Week of May 18 – 25, 2018 • 4 – 11 Sivan, 5778 !jna ,uguca dj

Shavuos 5777 Vol. 11 • Issue 16

PAGE 19

PAGE 3 37 Tu B’Shavat Sameach!

Governor Rick Scott At The Kotel 38 Embassies To Jerusalem, The Dawn Of A New Era DANIEL SEAMAN The decision of U.S. President embassy site in Jerusalem. This, more dent would avoid fulfilling it. Donald Trump to relocate the U.S. than 21 years after Congress passed Many even doubted that Trump— Jewish Heritage Month Celebrated on Capitol Hill embassy to Jerusalem and recognize the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which having made the historical and mo- the city as Israel’s capital has become a called to move the U.S. mission from mentous decision—would go ahead reality. And with it comes a major shift Tel Aviv. with the actual move. Experts and IN THIS in the history of the Middle East. Few believed the event would ever commentators gave a whole array of ISSUE Secretary of Treasury Steven occur. Every presidential candidate in excuses as to why it won’t happen and Mnuchin and Ivanka Trump unveiled the past two decades would make the a list of reasons why it shouldn’t. DARK CHOCOLATE REDUCES the seal and plaque at the May 14 cer- promise of moving the embassy. Once Many experts who questioned the STRESS AND INFLAMMATION, emony dedicating the new American in office though, every elected presi- CONT. ON P11 BOOSTS MEMORY AND MOOD Dr. Joseph Mercola...... 6 THE MOST DEEPLY HIDDEN The Significance Of Ambassador Friedman: Hamas Roy Neuberger...... 8 The Embassy Move breaching the Gaza border a WHITE LASAGNA Jamie Geller...... 22 JONATHAN TOBIN ‘suicide bomb on a large scale’ For decades, it was a consensus issue. Israel’s sup- ALEX TRAIMAN JNS NEWS...... 30 porters of all political stripes agreed that the refusal of the Speaking to a group of evangelical faith leaders that serve as LEMON THE GOLDEN GODDESS United States to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital informal advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Ambas- Faigie Hirsch...... 32 was an anachronistic outrage. That’s why both Demo- sador to Israel David Friedman said that moving the U.S. Embassy crats and Republicans included a promise to move the to Jerusalem is part of a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv in their platforms every four the world a better place.” years. But now that the moment has finally arrived, many Overlooking the Western Wall and Temple Mount, on the CONT. ON P15 CONT. ON P35

,urb ,eksv My Husband Dated Me When I 6 Lessons that Made Me w Wasn’t Jewish a Better Mom 4 Sivan • iuhx s But He Refused To Marry Me And Practical advice that made a big difference. Erev Shavuot Parashat Bamidbar I Called Him Out On It. DR. YVETTE ALT MILLER KYLIE ORA LOBELL 7:49 P.M. FIVE TOWNS I’ve been blessed to have wonderful mothers who’ve 7:50 P.M. STATEN ISLAND touched my life. Not only my mother and mother-in-law, 7:50 P.M. BROOKLYN When Daniel, my husband-to-be, first met me he thought 7:51 P.M. TEANECK, NJ I was pretty and smart, and as an added bonus, I wasn’t Jewish. but also friends and relatives and neighbors who’ve all 7:43 P.M. MIAMI BEACH, FLA. been fantastic role models as we negotiate this crazy jour- 6:51 P.M. JERUSALEM He didn’t want a Jewish girl because he’d had some nega- CONT. ON P25 CONT. ON P5 5/18/18 Kollel Dirshu Siyum on Seder Nezikin Highlights Power of Accountable Learning for Baalei Batim Early Morning Kollel Has Now Completed Seder Moed and Nezikin With Tests CHAIM GOLD

“Over sixteen years ago, when we arah - learning an amud a day, five and being tested. Dirshu has other of Dirshu’s Cleveland branch, re- first started the early morning, pre- days a week, with Sunday consecrated similar branches in Chicago, Detroit, lates, “The Dirshu morning chaburah Shacharis Dirshu Baalei Battim Kollel for chazarah and the opportunity Toronto and even as far as the Ramot is comprised of two divisions. One in Cleveland, there was a Yid who to take weekly tests on the material neighborhood of Yerushalayim. In division sits on one side of the bais joined our morning shiur that had learned. It is a way for baalei batim to addition, Dirshu has recently opened medrash and hears a daily shiur by recently become frum. I can never really stay deeply connected to Torah new branches in Berlin, Germany; Rav Margareten on the day’s amud. forget his comment at the first siyum learning.” Budapest, Hungary and even far off The second group, on the other side of that the chaburah made. That Yid, a Kollel Dirshu of Cleveland is just Hong Kong, whose goal is to infuse the bais medrash, learns as chavrusos. lawyer by profession, exclaimed, “I one of Dirshu’s numerous baalei ba- Yidden with quality opportunities for “Remarkably, one of our found- feel like child who just received his tim kollelim that facilitate an account- limud HaTorah! ing members, a doctor by profession, first chocolate bar! As he immensely able schedule of learning, chazarah Rabbi Moshe Berger, the Director CONT.ON P3 enjoys the sweet confection he looks at his parents and incredulously asks, ‘Why didn’t I get one until now?! This is so wonderful! Why did you wait so long to give one to me?’ This is what I am feeling with regard to learning Ge-

Cleveland Kollel Boker Siyum participants

mara!” he explained. “Why did I have to wait so long to be exposed to the most delectable taam of learning and understanding a piece of Gemara?!” Those were the reminiscences of HaRav Yitzchok Margareten, shlita, Rosh Kollel Dirshu of Cleveland, Manhig Ruchani of the Shomer Shab- bos shul of Cleveland, and principal of Yeshiva Derech HaTorah of Cleve- land, as he shared his impressions of Kollel Dirshu of Cleveland’s siyum on Seder Nezikin made by this past Thursday, 25 Iyar/May 10. This is the second major siyum to be made by Dirshu’s early morning baalei batim kollel. Approximately three years ago, they completed Seder Moed and now they have completed Seder Nezikin. Currently, they are learning Masechta Brachos after which they plan to embark on a jour- ney through Seder Nashim. Empowering Baalei Batttim to Stay Deeply Connected to Learning “The unique quality of the Dirshu early morning kollel,” says HaRav Margareten, “is the fact that it em- powers baalei batim to be regularly involved in quality learning and chaz-

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DIRSHU for years! You have our Dirshu chaburah is learning an CONT. FROM P2 shown that you amud a day, an amount that enables recently moved from Cleveland to embody the direc- the serious learner to chazer. Many of Baltimore without leaving the chabu- tion of Rabi Tarfon our lomdim go one step further and rah! He completed Seder Nezikin by in the Mishnah take weekly tests. The kinyan that our participating daily via telephone or by that teaches that chaveirim have acquired in the areas logging in online to the shiur that Mr. learning is not just they have learned is priceless!” Hirsh Henfield, devotedly records and something you Rav Margareten went on to relate livestreams daily. This member trave- do perfunctorily, how much nachas he derives from led to Cleveland last week specially to to be yotzeh, ‘it is walking into the bais medrash at 5:45 participate in the siyum.” the foundation of a.m., 15 minutes before the shiur is Cleveland Kollel Boker Siyum participants The Equal Partners in the Siyum our lives “Ki heim slated to start and seeing some of the The catered siyum was held at the rah, this is the focal point of our life chayeinu v’orech participants diligently involved in Davis Colonial Plaza Hall and was and foundation of our day. So many yameinu’.” chazara of the previous day’s amud. attended by the mesyamim and their of you have been dedicated to the The Dirshu Combination of Con- “I get so much nachas from see- families. Indeed, the wives of the par- ideal of the accountability that comes sistency and Kinyan ing these baalei batim engaged in ticipants were hailed for their tremen- with a test and have been taking Indeed, Rav Margaraten said, learning chazara at a level that is not dous mesiras nefesh in enabling and weekly tests, week in and week out, “For more than forty weeks annually, superficial.” facilitating their husbands’ attendance at the early morning shiur.

Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Dirshu’s INlooking THE FACE forward OF TERROR Nasi, also specially made the trip to YESHIVAT HESDER SDEROT DINNER Cleveland to participate in the mile- stone siyum. THE MAX & RUTH SCHWARTZ The Master of Ceremonies at the siyum was Dr. Moshe Harris, SDEROT HESDER INSTITUTIONS who has been with the kollel since its Rabbi Dovid Fendel, Rosh HaYeshiva inception. The siyum was made by Mr. Avi Kupfer, also a participant for Welcoming Rabbi Meyer Fendel, special guest from Yerushalayim the entire sixteen years. Dr. Nosson Golfarb was honored with reciting the Yeshivat Hesder Sderot Anniversary Gala Dinner Kaddish. Lincoln Square Synagogue The dinner was donated in mem- Thursday, May 31, 2018 | 17 Sivan 5778 ory of Mr. Mendy Klein, Menachem Moshe ben Naftali Herzka a”h, whose 6:00 PM Buffet Dinner Reception sudden, untimely passing just a week 7:30 PM Program followed by Viennese Dessert before the siyum left the entire Cleve- land community in mourning. Mr. Kickoff for Our 48 Hour Campaign to complete the Klein was an enthusiastic supporter of Kollel Dirshu and attended a number È new rocket proof dormitory È of their siyumim in the past. in memory of Rabbanit Goldie Fendel aha"h Rav Yitzchok Margareten, the Rosh Kollel, was called on to address the crowd. Rabbi Margareten cited GUEST SPEAKERS: the words of the Chofetz Chaim in Professor Alan Dershowitz MK Yehuda Glick Professor of Law, Emeritus Likud his sefer Ahavas Chessed, that when and author of the Case Against BDS a person performs a chessed that benefits others, even indirectly, he is rewarded for that action. Dirshu’s hanhala both in Cleveland and È Guests of Honor È worldwide,” Rabbi Margareten said, Dr. Harvey & Lola Rosenblum È “are equal partners in the success Jamaica Estates, NY Mr. Avi & Laurie Kestenbaum È and simcha that our chaburah is now Mr. Edmund Rosenblum È Scarsdale, NY celebrating. They began this chaburah West Hempstead, NY and they still help support and facili- Mr. Michael & Toby Parker È tate the learning. The infinite reward Rabbi Morris S. & Sarah Englewood, NJ for empowering the learning of Torah Gorelik È Jerusalem, Israel לזכות רפואה שלימה של משה אהרן בן שושה מערע ”.belongs equally to them The Imperative to Maximize the Time One Has For Torah Learning Mr. Chaim & Carole Kiss È Mr. Joram Heilbronner È In his remarks directed at the Teaneck, NJ Toms River, NJ baalei batim of the early morning kol- lel, Rav Dovid Hofstedter said, “I am in such admiration of this commu- Grandparents of the Year Award È nity-those who come to learn for an Dr. Aaron & Dr. Terry Friedman Woodmere, NY hour early each morning. You show that even though you cannot learn all DINNER CHAIRMAN: SHLOMO GOTTESMAN day, you are still deeply committed to COUVERT $300 pp È RSVP www.sderot.org/dinner or 718-650-6091 learning with a schedule, with chaza-

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ple do not receive a reward for invalidate his thoughts and he MORDECHAI LEWIS learning then; on the contrary, will not be able to concentrate they get an aveirah.” as required, because the eyes Torah Study, Its Retention And What can cause one to forget his only see through the power that Torah learning? resides in the soul and the soul The Yeshiva Student – Part II Not reviewing what one learns. receives those images that come As Avos D’Rabbi Nassan states: through the eyes and if the per- Retaining the Torah: up in his mind and nothing is “A person can learn Torah for son looks at nakedness, he causes How does one remember what retained with clarity. A person ten years and yet forget it all in nakedness to penetrate in a high he learned? must refine his deeds if he wishes just two. How is that possible? If place.” One who makes his voice audi- to fully benefit from the spir- a person sits idly for six months The Yeshiva and Its Student ble at the time that he learns, his itual influence of Torah. When without review, he will begin to Ever wonder why a yeshiva has learning will be retained in his a person exerts himself in Torah say of that which is impure that night seider? The Gemara states, hand. However, one who reads or in any area of avodas Hashem it is pure and vice versa. After “Night was only created for the silently will forget quickly. Sec- to the best of his abilities, then twelve months without review, purpose of Torah study.” During ondly, one must be constantly Hashem grants him heavenly he will switch the names of the bein hazmanim, vacation time, reviewing his learning in order assistance and he will attain very sages one with another. After a yeshiva student tends to be a that it will be kept safe in his great levels. eighteen months without review, little lax when it comes to having innards [i.e. have it well memo- How many times should one he will forget entire sections. a learning seider. Therefore, if he rized], so as not to forget. review his material? After twenty-four months with- didn’t learn a word of Torah that Some people are good at multi- Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky, out review, he will forget entire day, he should be meticulous in tasking. Nevertheless, the Ge- known as the Steipler Gaon says mesechtos. [After reaching this learning at night. mara says that if a person learns at least four times state]’ he will eventually sit si- On Shabbos or Yom Tov, one is many things at once, then [his Are there any food(s) which can lently and be inactive…” at home with his family. Yet, the learning] will diminish. Since he facilitate one’s learning? Looking at immodest things. Gemara informs us, “Shabbosos acquires more information than Meat and other nourishing foods Therefore, Rabbi Eliyahu de Vi- and Yomim Tovim were given he could review, he will forget can invigorate the body to enable das (i.e. the Reishis Chochmah) to (Yisrael) only for the study of what he learns. However, if he a person to study Torah better. forewarns us: Torah…” If one wants to go for learns a small amount at a time When should one not review his “Everything that a person looks a walk with his friends etc., that’s and reviews his learning, then he learning? at, the image penetrates and fixes fine. First, learn Torah for what- will accumulate knowledge. In Not during davening. There is a itself in his mind and when he ever duration of time that one is addition, one who learns with- widespread misconception that comes to pray or to study Torah, capable of. Why? Sholom HaMe- out structure cannot acquire learning is permitted during those material images appear in lech says, “The Torah of Hashem chazaras hashatz. HaRav Chaim wisdom. His learning is mixed his mind, and they damage and CONT.ON P15 Kanievesky shlit”a, says, “Peo- 4 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 5/18/18

ALT MILLER of the house and she told me One day I finally gave it a try. Try to adopt one new behavior CONT. FROM P1 how happy she’d be to hear them After a period of intense each week felt manageable and the ney called motherhood. Here are shouting, “Mommy!” one more frustration with one of my kids, I effects were profound. One week I six lessons that have made me a time. Suddenly, my son’s prattling poured out my heart to God, and concentrated on not flying off the better mother. didn’t seem irritating and I tuned as I prayed for my child, I felt a handle whenever my kids behaved in to what he was saying, under- huge sense of connection and pur- in ways I didn’t want. Another 1. Look at the big picture standing that one day I’d long for pose. Putting my concerns into week I made a concerted effort to When children are born, just this moment. words helped me prioritize what I be cheerful and upbeat, creating a observant Jews wish the parents, 3. Choose the right commu- wanted for my child, and praying much more relaxed feeling in our “May your merit to raise your nity to God helped me feel like I was home. The great parenting advice child to Torah, chuppah (mar- My oldest child had just fin- doing something instead of going I was learning finally started to riage) and ma’asim tovim (good ished his first year of preschool over the same failed arguments make a slow and practical impact deeds).” In Judaism, we don’t wish and my husband and I decided to and strategies. in our home. material success or fame or for- send our kids to a school that had The clarity I gained helped me 6. Spend more time with my tune on one another. Instead, our more Jewish content, where they be more patient and by acknowl- kids greatest hope is that our children will learn to be proud Jews. edging that we couldn’t do it alone My young son was asked to manage to fill their lives with We chose the right school that I feel our home became more write about his parents. He wrote, meaning, fulfilling relationships created a warm community with open to receiving Divine assis- “Daddy plays with me and Mom- and kindness. caring families that also wanted tance in ways we never imagined. my washes the dishes.” That’s I still think of those blessings to give their kids a strong Jewish 5. Start small when I realized that I needed to my kids received when they were identity. Looking back, choosing “How can you bring this into make playtime with my kids a born; it helps me keep things in that school set us on our lengthy your life this week?” That ques- higher priority than having a clean perspective. When life gets too path to increased Jewish commit- tion, gently asked each Saturday kitchen and empty sink. stressful, I take a deep breath and ment and observance. afternoon by the rabbi’s wife in I also started including my focus on the big things I want for our old synagogue, changed the kids in those very things that were my kids in the long term. 4. Don’t be afraid to tap into way I relate to my kids and the making me busy. I invited them to 2. Enjoy the moment the Divine for help world. For years, each Shabbat af- help me make dinner and prepare I was waiting in line, in a rush, I once asked a beloved teacher ternoon a group of women would for Shabbat. My kids love braid- and my young son was shouting, for advice on raising my kids. In- gather to study Jewish texts. Reb- ing challah dough making matzah “Mommy! Mommy!” Even as I stead of offering what I thought of betzin Berger was our guide, and balls. We get a lot more together shushed him, I knew I was be- as practical advice, she told me to she’d always come back to that time, and as a bonus we foster a ing unfair, and then my friend’s pray. For months I resisted. I was central question: what was one feeling of purpose and tradition as words entered my mind: “Make looking for help to real-life prob- concrete step we could work on a family. the most of it; you’ll miss it one lems and couldn’t see how turning that week to help us grow into the Aish.com day.” Her kids were already out to God would make a difference. people we longed to be?

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tically with NAD to increase longev- Most recently, human trial data Dr. Joseph Mercola ity. It has the ability to cross your from Loma Linda University, pre- blood-brain barrier, which allows it sented at the Experimental Biology Dark Chocolate Reduces to moderate inflammation in your 2018 annual meeting in San Diego, central nervous system (CNS). This reveal chocolate helps improve stress Stress and Inflammation, is significant because CNS inflamma- levels, inflammation, mood, memory Boosts Memory and Mood tion plays an important role in the and immune function. The caveat? development of neurodegenerative It has to contain at least 70 percent Throughout its history, which The cacao bean contains hun- diseases. cacao and be sweetened with organic dates back at least 4,000 years, choc- dreds of naturally occurring com- Research also shows resveratrol is cane sugar. According to Loma Linda olate has been a symbol of luxury, pounds with known health benefits, an exercise mimetic, producing simi- University: wealth and power. During the 14th including epicatechin (a flavonoid) lar mitochondrial benefits as exercise “While it is well-known that cacao century, the Aztecs and Maya even and resveratrol, the former of which by stimulating AMPK and PKC-1al- is a major source of flavonoids, this is used cacao beans as currency. Modern has both antioxidant and anti-inflam- pha, which increase mitochondrial the first time the effect has been stud- research has also revealed chocolate matory properties, and is thought biogenesis and mitophagy. Another ied in human subjects to determine has significant health benefits — pro- to help shield your nerve cells from compound found in cacao is phenyl- how it can support cognitive, endo- vided you’re willing to give up the damage. ethylamine, which has been shown to crine and cardiovascular health … now-familiar sweet- Norman Hollen- boost mood in a way similar to that of These studies show us that the higher ness of modern day berg, a professor of tryptophan, which your body converts the concentration of cacao, the more milk chocolate. medicine at Harvard to serotonin. positive the impact on cognition, Its cacao content who has spent years Theobromine, meanwhile, has memory, mood, immunity and other — which is bitter, not studying the Kuna effects similar to that of caffeine, but beneficial effects.” sweet — the amount people of Panama who without the jitteriness. Cacao is also In the first study, 70 percent cacao of sugar added, and consume up to 40 cups rich in important minerals such as chocolate consumption was associated the processing chocolate undergoes, of cocoa a week, believes epicatechin magnesium, which promotes muscle with upregulation of several intra- makes a huge difference in terms of is so important it should be consid- relaxation and is needed for bone cellular signaling pathways that are whether it has any health benefits. ered a vitamin. The Kuna have less health, iron for red blood cell produc- involved in the activation of T-cells, Raw cacao gets its bitter taste from the than a 10 percent risk of stroke, heart tion, and zinc, needed for cell renewal. the cellular immune response, and polyphenols present, and these plant failure, cancer and diabetes, which are Just be careful and avoid the mis- genes involved in the signaling be- compounds are also responsible for the most prevalent diseases ravaging take I made. I assumed since cacao is tween brain cells and sensory percep- most of the health benefits associated the Western world. Kuna elders also so wonderful you can take it every day tion. In other words, not only was it with dark chocolate. Milk chocolate, have very low rates of high blood without a break. I used raw cacao nibs found to improve immune function, on the other hand, has few, if any, re- pressure, a feature attributed to their in my smoothie for the better part of a but dark chocolate may also boost deeming qualities, as it is loaded with high cocoa consumption. year and developed a sensitivity to it. brain plasticity, improving your ability sugar, containing very low amounts of Resveratrol, a potent sirtuin It is best to take a few days off a week to learn, process and remember new flavonol-rich cacao. activator, is known for its neuropro- so you don’t develop a sensitivity. information. Cocoa Contains Hundreds of tective effects and has been linked in Dark Chocolate Supports Brain In the second study, which used Health Promoting Chemicals many recent studies to work synergis- Health CONT.ON P7

Moshe’s By THE Yochai Ben JEWISH CROSSWORD Yitzchak Dov

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41) Bait 11) Not those Across 42) Dandy’s neckwear 16) Quizzes again Rachael Schindler, 1) Use a broom 45) Had a meal 19) Thoughts 6) Quiet! 46) Bruce Springsteen, e.g. 20) Stop ____ dime (2 wds.) 9) Foldaway bed 50) Bossy stooge 21) Poet’s always 12) Florida seaport 51) Wayside hotel 23) Least difficult 13) Cow’s cry 52) Craze 24) Plow-pulling animals 14) Cigar residue Larry Domnitch, Daniel Pipes 53) Egyptian cobra 26) Love, in Rome 15) Mediate 54) Acquired 27) Mexican dish 17) Hockey surface 55) Slumbered 31) Soup cracker Racheli Fried, Jamie Geller, Rifka Schonfeld 18) Pains 32) ____ in a million 19) Nest eggs (abbr.) 33) Not pos. 20) Atop poetically 36) Peruvian animal 22) President ____ Roosevelt Down 1) Bus terminal (abbr.) 37) Detroit products 25) Deny 2) Conflict 38) Crawl 28) Hewing tool JACOB STRAUSS hotographer 3) Trade prohibition 39) Holy person 29) Fragrances 4) Heroic 43) Picture takers, for short 30) Spring, e.g. 5) Garden walk 44) Uttered 34) Sept. follower The Jewish Connection is an independent bi-weekly newspaper. 6) Hit show 46) Band’s booking 35) Mad 7) Fiery 47) Numero ____ 36) Sport with webbed Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not necessarily those 8) Gardening tool 48) Small taste rackets 9) Egypt’s capital 49) Tit or ___ 40) Limb of the publisher. We are not responsible for the Kashrus or hashgacha 10) Movie award of any product or establishment advertised in The Jewish Connection. ANSWER TO THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ON PAGE 25

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MERCOLA Cumulative evidence suggests that CONT. FROM P6 higher chocolate intake is associated 70 percent organic cacao chocolate, with a lower risk of future cardiovas- they assessed the brain’s response to cular events, although residual con- GET YOUR COPY OF OUR eating 48 grams of dark chocolate founding cannot be excluded. There using electroencephalography (EEG); does not appear to be any evidence to BLOCKBUSTER BESTSELLER first 30 minutes after, and then two say that chocolate should be avoided hours after. As in the first trial, the in those who are concerned about * dark chocolate was found to enhance cardiovascular risk.” FOR ONLY $3 neuroplasticity. Flavonol-Rich Foods Can Be Ben- Bitter Chocolate Is a Sweet Treat eficial for Diabetics for Your Heart Polyphenol-rich cacao can also be A number of other studies beneficial for diabetics. In one study, have confirmed cacao can benefit patients consuming 100 grams of dark your heart, blood vessels, brain and chocolate for 15 days showed de- nervous system, and helps combat creased insulin resistance. In another, diabetes and other conditions rooted high-flavonol instant cocoa powder in inflammation. As noted in a paper was found to lower the risk of car- published in the journal Oxidative diovascular disease in diabetics when Medicine and Cellular Longevity: consumed three times a day. After one “Cocoa contains about 380 month, their blood vessel function known chemicals, 10 of which are was brought from severely impaired psychoactive compounds … Co- to normal. coa has more phenolics and higher In fact, the improvement “was as antioxidant capacity than green tea, large as has been observed with exer- black tea, or red wine … The pheno- cise and many common diabetic med- lics from cocoa may … protect against ications,” according to the authors, diseases in which oxidative stress is who believe the vascular improvement implicated as a causal or contributing is largely caused by increased pro- factor, such as cancer. They also have duction of nitric oxide, which relaxes antiproliferative, antimutagenic, and your blood vessels. It’s worth noting chemoprotective effects, in addition to that the cocoa beverage used here their anticariogenic effects.” contained much higher amounts of One 2012 meta-analysis found flavonols (321 milligrams per serving) that eating chocolate could slash than what you’ll find in your local your risk of cardiovascular disease grocery store. by 37 percent and your stroke risk As noted by lead author Malte by 29 percent. Another meta-anal- Kelm, professor and chairman of “Lieberman’s scholarship is extraordinary, both in Jewish sources and ysis published that same year found cardiology, pulmonology and vascular with regard to contemporary findings in the fields of psychology and that cocoa/chocolate lowered insulin medicine at the University Hospital sociology… He does not preach, but delivers concrete suggestions [to resistance, reduced blood pressure, Aachen in Germany, “The take-home alter] our behavior.” increased blood vessel elasticity, and message of the study is not that people — Jewish Action, the Magazine of the Orthodox Union slightly reduced low-density lipopro- with diabetes should guzzle cocoa tein (LDL) cholesterol. but, rather, that dietary flavanols hold Enjoy a crystal-clear understanding of the interlacing forces that A 2015 study published in the promise as a way to prevent heart operate in creation—such as Divine providence, mazal, and journal Heart — which also includ- disease.” prayer—and gain the near-magical ability to rapidly remake ed a systematic review of nine other “Patients with Type 2 diabetes yourself and your relationships. In just hours you can begin to: studies — also found a correlation can certainly find ways to fit chocolate between chocolate consumption and into a healthy lifestyle, but this study ✓ Harness willpower Increase self-esteem and confidence a lower risk for cardiac events and is not about chocolate, and it’s not ✓ Conquer anxiety, insecurity, and fear stroke. The initial analysis included about urging those with diabetes to ✓ Enjoy unshakable, emunah and bitachon data from nearly 21,000 men and eat more chocolate. This research fo- ✓ ✓ Overcome destructive habits and addiction women and had a median follow-up cuses on what’s at the true heart of the ✓ Eliminate childhood issues and trauma of nearly 12 years. According to the discussion on ‘healthy chocolate’ — authors: it’s about cocoa flavanols, the natural- “The percentage of participants ly occurring compounds in cocoa. “Dr. Lieberman offers practical skills and strategies to help us grow and with coronary heart disease (CHD) While more research is needed, realize our full potential.” in the highest and lowest quintile of our results demonstrate that dietary – HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky, Shlit’’a chocolate consumption was 9.7 per- flavanols might have an important “I humbly recommend this book to scholar and layman alike. It is vital cent and 13.8 percent, and the respec- impact as part of a healthy diet in the and urgent reading.” tive rates for stroke were 3.1 percent prevention of cardiovascular compli- – HaRav Naftali Jaeger, Shlit’’a, cations in diabetic patients.” and 5.4 percent … A total of nine Rosh Yeshiva, Sh’or Yoshov studies with 157 809 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Cocoa Benefits Mood Higher compared to lower choco- As mentioned, cocoa also con- late consumption was associated with tains chemical compounds shown to significantly lower CHD risk … stroke boost mood. One study, published in … composite cardiovascular adverse 2013, found the polyphenols in cocoa Watch live lectures based on the book, only at TorahAnytime.com outcome … and cardiovascular mor- (a dark chocolate drink mix) helped *5,000 copy print run. No rainchecks. tality … CONT.ON P11 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 7 5/18/18 Roy Neuberger THE MOST DEEPLY HIDDEN

Why is Dovid Hamelech the (Book of Our Heritage, p. 855ff) eternal king of Israel? Dovid is the man who said, “I There was never anyone else am a worm and not a man, scorn like him. He is Kodesh Haka- of humanity, despised of nations. doshim, Holy of Holies. He tried All who see me deride me; they to remain hidden just as the open wide … their lips; they wag Ribono shel Olam is hidden. His their heads.” (Tehillim 22:7-8) descendant, Moshiach ben Dovid, Dovid is also the man who is extremely hidden. It seems quite said, “Hashem, my G-d, will illu- likely that Moshiach ben Dovid minate my darkness. For with You is in the world today, but we do I smash a troop, and with my G-d not yet know who he is. I am sure I leap a wall!” (Tehillim 18:29-30) that, when he is revealed – may it be very soon, in our days! –it will In the world of Esav, every- be as it was when Yosef revealed thing is “me first.” People push in himself to his brothers. front. Drivers cut you off. Busi- nessmen try to destroy their com- “Now Yosef could not restrain petitors. People want their face on himself in the presence of all who the cover of the magazine. Politi- ,uguca dj stood before him, se he called out, cians employ polling agencies so jna ‘Remove everyone from before they can tailor their policies to me!’ Thus no one remained with what the public wants. Fashions him when Yosef made himself are designed to attract the eye to known to his brothers. He cried what should not be seen. People in a loud voice. Egypt heard, and dress to shock, so that others Paro’s household heard. And will look at them. The evil eye is Yosef said to his brothers, ‘I am everywhere, desiring that which in Kitov, p. 837) “No one suf- being redeemed in the merit of Yosef. Is my father still alive?’ But belongs to others. There is no fered as much anguish in his life [Hashem’s love for us] … The his brothers could not answer him truth. There is no integrity. There as Dovid, [who said] ‘Those who Geulah that will take place at the because they were left disconcert- is no dignity. hate me are more numerous than end of days will be for the sake of ed before him.” (Beraishis 45:1-3) the hairs of my head.’ (Tehillim Hashem’s Name with love. This And we, Am Yisroel, have 69:5, as quoted in Kitov, p. 839) is what the Gemara means by Compare this please to the contracted this deadly disease! saying, ‘In the period preceding following description: “The House My friends, we desperately the coming of Moshiach … upon of Yishai had already despaired of What is the ideal? We are sup- need to understand this. We what can we rely? Only upon our having G-d’s glory revealed within posed to imitate the ways of the need to prepare for Moshiach by Father in Heaven!’ (Sotah 49a, as it because of the ‘shame’ caused by Ribono shel Olam and He is the imitating Dovid, who imitated cited by Rabbi Yechezkel Leven- Dovid. It was G-d’s will to conceal Most Hidden! Moshiach, the son the ways of the Ribono shel Olam. stein zt”l, Legacy of the Mashgi- His plan from His loved ones until of Dovid Hamelech, who will save We need to eliminate from our- ach, p. 270) the appropriate time arrived. And the world, is deeply hidden. No selves the traits of the fatally sick now Shmuel (Hanovi) had come one knows where he is. Jaws will world which surrounds us. Dovid In the merit of our complete with a horn of anointing oil … drop when he is revealed, just as Hamelech was small in his own reliance on the Ribono shel Olam, to anoint a king from the house jaws dropped in Mitzraim. “The eyes. When we are small in our may we accept the Torah com- of Yishai. Yishai brought all his stone the builders despised has be- own eyes then we will understand pletely and soon see the Geulah seven sons forward so that G-d come the cornerstone.” (Tehillim that our only hope is to cling to Shelemah and the anointing of might indicate which one of them 118) the Ribono shel Olam in order to Moshiach the Son of Dovid! was most fit in His eyes. However, establish an identity and an eter- Yishai did not call Dovid …. “Dovid … tended his father’s nity. “Dovid’s eyes were always sheep. In a short time he became lowered out of fear of his Master. Roy Neuberger’s latest book is “‘Are there no more youths?’ king, and everyone said, ‘He was When he walked among the peo- WORKING TOWARD MOSHIACH. just a shepherd and now he is a His book 2020 VISION is available in [asked Shmuel] … And [Yishai] ple, there was no haughtiness in English, Hebrew, Spanish, French, replied: ‘there is a little one re- king!” He replied, ‘You are sur- him.” (Zohar 2:101b) Russian & Georgian. maining and he is tending the prised about me? I am even more Roy is also the author of flocks’…. Shmuel replied: ‘Send surprised than you!” (Midrash FROM CENTRAL PARK TO SINAI: As we approach Har Sinai How I Found My Jewish Soul, for him and bring him.’… Shocher Tov 118:21) to receive the Holy Torah, we Available In They sent and brought him. need to discard the traits that are English, Hebrew, Russian & Georgian, He was redheaded, with beautiful “The Sages ask: why is Megilas and clinging to us from two thousand WORLDSTORM: Finding Meaning & Direction eyes and pleasant appearance…. Rus read on [Shavuos]? To teach years of living amidst those who Amidst Today’s World Crisis. And G-d said, ‘Rise! Anoint him, us that the Torah can be acquired desire to destroy sanctity in the Roy And His Wife Leah Speak Publicly On Topics for he is the one. And he anointed only through affliction and suffer- Related To His Books And Articles. world. “Even after the merit of the Email: [email protected]. 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into the realm of the impossible. EM has chosen for me the exact “THE SHMUZ” It will just never happen. And so, life setting and circumstances that I no longer desire it. Much like are best for me. Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier the villager would never dream of sprouting wings to fly, it’s insane. Rabbi Shafier is the founder of The Giving of the Torah — the Shmuz.com – The Shmuz is The Ultimate System of When I stop desiring what an engaging, motivating shiur that Self Perfection others have, I also attain a state of deals with real life issues. peace, tranquility, and happiness with the lot that HASHEM has All of the Shmuzin are available free of “Do not covet the house of food to be heavy were the wealthy. charge at www.theShmuz.com or on the Shmuz App for iphone or Android. Sim- your neighbor. Do not covet the As a result, if a man was corpu- chosen for me. I understand that HASHEM knows better than I ply text the word “TheShmuz” to the wife of your neighbor; his slave lent, it was a sign of wealth and number 313131 and a link will be sent to your phone to download the App. and maid servant, his ox, his don- distinction. For that reason, in what it is that I need, and HASH- key, and all that belongs to your many cultures it was considered neighbor.” – Shemos 20:14 a sign of beauty for a woman to be heavy. A woman of distinction The Even Ezra explains that was large, and the larger, the more people are perplexed by this distinguished. mitzvah. How is it possible not to desire that which I find beautiful? That isn’t our reality today. Baron Hirsch Cemetery Association, Inc. The Torah can forbid actions or Rather than utter those dread- 1126 Richmond Avenue • Staten Island, New York 10314 of speech, because I can to control ed words, “She is overweight,” a my behaviors. But desires dwells shadchan will use fifteen euphe- (718) 698-0162 deep within a person. They are a misms. “I mean she is average.” [email protected]@aol.com function of the inner condition. I “She has wonderful middos, a didn’t ask for them, but they are special chen, great yichus. . . ” here. How can the Torah com- Anything to avoid saying that the 10% DISCOUNT mand me not to want? young woman is heavy. WITH THIS AD

The Even Ezra answers with a Why is that we now loathe Individual plots and family plots available moshol. Imagine, he says, that a what many societies once consid- simple villager were to see a prin- ered desirous? The reason is that $2500-­‐$5500, Credit Cards Accepted cess passing in a procession. He beauty is a function of perception. Please call for more information may find her very beautiful, but Young men are cultured, often he would never fantasize about from a very young age, that a marrying her. She is so far re- certain standard is appealing. That moved from his social status that is the desired state. That is how the idea of taking her as a wife is their sisters look, that is how they out of the realm of the possible. mothers rate attractiveness and He wouldn’t even dream about beauty, and their reality is shaped it. If the idea would ever cross his by what others accept as the stan- mind, he would quickly rebuke dard. himself, saying, “Am I insane? Do I dream about sprouting wings The point is that what is and flying?” considered attractive is not hard- wired at birth; it is learned, often So too, the Even Ezra explains, shaped by what others consider when a person understands that desirable. By nature the human HASHEM runs the world and desires, but the object of his desire sets forth the right woman for the is shaped by external factors and right man, he will never desire perceptions. that which isn’t his because he knows that it is impossible for him This seems to be the point to have it. It is so impossible that that the Even Ezra is sharing with it would be akin to a sane indi- us: that we can shape our very vidual dreaming about growing reality. That which I desire will wings and flying. only be within a specific range of things, and it must be possible The Even Ezra is teaching us a to be had. If I were to focus on fundamental concept in growth: the fact that HASHEM truly is in that we can shape our very reality. charge, I would understand that it is literally impossible to for me Changing Standards of Beauty to have the life situation that my As an example: there was a friend has. His money, his job, his time in history when being over- house, and his wife were all set by weight was considered a sign of HASHEM – and there is nothing dignity. For millennium, people in my power to change that. Once barely had enough to eat. The only I comprehend this, my desire for ones who could afford enough the object begins to wane. It enters

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Greenwald. emunah of their people during the REVIEWS | Daniel Keren The story of Mrs. Frieda Churban. It is the reason that we Bassman is broken into three are still here; it is why we are still sections, her life in Yasina, Hun- studying Torah and performing The Frieda Bassman Story: An gary before the Shoa; the horrors His mitzvos… Extraordinary Holocaust Survivor of the Nazi concentration camps “During the war, my faith at Auschwitz and Bergen-Belson became strong every day. It may and her recovery in Sweden; and seem hard to believe, but I can- (“Miracles: The Extraordinary Life and Second Holy Temples in the last chapter of her rebuilding not remember a day when I did of Frieda Bassman – One Wom- Jerusalem and in lesser degrees a new and noble life in America, not feel keenly aware of Hashem’s an’s Inspiring Account of Cour- throughout our more than 3,000 first in Brooklyn and ultimately in Presence. I have davened every age, Faith and Hope” by Michael year history with episodes such as Chicago. day of my life, and always felt, Lesher and Malky Feig, and pre- the Crusades, the Spanish Inqui- Perhaps the most enduring even in the camps, that I was pared for publication by Miriam sitions and assorted pogroms in character in Mrs. Bassman’s book heard on High.” Greenwald, Feldheim Publishers, Europe. More recently, the mind- is her mother who without a ques- There are many inspir- 368 pages, 2017) numbing and heartbreaking six tion of a doubt greatly molded her ing stories in this book, some years of the Shoah or Holocaust daughter seemingly limitless doses even humorous of life before the Holocaust memoirs are has shaken the Jewish people with of generosity and love for others tragedy of the Holocaust; and of often not easy reading. Oftentimes the realization of the fulfillment in need to rival the hospitality of heroism during that dark chapter it is very painful for the author of the dreaded Torah predictions Avraham and Sarah. The story of in human history as well as amaz- and the reader simultaneously. that resulted in the murder by the how her mother survived a horse ing accounts of Mrs. Bassman’s This past week in synagogues Germans and their eager Eastern driven-cart crashing down a steep commitment to helping her fellow around the world, we read the European cohorts of six million mountain in Yasina while trans- Jews in the concentration camps predicted punishments in Parshas Jews. porting huge sacks of potatoes and later on in her capacity of op- Bechukosai that would befall the One of the survivors of destined to be cooked and distrib- erating numerous nursing homes Jewish people if they turn away that tragic chapter in our national uted to poor Jews was a lesson in in Chicago [where her chesed from fulfilling the Torah mitzvahs history was Mrs. Frieda Bassman, how doing and reached out to that symbolize our unique cove- a”h and her thoughtful memoirs being committed non-Jews also in nant with Hashem at Mount Sinai was just published by Feldheim to performing need]; achieving a with the giving of the Torah that Publishers under the title of chesed, kindness level of proficien- we will be celebrating on Shavuos “Miracles: The Extraordinary Life for others can be cy that brought this coming Motzei Shabbos/Sun- of Frieda Bassman – One Wom- a lifesaver. her on occasions day. an’s Inspiring Account of Cour- The au- into contact with These promised curses or age, Faith and Hope” by Michael thor’s portrayal Presidents of the punishments were fulfilled with Lesher and Malky Feig and pre- of life in Yasina United States of both the destruction of the First pared for publication by Miriam is honest and de- America (Presi- tails that gradual dent Ronald Rea- but sharp decline gan and President Grand Opening in Torah obser- George W.H. vance of most of Bush). the Jews in that Her Shab- K GLATT CONEY K community. 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FOR ALL OCCASSIONS In the background section, “Miracles: The Extraordi- Delicious Kosher Chinese Restaurant she writes: nary Life of Frieda Bassman” takes Eat In Or Take Out “Today there is another an almost hopeless subject and 4305 18th Ave. Brooklyn, Ny 11218 kind of blindness, a lack of under- finds the many silver linings that (718) 972-8085 • (718) 972-8086 standing of the deep spirituality many of us might not otherwise Fax: (718) 972-8061 that carried countless neshamos notice and shows how a seemingly through the most evil traumas simple Jew like the subject of this of that time. 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MERCOLA has little redeeming value and will tion offers the following summary of cacao beans into a mouth-savoring CONT. FROM P7 only promote insulin resistance and the 14-step process required to turn treat: reduce anxiety and induce a sense of related ailments. Additionally, the calm when consumed daily for one standard manufacturing process month. Participants received a cocoa of milk chocolate destroys about drink standardized to contain either one-quarter to one-half of the avail- 500 milligrams or 250 milligrams of able antioxidants, thereby diminish- polyphenols, or a placebo drink with ing its benefits even further. no polyphenol content. After 30 days, So, while you’d be better off those receiving the highest dose re- getting your antioxidants from fruits, ported significantly increased calm- berries and vegetables, should you ness and centeredness, compared to decide to indulge in chocolate, I the placebo group. Those receiving recommend restricting your intake to the lower dose (250 milligrams) did dark, organic chocolate, which con- not experience any significant effects. tains the most flavanols, and avoid The Difference Between Healthy milk chocolate. Your best option and Unhealthy Chocolate would be raw cacao nibs, which are While there’s plenty of science relatively bitter since they contain no vouching for the health benefits of added sugar. dark chocolate, it’s important to Additionally, consume chocolate realize that none of these benefits are in moderation, even the dark kind, transferable to milk chocolate, which and avoid even dark chocolate if is what most people crave. As a you’re struggling with serious disease general rule, the darker the chocolate, such as cancer, which feeds on sug- meaning the more cacao it contains, ars. the more flavanols it contains, and How Cocoa Beans Are Trans- this is the primary source of its health formed Into Chocolate benefits. Last but not least, you may be Milk chocolate, which is low in curious as to how chocolate is made. cacao and high in milk and sugar, The International Cocoa Organiza- Dr. Mercola is the founder of the world’s most visited natural health web site, Mercola.com

SEAMAN affairs. Arabs will respond with The significance of this move importantly, they have sheltered CONT. FROM P1 violence to just about anything. can hardly be overstated. It is a the Arabs from the consequences decision, backed the wisdom of They have been conditioned for 70 significant shift in the discourse of of failed aggression. The Arabs their position with the warning years by the West to do so. Taught the Middle East. For the past 70 actually benefited by losing. that the Arabs will turn to vio- that violent behavior is acceptable. years, the Arabs were accustomed Israeli presence in Judea lence, engage in acts of rage. You They have learned and inter- to the fact that there is no price and Samaria, Jerusalem and the don’t have to be a prophet with nalized, like any thug does, that to pay for their violating interna- Golan Heights came about as a biblical credentials to foresee that, they can get away with it. So why tional law and employing military result of wars of self-defense. The let alone an expert in Middle East wouldn’t they? aggression against Israel. Certain- Arabs were the aggressors. Yet ly, there were no consequences in because of the Western subtle the international arena. racist attitude that infantilizes the VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED The Arabs and their support- Arabs—absolving them of respon- ers are quick to accuse Israel of sibility for their actions and views FOR ZICHRON ETEL violating international law as them as incapable of conducting VOLUNTEER TUTORS NEEDED FOR ZICHRON ETEL - presented in U.N. resolutions. Yet, themselves like “normal” Western AN ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES FREE TUTORING TO they rejected the U.A.rab nations counties—Israel is expected to CHILDREN WHO CANNOT AFFORD IT. NOW IN BROOK- against the tiny nation of Israel. bear responsibility and usually pay They lost. LYN & THE FIVE TOWNS!! REGENT SUBJECT DESPER- a price not expected of any other They attempted to annihilate country in similar circumstances. ATELY NEEDED! ALSO LOOKING FOR TUTORS TO LEARN Israel again in 1967. They lost. Israel went from international WITH ELEMENTARY AND HS AGED BOYS Then again, they surprised darling, especially among liberal Israel with an assault on its most and intellectual circles, to pari- www.zichronetel.com solemn day of Yom Kippur in ah and condemned for “illegal” 1973. They lost. occupation. They took advantage of the When the Arabs openly agreements and territorial conces- announced their intent of annihi- Experienced & Caring 5 Towns sions Israel made under the Oslo lating Israel, the world sat idly by. peace accords in 2000 to launch Had they won and defeated Israel, Tutor with M.S. in Spec. Ed. a murderous assault on Israeli ci- the most the Arabs would have (Gr. 1-12) Available To Help Your vilians in buses, cafes, restaurants, likely suffered was to not be invit- universities, clubs, homes—any- ed to annual memorial services for Child In All Subjects where civilians gathered. They lost Israel. Services that liberal Ameri- again. can Jews would undoubtedly have Specializing in Science Regents Prep, Yet throughout these years of made sure to have organized, to Math & Hebrew • References Available aggression against Israel, West- secure their status as an oppressed ern governments sheltered the victim. Arabs from defeat. Not only in The Arabs, though, leveraged Call Ron at 718-288-5580 the physical realm of the battle- field by restraining Israel. More CONT.ON P15 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 11 5/18/18

on the scale of culpability, is an ous that they are forbidden under action through happenstance. any circumstances. The Sages also When required, Hashem makes extrapolate a teaching that is too CHAPTER 49 us agents of negativity and we often overlooked—a fourth sin become the cause to bring about equal to these three combined: FACETS OF harm. In the next column we’ll lashon hara (“slander”—literally, CHOICE continue with the “plus side,” and “evil tongue”). what the “ranking” is for mitzv- Ethics of the Fathers 5:18. The Although it is true that not While we cannot say that one ot.” Rambam explains this to mean all choices are created equal, the mitzvah is more vital to creation Kiddushin 40a. The Gemara that it is more difficult, but not intention and expression of each than another, Hashem does give (Yoma 29a) explains that certain impossible, to repent. Elsewhere, choice also determine the full im- us a general hierarchy of com- sinful thoughts are, in fact, con- we learn that one who causes the pact on our lives. Here we exam- mandments. As a rule, for exam- sidered even worse than actual punishment of another is not ac- ine, through our finite lens, how ple, transgressing a negative com- sins. cepted within the “inner circle” of Hashem factors in the motivation mandment is more severe than Rabbi Chaim Volozhin, Hashem (lit., “cannot come close behind our behavior, and how the not fulfilling a positive command- Nefesh HaChaim, 50–51. to”). See Shabbos 149b. decisions we make affect our lives ment, and the sins of idolatry, and our world in adultery, and murder The Rambam (Hilchos Teshu- ways we might nev- are indisputably more vah) discusses the complexities See Avodah Zarah 26b. er have expected. serious than other of sins that are entirely thought- See ibid. based, such as: “Do not hate your transgressions. While See Shabbos 68b. there are innumerable brother in your heart” (Leviticus Ibid., 32a. It cannot be as- Chapter 23 nuances, exceptions, 19:17). sumed that this person is an in- Anatomy of a and combinations of The sin of avodah zarah con- strument for negativity as a result Choice motivation, the top sists of two parts: the act itself and of bad decisions and is thus used three are presented to the thoughts and satisfaction sur- A sin of any as a kli. The cause may be any give the reader a sense rounding it. Each part of the sin is type damages our one, or a combination, of the nine of significance. We evaluated separately, and conse- neshamah. How- discussed reasons for life’s chal- begin with the most quences are meted out separately ever, if a person lenges, or because Hashem in His damaging. (Kiddushin 40a). See Tanya, Ch. intends to act Infinite wisdom has chosen this irresponsibly but does not follow • One who leads others to 1, for another important excep- tion to this rule. person to be a shaliach (“emis- through, he is not punished for sin. The gravest offense is when a sary” or “messenger of Hashem”) the sin he thought to commit. The person persuades others to engage Erchin 15b. According to for reasons that we cannot begin Nefesh HaChaim writes, in immoral activity. “Whoever Jewish law, these sins are so seri- to fathom. When it comes to sinning, the leads the masses astray will not spirit of tumah [impurity] encir- be able to repent for all the wrong cles the sinner only when he actu- he commits.” The iniquity that CHANIE’S ally commits the sin, as opposed they commit through him is not to when one does a mitzvah; the erased, even if he himself repents. beneficial impact is made on the • Mumar l’hachis (“a higher worlds the moment he violator out of spite”). One who Sudoku intends on doing the mitzvah. rejects a mitzvah out of arrogance, There are limitations to this in order to anger Hashem. Such rule, for Hashem disregards a person transgresses openly and Puzzle immoral intentions only if they recklessly, without regard for col- Complete the grid so that every row, column and remain completely in the realm lateral damage. 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively. of thought. If any concrete steps • Mumar l’tayavon (“one are taken to actualize our intent, who rebels out of desire”). Such a 3 8 4 then we must seek forgiveness person does not vigorously reject and atonement. Furthermore, if Hashem’s commandments but 3 1 the sinner is a repeat offender (of gives himself over to temptation, the actual deed), then his future due to his inability to overcome 5 4 6 7 negative intentions will be count- his lusts or ego-leaning aspira- ed as if he did them, even if he tions. This person wants to do was unsuccessful in carrying them what is proper, but he is unable to 1 2 out this time. (Still, in such a case, rise above his nature. 4 the negative impact on his soul is As we move all the way down 2 1 not as severe as if he had actually the ladder of reckoning, we find carried out the sin.) that among the less severe is one 7 4 One exception where one’s who does wrong without knowing thoughts are as damaging as the that it is wrong. This person is a 7 3 9 2 behavior—regardless of whether tinok she’nishbah (“a captured or not he is a repeat offender—is child”), a term that refers to a 2 3 the sin of avodah zarah (“idol person who sins inadvertently as a worship”). Even the thought itself result of having been raised with- 8 is a grave sin and carries with it its out the necessary knowledge of own consequences. proper conduct and one’s Torah ASR T THS KS SK AG THE RANKING obligations. Finally, and lowest

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ben De’uel (1:14), but later in the their respective mothers. But only Rabbi Aharon Ziegler parasha (2:14), his name is given one of them could have the honor as El’yasaf ben Re’uel. Why is that of leading a “banner”, and the PARASHAT BA’MIDBAR so? So the Chida says something honor went to Dan, not to Gad. 2018 - 5778 very interesting. Moshe Rabbeinu And because Gad did not com- was buried in the portion of land plain, their tribe was honored with EREV SHAVU’OT belonging to tribe of Gad. This, hosting the burial plot of Moshe was a reward to Shevet Gad for Rabbeinu, and the Nasi was THIS DT IS DEDICATED IN MEMORY Yosef David Azulai, (1724-1806), not complaining when Moshe ap- named –“Re’uel”-meaning, friend OF MY MOTHER, YITTE BAT SHLOMO, A”H. SHE WAS TAKEN FROM US ON THE writes in his famous book called pointed Shevet Dan, to carry one of GD. 7TH DAY OF SIVAN, (ISSRU CHAG) 68 “Shem HaGedolim”, that the of the four banners, and passed I will relate a famous story YEARS AGO. TE’HEI NAFSHA TZRURA BITZROR HACHAYIM Nasi from the tribe of Gad was over the tribe of Gad. Both Dan which I heard from Rabbi Yis- The Chida, [Rabbi] Chaim originally referred to as El’yasaf and Gad were “first born” from CONT.ON P14

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Has not every single enemy of moves the mouths of the evil ones Nakba Day His People always felt His wrath? and seals their fate. SHALOM POLLACK How many times has Hashem Syria, our most implacable saved us from our own vain, ar- enemy suddenly began to im- In a few days, Israel’s Arab citi- They can live in any one of rogant leaders? How many times plode and ingest itself as we watch zens will be in deep mourning. their brother Arab countries and has he hardened the hearts of our Hashem at work. The anniversary of the darkest not in the hated “Zionist entity”. enemies and thus saved us from Just as we did at the Red Sea... day on their calendar ( a calendar The door is open. This is not ourselves? The Iranians (why are they on and history that was created only in the former USSR and every citizen When Barak wanted to give our case..?) dedicating their econ- the last few generations) is rapidly is free to leave. Arafat 97% of all his demands omy and blood to our destruction approaching. They don’t leave, and they including half of Jerusalem, the ter- has been coddled and appeased by May 14 is their “Nakba day know best why. rorist’s heart was hardened and the the “enlightened West” for a long commemoration”. In fact, thousands of Arab deadly concessions were not made. time. It is the day in 1948 that brides from outside Israel seem Rabin, Barak, and Bibi wanted to Today there is a man in the the hand full of Jews in our land to find their true love specifically give the Golan Heights (or parts of White House (how did he get declared the third Jewish Com- in the hated “Nakba” state as they it in Bibi’s case) to the criminal As- there?) who is turning that all monwealth. The immediate Arab rush to marry Israeli Arab men. sad family - but Hashem hardened around and Iran is in a panic. No response was to attempt to commit Funny how true love goes only in their hearts, saving us again. one thought Trump would be genocide on their Jewish neighbors. one direction.. Just the other day, Abbas ( president. Almost no one. They managed to kill about six Israeli citizenship is their guar- Peres’ peace partner), the Holo- So as I anticipate the joys of thousand men women and children antee to being treated with basic caust denier in Ramallah repeated Nakba day, remembering how we but that was nothing near their goal human rights for the first time in his blatant anti-Semitic slurs which were saved yet again, I am moved of a total massacre, and thus their their lives. They, never-the-less, brought the ire of the world down to praise our Lord and recite the understandable annual mourning. join the mourning and rage togeth- upon him and thus hurt his nefari- Hallel. (With a bracha or with- (This public commemoration only er with their new Israeli families on ous cause. out...?) began after Oslo which embold- “Nakba” day. Like Bilam and Pharoe, G-d Our G-d is a truly great one. ened them of course) Nakba day is not a good day Had the Arabs wiped out the for Jews to be near Arab com- Jews as they had hoped, the Israeli munities. Anything can happen. Arab citizens of today (they call In contrast, there is no day on the ZIEGLER a tumult in the community. R’ themselves “Palestinians” in recent calendar where Arabs are careful CONT. FROM P13 Chaim medini was so embar- years) would live today under to stay away from Jews. But this sachar Frand, from which we can rassed by this libel that he had to corrupt, humiliating Arab rule as dichotomy is just another example see the reward for silence. There leave the Kollel. Some were suspi- do all Arabs in the Arab world. of the mess we made for ourselves is a ten volume set of Sefarim, cious of the girl’s accusations and They are the only Arabs living in a despite the miracles handed us on a called the “S’edei Chemed”. It is subsequently, she too was relieved country that guarantees them basic silver platter by Hashem. Hashem an encyclopedia which contains of her job. human and civil rights; a country and not silly, vain men who ulti- virtually every topic in halacha. The poor girl was now with- of guaranteed free education and mately call the shots. That is why I Usually, when an encyclopedia is out a job and destitute. She went top-rated health care, etc. And yet am not despondent about the cur- published, it is not written by one to R’ Chaim and unfolded her they mourn and rage. rent absurd situation. individual, but a team of scholars. desperate situation. She offered The S’dei Chemed was authored to publicly announce the truth of by a single individual, R’ Chaim her rumor if he, R’Chaim Medini Hezekiah Medini (1833-1904), will speak to the administration MAZE well before the era of computers, a about getting back her job. At virtual genius. first, R’ Chaim thought to him- Nevertheless, the S’dei self, “This is my opportunity to Chemed writes, that when he clear my name”. But then, he had began learning, he did not have a second thoughts. By asking the phenomenal memory. His intel- administration to re-hire the girl ligence was nothing out of ordi- he will have to reveal the name of nary. However, a certain incident the talmid who was behind the occurred that changed his life and rumor-and this he said, I cannot enabled him to become a walking do. There has already been one encyclopedia. He was learning in terrible Chillul HaShem (Desecra- a Kollel where another Kollel stu- tion of Gd’d Name) as a result of dent, a supposedly friend of his, the original slander , and now by was jealous of his diligence and revealing the whole story would progress. This “friend” decided create a new Chillul HaShem, and on doing a terrible thing. There that, I cannot do. I will do what was an Arab girl who was hired I can to get her job back but I to come in daily to clean the Beit will not elaborate on the circum- Midrash. This “friend” offered the stances of her slander. The S’dei Arab girl a substantial amount of Chemed writes, that after this money to start a rumor that the incident, he felt his mind opened S’ei Chemed was acting inappro- and expanded and he became a priately with her. This poor girl different person. He became so who was making meager wages gifted with Siyata D’Shemaya sweeping the Beit Midrash went {help from Gd) that he was able to write the S’dei Chemed. ahead and started the rumor. The Shabbat Shalom from Yerushalayim, Rabbi Aharon Ziegler ANSWERS ON PAGE 36 rumor quickly spread a it started

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SEAMAN ignored. Thus, they learn that LEWIS Malka bas Bas-Sheva, Menachem ben CONT. FROM P11 there is no price to pay for losing. CONT. FROM P4 Rivka and among the other sick ones of defeat in the battle field, cloak- Again, it only improves their bar- is perfect in restoring the soul our nation. Putting in the effort to find your zivug ing themselves in the role of the gaining point vis-à-vis Israel. The and Shabbos is the day of the but unsuccessful? oppressed, with Israel earning in- Arabs learned they are in a no lose soul, not the day of the body.” ternational condemnation and its situation. Go to https://partners.zivugtech.org/ right to self-defense under assault. Dedicated: shidduchim to upload your resume. Until now. In memory of Eliyahu ben Mordechai, Demands were placed on Israel With Trump’s decision to This link allows one to directly upload Mashah Tzivyah bas R’ Shlomo Zal- their resume onto Partners in Shid- who was pressured to surrender recognize Jerusalem as the capital man, Altah Soshah Devorah bas Aryeh duchim’s website. Once you uploaded areas taken as a result of the war. of Israel, everything changes. Now Leibush, Chaim ben Shmuel Efraim your resume, you’ll have to wait ap- “To the victors go the spoils” it is a real zero-sum game. Where Zalman, Tuvyah Shlomo ben Naftali proximately 48 hours for it to be in the saying goes. Not when it hap- Tzvi HaKohein; Yisroel ben Yeshayah, their database. Afterwards, you can: when one side wins, the other side Elisheva Basyah bas Yechiel Ephraim, pens to be Israel. In 1956 Israel loses. And losers are weepers, not • Search and sort profiles by age, reli- Leah bas Leib Yehudah, Dovid Pinchas gious type, height or any other keyword was pressured to concede the awarded with considerably im- ben Moshe Aharon, Malka Devora • Pin profiles that interest you Sinai. The same thing occurred in proved international standing. Sima bas Meir Nosson, Esther Perel • System keeps track of profiles you 1973, albeit in return for cease-fire The Arabs have never shifted bas R’ Shlomo, Miriam bas Zelig Shaul, viewed, emailed, pinned, etc. agreements. This was the same Menachem ben Shimon, Menachem ben • Keep private notes and categories for their position of “all, or nothing at Zev, Sarah bas HaRav Yisroel, Avraham as in 1949. Arab aggression was all.” While Israel showed consis- profiles you view Yosef ben Meir Dovid, Zushe Yosef The Partners in Shidduchim website is never addressed, and Israel con- tent willingness to compromise ben Shmuel Tzvi, Dovid Tzvi ben Yosef free of charge. To find out more about cessions became standard with no and made tangible concessions to Yochanan, Kayla Rus bas Bunim Tuvia, Partners in Shidduchim, go to http:// guarantee to end the war. advance an agreement, the Arabs Dovid ben Uri HaLevi, Dovid Avraham partnersinshidduchim.com/about-us/. Even when engaging in sup- ben Chiya Kehos, Yosef ben Moshe remained steadfast in their posi- HaLevi and all the other departed souls posed peace arrangements, the tions and opposition. To view this article with footnotes, go of our nation. to www.sefaria.org/sheets/48675. For Arabs are not held to their com- Trump’s decision to recognize comments or feedback, please email sre- For the complete recovery of Chayah mitments and their violations CONT.ON P35 [email protected].

TOBIN cynical and largely unsuccessful ism. Nor will it compel the Pales- Nor will the United Nations or the CONT. FROM P1 effort to boost the presidential tinians to compromise and make scores of nations that still refuse to of those who once agreed that a candidacy of its chief sponsor Sen. peace if, as remains the case, they recognize Israeli sovereignty over policy switch was both just and Robert Dole, who up until then are still mired in a political culture any part of the holy city change necessary aren’t happy. hadn’t demonstrated much inter- committed to their futile century- their stance as a result of Trump’s The reason is obvious: It’s est in Israel. old war on the Jews, which has decision. because of the identity of the man But no matter who was doing left the peace process dead in the But the desire to discount the who finally kept his word. That the promising, the appetite of pro- water since the second intifada. CONT.ON P16 Donald Trump is the one who Israel activists to hear the words fulfilled his vow, and gave Israel about the necessity of recognizing and its people a memorable 70th Jerusalem as the eternal capital of birthday present is a bitter pill for the Jewish state never dimmed. Or most American Jews to swallow. at least it didn’t until it turned out Several presidents from both that the only person who actually political parties promised to move meant what he said about Jerusa- GET YOURS TODAY! the embassy, yet once they were lem was someone that most of the elected, they broke that vow. The overwhelmingly liberal American “Naphtali Hoff has achieved the implausible: a new management book that is fresh, novel, and highly-readable. Dr. Hoff draws on current industry trends and his own quadrennial bipartisan charade Jewish community despised. Had rich leadership expertise to deliver a book that has actionable insights and strategies over Jerusalem had gotten so a Democrat done it, Jewish liber- for organizational leaders. While marketed to “the new boss,” I believe that this book old that even most of those who als would have celebrated along is equally valuable for veteran and aspiring leaders, too.” ardently believed in the idea have with conservatives and Israelis. — RABBI HERSHEL LUTCH, MBA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MEOR grown so cynical about it that the But since it’s Trump, the impulse mere mention of the issue sent to downplay the significance of our eyes rolling. It caused us to the decision has overridden any BECAUSE EVERY NEW subsequently believe that anyone other emotion or reasoning. LEADER DESERVES TO HIT who repeated the promise was That’s why it’s necessary to THE GROUND RUNNING either a transparent liar or a hope- remind everyone just why Jerusa- AND ENJOY SUSTAINED less idealist who would never have lem used to be a consensus issue. SUCCESS a chance to implement it. It’s equally important to explain The cynics were right to dis- that it’s not an accident of history 1. Achieve immediate, count the promises made by some that Trump was the one who kept sustainable success sincere friends of Israel, including the promise. 2. Manage effective change Ronald Reagan and George W. It’s true that moving the em- Bush, as well as some less than ar- bassy doesn’t magically transform 3. Provide clear, useful feedback dent admirers of the Jewish state, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 4. Connect with your team like Jimmy Carter and the elder Still, the presence of a U.S. embas- 5. Maintain work-life balance President Bush. Indeed, the effort sy in West Jerusalem doesn’t fore- And so much more! to pass the 1995 U.S. law to force close the possibility of a two-state the moving of the embassy (which solution, assuming that’s what the included a presidential waiver that Palestinians actually wanted. was regularly invoked by each Moving the embassy doesn’t Available on Amazon and at other fine online retailers. president before Trump) was pri- mark the final triumph of Zion- BecomingtheNewBoss.com marily the result of a transparently To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 15 5/18/18

typically remembered more for comes from the word “meitzar”, Rabbi Naphtali Hoff the outcome that they produced which means confinements or than for the location at which straits. Our sages tell us that no It’s All they occurred. Take, for example, individual slave had ever man- Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg aged to escape from the ancient About Location Address. While we recall where world power, let alone an entire Lincoln’s historic speech oc- nation. Moreover, the Jewish slave Ask the average real estate Often, people will pay top dollar curred, the fact that it happened nation was trapped in a spiritual professional for the three most for a parcel of land simply because in a small Pennsylvania town is wasteland and desperately needed important elements of a quality of where it is and what it’s close viewed as a historical backdrop to experience redemption before property and you will likely get to, irrespective of its other quali- for the president’s world-altering plummeting to the spiritual abyss. the following response: location, ties. proclamation. In a similar vein, The story of Pesach, therefore, is a location, and location. Developers When it comes to history, the setting of D-Day (the beaches direct outgrowth of the Egyptian can do almost anything to a prop- however, it would appear that of Normandy, France), is noted as experience and the intended ben- erty to fix it up but they can’t do location often plays a dimin- a sidebar to the story of the Allies’ efits could not have been achieved anything about where it’s located. ished role. Historical events are massive invasion onto mainland in any other context. Europe. Similarly, Mount Sinai was At first glance, the same can be more than a nice backdrop for said for major events within our receiving the Torah. It was, in TOBIN imate no matter where its borders national history. We think of Pe- fact, the perfect setting for this CONT. FROM P15 are drawn. The embassy move is sach as a story of persecution and momentous event and played a importance of what he’s done a necessary rebuke to a supposed divine liberation; the “bad guys” critical role in setting the national ignores the enormous symbolic moderate like Palestinian Author- just happened to be Egyptian. mindset for receiving His word. importance of the world’s sole ity leader Mahmoud Abbas, who Shavuos is recalled as a moment The Midrash tells us that superpower dropping the legal continues to deny Jewish ties to in which we received God’s holy Mount Sinai was neither the fiction about Jerusalem that has Jerusalem and spew anti-Semitic Torah. The fact that it occurred highest nor the most splendid prevailed in the international inventive. Trump’s move is a around a small desert mountain is mountain. In fact it is described community since 1948. There may message to the Palestinians that of limited significance. as being the lowest and humblest be a legal rationale rooted in the America is no longer prepared However, careful consid- in its vicinity. Still, Hashem chose 1947 U.N. partition resolution to join others in indulging their eration of the aforementioned Mount Sinai as the place on which that allowed nations to pretend fantasies. Trump has broken the chagim reveals that each one’s to give the Torah in order to teach that Jerusalem belonged to no dam. Slowly, other nations will respective setting played a central us that humility is a prerequisite one. But after 70 years, the double follow with the moving of their role in the spiritual and moral to its study. standard by which Israel is judged embassies, and the symbolism of lessons of the holiday. Mitzrayim CONT.ON P17 has more to do with lingering these moves is another sign that prejudice against the concept of their nightmare vision of Israel’s a Jewish state than any desire to destruction must be discarded. encourage peace talks. The idea that Israel was a There is one final point to be permanent addition to the Middle made about Trump’s role. Those East—rather than a crusader state who feel that his involvement with a short shelf life—was given a detracts from what would other- huge boost by the U.S. investment wise be a glorious day in Jewish in its future. For all of the credit history need to understand that given to President Harry Truman he is almost certainly the only for recognizing the newborn state person who would have made of Israel in 1948, the United States this decision. Virtually any other didn’t begin to give it serious politician, including some with financial support until after it be- long histories as genuine friends came a strategic asset—as opposed of Israel, would have listened to to a security basket case—as a the foreign-policy establishment result of its overwhelming victory and America’s European allies and in the 1967 Six-Day War. But now gone back on their promise, as all Trump has gone further and made of Trump’s predecessors did. it clear that the United States will Only someone like Trump, no longer pay lip service to an who distrusts the experts and international consensus that still disdains the established rules of refuses to treat the Jewish state politics, would have ignored the like a normal nation, entitled to predictions that the world would decide where its capital should be end if the embassy were moved. and to respect the 3,000-year-old Say what you will about the ab- Jewish ties to the city. normal nature of his presidency Far from a technicality, the (and there is much to be regret- stubborn refusal of the world to ted about his personal behavior treat Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and style), but without a genuine was important precisely because outsider like Trump in the White it validated Palestinian intransi- House, this important victory for gence, in which the Jewish state’s Israel and the Jews would have existence is a nakba or “disaster” never happened. that must never be treated as legit- JNS.org

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HOFF commitment. gle with this passage. After all, had such a degree that it was as if they CONT. FROM P16 While Har Sinai may serve as a not the young Hebrew nation al- were compelled by a mountain The basic expectation when model of humility, it also demon- ready declared that they would do hanging over them. we were given the Torah is that we strated Divine might and firm- before they would hear? What was This was not the only clari- need to internalize its teachings ness. The Talmud (Shabbos 88a) the purpose of this added threat? ty-inducing element of Sinai. The and follow its mandates This is relates a most unusual exchange Maharal explains that this sto- Torah’s account (Shemos 19:16, easier said than done, however, in which Hashem uprooted the ry is not to be understood literally. 18; 20:15) presents a most unusual as our ego and inclinations of- mountain from its moorings and At no point did Hashem actually description of the sound and light ten get in the way and we chafe held it above the people’s heads. uproot Har Sinai. Rather, the effects, as it were, that was put on at being permanently subjected He threatened them saying that if Talmud is sharing that the Sinai display for Klal Yisrael. to a higher will. For that reason, they were to accept the Torah, all experience was one of deep clarity There was thunder and light- Hashem framed Matan Torah in would be good. If not, however, and awareness, in which the peo- ning, and a thick cloud upon the a humble setting to remind us to “there will be your burial place.” ple perceived God’s oneness and mountain, and the sound of a check our egos at the door so that Many of the commentators strug- the need to adhere to His word to CONT.ON P18 we can selflessly accept the Divine Mandate. We pray regularly for such humility when we say at the Buy Now Pay Later YOUR BACKYARD conclusion of each amidah (silent) Months SOLUTIONS prayer, “May my soul be to all as Interest Free Swing Into HEADQUARTERS! the dust; open my heart to your 12 Financing Torah.” Humility also keeps us from trying to misuse the Torah for SSpringpring SSale!ale! selfish purposes. Rabbeinu Yo- nah, writing in Shaarei Teshuva (3:160), explains that one can fulfill all of the mitzvos to the fullest degree and still be one who hates Hashem if he is both- ered when he sees others serving Hashem as well. Such a person is not behacing out of a true desire to fulfill His will, but rather for the purpose of enhancing his own personal stature. This is what occurred with Rabbi Akiva’s students. The grudge that they held against each other was caused by a subtle form Passage Swingset Ec1 PVC Swing Set of jealousy, an inability to truly Delivered & $ 95 Delivered & $ 95 Installed appreciate each other’s greatness. 1299 Installed 2199 This, in turn, impacted their will- ingness to treat each other with the requisite degree of respect, Ironclad 8’x12’ which resulted in their deaths. Game “He who makes improper use of Vinyl the crown of Torah passes away.” Changer Shed (Avos 4:5) $ 95 $ 95 Though humility is a critical 1299 Includes Delivery 2799 element to Torah study, the fact & Installation that the Torah was still given on a mountain rather than on flat ter- rain or even a valley indicates that there are times when we need to Solar Energy stand tall in order to resist outside •6 Months Free Power •Free Nest Thermostat pressures. There have been many instances throughout our history • No Money Down! in which our study and adherence Call Us For Details! of Torah has been threatened by outside forces. At other times, the THE ORIGINAL threat has come from within, as members of our own nation have questioned the very purpose and Wood Kingdom value of Torah study and have Of Farmingdale Farmingdale sought to attract other Jews to their way of thinking. At such mo- Like 120 Milbar Blvd. ments, it has been essential for us us on to muster the inner strength and 631-845-3804 courage to resist these forces and WHERE THE FUN STARTS! www.woodkingdomwest.com remain steadfast in our study and To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 17 5/18/18

HOFF you will not heed the command- (Hichos Teshiva, Chapter 5) un- he will be righteous or wicked. CONT. FROM P17 ments of the Lord your God, but derstands this similarly. This is untrue… This principle is a shofar was exceedingly loud; so turn away from the way I com- Free will is granted to all men. fundamental concept and a pillar that all the people who were in mand you this day, to follow other If one desires to turn himself to [on which rests the totality] of the the camp trembled… And Mount gods, which you did not know. the path of good and be righ- Torah and mitzvos as it states … Sinai was completely in smoke, (Devarim 11:26 ff) teous, the choice is his. Should he “Behold, I have set before you to- because the Lord descended upon Ibn Ezra, Ohr HaChaim and desire to turn to the path of evil day [the blessing and the curse],” it in fire; and its smoke ascended other commentators understand and be wicked, the choice is his. implying that the choice is in your as the smoke of a furnace, and the these verses as speaking to each A person should not entertain hands. Any one of the deeds of whole mountain trembled great- individual Jew and his or her the idea … that, at the time of a men which a person desires to do, ly… And all the people saw the ability to choose whether or not man’s creation, The Holy One, he may, whether good or evil. thunder, and the lightning, and to keep the mitzvos. Rambam blessed be He, decrees whether CONT.ON P19 the sound of the shofar, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they were shaken and stood far away. How are we to understand the idea of the Children of Israel “seeing” thunder and the sounds of the shofar? How can one see things that are relegated exclusively to the auditory sense? The answer is that we cannot compare the clarity and knowledge that one receives from hearing a description of the item or event to that of viewing some- thing directly. (This is why the Babylonian Talmud, which is viewed by our sages as the lesser one when compared to the Jerusalem Talmud, intro- duces proofs with the words “come and hear”. In contrast, the latter uses the term “come and see”, indicating a stron- ger perception of truth.) At Sinai, God’s revelation was so complete that it reached the people’s deepest senses, to the point where their knowl- edge of the event was akin to the level of having seen every aspect of it. It is worth noting that although our bechirah (free will) may have been temporar- ily diminished while at Sinai, it nevertheless serves a central role in our relationship with Hashem and His Torah. Our ability to choose, as it were, to live a life of Torah has deep- ened our relationship with its and its supreme Author. The primary source for our ability to opt-in to or out of a life of mitzvah observance can be found at the beginning of Parshas Reah. There, the Torah presents the outcomes of our choices as a matter of blessing and curse. Behold, I set before you to- day a blessing and a curse. The blessing, that you will heed the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today; and the curse, if

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longstanding commitment. HOFF CONT. FROM P18 Another way to achieve sus- According to Rambam, we tained growth is to grow together. are not bound by a predestined The Mishna (Avos 1:6) instructs outcome. Hashem gives each of us us to “make for yourself a men- the opportunity to make choices tor (and) acquire for yourself a that will determine our standing friend.” Positive, growth-oriented and our future. We can choose to friends (equated to mentors) are act positively, and live the noblest so integral to our spiritual wellbe- form of existence. Alternatively, ing that we are told to “acquire” we can elect to act wickedly. them if we cannot develop them But choice alone will not otherwise. amount to much if there is little The experience at Sinai was commitment to sustain it. As one of historic national unity. the seven-week lead-up to Sinai The pasuk (Shemos 19:2) relates makes clear, we cannot achieve that, “Israel (singular) encamped high levels of sustained commit- there opposite the mountain.” The ment in one supernatural mo- singular expression prompts Rashi ment of transcendent awareness. to comment (based on the Mid- Instead, we must establish steady rash) that, “they encamped there a routine of positive action. Rav as one man with one heart.” This Dessler explains that the reason unity was the basis of the Sinai as to why Klal Yisrael proclaimed experience because it forged a “we will do and we will hear” sense of deep national connected- was because they understood the ness at the very outset around our importance of regular positive collective mission and purpose. actions as the basis for their lives Without such unity, we simply as servants of the Almighty. It would have been able to accept the would not suffice for us to think Torah, whose basis is the love of positively or even meditate about the fellowman (see: Rabbi Akiva). spiritual matters. Only continued While it was unfortunately short- action, fulfillment of mitzvos and lived, (Rashi ibid points out that making good choices, ensure our CONT.ON P36

you prefer, or simply rub the half more of a potchke but mix a table- lemon on the spot. Some people spoon of natural yogurt with two also mix the lemon juice with a table spoons of ground oatmeal. little sugar to make a rub, but this Thin with lime juice until you get can be irritating for some people. the consistency which works best Use this concoction 2-3 times a for you. Don’t like it so thin? Use week for best results. Simply ap- natural Greek yogurt—it will feel ply and rinse after 20-30 minutes, more like a cream than a lotion. SHAVOUOT AND SUNSPOTS EDITION or as your beautiful birthday suit Keep it on for no more than 30 permits. minutes—less if you are sensitive, Buttermilk: Another centuries- and toss after 24 hours, just like Dear Readers, However, readers of this column old remedy for uneven skin. I food. Use twice a week for best know that other types of spots remember my grandmothers results! I hope you are enjoying a very can also pop up from the sun that telling stories about starlets who happy Shavouot! Here in Is- are not so friendly, so best bet is bathed in buttermilk. I thought it So, Dear Pamela and Meira, and rael, the holiday means that the to get any new spots checked by was weird back then, but it makes the rest of my Readership, there rains have finally ceased for the a board-certified dermatologist! sense. Buttermilk has lactic acid, you have it! Three lightening summer, and the sun is happily Once the spots are determined to which, like the lemon juice, acts as formulas that wont break the bank shining! Last time we met, we be a result of sun exposure and a bleaching agent and astringent. or burn you (provided they are reviewed why sunscreen is im- not something nefarious, we can Use it like the lemon juice, with used appropriately—all acids can portant, and introduced my new continue our quest for even skin a cotton ball, on places you’d like burn, even natural ones!)! Use Spring/Summer Skincare Series! tone. Most of the natural, ‘home lightened. Rinse after 15 minutes them in good health! Next time, First up: Out, out, darn sunspots! remedies,’ actually work, so we or so. Or, funds providing, fill Dear Readers, we will explore how Is there a safe way to even out skin are in luck! Best of all, they are all up your tub with buttermilk and to keep naturally oily skin at bay! tone? This question was asked by edible! pretend you’re a starlet from the Happy Shavouot! Remember, if many astute readers, including Golden Age of Hollywood! you can’t eat it, don’t put it on Pamela in West Bloomfield and Lemon: This is by far the oldest Yogurt, Oatmeal, and Lime Juice your skin! Meira in Brooklyn! Great ques- natural remedy for uneven skin Smoothie: I know it sounds like tion, ladies! tone! It is also extremely easy to breakfast, but while you are cook- Hadassa Chaya Davies Pardo, Ph.Dz. use, and where I live, almost free, is Chief Lotionist and owner of Hope ing up your morning meal, make Solid Lotion. She has 35 years’ experi- So, how to get rid of those pesky thanks to a lemon tree in the back a little room for this lightening ence in cosmetology and skin care. Do sunspots? These flat, brownish yard. How to use it? Simply ap- lesson! Like buttermilk, yogurt you have a query for Dr. P? Email your ply some of the freshly squeezed questions to: hopesolidlotion@gmail. spots are a result of exposure to contains lactic acid, which we com. Hope Solid Lotion can be found at the sun and are known as so- lemon juice on the spots you wish know has been lightening lads and hopesolidlotion.com. Copyright 2018. lar lentigines. They are benign. to lighten. Use a cotton ball if lassies for ages! This one is a little All Rights Reserved.

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demonstrated by a rat-on-the- types? Are these addictions so FAMILY MATTERS | Dr. Ari Korenblit wheel focus on running and/or overwhelming that it is increas- getting to the gym; stimulation ingly difficult to just say no, or IS IT THE SEARCH FOR PLEASURE addiction demonstrated by the is it due to a narcissistic culture need to have an IPod as a virtual hell-bent on pleasure and instant THAT DRIVES ADDICTION?! appendage to the ear so that a gratification? millisecond will not pass without The compulsive/repetitive It would appear that there are immemorial, the usual culprits stimulation; and many others behavior in the use of recreational so many addictions out in search were nicotine, drugs, food, alco- that are observable in the public drugs, binge eating or other ad- of an addict, and at every season hol, and --the relative newcom- domain. diction offers short term pleasure and conference of mental health er-- the internet/porn. Suddenly, Is this growth of addictions and relief, as well as enjoyment, workers, another is discovered. countless others are thrown into and addictive personalities due to thrill and excitement. It delivers This often yields heated discus- the mix: social contact addiction the increasing allure and power of sensory gratification galore. The sion, papers, research projects, demonstrated by constantly hold- these seductive chemical/psycho- other side of the coin is that the drug company interest to classify ing vigil on Facebook or other logical addictions or the explo- primary benefit of addictions is each new discovery. From time such media; exercise addiction sive increase in these personality to stave off depressive or painful thoughts and feelings. An addict engrossed in satisfying a graving is simultaneously avoiding deal- ing with uncomfortable ideations, memories and self-image. There is a visceral/neural dynamic, as well as a cerebral/psychological one operative at the same time. While many would attribute the intensity of the addiction to raw pleasure, I consider the addic- tive process as more fraught with pain and discomfort. The pleasur- able feelings experienced when satisfying an addiction are limited, fleeting and leave few residual good feelings. On the contrary. The lead up to the satisfaction causes anxiety, pain, a hijack- ing of all other thoughts, and a fierce mind-set to get rid of those feelings. The follow-up feelings cause a severe let-down, depres- sion, pall virtually eclipsing the prior feelings. In total, the dark and unpleasurable, far exceed the pleasurable. Thus, I view it as a continuation of a personal- ity more addicted to pain than pleasure. This approach is critical, be- cause it serves to direct the focus of the cure. If the focus is on the pleasure provided by the addic- tion and how to numb or replace it, it essentially overlooks the deep psychic pain as the antecedent. Therefore, I approach conquering addictions by helping the addict to learn to tolerate painful feel- ings. It is only by becoming aware of all our feelings, owning up to them, and dealing with them in a psychologically, socially and physically healthy manner that we can achieve true potential and pleasure.

Dr. Ari Korenblit is a licensed ther- apist with offices in Brooklyn, Manhat- tan and phone consultations. He does marital and pre-marital counseling, works with singles, couples, families and children. The fee is on a sliding scale. 718-258-3735. Dr.arikorenblit@ gmail.com

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few hours or even overnight, let paper if you are going to do that. SAVORY CREPES sit out for 20 minutes before ready If using the same day prepare your OR BLINTZES to use. filling (ideas below) and preheat Lightly spray an 8-inch cast iron oven to 350. Tamar Genger or crepe pan with cooking spray Assemble: Place 1 blintz spotted and place over medium-high side up on a work surface. Place Use this savory crepe recipe and 3/4 cup almon milk heat until hot. Pour ¼ cup of the about 2 tablespoons filling just these ideas for fillings as a starting 2/3 cup seltzer batter into the pan and tilt the below the center of the blintz, fold point and then make your own 2 large eggs up the bottom varieties. Add curry powder to the 2 tablespoon graepseed oil then the two sides batter if filling with Aloo Gobi, 1 teaspoon sugar and then roll up use chopped herbs in the batter 1/8 teaspoon salt from the bottom, for the Spinach filling, and use cooking spray covering the your imagination for more great Preparation filling. Place on ideas. I kept the batter parve too Prepare the batter: the baking sheet, so you can even experiment with In a blender, combine the flour, seam side down. meat fillings. almond milk, seltzer, eggs, oil, Fill and fold the Ingredients sugar and salt (if adding any other rest of your blin- Batter: spices or herbs do so now). Let tzes and lay on the 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour stand at room temperature for 30 pan to cover the bottom evenly (it pan. Bake in oven about 10 min- 3/4 cup all purpose flour minutes or place in fridge for a might take a few tries, but it gets utes until they are hot and crispy. easier). Cook until the bottom is Filling Ideas: golden brown, about 1 minute. Spinach, Feta and Oven Roasted Flip with a fork and cook on the Tomatoes - use chopped fresh WHITE LASAGNA other side until golden, remove to spinach and place it raw in the Jamie Geller a plate. Repeat with the rest of the crepe, sprinkle on feta and oven batter spraying the pan as needed, roasted tomatoes. My grandmother a”h didn’t like with cooking spray. maybe every other crepe. Stack Aloo Gobi - use this recipe and dip sauce and always ordered white 2. Cook lasagna noodles accord- them on the plate, they won’t stick in a mango chutney if desired. pizza - before fancy white slices ing to package instructions. Drain, together. Apple, Brie and Onion Jam - Pre- (topped rinse under cold Makes 12 blintzes. At this point pare caramelized onions and with ricot- water. Drain you can refrigerate (will stay for puree them to make an onion jam. ta, garlic again and set 2-3 days) or even freeze them, but Spread on crepe, top with thin slic- and arugu- aside. it is better to place between wax es of green apple and Brie cheese. la) where 3. To make en vogue. white sauce: In This white a small bowl, lasagna is whisk flour with an ode to mustard and ITALIAN CHEESECAKE her. nutmeg. Tamar Genger 4. In a medium Ingredients saucepan, heat butter over medi- Preheat oven 475. Canola Oil Cooking Spray um heat. Whisk in flour mixture. In a bowl combine 1 (1 lb.) box lasagna noodles Continue cooking over medium the flour sugar and salt. White Sauce heat until the butter nad flour Cut in the butter with 2 tablespoons flour start to bubble (it will look like pastry blender till mix ½ teaspoon mustard powder honeycombs), about is crumbly. Press into a Pinch ground nutmeg 1 to 2 minutes. 9 inch spring form pan. 2 tablespoons butter 5. Heat milk in microwave for 45 Bake at 475 for 5 min. 3 cups whole milk seconds. Cool on wire rack. Kosher salt 6. Very slowly whisk heated milk Reduce oven to 350. Freshly ground black pepper into the saucepan. Reduce heat to In the bowl of an Filling medium and cook, stirring of- Ingredients electric mixer combine the ricotta 1 (10 ounce) package frozen ten, for 15 to 20 minutes or until 3/4 cup flour cheese, 1/2 cup sugar and 3 ta- spinach, thawed and squeezed dry thickened. Season with salt and 2 tablespoon sugar blespoons flour and then beat at 2 cups Natural & Kosher Ricot- pepper to taste. 1/8 teaspoon salt medium speed until smooth. Add ta Cheese 7. To make filling: In a large bowl, 1/3 cup butter or margarine, eggs, orange rind, vanilla and salt 1 cup Natural & Kosher Grated combine spinach, ricotta cheese, softened and beat 4 min. Parmesan Parmesan, egg, and salt and pep- 2-1/2 cup ricotta cheese Stir in the raisins, citron and 1 large egg, beaten per to taste. 1/2 cup sugar almonds. Gently spoon the bat- Kosher salt 8. To assemble: Spread one-quar- 3 tablespoon flour ter over the crust. Bake at 350 for Freshly ground black pepper ter of the white sauce on the bot- 3 large eggs 1 hour to 1 hour 15 min. or till Assembly tom of the pan. Top with a single 1 teaspoon grated orange rind center is set 1 cup Natural & Kosher Grated layer of noodles then one-third of 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Run a knife around edge of Parmesan ricotta filling. Repeat layers twice. 1/4 teaspoon salt cheesecake to loosen; cool in pan 1 cup Natural & Kosher Shred- Spread remaining sauce on top 2 tablespoons golden raisins on wire rack. ded Mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan and 2 tablespoons finely chopped Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Preparation mozzarella. Bake for 45 minutes. candied citron Carefully remove sides of pan just 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly Serve warm right out of the bak- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds before serving. spray a deep-dish lasagna pan ing dish. Preparation Garnish, if desired.

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COFFEE in the sugar mixture and cook to 248 Fahrenheit. While it is cooking use a HALVAH pastry brush dipped in water to peri- Shoshana Ohriner odically brush down the sides of the pan to wash down any sugar crystals. The key to this halvah is cooking the While the sugar syrup is cooking sugar to the right temperature and not place the tehini in a small sauce pan overbeating it. It sounds difficult but and heat to 120 Fahrenheit. (If you really it isn’t hard. Half an hour and do not have a second thermometer some cooling time are all that stands just heat it until it is quite warm to between you and delicious homemade the touch but not hot.) Stir frequently halvah. to prevent it from burning. Transfer Ingredients the warm tehini to the bowl of a stand 1 tablespoon whole coffee beans mixer fit with a mixing paddle. Add 1 pound granulated sugar the dissolved instant coffee. pinch salt Once the sugar has 4 ounces (1/2 come to tem- cup) cold water perature, imme- 1 pound pure diately pour it sesame tehini into the mixing (make sure there bowl. Turn it on is no added salt) the lowest set- 1 tablespoon ting and mix just good quality instant until the mixture coffee (such as Elite) dissolved in 2 starts to look a bit grainy and loses teaspoons water some of its shine. This should take no Preparation more than a minute. Be careful not Line a loaf pan or other mold with to overbeat the mixture or it will set plastic wrap leaving a generous in the bowl yielding a crumbly mess overhang on each side. Sprinkle the rather than a creamy finished candy. bottom evenly with the whole coffee Working quickly, transfer the mixture beans. Set aside. to the prepared mold. Smooth down Place the water, sugar, and salt in a the top with a spatula and fold the medium sauce pan and bring to a boil, plastic wrap over the top. Let cool at stirring occasionally to make sure room temperature until set, approxi- the sugar is all dissolving. Once the mately one hour. Store, well wrapped that impulsiveness manifests itself many cases, this type of behavior mixture comes to a boil do not stir in plastic, in an airtight container in in childhood, teenagers, and adult- can lead to physical or emotional it again. Place a candy thermometer the refrigerator. hood. Then, I will discuss the ways damage to the child himself and that you can monitor impulsiveness those around him. to make it a positive part of your In children, impulsive behavior life, rather than your downfall. generally has negative outcomes. STRATEGIES | Rifka Schonfeld Children Therefore, it is important to teach Director of S.O.S. (Strategies For Optimum Success) Impulsive behavior in children children methods of self-control. refers to a quick, unplanned action Here are some suggestions for Impulsivity: Downfall without consideration of negative helping children deal with their or Deliverance? outcomes. Often, when children are impulses: impulsive, they are making deci- Do not engage in a power struggle. Do you change jobs very fre- something else? sions with blinders on. Rather than Impulsivity is energy waiting for quently? Always seeing the “big picture,” children a spark to set it off. Don’t create a Always Sometimes with impulsive behavior tend to situation in Sometimes Never which you Never Do you forget are trying to think to control Do you buy things you love even before you the situa- if it means going into debt? speak? tion with Always Always stricter and Sometimes Sometimes stricter Never Never conse- quences. Is it difficult for you to stick to Do you find Then, it is a diet because you constantly most rules and conventions very live in the moment and cannot see going to become a power struggle snack on food in front of you? confining? the consequences of their actions. between the two of you, rather than Always Always Because they cannot see beyond your child trying to control himself. Sometimes Sometimes the specific moment they are living Give room for healthy impulse dis- Never Never in, they will often blame those charge. Give your child some way around them for their actions. For to let loose, through music, physical Is it hard for you to turn down The quiz above asks you to deter- instance, an impulsive might say, activity, stomp in puddles, or a fun an invitation to do something mine whether your level of impul- “It’s his fault that I hit him because and active game. Sometimes this fun, even if you should be doing sivity. First, let’s talk about the way he would not give me the ball.” In CONT.ON P24 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 23 5/18/18

SCHONFELD Because of these discrepancies sible action. Of course, if he abuses or personal life. CONT. FROM P23 in brain development, it is very easy the privileges that come along with Plan for your risks. Once you can help avoid impulsive behavior for teenagers to give into their im- that responsibility, consider taking know what your risks are, make later. pulses and to act before they think. it away. sure that you deliberate before mak- Have a daily routine. When chil- Therefore, it is the job of parents Adults ing any major decisions in those dren are aware of the routines of and educators to help instill prac- Up until now, I have been areas. Chances are, if you are not their days, they will be more likely tices of self-control, especially for talking about strategies for con- thoughtful about those decisions, to follow along without outbreaks. teenagers. trolling impulsivity. But, if you no- you will end up regretting it. Then with a bit of warning, when tice the chart at the end of the quiz, Give yourself a break. Every you decide to change it up a bit, Explain reasoning. At this stage, if you are an adult and never act once in a while if you are not deal- they might be more willing to go teenagers are able to understand impulsively, that can have negative ing with a “risk area” allow yourself along with this alteration because of cause and effect and therefore are effects as well. After all, impulsive to make an impulsive decision. By spontaneity. more capable of comprehending the behavior every now and then such giving in to this inconsequential reasons behind your rules. Sit down as taking an unplanned weekend issue now, you will be better able Teenagers and talk with them about why you getaway with your family or eating control yourself in your risk areas in There are several studies around have certain rules in order to help that cookie that has been staring at the future. teen brain development and impul- them think rationally when they you for a week is healthy. Some psy- Remember, impulse control sivity because the prefrontal cortex have the opportunity to break them. chologists say that spontaneity can is extremely important – but so is (which controls decision making) be a healthy defiance of routine. spontaneity! does not fully develop until age Encourage dialogue. Though at An acclaimed educator and education twenty-five. This still developing times they seem like children, teen- Clearly, though, it is about consultant, Mrs. Rifka Schonfeld has prefrontal cortex leads to a discon- agers have highly developed emo- balancing the thoughtful, deliberate served the Jewish community for close to thirty years. She founded and directs the nect between behaviors and judg- tional lives. If you engage them in decisions with spontaneous bursts widely acclaimed educational program, ment. Poor judgments are con- conversation and let them take part of activity. While life is safer and SOS, servicing all grade levels in secular as well as Hebrew studies. A kriah and trolled by the frontal lobe and are in some of the disciplinary decisions more productive when you are not reading specialist, she has given dynamic most common when influenced by you make, they will be more likely ruled by your impulses, making workshops and has set up reading labs peer pressure or when in emotion- in many schools. In addition, she offers to sign onto those rules. snap decisions when it comes to the evaluations G.E.D. preparation,, social al situations. Laurence Steinberg, small stuff can make life a lot more skills training and shidduch coaching, a Temple University psychology focusing on building self-esteem and Promote responsibility. Show- enjoyable. So, how can you main- self-awareness. She can be reached at professor, explains that “The teen- ing that you trust your teenagers tain that balance? 718-382-5437 or at rifkaschonfeld@gmail. age brain is like a car with a good will do wonders for both his self-es- Know your risks. Be aware of com . You can view the web at rifka- schonfeldsos.com. accelerator but a weak brake. With teem and his ability to control his the areas in your life where you tend Register now for a mindsets and ADHD powerful impulses under poor con- impulses. Consider giving him to make impulsive decisions that are workshop by Dr. Robert Brooks on Novem- trol, the likely result is a crash.” ber 13, 2018. Please call Mrs. Schonfeld at enjoyable tasks that require respon- detrimental to your health, finances, 718-382-5437 for more information.

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LOBELL rying him sometime in the future. months together, so he suggested Daniel had strayed far away from CONT. FROM P1 He quickly squashed that idea. we go and get a free meal at a place Judaism in his youth, he yearned to tive experiences with religion grow- “I won’t marry a non-Jewish girl,” called Chabad on a Friday night. He become observant again. He wanted ing up. So he dated non-Jews and he told me. had me at “free.” to ensure that we, as a couple, would never wanted to get married. That Friday night, something raise our children with a love for I was a blond haired, blue-eyed I told him that didn’t make any inside of me was sparked. (The Judaism and that it would continue girl from a WASP background who sense. “Then why are you dating pintele yid that I had no idea I had?) that way for generations. was always attracted to Jewish men me?” I was inspired by the rabbi’s words, Eventually, sometime during my and mostly had Jewish friends. I’d “I don’t want to get married,” he the warmth around the dinner table, conversion process, Daniel decided even done Passover Seder with my replied, “so it’s a moot point. And and the love the rabbi and his wife that he did indeed want to marry first serious boyfriend when I was I love you, so don’t worry. Nothing showed everyone who wanted a me. Before he dated me, he hadn’t 16. else really matters.” meal and a Shabbat experience. I met anyone he wanted to marry and In the first few months of dating, I thought: What does Daniel was hooked and wanted Daniel to he told me I changed his mind. Daniel and I were living a modern- have against marriage? And why take me back week after week. Daniel and I have been married day millennial fairytale. We lived couldn’t marriage and love just con- I started delving into Juda- and I’ve been a fully practicing Jew in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the quer all those rigid traditions? Can’t ism, attending Torah classes and for three years. I’ve been thinking hipster mecca, where we’d go out he just love and accept me for me? eventually, I decided to undergo an about what I would do if our future for brunch at the French café down Why would I have to change for him Orthodox conversion. I spent five son or daughter wanted to be with a the block, or grab a coffee at one of when he isn’t even religious? years studying, taking on mitzvot non-Jew. That would be a very tough the many specialty roasters around like observing Shabbat, dressing conversation, considering my past. the neighborhood. We’d frequent It didn’t get any better when I modestly, praying every day, and I haven’t yet come to a conclusion comedy shows and raised a rooster learned that his family was unhappy eating kosher. I studied in seminary about what I would say. and a chicken in our backyard. We’d with him dating a non-Jew. I just in Jerusalem and moved to an Or- stay up until the sun rose, watching didn’t get it. Black people married thodox Jewish neighborhood in Los But I do know what I will do: Woody Allen movies on his couch white people. Catholics married Angeles. Raise our children in a warm home, and talking about our hopes and Protestants. But a Jew couldn’t mar- Throughout my conversion, ensure they have an in-depth and vi- dreams. We quickly fell in love. ry a non-Jew? What made Judaism as I took on more, I slowly moved brant Jewish education, show them And then one day, while on a so special? I was determined to show further and further away from “old” that same kindness and love that train to Coney Island to spend a per- Daniel that our different religious self. I felt as if my soul was awaken- the Chabad rabbi and many family fect Saturday on the beach, the topic upbringings didn’t matter, and that ing. I had gone from not believing members and friends have shown of marriage came up. I was only 21 eventually we could and should get anything to believing in one God, me, and do our best to instill a sense and not ready for it, and Daniel and married, no matter what. from eating bacon a few times a of Jewish pride in them. I hope I had only dated for a little while at Daniel and I were broke – very week to not eating any non-kosher that after all that, they will see how that point, but I did see myself mar- broke, in fact – during those first few food, from wearing leggings every beautiful Judaism is and choose to day to switching over to skirts, and stay. I hope that they will raise their from always being worried about my children in a similar way, continue BS"D life to trusting in God that it was all to carry on our amazing meaning- S H A V U O S going to work out. ful traditions, and do their part to I also finally understood why guarantee the future of the Jewish it was so important for Daniel to people. I C E C R E A M P A R T Y marry a Jewish girl. Even though Aish.com A T C O N G R E G A T I O N I S R A E L O F K I N G S B A Y 3 9 0 3 N O S T R A N D A V E CROSSWORD ANSWER B R O O K L Y N , N Y 1 1 2 3 5 FROM PAGE 6

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“Take a census of all the a swimmer dipping beneath the Rabbi Eliyahu Safran congregation of Israel…” In this ocean’s waves. Gone. Individu- pasuk, s’eu et rosh is translated als are lost in the crowd – both Every Grain of Sand… as “counting” or “taking a cen- figuratively and literally! Rabbi sus”. Its literal translation is “lift Lord Jonathan Sacks in an essay the head.” This is a curious and on this very subject quotes Gustav …anyone who kills one soul of years in a lifetime. But when does unusual way to convey the need to Le Bon’s The Crowd: A Study of Israel is considered as if he has our quantification of experience count. Limnot, lispor, lifkod, even the Popular Mind where he shows killed an entire world; And anyone fail us? When does mere counting lachshov are more common terms how crowds exercise a “magnetic who sustains one soul of Israel is fall short? the Torah uses to denote count- influence” that transmutes the be- considered as if he has sustained In English, Sefer Bamidbar ing. They are simple and direct. havior of individuals into a collec- an entire world begins with an accounting of B’nai But s’eu et rosh? What does “lift- tive “group mind”. He says, “An - Talmud Bavli, Sanhedrin 37B Yisrael. “Take a census of all the ing one’s head” have to do with individual in a crowd is a grain of congregation of the people of counting? sand amid other grains of sand, The vastness of the world Israel, by families, by the house We know from every exami- which the wind stirs up at will.” around us can be overwhelming. of their fathers, according to the nation of Torah that no word or An individual in a crowd is We think of the six million and, number of names, every male by phrase in it is arbitrary. So, why often lost and silenced. Lonely. with shock and sadness, we realize their polls” (Bamidbar 1:2) s’eu et rosh here? God commands Moshe, s’eu how limited we are to grasp that God, it seems, really likes to Although we are diligent in et rosh. Count. But don’t simply each was a unique, individual, liv- maintain an accounting of the our practice of quantifying our count. Lift the head! This is not ing soul with specific experiences, Israelites. Not only does He com- experience sometimes, when the just poetic license. This is God likes and loves. The quantity of mand such an accounting here, numbers grow too large, inex- telling Moshe, every individual destruction, of loss, is too much. but also when they left Mitzrayim actitude seeps into our counting. matters! After all, the head is not We see a pair of wire spectacles and after the grave sin of the When we represent something only the seat of intellect, but of and immediately conjure an im- Golden Calf. From Rashi, we get with a very large number – a emotions, feelings, the very self. age of the person who might have an image of a concerned and con- population of half a billion, profits Do not, God is saying, lose the worn them. But when we see stantly attentive God, like a young of two trillion dollars, the thou- individual in the counting! crates upon crates of wire specta- parent keep track of His charges. sands of employees employed by cles, ripped from hundreds upon Rashi says, Mitoch chibatan a multinational corporation and Judaism is individual-centric! hundreds, thousands upon thou- l’fanav moneh otam. God loves yes, even the six million souls lost Rabbi Soloveitchik once explained sands of faces… What? What are them so He counts them. during the Holocaust – we use the the real power of a minyan by we left with? The crush of objects? Really? In Shemot God numbers to represent an aggre- teaching that, yes, we must have A number to stand in for what we says to Moshe, “When you take gate. Our numbers value a group, a quorum to pray, to recite Kedu- cannot account for? An empti- a census of the Israelites to count a nation, a workforce. sha, to read from the Torah but ness? them, each must give a ransom for We do not speak of that num- the ten individuals needed for Numbers are fine tools for his life at the time he is counted ber of individuals with specific the minyan are never swallowed letting us delineate our existence. then no plague will come on them and unique experiences, loves, up. Have nine individuals, and We know how many cents there when you number them.” (30: 11- desires and fears. We speak of the one Yiddele is missing, you have are in a dollar; how many seconds 12) Seems more frightening than whole. In this whole the indi- nothing. in a minutes; months in a year, loving. vidual is subsumed. Lost. Like The group does not exist but for the individuals. God created one Adam. One Chava. Every life is the entire universe. No individual is ever swallowed up by the many. S’eu et rosh. Lift the head. Each is an individual. Do not let the individual be lost in the multitude. Each human being is unique. Special. Sacred and holy. S’eu et rosh. To “lift the head” is to do more than count; it is to honor and to love. The Chidushei Ha- Rim comments so insightfully, “In Halacha there is a very important principle that davar she-be-min- yan lo batel - something that is counted, sold individually rather than by weight, can never be nul- lified even if mixed in a thousand or a million others.... In Judaism to take a census, to count, means to assure that no one individual can ever be lost... God insists that we remain as a davar sh-be-min- yan…” How do we, in this big, imper- sonal world, assure each individ- CONT.ON P29

28 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 5/18/18 Rabbi Eliyahu Kirsh LEAH YOFFE From the Kli YaMagenkar and Avraham the Drashos And Kedushasof Rav Moshe Levi Feinstein, Zt’l Paul Shaffer and Dick Cavett at THE SEASON OF THE GIVING Soroka Medical Gala OF THE TORAH

In Shulchan Aruch Orach year, as we abstain from chomet, eat The American Friends of Honoree Dr. Chaim 294:1 it is codified that in all of matzah and do the relevent mitzvos Soroka Medical Center held its Larry Norton, seated -Dick the tefilos and in the kiddush we say, for the holiday, Hashem’s chesed is 6th Annual Gala Benefit Dinner, Cavett benefiting the new Comprehen- the holiday of Shavuos, the season of reawakened as to what was at the time PHOTO BY the giving of the Torah. The Magen of our going out of Mitzrayim. When sive Cancer Center, at The Pierre LEAH YOFFE. Avraham questions how it is possible we celebrate Shavuos, we awaken the in New York City. Honorees that the day we celebrate Shavuos is the kedusha of the time of mattan To- included Dr. Larry Norton with season of the Torah. After all, it was rah. So, the original holy lights from the Humanitarian Award, and agreed in the Gemara that the Torah Hashem that brought about the events Nicole Krauss with the Literary population,” says Dr. Larry Nor- was given on the seventh day of Sivan. are relit. Furthermore, the phrase Arts Award, and special tribute to ton, honoree and AFSMC sup- However, we celebrate the Yom Tov on miyamim yamimah contains mas- Rosalind Franklin. Musical guest porter, “The CCC will also be the the sixth of Sivan. So it is not precisely culine and feminine aspects, yamim Paul Shaffer, best known as David home of basic and clinical science the day we received theTorah. being the masculine and yamima being Letterman’s bandleader on the that could improve cancer care The Magen Avraham answers the feminine. Both sides of Hashem, CBS Late Show, gave a special throughout the world.” it is perhaps a hint to the Yom Tov the masculine and the feminine were and wonderful performance About American Friends of of Galus. The Kedushas Levi explains revealed during these seminal events. during the evening to the more Soroka Medical Center: A 501(c) this issue in the following manner. Hashem’s original plan was to give than 360 guests. Ambassador Dani (3) dedicated to supporting the vi- The Torah tells us that you shall keep Torah on the 6 of Sivan. Moshe Rabbe- Dayan made remarks during the sion and lifesaving work of Soroka this law Miyamim Yamima [Shemos inu for it to be given on the seventh as dinner as well. Medical Center, Israel’s leading 12:10]. This can be understood as daily Chazal tell us that Moshe added a day. “The Comprehensive Cancer healthcare institution located and as yearly. Interestingly, both inter- Even though the action, the masculine Center will provide world-class in Be’er Sheva-the sole medical pretations are used by Chazal and by side of mattan Torah was brought out care to a thriving and expanding center in the entire Negev. Soroka later sources both for halachic and for on the seventh of Sivan, the light and serves over 1.2 million residents, homoletic interpretation. In our case, kedusha is received by Am Yisroel rom L-R including over 400,000 children. Dick Cavett, we say on Pesach the season of our the sixth of Sivan every yea. Though Paul Shaffer Soroka Medical Center’s Legacy freedom and on Shavuos the season of it is the feminine side,it is part of the PHOTO BY Heritage Oncology Center and the giving of the Torah each year. How kedusha received by Am Yisreol every LEAH YOFFE. the Dr. Larry Norton Institute will we to fully apply this idea to ourselves year. So the words, season of the giving serve more than 18,000 cancer when the events actually happened of our Torah are most appropriate for patients each year, including 750 long ago? The answers is, that each kiddush and our tefilos. children.

SAFRAN five students in each class. It was community the same love? that moment, Moshe and Aaron CONT. FROM P28 December before my rebbi knew Ramban (verse 45) offers three would bless them and pray for ual his space, his dignity, his due? my name. reasons why God wanted the peo- them. How do we “make an account- “I wanted to be someplace where ple counted. His second reason That moment, each Jew bestowed ing”? How do we, in a world in people knew who I was,” he speaks directly to this issue. “Each with a blessing, an acknowledge- which our Driver’s License Num- added, not without some sadness. member of the nation had a right ment, a statement of his unique- ber or Social Security Number is Where did he find a community to benefit from the personal atten- ness. a more important identifier than who knew who he was? Like tion of Moshe and Aaron, and the Every Jew deserves to have his our name, recognize the humanity many others in our community, census was that great opportunity rosh counted! Every Jew deserves in each individual? he found his “community” on for every Jew who came before to be an individual that is ac- Not long ago, I met a young man the streets. Away from shuls and these two great leaders, where counted for as a unique person. who felt distanced from our Jew- shiurim. the father of the prophets and Count my rosh and you will more ish community and tradition. He Rashi teaches that God counts his brother, the holy one of God, likely see me in the minyan and angrily explained, “I attended again and again because He loves spoke his name and accounted not on the street, lost in danger- a large, well-regarded yeshiva. us. him as an individual of personal ous crowd that give me the illu- There were thirty, maybe thirty- Can we show each member of our worth. Surely, the Ramban ads, at sion of belonging.

• • • T A N I Over there is the sports I told Wow, shloIme! room, swimming is over next TO you! I’m not going this is nice, the the lake. Baseball, soccer, and We’ve already checked to camp unless it has I think it’s a fit. football fields are over there, out seven camps for you! What’s a built in amusement park and the dining room in the wrong with this one? main building. with helicopter rides on I campus! don’t like it. By: Yeshaya Suval Under the direction Yeshaya By: of Emunah Publishing

To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 29 5/18/18 JNS.ORG: FULL NEWS COVERAGE Hamas paying protesters to is also the current National Cam- with Turkey over the Mavi Marmara tion on how long Zomlot would be charge Gaza border, Israel paign Chairman of the JFNA and incident and calling for the recog- withdrawn. Since U.S. President reveals: vice chair of their board of trustees. nition of the Armenian genocide. Donald Trump’s announcement Israel’s defense establishment re- And he serves as co-chair of the “Erdoğan is soaked with Hamas ter- that he would move the embassy vealed on Monday that intelligence JFNA National Holocaust Survivors ror from head to toe. It was a severe from Tel Aviv and recognize Je- gathered over the past few weeks Initiative, which has raised millions mistake to sign a compensation deal rusalem as Israel’s capital in De- suggests that Hamas is paying Pal- of dollars in support for Holocaust with him, worth tens of millions of cember, the Palestinians have said estinian activists in the Gaza Strip to survivors. Wilf is an attorney and dollars, following the Marmara inci- they no longer consider the United charge the fence on the border with partner in Garden Homes, and co- dent,” Bennett wrote on his Twitter States to be a fair mediator in the Israel during violent demonstra- owner of the Vikings with his broth- account Tuesday. Bennett, a mem- Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Top tions there. These protests have in- er, Zygi. He also serves as a Trustee ber of the Security Cabinet, added: Palestinian official Saeb Erekat, who creased in intensity since they began of Yeshiva University in New York. “At the time, I said he would return had a life-saving lung transplant on March 30. While the violence Mark’s father, Joseph Wilf, was the to hurt us, and I even voted against in the United States late last year, has generally been limited to week- first North American chair of the that shameful agreement, which echoed the Palestinian position that ends, more than 50 Palestinians “March of the Living” youth trip to unfortunately passed in the cabinet.” it no longer considers America “a died and thousands were injured Poland and Israel, which dedicated partner and a broker.” “We will not on Monday alone. The activists are the 2017 “March of the Living” to One day after embassy sit with them,” he said. “They have paid a minuscule amount – some 50 his memory. move, Abbas recalls its become part of the problem not shekels ($14) per activist or a lump Palestinian envoy from part of the solution, a big part of sum of $100 per family – to charge Israeli ambassador America: the problem. Trump’s administra- the fence at the risk of being killed expelled, as Turkey’s Palestinian Authority leader tion is the biggest problem.” On by Israeli snipers. Instead of risk- Erdo’an accuses Netanyahu Mahmoud Abbas announced on Monday, Abbas also called the new ing its own operatives, Hamas has of war crimes: Tuesday that it would be recalling U.S. embassy in Jerusalem a “new systematically sent teenagers and Turkey has told the Israeli ambas- Husam Zomlot, its envoy to Wash- settlement outpost” and a “assault children to the area. Palestinians sador to the country to temporarily ington, in response to the opening on our sovereignty, an assault on who managed to breach the border leave in protest of the situation in of the new U.S. embassy in Jeru- our established rights.” were apprehended and interrogated Gaza, which saw nearly 60 Palestin- salem. “When [the United States] by Israel’s Shin Bet security agency. ian rioters killed by Israeli forces opened their embassy in Jerusalem, At UN, Haley and Danon Their interrogations shed some light on Monday. Ambassador Eitan there was a need for a decision defend US embassy move, on the methods and tools used by Naeh was summoned to the foreign from our side—and this was our blaming violence at Gaza Hamas’ military wing to encourage ministry and told to “return to his decision,” said Palestinian Foreign border on Hamas and Iran: violence and terrorism at the bor- country for a period of time,” said Minister Riad Malki. The statement U.S. Ambassador to the United Na- der. “Hamas forbids its operatives a Turkish foreign ministry official, from the Palestinian foreign min- tions Nikky Haley forcefully defend from approaching the border, fear- AFP reported. Turkey has also istry did not provide any informa- CONT.ON P31 ing that they will be killed or cap- recalled its ambassadors to Israel tured by the IDF, unless the security and the United States over the Gaza DOVIE’S fence is breached, in which case they situation. Naeh had been serving WORD must infiltrate [Israel] armed, under in his post since December 2016, the cover of the masses, and carry following a reconciliation agree- greek term SEARCH ment between Israel and Turkey How to solve a search and Find Puzzle out terrorist attacks,” the agency The words can be located in the diagram by reading forward, backward, up , down said in a statement. Meanwhile stemming from a break down in and diagonally. All words will be found in a straight line with no letters being relations due to the 2010 Mavi skipped. As you find each word, circle it in the diagram and cross it o the word Monday, Israeli intelligence agen- list. Letters may be used more than once and words will often overlap. All the cies revealed that Iran was transfer- Marmara flotilla incident. At the letters in the diagram may not be used. ring money to Hamas expressly to same time, Turkish President Recep fund the violence along the border. Tayyip Erdoğan also lashed out at Israel, accusing the country of being Billionaire Mark Wilf a “terror state” that has committed tapped to head Jewish “a genocide.” Israeli Prime Minister Federations of North Benjamin Netanyahu responded on America: Tuesday, calling Erdoğan, who has long supported Hamas, of himself being involved in “terrorism and slaughter.” Erdoğan then responded again, saying that Netanyahu leads an “apartheid state.” “Netanyahu is the PM of an apartheid state that has occupied a defenseless people’s Minnesota Vikings owner Mark Wilf. lands for 60+ yrs in violation of Mark Wilf, a billionaire real estate UN resolutions,” Erdoğan wrote developer and owner of the Min- on Twitter on Tuesday. “He has the nesota Vikings football team, has blood of Palestinians on his hands been named the incoming chair of and can’t cover up crimes by attack- the Jewish Federations of North ing Turkey.” Israel’s Education Min- America. The son of Holocaust ister Naftali Bennett also responded survivors, Wilf is a major donor to to the expulsion of the Israeli am- the Yad Vashem Holocaust mu- bassador and Erdoğan’s comments seum and memorial in Israel. He by blasting the compensation deal ASRS AG

30 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 5/18/18

JNS called on Muslims to carry out a “​It is not for nothing that we are English and Hebrew. “The chairmen CONT. FROM P30 jihad against the United States in marking ‘Jerusalem Day’ today at of the club, the owner Eli Tabib and Israel’s reaction to the protests response to America’s decision to the Bible Lands Museum​. ​Jerusalem the executive manager Eli Ohana, along the border with the Gaza Strip move its Israeli embassy from Tel is mentioned in the Bible approxi- have decided to add to the club’s title on Monday that resulted in as many Aviv to Jerusalem. Al-Zawahiri, an mately 650 times,” said Netanyahu. the name of the American president as 60 Palestinian deaths. “I ask Egyptian surgeon, took over the “The reason is simple—for over who made history, and from now on my colleagues here in the Security radical terror organization after 3,000 years it has been the capital of will be called ‘Beitar Trump Jeru- Council: Who among us would founder Osama Bin Laden was shot our people and only of our people. salem.’ ” The announcement came accept this type of activity on your dead by American forces in 2011. We dreamed of returning to rebuild on the eve of the official opening of border?” she posed. “No one would. Al-Zawahiri railed against the Pal- it, the city that is joined together— the new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem’s No country in this chamber would estinian Authority as the “sellers of this is exactly what we are doing Arnona neighborhood, which will be act with more restraint than Israel Palestine” and against U.S. Presi- today​.” attended by U.S. Deputy Secretary has.” The emergency session at the dent Donald Trump as “the true of State John J. Sullivan, Secretary Security Council was convened by face of the modern Crusade” who Celebrated Jerusalem of Treasury Steven Mnuchin, senior Kuwait following the deaths of some could only be met with “resistance soccer team now named for adviser to the president Jared Kush- 60 Palestinians along the border be- through the call of Jihad”, according Trump: ner, Trump’s daughter Ivanka, and tween Gaza and Israel on Monday, to a transcript by the SITE monitor- Loyal Jerusalem soccer fans were Special Representative for Interna- with many members of the council ing agency. He also said that Bin greeted with news on Sunday that tional Negotiations Jason Greenblatt, blaming the U.S. embassy reloca- Laden called the US “the their beloved Beitar Jerusalem soccer as well as ambassadors, dignitaries tion to Jerusalem as a cause of the first enemy of the Muslims, and club would be changing its name in and officials from Israel and around violence. “The unilateral decision by swore that it will not dream of honor of the American leader who the world. “For 70 years, Jerusalem the United States to move its em- security until it is lived in reality in was the first to recognize Jerusalem has been awaiting international bassy to Jerusalem does nothing but Palestine, and until all the armies of as the official capital of the State of recognition, until President Don- inflame spirits,” said Sacha Llorenti, disbelief leave the land of Muham- Israel. The team, whose yellow-and- ald Trump, in a courageous move, Bolivia’s envoy. However, Haley mad.” Hamas called on Gazans to black colors feature a traditional Jew- recognized Jerusalem as the eternal shot back, saying that the embassy engage in violent protests and break ish menorah in its logo, took to Face- capital of Israel,” the club wrote was a “cause for celebration” and through the security fence with book to thank U.S. President Donald in the post. “President Trump has “reflects the will of the American Israel on Monday, at the same time Trump for recognizing Jerusalem shown courage, and true love of the people.” “It reflects our sovereign as the U.S. embassy inauguration and moving the American embassy Israeli people and their capital, and right to decide the location of our festivities would occur in Jerusalem. from Tel Aviv to the capital. “Beitar these days other countries are fol- embassy. Importantly, moving our Jerusalem, one of the most promi- lowing his lead in giving Jerusalem embassy to Jerusalem also reflects Netanyahu’s cabinet nent symbols of the city, are happy its rightful status.” Beitar is currently the reality that Jerusalem is the approves huge projects for to honor the president for his love in second place in Israel’s premier capital of Israel. … Recognizing Jerusalem: and support with a gesture of our league and is known for its staunchly this reality makes real peace more Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin own,” the Facebook post stated in pro-Israel fans. achievable, not less.” Israeli Ambas- Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor sador to the United Nations Danny Nir Barkat hold a press conference Danon accused Iran of helping to at the Mamila Hotel in Jerusalem on foment the violence in Gaza, saying Feb. 23, 2015. “we do have indications of Iranian A series of new programs aimed at funding into Hamas.” “We know “deepening sovereignty” in east- the riots are well-organized, well- ern Jerusalem and investing in all WHEREVER YOU GO... funded and well-orchestrated by sectors of the city were passed on Hamas,” he added. “Iran is sup- Sunday at a festive “Jerusalem Day” porting the riots in Gaza.” Danon cabinet meeting held at the Bible also slammed Hamas’s actions, Lands Museum. The meeting was AMIGO! saying the Palestinian terror group held on the anniversary of the lib- “values destruction over prosper- eration of Jerusalem from Jordanian ity, death over peace,” while saying occupation during the Six-Day War Hamas deliberately put Palestinians in 1967. Approved proposals in- in harm’s way to score propaganda clude plans to formalize land own- points. “What would you do, each ership claims in eastern Jerusalem, one of you, if a violent mob of tens the inclusion of Jerusalem’s Arab of thousands were threatening your schools in the Israeli school cur- sovereign borders?” Danon asked riculum, developing and expanding members of the Security Council. Jewish neighborhoods and projects Sim Cards & Cell Phone Rentals “What would you do if your people in Jerusalem’s historic Old City and were faced with terror attacks day in Mount of Olives, and the creation of For International Travel and day out? You must not give in a cable car that would take visitors to the cycle of death the Palestinians from West Jerusalem through the have created. You must call out lies Mount of Olives to the Dung Gate when you see them.” at the walls of the Old City. The cost of the projects is estimated around Al-Qaeda calls on Muslims NIS 2 billion ($560 million) Prime to carry out jihad against Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US in response to Jerusalem the ministers that the investment embassy move: was mean to “build up and develop In a five-minute video entitled “Tel Jerusalem—east and west, north Aviv is Also a Land of Muslims”, and south, in all directions—to both Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri reveal its path and build its future.” 888.AMIGO.US | WWW.AMIGO-US.COM

To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 31 5/18/18

If you’ve ever wondered about fish and poultry fish FAIGIE HIRSCH the difference in raw lemons Nutritional Advisor compared to bottled lemon juice, Health Benefits of Lemons the vitamin C goes from 139% to It’s probably no surprise that about 100% of the daily value per lemons provide a lot of vitamin LEMON THE GOLDEN serving, with the calcium from C, but the amount per serving GODDESS 7% diminished to 3%. In addition, is pretty impressive at 187% of bottled lemon juice and other the daily value, making it a super Lemons originated at the base tion processed fruit juices are not as infection fighter. Teamed with fla- of the Himalayan Mountains, Lemon juice as well as the zest healthy as they seem, and contain vonoid glycosides the combina- as a natural cross between the are a great foundation for salad very high amounts of fructose and tion provides free radical killing lime and the citron. Cultivation dressing, and adds a great flavor to potentially dangerous additives. activity. spread throughout the Middle fish and poultry fish Citric acid in lemons helps Free radicals can do seri- East, Europe, and Africa, and, like Health Benefits of Lemons with digestion and helps to dis- ous damage to blood vessels and many other plant-derived foods, It’s probably no surprise that solve kidney stones, while the can cause cholesterol build up in were introduced to the Americas lemons provide a lot of vitamin ascorbic acid is a natural antioxi- artery walls, atherosclerosis, and when Columbus made his second C, but the amount per serving dant that prevents many ailments. even heart disease. voyage in 1493. Lemons have been is pretty impressive at 187% of Other antioxidants in lemons Lemons are also a good source a major food crop in Florida since the daily value, making it a super include Beta -carotenes, beta- of thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic the 16th century. infection fighter. Teamed with fla- cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, acid, iron, and magnesium, and One of the world’s most vonoid glycosides the combina- and vitamin A, which promotes are an excellent source of fiber, utilized citrus fruits, lemons thrive tion provides free radical killing healthy mucus membranes, skin, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, in warm and tropical climates, but activity. and vision. Pantothenic acid and and copper, as well as folate and suffer if temperatures dip below Free radicals can do seri- folates, provided by lemons, are potassium. frost conditions. ous damage to blood vessels and compounds needed by the body, If you’ve ever wondered about Lemons are best when bright can cause cholesterol build up in but can only be derived from the difference in raw lemons yellow with a thin skin skinned. artery walls, atherosclerosis, and sources outside the body. compared to bottled lemon juice, Most popularly utilized as a even heart disease. Lemons and limes are great the vitamin C goes from 139% to refreshing drink , lemon slices or Lemons are also a good source for juicing, too! They have a token about 100% of the daily value per wedges are often added to cold of thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic amount of the fructose that caus- serving, with the calcium from and hot tea for an extra punch acid, iron, and magnesium, and es many metabolic complications. 7% diminished to 3%. In addition, of vitamin C. They make a great are an excellent source of fiber, Clinical studies indicate that lem- bottled lemon juice and other garnish for salads and can be vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, ons may have disease-preventing processed fruit juices are not as squeezed over other raw fruits to and copper, as well as folate and capabilities. healthy as they seem, and contain add flavor and preventing oxida- potassium. Tests both in labs and on very high amounts of fructose and patients indicate that lemons may potentially dangerous additives. be beneficial treatment for cancer, Citric acid in lemons helps including breast cancer in patients with digestion and helps to dis- undergoing chemotherapy. solve kidney stones, while the Lemons originated at the base ascorbic acid is a natural antioxi- of the Himalayan Mountains, dant that prevents many ailments. as a natural cross between the Other antioxidants in lemons lime and the citron. Cultivation include Beta -carotenes, beta- spread throughout the Middle cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, East, Europe, and Africa, and, like and vitamin A, which promotes many other plant-derived foods, healthy mucus membranes, skin, were introduced to the Americas and vision. Pantothenic acid and when Columbus made his second folates, provided by lemons, are voyage in 1493. Lemons have been compounds needed by the body, a major food crop in Florida since but can only be derived from the 16th century. sources outside the body. One of the world’s most Lemons and limes are great utilized citrus fruits, lemons thrive for juicing, too! They have a token in warm and tropical climates, but amount of the fructose that caus- suffer if temperatures dip below es many metabolic complications. frost conditions. Clinical studies indicate that lem- Lemons are best when bright ons may have disease-preventing yellow with a thin skin skinned. capabilities. Most popularly utilized as a Tests both in labs and on refreshing drink , lemon slices or patients indicate that lemons may wedges are often added to cold be beneficial treatment for cancer, and hot tea for an extra punch including breast cancer in patients of vitamin C. They make a great undergoing chemotherapy. garnish for salads and can be DNA cell protection, immune squeezed over other raw fruits to system regulation, and inflam- add flavor and preventing oxida- mation relief are just a few of the tion many nutritional advantages of- Lemon juice as well as the zest fered by lemons. are a great foundation for salad But what they don’t have a lot

dressing, and adds a great flavor to CONT.ON P33 32 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 5/18/18

developed, it was impossible to based, then what place is there for TRUE HEALTH | YAEL TUSK properly come to a valid conclu- belief? sion. Hence, by default all medi- There is no need to take a leap cal systems developed outside the of faith with regard to one’s health, DO YOU BELIEVE? framework of the scientific method when we have access to evidence become “unscientific” and therefore and experience. Therefore, when When I first entered graduate measured, all factors that are subject invalid. asked if I believe, my response is school, I have to admit that I was to biases. And expert opinion is just Modern science asserts that it that, I do not believe in Chinese more than a little bit wary. “What that. Opinion. Even widely held is the only “evidence-based” system medicine, or any other medical if Chinese medicine is just a bunch consensus of experts does not shape in existence, while all other systems system. I know from experience of ba­loney?” I asked myself. I was reality. Scientific exploration and are deemed baseless and therefore that Chinese medicine works well completely skeptical, but as open- medical research can be highly sub- could only be “faith based.” Incredi- and that it’s safe. I also know that minded as was possible for me at jective, and will always be suscepti- bly, by asserting that evidence-based it makes a lot of sense. It’s simple, the time. I certainly wanted Chi- ble to human error, medicine and the yet brilliant. I like Chinese medi- nese medicine to be legitimate, or just like ev­erything scientific method cine, but that’s not what this book is I wouldn’t have been there. I just else produced my are the epitome of about. This book is about using your couldn’t help but doubt that it could mankind. Science scientific per­fection head. actually work. Could anything be- is the work of the — the ultimate When it comes to health, an sides modern med­icine really work? human mind. It truth — it becomes educated decision will always serve It just didn’t seem possible. can be truly bril- necessary to have us better than a decision based on I was forced to take a leap of liant at times, faith in science, lest faith. Chinese medicine is eons faith when I entered Chinese medi- but it can also be you be accused, ahead of modern medicine, in cal school, but that was the last leap abysmally wrong at heaven-forefend, experience and in depth of under- of faith I took. From then on, it was other times. of being “anti- standing health, and will always experiencing the effectiveness and There is noth- science!” remain so; after all, they had a understanding the logic of a med­ ing wrong with In recent years two-thousand-year head start, with ical system that simply made sense human error — some very passion- or without the scientific method. that sold me. However, for over everybody makes ate and scientifi­ Two thousand years of experience fifteen years I have been constantly mis­takes. The cally minded is certainly enough to make faith asked the following question, “Do problem arises people have started unnecessary. accusing whoever they feel does not you believe in Chinese medicine?” when belief in science becomes an To be continued… At first, the question confused me article of faith. Faith has no place in have the proper faith in science, of Excerpted from “Health: A Natural Ap- being…anti-science. But if science proach” By Yael Tusk, MSc greatly, and I had no answer. As I the world of science or medicine. Ask for it at your local bookstore! saw it (and still see it), if it works, is supposed to be flawlessly evidence then there is no need for belief, and WHY BELIEF? if it doesn’t work, then only a fool Why do so many people ask would believe. questions about belief? Because we There is a widely held belief that have been taught to “believe” in Rabbinical Alliance of America the scientific method is nearly infal­ medicine. Of course, this belief only lible. This is very far from the truth. applies to modern medicine. In fact, IGUD HARABBONIM In fact, the way most studies are all other medical systems have been Thanks President Trump on the Opening of the conducted, the findings and conclu- discredited by the medical establish- United States Embassy in Jerusalem sions are merely a consensus of the ment under the pretense of being opinion of the researchers who per- unscientific, i.e., not “evidence The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, a pro- formed the study. A study’s findings based” via the scientific method. fessional Rabbinical Organization with a membership of 950 Orthodox depend heavily on how the study This leads to the perception that Rabbis — thanks President Donald Trump for opening the American was designed and what criteria were before the scientific method was Embassy in Jerusalem today, the 51stanniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. In 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act which called for the relocation of the American Embassy to Jerusalem. U.S. Presi- HIRSCH just a few of the many nutritional dents have repeatedly signed waivers, preventing the relocation. Last CONT. FROM P32 advantages offered by lemons. June, the U.S. Senate passed a unanimous resolution calling on the Pres- of calories may be another reason But what they don’t have a lot ident to move the embassy. President Trump answered that call and, in they’re so popular. This cheery of calories may be another reason December, set in motion the embassy’s move. yellow fruit with an ancient his- they’re so popular. This cheery Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Executive Vice-President of the RAA/ tory is revered, perhaps equally, yellow fruit with an ancient his- IGUD stated, “We applaud President Trump for fulfilling his campaign for its health advantages and as a tory is revered, perhaps equally, pledge to relocate the American Embassy to Jerusalem, thereby further- food. for its health advantages and as a ing peace in the middle-east. This is an unambiguous and clear declara- As for the vitamins and min- food. tion that the United States of America stands with Israel and recognizes erals, lemons come with infection- As for the vitamins and min- Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital.” fighting vitamin C, as well as thia- erals, lemons come with infection- We pray that the Creator shine His blessings on President Don- min, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, fighting vitamin C, as well as thia- ald Trump and his administration to lead the world towards universal iron, and magnesium, fiber, lots min, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, peace. of B vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, fiber, lots We also pray that the United States of America will continue to copper, folate, and potassium. The of B vitamins, calcium, potassium, steadfastly lead the world in protecting the safety and security of all antioxidants and flavonoids you copper, folate, and potassium. The freedom-loving people, especially the State of Israel that faces enemies get in the lemons you eat today antioxidants and flavonoids you who stubbornly refuse to acknowledge its right to exist. will keep you healthy fDNA cell get in the lemons you eat today May He who makes peace in His heavens make peace for us and for protection, immune system regu- will keep you healthy for tomor- all Israel, Amen. lation, and inflammation relief are row and beyond.

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was the highest at $800,000. their crimes. According to the re- Saul M. Berger CFE, CPA, CFF Corruption schemes resulted in port, the TOP 8 CONCEALMENT a median loss of $250,000, while As- METHODS USED BY FRAUD- PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM FRAUD set Misappropriations are the least STERS are: costly at a median loss of $114,000, Created fraudulent physical 2018 REPORT TO THE which in my book is still $114,000 documents- 55% NATION - PART 2 too much! Altered physical documents – The most common and the 48% In my last column, I sum- consider implementing as many of costliest scheme types within the Created fraudulent transactions marized the key findings of the the preventative actions utilized, as category of asset misappropriation in the accounting system – 42% 2018 edition of the Report to the reported in the report. are: Altered transactions in the ac- Nations published by the Associa- When assessing an organiza- check and payment tampering counting system – 34% tion of Certified Fraud Examiners tion’s fraud risks and designing billing, and Altered electronic documents or (ACFE). The ACFE analyzed 2,690 anti-fraud controls, it is important theft of noncash assets (such as files – 31% actual fraud cases reported by fraud to remember that fraudsters usually equipment, supplies, product) Destroyed physical documents professionals from 125 countries grab any opportunity that comes This information assists or- – 30% around the world. The report con- their way to perpetrate their scams. ganizations in planning fraud Created fraudulent electronic tains a great deal of information As a result, almost one-third of the prevention plans that places greater documents or files – 29% about how occupational fraud is cases analyzed presented more than emphasis on the areas that occur the Created fraudulent journal committed, how it is detected, who one type of fraud in the committing most as well as where the loss risk is entries – 27% commits it, and how organizations of their crime. greater. can protect themselves from it. We Based on the report, occupa- Not only does the fraud scheme Now for the good news: looked into behavioral red flags that tional fraud (see Part 1) can be involve the actual commission of Eventually, most frauds are un- are present in fraudsters. If there broken down into three main areas: the fraud, but also a second ingredi- covered – obviously the sooner the is one or more, the possibility that Asset misappropriations – pre- ent necessary in order to complete better in order to cut down on the this person is a perpetrator of fraud sent in 89% of the cases the fraud - the concealing of the potential loss. is greater than those who exhibit Corruption schemes – present crime, or as we well know from the Understanding the methods none. This does not mean that those in 38% of the cases news media, the “cover-up”. Un- by which occupational frauds are with red flags are actually fraud- Financial Statement fraud – pre- derstanding the methods fraudsters discovered is crucial for both inves- sters, and at the same time, those sent in 10% of the cases use to cover their crimes can help tigating schemes and implementing without any red flags aren’t! We While financial statement fraud In order for organizations to effective prevention strategies. The also covered the anti-fraud controls is the least likely type of occupa- combat fraud successfully, it is survey participants were asked to that are prevalent in American com- tional fraud to be perpetrated, the imperative to understand the ways share how the frauds they investi- in which the fraudsters try to hide panies. Companies would do well to median loss from the cases studied CONT.ON P36

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TRAIMAN signing of six-month waivers by U.S. to Jewish commentaries, “this was a people for 3,000 years. “That is a fact. CONT. FROM P1 presidents to postpone completion sin on par with the sin of the golden The facts haven’t changed in 3,000 rooftop of the Aish HaTorah Jewish of the 1995 Embassy Relocation Act calf,” adding that according to sev- years. The way we approach the facts, learning center, Friedman thanked to the scene in the famous Snoopy eral commentaries, the 10 spies that with optimism and courage, is how the faith leaders for their support cartoons, whereby Lucy kept pull- came back with the negative report the Trump administration approach- and celebrated the move of the em- ing the football away from Charlie were accurately relaying what they es the region. bassy, but cautioned, “Today is not a Brown as he got ready to kick it. saw. “We are trying to do some- day to rest on laurels. We have a lot “We finally got to kick the ball,” “Did they lie?” asked Friedman. thing different,” he continued. “Not of work to do, and we are just getting he said. “We know they told the truth,” he to base our policies on hopes and started.” Taking the analogy toward scrip- said, adding that “the sin was not dreams, but based on reality and Addressing the deaths of nearly ture, Friedman transitioned: “King that they told the truth; the sin they facts, based on truth. Truth with- 60 Palestinians who were killed by David told us not to place our trust committed was not having the cover- stands the test of time. That’s the way Israel Defense Forces while trying in princes, but rather to place our age to go forward.” we have approached foreign policy. to breach the border fence between trust in God. We’ve been patient and “I promise never to make that Any policy based on any other values Gaza and Israel—what Israeli offi- waited.” sin in this office,” he said. is built on quicksand and won’t cials are saying was a cynical attempt ‘Truth withstands the test of Friedman related that Jerusalem survive.” to steal headlines from the embassy time’ has been the capital of the Jewish JNS.org move—Friedman indicated that the embassy move has the potential to Friedman related that as a young bring peace closer, as opposed to teen, he had been intent on becom- pushing the two sides farther away. ing a rabbi, but was talked out of it BAAL T’SHUVA | Rabbi Y. Winner “We have been accused by many by his father. “There were two times of being prejudiced against the Pales- I saw my father cry. The first was Shavuot Message 5778 tinians. We never have disputes with when my grandfather cried. The the Palestinian people. We only have second was when I told my father I Dear CIKB Family, Friends Exodus 20:2). When looking at the disputes with Palestinian leaders,” wanted to become a rabbi.” and Jewish Community, word “Anochi” – “I”, one can ask, stated Friedman. Friedman frequently projects On this Holiday of Shavuot why did G-d introduce Himself “We have a problem with a Pal- his affinity for the Jewish people G-d gave us the Ten Command- to the Jewish People at Mt. Sinai, estinian leader [Mahmoud Abbas] and biblical scripture. In his current ments. The first of which is, belief using the word “I” instead of His who says that the Jews were respon- position, Friedman noted that he in Hashem as the one and only Holy names. Especially, names sible for their own deaths in the Ho- was careful to make certain that all G-d. Hashem began this command- that where familiar to them. Yet, locaust, and we have a problem with the furniture in the embassy office ment with the words : “Anochi” He chose instead to simply say the Palestinian leaders who tell 14-year- is “out of the government catalogue, - I am Hashem your G-d, who word; “I”. Chassidic Philosophy olds that the Gaza border has been not anything fancy,” while adding has brought you out of the land explains that all names define the breached, and they can go ahead and that the office has been beautified by of Egypt , the house of slavery “( CONT.ON P36 march on to Jerusalem, only to find Jerusalem artists who were eager to that the Israeli Defense Forces are lend their artwork, and that the “cen- waiting for them,” said Friedman. terpiece of my office is a painting of Come to He added: “That’s a suicide the 12 spies.” bomb on a large scale.” Explaining the significance of the The ambassador told the group painting, Friedman explained: “Mo- Staten Island! of high-profile evangelical leaders, ses sent out 12 spies to tour the land organized by Pastor Mario Bram- of Israel, to see if the land was con- nick, president of Hispanic Israel querable. These spies were among 12 Leadership Coalition, that Tuesday of the greatest leaders of the Jewish Congregation represented the one-year anniversary people. Two of them, Joshua and Ca- of his taking office as ambassador. leb, said ‘we can conquer the land,’ “I hoped to get the embassy while the other 10 said ‘we can’t get Or HaChaim moved in my first year,” said Fried- there from here—the land is filled man. “We cut it close.” with giants.’ ” located in Willowbrook, He compared the continuous Friedman noted that according is looking to rent its

SEAMAN ing months. If it is any indication, facilities during CONT. FROM P15 32 countries attended the recep- Jerusalem as the capital of Israel tion for the event held by Israel’s the week to a small had more than symbolic value. It Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem last is the first act of a major shift in night. beis medrash for international politics. Guatemala The decision to return em- will move next on Thursday with bassies to Jerusalem is no less the coming z’man. Paraguay and Honduras later this than the beginning of a new era. month. Panama, the Czech Re- The recognition of Israel’s victory public, Romania, Poland, Togo, and accepting Israel as the em- Call Rwanda, Uganda and Canada are bodiment of Jewish history and all considering the move as well. the right of the Jewish people to its ancestral home in the Land of 718-496-3319 The event has set off a chain Israel. reaction, with countries in Eu- Daniel Seaman is the editor of the for more details rope, Latin America, Africa, and English edition of Mida.org Online Asia set to follow suit in the com- magazine. To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 35 5/18/18

BERGER tips, and how they are communicat- other sources. The report shows that veyed: CONT. FROM P34 ing them to the organization. 53% victims are rarely made whole. 53% recovered NOTHING! gated were initially detected. This of all tips came from employees of The more victims lose, the less 32% collected PARTIAL & helps in the understanding of how the victim organization while 32% likely they are to make a full recov- ONLY 15% recovered 100% of organizations are most likely to of the tips that led to fraud detec- ery. their losses! discover frauds in the future. We tion came from people outside the For example: The best takeaway advice I can need to learn from our mistakes, organization such as customers, If the loss is less than $10,000 – impart to you is, don’t become a as in any facet of life. The findings vendors, and competitors. The 30% collect full recovery victim! were the same as they have been remaining 15% came from people If the loss is greater than Saul M. Berger, CFE, CPA, CFF is Presi- since the 2010 edition of this report: who wished to remain anonymous. $1,000,000 – only 8% collect full dent and CEO of EPIC On-Point Consult- The leading detection methods are The main reason for the desire to re- recovery ing, LLC, which specializes in providing turnaround strategies, forensic account- tips, internal audit, and manage- main unidentified is the fact that ing and fraud prevention & detection for ment review. In the United States, Whistleblowers often have a fear Now for the bad news: businesses and individuals . Saul can be contacted at [email protected] or these three detection methods were of being retaliated against. As a re- Of all of the companies sur- 516-225-6594. cited in 64% of the cases in the sult, it is important that tipsters are current report. Tips were by far the able to make reports anonymously, most common means of detection without fear of punishment. HOFF out that what makes us different CONT. FROM P19 at 37% of cases—more than man- should be the source of national agement review (14%) and internal Tips are received via different while the encampment around Si- pride, not tribal scorn. audit (13%) and combined. As a media, with the telephone hotlines nai was ‘as one man,’ “all the other Am Yisroel, at its very incep- side note, only 9% of the cases in the being the most popular. encampments were [divided] tion, was organized into…separate USA were discovered by accident! The report provides the follow- with complaints and with strife”) units, each distinguishable from That means that if your organiza- ing statistics: it nevertheless was enough upon the other – the twelve shevatim tion had ten frauds perpetrated Telephone hotline – 42% which to build our national desti- (tribes) – under one single com- against it, you’d be lucky if even Email – 26% ny around a common treasure. mand… The common denomi- one was discovered by chance! This Web-based/ online form – 23% It’s no secret that getting Jews nator of all customs has always in itself is proof that organizations Mailed letter/form – 16% to act and feel united can seem been the unquestionable loyalty can and should take steps to detect The reason why the total is almost as remote as bringing the to the halacha, and the identical fraud proactively, rather than pas- greater than 100% is because some Palestinians to the negotiating faith in the divine authority of the sively. organizations employ more than table for a real two-way peace-ori- Torah…In our own days we are one way to receive tips. ented conversation. We have so acquainted with a multitude of Since tips are the most common After a fraud has been detected, many divergent attributes and divergencies such as the countless detection method, it is important the victim might try to recover its attitudes that it seems that we customs which distinguish Ori- to understand who is providing the losses from the fraudster or from can never recapture that glorious ental from Occidental Jews. Each sense of connection from cen- main division, such as Chassidim turies ago. But at the same time and Misnagdim, Eastern Euro- the experience of Sinai shows us pean and Western European, WINNER saying; “I exist independently of CONT. FROM P35 that when we band together for Yemenites, Moroccans or Lith- your belief in Me, whether you do uanians, Hungarians, Poles, etc. object being named. Now be- the common good, we can break or do not believe in Me, “I” still again can be divided into smaller cause G-d cannot be defined, the down barriers and achieve deep exits! segments… There comes to one’s word: “Anochi”, “I” was chosen. It unity. This concept of “I’ transcend- mind the image of a symphonic is not a name of G-d, it is G-d as He Sometimes such unity can ing all limitations and explanations orchestra, a large group of musi- is. To explain better, when some come in the form of tragedy, is the same with the Jewish Peo- cians playing various instruments one says the word “I” on themselves such as when the three yeshiva ple. Let us ask; what is a Jew? Or under the direction of one con- , they are not explaining what they boys’ abduction a few years back in other words; “What is the “I” ductor. are or anything about themselves, brought our nation together re- of the Jew, his essence? Is it bio- As we gather together in cel- but simply and forcefully stating: I gardless of location or affiliation. logical? Someone born to a Jewish ebration of Shavuos, let us recall am I. That is it! I am I! For G-d this Is there hope for unity that does Mother, is a Jew? Is it a personal the unique lessons of Sinai, so that is the best introduction. Through it not necessitate rallying together in choice? Some one that chose to we can humbly reaccept the Torah we understand that He is above and times of pain? convert according to Jewish Law, with clarity and unity. beyond all limitation and expla- is now a Jew? Is it religion? A One possible approach is for nation. It is as if He is saying and person who follows all of the 613 us to come to appreciate others’ Rabbi Naphtali Hoff, PsyD, is an ex- uniqueness not as an imperfection ecutive coach and President of Impact- teaching us; what is G-d? He is, “I commandments. Maybe a Jew, is a ful Coaching & Consulting. For a free, “and as well the “I” of all existence. group of people and with a shared but rather as their special contri- no obligation consultation, please call bution to the heavenly ensemble. 212.470.6139 or email nhoff@impact- There is no explanation for His culture and /or language, with a fulcoaching.com. Check out his new existence and how he created the past history of suffering and glory. Rav Shimon Schwab (Select- leadership book, “Becoming the New ed Writings, CIS Publications, Boss”, on Amazon and on the book site, world. He just is with out need or Maybe it’s about having your own BecomingtheNewBoss.com. Download possible explanation. G-d is also Lakewood, 1988, p. 61-62) points his free eBook for understaffed leaders CONT.ON P39 at ImpactfulCoaching.com/EPIC.

Coplete the grid so that ever row coln and bo contains ever digit ro to inclsivel ANSWERS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLES! Sudoku Puzzle

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Continued from last issue

Raplotska! your majesty just Story by look at my face! R’ Fischel Was it you? Schachter do i look like someone & Yonasan who would ever steal Schwartz! anything?? yes, you do! No! I would steal anything else, but not the je... I mean I wouldn’t, never never never! Yonasan SchwartzYonasan & Well, that leaves only you...... Krinkilntska! Did you steal the jewel? Your majesty. I would never steal anything from you! I can see things aren’t R’ FischelR’ Schachter going to be easy... My Name is EMES My By R. Pensky Tzai by & Illustrated print for Adapted if somebody admits, fine. If not...your punishments will be very severe!

Continued next issue IY”H

what?! yourGroundbreaking Ceremony Gov. RickI’m Scott sorry Of Floridayour majesty, he is lying! Story by majesty i At Bais Haknesses Of North Woodmere R’ FischelVisits The Western Wall your it wasn’t me Schachter majesty, i bet it was & Yonasan either! honest! Schwartz! hope you chremlin-I catch the don’t like thief! him!

L-R , i can see MORAH D’ASRAH RABBI ARYEH i have no LEBOWITZ AND STATE SENATOR, choice... TODD KAMINSKY everyone out of the Yonasan SchwartzYonasan throne & The Bar Mitzvah Of room-now! Aryeh Yerachmiel Fuchs In Lakewood, NJ R’ FischelR’ Schachter My Name is EMES My By R. Pensky Tzai by & Illustrated print for Adapted

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At The Staten Island Israel Bonds Breakfast

JCRC Dinner Honorees with CEO Michael Miller Photo Credit: Lori Yofe

Jerry Markovitz singing at The israel Bonds SI Breakast Novominsker Rebbe Inspires and Strengthens NY Yeshiva Community

The Yeshiva Community Ambassador Dani Dayan Michael Grimm and Rabbi David Cedar

Jewish Heritage Month Celebrated on Capitol Hill

Greg Rosenbaum, Hon. Paul Packer, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Ezra Friedlander Rabbi Shia Markowitz, CEO, Agudath Israel

Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, Novominsker Rebbe Rabbi Moshe Bender, Associate Dean, Yeshiva Darchei Torah

Rav Yitzchak Dovid The RJJ Grossman, Pre 1A Founder, at Migdal Ohr’s Annual Gala Boys went on a trip to the Public Library yesterday.

38 To advertise in THE JEWISH CONNECTION call: 718.761.2626 • [email protected] 5/18/18

WINNER from G-d. This cannot be explained CONT. FROM P36 even to the Jew himself. He would land and self governance? Having rather cease to be then be discon- a homeland in the Middle East nected from Gd. The soul is in a called Israel , being sent away from constant and simple yearning to it and then reconquering it. to put reunite to G-d without need or con- it simply; What make a Jew a Jew? cern for its own existence. That is Once again, Chassidic Philosophy what a Jew is; a piece of Him. This explains that a Jew is literally, a concept is the same with EVERY “Chelek Eloka Me’Mal Mamosh” Jew. As G-d says upon Himself He a piece of G-d from above ( Tanya is the only true “I” and His exis- Chap. 2) . Thus, as G-d is without tence needs no explanation, the any definition, so too the Jewish same with each Jew. Indeed, a Jews Soul and People, cannot be de- feel the “I” of G-d in all existence fined. True its is one who is born and inside himself as well. The from a Jewish mother or converts Jew says with his own existence, “it “Khalacha”, is obligated to study is not I that is real but G-d. He cries and practice all of the Torah. Does for all to hear: “My real “I” and the have at times a shared language, “I” of all existence is Him . The I culture, history, land and people to of me is not me it is Him. When belong to. Yet, the Jew is more then the “I “ of G-d calls your “I” and all that. essence , the true Jewish “I” cannot The Truth of the “I” of a Jew help but respond by accepting His cannot be explained even to him- Torah and doing His Will with joy self .The Jew did not make himself :) . a Jew, G-d did. A Jew is more then Wishing all of the Jewish People its accomplishments or abilities. a Healthy and Peaceful Summer Or the sum total of its parts, so and we shall receive the Torah with what is he and what does G-d want Joy and inwardness and that we of him? A Jew is a piece of G-d! should merit to study Torah with That is its definition and undefin- Moshiach today! able being that by its very nature Best wishes for Bercoho Vatzla- yearns for G-d. More so, it nei- cha ; Blessings and Success ! ther wishes nor can be separated RYW and Family

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