The Jewish Star

Independent and original reporting from the Orthodox communities of Long Island

VOL. 8, NO. 18 MAY 1, 2009 | 7 IYAR 5769 www.thejewishstar.com HOMELESS IN CEDARHURST BAREFOOT AND SPEECHLESS YOM HA’ATZMAUT Guest Editorial David Seidemann Kosher Bookworm Page 4 Page 5 Page 7

IN MY VIEW Sailor’s role Understanding the past in the birth March of the Living hits a raw note of

BY DR. RAFAEL MEDOFF

is neighbors don’t know it, but on the quiet, palm tree-lined streets of Port Saint Lucie, the Mets spring H training headquarters on the South Florida coast, lives an unsung hero of the fight for Israeli independence. Jeno Berkovits, 90, was one of the gutsy American veterans of World War II who, instead of taking a well-deserved rest after Photo by Yossi Selinger returning from the war against Hitler, chose March of the Living participants walk along railroad tracks inside Birkenau death camp in Oswiecem, Poland. to sign up for a tour of duty in another war. He is among the dwindling group of Ameri- BY RACHEL BLADY one to say that. tour of the Warsaw ghetto. We had been told that the can veterans of the battle to create Israel. On I was shocked to go from Auschwitz 1 to Birkenau city was completely destroyed during the war, with the eve of Israel’s 61st birthday, he agreed to I knew three things when I departed for Poland. I to Majdanek with barely any emotion, only breaking very little left to see that was of Jewish significance. his first-ever interview about those days. knew that all four of my grandparents are Holocaust down into tears in my cousin’s arms in Majdanek out of Our tour guide showed us an apartment building that Berkovits came to the survivors. I knew that I knew barely anything at all. frustration about not knowing anything about what our was home to many Jews during the time of the ghetto. from Hungary with his family in 1930. They And I knew that I wanted to know everything. shared grandparents had been through. It seemed that We walked into the courtyard of the building, sur- settled in ’s Bedford-Stuyvesant It is difficult to describe the feeling of knowing how the trip would not touch me unless I knew exactly how rounded on four sides by the windows of Polish resi- neighborhood, and Berkovits attended the important something is, but not absorbing the power of to relate to what had happened. Unfortunately, my dents. Boys & Girls High School of Brooklyn. Lena it. Arriving in Poland for the March of the Living was like grandparents have refused to discuss and rarely After standing in this courtyard for about five min- Horne was a classmate; Isaac Asimov was returning to the place I would have called home. The acknowledge what they went through. Perhaps all of utes, witnessing life going on normally as people walked one year behind them. “But what happened nostalgia was not quite there, but the personal signifi- the Holocaust education I have received –– the speak- into their apartments and dogs barked out of windows, to a lot of boys in those days happened to cance of the place made the trip worthwhile. I spoke to ers, the stories, the movies, museums, statistics –– had we were surprised to hear some music. A catchy song was me too,” he recalls. “My family needed me my grandpa twice while in Poland. Hearing him ask me, taken up all of the tears and left me raw. being played in one of the apartments, and the volume to help make ends meet, so I dropped out of “How is my homeland?” made me realize that were it Several days later it finally hit me, after all of the was slowly being raised. It was not until we were all not for the Holocaust, I might just as easily have been the concentration camps and memorials, while taking a school and went to work alongside my See UNDERSTANDING, Page 3 father in a factory making neckties.” When America entered World War Two, Berkovits became a Merchant Marine. He spent the next five years on ships in vari- Read about Yom HaZikaron and ous locales from the California coast to the Caribbean to Europe. The world war finally Yom Ha'atzmaut in local yeshivot — ended, but in British Mandatory Palestine a Jewish war raged. Home for less than a year online at www.thejewishstar.com when “I read in the newspaper one morning that a group called the American League for a Free Palestine was looking for sailors,” Berkovits says. “They wanted us to help bring Holocaust survivors to Palestine. How could I not go?” Swine flu spreads The League, better known as the Berg- son Group, was a political action committee that used full-page newspaper ads, rallies, and lobbying in Washington to mobilize sup- worry but low risk port for creating a Jewish state. Now the BY MALKA EISENBERG Precautions include avoiding areas and those infected, covering Shua Brick of West Hempstead (far left) traveled to Israel with nine fellow MTA sopho- If you haven't had the flu vaccine one's mouth and nose when coughing mores as part of a unique student exchange program. yet this year, don't bother on account and sneezing, discarding used tissues, of the Swine flu. washing hands thoroughly or proper- “It's too late to get the vaccine for ly using hand sanitizers, and staying the flu and the current vaccine would home if you do not feel well. Trading places not give any benefit against Swine “There is no need to panic,” Dr. flu,” said Dr. Aaron Glatt, a Glatt stressed. People “should be MTA students on exchange program in Israel spokesman for the Infectious Diseases aware of the potential risk” and, if BY YAFFI SPODEK stead, one of the participants. “Foreign Society of America and president and sick, stay home from work or school to avoid transmitting the disease to exchange programs seem to only exist in CEO of New Island Hospital in Beth- movies, a distant concept that does not page, LI.. others. If the person is sick enough A select group of MTA students vis- The S.S. Ben Hecht, packed with Holocaust “he or she should see a physician.” ited Israel for two occur in real life.” “The good news is that it's very Thanks to the vision survivors, as it left Port de Buc, France. sensitive to the treatments that work “It's not necessary to wear masks, months this year as part of the inaugural of MTA Head of See VIEW, Page 5 against it. The regular influenza that not shake hands and avoid gathering Exchange we in public places,” he said. “There is no University can believe in School Rabbi Mark came out was resistant to Tamiflu; Gottlieb, and the pro- this is not resistant to Tamiflu and reason not to go to shul or school.” High School for Boys Dr. Medoff is director of The David S. First person account gram's director, Mrs. there is enough available.” In Mexico more than 150 people (YUHSB)-Makor Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies page 3 Tova Rosenberg, the Symptoms are standard for flu: had died in the Swine flu outbreak as Chaim Exchange pro- and author of blowing the Whistle on concept became a real- fever, fatigue, aches, cough, sore of Tuesday afternoon; dozens have gram. Genocide: Josiah E. Dubois, Jr. and the ity on Rosh Chodesh throat, chills, runny nose, nausea, been sickened in the United States, “Even now that I Struggle for a U.S. Response to the Holo- Shvat, Jan. 26, when 10 MTA sopho- vomiting and diarrhea. have returned, I still cannot believe I caust. See SWINE FLU, Page 6 went,” said Shua Brick of West Hemp- See TRADING, Page 3

That’s Life...... 2 Calendar...... 6 Candlelighting: 7:33 p.m. ■ Shabbat ends 8:37 p.m. Inside Opinion ...... 4 Classified ...... 6 Shabbat Torah reading: Parshiot Acharei Mot– Kedoshim 11530 PRST STD PERMIT NO 301 GARDEN CITY NY US POSTAGE PAID PAID US POSTAGE CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED CHANGE SERVICE 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 City, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden 276092 2 The Jewish Star May 1, 2009

one with the problem and not the one there to meet you at the “Miriam,” he said, “I am so store. The letter was not signed. A chair, you know the file is being sorry –– we just got backed up.” different letter said that I should put on the door of the room but Really appreciating his response, I be embarrassed by how I acted the doctor will not be there any told him it was fine. “Can you and called me a name. That was time soon. come tomorrow?” he asked. “We signed, although the writer The store was very busy and are open tomorrow.” Smiling, I declined to have it printed. Kudos when my appointment finally shook my head that in fact, I to him for having the guts to put began 30 minutes later, I no could not come the next day. But his name to paper. longer had time for both the man- before I left, he apologized again The issue with my experi- icure and the pedicure. I told — a sincere apology. Not being ence in that store was not that I them I changed my mind about able to believe the difference had to wait — it was that there the manicure because of the time; between my two experiences in was no accountability by someone I had given myself an hour for my the last couple of weeks, and real- columnist consistently takes on approval of something printed in else for his behavior; no remorse treat but my time was almost up: ly appreciating the difference Dear That’s Life, the paper’s web site by people the paper and because people do or even regret. That was the prob- Shabbos was coming. The owner between them, I looked at him lem. I sign my name every week was informed and he asked me if and said, “Not to worry. I’ll see Night and Day: who post responses but do not not have to sign their names to and account for the things I do I was sure that I could not stay you next week instead.” A recent article in the New sign their names. Because of the what they’ve written, people write and say and just appreciate when any longer but I said I could not MLW York Times Magazine recounted loose manner in which posters whatever they want. others do the same. — too much to do at home and the abuse one Washington Post can record their disdain or There is a real ownership of one’s words when you sign your Those who believe I over- the sun was setting. name to something. Accountabili- reacted or missed the point by ty, pride, ‘owning up,’ responsibili- thinking that the essence of the ty or however you might like to story was that I do not like to be If something happened to you “that could only happen around here,” term it, this paper will not print a kept waiting, may appreciate this incident instead: you’ve got to share! Was it funny? Outrageous? Hopefully, it wasn’t too letter without confirming the painful. No matter what, if you type it up and sent it to writer. Anonymous letters are not Treating myself to a mani- cure and pedicure, I made a Fri- [email protected] you’ll have a chance to win a $25 gift printed and e-mail addresses are certificate to Burger’s Bar on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst — in other day appointment. Being moved not enough. If you have some- words, you could win an outstanding meal at one of Nassau County’s thing to say, we would love to from the waiting/sitting area in a most popular kosher restaurants. hear from you — but sign what manicure place to a pedicure Submissions should include your name, your town, and your daytime and you write. We always do. chair with running water is like evening phone numbers. Sorry, but anonymous submissions cannot be A response posted on line to being moved from the waiting considered. All decisions by the editors are final and all submissions become my story about the incident in the area in a doctor’s office to an the property of The Jewish Star. In case you were wondering, Burgers Bar is under the supervision of the Vaad “luxury item” store ridiculed my exam room. You know you’re Hakashrus of the Five Towns and Far Rockaway, and plays music you can find on behavior and said that I was the closer to being seen. But when the 516-569-2662 water is running and there is no MLW’s iPod. Ask For Mario Or Judy At The Fish Counter THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS Honey BREADED Mustard SALMON TILAPIA FILLET Ready $ 99 Ready to LB. to $ 99 Bake 5 Bake 10 LB.

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others, like me, who weren’t so them, the Americans were taken IN MY VIEW religious but just wanted to help to the Acre Prison fortress, where the Jewish cause.” they were jailed alongside mem- Continued from Page One There were also two young bers of the Zvai Leumi and Norwegians, Haakom Lilliby and Lehi (Stern Group) underground League was opening a new chap- Erling Sorensen. “They didn’t militias. The British authorities Lenny Koegel ter in its battle. In late 1946, it had speak much English and nobody would soon regret that. The purchased a 150-foot yacht that it knew quite why they were there,” Irgun men had been planning a named the S.S. Ben Hecht in Berkovits says, “but when the break-out, and only one obstacle 516-594-6010 Serving the Five Towns honor of the journalist and screen- engines broke down, they worked remained: how to take pho- and Surrounding areas writer who was one of the Berg- 24 hours straight to get us going tographs of the would-be escapees son Group’s leading members, and again.” in order to make false identity since 1988 began outfitting it in Brooklyn’s In Port de Buc, France, the cards so they could get past British Gowanus Canal. ship took on six hundred Jewish roadblocks. Captain Levitan who “They interviewed me in their refugees. Conditions on board had smuggled a small camera into office in Manhattan, and soon ©200 Hunter Douglas Inc. ®Registered trademark of Hunter Douglas Inc. www.distinctivewindowfashions.com were difficult, but food was never the prison solved that problem. TMTrademark of Hunter Douglas Inc. afterward called to tell me I was in short supply, thanks to the two To London’s dismay, the accepted to join the crew,” thousand pounds of kosher salami detention of the Ben Hecht crew- 279604 Berkovits recalls. “Officially I was donated by a Bergson Group sup- men became a lightning rod for listed as a Messman, someone porter. “It seems to me that we criticism from members of Con- who serves food, but in practice had salami sandwiches every sin- gress, the American press, and the almost everyone in the crew had Now Offering rentals to Europe, India, China, gle meal,” according to Berkovits. U.S. Jewish community. After to do all kinds of things.” “But nobody complained.” holding the seamen for a month, & other Worldwide locations! On December 26, 1946, the On March 8, everything the British decided they were Ben Hecht sailed for France with a changed. “That afternoon, I hap- more trouble than they were remarkably diverse crew of volun- pened to be stationed on deck, at worth, and put them on a ship teers. “We had 20 men, with 20 the steering wheel,” Berkovits bound for New York. different reasons for joining up,” relates. “I still remember how But even after returning Captain Robert Levitan said later. good it felt –– how the air smelled home Berkovits and his colleagues One was Walter “Heavy” Greaves, different as we got close to Eretz continued to make trouble for the a beefy, tattooed professional Yisrael. We were less than 10 British. As a result of the contacts sailor who survived three torpedo miles from the coast of Tel Aviv, he made with the Jewish under- attacks during World War II. Shak- when three British destroyers ground members in Acre, en by a postwar visit to a Dis- approached and a British patrol Berkovits and fellow crewman placed Persons camp, Greaves plane circled overhead. I grabbed Harry Herschkowitz established took note when he read “that the this flag, it had a big Jewish star an “American Friends of Lehi” Jews wanted a state of their own.” on it, and hoisted it up the mast to organization. Operating out of a He thought to himself, “Why not, show them that we were proud to small office in Manhattan, they goddamit?,” and signed up for the be Jews fighting for our land.” raised funds and published a S.S. Ben Hecht. British soldiers wearing red newspaper called “Freedom” Another was Walter Cushen- berets — “we called them ‘red which sought to rally public sup- berry, a tall African-American in devils’” — jumped aboard. They port for ousting the British from www.talknsave.net his thirties, with whom Berkovits shoved Berkovits aside and quickly Palestine. became particularly friendly. “As a took control of the ship. The crew Today, Berkovits, one of three Rent a phone or SIM card black man, he knew what it was and the passengers were brought surviving members of the Ben Convenient 5 Towns location (near JFK airport) like to be kicked around, and he to a detention camp in Cyprus Hecht crew, recalls the events of didn’t like seeing the Jews get The best customer service! where they would end up staying 1946-1947 with satisfaction. “I am kicked around,” Berkovits said. for more than a year, until after proud of the small role that I Your Worldwide cell phone company “We had a crew member who was Israel’s creation in May 1948. played in what happened back Irish Catholic and hated the Dealing with the American then,” he says. “We did what we British. We had a Jewish crewman crewmen was a more delicate could, and we did the right thing.” who was religious and put on question. While the British govern- 1-866-TALKNSAVE | 1-866-825-5672 tefillin every day, and there were

278710 ment weighed what to do with The Jewish Star May 1, 2009 3 TRADING PLACES Exchange we can Continued from Page One

mores traveled to Yeshivat Makor believe in Chaim, a high school in Gush Etzion. In exchange, four juniors A local participant reflects on his experience from Makor Chaim came to study at MTA. The program ran sion for Torah and religion, is BY SHUA BRICK through March. Beli Tzinyot, without mockery, Brick described the program shortened to Blit"z. The unique The unique Makor Chaim as “the opportunity of a life time, social contract of Blit”z is what experience started immediately a chance to experience and bene- allows the Makor Chaim stu- on the first day, Rosh Chodesh fit from a culture different from dents to observe Judaism in Shvat, when Hallel is said. The any other Israeli high school, let their unique way, such as their Hallel at Makor Chaim is unlike alone an American one.” singing during weekday prayer anything that I have ever seen. “The school’s ideologies services, a practice which would It is done with instrumental have no appropriate label, except be scoffed at by the typical accompaniment, and every unique,” he observed. “There American high school student. paragraph is followed by breaks isn’t any place like it. They have a The only way, in my opinion, for dancing. The guitar seemed refreshing perspective on educa- one can experience Judaism in out of place around the neck of tional methods, Judaism and such an unusual yet laudable the shliach tzibur (the leader of life.” fashion is without the fear of the service), but when the In contrast to other whether or not you will receive bongo came out, the 10 Ameri- exchange programs where stu- your peers' approval. Tova Rosenberg, the program’s director in New York with the four Israeli exchange students. cans immediately knew that this dents simply continue their regu- Without fear of being trip would be interesting. lar activities and classes in a new scorned, anyone can do any- This is only one example of location, MTA's goal was to com- clowning costume and props and hopes to expand it to include expected,” Rosenberg noted. “It thing. Without the worry of several incidents that would pletely immerse both sets of stu- volunteered in Israel over Purim girls from Central as well. was a tremendous success and onlookers and their judging never happen in most modern, dents into their new surround- to bring cheer to others. He and “We had a vision and it we absolutely want to run the eyes, or invasive, disheartening Jewish high schools. The Israeli ings. the other MTA students were turned out to be better than we program again.” comments, one is able to experi- students have a love for their “Our program was unique taken on trips around ence Judaism any way they like. religion. There is no dress code, because we were fully integrat- and Tzfat, and made weekly vis- It is a completely different soci- nor anything close to a Dean of ing the kids into the Israeli sys- its to YU's Gruss in Bayit ety in Israel, and that environ- Discipline. The Makor Chaim tem,” explained Rosenberg, who Vagan to learn with the head of ment is what allows them to students have a great amount of heads the Hebrew language the kollel, Rabbi Dovid Miller. enjoy life and their religion, even freedom which they use to department at MTA and at its sis- The Israeli students traveled if it looks weird or different. strive to get closer to G-d. They ter school, Central. “Our 10 guys all over New York City and to They have no need to worry sing Hallel not because they are were fully integrated into the Philadelphia, and made their about being judged, nor do they forced to or because it is routine limudei kodesh classes at Makor presence felt at MTA. On Rosh find the need to seek approval but because they want to. And Chaim, and the Israelis attended Chodesh Adar, they decorated from others. they enjoy it. regular shiur at MTA. In Israel, the library and transformed it While I traveled around the They have such a love for for the second half of the day we into Achashveirosh's palace, globe to seek such a society, my things we take for granted, and provided four English speaking “really bringing their spirit of friends and I began to wonder they have worked hard for it teachers to supplement the cur- their school into our school,” why this passion and freedom too. Last year, only two weeks riculum.” Rosenberg observed. of worship cannot be found before the attack on Mercaz Beyond the experience of “I envisioned it to be a life- closer to home. Only then did it HaRav, they had their own ter- the new academic environment, changing experience and I am become apparent to us that this rorist scare. Two terrorists the exchange students lived in hearing positive feedback from is the exact reason why we were breached the school’s security the dormitories of their host both sides of the ocean,” she told sent: to return and spread our dressed as security personnel. schools, and enjoyed tiyulim The Jewish Star, reflecting on knowledge of what could be, Luckily, the room they decided (trips), shabbatonim (weekend the program’s success. “We live and hopefully will be. to attack was where the armed gatherings), chesed projects and in a global world and I see these staff members were, and not other special activities. The boys from both sides as future the weakly defended Study Hall Americans were particularly leaders of Jewish communities. It Shua Brick, 15, is a sophomore where all the children were intrigued by the unique style of is very important for them to be at Yeshiva University High gathered that Thursday night learning practiced by their Makor acquainted with what's going on School for Boys (MTA). In addi- for the weekly mishmar learn- Chaim peers, and by their rous- in the modern Orthodox world tion to the two months he spent ing program. There were only ing prayer services, specifically in Israel and the United States, in Israel on the Exchange Pro- minor injuries among the staff the Hallel on Rosh Chodesh and to be part of the culture. The gram, he also traveled to Ger- which quickly healed, though accompanied by guitar and bon- kids really want to bring the many and Israel in January as a you can never heal the sense of gos. experience back to their schools, member of the Woodmere- fear that these attacks cause. Brick, who is part of the and it will impact them for the based Lev Leytzan volunteer The most important philos- Woodmere-based Lev Leytzan rest of their lives.” clown troop. Shua lives in West ophy that we learned in Makor clown troop, brought along his MTA plans to continue the Chaim, which fuels their pas- Hempstead. program in future years, and

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102.3 WBAB • 106.1 WBLI • WALK 278792 280082 4 The Jewish Star May 1, 2009 O PINION Still in Mitzrayim he weekend before Pesach, as value; no home, no silver, and no seat MAYER FERTIG Jews scurried around the Five Guest Editorial in shul, but who has the emunah to Publisher, Editor-in-Chief Towns preparing for their annual write such an affirmation of his faith? YAF F I S P ODE K T Passover exodus to points around People recognize him from his child- Or is it us as we hurriedly prepare for Assistant Editor the globe or completing their home hood. But when asked, “How are you?” Yom Tov and complain about our back- MALKA EISENBERG, MICHAEL ORBACH makeovers, my friend was also prepar- no one really listens to his answer. breaking work? Reporters ing. His travel plans were simple. He The sketchy details I have been able Who is still in Mitzrayim? Who is MELISSA GURSKY, HELENE PARSONS was, as always, planning to spend the to garner have him living in the area for redeemed and who still awaits redemp- AND RACHEL WEINBERG night in Cedarhurst. His kitchen was nearly 40 years. His father owned busi- tion? Account Executives easy to kasher — he has no kitchen. nesses here. His education stopped at The Saturday night before Pesach I RABBI AVI BILLET, ALAN JAY GERBER, RABBI YAKOV His sale of chometz at his place of work the sixth grade. He spent 30-plus years wrote letters to seven local . My HOROWITZ, ADAM NEUSTADTER, LISA SCHIFFMAN, was unnecessary — he has no job. And with a family, not his own. They were a friend needs help. Is there a place at a BARUCH SPIER, RABBI AVI SHAFRAN, DAVID SEIDEMANN, well-known couple in the community MIRIAM L. WALLACH, CHANANYA WEISSMAN he was unable to sell his chometz at Seder table… any Seder table? I home — he is homeless. who provided him with room and received one response from a rabbi who Contributors board. In return he helped care for the ALYSON GOODMAN And he was actually not preparing “is aware of the situation.” No place at a couple; the man suffered from polio. Editorial Designer for Passover just yet. Although just days Seder. ■ away for most of us, for him Passover The couple died, the home was sold. As we count the days to the ultimate The Jewish Star is an independent community newspaper. All opinions expressed My friend was homeless. are solely those of The Jewish Star’s editorial staff or contributing writers. was far off. He was more concerned act of our redemption, the revelation at ■ with where he would get his next meal, As we prepared to celebrate our Sinai, we have the opportunity to reveal 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 redemption, my friend remained unre- (516) 569-4000 E-mail: [email protected] in which bank lobby would he spend our goodness. Please let us all shine our fax: (516) 569-4942 the next night, and which bathroom deemed. Or did he? light on our fellow Jew, on my friend, The Jewish Star is published weekly by the The Jewish Star LLC, 2 Endo would next be open to him. My friend passes the time writing so we can all come out of the shadows. Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530. Postmaster send address changes to The A shomer mitzvot man wanders sayings. Some are very funny and some And his light, his faith, can shine on us. Jewish Star, 2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530. Subscription rates: $36 through town (in fact five towns) and is not. Some are very insightful; others for 1 year, $60 for 2 years, $72 for 3 years within Nassau County. All other sub- invisible. But I don't think he goes com- deeply moving. A personal favorite that — By Mitch Krevat scriptions $54 per year. Newsstand price: $1 . Major Credit Cards accepted. pletely unseen. His large black I have often repeated: “A Jew can never President & CBO (Chief Burger Officer) Copyright © 2009 The Jewish Star LLC. All rights reserved. yarmulke is on his head all day long as be in shadows, for we are light.” When- Burgers Bar he sleeps on benches throughout the ever I think of this statement it gets me Cedarhurst, NY area. He is not a newcomer to the area. wondering… Who is still in Mitzrayim? Is it my friend who has nothing of

Letters

Far Rockaway in the Streit's Towns & Far Rockaway (and the leagues who are also part of the supervision that it renders to our sumers who had already made Defending matzo fiasco is that they were Vaad HaRabbonim of Queens, for Vaad and share my point of view. community. purchases were told it was accept- done in a most unprofessional that matter), the rabbis of the Furthermore, I indicated that it RABBI HERSHEL BILLET able for use and need not be manner. The editorial sorely Vaads need to publicly admit their was the community rabbis who Young Israel of Woodmere returned. Therefore, in no way the Vaad underestimates the stakes, for the failings in the matter, so that they must fix the flawed system which did this episode represent “taking risk extends well beyond the might regain the confidence of they tolerated and which allowed a stand and promoting the high- To the Editor: observant Jewish community los- the Jewish communities whose the Streit's decision to be imple- est level of kashrus.” To suggest I must say I disagree with your ing faith in kosher food supervi- best interests they purport to mented so close to Pesach. Wants apology to otherwise is to misrepresent the editorial re: the Vaad (Change sion and becoming less - advance. I continue to believe that Stre- facts. needed at Vaad HaKashrus; April conscious as a result. KENNETH H. RYESKY it's of 2009 is no different from Vaad HaKashrus 24, 2009). Rabbi Yosef Eisen has The Jewish community –– East Northport Streit's of 1979. Five Towns and done a tremendous and difficult observant and otherwise –– has Far Rockaway consumers are Thanks for caring job of upgrading the level of seen an organization which sup- intelligent and concerned about I applaud Rabbi Eisen and the kashruth in many Five Towns posedly embodies the best of Jew- Kashrus. Each has their rabbi to Vaad Hakashrus for taking a To the Editor: establishments and many more ish values threaten (and perhaps Mea Culpa direct their choice of products for stand and promoting the highest Thank you for making the members of the community are actually deprive) the livelihoods Passover. If Streit's was on the level of kashruth for the commu- Streit's Matzo issue important to To the Editor: confident shopping and eating in of Jewish individuals and busi- shelf, you were not forced to buy nity (Change Needed at Vaad The Jewish Star (Change Needed Last week your editorial a number of places. nesses for the sake of what most it. But those who wished to pur- HaKashrus; April 24, 2009). at Vaad HaKashrus; April 24, (Change Needed at Vaad Although the Streit’s episode strongly appear to be personal chase it should have been given Imagine the outrage if it was 2009). It is refreshing to have a HaKashrus; April 24, 2009) called may have been ill-advised, I do political considerations. The the opportunity to do so in a Vaad reversed and they did not make a Jewish newspaper discuss news- for the dismissal of Rabbi Yosef not feel that his name should be unspoken fear of all Jewish busi- store. decision to protect us from poten- worthy items and issues impor- Eisen, the rabbinic coordinator of dragged through the mud and nesspeople in the community is Furthermore, our Vaad did a tial chametz; after all, the punish- tant to the community. Keep it up. the Vaad Hakashrus of the Five this is certainly not a reason to that they, too, might be subject to disservice to the Streit's company ment is korais (early death). JACK RUBIN Towns. Your editorial also fea- Cedarhurst demand his resignation or firing. I the fickle political vicissitudes of by banning the matzos so close to Not all pertinent and delicate tured a quote from me which know that this is a hot topic, but I the rabbis who are looked to by Pesach without making any effort details that are known should be accurately portrayed my criticism think a little restraint is in order. the community to maintain Jew- earlier in the year to try to correct told to the press, there are many of the Vaad's decision to not We don’t need more machlokes ish values and Jewish integrity. the problem which precipitated halachic and legal ramifications. allow Streit's Matzo products to Playing chicken and animosity in the community. Accordingly, it is not merely a the ban. We put our trust in the Vaad to VIVIAN OSTROV be carried in Vaad stores before risk limited to children hearing In fact, the process of self make halachic decisions on our Passover. Despite your clarifying their parents say things such as scrutiny of the Vaad has already behalf. Do the right thing: make with kashruth comment that my remarks did "don't worry about the kosher begun. Some meaningful steps a public apology instead of a not direct blame at anyone, a sig- To the Editor: supervision, it's all politics," but are being implemented to enable chilul Hashem. Not far enough nificant number of people MENACHEM KRAMER For your on target editorial rather, a risk that children will the community rabbis to be more inferred that I had called for Far Rockaway (Change Needed at Vaad hear their parents derisively dis- vigilant, aware and involved in To the Editor: Rabbi Eisen to step down. That is HaKashrus; April 24, 2009) you miss the rabbis, the Jewish institu- making quality of life Kashrus As pointed out by your editori- absolutely not true. Editor's note: Neither The deserve a pullet, sir. Hopefully, it tions themselves, and Jewish decisions. Hopefully, errors like al (Change Needed at Vaad In fact, in my synagogue Vaad HaKashrus of the Five will come with a hechsher you observances generally as nothing these will be prevented in the HaKashrus; April 24, 2009), the speech, I directed the blame to Towns and Far Rockawawy or can trust. more than money and politics. future and will enable an imper- very best that can be said about myself, as a community rabbi the Vaad Harabonim of Queens BENNETT WERNICK And so, while certain person- fect Vaad in an imperfect world to the actions taken by the Vaad who is a part of the Vaad, and to said that Streit's Matzo was Lawrence nel changes may well be in order continue to provide the generally HaKashrus of the Five Towns & whomever of my rabbinic col- chametz; on the contrary, con- at the Vaad HaKashrus of the Five excellentTHANK Tand responsiblehank Kashrus YouYOU Abssoluteolute Chai Lifeline thanks Mrs. Batsheva Katz & Mrs. Beth Honig and their families Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst AAuctiouction Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, Morah D’Asrah Chevrah Hatzalah of Rockaway Lawrence The wonderful family who generously donated FFoor infoformarmatiotion CCaalll:l: their home for the Motzei Shabbos pool and pizza party AAuctiouctionAmeriiccaRReeallty.coty.com and the entire Lawrence Cedarhurst community For making last weekend’s Fun ‘N Friends Shabbaton 55116-6332-502-5065 an incredible, joyous experience for thirty Camp Simcha/Camp Simcha Special campers and their counselors. 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FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BENCH and right with black cars wasn’t sure if it was me or just like the color of the not, but knew some- car we were using. thing was amiss. The “What is the fact that he didn’t name of the woman call the police on A Passover miracle you are looking both of us was a for?” I asked. “I’m Passover miracle in In a few hours, the Boe- of a car as we “swapped” she stammered in Russinglish. My first not sure,” she itself. ing 767-200 would touch with a family that came to thought was that Irv and Cynthia were answered. “What is Cooler feet down at JFK as I eagerly Lawrence for Pesach. The treating us to a pre-seder siesta. I was your wife’s name?” she prevailed and I per- awaited my level bed and house was a 15 minute walk about to invite her in (for my wife!) when asked. “Jane,” I answered. suaded the lady to try a dif- unleavened bread. Don’t get from my wife’s brother’s my second thought took hold. Oh, I still “What is name of lady of the ferent house in search of her cus- me wrong — this was one of house, 10 minutes from the thought it was Irv being Irv, but the house?” she said. And now I was trapped. tomer. As it turned out, another neighbor the most enjoyable Passovers shul, and four houses down comic Irv. I figured he was setting me up You see my sister-in-law had made all of (neither Irv nor Cynthia) had engaged in at least a year. Neverthe- the block from our friends, — waiting outside to send the lady in just the arrangements with my wife and the the services of this woman for the benefit less, there is something so Irv and Cynthia, two of the as my wife and kids had left. But how lady of the house in which I was standing of a neighbor next door to the home I great about my home, my David Seidemann most giving people one would Irv know they would be leaving barefoot. “I don’t know,” I said sheepishly. was in, who had just given birth. bed and my wife’s cooking. would ever meet. Irv, a doc- for a walk? “You don’t know the name of the lady in When I told my wife what she had It was truly a memo- tor, also has a keen sense of Thought three paid a visit. It wasn’t the home you in? What is family name?” missed, she wasn’t sure if perhaps I exag- rable Passover spent with my wife’s fami- humor, both important traits as they Irv at all. It was his lovely wife Cynthia she asked accusingly. When I answered ‘I gerated a bit. But when Irv confirmed the ly out West. We also reunited with friends relate to the following story. who had sent the masseuse not for me, don’t know’ to both, she reached for her entire story at lunch on the second day of she grew up with and friends I have Approximately four hours before but for my wife. That hypothesis was fur- cell phone like a sheriff reaching for his Pesach, I was “redeemed.” I have learned made over the years during our frequent Yom Tov my wife took our four daughters thered when “Helga” said, “no, not you gun. “Why you in house of family you my lesson. I will never open the door visits to the City of Angels, and with one on a walk around the neighborhood. I — I here for the Mrs.” Should I have her know no name?!” and she began to dial. barefoot for a Russian pedicurist if I am of my childhood friends — now the rabbi decided to take a nap and removed my come in and wait or should I tell her to Thought five. My wife will be home using a black car in a home which is next of the shul where my wife’s family dav- shoes, socks and shirt. No sooner had I come back? any minute and I’ll be standing here bare- door to a woman who just gave birth ens. laid my head upon the pillow when I Thought four made its entry. Cyn- foot with a Russian pedicurist and the who also owns a black car and who lives We enjoyed the second seder at his heard a knock on the door. I assumed thia knew we were coming for Pesach but police! While the scene was transpiring three houses to the right of a doctor home and then returned for lunch on one of my daughters had forgotten their didn’t know we had swapped houses between an overly animated and suspi- named Irv who happens to be married to Shabbos. The meal lasted for five hours sunglasses and opened the door sans with one of her neighbors. Or did she? I cious Russian masseuse and a barefoot a woman named Cynthia. as we reminisced about growing up shoes and socks. asked the lady if she was sure she had the New Yorker pleading that there was no together in Columbus, OH and highlights To my surprise, I stood eye to eye right house. She answered in the affirma- need to call the police, guess who just David Seidemann is a partner with the of our time at Ner Israel Rabbinical Col- with a middle-aged Russian woman tive. “Yes — they tell me house with happened to drive by? You guessed it — law firm of Seidemann & Mermelstein. lege of Baltimore, MD. sporting a portable manicure, pedicure black car in driveway.” I looked outside Irv. Irv had witnessed the entire He can be reached at (718) 692-1013 We had a house to ourselves and use and massage center. “I here for present” and noticed neighbors’ homes to the left exchange, didn’t recognize the lady, and and at [email protected].

PARSHIOT ACHAREI MOT-KEDOSHIM are some people out there who UNDERSTANDING THE PAST hate you not for what you look like or what you believe in, but purely Distinctly sanctifying His name Continued from Page One how to relate to their experiences. because of the blood that runs Growing up in America, I never through your veins. Over the course of one week, The second half of this week’s among you. The people who lived enjoying it that we realized the once felt my life threatened by March of the Living was Jews around the world commemo- “double parsha” begins with the in the land before you did all these song was proclaiming “Heil Hitler!” anti-Semitism. But these Poles slightly disappointing, in part rate the destruction that was the commandment of “Kedoshim disgusting perversions and defiled In shock, I knew this was a were visibly uncomfortable with because the organization that ran Holocaust, pay tribute to all the tihyu” –– that you, the Jewish the land ... Keep My charge, and situation I needed to get out of. Jews interrupting their daily lives. it seemed to be emphasizing fallen soldiers who gave their lives people, should be separate and do not follow any of the abom- Deciding to go with passive resis- It is debatable as to what would putting an end to genocide, rather for the State of Israel, and cele- distinct from the nations of the inable customs that were kept tance, I immediately left the court- have been the correct reaction. than focusing on the past. Sitting brate Israel’s independence. In the world (some will translate “to be before you [arrived], so that you yard, joined by only three other But I certainly understand how in a ceremony listening to world- aftermath of the Pesach holiday, a holy”), “for I,” G-d says, “am not be defiled by them. I am G-d people. One of the chaperones the people who opted for clapping wide dignitaries, I expected some celebration of our first redemption, ‘Kadosh.’” your Lord.” thought it would be a better idea and singing felt at the time. Later attention to be paid to the gas it is a roller coaster of emotional It is this separation, this Vayikra 20:22-26 reaches a to respond, and began clapping in the day, we visited memorials turns. uniqueness, which marks the dif- similar conclusion “Safeguard all chamber and crematorium stand- and trying to sing a Jewish song. for the people who organized the ing in shambles right beside their In a sense, the three dates are ference between us and the rest of My decrees and laws and keep As I stood outside with the other Warsaw ghetto uprising –– young classic examples of a concept the world. “Different” need not them, so that the land to which I stage. I sat in Birkenau that day not people who seemed to possess the people about my age who decided for the future, but because of the which is perhaps unique to the translate to “superior.” That is an am bringing you to settle will not common sense that I believed was to be active in a situation filled Jewish experience –– the sanctifi- arrogant approach to Jewish “cho- vomit you out. Do not follow the past. I came to learn about my appropriate in this situation, I saw with passivity. It made me wonder cation of G-d’s name, also known senness” which is an ingredient for customs of the nation that I am family, my history, and my culture. something sprinkle down between what kind of response I would as “Kiddush Hashem.” bad PR. driving out before you, since they This March was relevant to me, have had if my life were really in We begin mourning over the But distinction can be marked did all the above mentioned [per- us. I soon realized that this was finally, because now I understood. such danger. The truth is, I really tremendous destruction of Jewish by different behavior and different versions] and I was disgusted with not, in fact, someone watering life and Jewish lives, as we con- values and ethics, all of which are them. I therefore said to you, 'Take their plants, but rather an apart- don’t know. Rachel Blady is a senior at template numbers we cannot com- dictated to us in the Torah. over their land. I will give it to you ment resident spitting on us. I do not know if those apart- North Shore Hebrew Academy prehend, numbers that have yet to Whether Jews are Torah-observant so that you can inherit it –– a land The experience was the most ment dwellers were armed or if and an occasional contributor to begin to show signs of recuperat- does not take away from the flowing with milk and honey. I am powerful one I felt all week. they really did agree with what The Jewish Star. She lives in ing. And we think of those who world’s perception of how Jews G-d your Lord who has separated Though I do not really know my Hitler did. But I did know, finally, North Woodmere. died with a “Kiddush Hashem” ought to behave. you out from among all the grandparents’ stories, I do know what it was like to know that there whose sole “sin” was having been No one will argue that nations ... You shall be holy to Me, born a Jew. Israel’s government is guided by for I, G-d, am holy, and I have sep- We express our everlasting religious Jews. But because every- arated you out from among the debt of gratitude to Jews who, on one knows it is a Jewish state, it is nations to be Mine...'” a different side of “Kiddush held to a different kind of scrutiny The Jewish people represent Hashem,” took their Jewish identi- in the global media. G-d and all that is holy about G-d. SOX WORLD PLUS ty into battle, on the front lines, to Why? It is a glorious task, not to be taken create and preserve a country that Perhaps the concluding sec- lightly, and a tremendous responsi- has arguably done more for tions of Acharei Mot and bility. The three commemorative humanity in its short life-span than Kedoshim can shed some light on days are a snippet of what we are any other nation in the history of the subject. Each parsha ends with all about. How do we make the Savings for the Entire Family the world ever accomplished in a list of behaviors anathema to remaining 362 days of the year sixty years of existence. And we Jewish values and life before it into days in which we model “Kid- celebrate the existence of this little gives its sum-up conclusion. dush hashem” and demonstrate for Over 30 Years! country, whose presence in this Vayikra 18:25-30 concludes: our distinction through the values world has opened a heightened “The land became defiled, and of the Torah we espouse through respect, in civilized countries, for when I directed My providence at observance of its statutes? the once-hated and vilified Jew. the sin committed there, the land This is the ultimate challenge HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY SALE Anyone who does not appreciate vomited out its inhabitants. You, and mark of the Jewish people. the lifestyle we live, as Jews, cred- [however,] must keep My decrees iting the State of Israel for giving and laws, and not become Avi Billet and The Jewish Star wel- every Jew a landmark we can be involved in any of these disgusting come your comments on our web proud of and always call home, is perversions –– neither the native site, www.thejewishstar.com. SALE!! STOREWIDE not a very good student of history. born nor any foreigner who settles BRA EVENT 30%OFF

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ON THE belly dancing. Proceeds will benefit Spruce Sreet) at 10 a.m. for a walking women in Israel who are helped by the tour and a visit to the Lower East Side Agudah opposes Child Emunah RESCUE (Reach Educational Tenement Museum. For information, Success Care Unit). For more informa- please contact Mimi Schreiber at (516) tion or to sign up, please call Suzanne 295-1199 or at [email protected]. Victim Act despite conflict Calendar Segal at (516) 410-6639. BY MICHAEL ORBACH simply because they are affiliated Manhattan - The Mel & Phyllis Zachter with institutions.” Rabbi Zwiebel added: “If we’re Cedarhust - The JCC of the Greater Five Institute for Advanced Professional Agudath Israel of America For a complete listing of upcoming com- Great Neck - The Sid Jacobson JCC is sinister, we should surely do a much Towns’ Kosher Culinary Institute will Education at OHEL presents "ADHD: acknowledged a possible conflict of munity events, including items that did- offering regents review classes on May better job of covering our tracks.” host Personal Chef Jordana Hirschel on Building Support and Resilience," a full- interest but will oppose legislation n’t make it into the print edition, go to 3, 10, 17, 31, and June 7 and 14. Intensive to allow victims of child sexual Agudath Israel’s position Wednesday, May 6 at 10 a.m. at 207 day community conference on Attention www.thejewishstar.com. preparation for the June 2009 Regents abuse currently beyond the statute applies across the nation, according Grove Ave in Cedarhurst. For fee infor- Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children will be given for six weeks during 90- of limitations to bring their cases to to Rabbi Zwiebel. It pits Agudah minute review sessions. Classes include mation and reservations, please call and adults on Wednesday May 6, from 9 court. against the Child Victims Act, spon- Lawrence - Kulanu's Keren Eliana Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Sheryl at (516) 569-6733, ext. 222. a.m. until 4 p.m. The forum will feature Agudah and educational affili- sored by Assemblywoman Marge Parent Advocacy and Resource Center Physics, Integrated Algebra, Geometry, world-renowned experts Russell Barkley, ate Torah Umesorah, the National Markey (D-Queens) that would (P.A.R.C.) is sponsoring a free resource Math B, Global Studies, US History and PhD. and Robert Brooks, PhD. and will Society for Hebrew Day Schools, said extend the civil statute of limitations fair for parents of children with special Cedarhurst - The JCC of the Greater Spanish and will be offered in Great take place at Baruch College, Newman last week they would not object to by five years and open a yearlong needs on Sunday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to Five Towns, Orthodox Union and Jewish Neck and Roslyn on Sunday mornings Conference Center, 14th Floor, Room 220, legislation “designed to give victims window for civil cases currently 12 noon at HAFTR, 33 Washington Ave. At Community Council of the Rockaway and weekday evenings. The cost is $329, 55 Lexington Avenue (corner 24th of abuse greater recourse against per- beyond the statute. Agudah sup- 10:30 a.m., Margie Hoffman, Director of Peninsula have scheduled a three part- or $269 for JCC members. For more street) in New York City. Advance regis- petrators.” However, they “vigorously ports a competing bill by Assembly- Project D.O.C.C. (Delivery of Chronic Care) series called “Navigating the Financial information, check jccreview.com or tration required. For more information, oppose” doing away with the statute man Vito Lopez (D-Brooklyn) to will speak about parent empowerment Crisis,” presented by Five O’Clock Club extend the civil statute by two years; contact Julie Hollander at (516) 484- please visit our website at www.ohel of limitations, even temporarily for a and how to approach professionals Certified Career Coaches. The dates are it does not include the yearlong 1545, ext. 117, or [email protected]. family.org/adhd or call (718) 851-6300. year, since that “could subject schools when seeking services for their child. Wednesday, May 6, Wednesday, May 13, and other vital institutions to ancient window. For more information, please contact and Thursday, May 21. All three seminars claims and capricious litigation, and Critics refer to the Lopez legis- Mark Hoffacker, P.A.C. coordinator at Lawrence - Emunah is hosting a begin at 7 p.m and are being held at the Manhattan - The National Council of place their very existence in severe lation as “The Hide the Predator (516) 569-3083 or [email protected]. fundraiser basketball tournament on JCC, 207 Grove Ave. Admission is free. Young Israel (NCYI) will host its 97th jeopardy.” Act.” Cardozo law professor Marci Sunday, May 3 at 12 noon in memory or For more information, please call (212) Anniversary Dinner on Thursday Agudah acknowledged a con- Hamilton called the Agudah position Diane Taragin, z”l, to be held at HAFTR 613-8188 or visit www.ou.org. evening, May 7 at the Museum of flict related to a lawsuit against “indifferent to the safety of children.” Atlantic Beach - Chevra Hatzalah of the Lower School, 33 Washington Ave. Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place in Yeshiva Torah Temimah in Brook- Similar laws in California and Rockways and Nassau County will hold Manhattan. The theme of the dinner is Delaware led to the identification of Women of high school age and above Manhattan - The Young Israel of lyn, and longtime rebbe Yehuda its Annual Community-Wide Barbeque "Honoring our Past, Impacting the 360 previously unknown sexual will team up to play and receive tro- Lawrence-Cedarhurst sisterhood is Kolko. The Agudah-owned Camp celebrating 28 years of saving lives on Present.” For more information or to Agudah, Inc., is a defendant in a predators, she said. phies. The afternoon program includes organizing a day trip to the Lower East Sunday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sands make reservations, send an e-mail to 2006 suit filed in Brooklyn Federal “Without the window, the Zumba/ aerobics, body sculpting, Side of Manhattan on Wednesday May 6. At Atlantic Beach, 1395 Beech Street in [email protected], or call (212) Court that alleges that David predators remain in the shadows so pilates, jump rope conditioning and The trip will depart from the shul (8 Atlantic Beach. 929-1525, ext. 100. Framowitz, identified as John Doe that they can groom more children No. 1, was molested by Kolko at for abuse,” she explained. “A stand Camp Agudah in the summer against the window is a stand for between seventh and eighth grade. the predators.” “It is not anything that was Rabbi Yosef Blau, mashgiach ever hidden,” explained Rabbi ruchani (spiritual guidance coun- Dovid Zwiebel, Agudath Israel’s selor) at YU’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan CLASSIFIEDS executive vice president. Theological Seminary, said “the old “The camp is the same name. system does not work” and the only Notwithstanding that this group of way to fix it is “a communal respon- To Advertise In This Section, Call 516-632-5205 rabbonim who sat on this question sibility to bite the bullet.” for the last number of weeks is “This is the only way that insti- among the most senior and respect- tutions will take responsibility and ed rabbonim and roshei yeshiva, abusers will not be given the oppor- Out Of Town/Real Estate Out Of Town/Real Estate Education Education when you get to that level, chances tunity to move from one place to are you’re going to be affiliated with another,” he asserted. “Institutions institutions that operate programs that have been completely negligent PASSAIC, NEW JERSEY that young people participate in. 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THE KOSHER BOOKWORM an Israel! And minating in the Israel we the Shoah have offers us insists that our as a people answers be in another chance the affirma- Yom Ha’atzmaut, Zionism and us –– another tive. But are chance to work we certain?" There is almost think of a way to years. “A Jew alive at the begin- at fulfilling a That, dear never a day when the memorialize their Rabbi Lichtman himself ning of this century and new covenant we readers, is our State of Israel does friends which would puts it best by stating that the millennium looks at the world agreed to eons challenge not draw some atten- also touch upon the Torah text provides for us the –– at his Jewish world. He can ago ... Do we every day. It is tion somewhere in difficult period they proof that “living in the holy summarize his impressions cyni- have a Torah for us to learn the world. This has had just been through, land is more than a dry, halachic cally or hopefully: the more adequate to the from our become the norm. recording their memo- question.” things change the more they task and are we sacred writ- Yet, not so long ago, ries of their pain. This “It is a fulfillment of the remain the same –– anti Semi- adequate to the ings, and the mentions of our holy Alan Jay Gerber was not the pain of deep yearnings of millennia of tism, assimilation, apathy; or, he task? Our books we read land were restricted to discouragement, but a Jews, to come to the land in can invoke the Psalmist’s ecstatic answers to them in, and a few lines in our pain characterized by order to perform all of G-d’s 'zeh hayom asa Hashem, nag- these questions should be in the to apply it to our daily lives. daily prayers. To past genera- prayer, growth and spiritual commandments especially those illah ve-nismecha vo.' We have affirmative. The long exile cul- tions the was a ascent. Their efforts not only led that depend on the land. This is dream, an ideal to be prayed for to the publication of the original the true meaning of Zionism: and hoped for. For us an inde- Hebrew edition that was widely loving and yearning for Zion, an pendent Jewish republic in the acclaimed and is already in its ideal that all of our sages, holy land is a reality and a second printing but also spurred throughout the generations responsibility. an English trans- espoused.” &).$!35--%2#!-0 This year’s independence lation that will This book commemorative is in a climate serve to help filled with Eretz of crisis and stress. Our responsi- inform others of Yisrael-oriented bility to help assure the state’s the tremendous divrei Torah will continued existence and security trauma suffered make an apt is a never ending task. Literature by our yeshiva addition to both reflecting upon our devotion to and the the Shabbos and that cause has continued to be a Jerusalem com- Yom Tov table labor of love to both the writers munity at large for all the family and readers of our people. of our precious to use. This week's commemorative loss.” Another book began with a day of memorial The book is of divrei Torah for those who fell in defense of a wellspring of of the same lit- the land, people and state. This deep inspiration erary genre is hazkarah does not reflect upon and tribute for titled “Torah them exclusively, but also upon all Jews to read Through a Zion- all who fell victim to our adver- about as part of ist Vision,” (Gef- saries. Among these are eight our literature detailing our ongo- fen Publishing, 2008) in two vol- young men murdered on March ing struggles to preserve our umes by Rabbi Avraham Feder 6, 2008 at Jerusalem’s famed people’s rights in Eretz Yisrael. of Jerusalem. These volumes are Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav. Even These tributes read as a kinot for a bit more expansive and are young students sitting in a bais Yom Hazikaron. highly intellectual in their pre- medrash are legitimate targets “Eretz Yisrael in the Par- sentations. Based upon his many for murder in cold blood. shah” by Moshe Lichtman sermons at Moreshet Yisrael, Recently, an English transla- (Devora Publishing, 2006) is a Rabbi Feder provides a deeply tion was published of fellow stu- valued and practical anthology thought out series of Torah shi- &REE!DVICE2EFERRALS dents’ tributes to those eight of references to the presence and urim that consistently reflect his young men. Titled “Princes role that Eretz Yisrael plays in passion and eloquence on behalf Among Men” (Feldheim, 2009) our weekly Torah readings. of both Torah and Israel. Taken it richly depicts, through verse, Organized in weekly parsha together with his keen analysis prose, essays and beautiful pic- installments as well as cameo of each parsha’s varied themes, tures, their lives, further demon- holiday appearances, Rabbi they make for more than just a strating the enormity of the loss Lichtman, a musmach of the casual read, meant to be learned that they represented to their fel- Israeli Chief Rabbinate and and studied. low students, their families and Yeshiva University, desribes in Rabbi Feder’s work was our nation. detail many of the halachic, recently recognized by Bar Ilan 4HE3OLUTION4O&INDING!'REAT#AMP Three of the eight were stu- aggadic and midrashic elements University where he was hon- dents at Mercaz HaRav; five of the Torah texts that relate ored with the Menachem Begin /UR%XPERT3TAFF7ILL7ORK7ITH9OU4O&IND4HE were students at Yeshivat both directly and indirectly to Prime Minister’s Award for his 3LEEPAWAY#AMP9OU(AVE"EEN$REAMING/F Yerushalayim L’Tzeirim (Yash- the laws and history of Eretz Yis- many years of teaching Torah latz). According to the school's rael. Also enumerated within and Tefilah (chazanut) as well as communications director, Yaakov these pages are all the major for his love for Israel. WWW#AMP#HEMISTRYCOMs   Cohne, “a few days after the players found in the Torah and We conclude with the fol- attack, the 12th grade class at of their roles in the history of lowing observation from Rabbi Yashlatz sat together and tried to our people during our formative Avraham Feder: LIMITED ENGAGEMENT APRIL 9 - JUNE 27 “King David is a passionate, hilarious masterpiece with a great deal of heart. Extraordinary! Move over, Jim Carrey and Robin Williams. David M. Sanborn’s firmed in Israel where a health with pigs, at county fairs or in performance is truly breathtaking. You have to see it to believe it!” SWINE FLU official, an observant Jew, the swine industry, are most ~ Dan Duis (WCTN-Radio, Washington DC) announced that the illness would likely to have it. Twelve cases Continued from Page One be referred to there as Mexico have been reported in the Unit- flu, avoiding the swine reference. ed States between December more than half in New York, Swine Influenza is caused 2005 and February 2009. with several schools closed and by the type A flu virus. It mani- “There have been no fatal a number of people hospital- fests itself as a respiratory illness cases in the US in the last three ized. A “suspect case” was being that is common, but not very to four years,” noted Dr. Glatt, investigated in Nassau County deadly, in pigs, often in the fall who is also assistant to the though health officials did not and winter, according to the Rabbi at the Young Israel of release further information Centers for Disease Control and Woodmere and the assistant before The Jewish Star's Tues- Prevention. rabbi at Congregation Anshei day evening press deadline. David M. Sanborn Humans rarely contract Chesed. starring in At least two cases were con- swine flu, but those in contact

A heart-warming musical celebration for the entire family! The epic story of King David comes alive in a musical with a “cast” of Hollywood’s biggest stars, as David M. Sanborn impersonates Arnold Schwarzenegger (as Goliath), Sean Connery (as the prophet Nathan), Jimmy Stewart (as Jesse), Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Robert DeNiro, Adam Sandler, Danny Kaye, Antonio Banderas, Gene Kelly, Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, Christopher Walken and many more!

The Psalms of the warrior-poet are now set to beautiful, original music by Ellen and David M. Sanborn, composers of the international hit musical, “Judah Ben-Hur” (slated for Broadway in 2010). PROMISEPROMISE THEATER THEATER 316 316 East East 91st 91st St. NewNew York, York, NY NY 10128 10128 TicketsTickets are are $45 $45 and and available available throughthrough www.TheaterMania.com www.TheaterMania.com 212.352.3101 or (toll-free) 866.811.4111 Performance212.352.3101 Schedule: Tues 7or pm •(toll-free) Wed, Thurs & 866.811.4111Fri 8 pm • Sat 2 pm & 8 pm www.KingDavidMusical.com 278441 279520

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Unfortunately, they don’t grow on trees.

Indeed, ambulances do not grow on trees. The cost of a new ambulance alone is $250,000. ■ I/We will be delighted to attend Annually, medical supplies exceed the Barbeque on May 3, 2009. $210,000, while even Shabbos taxis Please reserve ______places add up to $8,000. Plus there’s at $250 per couple. fuel, utilities, training, ■ communications equipment and I/We cannot attend the Barbeque so much more. but would like to contribute $ ______to this vital project. Which is why we have to count on you at least one day a year. Please charge my: ■ MC ■ Visa ■ Amex ■ Discover

Card No. Exp. Make sure you join your neighbors, family and friends ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■ ■■ at our Annual Community-Wide Barbecue on Sunday, / May 3rd at the Sands. You’ll have a wonderful time. Signature

More importantly, your presence at this annual Name

community-wide fundraiser means Chevra Hatzalah Address can respond effectively to thousands City State Zip of emergencies this year. Plus, you’ll be helping us save Telephone lives, maybe even your own. Email

Reserve now by sending in Please make checks payable to: the coupon. Chevra Hatzalah of the Rockaways and Nassau County 621 Beach 9th Street • Far Rockaway, NY 11691 ADULTS ONLY DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS RSVP PREFERRED BUT NOT MANDATORY • CASUAL ATTIRE BLOWDART 718-305-5169 ADVERTISING ✁ Annual Community-Wide Barbecue Sunday, May 3 ■ 6:30pm ■ The Sands 279522