 was recovered from the “When a check is reported as bad debt lawsuit, which accuses the casino negli- $750. by a troop’s bank, the troop attempts to gence, reckless endangerment, fraud and The man has been charged with rob- contact the customer and the council other wrongdoing. bery, battery, grand theft, resisting arrest, then attempts to resolve the debt,” said a It seeks to have a court declare John- possession of a controlled substance and statement from the Girl Scouts. “Like any ston’s $500,000 gambling debt null and tampering with evidence. other business, after multiple attempts

20 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Snippets Of Strange to resolve, we use a professional collec- said, “It’s been placed in a garbage bag, ed and charged with battery after video tion agency.” that I am positive has odor-eating chem- footage of an altercation she had with a Osborn said he never received such icals, it is treated, let alone all the other student at her daughter’s middle school notifi cation, and now he has racked up contaminants that could have been in was posted on the Internet. fi ling fees fi ghting the collection agency there – disgusting, like, Kleenexes, umm, Irisdaly Rios, 35, witnessed a fi ght over the charge. He still supports the or- garbage is what people throw away. Glue, between her daughter and another 6th ganization and has a daughter who just lead, paint.” grade girl. According to the arrest report, became a Girl Scout. The family responded by pulling their Rios got out of her car and began a verbal He will still buy cookies but has one 8-year-old and her younger sister out of altercation, which escalated into physical recommendation: “I would recommend the school. The Stewarts learned of even confrontation. anyone who wants to buy Girl Scout more problems with Oettershagen. Appar- “She got out of the car and saying cookies pay cash.” girl’s grandmother, Ann Marie Stewart ently, the teacher had fi shed sandwiches she was going to hit or whatever. She said, “[Oettershagen] peeled the banana out of the garbage and insisted the girl eat started holding and touching her and with her bare hands that had been in the those in front of the class, “to teach the then she backed away, she approached Parent Not Thrilled garbage can, broke off a piece, ate it, then students that food should not be wasted.” her and started swinging,” the student instructed my granddaughter to eat the So, this isn’t looking good for Oet- who taped the incident said. “It was With Teacher rest of the banana.” tershagen. But that’s it, right? Well…no. crazy.” When Ann Marie, and the girl’s moth- Apparently the teacher already had a Both combatants suffered scratch Who Forced Student er, Jordan Stewart, drove to the school disciplinary hearing pending before the wounds during the fi ght, at the very least. To Eat Food to get answers as to why this happened, Ontario College of Teachers because of “This girl bullies my daughter every they were disappointed by the reception. allegations of “professional misconduct” day,” Rios said when asked about the girl Out Of Garbage Jordan said, “In walks the teacher, who and “incompetence.” with whom she fought. n Canadian school food news, a said, ‘I was only trying to teach her good Since this has come to light, Oettersha- “She got aggressive, and I think she felt teacher of a French Catholic school food values, not to waste food, and that gen has been “relieved of her duties.” her daughter was in danger,” the girl said. Ihas been “relieved of her duties” af- you shouldn’t throw food into the gar- “I’ve got scratches on my back, my teeth ter she allegedly forced an eight-year-old bage.’” Ann Marie, in what was not at all is broken, and my head started hurting a girl to eat food from a garbage can. The an overstatement said, “It is the most bi- Mom Fights Alleged lot.” girl’s family is not only angry about the zarre, abhorrent thing I could ever think Police are stressing that this is not the incident itself, but the way the school im- of doing to a child.” Sixth-Grade Bully In proper way to handle bullying. mediately handled it. In a meeting the next day with the “Everybody loses here,” said Police This whole ordeal started when the school’s principal, the principal allegedly Mid-School Parking Lot spokesman Carl Zogby. “We’d rather peo- third-grader threw an old banana into a didn’t think it was too big a deal, which ama didn’t say “knock you out” ple go to the proper authorities if there’s trashcan. Apparently this didn’t sit well upset the Stewarts even more. They were -- she tried to do it herself. bullying going on. Go to your school. Call her teacher, Renee Oettershagen. The concerned over the food safety. Jordan M A Florida mom was arrest- the police before it gets to this point.”

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 21 Snippets Of Strange

Michigan Woman Dead the rules and regulations of that city, of called 911 right away. Once offi cers ar- that state.” rived on the scene, they removed a man- For Six Years The applicable ordinances was found hole cover and saw the man below. on Denver’s website, but the wording Sergeant John Chelenza said, “That’s Found Only was quite confusing. Denver City Coun- the fi rst time in going on 28 years that we After Money Runs Out cilman Charlie Brown feels the ordi- have found somebody down in a storm nance itself is poorly written and the drain.” Sgt. Chelenza was thankful for the or six years the bills were paid, the 100-foot limit should not include alter- teens who called 911, saying, “The kids grass was cut and no one noticed nate side parking. “I read the ordinance were observant and astute. They did right Fthe body of the dead woman sit- and it took three or four readings to try by calling 911, and who knows they may ting in the back seat of a car in a garage to understand it. Even someone in Public have saved a man’s life.” of a residential Michigan neighborhood. Works admitted that the ordinance was So what about that $20? Did the man Her mummifi ed body was fi nally confusing. They want to change it as well fi nd it? Sadly he didn’t. found this week by someone dispatched as I do.” to check on the property that fell into foreclosure after the money ran out of Lawyer’s Ad Starring her account and the mortgage payments stopped, police said. Smiling Thugs “It is kind of the perfect storm for a rower misplaced the volume and came mysterious set of circumstance and a across it just recently. The maximum late Draws Criticism challenge because of the extreme degra- fee in 1992 was $3; it’s now $4.50. Pittsburgh lawyer’s online ad dation of the body,” County Sheriff Mi- “The Versatile Grain and the Elegant showing smiling robbers, drug chael Bouchard said. Bean” contains more than 300 recipes Adealers and prostitutes fl ashing The woman has not yet been posi- from around the world. Reviewers not- thumbs up and thanking him for getting tively identifi ed, but it is thought she is ed in 1992 that its publication coincided them off the hook has garnered tens of a person who stopped working in 2008 with growing U.S. interest in healthy thousands of views and drawn fi re from and had set up all of her bills to be paid cooking. Ms. Molina contested her ticket and a local bar association. automatically from her bank account. while it was not dismissed, she did get a One fi ctional criminal pauses while $5 discount because of her good faith ef- climbing out a window, carrying a laptop Drivers Ticketed fort to move her car across the street. Mo- to say “Thanks Dan,” to the camera, while lina, like many residents, feels, “If they a pair of men carrying handguns offer a For Little Known are not going to place it on the sign, then similar message before pulling ski masks the ordinance needs to be removed.” over their faces in the three-minute, Parking Laws 27-second ad posted on YouTube by crim- Not Posted On Signs inal defense attorney Daniel Muessig. Man Chasing $20 Bill Muessig, a 2012 Law School graduate, olorado drivers continue to re- then makes his own pitch: “Trust me, I ceive tickets for a little known Gets Stuck For 2 Days may have a law degree, but I think like Cparking ordinances. Those who In Storm Drain a criminal.” She is also thought to have worked as moved their parked vehicle after the The spot has been viewed more than a contractor in the fi nancial department posted time limit were required to wait man in Oklahoma was walking 80,000 times since Muessig posted it on for a major automobile company. 24 hours before parking their car in the outside when he inadvertently Thursday, and the 32-year-old attorney A neighbor cut her lawn, her mail was same spot, and when they did move, the Adropped a $20 bill. It fell down a said he believed the tongue-in-cheek ap- sent to the post offi ce and there was no new spot needed to be more than 100 storm drain. Because the man, who has proach would appeal to possible clients. family living nearby, Bouchard said. feet away from the previous spot. not been identifi ed, needed the money, “I wanted to connect with my potential “The last withdrawal from her account Recently, Lauren Molina received a he went crawling after it. That turned out clients in a way that people from my gen- was in March 2013,” he added. $25 ticket for the 100 feet violation. “I got to be a big mistake. eration could understand,” Muessig said. Neighbors said the woman had family a ticket for not moving my car 100 feet, The man, who was disoriented and “I wanted to give people something that in Germany and would be gone for days more than 100 feet, even though it was dehydrated when he was fi nally back would be memorable and entertaining.” or weeks at a time. When she was back on the opposite side of the street.” above ground, could not tell the police home, she kept to herself. The Public Works Spokeswoman, Emi- how he was able to get down into under- “Nobody came over there to check on ly Williams, was asked why the ordinance ground pipes. However they speculate it the lady. It’s weird. And it’s actually scary,” was not posted on street signs. “I think must have been via nearby storm drains. a neighbor said. it’s because there are so many signs out When he got down in there he quickly A cause of death was under investiga- there. There’s a fi ne line between having discovered getting back up wouldn’t be tion. just the right amount of signs that people easy. He was as much as 12 feet below in are paying attention to and having too a cramped, dark, and wet pipe, in a sys- many where people start ignoring all of tem only one with a map would be able Cookbook those signs.” She added, “Right now, our to navigate. A spokesman for the local Bar Associ- only tool for education when you break It was only when a group of passing ation said he found the ad “insulting to Returned To Library this ordinance, is a citation. But hopeful- high-schoolers were walking by that our Pittsburgh lawyers and lawyers across ly that will be changing soon.” The Public wayward friend was helped. They heard the country, who take great pride in their After 21-Plus Years Works department says they are working screams coming from down below and profession.” ore than two decades after a on how to make those changes so that He said he worried that the video cookbook was checked out of lesser known ordinances will be known. could be misinterpreted: “There could Ma Kansas library, it’s just now Unable to detect what the violation be kids watching it, or people who don’t been returned. was, Zelinger asked enforcement agent even understand what tongue-in-cheek A copy of “The Versatile Grain and Gary Glasser, who was on the scene, “Am means, and what they’ll see is: if you the Elegant Bean: A Celebration of the I missing a sign that says something like commit a crime this attorney will get you World’s Most Healthful Foods” was that?” To which Glasser replied, “No.” off without any explanation.” placed in a Public Library return box one Glasser indicated that the laws are avail- Muessig defended the spot but said he recently. The book had been checked out able on the city’s website, and he said, “… would take it down if law enforcement on Sept. 24, 1992. if you park in any city in any state, you or a legal professional organization asked A library offi cial speculates the bor- are assuming responsibility to knowing him to.

22 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Heartwarming Headlines

Police Officer’s it down and tell somebody that I am out one $1 million or more in the last month here watching and that we do care about playing the lottery. Kind Note Eases Fears you,” said Lt. Barbour. Of Sleepless Girls The offi cer’s act of kindness worked and the family says they are resting well Tourist Lost In now with the peace of mind that they are being protected. “I felt a lot more Australian Outback safe and secure knowing that someone is watching after us,” said Aubrey. For Two Weeks Lt. Paul Barbour said, “One of the Survives… On Flies things that probably bothers me the most is the, the fact that criminals could take the innocence of a child. And I don’t I was sitting over on the couch like say- want that, for my kids or for anybody ing, I took my hat off and kinda. And the else’s children.” cops said, ‘You okay?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I’m just hot.’ The emergency services workers took Pizza Driver the man. Police say that if it wasn’t for Lucas, the man could have met a differ- Helps Deliver ent fate. Det. McDonald commended Lucas Life Saving Rescue saying, “Obviously this Domino’s deliv- ary Lucas of Louisville, Kentucky, ery driver is a hero.” But Lucas remained was in the right place at just the humble and said, “I wouldn’t go that far. special letter written by Lieuten- Gright time to help save a man in They’re the heroes. Our cops and our mil- erman tourist Daniel Dudzisz ant Paul Barbour of the Oklahoma need of emergency care. The pizza de- itary and they’re the heroes. Not me.” was missing for more than two APolice Department helped ease liveryman had just completed his work Gweeks in the Australian Outback the fears of two young girls. Aubrey Craig, shift and along his way he heard a wom- survived by eating fl ies after becoming 11, and her sister Ava, 9, were having many an’s screams coming from a home. “Then Fortune Cookie lost and stranded by fl oodwaters. sleepless nights, anxious and fearful that she said, ‘Somebody please help me.’ So Daniel Dudzisz was picked up by a mo- something would happen to them. Au- I ran over there,” Lucas recalled. “I think Numbers Help torist in Queensland state, police Inspec- brey said, “There are so many bad things she was on the phone with 911 and they tor Mark Henderson said. out there and you never know what can told her to put him on the fl oor. So we 75-Year-Old Woman Dudzisz became stranded by fl oodwa- happen to you.” The girls were so fright- got him on the fl oor and just kept going.” Win $2M Lottery ters for about 10 days and lived on insects ened that Aubrey slept with a golf club, for most of the time he was lost. and Ava kept a Louisville slugger at her 75-year-old woman didn’t use fam- “He joked about never going hungry bedside. ily members’ birthdays to pick her in the Australian Outback because of the Kacie, the girls’ mother, believes that Awinning Powerball numbers -- she amount of fl ies you can eat for their pro- her daughters’ fears stem from the vio- used a fortune cookie. tein,” Henderson said lence they see on television. “Just scared. Emma Duvoll thought that the num- “He had some baked beans and cereal Just kind of scared about life in gener- bers in the cookie that accompanied the when he left and exhausted that pretty al.” the mom said. “We started a process Chinese food her son brought “looked at- quickly, and said he’d been eating fl ies where we would get her up before bed- tractive so we played them.” ever since,” Henderson added. time and go door to door and window The good-looking numbers helped Dudzisz told police he had heard to window to show she’s safe and every- propel her to a $2 million Powerball win. search helicopters but their crews could thing is locked and we live in a safe town The 911 dispatcher walked Lucas and “I used to play other numbers and I not see him through the canopy of trees, and community.” Despite that safety the victim’s wife through the steps to never won anything so these looked just Henderson said. check, Ava would still end up at times, on administer CPR while emergency person- as good as any other,” Duvoll said. “I was Dudzisz, who had an adequate sup- her parent’s bedroom fl oor in tears. nel were enroute. Lucas was not trained surprised, but pleased.” ply of insulin with him, refused medical Lt. Barbour found out about the Craig in the life saving procedure, but he didn’t Five of her numbers -- 5, 12, 15, 27 and treatment. girls’ problem from his wife, who works hesitate. “She was tired. She was weak 38 -- matched the winning Powerball “He certainly was hungry, but other with Kacie. Barbour said, “My heart went from doing it. And she told me to take drawing. She missed out on the Power- than that he was in reasonable spirits,” out to them and I needed to do some- over and so I jumped to it,” explained ball number (it was a 7). Henderson said. thing to make them feel safe.” So, during Lucas. Duvoll will end up with a lump Dudzisz remained determined to trek his graveyard shift earlier this week, the Police detective Dennis McDonald sum payment of $1,246,085 after taxes. west to the sparsely populated Northern 29-year veteran of the force decided to said, “The Domino’s delivery driver who “I took some time contemplating what Territory. pen a handwritten letter to the girls, reas- was performing CPR was absolutely I will do with the money,” Duvall said. “I “He has made an agreement now that suring them of their safety. exhausted because he was working so plan to invest most of it, and maybe take he will stick to the main roads now rath- The note read: hard.” Lucas said, “I was tired and I was a trip to Switzerland to visit family.” er than going cross country,” Henderson “Hello Ava and Aubrey, sweating… After I got done, EMS come in, At least three other New Yorkers have said. This is Lt. Paul Barbour from Edmond P.D. I work the night shift and patrol neighborhoods and look for criminal activity. We do this so people can sleep and [sic] night and not worry about their safety. I was driving through your neighborhood and everything looked good! I wanted to drop you a note to let you know all is well! Take Care, Paul Barbour” He left the letter taped to the family’s front door for the girls to discover in the morning. “It was nice to be able to write

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 23 As I See It Cynthia Zalisky

Queen Esther – The Perfect Jewish Role Model

CONTINUED FROM P. PB Esther become Queen. Nothing more, As the reading of the Megillah pro- cause for Haman’s decree on the thir- nothing less. gresses, we see Esther’s understanding teenth day of Adar was due to the fact the name of “simchah.” But on the oth- The Vashti saga of the story also of her role as Achashveirosh’s queen that Jewish people participated in the er hand, I adore the family closeness at propelled Haman to the position that and evolving as a powerhouse of effec- King’s feast described in the fi rst chap- the seudah, the joy of giving mishloach he was destined to be in the Megillah. tive action for her people. She learned ter of the Megillah. That party was in manos and, above all, my chance to res- It was Haman who chided Achash- to play the system to get the job done. actuality a celebration of the fact that tudy about my favorite Biblical person- veirosh into doing away with Vashti, The Midrash tells us that in the according to Achashveirosh, the de- ality – Esther HaMalkah (Queen Esther). “otherwise all the women will reject future all the Jewish holidays will struction of the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Each year I fi nd new insights and their husbands, from least to greatest be nullifi ed except for Purim. The Temple) was permanent and that it surprises. This time I was knocked and that every man should be the rul- Talmud says that although the fi nal never would be rebuilt. It was to sig- for a loop upon reading an article er of his own household.” redemption will be even more ex- nify to the Jewish people that they no by a woman who opined that Queen The feminists mistakenly see Es- traordinary, the miracle of Purim will longer needed to look to Jerusalem in Vashti was the true feminist of the ther in the beginning of the Megillah never be forgotten. It was Esther’s the hope of returning, but rather they story. At fi rst I thought it had to be should realize that Persia is their new some sort of a Purim shpiel, but it home for good. was not that at all. The author was The feminists mistakenly see Esther Although attendance at the party serious. This “Women’s Libber” (as in the beginning of the Megillah as weak and submissive. seemed to be diplomatically correct we used to call feminists), feels that and a necessity, it was in direct de- since Vashti refused to appear before But Esther was far from a meek, male-dominated female; fi ance of Mordechai’s orders not to the King undressed, her action can be Queen Esther was one of our prophetesses participate. It created a breach in the translated into her being determined, unity of the Jewish people. When the kept her dignity and was “Not afraid evil decree was announced, the Jews to displease the males.” According to as weak and submissive. Esther came unique courage that elevated her to blamed Mordechai at fi rst for the im- this woman, Vashti “has become our into the tale as a non-political fi gure. become one of the dominant fi gures pending danger. Queen Esther con- model of a strong woman who won’t She was content to be a Torah-abid- in the story. Her Hebrew name was solidated the Jews in purpose when take any garbage from those around ing Jewess and had no interest in the Hadassah, which is derived from the she insisted that they all fast for three her.” royal trappings or intrigues. Esther word hadas (myrtle plant). Just as a days and spend that time in prayer Those who enshrine Vashti as a pleased everyone. Heigai, the guard- hadas’ fragrance only permeates when and repentance to Hashem for salva- symbol of feminine assertiveness ian of the women, treated her with it is bruised and crushed, so too was tion. have chosen to depict one of the special kindness because she acted Esther’s potential brought out to its Today we are experiencing so much true enemies of the Jewish People as like a mentch. fullest through the trials and tribula- strife and disunity from within. So a heroine. Vashti, the granddaughter Esther was far from a meek, tions of her life, especially during her much sin’as achim is festering in our of King Nevuchadnetzar, was totally male-dominated female. Queen Esther reign as queen of Persia. community. I ask all women to take anti-Semitic. She humiliated her Jew- was one of our prophetesses. Only Esther HaMalkah achieved one oth- this opportunity, as we celebrate the ish servants by making them serve her those who reached the very heights of er very important aspect of the Purim holiday of Purim, to emulate Esther without clothes on and work on Shab- spirituality made that auspicious list. story that is not emphasized enough and help bring our people back to- bos. Her defi ance of Achashveirosh’s Esther heeded Mordechai’s advice to a in understanding her true greatness: gether again so that we can indeed be summons to appear to show off her tee and did not tell anyone her true She unifi ed the Jewish people. Only am echad (one nation). beauty was due to an embarrassing identity, not because she was subser- when that took place did the miracles I wish all our readers and their fam- pock-like outbreak all over her body vient to him, but rather because she surrounding Purim begin to occur. ilies a “freilichen” Purim. (or because of a “vaydel” [tail] as some knew it was the right thing to do. She The Talmud teaches us that the real say). No matter what it was, Vashti was showed great strength of character a minor character; she was a means to and had incredible self-control. Es- Cynthia Zalisky is the Executive Director of the Queens Jewish Community. She can an end for the Divine Design to have ther kept that secret for nine years. be contacted at [email protected]

24 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 A Newlywed’s Thoughts Michael Josephs, Guest Columnist Marriage Built On Your Own Efforts

he recent article by Sergey Ka- I could give and what I wanted. I was dinsky, entitled “Marriage Built able to recognize both my positive and TOn A Lie,” pointed out the need my negative points and understand to understand whom you choose to what type of personality would be a marry and the potential price of that un- better match for me. I was able to ac- ion. My article focuses on the need to quire some internal peace. understand yourself before you choose Through an introduction, I met Mir- someone else. iam. We dated for a long time before I am a few years older than Sergey (I I asked her to marry me. I recognized was born in 1951) and I am in the second that I was no longer making decisions year of my second marriage following a based on a surface view of the person in divorce 18 years ago. Thus, I am looking front of me. I was able to recognize the as much behind me as in front of me. merits of our match based on long-term In my current marriage, I found an thinking. I thought less about what was ideal partner. That is because my basis exciting and more about what was du- for selection has changed, based on a rable.

The best possible question a married person can ask is what you can do for your spouse while not giving up who you are better understanding of what marriage It was more than a year after Miriam means. I reached this understanding by and I were married that I was able to looking back at my fi rst marriage and look back on my fi rst marriage and un- my role therein. derstand what I did wrong. As I began I did not marry the fi rst time until I to understand my mistakes, I began to was 28. However, age alone does not de- feel regrets. I realized that the only way termine what a person understands in to fi x those mistakes was to make my life. At that point, I had still not come to current marriage work. understand myself. I followed a pattern Miriam was never before married I have seen many others follow: I iden- and thus I had more experience. I took tifi ed with one of my parents and chose it on myself to put everything into this a person to whom I attributed the per- relationship. I was able to abandon my sonality of my other parent. My wife need to address issues left over from my played along and we continued arguing parents. Having recognized that a suc- about issues familiar to me from my cessful marriage requires work, I was parents’ home. Our disagreements in- ready to invest in that work. creased after my daughter was born. In Miriam and I are now devoting time the end, I initiated the divorce because to elderly parents. Her mother died last with my then limited understanding, I year and her 97-year-old father needs saw divorce as the best way to resolve much attention. My father died in the issues I took on from my parents. 2011, two months before we married, A few years after the divorce, I moved and my 87-year-old mother also needs to Forest Hills. I began dating. I met attention. Miriam and my 24-year-old a considerable number of women but daughter, Alana, have a good relation- I never went on more than two dates ship and my daughter and I have a great with anyone. I was trying to assess relationship. myself in relation to the woman I was Knowing what your own issues are meeting. I was trying to learn a better will help you understand what type of way to relate. I realized that I could person you are pulled towards and what not marry someone else until I knew type of person is pulled towards you. It myself. Through all this dating I began to know myself and understand what CONTINUED ON P. 55

Michael Josephs is an attorney practicing personal injury law, specializing in factual research, issue analysis, writing, and editing. Raised in Oceanside, Michael now lives with his wife, Miriam, in Kew Gardens. When not practicing law, Michael collects transit- related memorabilia. On a table next to his ofﬁ ce desk is a rolling subway destination sign which can display 29 different terminal stations from NYC’s old BMT and IND lines.

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 25 Op-Ed Inventing “Palestine” At The Oscars by Moshe Phillips and Benyamin Korn er-in-Chief of the Rebels in Southern Syria.” It was only when Israel was es- hose who advocate the establish- tablished in 1948 that they began using ment of a Palestinian Arab state the term “Palestine” as a way of attacking Tin Israel’s back yard have worked Israel’s legitimacy. hard, for many years, to create the im- There are many good reasons to op- pression that such a state is inevitable. pose creation of a Palestinian state in the Readers of The New York Times have sure- Judea-Samaria (West Bank) territories. ly noticed how often columnists such For one thing, creation of a state there as Thomas Friedman write things along would reduce Israel to just nine miles the lines of “everyone knows that a Pal- wide at its vulnerable midsection. In a estinian state will be created.” Of course war, an Arab tank column would be able “everyone” doesn’t know that, but conjur- to cut Israel in two in a matter of minutes. ing an air of “inevitability” promotes the Even short of war, life could become un- goal. bearable: Airplanes landing or taking off Sometimes the statehood advocates from Ben-Gurion Airport would be within even pretend that a state of “Palestine” striking distance of an individual terrorist already exists, even though it obvious- with a shoulder-fi red rocket. ly does not. Their idea is to wear down A second problem is that creation of a the opposition, to make us feel as if we Palestinian state there would place some are wasting our time and energy when of the holiest sites in Judaism, such as the we point out the dangers of Palestinian Cave of the Patriarchs (in Hebron) and the statehood. Now fi lm professor Eric A. the land during the years when most demanding the unifi cation of Palestine Tomb of Rachel (in Bethlehem) under the Goldman has joined the pro-Palestine Jews were exiled didn’t call it “Palestine,” with Syria. Even Arab nationals living sovereignty of a hostile Arab state. This campaign. either. in far-off San Salvador, identifying them- would be a repudiation of 2,000 years of Goldman, whose reviews of movies Arab residents of the area during the selves as “Syrian Palestinians,” issued a Jewish longing to return to the ancient appear in various Jewish newspapers, British period considered themselves call, in 1919, for “no separation between Land of Israel. Our prayers and traditions recently authored a review of “Omar,” Syrians, and said so. “Southern Syria” Syria and Palestine.” The headquarters do not speak of returning to Tel Aviv or which he reported was “submitted by Haifa; they speak of the many religious Palestine” for an Oscar. Goldman also re- sites in Judea and Samaria. ferred to “today’s events in Palestine” and Sometimes the statehood advocates even pretend A third issue is that creating a Palestin- “the politically charged atmosphere of to- that a state of “Palestine” already exists, ian state would involve the mass, forced day’s Palestine.” expulsion of hundreds of thousands of “Omar” lost at the Academy Awards to even though it obviously does not. Israelis from those areas. That could pro- the Italian entry “The Great Beauty,” di- Their idea is to wear down the opposition, voke all-out civil strife in Israel. Recall rected by Paolo Sorrentino. to make us feel as if we are wasting our time and energy how Israel was torn apart over the expul- In the real world, however, there is no sion of a much smaller number of Israelis such “atmosphere,” and no such “events,” when we point out the dangers of Palestinian statehood (about 10,000) from Gaza. because no state of “Palestine” exists. In Those who believe that, nonetheless, fact, there has never been an indepen- such a state should be created will con- dent state of “Palestine” at any time in (Suriya al-Janubiya) was the name of a for the Palestinian Arab riots that began tinue to make their case. That is part of history. The term “Palestine” did not even leading Palestinian Arab newspaper in in 1936 called itself “The General Com- the give-and-take of debate in a free soci- exist until around the year 100 CE, when the 1920s. The local Muslim-Christian mand of the Arab Revolt in Southern ety. But pretending that the state of “Pal- the Romans decreed it as a way of trying Association, at its 1919 congress, urged Syria (Palestine).” One of its leaders, Arif estine” already exists, in order to advance to stamp out memories of Jewish con- the Paris Peace Conference to consider Abd ar-Raziq, used the title “Command- that cause, is simply dishonest. nections to the area. The Muslims who Palestine “a part of Arab Syria.” When invaded the Land of Israel in fi ve centu- the notorious Haj Amin el-Hussein (lat- Mr. Phillips is president of the Religious Zionists of America, Philadelphia Chapter; Mr. Korn, ries later didn’t call themselves “Palestin- er known as the Grand Mufti) instigat- the former executive editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia, is chairman of the RZA – ians.” The various rulers who controlled ed his fi rst riots, in 1920, they were riots Philadelphia. (www.phillyreligiouszionists.org) the Jewish leaders of Yemen recog- (Brachos 12b).” nized that people postponed getting So there is a certain duality to em- The Non-Human Rights Commission married because of the out-of-control barrassment – sin should be cause for CONTINUED FROM P. 17 to the vineyards, the girls adorned expenses incurred in making wed- embarrassment, but embarrassment themselves in “white garments that dings (I know. Yemen in 1828. Who has the power to atone for sins.” having been rebuked by his donkey they borrowed in order not to shame would’ve thought?). They therefore Mark Twain famously quoted, (BaMidbar Rabah 20:14). We are con- those who did not have the means” to adopted an enactment, limiting sheva “Man is the only animal that blushes. cerned with the dignity of the sinner purchase clothing for the event.” b’rachos meals – assuming the groom Or needs to” (Following the Equator, no less than that of the saint (see In Beis HaMikdash times, individ- insisted upon them – to ten invitees Chapter 27). On one hand, to man’s Shabbos Inbox, Queens Jewish Link, uals were not permitted to use their per day (Nahum Rakover, Human Dig- credit, he is not oblivious to, but Vol. I, Issue 3).” private stock of wood to burn a Pas- nity in Jewish Law (1998, pg. 153).” rather feels shame for, the wrongs he The Torah is especially sensitive chal lamb that became ritually un- * * * ” has committed. On the other hand, to the shame felt by people of less- clean, since allowing them to do so man’s embarrassment stems from his er means. The Fifteenth of Av and might embarrass poor people who Bashfulness is an inherently Jew- having done something wrong, hav- Yom Kippur were days of great joy, did not have their own supply of ish trait (Y’vamos 79a). Some degree ing failed to live up to some expecta- when the single girls of Yerushalay- wood (P’sachim 82a). Instead, every- of embarrassment can be benefi - tion.” im danced in the vineyards in front one had to use wood belonging to the cial: “If one becomes embarrassed Like nearly everything in life, it all of the single men in order to attract a Beis HaMikdash. ” because of a sin he committed, he depends on how and when it is used.” spouse (Taanis 26b). Before going out Somewhat more recently, in 1828, achieves atonement for all his sins”

26 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Hooked On Healing Caroline Schumsky, LCSW, MS

How To Get Along Better With Others …Even Yourself

elieve it or not, your ability to get along with 5: “Mediate–Don’t Ruminate” Please feel free to share some of your dos and don’ts. your neighbor depends mostly on how well you The past is an inestimable treasure. Ah, yes. You As a matter of fact, please do! Bget along with yourself. So how’s that relation- heard it a thousand times. It was once said: Worry about your character and not ship coming along? Let’s take a peek, shall we. Learn from your mistakes. You can even learn from your reputation, because your character is who you are, Here are some of my handy dos and don’ts. the mistakes of others if you like. But then... three and your reputation is only what people think of you. words: Let. It. Go. 1: Don’t play the Turn mistakes into opportunities - to improve, per- Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, writ- “Blame and Shame Game” haps to learn to forgive or to understand better. er, and dance instructor. She has worked extensively with Jew- A simple truth: People make mistakes. Yes, “they” Remember, sweet readers, your past does not deﬁ ne ish outreach, as well as an individual psychotherapist. She can (ahem…”we”) do. Family members don’t always meet you - how you use the lessons does. be reached at 917-717-1775 or at [email protected] your expectations. (Do they ever?) Co-workers are not always team players. People, well they are just people after all. But guess what? As much as it hurts to admit it, of- tentimes we too are to blame. Maybe we provoked a family member just to pick a ﬁ ght? Perhaps we expect- ed too much from someone not truly capable of meeting our needs. Owning our share of responsibility when things go sideways can actually strengthen us. How, you ask? Well, for one thing we can now spotlight ways to possibly do things better or smarter next time. No one wants blame consistently laid at his or her feet. Not even you, right?

2: Blow off the “Show-Off Routine” Okay. So you may have stunning clothes, a really cool car, a fancy title, or a list of accomplishments up to the wazoo. Do your friends really like you because of your “stuff,” your credentials, or because you’re “you”? Twenty-four-karat relationships are genuine, not based on trying to make others like you owing to super- ﬁ cial or external things. So how about if you quit trying so hard, stop editing so much, and just “be you.” If you are true to yourself, chances are that you will be true to your loved ones as well. It was once said: You may as well be you anyway. Ev- eryone else is taken.

3: Ditch the “Abrupt Interrupt” Ah, yes. We all interrupt. What’s so terrible about that anyway, eh? But is it as harmless as it seems? Think about this for a minute, sweet readers. When you interrupt someone, what message are you sending? “Hey, I’m not really listening to you or trying to understand where you are coming from. Heck, I’m only half listening to you till I can say what I want to say, which is obviously so much more important.” On second thought, why don’t you try to focus on what your friend is saying? Don’t be shy. Ask questions to make sure you understand. Trust me: They will be so taken aback and veritably thankful.

4: Don’t be a “Control Troll” Yeah, yeah, you da man. You da woman. Yeah, you’re the head honcho. We all fantasize about being in charge at times, do we not? Rude awakening time? The only thing is this life you can even attempt to control is you. Trying to control others makes them feel that somehow your idea of how things ought to be, your views, and opinions are exceed- ingly more important than theirs. Not exactly a very welcome feeling is it. In addition, how do you go about controlling others anyway? Through fear, pressure, unspoken threats? No, no. That is legitimately the last way to get people to want to go where you’re going in life.

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 27 Frontlines Joseph M. Frager Things That Matter Most

harles Krauthammer, in his best- when it comes to Iran or any of its neigh- Obviously, Providence ultimately de- seller, Things That Matter, quotes bors who seek its destruction for that termines Israel’s fate, but we all must CMilan Kundera, the Czech Repub- matter. Krauthammer laments that “the do what we can to maintain Israel’s sur- lic’s most recognized living writer, on stakes could not be higher. It is my con- vival. In all of the diplomatic shuttling, what defi nes a small nation: “one whose tention that on Israel – on its existence in all of the conversations, in all of the very existence may be put in question and survival – hangs the very existence negotiations, is Israel’s right and actual at any moment; a small nation can dis- and survival of the Jewish People...They existence ever guaranteed? Krautham- appear and it knows it.” Israel fi ts this cannot survive another destruction and mer indeed points out that in the Oslo defi nition of small nation status and it is exile. The Third Commonwealth – Mod- Agreements of 1993, the PLO, “which why it does not have the luxury of time ern Israel...is the last.” was forced into ostensible recognition

of Israel,” was still ruled by a charter “that calls in at least 14 places for Isra- el’s eradication.” Krauthammer further points out that even after ﬁ ve years, all four speciﬁ c promises to amend the charter remain unamended. He indicates that this shows how deeply embedded Israel’s destruction is in the Arab consciousness. Unfortunately, the West never seems to get it. The West cannot fathom that there exists an intractable enemy that would rather die than live. The West cannot comprehend an enemy that seeks Israel’s destruction no matter the price. Only Israel knows who its neighbors are. Only Israel knows their true

The president now wants to bail out his secretary of state, who also lives in a dream world. Prospects of peace are driven further and further away by misguided expectations and misleading understanding

intentions. Senator John McCain has called President Obama the most “na- ive” president ever. He is unfortunately being quite generous in his description. The president now wants to bail out his secretary of state, who also lives in a dream world. Prospects of peace are driven further and further away by misguided expectations and misleading understanding. The president keeps on making the same mistake. Arab demands get more and more ridiculous because the president has done all of their work. They just keep resetting the “bar” higher and higher, making it impossible. Krauthammer gives ample insight and perspective in his book. I suggest that both the president and his secretary of state read it before proceeding any further.

Joseph M. Frager is a physician and lifelong activist.

28 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Blue And White Shmuel Sackett Baruch Hashem For The IDF

CONTINUED FROM P. PB ple to act or think in a certain way. That or and glory of our Father and King, we the freedom of Soviet Jewry. I was just is totally wrong and societies built on must stop these ridiculous and shameful a young boy, but I attended many of not want soldiers who don’t want to be these concepts often crumble quickly. gatherings. In my mind, the people who those rallies with my older brother and there. To us, it does not matter why they Let’s now use this logic to discuss attended these horror shows were not sister. We simply could not stay in the feel this way. Maybe it is for religious the IDF draft. This is the “hot issue” of simply saying t’hilim. They were public- comfort of our home while millions of reasons, maybe they want to start uni- these days and we must take a position ly desecrating the name of Heaven, even Jews were languishing in misery. Rabbi versity, maybe it is for political reasons on this. I love the IDF. When I made though they did not intend to do so in Kahane noticed that these rallies were (right or left), or maybe they just want aliyah at the age of 29 with four children, any way. almost never attended by the yeshivah to sit home all day and watch TV. Who the IDF did not want me. I sent letters, When 50,000 religious Yidden come world, and he asked many of the rab- cares? We simply do not want a person called whomever I could and eventually to a public place in Manhattan to pro- banim why they stayed away. The an- putting on that holy uniform of the IDF just walked into the Draft Center in Tel test against the draft, they open the swer he got was always the same: “bitul if – for whatever reason – he doesn’t see HaShomer to sign up. Everyone there door for anti-Semites around the world Torah.” The rabbanim felt that the boys it as the greatest honor and privilege im- looked at me as though I was nuts but I to condemn the IDF and the holy work should sit and learn and not attend aginable. didn’t care. I came to Israel to help build they do. Don’t get me wrong; there are any kind of protests that wasted time In Israel, everyone talks about reli- a Jewish Nation, and fi ghting in the IDF many things that I do not like about the away from their Torah learning. Rabbi gious coercion and how we must fi ght was an important part of that dream. Ba- army, but you will never see me talking Kahane told me that he really believed against it. Instead of forcing our broth- ruch Hashem, they fi nally took me and about it in public. I desperately want them and even agreed with them be- ers to keep Shabbos, we need to teach I served, in the reserves, for 20 years in to make changes, and this is why I have cause – as we all know: talmud Torah them, show them, and guide them. No- an anti-chemical warfare unit. When my dedicated my life to changing the lead- comes before everything else. Well, it body ever became frum because a rock all changed on September 6, 1970, when was thrown through his car window Rav Yitzchak Hutner, the Rosh Yeshi- by some lunatic screaming “Shabbos!!!” In my mind, the people who attended these horror shows va of Chaim Berlin, was hijacked on a We need to bring our brothers and sis- were not simply saying t’hilim. plane (together with his family) and tak- ters close to Torah by showing them en to Jordan. All of a sudden, the yeshi- the beauty and the sweetness. Forcing They were publicly desecrating the name of Heaven, vah world poured out into the streets. people may work in the short-term, but even though they did not intend to do so in any way There were protests and rallies and cries it never lasts and is never transmitted to to free Rav Hutner. For three weeks, Rav the next generation. Hutner was in a living hell until, fi nally, The problem with this logic is that son grew up, he proudly entered the IDF ership. The soldiers – each and every he and all the hostages were released people only think it applies to religious and joined the Nahal Haredi unit as a one – are precious gems but, at times, and freed. Rabbi Kahane told me that coercion when, in reality, it refers to combat soldier. He became a command- the orders they receive are beyond com- he learned an important lesson at that secular coercion as well. Wait a second; er of a unit and, to this day, serves in the prehension. This is what we need to time. Why did these same rabbanim did I just write “secular coercion”?? Has reserves, ready, willing and able to infl ict fi ght, but not on the streets of Manhat- not have a problem with “bitul Torah” anybody heard that term before? Well, I pain on the Jewish enemy. All of my tan where the world looks and does not now?? Simple… because it was one of just proved my point! Nobody has ever girls served in “Sherut Leumi” (National understand. They see 50,000 Orthodox them! Immediately after Rav Hutner heard about it because it is never dis- Service) and my 18-year-old will be start- Jews screaming against the army and returned to Brooklyn, the protests from cussed… but it exists! Last year a young, ing her service immediately after high they misunderstand. Trust me, because this chevrah stopped. Why not scream religious soldier in the IDF walked out school. In short, we consider service in I am involved in this 24 hours a day. for Yosef Mendelovich, Ida Nudel, or during an army graduation ceremony the IDF as one of the greatest mitzvos hu- The world uses this against us – “Even Anatoly Sharansky? Bitul Torah… that featured a woman singing. He did manly possible. Think about it: A soldier your own religious Jews are against the This was another problem of this not make noise. He did not insist that is not just doing something privately. All Israeli army” – and it causes Israel irrep- gathering. Not a word when 10,000 Yid- she stop singing. He simply picked him- at once he is serving himself, his family, arable damage. den were thrown out of their homes in self up and quietly exited the room. The his community, his nation, and above If the organizers of this shameful act Gush Katif. Nothing when Jewish graves media found out about this and went all – his G-d! There isn’t a mitzvah that had good intentions, they would have were dug up or when yeshivah build- nuts! “Where is his respect?” they asked. comes close to that. told everyone to gather in their local ings, mikvaos, and shuls were smashed “How dare he impose his beliefs on oth- That having been said, I do not want shul and say t’hilim at a certain time. It to the ground. Why? I know the an- ers?” they accused. The same media that to force anyone to join the IDF if he could have been synchronized perfect- swer but will not write it. How sad it demands religious tolerance was now doesn’t feel the same way. Yes, I will try ly, and Jews all over the world who feel is that we are so segregated from each demanding secular coercion. “The sing- to convince him that he is wrong; that strongly about this issue could have other. We need to see the complete pic- ing was part of the program and he must is called education! Yes, I will show him said t’fi los; from California to New York ture and be honest with ourselves. The not leave!” They were absolutely twist- all the Torah sources about the great to Canada to Australia! That would world needs to see Jews praying FOR ing his arm – and the arm of all soldiers Jewish leaders – including Moshe Rabbe- have been fi ne, but that was not the the State of Israel and for fellow Jews, in that same uncomfortable position – inu – who led military battles. However, intention of the organizers! The inten- regardless if they look or think like us. to sit and listen to the woman sing. This when all is said and done, if the young tion was to mock, desecrate, and dele- Only through working together – even is just one example of what I call “secular men I speak with do not want to serve, gitimize Israel as the Jewish state and if we disagree (which is perfectly ac- coercion,” and there are many, many ex- or the young women do not want to per- this is something I will not stand for! ceptable) will we turn the miracle of Pu- amples. form national service – it is their 100% One last point: When Rabbi Meir Ka- rim into a modern holiday that destroys Moshe Feiglin and I are against all co- right to make that decision and we must hane started the Jewish Defense League the enemy and returns the Jews home… ercion. Stop forcing people to do what honor and respect it. in 1968, he held countless rallies for just like in the original! they don’t want! Please understand that I have just one problem with this IDF I am not talking about laws that are in Draft Law: the chilul Hashem caused by Shmuel Sackett is a 100% product of Queens. He was born in Middle Village and place for public safety. Obviously every the people who gather to protest. This moved to KGH shortly before his bar-mitzvah. He graduated from YCQ (1975) and society needs rules to follow so that the makes me crazy! Here, if I could, I would YHSQ (1979). He was Havurat Yisrael’s fi rst Youth Director (4 years) and started the public is safe – from road safety to build- force myself to make them stop, because fi rst 2 NCSY chapters in Queens. Shmuel made aliyah in 1990 and co-founded Manhi- ing codes and everything in between! when it comes to chilul Hashem, we do gut Yehudit, together with Moshe Feiglin. His website is www.JewishIsrael.org Sack- Rather, I am talking about forcing peo- not say “live and let live.” For the hon- ett is married with 6 children and 4 grandchildren. He lives in Herziliya Pituach.

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 29 Organizing: Making The Most Out Of The Month Of March By Debbie Ginsberg, Uncluttered Domain If you borrow it, return it. If you open it, close it. he month of March is what I If you drop it, pick it up. If you take like to call a transition month, it off, hang it up. If you break it, fi x it. Ta month that bridges the gap Every family member will have one between winter and spring. During rule that particularly applies to him the month of March the days start or her, and every family will decide to get longer again, there’s more sun- which way works best to uphold the shine, and sometimes, if we’re lucky, “house rules.” These rules, when in- we get a sneak peak at those fi rst buds troduced to children, can be used as of spring blooming. But it’s during a way to teach them about cleaning this month that most of us start to get up after themselves. Use these rules that restless feeling. As many of our to come up with fun games for kids: winter activities start to feel mundane Whoever cleans up the toys the fastest and the cold weather starts to get to gets a special treat. If you have time, us, we look forward to the spring sea- you could even come up with a chart son for a fresh start and new possibili- that includes the days of the week ties. horizontally and the “house rules” These extra weeks of winter, how- vertically. Each family member (in- ever, when utilized properly, can real- cluding the parents!) gets a different ly be a gift. These weeks can be used color sticker. Every time someone fol- to take care of those things around lows the “house rule,” place a colored the house we have been meaning to way in wanting to tackle it all. When Is it more important to keep this sticker that corresponds to that family get to for a while now. And if we are we get caught up in this mentality, we item or to have the space it occupies? member in the appropriate box. Who- honest with ourselves, we will real- are often left with a bunch of half-fi n- Have you used this item within the ever has the most stickers by the end ize that once spring does in fact roll ished projects instead of one com- last 12 months? of the week or month can earn a prize. around the last thing that will be on pleted project. If you clearly decipher Do you need it for legal or tax pur- This idea is great because it gets the our minds is organizing the pantries your goal then it makes it that much poses? parents involved and helps make sure or dusting the china cabinet. So let’s easier to focus in and to accomplish it. If it’s broken, will you fi x it? Is it that everyone is working towards the utilize our March wisely and take the Once you have decided when, worth repairing? same goal. Kids love when their par- time to start work on improving our ents are involved! homes. Organizing memorabilia is some- Organizing your home is a fantastic To decide which items you should keep thing many people fi nd challenging, way to be productive as we eagerly because we often lack effi cient stor- await spring. Naturally, every house- and which you should get rid of, ask yourself these questions: age solutions and therefore we end hold accumulates some clutter and it’s Is it more important to keep this item up letting our memorabilia clutter our during this month that we can take or to have the space it occupies? home. Here are some creative storage the time to get things in order, clean Have you used this item within the last 12 months? solutions for some common memora- things out, and make room for a fresh, bilia items: clean spring. If it’s broken, will you fix it? For children’s artwork and proj- So where do we start? ects you can designate one bulletin When it comes to uncluttering your board for recent/seasonal projects. home, you may feel very overwhelmed where, and what, you’ll need to start If the answer to these questions is Kids love to see their art work hang- but don’t! The key to organizing and gathering helpful tools. I recommend “no,” then it’s a good idea to either ing up. When you go to hang up uncluttering is to take small steps and bringing a collapsible basket, such as a donate, discard, or distribute the something new, take something old work over time. fold down empty mesh laundry ham- item. Getting rid of our belongings down and store the older item in a First things fi rst: Decide, when, per, and two large bags of different is not easy, since many of our belong- large folder. Go back to the folder where, and what. Pick a date and one colors. These different colored bags ings have sentimental value attached later and take photos to fi le on the place in your home that you want to are great for sorting. Use the colored to them. Donating and distributing computer of the accumulated art organize. From there, establish the bag for items you wish to get rid of items is a great way to remove items projects or store the older projects goal for the project. Is your goal to and items you can donate can go into that are cluttering your home while in a photo album. unclutter or to sort? Focusing on the a clear bag. not feeling like that item is going to Scarves, hats, or any family heir- goal tends to lead to effi cient time To decide which items you should waste. Sometimes passing along an looms can draped over a dresser or management. When we start a proj- keep and which you should get rid of, item to someone who can really bene- hung on a wall with a decorative hook. ect we tend to get caught up along the ask yourself these questions: fi t from it is very comforting. Event tickets can be laminated and Once you have narrowed down the used as a book mark. room more, place all the items that do There is no right or wrong way to not belong in that area but that you store memorabilia. Have fun with it, wish to keep in the basket and return be creative, but just make sure that them to their proper place. In order the memorabilia is not crowding sur- to ensure that items will stay in their faces and is out of drawers. correct place and that the area you are Once you start organizing, you’ll working on will remain uncluttered, see how fun and refreshing it can be. establish some “house rules” that ev- During these fi nal weeks of winter as eryone can follow. we anticipate spring, we should be fo- If you take it out, put it back. If you cusing on preparing for spring and en- buy something new, get rid of some- suring our homes receive a fresh new thing old. beginning.

Debbie Ginsberg is the co-founder and president of Uncluttered Domain, Inc. Debbie is a Professional Organizer, a certiﬁ ed Move Manager, and author of the e-book “Mov- ing Your Senior Parent.” Debbie can be reached at [email protected]. For more information on Uncluttered Domain, Inc. and their services, please visit www.uncluttereddomain.com or call 1-855-2B-ORGANIZED (516-226-7426).

30 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Middle Of The Road Rabbi Yehuda L. Oppenheimer And The Jews Gathered Together In Prayer Before Purim... urim is upon us and, with it, all are learning are doing so because they the chareidi community. Both the sup- ety of options – some are security-orient- of the topsy-turvy, upside down cannot get regular jobs, either because of port that was heretofore given to many ed (police, etc.) and some involve civil ser- Pviews of life that are part of the the lack of secular education or because yeshivos and kollelim and individual sti- vice in medical and other areas of need. Purim experience. they will not be hired if they have not pends that were given to families were If the target for 2017 is not met, how- I guess that I am the odd man out, be- served in the army. The poverty level deeply cut, leaving thousands of people, ever, then all charedi yeshivah students cause I simply do not understand some among chareidim is very high; the high- who were barely surviving until now, in aged 18 will thereafter be legally obligated of the great issues of the day. It seems est of any population in Israel. Until a dangerous situation where they cannot to serve – with a possible six- to 12-month to me that the leading spokesmen for now, the economic basis of this system afford even the most basic necessities. delay – except for 1,800 exceptional stu- various parts of society are speaking pas- was provided by a combination of: (a) bil- However, many in the government dents each year who will get a complete sionately in ways that run counter to the lions of shekels (with a B) budgeted an- feel that the budget cuts, which some exemption, to continue with their yeshi- facts. I do not understand our govern- nually by the government, (b) the income would argue are enough incentive to vah studies. ment’s stance in relation to so many is- (mostly low-wage) of working wives and force chareidi society to change its atti- There was also much debate about sues, like for example the current crisis in mothers, and (c) donations raised from tude towards military service and secular whether or not to include a criminal Ukraine. I do not understand those who charities and families abroad. In the last education, are not strong enough medi- penalty for non-cooperation. This as- claim to be faithful to Halachah while ad- election and its aftermath, it became very cine. If real change is to happen, it will pect was, and continues to be, the most vocating “partnership minyanim,” when clear that the non-chareidi majority of the have to be by passing a law that would hotly contested aspect, as many feel that every single poseik of any stature has country was not prepared any longer to formalize a system that would bring this will be counterproductive and cause spoken against them. I don’t understand tolerate both the sharply increasing mon- about real change. Given the very strong much needless enmity, while others see how people still seem to have sympathy etary burden of supporting the chareidi battles that were forming around these no other realistic way of enforcing the for Rabbi Avi Weiss when – one week af- system, and the sense that the chareidim issues, Ayelet Shaked of the Bayit Yehudi law. A group of well-known experts has ter they both bent over backward to try were not doing their fair share of carry- party formed a commission starting last advised against criminal sanctions. Nev- to accommodate him – he published a ing the civic and military burden of the summer, with the intent of working out a ertheless, the conclusion of the commis- scathing editorial in The New York Times State while receiving an ever-increasing compromise that all sides could live with. sion left them in. attacking both the Chief Rabbinate and share of the benefi ts. Chareidim believe, It is the result of that commission that It would seem that the law went a the Rabbinical Council of America (RCA), and I of course agree, that learning Torah prompted the massive t’fi lah gatherings, long way towards accommodating the and attempting to legitimize non-Ortho- is crucial to the defense and welfare of in the attempt to “avert the evil decree.” concerns of the chareidi public. Given dox rabbis. Eretz Yisrael. Furthermore, those who Let us look at what the bill contains: that in a negotiation you rarely get every- But I am most mystifi ed in trying to thing that your side wishes, it seems to understand the Chareidi world and its me that they have done very well. In fact, leaders. I am far from alone in thinking Uri Regev, a reform rabbi who is viciously We were witness this Sunday to a ma- that as the chareidi economic model is clearly unworkable anti-chareidi, said, “The coalition has re- jor rally in lower Manhattan, called for by corded an impressive achievement by ap- the chareidi leadership, as a day of prayer and unsustainable for the future, proving a law that on the one hand will to Hashem to counteract the “proposed hoping for no change is unrealistic not bring about the enlistment of one new law threatening the imprisonment yeshivah student, but has managed to of yeshivah students who refuse as a mat- gather together 300,000 haredim against ter of religious principle to be conscript- are not anti-Zionist believe that they are All full-time yeshivah students who it.” All in all, I was not ready for this call ed into the military.” in fact doing their fair share of protect- are currently 22 or older – approximately for a Yom T’fi lah. This Atzeres Tefi llah gathering was ing Medinat Yisrael with their devotion 30,000 people – are granted an immedi- I was thus somewhat torn about par- in solidarity with a far larger gathering to learning. However, I and many others ate and complete exemption for life. ticipating in the Yom T’fi lah. Certainly, last week in Yerushalayim, in which a wonder if this necessitates every single Yeshivah students who are between 18 given the large number of g’dolim who massive amount of chareidim gathered young man learning full time for many and 22 when the law is passed can defer signed on to the call for it, I had to par- – I have seen estimates between 350,000 years (something that many cannot do their service until the age of 26 and then ticipate. (It did trouble me that the un- and over 600,000 – in t’fi lah to avert the effectively), or would it suffi ce to have gain a full exemption for life. If they spoken hashkafah that permeated the “terrible decree” that threatens the charei- either all learning for a limited time, or want to leave yeshivah earlier than age day was mostly that of Satmar, and that di community, i.e., the passage of the bill some outstanding ones learning perma- 26, however, they will be required to per- I feel that it is most unfortunate that the that was recommended by the Shaked nently. It certainly sounds increasingly form either military or civilian service. Agudah and the Moetzes are increasing- commission. hollow to non-chareidim, who feel that Targets will be set for chareidi enlist- ly adopting that hashkafah.) I was very Let us examine for a moment what the they are being taken advantage of when ment, which will be nonbinding rec- grateful that the organizers were wise proposed law contains. But before we do they are all required, with criminal pen- ommendations during an intermediary enough, particularly at the insistence of so, it is important to state what the cur- alties for non-compliance, to serve in the stage of the law that ends in 2017. That Rav Aharon Shteinman shlita, to avoid rent, pre-new-law situation in Israel is like. army for three years, while chareidim are will include some enlistment in the mil- any speeches and any political signs or In brief, at this time, according to not. The majority clearly is no longer itary, while most will be required to do slogans, in order to be as inclusive as pos- the Israeli Bureau of Statistics, it is esti- willing to tolerate this. some civil service duty. Army service can sible. I did use the opportunity to pray mated that there are close to 1,000,000 All this is simply a statement of the be done in Nachal Chareidi, an exclusive- for two things: (a) that the families who chareidim in Israel. With many families facts and is, or should be, well known. ly chareidi unit with minyanim and time have suddenly been thrust into econom- having eight or more children, that num- Given the results of the last election, in for learning, or in Shachar Kachol, which ic calamity, mostly due to the values of a ber is exploding, while at the same time, which – for the fi rst time in a long while teaches its participants trades like com- society they have known till now, need the number of secular Jews is not grow- – there are no chareidi parties in the gov- puter and electric engineering, which much help in surviving and adapting to ing, due to having a low birthrate and a erning coalition, the government could they can then use for a livelihood after signifi cant number who leave the coun- have passed and implemented various their service. Civil service includes a vari- CONTINUED ON P. 50 try. Best estimates that I could fi nd were draconian laws to change the situation that over 43% of men between the ages radically and quickly. Some in power in- Rabbi Yehuda L. Oppenheimer is the Rav of the Young Israel of Forest Hills. (The of 25 and 64 are unemployed. Many of tended to do just that, but cooler heads opinions expressed are solely his and do not necessarily refl ect the opinion or posi- those who are employed are limited by advised some moderation, lest a civil war tion of the YIFH). He also practices law and mediation. Before coming to Queens he a very sparse, if any, secular education. erupt. Nevertheless, draconian budget was active in Jewish outreach, particularly as the Rav of a growing community in This means that close to 60,000 men are cuts that deeply affected many parts of Portland, OR, for ten years, and lived extensively in Israel as well. His writings can be learning full time. Many of those who Israeli society fell particularly harshly on found at libibamizrach.blogspot.com

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 31 Financially Forward Gerald Harris Changing Demographics: Will They Affect You?

arry Dent, a popular investment er populations actually generating more writer and bestselling author, wealth per person than smaller ones. Hthinks the Dow will continue to trend higher until it reaches 17,000. Peaking Populations And then he warns that it will plunge to Dent’s bearish forecast is based on 6,000. “We are entering the most danger- the demographic trends in the US and ous period for investing in most people’s abroad. “They’ve been peaking in one lives,” he recently told CNBC. country and region after the next. It Unlike many market observers, Dent started with Japan and fi nally hit the US bases his market and economic forecasts after 2007. We’re still fi ghting that. And for the US and other countries by ana- it will get worse. Changing demograph- lyzing demographics, which he believes ics explains why the economy remains have predictable spending patterns. The so weak, despite the massive stimulus.” current trends are making him bearish. Couples need to have on average 2.1 According to Dent, people enter the children just for replacement – but that’s work force at around the age of 20 and not happening. According to a UN re- increase their spending until they reach port, with the exception of Iceland, the on average age 46, when their children population in every country in Europe start to leave the nest. After that, they is declining, as it is in Brazil, Russia, Viet- start paying down debt and saving for nam, and even China. retirement. In Russia, President Putin felt it necessary to offer special incentives for cou- Baby Boom Is Over ples to have children. The birth rates From the late 1940s until 1957 there In 1960 there were 118 births per 1000 Hampshire. in Germany, Italy, and nearby countries was a baby boom in the US, which fu- women; by 2012 that number had de- Phillip Longman, a senior research have fallen so much that the only thing eled decades of very rapid growth and clined to 69 births per 1000. 2013 marked fellow with the New America Founda- keeping their economies from implod- relatively low unemployment. But since the sixth year in a row that the birth rate tion, co-authored a study that shows ing has been the importing of immi- then the birth rate has either been stable in the US has declined. They are now at that around the world there are more grant workers. Singapore is sponsoring or has fallen. The latest trends in the US a record low. aging people and fewer younger ones to speed-dating events in the hopes of in- show that couples are marrying later in “A downturn in the birth rate affects take care of them. “Today we see many creasing the birthrate. life, waiting longer to have children, and the whole economy,” says Kenneth John- countries struggling with their fi scal sit- Changing demographics are most evi- having fewer children. son, demographer at University of New uations largely because of the exploding dent in Japan, where the number of births costs of pensions and the relatively slow has essentially been in uninterrupted de- growth of their labor forces,” he says. cline since the early 1970s. Demographics Entrepreneurialism is also being im- there have changed so much that, for sev- pacted. Most new companies are formed eral years, more diapers are being sold for

A low birthrate may seem like it will add to prosperity because there is more wealth to be distributed per person; in fact the truth is exactly the opposite

by people in their late 20s and their ear- seniors than for babies. In 2013 the popu- ly 30s. “So there’s a danger of societies lation in Japan declined by 244,000 as the losing their dynamism – culturally, eco- number of births dropped yet again and nomically, and technologically – when the number of deaths soared. they age.” Japan has the world’s third largest Although it takes years for changing economy, owns almost as much US debt demographics to become evident, Dent as China does, and is a leading trading believes they will have a major impact on partner to the US, China, and other coun- the economy – and on the market. tries. To paraphrase an old observation A low birthrate may seem like it will once made about GM, when Japan catch- add to prosperity because there is more es a cold the rest of the world sneezes. wealth to be distributed per person; in “The fundamentals are not good,” says fact the truth is exactly the opposite. Ris- Dent. “Countries in Southern Europe ing birthrates “generate more wealth per and elsewhere have hit demographic person than a falling one,” states Donald cliffs in spending just as bad as or worse Boudreaux an economist at George Ma- than Japan’s in the 1990s. That’s not son University. something that shows up immediately, In economies such as in the US, ris- but over time it has a major impact on ing productivity reduces the amount of the economy.” resources required to produce a given Dent feels the time for that is now amount of output. That translates to larg- upon us.

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

32 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 33 34 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Advertiser Spotlight: Know Your Local Business Shira Diamond Odradeks Coffee House QJL: Jacob, what gave you the inspira- course. It is sweet and full of complex tion to open up a coffee house and wine Odradeks Coffee House and Wine Bar is a trendy new addition to fl avors in a way that is reminiscent of bar for the kosher consumer? the kosher restaurant scene in Queens. Located in Kew Gardens, the wine. It is probably the one thing that JG: It’s really just that I like coffee menu of this eatery runs the gamut from artisan coffees to delicious is absolutely unique to Odradek’s, and houses and wine bars and there aren’t pastries and savory cuisines. The restaurant offers not just delicious most unlike what any other restaurant any kosher ones, so I kind of opened one food, but also an experience, with proprietor Jacob Ganz aiming for or cafe serves. Our sandwiches, wraps, for myself and then just invited everyone and pastries are also fantastic, but the else to come join me. a calm, relaxed, and fun atmosphere. We spoke with Jacob to fi nd care and attention we put into making out why there’s such a buzz about his new neighborhood coffee shop. our coffee (and the care our roaster puts QJL: What past experience have you into selecting the beans and roasting had in the food industry? them) produces a fi nished product that JG: None at all before opening the almost doesn’t resemble what you get shop. The only experience I had was that from the relatively careless process a I love coffee and I made very good coffee typical food establishment uses for pre- at home. In fact, it was so good that my paring coffee. friends used to come over all the time just for coffee. And I really enjoyed mak- QJL: Wow, sounds like a work of ing it for them and drinking it together art! Lastly, we must ask you, what does with them while schmoozing. Eventual- Odradeks mean? ly, so many of my friends were coming JG: Odradek is a made-up word for a for coffee that there wasn’t enough room made-up creature written about by writer for everyone in my apartment. It was Franz Kafka. Why did I choose that name Jacob Ganz then that I realized I had to rent a store for the shop? Well, I like Kafka’s writings, so we could keep doing it. sumer was very limited in most of these love it and we love the positive feedback. I like obscure literary references, and in shops, only being able to purchase plain my mind I associate coffee shops with lit- QJL: What has been the reaction from coffee or tea because nothing else was ko- QJL: What is your favorite item on the erature and intellectualism, so I like how the frum community? sher. And then they walk into our shop menu, and why? the two relate. JG: The overall reaction has been very and it looks like a Starbucks or a trendy JG: That’s a tough one. I would say ev- positive. People love the feel of a place independent coffee shop but everything erything, of course. It is my coffee shop Odradeks is located at that is both trendy and classic and has is kosher: the shakes, the pastries, the after all. If I had to narrow it down to 82-60 Austin St., Kew Gardens a great atmosphere, but the kosher con- sandwiches, and everything else. They just one thing, I would say the coffee, of odradekscoffee.com; 718-374-3131

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 35 Snapshots Photo Credits: Yaakov Katz

Tens Of Thousands Attend Sunday’s Atzeres Tefillah In Lower Manhattan On Sunday, anywhere from Eretz Yisroel; Chacham Yosef 50,000-150,000 people attend- Harari-Raful, rosh yeshiva of ed a massive atzeres teﬁ llah in Yeshivat Ateret Torah; Rav Lower Manhattan (including Matisyahu Salomon, mashgi- QJL Staff Photographer Yaakov ach of Beth Medrash Govoah in Katz), where they prayed in Lakewood; the Novominsker hopes that a new draft law in Rebbe, Rav Yaakov Perlow; the Israel will be negated. Klausenberger Rebbe; Rav Shlo- The proposed law would ime Mandel, rosh yeshiva of Ye- not only abandon Israel’s long- shiva of Brooklyn; Rav Aharon standing exemption of full- Teitelbaum, Satmar Rebbe; and time yeshiva students from Rabbi Avrohom Nissan Perl of military service, but would Agudas Yisroel of America, who also expose those who refuse emceed the event. to be drafted as a matter of re- Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwei- ligious principle to potential bel, Executive Vice President criminal sanctions. of Agudas Yisroel of America, Various gedolim who at- concluded the event with the tended included Rav Don Se- reading of a prepared state- gal, senior mashgiach from ment.

TO SEE YOUR COMMUNITY PHOTOS IN PRINT, SUBMIT THEM TO [email protected], ALONG WITH CAPTION AND PHOTO CREDIT.

36 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Community Snapshots Photo Credits: Yaakov Katz Queens Residents At Sunday’s Atzeres Teﬁ lla Allan Binder and Robert Deligdish Yaakov Bakst and his father

Rabbi Avroham Semmel and Rabbi Yaakov Trop of Yeshiva Rabbi Herschel Welcher of Cong. Ahavas Yisrael saying Tehillim Chofetz Chaim on the subway enroute to the Atzeres Rabbi Daniel Glatstein of Cong. Toras Emes and Andrew Stream Avos U’Banim Melava Malka This Past Motzaei Shabbos At Yeshiva Ohr HaChaim

R’ Moshe Schwerd speaking at Cong. Ahavas Yisrael this past Motzaei Shabbos Rabbi Yehuda Deutch speaking Boys enjoying Rabbi Deutch’s story at the Meleva Malka Agudath Israel Of KGH Melavah Malka This Past Motzaei Shabbos Rabbi Yaakov Stahler speaking about his father, Rabbi Moshe Stahler zt’l Rabbi Aliezer Shedrowitsky, rav of the shul, speaking Yeshiva Tifereth Moshe Alumni Reunion At Cong. Shaare Tova This Past Motzaei Shabbos

(L-R) Yonaton Mahgerefteh, Dovid Dudovitz, Moshe Vatch, Daniel Fayziev, Rabbi Herbert Russ and Eli Arshadnaia Rabbi Aharon Bookson, Rabbi Yisroel Pollack and Rabbi Yaakov May with alumni of Yeshiva Tifereth Moshe

Yaakov Katz is a Queens-based photographer specializing in bar mitzvahs, bris milahs, family portraits, and corporate dinners. Yaakov is an on-location photographer, who works in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Five Towns. He can be reached at [email protected] or through his website www.yaakovkatzstudios.com. TO SEE YOUR COMMUNITY PHOTOS IN PRINT, SUBMIT THEM TO [email protected], ALONG WITH CAPTION AND PHOTO CREDIT.

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 37 38 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Remembering A Giant, Rabbi Dr. Ephraim R. Wolf zt”l On His 10th Yahrzeit Pioneer for Orthodoxy in Great Neck by Dr. Paul E. Brody heart and soul to our Holy Land. Every- one from Great Neck who traveled to Isra- he 13th of Adar, Erev Purim, marks el became a “sh’liach mitzvah” – whether the tenth yahrzeit of our dear they were asked by Rabbi Wolf to deliver TRabbi Dr. Ephraim R. Wolf, HaRav tennis balls for underprivileged kids to Ephraim Reuven ben Nachum Chaim zt”l. play with, or letters for mailing (with the The Modern Orthodox community in stamps affi xed already), or to take much Great Neck was shaped by him. When needed dental supplies. Rabbi Wolf al- Rabbi Wolf became the spiritual leader of ways referred to his congregants as “you the Great Neck Synagogue (GNS) in 1956, beautiful people,” and he meant it with all the strong denominations on the penin- his heart. sula were Reform and Conservative. At The Great Neck community grew rap- the time, Orthodoxy was perceived to be idly. Rabbi Wolf, with the capable assis- outmoded and declining, out of touch tance of his wife, Rebbetzin Elaine Wolf, with modern society. “Through his force established the North Shore Hebrew Acad- of personality, Rabbi Wolf was able to give emy, a coeducational yeshivah that now a legitimacy to Orthodoxy that Great Neck has more than 1,000 students from tod- dler through high school, on three cam- puses in Great Neck. He also established he loved Torah and always sought ways tervene in the daily goings-on of the syn- the mikvah (which, in order to gain Village to share that love. Rabbi Wolf was very agogue, so as not to give the appearance approval, was initially referred to as a wad- active in the project of Zeirei Agudath Is- of “still running the shul.” But, one thing ing pool!) and worked countless hours on rael, headed by Mr. Mike Tress, and Mesiv- that Rabbi Wolf couldn’t resist was trying gaining approval for the Great Neck eiruv. ta Torah Vodaath, headed by Rabbi Shra- to make newcomers or strangers to the All of these achievements helped shape ga Feivel Mendlowitz. He wanted to do synagogue feel welcome. On many occa- Great Neck into the bastion of Orthodoxy something for boys growing up in cities sions, Rabbi Wolf would say to me “Paul, that it is today, eventually serving as home too small to support yeshivos. Rabbi Wolf you’re a friendly guy. Why don’t you go to the Young Israel of Great Neck, as well was one of the “recruiters” who would over and say ‘Shalom Aleichem’ to that as to many Sephardic congregations, in- travel to outlying areas, even sleeping in gentleman over there and make him feel cluding many Israeli, Persian, and Iraqi railway stations, with a list of boys who synagogues. Rabbi Wolf’s involvement in might be interested in coming to learn in Jewish causes was known well beyond Mesivta Torah Vodaath. Rabbi Wolf was the confi nes of Great Neck. Stanley and a very practical man, and he strove to do Jacqui Fischer remember being in a small whatever possible to preserve Torah. He town in a distant state when a man in an always had in mind what could be done ice cream shop asked us where we lived. in order to save a Jewish soul for Yiddish- Rabbi Wolf circa 1960 When we said “Great Neck,” he replied keit. Whenever people will write about “Please send my best to your esteemed the last 50 years, Rabbi Wolf will not be might otherwise not have had,” according Rabbi, Rabbi Wolf!” mentioned in the headlines, because he to Rabbi Dale Polakoff, who in 1988 suc- In the early days, Rabbi Wolf drove the always shunned publicity. However, ac- ceeded Rabbi Wolf as rabbi of the Great bus to make sure students got to school. cording to Menachem Porush, former Is- Neck Synagogue, a Modern Orthodox con- On snowy days, Rabbi Wolf shoveled rael Knesset member, whenever someone gregation with close to 600 families. snow off sidewalks, recalled Sharon Gold- will write about a practical deed that was Today, Orthodoxy is not only accept- wyn, a congregant who was a student done for Torah and education in Eretz ed but thriving in Great Neck. In Rabbi at the North Shore Hebrew Academy in Yisrael and in America, the name of Rabbi at home!” Of course, when I went over Wolf’s early days in Great Neck, that was its early days, whose parents, Solomon Ephraim R. Wolf will be mentioned prom- and welcomed someone, I always felt far from being the case. With his hum- and Belle z”l, were among the founders inently as one of the outstanding, devoted really good about it. To this day, when ble manner, sense of tolerance, and an of both the school and the synagogue. activists in this holy fi eld. somebody comes to the shul whom I do extraordinary ability to connect with not recognize, I try to follow Rabbi Wolf’s people, no matter what background they sage advice, which invariably gives me came from, Rabbi Wolf was able to bridge Rabbi Wolf always referred to his congregants as the impetus to go over and welcome him. the gap. Stanley H. Fischer, a former pres- This is just one striking example that ex- ident of GNS during Rabbi Wolf’s tenure, “you beautiful people,” hibited Rabbi Wolf’s sensitivity and car- related that Rabbi Wolf regularly visited and he meant it with all his heart ing for others. I used to greet Rabbi Wolf Jewish patients at North Shore Universi- every Shabbos with a jocular “Thanks for ty Hospital, whether they had any affi lia- coming, Rabbi; I know it’s your day off!” tion or not. Rabbi Wolf would deliver a When snow got in her boots, Rabbi Wolf There are many more wonderful things This always made him chuckle. But, in all welcome package to all new Jewish resi- went back to her home to make sure that to say about our dear Rabbi Wolf zt”l that seriousness, my dear Rabbi, “Thanks for dents of which he was aware, and bring she had dry socks and shoes. She couldn’t are certainly being expressed by myriad coming!” a special brachah plaque to hang above learn Torah if her feet were wet and cold, others around the world who are lucky the crib of a newborn baby boy before Rabbi Wolf told her! enough to have known him. Permit me to May Rabbi Wolf’s n’shamah have an the bris milah, to which I can personally Rabbi Wolf studied at the Mesivta To- focus on just one of the many traits that aliyah on this tenth yahrzeit, and may his attest. Dr. Mel Breite told me that when rah Vodaath in Brooklyn, the Ner Israel I personally experienced that made Rab- memory be a blessing for us all, particu- he fi rst moved to Great Neck, in the 1970s, Rabbinical College in Baltimore, and at bi Wolf so unique. When my wife Drora larly for his wife, Rebbetzin Elaine Wolf, and Rabbi Wolf learned of some needed the Yeshiva Tifereth Israel in Israel. His and I and our family moved to Great Neck tibadel l’chayim, of Great Neck, his chil- sukkah repairs, he appeared at the Breite early pulpits were in Malden, Massachu- in 1993, Rabbi Wolf already had assumed dren Shimon and Hennie of Kew Gardens, residence the very next day with a brand setts, and in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he es- the position of Rabbi Emeritus of GNS. I and Dr. Dahvid and Leah Wolf of Meitar, new sukkah! tablished yeshivah day schools. His entire observed that both Rabbi and Rebbetzin Israel, and his many grandchildren and Rabbi Wolf was devoted with all his life was devoted to kiruv r’chokim because Wolf would very modestly try not to in- great-grandchildren, ken yirbu.

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 39 40 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Community Corner • Recent Happenings Avos U’Banim Grand Finale Melaveh Malka he Grand Finale Melaveh Malka of the Kew Gar- speech from Mr. Elisha Hisiger; then Rabbi Deutsch gave dens Hills Avos U’Banim learning group was held a phenomenal speech in the Beis Midrash. Following Tthis past Motza’ei Shabbos at Yeshivas Ohr Ha- the speech, the boys went downstairs to enjoy the Mela- Chaim. Founded by Reuven Kesherim with just a few vah Malka, featuring food from Carlos and Gabby’s, a boys, the program has grown to 190 boys and their fa- performance from the “Twins from France,” and incredi- to partake in the festivities and to shep nachas on his thers, who come every Motza’ei Shabbos to learn togeth- ble prizes! Every boy got an amazing door prize, his very son’s accomplishment. er. This year, the program was ran by Shlomie Pollack own Avos u’Banim sports bag with a custom Frisbee and This year’s program had been sponsored by Mrs. and Mordechai Polinsky water bottle! Toby Moskovits in memory of her father (Abe Shwartz- The Melaveh Malka started with an introductory Mr. Avraham Kesherim came to the Melaveh Malka man), Reb Avraham Yitzchak ben Reb Shmuel Uziel.

Agra D’Pirka Sponsors Community Shiur By HaRav Noach Isaac Oelbaum

hear the reading of the Megillah. Rabbi Oelbaum did a wonderful job in HaRav Oelbaum analogized this obli- explaining how this mitzvah can rep- gation to our future obligation to rebuild resent everything that is great in Hash- the Holy Temple. The Rambam deter- em’s creation. It shows us how even the mines that the obligation to rebuild the most mundane, earthly matters can be Temple is obligatory on all Jews, even elevated through the k’dushah of the im- women. The Minchas Elazar raises the mutable Torah. question: Since building the Temple is Agra D’Pirka, a morning kollel program only a daytime activity, it is a time-bound (Monday-Thursday) based in Rabbi Oel- mitzvah and women should be exempt. baum’s shul is in its third year. It con- The Ohr Avraham answers that building sists of multiple shiurim geared to local the Temple is a communal mitzvah, not professionals, business owners, retirees individual, and therefore includes wom- and anyone interested in serious limud en. The “building” analogy applies to haTorah. ith the Yom Tov of Purim al- The Rav shared a wealth of sources as women when listening to the reading of There are two learning tracks, with most upon us, HaRav Noach he discussed the topic of the obligation the Megillah and informs that difference one class located in the main shul and WIsaac Oelbaum shlita, mara of women to listen to and read Megillas of opinion. the second class provided by Rabbi Ilan d’asra of Khal Nachlas Yitzchok, delivered Esther. There are those poskim (decisors) Rabbi Oelbaum concluded with a Meirov in the social hall. Rabbi Meirov an inspiring community shiur on behalf who believe that women are obligated to discussion of the mitzvah to become lectures to the Bukharian community of the Agra D’Pirka Kollel on March 5, at both hear and read the Megillah. Others inebriated on Purim. This is a very diffi - daily. For more information, call Ezra Khal Nachlas Yitzchok. say that women are only obligated to cult mitzvah to understand and explain. Klein at 212-661-9400. New York Tax Credit Bill In Development May Bring Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills grand prize winners at the Motzaei Yeshivah Parents Millions In Scholarships Shabbos Learning Program by Judith Dinowitz Cusick, gives a dol- ation, the limit for an lations, stressed the lar-for-dollar tax credit individual donation is importance of this bill New York State to individuals or cor- the lesser of either 75% and urged communi- school choice porations who donate of the contributor’s tax ty members to get in- Abill currently to public schools or to liability, or 5% of half volved. “Contact YOUR in development may scholarship organiza- of the cap of allowed assemblyman and state help thousands of yes- tions that fund private donations for that year. senator today. Call hivah parents pay their school tuition. There is In the fi rst year of the The New York State tuition costs. The bill, no extra cost to the do- program, statewide do- Assembly switchboard supported by Agudath nor, who contributes nations are capped at at 518-455-4000 and the Israel of America, was the same money to the $250,000,000, allowing New York State Senate fi rst on the agenda of scholarship fund that for potential individu- switchboard at 518-455- the organization’s Mis- he’d be paying in taxes. al donations of up to 2800,” he said. “Ask sion to Albany, which He can carry over any $6,250,000. Imagine them to speak to your took place Wednesday, unused portion of the how many students representative and let February 26. donation for future tax that could put through them know that it’s The New York State liability. a year of school! time that New York Education Invest- The bill could yield Rabbi Yehiel Kalish, families have the same ment Tax Credit Act, millions of dollars in Agudath Israel’s Vice school choice oppor- sponsored by Assem- scholarships for yeshi- President for Devel- tunities as families in Left to right: Sam Verstandig, Shua Lax, Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld, Dina bly Member Michael vos. In its current iter- opment and State Re- other states.” Milchman, and Allan Milchman 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 41 Community Corner • Recent Happenings

Remembering How We Angered Hash- em in the Wilderness, which refers to Rabbi Ilan Feldman, Scholar-in-Residence From Atlanta, the Golden Calf, reminds us of our fallibility and that we have to maintain our Well-Received At Congregation Ahavas Yisroel level on a moment-to-moment basis. We must guard ourselves against creating by Susie Garber the Jewish people are, representatives of ited ideas from the audience about the our own golden calf. Hashem in this world. main point of each of the six Required Re- Remember What Hashem Did to Mir- n Shabbos, parshas P’kudei, On Shabbos day, Rabbi Feldman de- membrances and then he tied it together iam reminds us that we never know the Rabbi Ilan Feldman, mara d’asra livered the Shabbos morning drashah at in one powerful sentence. The following greatness of another person. Oof Congregation Beth Jacob in Congregation Ahavas Yisroel and then, ideas were gleaned from the audience. Remember Shabbos is teaching us Atlanta and founder of that city’s Torah at a sit-down kiddush, he spoke about Remembering Leaving Egypt high- about completion and fulfi llment of the Day School and a founder of the Atlanta how to relieve tension in our homes. lights the idea of a human mastering his world. K’dushah is the ability to connect Scholars Kollel, brought some southern His main point here was that we need to own passions and that is miraculous. heaven and earth. fl avor to Kew Gardens Hills along with accept what is reality, rather than focus- Freedom is self-mastery. It also teaches Rabbi Feldman pulled all of these plenty of thought-provoking inspiration. ing on what should be. With this type us about gratitude, hashgachah pratis, ideas together in the following sen- Despite freezing cold temperatures, of acceptance, we can work towards a love, and awe. tence: “We are people conceived of mir- large crowds gathered to hear Rabbi more harmonious home. Rabbi Feldman Remembering Amaleik highlights be- acles, devoted to fi ghting evil by practic- Feldman speak. On Friday night he also spoke at S’udah Sh’lishis to men and ing on guard against evil. It reminds us ing what Hashem told us to do, aware spoke about kiddush Hashem at the women. After Shabbos, a m’laveh mal- that we are vulnerable to evil. of human fallibility, committed to the home of Dr. Sam and Avigayil Straus. He ka took place at the home of Alan and Remembering Standing at Har Sinai divine nature of man, and devoted to emphasized the need to do outreach and Marcia Hochster. Here Rabbi Feldman reminds us of emunah and the Divinity elevating the entire world.” After com- also to focus on our n’shamah. Kiddush offered a fascinating interactive shiur of the Torah. We have the responsibility posing this sentence, Rabbi Feldman Hashem involves not only the notewor- centered on the six z’chiros we recite ev- of transmission of Hashem’s word. The smiled and said, “That is what we are all thy acts, like returning to its owner a ery day and how we can thread them to- world depends on us keeping the Torah, about!” huge amount of money that was found, gether to form one cohesive idea that is a and receiving the Torah is inspiring and The whole program was quite memo- but everyday actions that exemplify who y’sod (foundation) of Yiddishkeit. He elic- exciting. rable and uplifting. Rebbetzin Feiner Speaks For Kehilas Ishei Yisrael Neshei In Kew Gardens Hills by Susie Garber taught about the midah of savlanus all have to fi nd the seder (order) in the shalom bayis in their homes and in (patience). She explained that the real lo b’seder (when things are not okay). themselves. “I have to have bitachon av Shlomo Wolbe taught that defi nition of the Hebrew term is en- We have to believe with emunah that that I can be soveil it and that I can every person in our lives is part durance. She pointed out that the area there is an order, and we have to make create some harmony in diffi cult sit- Rof a package that Hashem gave we are most tested is that of human order out of what is not orderly. The uations.” She suggested working on us to teach us endurance. Hashem relations. She shared that the Gemara source of savlanus, then, is faith that this for fi fteen minutes a day. Say to tests us with needing to be soveil of tells us we will be asked the follow- Hashem is running the world even Hashem: “I’m calm. I trust you.” that person. On Monday evening, Feb- ing: “Did you make your friend rule if we don’t sense the order. This she Rebbetzin Feiner concluded with ruary 23, which was another blustery over you with equanimity?” The ques- taught is the ultimate task in life. the following beautiful idea: An eagle arctic night, a crowd of women from tion, she explained, is asking us if we Rebbetzin Feiner added that a wom- is a heavy bird, yet it fl ies the highest. the community gathered at Kehilas continued to carry the load of dealing an’s strength is her ability to create the If we can spread our wings wide, then Ishei Yisrael to hear a powerful shiur with someone diffi cult. She shared strength of connection. She can create we can fl y higher than anyone else. given by Rebbetzin Aviva Feiner. Reb- an anecdote about the Chofetz Chaim stability when things are not stable. “It’s the emunah, bitachon, and sim- betzin Marcus introduced her sister, and explained that peace of mind is That is shalom bayis. chah in life that gives us the ability to the guest speaker. Rebbetzin Feiner transferrable. She explained that we All Jews, she taught, need to achieve soar.” Jackie Bitton Speaks For Yad L’Batya In Kew Gardens Hills by Susie Garber chesed. Yad Batya L’Kallah was difference and that one day this founded in memory of Batya boy would become a mentch. In he Torah begins with kind- Zakheim Brecher, who cherished fact, several years after her broth- ness. To be a good Jew, the mitzvah of simchas kallah and er was niftar, she saw this boy, Tthe fi rst place we should performed it in such a beautiful now a grown man, in a store. start is to open our hearts. On way. This wonderful organiza- She wanted to avoid him, but Monday evening, February 24, tion is continuing her legacy of he approached her. He showed Yad Batya L’Kallah, an organiza- bringing joy to kallos. her a picture of his wife and chil- tion focused on kindness, held an Jackie Bitton shared many dren and that he davened every event at the Amsel home in Kew uplifting personal anecdotes day and learned. He stated that Gardens Hills. The house fi lled that demonstrated acts of kind- he just wanted her to know that with community women eager ness and how they were so he had become a mentch and he to show their support for this or- life-changing for both the giver credited her brother for this. ganization, which helps kallos in and the recipient and to those She pointed out that the the community in need of funds who witnessed it. One particu- people most diffi cult to give to, for weddings and setting up a larly poignant story was about need it the most. Pure kindness proper home. Yad Batya L’Kallah her younger brother who had a is giving for the sake of giving. services a large number of com- genetic disease and who demon- Real giving is when it is a test munities across the United States strated incredible chesed and to give. It penetrates a person’s and brings tremendous simchah simchas ha’chayim. There was heart when the giver gives to to kallos. The Kotzker taught that a diffi cult boy in his class who someone like this. True chesed someone else’s simchah has to was disliked by everyone. Her comes when we think outside of Rabbi Daniel Coleman and volunteers at North Shore make us happy. brother showed him acceptance ourselves and it is all about the University Hospital prepared almost 200 healthy and tasty The event included a lovely and kindness, even when the other person. shalach manos in close consultation with both the Food & generous buffet. The featured boy punched him on a continu- Jackie Bitton ended with the Nutrition and Nursing departments to enhance the joy and speaker, Jackie Bitton, presented ous basis. Her brother told her idea that every extension of our- wellness of patients on special diets a moving, beautiful shiur about that this kindness would make a selves will make Hashem proud.

42 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Community Corner • Recent Happenings

2 – Limit screen time to two hours Lecture On Immunizations And Pediatric Nutrition per day 1 – One hour of exercise per day 0 – Zero sugar beverages Presented At Etz Chaim He suggested that a plate of served food should be one-half fruit and vegeta- by Susie Garber extremely contagious disease. There child. bles, one-quarter protein, and one-quar- was also an outbreak of mumps recent- There was a recent outbreak of polio ter starch. Drinks should be water and accines save lives and prevent se- ly at Fordham University. Dr. Begun in Syria, and this has caused doctors to low-fat or skim milk. He recommended a rious complications from com- pointed out that when parents choose give booster polio shots in Israel. He low-fat, high-fi ber diet, simple sugar diet Vmon childhood and other dis- not to vaccinate their children they are suggested that those over 15 consider- complemented with plenty of exercise. eases. On Tuesday evening, February 25, putting others at risk because these dis- ing travel to Israel should consult their He urged families to make a lifestyle a large crowd gathered at Congregation eases are highly contagious. He pointed doctors about whether they should get change in terms of everyone eating this Etz Chaim for another valuable and in- out the serious complication of infertil- a polio booster shot. way and exercising. What parents eat is formative lecture in the ‘Navigating the ity from mumps. He spoke about other shots such as the biggest infl uence on what children Medical System’ lecture series founded He spoke about the controversy that hepatitis A and B and fl u shots and a eat. He spoke of the obesity epidemic and directed by Dr. Mel Breite, MD. The arose over the MMR (Measles, Mumps, shot for adults 60 and over for shingles. that has been emphasized in many of fi rst speaker, Dr. Jay Begun, MD, pro- Rubella) vaccine. A doctor in England He strongly recommended vaccinating the previous Navigating the Medical Sys- vided an overview of all the various had done a study linking this shot to our children to protect them from the tem lectures, and the dangerous ramifi - vaccines available and the recommen- autism, which frightened parents in Eu- diseases that are now preventable. He cations of childhood obesity leading to dations of when and why they should rope and in United States and caused warned against believing information all sorts of other health issues. Doctors be administered. Today we have these many to stop giving this vaccine. This available on the computer that is 88% are seeing liver problems, diabetes 2, and immunizations that can prevent dis- study was later proven to be bogus and based on false data. gall bladder stones; obesity in childhood eases and their serious complications. the British doctor’s medical license was A second speaker of the evening, Dr. is a precursor for obesity in adulthood. Certain vaccinations, like the one for revoked. This doctor’s study caused Aaron Turkish, a pediatric nutritionist, He also pointed out that sugary drinks whooping cough (pertussis), have been many to be exposed unnecessarily to shared some valuable concrete sugges- like Snapple, which was used to replace perfected so that the possible bad side these diseases. Dr. Begun pointed out tions for helping our children to stay soda in schools, has the same high ca- effects are eliminated. There was an that not immunizing our children be- healthy. He suggested the following: loric value and is not a good substitute; outbreak of measles in Williamsburg comes a community-wide decision be- 5 – Five servings of fruits and vegeta- schools are now moving towards serving last year with over 100 cases. This is an cause it affects others, not just our own bles per day water instead. Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafi er Of The Shmuz Returns To Toronto Born and raised in Queens, Rabbi Shafi er is a product of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim and was a close talmid of its Rosh HaYeshiva, HaRav Henoch Leibowitz, zt”l. At the behest of Rav Leibowitz, Rabbi Sha- fi er began delivering these shmeussen for his talmidim at the Chofetz Chaim branch in Rochester, NY, where he served as a rebbi. His success with this concept was such that the project expand- by Yosef Moses are as good as they can be? at the Kollel Ohr Yosef/The The Shmuz is a Torah lec- ed and has impacted Jews Regrettably, there isn’t one Thornhill Community Kollel ture that offers a worldview worldwide, from all walks of n March 3-4, the Jew- “cause” for this breakdown for TAG (Technology Aware- on major life issues ranging life. ish community of To- and many of the reasons are ness Group) Toronto on from working on our midos There are over 200 lec- Oronto was privileged deeply rooted and not eas- the topic of the “Distracted to learning to be a better tures available on a variety to once again host Rabbi ily changed. Traits such as Generation.” He discussed spouse, from understanding of inspiring Torah topics that Ben Tzion Shafi er and The self-centeredness, unrealis- the perils of obsession with the meaning of our davening can be accessed at Theshmuz. Shmuz. Rabbi Shafi er has a tic expectations, and a lack today’s hi-tech devices and to what is our purpose in this com. For more information loyal following in Toronto, of maturity and self-control how their usage, the benefi ts world. Rabbi Ben Tzion Sha- on the The Shmuz, please which was the latest stop on aren’t things that are easily notwithstanding, severely fi er has been delivering these visit the website, e-mail Reb- Rabbi Shafi er’s ongoing “Mar- and quickly changed. Nev- compromises the quality of lectures across America and [email protected] or call riage Seminar Tour.” ertheless, attitudes can be our spiritual growth and our beyond for a decade. 1-866-613-TORAH. The Marriage Seminar is changed with hard work and relationships. Copies of Rab- Rabbi Shafi er’s response to many challenging marriage bi Shafi er’s books were avail- the reality of the unfortu- problems can be prevented. able for purchase, including nate spread of divorce and The Marriage Seminar was his latest, Finding and Keep- troubled marriages in our produced by Rabbi Shafi er ing Your Soul Mate and Stop communities. The Seminar to address these realities and Surviving, Start Living. seeks to address two pivot- remedy the issues that they While in Toronto, Rabbi al questions: What is caus- sprout. Shafi er also addressed the ing this sudden epidemic, On Monday, March 3, Rab- talmidim in Yeshivas Nefesh and more signifi cantly, what bi Shafi er presented The Dovid, a high school and can be done about it? In Marriage Seminar at Ateres beis midrash program for other words, how can we Mordechai. The follow- hearing-impaired boys from ensure that our marriages ing evening, he presented around the world.

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 43 Community Corner • What’s New In School Areyvut Leads Mitzvah Clown Training Bais Yaakov Teaches Eternal Banking At Bnos Malka Academy by Susie Garber reyvut, a non-profi t organiza- it to Boulevard ALP in Flushing. “It ais Yaakov of Queens tion based in Bergenfi eld, NJ, was incredible,” remarked one par- outdid itself again Ahas brought its Mitzvah Clown ticipant. “I cannot wait to go again.” Bwith an extraordi- program to Bnos Malka Academy. Mitz- Other seventh graders echoed these nary, enthusiasm-infused pro- vah Clowning, or “Caring Clowning,” feelings. gram for the students. When trains volunteers to visit with the sick, Shoshana Indyk, Areyvut’s Develop- you enter the school you may elderly, and those with special needs. ment Associate, commented, “Mitzvah take a double-take as you are The volunteers are equipped with all Clowning is truly an incredible experi- instantly transported into a the skills necessary for bikur cholim ence. To watch our volunteers bonding brachos bank decorated like (visiting the sick), including how to ap- with program participants is moving to a TD Bank. This amazing ply make-up, how to create balloon ani- watch, and so many of our volunteers program was the brainchild mals, and how to visit with those who continue to do Mitzvah Clowning even of Mrs. Elisa Taube, Middos may be different from them. after the program ends. It’s the gift that Program Coordinator, who coordinat- ers were called to a meeting where they Twenty-two seventh graders from keeps on giving.” ed this along with help from Morah were greeted by a whole room decorat- Bnos Malka Academy became Mitz- For more information about Mitzvah Yocheved Jurkowitz, Morah Nechama ed for teacher appreciation day. Rabbi vah Clowns this past week. After a Clowning, or to learn more about Ar- Jurkowitz, and Mrs. Veeta Abramchik. Gewirtz spoke to thank all the teachers. three-hour training, the new Mitzvah eyvut, call 201-244-6702 or visit their web- The dedication and creativity of the In the meantime, Eighth Graders went Clowns went on their fi rst site vis- site: www.areyvut.org. staff is evident in this beautifully or- into classrooms and brought supplies chestrated program. The TD Bank is to make big Thank You notes, decorated actually a two-week brachos campaign with poems, to teachers, and each child Yeshiva Har Torah Alumni aimed at focusing on the midah of ha- wrote her own personal thank you. It karas ha’tov (appreciation) and apply- was a beautiful concrete way to teach ing it to our brachos. In daily lessons hakaras ha’tov and appreciation of the Return To Give Back given by their “bank teller” teachers, people in your life. all sporting a “ToDa BRACHOS BANK” The focus for the second week was tie, the girls are learning about notic- how to say brachos properly and with ing and appreciating the daily gifts kavanah. They also focused on the im- Hashem bestows upon us. They are portance of reciting Amen. Each girl also learning to appreciate the people received a personal checkbook that was in their lives. The girls will focus, as a personal checklist – a way to do an well, on the source and meaning of accounting each night of how well she their brachos, learning how to make said her brachos. Also, each classroom their brachos properly, and the impor- got a picture of “100 dollar bill brachos” tance of saying Amen, etc. each day; the goal for the whole class On Monday, the entire First through each day is to make 100 brachos. Each Eighth Grades gathered together for a time a student says a brachah aloud, special introductory assembly. Rabbi and her classmates all say Amen, they Gewirtz addressed the girls, followed by initial that occurrence on the chart. a very funny and educational teachers’ In addition, each student received play entitled, “Making Your Blessings a TD Bank pamphlet fi lled with an Count.” Under the guidance of Morah ATM-Appreciating Today’s Miracles Nechama Jurkowitz, the Eighth Graders Booklet, a hundred dollar bill “thank presented the program theme song and you” note pad, a “TD Bank MasterCard” taught it to the students. reminding the girls to “Give Hashem The fi rst week was focused on the the Credit,” and a ToDa BYQ Brachos s part of Yeshiva Har Torah’s the children how to take care of their mitzvah of hakaras ha’tov as a founda- Bank pen. 25th Anniversary celebration, teeth by visiting a dentist and brushing tion for reciting brachos. The theme of Students are encouraged to say their Aalumni have been returning to regularly. He brought a model of our the fi rst day was recognizing the beauti- brachos out loud, slowly, have someone share their professions with the cur- teeth and read a rhyming book about ful world we live in. The theme of the say Amen, and then fi ll out their deposit rent students. On Tuesday, February visiting the dentist. Each class learned second day was to start appreciating all slips. They are collected daily and depos- 25, Dr. Avi Lermer (‘98) came to speak to how to make good choices about what we have. The next step was to help stu- ited into a TD Bank Safe Deposit Box. the Yeshiva Har Torah pre-school about to eat. Thank you to Dr. Lermer for dents to focus on appreciating people This is the type of program that will how to maintain healthy teeth. Since taking the time out of his schedule to in their lives. As a reinforcement of this leave a lasting impression on the stu- February is National Dental Health visit. Dr. Lermer practices family den- idea, Mrs. Taub spearheaded a teacher dents. What a beautiful way to instill Awareness Month, Dr. Lermer taught tistry in Woodmere. appreciation day at Bais Yaakov. Teach- the joy and love of mitzvos!

being caught in an unruly predicament. Both girls spoke eloquently and pre- Shalhevet Finalists In Poetry Slam sented gracefully. English teacher Mrs. he Poetry Slam competition nalists who won were Shalhevet stu- Jen Morey was elated by their win and is one that is eagerly awaited dents Devorah Chait and Tamar Yastrab. was beaming after each of her student’s Teach year. Seventy-fi ve high Devorah, an 11th grader in AP English, performances. “All of the girls per- school students from all over the New shared her poem titled, “A Homage formed beautifully, and I am so proud York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia area to my Earlobes.” It was a witty and of all of them. Each and every one of participated in this year’s slam held charming poem that was based off of them is a winner for having the courage at SAR. The young contenders had to an assignment from her creative writ- to stand in front of a roomful of people present their poems to a large audience ing class. Tamar, a 10th grader in Honors and bare their poetry for all.” Congratu- of fellow students, faculty members, English, conveyed her poem “Being in lations to all of the participants in this and judges. Two out of the fi fteen fi - Rut.” Tamar portrayed true feelings of year’s Poetry Slam!

44 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Community Corner • What’s New In School ‘Bar Mitzvah’ Year Of North Shore Yeshiva Ketana Of Queens Holds Hebrew Academy Students Reading Special Purim Shiur In Great Neck “The Gantze Megillah” – With Rabbi Eli Mansour n Sunday, March 2, Yeshiva Ket- was meticulously organized by YKQ par- “Even, Even On A Sunday!” ana of Queens held a special shi- ent Jennifer Mottahedeh with help from Our with Rabbi Eli Mansour, and YKQ parent, Mrs. Hekmati, both of Great over 100 members of the Great Neck Jew- Neck. Delectable desserts with exquisite ish community attended. The event was decoration were provided by YKQ par- held at the home of Danny and Natalie ent Elham Aghajani. The crowd enjoyed Hajibai, who welcomed the opportunity tasty traditional Iraqi dishes, like sam- to host this event although they do not busak, that were handmade by Natalie have children at Yeshiva Ketana. This Hajibai’s father, Mr. Abda. Once again, Ye- event was open to both men and women, shiva Ketana is very grateful to the Great and it left those who attended complete- Neck community for hosting this event ly inspired by Rabbi Mansour’s insights and to those who came out to hear Rabbi into Purim and the Megillah. This event Eli Mansour.

milestone at the North Shore NSHA Head of School Rabbi Jeffrey Ko- Hebrew Academy (NSHA) Mid- brin (back row, far right), and Middle Adle School, will be reached when School Principal Rabbi Adam Acobas sixteen students, Ashkenazic and Se- (next to him) facilitate the students’ phardic, will read Megillat Esther (Book hectic schedules to enable adequate re- of Esther) for their schoolmates and fac- view time with Dr. Brody. The students ulty on Purim day, which falls this year have achieved a unique accomplish- on a Sunday. Dr. Paul Brody, a derma- ment, joining a small, qualiﬁ ed group tologist by profession (2nd row, left, hold- who possess the knowledge to publicly ing Megillah case), has instructed close chant the Megillah. Dr. Brody, who has to 200 students for the past 13 years, at read the Megillah for over 40 years, once the Academy, enabling them to read the chanted it at the Great Synagogue in Megillah at various synagogues, hospi- Leningrad in 1985, despite great peril, (L-R), Rabbi Chaim Zev Braun (Assistant Principal, YKQ), Rabbi Yonason Karman (Executive tals, nursing homes, and private homes where the “gabbaim” (sextons) were ac- Director, YKQ), Rabbi Eli Mansour, Danny Hajibai (Host), Natalie Hajibai (Hostess), Jennifer for those unable to attend synagogues. tually members of the KGB! Mottahedeh (Event Coordinator), and Babak Mottahedeh (Event Coordinators) Ohr Haiim Generational Breakfast Yeshiva Sha’arei Zion Purim carnival

his past week, Yeshivat Ohr opening remarks and divrei Torah. In Haiim celebrated an excit- an impressive show of their knowledge, Ting generational breakfast for fourth grade students told the Purim grades 1 to 4. Parents and grandparents story as well as many halachot of Purim. were invited to celebrate in the accom- Next, the fi rst grade celebrated their re- plishments of their children and grand- ceiving of their Chumashim for the fi rst children. This event is one in a series time. They impressed the crowd with of exciting trips and events planned by their knowledge of prefi xes and suffi x- the Yeshiva. es as well as the meanings of shorashim The excitement could be felt in the in Chumash words. A musician was Yeshiva all week as students were pre- hired for the event as well. As the mu- paring divrei Torah for the upcoming sic began, the students spontaneously breakfast. The big day fi nally arrived. burst into dancing with parents and As the students were preparing for one grandparents joining as well. It was a last time, a gourmet breakfast was being beautiful sight to behold. set up in the dining room. Parents and Parents and grandparents left with grandparents started arriving and were feelings of warmth and fondness for seated by grade with their children. the Yeshiva. The knowledge displayed Rabbi Kashani started the program by by the students was incredible and a welcoming everyone and began the great time was had by all.

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 45 Community Corner • Upcoming Events Chaverim Of Queens Announces Purim ‘Don’t Drink And Drive’ Program haverim of Queens, founded in hood that someone will be tempted to phone call away.” memory of Mr. Jack Friedman drive while under the infl uence on this The organization is especially seeking Ca”h, started in January 2008 and festive day. A special hotline number additional volunteer drivers this Purim. now has over 60 volunteers who have was established to prevent those who “The beauty of this program is that it is responded to thousands of calls for help may be unfi t to drive by offering those in- not restricted to full-time year-round and has lived up to its namesake as an dividuals a sober volunteer driver to get Chaverim volunteers. “Anyone who is established and reliable organization, at- them home safely when no other driver available for even the smallest amount tentive to the needs of the community. is available. of time is requested to call or e-mail us The acts of chesed that the volunteers of In the past few years, the program was right away and we will set him up with this organization do on a daily basis do met with tremendous success and even a temporary Chaverim unit number just not go unnoticed by those who have ben- included individuals from the commu- for Purim,” stated Rabbi Aloni Russek, efi ted from the assistance provided. nity who volunteered just for the Purim another coordinator for Chaverim of In addition to the regular year-round Program, even though they were not es- Queens. “This is an incredible opportuni- services provided, Chaverim of Queens tablished members of Chaverim. One of ty for anyone who would like to be a part made a name for itself when it estab- the volunteers even drove someone from of the well-established Chaverim organi- lished the Purim “Don’t Drink and Drive Queens all the way to his home in Brook- es and a callback number; all your infor- zation or even someone who simply just campaign,” which pioneered Purim of lyn to make sure he got there safely. mation remains confi dential. wants to pitch in and do some chesed.” 2009. Chaverim of Queens has once again Please save this number as you never If you or someone you know would We are unfortunately aware of the stepped up to the plate and is offering know whose life it may save. It may just like to apply to be a member of this wor- amount of drinking that takes place with- the unique service again this Purim. If be your own. thy organization, please e-mail Chaver- in our communities on Purim. Anyone you will fi nd yourself drinking on Purim “The time and effort to put this pro- [email protected] or call 347-684- you speak to can tell you of someone he and are planning to get behind the wheel, gram together is well worth it so that 1155. “There is no better time to join than or she knows and a story that was heard please call (or text) 347-684-1155 to have a we, as well as every parent, wife, and now,” said Rabbi Russek. “The organiza- that involved some type of incident relat- volunteer from the Chaverim of Queens friend, know that the people they care tion has reached a milestone and is only ed to “out-of-control” drinking on Purim. Purim Program come, pick you up, and about will have a safe night and won’t growing and getting stronger from this While it is almost impossible to prevent drive you to your destination within the be in a position to make any mistakes,” point forward.” people from partaking in excessive drink- Queens area. Please call for someone said Chaverim coordinator Avigdor Cy- For more information, please e-mail ing, there are other solutions to keep our else who seems intent on getting behind perstein. “The Purim hotline number [email protected] or community safe and responsible. the wheel while under the infl uence. should be publicized and shared with as call Avigdor Cyperstein at 347-684-1155. The Chaverim of Queens Purim Pro- The only information the dispatcher will many people as possible so, if needed, ev- May we all be blessed with a happy, gram was founded to prevent the likeli- need are the pickup and drop-off address- eryone can be assured that we are just a healthy, and, most of all, safe Purim! Kew Gardens Hills Civic Association Purchasing OHEL’s Mishloach Manos To Present Informative Presentation Helps Provide Jobs For Individuals With Disabilities t’s a mitzvah on Purim to send mishloach On Spring/Pesach Cleaning manos, but making and sending to all of Iyour family and friends can be expensive ith all the winter weather we’ve been having, it’s hard to and time consuming. Fear not! OHEL’s Day Ha- imagine that soon we’ll be looking at spring and planning bilitation program has you covered for Purim Wfor Pesach. In order to prepare us for this upcoming sea- this year. son, the Kew Gardens Hills Civic Association will be hosting Spring The individuals from OHEL Bais Ezra’s Day into Pesach Organizing, a presentation that will be given by Debbie Habilitation Program will be packaging and Ginsberg, professional organizer and co-founder of Uncluttered Do- selling mishloach manos this year. The theme main, Inc. With her real-life experience and sense of humor, Debbie of their mishloach manos is coffee, and there Ginsberg makes organizing manageable and enjoyable for everyone, will be two packages to choose from. Each including even the newest beginners and even the most expert or- individual package will be put together with ganizers. The presentation will cover tips on time management, care and love by a developmentally disabled mishloach manos together for other people.” Av- ways to minimize clutter, and much more. Debbie’s presentations adult with help from members of the com- igayil said, “I like that we can help out and still are well known in the tri-state area for being fun, interactive, and munity. get paid!” informative. Pesach doesn’t have to be and shouldn’t be stressful,” By buying mishloach manos from OHEL, Helping an individual with disabilities to says Debbie Ginsberg. “Sometimes all it takes are a couple of quick you are not only giving mishloach manos, but be employed and to learn skills is priceless. To tips to relieve the anxiety often associated with Pesach.” The presen- so much more! This unique mishloach manos learn more, visit www.ohelpurim.org and sup-

tation will be given on Wednesday, March 19, at 8 p.m. at the Young program provides jobs and skill training, and in- port OHEL’s Day Habilitation employment pro- Israel Kew Gardens Hills and is free of charge. For more information stills OHEL individuals with dignity and a sense gram. You “did good,” so feel good this Purim, or questions about this event, please feel free to contact Debbie@ of accomplishment. Adele, who participates in knowing you made a difference in the life of an UnclutteredDomain.com. the yearly program, said, “I enjoy putting the individual with a disability.

COMING SOON: Community Minyan List Send in your Minyan and Daf Yomi Times to [email protected]

46 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 TO ADD YOUR EVENT TO OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PLEASE EMAIL THE EVENT, DATE/TIME, PLACE, AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION TO: [email protected]

At 8:30 p.m., Con- and Wednesday 26 Queens, and Dr. Farshad Shaﬁzadeh, MARCH gregation Havurat urologist, will present the latest re- Yisrael will hold its Parnassa Expo, search on breast cancer and prostate At 7:30 p.m. this annual wine sale Nationwide Busi- cancer. At 147-19 73rd Avenue, Kew evening and every Tuesday Saturday 22 and tasting. Pre- 25 Gardens Hills. For more information, ness Networking Wednesday eve- sentation courtesy Event at the NJ please contact Meletzchaim@gmail. 12 ning, there will be a of Suhag Liquor. Light refreshments. Convention and Exposition Center. The com. free Beginner’s He- Wednesday Wednesday Contribution $10. At 68-60 Austin Street, largest business-to-business expo in the brew language Forest Hills. USA. Over 10,000 attendees. For more At 8:45 p.m., Con- class for adults in the Young Israel of Kew gregation Etz th information, call 732-987-7704. Gardens Hills Youth Building (150-05 70 At 9:00 p.m., the Young Israel of Ja- Chaim of Kew Road, Kew Gardens Hills). For more infor- maica Estates (83-10 188th Street, Jamai- At 7:00 p.m., Yeshi- Gardens Hills will mation, please call Linda Katz at 718-261- Monday 14 ca Estates) will hold a screening of the va Ohr Hatzafon host a Queens 3772 or contact [email protected]. documentary ﬁlm, “The Case for Isra- will hold its second Communal Following Minchah el, Democracy’s Outpost,” based upon 26 annual banquet Pesach Seder led by Rabbi Moshe the critically acclaimed book by Pro- honoring Mr. and Rosenberg. Adults $38; Children $25.

at 4:00 p.m., the QJC/ Wednesday YAD will hold a Pu- fessor Alan Dershowitz written in re- Mrs. Ari May and At 147-19 73rd Avenue, Kew Garden rim s’udah open to sponse to Jimmy Carter’s scurrilous Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Spielman at the Hills. For more information or to Sunday 16 book, Israel/Apartheid State. To be Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, 70-11 make reservations, please call Daniel the entire community, with food from followed by a discussion with Israel’s 150th Street, Kew Gardens Hills. Couvert Noble at 917-548-4698 or contact Carlos & Gabby’s, activities for children, and Deputy Consul General Shlomie Kof- $300 per couple. For ads or reservations, Shoshana Ruby at shoedeb@hotmail. a magic show. Cost $25 per adult, $6 per man. Light refreshments. Admission please call 516-295-5700 (ext. 10), contact com. child aged 2 and up. At the Queens Jewish $15. For more information, please call [email protected] or visit www. Center, 66-05 108th Street, Forest Hills. Res- 718-479-7500. ohrhatzafon.com. NORPAC will ervations can be made on the Queens Jew- hold a one-day Is- ish Center website www.MyQJC.org or by At 7:00 p.m., YESS!/ Chazaq will hold its rael advocacy calling the shul ofﬁce at 718-459-8432. Yeshivah Education Big Event II – a 30 mission to Wash- night of unity and ington, DC. Par- for Special Students Wednesday At 7:45 p.m., The and the Young Israel inspiration featur- ticipants will Sunday Sunday

Sunday 30 Rabbi Israel D. 23 ing music, enter- meet in small groups with members of Kew Gardens Rosenberg Educa- Hills Women’s tainment, and lec- of Congress. Roundtrip transporta- 19 tional Institute of League and Education Committee will tures by Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Charlie tion and three meals provided. Be- Congregation Etz Harary, and Rabbi Zecharia Wallerstein fore February 17: Adults $125 / Stu- Wednesday Wednesday present a talk by Chava Willig Levy, a th Chaim of Kew Gar- speaker on disability issues and author of at Forest Hills High School (67-01 110 dents $75; after February 17: Adults dens Hills will present its shiur ha’chodesh the memoir, A Life Not With Standing. At Street, Forest Hills). Tickets $25 and up. $175 / Students $125. To register or for at Etz Chaim, an advanced shiur for the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, 70-11 For more information, please contact more information, call 201-788-5133 or women by women. Dr. Michelle Levine 150th Street, Kew Gardens Hills. Refresh- [email protected] or call 917-617-3636. visit www.norpac.net. will speak on the topic “The Road to Re- ments. Free of charge. demption: A Bittersweet Taste of Free- dom.” At 147-19 73rd Avenue, Kew Gardens APRIL MAY Hills. Suggested donation $4 shul mem- At 8:30 p.m., the Yeshiva Kesser To- bers; $5 non-members. Chazaq Women’s At 7:30 p.m., Con- Division & Emet, gregation Etz rah will hold a At 8:00 p.m., the Kew Gardens Hills in conjunction Chaim of KGH, breakfast at the

Monday 24 Yeshiva of Central Civic Association will hold a presenta- with Beth Gavriel, along with the Sunday Tuesday 1 11 tion on tips and methods for organiz- will present a la- New York City Queens. Details to ing your home, by Debbie Ginsberg of dies-only parenting class with Perl Council, New follow. Uncluttered Domain. At the Young Isra- Abramowitz. Refreshments will be York Hospital of Queens, Bee Healthy, el of Kew Gardens Hills, 70-11 150th Street, served. Admission is free. All women and the Margaret Tietz Rehabilitation Kew Gardens Hills. Refreshments. Free are welcome. At Beth Gavriel Center, Center, will hold the next program in of charge. For more information, please 66-35 108th Street, Forest Hills. For the Navigating the Medical System contact [email protected] or Deb- more information, please call 917-617- series. Dr. Beth Siegel, Director of the [email protected]. 3636 or e-mail [email protected]. Breast Center at New York Hospital TO ADD YOUR EVENT TO OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR, PLEASE EMAIL THE EVENT, DATE/TIME, PLACE, AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION TO: [email protected]

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 47 National Security Action Summit Draws Best And Brightest Of Conservative Leadership Strong pro-Israel sentiment heard from current and former senior military and government officials by Daniel Perez Islamic Forum for Democracy, who ap- Dr. Sebastian Gorka of National Defense peared via video. University, former CIA operative Claire ounded in 2013 as an alternative Dr. Jasser described himself and his Lopez, Breitbart.com Editor-in-Chief Joel forum for conservative politicians, organization as being “at the head of the Pollak, and political scientist Ariel Cohen, Fpundits, and scholars who had spear in fi ghting not only Radical Islam, a research fellow at the Heritage Institute been turned away from the Conserva- but Political Islam, and all the offshoots who was, in fact, born in the Crimea. tive Political Action Conference in Wash- of groups like the Muslim Brotherhood Overall, the take-home message from ington, DC, the National Security Action and its legacy groups in the West.” the panelists would seem to be that the Summit truly came into its own this year, “There is hope,” declared Jasser, “but US government’s weak-willed response to hosting a full day of panel discussions and we can only do this together. A big part the Russian military intervention in the appearances by top Republican leaders. of the solution will come from within the Crimea only further strengthens the des- Indeed, a signifi cant portion of those in House of Islam.” potic rule of Russian President Vladimir attendance bore name badges indicating Putin, while signaling that we as a nation that they had stepped away from CPAC are abdicating our position as a world su- specifi cally to hear from the “uninvited.” perpower. National Security Action Summit sponsor and The Summit was co-sponsored by Bre- EMPact America founder Henry Schwartz itbart News and EMPact America, an NGO The Common Defense: Endangered? issues a call to action to attendees. established to raise public awareness of In addition to covering a wide range of the threat posed by electromagnetic pulse topics, the National Security Action Sum- (EMP) weapons to America’s domestic en- mit also drew offi cials and activists from Passing the Torch ergy infrastructure. Serving as moderator all age groups, from 20-something politi- On the other end of the age spectrum, was Frank Gaffney, founder and presi- cal bloggers to retired army generals. In the event culminated with a visit by dent of the conservative think tank, the the case of the latter, a panel discussion James O’Keefe of Project Veritas. O’Keefe, Center for Security Policy. Held just days dubbed “The Common Defense Endan- a self-described muckraker, rose to prom- after this year’s AIPAC Policy Conference, gered: A Case for Peace Through Strength inence with his controversial video ex- the National Security Action Summit 2.0” featured former top military brass in- posés of Planned Parenthood and the might be mistaken for an offshoot of the cluding Adm. James “Ace” Lyons (former Association of Community Organizations same, given the profusion of kippot and commander of the US Navy’s Pacifi c Fleet), for Reform Now (ACORN), in 2008 and the presence of some of Israel’s staunch- Sen. Ted Cruz lambasted the current admin- Gen. James Conway (former commandant 2009 respectively. Describing his work in est defenders on the American political istration for its impotent response to Russia’s of the Marine Corps), and Lt. Gen. Thomas exposing corruption within public insti- th scene today. (Indeed, Dr. Joseph Frager of invasion of Ukraine while offering his own McInerney, who previously headed the 11 tutions, O’Keefe said he and his colleagues Queens – an activist perhaps best known plan of action Air Force (formerly the Alaskan Air Com- “try to outrage people, to get people really for his work organizing the annual Israel mand), and currently serves as a commen- indignant about what’s going on around Day Concert & Rally in Central Park – was Jasser went on to tell how in his book, tator on Fox News. Each drew upon his them.” among those working behind the scenes “The Battle for the Soul of Islam,” he ex- decades of experience in the service of his O’Keefe detailed his efforts to uncover to ensure the success of the National Se- plains that people like himself “did not country to critique America’s current de- instances of organized voter fraud and curity Action Summit.) A key distinction, come out of thin air,” but rather “families fense policies, and the future of America’s other forms of corruption. He also made of course, could be found in the wide like mine came to America escaping the armed forces should things continue on reference to undercover meetings with range of issues discussed at the national two evils in the Middle East of Political their present trajectory. Admiral Lyons representatives from NPR, revealing an- security conference, which included but Islam and the [Muslim] Brotherhood and was particularly vocal in his criticism, ti-Jewish bias at the federally-funded or- were not limited to immigration reform, its theocracy, and also Arab fascism and declaring that under what he dubbed the ganization. the future of the US military, the crisis in its autocracy. The ‘Putins’ of the Middle “Obama Doctrine,” the United States has Talking about the work of Project Ver- Ukraine, and the threat posed by Radical East, if you will.” cut off its allies, making our nation ap- itas, O’Keefe explained that his modus Islam at home and abroad. Unfortunately, says Dr. Jasser, anti-Isla- pear “unreliable” to its erstwhile friends. operandi of secretly fi lming meetings mist, pro-democratic Muslims are at a dis- Referring back to Russia’s recent aggres- The Islamist Agenda arranged under false pretenses with gov- advantage, relative to the better-funded, sion in Ukraine (It was a popular topic ernment agencies and NGOs was a means Throughout the Summit, the Obama ad- better-connected, and more widely pub- throughout the day), Lyons suggested the to root out unethical and illegal activity, ministration was called to task repeatedly licized Islamist groups. Advocating for United States should issue an ultimatum by sharing with the public those things for its many failings. The mood was an the “separation of mosque and state,” he to Moscow that, unless they cease all hos- that are said in private. “We show you urgent one, as subject matter experts lam- called upon those at the National Securi- tilities against their neighbor, we would what’s going on behind closed doors – basting the president and other high-rank- ty Action Summit to support his fi ght not topple the [Russian-aligned] Assad regime and we get results.” He detailed some of ing offi cials from political, economic, in- only against violent acts of terrorism, but in Syria. “There’s not a hell of a lot [Putin] those results, with government employ- telligence, and military perspectives. In also against the extremist ideologies that can do about that,” explained Lyons. Iran, ees resigning or being terminated after the morning’s fi rst panel, entitled “The spawn them. however “could cause trouble,” the admi- being caught committing various types Muslim Brotherhood, ‘Civilization Jihad,’ ral continued, saying that he would ad- of malfeasance. and its Enablers,” panelists like former FBI Challenging Russian Aggression vise providing Israel with “bunker buster” Concluding his remarks, O’Keefe as- Agent John Guandolo alleged that numer- In what was arguably one of the most bombs and aerial refueling tanker assets. serted that “The government works for us. ous front groups for Egypt’s fundamental- impassioned speeches of the day, Sen. Ted “I would even give them an additional And doing this type of journalism, this ist Muslim Brotherhood are already hard Cruz (R-TX) discussed a variety of pressing squadron of F-15s,” he added. type of independent journalism, lights a at work within the United States, and ex- topics, from the proposed budget cuts “In that way, we would ensure that if Is- fi re under politicians, makes them focus erting an infl uence on the federal govern- to the US military, to the Iranian nucle- rael has to carry out a strike against Iran’s and care about these issues when they ment. Writer and activist Deborah Weiss, ar program, to the Russian invasion of nuclear facilities, it will be successful.” otherwise don’t, and that’s what we do.” Esq., spoke of the Organisation of Islamic Ukraine – in reference to which he char- Adm. Lyons expressed his lament that Cooperation – which she denounced as acterized the description used by some in given the current US administration, an To learn more about this year’s National “an Islamist supremacist group” posing as the Obama administration of Russia’s in- Israeli attack is the only means he could Security Action Summit and future events, moderates – and their efforts to curb any cursion as an “uncontested arrival,” as the imagine by which the Iranian nuclear visit EMPact America at HomelandThreats. and all free speech deemed blasphemous “words of fools.” threat could be neutralized. com and Breitbart News at Breitbart.com. according to Islam. Perhaps most infor- Among the other commentators of- mative of all was the presentation by Dr. fering their views on the situation in Daniel Perez is a freelance writer and media consultant based in New York City. He M. Zuhdi Jasser, founder of the American Ukraine were counter-terrorism expert can be reached at [email protected].

48 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 For What It’s Worth Warren S. Hecht Seize The Moment

ecently I was at a play concern- Although AA has not helped erad- was placed there for a purpose: to save em through fasting and prayer. If they ing the founders of Alcohol- icate alcoholism in the world, it has our people. If she did not fulfi ll her had waited even a few days it would Rics Anonymous (AA). It was saved many alcoholics. There were purpose then she would die. Someone have been lost. One could say the same fascinating to see how Bill Wilson, a two million members of AA worldwide else will save the people. Esther got the about Esther. Mordechai’s comments stockbroker from New York, and Bob as of 2001. Imagine if the stockbroker message and declared that all the Jews had jolted her to act. Maybe if she had Smith, a doctor from Akron, Ohio, met and doctor just went on their merry should fast for three days and then she a few days to think about it, she could because their paths crossed. During a way instead of taking the time to cre- would see the king. The fi rst day of the have come up with rationalizations business trip in Akron, Bill Wilson was ate AA. fast was the fi rst day of Pesach. Why not to do it. This way she acted while tempted to drink and realized he must her mind was fully set to take action. talk to another alcoholic to stay so- Although we are not put in situa- ber. He phoned local ministers to ask Although we are not put in situations as dramatic tions as dramatic as was Queen Esther, if they knew any alcoholics. Norman as was Queen Esther, we should learn from her we should learn from her the impor- Sheppard directed him to Oxford mem- tance of seizing the moment. How ber Henrietta Seiberling, whose group the importance of seizing the moment many times are we in a situation where had been trying to help a desperate al- we say we are going to do something coholic named Dr. Bob Smith. Bill Wil- and then get distracted and it never son then met Dr. Bob Smith. We also see this in the Megillah. didn’t they just wait a few days? The happens? It would have been easy for them to When Mordechai had asked Queen Es- decree was not going to go into effect Every one of us is here for a purpose. say when they met that their meeting ther to go to see King Achashveirosh until Adar, 11 months later. Wouldn’t it Unfortunately, we are not prophets was mere coincidence. However, they to plead for B’nei Yisrael, she was hesi- have been better to have the mitzvah who would be told by Hashem what both seized the moment. They realized tant. Mordechai then told her, “Do not of matzah as an added merit for the our purpose is and when we have to that there was a reason why they ended think that you can escape living in the Jewish community? Rabbi Frand exact. Thus, we have to try to realize that up meeting. The purpose was to fi rst house of the king. If you keep silent, plains that this was the time where the when a situation calls for action, we help them deal with their alcoholism relief and salvation will come from an- people were ready to cry out to Hash- must act. Let’s seize the moment! and the second was to use their experi- other place but you and your father’s ence to create a program to help other house will perish.” In other words, Warren S. Hecht is President of the Queens Jewish Community Council and a local alcoholics. As a result AA was founded. Mordechai was telling Esther that she attorney. He can be reached at [email protected].

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 49 A Healthy Outlook One Size Does Not Fit All: Try A Metabolic Rate Test For A Custom Approach To Weight-Loss

have a “slow metabolism” and that is different caloric needs. than you think. Don’t reward yourself By Dr. Bo Rosenblat, why they can’t seem to lose weight. Every person has a unique resting with dessert thinking you’ve cancelled Chief Physician for Dr. Bo’s Diet The truth is that while some people ac- metabolic rate; this is the number of the two out, when chances are you ha- tually have a slow metabolism, many calories your body would burn if you ven’t. Staying at or below your caloric people are simply consuming far more did nothing more than sit in a chair needs nutritionally is truly the only ave you ever looked at the calories than their body needs, and all day. Your resting metabolic rate is way to lose or maintain weight. nutrition labels on the food certainly more than they think they related to your lean body mass or the If you fi nd that despite lower- Hyou eat? Or used the calories eat. Eating the right amount of calo- fat-free parts of your body made up of ing your calories you still can’t lose burned icon on the Precor machine? ries is important; since just an extra lean muscle and internal organs. One weight, or if you have tried multiple Chances are you have. When trying 500 calories per day for a single week of the single most important things diets with no success, there may be to lose, maintain or even gain weight, will result in a full one-pound gain! you can do is to maintain your lean more at play. Have you given up and it’s important to gauge the number of Food labels tend to assume that both body mass. As you lose weight, you do chalked yourself up as a diet failure, calories you are getting, but do you men and women need anywhere from not want to lose the part of your body or resigned to never achieving the even know the number of calories 1500 to 2500 calories per day, which that actually helps you burn energy. A healthy body you want...don’t blame you need? Chances are, no. The sin- is a large and deceptive caloric range. carefully crafted nutrition plan is of yourself; it may not be your fault. A gle most common question I get asked In order to get an exact measurement paramount importance. Something small percentage of people do suffer as a weight-loss specialist is “How and know with accuracy how many seemingly insignifi cant, like insuffi - from actual medical conditions that many calories should I be eating to lose calories you need per day, a Basal Met- cient protein in your diet, will cause a have decreased their metabolism, weight?” abolic Rate (BMR) Test is what you decrease in lean body mass, a problem making it almost impossible to lose There is only one basic truth to need. An individualized BMR Test pin- affecting many people including chil- weight without treatment. Early de- weight loss: you need to burn more cal- points the precise number of calories dren whose main source of calories tection can identify patients suffering ories than you consume. This doesn’t your body needs each day to lose or come from starch carbohydrates and with slow metabolism and they may mean that you need to run like a gerbil maintain weight effectively. processed foods. This can account for begin the process of identifying the on a wheel and eat celery sticks all day, Metabolic Rate Testing is all about a decrease in metabolic function as underlying medical cause. Generally, but you do need an understanding of individualizing a patient’s weight loss well. once the physiological problem has your body and the energy it needs to plan. A machine known as a Calorime- Exercise that helps build muscle been treated effectively the patient is thrive. If you learn how many calories ter will determine your unique caloric will increase your lean body mass and suddenly able to diet successfully, and your body needs per day, getting to or needs, a number, which changes as we increase your basal metabolic rate too, maintain their weight loss. staying at a healthy weight becomes age and go through hormonal chang- allowing you to consume more food Remember it is all about balance – far less challenging. es. The test is non-invasive and only without tipping the scale. Any activity once you know your needs, the key to Calories are the measurement of takes a matter of minutes to complete. helps, and if you’re completely seden- successful weight management is to energy in the food we eat as well as We are not a one size fi ts all nation but tary, walking is a good start. Eventu- balance the calories you eat with the the energy our body uses daily. Your for some reason we all try to follow the ally you can add exercises that build calories you burn. Your Metabolic Rate metabolic rate is how many calories same cookie cutter diet plans with little muscle strength. It is important to re- Test provides information about what your body burns in a day, or essen- success. We can all point to one friend member that exercise, while building is right for you, not anyone else. Use tially, how quickly your body burns or another who was very successful on lean body mass, burns far less calories this to your advantage. energy. The trick to weight-loss is to a specifi c diet program but when you balance the calories eaten with the tried it, you failed to yield the same Dr. Bo Rosenblat is a board-certifi ed medical doctor and Chief Physician of Dr. Bo’s energy needs of your metabolism. I results. The fact is that our different Diet Center, with offi ce locations in Hewlett & Manhasset. 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our community have taken advantage of this. The bottom line is to feel a shared And The Jews Gathered Together In Prayer Before Purim... sense of responsibility for the Jewish peo- CONTINUED FROM P. 31 typical. I am not against chareidim going in the Diaspora also are not exempt from ple, and not go off into our own corners to the army. I remember hearing clearly “sharing the burden” of the protection of and feel that the larger questions in Eretz the new reality, and (b) that a peaceful from my rosh yeshivah, Rav Shlomo Zal- Eretz Yisrael. We have important ways of Yisroel do not concern us. way will be found to resolve the enor- man Auerbach zt”l, that those who are accomplishing that. First and foremost And so we come to Purim. One of mous tensions that have been created, not learning full time studiously have no we all should have a good reason that we the most confusing rites of Purim is such that Am Yisrael will not be torn excuse but to go to the army. Further- are living here, and have not gone on ali- the mitzvah to drink to the point of “Ad apart along the battle lines that have more, I am far from alone in thinking yah, to join in the tremendous gift that d’lo yada” (until one does not know and been drawn, as neither side seems ready (though not many will publicly say) that Hashem has given us. Assuming we have cannot make clear distinctions even be- to back down. as the chareidi economic model is clearly a good reason for being here, there are tween clear opposites such as Mordechai Nevertheless, I was troubled by the unworkable and unsustainable for the still many ways that we can and should and Haman). At least in regard to current clear implication that the purpose of the future, hoping for no change is unrealis- “share the burden” while we are here. We events, it seems we are already achieving Yom T’fi lah was to effectuate a return to tic. (This is without discussing the need need to redouble our efforts in Torah and that status, even without drinking. It is the way things were, with no changes for the chareidi world to take more re- t’fi lah, and ask that Hashem protect our so very hard to discern what is right and allowed on chareidi society, that on no sponsibility for the country in general, as brethren in Israel in that merit. There are proper, and how to think about current terms should any chareidim be required they evolve from being a small minority also innumerable ways in which we can events and where we stand. The best to serve in the army under any circum- to a status approaching a majority of the help people in Israel fi nancially, includ- solution, it would seem, would be for the stances. This is certainly the impression population in the not too distant future, ing organizations that specifi cally help day to arrive very soon when armies and given to the media and general popu- simply as a matter of demographics.) the soldiers such as Friends of the IDF economic problems will be a thing of the lace, with headlines such as “Thousands Another interesting aspect of this dis- (www.fi df.org) and Sgt. Benjamin Antho- past, and we will have clarity and be free of ultra-Orthodox Jews fl ock to lower cussion is: What should we in the Diaspo- ny’s Our Soldiers Speak (www.oursoldiers- of those who seek to harm us. Then we Manhattan on Sunday to protest Israel’s ra do about all this? This is an important speak.org). There are organizations that will be able to raise a cup and drink to- proposal to draft religious citizens to its question, but this article is already long send mishloach manos to the soldiers as gether to have only feelings of unity and army” in the New York Daily News being enough. In brief, I would argue that we well, and I know that several people in brotherhood amongst us, forevermore.

50 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Home Health Care Corner Tania Hammer at Caring Professionals Senior Mental Health

ental health issues have until fort to connect to others and limiting recently been swept under the alone-time staves off loneliness. Invite Mrug. Now they are at the fore- friends to visit, or keep in touch over front of every healthcare practitioner. the phone or by e-mail. Building new They are the fi rst thoughts that come friendships by joining a support group up when the complaint isn’t strictly for depression, a book club, volunteer- medical, how much more so for seniors ing, or joining another group of people who are having a hard time with medi- with similar interests, all are ways to cal conditions and declining health. stave off depression. Added to the fact that they are likely Get enough sleep. With sleep depri- experiencing deaths of beloved family vation, depression symptoms can be and friends, and the inherent loneliness worse. Aim for somewhere between that comes with loss, the status of their seven and nine hours of sleep each mental health is of paramount concern. night. Now that mental health is in the open Maintain a healthful diet. Avoid and they are more aware of the advan- eating too much sugar and junk food. tages of speaking about their feelings, Enjoy lots of fruits, vegetables, and pro- our senior population is getting lots teins, and take a daily multivitamin. of help in areas heretofore neglected. Participate in activities you enjoy. There is no shame in discussing mental other illnesses. People with dementia in treating anxiety is determining the Pursue old and new hobbies or pas- health issues, but the stigma of previ- have problems with at least two brain source of the stress. Physicians also times. ous generations is often still real and functions, such as memory and language. treat anxiety with psychotherapy and Volunteer. Helping others is the best present and a concern for families and An older adult with depression may medications. Get your loved one evalu- way to feel better about life. industry professionals trying to help exhibit dementia-like symptoms, such ated. Ask the doctor for a referral to a Pets. Walking a dog can be good ex- out. Providing a safe environment in as forgetfulness, disorientation, and geriatric social worker who can conduct ercise and a great way to meet people. their ever-changing world is the fi rst inattentiveness. This so-called pseu- a mini-mental status exam. Or consult Learn a new skill. Pick something step. There are many things to discuss dodementia sets in after the person a geriatric psychiatrist, a doctor trained interesting that sparks imagination and post-retirement, and mental health is has already shown signs of depression. to recognize and treat mental illnesses creativity. at the top. Here are some things to be Someone with depression-related pseudo- in older people. Create opportunities to laugh. aware of. dementia will complain about memory Laughter provides a mood boost, so loss, whereas a person with Alzheimer’s Maintaining Your swap humorous stories and jokes with Identifying Depression disease or another form of dementia will (or a Caregiver’s) Mental Health your loved ones, watch a comedy, or It’s normal for an older person to feel try to conceal memory loss. You may fi nd that caring for a loved read a funny book. sad every once in a while or frustrated A person with dementia can develop one takes a toll on your own mental by health problems or other concerns. depression. Before depression sets in, health. Make a point of keeping stress Counseling and Therapy If one of the following symptoms per- however, mental decline will have al- in check. A caregiver support group can Therapy works well on depression sists and interferes with daily life, how- ready begun. Other psychological and help. because it addresses the underlying ever, your loved one could be suffering causes of the depression, rather than from depression: just the symptoms. Prolonged sadness Could your loved one have depression or dementia? Supportive counseling can ease lone- Energy loss Or is there another explanation liness and the hopelessness of depres- Irritability, anger, or pessimism sion, and helps fi nd new meaning and Nervousness or restlessness for a change in energy level or behavior? purpose. Feelings of worthlessness, hopeless- Therapy works through stressful life ness, or helplessness changes, heals from losses, and process- Loss of interest in favorite activities emotional issues that can arise from Here are some ideas to help your es diffi cult emotions. It can also help Sleeping more or less than usual dementia include anger, anxiety, loss of loved one through life’s hurdles and change negative thinking patterns and Recurring thoughts of death or sui- inhibitions and paranoia. road bumps. If they aren’t motivated to develop better coping skills. cide do these things on their own, perhaps Support groups for depression, ill- Pinpointing the Underlying Problem you or their aide can join them in the ness, or bereavement connects your Having a chronic illness or limited Could your loved one have depres- activities. loved one with others who are going ability to function increases a person’s sion or dementia? Or is there another Exercise. Physical activity has pow- through the same challenges. They are risk of developing depression. If your explanation for a change in energy level erful mood-boosting effects. Research a safe place to share experiences, ad- loved one shows signs, seek treatment. or behavior? Ask a doctor or pharma- suggests it may be just as effective as an- vice, and encouragement. Left untreated, depression can affect cist if a medication – or combination tidepressants in relieving depression. A Inclusion. Invite them to join you on one’s physical health and quality of life. of drugs – could be causing fatigue, de- gym is good but there are other ways to walks, an art class, a trip to the museum Treatment can include antidepressant pression, or other symptoms. Geriatric get exercise. Park farther from the store, or the movies – anything that provides medications or talk therapy – or both, pharmacists are especially knowledge- take the stairs, do light housework, or mental or physical stimulation. and has proven to be very reliable. This able about how medications affect old- a short walk. Frail or disabled people Schedule regular social activities. is a good time to discuss the idea of an er people. Review all prescriptions. Ane- can safely exercise to build strength and Group outings, regular visits from aide for company as well as for helping mia could be causing fatigue, and check boost the mood – even from a chair or friends and family, or the JCC can help around the house. for internal infections too, such as UTIs. wheelchair. combat isolation and loneliness. Connect with others – face to face Sources: www.helpguide.org Distinguishing Anxiety whenever possible. Making an ef- and www.aarp.org Depression from Dementia Ask your loved one if she’s feeling Depression sometimes gets misdiag- sad or anxious about something. Lis- Tania Hammer is a community activist and a social networker for Caring Profession- nosed as dementia, a decline in mental ten carefully, and offer support. Like als, a home care agency in Brooklyn and Queens. For more information on any home- ability that can be caused by Alzhei- depression, anxiety often goes undi- care-related topic, please call Shabsi at 718-897-2273 (ext. 171). Tania can be reached at mer’s disease, stroke, brain tumor, and agnosed in older adults. The fi rst step [email protected].

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 51 Socially Savvy Esti Berkowitz Camp Maor Offers Orthodox Girls With An Interest In Performing Arts A Place To Shine uring the search for the perfect in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, a campus Novikov, who is frum, holds a voice al attention and focus to build up their Purim costume for my girls this that sits upon 100 acres of wooded land performance degree from both Man- self-confi dence so that they can perform Dweek, I noticed something very originally designed to be a sports camp. hattan School of Music as well as East- in front of a live audience at this year’s interesting. As they put each costume That’s even better for those attending, man School of Music. Toronto-based performance, “The Adventures of Alice on, a song and dance would accompany as a state-of-the-art new in-ground pool, music co-directors Chavi and Elisheva in Wonderland.” This performance will them down our mini-runway in the din- tennis courts, and basketball courts share Kestenbaum will also be on hand to be non-musical because it falls during ing room. I have to admit, they were the grounds with a rock-climbing wall teach music and musical performance. the Three Weeks. I appreciate that Camp very good, despite the fact that they had and a go-kart track. There is a nearby lake Off-Broadway producer Aaron Grant, Maor offers a two-week August mini-ses- never had any formal training. What if for rowing, and miles of trails to hike in. who has been active in regional theater sion, called an “intensive,” for young chil- they were destined to be on stage? Was Oh, how I would love to go there! This for over a decade, most recently as New dren not yet ready for sleep-away camp. performing arts for girls something that sounds too good to be true, at least for World Stage’s Lead Producer of the play The girls will start their day with daven- could be pursued in the Orthodox com- me it did. How does such an incredible “White’s Lies,” has signed on in a con- ing and daily shiur. munity? While I had heard of perform- program come to fruition? sulting capacity to the camp’s produc- While my girls are still not ready for ing arts programs for older girls, I had This incredible idea was spearheaded tions. Now that’s an impressive staff! sleep-away camp, I can defi nitely see not heard about them for younger girls. by Sari Kahn, a very dedicated and tal- What types of campers should attend how they would love a camp like this. While speaking with a friend the other ented educational director. She has put Camp Maor? Mrs. Kahn is seeking girls day, I found out that there is fi nally some- her all into creating an environment with prior dance and/or acting experi- Learn more about Camp Maor on its thing for young girls interested in per- where theatrical training is serious ence as well as those campers with no website, www.CampMaor.com, or by forming arts. In a world where there are business. What better way to learn but previous training. Just as important as contacting Mrs. Sari Kahn at info@camp- too few opportunities for talented frum via the professionals themselves? Sari their talents are their midos and devotion maor.com or by calling 516-662-6095. girls to explore theater arts, Camp Maor has assembled an incredibly impres- to Torah norms; I couldn’t agree more! has stepped up to the challenge. Camp sive staff of alumnae, most of them Or- I especially like that the size of this Disclosure: The opinions expressed in Maor is a performing arts camp, espe- thodox women from the professional camp is on the smaller side, just 40 girls, this article are my own. I was provided cially for Orthodox girls with a desire to stage. The dance department is staffed grades three through eight. This small details on this program by the staff at pursue their theatrical side. This is done by the legendary dancer and all-around size will give each camper the individu- Camp Maor. with no compromise of Torah values. role model Rhonda Malkin, as well as by Both performing arts and Torah values Ms. Sydney Schiff and Ms. Mina Black. Esti Berkowitz blogs about how she found kosher food, a husband, and had kids af- are of the highest priority. Thankfully for The voice department has Boston-based ter 35 at www.primetimeparenting.com. Esti is also a part of TrumpetingMedia.com, us New Yorkers, Camp Maor is situated master voice instructor Jacqueline a social media events company she started with three other New York-area moms. Our Place NY Hosts Inspiring Mountain Retreat For Members Of Its Jewish 12-Step Recovery Clubhouse – The Living Room early 100 young adults fl ocked to and guided meditations, as well as rec- ple who are all sober. The Living Room actively searching the road to a clean and the Berkshire Mountains recent- reational activities, all set against the members are living proof that an addict sober life. Our Place is truly fortunate to Nly to enjoy The Living Room’s backdrop of a meaningful Shabbos in the or alcoholic can live a happy, joyous, have Menachem leading its young adult semi-annual retreat, a restorative and mountains. meaningful, and sober Jewish life,” said division.” inspiring weekend that left participants “There were informative, inspirational Poznanski, adding that the retreat was The inspiring weekend culminat- feeling energized and renewed. groups and meditations,” said Menachem also a celebration of 200 years of com- ed with a Sunday morning hike for the The Living Room, the young adult divi- Poznanski, director of The Living Room. bined sobriety for all celebrants in atten- men with Shacharis atop a snow-covered sion of Our Place NY, is a 12-step recovery “There was much healing, it was such a dance. mountain, followed by an amazing spiri- style clubhouse for Jewish young adults, positive experience. Our members were Among the volunteers who organize tual meeting with the whole group back ages 18 through 30, that offers support up until all hours of the night, connect- The Living Room’s semi-annual retreats at the retreat center. groups and 12-step meetings under the ing and working on themselves and ex- are a group of four members who are The retreat concluded with an excit- supervision of licensed therapists. Giving panding their spiritual recovery.” elected to the job because they have ing ski trip to nearby Mohawk Mountain. participants the vital support that is cru- The retreat featured a full roster of demonstrated their commitment to their “Everyone had an incredible time cial to maintain their sobriety, The Living mental health professionals and addic- recovery. Poznanski also expressed his and agreed that in ten years this was the Room assists members in reconnecting tion specialists who ran various pro- gratitude to the professional clinical staff best retreat TLR has ever had,” reported with family, culture, and community as grams throughout the weekend, running members who facilitated the workshops Poznanski. well as focusing on creating stable rela- from early in the morning until well after and mediations: Mrs. Gittel Kagan-Foll- Founded in 1998, Our Place NY is a tionships and employment opportunities midnight. The beauty of Shabbos was an man, Mr. Yudy Wiener, and Mr. Roy Tellis registered non-profi t organization dedi- as part of the recovery process. While not integral part of the weekend, beginning of the Safe Foundation, as well as to Mi- cated to facilitating transformative per- a treatment program or an independent with a rousing Carlebach style Friday ram Bracha Handelsman and Yosef Nissa- sonal growth in at-risk Jewish teens and 12-step program or fellowship, The Living night davening. “The ruach was incred- nian of The Living Room. young adults, currently struggling with Room serves to strengthen and support ible,” reported Poznanski. “Our Friday “It is absolutely remarkable what Me- substance abuse, severe crisis, and other the therapeutic and spiritual growth of night Oneg Shabbos, which included sto- nachem has created,” observed Rabbi unhealthy life circumstances. If you or a Jewish young people in recovery. ries and nigunim, lasted until 3 a.m.” Aryeh Young, executive director of Our young person in your life has attended a The retreat, which took place at the Is- One of the highlights of the weekend Place NY. “The Living Room is a unique- treatment program for substance abuse abella Freedman Retreat Center in Falls was a Motza’ei Shabbos improvisational ly safe and trusting environment, where and wants to build a healthy sober life or Village, Connecticut, ran from Friday talent and comedy show, which included young adults in our community can fi nd is struggling with addiction and wants to afternoon through Sunday evening and full audience participation. “It was a lot a sub-community of like-minded individ- get sober through a 12-step program, call featured a blend of workshops, groups, of fun, featuring a group of young peo- uals from similar cultural backgrounds, Our Place NY at 917-596-0784.

52 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Feelin’ Funny Mordechai Schmutter Purim Torah don’t drink on Purim. can daven Shacharis and go to bed. Unless you count a half a cup of Sure, even if Mordechai and Haman IBartenura, which no one ever does, have a similar appearance, there’s a pret- for some reason. ty good chance they dress differently, but I almost never drink, because drinking who can tell the difference between their gives me heartburn. People have suggest- clothes? It’s still too early to tell the dif- ed that I drink a little bit, and then a little ference between techeiles (Mordechai’s more, and then a little more (but not all favorite color) and Haman’s white barber in one day) to build up a tolerance, but re- smock. ally, is this something that I should build If you go to sleep at night, though, up a tolerance to? I don’t even like the you’ll never have to make that distinc- taste. The more expensive a wine is, the tion, because, like we said, by the time less I like it. In fact, I can tell how expen- you wake up, everyone else is asleep, and sive a wine is by how little I enjoy it. I it’s defi nitely okay to start davening. have to build a tolerance to something I To sum up, because admittedly we ha- don’t even like? ven’t been making sense, you may have But people still bother me about it, to be able to tell the difference between especially around Purim. And especial- a difference between things: Night and erally have different hats for different oc- Haman and Mordechai if one of the fol- ly my high-school students, who want day. casions. (And Haman actually was a man lowing two instances come up: nothing more than to see their teachers At the beginning of Brachos, which is of many hats – he was a prime minister, a 1. When you’re drunk, or drunk. And to take pictures. “Isn’t there about the furthest that some of us have barber, a bathhouse attendant…) 2. When you’ve stayed up all Shavuos a mitzvah,” they ask, “to drink so much gotten, the Mishna talks about what is So maybe you’re supposed to get drunk night. that you can’t tell the difference between the earliest possible time you can say enough that you can’t tell the difference If you never get drunk and you go to Haman and Mordechai?” the morning Shema. (This is less of a in appearance between Haman and Mor- sleep every night, this situation will nev- For years, I’ve been excusing myself by problem nowadays. They could ask this dechai, but hopefully not drunk enough er come up anyway. You’ll never have to saying that there are heteirim. For exam- in those days, because snooze buttons that you throw garbage on one of them tell the difference. This is why they say ple, the Gemara says that you can drink a hadn’t been invented yet. Also, if you got and take a fl ying leap off the roof. When that if you’re not going to drink, then you little more than you’re used to, and then a good gathering of rabbis for your seder, you’re drunk, everything is hazy, not that should at least sleep. Maybe by the time go to sleep. And when you’re asleep, you it could go on until Shacharis. I’ve heard I would know, and sometimes you see you wake up it’ll be Shushan Purim, and don’t know the difference. stories.) double, and you have to wonder – is that you won’t have to worry about it. “We don’t rely on heteirim,” they say. There are different opinions as to two Hamans? Two Mordechais? So really, I’m okay with my half a cup “And like anyone takes a nap on Purim.” when you can start saying Shema, and all But really, why would someone who of Bartenura. So I’ve come up with an excuse, which of them involve when it’s bright enough is drunk ever have to tell the difference But that kind of brings us back to the makes so little sense that they stop argu- to tell the difference in appearance bein appearance between Haman and Mor- question, right? Who sleeps on Purim? ing, because they don’t know where to tween two things – a techeiles thread and dechai? I guess it matters if one of them Defi nitely not people like me who pretty start. And that gives me the opportunity a white thread, a techeiles thread and a is approaching, and you’re quickly trying much get drunk on candy. to go on with my lesson, which, whether green thread – one opinion even says that to fi gure out whether it’s Mordechai, But the truth is, you don’t really have they admit it or not, is the main reason I you have to be able to recognize someone and you should stand up, or whether it’s to sleep. Look at Shavuos night. There is come to school. from a short distance away. Not that any Haman, and you should bend over, and a minhag to stay up and learn all night. (I actually had extra siyata dishmaya But they say that if you don’t learn – if in writing it, because a few weeks ago, I you pretty much hang out and battul and read Parshas Haman, which you’re sup- The more expensive a wine is, the less I like it. eat cookies, then it’s like you’re sleeping. posed to read on the Tuesday of Parshas In fact, I can tell how expensive a wine is by how little I enjoy it So here’s what I do on Purim: I drink B’shalach because that parsha contains a little bit – more than I’m used to – and the battle of Amaleik.) then for the rest of the day, I don’t learn. I Because really, how drunk do you have of this matters nowadays, because most throw up on his shoes. It’s not like you pretty much hang out and battul and eat to be to not be able to tell the difference of us are still in bed when people are fi g- can do an awkward combination of both. cookies. between Haman and Mordechai? These uring out whether it’s too early to start Fortunately, there are a lot of people And voila! It’s like I slept. are not very similar people. Arguably, Shacharis. The only time this really con- named Mordechai nowadays, and not they’re not even comparable. I would cerns all of us is Shavuos mornings, when a lot of Hamans. But what if you’re not AUTHOR’S NOTE: say they’re like apples and oranges, but we’ve been up all night and can barely tell drunk? In what situation would it mat- The last time I presented this argu- they’re nothing like apples and oranges. the difference between caf and decaf, and ter whether you can tell the difference? ment to my students and totally shocked Comparing them to apples and oranges we want to daven Shacharis already so And the answer is: Shavuos night. (Or them into silence, someone comment- would be like comparing apples to orang- we can sleep until lunch. But the point is Pesach night, if you have an all-nighter ed that it had never occurred to him to es. So it’s more like comparing the sun that all these differences are visual. seder going.) In that case, you’re not try- come up with a vort on why not to drink. to a bowl of cereal. I don’t mean to in- And maybe that’s the difference that is ing to fi gure out a personal difference – “You came up with this sober?” he sult the cereal. But in other words, it has hard to tell between Haman and Morde- you just need to recognize someone from asked. nothing to do with the sun. How much chai – a difference of appearance. We al- a short distance away. You see someone “Obviously,” I said. “I’m not going to do you have to drink to not tell the dif- ways assume they looked very different – approaching in the dark, and you want drink on a day that isn’t Purim so I can ference between Mordechai and Haman? all the coloring books have Haman with a to know if it’s Mordechai coming to come up with a dvar Torah as to why I Maybe that’s why Chazal gave a whole pointier beard and a twirlier moustache, Shacharis, or Haman walking by to ask shouldn’t drink on Purim.” extra day to recover. so he could twirl it while he plotted stuff. Achashveyrosh if he can hang people on And yes, coming up with this thing This is really one case where being But maybe they didn’t look all that dif- the enormous 100-foot structure he spent counts as battalah. So it’s like I was ignorant is a signifi cant advantage. (In ferent. Haman’s daughter wasn’t able to all night building in the dark, so that you drunk. other words, my students have one over spot the differences from up on the roof, on me.) Mordechai and Haman are as dif- and she was Haman’s own daughter. And Mordechai Schmutter is a weekly humor columnist for Hamodia, a monthly humor ferent as night and day. this is despite the hat, that we assume columnist for The Jewish Press, and has written three books, all published by Israel But the truth is that there’s another Haman always wore 24/7, even while Book Shop. He also does freelance writing for hire. You can send any questions, com- place where we’re supposed to try to fi nd swimming, even though most of us gen- ments, or ideas to [email protected]

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 53 House & Home Rabbi Gedaliah and Sarah Newcomb

Expect The Unexpected During Any Real Estate Transaction

nfortunately, unexpected things, ning of a deal, it is risky because all of so this situation is a particularly vulner- prepared but not yet signed; a new buyer problems, or bumps in the road the involved parties may not yet have able one. Some examples of things that entering the picture with a better offer af- Umay occur during a real estate formed a “team,” meaning working to- may go wrong in the beginning would ter another buyer has already secured an transaction. This may happen at any ward the same goal and willing to co- be: problems on a home inspection, in- agreed-upon deal with a seller; attorneys point: beginning, middle or end. All are operate and be ﬂ exible. The attorneys cluding negotiating responsibility; new unable to reach agreement on terms and equally upsetting. involved also have likely not yet estab- information coming up about a proper- conditions of a sales contract. When things go wrong in the begin- lished a good working relationship, and ty or situation after contracts have been When things occur during the middle of a transaction, it can still be difﬁ cult. While hopefully all parties are in a more secure relationship with each other by this time, there are still things that can and do go wrong. These may include the bank appraisal not coming in at full value, something breaking or happening to the house/property, a violation on the property issued or discovered, or some kind of breakdown in communication between any of the parties involved. As a transaction progresses, and a sense of comfort develops in both buyers and sellers, they should be advised that “it ain’t over till it’s over.” While we always certainly hope (and pray) for the best, there are still things that may arise, causing severe complications even resulting in the transaction breakdown. An example of this: A woman is expect- ing a baby towards the end of a purchase and her income is being relied on as well for mortgage approval. I have experienced this more than once, where a lend- er pulled back the mortgage due to the woman being out of work due to preg- nancy or childbirth. Another problem would be violations being discovered that were previously unnoted. If there is any change in income of anyone being relied on for the mortgage approval, for example if someone loses his or her job, suffers an accident, or other types of inci- dents affecting income, a mortgage may be pulled back as well. Even where there is no mortgage involved, if something

CONTINUED ON P. 62

Rabbi Gedaliah and Sarah Newcomb are NY State Licensed Realtors for over 13 years. While specializing in Kew Gar- dens Hills where they are long-time community members, they serve all areas in the Five Boros and Long Island. They hold several specialty certiﬁ cations and are members of the Long Island Board of Realtors and the Multiple Listing Ser- vice of Queens and Long Island. Rabbi Newcomb is a beloved Rebbe at Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe. Sarah Newcomb has won multiple awards from RE/MAX NY and RE/MAX International. They, along with their family, make their home in and are proud members of the Kew Gar- dens Hills community. You may contact them at sarahnewcomb@topproducer. com, Queensrealtorteam.com or at 9174597549.

54 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Classified Ads The Great Silent Debate CONTINUED FROM P. 10 to know what really happened. How REAL ESTATE: could a simple, feeble-minded old man 29-45 Mo Av. Bayswater. Renovated Large Private House, 10 bedrooms, 5 priest and I told him that the fi rst thing do what all the great rabbis thought baths EIK Large LR/DR. Finished high ceiling basement, 2 Car garage. $599k. Yo- to do was to hold up three fi ngers to was impossible? chi 212-470-3856. WinZone Re represent the Trinity. The Jewish man “What happened?” they wanted to wisely responded by holding up one know, all shouting in unison to poor KGH- 71st off main completely ren, 3br, 2.5 bth, mod kit, huge balcony, fi n fi nger to remind us that there still is Moshe. bsmt, sep ent, gar 559K Nili RE 917 226-5868 just one common G-d to both our reli- Finally, realizing that he couldn’t get gions. Then, my man waved his arms all away from them without explaining, around to show that G-d was all around Moshe answered. “Well, this is what EMPLOYMENT us; but the Jew answered by pointing happened. At fi rst, the priest motioned B & H Photo openings MID-TOWN MANHATTAN, FULL TIME to the ground signifying, and rightly so, to me that the Jews had just three days Sales, Customer Service, Administra ve Assistant. We off er Compe ve Com- that G-d was also right here with us. The to get out of the city. I was going to pensa on, Health Benefi ts, Paid Holidays & Vaca on. EEO/AA M/F/D/V priest then pulled out the wafer and the put up a tough front and I answered EMAIL RESUME: [email protected] wine to represent that G-d absolves us that not even one Jew was going to from our sins. That brilliant Jew, on the leave! Then, he motioned all over as Modern Orthodox Day Camp in Nassau County seeks the following posi ons: other hand, pulled out an apple to re- if to say that this whole city was to be Music, Lifeguards, Adult Counselors and Head of Sports. For informa on, please mind us of the original sin. He had an cleared of Jews. I let him know that we e-mail [email protected]. answer for everything and he was just were staying right here!” too good. What could be done?” Moshe turned to walk away, and one Meanwhile, in the other part of rabbi called out, “And then what hap- town, Moshe simply went back to pened?” the synagogue and back to work. But “I don’t know,” Moshe shrugged. the news traveled fast and instantly “Then he took out his lunch, so I took there was a large crowd converging out mine!” on the synagogue and Moshe, wanting Hashem And Man: Master And Servant CONTINUED FROM P. 12 hinges upon accepting Hashem as our Master. While we may not be is mighty, He alone is powerful, and haughty, unless we have worked on He alone is independent. Anyone acquiring humility, there will be trace else who harbors these thoughts elements of arrogance in our hearts, in his heart is “wearing the King’s and these will greatly impede our robes.” He views himself in a man- being subservient to Hashem. They ner that is false and delusional. More stop us from standing as servants in signifi cantly, in that state, he cannot front of our Master. serve Hashem. “How can a person as The only way to achieve true hu- mighty, signifi cant, and important as mility is by being exposed to life situ- I possibly have a master? I am the ations that allow us to grow in humil- master!” For this reason, arrogance ity. By being subjected to the various utterly skews the relationship of man situations in life, where we come to to his Creator. Its opposite, humility, recognize that we are not mighty, is central to all avodas Hashem. powerful, and independent, the reali- This seems to be the answer to the ty starts to seep in. I am a mere mor- question. In no sense was Aharon tal. Here for a few short years, unable haughty or overbearing; he was to even control my own existence, I amongst the most modest of men. The am but a creation dependent upon problem was that his role required my Master for my very existence. even more. As the representative of To help us grow, Hashem will of- the nation, he was going into the Holy ten custom-tailor situations for us. of Holies; any imperfection in his in- Not every circumstance in life is tentions would have spelled an imper- pleasant, and not every condition is Marriage Built On Your Own Efforts fect avodah, so he needed to be perfect something would we wish for. Some in his humility. To attain that state, situations may be demeaning. It may CONTINUED FROM P. 25 always taking or always giving! he needed a physical exercise. He had feel like you are being asked to take Finally, if your marriage is in trou- to, so to speak, take out the garbage out the garbage. You might even feel will help you understand whether you ble, ask yourself what you can do to each day. By doing this, any trace of indignant. “Hashem, why are You would be better off avoiding that type fi x it and whether you can live with independence was eliminated from his subjecting me to this? What have I of person because of an underlying the result even if your spouse doesn’t heart, and he was able to reach that done wrong to deserve this?” The an- edge that never leaves you at peace. change. The point of this article is to most elusive understanding: I am utter- swer may well be nothing. It wasn’t The ability to look within yourself convey the need to know oneself ei- ly, completely, and totally dependent something wrong that you did that will help you see more of your long- ther before marrying or, if already mar- upon Hashem. I am the creation, and brought this about. Rather, it was term goals. It will help you to be a ried, before divorce. This is especially He is my Creator. As great as Aharon something you did right, some mer- better spouse and a better parent if important when you have children. was, he still needed improvement in it that you have that allowed you to you are granted the blessing of par- You may decide you should stay in the this area, and it was only through con- have this opportunity to acquire that enthood. The best possible question a marriage or you may decide that you crete, physical actions that he could rare commodity – humility. married person can ask is what you can can’t stay. Ultimately, it is easier to go reach a state of true humility. Recognizing our need for situa- do for your spouse while not giving up if you feel you’ve done all you can. tions that bring us to a sense of de- who you are. True, you should be able May your marriage or future mar- Humility Is The Core pendence upon Hashem can help us to make a sacrifi ce for your spouse on riage be one of peace and cooperation. Of Being An Eved Hashem understand life, and then we can use certain occasions, but you cannot have If you work hard enough, it may be a This concept is very applicable in these situations to grow and to ac- a successful marriage if you are either successful lifetime investment! our lives. All of our avodas Hashem complish our purpose in Creation.

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 55 Daf Yomi Schedule Compiled by Rebecca Wittert Sunday Wednesday Shabbos 6:00 a.m. Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills 5:30 a.m. Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills 7:25 a.m. Cong. Ahavas Yisroel 6:00 a.m. Cong. Ohel Yitzchok (R’ Arieli) 5:30 a.m. Cong. Ahavas Yisroel 7:30 a.m. Bais Dovid d’Lantz (Rubin) 6:55 a.m. Cong. Ahavas Yisroel 5:40 a.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) 7:45 a.m. Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills 7:00 a.m. Kehilas Ishei Yisrael 5:40 a.m. Kehilas Ishei Yisrael 7:50 a.m. Cong. Degel Israel (Sheinfeld) 7:00 a.m. Bais Dovid d’Lantz (Rubin) 6:00 a.m. Cong. Ohel Yitzchok (R’ Arieli) 8:00 a.m. Cong. Ohel Yitzchok (Arieli) 7:10 a.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) 6:00 a.m. Bais Dovid d’Lantz (Rubin) 1 hr before Minchah – 7:30 a.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) 7:45 a.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (Oelbaum) 8:45 a.m. Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills 8:00 p.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) 1 hr before Minchah – 8:30 p.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) 8:00 p.m. Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills 9:30 a.m. Queens Jewish Center 8:30 p.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) 1 hr before Minchah – Cong. Degel Israel (Sheinfeld) 9:00 a.m. Queens Jewish Center Following Minchah – Kehilas Ishei Yisrael

Monday To add your shul’s Daf Yomi schedule to this list, 5:30 a.m. Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills Thursday please email pertinent info to 5:30 a.m. Cong. Ahavas Yisroel 5:30 a.m. Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills 5:30 a.m. Kehilas Ishei Yisrael 5:30 a.m. Cong. Ahavas Yisroel [email protected] 5:40 a.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) 5:30 a.m. Kehilas Ishei Yisrael 5:55 a.m. Bais Dovid d’Lantz (Rubin) 5:40 a.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) Address Key 6:00 a.m. Cong. Ohel Yitzchok (R’ Arieli) 5:55 a.m. Bais Dovid d’Lantz (Rubin) *All shuls listed are in Kew Gardens Hills, 7:45 a.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) 6:00 a.m. Cong. Ohel Yitzchok (R’ Arieli) unless otherwise noted 8:00 p.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) 7:45 a.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills: 8:00 p.m. Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills 8:00 p.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) 150-05 70th Road, Youth Building Library 8:30 p.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) 8:00 p.m. Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills th 9:00 a.m. Queens Jewish Center 8:30 p.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) Cong. Ohel Yitzchok (R’ Arieli): 137-58 70 Avenue rd 9:00 a.m. Queens Jewish Center Cong. Ahavas Yisroel: 147-02 73 Avenue Tuesday Kehilas Ishei Yisrael: 150th Street nr 70th Road, 5:30 a.m. Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills YCQ Junior High School Building 5:30 a.m. Cong. Ahavas Yisroel Friday Bais Dovid d’Lantz (Rubin): 70-03 147th Street 5:30 a.m. Kehilas Ishei Yisrael 5:30 a.m. Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld): 144-02 68th Drive 5:40 a.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) 5:30 a.m. Cong. Ahavas Yisroel Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum): 6:00 a.m. Cong. Ohel Yitzchok (R’ Arieli) 5:40 a.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld) 141-39 73rd Avenue 6:00 a.m. Bais Dovid d’Lantz (Rubin) 5:40 a.m. Kehilas Ishei Yisrael Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills: 7:45 a.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) 6:00 a.m. Cong. Ohel Yitzchok (R’ Arieli) th st 8:00 p.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) 6:00 a.m. Bais Dovid d’Lantz (Rubin) 147-37 70 Road (YCQ Building), 1 fl oor 8:00 p.m. Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills 7:45 a.m. Cong. Nachlas Yitzchok (R’ Oelbaum) Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld): 144-02 68th Drive 8:30 p.m. Cong. Degel Israel (R’ Sheinfeld), 8:00 p.m. Agudath Israel of Kew Gardens Hills Queens Jewish Center: 66-05 108th Street, Forest Hills 9:00 a.m. Queens Jewish Center 9:00 a.m. Queens Jewish Center Daf Yomi: Concepts And Halachah Rabbi Avi Dubin Praying For Water With A Lulav That Is Yours he fi rst two chapters of Tractate chants selling their lulavim and esrogim. closed and sees a lulav and esrog lying on the transgression is of man to fellow Sukkah explain in depth in the Each person looks into his budget and the ground? Can we assume that the mer- man (bein adam l’chaveiro). Tlaws of dwelling in a sukkah. The takes how much could be afforded to chant left it there as hefker (ownerless for In this instance, since the lulav was third chapter of Sukkah (29b-42b) dis- acquire the merchandise that he will be anyone to take) or do we assume that he gotten by someone else’s loss, the lulav cusses the laws of the Four Species. using in a few short days for the mitzvah: left his merchandise for a second and he has “lost its mitzvah-worthiness.” I would like to begin by giving a brief the excitement, the love, the hope that will be coming back? R’ Zilberstein ex- Let us do a brief recap. 1. Verse, Mish- introduction to the third chapter. this will be the vessel that he will be able plains from the Gemara in N’darim (We nah – A person must use a lulav that is The verse in VaYikra regarding taking to pray properly with. will not be going into this Gemara) that his, not stolen. 2. Gemaras – The mitz- the lulav bundle (adate palm, myrtle, One would think that with these two we can assume that he left it there to be vah of lulav is because we are praying for and willow) and the esrog (VaYikra 23:40) gemaras and this concentration in mind, ownerless and one can take it and make a water. 3. Sfas Emes – Even a lulav that states “You shall take for yourself on the we would start the laws of lulav and blessing and fulfi ll his obligation. is bought from someone who is a thief fi rst day the fruit of a citron tree…” esrog with what are the requirements, I am slightly confused. In one case is invalid. 4. R’ Yitzchak Zilberstein – a What is the rationale for taking the what makes it Kosher, what is better where the person stole it outright he lulav found by the merchant’s store after four species? The Mishnah (Rosh HaSha- than another one. cannot use it or sell it, but in a case closing may be taken. 5. Daf al HaDaf – nah 16b) explains that on Sukkos we are However, the mishnah on 29b be- where he fi nds the four species near the quoting from Pardes Yosef that the only judged on water. The passage in Taanis gins with the words “Lulav ha’gazul merchant’s store before dark he can take reason why it really is forbidden is be- 2b explains that these four species come v’ha’yaveish pasul – A stolen (649:1) or a it. Why is this the case? cause it was a transgression of person to to entreat G-d that He should issue a fa- dry lulav is invalid.” Perhaps these cases can be explained person. vorable judgment on the water. How about some different case sce- by the collections of Daf al HaDaf. The My friends, when we go out in to the (ArtScroll Ramban p. 703 footnote 375: narios: Pardes Yosef asks, bringing down many market this year, and pray for a good lu- We really are saying that just as these Buying stolen merchandise – The Sfas later commentaries, why should a sto- lav and esrog, let us pray that these items four species cannot survive without Emes begins the chapter by explain- len lulav be invalid? After all we have will be the utensils that will be used to water, so too the world cannot survive ing that when one sells a stolen lulav, a dictum that a positive commandment sway Hashem’s compassion for a good without water.) the unassuming buyer has not fulfi lled outways a negative commandment (Asei year on the water. Only an item gotten With this in mind, put yourself in the his obligation, because presumably the docheh lo saaseh). The answer that is giv- by correct means can be used as our ad- moment, close your eyes after reading owner has not given up hope yet. en is we do not apply that dictum when vocate. this thought, and see yourself praying, What if one stumbles onto an esrog? my dear reader. May Hashem bless you – Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein in his sefer Rabbi Avi Dubin teaches bar mitzvah lessons and tutors limudei kodesh; he also spe- with a good lulav and esrog this year. Chashukei Chemed asks the following cializes in teaching adults how to lein and methodology in learning. Reb Avi wel- Picture this: It is the night after Yom question: What happens if one is walk- comes all questions regarding the Daf, or inquiries of his services, and looks forward Kippur, the streets are bustling with mer- ing down the street after the market has to hearing from you. He can be reached at [email protected].

56 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 57 Delectable Dishes Estee Kafra, kosherscoop.com Ultimate Purim Appetizer: Elegant Avocado with Smoked Fish his simple and elegant appetizer Instructions: is a wonderful combination of Fully immerse each avocado half in fresh lem- Tsmooth and salty, with a nice con- on juice to avoid browning. (You can skip this trast in colors as well. For the lox, I like step if preparing this dish right before serving.) the ones cured pastrami style with whole Combine the mashed avocado with 1 tsp lemon black peppercorns and spices. Dill is good juice, mayonnaise, and salt to taste. Set aside. too, and plain lox is fi ne if the others Discard the centers of the plum tomatoes and aren’t available. dice very fi nely. Dice the shallot very fi nely and combine with the tomatoes in a bowl. Add the Ingredients: apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and some kosher avocado - 2, peeled, halved, and pitted salt to taste. Mix well to coat. Arrange a table- avocado - 1, mashed spoonful of the tomato salad in the center of lemon juice - freshly squeezed each avocado half. mayonnaise - 1 tsp Place a small mound of mashed avocado in kosher salt - to taste the center of a plate. (Its main purpose is to pre- plum tomatoes - 2 vent the avocado half from slipping.) Place a shallot - 1 small fi lled avocado half in the center of the mound apple cider vinegar - 1 tsp and cover loosely with 2 slices of lox. You can olive oil - 1 tbsp, plus more for drizzling place small pieces of lox at the base of the avo- lox - 8 slices cado as well, and garnish with chopped herbs. cilantro - ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish Drizzle over some more olive oil to fi nish.

few months ago, I had this wonder- Instructions: ful soup in a cafe in the New York 1. In a stockpot, heat the oil and sauté the Aarea. It was so delicious that I imme- minced garlic and ginger for 1 to 2 minutes Soup: diately asked the owner if he would share or just until glossy. (Do not allow to develop the recipe with me. He refused, but I left that color.) Add the carrots, salt, white pepper, cafe determined to ﬁ gure it out for myself. I and honey. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring am happy to report that my soup came out constantly. Add the stock and bring to a almost exactly the same, if not better! Here boil. Lower to a simmer and add the cream. it is for you to enjoy. Cook uncovered for 40 minutes or until car- Yield: 8-10 rots are tender. Ingredients: oil - ¼ cup peanut oil or extra-virgin olive 2. Add the butter and process using an garlic - 1 tbsp minced immersion blender. If the soup is too thick, sweet carrots - 3 lbs., peeled and thinly add extra stock. Taste and adjust seasoning sliced with salt, white pepper, and honey. Keep salt - 1 tbsp, plus additional for seasoning warm until ready to serve or refrigerate un- pepper - ½ tsp freshly ground white, plus til needed. Creamy Carrot additional for seasoning honey - 1 tbsp NOTES: Garnish with chopped stock - 8 cups vegetable, plus additional chives, scallions, or fried Ginger Garnish. if necessary The carrots that are sold loose are usually and Ginger Soup heavy cream - 1 cup sweeter than the ones in the prepackaged butter - 2 oz. unsalted (¼ cup) 5-or 10-lb. bags.

58 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Delectable Dishes Feast Menu Main: Salad: Oriental Purple Fruity Moroccan Chicken Cabbage Salad The beautiful colors of this Dressing cabbage salad add instant ap- 1/3 cup vinegar peal to any buffet or dinner. ¼ cup honey Simple to prepare, this cabbage ½ cup extra virgin olive oil salad has a delicious, crunchy 1½ tsp low-sodium soy sauce texture. Yield: 6 Instructions: 1. Place the cabbage, peas, scallions, and Ingredients: water chestnuts into a large mixing bowl. 1 lb shredded purple cabbage 2. Combine all of the ingredients for the ½ cup frozen peas, thawed dressing in a jar, and whisk or shake togeth- 2 scallions, chopped er. 1 6-oz. can sliced water chest- 3. About 30 minutes before serving, pour nuts, strained the dressing over the salad. ½ cup toasted slivered al- 4. Add nuts immediately before serving monds or cashews and toss well.

You may have to dig into the back of Instructions: your spice cabinet for this recipe, or do 1. Soak the dried apricots and prunes some updates, but it’s worth it. in a small bowl of hot water. Yield: 6-8 2. Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Combine all the in- Ingredients: gredients for the spice mixture in a ½ cup prunes mixing bowl (add a bit more water if ½ cup dried apricots it’s too thick; it should be easy to brush 3 chicken breasts or 6 pieces bone- onto the chicken). less chicken legs Oil, for brushing 3. Preheat grill to high. Assemble Kosher salt, for sprinkling the kabobs, alternating chicken and 12-16 skewers fruit. Brush lightly with oil and sprin- kle with kosher salt. Grill for about 4 minutes. Turn over and brush with Spice Mixture spice glaze. Cook on the other side for Dessert: 2 tsp ground ginger about 5 minutes more, brushing again ½ tsp crushed red pepper fl akes a minute or two before it’s done for an 2 tsp ground cumin even stronger fl avor. Chocolate Pecan Pie 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp cinnamon Note: These can be done on an out- Ingredients: Yield: 8 mix pecans with chocolate chips and 1 tsp turmeric side grill, but during the winter months 3 eggs fl our until evenly coated. Place the 1 tsp ground coriander seed I do it on my grill pan. If you are using ¼ cup brown sugar chocolate chip-pecan mixture into the 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil wooden skewers, soak them in water ¾ cup corn syrup pie crust and gently pour the liquid Juice of ½ a lemon for about 20 minutes before assembly 1 tsp vanilla extract batter over it (don’t need to defrost the 3 Tbsp water (approximately) to avoid having them burn. 2 tbsp margarine or butter, melted crust). 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Bake for 50 – 55 minutes. 1½ cups pecan halves Serve gently warmed or at room 2 tbsp fl our temperature. 1 9” pie crust, pre-baked, frozen Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 de- grees.

1. Place the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract into a bowl and beat until fully combined. Add melted margarine and mix. Estee Kafra, author of three best-selling cookbooks, runs KosherScoop.com, an interactive website with all the latest and greatest in kosher cooking, featuring over 1,000 recipes. 2. In a second bowl,

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 59 Parenting Simply Adina Soclof How To Help Your Kids Stop Complaining And Start Working

s a mom, I fi nd that there is usu- members of their family units. “I need some help and I don’t have time ally not enough time in the day Here are three simple ways to help for complaints. If you want, we can dis- Ato do the things that need to get you put a stop to the whining and com- cuss the problems you are having with done. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, car- plaining and get your kids working: taking out the garbage, after dinner.” pooling to school, and shuttling to after- household jobs done.” school activities can be overwhelming. Try to overlook Use Pat Phrases “Daddy and I try to give everyone in But if we have kids we have built-in help- 1)the whining and complaining 3) You might also want to have this family what each needs.” ers, and it is benefi cial to all if kids lend a It is natural for kids to try every trick some standard lines to help you get “Sometimes you do more, sometimes helping hand. in the book to get out of doing what they through the rough spots. she does more. That is how it works.” That is all well and fi ne. We would are asked to do. Don’t get bogged down When kids say: “Why do I always have “The jobs are divided as fairly as we love to have our kids help out. The prob- in arguments and lectures: “I can’t believe to clean up? I always clean up. She never can, according to your age and ability.” lem is that when we ask them to do take you, I ask you to do one thing and all you cleans up!” Or a mix of the last two: “I try to make out the garbage, clear their plates, or rake do is complain and whine!” You can answer: the jobs as fair as possible; sometimes the leaves, they whine and complain and Just repeat your request kindly and “In this family we help each other.” you get more to do and sometimes your fi nd every excuse to shirk their duties. fi rmly: “I hear how much you dislike tak- “This family works together to get siblings get more to do.” As parents this is hard to take. We ing out the garbage. The garbage needs would rather just do it ourselves than to be taken out now.” Adina Soclof, a certifi ed Speech Pathologist, worked as a Speech Pathologist in pre- subject ourselves to their bad behavior. schools for the developmentally disabled in the New York area. She then worked as But we shouldn’t let the whining and Be Proactive a Parent Educator for Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau facilitating workshops. complaining stop us from getting the 2) As we all know in sports, the She has been featured at numerous non-profi t organizations and private schools in help we need. Not only will we have less best defense is a good offense. It works Cleveland. Adina developed TEAM Communication Ventures and conducts parenting to do, but really kids feel quite proud of in parenting too. So it would be even and teacher workshops via telephone nationwide. For more information, visit parent- themselves when they act as responsible best to preempt your initial request with: ingsimply.com.

60 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 61 Beauty Briefs Risselle Naimark Face Painting 101

t’s that time of year, when Purim is 4. Finish the look with sparkle. Look some teardrops by making a little swirly the ghostliness, you ideally want it to once again here. As a child, Purim for non-toxic, fabric-based glitter (found thing. It almost looks like a cloud with be a cool color, so stay away from light Iwas always one of my most favorite in fabric and craft stores). To apply, dip rain coming out of it. warm colors. Then paint a very dark col- yamim tovim. Delivering Mishloach Ma- the opposite tip of the paintbrush into or, such as black around the eye (from the nos while donning a costume is a major water, dry off excess, and dip into glitter. Butterfly top of the cheek to the eyebrow). At this part of Purim festivities for children. Roll the glitter onto the face. stage, the ghost will look like someone Whether your child will dress up like a The following are some easy ideas for gave it two black eyes. clown, dog, butterfl y, rabbit, or pirate, Purim face painting. face painting is part of the fun. Pirate Face painting is the act of applying Clown Face This is one of the easiest and most cosmetic paint to a person’s face, and it effective faces for boys. Using light is usually a big hit with kids. Once you brown paint and a brush, paint on bushy learn the art of face painting, you will eyebrows, a moustache, and a small be surprised at the number of ideas you beard along the jaw line and up to the can create. For starters, you will need ears. Then with black paint, put on a water-based theatrical paint that is hypo- second layer over the brown. Filling in allergenic and FDA-compliant. The nice Paint the outline of the butterfl y the gaps, draw an eye patch over one thing is that it goes on with water and wings, trying to get both wings more or eye (making sure the child keeps the eye you can wash it off that way as well. Try less symmetrical (This will get easier with closed) and adding the string by drawing Snazaroo Paint, found at arts and crafts practice). Paint from the side of the ridge a line diagonally across the face. Finally, stores. of the nose, up and across the forehead, with bright red paint, draw a scar line on Before you start face painting, always above the eyebrows. Then paint down one cheek, adding stitch lines across it check that your child has no skin aller- the nose, past the mouth, almost to the with black paint. gies or infections. Although Snazaroo end of the jaw. Now join the two lines, professional water-based face paint is using as much of the cheek as possible. non-toxic and highly tested, never paint Don’t worry too much about how much the face if any kind of skin problem is A simple clown face is a relatively space you leave for the butterfl y’s body at present. If in doubt, try a little on the in- easy and fast design, if you stick to the the nose, since you can always paint over side of the wrist and leave it for approx- basic, key elements. Whether or not part of the wings, if necessary. imately 60 minutes to see if a reaction you paint the whole face a color (tradi- develops. There is no need to put any tionally white for a clown) is up to you Ghost moisturizer or cream on the skin before and the amount of time you have. So, you begin. Water-based face paint is best where do you start? When you think of applied directly onto clean, dry skin. You a clown, what do you think of fi rst? You may wish to keep the hair away from the probably think of a prominent nose and face with a hair band or clips. vibrant rosy cheeks. If you are painting The following are some tips to keep in the whole face white, then use a sponge mind. to apply the makeup all over the face to You can gather many more ideas from 1. Begin by just dabbing a corner of a get nice, even coverage. To paint bright face painting books, which are easily makeup sponge or soft bristled brush in pink cheeks, have the child smile really available. So have some face painting water and start painting. big, and fi nd the apple of the cheeks and fun with your kids, to help enhance their 2. To achieve a deeper color, allow paint away. Then take the white sponge Start by painting the whole face, in- Purim costumes. the fi rst coat to dry; then apply a second and just kind of go over and blend. It’s a cluding lips, with a pale color, such as Wishing all our readers a very happy coat. On designs that have a variety of bit softer. white, light gray, or blue. To emphasize Purim! light and dark colors, apply the lighter With a brush you can draw a black tri- color fi rst, if possible. angle above and below the left eye. To Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consult- 3. When applying color with a brush, give the clown fancy eyes, use some ant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging keep strokes even and work in continu- blue on a sponge, and outline the eyelid products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and ous lines. with color. Then take the brush and do all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.

son-in-law. I could have been driving alone (as I was supposed to be doing at Expect The Unexpected During Any Real Estate Transaction that time) or fell in to something and in- CONTINUED FROM P. 54 ed with people helpful in resolving sit- left the center without eating as I was not jured more. I am certain that this was the uations. A good realtor should advise hungry, did not know I was supposed to best way for this to happen and so very severe is discovered about the property, and warn clients of potential pitfalls eat anything, and was feeling well. Less thankful to Hashem for the outcome. I or liens and violations are found, some and how to try to avoid or resolve them. than two hours later, I fainted in Rubie’s write this because I want people to know buyers may try to invalidate the trans- Having said that, there are times, though, Costume shop where we had gone to what I did not know in order to prevent action. I have seen this in both private when an issue is not resolvable, such as purchase Purim costumes. Apparently I others from any form of injury or suffer- home sales as well as co-op purchases. a co-op board rejection, amongst other broke my nose in the process of that fall ing: When donating blood, be sure to eat In a co-op purchase, a board approval things. In those cases, Gam zo l’tovah (which thankfully I did not feel because I and drink and rest a bit before leaving the process may not go well and a buyer is is the best way to react. Hashem is the had fainted). All week I am busy explain- center. I absolutely do plan to donate thereby rejected. boss and we must trust that some things ing my bruised face to everybody who blood again. I just plan to follow the af- Some of the above-mentioned issues are meant to be and some are not. asks. I am supremely grateful for the way ter-care properly now that I am educated. are resolvable and some are not. An ex- Last Sunday I went to donate blood. I that incident transpired, because I am And so, with real estate transaction pit- perienced, licensed realtor can help with have the kind of blood those blood cen- well aware that it could have been much falls, life pitfalls, and blood donation pit- many of these. Be sure to work with ters like, because apparently many dif- worse. I was in a store full of Purim shop- falls, the bottom line is: “Life happens.” a “team-player,” someone who knows ferent people can use it. I donated the pers, a moment away from the Hatzalah Our job is to do our best to be prepared how to bring peace and is well connect- blood, was happy to do it, and felt ﬁ ne. I entourage, and with my daughters and and to be willing to accept the outcome.

62 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 The Informed Woman • Style Myths Debunked Meira E. Schneider-Atik

Myth: Your neck is such a small part of your body, so no need to dress around it.

Truth: Your neck is a natural vertical line on your body, so you need to dress it carefully. The author demonstrating the difference it makes when a woman keeps her neck area open

here are a lot of people who re- lines that fold over and cover the base elongate the neck. As long as they’re do. Keep your hair off your neck, ei- fuse to sweat the small details. of the neck). Stick with jewel, high not too long, they do elongate by ther by cutting it short or by pulling TIn many areas, that would be scoop, and high square necklines. drawing the eye upward, visually rais- it back or up. If you wear it long, add the right thing to do. But when you And use those as underpinnings for ing the neck to the earlobe. Stud ear- layers to frame your face. Married la- are dressing yourself, some of those deep V-necks. V-necks are actually rings draw attention upward to the dies, use hats and berets to keep your smaller details can make or break your the best neckline for everyone, but face, so they’re good, but stay away neck area open. Avoid snoods. If you look. And your neck is one of those they’re particularly good for those of from button earrings, which empha- wear mitpachot, tie them so that you details. us who don’t have turtleneck necks. size width. And your earrings must don’t have any dangling ends, espe- Looking your best, as I defi ne it, However, because they’re not likely to not be long enough to graze your cially on the side. means that you appear taller, slimmer, be appropriate for tz’nius, you’ll prob- shoulders because those will draw the The neck is one detail that you must and healthier. In order to appear tall- ably need the underpinnings men- eye downward. not overlook. But if you dress it proper and slimmer, you have to focus on tioned. On your head, there’s more you can erly, you don’t need to worry about it. vertical lines. The neck is a natural You can also create a V-shape on vertical line on your body, so it pays to the neck and chest by using accesso- Meira E. Schneider-Atik is a wardrobe organizer and personal shopper. She helps respect that and dress it appropriately. ries, like oblong scarves and necklac- women weed out their wardrobes, shop smartly, put together outfi ts, and save time, ef- If you have the “turtleneck neck,” es. Draping an oblong scarf around fort, and money, all within tz’nius. Her writing on fashion and style within tz’nius has meaning that you have a long, slim, your neck and letting the ends hang been published both in print and online. She is also a jewelry designer and co-founder fi rm neck combined with a fi rm, will draw attention to your face while of RenaMei Jewelry – Designed Just for You. Her pieces can be seen on www.etsy.com sculpted jaw line, then you can pretty adding vertical lines to elongate your (just look up RenaMei). She can be reached at 718-644-6135 or at [email protected]. much wear whatever you want on and neck and chest. If you’re going to around your neck. Turtlenecks and wrap the scarf, do not wrap it too other high necklines will fl atter you. close to the neck. Make sure the front So will wide scarves wrapped around hangs down a little to keep the neck the neck. Choker and collar necklaces area open. are terrifi c also. As for necklaces, chokers and col- Problem: Most of us do not have lars – which wrap around the neck turtleneck necks. Our necks may be – are not good. You need necklaces short, thick, or wide, or we may have that hang below your collarbone. Pen- saggy fl esh on our necks or jaw lines. dant necklaces create a great V-shape. Or we may have any combination of Y-shape necklaces are perfect because the above. You do not have to be over- they create the V-shape on top (thus weight or even plus-size to have any elongating the neck and chest) while of those things. My own neck is on adding the vertical line to elongate the short side. And I have some thick- the chest. Longer necklaces can also ness on the left side of my jaw line. look fabulous, but if you have a larg- So what do we do? er bust, be careful with those because Start with necklines: Keep them as they’ll cascade over the bust and draw open as possible. Stay away from tur- attention to it. tlenecks and mock-turtlenecks (neck- In theory, longer earrings should

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 63 64 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 65 66 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 67 “Every religion has a holiday “Obama’s new budget actually “Unless you’re a “Batman” vil- save $500 million. Staples says the where people fast to prove their includes a proposal to phase out lain or a giant salted peanut, you closings are due to low sales, cut- devotion. Catholics have Lent. pennies and nickels to make the should not wear a monocle.” backs, and the fact they’re selling And here in L.A., we have Oscar government more efficient – and – Jimmy Kimmel things people just steal from their season.” to make grandparents better tip- office anyway.” pers.” “A man in India has set a new - Jimmy Fallon – Craig Ferguson –Jimmy Fallon world record for fastest nose- typing. I think the most surpris- “A new survey found that the av- “The Olympics are done. The “Despite the fact that the ing part of it is that there was an erage American child watches 24 Russians have nothing to do so Ukraine has been all over the old world record for nose-typ- hours of TV every week. In fact, they invaded Crimea.” news for the past few weeks, a ing.” experts say it’s important for par- survey found that 64 percent of - Seth Meyers ents to lay down the law and tell – David Letterman U.S. students still couldn’t find their kids to get outside and look Ukraine on a map. Said Vladimir “An anchor for Russia’s state- at their phones.” “Vladimir Putin said the tanks Putin, ‘Soon nobody will.’” owned news channel quit on live - Jimmy Fallon that you see rolling through the –Seth Meyers TV yesterday, saying that she doesn’t streets are just part of the closing agree with the network’s support “Today is the second day of the 40- ceremonies of the Olympics.” “Russia suspended coverage of of Vladimir Putin. In response, Pu- day Catholic holiday of Lent. You the Oscars last night. They didn’t tin sent her somewhere no one will know what I’m giving up this year? - David Letterman show it. And I’m going to guess ever see her again — CNN.” The 40-day Catholic holiday of Lent.” they’re not going to show the - Seth Meyers - Conan O’Brien “Because of Russia’s actions Tony Awards either.” in Ukraine, President Obama is –Conan O’Brien threatening them with econom- “Meteorologists say 90 percent ic sanctions. Obama said if Rus- “Here’s some strange fashion sia doesn’t pull out of Kiev we’re news. According to The New York of the Great Lakes are frozen over. People from not going to let them borrow any Times, the monocle is back in of the money that we borrowed style. Monocles are great if you’re Chicago are being urged to stay off the frozen from China.” looking for eyewear that falls –Conan O’Brien into your coffee every time you lakes, but if you want to see someone from Chicago sneeze.” “Obama’s approval rating is at – Kimmel on thin ice, just go to the White House.” an all-time low. He has a plan to make him look better. It is called - Craig Ferguson letting Joe Biden make a speech.” - Craig Ferguson “The College Board says it’s revamping the SAT to focus more on what “President Obama has unveiled his budget for 2015. He’s refer- students will need in college. ring to it as a road map for creat- In fact, the SAT is now just one question: “The New York Times is report- ing jobs. And young people said, ing that the monocle is on the rise ‘A what for creating what? Road ‘How much money do your parents have?’” as a new fashion accessory worn by map? Job? I’ve never had either of hipsters. So remember, when you those things.’” –Jimmy Fallon - Jimmy Fallon punch them, go for the other eye.” – Seth Meyers

“The New York Times has apol- “Anybody see ogized for a spelling error they made 161 years ago. They spelled the Academy Awards last night? “RadioShack has announced ‘Larry King’ with one ‘r’.” – Conan O’Brien plans to close 1,000 stores I watch every year to make sure throughout the U.S. RadioShack “A 10-year-old in Ohio has been customers were very upset when suspended after pretending his I’m not in the dead actors montage.” they got the news on their pag- finger was a gun and aiming it at ers.” –David Letterman - Conan O’Brien another student. Just wait until school officials find out he was in “Staples is closing more than possession of nine other guns.” 200 stores, as part of a plan to - Seth Meyers

68 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 Crossword Puzzle Alien Manos

Across Down 1. Ploy (6) 1. Worldwide (6) 4. Requiring secret knowledge (6) 2. US military officer (5) 9. Disapproves (7) 3. Unit of length (4) 10. Angry (5) 5. Precipitation (8) Purim Ideas 11. Land measure (4) 6. Astounding (7) 12. Perplexing (8) 7. Come out into view (6) 14. Disney cartoon character (5) 8. Ordinary (5) 16. Mournful poem (5) 13. Celestial (8) 20. Scorn (8) 15. Lamp (7) 21. Fencing sword (4) 17. Parts of a play (6) 24. Female relative (5) 18. Catches sight of (5) 25. Pills (7) 19. Creatures (6) 26. Unmarried (6) 22. Fragment (5) 27. Precious stones (6) 23. Woodwind instrument (4) SOLUTION WILL APPEAR IN NEXT ISSUE.

Kaye's Kartoons by Yoni Kaye

Yoni Kaye is currently learning in Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim in Queens and occasion- ally does art jobs on the side. He can be reached at [email protected]. Solutions to last issue’s puzzles

11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 69 70 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014 11 Adar II 5774 917.549.6145 • [email protected] 71 72 917.549.6145 • [email protected] March 13, 2014