See Page 2 $1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 11 NO. 23 14 ADAR I 5771 ta,-hf ,arp FEBRUARY 18, 2011 INSIDE THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OHEL FROM THE EDITOR Runge’s Trial Diary Rabbi Chaim Goldberger 33 B Y LARRY GORDON Egypt Through My Eyes Joel Berkowitz 36 Mubarak’s Weigh To Go Farewell Dr. Rachael Schindler 41 Who knew that Hosni Minor Damage Mubarak was such a bad guy? To Rabbi Meir Orlian 74 the outside world, he seemed to be quietly managing the affairs Rabbi Moshe Spiegel, a’h of his country in a calm and effi- Rabbi Chaim Wakslak 84 cient way, with barely a sound resembling an objection except from the radical Islamic minori- ty in the country. Mubarak Ohel Bais Ezra Vice-President Jay Kestenbaum, honorees Mark and Naomi Rubin and Renee and Dr. Yossie Jeret, and assumed leadership of Egypt fol- Treasurer David Jacobson were joined by nearly 1,200 guests lending their support for Ohel’s many programs and services at the Ohel Dinner last Sunday, February 13, at the New York Hilton. See Page 81 Continued on Page 4

A BETTER MARRIAGE BY MONDAY HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE BY JUDAH S. HARRIS Whose Snow Is It Anyway? Towards the very end of BY LARRY GORDON kept the white stuff fresh, with Sunday’s two-hour program on the sunshine sometimes glisten- YOSS Dinner honorees. the topic of shalom bayis, mari- It hasn’t snowed in three ing off its surface. See Page 49 tal harmony, held at Cong- weeks, yet until a few days ago, Granted that our main thor- regation Shaaray Tefila in when it began to warm up a bit, oughfares are doing well and are Lawrence, Rabbi Eytan Feiner of some streets here in the Five completely clean and free of the White Shul suggested to Towns still looked like they had snow, with driving safe and rou- husbands that they take their been snowed on that morning. tine. Walking down some wives to the zoo. The situation can be attributed streets, however, can still be Even if they’d rather be some- mostly to the fact that we have somewhat treacherous. Just last had freezing temperatures Continued on Page 13 Dr. David Steiner throughout this period. This has Continued on Page 9 YFR Celebrates 42 A New PUNDITS ON Beginning PLUTO Shuvu 28th Annual Dinner. See Page 78 From The Other Side BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN Of The Bench B Y DA VID J. Nicholas Kristof was intoxi- SEIDEMANN, ESQ. cated. That’s not a value judg- ment. It was the New York Times I confess. In my early years, I columnist’s own self-assess- watched As the World Turns. ment in a February 1 column, his In January 2007, I received a inebriation the result of having Rabbi Yechiel Perr, Rabbi Moshe Brown, Dr. Benzion Krupka, and Rabbi phone call from an old friend been amid a crowd of Egyptians Aaron Brafman at the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway Dinner on motzaei Shabbos, February 5. See Page 40 Continued on Page 16 Continued on Page 20

Uncle Moishy concert at Aron’s Kissena Farms. See Page 67

CANDLE LIGHTING Feb. 18 – 5:15 PM Feb. 25 – 5:23 PM 2 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 3 FROM THE EDITOR When Israel’s leaders, from the prime Continued from Front Cover minister down, wanted to confer with Mubarak, they had to travel to Cairo or lowing the assassination of Anwar Sadat usually Sharm el Sheikh to meet with in 1981. For over a half-century, Egypt has him. Except for Yitzchak Rabin’s funeral been led by military strongmen, begin- in 1995, Mubarak did not set foot in the ning with the war-mongering Gamal Jewish State. Traveling to Israel would Abdel Nasser in 1956. have created too much controversy for From our perspective, the only reality him, and he preferred to keep things as spilling out of Egypt these last few quiet and as simple as possible. decades was the rock-solid nature of the One of the odd things in the aftermath cold peace that has existed between of the peaceful overthrow of the Israel and Egypt since 1979. Today while Mubarak government is that the peace the Arab world is still rhetorically com- that exists was really between the State mitted to doing away with Israel, it has of Israel and Mr. Mubarak. Now the onus been the accepted reality that anything falls on the peoples of both countries to resembling a military confrontation form a peace for the first time and even a with Israel could not occur without bond that can be lasting and enduring. Egypt’s involvement. The problem with this otherwise Unfortunately, despite the peace treaty seemingly simple equation is that the between the two countries, relations have not warmed over these many years. Continued on Page 6

4 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 5 FROM THE EDITOR simultaneously that they do not have to FEATURES Continued from Page 4 be subjects of a despot if they don’t want to be. And these forums facilitate the Around The Five Towns 48 way Arab leaders manipulate and control most important idea and vital notion that P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 their subjects and citizens is by feeding they are not alone, that many others feel 516-984-0079 Aliyah Chronicle them nonstop hostility and unbridled the same way. [email protected] resentment for anything related to Jews The advent of these developments [email protected] Shmuel Katz 34 or Israel. This is the way the Palestinians was inevitable. How did heads of state LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON do it, as do the Syrians, the Jordanians, like Mubarak believe that the people Publisher/Editor Managing Editor Classified Ads 70 and so on down the line. could continue to be repressed and YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON Just think that until a few weeks ago, live in poverty while reading on their Sales Managers The Dish Elke Probkevitz 24 Hosni Mubarak’s plan was to hand over computers and seeing on television CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Editorial Assistant Halachic Musings SIDI BARON DAVID FOX Rabbi Yair Hoffman 80 DOV GORDON As if all of a sudden, a few hundred thousand YAKOV SERLE Insights On The Torah Sales Representatives R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 45 people came to the realization SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor Luach 8 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS simultaneously that they do not have to be Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen MindBiz Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Yoni Glatt Esther Mann, LCSW 42 subjects of a despot if they don’t want to be. Toby Klein Greenwald, Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Ron Jager Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller Mother’s Musings Elke Probkevitz, Dr. Rachael Schindler Phyllis J. Lubin 46 Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Rabbi Avi Shafran the reins of his tidy little business how much of the world was moving Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier, Rabbi Meir Orlian Real Estate known as Egypt to his son Gamal. His ahead without them? Interestingly Eli Shapiro, Dr. Ari Sher, Samuel Sokol Anessa V. Cohen 44 hope was to do that in the same orderly enough, the country that best illus- ELISHEVA ELEFANT and undisturbed fashion that King trates how a society and an economy Staff Graphic Artist That’s The Way It Is! Hussein placed Abdullah on the throne can grow and flourish is the country IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Hannah Reich Berman 38 in Jordan, the way Hafez Assad handed that they are taught to regard as anath- Staff Photographers over power to Bashar Assad, and as a ema and with disgust. FRANKEL & CO. Tidbits From Israel number of other Arab leaders have done Some Egyptian politicians are report- Design & Production Ron Jager 76 from Algiers to Saudi Arabia. ed to have been discussing abrogating TALIYE CORLEY But then something happened along the 1978 Camp David accords between Art Director Travel 74 the way to thwart the plan. Call it the Israel and Egypt. This agreement has not The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- Internet, social media, Facebook, Twitter, come anywhere near its once anticipated paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not The Year In Israel or a combination of all the above revolu- and hoped-for intent—that is, normaliza- necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or Talmid X 30 tion. As if all of a sudden, a few hundred establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. thousand people came to the realization Continued on Page 8

6 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 7 FROM THE EDITOR baseline of progress. do not rise up and attempt to throw Despite their half-century of diplo- Continued from Page 6 Today, 40 percent of all Egyptians them out of power, as was recently done matic experience, Peres and those who earn an average of $2 per week. The in Tunisia and Egypt. agree with him seem to have not tion of relations between the Egyptian poverty is profound, the difficulty at Some of the more corrupt leaders who learned anything from the Mubarak and Israeli peoples. But if Egypt is to this level of society is staggering. The refuse to see the inevitable future are experience. There is an inherent dan- move forward, and if that society is to poverty levels are not dissimilar in other resorting to using their old and usually ger present in signing a peace treaty realize all that they have been protesting Arab countries. Today the wealthier and reliable formula of blaming Israel for the with one or perhaps just a few people about these last few weeks, the people of oil-rich despots are handing out thou- ills of their intentionally backward soci- who are dictators and not answerable Israel will have to be their guide and sands of dollars to families so that they eties. It’s quite possible that the easier to the people. part of this country-by-country process Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian will be removing the old dictators from leaders are scampering around now, try- power. The greater challenges that will ing to schedule an election to convince follow, and for which there is no guaran- the people they govern—and perhaps tee of success, will be turning these themselves as well—that they do in fact countries into normal, functioning, and and in some way represent some of the peaceful societies. Palestinian people. The extremists in So now the question of the day is Egypt, the Palestinian areas, and other whether development in the Arab world Arab countries will try to pull the situa- and the apparent movement in the direc- tion to the radical right. They would like tion of freedom and democracy for the to imagine that the struggle is about people there will accelerate or slow the Islam. Egypt will be the litmus test as to dormant peace process between Israel and her Palestinian neighbors. Some, like Continued on Page 20 Israel’s President Shimon Peres, are in a rush to exonerate themselves and their once-upon-a-time plans by getting a peace agreement signed with Mahmoud CALENDAR Abbas as soon as possible. LUACH Feb. 18-Feb. 26 ZIP Code: 11516

14 Adar I Friday, February 18 Purim Kattan Daf yomi: Zevachim 100 Z’manim*: Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:51 am Sunrise: 6:46 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:51 am Gr’a 9:27 am P’lag ha’minchah: 4:25 pm Candle Lighting: 5:15 pm 15 Adar I – Shabbos Saturday, February 13 Shabbos Parashas Ki-Sissa Shabbos ends**: 6:16 pm 72 min. 6:47 pm

21 Adar I Friday, February 25 Daf yomi: Zevachim 107 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:42 am Sunrise: 6:36 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:45 am Gr’a 9:21 am P’lag ha’minchah: 4:32 pm Candle Lighting: 5:23 pm 22 Adar I – Shabbos Saturday, February 26 Shabbos Parashas Vayakhel Shabbos ends**: 6:24 pm 72 min. 6:55 pm * All times from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Monday, February 21–Friday, February 25 Public schools midwinter recess. Monday, February 21 Presidents Day/Washington’s Birthday. NYS banking holiday. Local post offices closed. Transit: Saturday/holiday service. No garbage collection. NYC alternate-side parking regulations suspended. 8 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

BAGEL STORE Continued from Front Cover

Shabbos, as I was walking to Woodmere, I came across countless sidewalks that were fully iced over, and even some cor- ners where the snow, now completely frozen over, was piled at least a foot or more high. In some instances the snow was highest at the corners where there are curb cuts to facilitate the movement of wheelchairs and carriages. On top of all this, many of us have received notices in the mail recently about the need to shovel or by some other method dispose of the snow that, after these few weeks, still lines the sidewalks alongside our homes. A read- er called our offices this week to say they were in the Lawrence Village Court to deal with a vehicular summons and that there were about 40 people there to deal with or adjudicate snow-related summonses. In the five boroughs of New York City, the onus for making the area in front of one’s home passable has always been on the homeowner. But hold on a minute; that’s in New York, where taxes are rather low and manageable. Out here in many Long Island communities, real-estate taxes are a major expense. Yes, it’s true that most of that money is earmarked for local educational services. But the situa- tion is the same in other communities where taxes are also high and most of the money also goes to the local schools, yet they manage to take care of the snow. There are numerous examples of a more friendly municipal snow policy— as well as town and village policies that are more absurd than anything you may be able to find anywhere in our reader- ship areas. These issues, of course, come to the fore because of the plethora of snowstorms we’ve been treated to this winter by nature, with uncertainty shrouding whether there will be any additional significant snowfalls through the rest of February and the upcoming month of March. Surprisingly, there are more than sev- eral towns and villages that in addition to assuming responsibility for plowing road- ways have also undertaken the duty of creating pathways on sidewalks. And where there are no sidewalks, they are responsible for clearing a path in front of homes so that people who live in the area can walk and pass through without the risk of slipping and falling. One of those nearby municipalities where local government either shovels or uses suitable snow-removal equipment to clear sidewalks is the Town of Ramapo, New York, which includes Monsey. A resi- dent of that Rockland County enclave told us that as soon as there are a couple of inches of snow on the ground, the snowplows are out clearing the roadways and the town employees are deployed on snowblowers clearing sidewalks so peo- ple can carry on with normal life. Around here, this year’s snowfall has become an ordeal that has often made it necessary for people walking down a main street’s sidewalk to zigzag their way into the roadway so as to be able to con- tinue walking unimpeded. While it seems that most homeowners have undertaken to clear the streets in front of and, where applicable, adjacent to their

Continued on Page 12 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 9 10 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 11 BAGEL STORE up to $110 this winter to residents who mayor specifically, were taken to task and and at the door was a man with a shovel, Continued from Page 9 failed to shovel or remove snow from indeed overwhelmed by criticism (and ready to sculpt a path out our doors and their lawns so that pedestrians could snow) with their lack of effective help to scoop our cars out of our drive- homes, others just let the snow remain. walk through. Lauderdale is one of those response to that first late-December way, all for just $40. The sidewalk in As the snow turned to ice, these condi- towns where most streets do not feature snowstorm. A city like New York with a front of the house was not included in tions caused additional hazards that—in sidewalks, with the choice being either budget in the billions became literally the deal, as we live in a cul-de-sac and no Lawrence anyway—were only dealt with walking on the side of the roadway or on paralyzed by snow. one really ever passes down the block by issuing warning letters and summons- the lawns as you gingerly make your way Snow policies apparently differ from except in a car. I guess that’s why we es to residents. to your destination. town to town. In Rye, New York, the received that letter asking that we shovel The neighboring Village of Cedarhurst The borough’s mayor, Fred local government sends out an e-mail to a path in front of our home. told the Five Towns Jewish Times that it Feltenberger, told a local reporter that the residents reminding them of their Anyway, now most of the snow is gone has not issued any snow-related sum- ordinance requiring residents to remove responsibility to shovel snow within 24 and, except for some lingering fines, it monses, but that where there was a par- snow from their lawns has been on the hours after the snow stops. A council just may be that the most brutal part of ticular danger they had reached out to books for 47 years. The local law there member in the town of Yorktown this winter is now behind us. Of course it homeowners to clear a path near their says that residents have 24 hours after a Heights said, on the Westchester County can certainly turn cold again, as we are homes. The Town of Hempstead, which still solidly right smack dab in the middle includes Woodmere, said it had not of winter. I don’t see policies in these issued a single summons and had taken parts changing anytime soon, as it’s not into consideration the particular brutali- the worst thing in the world to shovel in ty of this year’s snowfalls. “It’s unreasonable, inflexible, front and perhaps on the side of your The question that comes to the fore is, home as a courtesy to your neighbors. who owns the sidewalk in front of your We’ve been promised a hint of home? If it is rightfully your property, unwarranted, and wrongheaded to spring this weekend. Let’s hope that it’s then the argument that you should bear not a meteorological setup for the next the cost of having the snow removed require people to do the impossible.” big snow. O from it crystallizes. If the sidewalk, how- Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at ever, is the property of the village or [email protected]. town (as the roadways are), then why should the legal responsibility of snow removal fall to you, with summonses snowfall to remove snow from the side- community’s website, “It’s unreasonable, issued and fines assessed for failing to walk in front of their homes. The law inflexible, unwarranted, and wrong- shovel or remove snow from in front of additionally reads that a sidewalk may be headed to require people to do the Like us in print? your home? defined as “any unimproved or ground impossible. It’s impossible to shovel that An additional similarity between surface area, or part thereof, fronting on a snow or move that ice.” "Like" us on Facebook. Monsey and Lawrence is that some street and located within the curbline.” All the snow this winter has also gen- streets have sidewalks while others do So are you ready to start shoveling the erated a fair amount of income for day not. Does that mean that some residents snow on your lawn or the street in front laborers who just needed a simple shov- facebook.com/ are legally obligated to engage in snow of your home? el in order to generate a few hundred dol- removal while others are exempt? In Snowy streets are certainly a chal- lars on any of these post-snowstorm 5TownsJewishTimes suburban Lauderdale, Pennsylvania, lenge. Just recall a few weeks ago how the days. On one of those mornings, the local government issued summonses of Bloomberg administration, and the doorbell rang in my home at 6:30 a.m.

12 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Better Marriage behavior in marriage, sharing halachic heaven to bring out their strengths. Focus havoc,” said Rabbi Goldwasser, reveal- Continued from Front Cover and hashkafic ideas, real statistics, and on the “here and now, make it work,” said ing that he gets 300 calls a week on actual scenarios of marital situations Rabbi Goldwasser, who, early on in his shalom bayis issues and, in 25 to 30 per- where else—perhaps anywhere else—if they have dealt with as counselors and remarks, pointed a direct finger at having cent of the cases, if not more, the that’s what she’d like to do, go along with community leaders. Internet access in the home as a major Internet is a culprit in some way, inter- it. “Take your wife to the zoo to see her Rabbi Goldwasser opened his presen- cause in a breakdown of the relationship jecting foreign elements into the home smile,” he advised. tation by reminding the audience that between husband and wife. and taking away quality time from hus- For Rabbi Feiner, suggesting the zoo real life is a “life of nisyonos,” tests that we “Homes have a Shas (Talmud), chesed, band and wife. may come easier than for some other each face, and marriage is no different. He . . . most homes have divrei Torah going Couples should be able to enjoy each husbands. It’s a favorite spot of his—he’s related that the Steipler Gaon taught that on. Satan found a way to get into the fascinated by animals and their unique a person’s spouse was given to them from homes.” The Internet has “wreaked Continued on Page 14 traits (he cites the cheetah who can run at extreme speeds, as one example)—and rabbinic literature shows us the many characteristics and midos we can learn from the animal kingdom. But the precise venue where couples spend time together was hardly Rabbi Feiner’s point; rather, he was emphasiz- ing the need for husband and wife to spend quality time with each other and to continue to do those seemingly little things that were part of the protocol dur- ing the courtship period—a time when each member of the relationship careful- ly deliberated which balloons to choose, which card or gift to present, calculating what the other person might appreciate most, what would make them happy, and . . . what might make them smile. That thoughtfulness doesn’t stop with marriage, but it often can uninten- tionally fall by the wayside for many understandable reasons, given the lives we live and the intricacies of human nature. Rabbi Feiner and the other rab- binic presenters, Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser (who gave the keynote talk) and Rabbi Dovid Weinberger, in whose shul the program took place, utilized the time to preach better awareness and

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 13

Better Marriage human beings, had great happi- Continued from Page 13 ness, said Rabbi Goldwasser, quoting from the fifth of the other, said Rabbi Goldwasser, seven marriage blessings: “b’Gan “sit down and talk a little bit,” Eden mi’kedem.” We ask G-d to consider each other a best make the couple happy, as he friend, “rei’im ahuvim.” They did for His creations in the should be happy that they got to Garden of Eden years ago. They the chuppah and got married. had only their relationship to He chided against the “throw- look at, “no one to compare it to away” attitude prevalent in soci- . . . no one they went out with 45 ety, where everything can be dis- years ago.” carded. “I’m afraid the same Spouses need to “sit on thing happens between hus- emotions . . . be mochel (for- Rabbi Eytan Feiner speaking at Shaaray Tefila. At right is the mara d’asra, band and wife.” give) each other,” even if for- Rabbi Dovid Weinberger. Adam and Chavah, the first giveness was not requested of Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser them. Rabbi Goldwasser con- then, said Rabbi Goldwasser, siders it a halachic issue. One “you have to try lifesaving tech- should be mochel right away niques to save the marriage.” very much on the minds of and be willing to move on, or “Go against your own rule many in the community. Other the little things accumulate. If . . . If she wants you to call popular area programs in there is an argument, “never go each day, call her,” he contin- recent weeks with presenta- to sleep without an argument ued, listing some good prac- tions from rabbinical leaders being settled,” he reminded tices for a better marriage. and therapists have focused on the audience. “Don’t say, ‘It’s not my job’; similar topics, including mari- Rabbi Goldwasser has wit- don’t say, ‘There’s always the tal intimacy. The majority of nessed sorrowful situations local beis din’ (a threat to those in attendance on Sunday build up. He related that one divorce); don’t fight in front were younger couples in their couple came to him for help, of the children; consult with thirties, and some even and it was then summertime. da’as Torah” on issues that younger. But older ages were He discovered that they hadn’t need guidance (e.g., negotiat- also well represented, includ- been on talking terms since ing relationships with in- ing a few people in their seven- Chanukah. “Silent treatment is laws). ties with decades of experience abuse,” he warned, referring to As evidenced by the impres- in marriage, and still a desire to the accepted opinion that cate- sive turnout for the program learn more and improve. gorizes it as a form of emotional (by the time it began, few seats Dr. David G. Steiner, a local abuse. Many couples that he remained in the main sanctu- neurologist who organized the sees are “85 percent along the ary and one of the women’s event, felt the need for a special road” by the time they come to sections was nearly full), the him for counseling or advice. By topic of marital harmony is Continued on Page 19

14 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 15 Other Side Of The Bench foray into politics, when I was success was (at least so we thought) guar- in attorneys’ fees much more than the Continued from Front Cover approached to run for Congress. That anteed? As kids we rarely had to deal $60 she would have improperly gained endeavor lasted about six weeks, when with mixed emotions. We embraced that from her ex-husband over the next year. of mine who, at that time, was serving circumstances in my law firm necessitat- which was comforting and fled from that What a lesson in honesty. What a lesson as the editor of a local Jewish newspa- ed that I abandon the campaign and which caused pain. in being a “mentsch.” per. He knew I was a trial attorney and a return full-time to the firm. And so the world turns, and we have We finished signing the documents, former pulpit rabbi, and that I had lec- And so the world turns. to grow up and we have to share the and both parties were relieved that the tured extensively. He wondered if I All the while, I had maintained a cor- confluence of joy and pain often simul- process was over and that they could would be interested in writing an article dial relationship with the editor of this taneously. now move on with their lives. Smiles for his newspaper. I politely declined. In newspaper, Larry Gordon. My family is This lesson was driven home, at least adorned their faces as a sense of a new May of that year, he approached me relatively new to this area (10 years), and to me, within minutes of my meeting beginning permeated not only the room, again and, for reasons still not so evi- Larry and his wife, Esta, were one of the with Larry Gordon last week. From our but their souls. I bade my client a good dent to me, I agreed. first couples my wife and I met. Larry and meeting, I motored to a divorce closing, Shabbos, wished her good fortune, and I thought I was committing to a one- I, or so our wives tell us, share certain per- where the (soon-to-be-ex) husband and turned to her ex to wish him the same. time deal. He had other things in mind. sonality traits. (Sorry, ladies.) Over the wife of 14 years were to execute five His smile could no longer mask the Week one led to week two, which led to years, if I had a nickel for every time copies of a 70-page document formalizing tears, as the prospect of a new begin- week three. Before I could convince him someone asked me why I wasn’t writing the details of their divorce. ning could not wash away what had to let me retire, I had received statewide for Larry’s paper, I would be a wealthy Every contingency one can think of is been a relationship he had poured his and national recognition for my articles, man. But I stayed at the other paper, pen- contained therein. All of the matters of heart and soul into. The bad times sim- which appeared weekly under the title ning 181 articles over an almost four-year custody, visitation, support, etc. are there. ply could not erase the good times “From the Other Side of the Bench.” It tenure. I am ever so grateful to the own- Notably, this particular divorce was the they shared. was a win-win situation. He was receiv- ers of that paper for affording me the most amicable and civil of the many I I know a bit how he feels, albeit with ing positive feedback about my articles opportunity to share a bit of myself every have handled over the last 20 or so years. much less at stake. Weekly articles are by and I was reaping rewards as well. (I week with this community. This couple treated each other with more no means comparable to a marriage. can’t tell you how many times I was And so the world turns. kindness and respect during the divorce So I leave the other newspaper and allowed to skip to the front of the line in The editor of the other paper moved process than most couples accord each join this one with a lot of the same emo- Dunkin’ Donuts.) on, as did his assistant. Over breakfast the other during marriage. tions that were on display last Friday at And so the world turns. other day, Larry and I decided that per- As we were signing the documents, the closing. I feel excited about the new The articles varied in theme, from tales haps now would be an appropriate time my client noticed a mistake that would beginning but will never forget the of the courtroom to social and political to make the switch, which leads me to have obligated her husband to pay her wonderful moments and opportunities commentary, and included stories from this, my inaugural article with the Five approximately $5 more a month than of the last four years, all of which can my childhood which I thought were Towns Jewish Times. she was entitled to, for the next 12 only be considered a successful mar- either humorous or instructive. Soon I confess to being a bit anxious, as per- months—a grand total of $60. She could riage. I move on. people would call me, e-mail me, or stop haps I need to prove myself to an entire- have remained silent. No one would And so the world turns. O me on the street and share their stories of ly new audience. What if my best work is have known the difference. Besides, David Seidemann is a partner with the law firm inspiration, pain, or joy and ask if some- behind me? What if the next 181 articles what’s $60 in the grand scheme of of Seidemann and Mermelstein and serves as a how I could weave what they had shared are not received as well as I think the things? But silence was not an option professor of business law at Touro College. His weekly columns, From the Other Side of the with me into my weekly message. first 181 were? Where is the security that for her. Taking ill-gotten gains was not Bench, have been cited for their excellence by My political commentary caught the we all felt as children when our parents part of her DNA. both the New York Press Association and the attention of some people of influence, did all of the worrying for us and all was And so we sat there and changed five American Jewish Press Association. He can be reached at 718-692-1013 and at and in January 2010 it led to a very brief good—when there was no downside and copies of the document, which cost her [email protected].

16 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 17 18 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Better Marriage Continued from Page 14 program in the community, witnessing a number of divorces of younger couples in his own shul in Far Rockaway. In his introductory remarks, he characterized this program as an attempt to “combat the problems of ‘not marital harmony,’” deliberately choosing a more positive phraseology, because this event, he said, was not for people who have problem marriages, but rather an attempt to “put the refuah before the maka,” to address solutions before problems set in. He invited the audience to be in touch with him to share other program ideas they may have to strengthen marriage. (Dr. Steiner can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected].)

Continued on Page 25

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 19 Pundits On Pluto Egypt, though he allows that “maybe I’m more so if Israel helped rather than should be glad.” Continued from Front Cover too caught up in the giddiness of Tahrir blocked and hindered.” I am not sure to what nations he refers, Square.” Yes, maybe. But he sees hope all the same that a but what I am sure of is that democracy, protesting against Egyptian president On the same day, Kristof’s colleague “representative Egyptian government” for all its wonderful potential, is not a Hosni Mubarak in Cairo’s Tahrir Square at at the old Gray Lady, Roger Cohen, could emerge from the Cairene crowds, guarantee of anything other than the con- the end of January. No alcohol was nursed some optimism of his own, cit- even if they turn out to be “less pliant to cretization of a populace’s will. involved, of course; the crowd was over- ing “the immense distance traveled by America’s will”; and that it might come to Whatever the identities of those “more whelmingly Muslim. The contact high Arabs over the past month” and seeing a carry “a vital message for Arabs and Jews: than 100 nations,” the most prominent was, and remains, entirely political. harbinger of hope in the fact that “the Victimhood is self-defeating and paralyz- mass expressions of collective will that The square, Mr. Kristof recounted, one big subject [Arabs] are not talking ing—and can be overcome.” come to mind are the 2006 Gaza elections which in the past had been a place of about . . . [is] Israel.” There must have been some sort of that put Hamas in power there, the unruly behavior, had “lost its menace “For too long,” he writes, perceptive- Stuxnet-like virus infecting the brains of Iranian Islamic revolution of 1979, and and suddenly become the most exhilarat- ly enough, “the Israeli-Palestinian con- the pundits at the “paper of record.” The the rise, a mere 50 years earlier, of the ing place in the world.” And that was flict has been the great diversion, giddiness born of the sight of hundreds Nazi Party in Germany. O because of the hope he inhaled from “the © 2011 Ami Magazine. Rabbi Shafran is an editor brave men and women of Tahrir Square,” at large and columnist for Ami Magazine the “peaceful throngs pleading for democracy.” The participants, in other words, in the “Days of Rage” demonstra- Democracy, for all its wonderful tions that in subsequent days led to Mr. FROM THE EDITOR Mubarak’s resignation. potential, is not a guarantee of Continued from Page 8 The Times columnist cited Egyptians he found “everywhere I go” insisting whether that is the case or not. that “Americans shouldn’t perceive their anything other than the In the meantime, the prudent thing to [the Egyptian revolutionary] movement do is to be patient and wait. It is addi- as a threat”; and found it “sad that concretization of a populace’s will. tionally important to improve the eco- Egyptians are lecturing Americans on nomic life of the people in the territo- the virtues of democracy.” ries. It is that alone that provides them He does recount a modicum of men- with a sense of empowerment and a ace in some of the sentiment he heard. A taste of the kind of life that would be medical student tells him that “Egyptian exploited by feckless Arab autocrats to of thousands of angry Egyptians seemed possible if only they did not live under people will not forget what Obama does distract impoverished populations. to have spread even to the page’s “conser- despotic rule. We are slowly realizing today. If he supports the Egyptian dicta- Now, Arabs are thinking about their vative” columnist, David Brooks. In his that this is the only sensible approach. tor, the Egyptian people will never forget own injustices. With great courage, own column that same day, he kvelled at It’s doubtful that Egypt can turn a that. Not for 30 years.” (The student didn’t they are saying ‘Enough!’” the “surge of patriotism” expressed by the backward society into a fledgling democ- have long to wait; President Obama Not one to allow an opportunity to Egyptian demonstrators, part of a racy in six months as promised. It will quickly endorsed an exit from power for criticize Israel fall through his hands, “remarkable democratic wave.” probably take longer, but let’s hope and Mr. Mubarak.) though, he notes that the “fast-growing “More than 100 nations have seen pray that they are off to a good start and Mr. Kristof thinks that “the protesters economy and institution-building [in] democratic uprisings over the past few in the right direction. O have a point” about initial American the West Bank is an example to the decades,” Mr. Brooks asserted, some- Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at “equivocation” over the rebellion in dawning Arab world—and would be thing about which, he contended, “we [email protected].

20 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 21 They Stole His Life—Twice

Violent storms, like those that pound- akin to our Avot. The local Arab shep- dunams (approximately 2,500 acres). Her ed Israel on the night of December 12, herds grew to respect Yair and engaged main reason for working round the clock present real issues for security personnel, him in their trade. Yair learned how to to keep the farm going is hityashvut—to especially those defending the Jewish build a flock and by the end of that first maintain a presence in the South Hebron communities throughout Judea and year had purchased his first ten sheep Hills that fills a very important purpose. Samaria. Storms present a perfect cover from local Arabs. Always maintaining On the stormy night of December 12, for Arab theft and attacks on civilians. friendly and respectful relations with his Arab marauders entered the Har Sinai Upon learning of one such incident, Arab counterparts, Yair embarked on a family’s property and stole the entire Marc Prowisor, director of security proj- mission and a career. Though small in flock of sheep—taking with it the fami- ects for the One Israel Fund, set out to the beginning, Yair’s flock grew to 80 ly’s livelihood and legacy. assess the damage. This particular inci- head of sheep in a short time. It was then “The footprints, and other signs that dent felt different than a standard theft. that he applied and received licenses for were found, indicate that the herd was The Har Sinai Farm is located in the 800 dunams of land (approximately 200 led to a nearby Arab village,” says Dalia. town of Sussiya Southern Hebron Hills, acres). As Yair’s business and family (they But they will never be found. Theft of approximately 20 minutes south of had nine children) flourished, so did sheep is not uncommon, but the magni- Dalia Har Sinai with organic wheat. Hebron. On the night of December 12, all Sussiya. Yair eschewed violence and, as a tude of this particular theft and the fami- 170 sheep were stolen during the storms, matter of principle, refused to graze his ly that incurred the loss has made this a 130 of them pregnant. Though hundreds herd while armed. national tragedy. herds—both Jewish and Arab—and now of sheep were stolen that night through- On July 2, 2001, Yair Har Sinai left his Dalia is a unique individual. She have a flock of just over 100 sheep. But out the region, the targeting of Dalia Har home to tend to his flock. He took them expressed to Marc on his initial visit to these are mostly babies and will take Sinai and her particular farm was nothing out to graze in the fields, and he never assess the damages that for her “it has years to produce what has been lost. short of a terrorist attack. returned home. His body was found the been like mourning for Yair again.” Yet, Not only is this a demoralizing finan- NNN next day; he had been shot in the head despite what she has gone through in cial loss as well as emotionally devastat- The year was 1984, and Yair and Dalia and chest by Arab terrorists who her life, her voice is always full of opti- ing, but it is also a serious danger to the Har Sinai moved to the town of Sussiya ambushed him. The sheep found their mism. She was the one who, at 6 a.m., security and legitimization that the farm with their four children. Though today own way home in the evening. discovered that the entire flock, valued provided for the Southern Hebron Hills. Sussiya boasts over 120 families, back Despite the hardships, and with G-d’s at hundreds of thousands of shekels, had So important was this flock that the then the Har Sinais were one of just ten help, Dalia was determined to keep the been stolen. She said she nearly had a government even leased the land around families in the community. It was truly a family business open and till today the heart attack. the region to them. With this flock they pioneering spirit which drew Yair, Dalia, farm produced cheese, milk, wool, and According to Dalia, government assis- traveled the hills and maintained a pres- and their four children to these hills. meat. Dalia maintains the farm with the tance has provided the maximum of 70 ence, providing a security buffer zone to Yair had come from a kibbutz near help of many volunteer youth and mem- percent of their losses. There is no insur- the 8,000 dunams and the families living Netanya and served in an elite unit in the bers of her family. The flock flourished ance for sheep, since the insurance com- in the community of Sussiya. IDF. After becoming religious, he wanted over the years and, prior to December 12, panies do not insure flocks in Judea and Since the time of the theft, One Israel to work as a farmer and be close to the numbered 170 head. She continued to Samaria due to the frequent thefts. They Fund has been one of the only organiza- land of his forefathers. apply for and obtain licenses for addition- have received another 20 to 30 sheep tions to respond and has already paid to Yair decided to become a shepherd, al grazing lands, which today total 10,000 which were donated by local shep- rebuild and reinforce the pen used to

22 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES New sheep at Havat Har Sinai. house the herd. One Israel Fund has con- farm went out to meet the intruders and sulted and funded over 30 percent of the demanded that they leave. Instead the new security system surrounding the intruders began to riot, throwing rocks at farm, including video surveillance cam- the residents.” eras and strategically placed sensors. The rebuilding of this “farm” is a seri- And it will continue to be monitored ous security interest and, even more so, and upgraded so as to provide an even will send a message of strength back to more efficient system which will pro- our enemies that we are here and will not vide additional protection, not just to be scared off by terror. the farm but also to the community and One Israel Fund will be coordinating residents of Sussiya. the security measures with the family But in the battle to rebuild, there will in order to rebuild this vital interest to be many obstacles to overcome. the community of Sussiya and grant As reported on January 27 on Arutz them the ability to live peacefully on Sheva, “A group of Arabs, accompanied by our land. anarchists, entered the Jewish communi- To become a partner in this endeavor, ty of the Mount Sinai Farm (Havat Har please contact One Israel Fund at Sinai), next to Sussiya in the Hebron Hills 516.239.9202 or projects@oneisrael Thursday afternoon. Residents of the fund.org. O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 23 as well as a pretty plate. Burgers. It’s pretty easy to make a burg- er. Make a patty and grill it or fry it up, and top with your choice of fixin’s. You can add your own touch to the burger with the toppings, or add ingredients right into the burger for an unexpected surprise. Mix in sautéed onions, spinach, Make The Ordinary Extraordinary chopped mushrooms, or even pickles or olives. You can also make a burger out of Wouldn’t it be nice if we had the time husband may appreciate something a lit- just about anything: turkey, chicken, to whip up an elaborate dinner every tle different than the plain old fried lamb, salmon, or tuna. Mix and match night of the week? Like a magic wand, a chicken breasts. Mix in some finely your favorite ingredients for something tap of the spatula and poof! a gourmet chopped garlic and chopped fresh herbs new any night of the week. dinner is served. Dinner would never be into the breadcrumb mixture before Hot dogs. Not what you might think of boring and usual. We could place our coating the chicken. Create a sauce with as a gourmet meal, hot dogs seem simple order just like we were dining in a fine sautéed shallots and mushrooms, a little but you can really make them interesting. Directions: restaurant, and something new and deli- wine, and some non-dairy cream or sim- You can put out a spread of different top- Place salmon fillets, 6 tablespoons tar- cious would be on our plates. mered crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and pings and let your diners do the choosing. tar sauce, 2 tablespoons dill, and salt and Everyone wants to eat delicious food, basil. It’ll instantly elevate this meal to Include the traditional ketchup, mustard, pepper in a food processor. Pulse on and but since we don’t have the time, we stick restaurant quality. and sauerkraut, but add some unexpect- off until blended and coarsely chopped. to what’s easy. What if we could just take Pizza. Add some special ingredients to ed ingredients as well. Hummus, mat- Form four 1/2"-thick patties and chill in what we know and spin it into some- elevate this Thursday-night dinner to buchah (Turkish salad), harissa, sun-dried fridge for about an hour (can be made up thing just a little more interesting? If you something unusual. Top with crumbled tomatoes, olives, sautéed mushrooms to 6 hours ahead). don’t have time to try out every new goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes or and onions—you name it. Just about any- Prepare grill pan or frying pan over recipe you see in your gourmet maga- chopped dates. The combination of a lit- thing can go on a hot dog. medium-high flame. Whisk 1/2 cup tartar zines, at least make your dinner regulars a tle salty and a little sweet is surprisingly sauce, 1 tablespoon dill, and lemon zest in little special. Here are some quick and delicious. You could also caramelize Salmon Burgers medium bowl to blend. Grill rolls until easy ideas. sliced onions and sauté some Portobello With Dill Tartar Sauce toasted. Transfer to plates and spread bot- Macaroni and cheese. Instead of sim- mushrooms or any of your favorite veg- Makes 4 burgers tom halves generously with sauce. Grill ply melting cheese on your pasta, do a etables. Just topping the pizza with fresh- Ingredients: patties until fish is cooked through, baked mac and cheese. Make a cheese ly grated Parmesan cheese, basil leaves, 20 oz. skinless salmon fillet, about 2 minutes per side. Place burgers sauce, mix in cooked pasta, and top and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil will cut into 1" pieces on roll and top each with onion slices, with breadcrumbs and Parmesan make your pizza taste like it was made in 6 Tbsp. plus 1/2 cup tartar sauce spinach leaves, and top half of roll. cheese. Bake in the oven till bubbling a gourmet pizza shop. 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill and golden for a rich, satisfying dinner Meatloaf or lasagna. Add some salt and freshly ground black pepper, Want to learn how to cook gourmet, delicious that kids and adults will enjoy. You can sautéed spinach into the mix and place in to taste meals right in your own kitchen? Take one-on-one cooking lessons or give a gift to an aspiring cook also use different cheese, like goat large muffin tins or mini-loaf pans to 2 tsp. grated lemon zest that you know. For more information, contact cheese or Monterey Jack, for a new take make individual portions that look fancy 4 rolls Take Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-508-3663, writing to on this classic dish. and fun at the same time. Serve over a red onion slices [email protected], or visiting Shnitzel. Your kids like it, but your salad for a nice contrast of hot and cold, spinach leaves www.TakeHomeChef.net.

24 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Better Marriage Continued from Page 19 Given Sunday commitments and family responsibilities (and maybe even trips to the zoo!), the crowd had thinned substantially for the second part of the program, a Q&A opportunity with the three rabbanim. But first, Rabbi Meir Rizel, the director of men’s education for Shalom Task Force and the deputy director of S.H.A.L.O.M. workshops introduced the organization, which has run programs in 30 yeshivas around the city and an equal number of schools and seminaries for women. Already, 525 couples have participated in the S.H.A.L.O.M. workshops, inaugurated just a few years ago. “It’s not for trou- bled couples,” said Rabbi Rizel, whose wife, Aviva, a marriage and family thera- pist and advice columnist, was also pres- ent at the event, together with their young children. Dr. Steiner stood with a small stack of white index cards and began to present the first question, lamenting that 95 per- cent of them had come from the women’s side of the audience and that perhaps this is part of the challenge. Rabbi Weinberger addressed anger prob- lems and advised that available commu- nity resources (such as the Shalom Task Force) are there to help. One individual he’d dealt with took appropriate steps, and the “person felt more at ease” and was able to be a better spouse. Another question dealt with personal time and individual needs, the husband whose wife can’t get out at night to do things. She “wants to have a life,” but he must have his daf yomi shiur at a set time each evening, “must get to Madison Square Garden for the Siyum HaShas.” (“We need that shidduch desperately,” quipped one of the rabbanim. And then, understandably, there were questions about income, the economic downturn over the last four years having taken a serious toll on family life, fractur- ing shalom bayis in many homes. “How to respect my husband when there’s not enough income?” read Dr. Steiner from one of the cards. “Have faith,” responded Rabbi Goldwasser. “Parnasah can come up any second.” Being encouraging to a husband can open up new venues. He told the story of a husband who took to selling coffee on the streets of New York to earn a livelihood, but waited three months before telling his wife, embarrassed, maybe even ashamed to some degree by his present occupation. Her response was to praise his mesirus nefesh, what he sacrificed for the family. Her affirmation was a boost to their marriage during financially trying times. As the program concluded, Rabbi Feiner reminded the audience to strive for a “bayis malei simcha,” a home filled with happiness. And supplement- ing his penchant for a visit to the zoo, he proposed other activities that can help two people bond and that don’t cost significant dollars or involve great investments of time. “What’s wrong with a game of Scrabble in the park?” he suggested. “Keep up the excitement. Share great news in the house.” O

Judah S. Harris is a photographer, filmmaker, speaker, and writer. His work can be seen at www.judahsharris.com/visit and in a frequent e-mail newsletter that circulates to thousands of readers. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 25 26 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 27 28 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 29 Queens College with Sh’or Yoshuv in the the language barrier, even if one were to Thinking Of Aliyah mornings, no one can deny that for an take only courses delivered in English, English-speaking student, the best place the caliber of those lecturing in Israeli to pick up valuable limudei chol knowl- colleges would probably be lower. The Year In Israel, Part 17 Education. There might not be any edge is an American university. Personally, I look forward to attending BY TALMID X place in America that can match the kind Frankly, I have absolutely no idea how Yeshiva University. To ignore such an of Torah education we receive here in to even say “multiplication” or “division” option and live in Israel three or four In my last column (“More Than Just A yeshiva for the year (or two, or three), in Ivrit (unless it’s just “multiplication-ia” years earlier makes little sense to me Year,” January 28), I had started analyzing where we are so completely sheltered or something), let alone “derivatives” or intellectually, despite what I might feel is the possible reasons that could prevent a best. Besides, I’m excited to get a chance potential aliyah candidate from realizing to study in college there, and to learn the dream of moving to Israel at a young under their roshei yeshiva. age. I explained that it’s become a big Occupation. Either way, talk of college topic of discussion in many of the yeshiv- Despite the fact that the football fan leads me into the next point, occupation. os here in Israel (particularly the more Understandably, these two are intimately Zionistic ones), and I felt it was worth in me is dying to watch, the adult in linked. It’s going to be far more difficult mentioning as part of the “Year in Israel” to get a job in Israel without at least an experience. Before I go on to draw out me realizes that now that I’ve tasted undergraduate degree, which, as stated the many pros such a move would bring above, will often make more sense to with it, as viewed through the eyes of a earn in the States. Throughout the world teenager, I’ll quickly wrap up the issues solid food, baby food just won’t cut it. right now the job market is tight, particu- that could delay those of us thinking larly for young college graduates, and this about it for a couple of years. has got to be an idea that would weigh The five issues I identified were (a) heavily on the decision to make aliyah. family, (b) marriage, (c) education, (d) and free of responsibility—but there sure “functions.” How could I possibly be Now, we all know those who make occupation, and (e) community. Last as anything are ones that do for secular expected to take a calculus class, then? heroic efforts and travel back and forth a time, I wrote about the first two. Now for education. Whether the choice is an Ivy And I don’t even want to think about try- million times a year to a job in America, the remaining ones: League school, Yeshiva University, or ing to write an essay in Hebrew. Besides and we are impressed by their ability to live that way. I remember how my ortho- dontist did that, and how much pride I felt whenever I saw his name on the office but recognized that he himself real- ly lived in Israel. But not everyone was made to function like that, and often it requires an already thriving business back in America in order to work. Those factors, along with the obvious strain it must place on a family living without their mom or dad home two weeks out of four, all certainly make choosing that lifestyle quite difficult. Community. In Israel, religious classifi- cations play a huge part in everyday life. How you’re treated and by whom will depend on how you identify yourself by your dress and speech. In no way is this more significant than where you choose to settle. There must be Ramat Bet Shemesh Thirty-Four by now, consider- ing how many different sections there are in each of these sub-communities. One can be chareidi, dati l’umi, or even chardal, which I thought meant mustard but is somewhat of a mix between the two extremes of Israeli Orthodoxy. Like the aforementioned barbecue condiment though, the range of different flavors across the religious Jewish spec- trum in the Holy Land is shockingly spe- cific. The same way you wouldn’t be sur- prised to find a honey mesquite mustard with a pinch of jalapeño spiciness in Brach’s, you can find communities here with all sorts of varied ideals and tastes. I’ve been keeping a keen eye open when I go out to certain neighborhoods for Shabbosos, and I’ve yet to find one place that I think would fit me personally. Whatever . . . I’m done looking for the troubles one might have to consider if desiring to make aliyah before the age of 30. Now is my opportunity for a short “Calev and Yehoshua” style rant to propa- gate all the good and pure (and even not- so-pure, like yeshiva tuition) reasons that I, and others, want to make aliyah. Look, I loved living in America for 18- plus years. I have amazing memories doing tons of things I loved there. I great- ly enjoyed my childhood and the places I was lucky enough to experience it in, and there are so many aspects of my life in America I wish I could hold onto forever. But. (You knew that “but” was coming.) 30 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES But I don’t think I want to live there any because I didn’t enjoy all the indulgences my tail off in more spiritual pursuits, I’d place where movies will dictate how my longer. And here’s why: I had at my disposal in America (I did). likely feel uncomfortable and guilty kids think or how they dress. I don’t want Regardless of the fact that I had a won- And, perhaps surprisingly, not because I throughout the game. Not because I think to have to sit down with my wife and dis- derful childhood in the States, I am no felt such a powerful connection to the it’s wrong, mind you; but rather because cuss why our children have begun to longer a child. And sometimes in life, you land itself (something I can claim, to at this point in my life, after the truly more closely resemble our host nation’s just have to know when it’s time to move some degree, today). Rather, I knew what meaningful experiences I’ve undergone, youth than our own. on, when it’s time to elevate yourself I felt was right, and I knew I couldn’t live I’d feel like I was wasting my time. I’m done with that. What has hap- from your current level and reach across with myself without actively pursuing it. Despite the fact that the football fan in pened has happened—my friends and I a whole new threshold. Sometimes, I’ve I realized that if I felt so strongly about an me is dying to watch, the adult in me real- have dealt with American society at every learned as I’ve studied G-d’s written word ideal, then compromising on it would izes that now that I’ve tasted solid food, corner throughout our childhood—but this year, one reaches a point in life hurt immensely, and nothing else could baby food just won’t cut it. (Who likes now that I’m (hopefully) a bit wiser, I see where one must leave behind the X-box feel more satisfying than actualizing it. mashed peas, anyway?) that that wasn’t necessarily a good thing. 360 and HDTV. Sometimes, despite the Which brings me to where I am today. So, no matter how strongly I feel that I just want to be happy and to live a painful separation, one needs to just That young businessman would have I loved every minute of my time growing Torah-true lifestyle. I’ve always had those grow up. felt terrible the second he caved in to his up in America, I couldn’t bear the pain of as major goals in life, and I’ve always felt Picture a young and successful busi- childish desires. Trust me—I’ve felt simi- living in a place that I view today as that the two go hand-in-hand. So far, I’ve nessman, tailored in fine garb and carry- lar ones, and let’s just say playing with being an easy way out, at least for me. seen nothing that indicates that making ing a luxurious briefcase. His shirt is neat- Lego when I was 17 was far from enjoy- More than that, I don’t want to be there aliyah is not one of the next steps on that ly ironed and his shoes gleam with an able. I felt like a fool—I knew that I was anymore. I’ll leave the version I remem- road. The American kid in me might call expensive shine. On his way to the train more mature than that—but I had to give ber as a child alone, untampered with; for the physical comforts of “home,” but station one sunny morning, he passes by in, at least once. The result left quite a but I don’t want my own kids growing the Jew in me just keeps on getting hap- his old childhood playground—a sight sour taste in my mouth, and I might have up there. pier. Before long, I hope to say “l’shanah which immediately springs nostalgic permanently ruined a pleasant childhood The older me sees Israel as a home ha’baah” for real. O memories to mind. The monkey bars, the pastime. where I can live by my values, where I can “Talmid X” recently graduated from a high school double slides, the familiar broken swing No, I haven’t flipped. No, I haven’t raise my children iy’H in a community of in the Five Towns/Far Rockaway community and . . . the good times rush back at him like a changed. But I don’t think that I’d have Torah-true morals—not in exclusion to is enrolled in a well-known yeshiva in Israel for the 2010–2011 academic year. Comments and raging current. enjoyed watching the Super Bowl this other places, but in a more obviously questions for him are welcome at For a moment, he considers actually year. After a solid few months of working noticeable way. I don’t want to live in a [email protected]. placing his cup of espresso on the park bench with his briefcase and racing toward the home of his fondest child- hood images. After a minute or two, though, he composes himself, shakes his head wistfully, and fixes his tie. With that, he turns on his heels and strides off, head held high, to earn a living and get on with his life. Why? Why wouldn’t the fellow indulge himself for a moment, and take advantage of a small opportunity to relive a simpler time of happiness and inno- cence? Because he’s no longer a child. He sees more clearly now what is important in his life—whether it be his wife and young son back home, or his meeting with the CEO later in the day—and he knows what is not. If he had leapt onto the jungle gym and submerged himself in the world of the playground, he surely would have felt quite low—to shirk his duties, to forgo the chance to appreciate what he knows is truly valuable merely because it isn’t always easy. Ignorance is not bliss. It is not better to have never known that there is more to life than lollipops and finger-paints. The older we get, the more life experience we gain—and the more we gain from life’s experiences. Early in high school, aliyah had been set in my mind as a life goal. Not because I liked Israeli culture (I didn’t). Not

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are beginning to trickle in. We are told to expect up to 150. Wendy Runge’s Trial Diary 3:10 p.m. The law students are starting to fill the room. Drake University is very proud of this practicum, claiming to be BY RABBI CHAIM GOLDBERGER professor, after which I proceed to intro- very much a case of “hurry up and wait.” the only law school in the country that duce myself as Rabbi Goldberger of We were initially asked to show up at the brings an actual trial onto its premises It is 12:45 p.m., Monday, February 7. The Minneapolis, friend and neighbor of Mrs. old court house downtown at 9:00 a.m. every year as a way to provide a live, real- third day of Adar I. I was gratified when Runge, here to see she gets a fair trial. The for jury pre-selection. That changed when time lesson in how a case proceeds. The we first heard that Mrs. Runge’s trial reporter is much happier with this devel- a text message rerouted us to Drake at pride is genuine. We are hopeful that the would be moved from January into the same pride will compel the State of Iowa month of Adar. The halachah specifically to run this trial fairly and properly, with- tells us that Adar is the ideal month to out prejudice or injustice. hold a trial in which a Jew faces a non- 3:30 p.m. All rise. Judge Douglas Staskal Jewish adversary. In a shiur, my rebbe, For us, it is an extra layer of enters the room, explains the jury selec- Harav Yochanan Zweig, shlita, of Miami tion process. An uncommonly large pool Beach, Florida, explains that during this protection against bias and of 70 jurors had been needed, due to the month, the sense that non-Jews have that heavy pre-trial publicity. Prosecutor Jews are “outsiders” in this world is Thomas H. Miller addresses the jurors. He diminished. This is undoubtedly a good impropriety. is not a very likeable person. Wendy’s sign for Mrs. Runge. lawyer is much more personable. There is another consequence of the 4:30 p.m. Court is recessed for the day. trial being dated February 7. That is the Jury selection continues tomorrow. I date on which Drake University Law drive back to Minneapolis. My wife will School traditionally invites a real trial opment and takes my information with a 12:45. A few people are milling about the come in and be present Tuesday for open- into their brand new legal facility on promise to talk with me and get our side courtroom, including the judge, but they ing statements. I plan to return campus to use as a teaching practicum for of the story. all leave within a short time and it is now Wednesday, with G-d’s help. We all need their first year law students. They have The trial proceedings at this point are 3:00 p.m. and a handful of law students G-d’s help and His compassion. O invited State of Iowa v. Wendy Weiner Runge, and both sides have accepted. For the judge and prosecutor, it is an opportu- nity to showcase themselves. For us, it is an extra layer of protection against bias and impropriety. As I pull up into the law facility parking lot, a distinguished-looking professorial type emerges from the building to explain that the parking is reserved and directs me to a lot a few blocks away. I briefly consider ignoring him—after all, the posted signs do not agree with his representation of the facts—but I decide Iowa is not a safe place to undermine authority. I park on the street. Inside the legal clinic, a modern, com- fortable courtroom, classroom, and office campus facility, I am welcomed with a lit- tle more surprise than I had expected. That greeting gives me some satisfaction, because it indicates how little the locals, who have been reading all about Wendy the conniving carpetbagger, realize that Wendy is a wife, daughter, mother, and neighbor, just like them, part of a com- munity loving enough to send represen- tatives on a four-hour drive each way to observe the trial and to be there for her. The Wendy that our presence portrays is a Wendy incapable of being the monster depicted in the press. I am glad we will be able to turn the local perception around. For the first while, the faculty seems to fawn over me. Three professors introduce themselves and seek to make me com- fortable in every way. My message to all of them is the same: As her down-the- block neighbor, whose kids are her kids’ playmates, I am glad Mrs. Runge will be getting her day in court, for we are certain the facts will bear out our friend’s absolute innocence. There is one amusing moment. I am carrying a small pack of legal pads I had picked up at a local supermarket on my way to the courthouse, and it must have made me look like I was planning to do a lot of writing (which I am!). A professor who saw me walking around the building attempts to introduce a visiting reporter to me as a fellow journalist. “I would introduce you to one of your media colleagues,” says the academic to the correspondent, gesturing in my direction. “And you would be wrong,” I inject. “I would be wrong?” asks the confused 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 33 her from being totally absorbed within which everyone takes to prepare (think the country. Kaplan’s). She also elected (as can any stu- With her entry into Sherut Leumi, a dent) to take the meshulav version of the year of national service, she really test. The questions are presented in became integrated—a teen who is like Hebrew with a side-by-side English trans- many others here. This week, she passed lation of the questions, for those who another first; Chaya was the first of our prefer to test in English (as did Chaya and children to take the psychometric evalua- several of her classmates). tions for university. Taking The Psychometrics Although used in a similar manner to the SAT and ACT tests, the psychometrics We went through another first this However, it was not until Aliza entered are supposed to be more rigorous. Israeli She also elected to take week. Although this was actually some- high school that we really had the true universities do not have liberal arts pro- the meshulav version of thing that happened at the right time and high school experience. As a new immi- grams. A student enters his or her field of age for us. Almost. grant, Chaya’s curriculum was tailored to study and focuses on that field only, fin- the test. The questions We have been through the other kind her needs and she was exempted from a ishing with an advanced degree. So the of firsts, the ones that we thought we had variety of elective courses that were not psychometric is used as the major are presented in Hebrew put behind us. The first day of any grade absolutely required for her matriculation barometer to determine what university in elementary school, for instance. Being degree. She was also offered independent a student can attend and what career with a side-by-side veteran parents with older kids made no study for some of her mandatory classes, they can choose. English translation of difference when Mordechai entered to adequately prepare her to pass her Since the majority of those kids who school (or when the kids each entered a exams. So her high school experience go to university are also either doing the the questions. new grade, for that matter). We had never was less than typical. army or national service, they do not usu- experienced that day and that “year” in She was the first to go on an Israeli ally take the psychometric exam in high the Israeli school system, and as such, it “March of the Living” style trip. The school. They defer it until they can focus was all new to us. first to graduate high school here. The solely on preparing for it. Chaya sat for It is offered this way not only for new Our oldest daughter, Chaya, was enter- first for many things. But the special the exam earlier this week. immigrants, but also for overseas stu- ing ninth grade when we made aliyah. curriculum and schedule she kept, kept She took a heavy duty prep course, dents who want to attend university here. They take the English version and then spend a year in mechinah preparato- ry college once they have been accepted into university. The mechinah prepares them for Hebrew classes and is also used to make sure they are up to speed vis-à-vis their high school education. Only after passing mechinah can they enroll into the full university. Chaya has Israeli high school certifica- tion. In her case, since she did not need to verify her general knowledge, she sat for a Hebrew language exam immediately upon completing the main exam. Assuming she passes the Hebrew test, she is exempted from mechinah and can immediately enroll into a university, assuming her grades from high school and on the main psychometric exam are good enough. It is a very stressful time for teens. The pressure upon them is intense. I know that Chaya was going nuts in preparation and is very relieved that the test is behind her so she can enjoy the rest of her national service year. In her case, the prep work is still not done. She still has to choose what career path she wants to follow. But, as the first of our kids to go through this testing process (Chaim, knowing he would go to YU, took only the SAT), we are really proud of her focus and dedication in getting to this point. With the coming of the psychomet- ric exam came the rains as well. We have had rain for the past several week- ends and the forecast for the summer is looking a little less disastrous. We are still at a much lower level for this point in the year than we have been since our aliyah. But, we are at 213.72m below sea level. This is 128 cm above the dreaded Black Line and disaster. While it is not a level to rejoice about, with a little more rain, we should be able to make it to the next rainy season without get- ting that low. Especially with some of the new changes. What changes? Well, last week they announced some new measures designed to improve the water supply. One of them, the most astounding one to me, was that they will now run desalina- tion plants for 24 hours a day. We have a few desalination plants that opened last 34 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES year and are in operation, but apparently are not at full capacity because the gov- ernment did not want to operate them during the day, when electricity was more expensive. That’s right—it was all about money. Which actually reinforces something I wrote about a few weeks ago about the “to fast or not to fast for rain” debate. We could have had millions upon millions of cubic meters of additional water this year from desalination. Each one of them would have represented an equal amount of water remaining in our natural water sources. However, since it would cost money for us to do this, we chose instead to allow the water levels to get ridiculous- ly and dangerously low. While the rainfall is important, it is the water that is most important. And we now see another side to the equa- tion. Rain is clearly cheaper and we need it badly. But, with the technology that G-d has given us, we can use other sources as well. If only we were smart enough to do so. Finally, this week I missed one b’rit milah and attended another. So mazal tov to our former next door neighbors Rabbi Mordechai and Mrs. Sora Kamenetzky on the birth of their grandson, and another mazal tov to our local Bet Shemesh rav, Rabbi Shalom and Dr. Tamar Rosner on the birth of their son. O

Shmuel Katz, his wife Goldie, and their six children made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, Shmuel was the executive director of the Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett. You can contact him at [email protected].

This they shall give…half a shekel (Sh’mos 30:13) The mitzvah of the half-shekel is that each should contribute a coin that [is valued at] half of the dominant coin of that time. If the prevailing coin is takal, they should give a half- takal; if it is a selah, they should give a half-selah; if it is a darcon, they should give a half-darcon. (Midrash HaGadol) Why not a complete coin? To teach us that no man is a complete entity unto himself. Only by joining with another can a person become a “whole thing.” (The Chassidic Masters)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 35 the Israeli government, and finally, on the Anwar Sadat and Hosni Mubarak. After I Egypt Through My Eyes morning of my departure, I received an e- was interviewed by Ms. Weinstein, per- mail from Yitzhak Levanon, the Israeli mission was granted to photograph three ambassador in Cairo. The ambassador of Cairo’s synagogues. Additionally, Ms. BY JOEL BERKOWITZ of bureaucracy. It took two months to asked that I call him as soon as I landed in Weinstein made contact with the presi- find the people I felt were competent to Cairo. Ambassador Levanon had arranged dent of Alexandria’s Jewish community, For the past 25 years, I have pho- meet my specific needs. to have me meet with the representatives Yusuf Gaon, and arrangements were tographed historic synagogues in over 50 The hardest part in my preparation of the Jewish community. Finally, and just made enabling me to photograph countries. I am a professional photogra- was making contact with the Jewish com- in the nick of time, the last piece of the Alexandria’s remaining synagogue. pher by trade and also teach a course in munities in Alexandria and Cairo as well puzzle fell into place. I could finally relax During the eight days that I spent in Jewish history at Rambam Mesivta here in as the Israeli embassy in Cairo and the and enjoy my trip back to Mitzrayim. Egypt, I saw no indications that there was the Five Towns. Experience has taught me Israeli consulate in Alexandria. Strangely, I rarely travel alone, and on this trip my a sense of unrest among the people. In that in order to photograph historic syna- all my letters went unanswered. Without wife Linda and daughter Lisa accompa- fact, the Egyptians we came into contact gogues in exotic places, it is imperative to the approval of the Jewish community, I nied me. In Cairo we were met by a very with were warm and friendly. They plan far in advance of one’s trip. This knew I would have difficulty in photo- dear family friend, Rachelle Feigenblum, appeared to like America and Americans January, I returned from Egypt after pho- graphing these historic buildings. who also shared in our adventure. and had no problem with my being tographing four very famous synagogues. Jewish. In retrospect, the only sign of My planning began in August of last year. impending trouble was a remark made to Initially, I wrote a letter to the Egyptian me by Ambassador Levanon over the Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Zahi Hawass, It was also here that the Rambam phone. The ambassador cryptically said requesting authorization to photograph he could not talk to me about certain three synagogues in Cairo and one in things and then proceeded to give me his Alexandria. Synagogues and churches in maintained a yeshiva as well as a personal cell-phone number with pointed Egypt are under the jurisdiction and pro- instructions that I was to immediately call tection of the Ministry of Culture, medical clinic that ministered to him, even on Shabbat, if the need arose. Supreme Council of Antiquities. Dr. The shuls of Cairo. The first synagogue Hawass graciously approved my request. patients, both Jew and gentile. we went to was the art nouveau Shaar The Jewish sites in Egypt are valued his- Hashamayim, built c. 1905. Even though toric venues that the government consid- the officers guarding the shul knew we ers part of its national heritage. were coming, they carefully checked our Photography of these buildings is strictly When I began teaching my class in As recently as 1947, the Jews in Cairo passports and inspected Dr. Hawass’s let- forbidden, whether from the street or Jewish history at Rambam Mesivta this numbered 41,860; now there are approxi- ter of authorization. After the formalities inside the sanctuary. (Heavily armed offi- past September, Rabbi Yotav Eliach, the mately 80, mostly elderly and female. were completed, we were treated as VIPs. cers patrolled the streets in front of every principal, immediately offered to help Ambassador Levanon had set up an This synagogue once served as the base of shul I visited. The officers were highly pro- me if the need arose. I was scheduled to appointment for me with Carmen operations for the chief rabbi of Cairo fessional and made a point of evaluating depart on January 5, and as of mid- Weinstein, the president of Cairo’s small and is currently the only one in Cairo reg- anyone who approached the building.) December the Jewish community in Jewish community. Ms. Weinstein is ularly opened for prayer. It is a beautiful, The next step was to obtain a qualified Egypt had not yet responded to any of my fiercely loyal to both her Egyptian her- imposing structure. driver and guide who could negotiate the inquiries. It looked as if I was about to itage and her role as a guardian of the My favorite synagogue was the recent- terrain and act as an intermediary with have a major problem on my hands. Jewish historic sites. On the wall behind ly restored Moshe ben Maimon the local citizenry and the various layers Rabbi Eliach called a contact of his in her desk there are large portraits of both Synagogue. It is neither large nor grand,

36 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES P h o t o s B y J o e l B e r k o w i t z Interior of Shaar Hashamayim Synagogue in Cairo.

Rambam davened after his appointment Alexandria. As in Cairo, after first as leader of the Jewish community of being vetted by the police guarding Fostat in 1177. It was also here that the Alexandria’s remaining synagogue, we Rambam maintained a yeshiva as well as were permitted full access to the shul. a medical clinic that ministered to The Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue (built c. patients, both Jew and gentile. To the 1836) is situated within a complex of Egyptians, the Rambam is affectionately buildings housing the community office, known as “Maimonides the Egyptian.” a day school that is no longer in use, and The most beautiful of Cairo’s synagogues a beautiful synagogue that can seat at is the Ben Ezra, where the famous geniza least 600 people. Mr. Gaon, the president Solomon Schechter discovered in 1897 is of the community, informed us there are located. According to the tradition of the only 20 Jews remaining in Alexandria (17 Jews of Egypt, this synagogue is located on women and 3 men). the spot on the Nile that infant Moshe was The recent events in Egypt have made Interior of Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo. found by Pharaoh’s daughter. The current me feel very sad. I can only hope and pray foundation of the synagogue may date to that others will be able to follow in my 1039. The interior, which was recently footsteps and visit this extraordinary but it had a special attraction for me. tal in overseeing the restoration of this restored, was erected in 1892. Behind the community and explore the remaining Incidentally, Dr. Hawass was instrumen- shul. It was in this synagogue that the synagogue is an ancient mikveh. historic synagogues of Egypt. O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 37 And Hubby, as everyone who knew come to their rescue or if they should him well will recall, always made sure call AAA. They hesitated to make the call that there was emergency equipment in to AAA, because they knew that might my vehicle and in his. In fact, there is so mean waiting for two or three hours. much equipment in the trunk of my car AAA often doesn’t arrive as quickly as (including two orange cones that I have they claim in their ads. thus far, thank G-d, never had to use) that As the boys returned the cables to my if the economy continues to plummet I trunk, the two girls took turns hugging can always use my car as a roadside assis- me. Just as I was beaming with satisfac- The Younger Set tance vehicle and charge for service! tion over the mitzvah I had performed, Being kindhearted, and noting that the and the kids were climbing into their car, four stranded teenagers were well one of them yelled out the window, “Just English is a living language, which fat, the first time some kid called me phat groomed and polite, I offered to help so you know, you are really phat!” means that it is always evolving. New (out loud and in front of his three bud- them. I didn’t actually do anything, Not only was I mortified, at first, but I words come into being and, occasionally, dies) I nearly died of humiliation. because I wouldn’t know what to do with seriously considered getting out of my old ones are discarded or replaced. Now It happened after I exited a store and a battery cable, but I did offer to lend it to car and throwing a rock at one of their and then a word remains in use but its encountered two boys and two girls them. Within a few minutes, they car’s windows. Fortunately, I restrained meaning changes. We adapt, we adopt, standing outside a car parked next to hooked the cable up and, as I had seen myself and made a quick recovery, and we abbreviate. mine. Due to an overcrowded parking lot Hubby do many times, succeeded in because I remembered one of my grand- Adoption means exactly that. We that day, my car was parked at a distant drawing energy from my battery and giv- children telling me that the word phat is adopt words from other parts of the a compliment. It might be helpful, how- world and we use them. For example, the ever, if the younger set knew that it isn’t words spot on are used in England to indi- wise to call an older, overweight woman cate that something is exactly right. In phat. That is, if they want to live to tell the United States we always used the One of them yelled out the the story. word perfect to indicate that something On a personal level, many of us see was just right. But recently, many people window, “Just so you know, you things differently as time passes. As a have started to use the term spot on. young adult, I referred to toddlers and Abbreviation is important because young children as the younger set. And everyone is in a hurry. So people use a sin- are really phat!” when I reached the age of 40, I thought of gle word to shorten a five-word phrase. young adults as the younger set. It’s under- Instead of saying “I have to make some standable. Anyone who is a generation or minor adjustments to my plan,” people more behind me is what I think of as the save time (and words) by saying, “I have end of a huge lot, nowhere near the ing renewed life to theirs. Sure enough, younger set. Therefore, as I age, that clas- to tweak my plan.” stores. The teens’ car wouldn’t start, and their car sputtered a bit and then started! sification encompasses many more peo- Adaptation means learning to adjust to one of the boys decided that their prob- The kids were overjoyed and extreme- ple. I now refer to adults in their late for- the new words that are thrust upon us. lem was a dead battery. I knew I had bat- ly appreciative. They explained that they ties and early fifties as the younger set. Often these are the result of teenagers’ tery cables in mine, because I have had been standing there for quite some It is my opinion that the younger set slang. I present as an example the word removed nothing from the trunk since time and not a soul would help them. sees things much differently than we do. phat, a word the kids use to mean excel- my husband, Arnie, passed away more They were just trying to decide which of Of course, not everyone sees things my lent or first-rate. Since phat sounds like than a year ago. them should call a parent or a friend to way, because I tend to panic in specific

38 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES situations. I refer here to the act of snow immune. And, despite having begged my shoveling. Obviously not everyone feels daughters to take a stand, I doubt they the same way. I do have friends who listen to me either. allow their husbands to shovel—not What’s wrong with this younger set? many, but a few. Mainly, however, it is the Their unwillingness to listen to reason younger set (which to me includes any- and to exercise caution is definitely not one up into the mid-fifties at this point) cool. I don’t even think its phat! O that doesn’t worry. And I love the line from the wives who do worry: “He insists Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with on shoveling. I can’t stop him.” Personally Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at I think they’re nuts, but who am I to say? [email protected] or 516-902-3733. Hubby was an extremely strong and determined individual, but he met his match when he married me. There were, of course, times when he did shovel and And he threw the I would think, “I just can’t stop him.” But I kept at it until one day I guess I tablets out of his just wore him out. Possibly that’s because he wasn’t a fighter, but it might hands have been something else. Maybe I (Sh’mos 32:19) finally got him to thinking about how risky it was to shovel snow. And as I The Tablets were each six recall, that happened by the time Hubby handbreadths long and was in his late forties. But, being realistic, and knowing three handbreadths wide. Hubby’s determination in most things, I Moshe held two hand- don’t doubt that, along with all of his other equipment, he kept a snow shovel breadths [of the Tablets’ in his van and probably had occasion to length], G-d held two use it now and then to shovel himself out of a parking spot. As I see it, however, that handbreadths, and in wasn’t quite as bad as shoveling a side- between were two walk and an entire driveway. handbreadths of space. As hard as I try to convince men not to shovel, and to convince women to Moshe’s hands prevailed, dissuade their spouses from doing it, I and he grabbed hold of the don’t seem to have made any headway, not even with my own family. Or, Tablets and broke them. maybe I should say especially not with (Jerusalem Talmud,Taanis 4:5 my own family. Not one of my sons-in- ) law listens to me. Each one thinks he’s

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 39 Yeshiva Of Far Rockaway Annual Dinner Photos By Ivan H. Norman

At the 42nd YFR annual dinner on February 5 (L-R): Mr. David Schreiber; Rabbi Eli Goldgrab; Rabbi Yechiel Perr; Mr. Binyomin Goodman; Rabbi Aaron Rabbi Yechiel Perr; Dr. Marc Kunin, Distinguished Alumnus; Brafman; Dr. Marc Kunin; Dr. Benzion Krupka; and Dr. Yisachar Greenberg. and Rabbi Aaron Brafman.

Rabbi Yechiel Perr; Rabbi Eli Goldgrab, Excellence in Education awardee; Rabbi Yechiel Perr; Dr. Yisachar Greenberg, Guest of Honor; and Rabbi Aaron Brafman. and Rabbi Aaron Brafman.

40 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Weigh To Go!

BY RACHAEL E. SCHINDLER, PH.D., CAI, CPT

Who’s Got Your Back? The muscles of the back are integral to a functioning skeleton and directly affect joint actions and movement. Lack of flexibility, muscle imbalance, and overall core weakness may con- tribute to poor posture and back pain. In other words, a weak back is a short- cut to big problems. Women especially need to place resis- tive stress on the spine to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, help support their chest area, manage varied height shoes, and carry children or heavy purses, as well as to offset bigger bellies while pregnant. So, what should you do? “Back it up” with these easy exercises: The row. To perform a basic row, tip forward to about 45 degrees, holding the weights down (you can use water bottles instead of weights). Contract the back to pull the elbows to your bellybutton. Back extensions. Lie down on the floor with hands behind the head and lift the chest off the ground. For more intensity, you can lift the legs as well. Start out doing three sets of 12 repeti- tions for each exercise.

WOW: How To Walk Off The Weight So you want to know how to turn up the fat-melting, flab-fighting, cardio- boosting benefits of your usual walk? Follow this fun, simple plan to ensure you get everything your routine’s been missing: an optimal calorie-burning pace, ab-firming in every stride, and all-over toning without stops or props. First perfect your form, then perk up your pace and posture. SCULPT. Draw your Shoulders back, position your Chin parallel to the ground, Lift your ribs away from your hips, Pelvis should be neutral, and finally suck in your abs or Transverse muscles! Pick up the pace. Your pace should be about 75% of your maximum effort— meaning, it is somewhat difficult for you to talk, but not impossible. Depending on your level, that may be a brisk 4.5 mph (403 cal/hr). Here’s the golden rule: try not to let it dip below 3.0 mph (211 cal/hr). That’s the point where women drop below the moderate intensity, or cardio- benefiting zone. O

Rachael E. Schindler, PhD, MA, MS, CAI, CPT, has over 18 years of experience in exercise physiology, Pilates, nutritional counseling, and teaching, as well as multiple degrees in forensic and developmental psychology. To contact her, e-mail [email protected] or call 917-690-5097.

At 5TJT.com you can enjoy articles in 3 ways: 1. Read 2. Print 3. Email

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 41 one spot. So here I am, 58 years old, work, and I don’t feel the same self-con- schlepping around, busting my chops, sciousness that he always feels these not really making all that much money days. His moods are so dark and self- to show for it, and coming home at the centered that I find it very hard to be end of the day exhausted, with no ener- around him. He brings me down, which gy left for anyone or anything. is the last thing I need. Who would have thought that, at my So how do I manage my anger toward age, this is what my life would be look- my husband? At this point, I don’t even Dear Esther, with all the consequences that an unem- ing like? I had always thought that at want to talk to him. I don’t want to spend I know that there have been columns ployed husband creates. It is very diffi- this stage of our lives, my husband and time with him. I don’t even want to be and letters written in to this paper and cult and I am feeling so much resent- I would be purchasing a place in Israel, supportive. I’ve been supportive for so other papers talking about all the hard- ment. In fact, sometimes it’s more than so that we could go often and visit our long and it hasn’t helped. I want my old ships that many men are suffering due resentment. It’s a feeling of rage, and two married daughters and their fami- life back. My life where I felt secure, to the bad economy and job losses. All frankly I don’t know what to do with lies. I thought I would be free as a bird, taken care of, happy, and kind. sorts of issues are raised. Is the commu- these feelings. It’s eating me up, killing an empty-nester, free to come and go as I want to find a way to stop resenting nity doing enough? Are friends and our marriage, and turning me into some- I pleased. my husband and start feeling loving neighbors being compassionate one I don’t recognize anymore. Even raising our five children was towards him. Our home has not been a enough? And so on. I know how very Here are my specific beefs. For most easier than what I am experiencing happy place to be in for a while. We feel rough it is on these men, many of of my adult life, I haven’t had to work. now. Maybe that’s because I’m older, but it and I’m sure that our children and their whom spent most of their adult lives But when my husband was already out it’s simply draining—and also kind of families feel it as well. feeling like successes, only to wind up of work for over six months, I realized depressing. I feel like I have to sell Angered in their forties, fifties, and sixties being that I’d better do something. Since I myself every day that I go out to work. Dear Angered, unemployable and very frightened. never thought this day would come— It’s demeaning. Thank you for your honest description I know all this because I am married not in my wildest dreams—I had no My husband is so busy feeling sorry of how it feels to be married to someone to such a man. But that is not the pur- profession, no degree, no career. for himself that I really don’t think he is unemployed and miserable. We focus so pose of this letter. I am writing to you Without going into detail, the work I all that compassionate about my posi- much on the breadwinner and some- from the wife’s perspective: what it feels had to take on requires a great deal of tion. He still thinks that I’m in a much times forget that there is collateral dam- like to be married to such a man and deal mental and physical labor. I don’t stay in better position, because at least I have age all around that individual. I think the answer to your question is all about focusing on a helpful perspec- tive. Without wanting to sound unsym- pathetic toward your situation, I would like to try and refocus your thoughts, so that you can hopefully view yourself in a better light and, equally important, begin to once again view your husband with renewed compassion and love. It sounds as though much of your life you’ve had it pretty easy. Working was not something you had to even consider. Many women have been working since their teens, never having gotten a break whatsoever, and will continue to work as long as they physically can. I wonder whether you think much about how well your husband took care of you and your large family for all those years. Obviously he was able to do so, and it seems that he was happy to enable you to stay home with your children and basi- cally do whatever you wanted to do. You had many years of freedom. During those years, did you show your gratitude? And even now, do you give your husband credit for probably over 30 years of your being well taken care of? You talk about wanting to feel happy and create a happy home. So much of that is in your power. It sounds simple, but do you focus on keeping a smile on your face when you greet your husband in the morning? Do you try to sound pos- itive, despite the challenging turns his profession has taken? Or do you spend most of your time complaining about how hard you have to work and how dis- appointed you are in him? Without a suitable salary coming in, I won’t dismiss how impossible life can seem. And I don’t know whether you believe your husband is trying hard enough or whether there is a cushion to sustain you for a while, or if some fami- ly member or friend is helping you make ends meet at this time. But aside from that (and I know it’s a big aside), do you contemplate what is working in your life? You’ve mentioned your chil- dren and their families. How are they doing? Do you have much nachas from them? Can you redirect your thoughts toward them and your grandchildren when you find yourself steeped in a major pity party? 42 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES How is your health? Your husband’s health? Can you feel grateful for that? Certainly that isn’t something to be taken for granted. Every day that you wake up and are able to get up and out and get to work is a day to be thankful for. What else is in your cup? Good friends? Joyful activities? A sharp mind? A husband who has always been a good guy but is presently going through a dif- ficult time? Now more than ever, it’s important that you count your blessings, go through a gratitude list every day, and decide you will be the strong one in the relationship, bringing optimism and joy back into your home. Do you try to engage your husband in any activities that might distract him a little? Activities that are free but nev- ertheless distracting and life- affirming? A walk around Manhattan, a trip to a museum. Your husband took care of you for so many years. Now it’s your turn to be the cheer- leader, to be creative and come up with plans that allow him to maybe stop obsessing over his unemployment a little and start seeing that there is more to life to enjoy. And even if you can’t get him out of his funk, don’t take it per- sonally. Decide you don’t have to absorb his sadness. Maybe if you can maintain your own good feelings, he will be able to absorb some of that. In the meantime, though you feel age 58 is ridiculously old to be working, think about all the people who have start- ed successful careers late in life. Though you didn’t have to work when you were young, was there anything you would have loved to do back then? Maybe it would be worth it to consider loans so that you could take some courses in the evenings. Find your passion. Try to look at work as some- thing that can actually be quite fulfilling and wonderful. If we look hard enough, we can often find silver linings within challenges. Losing the resentment toward your husband and feel- ing loving toward him are both doable and within your power. Tap into your higher strengths, make the decision to be the best you that you can possibly be, focus on all that your husband has done for your over the years—as opposed to what he doesn’t have the ability to do at the moment—and recognize that this is your time to shine.

Esther

Esther Mann, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in Lawrence. Esther works with individuals and couples. She can be reached at [email protected] or 516-314-2295. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 43 powers that be are looking for ways to rates available. lower the risks that government takes on If the old system of looking to Fannie by backing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Mae and Freddie Mac to maintain a What does this mean in plain terms? steady flow of money was shut down or Well, for those looking to purchase transferred to the private sector, it also homes as well as those borrowers look- could create a shortage of available mort- ing to refinance in the future, if in fact gage funds, thereby creating an atmos- the government moves away from back- phere of “pick and choose.” Lenders hav- ing these agencies and instead looks for ing limited resources might look for the Will The Old System Survive? the private sector to take over the sole strongest of several borrowers and bypass role of mortgage lending, this could the rest, even though the other borrowers When the time comes that a mortgage financial-services industry and Wall Street. have a ripple effect on mortgages in a might also have been considered prime is needed, most people shop around look- We the taxpayers are still paying for variety of ways. borrowers under the old rules. ing for the best lender, the most aggres- the bailout to clean up the messes creat- Presently, we have already started to Obviously this is a frightening sive pricing, and the fastest processing ed by all of them, and the housing market see the slow rise of interest rates creep- prospect to look forward to, and the turnover time, hoping that this will and mortgage industry are only now ing their way up from the historic lows banking industry as well as many con- increase their odds of getting the best of slowly picking up the pieces and working we have experienced the last year or sumer-oriented agencies are aware of whatever mortgage rates and services are their way back up the ladder. two. In the event that the government how this would hurt the greater public. out there. But as the forensics of “what went pulls away from Fannie Mae and Freddie There are many alternative solutions But how much time have most people and creative ideas being tossed around ever spent examining the internal in hopes of averting a situation where process of how lenders make mortgages any of the above scenarios would ever available and what keeps the mortgage come into play. But, as far as the average monies circulating amongst the public? The powers that be are looking borrower is concerned, ideally the best For many years now, Fannie Mae and development that we should all hope Freddie Mac—agencies backed by the gov- for ways to lower the risks that for is some kind of resolution that ernment’s Departments of the Treasury resembles what we have in place today, and Housing and Urban Development— or simply finding a way for the status have created the wherewithal to keep government takes on by backing quo of a government-backed Fannie mortgage monies circulating by guarantee- Mae and Freddie Mac to be retained, ing mortgage loans that comply with their with new safeguards in place for its specific guidelines and mortgage amount Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. future health. O limits, thereby freeing up new monies that can be used by the various lenders to issue Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. more new mortgage loans. mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience, This system seemed to be working until wrong” and “what should be done to fix Mac, rates could continue to climb even offering full-service residential and commercial the meltdown of 2008, at which time it it” are being presented to Congress, the faster, as when the rates climbed during real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in became apparent that even with all their report entitled “Reforming America’s the early 1980s when mortgage borrow- the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area. guidelines, they were also vulnerable and Housing Finance Market” is causing anx- ing became only a dream for many who She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are had no protection from the disasters being iety and panic in many circles, at the could not come even close to qualifying encouraged to send questions or comments to wreaked across the economy from the same time as in government circles the for a mortgage with the high interest [email protected].

44 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES payroll. A successful dentist can drill, fill, This is how the Chovos HaLevavos and bill, but he is only one man doing a explains these two individuals. The first job. Bill Gates had 20,000 workers in his person may have been great, but he was employ. In a good market, with a good working for himself. He was a one-man product, and a team of thousands churn- operation. While he may have attained ing it out, your profits will be multiplied prominence, it was limited. The second exponentially, and you can realize that man had many people in his employ. which no single individual can even The Merit Of Others dream of. Continued on Page 46

And Hashem spoke to Moshe, saying, how people become wealthy. In 2001, “Go down, for your nation that you have Microsoft Corporation reported $40 bil- brought up from Egypt, has sinned.” lion in excess cash. That means money —Sh’mos 32:7 that was not needed for operating Moshe Rabbeinu was the single great- expenses, research and development, or est human being who ever lived. The marketing—extra money. Bill Gates, as Rambam tells us that of all the nevi’im, he the largest single shareholder of the com- alone was able to speak with Hashem pany, had become one of the richest men directly. Normally, a prophet must go into in the world with billions of dollars in an altered state of consciousness to expe- discretionary income. It would take a suc- rience Hashem. Otherwise the experience cessful lawyer, doctor, or accountant would cause sensory overload, and he 10,000 years of hard work to earn that would die. Moshe was able to speak to kind of wealth. How does a person Hashem in a totally clear, conscious state acquire so much money? of mind. At any time, he could approach No single man can ever earn that type Hashem and speak, experiencing Hashem of prosperity. The secret to building as I do a neighbor or friend. Moshe was wealth is to have other people on your also granted access to the entire Torah, in all its depths and its secrets. Right after the sin of the Golden Calf, Hashem told Moshe, “Go down.” Rashi explains this didn’t simply mean, “Go down to see what the nation is up to.” Rather, “Go down from your greatness. You have lost access to the upper worlds. The ability to enter the Beis Din of Heaven has been taken from you. I only gave you that access because of the K’lal Yisrael. They are no longer worthy, so you must go down.” This Rashi becomes difficult to under- stand when we take into account that Moshe was on a fantastic level because of his actions. He spent his life dedicated to serving Hashem. Clearly, this access to the upper worlds and his ability to perceive and understand Torah were things that he had earned because of his hard work. So why should they be taken from him? The answer to this can be better under- stood by focusing on the relationships we have to one another. Two systems in the World to Come. The Chovos HaLevavos explains that there are two systems of measurement in the World to Come, the internal and the external. The internal system is based on my personal growth: improving my character traits, increasing my awareness of Hashem, learn- ing Torah, etc. The external system is based on merits outside of myself: how much I affected others and the influence that I had on people. These are accomplishments that don’t directly change my state of spiri- tuality, but I was the cause of them, so they are credited to me. As an example, the Chovos HaLevavos describes two individuals. The first has sterling character traits, is steeped in Torah knowledge, and is so great that he can be compared to the angels above. The second individual is but a plain person. He’s nowhere near as developed in his service to Hashem as the first man. Yet when they both come to the World to Come, the second individual will tower over the first. Why? Because the first person brings with him his own merit, while the sec- ond toiled to improve others. Therefore, he has his own merit plus the merits of all of those whom he helped. A mashal to this would be looking at 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 45 His siblings complain that I baby him smile. too much. But how much is too much? Every time Yussie accomplishes We still don’t know what he does or does- something is a cause for me to give a n’t understand. How can I trust that he sigh of relief—it doesn’t matter how won’t get into a car with a stranger, or often it happens. It’s not something I wander off down the street quicker than can explain. The fact that Lea comes I can catch up with him? down dressed in the morning is taken At this point Lea, at the age of eight, is for granted, but when Yussie comes miles ahead of Yussie cognitively. It is so down dressed, it gives me a reason to difficult for her to contemplate that he shout hurray! Independence might never “catch up” to her. And so Yussie made it onto his bus sort “I wonder what Yussie would sound of independently yesterday morning. And From the front vestibule I watch him screen door tentatively. What if some- like if he didn’t have disabilities,” Lea this morning as Rivka was coming down standing on the sidewalk in front of our thing catches his eye and he decides to wondered aloud innocently the other the steps, she spotted Yussie making his house. He is such a big boy, waiting walk into the street with the cars racing day. way out the front door on his own, and patiently with his knapsack on his back. A down the block? It hasn’t happened “I’m sure he would sound just like he she shouted from the top of the steps, typical sight of a young ten-year-old child before, but it could! It’s so difficult trust- does now; maybe a little more clear?” I “Mommy! Yussie is leaving the house waiting in front of his house for his ing that he will be all right. answer tentatively. already!” school bus as the cars swish past. As I watch him from afar I wonder if “But you know it’s not fair that Yussie “He is going outside to wait for his bus “Bye Mommy! Waiting for my bus!” there will ever come a day when I won’t gets to use the computer right when he now. You just worry too much!” Yussie announces as I can’t stop myself worry. Does he even understand my comes home, while I have to be busy And with a smile on both our faces we from stepping outside towards him. fears for his safety? He has come a long doing my homework!” is a common com- watched Yussie stand in front of the “I see you, Yuss. Be careful!” way, though. I trust him (sort of) plaint I receive from her. house with his knapsack on his back. O “Bye Mommy. See you later!” Yussie enough to watch him from a few feet How do I explain the differences as the Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & announces his independence. away. There was a time when I needed differences become wider, while at the Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst He wants me to trust him to wait on to be right by his side. Is this progress? same time he is her big brother? with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. his own. But that’s a difficult task. I go Am I giving him the feeling of quasi- The bus has pulled up and Yussie She welcomes your questions and comments at back to the front porch and close the independence? greets the matron with his usual big [email protected].

SHMUZ Continued from Page 45 Because of him, many people grew closer to Hashem. And since their growth came about because of him, he is credited with it, so he is fantastically rich in merit. Moshe was working for the k’lal. The answer to this Rashi seems to be that when it comes to aiding others in their spiritual growth, not only does Hashem reward someone with the external merit of what others accomplished, He gives the person all the tools he needs to accomplish his mission. Moshe was the representative of the multitudes and was therefore allowed access to the highest level of Torah knowledge and under- standing—not in his own merit, but in the merit of the entire nation. As important as Moshe Rabbeinu was, he was a man, and man isn’t allowed access to the upper worlds. When the Jewish nation was deserving, Moshe rep- resented them and therefore was allowed to enter the Heavens. He was the conduit for bringing Torah to the multitudes. Once the Jews fell from that level, they were no longer worthy, so he as their shaliach was no longer permitted in Shamayim. It wasn’t as a punishment of him, but a reality. He no longer had the merit of that great nation catapulting him to those heights. We see a powerful concept from this Rashi. When you help other people grow, not only do you receive reward for every- thing that they accomplish, you receive S’yata D’Shmaya to do things that you might not have been able to otherwise. Whether as a rebbi teaching a difficult Gemara, a worker for the k’lal taking on a bold project, or a parent trying to create a wholesome environment for his or her family, the merit of the entire group works in your favor, and you will be able to do things that would otherwise be unthinkable. O

For more on this topic, please listen to Shmuz #17—Acquiring Olam Ha’Ba the Easy Way. The new Shmuz book, Stop Surviving and Start Living is now in print! Prerelease copies are available at www.TheShmuz.com or by calling 866-613-TORAH (8672). The book is scheduled to be released in stores in April. 46 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Former Israeli Ambassador To Egypt Accuses Al Jazeera Of Fomenting Chaos

BY SAMUEL SOKOL MIDDLE EAST CORRESPONDENT

Former Israeli Ambassador to Egypt Zvi Mazel, speaking to reporters at a brief- ing at MediaCentral in Jerusalem, charged that recent unrest in the Middle East has been caused in large part by the Arabic language satellite news network Al- Jazeera, which he claims has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. “To my mind the Western press com- pletely did not deal with the problem of Al-Jazeera, which is still, for the time being, the real leader of these demonstrations, revolutions if you like,” Mazel stated. According to Mazel, a fellow at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs who served as ambassador to Egypt from 1996 to 2001, “Al-Jazeera turned its cameras from the first days of the demonstrations to Tahrir Square and incited the demon- strators against the regime.” By broadcast- ing a near constant feed from the square, Mazel alleged, Al-Jazeera caused a groundswell in the number of protesters converging on what became the focal point for the anti-regime protests. “Most of us, like the protesters, would like to see a democratic Egypt,” Mazel told reporters. “The problem is whether it can be done so easily, and Al-Jazeera reported not the logics [sic] of the situa- tion but [rather, worked] to put chaos into Egypt, as they have been doing the past ten years against all Arab countries.” Mazel told the reporters that because they did not speak Arabic, “they look at the images and they take for granted, and the truth of Al Jazeera becomes the truth of the Western media.” “This is extremely bad because Al Jazeera is, more or less, maybe more than less, under the influence of Muslim Brothers,” the former diplomat stated. Mazel cited several key people working for the network, alleging ties between them and the radical Islamist organization. Responding to a query by the Five Towns Jewish Times, Mazel said that he is “absolutely sure the Muslim Brotherhood is very happy to [sic] what’s going on in Egypt now, and they prepared a coup in the West Bank.” Mazel was referring to Hamas, which is an offshoot of the Brotherhood’s Gaza branch. “The danger to Israel is much stronger from Hamas,” now, Mazel warned, “and the people of Ramallah are aware of this.” The end of the current regime is dan- gerous, Mazel stated, because “Mubarak was very instrumental and very impor- tant in pushing Palestinians and Israelis to the peace process,” and has been a “very good friend of Mahmoud Abbas.” For a key supporter of Abbas to be replaced by a group institutionally and ideologically aligned with Hamas is a sig- nificant threat to both Israeli and Palestinian Authority interests and secu- rity, Mazel explained. O 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 47 Congresswoman McCarthy Visits held. After taking pictures with the CAHAL At HANC Congresswoman, the children reluctantly On Tuesday, February 1, tore themselves away to continue their Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy met normal school activities. with key staff members and students of Shimmie Ehrenreich, CAHAL’s execu- CAHAL, the community-wide special edu- tive director, recounted CAHAL’s 18-year cation program. The meeting was held at history, from its humble beginnings to its Hebrew Academy of Nassau County 11 participating Jewish day schools and (HANC), which houses CAHAL’s kinder- yeshivot and the unique cooperation garten and first grade. among the school’s principals who serve Joined by District Director Christopher as CAHAL’s board members and advisors. Chaffee and Congressional Aide Toby Naomi Nadata, CAHAL’s program director, Congresswoman McCarthy visits HANC. Nussbaum, Congresswoman McCarthy described the spectrum of students was greeted and immediately surrounded served, the methodology behind the pro- by droves of HANC students upon her gram’s structure and delivery, and the suc- ized and individualized curriculum, the Mrs. Barbara Deutsch, principal and asso- arrival. Exhilaration was shared by stu- cess that CAHAL students have had transi- relationships between teacher and stu- ciate principal of HANC elementary dents and the Congresswoman as the tioning to mainstream classes. Alice dent, and the success of CAHAL students, school, graciously hosted the meeting. young crowd of excited students escorted Feltheimer, CAHAL’s educational coordi- not only in transitioning to mainstream Congresswoman McCarthy listened the celebrity and her two guests to the nator, compassionately described and classes, but beyond the class and in post- attentively and empathetically while “Minyan Room” where the meeting was illustrated the uniqueness of a special- school life. Rabbi Benjamin Yasgur and relating her own experiences dealing with special-ed issues and circumstances where CAHAL could have played a vital role. McCarthy had asked which former programs served as CAHAL’s model, and was surprised to learn that CAHAL was the innovative model which prompted other educational groups to seek its assis- tance in replicating programs in other cities and states as far away as Florida. McCarthy expressed deep regret that CAHAL’s Federal Appropriations Request, submitted through her office last year during a most catastrophic budget process, failed to secure much needed and anticipated funding. Asking how CAHAL manages to survive without gov- ernment funding, McCarthy was aston- ished that the community’s generosity was just about the only resource keeping CAHAL alive. The tour of the classrooms began in Melody Harris’s kindergarten class and then continued to the first grade with teachers Chani Czuper and Shoshana Cohan. Once the classroom tour began, it was as though the clock stood still. The Congresswoman disregarded her tight schedule. She appeared at home in the classroom and did not want to leave. In the kindergarten classroom, Melody Harris was teaching the children their first lesson in rhyming. The children were filled with excitement and determination as they compared and contrasted sounds, words, and concepts. Every child was drawn into the lesson and had the opportunity to give his or her answers and insights. An intense energy and joy with the learning process was shared by Mrs. Harris, her students, and their guests. After the lesson, the children presented the Congresswoman with a book that they had illustrated. Congresswoman McCarthy took the time to look at each pic- ture and acknowledge the beautiful and thoughtful work that each child had creat- ed. Upon leaving the room, the Congresswoman commented on how impressed she was with the children’s accomplishments and their incredible drive to learn and work hard. Next, Congresswoman McCarthy joined Mrs. Shoshana Cohan’s first grade class as they completed a diagram com- paring and contrasting President Washington and President Obama. After 48 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

the lesson, each child told the in the yeshiva’s young leadership Congresswoman what he or she committee, as well as wanted to do as an adult. She Congregation Ahavas Yisrael, commented on their choices under the leadership of Rabbi and praised the children for Yissachar Dov Blinder. Chaim’s their aspirations. Each child also passion for commercial aviation had the opportunity to ask the turned into a fascinating career— Congresswoman a question designing, manufacturing, and about herself. The questions marketing unique aviation col- included what the lectibles for the world’s leading Congresswoman does in her Chaim and Chaya Azman Seth and Rachel Keller Matthew and Tzippy Ostreicher airlines and travel retail indus- spare time, how many children tries. The Azmans are the proud and grandchildren she has, parents of two delightful YOSS whether she likes driving a car, daughter, Shoshana, is a third Lenox Hill Hospital. Rachel, well- Yitzchok, the Kellers are the talmidim: Efraim, a fifth grader, and what is her favorite activity. grader at Shulamith. loved by all her friends, has for- proud parents of Shimmy (YOSS and Daniel, a kindergartener. Congresswoman McCarthy lis- Dr. Seth and Mrs. Rachel merly served as president of the 2010 graduate, currently attend- Dr. Jeffry Beer: Alumnus of the tened to each question thought- Keller: Parents of the Year. The PTA, exuding care and concern ing DRS), Moshe (an eighth grad- Year (1986). A special presenta- fully and delighted the children Kellers are a couple with so for the yeshiva’s children as if er), and Ari (a second grader). tion to Dr. Beer will be made by with her answers. Finally, the much heart. Seth, who special- they were her own! She has been Their daughter, Leora, is a stu- Rav Binyamin Kamenetzky, the class presented Congresswoman ized in cardiac electrophysiology teaching preschool for the past dent at SKA. founder of the yeshiva and the McCarthy with a book about the at Yale New Haven Hospital, is 20 years, currently at Gan Chaim and Chaya Azman: rebbe of Jeffry, according to alum- role of the president in our gov- currently the associate director Chamesh. Active members of Young Leadership awardees. The ernment. She graciously of cardiac electrophysiology at Congregation Bais Ephraim Azmans are dynamically involved Continued on Page 50 thanked the class for their gift. Congresswoman McCarthy thanked the CAHAL administra- tion for the invitation and the opportunity to visit the classes. Although it was the CAHAL staff and administration who felt honored to have the Congresswoman visit their pro- gram, McCarthy insisted that she was the one who felt privi- leged to witness the wonderful work being done for children with special education needs in her district. O

YOSS Celebrates 54 Years Of Jewish Education, March 6 In celebration of 54 years of Torah education, the Yeshiva of South Shore will honor vibrant community leaders at their 54th annual banquet to be held on Sunday evening, March 6, at Congregation Kneseth Israel (The White Shul), according to dinner chairman Yaacov Lewis. Matthew and Tzippy Ostreicher: Guests of Honor. The Ostreichers have always been incredibly devoted to the yeshi- va. Matthew, a proud YOSS alum- nus (1991), and a member of the board of directors, remembers the yeshiva not only as a talmid, but as an institution that was an integral part of his growing up in the home of his distinguished parents, Milton and Sandy, who have been actively involved in the yeshiva since they arrived in Woodmere. Tzippy devotes many hours contributing her efforts to the yeshiva’s wonder- ful programs. Active members of the Young Israel of Woodmere young couples minyan, the Ostreichers’ home is always open to tzedakah and chesed, most recently hosting the YOSS new parents tea. Matthew is director of operations at Meadow Park Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, a glatt kosher skilled nursing facility in Queens. The Ostreichers are the proud parents of talmidim Mordechai, a first grader, Gavriel, in kindergarten, and Netanel, in the toddler program. Their 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS www.yoss.org, or call 516-374-7363, ext. 12. O Continued from Page 49 CHAZAQ: Building A Stronger ni chairman and fellow alumnus and class- Future! mate, Dovid Meisels. Jeffrey epitomizes By Shalhevet Moshe the wonderful synthesis of limud haTorah CHAZAQ—with a Q! A powerful little and chesed which YOSS imbues in all its name that reflects the vision of its talmidim. A partner at Long Island Spine founders: to strengthen the Jewish com- Rehabilitation Medicine, Jeffry specializes munity of Queens. Founded in 2006 by in non-operative treatment of spine and brothers Rabbi Ilan and Yaniv Meirov, the joint disorders. Despite his busy schedule, organization was born out of a sense that Jeffry devotes much time learning Torah both the Ashkenazi community in which and writing for Ner Ma’aravi, a weekly they were raised, as well as the larger sec- Torah newsletter in West Hempstead. ular community, were very much in need Together with his aishes chayil, Shira, they of inspiration. While there were several are the proud parents of Yonatan, a second programs geared toward strictly secular grader in the yeshiva, and daughters audiences, the brothers were looking to Tamar, Michal, and Sari. create something that would target both Councilman Anthony J. Santino: Man of communities. R’ Ilan credits his younger the Year. From Tony’s entry into political brother Yaniv for developing the entire life, he has been a close friend and confi- plan and for organizing their first event, dant with a pioneer of the Jewish commu- single-handedly, at age 15. With over 500 nities of the Five Towns and founding people attending, the lecture was a stag- dean of Yeshiva of South Shore, Rabbi gering success. Despite the great turnout Binyamin Kamenetzky. He is currently rep- of the first CHAZAQ event, Yaniv made it resenting the Town of Hempstead’s Fourth clear that he could not run the operation Council District for his fifth term. on his own. Newly married and learning From its founding in East New York 84 full time, R’ Ilan couldn’t imagine mixing years ago and for 54 years located on kollel life with kiruv, certainly not at the Long Island, Yeshiva Toras Chaim of young age of 22, but when Yaniv took the South Shore has inculcated thousands of initiative of turning their ideas into a children and young men with Torah val- reality, R’ Ilan found himself in the role ues and the leadership skills to enable the of director. torch of Jewish leadership to pass to Since their first event in September future generations. 2006, CHAZAQ has arranged over 200 live By attending the 54th annual banquet lectures in English, Hebrew, and Russian, on Sunday evening, March 6, you will with audiences ranging from 100–800 assure the continuity of this pioneering people. Hosting some of the biggest yeshiva as a vibrant Torah center for our names in the Jewish world, among them community, our families, and our children. Rabbis Paysach Krohn, Zecharia To RSVP, e-mail [email protected], visit Wallerstein, Dovid Orlofsky, and Uri

50 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Zohar, CHAZAQ’s lectures are geared Rabbi Meirov humbly acknowledges toward broad audiences. Rabbi Meirov that “CHAZAQ could not have been this proudly reports that a look around the successful without the community, or room after a lecture shows “that the guy the dedicated efforts of their volunteers with the earring is just as happy as the and sponsors.” Thanks to the great suc- yeshiva guy with the black hat,” a strong cess they have had in Queens, CHAZAQ indication that CHAZAQ’s goal of “trying is now branching out into other bor- to bring excitement about Torah into the oughs and states. They have had several community” is being realized. major events for the community in But the enterprising brothers are not Great Neck and have been contacted by just organizing lectures. The roster of communities throughout the U.S. With impressive programs seems to be grow- over 15,000 people on their current e- ing daily. Their foray into outreach actu- mail list, CHAZAQ is: Chazak! Chazak! ally began around a year and a half Venitchazek! They can be contacted at before their first major event with the 917-617-3636, [email protected], or at distribution of a weekly parashah sheet www.CHAZAQ.org. O and free Torah CDs. Yaniv credits his brother’s writing style to the success of Croton Football League the Daf Hashavua, and says that it was TripleNet 34, Muchentuchen 0. David’s through that medium that they discov- Famous Pizza MVP Joe Eisenberger ered the incredible thirst for Torah in Team Zez 19, The Situations 6. David’s their community—which they pinpoint Famous Pizza MVP Zez Fuld as CHAZAQ’s real starting point. Since The Ship 13, Simcha Squad 7. David’s then, the brothers have added a Hebrew Famous Pizza MVP Dovid Jankelowitz and Russian parashah paper and a Hoizentragers 6, DOGTickets 2. David’s monthly magazine. Famous Pizza MVP Shulim Leifer CHAZAQ operates independently and The touchdown leaders were Zez Fuld uses a wide range of community venues (3) and Asher Jungreis (3). 7 tied at 1. The for their events. Surprisingly, CHAZAQ passing TD leaders were Joe Eisenberger events are planned on a weekly basis. (5) and Dovid Jankelowitz (2). 2 tied at 1. Funded by maaser contributions and Special thanks to league sponsors Ezra yahrzeit dedications, all of CHAZAQ’s lec- Pharmacy, David’s Famous, ABN Energy, tures are free of charge. Expenses for Shula’s, and Personal Training Institute. O their events include advertising, food, cost of venues, and speakers, and range Have A Ha Ha Havdala, February 19 from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The Jean Fischman Chabad Center of Rabbi Meirov looks forward to a time The Five Towns invites the community to when CHAZAQ can plan their events to enjoy Café Chabad with comedian Avi cater to the needs of the greater commu- Liberman on February 19. nity with expenses covered by donors or private funding. Continued on Page 52

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 51 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS experiences and topical issues told and Andytown U.S.A. on Comedy Central. Education Project (Formerly BJE); Rabbi Continued from Page 51 through a varied blend of characters and Avi can be seen regularly on E! as a fre- Chaim Dovid Zweibel, executive vice- voices with worldwide expertise. Avi has quent guest on their popular countdown president of Agudath Israel of America; Liberman’s quirky style has made him performed stand-up comedy on CBS’s series. Avi has successfully arranged wide- and other county education officials to a favorite in comedy clubs from Los Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, on ly acclaimed stand-up comedy tours in establish a Nassau County Council of Angeles to New York. Born in Israel, raised Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, and Israel to help boost morale while donat- Religious and Independent Schools with in Texas, having gone to college in New Make Me Laugh, as well as NBC’s Friday ing all of the proceeds to a charity. The an aim towards maximizing educational York, and now living in Los Angeles, his Night! His acting credits include Dave’s successful “Comedy For Koby” tour is opportunities for non-public school chil- style is a winning combination of life World on CBS, Boston Common on NBC, now a bi-annual event, benefitting the dren in Nassau County. Koby Mandell Foundation. Mr. Mangano pledged to expend all See him live on Saturday night, the resources of his office and the February 19, 8:30 p.m. at Chabad of the Nassau County school system to insure Five Towns, 74 Maple Avenue in that private schools in Nassau County Cedarhurst. The cost is $25 per person receive their fair share of New York State which includes a delicious fresh Chinese education funding. buffet. RSVP appreciated by calling 516- According to Rabbi Mordechai 295-2478 or visiting www.Chabad5 Kamenetzky, dean of Yeshiva of South Towns.com. O Shore, who arranged the meeting, “This initial meeting will surely help lay the Nassau County Council Of groundwork where every school in Religious And Independent Schools Nassau County has a voice for its educa- Recently, Nassau County Executive Ed tional needs and concerns. I truly want to Mangano and Dr. Thomas Rogers, super- thank Mr. Mangano for his ardent atten- intendant of BOCES and Nassau County tion to these important issues.” schools, met with Rabbi Dr. Martin Rabbi Marty Schloss commented, “The L–R: Ms. Eden Laikin; Jeremy Zenilman; Dr. Robert J. Hanna; Dr. Thomas Rodgers; Edward P. Schloss, director, government relations Jewish Education Project was particularly Mangano; Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky; Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel, Rabbi Dr. Martin and general studies for department of day pleased with the meeting in that it pro- Schloss; Mr. David Eisner; and Rabbi Dovid Kramer. schools and yeshivot of The Jewish vides a meaningful platform for educa- tional collaborations involving both the public and private sectors. The very nature of this council fosters pooled knowledge, expertise, and resources in the pursuit of academic excellence—a critical asset for the future of Nassau County.” Special thanks to Jeremy Zenilman for his role in organizing the different liaisons. O

Activities At Cheder At The Ohel Rabbi Perl celebrates his birthday. Sharing his own birthday with the boys from Cheder at the Ohel, Rabbi Anchelle Perl, shaliach from Mineola Long Island, came to farbreng in honor of Moshe Rabbeinu’s birthday and yahrzeit. Rabbi Perl connected the mesiras nefesh of Moshe Rabbeinu to the mesiras nefesh of the Chabad leaders throughout the gener- ations. He told the children of the last maimer that the Rebbe gave, V’ata Tzaveh. The Rebbe based this maimer on one the Frediker Rebbe gave in 1927. The Frediker Rebbe spoke with much mesiras nefesh, telling the chassidim in a loud voice and without fear that they should not be afraid. Each Jew must bring to the fore- front the emunah they innately have inside of themselves. The Rebbe reiterat- ed this during his last maimer, telling us all to be strong against the odds and imploring us to have the mesiras nefesh we need in our times. In that vein, Rabbi Perl pointed out how fortunate the boys are to be learning in the Rebbe’s mosad. How fortunate they are to be able to learn openly. The same class in the Frediker Rebbe’s time would have taken place secretly, in a dark basement and in fear of the government. Rabbi Perl spoke to the boys of his own experiences as a yeshivah bachur. He said how amazing it was to learn Tanya in an old count’s mansion, that had a circu- lar staircase which led to the room where they would learn. Rabbi Perl taught a lesson that he learned the first time he had yechidus with the Rebbe. He had written his name on one line of the pon and on the next line, ben and his mother’s name. The Rebbe, before even addressing Rabbi Perl, took his pen and made an arrow connect- ing his mother’s name and his name. Rabbi Perl understood from this that 52 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES one’s full name should always be written Mir attracts young men from all four on the same line—that your name and corners of the earth into the special your mother’s name are connected. warm atmosphere of Yerushalayim and The boys enjoyed the program and of Eretz Yisrael, while they diligently pur- course the nosh that came with it. They sue their studies within its Torah satu- appreciated hearing the wisdom and sto- rated walls. At their 24th annual dinner ries of Rabbi Anchelle Perl. on March 6 they will be honoring sever- First-Graders build a Mishkan. In al dedicated couples. conjunction with parashas Terumah, Mr. and Mrs. Mutty and Bracha Rabbi Leibel Paris’s first grade class at Ribowsky: Parents of the Year. Mr. Cheder at the Ohel built a model replica Ribowsky’s relationship with Yeshivas of the mishkan. It is complete with the Mir Yerushalayim goes back decades. He keruvim made of gold, adonim covered is an alumnus who spent the first years in silver, the taba’os, and even breechim after his marriage as a yungerman in the connecting it all together. They also put kollel. Today, their sons, Asher and Meir, the paroches, aron, mizbeyach, and other have continued this relationship with the keilim inside. yeshiva. Asher is currently a kollel yunger- “Nothing brings a lesson more to life man at Mir Yerushalayim where he is a than for children to physically create member of the elite shiur given by Harav what we have learned,” explains Rabbi Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, met in Bnei Brak with participants of the Asher Arieli, shlita. Meir is currently learn- Paris, beloved first grade rebbe. Chai Lifeline “Wish at the Wall” program. ing under the direction of Harav Eitan Cheder at the Ohel, founded in 1996, Joffen, shlita. located minutes away from the After they were received happily at the tour the young boys and girls met soldiers, Mutty’s days have always been charac- Lubavitcher Rebbe’s ohel, is dedicated to airport by the staff of the trip, the group rabbis, politicians, and other Israelis. O terized by a deep devotion to Torah study. providing a yeshiva education to elemen- set out to a large variety of locations Regardless of how busy he may be at his tary-school age boys based on Chabad throughout Israel including the Old City of 24th Annual Dinner Of Yeshivas law firm, Torah learning and immersion chassidus. O Jerusalem, Masada, Ein Gedi, the Knesset, Mir Yerushalayim, March 6 northern Israel, and Bnei Brak. During the As the largest yeshiva in the world, Continued on Page 54 Kollel Ner Dovid Chinese Auction— Golden Treasures, February 26 Golden Treasures, the annual Chinese Auction which benefits Kollel Ner Dovid, will take place on Motzaei Shabbos, February 26 in the Student Union Building of Queens College. This Chinese auction is the only fundraising event for the benefit of the kollel. To receive a full color Chinese auction booklet or for more information, call the kollel office at 718- 268-4700 or e-mail [email protected]. Kollel Ner Dovid is the Rabbinical Graduate Institute of the renowned Rabbinical Seminary of America— Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim. Talented young men come to the kollel from throughout the country to train and develop the skills necessary to serve Klal Yisrael with dedi- cation, integrity, and sincerity. The rigor- ous program is carefully designed to chal- lenge and motivate students to strive ever higher on the ladder of personal, academ- ic, and ethical development. Kollel Ner Dovid, named for the Torah giant HaGaon HaRav Dovid Leibowitz, zt’l, was organized in 1945 as the first Rabbinical Graduate Institute in New York City. Today, Kollel Ner Dovid ranks as one of the premier centers for advanced Talmudic research and rabbinic training. The majority of Kollel Ner Dovid gradu- ates enter Jewish communal service. They serve with distinction as rabbis, teachers, and outreach workers in communities throughout Queens and Long Island, the U.S., and the world. O

Wish At The Wall Staff of Arutz Sheva met the Chai Lifeline “Wish at the Wall 2011” trip on a visit to the city of Bnei Brak. The group came to meet world-renowned Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky and Rabbanit Kanievsky, to receive their blessings for health and well-being. The “Wish at the Wall” trips bring to Israel children who could not get to Israel any other way. This year’s trip is for teens coping with serious chronic and sometimes fatal illnesses. These young men and women are determined to over- come physical limitations and experi- ence all that Israel has to offer. They are accompanied by a parent and Chai Lifeline’s medical staff. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Much excitement has been generated Continued from Page 53 as these maggidei shiurim have had a profound impact on the progress and in Torah remains a paramount, integral success of many talmidei hayeshiva. component in his daily schedule. They plan on spending time updating Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Majeski: Kesser the parents on the well-being of their Shem Tov Award. Moshe had the oppor- children as well as meeting with hun- tunity of first meeting the rosh hayeshi- dreds of former talmidim whom they va, shlita, ten years ago and ever since continue to guide throughout the year then, he has taken an active role in sup- via e-mail and phone. porting the yeshiva. Moshe has This gathering will inspire and give all expressed numerous times, “How can I the attendees a glimpse of how this say ‘no’ to an individual who devotes citadel of Torah has impacted and con- every fiber of his being for the welfare of tinues to prepare rabbanim and lay lead- his talmidim and Klal Yisrael?” ers for all of Klal Yisrael. The dinner is Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim today has a scheduled to take place on Sunday student body of over 6,500 hailing from all evening, March 6 at the New York over the world. The annual budget is over Brooklyn Marriott. O $27 million and the annual dinner will afford parents, talmidim, and close friends MAY Shares Its Kol Torah, As Well the opportunity to express their apprecia- As Its Kol Shofar! tion and show their outpouring of support In a true spirit of hachnasat orchim, that each of the younger boys was super- Gerald M. Schreck Reappointed to this world-renowned makom Torah. Mesivta Ateres Yaakov high school stu- vised throughout the workshop. The stu- Chair Of OU Commission The rosh hayeshiva, Hagaon Harav dents not only hosted Yeshiva of South dents started with raw ram’s horns, and Orthodox Union President Dr. Simcha Nosson Tzvi Finkel, shlita, plans on Shore eighth graders, but helped them learned to sand, cut, bore, design, and Katz announced that Gerald M. Schreck making a special trip to America to carve their own shofars. The South polish in the course of the morning. They of Brooklyn has been reappointed chair- grace the audience with his presence. Shore students had been learning hil- were introduced to various tools of the man of the OU communications and pub- Harav Nachman Levovitz, shlita, and chos shofar with their rebbe, Rabbi woodworking trade including belt lications commission. The commission Harav Binyomin Carlebach, shlita, also Shanik. Rabbi Shanik knew that the sanders, band saws, drills, dremmels oversees the work of the communica- plan to participate and meet with the mesivta’s new campus includes a state- (rotary cutting tools), and buffer/polish- tions department, which includes design, many supporters and friends of the of-the-art woodworking and crafts shop, ers. Rabbi Gelbfish’s mesivta students reg- marketing, public relations, and publica- yeshiva. Harav Carlebach spends a which the mesivta students use to make ularly use these sophisticated machines tions, most notably Jewish Action, the Shabbos shortly after Sukkos each year shofars and other religious articles. He for a variety of projects, including OU’s award winning quarterly magazine. in the Far Rockaway/Lawrence area gar- asked if the mesivta could host his sefarim binding, building shtenders and “As chairman of this division for the past nering support for the yeshiva, culmi- talmidim so they could gain some hands- trophy cases, carving mezuzahs, and few years, I’ve had the pleasant task of nating with a benefit reception on on experience in shofar making. even learning locksmithing! working with an unusual group of profes- Sunday morning. The mesivta’s Rabbi Manoach Gelbfish Ateres Yaakov already hosts South sionals who produce high quality commu- A new feature at this year’s annual conducted a hands-on workshop blend- Shore talmidim for various weekly shiurim nications materials and especially the dinner will be the participation of two ing halacha, safety, and new skills, which and lectures, and was pleased to be able to Orthodox Union’s flagship publication, popular roshei chabura, Rav Yosef helped bring the guests’ learning to life. give the South Shore seniors another con- Elefant and Rav Yehuda Wagschal. Mesivta students volunteered to assist so structive and enjoyable reason to visit. O Continued on Page 56

54 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS believe we demonstrate state-of-the art our readers. My goal for the future is to Continued from Page 54 skills and strategies in getting the Orthodox leverage those successes and to widen Union’s message out to the world. our reach by adding to our circulation. Jewish Action Magazine,” Mr. Schreck said. “Regarding Jewish Action, we have suc- Every Jewish household should be get- “My role has been to provide direction to ceeded in upgrading the covers and the ting Jewish Action.” the OU’s outreach to the media and to the magazine’s graphic look, along with offer- Dr. Katz and David Olivestone, OU sen- organization’s various constituencies, and I ing a wider range of articles that appeal to ior communications officer, who inter-

Gerald M. Schreck

acts on a daily basis with Jewish Action editor Nechama Carmel, declared in a statement: “With his own extensive back- ground in advertising and marketing, and with his innate sense of how the relation- ship between lay leaders and profession- als should be maintained, Jerry has proven himself to be a hugely valuable resource for us in the past, and we very much look forward to his continued input, advice, and support.” Mr. Schreck brings a fascinating back- ground to the position. With a BA in English from Yeshiva University and an MA in English from NYU, he was a radio newswriter/reporter for WNEW/Metro- media, which at the time, in the heyday of AM radio, was a legendary station with an iconic group of personalities. He went on to hold senior marketing positions with Macmillan and Doubleday Publishing Companies; he then spent ten years at Citicorp before establishing Response Dynamics Inc, a marketing con- sulting firm serving a wide range of clients, including banks and publishing companies. More recently, he has been involved in transitional housing and real estate development. O

JEP-LI Celebrates 25 Years of Changing Lives And Cultivating Leaders, March 5 By Aryeh Zev Narrow As its 25th anniversary dinner approach- es, the Jewish Education Program of Long Island, better known a JEP-LI, reflects on its first quarter century of spreading Torah and creating young Jewish Leaders. The dinner pays tribute to JEP’s found- ing partners, notably Rabbi and Mrs. Dovid and Basi Shenker. Other honorees include the Shenkers’ parents—Rabbi Chaim B. and Rivka Shenker and Harvey and Leah Krasnow—who helped launch

56 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

the fledgling kiruv program 25 years ago. Both closely resemble the highly effective appreciation to JEP and Rabbi and Mrs. “Our honorees represent the original programs developed in the JEP-LI original. Shenker. The tribute is found online at organization’s many facets,” observed What’s more, for thousands of out- www.TYJEP25.org. It’s free to add your Rabbi Shenker, the executive director. standing Jewish teens, “doing JEP” has name. A hard copy will be presented to “They include some of the original young become something of a rite of passage. As Rabbi and Mrs. Shenker at the dinner. leaders like the Mayers, the Sporns, and volunteer “leaders” in JEP programs, The dinner will take place on March 5, Tzippy Thall; valued donors like the Jewish teens, boys and girls alike, have 8:30 p.m. in the Lawrence Village Country Felders; and original participants like the made a difference in the life of a less-affil- Club, in Lawrence. Couvert is $500 per Stampnitzkys and Adam Cymbler. iated Jewish child. couple. Former leaders receive a free one Between them all, they helped set the In the process, many grew in their own night stay at the Suri Schwartz Jewish tone for what has become the premier Yiddishkeit. Years later, many report back Experience Center with their paid reser- children’s kiruv organization.” to Rabbi Shenker that volunteering in JEP vation. Leaders under 30 can make their Rabbi Shenker has lived and breathed programs inspired them and invigorated reservation for the discounted young JEP for a generation. Thanks to his hard their own commitment to Torah and leadership price of $180 per couple. work, thousands of Jewish youth have mitzvos. For some teens, admission to a Reservations and journal ads are accepted learned about Judaism, and many eventu- JEP “leader” role is coveted, and is some- online at jepli.org/dinner, or by phone at ally became fully Torah observant. Most times competitive. 516-374-1528. The journal ads are viewable participants in JEP programs come from At the 25th annual dinner, Motzaei online at that site. O Going green at Gan Chamesh completely secular homes. For some, JEP is Shabbos Pekudei, JEP will introduce a the only taste of Yiddishkeit they ever get, groundbreaking program that gently HAFTR Students’ Artwork On and the JEP “leaders” who teach them are tweaks how kiruv organizations reach Exhibit In Albany Chabad’s preschool, were inspired on role models. They come from across the out to the unaffiliated. “Our innovative Senior Mikhayla Bibi and Junior Rachel Tu B’Shevat to take care of Hashem’s Five Towns, Long Island region and—for new program provides a framework for Schreiber have been selected to have their natural world. A “recycling lab” was cre- Camp Nageela—from across the region. outreach that helps kiruv organizations artwork exhibited in the 21st annual leg- ated where children visited and picked JEP has succeeded not only in prac- synchronize their programming,” Rabbi islative student art exhibition sponsored from a vast selection of recyclable tice, but also in theory; kiruv organiza- Shenker explained. “It also helps ensure by the New York State Art Teachers’ materials to use in a creative and inno- tions across the country implement pro- that participants, whatever their age, get a Association. The exhibit can be viewed vative way. Things that would normally grams that resemble JEP’s Camp balanced and thorough understanding of from February 28–March 4, in the legisla- be thrown out like bottles, boxes, con- Nageela, Jewish Individualized Learning Jewish concepts.” The program includes tive office building in Albany. Both stu- tainers, magazines, paper towel rolls, (JIL), and Shabbatons. an incentive component that encourages dents and their families have been invited etc. became castles, cities, musical “Over the years, we’ve learned what children and parents alike to pursue to an opening reception and can meet instruments, towers, and more! The works,” commented program director Jewish studies. The program is set to with their state legislators. Mikhayla’s young students gained deeper under- Rabbi Yitzchak Wurem. “We have helped launch immediately, and promises to be a drawing is a colored pencil pixilated por- standing about taking care of the envi- dozens of other outreach organizations boon to everyone involved. trait titled “Self Portrait” and Rachel’s tem- ronment by recycling, and their creative implement programs based on the suc- As this is the first time Rabbi and Mrs. pera painting is titled “Pomegranates.” juices were definitely flowing when cessful JEP model.” Shenker have been honored, this year’s Both students are members of HAFTR they created these unique masterpieces The original Camp Nageela, for exam- dinner presents a unique opportunity to High School’s Art Institute program under out of “garbage.” The children continue ple, based in the Catskills, now has spin-off express hakaras hatov to JEP. Accordingly, the direction of Mrs. Dale Malekoff. O finding ways to recycle and they are summer camps in the Midwest and West JEP alumni have launched a first-ever loving “going green!” O Coast, also called Camp Nageela, run in alumni tribute. It allows former leaders Going Green At Gan Chamesh! cooperation with other organizations. and participants alike to express their The children in Gan Chamesh, Continued on Page 61

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AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 57

Gan Eden Preschool And Camp Gan Eden Extended Hours For close to a decade since Gan Eden opened its doors for the Five Towns com- munity and introduced the special warm atmosphere that it is famous for, the com- munity responded in kind. From the very first year, as Gan Eden opened its highly regarded preschool for the Five Towns community, after more than two decades in Queens, classes filled up quickly. Located in the heart of the Cedarhurst/ Woodmere community, the school fea- tures small classes with experienced morahs who were carefully selected for their experience and their tremendous warmth. Gan Eden has a large, fully enclosed playground and has weekly music sessions with the talented Risa Sonnenblick. The philosophy at Gan Eden, which is exclusively for two and three year olds, is to create a loving, learn- ing environment, filled with fun as well as warmth, as the children’s first school experience. Their motto has always been, “Everyone deserves to be in Gan Eden.” Many of their parents have requested that they provide longer hours to accom- modate the many working mothers in the community. They have therefore extended the hours for the coming year along with having early drop off availabil- ity as well. Registration is now in full swing for the coming year and Gan Eden asks you to join up before the classes become closed out as it has been for the past few years. Registration is also under- way for the popular Camp Gan Eden for this coming summer season. For more information, please call Avigail Ginzberg at 516-295-7644, ext. 12. O

A Night Of Chizuk And Inspiration In Memory Of Mickey Berger, a’h, February 26 Several weeks ago, the Five Towns community suffered a terrible loss with the tragic passing of a beautiful three year old boy, Meir Yecheskul ben Yoseph Avraham Mordechai—Mickey Berger, a”h, the youngest child of Joe and Michelle Berger of Cedarhurst. The shock and pain of that terrible loss left not only the family and friends in shock and con- fusion, the entire community suffered along with them. Hundreds of people passed through the shivah house, all looking for a way to be able to find and then express words of nechamah to the parents of this beautiful child just one month after his upsherin. But unfortu- nately there are no words. And so, the friends and family of Mickey Berger decided to organize an evening of chizuk and inspiration for the entire community to be held on Motzaei Shabbos, February 26 at 8:45 p.m. at the Yeshiva of South Shore to help the com- munity heal from its collective broken heart. There will be divrei chizuk offered by Rav Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Rabbi Eytan Feiner, and finally from Yossi Berger, the father of Meir Yecheskul, a’h. The friends and family have joined together to form the Keren Meir Yecheskul Fund that will provide servic- es for the emotional needs of children who have experienced trauma in their

Continued on Page 63 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 61 62 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 61 lives. This will be an everlast- ing zechus for this precious child who was taken from amongst us and from his fami- ly at such a young age. The entire community is invited to participate in what will surely be an evening of chizuk and inspiration for all of us. O

Five Towns Women Link Hands With Women In Israel, February 23 On Wednesday evening, February 23, women in the Five Towns will gather at the home of Reva Borgen in Cedarhurst to show their support and concern for the health and well-being of women in Israel. This gathering is to support the heroic work of ‘Bishvilaych’—the only Israeli non-profit that reaches out to thousands of Israeli women each year to provide them with comprehensive medical exams and education on early detec- tion and prevention of disease. Bishvilaych’s work has been featured in The Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, Mishpacha, HaModia, The Tribune, The Yated, and now recently in the Binah Magazine. Bishvilaych is a ‘woman to woman’ medical clinic based in Jerusalem, founded in response to escalating rates of disease and mortality of Israeli women, partic- ularly religious women. With its many programs and projects, among them the lifesaving “Breast Health Awareness Program,” Bishvilaych has been tackling these challenges head-on. They have the vital task of debunking myths and spreading correct information regarding women’s illnesses in a sensitive way within various sectors and communities in Israel. They also lobby Israeli government agencies for better medical care for women. Bishvilaych is working tirelessly on these and many other fronts. Dr. Deborah Dienstag of Lawrence is an esteemed mem- ber of the Bishvilaych medical board and will be addressing the gathering on “Spreading Awareness Equals Saving Lives.” Dr. Dienstag urges all women to attend and make a difference in the lives of their sisters in Israel. Sarah Siemiatycki, founder and director of Bishvilaych, a former Detroiter turned Jerusalemite, will tell personal stories of battling women’s dis- eases in Israel. Her work to save women’s lives in Israel is noth- ing short of remarkable and her dedication to Bishvilaych’s mis- sion has brought her to commu- nities around the world. Please join her on February 23 at 8:00 p.m. in Reva Borgen’s home at 281 Roselle Avenue. For more information about this evening or any

Continued on Page 64 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 63 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 63

Bishvilaych programs please contact [email protected]. O

Yeshiva Gedolah Bais Yisroel Dinner, February 27 Anticipation is building in the Orthodox community over the 28th anniversary dinner of Yeshiva Gedolah Bais Yisroel, a most unique Torah educa- tional institution. The dinner, to be held Sunday, February 27 at the Kings Terrace, 815 Kings Highway in Brooklyn, reception at 5:30 followed by dinner at 6:30, will highlight the impressive accomplishments of Bais Yisroel’s mesiv- ta in Flatbush and the beis medrash which has relocated to Lakewood. Their unique approach to Torah education is molding students into the future Torah leaders of Klal Yisrael. The dinner will celebrate the contribu- tions to the community, as well as its most recent accomplishments. The world hori- zons will shine with the second volume of a major new work of Torah scholarship, the eagerly awaited Chovos Halevavos (Duties of the Mind) Gate of Reflection, with a new translation and commentary from Horav Avigdor Miller, zt’l. The evening is dedicated in honor of several unique individuals who, by their dedicated efforts, amazing accomplish- ments, and enthusiasm, have inspired us with new energy and vision to continue the sacred mission of Rav Avigdor Miller, and that is the “Yeshiva Gedolah Bais Yisroel.” A veritable diamond on the crown of Torah Judaism, the mesivta for the past years has educated, guided, and inspired students to eventually become leaders in the world of Torah and Jewish communal affairs, all the while providing us and Klal Yisrael with incredible pride and nachas. This year’s honorees now join an elite group of incredible people who have been recognized for their stellar achievements on behalf of the yeshiva. Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Brown: Guests of Honor. The Browns are a scion of the leading families of the Sephardic commu- nity. His eager and generous support for the yeshiva has been motivated and inspired by the powerful Torah wisdom and insights of Rav Miller’s teachings, and is matched only by his humility and devo- tion to his family and community. Rabbi Avraham Goldstein: Educator of the Year. For the past five years, Rabbi Goldstein enhanced the secular studies of Mesivta Bais Yisroel. He energized each student to reach his maximum potential. Rabbi Goldstein also serves as Torah stud- ies principal in Crown Heights Yeshiva, where he has been for the past 27 years. Additionally, at Congregation Ohel Moshe, R’ Avraham serves as associate rabbi. He is an individual beloved by all. He holds several national awards, includ- ing a Presidential Award from former President Ronald Reagan. Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda Bloch: Harbotzas Torah Award. R’ Bloch has been with the yeshiva for 12 years, giving his warmth and devotion to every talmid. The encouragement towards each bachur and kesher he has created is everlasting and exemplary. Rabbi Yanky Hersh: R’ Avner Abensour Memorial Award. R’ Yanky learned in Yeshiva Gedolah Bais Yisroel as a mesivta bachur, and had a destination when return- 64 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ing from Eretz Yisrael. He attrib- who worked so hard to make utes much of his accomplish- this one of the most poignant ments to the encouragement and and memorable brunches in the strong connection the rosh yeshi- past 18 years! O va, Harav Shmuel Miller, shlita, has infused into each talmid. Congregation Bais Tefilah The gala dinner will bring Of Woodmere 23rd Annual together the foremost leaders of Dinner, March 6 the Brooklyn community in a Dr. Andrew and Ann Singer, show of support for the Dr. Joseph and Dina awardees together with lifelong Rozenbaum, and Josh and Eve students of Rav Avigdor Miller Reichman are this year’s hon- and friends and supporters of Elyssa Gruenbaum Mothers and daughters at the SKA brunch. orees at the Bais Tefilah of the yeshiva. O Woodmere 23rd annual dinner. The dinner is scheduled to SKA’s Mother-Daughter thing the school had to offer. She was feted for her dedication was shown, with eleventh grader, take place at 6:00 p.m. on Brunch: Celebrating 18 Today, SKA’s students also travel in and invaluable assistance. It would Daphna Weingarten, terrific in the Sunday March 6, at Cong- Years And Beyond! from Brooklyn, Queens, West be impossible to define Elyssa’s job starring role. regation Beth El in Cedarhurst. What is the best way to Hempstead, Great Neck, and other description as the resounding Thanks go to the heads of the The co-chairpersons of the acknowledge 18 years of exem- areas beyond the Five Towns. phrase “ask Elyssa” is heard several parent council, Mr. Heshie dinner committee are plary religious and secular edu- Mrs. Elyssa Gruenbaum, a times daily in the school! A hyster- Schertz, Mrs. Yocheved Goldberg, Rochelle Kleinworm, Marvin cation? One way is to honor member of SKA’s office staff, ically funny student-produced and Mrs. Carol Krauss, and their those who were on the ground received the hakarat hatov award. video paying homage to Elyssa talented committee members Continued on Page 66 floor of the opening of the school as staff and students. On Sunday, February 13, over 250 women gathered at Cong- regation Knesseth Israel (the White Shul) for the annual par- ent council mother-daughter brunch to pay tribute to three master teachers who joined the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls in its maiden year and have given 18 years of outstand- ing service. Mrs. Sheila Leibtag, global studies teacher and grade level advisor for the tenth grade, Mrs. Sandi Pomerantz, assistant administrator and head of the mathematics department, and Rebbetzin Myrna Weinberger, limudei kodesh teacher and reb- betzin of Aish Kodesh, were lauded along with members of the first graduating class of SKA. With clips from the initial class of students playing as background on the video as the honorees spoke, each of the three faculty members explained how the school grew over the years but still kept its “warm and welcoming family feeling.” Meeting their students years after graduation rein- forced their pride and satisfac- tion at being part of SKA. All vividly remembered their inter- views at head of school Mrs. Helen Spirn’s dining room table. The outstanding program con- tinued as Mrs. Spirn paid tribute to the first graduating class, the class of 1997. From the initial 38 students in 1993 to SKA’s present student body of over 300, the school has grown in so many ways, but the energy that was there at its founding is still here. Nava Barber Wilk, who represent- ed the class of 1997, spoke for her fellow classmates when she described the school in its forma- tive years. Why, she was asked at the time, would she travel every day from Brooklyn to Hewlett when there were so many schools a short distance away from her home, and why would she want to be a pioneer? “The trip was so worth it,” she said. She could not wait to join her new friends at school and participate in every- 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 65

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 65 Stein, Dr. Marvin Wertentheil, and Joshua Haft. The journal chairperson is Simone Greenbaum. Rabbi Shaya Richmond is the mara d’asra of Congregation Bais Tefilah of Woodmere. Jay Fuchs is the president. To learn more about the event, or to place an ad in the journal, contact Simone Greenbaum, [email protected], or Rochelle Kleinworm, [email protected]. O

BKNW Bowl On Motzaei Shabbos, February 12, over 370 people attended the Beis Haknesses of North Woodmere’s (BKNW) sixth Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, mara d’asra of annual BKNW Bowl. The multimedia triv- BKNW, and his father. ia event also includes a sumptuous buf- fet, raffles, and prizes. This year’s event, which was held at the Sephardic Temple, 2004 and, under the leadership of the had a 1980’s theme with many of the dynamic Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, has now questions revolving around pop culture grown to almost 70 young families. For and events which occurred during that more information on the shul or to decade. The emcee of the event was Scott schedule a visit to the community, visit Farrell, who, dressed as Don Johnson’s www.bknw.org or call 516-295-1491. O character from Miami Vice, brought many of the attendees back to their youth. Agudah Defends Marriage The event was led by the hard-working Agudath Israel of America filed an ami- committee of Brina Ganchrow, Michael cus brief in the First Circuit Court of Gewirtz, Etty Herschberg, Adina Appeals supporting the Defense of Herskowitz, Jordan Hiller, Aliza Katz, Marriage Act (“DOMA”), upholding the tra- Darielle Rabe, and Chani Weisfeld. ditional definition of marriage as of one Additional people helped out with the raf- man and one woman. fles, correspondence, and prizes. The The brief was a joint-effort between numerous individual and local business Agudath Israel’s attorneys, Rabbi sponsors were prominently displayed Mordechai Biser in the New York office throughout the night as a sign of the shul’s and Rabbi Abba Cohen in the Washington tremendous appreciation of their support. BKNW was started by ten families in Continued on Page 68

66 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Guess Who’s Back In Town . . .

This past Sunday, Aron's Kissena Farms hosted a free mini-concert in the store featuring Uncle Moishy to celebrate Uncle Moishy with Eitan Hollander its one-year anniversary. Uncle Moishy took pictures with all the children and sang some of his most popular songs. and Eliezer Hirtz.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 67 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS to allow Congress to define marriage in Continued from Page 66 traditional terms. Agudath Israel’s brief urged the appel- office, in conjunction with local counsel late court to “restore the virtue of morality in Providence, Rhode Island. to the law of the First Circuit by, at the very The Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 least, affirming that traditional moral defines the word “marriage” as the union norms are not irrational and do serve a of one man and one woman in the con- legitimate governmental interest,” and to text of all federal laws. It therefore pre- “restore the clearly established bounds of cludes same-gender marriages from judicial review and give deference to receiving official federal recognition. Congress’s stated decision to “encourag[e] The act was struck down by the U.S. responsible procreation and child-bearing.” District Court of the District of The brief also noted Agudath Israel’s Massachusetts as being unconstitutional. continued involvement in protecting the The court held that, based on equal pro- valuable institution of traditional marriage tection grounds, Congress could not through DOMA, dating back to the Senate bestow marriage benefits on mixed-gen- Judiciary Committee hearings on the then der marriages while denying them to proposed DOMA bill.” At the time of the same-gender marriages. According to the hearings, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, court, there was no rational reason to dif- then Agudath Israel’s general counsel, testi- ferentiate between mixed or same gender fied before Congress that “legalizing same- marriages. Congress’s stated intention for sex marriages . . . would obscure further the the act—“encouraging responsible pro- vital link between marriage and children . . creation and child-bearing”—was found . [and] convey the messages that childbear- to be an insufficient and irrational reason ing and child-rearing are matters entirely for upholding traditional marriage. Long- distinct from marriage.” O held traditional moral values were not accepted as adequate reason for the court Continued on Page 81

68 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 69 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

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

“Used or Abused” Before you buy a used Menadvim — Furniture and Appliances. car, come in for a free frame (structural) Like new to Donate and Receive. check. Precision Auto Body 691 Burnside Call 718-MEN-ADVIm (718-636-2384) Ave, Lawrence. 516-371-1137. Friends We deliver. don’t let friends drive junk! Boro Park Ladies Hat Gemach accept- Simchas Naava ing hats in excellent condition. Share your simcha flowers! Be Woodmere drop-off. 718-972-3699 m’sameach other simchas! Donate your G'Mach Chasdei Yisroel — Lending fresh flower arrangements! We will money to people in Klei Kodesh & for match your simcha date with Klei Kodesh purposes. In the Far simchas following yours or deliver them Rockaway-Five Towns area. Please call to nursing home residents. 917-822-9910 for more info. Or email To donate or obtain flower [email protected]. In Memory of arrangements call 516-239-6066 R' Yisroel Ben Binyamin, a"h. In memory of a special friend, Naava Wassner Katlowitz Small beginners Siddurim, and Shabbos Retired public school teacher available guidebooks, both in Russian, are avail- to tutor men and boys in Hebrew, able for you to distribute. English, and/or Yiddish in the 5 Towns. Please call Tashbar Publications at Recession buster. Call 718-552-5525 718-438-9025 (leave message with address, Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring. IY"H we will mail them to you for free.) Sat Math prep, regents, high school and elementary math, high school physics. Help Kosiner Bikur Cholim maintain Call 516-371-5522 their apartments near Manhattan hos- pitals. Sponsor a Shabbos as a z’chus. Donations accepted. Tax deductible. Your Real Estate, 347-924-4205 New Table and Chair Gemach for Service, or short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct., Far Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368

Help Wanted Ad HK Ilanas Agency — Provide you with screened, Experienced Nanny, Here Every Housekeepers, Aids, Companion to the Elderly. 21 years in the Industry. Thursday Licensed and bonded. 718-575-1700, 718- 575-0887

100,000 readers HELP WANTED look forward to

what’s happening Jewish news website seeking a paid intern to regularly update the site. in the 5 Towns Knowledge of Drupel CMS, basic html and photo editing a huge plus. Major by reading potential for growth and a great learn- The Five Towns ing opportunity. 516-569-0502 ext. 201

Jewish Times. Advertising Sales Manager/Newspaper & Web Start-up weekly full color community newspaper and website located in highly Deadline is Monday affluent area of Nassau County is seek- at 5:00 p.m. ing a high-energy entrepreneurial indi- vidual to head-up its advertising sales efforts. 1 Week ...... $35 Responsibilities include hands-on sales to all levels of local retail advertisers, 2 Weeks...... $60 developing relationships and keeping customers satisfied. Strong closing and 4 Weeks ....$100 communication skills essential. Must love to prospect for new business and Weekly Ads of up to thrive on both cold calls and in a com- petitive environment. 25 words This is an excellent ground floor oppor- tunity to create a lucrative franchise. Prior advertising sales experience pre- Call: 516-569-0502 ferred. E-mail [email protected] Fax: 516-977-0608

Frum local RE Company seeking full- Or E-mail ads to: time bookkeeper. Good computer skills, Quickbooks profi- [email protected] ciency, and responsible for office filing system. Include payment info. Please email resume and salary requirements: [email protected] 70 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL REAL HELP WANTED FOR SALE FOR SALE ESTATE FOR RENT

BBY Far Rockaway Teachers, General North Woodmere — New to market. 5 Town Homes 516-569-5712 Beautiful airy light office space. Studies. September ‘11/’12, new classes. Custom 6BR (4 on one level), new gran- Cedarhurst: NU 2 Mkt. Lg LR, DR, Completely renovated. Prime location grades 1-8. 2 years experience a must. ite kitchen, LR, FDR, 2 dens, quiet tree- EIK, Den, 5BR, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana, — Central Avenue in Cedarhurst. Excellent Salary. Transportation from lined street. Walk all shuls. . . . . $679K Lg prop, IGPool, Walk to all . . . $659K Approximately 5 rooms. Available April Brooklyn. 718-337-6000 ext. 320, Fax 718- Owner. 516-902-8908 1. Call 516-374-8800 337-9160 Attention: Mrs. Bodenheim. Far Rockaway — 2 Family. All NU, Lawrence/Far Rockaway — 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great 833 Central Ave. Spacious 1 BR, light and Location ...... $599K P/T Speech Therapy caseloads avail- FOR RENT bright, doorman/elevator building, walk Call 516-322-3555 able immediately in Brooklyn all. Price reduced ...... $179K (Flatbush & Boro Park) yeshivas for 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Cedarhurst — 1st show. New exclusive CCCs and CFYs. Must possess or have regal 2 family, brick, all new, LR w/ completed all requirements for NYS Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, Lawrence — Gracious brick c/h col. LR fireplace, FDR, large kosher EIK, 3BR TSHH or TSSLD. E-mail resume to 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. with fireplace, FDR, large EIK, den, each apt, c/ac, alarm, basement, great [email protected] w/subj Call 516-322-3555 4BR (1 level), 3bth, finished basement, location. Walk all...... $759K “FTJT214ST” great location, quiet block . . . . . $895K 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Cedarhurst — Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Oversized 1BR, 1Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat P/T Occupational Therapy caseloads Co-op For Sale or Rent Bayswater — More for your money! & prk incld...... $1,600 available in Flatbush or Williamsburg Cedarhurst — Mint 1BR, 1bth, new 9 shuls, eruv, mikvahs, low real estate 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 clinics from 2:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Monday kitchen ...... $149K taxes, 450 frum families. Mortgage through Thursday. Choose your own Lawrence — 2BR, 2bth, terrace . $139K rates rising! Why wait? Cedarhurst — All updated charming hours and days within that time Woodmere — 1BR, 1bth, prestigious ele- Joe Hersh, Noam Realty 212-431-1234 Col. New granite EIK, FDR, LR with frame. Send resume to Yosef at vator bldg ...... $175K [email protected] w/subj fireplace, 4+ BR, CAC, in the heart of Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! Lawrence — Jr4 with double terrace in “FTJT214OT” Cedarhurst. Walk all. 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, prestigious doorman, elevator bldg. . . Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, $300’s sale/rent REAL ESTATE clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space Woodmere, Woodsburgh, N. Woodmere Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU parking, 2 family, professional use, 72 Willow Rd. Woodsburgh — Exp. Bth, LR, DR, EIK...... $1,300 FOR SALE accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- ranch 2/3 acre ...... $895K 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 tional and religious uses. Grand colonial 560 Woodmere Blvd. Woodmere Park — with charm and great possibilities. 6BR exp. Ranch Back Lawrence— House for rent. 1/2 Cedarhurst: Co-op. 1st Flr, large LR, Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable 1039 Magnolia Pl. — Spacious 4BR split acre. Golf course views front and back. FDR, EIK with new appliances, 2BR, Owner 516-322-3555 on beautiful cul-de-sac ...... $700’s Freshly painted. Floors refinished. 3BR, 2bths, hw floors, Terrace. Views of 2 Prospect Ave. — Traditional c/h col. 1.5bths, FLR, FDR and fireplace $2,200 Gdns, W/D, Lo maint, Grt. loca’n, Walk Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full on beautiful property ...... $675K 917-807-6900 all. Asking...... $319K deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all...... $729K 976 Dartmouth Lane — Spacious her- 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 Hewlett — House for rent. Updated 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 itage col ...... $529K 3BR, 2bths, new EIK, SD#14, walk all. Delray Beach, FL — Kings Point Realtor Inwood Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth Available immediately ...... $2,600 Gated — In and Outdoor Pools — 2 Golf Courses 194 Wanser Ave. — Renovated 4BR col Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K Call 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 50 clubs — 3 gyms, billiards, ping pong, on oversized property ...... $499K Call 516-322-3555 wood shop, Zumba, personal trainers. Milky Forst Properties, Inc. Far Rockaway rentals: 1, and 2BR 516-239-0306 Beautifully furnished 2BR turnkey at Howard Beach — Co-op 2BR, 2bth, apartments. some balconies. New ...... $26,000-$90,000 totally renovated. Maintenance includes kitchens, lots of closets, 24 hr doorman, Prices have never been lower gas, electric, heat and parking space. COMMERCIAL REAL FIOS, security cameras. Close to White www.ILoveKingsPoint.com 561-909-7424 Great buy. Asking ...... $150K Shul, Shor Yoshuv and train. Call Sherri ESTATE FOR RENT 516-297-7995 Marty Koitz — Realty Associates 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 Cedarhurst — New construction. First Woodmere — 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, Prime Central Ave, Cedarhurst retail show. Col. 9’ ceilings, 5BR, 2.5bths, full Ranch, SD#14, Spectacular Den W/Fplc, space for lease. Contact Schuckman Oceanside — House for rent. Beautiful basement, on quiet tree-lined street. Parklike Property ...... $569K Realty 516-496-8888 ranch. 2/3BR, large LR with fireplace, Call for details ...... $799K Woodmere — 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Baths, DR, granite EIK, on oversized fenced 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Split Level, Lot Size 60 x 125, Prime Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq. ft., fully property, walk South Nassau Hospital Location, New EIK ...... $639K wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. and houses of worship. Hewlett — 4BR cape, wood floors, EIK, Woodmere — 5 Bedroom, 3 Bath Hi- Call 516-322-3555 5 Towns Homes Realty Call Edi 516-728-2977 updated bath, large finished playroom, Ranch On Cul-de-sac, Bright & Sunny, Cedarhurst — Office rental: Executive block from YoSS, owner sacrifice $299K Close To All...... $729K 2 Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., Call 347-539-1332 Woodsburgh — Magnificent Home VACATION CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 Features 5 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, Lot Size Cedarhurst — First show. LR, FDR, RENTAL 100 x 165, New EIK & Baths, Full Fin new EIK, 4BR, 2 new bths, finished Three newly decorated offices available Bsmt ...... $1.325M basement, cream puff condition, quiet for sublet on Central Avenue. Double Lawrence — “The Plaza” — 2 Fountainbleu Hotel — Miami Beach — street, walk all, low taxes . . . . . $500's office “Suite”, 9’x11’ & 9’x15’. The third Bedrooms, 2 Bath Co-Op, 24Hr Magnificent 850 sq. ft. studio, sleeps 4-6. 5 Towns Homes 516-569-5710 office is 10.5’x13’. Available furnished or Doorman, Pool, Terrace, Underground Daily/weekly. 347-804-4666 unfurnished. 24 hour access. Includes Parking...... $499K Tower 41 — Building very in demand, A/C, alarm, utilities, internet, cleaning fully renovated modern and sleek. 1BR, Hewlett — Apt In Grey Building service. For more information please BUSINESS 2bth, ocean front, pool front, best floor, Features Mint 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath With call Renee at 516-569-4949, ext. 104. OPPORTUNITY large balcony, fully furnished, priced Hi Ceilings, CAC, Elevator Bldg . $209K for quick sale. Contact 347-324-8904 Pugatch Realty Corp. Cedarhurst office for rent— 2 small Call Mark Lipner Direct 516-298-8457, E- offices on Central Ave. 1 flight up, C/H, Become an Acai Berry Juice distribu- Hewlett — Beautiful 5 BR, 3 bths, split. mail: [email protected] C/A. Call owner 917-417-5725 tor and earn commission immediately. All updated, in SD#14. Separate Online trainer, work from home, no Lawrence — Ours Alone!! entrance can be M/D with proper per- 2 offices for lease $1350 Central Ave investment, e-mail [email protected] Brick, C/H COL, Stately brick, w/old mits. Owner motivated, reduced. Loc. Back entrance to Muni Lot. world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 bths, Business opportunity for individual ...... $499K Beautifully maintained building Kosher EIK, Lg. FDR, Library, Fin. Prime Retail store on Spruce St. 2000 familiar with Facebook. We are looking 5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710 Bsmt., Lg Prop., walk all. sq. ft. will divide (old AHC). Steps to build our fanbase through social net- 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 from Gourmet Glatt and Club Central. working with incentives and giveaways. North Woodmere — Decorator’s Dream. Owner motivated to rent. Commission based. Beautiful bi-level, large granite kosher Oceanside — Brand new construction. Far Rockaway — Cornaga — Office E-mail [email protected] Beautiful CH col. Large 4 BR (1 level), EIK, FDR, large LR, den, 4BR, water- space for rent 700 sq ft. Newly reno- 2.5 bths, granite EIK, FDR, den with fp, vated 2 offices plus reception and full view, all systems, walk all shuls. Owner Classified Ads are full bsmt, in cul-de-sac, walk all, best bth. Separate entrance . . . $1,300 per motivated. Present all offers. price ...... $675K month Continued on the Next Page. 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 5 Towns Homes Realty 516-569-5710 Weissman Realty, LLC 516-791-6100 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 71 MISCELLANEOUS MISCELLANEOUS Solution To Last Week’s 5TJT Puzzle:

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Deadline for Classified Advertising in next week’s issue is Monday, February 21 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-569-0502

Puzzle appeared on page 69 of the February 11 issue.

72 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ding. Let’s just go, get on the video for sibility falls on the attendees not to toning it down to simply making a sim- a second, and get it over with” is testi- possess the jaundiced eye. A wealthy cha within one’s budget. We need Klal $imcha$ mony to how little we know or care individual is not responsible for the Yisrael to show our innate traits of sen- about being mi’sameach the chassan, immature members of society who sitivity, modesty, and compassion in a BY DANIEL KRAND kallah, and family. For many, it has feel they have to do the same even if potentially humiliating situation. Too turned into an event in which we antic- they can’t afford it. On the other hand, many people dread making a simcha Does the title bring a smile with opti- ipate judging, getting judged, or both. the financially charmed should think for fear of being ‘exposed.’ Why should mistic curiosity or a cringe with nervous Single girls are blinded by the spotlight twice before flexing their monetary anyone feel that a simcha is the most skepticism? Many of us tend to have beam every turn they make. Single guys muscle. Am I doing this for the public stressful event of their life? Your both of these feelings simultaneously prepare for the mechitzah-less, “So you perception or because I am truly grate- friends will remember the simcha for when walking into a simcha. Weddings think you can horah” contest. Parents ful to Hashem for allowing me to shep about as long as a goldfish would— in particular have become the forum for and young married couples have to put nachas from my child? Am I following whether it was glamorous, average, or a “Let’s see what you got” contest on “lacking,” they’re already on to the next many levels. How nice will they make simcha after the smorgasbord. This it? Will there be caviar? Sushi? No bar? process is a metaphor for many of our Is my outfit up to par? Will my lives—living a life fulfilling our desires son/daughter/I get a shidduch? One may Your friends will remember the without realizing that when the party mistakenly assume the word simchas is is over, no one cares. Wouldn’t you actually an acronym for “Society’s rather be in less debt after everyone is Instituted Minhagim Cause Haughtiness simcha for about as long as a past caring? And Superficiality.” We are living in a time when the A simcha is a beautiful thing—an goldfish would—whether it was abundance and nature of simchas has opportunity for family and friends to desensitized us from its sacred signifi- unite and celebrate a momentous occa- cance. A little more focus on the sion. A simcha is supposed to live up to glamorous, average, or “lacking,” kedushah and a little less on the aesthet- its meaning—happiness—yet the ics may alleviate all the stress and pres- means with which we celebrate might they’re already on to the next sure while maximizing the happiness. A be accomplishing the exact opposite. lavish event can be just as beautiful as a The underlying reason for the (mostly simple one and visa versa. You can have neglected) takanos was to refocus every- simcha after the smorgasbord. all the money in the world but without one’s mind, both the ba’al ha’simcha and the right intentions, you can’t pay your the people attending, on the more biggest expense—the lack of happiness. important aspects of what is being cele- By the same token, those less well off brated. In my experience, the more have an even bigger responsibility to be modest weddings with fewer ‘distrac- on a happy face and come prepared the ‘norm’ or do I honestly believe honest with who they are. With proper tions’ have the most simchadik feeling with content for a “with it” and status these novelties enhance the joy of the perspective, we can mitigate our judg- in the atmosphere. check. Does anyone even know who simcha? There is nothing wrong with mental nature and avoid the pressure of Besides for arguably the chassan’s the chassan and kallah are amidst all a fancy simcha when done with the keeping up with the Friedmans. O drunk friends, is anyone really enjoy- this pressure? right intentions. ing the wedding? The fact that many While it’s easy to look down at a Gradual improvements have been The author may be reached at people’s attitude is “Oy, another wed- lavish event, a large part of the respon- made in this area—from the wealthier [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 73 “I warned you many times not to play Minor Damage ball near our house,” said Mr. Glazer sternly. “I’m going to have a word with your parents.” BY RABBI MEIR ORLIAN He walked the boys home. “Your boys BUSINESS HALACHA INSTITUTE damaged our property again,” Mr. Glazer said to the Balsams. “They’re going to “C’mon Dovi,” Yoni Balsam said to his have to pay.” twin brother. “There’s finally some sun! “I’m sorry about the damage,” said Mrs. Let’s play catch.” Balsam. “We’ll talk with them.” The two 11-year-olds grabbed their “Last year we paid for the window,” gloves and a softball. “We’re going outside Mr. Balsam said to the twins. “This time, to play ball,” Yoni called to his mother. “Please be careful,” Mrs. Balsam said. “Watch out for cars and make sure you “Thank you,” she said, keep the ball away from other people’s property, especially the Glazers’.” “but this will not Last year, the boys had broken their neighbors’ window and the Balsams had suffice! The planter paid to replace it. you broke was artistic After tossing the ball back and forth a few times, Yoni suggested, “How about a and more expensive high-fly?” Dovi threw the ball in a high arc; Yoni positioned himself and caught it. than this.” “Now you throw me one,” Dovi called. “Go far!” Yoni called out. “I’m going to throw a super high-fly!” you’re going to have to pay from your Yoni threw the ball wildly in the air allowance money, as a lesson to be more with all his might. careful. We’ll drive to the gardening shop The ball soared up, slanting to the side. now and you’ll buy the Glazers another Dovi chased after the ball, running planter, similar to the one you broke.” through the Glazers’ bushes into their The Balsams chose a nice ceramic yard. As he reached up to catch the ball, planter and the boys brought it over to he heard a loud crash. the Glazers. “We brought this to replace Dovi looked down. He had knocked the planter we broke,” Dovi said. over a large artistic planter in the Glazers’ Mrs. Glazer looked at the planter. garden and smashed it. “Thank you,” she said, “but this will not Mr. Glazer came outside. “What’s going suffice! The planter you broke was artis- on here?” he yelled. tic and more expensive than this.” “We were playing catch, and I knocked Dovi and Yoni looked at each other, over this planter,” Dovi said apologetically. flustered. “We thought this planter

74 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION looked almost the same,” Yoni said. Rav Ashi was made to pay for a loan docu- thing for atonement when he matures. good relations with them.” O “I’m sorry,” said Mrs. Glazer, “but the ment that he destroyed,” said Rabbi Thus, if he stole or damaged, it is proper Rabbi Meir Orlian is a faculty member of the other planter was worth more. I expect Tzedek. “Rashi explains that he burned it to pay (Mishnah Berurah 343:9). Some Business Halacha Institute, which is headed by you or your parents to fill in the full value when he was a child. Many authorities infer from the Rama’s language, ‘do HaRav Chaim Kohn, shlita, a noted dayan. For questions regarding business halacha issues, or to of the damage.” derive from this that although the child is something,’ that it is not necessary to pay bring a BHI lecturer to your business or shul, The boys returned home dejected. legally exempt, there is a moral responsibil- the full amount, although Sefer please call the confidential hotline at 877-845-8455 “What should we do now?” they asked. ity for him to pay when he matures. Chassidim advocates paying fully to or e-mail [email protected]. To receive BHI’s free newsletter, Business Weekly, send an e- “We spent almost all of our saved Nowadays, the parents usually pay, instead, achieve complete atonement (Pischei mail to [email protected]. allowance!” to relieve him of that responsibility. Teshuvah 349:2; Yechaveh Da’as 8:6). It is This article is intended for learning purposes and is not to be relied upon halacha l’maaseh. There “Let this be a lesson about how careful “Rama (O.C. 343:1) also writes that if a especially advisable to properly compen- are also issues of dina d’malchusa to consider in you have to be with other people’s prop- child sinned, it is proper that he do some- sate and appease neighbors, to preserve actual cases. erty,” said their father. “But we’ll talk the issue over with Rabbi Tzedek.” After Ma’ariv, Mr. Balsam, the twins, and Mr. Glazer sat down with Rabbi Tzedek. “It’s already the second time the boys damaged our property with their ball-playing,” said Mr. Glazer. “Isn’t it my right to demand full compensation for the damage?” Rabbi Tzedek said: “A child who dam- ages is legally exempt from paying, even when he grows up, but it is proper for him or his parents to pay nonetheless.” Rabbi Tzedek then explained: “The mishnah (B.K. 87a) teaches that a child under bar mitzvah who damages is legal- ly exempt, since he has no legal culpabil- ity. Even when he matures, he is not legal- ly accountable for the damages of his childhood” (C.M. 424:8). “Similarly, a child who stole must return whatever he still has, but is legally exempt from returning what was lost, even after he matures. However, beis din or his parents should discipline the child for having stolen or damaged, so that he should not continue doing so” (C.M. 349:3,5). “Are you saying they don’t have to pay at all?” asked Mr. Glazer incredulously. “No. The Gemara (B.K. 98b) relates that

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 18, 2011 75

and out of reach of Egyptian guns? The Media’s Hypocrisy Regarding Israel Stories are emerging from Egypt of for- eign journalists being harassed and even Tidbits From Israel ists are responsible for not only covering Jewish exceptionalism than caring for physically attacked, so much so that this BY RON JAGER Israel but also the neighboring Arab coun- black Africans? Could it be that those has prompted protests from Western gov- tries of the Middle East, including Egypt, who were persecuted and murdered by ernments, including the U.S. administra- The intense media coverage of the Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. the Nazis are no longer prepared to save tion. Yet why is this news? After all, even demonstrations in Egypt has revealed Compared to her non-democratic those who are persecuted today? in the “moderate” authoritarian regimes that the double standard employed in the neighbors, Israel is a paragon of democra- Sadly, this is the angle in the back of of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and the media’s coverage of Israel has cy, human rights, and virtue. the minds of many, if not most, who file Palestinian Authority, journalists are reg- boomeranged against the very Arab lead- Paradoxically, however, these are just the stories, despite the fact that the issue of ularly threatened, harassed, beaten, ers who have evaded scrutiny and things that Israel finds herself attacked immigration is a sensitive one in both the arrested, and even murdered. However, accountability for years. The marked over in the international media. U.S. and Europe and is not unique to you won’t hear about such incidents. decline in coverage of Israel draws atten- Indeed, an Israeli misdemeanor can Israel. The media has intentionally failed Reporting these kinds of news items will tion to the vastly disproportionate make headlines in the capitals of the to highlight the treatment that these lead to a permanent denial of access to amount of attention Israel receives in the world while far worse human-rights migrants receive en route to Israel any reporter, so they don’t. world press, at the expense of coverage of incidents from Arab states throughout through Egypt, where tales of theft, mur- In Israel, however, a recent incident other parts of the Middle East. As a result, the region will go completely unreport- der, torture, and rape are common and made news in the international media insignificant events in Israel are reported, ed. There is a double standard at play have been occurring for the past years, and prompted a complaint from the analyzed, and magnified while the when it comes to the reporting in the yet unreported. Foreign Press Association. An Al-Jazeera human rights of tens of millions in places Middle East. Why is it, for example, an Where is the international outrage reporter was asked to take off her clothes like Egypt are ignored entirely. international news story when Israel that women and children are being shot to go through a security check at a jour- There are some 450 foreign journalists takes measures to stem a wave of by Egyptian border patrols as they run nalist event hosted by Prime Minister permanently resident in Israel, not to African migrants crossing the Egyptian- toward the one country that they believe Netanyahu. mention the hundreds of support staff. Israeli border? offers them a better future? Where are While the undoubted humiliation and Over the past weeks, many journalists Could it be that such a story fits a nar- the reports of how IDF soldiers actively inconvenience of an Al-Jazeera reporter have left Jerusalem and headed to Cairo. rative that portrays Israel as a “racist and rescue these people from certain death, makes headlines, the many stories of for- Many of those Jerusalem-based journal- apartheid regime” more concerned with physically pulling them over the border eign journalists inconvenienced, detained, threatened, and imprisoned are never reported, simply because the for- eign press is unprepared to publicly take on autocratic regimes that would respond by imposing sanctions that would negatively affect the ability of journalists to gather news. Consider another example concern- ing Al-Jazeera, the Qatari station that has proven its biased and politicized agenda with its reporting of the Egyptian crisis and the recent Pali- Leaks papers. “Democratic” demonstra- tors attacked its offices in Cairo and Ramallah, while in Israel it is still free to operate, where the worst that can happen is the humiliation of one of its reporters at a security check. Only now, after the Mubarak regime has capitulated, leaving behind a serious and dangerous political vacuum in the Middle East, have journalists begun to expose revelations about Egypt—that despite being a Western-oriented ally in the region, it is not a liberal or virtuous place for its citizens to live. The recent events in Egypt offer us a case study in media double standards when it comes to coverage of Israel as part of the Middle East. While Israel’s neighbors are not held accountable or scrutinized, Israel, by virtue of her free- dom of expression and access, becomes the villain of the region. The Western public fails to appreciate Israel’s legiti- mate security concerns in what has been broadcast in the past few weeks as a repressive, unstable, and dangerous neighborhood. Journalists stationed in Israel should stop abusing the comforts of their home base to disproportionately focus on Israel at the expense of neighboring Arab states which truly deserve to have the spotlight focused on them for decades of human- rights abuses, corruption, and misman- agement. Such is the double standard in media reporting from the Middle East. O

Ron Jager is a 25-year veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, serving as a field mental-health officer. Prior to retiring in 2005, he served as the commander of the central psychiatric military clinic for reserve soldiers at Tel-Hashomer. Since retiring from active duty, he has been providing consultancy services to NGOs, implementing psychological trauma treatment programs in Israel. To contact him, e-mail [email protected]. 76 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 18, 2011 77 Glenns Dedicate Shuvu Kindergarten

At the Shuvu Chazon Avrohom 20th anniversary dinner, held Sunday at The Palace in Brooklyn, a plaque was presented in appreciation of Tsemach and Devorah Glenn for their dedication of the Shuvu Chana Glenn Kindergarten in Ashdod, which is being established in memory of Mr. Glenn's mother, a nationally known morah.

78 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 18, 2011 79 Chinuch (#33) understands this obliga- tion to be Biblical in origin, while the Honoring The Other Relatives Aruch HaShulchan (YD 240:43) under- stands it to be rabbinic. Here too the obli- Halachic Musings kavod. The issues are dealt with exten- all—author’s extrapolation from letter gation stems from moreh—he may thus BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN sively in volume six of LeRayacha #9 of Rav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita.] sit in his older brother’s seat. Kamocha by Rabbi Dovid Ariav. The obligation is also only during Is this obligation limited to the first- Everyone knows about the mitzvah Stepparents. Let’s start with the step- the lifetime of the parent. After the par- born son, i.e. the eldest son, or does it of honoring and showing awe to par- mom and stepdad. The Gemara in ent has passed away, the Chayei Odom apply to all older brothers? To this we ents; it is one of the Ten Command- Kesuvos (103a) tells us that the word “es” (67:22) writes that the obligation is only have a debate between the Arizal as cited ments and also, according to the in kabeid es avicha comes to include the rabbinic. The Shulchan Aruch (YD by the Birchei Yoseph (in YD 240) and the Gemara in Kiddushin, one of the natural stepmother. (See Shulchan Aruch YD 240:21) calls it a davar hagun—a proper Kitzur Shulchan Aruch who both rule that laws that the entire world is well aware 240:21). While there is a debate in the thing to honor them. It would seem it applies to all older brothers, versus the of. But what about other relatives? Rishonim whether this obligation is that the Chaeyi Odom is actually argu- Gilyon Maharsha and the Chasam Sopher What about older brothers, stepmoms, Biblical (Rambam, Hilchos Mamrin 6:15 ing with the Shulchan Aruch when he and the Ramban on Bereishis (32:5) who uncles, aunts, and in-laws? Are the obli- and the Meiri on Kesuvos 103a), we rule writes that it is a rabbinic obligation. rule that it is just the eldest brother. gations the same as to parents or are that it is Biblical. The obligation, The simple indication of the Shulchan Although one would think that the there differences? though, stems from kavod and not Aruch is that it is a good and proper litvishe poskim would rule in accordance The first thing we must do, of course, moreh (See Betzeil HaChochma 3:95). ethical imperative, but not a full with the Gilyon Maharsha on this issue, it is differentiate between obligations Technically, the reason why we don’t halachic obligation. seems that Rav Elyashiv, as cited in Kvod that stem from kavod, honor, and obli- call parents by their first names is Older siblings. The Gemara in Kesuvos Horim 16:5 as cited in LeRayacha Kamocha gations whose source is moreh, or moreh. Although one could technically (103a) tells us that the extra vav in v’es Vol. VI p. 290, rules that the obligation is showing awe. For example, the obliga- call them by their first names, the min- imecha comes to include the older broth- toward all older brothers. tion to serve one’s father or mother hag in Klal Yisrael seems to be not to do er. The rationale is because it is disre- Since Rav Elyashiv is ruling like the comes from honor. The fact that we so. [One should also be careful not to spectful for a parent if their descendents aforementioned Birchei Yoseph’s cita- don’t sit in his or her seat comes from call stepparents Dad or Mom in front of are treated improperly, according to the tion of the Arizal, there would be no dis- moreh. Most of the obligations that one’s own parents unless one is Ramban (Hasagos LeSefer haMitzvos of tinction between that and the other rul- apply to the other relatives come from absolutely sure that they do not mind at the Rambam Shoresh 2). The Minchas ing of the Arizal cited by the Birchei Yoseph, that the obligation applies to older sisters as well. In-laws. The Shulchan Aruch rules that mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law must also be honored (S.A. Y.D. 240:24). It is debatable whether this obligation is Biblical or rabbinic. The obligation, once again stems from honor and not moreh. One must always speak to them respect- fully and with honor. Grandparents. There is also an obliga- tion to honor grandparents. This is the ruling of the Rama in a responsa (118). Although the Maharik (Shoresh 30) rules that this is not really an obligation, most poskim reject the view of the Maharik. Indeed, the Rama’s view is so accepted that the Minchas Elazar (3:33) rules that the honor of a grandparent has precedence to that of a father-in- law. The honor that is extended to a grandparent stems from kavod and not moreh, once again. Uncles and aunts. According to Rabbeinu Yonah in his Sefer HaYira (203) there is an obligation to honor one’s uncle and aunt from either his father’s side or his mother’s side. The source is a kal vachomer, a fortiori argu- ment from the obligation to honor a stepparent. Rabbi Dovid Ariav wishes to limit the words of Rabbeinu Yona to only uncles and aunts that are older than the parents. It seems to this author, however, that another source might be the fact that they are descen- dants of one’s grandparents and it would be according them honor if one honors their children, similar to the Ramban in the Sefer HaMitzvos. All of the above obligations concern- ing other relatives only apply, of course, if he or she is not halachically considered an evil person. If they are evil then one may not disrespect them, but there is no obligation of honor. To determine whether such a person has this status one must consult a quali- fied poseik. There are many factors that should be considered and often people are too quick to decide that the rela- tive is disqualified for the honor truly due them. O

The author may be reached at [email protected]. 80 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION

AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS year—is more important than ever in Continued from Page 68 helping it provide programs and services to increasing numbers of individuals and Celebrating 41 Years Of Ohel families in crisis who rely on Ohel every Strengthening Our Community day of the year. High-ranking government and elected The lives of thousands in the tri-state officials, rabbinic and business leaders, area are uplifted and elevated every day and nearly 1,200 guests turned out to thanks to Ohel’s dedicated and diverse show their support and friendship at staff and volunteers who number nearly Ohel’s 41st annual dinner at the New York 2,000. The agency began more than four Hilton in NYC. It was a spectacular and decades ago with a single program—fos-

Yitzchok Schick, Rav Dovid Cohen, Elly Kleinman, Mel Zachter, Moishe Hellman, and Harvey Kaylie. memorable evening with tributes to ter care. Today, Ohel operates nearly 40 extraordinary honorees and the children programs and 100 residences serving indi- and families Ohel serves. viduals in all five boroughs, Northern More than 20 percent of Ohel’s budget New Jersey, Rockland and Nassau comes from direct fundraising. With Counties, and South Florida. sharp and steady decreases in govern- To pay tribute to some of the extraor- ment funding, Ohel’s annual dinner—its most significant charitable event of the Continued on Page 82

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 18, 2011 81 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS are passionate about Ohel’s mission, tire- Continued from Page 81 less in their efforts on behalf of the com- munity; and determined to bring Ohel’s dinary individuals who help Ohel in its vision to the broader community. mission, the annual dinner celebrates According to Moishe Hellman, president, special Ohel friends and contributors. “We are grateful for the many corporate This year’s honorees—HaRav Dovid sponsors, friends, supporters, and part- Cohen, shlita, mara d’asra of Ohel and ners who helped us recognize their com- guest of honor; Abaline Supply mitment and make the dinner a most Company, and the Jeremias Family as memorable one.” corporate guests of honor; Mark and The gala fundraiser was attended by Lester Kaufman, Dr. Payman and Mrs. Nazanin Rabiei; Shahla and Aaron Weg; Naomi Rubin, Avi and Aviva Pifko, Dr. key political and government officials, Moishe Hellman, and Ronny Hersh. Payman and Nazanin Rabiei, and Aaron including Senator Charles E. Schumer, and Shahla Weg as guests of honor—all Congressman Jerry Nadler,

Moshe Zakheim, Elliot Eisenberger, Marc Herskowitz, David Jacobson, Aviva and Avi Pifko, Moshe Zakheim, David Jacobson, David Reiner, Abe Jeremias, Chaim Weisz, Yanky Jeremias, Moishe Hellman, and Mel Zachter. Moishe Hellman, and Saul N. Friedman.

Senator Charles Schumer

Congressman Anthony Weiner, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Assemblyman David Weprin, Public Advocate Bill De Blasio, and Councilman Mark Weprin, among oth- ers. Many spoke of their close associa- tion with Ohel and acknowledged its exemplary work. Many said, as well, that it was humbling to see a capacity crowd during such challenging finan- cial times. Support for Ohel’s critical contributions to our community was everywhere in evidence. The crowd was especially inspired by Marc, who told the audience that today he is sober because Ohel is helping him overcome his alcohol addiction. Ohel is further helping him and his family rebuild their lives. The dinner highlighted the foster care journeys of several chil- dren who are now productive adults with their own families—all because of the love and security provided by Ohel foster families and Ohel’s professional staff. Visit www.ohelfamily.org to see the video. “Support for our work is as impor- tant—if not more important—now than it was when we first began 40 years ago,” said Ohel president, Moishe Hellman, “On behalf of every life that has been elevated over the last 41 years, and every life we will elevate in the years to come, we want to express our profound pride and gratitude to our generous partners and friends.” O 82 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION SmartSimcha.com Heralds and well-wishing. Then there eliminates all this. ment and rigorous testing by a guests in Excel spreadsheets. A New Age Of Managing are people who attend and for- SmartSimcha.com can elimi- top-notch programming staff We hope that you will Simchas Online get to give gifts. Then comes the nate hundreds of dollars of basic with over 20 years of experience. remember what it was like to SmartSimcha.com is online hassle of dealing with paper expenses. SmartSimcha.com is Gone are cumbersome days of mail back a RSVP card. Welcome software that can be used to man- checks. The Send A Gift feature live after five years of develop- trying to manage hundreds of to the age SmartSimcha.com. O age all the guest information for any type of simcha. Smart Simcha.com is accessed through your web browser; other planning software requires installation on your computer. Once you are on SmartSimcha.com, you instantly have access to all of its innovative and powerful features. While SmartSimcha.com has a myriad of robust features, the top ones are: • An integrated USA People search—makes adding guests very easy. • Guests can RSVP directly online, send a gift using a credit card, and get personalized driv- ing directions. • For weddings, SmartSimcha .com can be used by one side alone or both sides (chassan and kallah) joining the information together. If you have guest information from a previous simcha in a Microsoft Excel file, the SmartSimcha.com staff will import it for you into your account. When printing, you can cre- ate your own style from an eclectic collection of over 250 fonts and 10 colors. At a typical wedding, thou- sands of dollars change hands amidst the tumult of dancing

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 18, 2011 83 a biographical sketch compiled Spiegel’s dedication and self-sac- This beacon of tefillah, Torah, A Tribute To Rabbi Moshe Spiegel by Rabbi Mordechai Kamen- rifice, it could be said that the and chassidus served as an oasis etzky, Rav Pinchus Eliyahu shtiebel was maintained and for the older generation trans- B Y RABBI DR. During the over two and a Spiegel—the “old Rebbe,” as he continued to exist in Long planted to these shores from the CHAIM WAKSLAK half decades that Rabbi Moshe was lovingly referred to—is Beach, a mikdash me’at which ravages of the Shoah. They YOUNG ISRAEL OF LONG BEACH Spiegel served as Rebbe in our described as being “a descen- radiated warmth, a welcoming found within the holy walls community, he continued the dant of a long history of Torah informality, and a place of pas- what they had lost and so fond- Rabbi Moshe Spiegel, zt’l, work of his father in uncompro- and chassidus . . . Yid who never sion and authentic Yiddishkeit. ly recalled of the way things served as the Ostrove- mising and dedicated fashion. compromised on the slightest On the formal invitation to were in the “alte heim.” Kalushiner Rebbe of Long Beach The shtiebel was founded in chumrah in Yiddishkeit despite the annual melaveh malkah, the Paradoxically, it also from the time of his illustrious 1967, when Rav Pinchus Eliyahu being surrounded by a commu- shtiebel was called “Tifereth appealed to a younger genera- father’s petirah in 1983 until Spiegel, zt’l, the Ostrove- nity that was slowly assimilat- Eliyahu,” a tribute to Rav tion of families who were born, approximately three years ago. Kalushiner Rebbe, and his reb- ing into American culture ... Pinchus Eliyahu, zt’l; but in all raised, and educated in America Due to failing health, he and his betzin, Basha, a’h, relocated He had never eaten meat in other instances it was simply but who were drawn to the rebbetzin, Brocho, yb’l, then relo- from the Bronx to 161 West America!” referred to as “Rabbi Spiegel’s shtiebel’s simplicity, informality, cated to Lakewood, New Jersey. Beech Street in Long Beach. In As a result of Rabbi Moshe shtiebel” or simply “the shtiebel.” sense of belonging, and perhaps even a taste of the Rebbetzin’s delicious cholent served regular- ly at the Shabbos kiddush. From my perspective as rav of the Young Israel of Long Beach, I ask myself: Why, within a community that boasts several shuls, a yeshiva ketana, a world- renowned mesivta and beis medrash, and a host of chesed and tzedakah organizations, is it still important to also have a shtiebel, and why has its absence left an obvious void? The Torah describes the con- struction of the Mishkan by Bnei Yisrael. It was designed to be a focal point—a concentra- tion of G-d’s presence in this world. Yet we know that Hashem’s presence cannot be confined or restricted to one location. Clearly the Mishkan

Continued on Page 86

84 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION February 18, 2011 85 Rabbi Moshe Spiegel, z’l The construction of the Mishkan place of origin are the earth’s bodies of one’s Maker. The Rebbe, dressed in his Continued from Page 84 involved an amalgamation of many dif- water or those that are endemic to dry spodek and bekesha, evoked memories of ferent materials and substances derived land. Beams from cedar trees and linen a picture of one’s own zeida and unwit- was designed to convey a message to the from every sphere and aspect of creation. derived from flax growing on the ground tingly created a sense of warmth and generation of the Midbar, and, through There was gold, silver, and copper from were also important ingredients of its security. The scent of chulent and kugel the Torah’s seemingly unnecessarily the ground; precious stones from the construction. Therefore, to look at the detailed description of its construction, heavens; hides and wool, which are ani- Mishkan was to go back in time and visu- an important message to all subsequent mal products; different color dyes that alize the time of the creation of the One could sense generations, as well. are derived from living creatures whose world—to recognize that Hashem creat- ed all the elements of the world as reflect- an unpretentious ed in their representation in the Mishkan and to appreciate that each component elegance that was can be used in the service of G-d. Davening in a shtiebel transports one spiritually uplifting back in time—to an era when things were not so complex and fast-paced. A and conducive to the time when simplicity reigned and avodas Hashem was not in competition with the joy of communicating stresses of modern life and the technolog- with one’s Maker. ical advancements of our present times. The shtiebel’s “sanctuary” was but a con- verted first floor of a single-family home, the furniture was worn and ill-matched, combined with the lingering aroma of with tables and chairs instead of pews. herring was unique to the shtiebel and And yet it all came together and one gave it the sense of being a home. Yiddish could sense an unpretentious elegance was the language of the shtiebel, words that was spiritually uplifting and con- that resonated and seemed special to ears ducive to the joy of communicating with that were accustomed to hearing only the official language of this country. Secondly, the presence of the Mishkan and its location in the center of the Camp of Israel replicated the seminal event of the Jewish nation—the standing of Bnei Yisrael at Har Sinai and receiving the Torah. This event at Sinai, witnessed by the entire nation, would again be recreat- ed as the entire Camp of Israel surround- ed the Mishkan and focused on the Shechinah which rested there and the Luchos which were housed within. Rabbi Moshe Spiegel was an outstand- ing talmid chacham who studied under the greatest roshei yeshiva of America. He dedicated himself to learning and infused this passion into the very fabric of the shtiebel. He safeguarded the authenticity of every minhag, din, and d’var kedushah. He would encourage everyone to learn and would give shi- urim and derashos with an exceptional intensity and passion. The Mishkan also provided physical representation of another, otherwise intangible concept—that of shalom, achdus. Throughout the description of the Mishkan construction, in all the details—from the wooden beams and the brackets which held them in place, to the curtains that were sewn and clipped together—the emphasis was on “Let the Mishkan be one.” The Torah reiterates this requirement for it and represents the oneness of Am Yisrael and the peace- ful coexistence of all elements of the Jewish people. The shtiebel, under the leadership of its rebbe, had the unique capacity of unit- ing individuals of diverse backgrounds, financial means, and ages into a cohesive group of people who came together to serve Hashem. There is little question that it added an additional dimension to the overall fabric of the Orthodox Jewish Long Beach community. Although there is no longer a shtiebel in Long Beach and the Rebbe has gone to his deserving place in Gan Eden, there is little question that the experiences and encounters which took place within the confines of this special place have forev- er changed and impacted the lives of countless Yidden. For all of us in Long Beach, the memories will linger on for years to come. O 86 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES TRAVEL SECTION 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 18, 2011 87 88 February 18, 2011 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES