The 5 Towns Jewish Times How We See People Is Partially a Fig- Ment of Our Own Imagination

LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATE WITHOUT HURTING YOUR CREDIT. See Ad, Page 15

$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 9 NO. 21 3 ADAR 5769 vnur, ,arp FEBRUARY 27, 2009

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK ory of Breakdown Over BY LARRY GORDON In Mem Hannah Reich Berman 29 Rav Moshe Weitman, a’h BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN The Dish The Right Has It Wrong Elke Probkevitz 30 Had Tzipi Livni of Kadima he has to convince Ms. Livni In the Heavenly far-reaching ways. MindBiz or Ehud Barak of Labor been and possibly even Mr. Barak realms, even the Rav Moshe Esther Mann, LMSW 40 able to sculpt or stitch togeth- to join him, as she describes smallest mitzvah Weitman, zichrono er a left-leaning coalition to it, “to provide a kosher certifi- has enormous livrachah, was Riding The LIRR govern in Israel, would they cate for a right-wing govern- ramifications. In such a person. As The Long Island RangeR 72 be doing political backflips in ment”? What is it about our world, how- the leader of order to recruit Rightists into Kadima’s left-leaning policies, ever, very little of Torah Academy The Chacham Of Oz their government to make an which are mostly a betrayal of what people do for Girls (TAG) Rabbi Yair Hoffman 86

impressively balanced coali- its natural constituency, that actually makes a for over four

tion? I don’t think so. gives it the gumption to pro- significant o decades, his

t o

So the question is, is Bibi claim that their presence in impact. There are, o impact upon the

i o Netanyahu so unsure and the government will “kosher- however, a handful n community in Far uncomfortable with his tradi- of people who impact a s tional position in Israel that Continued on Page 10 community in remarkably Continued on Page 24 SHAKE UP OUR SCHOOLS HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE

B Y HOWARD KOPEL ever, I have seen precious lit- Kids Of Courage tle in the way of suggestions Yeshiva Gedolah of Five Towns Much has been written in for practical, realistic, and BY LARRY GORDON melaveh malkah. these pages in recent weeks achievable solutions. See Page 45 about a “crisis” that has been Some have called for a Yitzie Cagan is going to building for years. We all want “tax” to be imposed on the Universal Studios and and need our children to get a community. We all know that Disneyland next week. He will good yeshiva education, but this is a non-starter. Who will be leaving Sunday from this has become virtually do the imposition, and who is Houston and will be in the unaffordable for large parts of going to comply? How much Los Angeles area for five days. our population, and difficult will this tax be? Will it be uni- Sounds pretty unremarkable, for many more. There is little form or progressive? It is just doesn’t it? Rest assured that disagreement concerning the not real, and just won’t hap- this trip that he will be taking diagnosis or the assessment pen. Let’s not waste time with two dozen other young- that the problem is real and seemingly intractable. How- Continued on Page 18 Continued on Page 20 Yitzie Cagan

Mark and Livia Rottenberg, One Israel Fund honorees. BMG Arrives For Shabbos MONDAY See Page 60 No Mitzvah To Visit MORNING Poland MUSE B Y KOBI NAHSHONI Another Mother’s Musings B Y PHYLLIS J. Educational school trips to LUBIN the Nazi death camps in Poland have become common “Mother, where are you?” among most Jewish sectors in “In the kitchen, Yuss. Are Israel, but prominent Zionist you dressed?” Rabbi Shlomo Aviner recently “Yes I are, Mother.” Jeff Ballabon to CBS News. claimed that they are in fact “Do you want breakfast, See Page 56 forbidden for halachic rea- Yuss?” sons, and he urged schools to “Yes, Mum/Phyllis.” CANDLE LIGHTING The roshei yeshiva of Beis Medrash Govoha–The Lakewood Yeshiva will be in cancel them. Yussie thinks he is cute the Five Towns/Far Rockaway area this Shabbos and will be speaking and Feb. 27 – 5:26 PM delivering shiurim at various locations around town. Pictured above at last Answering a reader’s ques- when he calls me an assort- March 6 – 5:34 PM year’s reception for the yeshiva (L–R): Rabbi Yakov Reisman, Rabbi Yeruchem Olshin, Rabbi Leib Rand, and Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler. See Page 58 Continued on Page 9 Continued on Page 14 2 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 3 4 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 5 6 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 7 8 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Visiting Poland grudge against the Poles, but we Continued from Front Cover shouldn’t provide livelihood to people who allowed death camps to be tion on the subject in the religious built on their land and who are now Ma’ayaney Hayeshua journal, Rabbi making a profit out of it. They are Aviner stated that trips to Poland were not my friends and I don’t want to “not good” due to the halachic ban on support them.” leaving Eretz Israel, and because they “provide livelihood to murderers.” Aviner explained: “As is well known, leaving Israel is permitted only for the sake of a mitzvah, while The trips have visiting the death camps is not defined as a mitzvah by the halachah. not been proven There are important figures and great rabbis who have not visited there. to have an Clearly what happened in the Holocaust must be remembered, but this can be done using films, books, educational the Yad Vashem museum, and there are even the testimonies of survivors value. who are still alive,” he stated. And what about the emotional experience? “I once told educators that in any According to Aviner, it was not case the impression vanishes after six accidental that the Nazis chose to months, like any other emotional expe- erect the extermination camps in rience with a short shelf life. They Poland. “They knew that the people smiled and said that it actually fades would do nothing. One person was away after three weeks.” enough to blow up the railroad tracks. Aviner also said that the trips have Why wasn’t this done? Because they not been proven to have an education- all said ‘good,’ smiled and waited” for al value. “For some this experience is the Nazis to kill the Jews. very difficult and they come back “Many Jews who escaped from the utterly distraught,” he added. camps were later murdered outside by Another argument against visiting the Polish resistance. When the Jews the camps, according to the rabbi, came back to the city, their houses was the fact that the Polish people were inhabited and they faced a “collaborated with the Nazis” and pogrom. To this day trials are being were now making a living off of held against Poles who stole houses,” these visits. “I’m not busy holding a he concluded. (YNetNews.com) O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 9 FROM THE EDITOR reaching a sustainable peace between FEATURES Continued from Front Cover the parties. By joining forces with Livni—a ize” the new government of the State proponent and indeed chief negotia- Around The Five Towns 44 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 of Israel? tor in formulating the two-state 516-984-0079 I believe that the impression creat- solution—Netanyahu could simply [email protected] Aliyah Chronicle [email protected] ed by Livni joining would be the oppo- be signaling that he too believes this Shmuel Katz 67 site of kosher and a sign that Israel two-state deal is impossible and he LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor intends to continue the old policies of wants to gently hang Livni out there Ask The Sensei backtracking, double-talking, and to demonstrate the impossible YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON Warren Levi 43 Sales Managers denials when dealing with the so- nature of what none of the parties CHANA ROCHEL ROSS called core issues of the future of have been able to accomplish. If that Book Review Editorial Assistant Jerusalem and settlements. were the case it would be wise for Rochelle Maruch Miller 84 SIDI BARON The basic problem is the lack of Livni to decline, and instead choose YAKOV SERLE genuineness and honesty on the part to go into the opposition. If, on the JERRY MARKOVITZ of both parties to the Israeli- other hand, she believes that Bibi is Classified Ads 78 Sales Representatives Palestinian talks. As far as I can fore- the same man who signed an agree- SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC see into a reasonable political future, ment to hand over 80 percent of Daf Yomi Insights Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor the differences are unbridgeable. The Hebron to Yasser Arafat ten years Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 82 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS maximum that Israel is offering does ago, then she probably belongs Irwin H. Benjamin, Hannah Reich Berman Halachic Musings Anessa V. Cohen, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg not come anywhere near the minimum inside his government. Toby Klein Greenwald, Michele Herenstein that the Palestinians are willing to The question is, though, if Rabbi Yair Hoffman 86 Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz accept when it comes to the ridicu- Netanyahu was selected to form a gov- Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky lously unworkable two-state solution. ernment with the majority of Rightists Insights On The Torah Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann Rochelle Miller, Martin Mushell, Naomi Ross If Ehud Olmert’s generous offers were voted in by the public, why is he appar- Rabbi Yanki Tauber 34 Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher spurned with regularity by Palestinian ently so reluctant to seize the mandate Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah 42 MICHAL WEINSTEIN, BINYAMIN RHODES negotiators, what can Mr. Netanyahu that he’s been handed? Is it possible DOV GORDON add to the already existing diplomatic that in today’s establishment in Israel Letters To The Editor 43 Staff Graphic Artists equation that will move things for- there is no longer a political right? Is it IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS ward? possible that when it comes to Israel’s Luach 12 Staff Photographers If anything, Bibi’s ideas and designs place in the world there is only left of FRANKEL & CO. for a two-state solution are far more center and extreme left? MindBiz Design & Production restrictive and limiting on the Benjamin Netanyahu says that he Esther Mann, LMSW 40 TALIYE CORLEY Palestinians than anything offered has a different vision of the form that Art Director over the last decade. Why can’t Bibi peace with Israel’s Arab neighbors Real Estate SARAH GREENBAUM and the Right that he is purported— should look like someday. He says Assistant Art Director and was indeed elected—to represent peace with the Palestinian population Anessa V. Cohen 32 The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- state clearly and unequivocally that that borders and lives within Israel has paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not That’s The Way It Is! necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not the two-state solution is not work- to be built from the bottom up, instead responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or able? It’s been 15 years since Oslo, of from the top down as has been the Hannah Reich Berman 29 establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. and there has been little progress in case for all these years to this point.

10 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Labor, Kadima, and the rest of the left-leaning gang are strong advocates of top-down peace talks. This means that Israel announces or signs onto surrendering territory, dividing Jerusalem, and evac- uating settlers—and then, once that is all done, hopes that someday the Palestinians prove that the gamble was worth it, by halting measures that seek to undermine and destroy the State of Israel. Netanyahu, for his part, says that this is the wrong way to go about achieving peace. He says you have to build a secure and lasting peace from the bottom up. This entails fortifying the everyday population of the Palestinian territories. This involves shoring up the economies of these areas, ensuring that people are employed, the children are being properly educated, that the local media is carrying responsible messages that fos- ter improved relations between the populations.

The Netanyahu scenario envisions an environment where the population that in the past resorted to suicide bombings and roadside shootings does not want to do that anymore.

The way relations have been carried out to this point essentially still consists of Palestinian leaders warning that if their demands are not acceded to, then the shooting and bombing will resume. The Netanyahu scenario envisions an environment where the population that in the past resorted to suicide bombings and roadside shootings does not want to do that anymore because they want to preserve the quality of life they may have attained. Reversing course and pursuing this route makes sense, but it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible. The premise of the way things have been done until now includes not just a tacit but also a clear and open

Continued on Page 16 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 11

CALENDAR LUACH Feb. 27 – March 8 ZIP Code: 11516

3 Adar – Erev Shabbos Friday, February 27 Z’manim*: Daf yomi: Bava Kamma 61 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:38 am Sunrise: 6:32 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:43 am Gr’a 9:19 am Candle Lighting: 5:26 pm 4 Adar – Shabbos Saturday, February 28 Shabbos Parashas Terumah Shabbos ends**: 6:25 pm 72 min. 6:57 pm 10 Adar – Erev Shabbos Friday, March 6 Daf yomi: Bava Kamma 68 Earliest tallis/tefillin: 5:28 am Sunrise: 6:21 am Latest Shema: M. Av. 8:37 am Gr’a 9:13 am Candle Lighting: 5:34 pm 11 Adar – Shabbos Saturday, March 7 Shabbos Parashas Tetzavveh Parashas Zachor Shabbos ends**: 6:34 pm 72 min. 7:06 pm * from MyZmanim.com ** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to your minhag Municipal Calendar For 5 Towns and NYC Saturday night–Sunday, March 8 Daylight Saving Time begins (set clocks forward 1 hour).

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, March 2 at 5:00 P.M.

All graphics for ads must be in by Tuesday, March 3 at 5:00 P.M.

Call 516-984-0079

You can now upload your display ad directly via our website at www.5tjt/com/ad

12 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 13 Another Mother’s Musing have complete conversations with do I explain to a six-year-old that her This past week Yussie had a “main- Continued from Front Cover Yussie. We are supposed to “encourage big eight-year-old brother might never streaming opportunity” for President’s speech” and we do so at every opportu- “catch up” to her? Week. He attended first grade at ment of names—and he is right! Cute nity. He is certainly not behind in every- HAFTR elementary school with the he is! “Yes, Mom. Miss Gutman home thing, though. Yussie knows how to daily assistance of a shadow from the As Yussie makes his grand entrance today?” manage the “On Demand” button on middle school. For three days, Lea had into the kitchen, I can’t help but smile “I think so. Miss Gutman usually our television too well. He can find the opportunity to see her big brother with pride. His shirt is on the right way comes over on Mondays after school what he wants to watch in a few sec- interact with her friends (although not (his sweatpants seem backwards, but I and then we go to bowling, right?” onds. Sometimes he even bests Naftali in the same class) and chat with him don’t have the heart to correct it—I Monday afternoons we have “parent in his quest for his show. during lunch. don’t think it’s that noticeable) and he training” sessions—Miss Gutman “No, Yussie. That’s Handy Manny— “Why didn’t I see Yussie at lunch greets me and Lenny with a huge (Yussie’s teacher at Public School No. not Hannah Montana.” Naftali tries to today? Why did you pick him up “Good Morning!” 5) and Yussie try to train me how to be take the remote control from Yussie’s early?” Lea asked me on Friday after- Yussie’s bowl is already by “his spot” a parent. So far, so good. hand. noon. and Lenny pours him his cereal this “Yes, Mom. You driving today? Big “Yes it is Hannah Montana!” “Yussie wasn’t there today, Lea. morning. car?” he smiles with that twinkle in his “Naftali, just let Yussie pick his own Unfortunately there was no shadow “Cheerios—nice, Dad!” eye. I’m not always sure when he is show!” I try to mediate. available,” I explained. “You like Cheerios?” joking around with me or when he “But he is in the Handy Manny cat- “I could have been his shadow, “Yes, Dad. Drink?” really forgets the answer. egory—not Hannah Montana!” Mommy! Next time let him be in my “Sure, Yuss. The usual?” “No, Yussie—Denise drives today.” Again Yussie insists, “Yes it are class and I’ll be his shadow!” Yussie’s traditional breakfast con- Yosef knows his routine. Breakfast, Hannah Montana! My show! My Will there ever come the time when sists of Cheerios or Rice Krispies and then he gets to watch a show before show!” Yussie can be truly independent? Must milk with a cup of soda. I’m not sure the bus arrives. Only a few minutes of “Which show did you want, Yussie?” he always have a shadow? Miss how the cup of soda began, but some- TV today—we need to get ready for the Yussie stands directly in front of the Gutman explains that independence is how it’s part of the menu. Every so bus soon. TV and points to the choice under the encouraged in her class. Yussie leaves often I try to vary the choice of cereal, “Mommy, when Yussie speaks better listing “Handy Manny.” But the show his classroom and turns in the atten- but Yussie is a creature of habit and can he go on the bus with me?” Lea he points to says that it stars Miley dance sheets to the office down the doesn’t like to stray from his usuals. asked the other day. Cyrus (the star of Hannah Montana). hall all by himself. In fact, when it “Mom, you drive today?” “Speaks better?” Yussie was actually right. Although the comes time to go to his various thera- “No, not today Yussie. It’s Monday!” “Yes, Mommy. When he learns to category was Handy Manny, there was pies, he walks down the school steps “Aww…big car today?” speak more clearly, can he go to school one particular Hannah Montana independently and arrives at his thera- “No Yuss, not today. It’s Monday. with me? He’s getting better!” episode miscategorized! pist’s office completely on his own. You go on Denise’s bus on Mondays.” “I’m not sure, Lea. Yussie still needs Naftali and I stared at each other in And yet he has had to miss his week- “No Denise today—you drive!” extra help that I’m not sure he can get awe. Yussie somehow knows what he is ly “Live at Five” meeting on Tuesday “Yussie, you know you go on the bus at your school.” doing! mornings since his speech therapist on Mondays!” “But if he studies hard I think he It scares me sometimes. We can who usually attends with him has been As quickly as the argument began, it can do it!” never be sure of Yussie’s capabilities. out of school for a couple of weeks. abruptly ends. “We’ll see, Lea.” What does he understand? What can The newspaper club includes about 50 “OK, Mother. Bowling today?” The term “developmentally delayed” he achieve? We must face the reality kids with only one teacher/supervisor, “Yes, you have bowling after school is such a misnomer. It makes it sound that he will always have limitations, and the school felt that Yussie would today. You like bowling?” We try to like he is simply slow to develop. How and yet… be “too lost” without Mrs. Schaefer as

14 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES his guide. I guess I can understand that, but I can’t help but wonder if Yussie understands why he can’t go to his usual Tuesday-morning activity. Hopefully Mrs. Schaefer will be back to school this week and Yussie will be able to resume his Tuesday-morning club meeting. NNN Weekends give me too much time to think. This past weekend, Yussie went on another Yachad Shabbaton, so I had plenty of time to ponder life. The fact that Yussie does- n’t understand when he is being excluded from a particular activity actually makes me sad, and yet at least it doesn’t seem to make him sad. “Mommy, why can’t I go on the Shabbaton with Yussie?” Lea asks “It’s not for you, Lea. First- graders don’t go on Shab- batons,” I tried to explain diplomatically. “Lea, be happy that you can’t go on the Shabbaton—it means you don’t have special needs!” one of my “all knowing” children tried to explain. I didn’t necessarily like that answer; it seemed to go over Lea’s head anyway. “Mommy, if there is a Shabbaton for second-graders next year, can I go?” “Sure, Lea. If there is such a Shabbaton you can go.” And so here I sit in front of my computer screen with the security that Yussie is back in his usual environment, and back to his normal routine, and I am back on schedule for Monday morning at the office! O

Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea. She welcomes your questions and comments at [email protected].

For the next issue, deadline for reserving ad space is Monday, March 2 at 5:00 P.M.

All graphics for ads must be in by Tuesday, March 3 at 5:00 P.M.

Call 516-984-0079

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 15 FROM THE EDITOR Virtually all political leaders in Continued from Page 11 Begin: ‘Make Peace With Livni, Israel consider all Jerusalem neighborhoods to be untouchable and agreement that Israel is an occupier Because PA Won’t Agree To Anything’ also accept the large population that is oppressing a foreign people, centers of Ma’aleh Adumim and i.e., the Palestinian Arabs. To date Gush Etzion to be inseparable from this is the premise of Middle East the Jewish State. reality that the United States and B Y TZVI BEN GEDALYAHU The PA chairman wants to reach a MK-elect Begin, son of former Europe work under. That assumption final arrangement to divide the capi- Prime Minister Menachem Begin, is also the policy that most Israeli Likud MK-elect Benny Begin said tal and resolve the entity’s demand stated that an agreement between the leaders have been working under for on Sunday that he sees no problem for millions of foreign Arabs to settle PA and Israel will have a very long the past many years. Today’s question with Likud compromising in order “shelf life,” making the differences is, does Bibi Netanyahu agree, or will to accept Kadima as a unity govern- between Kadima and Likud “virtual.” he be courageous and enough of a ment partner, because no matter Concerning Kadima, he noted that leader to say that these territories— what happens the Palestinian An agreement his father sat in a unity government including all of Jerusalem—belong to Authority won’t accept a two-state in 1967 with secular and leftist par- Israel, and another route or road map solution. Kadima leader Tzipi Livni between the PA ties, and that there is no reason that to peace needs to be found? has insisted that her Likud counter- Livni cannot do the same. “Every Certainly if he summons the part, Binyamin Netanyahu, accept a party must avoid putting too much courage to make such a declaration, two-state solution without his con- and Israel will have weight on general principles,” Begin the ground beneath those involved in ditions of “economic peace,” mean- stated. “Why assume it is impossible Middle East talks will be jolted, if ing that the PA must be economical- a very long “shelf to sit together? Let things find their only temporarily. Most likely, after ly stable before it can govern effec- own way… We are happy to work some stern criticism of Israel for cre- tively and overcome terror. life,” making the together. Why look for trouble when ating obstacles to peace and not Begin, a former MK who returns it is possible to avoid it?” being helpful in facilitating the for the current session of the Likud whip MK Gidon Saar peace process, they will get over it Knesset, is counting on the PA to differences declared Monday morning that the and figure out a way to move things reject implementation of a final PA-Israeli agreements stemming forward, develop new understand- proposal for a new Arab country in between Kadima from the late 2007 Annapolis, ings, and find an arrangement that most of Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. Maryland, summit are insignificant. they can call “peace.” The previous government, with and Likud “virtual.” “There was supposed to be an agree- The ongoing question is, why in Ehud Olmert at the helm and Livni ment by 2008,” he noted. “We also the world does Netanyahu need as foreign minister, had agreed to want negotiations. But what about Livni? She is the consummate diplo- expel tens of thousands of Jews Jerusalem and [Arab] refugees?” matic double-talker who assured her from Judea and Samaria and has in Israel. He also is trying to win con- Saar said that Livni, as foreign constituency that dividing Jerusalem discussed the status of Jerusalem, trol of Jerusalem’s Jewish neighbor- minister, “invested a great amount of was not being discussed with the which PA Chairman Mahmoud hoods, such as French Hill, Ramot, energy to overcome problems with Palestinians while it in fact was Abbas demands to make the capital and Gilo, that the PA considers to be the PA, and she can do the same being negotiated—further mislead- of a new Arab state. “settlements.” with the Likud.” (Arutz Sheva) O ing the opposition. A broad Israeli government that includes Likud,

16 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Kadima, and Labor in addition to Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu is little more than a recipe for a stalemate. What is needed is to know whether Netanyahu wants to bring Israel forward and move the region toward peace while breaking away from the tired old formulas that have been proven not to work. It’s important to note that when former Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin rammed the destructive Oslo Accords through the Knesset, he did so with a minority governing coalition that consisted of only 58 members. He achieved a majority for the Oslo Accords in the Knesset with favorable votes from the Arab members of the Knesset. It’s unthinkable today that, in light of the disdain dis- played by Arab MK’s for Israel, any government could consider them allies. Frankly, it’s quite shocking that such an historic shift in the approach to peace could only become Israeli policy with the votes cast by Israel’s enemies within. Today, the Right does not feel enough at ease with its own policies to feature such a narrow government. Could this be because most of the political Right does not have deep enough faith in its own policies, no longer believes in the fundamentals of Jewish attachment to the land of Israel, and certainly not to the combination of the destiny of the land and the Jewish people? They do, however, believe in power and receiving billions in foreign aid in exchange for a nod and a wink at ideas like a two-state solution that will not come to fruition as long as the Right in Israel continues to lean left and insists on leaning wrong. O

Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected].

They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell amidst them (Sh’mos 25:8) G-d desired a dwelling place in the lower realms.

(Midrash Tanchuma, Naso 16)

This is what man is all about; this is the purpose of his creation and of the creation of all the worlds, higher and lower—that there be made for G-d a dwelling in the lower realms.

(Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 17 Shake Up Our Schools tion. We should not try to invent solu- projections, rather than frantic efforts Moreover, these teachers were all more Continued from Front Cover tions until we have attempted some to raise the dollars that unchecked fully involved in the school and its cul- that are tried and true. spending requires, solutions inevitably ture. I submit that with this plan we thinking about it. First of all, there is “management.” become clear. You can’t spend a dollar would have better education at a lower What about cutting waste? Of Companies in the same industry do not and a quarter if you have only a dollar. cost. Not a bad thing, if you can get it! course we should do this, and the like- perform in a uniform way. Those whose So you make choices. I know that there are serious objec- lihood is that every yeshiva is already management has stronger business skills Many yeshivas, especially as we move tions to this proposal. For instance, we trying to, with varying degrees of suc- will, all else being equal, do better than “rightward” on the spectrum, have most- want our children to learn limudei cess. They should and will continue to those whose management has lesser ly part-time teachers for both limudei kodesh when they are “fresh” in the do this, and it will be of marginal help, skills, or even worse, those whose man- kodesh and limudei chol. This has a morning. But our children seem to do but it cannot provide meaningful relief. agement worries about itself more than number of bad effects. The rebbeim do just fine in secular subjects in the There just isn’t enough waste to make about the company. I am not pointing a not earn a sufficient living; the secular afternoon. They can handle different that much difference. If there is, that is finger at anyone in any particular organ- teachers come after a full day of teach- regimens, and the benefits outweigh a whole other problem. Certainly, some ization. I do not have the inside knowl- ing in the public-school system, or are the costs. Some would point out that yeshivas have a wealthier parent body, edge and information, much less the less than fully qualified. At the same many young men and women depend and these obviously have more money inclination, to do that. However, some time, many rebbeim rush to other part- on working in the yeshivas, and this available. But they also tend to pay yeshiva managements undeniably do time jobs. And all of this is expensive plan would reduce the number of more already. In any event, this is not a better than others. We should ask why. and inefficient, as we shall see. available positions. True, but that is a factor that can be “fixed.” Let us recognize that some people When I was a young boy in separate problem. Supporting people Other proposals range from the sub- are better trained, or are naturally bet- Scranton, Pennsylvania, I attended the who are kollel products, etc., who can- lime (asking for help from the ter suited, to run a business than oth- Scranton Hebrew Day School for sev- not find a good way to make a living is “Ultimate Donor”—we should, of ers. This training and suitability sel- eral years. In that elementary school, a serious issue, but it is not the func- course, daven for help, but we need to dom has more than an accidental cor- at that time, as is the case in several tion of yeshivas to solve this. do our own hishtadlus) to the ridicu- relation with depth of learning and schools today that might be thought of I don’t have much yeshiva manage- lous (jumping on the table and piety. In fact, I would guess that there in some circles as “left wing,” the ment experience, and I am not the per- demanding that “someone do some- is an inverse relationship. Therefore it rebbeim as well as the secular teachers son best suited to solve these prob- thing.”) Hand-wringing as a solution is probably a bad idea when the same were full-time employees. A rebbi lems. I merely bring up some examples has never been particularly effective. person who provides the spiritual man- taught a class in the morning and a dif- to show that there are things that can The common denominator in all agement also decides on budgets, ferent class in the afternoon. The sec- be done, but that are not easy. There these proposals is that none of them salaries, and other spending. In fact, ular teachers did the same. Every three are many people in our community are practical and none are going to there is very often a hopeless conflict months or so, the classes having with managerial expertise and experi- provide immediate relief. We need to of interest when these functions are limudei kodesh first and those having ence in running yeshivas. What we approach this problem as we would combined. Combining them is a virtu- secular studies first switched. need is to put them in charge and for one in our households or businesses, al invitation to waste (and worse). Yet The benefits to this system are obvi- them to propose serious and achiev- and try to figure out what we can do, many yeshivas are run this way, with ous. The teachers were all full-timers. able solutions. And then—with fair now, that will actually bring measura- ineffectual or non-existent lay supervi- Therefore, they made more money than debate, of course—we need to take the ble change. There are such solutions, sion of the purse strings. This can and part-timers, and yet the overall cost (in hard steps that will be required. The and some are being implemented suc- should be corrected immediately, and I my school’s case) of four full-time ineluctable laws of economics force us cessfully, today. Strange as it may predict good results in cases where the rebbeim and four full-time secular- to make choices. And the longer we sound, there are ways to simultane- problem exists and is corrected. Once study teachers was less than the cost of close our eyes, the worse the problems ously reduce costs and improve educa- spending is based on realistic income eight half-timers would have been. will become. O

18 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 19 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE I sat down with these three outstand- debilitating illnesses with the inspira- nature—with all the airfare, hotel Continued from Front Cover ing personalities on Sunday afternoon tion and ability to do what other kids do, accommodations, and personnel neces- to try to absorb a sense of what exactly even if only for a brief time. sary to make it—is costly. The three sters is indeed quite remarkable, not to they have committed to do. Both Dr. To Adlerstein’s credit, he has in the organizers estimate that the total cost mention an enormous undertaking by Ditchek and Howard Kafka, a business- past run similar trips, although on a will be about $100,000 for the trip and several extraordinary men. man, volunteer paramedic, and resident much smaller scale. For him as for the the five-day stay in the Los Angeles area. Yitzie, who lives in Houston with his of Lawrence, point to their colleague, others, this Sunday’s trip is “the big one.” Bringing the dream of this adventure to family, was in a car accident more than Ari Adlerstein, a law student from In total, some 24 youngsters are travel- fruition was possible in part by a gener- 18 years ago, and today is a quadriple- Brooklyn, as the prime moving force ing to L.A. They are being accompanied ous contribution by Avery and Vivian gic who relies on a ventilator for his behind this undertaking. by 50 staff people, including doctors, Stok and family of Brooklyn and a num- breathing and a feeding pump for his “He’s very modest,” says Mr. Kafka of paramedics, and nurses, some of whom ber of other magnanimous donors. The nutrition. He is now a 20-year-old col- Mr. Adlerstein, who at age 25 is the jun- are meeting them on the California side Stok family is also joining the trip to lege student pursuing an undergradu- assist with logistics in L.A. ate degree at a college in Houston. After the group’s arrival on Monday, “One of Yitzie’s dreams was always to go trips to three different major tourist to Los Angeles and to Disneyland,” says attractions are to begin. Over the few Dr. Stuart Ditchek, the medical direc- days there, the group will tour Universal tor of Camp Simcha, a division of Chai Studios, SeaWorld, and Disneyland. Lifeline. Dr. Ditchek is on loan to Kids The Doubletree hotel in Santa Monica of Courage, (www.kidsoc.org) for this has in part furnished accommodations. latest life-giving enterprise. “So we’ve In the case of Universal, they never have finally put it all together and we are tak- hosted such a large contingent of spe- ing him and 23 other children with very cial-needs children and in fact did not challenging illnesses to L.A. this com- have enough wheelchairs, so they had to ing Sunday,” he says. He adds that it’s a order some more just to accommodate mistake to believe that these kids need this group. Food service is being sup- to be pitied. “They can enjoy anything plied by Mendel Goldman Caterers, other kids do; they just need a little Shilo’s Restaurant, Sharon Catering, help.” So that’s what they are doing— and Schwartz Bake Shop. helping them. (L-R): Dr. Stuart Ditchek, Howard Kafka, and Ari Adlerstein of Kids of Courage. Every detail of the trip has been gone There are several vital aspects to this over meticulously by Dr. Ditchek, Mr. story, each equally important to empha- Kafka, and Mr. Adlerstein. They have pre- size. Certainly the children, ranging in ior member among the organizers. of the trip. After calling just about every pared for practically any eventuality, from age from 8 to 22 years, are the stars of “Without Ari’s relentless efforts, none of domestic airline that flies from the local having an ambulance follow them wher- this effort, as are their parents. Almost this could happen and none of this airports in New York to Los Angeles, ever they go during their stay in and as compelling, though, are the three would be taking place,” he says. Ari has Adlerstein got lucky with Continental around Los Angeles (supplied by Hatzolah men who identified a need and felt the not been drawn to this type of volunteer Airlines, which (unlike the other airlines of L.A.) to having contacted local doctors anguish and frustration of other human work from within a vacuum. As head of he contacted) had no restrictions on and hospitals should an emergency occur beings, but were not satisfied with sim- a division at Camp Simcha over the last how many medical transport patients and their services be needed. ply being empathetic. They saw a void few years, he deeply understands what it could travel on any one flight. and they acted to fill it. means to infuse young people battling As one can imagine, a trip of this Continued on Page 22

20 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 21 HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE Continued from Page 20

The team has named this inaugural program “Tours of Courage,” and it is described in the organization’s literature as “a medically supervised adventure itinerary for children and young adults with chronic, debilitating, and life- threatening illnesses.” They describe the children as each having “a serious illness or medical diagnosis, including spinal- cord injuries, familial dysautonomia, spina bifida, Bloom syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and many others.” Many of the children require feeding by gastric tubes and pumps, a variety of medica- tions, or oxygen supplies. Ten of the children will need to be hooked up to oxygen tanks during the flight to and from L.A. You may be wondering what kind of people get involved in this kind of project, and that’s a fair question. In my best esti- mation, I’d say they are people with very big hearts and an insatiable desire to help others, especially those who are unable to or have difficulty fending for themselves. It’s apparent by the look on their faces that they are excited about the challenge and looking forward to the round-the- clock hard work that it will take to make this trip a success. Dr. Ditchek is the medical director of Camp Simcha. He is a board-certified pediatrician with over 20 years of experience as well as an attending physician and faculty member of the NYU School of Medicine. Howard Kafka has more than 10 years of experience as a paramedic and is widely known in the Five Towns for the never-ending chesed that he does. He is skilled in advanced life- saving techniques and respiratory equipment for oxygen-dependent children, and he is currently on the medical board of Hatzolah, where he coordi- nates the continuing medical education for paramedics. Ari Adlerstein, the law student, supplies much of the human energy for the project and is the one who sold the idea, it seems, to both Dr. Ditchek and Mr. Kafka. The entire adventure has got to be a five-day-long high point, but if there is a super-high point, it’s the shopping spree for the young people at Toys ‘R’ Us in downtown Los Angeles. “They’re opening for us an hour earlier than usual so those on the trip can have the store to themselves until they open for the public,” says Adlerstein. These three men, along with several dozen volunteers at Kids of Courage, are putting their professional and personal lives on hold for a few days so they can make this very special trip to Los Angeles happen. Going along with these folks has got to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Just sitting with them you get this can-do feeling and a sense that this is a very exciting experience but not really a very big deal for them. Clearly they enjoy getting the difficult done right away while the impossible might take just a little longer. An observer also derives a sense that they can’t wait to go so they can come back home, share the experience with us, and get right back to doing what they love—helping another group of special-needs children have the time of their lives. O

Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at [email protected]. 22 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 23

The Greatness Of Rav Moshe Weitman, a’h

Continued from Front Cover expressed to Rabbi Amos Bunim, was taken in under the wing of Reb From there Rav Moshe went to Beis another founding board member of Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz. Reb Midrash Elyon and studied under Rockaway and the Five Towns can only TAG. “The school belongs in Shraga Feivel instilled in him a sense Rav Reuven Grozovsky, zt’l. be described as transformative. Brooklyn—not here!” was another of mission to K’lal Yisrael which Imbued with the feeling of serving His petirah this past Sunday, the sentiment that the energetic Rav remained with him until his last the spiritual needs of K’lal Yisrael, Rav 28th of Shevat, has created a void, not Moshe Weitman often heard in those breath. As Rabbi Weitman’s son, Weitman studied the laws and prac- only in our local community and at the early years when trying to build up Rabbi Meyer Weitman, mentioned at tices of b’ris milah, shechitah, and Torah Academy for Girls, but in the the school. the levayah, Reb Shraga Feivel numerous other skills that he could world of chinuch as well. Rabbi Yaakov Bender, dean and rosh Mendlowitz introduced the idea of put to use for K’lal Yisrael. He was a “If you think about it, after forty six yeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah, once “capitalism” in chinuch. If one teach- mohel par excellence, and other years of graduating classes with large mohalim marveled at his skill. class sizes…and those young ladies His love and care for K’lal Yisrael have started families of their own, the was sincere and genuine. During the number of people Rav Weitman has war years, Reb Moshe took time to influenced directly lies between ten pack and send packages for the Vaad and twenty thousand people,” said a If, however, one hires a number of Hatzolah and for Agudas Yisrael, high-school faculty member. working closely with Mike Tress of Dr. Moshe Katz, author of Nine teachers and they teach others, the Agudah. These packages went to Out of Ten and one of the founders of destitute refugees and Holocaust the Torah Academy for Girls, related survivors. in an interview, “You do not under- then a much more significant In the world of chinuch, Rav stand what was happening in this Weitman worked very closely with community before Rabbi Weitman impact can be made. Rabbi Joseph Kaminetsky. He started arrived. No one ever dreamed of all- a day school in Montreal and soon girls’ chinuch. This was something developed a reputation as a master left over from Europe or elsewhere, pedagogue. In 1952, he married his but not here.” akeres ha’bayis, Toby Rosengarten. Some forty-six years ago, Rabbi described Rabbi Moshe Weitman’s es one class full of students, one has They were together for close to fifty- Moshe Weitman was invited to head impact on the community. “The mosad an impact upon them, but that is all. seven years. Rebbitzen Weitman a newly launched school for girls. that has had the greatest impact as far If, however, one hires a number of worked by his side, and then Many in the community were against as Torah growth in our community is teachers and they teach others, then remained by his bedside throughout the project. An all-girls’ school here? TAG. All the yeshivos that came later a much more significant impact can his hospitalization. The community leaders behind the owe their presence to Rav Moshe be made. The idea took form in Rabbi Newly married, Rav Weitman school were told that they would not Weitman. He was the trailblazer. He Weitman’s mind. To further this goal, moved to Monticello, New York succeed. “You will see hair grow on was our leader.” he attended the Aish Dos Kollel, a where he served as the rav of the my palm before such a school will As a youth, Rav Moshe Weitman special kollel designed to teach avre- succeed,” was a line that was actually attended Yeshiva Torah Vodaas and ichim the fundamentals of chinuch. Continued on Page 26

24 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES The sudden silence was deafening. tragedy. Oh, we tried. And I’m sure tower, of their ignorance. They, the Tragedy In Tears burned streaks down stage we succeeded to some degree. audience, were waiting patiently to made-up cheeks. Like a slightly surre- We rushed through our lines, des- be amused, and I wanted to shake alistic noir film, girls in elaborate cos- perate to get offstage. I wanted out. them. To explain loudly and franti- tumes and exotic face paint, all with Enough blinding lights, stop the cally the absolute wrongness of this The Midst weeping eyes and hunched postures. pressure of hundreds of eyes upon situation. Instead, I screamed like And I still had to go onstage. me. I felt the basic human urge in I’ve never before screamed, “MY My Comedy Drama head PATIENCE.” approached, with rainbow sus- My everything. Of Comedy penders and a face like the sad one After us, there was the Jester of the laughing/weeping masks. Not dance, a superperky group of super- very poetically put, I’ll admit, but At intermission, perky personalities. I felt bad for BY MIMI NISSAN then again, at the time, my mind them. wasn’t functioning at high gear. about forty minutes But it was over quickly. I’m known as a funny person. I “What am I supposed to do?” I Usually, the finale is a drawn-out, can make you laugh with ease and whispered to her. before I was to beautiful rejoicing. We didn’t do it aplomb. I guess we all have our tal- She shook her head. There was no this time. ents. So it followed that in TAG’s other option. I still had to go Instead, we all gathered onstage concert, Comedy Drama snapped me onstage. And be funny. go onstage, we and sung our theme song with tears up and deposited me in the hyper- Horror engulfed me. What blas- and emotion in our voices. Arms ventilating, overacting lead role. phemy was this? heard the news. around each other, we lifted our Saturday night’s performance, the She told me the audience was voices in a song that was a prayer, a first of three, was an electric affair. still unaware. And, the show must supplication, and a mourning. Then, It’s very fun to be on stage. And we go on. The girls of Comedy con- Morah Gross stood up and made people laugh. Considering how vened. With much crying and me while I postured and enunciated announced, in a breaking voice, the Comedy Drama was the second to shock, we attempted to adjust our- onstage. I needed my mommy. horrible news. And sobbed. last act of a three-hour show, this selves to the situation. At one point, my character, an The audience sobbed right back at was no easy feat. I tried to be mechazek everyone as impatient type, screams, “Violet! her. Good times. well as I could. Violet, I’m losing it, I’m LOSING it!” Sunday night’s concert was can- The next day’s performance was Rabbi Weitman was a chasid, no? I “Losing what, honey?” celed. expected to be more of the same. told them stories of Rebbes dancing “MY PATIENCE!” And for that, we apologize. 200-plus girls stuffed in a backstage in concentration camps. About This time, as I yelled, I looked And I apologize for the funeral corridor, the air rife with the smell laughing through the pain. There is down at her, a sad-eyed Violet, a big dirge that was the entire second of hairspray and lipgloss, shrieks avodah in sadness, and there is avo- wide fake smile on her face, the half… and giggles. But then, at intermis- dah in the pursuit of happiness. Let’s lights glinting off her teeth as she But losing your epicenter like that sion, about forty minutes before I go show them what a TAG produc- asked, “Losing what, honey?” has a way of making everything was to go onstage, we heard the tion can be. Saturday night’s per- Losing everything, my mind whis- unfunny. O news. Rabbi Moshe Weitman, z’l, formance was a carnival onstage. pered. I wanted my mommy. I want- was niftar. Sunday’s matinee was more of a ed to break down the walls, the Mimi Nissan is a tenth-grader at TAG.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 25 Rav Weitman, a’h Continued from Page 24

Landfield Avenue shul. A colleague of his, Rav Yochanan Chait, who served as the rav of the Orthodox shul in Liberty, New York, recalled Rav Weitman’s impact on the community: “Rav Weitman was fantastic. He was a takif in Yiddishkeit and was able to really build a community and lead it to true growth in Yiddishkeit. He fortified so many of those families in their ruchniyus and spirituality. He ensured that the children would receive a true Torahdike chinuch. He fortified Shabbos observance in remarkable ways. He was a shtarkeh, but one that was well-loved. The impact over forty-five years ago can still be seen today.” Indeed, the shul still exists and is active. The shul building extension that stands today was built by Rav Moshe Weitman. Although his impact in Monticello was significant, Rav Weitman knew that his younger children needed to get the superior chinuch that could only be obtained in a large and strong Jewish community. In 1963, Rav Moshe Weitman accepted the offer of the fledgling Torah Academy for Girls to head it as its dean. Amos Bunim recalled, “We were impressed by his feeling of love for Torah, of his love for children, and of his appreciation for instilling and developing midos tovos in the students.” Dr. Moshe Katz recalls, “For us, it was love at first sight.” The students felt an unprecedented warmth emanating from Rabbi Weitman and his rebbetzin, who worked with him in the school. Rivi Schiffer, a former student and current teacher at TAG High School, recalled, “It was like one family. Rabbi Weitman was the father figure and his wife was at his side. It was a family business of chinuch, and you and each and every one of the students were adopted by them.” “In those early years Rabbi Weitman would personally ensure that each twelfth- grade girl got into the seminary that she wanted,” recalled Mrs. Basi Shenker, a TAG alumna. “Later he made sure that TAG staff members took over this crucial task.” The concept reflects Rabbi Weitman’s entire philosophy of chinuch. Many schools have their students or their parents navigate the seminary process on their own. Not Rabbi Weitman.

Continued on Page 74 26 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 27 28 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES chapter one with a description, and After my first published complaints possibly a picture, of bright yellow about having to recycle, I received an cans with sharp green covers. As the e-mail from a reader who accused me tome progresses, I might add a chapter and my entire generation of ruining about the incongruity of paying high the earth and leaving it unfit for taxes, taking pride in the appearance her/his generation. The writer omitted of one’s home as well as the entire his or her name, so I have no way of area, and spending money on beautiful knowing if it was a male or a female, Breakdown Over landscaping—and then allowing those but there was one thing I did pick up ugly cans to sit there. on. That was the underlying current in The fact is that it probably isn’t the the e-mail indicating a fierce resent- It took a few weeks to get over it. Or Every day, as I drive down the street, color that gets to me. Although I could ment of the writer’s parents and grand- maybe I didn’t get over it—maybe I those things catch my eye. They’re do without the two-color look, I’m not parents. Clearly this person has more just got around it. I refer to the recy- standing, or leaning, all over the place. certain there is any one color that to worry about than the state of our cling meshugas. And it is a meshugas, Some people have wisely thought to would look any better or make me any planet. There were accusations of self- because it’s unnecessary. Our recycling keep theirs in the back of the house happier. But I do know that I wouldn’t ishness along with other (unprintable) plant was doing the job just fine. In and bring them out front, or to the side go with canary yellow and a sharp charges leveled against two entire gen- fact, we had the best recycling rate in of the house, only on pickup day. The green hue. erations. I wondered then, as I do now, the state under the existing program. rest of the good folks in this communi- Lately, however, what really grizhes how this person knows so much about My kvetching makes it patently obvi- ty (I include myself here) don’t want to me are the wise-guy critics who are so two entire generations of people. ous that I’m not the “solid citizen” type be schlepping the can out to the front vocal about “those Five Towners who Hopefully by now the writer has found that most people so admire. While I every other Wednesday (a.k.a. pickup are busy complaining and seem to have some peace. I know I have. appreciate the concept of the Greening day), so it’s left permanently in place at no concern with saving the earth.” If only the recycling bins were not of America, and although I want clean the side of the house, which is usually Yeah, yeah, yeah! Are these holier- so unsightly! O air for future generations every bit as in full view of the public. Ugh. than-thou pious souls, who are broad- much as anyone else wants it, I was If ever I contemplate the idea of casting their complaints about us, Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with never big on working at it—at least not writing a book on how to detract from aware that we have a recycling plant Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at if I didn’t have to. And clearly, we don’t a beautiful neighborhood, I will begin here? Doubtful! [email protected] or 516-902-3733. have to. So, my attitude was that you can call me lazy or call me whatever you want, just don’t ask me to put myself out when we already have a recycling plant that’s doing the job. But I am doing it! Indeed, I am now putting myself out and doing what every good citizen is supposed to do. Yeah, yeah, yeah—I capitulated! That my initial panic and confu- sion subsided may have something to do with the fact that I learned to make compromises. I refuse to make myself crazy (I have enough of a head start in that area). So the only items I’m recycling are plastic con- tainers (this includes soda bottles) and cans (washed out, of course). Who would ever have thought that in my old age I’d be washing out tuna-fish cans? Yuk! Ah, yes, I’m also recycling paper— but newspapers only. If they think I’m going to sort through mail in order to separate the different types of envelopes (tossing those with windows into the regular garbage and the win- dowless envelopes into the recycling bin) they’re crazy. Of course I’m still not certain who they are. From day one, I suspected that this was a man’s idea, and the signatures on the green instruction sheet confirmed my suspi- cions. But even if I hadn’t seen all those men’s names, I would know it by now that this is a 100 percent male project. That’s because only a man would come up with a neon yellow garbage pail and a bright green cover. Whoever these guys are, apparently there isn’t a decorator in the group. The likelihood is that the innovators here decided that the people who collect the refuse need to be able to easi- ly spot the cans with the recyclable material. That, of course, eliminated dark green, gunmetal gray, and black or brown cans—colors which are usually used for regular garbage cans. Understandable! We needed a color that would be readily distinguishable. But what, pray tell, would have been wrong with a powder blue can, with a lid of the same color? In the dictionary under the word garish, there must be a color photo of yellow and green cans. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 29 Sautéed Sole With Almonds And Lemon

This dish is a quick and easy din- Ingredients: 1 ner paired with green beans and ⁄2 cup flour rice. It can also be made with any 1 tsp. coarse salt 1 white, flaky fish such as tilapia or ⁄2 tsp. freshly ground pepper flounder. 2 sole fillets 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. sliced almonds 1 1 ⁄2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or 1 ⁄2 tsp. dried parsley finely chopped zest and juice from 1 lemon, plus wedges for garnish

Directions: Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge fish fillets in flour mixture, coating both sides, and shake off excess. Melt butter with oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. When butter begins to foam, add fillets. Cook until golden brown, 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer each fillet to a serving plate. Add almonds, parsley, zest, and 2 Tbsp. juice to pan. Spoon over fillets, and serve with lemon wedges. Serve over white or brown rice.

Eating quality, delicious meals is easy when all the work is done for you. Contact the Take Home Chef for more information: [email protected].

30 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 31 The Stimulus Plan Starts To Unfold!

In the past few days we have finally (by modification) or refinance their started to hear the components of how mortgages to avoid foreclosure, not the president’s housing stimulus plan only helping responsible homeowners should unfold. As in all big plans, there on the verge of defaulting, but prevent- are items we can relate to and say ing neighborhoods and communities “good” and items we would prefer from being pulled over the edge too, as would go away since they seem to reward the irresponsible borrower. Of course, at this juncture, most people realize that the bailing out of many of these irresponsible homeowners is The Homeowner something we are all just going to have to live with in order to get the econo- Stability Initiative has a my back on track, since their actions simple goal: to reduce have unfortunately had a ripple effect on the economy, pulling in the respon- the amount homeowners sible together with the irresponsible. Taking all of this into consideration, owe per month to let us look at some of the details of this stimulus plan and how it is being set sustainable levels. up so far. Please keep in mind that these are basically what the plan wants to do; the guidelines for how it will accomplish this have not been com- defaults and foreclosures contribute to pletely announced, and will not be falling home values, failing local busi- concluded until sometime in the first nesses, and lost jobs. few weeks of March. Major components include: The government says that this plan, • Refinancing for up to 4 to 5 mil- known as the Homeowner Affordability lion responsible homeowners to and Stability Plan, will help get the make their mortgages more afford- economy back on track by assisting up able, and to 7 to 9 million families restructure • A $75 billion Homeowner

32 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Stability Initiative to reach up to 3 s”xc to 4 million at-risk homeowners Here’s how these components will work, according to the Treasury Department: Refinancing for responsible homeowners. Mortgage rates are currently at historically low levels, providing homeowners with the opportunity to reduce their monthly payments by refinancing. But under current rules, most families who owe more than 80 percent of the value of their homes have a difficult time refinancing. Yet millions of responsible homeowners who put money down and made their mortgage payments on time have, through no fault of their own, seen the value of their homes drop low enough to make them unable to access these lower rates. This plan pro- poses a new program that will help as many as 4 to 5 million responsible homeowners who took out conforming loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to refinance through those two institutions. (For example, consider a family that took out a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage of $407,000 with an interest rate of 6.50% on a house worth $560,000 at the time. Today, that family has about $400,000 remaining on their mortgage, but the value of that home has fallen 15 percent, to $476,000—making them ineligible for today’s low interest rates that now generally require the borrower to have 20 percent home equity. Under this newly proposed refinancing plan, that family could refinance to a rate near 5.16%— reducing their annual payments by over $5,360, or $447 a month.) The Homeowner Stability Initiative. This initiative is intended to reach responsible homeowners who are struggling to meet their mortgage payments due to the current recession, yet cannot sell their homes because prices have fallen so significantly. Millions of hard-working families have seen their mortgage payments rise to 40 or even 50 percent of their monthly income— particularly those who received sub- prime and exotic loans with exploding terms and hidden fees. Because loan modifications are more likely to succeed if they are made before a borrower misses a payment, the plan will include households at risk of imminent default despite being current on their mortgage payments. This plan will attempt to assist those who commit to making reasonable monthly mortgage payments to stay in their homes—providing families with security and neighborhoods with stability. This initiative will go solely to helping homeowners who commit to make payments to stay in their home—it will not aid specula- tors or house flippers. The Homeowner Stability Initiative has a simple goal: to reduce the amount homeowners owe per month to sustainable levels. Using money allocated under the Financial Stability Plan and the full strength of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, this program has several key features: A shared effort to lower rates. As an example, for a household where payments add up to 43 percent of monthly income, the lender would first be

Continued on Page 35 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 33 From The Chassidic Masters The Anatomy Of A Dwelling

“This is what man is all about,” Mishkan. No less than 13 chapters in writes Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi Sefer Sh’mos are filled with the details in the Chassidic classic, Tanya. “This is of the Sanctuary’s construction, from the purpose of his creation and of the the dimensions of every pillar to the creation of all the worlds, higher and colors in every tapestry. In contrast, lower—that there be made for G-d a the Torah devotes one chapter to its dwelling in the lower realms.” account of the creation of the universe The first such “dwelling” to be con- and three chapters to the revelation at structed—and the one which serves as Mount Sinai, and conveys many com- the prototype for all subsequent efforts to plex laws by means of a single verse, or make G-d at home in the physical even a single word or letter. world—was the Mishkan, the portable But if the very purpose of creation is sanctuary built by the Children of Israel embodied by these bracing rods and in the Sinai Desert following the giving of foundation sockets, tapestries and fur- the Torah at Mount Sinai. Fifteen physi- nishings, copper stakes and silver cal substances, including gold, silver, hooks, then obviously each and every copper, wood, wool, linen, animal skins, detail is of supreme importance to us. oil, spices, and gemstones—representing It is crucial that we know that the a cross section of the mineral, vegetable, Menorah had 22 decorative goblets and animal resources of the physical uni- hammered into its design, and that verse and the human resources invested each of the Mishkan’s 48 wall panels in their workmanship—were forged into measured 10 cubits in length and 1.5 an edifice dedicated to man’s service of cubits in width. It is necessary to G-d, and in which G-d, in turn, chose to define (as the Talmud does) the 39 commune with man. forms of creative work—from plowing This explains the Torah’s uncharac- teristically elaborate description of the Continued on Page 36

34 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES REAL ESTATE mortgages, an additional payment of Continued from Page 33 $500 will be paid to servicers, as well as a payment of $1,500 to mortgage responsible for bringing down interest holders, if they modify at-risk loans rates so that the borrower’s monthly before the borrower falls behind. mortgage payment is no more than 38 Insurance against falling prices. To percent of his or her income. Next, the encourage lenders to modify more federal initiative would match further mortgages and enable more families to reductions in interest payments dollar- keep their homes, the administration, for-dollar with the lender to bring that together with the FDIC, has developed ratio down to 31 percent. That lower an innovative partial guarantee initia- interest rate must be kept in place for tive. The insurance fund—to be creat- five years, after which it could gradually ed by the Treasury Department at a be stepped up to the conforming loan size of up to $10 billion—will be rate in place at the time of the modifica- designed to discourage lenders from tion. Lenders will also be able to bring opting to foreclose on mortgages that down monthly payments by reducing could be viable now out of fear that the principal owed on the mortgage, home prices will fall even further later with Treasury sharing in the costs. on. Holders of mortgages modified Incentives to servicers and borrowers. under the program would be provided As an incentive to being a part of this with an additional insurance payment plan, servicers will receive an up-front on each modified loan. fee of $1,000 for each eligible modifica- NNN tion meeting guidelines established With such a huge undertaking, this under this initiative. They will also obviously bears close watching to see receive “pay for success” fees—awarded how it all plays out, but with so many monthly as long as the borrower stays facets included under one umbrella current on the loan—of up to $1,000 and so many more aspects of this plan each year for three years. To provide an still to be laid out, this plan promises to extra incentive for borrowers to keep finally offer us the possibility of huge paying on time, the plan will provide a positive implications to look forward to monthly balance-reduction payment in the present recessionary climate. O that goes straight towards reducing the principal balance of the mortgage loan. Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a licensed real-estate broker (Anessa V Cohen As long as a borrower stays current on Realty) and a licensed N.Y.S. mortgage broker the loan, he or she can get up to $1,000 (A.C. Action Mortgage Corp.) with over 20 years each year for five years. of experience, offering full-service residential and commercial real-estate services in the Five Towns Early intervention. As an additional and throughout the tri-state area. She can be incentive to keep lenders focused on reached at 516-569-5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are encouraged to reaching borrowers who are trying send questions or comments to their best to stay current on their [email protected].

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 35 CHASSIDIC MASTERS Continued from Page 34

to weaving to lighting to writing— involved in the Mishkan’s construction. For here lies the prototype for our life’s work of making our world and our lives a home for G-d.

Three Domains The Midrash and the Biblical commentaries, and particularly the Kabbalist and the Chassidic expounders of Torah, elaborate on this theme, describing the Mishkan as a model of man, of the physical universe, and of creation as a whole. The Mishkan’s furnishings or “vessels,” for example, are seen as representations of the various organs and faculties of man: the Aron (the Ark containing the Torah) corresponds to the mind, intel- lect, and the faculty of speech; the Menorah, to the eyes and the sense of sight; the Shulchan (Table) that held the “showbread,” to the sense of taste; the Inner Altar on which the ketores (incense) was burned, to the sense of smell; and the Outer Altar on which the animal and meal offerings were brought represent the digestive system and other “functional” organs. In one of the notebook manuscripts (reshimos) discovered after his passing, the Lubavitcher Rebbe summarizes commentaries by Rabbeinu Bechayei, Rabbi Moshe Isserlis (the Rama), Rabbi Yeshayahu Horowitz (the Shaloh), and others on this subject, demonstrating how the three primary domains of the Mishkan parallel corre- sponding divisions in creation, in time, and in the communal soul of Israel. Rambam describes the universe as consisting of three strata: unrefined matter (the earth and all terrestrial creatures), refined matter (the stars and heavenly bodies), and wholly spiritual beings (entities that are “forms alone, without matter, such as the angels which are not physical bodies but various forms”). Extending this division to the realm of time, we have the six workdays (unrefined matter), Shabbos (refined matter), and the “sabbath of sabbaths”—Yom Kippur— in which we graduate to a state of consummate spirituality. Among the souls of Israel we have the “Israelites” whose lives are dedicated, on the whole, to the business of material life as farm- ers, merchants, soldiers, and states- men; the tribe of Levi, whose service in the Holy Temple involved the refine- ment and elevation of the material world; and the Kohein Gadol (High Priest), who personified the acme of spirituality attainable by man. In the Mishkan, these three domains are represented by the courtyard; the outer chamber of the Sanctuary, the Kodesh (“Holy”); and the Kodesh HaKadashim (“Holy of Holies”)—the inner chamber behind the Paroches (Veil). The courtyard embraced also the more earthy and “coarse” elements of the Temple service: here the kohanim washed their hands and feet to cleanse themselves from their contact with the material world before beginning their service or entering the Mishkan prop- er; here the fat of the korbanos, representing the “excess” materiality in the 36 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES life of man, was burned upon the Altar; here were deposited the ashes that constituted the “waste” from the Menorah and the Inner Altar. Here were slaughtered the korbanos, including those whose meat was eaten by ordinary Israelites. The Kodesh into which only the kohanim were permitted entry, was the scene of the more “refined” elements of the Temple service: the lighting of the Menorah, the burning of the incense, and the display on the Shulchan of the showbread eaten by the kohanim on Shabbos. Finally, the Kodesh HaKadashim, which housed only the Ark and into which only the Kohein Gadol was permitted entry—and only on Yom Kippur—represented the utter tran- scendence of the material in man’s service of G-d. The Mishkan included these three domains because the task of “making G-d a dwelling in the lower realms” embraces all these areas of life: the Jew serves G-d in his or her most exalt- ed moments; we also serve Him in our effort to elevate and refine our world; and we also strive to make Him “at home” within the most ordinary activities of everyday life.

The Altar And The Ark Which of the Mishkan’s numerous components represents its most basic function? According to Ramban, the essence of the “dwelling for G-d” is its spiritual core. Thus the great commen- tator writes: “The main object of the Sanctuary is to serve as the resting place of the Divine Presence. This is realized in the Aron, as G-d says to Moshe, ‘I will commune with you there, speaking to you from above the Kapores (the Aron’s cover)…’ This is why the Torah begins its description of the Mishkan with the Aron and the Kapores” (Ramban’s commentary on Sh’mos 25:1). Rambam, on the other hand, defines the Sanctuary as “a house for G-d that is designed for the offering of sacrifices…” (Mishneh Torah, Laws of the Holy Temple 1:1). Rambam is saying that the Outside Altar in the Courtyard is the focal point of the Sanctuary, the axis around which everything else revolves! In other words, there are two possible ways in which to define the concept of a physical place and structure that serves as a “dwelling for G-d”: (a) a place where, and through which, G-d chooses to reveal Himself to man; or (b) a place where, and through which, man serves G-d. Of course, the Mishkan was both. It was the place from which G-d spoke to Moshe, where man could witness and experience the presence of G-d; and it was the place where man offered himself, and the materials of his life, to G-d. The question is: Which of these two functions is the primary one, and which serves and facilitates the other?

Mystic And Halachist The Rebbe explains that the different perspectives expressed by Ramban and Rambam reflect the respective streams of Torah thought which these great

Continued on Page 38 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 37 CHASSIDIC MASTERS Continued from Page 37

Sages represent. To Ramban, a noted Kabbalist and mystic, the focal point of the Mishkan lay in its spiritual core, the Holy of Holies, which only the most transcendent of souls and the most sacred of times could access; the Ark containing the Tablets of Testimony upon which the Torah in its purest, most germinal articu- lation was engraved; the Kapores with its representa- tion of the sublime forms of the Divine Chariot; the Divine voice issuing from between the Keruvim—these express the essence of the Divine dwelling: a portal into the material world through which G-d shines a ray of His infi- nite light. Everything else is to “prepare the ground” for this revelation, to elevate man and his world to a state in which this light can be received. To Rambam, the halachist par excellence, the essence of the Mishkan resided in the Altar—in the human endeav- or to offer up the everyday, material elements of his life to G-d. Everything else—the pure light of the Menorah, the sublime fragrance of the ketores, the holy bread on the Shulchan, and even the Divine revelations emanating from the Ark—is to enable and assist material man’s service of his Creator.

Tent Of Meeting “These and these are the words of the Living G-d,” says the Talmud of disputes between the Sages regarding interpretation of the Torah. The mystical vision expressed by Ramban and the halachic per- spective put forth by Rambam are both integral components of the “Dwelling for G-d” con- structed in the Sinai Desert, and the “Dwelling for G-d” we each construct of our lives. Thus the Torah also calls the Mishkan the Ohel Moed, the “Tent of Meeting.” Here the Divine, extending itself to earth, and the human and the material, reaching up to Heaven, meet. Here, every human achievement is but a means to make oneself receptive to the all-negating infinitude of the Divine. At the same time, every Divine revelation emanating from on high is but an empowerment to man to reveal the G-dliness implicit within the finitude and materiality of his existence. O

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; adapted by Yanki Tauber. Reprinted with permission from Chabad.org. Find weekly Torah articles for the entire family at www.chabad.org/Parshah. 38 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 39 move on? I definitely want to get mar- why wasn’t it clear to you, when you ried and have a family. But the way gave Avi an ultimatum, that he pre- I’m feeling, I can’t see how that can ferred to risk losing you over the happen. prospect of proposing? Stuck It seems to me that the two of you Dear Stuck, kept drifting back together after each Two years is a very long time to be breakup because no one more appro- dating someone. You and Avi must priate was coming along for Avi. But Dear Esther, ried. He had the nerve to invite me to have established a genuine comfort once the right woman actually I am a 24-year-old woman with a the wedding. Obviously, I did not go. level together and also a deep under- appeared, he quickly went for what problem. Though I don’t like to give During his engagement period I was standing of one another. It’s hard to he wanted. myself or others labels, for the pur- very depressed. I was hoping that, once dismiss something so real. What I’m getting at here, firstly, is pose of this question I would say that he got married, I would be able to However, at the core, you and Avi the importance for you to be more I am Modern Orthodox. Anyway, I move on. were on different pages. While it sensitive to cues. We can all look was dating a young man (“Avi”) for Well, I can’t seem to get over Avi. sounds as though you felt that Avi back on periods of our lives and two years, on and off. We ended our I’m still feeling very down in the was your bashert, he was having very clearly see the writing on the wall. relationship several times because he dumps and extremely unhappy. I different feelings. Something wasn’t And we scratch our heads and ask was not able to commit and I would ourselves why, with such obvious give him an ultimatum. But somehow signs, we missed such vital informa- we always drifted right back to one tion. It’s distressing to think that we another. There was definitely a strong could have played our hand in a pull between the two of us and ulti- Get rid of the creation you came much smarter way. But ultimately, it’s mately we were a couple once again. about being wiser the next time I believed that we were perfect around, learning the lessons that we together and were meant to be. But up with of who you thought he need to learn so that we don’t find then, six months ago, he broke off ourselves once again ignoring the red our relationship for the final time, flags. I suspect there were many cues because he felt that we weren’t right was, or who you wanted him to be. from Avi that you could have picked for each other. up on. Some may not even have been I then found out (not from him) cues, but rather blatant facts. He was that within one month he was just not that into you, certainly not in engaged to another woman. I think about him all the time. I’ve clicking for him, and he listened to a way that would have led to commit- absolutely couldn’t believe it. How gone out with other men a couple of his heart and never really committed ment and marriage. was it that he couldn’t make up his times, but my heart is not into it. I to you in a meaningful way that The second lesson for you in all of mind with me for two years, but he compare them to Avi, and they don’t would endure. this is to delve into what I like to call was able to get engaged to someone come close. Avi was (is, I guess) the Before you can move on, I think “the fairy-tale syndrome”—believing else after one month? I always best. I really loved everything about it’s important for you to figure out that Prince Charming will come thought he had commitment issues him, and these other guys simply what it was that you weren’t “get- along, be everything that you ever and I told myself that was the reason don’t do it for me. ting.” Why was it that you were ide- dreamt of, and never let you down. why we hadn’t gotten engaged. So my question is, how does a per- alizing a relationship that wasn’t in You describe Avi as being “the best.” I About two months ago, Avi got mar- son get over the love of their life and fact as ideal as you thought? And suppose you felt he was “the best” for

40 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES you. But surely he wasn’t. “The best” Secondly, I’m sure you need to wouldn’t have caused you so much mourn the loss of two years of your life heartache over a two-year period, each that were spent chasing a dream. It and every time you felt you had to hurts to think that you gave so much break up with him. “The best” would and ultimately got so little back in have loved you as unconditionally as return. Go through that process. Feel you loved him. Despite some wonder- the disappointment, the anger, the ful qualities I’m sure Avi has, he was- loss—but then, let it go. Look for the n’t the Prince Charming you were lessons in the experience. See how hoping for. The sooner you recognize you’ve grown as a person and acknowl- this reality, the sooner you will be able edge how you will be able to take these to move on. And finally, you ought to events from your life and use them take a closer look at the notion you’ve wisely in the future. bought into, namely that Avi is “the You’re a young woman and I’m sure love of your life.” As you alluded to, the best is yet to come. labels aren’t always helpful. Maybe it’s Esther time to toss this one out. So here you are, single, unhappy, Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in and unable to give any other man a Lawrence. Esther is a psychotherapist and life coach and can be reached at 516-314-2295 or real chance with you. The first thing [email protected]. She works with individu- you need to do is to, perhaps for the als, couples, premarital couples, and families. first time, take an honest look at who Avi really is. Get rid of the creation you came up with of who you thought he was, or who you wanted him to be, Submit your photo to the and make an honest assessment of the real man. For instance, if he knew in 5 Towns Jewish Times! his heart that he was never going to marry you, was it really decent of him to continue reconnecting with you You can upload your because you were available? Wasting your time? Giving you false hope? digital photos and see them Schlepping you along? What does that tell you about him? Maybe he’s printed in the weekly edition not so fabulous after all. Sometimes of the 5 Towns Jewish Times how we see people is partially a fig- ment of our own imagination. Once you accept the fact that Avi wasn’t the be-all and end-all, you will be able to www.5tjt.com/sendphotos see other men more clearly, without comparing them to an illusion.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 41 ing”: “Let me hear what the laws are, Hashem immediately told Moshe to and then I will do them.” K’lal Yisrael, instruct them concerning the building however, reversed this procedure, of the Mishkan” (Tanna D’vei Eliyahu promising to “do” the mitzvos before Rabbah, ch. 17). even learning about them. Apparently, the mitzvah of the But what is the true meaning of this Mishkan was a result of the “na’aseh classic response? The problem is obvi- v’nishma” response. To understand the ous: how can one “do” that which is connection, we must first clarify the unknown? An aspiring medical student meaning of this famous declaration. can grandly proclaim that he will per- There is a mishnah in Avos (3:9) Mishnas Chayim form surgery even before he attends which, as we shall see, is also connect- medical school. When he arrives at the ed to this classic statement. The mish- operating table to perform a triple nah states: R’ Chanina ben Dosa says, On The Parashah bypass, however, he’ll be hit by a stun- “Only if one’s deeds supersede the ning realization: he doesn’t have the extent of his knowledge will his knowl- slightest idea what to do. How, then, edge be preserved.” Getting More Than You Paid For accept the Torah. The Jews’ emphatic could the Jewish people consent to Rabbeinu Yonah (ibid. and Sha’arei response was “Na’aseh v’nishma” perform all the mitzvos before even Teshuvah 2:10) wonders how such an Kindly take a moment to study Mishnas Chayim in the merit of Mina bas Elazar Naftoli, a’h, a (“We will do and we will hear”) opening up a sefer? arrangement is possible. How could fellow Jew who passed away with no relatives to (Sh’mos 24:7), an answer that Mishkan, mishnah, and nishma. someone perform more mitzvos than arrange Torah study on behalf of her neshamah. became known as the crown jewel of This week’s parashah deals with the those he is aware of? If he doesn’t know what they are, he surely can’t do R’ Avigdor Miller would bemoan them! the fact that many fundamental Yet herein lies a great secret. Torah episodes are studied only dur- Rabbeinu Yonah reveals R’ Chanina’s ing one’s younger years. Of course, it How could someone intent: there actually is a way an indi- is important to expose our youngsters vidual can increase his deeds, or at to narratives such as the story of the least get credit for deeds that exceed Flood or the binding of Yitzchak and perform more mitzvos than his base of knowledge. The key is instill within them the essential les- acceptance. When a Jew agrees and sons contained therein. But if one those he is aware of? accepts upon himself to carry out does not review and examine these Hashem’s will in its entirety, he is lessons more deeply when one immediately considered to have actu- matures, he runs a great risk: his ally done so. understanding of such epic events It could very well be that this indi- will remain, indefinitely, on a kinder- their existence as a people. Chazal directive to construct the Mishkan vidual still has a lot to learn and is garten level. pay particular attention to the order (sanctuary). The Midrash provides currently unaware of many of the The episode of Har Sinai is a case used in this declaration. Upon being some background to this command- mitzvos and the details of their per- in point. Many are familiar with the asked to abide by a code of law, the ment, which may shed some light on formance. Subservience to the yoke dramatic proclamation of B’nei conventional response would be to the issue mentioned above: “When Yisrael when they were asked to precede the “doing” with the “hear- Yisrael…said, ‘Na’aseh v’nishma,’ Continued on Page 46

42 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

1. They would have to agree to com- tralized administrative expenses and plete transparency of their budgets, group purchases to limit costs. which would be subject to independ- 4. Before any new yeshiva could ent audit. qualify for tax money, they would have 2. Similar to public schools, the to justify the need for their yeshiva to budgets would be subject to voter come into being. approval Howard Lindenauer, 3. They would have to agree to cen- Oceanside Discuss Recycling Program At the afternoon he works for a yeshiva in Lawrence Village Board Meeting Staten Island and is paid through the Dear Editor, BOE. In addition, his health benefits The Village of Lawrence Board of are paid by the BOE, as well, which is Trustees will hold its next scheduled another huge cost the yeshiva can cut meeting at the Lawrence Village Country from its budget. Another is a friend of Club (101 Causeway, Lawrence) on mine who works afternoons only at a March 12 at 7:00 p.m. The agenda will yeshiva as a first-grade teacher, teach- AskBY WARREN The LEVISensei include a presentation by Sanitary ing secular studies. District #1 on the new recycling program I spoke with them and they told me followed by a Question-and-Answer ses- that there is a liaison between the sion. BOE and the yeshiva, and the yeshiva Q. Dear Sensei Warren: Do you have This development in “mind fitness” We recognize that our citizens have does not pay their salaries. Their to be coordinated to do karate? influences your physical movements so many issues and concerns with the salaries are strictly from the BOE. A. While some sports demand that you as to execute skilled karate techniques program. Your participation and input They do not worry about the school have certain skills, e.g., eye-hand coordi- with precision, which in turn develops is critical in making the recycling pro- not having money to pay teachers’ nation, flexibility, strength, etc., this is not coordination. It is also a great way to gram a success. salaries. essential in karate. If you apply your mind help improve grades. O Thank you, I am sure there must be a BOE in to your karate training, you will train your Simon Felder, Mayor the Five Towns. My daughter lives in body to become coordinated. For any comments or questions please call 516- 569-0808. You may also visit www.warrenle- Edward I. Klar, Trustee- the Five Towns and pays loads of You may ask what the mind has to vikarate.com or send an e-mail to warrenle- Sanitation Commissioner school tax. If this idea can be used in do with karate training! Martial arts [email protected]. the city, why can’t it be used in the training is in fact a powerful intellectu- Municipal Support For Yeshivas Five Towns? It will surely save thou- al pursuit in “mind fitness,” and regu- Dear Editor, sands of dollars in tuition fees for the lar practice develops the following I read both the article by Gershon parents and definitely lower the characteristics: Deadline for Advertising Distenfeld (“Getting Serious about the yeshivas’ secular teachers’ budget. • concentration, Tuition Crisis,” February 13) and all Chantale Pick • memory, in the Next Issue is the letters to the editor. Here is my • silent communication of body lan- Tuesday, March 3 solution: I have friends who are Board Public Funds Get Public Scrutiny guage (peaceful or aggressive intent is at 5:00 P.M. of Education employees in New York Dear Editor, exhibited to the opponent by eyes, City who work at yeshivas. One is a Before any community tax money goes stance, and muscular tension), Call 516-984-0079 high-school math teacher; he works in to yeshivas, they would have to agree on • awareness, and the morning at a public school and in certain basics in order to participate: • mental discipline.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 43 implement education, prevention, and clearly. The ArtScroll library of Purim intervention systems in homes, reading offers something for everyone schools, camps, and the general com- to make the day truly special: munity,” remarked Hikind. “Education ArtScroll Megillahs. From the clas- and awareness are the only way to pro- sic ArtScroll Megillas Esther by Rabbi tect our children from predators.” Meir Zlotowitz—the very first ArtScroll Hikind invites listeners to share publication, which launched a revolu- Hikind To Host Morning Of Chizuk said. “The time has come to ask for- their opinions by calling 718-436- tion in the translation of classic Jewish For Victims Of Abuse giveness from the victims and to pray 1700. The Dov Hikind Show airs works—to the Family Megillah and the On Sunday, March 1, New York for continued strength from G-d to Saturday nights at 11:00 p.m. on Schottenstein Interlinear Megillah, State Assemblyman Dov Hikind of combat this issue. I urge the commu- WMCA 570 AM. O ArtScroll’s collection of Megillahs offer Brooklyn is scheduled to host a com- nity to join in this unprecedented flowing translations, graphics that munity-wide event entitled “A Morning event.” A Morning of Chizuk will be Purim Plenty At ArtScroll/Mesorah enhance readability, and the scholar- of Chizuk” to show solidarity with vic- held at the Boro Park Y, 4912 14th Purim is indeed a time of plenty. ship and wisdom of commentators tims of sexual abuse in the Orthodox Avenue, at 11:00 a.m. Separate seating Plenty of noise and fun, plenty of food throughout the ages, in a large variety Jewish community and to provide for men and women will be available. and wine (remember: drink with care, of sizes and formats to suit every need. information to concerned citizens. The In furtherance of Hikind’s mission to and give plenty of matanos l’evyonim). Kol Dodi on Megillas Esther. Rav program includes inspirational speech- educate the public about sexual abuse There’s more to the holiday plenty, Dovid Feinstein, one of the premier es and the recitation of Tehillim. in the Orthodox community, Hikind is though, than eating and drinking— halachic authorities of our generation, Addressing the audience will be Dr. dedicating two radio shows, on there is a rich lode of scholarship and teaches the Megillah. Benzion Twerski; Rabbi Gershon February 21 and 28, to interviewing tradition that makes this holiday one Purim: Its Observance and Tannenbaum, director of Iggud sex-abuse victims from the Orthodox of the most beloved and meaningful on Significance. Part of the acclaimed HaRabbanim; Shmelke Klein of Jewish community. During the course the Jewish calendar. ArtScroll Holiday Series, featuring Eitzah; and Rabbi Yerachmiel Milstein, of the shows, Hikind intends to It’s not only our tables and insights, laws, and an explanation of executive vice-president of Project announce that the multifaceted plan mishloach manos baskets that are filled the Megillah and the Purim prayers. Chazon, among others. “We are all created by his task force to tackle sexu- with good things. Our bookshelves, The King’s Treasure. An enlighten- guilty of not doing more to address sex- al abuse is nearing completion. “We are too, are full of the message of faith and ing commentary on the Megillah by ual abuse in our community,” Hikind putting the final touches on our plan to hashgachah that Purim teaches so Rabbi Eliezer Ginsburg, an outstanding scholar and teacher. Let My Nation Live. In this book, Yosef Deutsch canvasses the sources from Talmud, Midrash, and the classic commentators to retell the Purim story in the style of a novel—but this spell- binding book is true! Purim is many kids’ favorite holiday, and the ArtScroll books designed for young people give it an extra dimen- sion. The enchanting ArtScroll Children’s Megillah and the beautifully illustrated Youth Megillah both bring the story to vivid life. Even the littlest can take part, as they travel to Shushan with Purim with Bina, Benny and Haggai HaYona. When the table has been cleared and the dishes washed, after the baskets have been recycled and the cello- phane and ribbons have gone into the trash, when the masks are put away for next year and the last clown’s makeup has been washed off—what remains of Purim is the message of Hashem’s care for us, and the wisdom and understanding that we’ve gained from our Purim reading. O

Groundbreaking Computer Program Brings The Mishkan To Life The building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) that traveled with the Jews during their 40 years of wander- ing in the wilderness is one of the most fascinating and complex subjects in the Torah. While the Torah includes every last detail regarding the construction of the Mishkan as well as full descriptions of its sacred vessels and the priestly garments, the Mishkan remains difficult to visualize. Thanks to the wonders of advanced computer technology, it’s now possible not only to see the Mishkan, but to virtually walk through it or even to fly over it for a bird’s-eye view. Produced by Artscroll/Mesorah, the Kleinman edition of The Mishkan: The Tabernacle, dedicated by Elly and Brochie Kleinman, is an interactive 3- D computer program that combines verse-by-verse exploration of the text (in Hebrew and English) with spectacular high-impact animations and videos that simulate the creation of 44 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES what was for four decades the dwelling place for the Divine Presence. The program enables viewers to rotate 3-D models of the vessels for a closer look and a clearer understanding of their form and function. An easy-to-use side-bar makes it possible to read through the entire Torah portion, zoom in on a single verse, or find a ref- erence to a particular aspect of the Mishkan. Audio comments by Rabbi Nosson Scherman offer additional insight into the Torah’s descriptions. This groundbreaking endeavor involved the efforts of a team of professionals from around the world, including consultants from the U.S. Armed Forces Aberdeen Multimedia Test Center. At ArtScroll headquarters in New York, a committee of scholars spent countless hours researching the material and working to clarify difficult pesukim, and they produced hundreds of pages of notes that were faith- fully followed by the technical team. “The Torah tells us that all the Israelites contributed to the construction of the Mishkan,” says Rabbi Rabbi Gedaliah Zlotowitz, vice-president at ArtScroll. “How appropriate, then, that through this magnificent program, Jews everywhere can finally attain a deeper appreciation of the glory and beauty that was the Mishkan.” O

Yeshiva Gedolah Of The Five Towns Annual Melaveh Malkah The Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns held its annual melaveh malkah recently at the White Shul in Far Rockaway, with over 350 people in attendance. This is an exciting time for the yeshiva, as its ties to the community continue to grow. Although the yeshiva is limited by its current space, it continues to use all available means to cater to the growing needs of the community. As melaveh malkah chairman Eytan Feldman explained, although the current building has limited facilities, the warm atmosphere has attracted many people to become part of the yeshiva family. What is special about the yeshiva, which is led by Rabbi Yitzchak Knobel (the rosh kollel) and Rabbi Moshe Zev Katzenstein (the rosh yeshiva), is that it not only reaches out to the men who come to learn and daven in the beis midrash, but to the entire family, including a vibrant N’shei program for the women. At the dinner, Mr. Adam and Mrs. Yael Goller were the Guests of Honor, and Mr. Yakov Moskowitz was the Alumnus of the Year. The Gollers have been living in Cedarhurst for the past three and a half years. Since moving to the neighborhood from Kew Gardens Hills, Adam has been a regular in the yeshiva gedolah, learning in the yeshiva at night and being active in yeshiva functions. Mrs. Goller has been integral in organizing and hosting monthly shiurim for women as well as in assisting with other important programs for the women in the community. Yakov Moskowitz grew up in the Five Towns and has long maintained a close kesher with Rabbi Knobel and Rabbi Katzenstein. This relationship extends to his parents and brothers, who have

Continued on Page 48 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 45 MISHNAS CHAYIM Continued from Page 42

of Heaven, however, is quite dear to HaKadosh Baruch Hu. The lesson and meaning of our mishnah is that amazing things are accomplished by merely deciding to fulfill the Torah. When someone takes it upon himself to fulfill whatever mitzvos he can discover, he is immediately credited with the fulfillment of them all— even those which, as yet, he doesn’t know exist. In this way, his actual deeds outnumber the mitzvos of which he is aware. Rabbeinu Yonah identifies the source for this lofty concept: it is none other than the Jews’ remarkable statement that “we will do and (then) we will hear.” When it comes to Torah, it is possible to perform even before one hears and learns of the mitzvos. Submission to complete observance of the Torah is credited as actual performance. Such is the depth of na’aseh v’nishma. How it works. This singular quality of the Torah can be attributed, perhaps, to the theme of our discussion of recent weeks: namely, the special reciprocal relationship of the Jew to the Torah. As an entity in and of itself, the Torah goes to those who seek and yearn for it; to others, it remains elu- sive. To truly acquire Torah wisdom, one must “convince” the Torah that he truly loves it. When one displays a real thirst for Torah, the Torah itself will acquiesce to revealing its secrets. And when one demonstrates a strong desire to fulfill all of its mitzvos, the Torah will likewise “present” itself to its pursuer and grant him all the mitzvos as if he has already accomplished the noble goal upon which he has set his sights. And so we discover the power and essence of the na’aseh v’nishma declaration. It is a further manifestation of the striving and yearning for the Torah in all of its detail. As a result of a burning love for the Torah, one is rewarded by the Torah itself, as it were, in a measure beyond one’s loftiest dreams. It is perhaps for this reason that the mitzvah of the Mishkan was the most fitting reward for the Jews’ magnanimous utterance. The Vilna Gaon (Siddur HaGra) explains that the Mishkan itself is the ultimate source of Torah wisdom, a veritable fountain of spiritual revelations. This interdependence is reflected in our prayers (see Mishnas Chayim, Devarim, 5768). Upon concluding the Shemoneh Esreih, we beseech Hashem to restore the Beis HaMikdash. Immediately following this request, we add another: “V’sein chelkeinu besorasecha” (“Grant our portion in Your Torah”). For only with the return of the Beis HaMikdash can we merit a complete revelation of the Torah’s mysteries—may it happen speedily in our days. O

Mishnas Chayim is brought to you by Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah, a network of Torah scholars dedicated to bringing the merits of Mishnah study to the greater Jewish public. Encompassing Mishnah, Gemara, and a variety of other services, Chevrah Lomdei Mishnah primarily assists mourners interested in acquiring the merit of Torah study for their loved ones. They can be contacted at 732-364-7029 or at www.societyformishnahstudy.org. 46 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 47 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS morning to late at night and Sunday Continued from Page 45 mornings. Rabbi Shalom Jakubowitz leads a kollel boker chaburah, begin- also been very close with these ning at 6 a.m., and Rabbi Tani Feit rebbeim. Yakov regularly attends Rabbi leads a chaburah from 10 to 11 p.m. In Katzenstein’s shiurim and continues to between, the yeshiva offers a popular turn to his rebbeim for advice. nightly halachah yomis chaburah, led Rabbi Knobel spoke of the saying of by Rabbi Yosef Richtman, and a night- Chazal that Matan Torah continues to seder chavrusah program led by Rabbi reverberate generations later, “Kol Moshe Miller. gadol v’lo yasaf.” Rav Aharon Kotler Rabbi Katzenstein leads a Sunday- explained that this is accomplished morning iyun chaburah, currently through the study of Torah. The yeshi- learning Bava Kama, and a popular va accomplishes this not only through Alei Shur chaburah, based on the the kol Torah of the bachurim and the teachings of his rebbi, Rav Wolbe. yungerleit, but also the myriad shiurim Rabbi Knobel gives a parashah shiur, and chavrusah programs set up both on Thursday nights and again on throughout the community, from early Shabbos after davening, a daily daf

At the Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns annual melaveh malkeh. (L–R): Rabbi Moshe Zev Katzenstein, Rosh Yeshiva; Mr. Adam Goller, Guest of Honor; Rabbi Yitzchak Knobel, Rosh Kollel; and Mr. Baruch Moskowitz, Executive Director.

48 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES (L–R): Mr. Baruch Moskowitz, Executive Director of Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns; Rabbi Yitzchak Knobel, Rosh Kollel; Mr. Yakov Moskowitz, Alumnus of the Year; Rabbi Moshe Zev Katzenstein, Rosh Yeshiva; and Mr. Eytan Feldman, the melaveh malkah chairman. yomi at 7 a.m., a weekly iyun shiur, and ronment, the yeshiva has been work- a weekly mussar va’ad to young married ing at eliminating the current mort- men. In addition, the yeshiva offers gage of the new property, which will shiurim throughout the week, both help the yeshiva both in the short within the walls of the yeshiva and in term and in the long term. At the people’s homes. same time, the yeshiva, led by its The yeshiva has invested much executive director, Mr. Baruch time and effort in checking the com- Moskowitz, has been finalizing the munity eiruv on a weekly basis and zoning applications with the county has sent out a detailed guide of the and hopes to be able to break ground eiruv’s boundaries to the entire Five in the upcoming months. Towns community. Anyone looking for a chavrusah, a The yeshiva is in the process of shiur, or even just a good bowl of chu- designing more ways to reach out to lent on Shabbos morning is welcome the community. In addition, the yeshi- to contact the yeshiva. The phone va has made tremendous progress number is 516-295-8900. O with the first step of its building campaign. In this difficult economic envi- Continued on Page 50

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS nonpublic schools for costs associated Continued from Page 49 with implementation of the CAP policy—calculated by the State Education Mission To Albany To Restore Department at some $55 million annu- Yeshiva Funding ally. Jewish schools account for nearly 27 With New York State’s yeshivos fac- percent of the total state nonpublic ing a possible loss of some $15 million school population, so the Jewish share of in state funds, a delegation of yeshiva CAP reimbursement comes to approxi- administrators, parents, and Agudath mately $15 million. Israel representatives traveled to Earlier this year, after intense advo- Albany on Tuesday, February 10, with cacy by nonpublic school groups, a simple but urgent message to state Governor David Paterson reversed the officials hammering out the new state position he had outlined in his original budget: “Fund CAP now.” 2009–2010 budget proposal and New York’s Comprehensive Attend- agreed to maintain the debt owed by ance Program (CAP) requires schools to the state to nonpublic schools for their keep careful records of students’ atten- prior compliance to date with CAP and dance of classes and to have policies in to continue the CAP mandate for the place to deal with absences and truancy. future. However, his proposed budget The state is required by law to reimburse includes no funds for those purposes. P h o t o B y S h i m o n G o l d i n g

(L–R): Mr. Avi Schron, Assemblyman Dov Hikind, Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel of Agudath Israel, Senators John Sampson and Kevin Parker, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, and Senator Carl Kruger.

50 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES P h o t o B y S h i m o n G o l d i n g

(At head of table, L–R): Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver; Mr. William Cunningham, Secretary to the Governor; and Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel of Agudath Israel.

It was this omission that galvanized principals, administrators, and repre- Agudath Israel to organize a high-level sentatives Rabbi Zev Bald and Mrs. delegation to meet with state leaders in Rivka Abrahams (Yeshiva Darchei Albany. Although the group had a Torah), Rabbi Yitzchok Fleischer and number of concerns—among them the Rabbi Motti Fasten (Mosdos Bobov), inequity of disallowing state higher Mr. Richard Hagler (Hebrew Academy education aid to students in accredited of Long Beach), Rabbi Yeruchem yeshivos gedolos and seminaries, the Shapiro (Bais Yaakov of Borough Park), often dysfunctional nature of trans- Rabbi Chaim Aron Weinberg (Yeshiva portation assistance to Jewish-school Ateret Torah), Rabbi Meir Weinberger students, and the lack of flexibility in (Yeshiva Chasam Sofer), and a group of how the state’s categorical aid pro- parents and other community activists, grams are offered to yeshivos—the del- including Mr. Chaskel Bennett, Mr. egation’s primary focus on this trip was Leon Goldenberg, and Mr. Avi Schron. on “the $15 million elephant in the Representing Agudath Israel, which room,” as described by Rabbi Chaim organized the mission, were Rabbi Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice-presi- Zwiebel; Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, vice- dent of Agudath Israel: the proposed president for community services; Mrs. zeroing out of CAP reimbursement. The delegation consisted of yeshiva Continued on Page 52

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 51 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS education affairs; Mr. David LEARN. Governor David Paterson, schools and the potentially Continued from Page 51 Tanenbaum, education affairs The group had two high- with Assembly Speaker crushing impact of the pro- associate; and Mrs. Leah level meetings: the first, Sheldon Silver, Chief of posed elimination of CAP Deborah Zachai, director of Steinberg, director of Project with the new Senate Staff Judy Rapfogel, and the reimbursement. O Majority Leader, Malcolm governor’s top brass (includ- Smith, who was joined by ing, among others, the gov- Lev Leytzan Annual Gala, his Senate colleagues Carl ernor’s secretary, Mr. March 22 Kruger, Kevin Parker, John William Cunningham; Dr. Lev Leytzan: The Sampson, Diane Savino, Jon Cohen; New York State Compassionate Clown Alley and Daniel Squadron, as Budget Director Ms. Laura Inc.—the hospital clowning well as by Assemblyman Dov Anglin, and special assistant not-for-profit that has been Hikind, Counsel to the Ross Wallenstein). At each operating in the Five Towns Majority Leader Shelley of the meetings, the delega- community for the past five Mayer, and Assistant tion emphasized the partic- years—is scheduled to hold its Counsel Pat Rubens; and ular burden being borne by annual gala on Sunday, March the second, in the office of the state’s nonpublic 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Cong- regation Beth Sholom in Lawrence. This year’s event features the famous improvi- sational style of Chicago City Limits, Chinese and silent auctions, and sushi, salad, and dessert buffets. Aron Martin, Asher Mechanic, Shlomo Dov Kopelowitz, and Meir Dovid Weinberg will be honored for their ongoing involvement in the organization’s work. Proceeds from the evening’s events will be used to provide funds for the group’s ongoing work, which includes training, hospital and nursing home rounds, and educational safety programs. For further information about the event, please call 516-612-3264 or e-mail [email protected]. O

Continued on Page 54

52 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 53 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Road’s Bay Shore station). The sum- Continued from Page 52 mer program will provide small classes with individual attention provided by Touro College Research Program In faculty, scientists, and engineers. Bay Shore For High-School Requirements include participation in Students an individual or team research project The Touro College School of Health followed by data analysis and an oral Sciences is offering Long Island high and written presentation. school students a research training For more information and to receive program to help prepare them for par- an application, please contact Dr. ticipation in science fairs and research Benjaminson at 631-665-1600 ext. competitions. The program, “Research 6237 or e-mail mbenjaminson@ Fundamentals for High School touro.edu. O Students,” is now in its fifth year. The instructional team for the courses is Chabad Of The Five Towns Annual directed by Dr. Morris A. Benjamin- Dinner, March 1 son, professor emeritus at Touro and During the Shemittah year—the author of many articles published in seventh year of the Jewish calendar in peer-reviewed journals, and Dr. Les which most agricultural production in Schonbrun, a professor of mathemat- Israel is forbidden—many wonder how ics and physics. they can manage a whole year without “The courses stress critical think- profits. Sound familiar? This year, ing and strategic planning; data col- many of us are facing financial issues lection tools and strategies; and as well. What lessons can we draw teaching students how to make intel- from the Torah? The mitzvah of hakhel ligent choices about experimental is instructive. models, such as animals, plants or The Torah commands us that on the microbes,’’ said Dr. Benjaminson. eighth year we shall “Assemble the “The program also offers hands-on people: the men, the women, the chil- laboratory and fieldwork.” dren…” The king would then read Part I begins with “Introduction to from the Torah in a ceremony meant to Research Methodology,” a two-credit, strengthen everyone’s faith, possibly 15-week online course beginning for the next eight years. One cannot February 23. Part II, offered in the deny the spiritual power of having summer, “Introduction to Research everyone gathered in one spot, as one Methodology,” is a four-credit, 8-week nation—a re-creation of sorts of course offered Monday through Friday receiving the Torah from Mount Sinai. that begins on July 6, 2009. Part II will Those who have participated in be offered at the Bay Shore campus, Chabad of the Five Towns events can located at 1700 Union Boulevard attest to this power, as well. Whether (across from the Long Island Rail praying at the meaningful services,

54 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES attending lectures by renowned speak- Yaakov, the league was developed last ers such as Rabbi Yossi Jacobson, year in order to give the South Shore mourning the tragic loss at Chabad of talmidim a kosher outlet while also Mumbai at a community event, or teaching the fundamentals and skills drawing strength from each other after involved in the great game of hockey. an annual Chabad Chanukah Each week, boys from grades 1–5 (in Wonderland event with a horrifying two separate divisions: 1st/2nd-grade twist, Chabad continues to bring our division and 3rd/4th/5th-grade divi- community together. Now, they are sion) participated in a 15–20 minute asking the community to come togeth- hockey clinic where they worked on er for them. Bringing people together everything from shooting, passing, and entails financial costs, and Chabad face-offs to positioning and goal-tend- struggles to meet everyone’s expecta- ing. The drills were followed by a com- tions while also meeting its budgetary petitive, yet midos-oriented, game restrictions. The annual dinner helps overseen by Rabbi Bennett and the bridge the gap. four team coaches, who are talmidim This year’s dinner is scheduled to The 1st- and 2nd-grade teams, Ranger and Islanders of Mesivta Ateres Yaakov. take place on Sunday, March 1 at The league would like to thank all 6:00 p.m. at the Sephardic Temple, the coaches for their dedication, 775 Branch Boulevard in Cedarhurst. patience, and hard work throughout The couvert is $550 per couple; jour- the season, as well as all the boys who nal ads and raffle purchases are also participated in the league. O available. This year’s honorees are Mr. Faivish and Mrs. Tamar Pewzner, Rita Horowitz, a’h Mr. Misha and Mrs. Estee Rappaport As a dynamic rebbetzin over a peri- as Gan Chamesh Parents of the Year, od of 38 years, Rita Horowitz was a Dr. Todd and Dr. Michelle Fox master at interpersonal relations. Her Slesinger, and Mr. Shea and Mrs. enormous creativity and flair led peo- Debbie Werner. To purchase ads or ple to take note and led her to out- tickets, call 516-295-2478 or visit standing accomplishments. Born in www.chabad5towns.com. O Brooklyn, Rita was an honors student at both Shulamith School and at YOSS Junior Hockey League Yeshiva of Flatbush. She continued Champs her education at Brooklyn College The Yeshiva of South Shore is proud and at the Teachers Institute of to crown the Panthers as the Yeshiva University. 2008/2009 Junior Hockey League Rita went on to design knitwear in champions. her own studio. She enjoyed creating Under the leadership of Rabbi Yossi The YOSS Panthers (L–R): Sruli Guttman, captain; Akiva Thalheim; unique head-to-toe looks for her Bennett, 12th-grade rebbe and varsity Shimi “Walt” Charlop, coach; Raphael Thalheim, alternate captain; athletic director at Mesivta Ateres Rabbi Yossi Bennett, league commissioner; Avi Guttman; Chaim Portal; and Yossi Gershbaum. Continued on Page 56

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 55 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS loved. The skills and bright smiles that where he managed the network’s com- Continued from Page 55 she brought to them will remain. The munications, public relations, and gov- “knit-esteem” program that she started ernment relations. Before Court TV, clientele that helped them look and in conjunction with Ms. Miriam Kulik he worked as an attorney in private feel great and raised their self- will continue with her daughter practice and on Capitol Hill, where he esteem. Her signature sweaters were Miriam (Horowitz) Srulovich. The was legislative counsel to U.S. Senator always distinctive and recognized for kindness, love, and devotion that per- John C. Danforth (R-MO) and a pro- their beauty. sonified Rita’s character and the affec- fessional staffer on the Senate Rita excelled in bonding with peo- tion she extended to each and every Commerce Committee. ple of all walks of life. She loved her student will live on. O Ballabon has appeared in national family. She brought much joy to her and international media and partici- husband, Rabbi Herbert Horowitz, Jeff Ballabon Named Senior Vice- pated in international forums as an her children, and her grandchildren. President For Communications At expert on democratic ideals, a free Having a son with Asperger’s syn- CBS News press, journalistic ethics, and report- drome galvanized Rita and her hus- Jeff Ballabon has been named sen- ing on government. Ballabon left band to find the best education for ior vice-president for communications Primedia to found Ballabon Group, a him and the best methodology to help at CBS News. Mr. Ballabon began on public-affairs consultancy, where he him succeed. February 23 and now oversees all continued to serve Primedia, Channel The students at P’tach were espe- media relations and public affairs for One News, and numerous other cially dear to her. Through the knitting CBS News, including strategy and media and business clients and caus- self-esteem program (coined “knit- planning, day-to-day publicity, internal Mr. Jeff Ballabon es. He also served as the New York esteem”) Rita helped many girls raise and external communications, and City affiliate of The Livingston their self-confidence. Many of the coordination with CBS Interactive Group, a major Washington DC gov- knitting students channeled their cre- regarding CBSNews.com. is a substantive and creative thinker ernment-relations firm. Ballabon has ative success into marked improve- “Jeff is a proven communications who has successfully managed com- advised presidential candidates and ments in academic achievements as executive who appreciates that success plex issues in journalism and public campaigns, members of the U.S. well. Rita made them feel special and in the news business demands uncom- policy, and implicitly understands Congress, corporations, charitable provided them with the self-confi- promising integrity and credibility com- trends across platforms in both tradi- organizations, and international non- dence to succeed. When completing bined with reach, accessibility, and cus- tional and new media.” governmental organizations. their knitting projects they realize that tomization,” said Sean McManus, pres- Previously, Ballabon served as vice- He has been active in a number of they can create and succeed in a ident of CBS News and Sports. “We are president for public policy at Primedia media and public-policy organizations, unique fashion. excited that Jeff is coming on board at a Inc., where he oversaw public affairs including as a member of the Cable During the spring of 2008, when time when CBS News increasingly is and government relations for all Television Public Affairs Association’s Rita’s health was precarious and she being recognized for excellence.” Primedia companies. He has also been board of directors, co-chair of the was weakened by her illness, she made “Jeff brings an extraordinary executive vice-president at Primedia Federalist Society’s Media Law a special effort to complete the proj- breadth and diversity of experience to Television and at Films Media Group, Subcommittee, a member of the ects the girls had started. Her love and CBS News, and I am delighted that as well as Channel One News, where Magazine Publishers of America’s affection for the P’tach students gave he will be joining our communica- he managed media and government Government Affairs Council, and a her tremendous chizuk. tions team,” said Gil Schwartz, execu- relations and crisis communications. member of the New York Bar Media Rita Horowitz’s legacy lives on with tive vice-president for corporate com- Before that, he was senior vice-presi- Law Committee. the P’tach girls she influenced and munications at CBS Corporation. “He dent for network affairs at Court TV, Ballabon holds a degree in English

56 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES literature from Yeshiva University and a J.D. from Yale Law School. A native New Yorker, he lives on Long Island with his wife and their five children. O

Bais Yaakov Academy Of Queens Melaveh Malkah, February 28 Bais Yaakov Academy of Queens is celebrating 50 years of outstanding chinuch ha’banos. For 50 years, the administration and staff have toiled with great devotion, investing untold hours, energy, and talent to create a premier institution of learning for their beloved talmidos. Bais Yaakov’s curriculum is viewed as a paradigm for other schools; its teachers are role models for countless aspiring seminary students. The students are known to emerge fully prepared in both limudei kodesh and limudei chol for the next level of higher education and are warmly welcomed to the finest Bais Yaakov high schools. Bais Yaakov Academy of Queens was launched in the 1950s, faithful to the principles of Sara Schenirer’s Bais Yaakov movement. The early years were fraught with hurdles, but the founders persisted with great tenacity and mesirus nefesh to support the fledgling school. They were zocheh to see their efforts bear the most beautiful fruit, baruch Hashem. It is only fitting upon this momen- tous occasion to pay special tribute to some of the giborei chayil who coura- geously weathered the stormy forma- tive years of Bais Yaakov: Mr. Dan Sukenik, Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Sukenik, the Zimmer family l’zecher nishmas R’ Yankel Zimmer, and Mr. and Mrs. Alan J. Rosenberg l’zecher nishmas Mr. Nathan Rosenberg. This expression of hakaras ha’tov is on behalf of the entire Bais Yaakov family as well as the extended Queens community. Bais Yaakov has also been fortunate to receive the support and guidance of the spiritual leaders of the community since its early years, and it will always treasure their chizuk, eitzah, and friendship. It is the greatest kavod to have the opportunity to recognize Rabbi Fabian Schoenfeld, Rabbi Joseph Grunblatt, Rabbi Peretz Steinberg, and Rabbi Noach Isaac Oelbaum for their vital roles in Bais Yaakov’s success. The school is pleased to welcome and honor alumnae from the Class of 1969, celebrating the 40th anniversary of their graduation. Please make every effort to join in at this landmark event, the 50th Anniversary Dinner, which

Continued on Page 58

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 57 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS ing in Israel face many challenges and begin dating.” Continued from Page 57 opportunities as they think about col- The “shidduch crisis” also creates lege or a second year in seminary or extra pressure for these young women. will iy’H take place this motzaei choosing the right career path. But For some, the thought of being single Shabbos, February 28, at the Eden these choices pale next to the critical is more frightening than the thought of Palace. A delicious buffet dinner will task of finding or choosing the right being in a bad marriage. “The girls be served at 8:30, followed by the pres- spouse. They are starting to think know what it’s like to be single, while entation of awards. The annual video about how to build a binyan adei ad, a they don’t know what it means to be in presentation and a mouth-watering true and everlasting edifice. a bad marriage. Many rationalize trou- dessert reception will conclude this Shalom Task Force, a leader in the ble signs, thinking, ‘I’ll change him very special evening. O field of relationship education, has after we’re married; at least I’ll have a developed a dynamic, successful pro- husband.’ They are thinking about Lakewood Comes To Five Towns: gram of preventive education aimed at their single sister or cousin who is 28 Second Annual Shabbos Of Chizuk helping young people recognize the or 48. This is a hot topic every time we Beth Medrash Govoha and the Far warning signs of unhealthy and possi- give a presentation. We stress emphat- Rockaway/Five Towns community look bly abusive relationships, developing ically that just because you are uncom- forward to the yeshiva’s second annual anger management and communica- fortable, it doesn’t mean there is “Shabbos of Chizuk,” taking place this tion skills, and ultimately increasing abuse. It could very well mean that you Shabbos, Parashas Terumah. Partici- the number of happy and healthy and the young man just need to learn pating will be the Lakewood roshei The Mashgiach, Reb Matisyohu Salomon, Jewish marriages. to communicate better, and he’ll be a yeshiva, shlita, Rav Aryeh Malkiel speaking at last year’s event. This week, a team of four women wonderful, supportive husband. Kotler, Rav Yeruchem Olshin, Rav are leaving for their tenth annual trip Imagine the shy, 22-year-old man who Dovid Schustal, and the mashgiach, to Israel, during which they will pres- has little experience with women and Rav Matisyohu Salomon, shlita, all of the kind of achdus that enables it to ent the Shalom Task Force workshop dating. He may make some mistakes whom will spend Shabbos in the com- work diligently together l’shem in over a dozen seminaries. They will that could be misinterpreted as hostil- munity and speak at neighboring shuls Shamayim. Their warm expression of also meet with madrichot, rebbeim, ity, while in truth what his date is see- and batei midrash (please see ad on friendship and support uplifts us one administrators, teachers, and shad- ing is just naiveté. With coaching and Page 4 for complete schedule). The and all.” chanim. maturity, he may turn into a wonderful event is to culminate in an enjoyable With a current enrollment of 5,600, The Shalom Task Force receives husband.” and inspiring community melaveh Beth Medrash Govoha, the world- many hotline calls from concerned Shalom Task Force’s mission is malkah at the home of gracious hosts renowned Lakewood Yeshiva continues family and friends of young women clear. “We don’t tell anyone what to do Mr. and Mrs. Alex Edelman, replete to be a primary destination for promis- being treated disrespectfully by a date. in any given relationship or situation. with fine catering, music, and zemiros. ing talmidei chachamim from through- Leah, a Shalom Task Force presenter, We give them information and tools so “The good feelings kindled last year out K’lal Yisrael. For further information feels that “while others can see it that they can make educated decisions have certainly lent tremendous about the Shabbos and melaveh malkah, clearly, the young woman often can’t and have the maximum chance for momentum to this year’s planning,” please call 732-367-1060, ext. 252. O or won’t. They implore, ‘How can we success.” notes Rabbi Mordechai Herskowitz, convince her not to allow herself to be For more information about Shalom Beth Medrash Govoha’s executive Shalom Task Force Expands treated this way?’ Of course, once she Task Force programs, call 212-742- administrator. “This is a community Seminary Programs In Israel is emotionally involved, it’s much 1478 or visit www.shalomtaskforce.org. with a strong kesher to the yeshiva, By Azriela Jaffe and Miriam Karp harder—that’s why we try to educate The hotline can be reached at 718- graced with true kavod haTorah and Yeshiva day school graduates study- young men and women before they 337-3700. O

58 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Preparations Being Made For hungry travelers, far from home, not being made, with the hope that the Rave Reviews For Manhattan Thousands Of Visitors To Lizensk being able to receive everything we’ve z’chus of the tzaddik will ensure that Yoetzet Halachah Initiative The 21st of Adar draws many thou- offered in the past. We still hope to get the means are found to provide the In November 2008, Nishmat’s sands of visitors to the town of Lizensk, some new sponsors to avoid such a needs for all visitors. The thousands Miriam Glaubach Center launched a Poland, in honor of the yahrzeit of the thing from happening.” who make the long trip to Lizensk will successful new initiative throughout holy tzaddik, the Noam Elimelech. Every year, the visitors to Lizensk hopefully once again find all the con- Manhattan for women to benefit from Every year the number of people who praise the wonderful work of veniences expected from Hachnosas the expertise of a yoetzet halachah visit Lizensk grows, along with the Hachnosas Orchim of Reb Elimelech. Orchim of Reb Elimelech. May their (female halachic advisor). This role was demand for food and lodgings. This noble undertaking at the holy site tefillos at this holy site be answered. created to assist any woman who is Hachnosas Orchim of Reb is now being jeopardized by the finan- For more information, please call 917- Elimelech is an organization that sup- cial setbacks. Yet preparations are 586-4724. O Continued on Page 60 plies the needs of visitors to this holy site all year round. They have their own building nearby, which houses a shul where the travelers can daven and comfortable rooms for lodging. The building has an updated kitchen where nourishing meals are prepared for the visitors (upon advance reservations). Hachnosas Orchim of Reb Elimelech also maintains a mikveh at the site and pays for the heating and lighting in the holy ohel of the tzaddik, for the comfort of the thousands who come to pray there. All this required a large budget, which has been funded in the past through private channels. This year, with the number of visitors expected to grow and funding becoming scarcer, the askanim are somewhat worried as to how they will make all the arrangements for the upcoming yahrzeit, when the demand for their services is far greater than during the entire remainder of the year. “The way things look now,” said Rabbi F., an active askan involved in Hachnosas Orchim of Reb Elimelech, “it seems like we will be forced to cut back on our services. It pains us to think about all of those thousands of

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 59 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS recent lecture), there was a palpable health and halachah program at New womenshealth.org. To contact a yoet- Continued from Page 59 sense of comfort in knowing that a Jersey’s Rutgers University; and a schol- zet halachah directly, call Nishmat’s woman who is learned, approachable, ars-in-residence weekend in North Golda Koschitzky Halachic Hotline more comfortable discussing certain and empathetic is in a position to answer Woodmere. Among scheduled upcoming toll-free at 877-YOETZET (963- personal issues with another woman or find an answer to important halachic events is a scholars-in-residence week- 8938) or visit www.yoatzot.org. Every rather than with a male rabbinical advi- questions that might otherwise go end in Hollywood, FL. call and e-mail is anonymous and sor. Though implemented just three unasked. She is a tremendous asset to Yoatzot halachah are chosen for their confidential. O months ago, the Manhattan yoetzet the communities she serves.” extensive Torah scholarship, leadership halachah program has been met with Ilana Prager, who is part of the yoet- ability, and deep religious commitment. One Israel Fund Hosts 15th tremendous enthusiasm and praise zet halachah committee at The Jewish To become certified, each yoetzet devotes Anniversary Dinner from both local rabbis and participants. Center, adds, “We are delighted to have two years (over 1,000 hours) to Talmudic On Monday evening, March 23, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, Atara Eis working with our community. and halachic study at Nishmat: The One Israel Fund plans to be celebrat- Fifth Avenue Synagogue, The New York Our oneg Shabbat was a tremendous Jeanie Schottenstein Center for ing its 15th Anniversary Dinner at Synagogue, Congregation Orach success, with roughly 40 women from Advanced Torah Study for Women in Bridgewaters of South Street Seaport Chaim, The Jewish Center, Lincoln across the spectrum of our community Jerusalem. There they also receive train- in New York City. This very special Square Synagogue, Kehilat Rayim together. Atara’s talk was extremely ing from experts in modern medicine, evening of solidarity allows partici- Ahuvim, Congregation Ramath Orah, informative. We heard not only practical psychology, gynecology, infertility, pants to demonstrate their unequivo- and Congregation Shearith Israel are and applicable material, but also chizuk women’s health, and sexuality. Following cal partnership with the Jews of the nine synagogues across Manhattan and spiritual support. We look forward comprehensive examinations adminis- Yesha—the communities of Judea and that signed on to this initiative. Atara to working with Atara in the future as tered by a panel of distinguished roshei Samaria and those impacted by the Eis, the yoetzet halachah on staff, we think of new and innovative ways to kollel and poskim, graduates of Nishmat’s assists the synagogue rabbis by advising utilize her expertise.” Keren Ariel Halachic Institute are award- women on sensitive issues of taharat The feedback from Manhattan rab- ed the title of yoetzet halachah. ha’mishpachah and health, and offers bis has also been entirely positive. Since the first graduating class in innovative programs on a wide array of “Nishmat’s yoetzet halachah initiative is 2000, more than 50 women have been women’s health and halachah topics. of great benefit to the KJ community,” says certified as yoatzot halachah. Many Manhattan residents have reported Rabbi Elie Weinstock of Congregation serve Jewish communities across Israel that Eis creates a most comfortable Kehilath Jeshurun. “Women have a female and North America and are available atmosphere in which women can contact person to whom to address ques- via phone or the Internet to women all speak freely about personal subjects. tions relating to taharat ha’mishpachah, over the world. They have answered Some of the topics that she has cov- and Atara Eis is a wonderful person and a thousands of questions in connection ered include determining when a great educator. It is a tremendous asset to with the observance of taharat mikveh visit is necessary, common mis- have someone like that, especially a ha’mishpachah and on topics of understandings related to taharat woman, on our team.” women’s health. ha’mishpachah, and information about In addition to the Manhattan initia- To find out more about Nishmat’s what yoatzot halachah are and how tive, Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach Miriam Glaubach Center at American they can help. Center provides extensive program- Friends of Nishmat, call 212-983- “Atara’s stories and anecdotes are ming with yoatzot halachah to commu- 6975 or e-mail [email protected]. ones that everyone can relate to,” says nities throughout North America. To read more about yoatzot halachah Anna Freilich, who has attended some of Recent programs included a three-day and the issues they address, visit the recent programs. “As she spoke (at a learning program in Charleston, SC; a www.yoatzot.org and www.jewish Mr. Eddie Wunsch

60 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES evacuation from Gaza. gogue about the need for a new play- turned his home into their personal gle, Yisrael B’tach Bashem, and wanted This year’s dinner will focus upon ground in the embattled city of yishuv when they visited the states. to direct the proceeds to One Israel the tremendous strength of these S’derot. The response of his friends at Talya, formerly of Staten Island, was Fund. The CD recently hit the stores brave citizens and the enormous Congregation Anshei Chesed in raised in a home in which her parents and Shmuel will be performing his growth of their communities despite Hewlett and its mara d’asra, Rabbi devoted their lives to charitable causes song at the dinner. the daily threat of terror and the Simcha Lefkowitz, was instantaneous, in the greater Jewish community. For more information about the din- ongoing worldwide political climate and today there is a playground in Moshe and Talya have both become ner, including reservations and placing which challenges their right to settle S’derot due to all their efforts. For this involved in the creation of One Israel ads in the commemorative journal, the land of Israel. In conjunction with reason, One Israel Fund is presenting Fund’s newest endeavor, the Young please contact One Israel Fund at 516- the dinner, a slate of deserving hon- its Hakarat HaTov Award to both Leadership Division, in order to per- 239-9202, send e-mail to dinner@ orees is on tap. Eddie Wunsch and Congregation petuate its message for the next gener- oneisraelfund.org, or visit their website This year’s Guests of Honor are Anshei Chesed. ation. They will be accepting the Young at www.oneisraelfund.org. O Livia and Mark Rottenberg of Rabbi Moshe Snow will be receiving Leadership Award. Lawrence. Livia and Mark have the Outstanding Rabbinic Leadership One Israel Fund has also traditional- Free Financial Seminar At become steadfast supporters of those Award. Rabbi Snow has been involved ly recognized the accomplishments of Woodmere Rehab, March 3 who were uprooted from their homes with the Young Israel Beth-El of our youth who continue to inspire oth- An informative seminar is scheduled in Gaza back in the summer of 2005. Borough Park for nearly half a centu- ers with their unwavering efforts on for Tuesday, March 3 at 8:30 a.m. at Livia became inspired by a recent One ry—the past 17 as its spiritual leader— behalf of the Jewish People. Receiving Woodmere Rehabilitation and Health Israel Fund breakfast to benefit as well as a beloved rebbi at the Jewish the Yedidei Yesha Awards are Amichai, Care Center (121 Franklin Place in Jobkatif, which featured a $4-for-$1 Education Center of Elizabeth, NJ Barak, Calev, and Gidon Bacharach— Woodmere). matching grant. Jobkatif, founded by since 1969. Rabbi Snow has been four brothers from the Bronx who each This program, entitled “The Living Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon, is dedicated to instrumental in the creation of a num- attended MTA and served as leaders of Balance Sheet,” will be presented by retraining those people who lost their ber of initiatives, including outreach its HaTzioni Club. Alex Feder of Messrs. Henry Schneider and Dennis livelihoods for new careers and provid- programs for the growing Russian- HAFTR, Duvi Kaufman of DRS, and O’Sullivan (both vice-presidents of ing seed money for new business ven- speaking community. His connection Jordan Schwartzstein of HALB are each Forest Hills Financial Group) and Mr. tures. Together, Livia and Mark have to One Israel Fund dates back to its from Woodmere and, individually, have David Perlmutter. They will be made it their raison d’être to improve infancy. Today, Rabbi Snow’s oldest heeded the call to make a difference in addressing the challenges of financial the lives of those who lost so much. son, Chaim, and his family live in the lives of our brethren in Israel and planning given today’s difficult eco- Eddie Wunsch of Woodmere has Elazar in the Gush Etzion bloc. Each undertook projects over this past year. nomic climate. They will also be sug- been a regular on One Israel Fund year, the synagogue has an appeal for In addition to the outstanding hon- gesting methods of organizing and missions for the better part of this past One Israel Fund and sends a delega- orees, One Israel Fund is indebted to tracking one’s assets, as well as finan- decade. A number of years ago Eddie tion to its dinner as a show of unity Shmuel Lowinger of Lawrence and his cial options to protect one’s nest egg. decided to use his passion for helping and solidarity. Dancing Bear Productions. Shmuel, a Breakfast will be provided by the children of Israel and took it upon Moshe and Talya Kohn reside in beit medrash student at Yeshiva Woodmere Rehabilitation and Health himself to raise funds in his synagogue Forest Hills. Moshe, originally from Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway and a Care Center (under the kashrus super- and beyond in order to provide toys at Hillcrest, NY, grew up in a home syn- budding musician on the Jewish music vision of the Vaad of The Five Towns Chanukah. Throughout the years, onymous with One Israel Fund, as his scene, approached Scott M. Feltman, and Far Rockaway). Call Leba Eddie has been involved in numerous mother, Ruthie, has been a devoted executive vice-president of One Israel Sonneberg at 516-374-9300 ext. 125 projects. After returning from another employee of the organization since its Fund, a few months back about a to register. O mission this past year, Eddie spoke creation. Moshe remembers fondly the desire to support Israel. He was in the passionately on Shabbos in his syna- countless personalities from Yesha who early stages of putting out his first sin- Continued on Page 62

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 61 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS 13 begin at 6:00 p.m. and Shabbat dent before he was able to board the Continued from Page 61 morning services on March 14 begin at plane to join his brothers. “The burial 8:45 a.m. Rabbi Schneier will deliver was in Eretz Yisrael, and I sat shivah for New York Synagogue Chazanut, his sermon at 11:00 a.m. and the serv- a few hours at the home of Rabbi and March 13-14 ice will be followed by a Kiddush Mrs. Sternberg. They opened up their For the first time in the United reception at Mendy’s Galleria. O home to me as well as their hearts. I States, on Shabbat March 13-14 can never repay them enough for what (Shabbat Parah), services at The New Behind The Scenes At Neveh Zion’s they did for us in our time of need.” York Synagogue will be conducted by Sixth Annual Chinese Auction Neveh helps to perpetuate Rami’s the first family of chazanut, Cantors By Ariella Ukelson memory (Yerachmiel ben Nissim Meir) Chaim Eliezer, Naftali, and Natan Some people have an idea and with Operation Mirrer. Every Thursday Hershtik. The three senior Hershtik become discouraged by the many tasks night the boys travel to the Mirrer brothers will join their son and necessary to bring it to fruition. Yeshiva in Jerusalem to learn mishmar nephew, Cantor Netanel Hershtik, Others, through sheer dedication and with the Neveh alumni there. “Neveh accompanied by The New York caring, are able to rise to the challenge. has continued this project through the Synagogue Choir, conducted by As the final touches are being put on years and I am extremely grateful,” says Izchak Haimov. Neveh Zion’s annual Chinese auction Mrs. Behar. “The Chinese auction also Kabbalat Shabbat services on March in the Five Towns, we are privileged to perpetuates the memory of my son be able to look behind the scenes and Rami, and that is an additional incentive Chaim Hershtik appreciate the dedication and commit- to continue.” ment of Mrs. Marcia Behar, the driving “The auction is loads of fun,” contin- force behind its success. ued Mrs. Behar. “This year it will be held Mrs. Behar speaks about her ongo- in the beautiful home of Barry and ing relationship with Neveh Zion and Bonnie Septimus at 207 Harborview especially “the mash,” Neveh Zion’s South in Lawrence. We serve an elegant rosh yeshiva, Rabbi Chaim Yisrael buffet including sushi followed by Blumenfield. “I can never refuse the upscale desserts. The evening is a won- mash,” she says. “He called me six derful opportunity for the alumni to years ago to become involved in a reconnect and touch base with each fundraiser for Neveh Zion,” she other. Mr. Greenberger, the auctioneer, is recalls, “and I can never fully repay funny and witty and keeps us entertained Neveh’s staff for all that they have the whole evening.” Mrs. Behar is quick done for me.” Together with his dedi- to mention that she is part of a team. “We cated staff, Rabbi Blumenfield has have a great selection of quality prizes successfully helped thousands of graciously donated by Neveh alumni. I Neveh students get their lives back on especially would like to thank Avi and track and focused on worthwhile goals. Esty Goldstein, and the Bernstein and Mrs. Behar’s sons Avi and Eli are Rosenberg families. My own committee both alumni of Neveh Zion. Her third includes Dr. Randy and Betty Makovsky son Rami’s young life was tragically cut and Elaine Farber, who work tirelessly to Netanel Hershtik Naftali Hershtik short when he was killed in a car acci- ensure that the auction is a success.” O

62 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

The Waves Keep Coming sion of dancing and guitar way couldn’t get enough. So on before his departure to the who came was moved. Some By: Moshe Daphna past the dismissal bell. Monday, after our night seder, Holy Land and had one of the even physically showed it, and World renowned inspira- Both parties were so a group of guys got together most amazing kumzitzes I’ve tional speaker, surfer, and pumped up spiritually we just with Rabbi Glaser in the hours ever attended. Every student Continued on Page 65 musician Reb Yom Tov Glaser visited Mesivta Ateres Yaakov last erev Shabbos. Our school has a slight “history” with Rabbi Glaser. Two years ago he served as the scholar in residence at our annual Shabaton and we developed such a kesher that last year, when he was in the States, he felt compelled to make some time to give us enough chizuk to last us till next time. All the talmidim were so ecstatic that he was back in the country we couldn’t wait to get another heavenly dose of pure inspiration. He walked in the room and in front of all the students and the staff. He whipped out his guitar and started playing quite a few of his inspirational original songs, such as Letter in the Torah, the Shabbos Song, and The End of the Line. Then came the real dose of inspiration, starting with the idea that we were created and separated from Hashem and we must struggle to achieve that same original oneness with which we started. He then spoke about how we “do” all week, but on Shabbos Kodesh we have to be for ourselves and for Hashem. We ended it off with a lively ses-

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 63 Rav Eliyahu Boruch Finkel, zt’l – The Talmidim Unite Nearly a year has passed since the Chaim and Reb Nochum. He brought would have been without him. more day. “Kasheh Alai p’reidaschem— sudden tragic petirah of our dear the words of the daf to life and So how do we replace such an indi- Your parting is difficult for Me.” Thus, rebbi, Rav Eliyahu Boruch Finkel, adorned them with his magnificent vidual? The answer may be found in a we remain the day of Shemini zt’l. The sudden shock of losing R’ peshatim. On a personal level, he beautiful remark that Rav Yonosson Atzeres/Simchas Torah. The question Elya Baruch has worn off. We have cared for each one of us as he did for David wrote about his shver, the great is, what have we gained? If we won’t all gone back to our daily lives. And his own children. Our worries were Rav Yitzchak Hutner, zt’l, in the clos- leave today, we will still have to part yet a huge void remains, leaving a ways tomorrow, and that will be no gnawing gap that doesn’t allow us to less difficult. move on. We wonder how we can The answer is that our departure possibly fill the empty feeling. To has been delayed until the day of whom can we turn for guidance and If we won’t leave today, we will Simchas Torah. And when one leaves strength and with whom can we share another mitoch Torah, then there is no our greatest concerns, as well as our departure at all. We will remain con- greatest moments of joy? Mi yiten still have to part ways tomorrow, nected forever! lanu es t’muraso? It is with this thought that we can R’ Elya Baruch gave us so much— proclaim that our rebbi, Rav Elya from his Torah, and even more so and that will be no less difficult. Boruch, lebt noch! Our rebbi contin- from himself. His simchas ha’chayim ues to live on! When we learn the way was a reflection of his simchas he learned and care the way he cared, haTorah, and he imbued that simcha he lives on—in the hearts of all his into each and every one of us. He his worries. He reveled in our simchos ing statement of his introduction to talmidim and in the hearts of the thou- taught us how to live! and suffered through our pain. He the Sefer HaZikaron written in Rav sands whose lives he touched. In Torah, he took our young impres- touched our lives and left an everlast- Hutner’s memory. Rav Yonosson writes Rebbi, it is so very difficult for us sionable minds and molded them in ing impression on our neshamos. It is that as the yom tov of Sukkos ebbs that you have left us. But it is also so the path of his great rebbeim, Rav difficult to imagine what our lives away, the Al-mighty tells us to stay one very heartwarming that we, as your talmidim, feel a special bond with one another. This makes the p’reidah less painful. Although many of us have never met one another, we stand united as one, connected by the timeless words of Torah you have taught us, brothers in that we share the same spiritual father. How beautiful it is that his talmidim are coming together to pay tribute. Rav Shaya Neuberg, the recip- ient of the HaRav Elya Boruch Finkel Harbotzas Torah Tribute, carries on his legacy. His relationship with our great rebbi remained steadfast for almost two decades and he is a shining example of what Rav Elya Baruch wanted from all of us. Whether during the year as a rebbi in Yeshivah Darchei Torah or during the summer as the menahel of Machaneh Silver Lake, Reb Shaya infuses his talmidim with a love for Torah, while caring for each and every talmid. His wife, Morah Penina Neuberg, a menaheles at Bnos Bais Yaakov of Far Rockaway, brings out the best in each of her talmidos. Together they have created a vibrant home filled with a simchas ha’chayim, where the talmidim feel that they are always welcome. On March 8, we will iy’H join together at the Mir Yeshiva 22nd annual dinner, at the Brooklyn Marriott, to pay tribute to our rebbi, Rav Eliyahu Baruch Finkel, zt’l, who, together with his rebbetzin, Chani, yibadel l’chayim, made us feel that their home was our home. Let us continue to remain connected forever! O

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

64 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS actually cook your meals in your home! Continued from Page 63 Menu planning comes first. You will discuss options based on your family’s with a group of high school guys that’s food preferences, including likes and a level. We sang, talked, and danced dislikes, allergies and special needs, until the very last minute possible, and, of course, religious custom. For until Rabbi Glaser was practically out example, if you follow non-gebrokts or, the door and on his way back to Eretz if you do or do not use various ingredi- Yisrael. We would like to thank Rabbi ents (e.g. sugar or spices), this will be Glaser for visiting us, his family in respected. Similarly, Sephardic cus- Long Island, and we hope to see and toms can be followed. Of course, tradi- hear from him again very soon. O tional family recipes can be included in the menu. YOU are the boss. End Kitchen Slavery And Enjoy A Jesse Blonder, director of The Pesach Stay-cation Center for Kosher Culinary Arts Many of us never go away for (CKCA) in Brooklyn, frequently refers Pesach. Whether for religious or finan- CKCA chefs to placement as personal cial reasons—or just personal prefer- chefs. (In fact, Jesse himself cooked ence—home is where we’ll be. numerous gourmet meals last year for Following the weeks-long (months- a family of 10 in the Five Towns who long?) cleaning and home organization really enjoyed their yom tov). CKCA- you’ve completed, and after “transition- referred chefs are culinary school ing” the kitchen, and all it entails, would- trained and experienced professionals. n’t it be nice to end the slavery? Well, you They have attended top rate cooking can! With the help of a personal chef, schools; many have worked as chefs you’ll get on top of the food situation for caterers. And they are experienced quickly and efficiently. You’ll be less in working in kosher kitchens. stressed and have more time to spend The best part of this option is that with the family. And you’ll all enjoy a vari- the amount of the personal chef’s ety of gourmet meals at your own stan- involvement is up to you. For example, dard of kashrus in your own home! the chef can purchase ingredients, Personal chefs are culinary profes- work chol hamoed, too, etc. as desired. sionals who are trained in meal plan- Remember, it’s your kitchen! So don’t ning and preparation. They work for be a kitchen-slave, be a boss. Get a per- private individuals or families. Some sonal chef for a “stay-cation” Pesach. are able to prepare a week’s worth of For more information contact Jesse meals in one day in a client’s kitchen! Blonder, at The Center for Kosher Based on your family’s needs and pref- Culinary Arts, 718-758-1339 or info@ erences, they will first develop a menu KosherCulinaryArts.com. O and prepare a shopping list. Then, according to a “game plan” they will Continued on Page 88

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 65 66 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

The Mixing Bowl

Our Aliyah Chronicle, Part 108 Geared to parents of incoming first- B Y SHMUEL KATZ graders, the meeting was a chance for the parents to meet the principal and Enough politics. Netanyahu is going the assistant principal of grades 1–2 to form the government, either a last and hear about the curriculum and minute bad deal with Kadima or a sim- activities. ple right wing government. No more One of the main themes that stood talking about the elections this week. out (at least to me) in the presentation I often get asked how I can live in was a sense of “one people—one Bet Shemesh, especially since I refer nation” that we as parents in the

There are almost no real Israelis. Everyone here was an immigrant at some point.

to the city as “Teaneck East” (the rosh school already know prevails. Half of yeshiva of the yeshiva where I work the school consists of immigrant chil- lives in Efrat, which he calls dren from all over the world. Yet, when “Occupied Scarsdale,” so I am not they are in school they do not segre- alone in making this kind of refer- gate themselves into different cliques. ence). Don’t I wish that I lived in a They play as one, they learn as one, more Israeli area, where my kids could and they get along very well. integrate better and we wouldn’t have Two years ago we had gone to a sim- to deal with the handicap of all the ilar open house to meet the same prin- English? Actually, no. cipal and hear about the school for A couple of weeks ago we hosted an “open house” for Mordechai’s school. Continued on Page 68

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 67 Aliyah Chronicle Continued from Page 67

Mordechai. I remember him telling us that during recess he occasionally hears students speaking English and that he asks them why they are talking Chinese—they are in Israel and they should speak Hebrew. At the time, we thought that his approach was quite rigid and was not allowing the kids to express themselves comfortably in their free time. We were wrong. I think that this approach forces the kids to interact as equals. Our kids have had an incredibly successful inte- gration (for the most part) and I credit this to their quick adaptation to Hebrew. There are, however, still some interesting cultural differences between people, as the principal illustrated when we were talking about this specific topic. He had gone on a field trip with the kids recently. As he sat on the bus, he heard a couple of Ethiopian kids speaking in their native tongue and decided to let it pass. The bus was passing the airport and the kids were excitedly pointing out the planes, the buildings, and all the fancy equipment on display. Each time they passed an industrial center, these boys would excitedly chatter and point to all the big buildings and technology. Interestingly, the other kids did not react to any of this at all. They sat calmly in their seats talking, reading, playing, etc. However, a few minutes later the roles were reversed. Most of the kids were busy pointing out the windows and getting excited, while the Ethiopian kids were sitting calmly. What were the other kids getting excited about? They were passing a herd of donkeys. Another thing that fascinates me is the “Israeli” label and how it is applied to different people here. Most of us

And you shall make boards for the Tabernacle of shittim wood (Sh’mos 26:15) Why of shittim wood? G-d set an example for all time, that when a man is about to build his house from a fruit-producing tree, he should be reminded: If, when the supreme King of kings commanded the Sanctuary to be erected, He instructed to use only such trees as are not fruit-bearing, though all things belong to Him, how much more should this be so in your case?

(Midrash Rabbah)

68 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES who live here are Israeli. I am and so is my family—we have citizenship cards to prove it. Yet, somehow we aren’t considered Israeli. In fact, I know some olim who aren’t happy living in places like Bet Shemesh, Ranaana, or Chashmonaim because of the high concentration of Anglos in those places. They feel that these places aren’t Israeli enough— whatever that means. They want a more “native” experience. However, when you stop and consider it, there are almost no real Israelis. Everyone here was an immigrant at some point. Yes, there was a small Jewish community here in the 19th century, but most of us arrived here only within the last 100 years or so. Most of the people who are now called “Israeli” immi- grated from Morocco or Iran or Iraq or any one of a dozen countries that were home to the Sephardic Jews. The Ashkenazim are also immi- grants; most of them arrived within the last 75 years or so. Yes, it is our land—our country as given to us by G-d. I am not trying to discuss those issues. My point is only that there is no such thing as true “Israeli”ness that makes one person more Israeli than another. We are a conglomerate of the various people who make up our society (just like in most societies) and the trick is in understanding that we are all in this together, and that this conglomerate is the definition of an “Israeli.” So I don’t wish that I were in a less Anglo place per se. My kids are quite comfortable and are friends with people of various national backgrounds, and I think this makes them better people. I (and my Anglo neighbors) bring a new, unique approach to life that will add to the attractiveness and success of my new country, just as I will be influenced (hopefully for the better) by the people who are currently here and those who will join us in the future. The USA is known as a “melting pot” by virtue of its successful blending of so many different ethnicities and backgrounds into a unique American identity. Since you already have that title, I guess you could call us a “mixing bowl.” We aren’t quite as large, nor do we do things on such a grand scale—but the idea is the same. O Shmuel Katz is the director of Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi in the Katamon neighborhood in Jerusalem. Shmuel, 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]. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 69

Tragic Fire Inspires Communal Outpouring

B Y MOSHE BOROWSKI, 13, and Susanna, 9, had died. The girls LMSW were killed in their apartment along with their brother, Saul Preza, 19, and For Soraya Stevens, the children who their mother, Morena Vanegas, 46. lived above the laundromat in North Nearly two dozen people displaced by Lawrence added a few smiles to the the fire remained homeless. chore of washing and drying clothes. She —New York Newsday, Saturday, and her 7-year-old daughter, Saniah, February 21 sometimes passed the time by playing Three children and a young mother with the youngsters in the Vanegas fami- from a local Latino family suddenly ly. “They just seemed happy,” she said. perish in a raging fire. The shocking Then she heard about the fire in the news hit the Five Towns/Far Rockaway building on Thursday. “Are the children area hard this past Thursday. Members OK?” she asked. of our “greater community” were suf- It took her a half-hour to compose fering. What would the response be? herself after hearing that sisters Andrea, Among the core, basic characteris-

70 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

tics that define the Jewish People are rachmanus and gemilus chasadim, feeling and acting with compassion and benevolence (Yevamos 79). In the aftermath of the fatal fire, local community activists such as Dr. Asher Mansdorf, president of the Lawrence District School Board, and Dr. Annette Szafranski, a psychologist who serves as the Lawrence District director for pupil personnel services, were deluged with calls, texts, and e-mails inquiring about how to help. An e-mail from a busy mother on erev Shabbos high- lights the expressions of empathy and kindness that were generated: “Dr. Szafran- ski, My heart goes out to this family. I’d like to lend my tal- ents to help ease their load. I can share my time, knowledge and support; I can cook for them and collect clothing. I speak Spanish, so I can hopefully help them navigate the system. My cell number is ______. Please feel free to give it to the family. They can call me any time after Havdalah tomorrow night. Good Shabbos and keep up the great work! DSB” Offers of donations (money, clothes, and food) came pour- ing in from across the broad spectrum of the Orthodox community. Individuals, young and old. Families of every size. Day schools and yeshivas. Shuls of every type. All stepped up to help somehow, some way. Dr. Szafranski asked me to participate in a joint crisis training with her at the Number Six School in Woodmere on Monday morning, the school’s first day back following winter break. The two younger girls who died had attended school there. Teachers, administrators, and mental-health staff gathered together, with everyone seeking ways to give vent to their own feelings. They were all eager to gain knowledge of how to best help their young students cope with the brutal loss. The ripple effects of tragedy can trigger so many physical, emotional, and cog- nitive issues in classmates. What do you say when your students ask: How could such a thing happen? Are they in Heaven now? Can they still come visit us? Who will make lunches for the siblings that survived? Who would prepare meals if it happened to my mom? I had a really scary dream last night—will it come true? Should we keep the now-empty desk in the room? If I have money to donate, whom do I give it to? Can I meet with the guidance coun-

Continued on Page 73 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 71 Riding With The Long Island RangeR

Hi. Allow me introduce myself. I am rassing. You buy a ticket from a futur- hole is punched? Once the ticket is a hole puncher? a typical Long Island Rail Road com- istic machine at the station that takes punched, you can’t use it again. What Imagine all the information they muter who would like to share with cash, credit, debit—you name it. Then are they trying to protect against? could gain with a scanner. They would you my experiences on the commuter on the train, a conductor walks up and Some rebel who is punching his own need to check people only once per train known as the LIRR. I invite all of down the aisle with a hole puncher. I tickets at home? Why would anyone do ride, since the scanner would know you to send me interesting views and kid you not. The hole puncher was a where you are sitting and could calcu- experiences as well, at longisland useful tool when invented in 1877. late where people get on and off the ranger.blogspot.com. But is this the best we can do in 2009? train. It could, track rider flow and The Long Island RangeR Anyway, the conductor punches the If a train conductor traffic to assess the times that people ticket to indicate that you are on the need more or fewer trains. Where are Archaic Ticketing System train. Then when he/she walks by forgets to bring people traveling? On what day? At last The thing that bothers me most again and after the halfway mark, he check, the hole puncher produces no about the Long Island Rail Road is the look to punch it again. Wait, it gets his/her hole puncher statistical data at the end of the day. ticket system. For those who don’t better. The different conductors have Hmmm…if only we had technology to know, or have never taken a ride on different shapes and designs to the to work, they might scan a bar code on a ticket. this railway of the future, the ticket hole puncher. Why? I have no idea. system is so archaic it is almost embar- What is the difference what kind of as well take the rest Conductor Stickler Do you know someone who is of the day off. always a “by-the-book” kind of person? You know, the kind of person who always makes sure everything is done by the rules, without any room for that? That would be like throwing your deviation or compromise? Even when MetroCard in a garbage disposal. the boss is not around? To the point If a train conductor forgets to bring where it becomes annoying? Well, the his/her hole puncher to work, they LIRR has such a guy. I call him might as well take the rest of the day “Conductor Stickler.” I realize he is off. They cannot complete any task just doing his job, but this guy is a aboard the train without their precious piece of work. He must have the hole puncher. world’s worst memory, because it does- “Wow,” you say, “that sounds pretty n’t seem like he remembers me from old-fashioned.” You are right. Can’t one day to the next, even though I am they buy a scanner and scan my ticket in the same seat almost every morning. or just put it in a reader? My G1 phone It’s not enough for him to see a sizable has a bar-code scanner, but those in charge of a billion-dollar industry have Continued on Page 75

Your Event… Simply Spectacular

Carefully selected ingredients, Immaculate presentation, Attention to all details. This is what separates us

from the rest. lk

NEW STAR ﬁne catered events lk T: 516 791.0100 T: 718 891.8100

CERTIFIED AND ENDORSED BY THE KEHILAH KASHRUS

72 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Tragic Fire insight of R. Pinchas Eliyahu of Vilna Continued from Page 71 on the global community of humankind: “‘Love your neighbor’ means that we selor today instead of waiting for my should love all people, no matter regular appointment on Wednesday? which nation they belong to or what Of course, everyone thanked us as language they speak. For all men are the session ended. That’s the profes- created in the Divine image… Our sional thing to do. But it was the pri- love of humanity should not exclude vate remarks as we exited that made any nation or individual. For man was me take note. Staff of various ethnici- not created for his own sake exclusive- ties and cultures all expressed similar ly; rather, all men exist for the sake of sentiments: “Thank you so much for one another” (Sefer HaBris, 2nd coming. It’s heartening to know that chelek, Ma’amar 13). O the community cares.” Moshe Borowski, LMSW, ACSW, is the founder What constitutes a community? Is it and director of SSTART (School and Synagogue geography? Zip code? Shared lineage? Trauma and Resilience Training), a non-profit Common beliefs and behaviors? organization helping children, families, schools, and communities cope with various types of trau- Mutual goals? ma or loss. Mr. Borowski is also in private prac- I guess that in true American fashion, tice in Brooklyn and the Five Towns. He has been involved in counseling, chinuch, and kiruv everyone is entitled to his own opinion. for over 25 years. SSTART can be reached at I’ll close with the 200-plus-year-old [email protected] or 646-673-5909.

Edit Vanegas, center, in denim jacket, looks on at the scene of the fire where his wife and three children were killed. (Photo by James Carbone / Daily News)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 73 Rav Weitman, a’h ered it. He delivered it with a fire. yahrzeit he would never insist on taking account of the school being a wealthy Continued from Page 26 Another alumna recalled, “In the the amud to lead the services. He would school with a wealthy parent body. It early years it was Rabbi Weitman who say that it was a greater z’chus (merit for may be argued that quite the opposite Before “self-esteem” became a encouraged us to embark upon those the deceased) to avoid arguments. is the case. This remarkable record is catchphrase in educational circles, early chesed projects. He imbued us His reputation for taking young true because of Rav Weitman’s highly Rav Moshe Weitman knew it, under- all with a love of chesed that we still ladies into his school regardless of developed sense of achrayus. stood it, and breathed it. Rabbi Yosef share to this day.” Currently, TAG their family’s ability to pay was leg- Rabbi Boruch Lovett, who worked Gelman, TAG’s first general-studies High School has one of the most endary. One time a student applied to closely with Rabbi Weitman for many principal and now the dean of Masores extensive chesed programs in the a rival school and incorrectly suggest- years, remarked, “Rav Weitman was Bais Yaakov in Brooklyn, recalled, “His country, under the leadership of Mrs. ed that Rabbi Weitman would not involved in every aspect of the school. approach was always to build up the Breindy Judowitz, which is used as a accept her because of the family’s poor Whenever there was a need, it was girls and to build up their families.” model for other Bais Yaakovs across finances. The director replied, “I am never beneath Rabbi Weitman’s digni- And build them up he did. His stu- the country who wish to develop their sorry; I may be Rabbi Weitman’s rival, ty to take care of a problem. In the dents graduated, married b’nei Torah, own chesed programs. but I know there is no way that that is early days, if the janitor did not show and raised beautiful families. Second- Rav Weitman inspired feelings of correct. He personifies the opposite of up, Rabbi Weitman himself shoveled and third-generation TAG students yiras Shamayim in his students. He what you just mentioned. Money has coal into the furnace so that the talmi- have become the norm. did so, however, while still allowing never, ever motivated that man.” dos would not be cold.” Rav Weitman was particularly girls to feel comfortable asking ques- Rav Weitman also took in girls from Rav Weitman, z’l, was a regular in proud of his graduates and as a mohel tions, whether in halachah or in homes with little background in the Sulitzer beis midrash on Beach 9th took special pride in performing the hashkafah. One alumna recalled that Yiddishkeit. These girls now lead Torah Street in Far Rockaway every day. He b’ris milah on children of TAG gradu- she felt safe just knowing that the homes throughout the community would give his daf yomi shiur like ates. He never requested any compen- Torah and chinuch world had some- and, indeed, across the country. He did clockwork, never missing a day until sation for this. He was the mohel for one like Rav Moshe Weitman around. this because of his enormous sense of he took ill. This was another example literally many thousands of young As loving and gentle a mechanech as achrayus, responsibility, to serve K’lal of his finely honed sense of achrayus. boys who would grow up to become he was, he was strong in his Torah Yisrael’s spiritual needs. The loss to K’lal Yisrael is a pro- fine b’nei Torah. hashkafos. If, for example, something, Even in recent years, Rav Weitman found one. Rav Moshe Weitman, z’l, His favorite sefer to teach was the challilah, was a breach in tzenius, the agreed to take girls into his school who has physically altered the Torah land- Ramchal’s Derech Hashem. He would Torah’s lofty ideals of modesty, he came straight out of public school. scape of the Far Rockaway–Five Towns use this as a springboard to instill in would take a stand. How many Bais Yaakovs today still do community. The facts on the ground his talmidos Torah hashkafos that he Once, at a TAG graduation, when a this? And yet at the same time, he was are the thousands and thousands of had culled from his rebbeim and from local politician who had previously able to create a model Bais Yaakov. frum families that now live in the area. his own learning. He had an uncanny taken a stand against yeshiva vouchers Mrs. Aleeza Berkowitz, TAG High Most of these families have some con- ability to make Torah sources relevant came in, Rabbi Weitman let him know School’s Judaic Studies principal, connection to TAG, and many have very to youth and to young ladies in partic- of his disapproval. If there was some- stantly receives letters from seminaries strong ties. His is a remarkable legacy. ular. Girls would leave his parashah thing that appeared in a Jewish publica- about how well TAG graduates know Aside from his impact upon the chin- speeches with a strong hashkafic foun- tion that Rav Weitman felt was antithet- their material. uch world, Rav Weitman leaves his dation that would last them for ical to the Torah view, he would write in Rav Weitman’s sense of achrayus rebbitzen, five sons, and one daughter. decades to come. Even today, TAG and express his views. Sometimes he extended to his employees, as well. Yehei zichro baruch. O graduates and alumnae vividly recall took flak for these positions. Not once in forty-six years has TAG the details of a particular parashah Yet Rav Weitman always stayed away ever been late with its payroll. What is The author may be reached at speech and the way in which he deliv- from machlokes. When he had a most remarkable is that this is not on [email protected].

74 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES LIRangeR Dancing with the Stars before ing yuppies in the morning or you can now place yourself in the aisle-sitter, or the window- Continued from Page 72 making himself a cup of warm the beer-drinking construc- the black hole known as the sitter will be disembarking milk and retiring for the tion workers in the evening. middle seat, where no arm before you are, and this whole portion of my monthly ticket; evening at 10 p.m. You slowly walk down the room is allotted. Of course, unfortunate parade has to he has to see the whole thing. I hope you never have to aisle, scanning the car to find chances are you will be disem- begin again. Flashing it briefly isn’t good deal with this conductor. I’m the best middle seat: the one barking from the train before Have fun, middle seater! O enough for him, either. Even sort of used to it by now, so I that has two people on either when you think you’ve shown have to chuckle every time he side who weigh less than 300 him the ticket, he asks to see does something to tick a pas- pounds each, or who do not it again. He has to get a senger off. “Ha, ha, ole have ten Conway bags placed good…long…look…at…each Stickler is at it again!” on the seat next to them. It is …and…every…ticket. now your job to notify the He also seems to have some The Dreaded ‘Middle Seat’ aisle-sitter, the gatekeeper to kind of ticket-punching fetish. OK, admit it. You don’t like your precious seat, to kindly He furiously punches tickets the middle seat. You know the uproot himself from his com- over riders sitting near the one I’m talking about: that fortably settled-in position, aisle, leaving a pile of paper nether-space between the much to his consternation. At punch pieces all over people’s aisle seat and the window this point you will either get laps. Some of the specific inci- seat. In fact, you avoid it at all an exasperated sigh, an eye- dents I’ve personally witnessed costs, unless you are looking rolling look, or possibly some with this guy are truly a sight forward to spending 45 to 55 under-the-breath muttering. to behold. I’ve seen him pull minutes standing in the After being allowed just tickets that are partially stick- vestibule with the latte-hold- enough space to squeeze by, ing out of wallets to get a better look at them. I’ve seen him check for tickets of people walking past him in the aisle (not a usual practice for most normal conductors) as well. Once there was a man who had trouble getting the monthly ticket from the station ticket agent (she was too busy counting receipts to sell tickets), so he boarded the train without a ticket. The conductor who checked tickets prior to Jamaica on the way into the city let him slide, especially since he had a wallet full of previous monthly tickets, and only a $100 bill on him. (Try to find someone willing to bother changing that on a single fare!) He was feeling confident, until I reminded him that Stickler would not let him get away with that after Jamaica. Sure enough, Stickler arrived after the train pulled out of Jamaica. When this guy told his ticket sob story and then pulled out his $100 bill, Stickler gladly changed the money for a single fare, promptly punching the paper pieces all over the poor guy’s coat. Nothing fazes this conductor. I’ve heard people muttering curses at him and giving him dirty looks. But he takes it all in stride, ignoring them with his usual stoic attitude. I imagine that he has everything in his house neatly lined up in little stacks, organized in alphabetical order or something, and does the same boring routines daily. He probably eats the same thing for breakfast each morning before heading out to work in his ill-fitting uniform, not really joking or socializing with his co-workers, who, of course, do not take their jobs as seriously as he does. I imagine that after a day’s work he heads straight home, bypassing the bars and hang- outs of other LIRR employees, has a frozen microwav- able dinner, and settles in to watch some reality shows like 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 75 76 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 77 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

Simchas Naava Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring. Share your simcha flowers! Be SAT Math prep, regents, high school m’sameach other simchas! Donate your and elementary math, high school fresh flower arrangements! We will physics. Call 516-371-5522 match your simcha date with simchas following yours or deliver them Come in for a Free frame and standard to nursing home residents. inspection. Don't get taken for a ride. To donate or obtain flower Precision Auto Body 691 Burnside Ave, arrangements call 516-239-6066 Lawrence. 516-371-1137. Friends don't In memory of a special friend, Naava Wassner Katlowitz let friends drive junk!

Plumbing and Heating: Sundial Plumbing. Boilers/water heaters serviced HELP and installed. All leaks fixed. Bathrooms, kitchens, basements. No job too big or WANTED small. Call 718-252-1234

Photography - Small Event Specialist Bar/Bat Mitzva - Bris - Yeshiva/Shul Stockbrokers — Lantern Investments. Functions - Family Portraits Offices in LI and NYC offer experienced Reasonable prices - Quality Work - Fast brokers exceptional growth opportunity. Turnaround. High Payout. Latest tech and research. Call Eli - 516-319-7709 Benefits. Boro Park Ladies’ Hat Gemach and 516-374-0002 or fax 516-374-8443, Girls’ Coat Gemach now accepting [email protected] these items in excellent condition. Drop off available in Woodmere. To donate Experienced secretary wanted for elec- call 718-972-3211 trical business in Hewlett area. F/T. Hebrew speaking a plus. Mother May I Productions, Inc. pres- ents the children’s acting workshop ages Fax resume to 516-812-7607 4-12. Scene work, monologues, theater games, and improvisation. Beginning or New salon looking for experienced: hair dresser/sheitel macher, make-up advanced classes. Private or group artist, manicurist, masseuse in central classes available. Openings in March Cedarhurst area. and April. Parents are welcome in the Please call 516-791-2520 or 646-270-3381 class! Teen and adult classes also available. Call MMIPI at 516-865-2723 Male shadow needed in Far Rockaway yeshiva full time. Must be physically Too Much to Type? Too Much to Do? able to assist wheelchair-bound teenage College Reports, Simcha Lists, Secretarial Support. Call Gold Star boy. Good hourly wage. Please e-mail Typing Service for help. Reasonable resume to [email protected] rates. Call 718-471-9712 Volunteer to spend a few wonderful Private tutor — NYS Certified teacher. hours on Purim day to deliver Shaloch Golda E. Bornfreund, MS. Elementary Manos to residents of nursing homes Hebrew and English subjects, home- and hospitals. Call Izzy 212-365-8892 work help, study skills/organizational skills, test-taking strategies. A retail shop looking for a responsible 516-650-0758 Reasonable rates. salesperson on Central Ave. in the 5 Towns. Approximately 24 hours a week. The Computer Place Afternoon hours. Please call 347-581- Computer Consultants, Technical 2196, leave message. Support, Network, Internet Solutions. Call 800-613-2634

Thorough cleaning of houses or offices 3 Your Real Estate, times weekly; own transportation; great references; reasonable prices. Service, or Call Maria 516-208-9631 Help Wanted Ad G'Mach Chasdei Yisroel — Lending money to people in Klei Kodesh & for Here Every Klei Kodesh purposes. In the Far Rockaway-Five Towns area. Please call Thursday 917-822-9910 for more info. Or email [email protected]. In Memory of 100,000 readers R' Yisroel Ben Binyamin, a"h. look forward to

Kollel Yungerman available to learn what’s happening in the with your son Gemora or Mishnayos. 5 Towns by reading Review class material or undertake a challenging project. Available after The Five Towns Yeshiva and some hours during Yeshiva. Call 917-842-2587 Jewish Times.

Yara’s Cleaning Service We pay attention to every detail and leave your home, Deadline is Monday office, or store spotless at an affordable at 5:00 p.m. price with expert reliability and trust- worthy service. Call 917-578-3240 1 Week...... $35 Top $ Paid! Looking to buy your 2 Weeks ...... $60 unwanted Gold & Silver. Call Chaya 917-805-0987 4 Weeks ...... $100 New Table and Chair Gemach for short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct., Far Weekly Ads of up to 25 words Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368 Call: 516-569-0502 Wipe Your Debt Away! Affordable Loans for every Situation and Budget. Fax: 516-977-0608 Call now, Get an answer in 24-48 hours! Call 888-964-7111 Or E-mail ads to: [email protected] Menadvim— Furniture and Appliances. Like new to Donate and Receive. Call Include payment info. 718-MEN-ADVIm (718-636-2384) We deliver. 78 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE

Excellent mixed use property located Open House Sun 3/1 Looking for a Beautiful Home in a minutes from JFK! 2 buildings, 4 resi- North Woodmere — 736 Sherewood GREAT Community? Look no fur- dential + 2 commercial units. Excellent Street 12-1:30 large traditional 4 BR col. ther than Oceanside, NY. Find out income producer ...... $1.29M Main level den, near all. Reduced! why so many young frum families Ruth Redlener, Prudential D.E.R.E...... $630K are moving to this warm and friend- 516-884-6698 Cedarhurst — first show. Mint condi- ly community. Spacious and Extremely Affordable Homes. Call tion. 4 BR, 2.5 new bths, LR/skylights, Robert Manel at 516-458-4847 Hal Commercial for Sale Hewlett: Small hardwood floors, near all! . . . . . $769K multi-family building, Stable tenancy, Knopf Realty Sue Schachter Realty 516-295-1860 [email protected] Want to well-maintained. Commercial strip cen- know how you can save $25K - $55K ter. Please contact: Ari Schulman At Cedarhurst — Open House Sunday 1-2:30 on the purchase of your new home? Weissman Realty Group 516-791-6100 PM Call David C. Welner at 718-928- 451 Summit Avenue — 5 BR, 2.5 Bath, 4775 [email protected]. REAL ESTATE 50x150 lot, low tax. Price reduced!$499K FOR SALE Jessica Silver Realty 516-295-0306 Valley Stream: Nu 2 Mkt. Brick ranch, Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. Law: Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth, great condition, quiet street. Nu EIK, ...... $729K LR, Den, Lg Prop ...... $439K Far Rockaway: 2 Family. All NU, fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large prop 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 For Rent ...... $2,500 3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great ...... $800sK Location ...... $599K 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! Call 516-322-3555 Ced: Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl, deck, 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, all new, grt loc, full bsmt...... $795K 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth Open House 3/1/09. clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space Cedarhurst: CH col., new quality con- Lr/Dr, Walk to All ...... $179K 8 Landau. New Hempstead, NY 1-3 PM parking, 2 family, professional use, struction. 7 bedroom, 4.5 bths, den, LR, accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- Call 516-322-3555 ...... $407,000 DR, oversized gourmet, granite EIK, MIC home, 3/4 BR, 2.5 baths, 2,243 Sq. tional and religious uses. Grand colonial with charm and great possibilities. Cedarhurst — Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 huge FDR, 9' ceiling, finished basement Ft. 57 acres Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable bath, brick & stucco Colonial. Updated prime location. Asking ...... $1.25M Yaakov (Milch) Miller 914-414-3619, Owner 516-322-3555 EIK, LR with fireplace. $399,000 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Rivky Kagan 845-659-2056 Kagan Realty 516-833-6004, pugatch.com Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning Woodsburgh — Gracious 6 bedroom, all cul-de-sac, best location ...... $850K brick Colonial, luxury details set on 1 Call 516-902-0936 acre with tennis, inground pool...... $2,699,000 Lawrence — New to market- totally 516-295-3000, pugatch.com restored grand 3 story grand brick col 7+ BR, many details large property For rent — 136 Sutton Pl. — Renovated Lawrence — Brick contemporary. 6 BR 5 BR home in park setting 7 bths. 8,800 interior. Mint 1.2 acre prop. 376 Central Ave — Beautiful 1 BR, 1.5 ...... $2+M or $10K/mo. bths, luxury bldg 24 hr doorman Cedarhurst — 3 BR colonial. . . . $399K Woodmere by appt. Woodmere — 3 BR ranch. Mint . $499K 1031 Dartmouth Lane — 5 BR, park set- Smolinsky Properties 516-295-4444 ting ...... $600’s 137 Park St — 6 BR, c/h col, beautiful Tree St area ...... $800’s Attention: Large property, corner 63 Captains Rd. — Multi level home Cedarhurst and Woodmere 150x100 apx. with waterview ...... $600’s 13 large rooms, 3 baths. Good for 75 Wood Lane, Woodsburgh — Renovated 5 BR home on beautiful kindergarten, elementary school, yeshi- property va, synagogue, or other institution. 225 Narrows La. — 4+ BR, multi level Parking garage for 4 cars and 2 buses. with basement and den ...... $589K Immediate. Reasonable. West Lawrence 156 B. 9 — New condo Owner 347-439-8234 bldg– steps to beach. Sale or rent 12-2 p.m. Milky Forst Properties Inc 516-239-0306 Far Rockaway/Lawrence: 2 BR/ 2 BA, Newly Renovated, Dead-end street, Kings Point Delray Beach condo for Price...... $539K sale 1,100 sq. feet. 2 BR, 2 bths, new Call Owner: 516-750-9257 European kitchen and appliances, updated bath, new carpets, 24-hour Miami Beach — Tower 41. Ocean View. guarded community. Golf, theater, library ...... $199,999 1 bdrm, 17th floor. Stunning. Call 631-664-0075 732-522-0813 Luxurious apartments: Penthouse in Cedarhurst: Nu to Mkt. Handyman Bucman, Modiin. 5 BR, balconies, Special/ Builder, 50'x100',Quiet Block, Shabbos elevator, 2 sinks, 2.5 bths...... $350K Prime loca'n, Quick Sale: . . . . . $329K Villa 6 BR, c/ac, parking, storage, back- 5 Town Homes 516-569-5710 yard ...... $550K Call 718-471-8888 New Exclusives! Hewlett Bay Park — Totally redone Woodmere — Spacious updated 5 bed- and ready to move into. Gracious CH room, 4.5 bath Colonial, den with fireplace, quiet block, SD 14 . . . . . $729,000 colonial on beautifully landscaped prop- 516-295-3000, pugatch.com erty. Five bedrooms plus maids, 4.5 renovated bathrooms, Kitchen with granite Woodmere — Lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bath countertops and family room with wood Split with den and full basement, prime burning fireplace open to IG pool. location ...... $569,000 Living room with wood burning fire- 516-295-3000 pugatch.com place, Master suite with cathedral ceil- House for sale in Far Rockaway. Semi- ings and wood burning fireplace, attached, 3 BR, large deck and play- upstairs playroom and much more. All room. Great location. Near TAG. tastefully decorated and mint. $1.789M Asking ...... $549K. Call 718-337-6999 Lawrence — Southgate Co-op 2 BR, LR, L-shaped Dining Room, EIK. $139K Morton Haves Inc. 516-374-0100 Classified Ads are www.havesrealestate.com Always Welcoming Licensed Motivated Continued on the Next Page. Real Estate Agents and Brokers! 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 79 CLASSIFIED ADS REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Continued from Page 79 FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR RENT REAL ESTATE Cedarhurst— lot 56x140 col. 6 BR, 2.5 Woodmere — Brand new construction on Cedarhurst: Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. FOR SALE bths, EIK, large DR, deck, finished Clubhouse Road in the heart of 2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk basement, near shuls, 2-car garage, low Woodmere Park. Contemporary style incld. $2,500. 5Town Homes 516-569-5710 taxes...... $649K by owner. home. 6 BR, 4 Bths, custom granite Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU 917-559-1828, Call for appointment. kosher kitchen, Radiant Heat, Alarms, Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. 3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt Camera equipped, hardwood floors, plus 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near All features ...... $779K much, much more. Price reduced. Lawrence: OURS ONLY!! Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be Call 516-263-6417 BRICK, C/H COL, Stately BRICK, w/old Motivated seller!...... $1.45M divided. Owner 917-359-9776 world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5 Woodmere Park — Brand new Lawrence — NU 2 Mkt. Col., Brk., BTHS, Kosher Eik, Lg. LR W/FPL, Lg. Mediterranean style construction. 6 BR, Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq ft, fully Large property, near ALL, 5Br, 3.5Bth, FDR, Library, Fin. Bsmt., Lg Prop., 3.5 Bths, kosher granit kitchen, Radiant Den, full bsmt ...... $1.9M wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. WALK ALL. heat, Alarms, Camera equipped. Call 516-322-3555 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Call 516-322-3555 Motivated seller! ...... $1.4M Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Woodmere/Cedarhurst — 2 BR avail- Weissman Realty Group, LLC able. Secure buildings, new EIK, close 516-791-6100 to all and train station. 1 month’s free rent! . . . $1,600 Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Far Rockaway listings FOR RENT Hicksville Road 2 BR, 1 bth, ground floor, new windows, new kitchen, perfect for elderly, available immediately. Call Weissman Realty Group Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom 516-791-6100 Weissman Realty Group, LLC Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator 516-791-6100 bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv, Cedarhurst — Nu House CH Col. LR, transportation, and shopping. FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR, 3BTHS. Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180 Bsmt. For Rent ...... $2,500 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, Inwood — 8 offices available for rent. LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new Total 3000 square feet. Newly renovated. Can also be used as a warehouse. carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. For more information, Danrich Realty Walk all ...... $2,250 718-441-28008 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place N Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch in Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. cul-de-sac, best location. $4K monthly 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Call Irene 516-652-7099

80 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES FOR RENT

Nicest house rental in Far Rockaway. Beautiful, Ready to move in, 5 BR house on excellent block in Far Rockaway. Brand new kitchen and very spacious backyard. Call owner 917-617-0768

Lawrence — 247 Rockaway Tpke, Spacious house for rent, newly renovated, 4/5 bedrooms, 2 Bath, LR, FDR, new granite kitchen, fireplace, large yard, garage ...... $2,700 917-642-4308 or [email protected]

Cedarhurst — NU House, CH Col.LR,FDR, Kosher Eik, Den,4BR.3BTHS. Bsmt...... …$3,200 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710

Cedarhurst — House Rental LR/FDR, den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt . . . . . $2,300 Call 516-322-3555

Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. Call 516-322-3555

Woodmere — For rent by owner. 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, eat-in-kitchen, living room/dining room, private entrance. Minutes from all shuls $1,600+utilities. Call 917-327-1291

Far Rockaway — apts for rent. 4 BR, new construction. Near all. New appliances. First floor includes backyard ...... $1,900 Second floor $1,750 516-445-4048, ask for Barry.

Cedarhurst: Office rental: Executive 2 Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555

Far Rockaway — Apartment available. Brand new construction. Furnished or unfurnished. 3 BR, 2bths. Cleaning and laundry services available. Perfect for the elderly. Call Sherri 516-569-5450 COMMERCIAL FOR RENT

Warehouse space 6,000 sq ft. available $2,500 a month. 2nd floor, private elevator in Glendale, Queens right off of Woodhaven Blvd/Metropolitan Avenue Jimmy 917-841-1580

MISCELLANEOUS

Free DIRECTV 4 Room System! 265 Channels! Starts $29.99/month. Free HBO + Showtime + Starz! Free DVR/HD! 130 HD Channels! No Start Up Costs! Ends Soon! Local Installers! 1-800-306-1953

DIRECTV Free 4 Room System! 256+ Channels! Starts $29.99/mo. Free HBO+Showtime+Starz! Free DVR/HD! 130 HD Channels! No start up costs! Ends soon! Local installers! 1-800-973-9027

Ocean Corp. Houston, Texas. Train for New Career. Underwater Welder, Commercial Diver, NDT/Weld Inspector. Job placement and financial aid for those who qualify, 1-800-321-0298.

Deadline for Advertising in the Next Issue is Tuesday, March 3 at 5:00 P.M. Call 516-984-0079

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 81

tribute to the rebuilding of the roof?” I think the best way to present the Daf Yomi Insights halachic discussion of the Shvus Yaakov is through a discourse between Iluy, owner of the top floor, and Adam, Burning Down The House spreading flames, acted quickly to save owner of the bottom floor (represent- B Y RABBI AVROHOM his house. He lived in a three-story ing the middle floor as well.) SEBROW house, with each floor being owned by Iluy: Please contribute to the the resident of that floor (like a condo- rebuilding of the roof. A great tragedy befell the Jewish minium). The ghetto had freestanding Adam: As you well know it is a long- Ghetto of Prague in 1689 (5449 on the houses that were attached by a com- standing agreement that you as the Jewish calendar). Almost the entire mon roof. The resident of the top floor owner of the top floor are solely ghetto was destroyed by fire on June 21 realized that he could save his home by responsible for the roof. You have to of that year. French occupying troops demolishing the roof, and denying the repair the leaks and renovate it when it started the blaze. The flames spread fire a direct path to spread to his needs to be redone. That’s the price throughout the ghetto within two hours; you pay for living in a penthouse. eleven massive synagogues were either Iluy: Yes, you are right, but it is not burned to shells or reduced to ashes. relevant here. We are not talking about Three hundred Jewish homes were a simple repair; that I would certainly destroyed. One hundred Jews who had “True, I received be obligated to pay for. However, my The Maisel Synagogue in Prague was sought refuge in the synagogue near the actions saved your home as well as destroyed in 1689 and subsequently rebuilt. cemetery were caught under the roof as mine. You owe me money for the enor- it fell in. Some escaped with a part of much benefit but I mous benefit that you received that their possessions to the banks of the your house was saved from the fire due for the benefit that he received! The Moldau, only to be plundered by never asked you to to my measures. That benefit has sig- owner’s field is now ready for the Christians. The Jews found shelter nificant monetary value and I should growing season and he doesn’t have to among the Christians for the next three be compensated for my actions that pay anyone to plow or plant. He must months; but the archbishop finally for- destroy your roof!” caused you to have it. pay the interloper for his labor (up to bade the hospitality, on the ground that Adam: Very nice, but since when can the value of the benefit) even though they derided the Christian religion. This a person obligate someone else to pay the work was unauthorized. So who fire was a terrible blow to the Jewish him for something that he was never cares that you didn’t ask me to act to community and it came on the heels of house. His idea worked and his house asked to do? True, I received much ben- save your house? I did it anyway and an outbreak of the plague in 1680. was saved! Only one problem: Now he efit but I never asked you to destroy you received significant benefit. I However, the Jewish community did had no roof! You would think that the your roof! I didn’t ask you to do anything deserve payment just like the unau- recover and the Jewish presence in owners of the bottom two floors would for me! How can I possibly be liable? thorized worker. Prague continued. be thankful that he had saved their Iluy: I’m sorry that you are such an Adam: You’re calling me an am The Shvus Yaakov lived in Prague homes and help pay for a new roof, but am ha’aretz. But it is a well known ha’aretz? You don’t even do the daf! We and discussed a question that was they chose not to. The question was Gemara that if someone goes into just learned (Bava Kama 58a) that posed to him by one of the survivors of posed to the Shvus Yaakov (1:158) “Do someone else’s field without permis- someone who chases a lion away from the aforementioned blaze. A resident the owners of the bottom two floors sion and plows it and plants seeds, he his friend’s flock of animals cannot of the ghetto, upon seeing the rapidly have a halachic obligation to con- can demand payment from the owner demand payment for his actions. Why

82 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES not? His friend received tremendous in his great munificence and did not benefited that his animal wasn’t injured. been physically injured even if it fell on benefit! His flock of sheep was spared! want to be compensated for his actions No one asked the owner of the field if the ground. It would have only suffered You claim that a person can demand at the time of his valiant efforts. (The he wanted his tomatoes to be used as a pain and emotional distress. Still, an ani- payment for unauthorized services that fact that he later tries to exact payment mattress. So he can ask for compensa- mal owner would like to save his animal were rendered if there was a benefit. So is irrelevant.) But certainly if the lion tion for his tomatoes from the animal from that and must pay for the benefit why doesn’t the owner of the flock have chaser would suffer a financial loss as owner. If however someone knowingly he received since the owner did not offer to pay the lion chaser? The reason is a result of his actions he would want helps his friend’s property escape dam- his tomatoes knowingly. But in a case that an interloper can only demand pay- and is certainly halachically entitled to age, we assume that he is motivated by where the animal would clearly be phys- ment for actual tangible benefit compensation from the flock owner. altruistic feelings and does not want to ically injured with broken bones, the received by the owner. In the scenario This is true notwithstanding the fact be compensated for his mitzvah. The tomato owner can ask for compensation you mentioned, the owner’s field was that the lion chaser merely stopped a fact that he later decides to ask for com- even if it was done with his consent. You untilled and now it is plowed. There loss from happening without providing pensation is irrelevant. The upshot is can ask for compensation if there was a were no seeds planted and now the tangible benefit. I am like the lion that if someone makes a conscious deci- definite benefit received. Tosfos brings an plants are ready to sprout. His field is chaser. I suffered a loss when I saved sion to help someone and suffers a loss, example: A river swept away two don- now worth more. But here the flock your house from the fire. My roof was he cannot demand payment. So Iluy, keys. One was worth $100 and belonged remained the same! The person who destroyed. I am not merely demanding when you were destroying the roof at to Reuvein. One was worth $500 and chased the lion away stopped a poten- payment for my time and effort. I am the time of the fire, you didn’t dream of belonged to Shimon. Reuvein decides tial destructive force from attacking the demanding payment for my loss which asking anyone for compensation. You that it is better to save Shimon’s expen- flock, but did not provide positive tangi- I am entitled to ask for even though were perfectly happy with the knowl- sive donkey rather than his own. The ble benefit. An interloper can only your home remained the same and you edge that you were saving the house Gemara says that Reuvein is entitled to demand payment if he provides a mate- did not receive tangible benefit. So from the fire. It is just now when you some sort of compensation from Shimon rial benefit, but not when he merely please re-listen to the entire tape of see the estimate for how much the for his loss even though Reuvein willing- prevents a loss from being incurred. So your daf yomi shiur and pay up. repairs are going to be that it scared ly made the sacrifice. The reason is that I’m sorry, Iluy, that was a nice argument Adam: I underestimated you. I see your chesed away and you are asking for without Reuvein’s actions Shimon’s don- but it was misguided. My floor that you do the daf. But I am in an money. However, it is too late. You did key definitely would have been lost. So remained the same even after your advanced shiur where we learn Tosfos as not want to demand money at the time too here in Prague. Without my destruc- actions. It did not go up in value in any well. Tosfos throws a huge monkey that you demolished the roof; you there- tion of the roof, your floor definitely way. You merely stopped me from incur- wrench into your reasoning. The by released us from any responsibility would have burned. I saved you from a ring a loss from the fire. For that I am Gemara is only saying that a person who and you can’t change your mind now. certain loss and am therefore entitled to eternally grateful, but even gratitude saved his friend from a loss can demand Iluy: You know, I think you should see compensation even though it was a will- has its limits. And since I am not obli- payment when he himself incurred a a doctor for sleep apnea. You seem to ful act on my part. gated to pay for stopping a loss, I won’t! loss when the act of salvation was done always be tired and fall asleep in the Adam: You know I respect your com- Iluy: I’m glad you do the daf, but without his knowledge. Case in point: A middle of a shiur. Yes, you are right mand and grasp of the underlying con- next time please try to stay awake for man has a field full of juicy plump toma- about Tosfos, but you totally missed the cepts. But I think there is a major flaw the entire shiur! The very Gemara that toes. His field is recessed from the pub- second half! (Maybe your maggid shiur is in your reasoning that you are blind to you quoted says a line or two later that lic thoroughfare. A privately owned ani- too boring!) Tosfos says clearly that this because of your negiah (subconscious when the lion chaser incurred an actu- mal fell onto the field from the public whole discussion is limited to a case motivation factor) to extract money al loss himself, he can demand pay- street and escaped injury because it where the property owner who was from me. This whole discussion is ment from the flock owner. When it landed on those very tomatoes. The helped would not have definitely sus- totally irrelevant. I should have told was just a matter of time and exertion, owner of the field suffered the loss of tained actual damages anyway. The ani- we assumed that the lion chaser acted his tomatoes. The owner of the animal mal that fell on tomatoes would not have Continued on Page 87

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 83 Gala opera evenings, sudden Cook sisters’ zest for life and genuine forward to Safe Passage. In an exclusive ‘Safe Passage: wealth and fame, dangerous under- goodness shines through every page interview with the Five Towns Jewish ground missions into the heart of and explains why the leading opera Times, the biographer, journalist, and Nazi Germany, standing up to the singers of their day befriended and The Remarkable True perils of the Blitz—no one would loved them. Even when Ida began to have predicted such glamorous and earn thousands as a successful Story Of Two Sisters daring lives for the two decidedly romance novelist, the sisters never ordinary Englishwomen who came of departed from their homespun “I was moved Who Rescued Jews age between the wars and seemed virtues of thrift, hard work, self-sacri- destined never to stray from their fice, and unwavering moral convic- by the sisters’ From The Nazis’ quiet London suburb and comfort- tion, They sewed their own clothes, able civil service jobs. But in 1923 a traveled third class, bought the chance hearing of an aria from cheapest tickets during opera season, certainty, so rare By Ida Cook Madame Butterfly sparked a passion and directed every spare resource, as in the sisters that became a vehicle well as their own considerable BOOK REVIEW today in a world for both their greatest happiness and courage and ingenuity, toward saving B Y ROCHELLE MARUCH the rescue of dozens of Jews facing as many people as they could from MILLER persecution and death. Hitler’s death camps. where moral Safe Passage (Harlequin; ISBN Uplifting and utterly charming, Safe For Ida and Louise Cook, the spirit 978-0-373-89201-3; $13.95; 256 Passage is moving testimony to all that equivalence of hope, the conviction that everything pages) is one of the most unusual and can be achieved when conscience and would come out right in the end, was inspiring accounts to come out of the compassion are applied to a collapsing the essence of life. It pervades the cataclysm of World War II. First pub- world. “When I first discovered this holds sway.” romantic novels written by Ida, but it lished in 1950 under the title We remarkable book it was the unshakable also guided the daily existence of both Followed Our Stars, Ida’s memoir of faith of Ida and Louise Cook that they sisters. No matter what evils they the adventures she and Louise shared could make a difference that hooked encountered in the world, what remains as fresh, vital, and entertain- me immediately,” explained noted former Reuters foreign correspondent remained constant for them was hope. ing as the woman who wrote it. The scholar Anne Sebba, who wrote the discussed Safe Passage. “It was the artless innocence of two young women flying to another country—at a time when flying itself was dangerously new—defying that country’s laws to help desperate people they did not know, that made such a pro- found impression. I was moved by the sisters’ certainty, so rare today in a world where moral equivalence holds sway, that they knew without any ambiguity a clear difference between right and wrong.” Ms. Sebba spoke of how a number of so-called intellectuals in Britain in the 1930s—“Not just those who were openly anti-Semitic or pro-Hitler such as Unity Mitford, but those who wor- shipped German art and culture”— refused to believe ill about Hitler or a country that had produced Beethoven, Goethe, and Wagner. “Yet Ida and Louise, with no university degrees, were not fooled. They were able to distinguish between high art and fine music and bestiality. They understood that Anglo-German friendship did not require conniving with Hitler to kill Jews. They were born with an innate moral gauge, a spirit level in the brain that tilted as soon as they smelled evil. Courage they learned along the way.” And through it all is the music. Opera shored up their belief “that there was another world to which we would be able to return one day.” Beyond the fog of horror and misery, there were lovely bright things that they had once taken for granted. “Ida recognized the absurdity of sublime music existing in the midst of a hellhole,” Anne Sebba said. “But she saw it rather differently. She saw the music as something that counterbal- anced their unhappiness at the cruelty they were forced to witness. Ida refers at one point to the power they had to decide the fate of an individual, power she loathed because of the ‘terrible, moving, and overwhelming thought—I could save life with it.’ But the real power in the book is the transformative nature of music and especially the high drama of operatic music. These

Continued on Page 90 84 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 85 The Wizard Of Oz And Halachah

BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN The Third Question, From The Tin Woodsman The facts that the month of Adar is I need a heart transplant. Is it per- upon us and that the cast members of mitted for me to receive one? TAG’s “Time For Teens” are earnestly Dear Tin Woodsman, practicing their roles in The Wizard of This is an excellent question. At this Oz play to take place this upcoming point, in order to receive a heart trans- motzaei Shabbos have prompted the plant one needs to receive it from a following halachic musing: What if patient with a functioning heart. The every character in L. Frank Baum’s problem is that taking out a function- early-twentieth-century magnum opus ing heart may possibly be considered were to suddenly consider the halachic an act of murder. The reason that the ramifications of their actions and term “possibly” is used is that some desires? What are the halachic ques- people think that a person could be tions involved? And what might be the already dead even though the heart is responses? Below we find a sample. still beating. This is a debate between Rav J. David Bleich and Rav Moshe The First Question, From Dorothy Tendler. Rav Bleich seems to hold that My house landed upon the Wicked death is defined by whether or not the Witch of the East and nothing was left heart is still beating. Rav Tendler has but the silver shoes. The Good Witch accepted the “Harvard Definition” of of the North explained to me, “That is death—called “Brain Stem Death.” the end of her. But the silver shoes are Rav Tendler would permit it. Rav yours, and you shall have them to Bleich would forbid it. Rav Dovid wear.” May I take the shoes? Feinstein, shlita, on a video shown on

I need a brain transplant. Is it permitted for me to receive one?

Dear Dorothy, the website of the Halachic Organ The Sefer Chasidim (No. 454) Donor Society (hods.org), seems to say states that a person should not do that his father, Rav Moshe, zt’l, held charity with something that is danger- that death is defined by whether or not ous. It once happened that a person a person can breathe on his own. This, was given a pair of shoes of a meis, a however, cannot be the true criterion dead person; he wished to give it to a without further caveats, as there are poor person as charity. They told him, thousands of people who cannot “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” It is breathe on their own who are put on clearly seen from this Sefer Chasidim respirators and who eventually recover. that one is prohibited from using the No rabbi in the world would ever per- shoes of a dead person, on account of mit these people to have their organs some sort of danger. There are various taken while they cannot breathe on minhagim about this halachah in their own. terms of whether one may use other shoes that the deceased had worn. The Fourth Question, Most people observe the custom to From The Scarecrow refrain from all shoes that belonged to I need a brain transplant. Is it per- a person who is now deceased, not mitted for me to receive one? just the ones worn at death. So stay Dear Scarecrow, away from the shoes. See above response. Rav Bleich would permit it, while Rav Tendler would The Second Question, From The absolutely forbid this operation. [Editor’s Wicked Witch Of The West Note: The value of a brain transplanted Dorothy just killed my sister. There from a donor with a dead brain stem is is a mitzvah in the Torah of goel ha’- questionable, although such a brain dam. Is there a mitzvah for me to go might still be better than straw.] after Dorothy? Dear Witch, The Fifth Question, From Dorothy The Rambam rules (Hilchos I hate to be an ingrate or someone Rotzeiach 1:2) that the laws of goel who is kafui tov. However, there is this ha’dam apply only to a killer who person, Glinda, who claims to be a killed on purpose and not by accident. witch. She is telling me to take anoth- He further states that the beis din has er witch’s shoes. Fine, so you just told to have found him guilty. Rashi in me that I can’t take the shoes. But Sanhedrin disagrees and says that it what about this Glinda? Am I obligated applies to an accidental killer who to kill her, as it seems to imply in acted irresponsibly. Clearly, it was the Sh’mos 22:17, where it says, “Mecha- house and a tornado that killed your sheifah lo sechayeh—You shall not sister and not Dorothy. Dorothy hap- allow a sorceress to live”? pened to have been in the house, but Dear Dorothy, she did not kill her. So according to If you take a look at Rashi’s com- both opinions there is no mitzvah. It is ments on that pasuk, he states clear- forbidden for you to pursue Dorothy ly that such pronouncements and to kill her. actions may only be made by a quali- 86 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES fied beis din. Nowadays, permitted for me to go to a Daf Yomi Insights record of it. Perhaps it was a ers of the two bottom floors there is no beis din that is doctor on Shabbos? Continued from Page 83 relatively minor fire.) Again, a were saved by destruction of qualified to rule on dinei Dear Dorothy, house was saved by destroying the roof that was done for nefashos cases (where a Sorry about your arm. If you this right away! All these the common roof that con- their benefit as well, they death penalty is involved). So you are sure that there are no cases we discussed are where nected it to other houses. The must chip in. the answer is, “No—leave life-threatening issues one person did an action sole- Shvus Yaakov surprisingly Final postscript: There are Glinda alone.” involved then you cannot ly to save his friend’s property. ruled that the owners of the those that disagree with the travel to a hospital on your In that case he may or may lower floors must indeed chip Shvus Yaakov and this was The Sixth Question, own on Shabbos (assuming not be entitled to compensa- in to repair the roof! Why the meant to be an informative From Glinda you are Jewish). You can, tion. But let’s be honest here variant ruling? This time the rather than an authoritative There is some little girl that however, ask a gentile to for a minute. When that fire roof was destroyed not by the discussion. O apparently did not get your transport you. Amirah L’akum was raging you only had your- owner of the top floor, but Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi last answer to her. She is run- regarding biblical prohibi- self and your floor on your rather by municipal firemen. chaburah at Eitz Chayim of Dogwood ning around trying to kill me. tions is permitted in the fol- mind. You didn’t have time to They destroyed the roof to Park in West Hempstead and is an outreach professional at JEP of LI. He [Note: The traditional version lowing circumstances: bein worry about me. That fire was save the entire house not just can be contacted at of the story omits this detail.] ha’shemashos, p’sik reisha, spreading rapidly and the the top floor. Since the own- [email protected]. What should I do? choleh, eiruvin, and b’ris whole ghetto was on fire in Dear Glinda, milah. You have the status of two hours time. It was about The Rambam (Hilchos a choleh, a sick person, and to destroy your floor and you Rotzeach U’Shmiras Ha- therefore you may have these had to act quickly. And I’m Nefesh, 1:8–10) writes that if needs addressed through a glad that you did. But don’t try someone is chasing another non-Jew. Refuah sheleimah. to tell me that in those person to kill him, he is a And in the future, wait until moments of intense pressure rodeif. You may stop him (or you hear the answer before you were concerned about her) first by striking at the you take action. someone other than yourself person’s limbs. If this does not and your family. So compen- work, one may take his or her The Eighth Question, sation in this case is totally life. Glinda, it should be From The Wicked Witch Of out of the question. And the noted that these halachos do The West Shvus Yaakov agrees with me. still apply nowadays and that There is a girl here with a He said that when an individ- a beis din is not required here, bucket of water. She does not ual acts for his own benefit since time is of the essence. realize that the water will but happens to help his friend totally kill me. If I have no as well, he cannot demand The Seventh Question, other way of stopping her in any compensation. Sorry, Iluy. From Dorothy time, may I use lethal force You’ll have to get a night job I did not get the answer to to preserve my own life? to pay for that roof. my last question in time. I am Dear Witch, Postcript: In 1713 there sorry, I did take unilateral Yes; please see the answer to was another fire in Prague action. But tell me, it is question number six above. O that affected multiple houses. Shabbos, and I think I may (In my brief research I have Rabbi Hoffman can be reached at need to get my arm reset. Is it [email protected]. not found any historical

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 87 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 65 JCCRP Job Search Services The Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula, in affiliation with its sister agency, the Jewish Services Coalition, offers help in preparing a résumé. Individuals may seek assistance in creating a résumé or having their current résumé critiqued. Esther Schenker, the executive director of JSC, is an expert in rendering assistance in job search skills training. She emphasizes how important it is to network and to treat the search for a new job as a career in itself. You may contact her at [email protected] or 718-327-6060. Participants in the Brochos Out Loud contest picking up their treats at Libby’s Bakery: Esther Rena and Chana Munk (BBY, 1st and 4th grades), The JCCRP is a beneficiary agency of Sarah Rubin (TAG, 4th grade), Shmuel Rubin (Darchei, 1st grade), C.J. Srulovitch (No. 6 School), UJA-Federation of NY and a proud affiliate and Jacky and Zachary Srulovitch (HALB, 3rd grade and kindergarten). of Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. It works to help the poor and needy of the There are over 4,400 children par- show our appreciation for every aspect grades (there are possibilities of expan- community. Contact [email protected] ticipating in this contest. Each child of life. That is why there are brochos in sion to high schools and even adults.) It to find out how you can assist the JCCRP makes five brachos a day and five so many different categories—for is always very effective and fun when carry out its important work. O Amens are answered. In the past four health, bodily protections, before and we keep track, record, and receive years of this campaign, the community after we eat, for sleep and waking, and rewards for positive actions. We’re Brochos Out Loud Contest And has seen literally millions of brachos so on. “Brachah” is from the word never too old to start enjoying and Amen Campaign, February 2-March 1 made by our youngsters. source or spring. When we eat a fruit, enhancing our brochos and Amens and The 2009 Brochos Contest and Amen The purpose of this project is to there is one less fruit in this world. We to strengthen our emunah. Campaign is under way. This is the encourage us in an effective, consistent, say the brachah for Hashem to replace The brochos contest starts with our fourth year the campaign has been and fun way to recite more brochos and and replenish, through his eternal school age children but permeates and launched in our community. The cam- Amens. By saying them “b’kol ram” and spring, that fruit, or that food. When affects the entire family. The parents, paign is a joint community effort that with “kavanah” we increase our aware- we say any brachah a pipeline is created siblings, and friends who respond Amen includes HALB, HAFTR, Shulamit, ness of the brochos and the power of between us and Hashem through which become keenly aware of the importance South Shore, Yeshiva Ketanah, Darchei Amen. Like the stamp on the envelope, our brachah flows up and Hashem’s of saying brochos and the tremendous Torah, Siach Yitzchak, Bnos Bais Yaakov, like the signature on the contract, the blessings can flow down from the power of Amen. The children are moti- and TAG. This is in and of itself a Amen adds that special power and gives Eternal Source. The Amen then attests vated by the spiritual and tangible Kiddush Hashem that everyone is joyful- wings to the brachah to fly up to the that it is true. reward that they will receive. ly participating in the Five Towns gates of heaven. Every school is part of this great proj- How often are we lucky enough to Brochos Contest. The brochos thank Hashem and ect. It begins with first through eighth receive a spiritual reward and a material

88 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES one at the same time? The program was launched on Monday, February 2 and runs through March 1. It is being done l’ilui nishmas many local children who were R’l niftar over the past few years. The program is set up almost like a contest with a scorecard. The rules are simple. In effect, each student from grades one through eight is required and inspired to say five brochos each day. A calendar scorecard is being distributed to every student listing the dates for the month and a blank space for the signature next to each brachah. The scorecard also lists the categories of brachos that are required to be said each day to qualify for the contest. The brochos can only be said outside Brochos Out Loud participants picking up their treats at Pizza Pious: Shana Livian (BBY, 1st grade), Esther Rena Munk (BBY, 2nd grade), of the school. Someone, preferably a Leba Bald (BBY, 2nd grade), Miriam Minkin (Shulamith, 6th grade), Jacob and Binyomin Minkin (South Shore, 4th and 1st grades), parent or sibling, must answer Amen and Master Feintuch (Darchei).

and then sign the scorecard. We thus delicious candy treat from Supersol or emphasize the significance of brochos Kosher World. The third, and current, and the vital importance of answering week is crispy French fries from Carlos Amen to brochos. In case it’s late and no & Gabby’s. The final week is an ice one is up in your house (rare in many cream cup from Qcumber’s. In the houses with kids always roaming future, others may participate. Thanks around) there is a phone number on the are due to these stores for their enthu- Amen/Brachah sheet to call so someone siasm and generosity. can answer Amen. The program shows the achdus in the Several stores are offering prizes Five Towns community to be able to join each week for the completion of the together with 100% participation and required brochos and Amen. Five bro- encourage our children to make brachos per day for seven days equals 70 chos. Thanks to all the sponsors and all brochos and Amens per week. When the mechanchim in the schools for mak- you present your signed Amen sheet, ing this program a reality. May this pro- you will receive a prize. The first week gram be a source of nachas to the whole it was a large sprinkle cookie from community and may it lead to future Brochos Out Loud participants picking up their treats at Kosher World: Libby’s Bake Shop. The second week achdus which will bring us one step Aryeh and Menachem Barkanny (Darchei, 3rd and 2nd grades), was a double prize week including closer to the coming of Mashiach in our and Menachem Zlotnick (Darchei, 2nd grade). yummy zepolies from Pizza Pious and a time… (Loud) Amen. O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 89 begin my life today? Alas, they have all Safe Passage been put “somewhere” in the frenzy of Continued from Page 84 Where’s All The Stuff IPut erev Shabbos cleanup. I am comforted by the thought that two sisters knew that in the presence it’s Sunday. Chazal tell us that the days of their prima donna heroines, or Away On Erev Shabbos? closest to Shabbos on either side of the angels, according to Ida, they could week are filled with more kedusha than pull on their homemade cloaks and the rest. I silently think to myself, “I’m assume different personae themselves. dining room table is sparkling clean, still lingering in kedusha. I don’t really Now, that’s romance.” BY SARAH SHULDIG the aura of Shabbos guests is still lin- have to work yet.” I don’t have to go After the war Ida and Louise set- gering and filling the room with warm into it full swing. The shock from tled back into the family home in I’m in a rhythm during the week. and good thoughts. The surface of Shabbos to weekday needs to go South London where they had lived Things are happening, moving, and the dining room table is relatively smoothly. But what about my produc- for the past 60 years and into the safe moving fast. I have my own system clear, and everything looks peaceful. tivity? What about all those lists? All and familiar routines of work and of organizing my days. I’m a visual Life is in order. Even the pile of those chores? opera, continuing quietly with their person, and I like all my papers laid Torah books and “work” books that “They can wait,” I tell myself. refugee and displaced persons work. out before me. Some in piles, and “Nothing’s falling apart. Have a peace- But in 1950, after Ida published this some just separate by themselves, so ful meal right now. Enjoy the time for autobiography, the pair were soon I know to take care of them right reflection and re-charging. Write an bathed in a halo of publicity and away. Alas, they have all article from your neshama to share embarked on a round of parties and Sure I have a desk calendar that with others.” awards. Several of the refugees cost me $5 per page (at least it I know the clock will begin its fought to have Ida and Louise’s work seemed that way, on purchase). OK, I been put urgent strike shortly. It will catch up recognized by Yad Vashem. shouldn’t be so suave about it. I only to me and yell, “Boo!” And I’ll run. In 1965, they were declared started using it a year ago. I try to put “somewhere” in the And jump into action. My mind will “Righteous among the Nations” in everything on it, but there is a limit to race. The phone will start ringing, recognition of their work in rescuing all things. the computer buzzing, the demands Jews from Germany and from Austria So some things continue to stay in frenzy of erev escalating. The rushing, the leaping, during the dark days of the Nazi piles. The problem is I don’t just have the accomplishing. regime and in helping them to rebuild one desk, but two, and sometimes Shabbos cleanup. And best of all, I will gather all my their lives in freedom. The citation three. That is, I have an official desk in papers from the previous week from mentioned 29 families, but the total an official office part of the house. But this nook and that cranny and lay them number of those they helped must be then, I also have the dining room and all out on the dining room table, the triple this. the kitchen table (to my husband’s dis- made their way there last night are kitchen table, and my office desk. And Ida died on December 24, 1986, at may). I am a thinker/worker while I eat sitting and behaving in an orderly breathe the breath of goodness and the age of 82. Louise outlived her my meals. Half time for Torah, and half manner. productivity, and chesed, and Torah, beloved sister by five years. One of time for daily needs and other life’s I sit down for my 1:30 p.m. which are the blessings (Baruch those refugees who wrote to Yad work. brunch…but wait…where’s my calen- Hashem, bli ayin hora) of my life. Vashem described them as “human pil- As I am penning this article on dar? Where’s my “to do” list? Where My husband walks in from another lars.” Safe Passage is a timeless treas- Sunday morning (well, it’s 1:30 p.m., are those five papers I had to take care room. He pauses for a moment and ure, a riveting book you will not want to but I still haven’t had breakfast), the of immediately? How do I know how to comments, “You look so peaceful.” O put down. O

90 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES February 27, 2009 91 92 February 27, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES