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Candle-lighting/Shabbos Ends Parshas Shemos, December 28: 4:17/5:21 Kew Gardens Hills • Kew Gardens • Forest Hills • Hillcrest • Briarwood • Jamaica Estates • Holliswood • Fresh Meadows Great Neck • Rego Park • West Hempstead • New Hyde Park • Five Towns • Long Beach • Oceanside • Plainview • Catskills Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) December 27, 2018 • 19 Tevet 5779 Free

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SEE PAGES 51-55 This Is Loit Your Say From Our Rabbinic Consultant Opinion The Way It Iz Wake up! Why I Don’t Where Have You The Case For The Overreach Part I: Apocalypse Recycle My Gone, Rashi Eternal Rest Begins Now Organic Waste HaKadosh? By Sergey Kadinsky By Izzo Zwiren he deaths of Yaakov By Simcha Loiterman Dear Editor: By Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld Avinu and Yosef HaTzadik n October, I had warned of the Tthat are recorded in last potential overreach of the Dem- icture this: Last October, when the Sanita- was all set to write an article on week’s Parshas VaY’chi are used Iocratic Party into religious com- It is the dawn of the ro- tion Department rolled out its or- what I consider an important in many Jewish communities munities. This was based on specifi c Pbot-apocalypse. In the early ganic waste recycling program, I Ipolitical matter, but something as an opportunity to reinforce wording in the DNC platform: “We CONTINUED ON P. 13 CONTINUED ON P. 20 CONTINUED ON P. 5 CONTINUED ON P. 43 CONTINUED ON P. 24

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4 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 MMessageessage From Our Rabbinic Consultant R’ Yoel Schonfeld Where Have You Gone, Rashi HaKadosh? CONTINUED FROM P. 1 in day school. I know I’ve been writing about this, time and time again. But the need is be- else came up that, to me, eclipses any politi- coming more and more critical. Rabbi Wein, cal discussion. of course, fully agreed. Over Shabbos, I became aware that Rabbi Look how this reference to Rashi as “HaKa- Berel Wein, renowned author and lecturer, dosh” had a lasting impact for the great Rabbi was to speak at the Yeshiva of Central Queens Wein. It painted a picture for him of this great on the topic of teaching culture and values to and saintly man. Who knows if this didn’t af- our students in day schools today. The event fect his whole development as a lover and was sponsored by Torah Umesorah and was purveyor of Torah for all these decades? The geared for men and women in the chinuch recital of “Ashreinu” before the start of class profession. every day surely gave a fl avor to the learning Although I had other commitments, I de- that got right into those Jewish kishkes of the cided that this topic was important enough kids. to make the effort to attend. The lecture was Following my remarks came a comment interesting indeed, but the ensuing question- from a rebbe in the audience, which to me and-answer period was in many ways an eye- was stunning. A young man raised his hand opener for me. and identifi ed himself as a rebbe in a prestig-

The firewall between Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, and Open Orthodoxy was breached a few years ago. I am now afraid that the firewall between Orthodoxy and Open Orthodoxy is slowly being breached, as well

During the course of his presentation, Rab- ious day school. He referred to Rabbi Wein’s bi Wein mentioned that when he was in the recollection of his rebbe saying “Ashreinu” fourth grade or so in Chicago, his rebbe would and sadly said that if he emphasizes those always refer to Rashi as Rashi HaKadosh, “the words in his class, the students would ver- holy Rashi” – never as just plain Rashi. “Let’s bally attack him with the support of their see what Rashi HaKadosh has to say about parents. After all, how dare we Jews proclaim this pasuk in Chumash.” ourselves as “special” or even more fortunate This piqued his interest. Why did his rebbe than others! We are no different from the rest always refer to Rashi as “Rashi HaKadosh”? Fi- of the world. We are not more or less fortu- nally, the young Berel Wein decided to ask his nate than any other ethnic group. father why it was that his rebbe always spoke Rabbi Wein responded by saying that he of Rashi HaKadosh. His father went on to ex- must remain resolute and teach the kids that plain that without Rashi and his commentary we are indeed different. “If the Jews don’t on Tanach (the entire Bible) and on the Ge- know it, the rest of the world knows it, and mara, we would be lost. Torah would never they constantly remind us of it.” have been understood by the masses, so of After the lecture, I went over to this young course he is a kadosh, a holy person. That lit- man and asked him where he teaches. He tle lesson of appreciation for Rashi left Rabbi mentioned the name of the day school to me Wein with an impression that lasted him a and I was frankly stunned. This is one of the lifetime. oldest and most respected day schools in the Rabbi Wein went on to say that this rebbe New York area. I asked him if the students also had another very special practice. Every come from an Orthodox background, and he morning before starting class, he would begin told me that about 80 percent do, and for the by reciting out loud a sentence taken from the most part they are of the same attitude. Korbanos section of davening: “Ashreinu mah This is even more frightening than I real- tov chelkeinu u’mah na’im goraleinu u’mah ized. Is this where we are up to within the yafah y’rushaseinu–We are fortunate – how Orthodox community? We can’t even think good is our portion, how pleasant our lot, and of ourselves as the Am HaNivchar, the Cho- how beautiful our heritage!” This, too, left sen People?? How are we supposed to make Rabbi Wein with an indelible impression of Kiddush? Do we not say, “Ki vanu vacharta the value of loving our religion and our Torah. v’osanu kidashta mi’kol ha’amim–For us did In the question-and-answer period that fol- You choose and us did You sanctify from all lowed, I commented that I found these two the nations”? How do we recite the Birkas statements most intriguing, with valuable les- HaTorah (“Asher bachar banu mi’kol ha’amim” sons for chinuch. These approaches from his – that He chose us from all the nations), such rebbe clearly demonstrate the need to inject some emotion into the way we teach our kids CONTINUED ON P. 40

Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld is the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, Vice President of the Coalition for Jewish Values, former President of the Vaad Harabonim of Queens, and the Rabbinic Consultant for the Queens Jewish Link.

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 5 PUBLISHED BY Queens Jewish Link, LLC RABBINIC CONSULTANT Rabbi Yoel Schonfeld CO-PUBLISHERS Yaakov Serle Forecast Naftali Szrolovits SENIOR CONSULTANTS FRI • DEC 28 TUE • JAN 1 Yaniv Meirov Cynthia Zalisky 54° 46° Rebecca Wittert 48° 34° Sergey Kadinsky Showers CHIEF COPY EDITOR Showers R’ Yisroel Benedek COPY EDITOR SAT • DEC 29 WED • JAN 2 Rivky Bergstein 50° 39° SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER 31° Rachel Goldsmith 31° Mostly Sunny Partly Cloudy SUN • DEC 30 THU • JAN 3

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Community Calendar– Rebecca Wittert ...... 42 Recent Happenings –Susie Garber ...... 26-41 Classifieds & Real Estate ...... 62/63 General Interest Financially Forward – Gerald Harris...... 23 Style & Living FRI Beauty Briefs -Risselle Naimark ...... 49 Dating Today – Goldy Krantz ...... 47 The House of Faith N Fashion – Tobi Rubinstein ...... 45 Profiles in Caring - Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz ...... 57 Style Myths Debunked – Meira Schneider-Atik ...... 48 Light & Fun The Bell Tower and Me (Fiction Serial) – Susie Garber ...... 60 Snippets of Strange – QJL Staff ...... 14-16 SAT WED The Fun Side – QJL Staff...... 61 Mental Health & Physical Wellness Hooked on Healing – Caroline Schumsky ...... 46 Opinion As I See It – Cynthia Zalisky ...... 21 For What It’s Worth - Warren Hecht ...... 19 Frontlines – Dr. Joseph Frager ...... 22 SUN THU This is Loit- Simcha Loiterman ...... 1 Message From Rabbinic Consultant – R’ Yoel Schonfeld ...... 1 The Way It Iz – Izzo Zwiren ...... 1 Your Say ...... 1 Torah/Tefilah/Parshah Halachic Highlights – R’ Ephraim Glatt ...... 44 Into the Depths of Parshah – Shmuel Reichman ...... 7 Rabbi’s Musings and Amusings – R’ Dani Staum ...... 9 The Shmuz on the Parshah – R’ Ben Tzion Shafier ...... 12 MON FRI Think. Feel. Grow. – Shmuel Reichman ...... 7 Stories of Greatness – R’ Dovid Hoffman ...... 8 Weekly Tefilah Focus ...... 44 Special Articles The Case for Eternal Rest– Sergey Kadinsky ...... 1 Year in Review: US/Israel – Gerald Harris ...... 52/5 3 Year in Review: Queens – Rachel Goldsmith ...... 54/55

6 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 TThink.hink. FFeel.eel. GGrow:row: Into the Depths of Parshah Shmuel Reichman Parshah Can You Really Become As Great As Moshe Rabbeinu? Redefining the Meaning of Greatness

The Lake Story younger ambulance member. “There was no all of us are able to become leaders, let alone Your Origin Story one there to tell him that he couldn’t.” become the greatest leader in human history? The Gemara discusses a very enigmatic here were once two boys who went What couldn’t we possibly do if, instead of So what does the Rambam mean? tale describing the initial stage of our forma- skating on a frozen lake. As they were listening to that voice inside us that tells us tion. The Gemara explains that when you Tenjoying themselves, the ice cracked, that we can’t, that we listened instead to that Are We All Capable of Greatness? were just a fetus, you were in a perfected and and one of the boys fell through the cracks still small voice within us that tells us we can. We can take this question a step further. transcendent state of being. While in utero, a into the icy water. His friend tried with all his Let’s explore a deep topic connected to this The Gemara in Nidah (30b) has a cryptic and mal’ach taught you kol haTorah kulah – all of might to save him, but he was too late: His week’s parshah. perplexing line. The Gemara says that just Torah – and you understood all of reality with friend got swept underneath the current, and a crystal clear lens. However, the Gemara con- was stuck underneath the ice. tinues with an anticlimactic punch (literally): Desperate to save his friend, this scrawny A tzadik doesn’t mean someone who is “great”; it refers to Just before you were born, the mal’ach struck boy quickly looked around and saw a tree in someone who fulfills his role and actualizes his unique potential you on the mouth, causing you to forget eve- the distance. He rushed over, pulled down a rything you learned. giant branch, rushed back, and started smash- Two obvious questions arise: Why does ing and thrashing away at the thick ice. Fi- As Great As Moshe Rabbeinu? before each of us is born, Hashem makes us the mal’ach make you forget what you’ve nally, he was able to break through the thick In parshas Sh’mos, we are introduced to take a neder (an oath) that we will become learned? But more importantly, if he’s going ice, pull out his friend, and drag him to safety. Moshe Rabbeinu, perhaps the greatest per- a tzadik. Once again, we face a problem. An to make you forget it, why even teach it to When the ambulance came, they were able son who ever lived. Moshe not only led the oath is a guarantee, a promise. How can we you in the fi rst place? to resuscitate him and, miraculously, the boy Jewish people out of Mitzrayim, but he also promise that we’ll be a tzadik? Not all of us Changing the way we view the human survived. received the Torah on Har Sinai. He fasted for are cut out to be great, to be tzadikim. How mind, the Vilna Gaon answers as follows: One of the younger ambulance crewmem- 40 days and 40 nights, surpassing all human can we explain this strange piece of Gemara? When you learned all of Torah, it doesn’t bers sat there dumbfounded, scratching his boundaries or limitations, and the Torah it- Let’s begin by going back to the beginning of head, and muttered out loud, “How can such self even testifi es that no one reached the lev- this Gemara in Nidah (30b). CONTINUED ON P. 63 a scrawny kid break through such thick ice, el of n’vuah (prophecy) that Moshe was able let alone pull down such a giant branch? It’s to attain. Yet, the Rambam (Hilchos T’shuvah Shmuel Reichman is an inspirational speaker and has spoken internationally at shuls, impossible; I don’t get it! An older ambulance 5:2) says something absolutely shocking. He conferences, and Jewish communities. You can fi nd more inspirational shiurim, videos, and crewmember sat next to him, and smiled. claims that everyone is able to be a tzadik like articles from Shmuel on Facebook and Yutorah.org. For all questions, thoughts, or bookings, “I’ll tell you how he did it.” “How?” asked the Moshe Rabbeinu! How is this possible? Not please email [email protected].

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Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 7 SStoriestories Of Greatness R’ Dovid Hoffman his former stature. Together with their edict, ish rabbinate in Tunis for forging a phony and they also included copies of both the original counterfeit translation that has no basis in fact.” letter in Hebrew and the translated version in Chacham Chadad began to protest that this A Language Of Pure Gold French. was not true, but the administrator curled his The French bureaucrat in charge of the Is- lip into a sneer and said, “Is that so? Well, I have he Sages tell us that the Jewish people re- Chacham Barbi was summarily dismissed from land of Djerba and its environs was a haughty proof. You see, I am holding your original He- tained their unique heritage while being his position as chief rabbi. man who did not appreciate that his decision brew letter that contains two pages, and the Tenslaved by their Egyptian oppressors. Not to take this matter sitting down, one to fi re the chief rabbi was overturned. He scru- French-translated letter, which is 15 pages long! They did not alter their names, their mode of of the Chacham’s prime disciples, Chacham tinized the letters and learned that the original How is this possible? The only explanation is dress, or their language. The Jewish language Yaakov Chadad, zt”l, sat down and penned a author was the young rabbinical student Jacob that the translator lied and added many sympa- has always been with us from the beginning of two-page letter in Hebrew to the local rabbin- Chadad. He immediately summoned him to his thetic words of his own – fi fteen pages worth – time and it remains a language that is pure, pre- ate in the capital city of Tunis, describing the lavish executive offi ce and in rapid-fi re French and therefore, the decision from Tunis is faulty cise, and unparalleled in the entire world. terrible injustice that was done to his master. he began to heap insults on the young Jewish and ineffectual!” The exact origins of the Jewish community He poured his heart directly into the written student. At this point, Chacham Chadad broke into a in the Tunisian island of Djerba is unclear. Jews smile and replied evenly, “Sir, I can assure you lived there under various regimes for close to that the translator did not add even one word 3,000 years, with varying levels of peace and “Are you the author of this dastardly letter?” he yelled accusingly, of his own. You see, my letter in Hebrew was security until the French protectorate of Tu- holding it up and waving it in the face of the younger man crafted like a coin of the purest gold. As you nisia was established by a treaty in 1881, after know, a small coin weighs only fi ve grams, but which the situation of the Jewish community if you were to change it into copper, you would improved. Many Tunisian Jews welcomed the words and he signed it with the hope and fer- “Are you the author of this dastardly letter?” need many kilograms of copper to equal its opportunity to become French citizens and vent prayer that this letter would be made avail- he yelled accusingly, holding it up and waving it value. The same goes for the Hebrew language. shifted their cultural identifi cation to French- able to the proper French authorities in order to in the face of the younger man. “How dare you Two pages in Hebrew are so pure that in order European. For the generation born under the correct the infringement that was done. go behind my back and write a letter to Tunis to match its value in French, one would need protectorate, the French language replaced The letter was received in Tunis and hand- criticizing my decision? I’ll have you know that many more pages to express the same senti- Judeo-Arabic as the Tunisian Jews’ mother ed over to a well-known Jewish lawyer by the I am in charge here and they have no right to ment!” tongue. name of Scemama. He spent a number of days alter my edict! Besides,” the Frenchman added The decree was rescinded and Chacham The chief rabbi of Tunisia at that time was translating Chacham Chadad’s words into the for effect, “I will report you as well as the Jew- Barbi was restored. the pious tzadik, Chacham Yosef Barbi, zt”l, local French dialect before submitting it to the who lived in ascetic purity, learning and teach- protectorate. The letter was well-received and Rabbi Dovid Hoffman is the author of the popular “Torah Tavlin” book series, fi lled with ing Torah to his students. However, there were made quite an impression on the protector- stories, wit and hundreds of divrei Torah, including the brand new “Torah Tavlin Yamim those who meant the rabbi harm and they sent ate, who immediately rescinded the previous Noraim” in stores everywhere. You’ll love this popular series. Also look for his book, “Heroes informers to the French protectorate belittling decree and restored the chief rabbi to his posi- of Spirit,” containing one hundred fascinating stories on the Holocaust. They are fantastic the rabbi and accusing him of crimes he did not tion. By governmental courier, they dispatched gifts, available in all Judaica bookstores and online at http://israelbookshoppublications. commit. The authorities did not bother to look a missive to the local French administrator in com. To receive Rabbi Hoffman’s weekly “Torah Tavlin” sheet on the parsha, e-mail To- into the matter, and from one day to the next, Djerba, informing him to restore the rabbi to [email protected].

8 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 RRabbi’sabbi’s MMusingsusings & Amusings

R' Dani Staum Endearing Closeness

few years ago, I had the wonderful op- his blessing. I told my brother that I was only portunity to spend a week in Eretz Yis- in the country for a few days and I didn’t have Arael with our b’chor, Shalom, in honor time to think about being uncomfortable. of his bar mitzvah. It was a special trip, and On Motza’ei Shabbos, Shalom, Yaakov, we had the z’chus to meet a few g’dolei Yisrael and I knocked on Rav Fisher’s door. We were and enjoy seeing some of the beauty of the brought inside, where we found the Rav qui- Land. etly sitting at his table where he had just com- We spent Shabbos with my sister Ahuva pleted eating his melaveh malkah. and my brother Yaakov and his family, both He gave Shalom a brachah in honor of of whom live in the Nachlaot neighborhood his bar mitzvah and allowed me to take a As I was fl ipping through one of the s’farim On the other hand, tourists who visit the of Yerushalayim. picture of Shalom with him. When I told I had purchased from him, it struck me how city for a week seem to hit all the popular During Shabbos, I mentioned to Yaakov the Rav that I wished to purchase his sefer, ironic it was that I had been willing to knock tourist spots during that time. that there was a sefer called Drashos Beis Drashos Beis Yishai, he replied that that was on his door when I was there for a week, and It’s one of the sad realities of life: We often Yishai, written by Rav Shlomo Fisher, that I his brother’s sefer. I realized that this was Rav my brother had never done so. fail to take advantage of the things closest to wanted to purchase. The problem was that Eliezer Moshe Fisher, a different brother of For the fi rst eight years of my life, my us. The things we can do any time often be- it was out of print. I was hoping that during the famed halachic poseik. family lived on the Lower East Side of Man- come the things we don’t do at any time. my visit I might possibly be able to meet Rav Conversely, when one knows he has lim- Fisher and to purchase his sefer directly from ited time, he will pack in as much as he can him. I also noted that Rav Fisher was the It’s one of the sad realities of life: We often fail to take advantage during that time. brother of Rav Yisroel Yaakov Fisher zt”l, a re- of the things closest to us Residents of Yerushalayim may not visit nowned halachic poseik. the Kosel for months, while those of us who My brother answered that not only did have the opportunity to visit from chutz he know who Rav Fisher is, he actually lived Rav Fisher’s son was in the apartment as- hattan. I never remember visiting the Statue laAretz will make sure to daven there numer- only a few doors away. I couldn’t believe the sisting his father. Upon hearing my request, of Liberty or the World Trade Center during ous times. opportunity! I told my brother that I wanted he brought me four s’farim that his father had those years. I think that’s fairly common of to knock on his door after Shabbos. My broth- authored. They were on topics throughout New Yorkers. CONTINUED ON P. 20 er replied that although he had seen the Rav Shas, and were simply entitled, Sefer Eliezer walking many times, he had never knocked Moshe, the name of their author. Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW, is a rebbe and guidance counselor at Heichal HaTorah in Te- on his door. Rav Fisher was a holy, elderly, Last week, I read the sad news that Rav aneck, Principal at Mesivta Ohr Naftoli of New Windsor, and a division head at Camp Dora and feeble man, and my brother wasn’t com- Eliezer Moshe Fisher passed away at the age Golding. He can be reached at [email protected]. Looking for “instant inspiration” on the fortable to simply knock on his door to seek of 88. parshah in under minutes? Follow him on Torahanytime.com.

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Dear Friends & Family, As you might remember, I was honored by Bais Yaakov of Queens on a number of occasions. Now I have been asked to step up to the plate one more time for a school that is very dear to my heart. There is a gemara that says “be’ra karah d’avuhah.” In its simple form it means “a son is an extension of a father.” My son, Rabbi Nosson Neuman, was zoche to found a school in Far Rockaway seven years ago in memory of our machateinesteh Mrs. Miriam Yormark a”h. She together with her husband Rav Mordechai Aryeh Yormark a”h influenced hundreds of people to become closer to the Torah and to be ehrliche yidden. The mechutan a”h, was a beloved Rav and Rebbe to thousands. Anyone who remembers them can’t help but smile at their warmth and total devotion to everyone who came in contact with them, and certainly to the community of Memphis Tennessee. I have been zoche to be involved in the “World of Chinuch” for 65 years. 50 of these years were spent building Bais Yaakov of Queens. You all know me in one way or another. My wife, Morah Rivkah, was a well-known teacher in her own right in Yeshivah Toras Emes for many decades as well. As the co-creator of the famous 613 Torah Avenue series, she has reached hundreds of thousands of children over the last 45 years. I am proud of what my son Reb Nosson has accomplished in the world of Chinuch. He has certainly been imbued from his early years with a sense of achrayus for the Klal. I had the privilege of having him at my side for 15 years. He has built a beautiful Bais Yaakov, student by student, family by family, one at a time, with care and devotion. From what I hear, his talmidos love his kindness and easy going manner that helps them grow in their own unique way. He asked me, or if I may say politely told me, that he needs my help. It is very true that we are the Great Grandparents of two precious talmidos, Nechama and Miriam Neuman. Incidentally, as only Great Grandparents can attest to, they are the cutest and smartest girls in the school. Together with an incredible Board of Directors, they have recently purchased the building that they are currently in. The school can use your help. May I ask you to help my two Great Granddaughters have a wonderful chinuch experience by assisting this amazing Bais Yaakov to the best of your ability? In this zechus, my brocha to all of you is that the Ribbono Shel Olam should bless you with gezunt, arichas yomim v'shanim tovim, with abundant yiddeshe nachas from your beautiful mishpachos. May your tefillos for whatever you need, parnasah, shidduchim, yeshuos, and refuos be niskabel bekarov! For more information please visit the school’s website at www.baisyaakovam.org I thank you in advance, Rabbi Moshe Neuman

10 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 בס׳ד LMNOmarketing.com

BAIS YAAKOV ATERES MIRIAM thANNUAL 7 DINNER Growing by Leaps & Bounds

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RABBI & MRS. MOSHE NEUMAN On track to enroll 300 students for the Guests of Honor coming school year 2019-2020 MR. & MRS. DOVY SCHWADEL Harbotzas Torah Award Purchase our building 2018-2019 RABBI & MRS. YEHOSHUA RUBENSTEIN January 5, 2019 Charidy Campaign 2017-2018 Building campaign launches MOTZOEI SHABBOS, PARSHAS VA’EIRA 2016-2017 מוצאי שבת, כ“ט טבת תשע“ט | פרשת וארא School continues to grow RECEPTION 8:30 | PROGRAM 9:30 | DESSERT 10:15 2015-2016 Congregation Beth Sholom, Dinner Sponsored by: Welcome Mr. Avraham Mayer, 390 Broadway, Lawrence NY Executive Director 2014-2015

Parallel classes established 1214 Heyson Road Far Rockaway, NY 11691 2013-2014 Tel: 718.868.3232 Fax: 718.868.3235 [email protected] www.baisyaakovam.org BYAM opens with 31 students 2012-2013

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 11 TThehe SShmuzhmuz On The Parshah R’ Ben Tzion Shafier ple shall attack, the Jews in our midst will join them in battle and throw us out from our land.” The Jews had become the enemy of the state. “They found the Jews disgusting,” or “They The only choice was to get rid of them. The were disgusted with the Jews.” It says, “They Your Midos Are Killing You fi rst step was to oppress them, then to torture were disgusted because of the Jewish people.” them, and fi nally to enslave them. Yet, despite Rashi explains that because of their ha- “But as much as they would affl ict it, so it respected and revered, no longer were they the hardships placed upon them, the Jewish na- tred of the Jews, their own lives had become would increase and so it would burst forth; welcome. They had become a thorn in the tion fl ourished. The Mitzrim found themselves disgusting. They had become disgusted with and they were disgusted because of the Chil- side of the Mitzrim. confounded by this despised enemy within their themselves. dren of Israel.” This Rashi is diffi cult to understand. How – Sh’mos 1:12 did the hatred of the Mitzrim toward the Jews ***** While most feelings have distinct physical appearances and are make their own lives disgusting? Wasn’t it the easy enough to distinguish, there are two that are remarkably Jews they hated, not themselves? The Jews Become the Enemy of the State The answer to this question can be un- Yosef, his brothers, and their entire gen- similar: anger and hatred derstood with an observation about human eration had passed on. A new era was begin- nature. ning in Mitzrayim, and with it came a new attitude. When the Jews had fi rst entered the And it went downhill from there. As has hap- borders who would soon outnumber them. Reading Faces land, they were received as celebrated guests. pened so often in history, the Jews were soon We humans are highly social. Our interac- After all, they were brothers of the great Yosef viewed as outsiders and as foreigners – unwanted, Disgusting in Their Eyes tions are governed by many subtle cues and who had saved the nation. That sense of ap- unwelcomed, and feared. That fear turned to hate Interestingly, when the Torah describes conventions. One of the skills needed to get preciation was gone. No longer were the Jews when the common wisdom said, “If a foreign peo- their hatred toward the Jews, it doesn’t say, along well with others is the ability to know how they perceive us, and what they are feel- ing. Is that guy in a good mood or bad mood? Is he open to my advances or not? Most of us do this intuitively. Before we say something, we look at the other person and instantly know if he is pleased or upset, happy or distressed – and we modify our exchanges accordingly. Many children, how- ever, fi nd this skill elusive, and they must be taught to recognize the physical signs that correspond to different emotions. One of the techniques used is to teach the child to “read faces.” A therapist will show the child a picture of a person’s face, and then help him or her identify the emotion that that person is most likely feeling. “See, when the end of the mouth curves up, that’s a smile, and it means he’s happy. When his forehead crinkles up, and his mouth moves down like that, it means he’s angry.” While most feelings have distinct physical appearances and are easy enough to distin- guish, there are two that are remarkably simi- lar: anger and hatred. In both, the person’s face shows displeasure. In both, the person looks genuinely unhappy. And in both, the person seems to be in pain. As a result, teach- ing a child which face represents hate and which represents anger is very diffi cult. One thing is clear, though: Neither face is smiling, because both anger and hatred aren’t satisfy- ing, enjoyable experiences. Quite the oppo- site, they are dramatically unpleasant. Ruining Your life The Gemara (P’sachim 113b) tells us, “If someone is accustomed to anger, his life isn’t a life, and he is never happy.” Why is this? Be- cause powerful emotions are like a gas that

CONTINUED ON P. 24

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

12 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 This IIss LLoitoit Simcha Loiterman

ment on our group chat. We didn’t fi ll every ing rates. Wake up! second of our commutes or break time with Social psychologist Adam Alter, author of Part I: Apocalypse Now Netfl ix, YouTube, or Hulu. Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology Being alive in 2003 meant not having to and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked, dis- nd this is the problem with our when times were simpler. I won’t wax on and snap eight pictures of everything we ate. We covered in his research that, since 2007 (the infatuation with the things we on about how things were better and more in- enjoyed whatever events we were at, instead year the fi rst iPhone came out), the amount “A make. We think the things we nocent when I was a kid in 1989, even if it was of watching them through a fi ve-inch screen. of our personal time spent in front of screens make can solve our problems, but our prob- a sweet time to be alive (Vanilla Ice!). We kept our thoughts to ourselves instead of has skyrocketed to where we now spend lems are much more complex than that.” Instead, I’ll talk about 2003. Remember? tweeting them. When we wanted to catch up roughly over 85% of this time in front of Malcolm Gladwell Phones just made phone calls. We asked peo- with a friend or meet someone new, we spoke screens rather than interacting with people ple tentatively if it was okay to call them on to them instead of scanning their profi le on or pursuing personal interests. Most people Dave Bowman: Open the pod bay doors, their cell phones, and we kept two hands on Facebook. We kept old, outdated pictures of are not particularly proud of this or even HAL! the wheel when we drove. We didn’t check our kids stuffed deep in our wallets instead of HAL: I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do the tracking of our Amazon deliveries six posting them for the world to see at sicken- CONTINUED ON P. 38 that. times a day or needlessly text or tweet or 2001: A Space Odyssey WhatsApp while seated across the table from Simcha Loiterman is a resident of Kew Gardens Hills. He is available for speaking engage- our family. ments and presentations or a cup of coffee and a good talk. He would love to hear from you at CONTINUED FROM P. 1 In 2003, we didn’t stare at our phone as we [email protected]. He feels very strongly that you can learn from everyone because we all walked down the street with our kids, or all have stories to tell, lessons to teach, and can kindle a spark of goodness inside. He is currently hours, just as the sun creeps over the hori- but ignore them at the park even while we pursuing a doctorate in “Life.” Visit his blog at thisisloit.wordpress.com to learn more of his ideas zon, the doomsday sequence initiates. Hu- pushed them on the swing because we had to and opinions about our beautiful world. mankind slowly stirs from peaceful slumber, see the newsfeed or respond to a snarky com- unaware that their dishwashers, refrigerators, and televisions sent the code for the self-driv- ing cars to activate. The cars plow though the walls of homes catapulting the inhabitants out of bed, fl ushing them outside and into the streets searching for help. Help doesn’t APPLY NOW! come. Instead, a cloud of drones so dense that SPRING it obscures the mighty sun itself descends CLASSES START upon the masses. People scatter to no avail. JAN 30 Men Like a scene out of Hitchcock’s The Birds, they JAN 31 Women are mercilessly pecked apart before breakfast time.

Why are we so invested in recording the memories rather than authentically creating them?

Some stagger to safety, only to be elimi- nated by incendiary devices hidden in their phones triggered by the master computer from a satellite high above Earth. In the confusion, the few survivors scatter for shelter, only to run directly into the arms of legions of cyborgs-in-waiting, expecting the Discover Lander College in Flatbush and Pursue a humans, based on detailed data and algo- rithms culled from their every move on the Quality Education With Torah Values Internet. They know the next move before humans do. The few survivors live out their lives in fear, like the humans from Planet of the Apes. Hiding is useless and running is fu- tile. It is the end of the world as we know it. It sounds like a movie plot (Spielberg, DISCOVER LANDER COLLEGE IN FLATBUSH and explore 20+ call me!) but it could happen. If it did, there majors and pre-professional fi elds, an Accelerated Accounting/CPA program, Integrated would be a sort of poetic justice to it all. (I Honors Options in medicine, pharmacy, OT, PT, PA, speech pathology, computer also realize I made four movie references, but they’re from the 1960s, and if Rabbi Or- science and pre-law, and learn about our outstanding record of admissions to graduate lofsky can get away with it, why can’t I?) and professional schools. Career placement with two annual job fairs. Generous I’m just going to dive in; even if it’s not fi nancial aid and academic scholarships for qualifi ed students. the robot apocalypse, we have a problem. We have a technology problem. I like technology but there is a limit, and FOR MORE INFORMATION: I think we are reaching it. Tech is wonderful; Contact Rabbi Gershon at 718.252.7800 ext. 59399 or [email protected] I support open-heart surgery, I use ballpoint pens, I enjoy a rousing game of Pac-Man, I am the benefi ciary of anti-lock brakes, and I’ll SEPARATE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SCHOOLS likely never, ever have to read a map again for 1602 Avenue J (East 16th Street), Brooklyn as long as I live, thanks to GPS. Not to ram- las.touro.edu | 718.252.7800 ext. 59299 ble on about how much I miss phone booths, Touro is an equal opportunity institution. For Touro’s complete Non-Discrimination Statement, visit: www.touro.edu tape decks, and shopping lists, but I miss

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 13 SSnippetsnippets Of Strange

Driver Used Chicken Wings Popeyes Offering 'Emotional Indian Teen's 5-Foot, 7-Inch Sticker To Hide License Plate Support Chicken' At Airport Hair Sets Guinness Record Doctor Notes Rise In 'Selfie Wrist' Cases

opeyes Louisiana Kitchen is getting in 16-year-old girl who had a bad haircut on the emotional support animal trend 10 years ago has been growing out her olice in California said a driver tried Pby selling boxes of "Emotional Support Ahair ever since and now has a Guin- to avoid toll enforcement by covering Chicken" at a Philadelphia airport. ness World Record. Los Angeles doctor said he's seeing an Ppart of their license plate with a sticker The eatery said travelers at Terminal C Nilanshi Patel was awarded the Guinness increase in smartphone photo-snap- from a package of chicken wings. of Philadelphia International Airport can World Record for longest hair on a teenager Aping patients suffering from "selfi e The California Highway Patrol said in a Fa- now purchase a chicken-shaped box labeled after her brown locks were measured at 5 feet, wrist." cebook post that a sergeant pulled over a car "Emotional Support Chicken" to take on their 7 inches long. Dr. Levi Harrison, an orthopedic surgeon, for having a partially covered license plate. fl ight. Patel said she started growing her hair said patients have been coming in complain- Police said the driver had apparently tried "We know holiday travel can be frustrating, out after a bad experience with a hairdresser ing of pain in their wrists and tingling in their to avoid paying the toll on a bridge by using and there's no better way to ease stress than when she was 6. fi ngers as a result of hyper-fl exing their wrists the sticker receipt from a package of chicken with a box of delicious Popeyes fried chicken "I got my hair cut, a really bad haircut. So, when taking selfi es with their smartphones. wings. and a good laugh," the company's chief mar- then I decided that I won't cut my hair. I de- "It's a form of carpal tunnel because what "Well, sure enough the driver had used keting offi cer said in a statement. cided that when I was 6 and have not cut it happens again is this hyperfl exion of the his receipt from a pound of teriyaki chicken Emotional support animals have been since," she said. wrist appears to cause median nerve neuri- wings he had bought at Safeway earlier in the in the headlines recently as a series of high- Patel, whose friends nicknamed her Ra- tis, which basically, is the nerve becomes in- day, ripped it in half and used it to cover two profi le incidents involving unusual species punzel, said her parents are supportive of her fl amed and angry," Harrison said. digits of both the front and rear plate," the - including a peacock - led some airlines to style. Harrison said he has been instructing pa- post said. tighten their restrictions on the animals. "People think that I face so many problems tients on how to hold their phones with less The driver was cited for having an ob- "Sorry, Fido. Popeyes #EmotionalSupport- with my hair, but I don't face any problems, I wrist strain and to do exercises that relieves structed license plate and driving on a sus- Chicken doesn't bark on the plane," Popeyes do sports and all the things with my hair. It's the infl ammation. pended license. The car was impounded. tweeted. a lucky charm for me!" she said. Selfi e wrist is not the fi rst unusual medical "I style it is as a long braid or as a bun on condition to rise in the smart phone age - doc- the top of my head. When I am going to an tors in San Diego said in 2015 they repaired occasion, or when I am playing table tennis, I a ruptured tendon resulting from a patient's bun my hair on my head so that it is comfort- "Candy Crush thumb." able for me," Patel said. The doctors said the 29-year-old man had experienced pain after playing the popular Lawyer Trading Uber Gift game nearly all day for six to eight weeks. Cards For Pledges Michigan Couple Remarry Not To Drive Drunk After Realizing First Try Wasn't Legal

Houston lawyer is offering local resi- dents free $40 Uber gift cards if they Apledge not to drink and drive on New Year's Eve. Michigan couple learned that they Brian White announced he is hosting an broke the law when they wed two event Dec. 28 called "Sober Ride Houston," Ayears ago, so they asked a judge to where he will promote alternatives to drunk void the illegal marriage and then to do it all driving. over again. He said the fi rst 195 people to pledge not Philip Timmer and Trisha Stewart, both 55, to drink and drive on New Year's Eve will re- were remarried last week, and this time it was ceive $40 Uber gift cards at the event - a total valid under Michigan law. $7,800. Timmer and Stewart were both divorced "Houston has had more fatal drunk-driving with children from previous marriages when accidents over the last 16 years than any other major metropolitan area," White said. CONTINUED ON P. 15

14 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 SSnippetsnippets Of Strange

CONTINUED FROM P. 14 Trappers Capture Monster Missouri Woman's Stolen Tiny they met in 2010 through the social network- the house was still moving west and had yet ing website Myspace. 500-Pound Gator In Florida Home Found 30 Miles Away to be recovered. Timmer and Stewart hit it off immediately. That changed on Wednesday, when a sher- "He asked for a date," Stewart said. "I went iff tweeted that the tiny home had been lo- to a barbecue at his house. We've been togeth- cated. er ever since." The sheriff's offi ce also said a towing com- Timmer proposed to Stewart three pany agreed to recover the house and tow it years after dating, but they had to push back to its owner free of charge. back their wedding after Stewart faced "So much gratitude. From the bottom of health issues. my heart-thank you," she said. The couple married in 2016. But then Stewart learned that her divorce hadn't been properly finalized in Texas, mean- Car Confusingly Covered In ing she was legally still married to her ex- husband. Plastic Cups "I found out the judge who had overseen olice in Missouri helped return a St. our divorce had died and the papers had nev- Louis woman's stolen tiny house last er been processed," Stewart said. "I thought pair of trappers captured a behemoth PWednesday after it was found about 30 it was crazy. We thought it was all done and 12-foot alligator discovered by divers miles away. taken care of." Aworking on a project at a private prop- The woman fi rst reported the small home Stewart worked to settle her divorce, erty in Florida. on wheels missing in an Instagram post on which was offi cially dissolved in the spring. Jim Cutway, a licensed alligator trapper, Saturday after she spent several years con- She then approached a judge to have her said he responded to the property after divers structing the home on a 20-foot-long and illegal marriage with Timmer voided. encountered the 500-pound beast under wa- 8-foot-wide trailer as part of her senior thesis surprised traveler on a Russian road As soon as the court hearing concluded, ter. at Webster University. captured video of an unusual car cov- Stewart said she asked Schafer to remarry "The divers had less than 5 feet of visibil- "Between 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. this morning Aered in thousands of plastic cups. them and he happily agreed, having never ity, and they knew he was there," Cutway said. the tiny house was stolen," she wrote. "I'm at The video shows the cup-covered car trave- presided over a marriage before. "The gator was very close them. He was both- a loss. Please if you see it around the city call ling while being fi lmed by a passenger in a "As a Circuit Court judge, my docket in- ering them." and report it/get in contact with me." nearby car. volves divorces, maybe the least favorite part Cutway said they used calls to lure the Within days she received reports that the Writing in the back window of the car of my job," Schafer said. "It's not enjoyable gator to the surface and it took about two house had been spotted being towed by a states there are 2,700 total cups stuck to the fi nalizing the end of a marriage. To have the more hours to capture the animal alive. grey truck moving west on an interstate. body of the vehicle. opportunity to join two in marriage was a The trapper said the alligator was taken to As late as Tuesday afternoon, the woman pleasant surprise." a gator farm. updated those following the situation that CONTINUED ON P. 16

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Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 15 SSnippetsnippets Of Strange

CONTINUED FROM P. 15 to a class of 2019 student. "The Board of Trustees recognized that Woman Reunited With Lost Griffi n has demonstrated extraordinary ef- was reunited with the ring. University Gives Honorary fort, steadfast commitment, and diligent ded- Ring More Than 50 Years "I'm going to wear it on a fi nger that will ication to the wellbeing and student success not fall off," Lavois said. Diploma To Service Dog of his owner," the school said. Later New York state university shared a Griffi n accompanies the student to classes, photo of an honorary diploma be- lectures, faculty appointments, group study Man Finds Valuable Pearl In Aing bestowed on a student's cap-and- sessions, social activities, research projects Restaurant Oyster Meal gown-clad service dog. and clinical experiences, the university said. Clarkson University said canine compan- "Griffi n has been awarded an honorary di- ion Griffi n Hawley was awarded an honorary ploma for his extraordinary contributions to diploma at the ceremony to honor his service student success," the statement said.

Texas woman was reunited with her Texas A&M University ring more than A50 years after she lost it in Colorado. man eating oysters for lunch at a New Judy Lavois said she and her husband, who York restaurant found a pearl in his gave her the sweetheart ring, were playing in Ameal that could be worth thousands. the snow in Colorado fi ve decades ago when The man said he was having lunch with a the ring came off her fi nger. friend at Grand Central's Oyster Bar in Man- "I was pregnant with my second child and hattan when he found a hard object. my husband gave it to me so I would have a "I just all of a sudden felt something like a boy," Lavois said. "And I did. I had a boy for tooth or a fi lling and it's terrifying," the man him." said. "And then I realized it's not a tooth, it's Lavois said she had long since given up a pearl." hope of seeing the ring again when she was The man said he spoke to the fl oor man- contacted by a man named Jerry. ager at the eatery. Jerry told Lavois that a family member had "I got the fl oor manager and asked how of- found the ring while vacationing in Colorado ten does this happen," he said. "And he said and he was able to track her down online. 'I've never heard of that happening yet.'" "He's an Aggie. He found me and brought it The pearl has not yet been offi cially ap- to me from San Antonio," Lavois said. praised, but experts estimated it could be Lavois said she met Jerry for lunch and worth $2,000 to $4,000.

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Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 17 AAsideside forfor organizingorganizing inspirationalinspirational llecturesectures aandnd eeventsvents tthroughouthroughout tthehe ccalendaralendar yyear,ear, CCHAZAQ'sHAZAQ's mmainain mmissionission iiss ttoo iinspirenspire aandnd gguuideide thethe thousandsthousands ooff JJewishewish sstudentstudents iinn tthehe PPublicublic sschoolchool ssystem,ystem, viavia after-schoolafter-school pprogramsrograms fforor cchildrenhildren aandnd tteens.eens. IInn tthehe llastast 2 yyearsears aalone,lone, CCHAZAQHAZAQ hhasas ttransferredransferred ooverver 550000 JJewishewish ppububliclic schoolschool studentsstudents ttoo YYeshiva.eshiva. FForor mmoreore iinformationnformation oorr ttoo bbee ppartart ofof thethe CHAZAQCHAZAQ revolutionrevolution pleaseplease vvisitisit wwww.Chazaq.orgww.Chazaq.org oorr ccallall 7718-285-913218-285-9132

18 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 FForor WWhathat It’s Worth Warren S. Hecht

School Confusion ORIGINAL SILVER

am appalled, and if the situation both the Assembly and the Senate on March was not so serious, it would be 30, 2018. This legislation was on pages 194-195 “Ilaughable,” said Assemblywoman of a 199-page bill. I have been unable to ascer- Stacey Pheffer Amato (“Time to Educate the tain when this proposal was placed in the bill. Education Department,” The Jewish Home However, right after the bill passed it be- 12/20/18). I concur with her statement. How- came publicly known that there were chang- ever, it is not only the NYS Education Depart- es to the education law that affected the ye- ment that needs an education. shivahs. Next to the article is a letter dated Decem- For example, in The New York Times article ber 17, 2018, that she wrote to MaryEllen Elia, The Curious Case of the Yeshiva Carve-Out on UP TO the Commissioner of the NYS Education De- April 3, 2018, it states: “And on Saturday, when partment: the fi nal budget passed at 4 a.m., Mr. Felder’s “I am writing to you regarding the recently infl uence seemed confi rmed. The legisla- released NYSED guidelines for non-public tion carved out special standards for schools schools…and therefore I strongly urge you to with especially long school days, bilingual halt the impending plans and to fi rst create programs and nonprofi t status – in effect, 40% OFF a dialogue with non-public school leadership, yeshivahs – in determining whether they of- as well as concerned NYS legislators such as fered educations equivalent to those at public myself to ascertain if any intervention is actu- schools as required by law.” End of Year Sale ally necessary.” “But Mr. Felder’s victory quickly began to This letter gives the impression that this seem less decisive.” mess is the fault of the NYS Education De- “While the bill broadened the criteria for partment. In my last article I quoted the new evaluating the so-called ‘substantial equiva- Making room for statutory language of Education Law Section lency’ of the schools’ curriculum to the pub- NEW COLLECTION How did a change that was supposed to help yeshivahs end up with language that hurts them?

3204, which came into effect in April 2018. lic-school version, it also for the fi rst time Moreover, a proposed change to the new law granted the State Education Commissioner passed the senate on June 20, 2018. Although explicit authority to evaluate that equivalen- the law has been in effect for eight months cy- a power previously reserved for individual and an amendment to it passed in the Sen- school districts.” ate, there is an attempt by some of those who “I don’t know if we met Senator Felder’s voted for the changes to shift the blame to demands,” said the Assembly speaker, Carl E. the NYS Education Commissioner. Either Heastie. “I think we read the bill a different they are still unaware that they voted for the way.” new law, which is a scary thought, or they Likewise, the New York Jewish Week on are trying to defl ect criticism for their vote. April 3, 2018, reported on this new legislation The legislators are not the only group whose (“Questions Over Felder’s ‘Yeshiva’ Amend- interest is to have this false narrative. There ment. Critics say State Senator’s Move Low- are organizations and lobbyists whose job ers the Bar for Secular Education”). “Using his is to be advocates and try to make sure that leverage as the swing vote in the divided state legislation that is harmful to the yeshivahs is Senate, Sen. Simcha Felder appears to have not passed. They also want to put the blame strong-armed a provision into the budget that on the NYS Education Commissioner because signifi cantly changes state oversight of yes- the passage of the law made them look bad. hivah curricula, political observers say. “The How did this happen? Although I do not measure* appears to be written specifi cally to have any connections with the legislature, lower the bar on curriculum requirements for there is public information that gives some chasidic yeshivahs .” indication of what transpired. How did a change that was supposed to On March 20, 2018, the State Commission- help yeshivahs end up with language that er of Education appeared before the State hurts them? Secondly, why did the papers Senate Education Committee. She neither get it wrong? I do not know who wrote the spoke about nor was asked about the pro- specifi c language. However, it is possible posed changes to the education law. that this change was payback against Simcha This legislation was part of the legisla- Felder who had joined the Republicans to tion that was part of the budget for 2018-2019. give them a majority in the state Senate. As to As stated in the bill summary, “Enacts into why the papers and others got it wrong, per- law major components of legislation neces- haps people assumed that if Simcha Felder sary to implement the state fi scal plan for was pushing for a change to the law and the Until supplies end. Not including ym collection the 2018-2019 state fi scal year; …to amend law was amended, that the change was what the education law, in relation to substantial he wanted. They did not bother reading the Hazorfim Borough Park equivalence for nonpublic elementary and statute. 4424 13th Ave Brooklyn NY 11219 | P: 718480.0270 secondary schools” (Part SSS) Senate Bill S7509-C and Assembly Bill A9509-C. It passed CONTINUED ON P. 40 Williamsburg By Hazorfim 67 Lee Ave Brooklyn NY 11211 | P: 718.387.0445 Warren S. Hecht is a local attorney. He can be reached at [email protected]

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 19 V H YYourour SSayay • Readers Write Q

Catering for All Occasions Why I Don’t Recycle My Organic Waste At Simcha Palace - 50-200 people At Any Venue of Your Choice - Up to 1000 people CONTINUED FROM P. 1 pen when I wasn’t watching? So, if I am doing my part in separating or- thought, Oh no! Now, besides separating my ganics but the City is just dumping this mate- Glatt Kosher • Shabbat • Orders For Home glass, plastic, metal, paper, etc., I have to sepa- rial with the trash, why should I continue to rate my organics. The green biodegradable participate in the program? I think if the City Kiddush • Holidays • Weddings • Bar Mitzvah Dinners bags required for this procedure are fairly ex- is serious about composting, they should (1) pensive and not readily available. (Walgreens make brown bin collection mandatory (not in Forest Hills sometimes sells them.) The one single family on my entire block puts out paper lunch bags that can be substituted for the brown bin), and (2) require the Sanitation these green bags are too small to hold much. Department to do its part. Until then, I will But then I thought, Okay, why not? If the City dump all my organics into the trash. wants to reduce its solid waste accumulation Jamie Mayo while providing valuable compost for its trees, I might as well help out. So for seven months I bought those expensive green bags, placed Dear Editor: them in the kitchen container, and fi lled them with every dead leaf from my house Regarding the opinion piece in last week’s plants, every scrap of food from my dinner issue, entitled “Public School Heart, Part II”: plate, every fruit core, every vegetable peel, I note that the author refers to the Chris- every egg shell, etc. I even retrieved organic tian upcoming observance as Xmas as op- material from my garbage pail that was inad- posed to Christmas, in an attempt to blot out vertently tossed there by other family mem- the name. First of all, and I can prove this bers. Around Pesach time, I once had seven if necessary, and you can even fi nd the info full green bags in my brown bin (mostly egg online, the term Xmas has more religious sig- shells and potato peels!). nifi cance to Christians than the term Christ- Do you know what I observed – four times mas. Also, I fi nd it disturbing that he says he Simcha Gurgov – when the Sanitation Department came to is bothered by the displays of their holiday. Cell: 917.396.0574 / 718.520.7770 collect the trash? On four separate occasions, Well, America is not a Jewish state, and if he E-mail: [email protected] I saw them dump my organics into my regu- really feels this way, maybe he should live 73-27 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11367 lar trash can and then dump the whole mess elsewhere. Also, I am sure that he and oth- in the garbage section of the truck. (On organ- ers in the Orthodox community would (and ics collection days, they use a truck with two rightly so) be outraged if a non-Jew would say sections: one for organics and one for trash.) that he or she is bothered by the Chanukah Yes, this occurred on those four times that I displays. happened to look out my window at collec- Alan Fenster tion time. How many other times did it hap- Kew Gardens Hills Endearing Closeness CONTINUED FROM P. 9 an organization dedicated to raising and promoting awareness of end-of-life matters More signifi cantly, it was a stark remind- according to halachah. er to me of our nature to fail to appreciate Aside from the tremendous importance the little gifts of life, which aren’t little at of the organization and what they offer our all – primarily the gifts of our close friends community, refl ecting on their work helps and family. us remember to appreciate the gift of life Our children had the z’chus during Cha- and those around us. nukah to enjoy time with all four of their ***** grandparents – something I would give any- I feel fortunate to have the s’farim of Rav thing to be able to do – and some of their un- Eliezer Moshe Fisher zt”l for their Torah in- cles, aunts, and cousins. And I had the z’chus sights and for the opportunity to maintain to spend time with my parents and in-laws, a connection with the late scholar. Beyond in good health and a pleasant atmosphere. that, seeing his s’farim also gives me the sat- I have a friend who often quips that we isfaction of knowing that at least on that oc- would be wise to daven that Hashem help us casion I took advantage of an opportunity appreciate the gifts He grants us every day and appreciated the moment. while we have them. I should add that I am still searching for ***** the sefer Drashos Beis Yishai of Rav Shlomo Last Shabbos, our community paid trib- Fisher shlita, which is out of print. If you ute to Team Shabbos, a division of the Na- fi nd one, please let me know. (And no, it’s tional Association of Chevra Kadisha. It is not yet on hebrewbooks.org).

20 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 AAss I See It Cynthia Zalisky

Ambassador Nikki Haley: Thank You For Supporting Israel

ne of the greatest things that Presi- can be done today that were previously un- dent Trump did for us was appointing thinkable. The plan contains much more ONikki Haley as the US ambassador to thoughtful detail. It brings new elements to nomic opportunity, health care, even electric- Ambassador Haley ended her remarks by the United Nations. She has been a consist- the discussion, taking advantage of the new ity is all scarce in the Palestinian territories. saying, “The world must know that America ent supporter and advocate of Israel and has world of technology that we live in. It recog- Terrorists rule much of the territory under- will remain steadfast in its support of Israel, not been afraid to use her position to expose nizes that the realities on the ground in the mining the safety of all civilians. The Palestin- its people, and its security. That is an un- the bias against the State of Israel at the UN. Middle East have changed – and changed in ian people are suffering terribly, while their shakeable bond between our two peoples. Unfortunately for those of us who care about very powerful and important ways.” leadership clings to 50-year-old demands that And it is a bond – more than anything else Israel, Ambassador Haley will be leaving her This sounds very encouraging, but with- have only become less and less realistic. What – that makes peace possible.” post at the end of the year, following a nearly out Nikki Haley to be there to defend Israel’s await the Palestinian people with a peace President Trump has nominated State two-year stint at the UN. During her tenure, Department spokesperson and former Fox she has been in the forefront of experiencing newswoman Heather Nauert to succeed Nik- the United Nations at its ugliest. Through Haley’s influence, the US withdrew from the UN Human ki Haley. We do not know much about her, Last week, at her last opportunity to speak but we hope and pray that she will take her at the Security Council, Ms. Haley lambasted Rights Council and has cut funding to the UN Palestinian refugee cues from her predecessor. I do not envy Ms. its members, pointing out how “hopelessly bi- agency, UNRWA Nauert, for she has large shoes to fi ll - but the ased” the UN is against Israel. She mentioned, only chance she has to accomplish anything in particular, the General Assembly vote this at the UN is to follow Nikki’s lead and remain month, where the UN didn’t adopt a US reso- cause, I fear that the Jewish state will be left agreement are the prospects of a massive im- strong and resolute. lution condemning Hamas for its terrorism alone without any allies to support her. provement in the quality of their lives and far We will miss you, Nikki Haley, and we against the Jewish state. Haley bristled that, A perfect example of Ambassador Haley in greater control over their political future. It thank you for being Israel’s friend. We hope while being unable to condemn Hamas, the action is the evaluation and perspective that is time to face a hard truth: Both sides would that you will return to the political arena UN had no compunction to pass more than Haley made last week. She said, “Israel is a benefi t greatly from a peace agreement. But sometime in the future. May the Almighty 700 resolutions critical of Israel. thriving, strong, and prosperous country. It the Palestinians would benefi t more and the reward you for your many kindnesses to our Through her infl uence, the US withdrew has always wanted peace with its neighbors. Israelis would risk more.” people. from the UN Human Rights Council, which It has clearly demonstrated the willingness Haley called a “cesspool of political bias,” and to make big sacrifi ces for peace, including Cynthia Zalisky is the Executive Director of the Queens Jewish Community. She can be contacted has cut funding to the UN Palestinian refugee giving up large areas of land. But Israel will at [email protected] agency, UNRWA. not make a peace agreement at any price, and We Jews will miss Ambassador Haley. She it shouldn’t. No UN resolutions, anti-Semitic has been Israel’s most ardent defender. In her boycotts, or terrorist threats will ever change address last Tuesday, she accused the UN of that. Throughout its existence and even to- having an “obsession with Israel.” She went on day, Israel has been surrounded by threats to say: “This UN obsession has been entirely to its security. It would be foolish for it to unproductive. It’s actually worse than that. make a deal that weakened its security. And The UN’s obsession with this issue has been yet, even in the face of constant threats, Israel counterproductive. It has sent a loud and false has become one of the leading nations in the message to the Palestinians that they might be world. Israel wants a peace agreement, but it able to achieve their goals by relying on the doesn’t need one.” Who will support Israel af- UN, rather than through negotiations. And it ter Nikki Haley leaves? It is quite worrisome. has sent a loud and accurate message to the It is human nature not to appreciate someone Israelis that they can never trust the UN.” until we lose him or her. Israel is now at a very important juncture. Ambassador Haley continued her assess- President Trump has indicated that a US-spon- ment of the situation by asserting, “And sored peace plan will be announced shortly. then there are the Palestinian people. Like Ambassador Haley, who has been briefed on the Israelis, they are a deservedly proud peo- the proposal, has hinted that this “will be dif- ple. They, too, do not need to accept a peace ferent from all previous ones.” She went on agreement at any price. But the condition of to say that it “embraces the reality that things the Palestinian people is very different. Eco-

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 21 FFrontlinesrontlines Joseph M. Frager Time For A Kurdish State he President has created one of the that, I would like to respectfully interject President does not get enough credit for this. a lot more than the PLO. Finally, carving out greatest legacies of friendship and some of my thoughts. Despite James Mattis’ criticism, the President a Kurdish state would be a crowning achieve- Tbrotherhood with Israel of anyone For starters, it is very diffi cult to make peace has more importantly re-established America’s ment that is good for America, good for Israel, who has sat in the White House. His move of between Israel and the Palestinians when war credibility as a dependable force for good in and good for the rest of the Middle East. the United States Embassy to its rightful eter- This is actually more realistic now that nal home in Jerusalem after so many others ISIS has been defeated. Although, at fi rst failed, and his tearing up of the Iran Nuclear Under President Obama, these very same countries were at their blush, pulling out American troops from Syr- Deal despite his soon-to-be-leaving Secretary worst behavior. Under President Trump, they are at their best ia would seem to diminish the likelihood of of Defense James Mattis’ objection to doing a Kurdish state, that might not be the case. so, puts him in the Foreign Policy Hall of behavior Although Erdogan of Turkey has been a bad Fame. actor in the Middle East for a long time, the He now wants to make peace between President actually has gotten him to behave. Israel and the Palestinians. It is a noble and is raging in other areas of the Middle East. the most dangerous neighborhood in the This is precisely why the President felt he worthy goal. If anyone can pull it off, it will Getting rid of ISIS is a major accomplishment world. He also does not get enough credit for could give our troops in Syria a “break” before be President Donald J. Trump. Having said and a fulfi llment of a campaign promise. The having done so. He has realistically re-aligned the holiday season. some very tough and outright rogue countries Of course, Erdogan can revert to his old into a more controllable situation. ways and defy the President. I do not think Under President Obama, these very same Erdogan will risk doing that. I also think that countries were at their worst behavior. Un- if the President tells Erdogan that he wants der President Trump, they are at their best to create a Kurdish state, Erdogan will give behavior. This is why peace actually can be in, just as he promised the President that he achieved. would not attack the Kurds after the Ameri- However, rather than focusing on peace can troop withdrawal. between Mahmoud Abbas and Israel, the Pres- It will be a lot harder dealing with Syria ident should focus on establishing a Kurdish and Iran. The pieces are slowly coming to- state, getting Iran out of Syria, getting Hezbol- gether. I fully expect the Secretary of State, lah out of Lebanon, and getting Hamas out of the new Secretary of Defense, and the Nation- Gaza. The focus should not be on creating a al Security Advisor to be very busy in 2019. PLO state but on establishing, once and for Overall, I am optimistic that a Kurdish state all, a Kurdish state. The Kurds deserve a state will be part of their workload.

Joseph M. Frager is a physician and lifelong activist.

22 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 FFinanciallyinancially Forward

Gerald Harris All Aboard – Hopefully ots of New Yorkers are grumbling about Frequent riders are wondering whether it the city’s deteriorating subway system, already has. Land with good reason. Increasingly, trains are becoming dirtier, more crowded, ASAP – If Not Sooner and delayed, and these are just the tip of the NYC Transportation Authority President iceberg for the discontent. Andy Byford said that upgrades are needed Commuters are often blocked from getting ASAP, and if the state doesn’t step up to the in and from getting off because some riders plate very soon the city will have to go it think that the most desirable place in a sub- alone (translation: you and I will foot the en- way car is to stand by the doors; others think tire bill). that holding open the doors at every station, “You don’t get the billions you need by just preventing the train from departing, is very going to Albany with a begging bowl,” he told cool. In the subways, when it rains it pours, executives at a Crain’s Magazine breakfast service has led to reduced ridership and there- any increase in the fare. literally, and stations get fl ooded. Announce- last month. For those who think service can’t fore lower-than-expected revenues. “I don’t know of any business model where ments are not only too loud but often unintel- get worse, it’s projected that the subway will Separately, the MTA will vote on raising people can charge more money for worse ser- ligible because of static, trains and platforms vice,” a rider from Harlem observed. generate offensive smells, homeless and oth- ers lie across three seats, and there’s no way “I don’t know of any business model where people can charge Interesting Times to predict when a careless or unintended ges- more money for worse service,” a rider from Harlem observed Budget experts say that if the MTA does ture you make will rile the person next to you not get a fare increase, the actual defi cit the to the point of becoming violent. agency will have to deal with in 2022 would If riding the subways makes you angry and have a nearly $1 billion defi cit by 2022; just fares by four percent in January. Legislators be not $1 billion but $1.6 billion. The inter- frustrated, be aware that in the coming years imagine what the transportation system will are not happy about approving this increase est the MTA is required to pay for its defi cit we may look back at these times as the good be like if that happens. as it would outrage riders who believe that is already haunting the agency. By 2022, debt old days. Bloomberg reports that the Metropoli- Part of Gov. Cuomo’s plan to solve this the MTA is wasteful, its budget bloated, and service – the amount of money the MTA will tan Transportation Authority (MTA), the state problem is to charge motorists entering the its management incompetent. It would also need to repay the interest and principal on agency in charge of running the city’s subways city’s busiest areas “congestion pricing” fees. infuriate other riders who are living on very and buses, issued a blunt warning: that unless Despite these projected fees, Moody’s, the tight budgets and who simply cannot afford CONTINUED ON P. 40 the system gets $40 billion for urgently needed rating service, has downgraded the MTA’s repairs, upgrades, and maintenance, the system credit rating outlook from stable to negative; Gerald Harris is a fi nancial and feature writer. Gerald can be reached at geraldhrs@ will sink into a “death spiral.” Moody’s pointed out that the deteriorating yahoo.com TRI COUNTY CARE IS SEEKING TO HIRE A CARE COORDINATOR in the Brooklyn-Queens location to support people with Developmental Disabilities and their families. Job Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years relevant experience, driving required, and a sincere desire to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Fulfilling and rewarding work. Great compensation and opportunity for promotion. Excellent office environment! Please submit resume to [email protected]

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 23 TThehe WWayay It Iz Izzo Zwiren The Overreach Begins

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 not to, you know, enforce them, but to cre- a problem in some of the more “ultra-Ortho- bility to prepare their students for a life after ate more rules. dox” schooling systems, this degree of regu- schools, and an institution that does not do support a progressive vision of religious free- And while the new regulations are offi - lation is not going to be the answer to their so can open itself up to childhood endanger- dom that respects pluralism and rejects the cially targeting all private schools, let’s not problems. The reason for this is that the DOE ment violations. By not educating students misuse of religion to discriminate.” The impli- pretend that they disproportionally affect re- has thus far proven itself inept at enforcing to prepare them for life after school is over, cation of this language is that religion is fi ne ligious schools over all others. This includes the regulations they have on the books in the a school may be in violation of its core func- as long as the Democrats agreed with it. I had yeshivos as well as Catholic schools. Private fi rst place. There is nothing that shows me tion. Now, this is not to say that every single advised then that this mentality could lead to secular schools generally already have the rec- that there will be a difference moving for- student has to come out of schools ready to regulation of religious institutions. Well, bar- ommended amount of time for the subjects ward. Additionally, these heavier regulations take on the world. It’s obvious that even in ring any intervention, in February, the New listed in the new regulations. It’s the schools now target schools that have performed well the best schools there will be students who York State Department of Education (DOE) that have a dual curriculum that are at the on standardized tests, have students that go fall through the cracks, but if over the course will be enacting new regulations that will put of several years the bell curve of a school is heavy burdens on all yeshivah day schools not far from the state-wide bell curve, there and high schools. If heavy regulation of the schools is not the answer, how can the will be nothing to worry about. As reported last week in the Queens Jew- So how would one prove that a school is ish Link, the DOE will start to enforce man- institutions that have little-to-no secular education be compelled to change in violation? Well, there are already stand- datory minimum hours of several subjects their curriculums? ardized tests in the state of New York that that must be taught daily, making it nearly measure this. A school is doing its job if the impossible to leave time for Judaic studies results of the standardized tests are at least without keeping children in school for close center of this. You have here a clear example on to higher levels of education, and have the on par with the whole of the state’s public to 10 hours per day. This does not even take of the notion that “religion is great as long as ability to support themselves when entering schools. That is a clear, measurable standard into account that throughout the winter I agree with it.” adulthood, all of which are severely lacking in that does not invade the philosophy, calen- months the hours are not remotely manage- And please do not think that this over- the 24 schools that have already been visited dar, or capabilities of the schools. As long as able on Fridays. reaching of the DOE will end here. Schools by inspectors this year. schools are comparatively adequate in the But let’s backtrack a little bit. Why are we are required to have 180 days of instruction So what is the actual solution? If heavy standardized tests, they should be allowed in this situation at all? The problems stem in a school year. Some yeshivos (especially regulation of the schools is not the answer, to continue to operate as they have been. from the lack of secular education being high schools) can meet this requirement by how can the institutions that have little-to- However, if over a long stretch of time (three provided by several chasidishe schools in adding in Sunday instruction. If the trend is no secular education be compelled to change to fi ve years) the school consistently grossly Brooklyn and Monsey. The pro-education to continue, whether or not the classes held their curriculums? In order to answer this, underperforms, they should be investigated group Young Advocates For Fair Education on Sunday count toward these 180 days may we must look at the purpose of schools. The for teaching practices, and yes, potentially (YAFFED) advocated for improved secular come into serious question. Other days that mission statement of the United States DOE shut down, or even worse. However, just to education at yeshivos, and due to YAFFED’s will be questioned may be legal holidays, on “is to promote student achievement and make a blanket law that covers 800 schools efforts, the DOE decided to enact these which some yeshivos may only hold classes preparation for global competitiveness.” In because 23 of them show poor results is the guidelines. for Judaic studies. “Half days” currently other words, the goal of education is to pre- classic case of Democratic overreach and Except there is a missing step. According count toward the 180, but after regulation, pare children for the ability to compete in a has the potential for something more severe to Lindsey Christ of NY1, the DOE has had Labor Day, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day, global environment. Schools have a responsi- down the road. a history of creating murky rules and not Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, enforcing them. That means that the DOE and Memorial Day may also be suspect. Izzo Zwiren works in healthcare administration, constantly concerning himself with the had previously created regulations that they This week on the FiveThirtyEight Politics state of healthcare politics. The topic of healthcare has led Izzo to become passionate about themselves had not enforced, and because podcast, managing editor Micah Cohen made a variety of political issues affecting our country today. Aside from politics, Izzo is a fan of they didn’t enforce their regulations, certain the assertion that Democrats have a larger trivia, stand-up comedy, and the New York Giants. Izzo lives on Long Island with his wife and institutions slid by without notice. So the understanding of government’s role than do two adorable, hilarious daughters. response of a governmental agency that is Republicans. That is one of the largest mis- headed by a majority Democratic board is, of reads of American politics I have ever heard. course, more regulation. “More regulation” Democrats don’t have a larger understand- is the motto by which all members of the ing of government’s role; they have an un- Your Midos Are Killing You Democratic Party live by. If something is not derstanding that government should have a CONTINUED FROM P. 12 bathhouses! In the stable and in the barn! going the way it should, the only solution is larger role. And they continue to believe that Each morning when I walk to the river, I see to create a law that fi xes it. This mentality their incessant use of over-regulation will get spreads until it fi lls whatever container it them. Ugh! I can’t stand those vile Jews! is why Democrats are constantly attempting them what they want. Democrats are all for is in. When a person is enraged, his entire And so all day long, they were racked to crack down on anything from free speech government having more and more power, consciousness is consumed. He can’t think with burning feelings of hatred, animosity, to gun control and now to education. They unless Republicans are in charge. In that case, about other things. He can’t concentrate on and disgust, until their very existence be- didn’t bother to enforce rules they had in take the power away. other ideas. The fl ames of anger occupy his came a misery. The Mitzrim destroyed their place until now, so the obvious solution is The point is that while I do think there is entire mind. very lives. And he suffers. He suffers with an incur- able, burning pain that wells up within him, Living a Pleasurable Life stealing his attention and eclipsing all other This concept is eye-opening. Many mitz- sensations. And so, he can’t enjoy the food vos focus on developing our character traits. he eats. He can’t appreciate music or poetry. We often think of these as ways of making All of his wealth and possessions are for ourselves into better people. They make naught, because he can’t fi nd the peace of us easier to get along with, more pleasant mind to enjoy them. He has ruined his life. company. While this is true, there is another benefi t: I am more at peace with the world When I Hate You, I Suffer and with myself. And as a result, I am hap- This seems to be the answer to this Rashi. pier. The Mitzrim were consumed with a hatred The ways of the Torah are pleasant. When of the Jews. They walked around with a tape a person follows them properly, he becomes playing in their brain: “I hate those Jews. more giving and caring. He learns to over- Those slimy, ugly Jews! They are despicable. look others’ fl aws, and he becomes more They fi ll me with rage!” patient and calm. By doing so, he becomes And it wasn’t once or twice a week that greater, he earns his portion in the World to the Mitzrim had to see them. “They’re eve- Come, and he enjoys a better life in the here rywhere! In the marketplace and in the and now.

24 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 25 RRecentecent Happenings

Touro College Dedicates Agudah Flatbush Campus In Memory Welcomes

Of Major Donor’s Parents NYC Council THE COUNCIL

OF Local Politicians Join Touro Faculty to Letter THE CITY OF NEW YORK Celebrate Contribution of Real Estate December 20, 2018 Investor, International Businessman, To State Ed Dear Commissioner Elia, and Philanthropist Alex Rovt Commissioner As representatives of diverse constituencies across New York City, we write to share deep concerns about the newly released State Education Department equivalency guidelines. These guidelines will impact more than 2,000 private gudath Israel of America schools across the State, and nearly 500,000 students. In particular, they could severely disrupt religious Catholic, hailed the publication of Muslim, and Jewish private schools. a letter sent by 28 mem- A Every child in New York must be afforded the opportunity to receive an excellent education. Private, religious bers of the New York City Coun- schools provide a much-utilized service to New Yorkers of faith who aim to provide their children with both a secular cil, expressing concern about and a religious education. These parents have the legal right to choose private schools for their children, and they the new substantial equiva- often pay hefty tuition rates to ensure that their child is receiving the best possible standard of education. It is our lency guidelines for nonpublic perspective that the guidelines released by your Department overstep into attempting to have private schools become curricular clones of the public schools. schools. The letter, spearheaded by Councilman Chaim Deutsch Everyone can agree that all children are entitled to a sound basic education. These new guidelines go far beyond LL-R:-R: DanielDaniel Retter,Retter, EEsq,sq, TTouroouro BBoardoard ooff GGovernors;overnors; DDr.r. AAlanlan that, requiring seven separate courses for elementary students, and eleven compulsory courses for middle- and cosigned by a majority of KKadish,adish, TouroTouro President;President; AAlexlex RRovt,ovt, ddonor;onor; DDr.r. RRobertobert GGoldschmidt,oldschmidt, schoolers. Additionally, there has been substantial confusion regarding the mandated hours of instruction for these his colleagues on the council, newly required classes. ddeanean ofof Touro’sTouro’s LanderLander CCollegeollege ooff AArtsrts & SSciencesciences iinn FFlatbush;latbush; was addressed to State Educa- RRabbiabbi MosheMoshe Krupka,Krupka, TTouroouro EExecutivexecutive VViceice PPresident;resident; DDr.r. SStanleytanley Fundamentally, we are concerned that the State Education Department is forcing its way deep into private school tion Commissioner MaryEllen practices with this unprecedented incursion into private schools' curricula. It is imperative that the State of New BBoylan,oylan, TouroTouro ViceVice PresidentPresident ooff UUndergraduatendergraduate EEducation;ducation; DDavidavid Elia. It stressed the impact these York, home to people of many different cultures, backgrounds, and religions, respects the rights of parents to choose WWeisz,eisz, cousincousin ofof AlexAlex Rovt;Rovt; MaxwellMaxwell RRovt,ovt, ssonon ooff AAlexlex RRovt;ovt; AAlfredlfred rules would have on the schools the best school for their children. It is furthermore critical that the State refrains from threatening to remove WWeisz,eisz, cousincousin ofof AlexAlex RovtRovt in their districts. student-based funding from schools that do not acquiesce to these guidelines. The councilmembers noted We are also troubled by the process with which these guidelines have been put forward. There has been no he fl agship campus of Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences that the guidelines could “se- opportunity for public input either from other policy makers, elected officials, or affected schools, educators, and on Avenue J in Flatbush was renamed in memory of Simon and verely disrupt religious Catho- parents. We are particularly troubled by reports that community leaders have reached out to the State Education Department with concerns and have received no reply. On a matter of such vital importance, it is absolutely essential Lenke Roth, parents of donor Dr. Alex Rovt. The dedication cer- lic, Muslim, and Jewish private T that there be clear communication and dialogue between the State Education Department and those affected by its emony drew numerous public offi cials, including Ingrid Lewis Martin, schools.” They affi rmed the le- guidelines. senior advisor to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; New York gal right parents have to choose The substantial equivalency requirement has been on the books since 1897. While there are surely individual schools State Senator Simcha Felder, a Touro College alumnus and professor; private schools for their chil- – both public and private – that need to improve, there is no reason to radically alter the relationship between the Pinchus Hikind, special assistant to NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer; dren, and how the guidelines at- State and the private school community that has worked well since the 19th century. Indeed, over the past 120 years and NYC Councilman Kalman Yeger, also a Touro alumnus. tempt, “to have private schools private schools have had an admirable record, both academically and in preparing their students for life. Dr. Robert Goldschmidt, Executive Dean of Touro’s Lander College become curricular clones of the We look forward to an expeditious response from the Department, and a continued open dialogue with you on these of Arts & Sciences, thanked the donor for his gift and pointed out that public schools.” important matters. it will help “build productive citizens who will contribute to the Jewish “Fundamentally,” the letter Sincerely, and larger community for years to come.” continues, “we are concerned Dr. Alan Kadish, president of the Touro College & University Sys- that the State Education Depart- Chaim Deutsch Laurie Cumbo Steven Matteo tem, spoke of Mr. Rovt’s remarkable life and path to success. “Born in ment is forcing its way deep into Jewish Caucus Chairman Council Majority Leader Council Minority Leader Munkacs, Hungary, Rovt remains a devoted Munkacser chasid until this private school practice with this day. From humble beginnings, he distinguished himself as a successful unprecedented incursion into Ben Kallos Stephen Levin KarenKaren KKoslowitzoslowitzz student and later used his smarts, hard work, and faith in G-d to become private schools’ curricula.” Progressive Caucus Chairman extremely successful in international business and real estate.” Requesting a response from Beyond his success in business, Kadish described Rovt as a leader the Department, the letter Donovan Richards Joseph Borelli Rafael Espinal of the Jewish people.” Yosef HaTzadik described two essential quali- concludes with the point that, ties leaders must possess –that of a chacham and a navon. A leader “there is no reason to radically must be one who cares for others, and he also must possess the savvy alter the relationship between Paul Vallone Eric Ulrich Peter Koo necessary to create and maintain systems that work for the commu- the State and the private school nity. Alex Rovt has demonstrated this kind of leadership through his community that has worked roles as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for One Brooklyn Health well since the 19th century.” Robert Cornegy Fernando Cabrera Robert Holden Systems, founder of the Zvi Dov Roth Academy in memory of his The Agudah appreciates grandfather, and as a member of the Touro Board of Governors. He and applauds this meaning- has the winning combination of caring and concern for others and ful response to the substantial Margaret Chin Mark Levine Mark Gjonaj business know-how,” said Kadish. equivalency guidelines by our Rovt described his background and his parents’ values that shaped elected city offi cials. The Agu- his life. “I am so honored to dedicate this building in memory of my dah lauds the efforts of Coun- Ydanis Rodriguez AndyAndAnAn y KKingingg Mathieu Eugene parents who truly valued education and community service,” said Rovt. cilman Deutsch, Jewish Caucus “They taught me that writing a check is not enough. We all must give Chair, for organizing this im- of ourselves to help others. In the old country, my grandmother used to portant letter and working with Justin Brannan Alicka Ampry-Samuel BBillill PPerkinserkins travel by bicycle daily to bring food packages to the needy. My mother Agudath Israel and community went through the Holocaust and Soviet regime and lost her parents and activists in collecting his col- numerous family members at a young age. Both my parents worked leagues’ signatures. very hard at menial jobs when they came to this country, but despite The Agudah requests that Alan Maisel Rory Lancman RubenRuben Diaz,Diaz, Sr. that, their focus was on helping others and they passed that passion citizens concerned about this on to me.” issue go to yeshivosbychoice. Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences opened its doors 40 years org/action to register their pro- Diana Ayala ago. The school moved into the current campus building in 1995, and test by emailing their state of- Rovt’s gift will help sustain and upgrade the facilities at this location. fi cials.

26 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 RRecentecent Happenings

Rabbi David Ashear Speaks In KGH On ‘Lighting The Fire Within’

By Susie Garber Chofetz Chaim teaches that when the time of plained, “We don’t see the complete picture salvation has arrived, Hashem says that you and we have to believe everything is for the he popular author and speaker, Rabbi are not going to have to wait another sec- best.” David Ashear, spoke to a packed audi- ond. Salvation of Hashem is in the blink of Before Yosef revealed himself to his broth- Tence at the Tov Beis Midrash during an eye. He taught, “This is how the y’shuah of ers, they were in a state of confusion. They Chanukah, on Sunday evening, December Hashem works. We don’t live by statistics or had so many questions and nothing made 9. The title of his talk, which was hosted by odds.” He taught, “He helped us in those days sense. How did this Egyptian leader know Chazaq, was “Lighting the Fire Within.” and He’s helping us today.” their age order? Why did he accuse them of Rabbi Ashear began with a teaching that He then shared fascinating miracles that being spies? “With two words, there was in- any time Jews are in peril and Hashem saves took place during the 1967 War. All the Arab stant clarity: Ani Yosef.” them with a miracle, we are obligated to rec- countries were against Israel, and they had The Chofetz Chaim taught that we have so ognize it. the fi nest fi ghting equipment. Israel had old many questions. Why do we face so many dif- He noted how a spiritual threat is worse fi ghter jets and was totally outnumbered. fi culties? Hashem will come to us and say, “I than a physical one. He explained that the Israel asked the United States for help, but am Hashem,” and in one second we will be spiritual threat of Chanukah from the Syrian- the US and all the other countries remained answered. It will be clear that every second Greeks was worse than the physical threat of neutral. The president of Egypt, Gamal Ab- of our lives is fi lled with chesed of Hashem. the Persians on Purim. This is because a spir- del Nasser, started moving troops towards Through our diffi culties, the whole time, a itual threat kills us in this world and in the the southern border of Israel and he had loving Hashem is holding our hand through- next. On Chanukah, Hashem saved us from hundreds of tanks. Israel was a sitting duck. out. becoming spiritually impure. So, Chanukah Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan were He stressed, “The fi rst thing you have to is a time to thank Hashem for our ability to all moving troops towards Israel. The Arabs know is that your life is not dependent on serve Him. were chanting, “Death to Israel.” any person. Hashem is your only boss.” Rabbi Ashear emphasized, “We have to could still make repentance. The fi nal day of On June 5, 1967, the Israeli Air Force fl ew You should feel comfortable. “He’ll make appreciate the value of serving Hashem. The Chanukah could still change a harsh decree a risky mission. It sent out almost the entire the best decision for your life. If I know that value of one spiritual deed is infi nite.” He from Rosh HaShanah. Air Force and left only 12 planes behind. They Hashem, the One who loves me so much, is in went on to teach that you cannot compare Rabbi Ashear shared a powerful story of fl ew at an unprecedented low altitude. Egypt, charge, then what am I scared of?” someone who lives life with appreciation to a man who was told by his doctor that he at that time, had the most advanced ground- He explained that life is a bunch of stages. someone who doesn’t. A life of appreciation would never have children. He went to Rav to-air missile system. Through amazing hash- It’s a cycle. “Your job as a Jew is to stay strong is a different life. Chaim Kanievsky for a brachah, but the Rav gachah pratis, the Russian jets in the air space and to fulfi ll your responsibilities at every He noted that the basic emunah of a Jew said, “What can I do?” between Egypt and Israel were grounded stage.” is “There is always hope. We can always be This man went to the Lederman Shul to and ordered not to fl y. Miraculously Israel Our avodah is knowing that G-d is running helped.” daven, and he said that he davened to Hashem destroyed them. Rabbi Ashear imparted, our lives. He reiterated: “We are not in charge He added, “Odds don’t matter when it and said, “I realize it’s only You Who can help “Hashem runs the world and that’s all we of our plans. Hashem is in charge.” Disap- comes to Hashem. What odds did Yosef, a de- me.” Rabbi Ashear shared that today that man need to know. “The job of a Jew is to always pointment is an opportunity from Hashem to spised Hebrew, have that he would rise to the is the father of nine children. have hope of the greatest salvation and keep teach us that He is in charge. position he did in Egypt?” Rabbi Ashear noted that they rushed that hope strong. Another avodah is accepting This beautiful shiur can be viewed on To- He noted how, on Zos Chanukah, you Yosef out of the pit. What was the rush? The the situation before salvation comes.” He ex- rahanytime.com.

Queens Library Spreads Holiday Cheer And Joy Of Reading To Pediatric Patients At NewYork-Presbyterian Queens piness to our young “I am grateful to NewYork-Presbyterian York-Presbyterian Queens has been an out- patients and their Queens for the opportunity to read books standing community partner, and through families through with young patients and share the spirit of our collaboration, Queens Library continues their ‘It’s Time for kindness with them,” said Queens Library to go beyond its walls to connect with people Kind’ program,” said President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “New- to help them discover and grow.” Dr. Laurie Gordon, director, Pediat- ric Inpatient Unit, Solution to this issue’s puzzles NewYork-Presbyte- rian Queens. “Our dedicated pediatric team at NewYork- Presbyterian Queens is grateful for the generosity of the Queens Library staff, and this program, n Wednesday, December 5, the Queens which has made our patients smile a little Library spread holiday cheer and the brighter this holiday season.” Ojoy of reading to pediatric patients at The Queens Library partnered with New- NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. Dennis Wal- York-Presbyterian Queens as part of their “It’s cott, CEO of the Queens Library, read books Time for Kind” campaign, a series of programs aloud and distributed gifts to pediatric pa- and activities at all 62 branches that are be- tients. Following story time, a violinist played ing held through the end of the year, with the for the enjoyment of patients, their families, goal of spreading the spirit of peace, good- and NYP Queens staff. ness, and neighborliness by promoting acts “The Queens Library brought so much hap- of kindness over the holidays.

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 27 RRecentecent Happenings Rabbi Alon Anava Speaks In KGH About Dreams

he community was honored to be treat- ed to a fascinating shiur by Rabbi Alon TAnava at the Tov Beis Midrash, hosted by Chazaq on Tuesday evening, December 18. The audience included people from a num- ber of boroughs who fl ocked to hear words of wisdom from Rabbi Anava. He began by explaining that dreams have a basis in science, as psychology teaches that dreams hold the key to the inner dimension of a person. He noted that in Sefer B’reishis there are nine dreams. There is an argument in the Talmud about dreams. One opinion is that dreams are false. Another opinion is that dreams reveal things we need to know. He taught ideas from the Ramchal’s teach- ings that there are two types of dreams. Type One is completely fake, but Type Two is real with a message. There’s a story of a great rav who predicted of the mann, Shabbos is one sixtieth of Olam We recite K’rias Sh’ma al HaMitah to do angels. “If somebody dreams about you, and that the leader of the Romans would dream HaBa, fi re is one sixtieth of Gehinnom, and t’shuvah before we go to sleep. He explained that tells you about it, listen carefully. In the real that Persians will conquer his land and en- sleep is one sixtieth of death. if we don’t do the proper t’shuvah before we go type of dreams, you get an answer. Also, if a slave him and he will still walk with a gold He then posed the question of why we to sleep, then the n’shamah gets stuck. The K’rias dream repeats itself, this is signifi cant. This is stick. This leader went home and dreamed need sleep. The simple explanation is to start Sh’ma al HaMitah is one of the most powerful the type of dream of Pharaoh and Yosef. this. over fresh – renewal. Also, sleep organizes prayers. Our soul wanders at night, and some- If you dream something bad, it gives you Rabbi Anava explained that whatever I things in our minds and helps us process in- times we meet people in this world or Above. an opportunity to do t’shuvah. The Talmud am thinking of during the day is what I will formation. He shared, “The body doesn’t get Rabbi Yochanan, in the Talmud, teaches teaches that the interpretation of a dream dream about at night. So if we watch too tired; it’s the soul that gets tired. Sleeping is that there are three types of dreams. The will go after what somebody will say. much junk, this will come out in our dreams. only for the soul. You get energy only from dream you dream right when you fall asleep If all day long we are trying to be pure and On the other hand, if we immerse ourselves the soul.” He noted how great tzadikim didn’t is the biggest nonsense. The second type of do mitzvos and daven and learn Torah, then in Torah learning, that is what we will dream sleep. The Arizal never slept. One time, he dream is throughout the night, and we usu- the n’shamah can easily go up to the world about. Derech Hashem teaches that the nef- fell asleep for a few minutes and, during that ally don’t remember these. The third type is Above at night. On the other hand, if a per- esh doesn’t go to sleep when we go to sleep, time, he traveled up to the Olam HaEmes and early morning right before we wake up. These son sins, he gets stuck on his way up. He will rather it is still functioning. At night, all the studied Torah there. He taught, “The soul gets are real dreams. He explained that most wake up depressed, tired, or in a bad mood. If components of the soul leave the body except energy from the Torah.” nightmares are in the middle of the night. we nourish the soul properly, we wake up like the nefesh. Rabbi Anava taught that when the soul He said that if during the day you accumu- lions. “If you prepare yourself during the day Rabbi Anava shared a teaching of the Tal- goes up at night to the heavens, it writes a late k’dushah, this can prevent bad dreams. If and at night, and are more refi ned, you will mud that says that fi ve things in the world are journal and signs it. We write all we did that you are consistent with reciting K’rias Sh’ma have clearer dreams.” one sixtieth of something: Dreams are one day, so “at 120” we will see what we wrote and al HaMitah, then this will take away anxie- This fascinating shiur can be viewed on To- sixtieth of prophecy, honey is one sixtieth signed. ties and fears. This surrounds your bed with rahanytime.com.

What’s New IInn SSchoolchool

Chumash Mesibah Celebrated By Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe First Grade

eshiva Tiferes Moshe’s fi rst grade cel- ebrated a very exciting milestone: the Yreceiving of their fi rst Chumash. The talmidim, together with their rebbeim, grand- parents, and parents, shared this very moving experience at Congregation Shaare Tova on Sunday morning, December 16. The program began with the boys march- ing and dancing, adorned in their Torah crowns and ties. Rabbi Bookson welcomed everyone and wished the boys a personal mazal tov on receiving their fi rst Chumash. Rabbi May spoke to the boys about the fact The program concluded with singing and that the Chumash Mesibah is an opportunity dancing with musical accompaniment by Yos- for the boys to connect to Sinai, sharing the si Newman, after which the talmidim joined same Torah experiences with their parents their grandparents and parents in the Share and grandparents. Rabbi Bookson then led Tova ballroom for a beautiful collation, with the boys as they recited the p’sukim from the refreshments sponsored by Seasons. The Yeshi- beginning of Parshas VaYikra with the transla- va thanks the rebbeim for preparing the boys tion. Rabbi Bookson then called up each boy for the Chumash Mesibah, and the Milstein, to receive his Chumash from Rabbi May and Osofsky, Tchatchanashvilli, and Zimmerman their rebbe. families for their Chumash sponsorships.

28 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 The entire Queens Jewish Community Welcomes The Kalever Rav Shlita Son of the Great Tzadik

The Kalever Rebbe Shlita

World renowned for his inspiration, wisdom, advice and blessings for Chinuch Habanim (child rearing), Shalom Bayis (marital harmony), Parnassah (livehood) and all other pressing issues of today. The Rav will be sharing his valuable time with all individuals (men and women) & families.

Briarwood Rego Park Kew Gardens Tuesday, December 25 Tuesday, December 25 Wednesday, December 26 1:00 – 4:00pm 4:30 – 9:30pm 4:30 – 9:30pm Young Israel of Briarwood Ohr Natan Ner Mordechai 8475 Daniels St 98-81 Queens Blvd 8233 Lefferts Blvd

Jamaica Estates Fresh Meadows Forest Hills Sunday, December 30 Sunday, December 30 Monday, December 31 1:00 – 4:00pm 4:30 – 9:30pm 4:30 – 9:30pm Bet El Beit Eliyahu Beth Gavriel 180-01 Union Tpke 71-52 172nd St 6635 108th St

Kew Garden Hills Tuesday, January 1, 2019 1:00 – 4:00pm 4:30 – 9:30pm Od Yosef Chai Young Israel of 141-56 73rd Ave Kew Garden Hills 7011 150th St TOU T

The Rav will not accept donations [email protected] 718-384-9877

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 29 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool

Shevach Bnos Leaders Inspired In Cincinnati

n Shabbos, Parshas VaYeitzei, Novem- K’Tzeis HaShemesh BiGvuraso,” with the lead- own actions, for her family, for a stranger, for Through the enjoyable and inspirational ber 17, six representatives of Shevach ers of klal Yisrael being compared to the glow those who follow her, and who simultaneous- programming of the weekend, the girls left OHigh School – Chava Crystal, Shosha- of the sun that rises and spreads light to the ly seeks the guidance of rabbanim, every step the convention with guidance and tools, na Finkel, Hadassah Gottesman, Ettie Langer, world. Over the weekend, the girls enjoyed of the way. Other aspects of a good leader are which they shared with their fellow Bnos Faiga Raubvogel, and Yael Sommers – were many inspirational speakers, workshops, and setting a good example, as well as being a role leaders, family, and even friends who were fortunate to join over 300 girls from over much more, all designed to help them be- model worthy of being looked up to. unable to attend the convention. And in 32 Bnos branches around the country at the come better Bnos leaders. Another memorable speaker was Rabbi conjunction with the convention’s theme National Convention of the Bnos Agudath Is- On Thursday night, the girls were fortu- Yitzchok Preis, Director of Outreach for the of “K’Tzeis HaShemesh,” the Bnos leaders, rael of America, held in Cincinnati, Ohio. The nate to hear from Rabbi Motzen, Director of Cincinnati Community Kollel. He spoke of through all they gained from the convention, young ladies were welcomed warmly to the Government Affairs for Agudas Yisroel, who the rampant disease of “FOMO,” the “Fear Of hope to cultivate the light of Torah not only convention by the Bnos Leaders of Cincinnati spoke about being a true leader. He focused Missing Out,” which is spreading in our soci- within themselves, but to spread it to the and, in fact, the entire community, which had on the Hebrew word for responsibility, achr- ety. A leader turns those very four letters into world through their young and impression- spent many months preparing for this special ayus, and explained how each letter stands the opposite: “Fine On My Own.” A leader able Bnos charges. Shabbos. for another level of true leadership. A true who stands up for what is right is the kind of Thank you, Ettie Langer and Faiga Raubvo- The theme of the Shabbos was “V’Ohavav leader is one who takes responsibility for her leader who will be followed. gel, for reporting this special event.

SKA’s Israel Action Committee/G.O. Chanukah Campaign

By Talia Wein ’19 z”l over the week of Chanukah; the funds would enable Chanukah packages to be sent n an effort to take a step back from en- to lone Israeli soldiers. joying our holidays and recognize the The campaign was kicked off with an in- Ichayalim who are away from home spiring video made by IAC member Tammy fi ghting this Chanukah, the Israel Action Aryeh on Monday. Throughout the Chanu- Committee and G.O. of the Stella K. Abra- kah week, tz’dakah was collected for this ham High School for Girls joined forces for important cause through the SKA Chanukah a wonderful Chanukah campaign. The two Auction, as all proceeds from the tickets committees set out to raise money for Stand- purchased for the auction went toward the ing Together, a tz’dakah founded by Ari Fuld tz’dakah campaign.

It was very meaningful being able to do- soldier who was an SKA graduate were dis- nate tz’dakah to show IDF soldiers who we tributed to the entire school to place in their care about; some students even went one daily siddurim. step further by writing letters that would be The campaign was a major success: Over delivered to the soldiers with their gifts. To $4,000 was raised to send the chayalim Cha- end off the campaign, T’hilim stickers with nukah presents. Yasher koach to the SKA’s en- the t’fi lah for chayalim and a picture of a lone tire Israel Action Committee and G.O.!

Central Juniors Get A Taste Of College Life

he junior class of the Yeshiva Uni- tasty lunch, compliments of the Stern Ad- Schick, Yael Teitelman, and Emily Zrihen Solyemani and Ariella Shifteh were admit- versity High School for Girls, with missions Offi ce, and received a full tour of were all admitted to the S. Daniel Abraham ted Early Action into St. John’s. Danielle Tjunior grade dean Mrs. Karen Lavner the vibrant city campus. The juniors ended Honors Program at Stern College. Ita Futran Ganchrow was admitted Early Action into and College Guidance counselor Mrs. their day with some free time to explore was admitted Early Action into MIT, and Rutgers and St. John’s. Ilana Rouhani was Keren Weinberger, visited Stern College midtown Manhattan and get a sense of Meira Saffra was admitted Early Decision admitted Early Action into Rutgers. We are on Wednesday. They had the opportunity Stern’s exciting neighborhood! into Barnard. Rachel Aronov was admit- so proud of you. We wish you much suc- to hear mini-classes from some of the ex- It is with great pride that Central wishes ted Early Action into St. John’s, Adelphi, cess. This is an exciting and anticipatory ceptional professors, and also to hear from heartfelt congratulations to our Early Ac- Hofstra, and NYIT. Elisheva Ezor, Danielle time for all our seniors, and we look for- Central alumnae who are currently study- tion/Decision senior admits: Leah Goyka- Ganchrow, and Emma Haynes were admit- ward to hearing and celebrating continued ing at Stern. Students were treated to a dosh, Tamar Levine, Tehila Rothbart, Eytana ted Early Action into Binghamton. Shirah good news.

30 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool MTA Hosts Annual Yeshiva Fellowship Shabbaton By Elishama Marmon (’20)

n Shabbos, December 14-15, the Yeshiva University High School for Boys’ Ye- Oshiva Fellowship program, an excit- ing initiative that provides talmidim with additional opportunities to grow in Torah learning and develop both communally and individually, hosted its annual Shabbaton in Teaneck. The event kicked off with a Friday afternoon football game, where talmidim and rebbeim from across all grades enjoyed some friendly competition. Talmidim then spent an inspirational Shabbos with their Yeshiva Fellowship mash- gichim, fi lled with beautiful t’fi los and z’miros, divrei Torah, lively seudos, and learning. They also welcomed 8th graders to the Friday night motivate each other to achieve higher levels ible shalosh seudos at Head of School Rabbi tish, where they experienced the ways in of learning and spirituality. Kahn’s home, followed by Maariv and a mean- which MTA’s Yeshiva Fellowship talmidim The Shabbaton culminated with an incred- ingful Havdalah.

Kicking Out A Nazi: The Inside Scoop

t 5:23 a.m. on August 21, Rabbi Zev denied that they were accessories to the Ger- Meir Friedman and the students of man killing machine, but “when a volunteer ARambam Mesivta received an email dentist examined the gold bars and found from the Department of Justice in Washing- DNA present, the link to the gold extracted ton, DC, stating that Jakiw Palij, the last Nazi from the mouths of Holocaust victims was war criminal living in the United States, had fi rmly established.” The negotiations went been deported to Germany. from $25 million of compensation to $5 bil- This past week, students heard about the lion,” said Singer. His message to the students “inside scoop” that brought about the depor- was very pointed. In a nutshell, he told the tation. A panel of experts spoke to the stu- boys that no matter what they choose to do – dents at Rambam during a special assembly, become a rabbi, a doctor, a lawyer, etc. – they each one in turn congratulating the school can, and must, use their talents and time to for their tireless efforts that played a key role help klal Yisrael. in the successful removal of the Nazi from the Rabbi Friedman summed up the senti- United States. ment of the speakers, saying to the talmidim, Rabbi Friedman began the assembly by “You have a lot to be proud of, but most im- speaking about the importance of commit- portantly, you have a responsibility to always ment to a cause and involving others to make be the leaders in efforts to help klal Yisrael.” things happen. He also charged the students with the responsibility of continued leader- charge of lining up political support to oust ship when anti-Semitism rears its head. Palij. He also mentioned Rambam’s efforts Bais Yaakov Of Queens Is Buzzing Mr. Neil Sher, a former director of the Of- and support to lobby the Town of Hempstead fi ce of Special Investigations (OSI, a division to speak out against Airbnb, resulting in the of the Department of Justice), successfully resolution being unanimously passed by the With Bees identifi ed, exposed, and deported many Na- town condemning Airbnb. zis during his tenure at OSI. He lauded the Mr. Michael Aronson, an editor at the New Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the Bais Yaakov Fifteen fantastic spellers competed over students for their tenacity and reinforced York Daily News, who joined the presentation, Academy of Queens held their annual Chanukah! Congratulations to each of the the idea that nothing would have happened spoke about the shock he had when he read class spelling bees. Each class held its classroom winners! Hatzlachah rabah to without their constant involvement. He sad- Rambam’s press release about the Nazi living own spelling bee and submitted a class Abby Harris, who will represent Bais Yaakov ly noted that this process took much longer in Queens. When he saw it, he felt compelled champion to compete in the runoff spell- of Queens on Tuesday, January 15, at the Jew- than it should have, given the roadblocks put to further publicize the story and successfully ing bee. ish Education Spelling Bee! forth by the State Department on this and lobbied his colleagues to put the story on the other cases. He explained that while the case front page, and further supported it with an against Nazis is crystal clear, the State Depart- editorial. ment oftentimes has “other political consid- Shortly after the New York Daily News pro- erations” when it tries to implement depor- vided the coverage, The New York Times ran tations – requiring the cooperation of other an editorial, as well. Months later, The Wash- countries. In one particular case, “Germany ington Post ran a front-page story on Ram- told me, ‘We don’t want to take YOUR garbage bam’s efforts to have Palij deported. back’ – to which I retorted, ‘YOU created the Rabbi Israel Singer, a noted Jewish activist, garbage,’” said Sher. and former head of the World Jewish Con- Councilman Bruce Blakeman praised the gress, spoke about the importance of Jewish students for their nonstop efforts, and said activism and speaking out against anti-Sem- that their persistence in working through the itism. He recounted the negotiations he held political process resulted in things getting with the Swiss regarding their possession of done. Mr. Blakeman noted that he had con- gold bars obtained from victims of the Holo- tacted Congressman Peter King, who led the caust. He explained that, initially, the Swiss

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 31 32 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 33 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool

YCQ Girls’ Torah Bowl Victory YCQ Second Graders Receive First Chumash By Dassie Jaffe, Grade 7

n Yeshiva of Central Queens, the second-grade students Ireceived their fi rst Chumash. For a few weeks, the students, along with their morot and mu- sic teacher, practiced songs to perform for their families. They began learning the beginning of Bereishit in preparation for their big days. Shimmy Orenbuch, class 2-205, said, “I learned that before Hashem created the world, there was nothing but darkness. The world was parents.” One class did a play on Bnei Yis- in no order. Then, Hashem created plants, roel accepting the Torah from Hashem. After animals, water, humans and light. Now it is performing for their families, the students good.” learned the fi rst pasuk in their own person- Some of the students dressed up in cos- alized Chumashim with their principal, Rab- tumes representing the days of creation of bi Landsman, and assistant principal Rabbi By Sarah Owadeyah hard so I can be on the team next year. I re- the world. Chaim Peled, class 2-207, said, Ribalt. Volunteers from the Parent-Teacher and Miriam Siegman, Grade 6 ally enjoy learning Torah and being part of “My class learned about when Hashem cre- Organization (PTO) organized a coalition to the team.” Around every four weeks we have ated the moon and it shrunk. That was so help the children celebrate this huge mile- n Tuesday, November 11, Yeshiva of a competition against several different Yeshi- cool. I really liked singing on stage for my stone in their Yeshiva education. Central Queens held its second Torah vot schools. OBowl meet. Torah Bowl is a group of The team practiced and studied really middle school students who work together hard. This competition took place at Ramaz learning Torah. Each group is given a differ- and YCQ competed against Manhattan Day ent parshah to learn. For this meet we learned School, Yeshiva Flatbush, and Ramaz. Dur- parashiot B’shalach and Yitro. In B’shalach ing the competition YCQ played against MDS we learned Az Yashir and in Yitro we learned twice and won both competitions. The stu- about the Ten Commandments. Noah Blum, dents’ hard work and support from Torah grade 6, is on the practice squad. He said, “I Bowl supervisors really paid off, with YCQ love going to the matches and I am working winning against all of their competitors.

2018 Hoops For Heroes Yashar LaChayal Basketball Tournament

he 2018 Hoops for Heroes Yashar Region. Each of the schools was given a pres- the Grand Finale was that each of the teams all the participating schools, HALB raised the LaChayal Yeshiva Day School 8th Grade entation about the work of Yashar LaChayal, played against opponents that they do not most money through their individual funding TBoys Basketball Tournament Grand Fi- and the individual players on the basketball play during the course of their regular sea- pages, and each member of the team received nale took place on Sunday, December 16, on teams were given the opportunity to raise son league games. a $100 gift certifi cate to the Packer Shoe Com- the campus of Yeshiva Har Torah in Little funds through their own personal funding In the fi nal game, MDY met up with HALB. pany. Neck. page. Every player received his very own spe- HALB soared to a 68-51 victory and won the According to Judah and Carol Rhine, tour- The goal of the tournament was to raise cial Hoops for Heroes green Klipped Keepah, Tier 1 Championship. nament coordinators, “There was a great dis- awareness about Yashar LaChayal and to which featured the tournament logo. Every Following the Championship Games, the play of achdus throughout the day, amongst raise funds to support their programs for the coach received a copy of the book by Doug- trophy ceremony featured each member of all the players and fans, both on and off the members of the IDF. Yashar LaChayal brings las Stark, When Basketball Was Jewish. the winning teams receiving a Championship court. Special hakaras ha’tov and many thanks the soldiers what they need when they need The format for the Tournament Grand Trophy. Shaare Torah and HALB each received to all the schools, players, coaches, athletic it. This successful event to benefi t Yashar Finale was comprised of all the partici- a Team Championship Trophy that they will directors, principals, parents, administrators, LaChayal was the culmination of months pating schools competing in a day-long, proudly display at their schools. families, and friends who helped make this of planning, presentations, and fundrais- single-elimination, two-tier basketball Much thanks and gratitude to the tour- event a huge success in supporting Yashar ing, while giving the basketball teams the tournament. The day consisted of seven nament basketball court sponsors for their LaChayal. Plans are already in the works for opportunity to play in a basketball tourna- competitive contests and a display of great generous donations showing their support next year’s tournament!” Please visit yashar- ment against teams throughout the Tri-State sportsmanship by all. The special aspect of and gratitude for the chayalim of the IDF. Of lachayal.org/unique/bball.

34 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 

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Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 35 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool HALB’s Winter-Themed Melaveh Malkah

ALB hosted a beautiful winter-themed melaveh malkah on Motza’ei Shabbos. The 5th grade choir did an outstanding H th job performing, the 8 grade carnival was a hit, and the dancing was phenomenal!

36 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool Only 5 Minutes a Day can Transform your Shabbos! MTA Juniors Bring Halachah To Life Discover the beauty of Shabbos while learning the Halachos Audio shiurim designed to significantly enhance the spirit of Shabbos presented by Eliezer Szrolovits

uniors in MTA’s Yeshiva Fellowship rainwater, and the pit itself that contains program brought halachah to life on 67 gallons of rainwater. After the tour, J Monday, December 17, as they toured they enjoyed lunch before returning to Mikvah Yisroel of Flatbush with their Yeshiva. mashgiach, Rabbi Mendelson, and Dr. Sh- The Yeshiva Fellowship program is unique lomo Neuhoff, whose mother the mikvah to MTA and provides talmidim with addition- is named for. Talmidim learned how a ko- al opportunities to grow in Torah learning sher mikvah is built, including where the and develop both communally and individu- mikvah water comes from and how it is ally. Each grade has its own mashgiach and To join, please WhatsApp 917.551.0150 distributed. They saw the two waterways participates in additional talmud Torah pro- that fill the main pit of the mikvah with grams and educational trips. To receive by email, contact [email protected]

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 37 What’s New IInn SSchoolchool

Queens Jewish Hockey League, Weeks 2 & 3 Week 2 away with the win, led by Yehuda Rosenbaum. After a short break for Chanukah, everyone In Game 2 of the evening, it was a game like was excited to get back on the court to play. no other. Both Aron’s and 855-CPR-COURSE The level of intensity picked up as the games brought their “A-Game.” It was a back-and- progressed. In Game 1, Team Aron’s edged out forth game the whole time. With amazing of- 855-CPR COURSE, where Meir Tannenbaum fense and goaltending on both sides, the game had four goals for Aron’s. In Game 2 of the went into overtime. With no one able to score night, RK ran away with their fi rst win of the after the extra period, the game ended in a 4-4 season. tie. Once again, we would like to thank our Week 3 team sponsors, 855-CPR-COURSE, Aron’s Kis- With much anticipation, Week 3 of the sena Farms, and RK Hosiery. QJHL started off like no other. The skill level of The Queens Jewish Hockey League (QJHL) the players started to break through. In Game is a fl oor hockey league for yeshivah boys, 1, RK came out ready to play. With crisp pass- grades 3-8. For more information, please e- ing and great teamwork, they were able to run mail [email protected].

Wake up! CONTINUED FROM P. 13 hone just 11 years ago. We underestimated what Silicon Valley had in store for us, and particularly enjoy this arrangement, but it’s failed to realize how valuable our digital hard to break free. footprint could be to those who would Our kids – the muses of picture after pic- learn how to manipulate us into market- ture from vacations, birthdays, graduations able data. (whom we profess to live for) – why aren’t This is an inconvenient truth, this idea we spending more time with them? Why are that we have leveraged our lives in exchange we so invested in recording the memories for short bursts of hollow comfort. It is a rather than authentically creating them? truth that has slowly been sneaking up on Why are kids left to wither beside their us like an anaconda. We all need to wake up. parents in the back seats of cars, on grocery We have to realize that we are fi ghting a los- lines, on buses, and at meals with screens to ing battle with technology that is too irre- keep them company, not people? Why do sistible to put down. We need to be honest we openly give them an out from talking to with ourselves about how it affects us, and us and the means for allowing them to regu- make a plan so that we coexist in the best larly (and often involuntarily) stay up past possible way. We need to do it fast. There three or four in the morning? probably won’t be a robot apocalypse any Wake up! When did we start ignoring our time soon, but I think we’re destroying our- families so much? When did we forget how selves just fi ne without one. to be parents? How did we stop being the I challenge the readers to go two days people we were just ten years ago? Life was without a phone and to take note of the ef- not perfect in 1989 or 2003, but it wasn’t this. fects – good and bad – that it has on you. If There was TV, there were other distractions, you don’t enjoy life away from your phone, and kids found plenty of ways to avoid their it will be that much harder to put it down. parents and vice versa, but in those days we Next week, in part two of this article, I’ll had more stopping cues – signals for us to tell a partial history of my experience with move to the next activity, like commercial technology, what my family is doing do breaks, the end of a book, or dinnertime. To- break free, and how we enjoy a more mean- day, eye contact is becoming a rarity. ingful life together because of it. Feel free This is not the success story we hoped to contact me – I would love to hear your for when we gleefully unboxed the fi rst iP- thoughts on this issue.

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38 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 39 School Confusion All Aboard – Hopefully CONTINUED FROM P. 19 of weekdays; and secondary schools must CONTINUED FROM P. 23 speeding up dirt-removal, and simultaneous have been established for pupils in high excavation and reinforcement. The bottom line is that there was a school who have graduated from an elemen- the money it has already borrowed – is pro- According to Musk, a snail moves 14 times change in the law and it was publicized on tary school that provides instruction as de- jected to increase by 26 percent to $3.3 bil- faster than the speed of a conventional tun- April 3, 2018. It is easy to locate the statute scribed in Education Law §3204 and have an lion. neling machine. “We should be slightly fast- online. It took the release of the regulations educational program that extends from no Even these days, $3.3 billion is a lot of er,” he said. by the NYS Education Department on No- later than nine a.m. until no earlier than six money. Exactly how much is it? In the case The just-completed test tunnel is just one vember 20, 2018, to galvanize opposition. p.m. on the majority of weekdays.” of the MTA’s budget, $3.3 billion is the equiv- of the projects Musk’s Boring Company is Why was nothing done? This parrots the language of the stat- alent of 37 percent of all the fares and tolls involved with. The company was selected Is the legislature going to introduce a bill ute. If the commissioner adopted what OU that are collected, state Comptroller Thomas by Chicago to build a 17-mile underground to roll back the new statutory provisions? and Torah U’Mesorah claim she is doing, it DiNapoli said in October. transit system; when completed it will con- There is a bill that passed the Senate on would be contrary to the explicit statutory Because revenues from ridership are nect downtown Chicago with O’Hare Inter- June 20, 2018, that proposed to change the language and would open the NYSED and lower than expected, most of the fare hikes national Airport, the main one in the city. A hourly requirement for grades one to eight the state to a lawsuit challenging any such under consideration, as well as most of the fringe benefi t of Hyperloop would be that from nine to four and high school from nine regulation. increased fees from Gov. Cuomo’s “conges- as more cars travel in underground tunnels, to four-thirty (Senate bill S08992 introduced Nevertheless, the outrage is having an ef- tion pricing” plan, would merely help to the congestion above ground would lessen by Senator Flanagan). It was sent to the As- fect. Not only are the state legislators getting pay for annual expenses according to Zero and ease the traffi c and delays that plague sembly and is sitting in the education com- nervous, but even supporters of the new law Hedge. In other words, very little would be drivers now. mittee. Obviously, this proposed legislation are trying to walk back the changes. For left over to make the improvements and up- Even if the concept of Hyperloop works does not solve the problem. example, Naftuli Moster, head of Yaffed in grades that are required. exactly as intended, and even if costs would To add to the confusion, there is a claim “Statement Regarding New York State ‘Sub- Of course, if the MTA is forced to borrow be contained, and even if New York City that the NYS Education Department is inter- stantial Equivalency’ Guidelines” December more money, the cost of servicing its debt wants to move ahead with Hyperloop, it will preting the new law to limit the required 13, 2018, wrote: “In recent weeks, thanks in would go still higher, which would leave take years and probably many years until a number of hours. For example, the Ortho- part to our relentless and effective advoca- even less for maintenance and upgrades. system can be fully designed and built here. dox Union on its website states: “NYSED cy efforts, New York State released revised Although Mayor de Blasio has dropped Meanwhile, the city will continue mak- provided written clarifi cation that the man- guidelines which interpret the New York his opposition to the idea of an increase in ing repairs and upgrades to the transit sys- datory units of daily secular study are not State law requiring non-public schools to subway fares, he still has questions about its tem the conventional way at conventional more than one per grade for core subjects provide an education that is ‘at least substan- details. speeds and at conventional costs. If the past (English, Math, Social Studies and Science). tially equivalent’ to that of public schools… is any guide to how this will play out, there This translates to 3.5 required hours of re- “There are rumors that, based on the cur- Musk To The Rescue? will be delays completing the various pro- quired instruction per day (not counting rent wording in the guidelines, yeshivahs Is it just possible that business titan and jects as well as cost overruns. physical education) for grades 7-8.” Torah will have to teach 6-7 hours of secular in- entrepreneur Elon Musk has an answer to That the city’s subway system is feeling U’Mesorah in a letter dated December 19, struction per day for grades 5-8. This is in- the mass transit woes of New York and other aches and pains is not surprising. The fi rst 2018, wrote: “We are delighted that the NYS accurate, and the state is planning to clarify cities? The founder and head of Tesla and underground line was opened in 1904 – 36 Education Department heard your protests the misunderstanding in the coming days. SpaceX, among other high-tech companies, years after the fi rst elevated line, the IRT, and has taken back its demand for 7 hours In the end, we believe the state will not re- believes that Hyperloop is the solution. was opened. Given its age and nonstop use, per day of secular studies.” quire as many hours as is currently being de- Hyperloop is a high-tech system that it’s not surprising that it needs maintenance, I looked on the NYSED website. The No- scribed.” He then attacks Agudath Israel for takes pedestrians and vehicles below ground repairs, and upgrades. vember 20, 2018, rules are still listed. They fearmongering. in special elevators called “skates” and zips What is surprising is that there are com- state: “Elementary and middle schools must This is the time to put pressure on the them forward at speeds up to 150 MPH in muters who think higher fares are a rip-off have an educational program that extends legislature to fi x the law. The measure specially-made tunnels. A one-mile stretch and that the system could keep functioning from no later than nine a.m. until no ear- passed by the Senate on June 20, 2018, is not of tunnel that will test this concept was just without ever making repairs or improve- lier than four p.m. for grades one through the answer. Do not leave it to the State Com- completed at a cost of $10 million. ments. Hopefully, this arthritic system will three, and no earlier than fi ve-thirty p.m. for missioner of Education whose powers are The relatively low cost was no coinci- get lubricants it needs to keep functioning grades four through eight on the majority limited by statute. dence but rather the result of important safely and effectively well into the future. cost-cutting innovations Musk introduced Sources: amny.com; bloomberg.com; digi- such as a newly designed higher-powered talreview.com; investopedia.com; venture- boring machine, digging narrower tunnels, beat.com; zerohedge.com

Where Have You Gone, Rashi HaKadosh? CONTINUED FROM P. 5 cism begets more of it.” And he carries on from there. as when one receives an aliyah to the To- The fi rewall between Reform Judaism, rah? Conservative Judaism, and Open Ortho- In my article a couple of weeks ago, doxy was breached a few years ago and titled “The Loser’s Holiday,” I made refer- becomes more evident each passing day. I ence to an article published by The New am now afraid that the fi rewall between York Times (“The Hypocrisy of Hannu- Orthodoxy and Open Orthodoxy is slowly kah”) in which the author described the being breached, as well. Trust me: If the Chashmona’im as a bunch of violent zeal- trend continues, we will have less and less ots defeating assimilated Jews in a most vi- commitment to Torah values in the Ortho- cious manner, making the holiday of Cha- dox community, and more commitment to nukah really not worth celebrating today. the social agenda of the day. I wouldn’t be In the article, I warned, “Mark my words: surprised if already a signifi cant amount This will creep right into Open Orthodox of our kids idealize Bernie Sanders more circles as well.” than they do the IDF. It’s sad. I was wrong. It already has made its I beg, I implore, the leadership in the way into Open Orthodoxy. In an article Orthodox community to address this posted on the Times of Israel (December 8, growing crisis. I insist that the educators 2018), Benyamin Zahav, a disciple of Open in our community begin to totally rethink Orthodoxy, writes, “The real lesson of Cha- how to reach our children. Get into their nukah is that the Maccabee way is not the emotions, not their brains. Bring back way. Violence begets violence, and fanati- Rashi HaKadosh!

40 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 41 Community Calendar Compiled by Rebecca Wittert rolled in public school to switch to Israel of Kew Gardens Hills (70-22 150th yeshivah. All donations go directly to- Street, Kew Gardens Hills; free parking in wards tuition. For more information, the Yeshiva of Central Queens lot). Buffet THE CALENDAR FOR ALL EVENTS IN QUEENS please call 718-258-2448 or visit www.our- by Soysauce. Admission $15 in advance; jewishchildren.com. $20 at the door. For more information and DECEMBER 2018 Briarwood. Men and women invited. Free reservations, please call 718-880-2622 or admission. For more information, please Yachad will hold a email [email protected]. call 718-285-9132 or email events@chazq. marathon and half- At 8:00 p.m., the org. marathon in Miami. Young Israel of Ja- At 8:30 p.m., Lev For more informa- maica Estates will L’Achim will hold a

At 8:00 p.m., Chazaq Sunday tion, please call 212- hold the Ó rst ses- 27 parlor meeting in and Beth Gavriel 613-8301 or email sion of an eight- the home of Dr. and will hold a night of [email protected]. 26 week art class for Mrs. Marc Silverman Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday inspiration for men 26 th adults with Clarisse. (73-03 136 Street, and women at Beth At 7:30 p.m., Ronald Men and women invited. Many media will Monday Kew Gardens Hills). 31 Gavriel (66-35 108th Fatoullah & Associ- be explored. All levels of experience wel- HaRav Shmuel Kamenetsky will speak. Street, Forest Hills). ates will present a come. $250. Please register at yije.org. With Rabbi Ilan Meirov, Rabbi Menachem panel discussion on Nissel, Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Rabbi YY Ru- Medicaid, LTC in- From 4:00 until 30 binstein, and Chief Bukharian Rabbi Wednesday surance, and tax 10:00 p.m., the Yitzchak Yisraeli. Buffet by Soysauce. Free planning at the An- Young Israel of Kew she Sholom Chabad JCC (82-52 Abingdon MARCH 2019 Gardens Hills (150th admission. For more information, please th call 718-285-9132 or email events@chazaq. Road, Kew Gardens). Panelists Elizabeth Street and 70 Road, The Yeshiva of Cen- Thursday 27 org. Forspan, Esq., Paul Feigenbaum, and Perry Kew Gardens Hills) Shulman, CPA. To register, please email jro- tral Queens will will hold a blood [email protected]. hold its 78th Anni- drive in its simchah room. To schedule an versary Scholarship appointment, please visit donate.nybc. JANUARY 2019 Dinner at the Old org/donor or call 800-933-2566. Walk-ins Saturday 2 Westbury Hebrew welcome. For questions concerning medi- At 7:30 p.m., the FEBRUARY 2019 Congregation. Hon- cal eligibility, please call 800-688-0900 or Fleetwood Syna- oring Dr. Eve and Rabbi Todd Sullivan, Drs. visit www.nybc.org. gogue (11 Broad At 7:00 p.m., the Street East, Mount Queens Jewish Link Rachel and Joshua Sisser, Rabbi Moshe At 7:30 p.m., Chasdei Vernon) will host its and the Bukharian Hamel, and Randi Beeber Luxenberg. For th

Motza’ei Shabbos 5 Jewish Link will more information, please visit www.yc- Chashie L’Kallah 15 Annual Charles will hold a Chinese Sidlow Memorial 6 hold a networking qdinner.com or call 718-793-8500 (x-300) or auction at the home Lecture Program. The topic will be “Juda- Wednesday event at the Young email [email protected]. of Mrs. Ayala Bar- ism, America, and Our Era of Civic Break-

Motza’ei Shabbos 29 down.” Guest speakers to include Rabbis nett (115-19 Mayfair Road, Kew Gardens). Shay Schachter and Ari Lamm. A dairy din- Please order tickets now at 718-253-1627 or ner will be served. Please RSVP to Rabbi- at www.helpakallah.org. rosenfelt@Ô eetwoodsynagogue.org.

At 8:00 p.m., the Young Israel of Hollis- At 6:30 p.m., the Ye- wood (25 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Hollis- shiva University wood) will present a screening of the doc- High Schools will umentary Ó lm “The Fight of Our Lives: hold their annual tribute dinner at Defeating the Ideological War Against the Monday 7 West.” Special Q&A with Ó lmmaker Gloria Marina del Rey, GreenÓ eld after the show! honoring Nazila & Robin Baradarian, Jessica & Jonathan Lan- At 8:00 p.m., Chazaq and Shaare Zion da, Shuey Jacoby, Rabbanit Shani Taragin, of Great Neck will hold a melaveh mal- Liora Haibi, and Leah Moskovich. For kah featuring a talk by Rabbi Meir Yedid more information or to make reservations, on the topic, “Chinuch: Implanting Con- please call Elissa Schertz at 212-960-5223. Ó dence and Torah Values in Our Chil- dren.” At Shaare Zion, 225 Middle Neck At 7:30 p.m., Chasdei Chashie L’Kallah Your business can sponsor TO ADD YOUR EVENT Road, Great Neck. Men and women in- will hold a Chinese auction at the home the QJL Community Calendar. TO OUR COMMUNITY CALENDAR, vited. Free admission. For more infor- of Mrs. Tova Lisker (72-42 137th Street, Kew PLEASE EMAIL THE EVENT, DATE/TIME, PLACE, Please contact Yaakov at 718-880-2622 or e-mail mation, please call 718-285-9132 or email Gardens Hills). Please order tickets now at AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION TO: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]. 718-253-1627 or at www.helpakallah.org.

At 8:00 p.m., Chazaq and Ner Mordechai At 8:00 p.m., Chazaq, will hold a kumsitz for men and women Emet Outreach, and with Zusha at Ner Mordechai (82-33 Lef- Beth Gavriel will ferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens). Free admis- hold the second an- sion. For more information, please call 718- nual Parenting and Saturday 12 285-9132 or email [email protected]. Shalom Bayis Panel for married men At 11:00 a.m., YTT (66- and women. At Beth Gavriel Center (66-35 35 108th Street, Forest 108th Street, Forest Hills). Free admission. Hills) will hold its For more information, please call 718-285- secular studies en- 9132 or email [email protected].

Sunday 30 trance exam. For more information, At 8:30 p.m., Our please call 718-544- Jewish Children will 2727 (ext. 2) or email theofÓ [email protected]. hold an event with Rabbi Paysach At 8:00 p.m., Chazaq and the Young Isra- Krohn at the home Tuesday Tuesday 15 el of Briarwood will host a lecture by Dr. of Golda Fried (72-23 Jack Cohen on “Shalom Bayis: Are We 139th Street, Kew Gar- Soulmates or Roommates?” At the Young dens Hills). Our Jewish Children helps de- Israel of Briarwood, 84-75 Daniels Street, fray tuition costs to enable children en-

42 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 OOpinionpinion The Case For Eternal Rest

CONTINUED FROM P. 1 to pay court fees. The mitzvos involving chesed shel emes that include the physi- the Torah-based prohibition against cal and spiritual cleansing of the remains, cremation. Relying on the argument as well as its appropriate burial in the that the Jewish body is a holy object, ground, carry the highest respect in Juda- it should return to the source from ism, since the deceased benefi ciary can- which it originated in a natural manner. not repay the favor in this world. Ramon’s Additionally, the core tenet of the faith case brought back memories of an uncle that the dead will be restored to life in my family who died nearly three years mandates the preservation of the body in ago and was buried at Salem Fields Cem- a marked plot. etery on the Brooklyn-Queens border. As all of our days are determined by Born in prewar Moldova, he spoke a design, on the week of this parshah, fl uent Yiddish, and he had a basic under- the Israeli public mourned the death of standing of observance, but no interest in Rona Ramon, who died at the age of 54 it. Decades of Soviet rule and the materi- PPeopleeople paypay ttheirheir llastast rrespectsespects bbyy tthehe ccoffinoffin ccarryingarrying tthehe bbodyody ooff RRonaona RRamonamon on December 17. She is the widow of as- alism of his later life in America reduced tronaut Ilan Ramon, who died in 2003 the concepts of death and burial to an af- aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, and terthought. As he lay dying, he requested ashes into dust as physical remains disap- My relatives deliberated and agreed the mother of Asaf Ramon, who died cremation to spare his wife and children peared into thin air. that my uncle’s fi nal wishes must be in 2009 at age 21 on an Israel Air Force the expenses of burial. Likewise, with his On this note, assimilation and crema- nullifi ed. He was given a Jewish burial. I training mission. brothers and children living at great dis- tion lead to the same result, the physical bowed and cried before his widow and “I would defi ne Rona Ramon’s life as brothers in gratitude for making the right a tragedy of biblical proportions, but she choice. As the most observant member of was also a hero of the spirit, of biblical Assimilation and cremation lead to the same result: the physical my immediate family, I am often asked proportions. The loss of Ilan and Asaf, her disappearance of Jews from the scene about the laws governing the Jewish life loss at a young age, these are cruel blows cycle, and assist relatives in reciting Kad- to a splendid family,” said Prime Minister dish. Benjamin Netanyahu at the Peres Center I may not be matzliach in fostering for Peace, where her casket was held for tances from each other, who would visit disappearance of Jews from the scene. observance among the nonobservant, public viewing. his grave? Imagine the tragedy of older generations but then there’s the chesed shel emes that Seeking to avoid “further pain for her Although intermarriage has unfortu- cremating themselves into invisibility as comes with ensuring a halachic burial. My family,” Ramon requested cremation for nately made inroads among some of my their descendants assimilate, leaving no father’s plain casket, seven days of shiv’ah her remains. Seeking to prevent her fi nal family members, not a single relative to traces of their heritage. Lands where Jews with minyanim, mishnayos learning, sh- wish from contradicting Jewish law, Rabbi date has been cremated. Among those were murdered, were expelled, or emigrat- loshim, and tz’dakah given in his memory Yehuda Deri, the chief rabbi of Beersheva, whose remains are buried in American ed from – they still have cemeteries that brought the highest honor to a man who wrote a letter to her family, portions of soil in the past quarter century are my testify to their existence. never bothered to adopt a Hebrew name. which were later publicized: “I appeal to grandparents, their brothers, cousins, How much nobler were the last wishes As he helped bring me into this life, I es- you on behalf of many of the rabbis and nephews, my uncle and aunt – all buried of Yaakov Avinu to be buried among his corted him out on that last ride from the rabbinic judges of Israel and in the name according to halachah. Some of their de- ancestors, and his son who wished to be deathbed to the cemetery. of large parts of the nation to reconsider scendants are not Jewish, but for eternity buried in his native land? Unless it was Regardless of the choices that my un- this decision and express your desire to the matzeivos marking their remains of decreed from Hashem, as it was for Moshe cle’s descendants will make concerning respect the deceased with the appropriate parents and grandparents testify to Jew- Rabbeinu and Aharon HaKohen, most of Jewish observance, and how often the honor for her, and bring her to a Jewish ish lives at rest. our Avos, Imahos, n’viim, and m’lachim gravesite will be visited, it stands as a tes- burial in the soil she loved so much and When my grandmother’s cousin re- have resting places that are marked to this tament to our faith in t’chiyas ha’meisim, sacrifi ced for it, that which was most pre- quested cremation, I made phone calls to day. These sites are part of our national Mashiach, and the Creator who formed us cious to her. And there she should rest in other family members, urging them not to and personal heritage. and takes us at the proper time. peace.” break the precedent. I spoke of the eternal In a separate action, lawyer Shimon memorial that will stand in memory of Ashur attempted to stop the cremation the departed, as solid as a rock in contrast through a lawsuit. The court held that he to a portable urn that can be misplaced had no standing to sue and ordered him or destroyed. I spoke of the dispersal of

Send your simcha notices to SSimchaimcha Section [email protected]

BBIRTHSIRTHS Elliott and Lorey Friedman on the birth of a grandson, born to their children Nissan and Libby Borr. BBARAR MMITZVAHSITZVAHS Dovid and Rena Maslansky on the bar mitzvah of their son Kivie. Special Mazal Tov to the grandparents Dr. and Mrs. Paul Hartstein and Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Cohen. EENGAGEMENTSNGAGEMENTS Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld on the engagement of his granddaughter Devorah Schon- feld of Switzerland to Yochanan Kovitz of Israel MMARRIAGESARRIAGES Jack and Phyllis Polinsky on the marriage of his granddaughter Miriam Polinsky to Michael Miller Send your simcha notices to [email protected]

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 43 Weekly TTefilahefilah FFocusocus

fi lled the mitzvos of yir’as Hashem, emulat- Birchos HaShachar – Intro B ing Hashem’s ways (“v’halachta bi’drachav”), directly and feel His presence, thereby ful- ahavas Hashem, and more [sefer Tz’ror HaMor, fi lling the very fi rst s’if of the Rema in the Introducing Birchos HaShachar II quoted in Magen Avraham, siman 428 of the Shulchan Aruch, based on T’hilim 16 (“Shivisi Shulchan Aruch] Hashem l’negdi tamid” [Sifsei Chayim, Moa- ’ezras Hashem, the next series of seg- of the powerful benefi ts of 100 brachos daily? 8. Treated as if we brought all of the korba- dim 1] ments will cover some of the 15 Bir- Amongst these many benefi ts (there are many nos [Rokei’ach, VaYikra 214] This is just a sampling of a few amongst Bchos HaShachar that we recite each more than listed here) are the following: It is related by HaRav Shmuel Auerbach the many benefi ts Chazal mention relating to morning. As an introduction, we are review- 1. Receiving special salvation. This is the and HaRav Yitzchak Yerucham Bordiansky reciting 100 brachos daily. ing Shemoneh Esrei segments 47 and 48, only eitzah to draw brachah and wondrous, (Rav Shmuel’s brother-in-law) that when a Perhaps the connection between Modim which were an introduction to the brachah of quick hatzalah for all types of diffi cult ill- gadol who was stricken with a deadly illness and 100 brachos and the reason they are Modim, and serve, as well, as an introduction nesses. It has the power to cause good health, came to HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l so powerful is that each time we make a to these Birchos HaShachar. Shemoneh Esrei and a long and sweet life. [Shibalei HaLeket] to ask what he could do to arouse rachamim brachah, we recognize (admit) that Hashem 47 appeared last week. 2. An increase in shalom between us and from Shamayim, HaRav Shlomo Zalman told is the (only) source of all blessings and good- Hashem [Maharsha] him, “I am not worthy to tell others what ness. That recognition brings us to humil- Shemoneh Esrei 48 ity, to love Hashem, and to d’veikus baShem, The 100 Powers of Modim which, as discussed last week, is the purpose Each time we make a brachah, we recognize that Hashem is the source of life according to Ramchal and others. Modim anachnu lach Through our recognition and humility, we are We gratefully thank You of all blessings and goodness enabled (that is the way Hashem created the ***** world, granting us the power and responsibil- As is commonly known, there is an obliga- ity) to bring down the fl ow of brachah to the tion to recite 100 brachos daily. The g’matria 3. An increase in rachamim from Hashem to do in this case, but I will tell you what I entire world, which fulfi lls the r’tzon Hashem of the word “modim” equals 100. This teaches [Rashba] personally would do. I would strengthen my- to provide goodness to the world. us that one who says Modim properly is con- 4. Receiving a brachah from Hashem for self in my recitation of 100 daily brachos and As part of our new Mitzvah Series, daily re- sidered as if he fulfi lled the requirement of our parnasah, fulfi lling our days and years, say each “Baruch” the way it should be said, cordings of less than two minutes each day saying 100 brachos that day. [Daas Z’keinim and succeeding against any enemies [Siddur each “Atah” the way it should be said, and are available. Sign up by sending an email MiBaalei HaTosafos, parshas Eikev] R’ Yaakov Emden] each “Hashem” the way it should be said. If I to [email protected] and put the word What is a brachah and how is it connected 5. Receiving a reciprocal brachah: The can succeed in that, it would be the greatest “Subscribe” in the Subject line. In addition, to Modim? same way that man “blesses” Hashem, so too musar for me. we now have a daily one-minute recording What makes it so special that David HaMe- will Hashem bless man. (Midrash Tanchuma, 9. Meriting to draw life from the source of on Tefi lah. lech chose 100 brachos as the vehicle to stop quoted by Ramchal) life, and draw life for the entire world [Zohar] To access Audio, Video, and Archives of pre- the plague that was killing 100 people daily? 6. Attaining yir’as Shamayim more easily 10. Feeling Hashem’s presence. The gift of vious Tefi lah segments, please visit www. What makes the recitation of 100 brachos so because we will become kadosh through the 100 daily opportunities to approach Hashem WeeklyTefi lahFocus.com. special and so powerful? 100 brachos [Ben Ish Chai] Why do so many different sources tell us 7. Being considered as if we have ful- You can direct any questions or comments to Eliezer Szrolovits at 917-551-0150.

Halachic Highlights…Mezuzah #2 HHalachicalachic Highlights (For p’sak halachah, please ask your own rav.) Rabbi Ephraim Glatt, Esq.

Note, that while some argue with this Taz and rely on the b’diavad that the mitzvah of mezuzah Visible or Hidden? hold that the glass does not protect against un- is still fulfi lled even if the name of Hashem is cleanliness, see Rishon L’Tzion (ibid), the Taz is the hidden. Question: Must the mezuzah parchment be vis- materials such as diapers or unclad people. In normative halachah. See B’tzeil Chochmah (6:24). Rav Meir Brandsdorfer (K’nei Bosem 2:95), ible or may it be hidden in a non-transparent box? other rooms, the mezuzah should preferably be It thus appears from the plain language of however, suggests that we are nervous that a Short Answer: Ideally, the mezuzah parch- visible. The Vilna Gaon (ibid) cites the Zohar as the Shulchan Aruch (according to the Taz) that hole in the box will cause people to touch the ment, or at the very least, the name of Hashem the source that the mezuzah should preferably the mezuzah should be covered only in transpar- parchment and ruin the name of Hashem. Since written on the back of the parchment, should be remain visible in rooms that are clean. ent glass, especially for rooms that only contain it is very impractical to place a glass piece on this visible in a room without any unclean items such The Taz (Yoreh Dei’ah 286:5-6) points out that clean items. little hole, we err on the side of caution and do as diapers or unclad individuals. However, numer- clearly the Shulchan Aruch holds that a mezuzah not make any hole. He also suggests that since ous reasons are given for why we have generally can be hidden, as he writes that the mezuzah III. The Hole for Hashem’s Name our homes our fi lled with unclean items such as abandoned this practice. should be covered in unclean rooms. The Taz The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Dei’ah 288:15) codi- diapers and unclad children, it is preferable to Explanation: thus chastises those that do not put up a mezu- fi es another relevant halachah; Hashem’s name cover the parchment with a non-transparent ma- zah at all because they are scared that it will be – the word “Shakai” – is written on the outside terial. See Pischei T’shuvah (ibid. 7); see also sefer I. The Box stolen, or they are embarrassed, as they should of the rolled up parchment of the mezuzah. The MiTal HaShamayim (p. 437). This is also the rea- Clearly, the parchment of our mezuzos is instead put up the mezuzah in a way that is hid- Rama (ibid) writes that a hole should be made in son why stores only sell non-transparent boxes. placed in a box before it is hung on the door- den. [See the sefer Mishnas Moshe, simanim 2 the box of the mezuzah so that Hashem’s name is However, he concludes that it is preferable to use post of our homes. Indeed, the Tur and Shulchan and 22, regarding Rishonim who explain the sig- visible on the parchment. Interestingly, the Vilna a transparent box for clean rooms. Indeed, Rav Aruch (Yoreh Dei’ah 289:1) state explicitly that the nifi cance of being able to see the mezuzah. This Gaon cites the same Zohar as above as the source Menashe Klein (Kuntres Shaarei Halachos 9) like- parchment is fi rst placed in a “sh’foferes,” a tube author would also add that, based on last week’s of this halachah. Presumably, the Shulchan wise writes that it is preferable to use a transpar- or box, before hanging it on the doorpost. While article, we saw that some held the reason for Aruch, as well as the Rema, mainly require that ent box for clean rooms. the Beis Yosef (ibid.) does not cite a source or rea- mezuzah was to instill the Oneness of Hashem only the name of Hashem be visible (and covered Notably, the sefer Birkas Reuven Shlomo (4:61) son for this practice and merely states that this in the homeowner. Accordingly, the mezuzah with glass) as opposed to the whole mezuzah. explains that because of the general uncleanli- is obvious, the Bach (ibid.) explains that placing should be visible. See also sefer Kerem Ya’eh, 35]. ness of our rooms, the minhag developed to it in a box prevents the letters from becoming The Taz also writes that the Shulchan Aruch IV. Why No Hole? simply write the letter shin on the outside of the ruined from the moisture in the walls of our doesn’t really mean that the mezuzah should be The upshot thus appears that our mezuzos non-transparent box covering the parchment. homes. completely uncovered or unprotected in clean can be in a box, but really they should have a This way, we remember Hashem’s name without rooms, as this will lead to children excessively glass hole enabling the name of Hashem to be worrying about desecrating the name. II. The Covering touching the parchment and ruining the letters. visible. So why is this not our practice? Indeed, The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Dei’ah 286:5) – Rather, the Shulchan Aruch means that the mezu- Rabbi Ephraim Greenblatt (Noam Journal, 18, p. Next Week’s Topic: Does a shul require a me- without any connection to the previously stated zah should always be encased in glass, and this will 237) makes the same query and notes that we zuzah? What about a privately-owned shtiebel? box requirement – also writes that one should even protect against most situations where there cover the mezuzah (presumably, the parchment) are unclad people in a room (except for a bedroom Rabbi Ephraim Glatt, Esq. is Assistant to the Rabbi at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills and a in rooms where there will likely be unclean where marital relations are taking place). practicing litigation attorney. Questions? Comments? Email [email protected].

44 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 The House OOff FFaithaith ‘‘NN FFashionashion Tobi Rubinstein Mama at The Met

hy do we wear jewelry? Does this vine Body examines one of the earliest con- form of adornment cast a magical ceptions of jewelry through religious and Wspell? Is it our personal wrapping ritual practices. paper and bow for the gift box containing The Regal Body translates the use of jew- our inner being? The Metropolitan Museum elry throughout history to assert power, infl u- of Art, the exhibition “Jewelry: The Body ence, status, and nobility. Transformed”he will attempt to explore the The Transcendent Body focuses on jewelry answers to these questions. It’s a global con- that is used to traverse the spiritual realms of versation about one of the most personal and spirits, sorcery, and witchcraft. universally shared art forms. Over 230 objects The Alluring Body explores how jewelry in the exhibit are exclusively from The Met plays in desire, romance, and love. collection. The exhibition includes a spar- The Resplendent Body understands the kling assortment of headdresses and ear or- need to be seen, further exploring the pea- naments, brooches and belts, necklaces and cock syndrome of ostentation. rings created between 2600 B.C.E. and the In truth, the most thrilling part of the ex- present day. tensive exhibit is viewing Donna Schneier’s personal collection that was gifted to the museum several years ago. I am truly a lucky girl to call her my second mom, my MamaDonna. Her heart of gold is her most valuable piece of jewelry. She has taught me the appreciation, signifi cance, and worth of creativity, craftsmanship, love, and truth in art as well as hu- manity. Donna began collecting post-World War II international jewelry in the mid-1980s, beginning with pieces by artists such as Rob- sert life in transit to the Land of Israel, unlike ert Ebendorf and Otto Kunzli and the men who all perished there. since then has continued to collect The divinely designed breastplate of the museum-quality works. Her passion High Priest (kohen gadol) is a masterpiece of for art jewelry has transformed the jewelry devoted to human order and spiritual importance of the category in major connection. Each precious stone, golden en- The Met describes this exhibition as “If museums around the world. She continues to casement, and enormity of presence was a the body is a stage, jewelry is one of its most nurture, inspire, collect, and sell jewelry from statement of Hashem’s connection with his There are an abundant of examples of dazzling performers. Throughout history and designers that push the boundaries of materi- people. In Isaiah 3:16-24, the prophet Isaiah jewelry in relationship to Hashem and to across cultures, jewelry has served as an ex- als, scope, texture, and message. fi ercely admonishes the Jewish women’s one another. Perhaps we should follow the tension and amplifi cation of the body, accen- My admiration and love for her is bound- behavior during his time, warning them of profound words of the wisest man and king tuating it, enhancing it, distorting it, and ulti- less. The Torah and jewelry share many sto- Hashem’s disappointment and upcoming of all, Solomon, with his verse in Proverbs/ mately transforming it. Jewelry is an essential ries. Signifi cant episodes of Torah and Navi punishments. “In that day, the Lord (Hashem) Mishlei 25:12, “There is gold and abundance of feature in the acts that make us human, be it were shaped as a result of jewelry. The reason will take away the fi nery of the anklets, the costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a rituals of marriage or death, celebrations or that women were given the New Moon (Rosh headbands, and the crescents; the pendants, precious jewel.” battles. At every turn, it expresses some of our Chodesh) as their personal holiday connected the bracelets, and the scarves; the headdress- “Jewelry: The Body Transformed” will run highest aspirations.” to Moshe’s ascendance from Mount Sinai and es, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, until February 24, 2019, at the The Metropoli- The main section has jewelry from around the infamous idol, the “golden calf.” The Jew- and the amulets...” tan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue, New York. the world arranged in groups according to the ish men asked the women to give them their part of the body they adorn: head and hair; golden jewelry to be melted in order to build Tobi Rubinstein is a retired fashion and marketing executive of 35 years who currently produces nose, lips, and ears; neck and chest; arms and it, but the Jewish women refused to be a par- runway and lifestyle events for NYFW, specializing in Israel’s leading artists and designers. She is the hands; and waist, ankles, and feet. ticipant in their folly. Hashem rewarded their founder of The House of Faith N Fashion, fusing culture and Torah. Tobi was a fashion collaboration The remaining galleries are organized by bold refusal with the eternal holiday of the and guest expert for ABC, Geraldo Rivera, Huffi ngton Post, Lifetime, NBC, Bravo, and Arise. She hosted themes of which jewelry performs. The Di- New Moon and surviving the 40 years of de- her own radio and reality TV series. Tobi is a mother, wife, dog owner, and shoe lover.

GreatGreat JobJob Opportunities:Opportunities: YouYou cancan nownow makemake aa differencedifference inin people’speople’s lives!lives!

Hamaspik of Kings County is seeking comhab workers to work with developmentally disabled individuals. Day hours, after school hours, and weekends, in various locations.

To learn more about these opportunities or to sign up, please call (718) 387-8400 x 463

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 45 HHookedooked On Healing Caroline Schumsky, LCSW, MS

Compassion Is A Verb

h, so you have that secret superpower. You actually feel that intense joy at Ayour best friend’s wedding, the bliss- ful wonder when your family member has a newborn baby, or the heartache, heartbreak, and grief when your loved ones experience profound loss. What you are feeling is true empathy. Heck, you even eat the broken cook- ies fi rst, because you feel sorry for them. You’re totally in sync and got a big ole’ heart – sensing compassion for anyone and everyone. At times, you look around, see what’s going on, and feel like a walking open wound. Trust me. It is no fun feeling fl ooded with the pain of the whole world. Feeling oth- ers’ distress and discomfort so deeply can be times, it is diffi cult to distinguish between incapacitating. You simply cannot see very what you are feeling and what your loved one clearly when your eyes are always fi lled with may be experiencing. It’s one blurry mess. tears. And on top of that, we are bombarded daily Sometimes, you just want someone to hug with horror stories from all over the world; you and say, “I know it’s hard. You’re going to which we can do absolutely nothing about. be okay. Here’s a coffee and $5 million.” Heh. Your senses are constantly being assaulted, Some of us need to learn to detach so that so some of us simply tune out or shut down we do not become overwhelmed. We build entirely. boundaries so that we can remain warm and The hard truth is that we are not defi ned fuzzy, without absorb- by our feelings. We are ing everyone’s emotions defi ned by our actions, around us. We try not to sweet friends. It’s one numb out due to over- thing to feel bad for some- load. It is no easy task to one. Pity just feels sorry. be in the presence of an- Compassion does some- guish or heartache and thing about it. So choose not get affected or even being kind over being devastated by it. right, and you’ll be right Sheesh, just look at every time. him: He simply has no Indeed, your emo- compassion for anyone tional attention can get – ever. She has the emotional range of a tea- stretched too thin. So what can we do? We spoon. People say you’re indifferent, but you can stare at the car in the snow bank, or focus don’t care? How and why is that, you ask. on ways to push it out. That is the difference While it seems as though you feel every pos- between concentrating on the aching, or fi nd- sible human emotion, she appears to feel very ing ways to relieve it. Instead of letting your little, if anything at all – for others. heart break, let it connect to the one suffer- Could it be that he was raised to believe ing. We need to learn how to modulate our that showing compassion is a form of weak- own feelings so that we can actually help oth- ness? Many men are. We would like to think ers. that children who were abused would end Learn to respond to the underlying emo- up with truckloads of sensitivity and mercy tions, not the words he is saying. Remem- toward others when they get older. But tragi- ber, angry words can be hiding sadness or cally, many grow up to be abusers themselves. even shame. If she is spiraling out of control, Why is that? They may be convinced that be- please don’t lose sight of her positive traits. ing gentle or softhearted will somehow pose Maybe “at this moment” you can’t witness a threat to themselves. them, but you know they are there. Did you ever feel like you “caught” your Try not to over-identify with yours or any- friend’s emotions or the state she was in? Try one else’s feelings. Hold them with a warm watching a tightrope walker. See how long heart, but do not make them more dramatic it takes for your heart to beat a tad faster, or than they already are, please. By all means, your palms to sweat if he appears to be los- show yourself a dose of compassion, too, ing his balance. Some of you have witnessed while you’re at it. Don’t let that inner critic awful sports injuries while watching your set up shop in your head. When you start dog- favorite athlete. Did you not automatically ging yourself, pause, and ask: “Would my best feel tremendous discomfort and sympathy friend or a loving G-d say this to me?” for him? Ultimately, the best medicine for us hu- Make no mistake, sweet friends. Others’ mans is love. If it doesn’t work, increase the emotions are contagious. That is why, at dose.

Caroline is a licensed psychotherapist, crisis counselor, and writer with an offi ce in Queens. She works with individuals, couples, and families. Appointments are available throughout the week and weekends. She can be reached at 917-717-1775 or at [email protected] or at face- book.com/pages/Safe-Haven-Healing.

46 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 DDatingating Today Goldy Krantz Changing For The Better

’ve always heard that couples grow to- was going to Israel for ten days and we would what you meant when you said that, “But I also After another date or two, you may realize that this gether; even individuals grow (spiritu- continue dating when he gets back. know that in life people grow, and many times fellow isn’t your bashert and you may say that you Ially) as time goes by. No one really stays This guy is different from other guys I’ve spouses grow together.” What you must remember made the changes for “nothing” and go back to the same all through life. People may want dated. He’s sweet, genuine, and sincere. We is that when someone makes a change in her life it your old ways. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. to grow, to become what they would call, “a don’t talk about the usual stuff I have talked has to be because she wants to change. Yes, people You just have to be certain that you are changing better person.” Below is a letter from a young about on dates, because he doesn’t watch have changed for others, but many times it is found for the right reasons. woman who is happy with her life; but be- TV or movies, and our personalities are very that if the change wasn’t initiated by the person’s I also want to provide you with an example. cause she has started to date someone more different. We have spoken about different own wants and feelings and desires to “change and I know of a couple who are married for over 30 to the right than she is, she’s contemplating shiurim, their themes, our family – I’ve even be a better person,” she may end up resenting the years. The husband wears a black hat, attends shi- changing her lifestyle in order to be more ap- asked him why he chooses to learn half the other person who, she feels made her change in the urim daily, doesn’t watch TV, etc. The wife doesn’t pealing to this fellow. Instead of realizing on day instead of working the whole day and fi rst place. cover her hair, goes to concerts, and goes out with her own that she wants to make the changes, friends often. What I’m trying to say is that two dif- the instigating factor of the change was her ferent personalities and even lifestyles may mesh dating and being attracted to this new fellow. After another date or two, you may realize that this fellow isn’t your bashert well. It certainly does for this couple. Maybe hold and you may say that you made the changes for “nothing” off before making any drastic changes. Do you Dear Goldy: think this fellow will be turned off completely by I’m a little older than 30 and I’m what your “lifestyle”? Does he know that you enjoy go- people describe as “machmir.” I’m not exactly having a chavrusa at night. He said that he Chaya, I think it’s great that you feel that you ing to concerts? What was he told when he was redt sure what that means, but that is the category feels better knowing that he has spent the have a connection with this fellow. But don’t for- to you? I have been placed in. I’m educated, working, fi rst half of the day learning, rather than only get, you have only gone out with him twice. If it Chaya, don’t rush into anything without mak- I like going to movies, comedy clubs, and devoting an hour or so at the end of the day. I were me, or I was advising a friend, I would say ing a clear decision about it. Decisions that are life- concerts. At the same time, I daven every day, liked that answer. to hold off on making major changes in your life changing should be made with a clear head weigh- dress tz’niusdik (but in the latest fashions). My Goldy, this is where I am torn. Yes, I said if you’re making them at this point specifi cally for ing the pros and cons. I’m also advising you not to father and brothers daven daily with minya- I like my life. I enjoy TV, concerts, movies, this fellow. If you happened to have been contem- ask too many people advice, as that may confuse nim, our Shabbos table always has guests, we etc. But they aren’t my entire life. I think I plating this change in your life prior to dating this you more, because everyone may have a different are heimish – you get the picture. I like my would really miss not watching and attend- man – and I mean making the change now and not opinion. Do what’s best for you. life. I really do. I would love to be married by ing venues. But I also know that in life people “some day when you’re married” – then that’s fi ne. Good luck, and hatzlachah to everyone! now and have a home and family of my own, grow, and many times spouses grow together. and so this is why I am writing to you. I don’t expect to be living this same exact life Goldy Krantz is an LMSW and a lifelong Queens resident, guest lecturer, and author of I was recently redt to someone and, for in 20 years, but I thought the changes I would the shidduch dating book, The Best of My Worst and children’s book Where Has Zaidy some reason, I wasn’t excited about dating make would be gradual. Now I’m thinking Gone? She can be contacted at [email protected]. him. I wanted to tell the shadchan “No,” but that maybe I should change altogether now my parents urged me to try it at least once. for this guy. I like him but he does not share The reason I wasn’t excited was because the my love of entertainment or even other things guy learns half a day and works the other half. that are very much a part of my life. He’s not THE SCHECHTER FAMILY It doesn’t matter what he does for a living; it changing to live a life more like mine, but I’m invites you to was the fact that he learns for half a day that willing to change a lot of what I like and do PESACH 2019 bothered me. I was also told he doesn’t go for him, if it means we can continue seeing at the beautiful, oceanfront to movies and a few other things that didn’t each other. seem to go along with my life. But I gave in I want to know your thoughts. MARCO POLO BEACH RESORT Sunny Isles Beach, Florida to my parents and agreed to go out. It turns Chaya out that he’s a really nice guy and I like his personality. We’ve gone out twice already. Chaya, thank you for your email. I am interested in seeing him again, and he I really understand how you feel. I was in some said that he would like to see me as well, but similar situations when I was dating. Yes, I know

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Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 47 Style Myths DDebunkedebunked Meira E. Schneider-Atik Special Events: Wedding Party Myth: If you’re in the wedding party, you have to wear exactly what the bride and groom want and that’s the end of that. Truth: There’s more to it than that.

o far, the special events I’ve covered kallah prefers something else. It’s just rude. here have been formal but not super- What if the wedding color is something Sformal. That is, they are all events in that doesn’t fl atter you? which you could wear Shabbat clothes and Step one is to clarify things. You may sure that your hair and makeup compensate comes, your curls will look great. And even if look appropriate. But if you’re in the wed- have heard that she wants powder blue for that. you choose to pull your hair back, curly hair ding party, it goes from formal to super- when in fact she may be okay with any light Make sure your hair is in a color and style goes very easily into updos without a lot of formal. And if the chasan and kallah want a blue. If that’s the case, then fi nd an outfi t that fl atter you. While it’s okay to pull the fuss. But if you’re stuck wearing a bad color, specifi c look, then you’re a little more lim- in your best light blue. Problem solved. But top out of the way, wear the rest of your hair the natural volume from the curls will frame ited. However, you still have good options. what if she does in fact want powder blue loose, down, and natural. If you have curly your face and counteract the bad color. If From me, you get the truth. and it doesn’t fl atter you? hair, do not straighten it. Starting at least a you have naturally straight hair, it’s best to Being in the wedding party means that In that case, step two is to ask her if it’s month before, start caring for it properly wear it tousled and not stick-straight for this. you have to remember one important thing: okay for you to incorporate a second color (if you’re not doing so already). Slather it Again, the volume will frame your face. This is about the chasan and kallah and not into your outfi t in an underpinning or ac- with conditioner, scrunch with a little gel, about you. It’s their wedding, not yours. cessory. If the answer is yes, then fi nd your and wear it curly. By the time the wedding CONTINUED ON P. 62 That means that if they want their wedding best light blue and use that for an under- party to look a certain way, you need to go pinning or scarf and jewelry. Always go Meira E. Schneider-Atik is a wardrobe organizer, personal shopper, jewelry designer, and with that. I always urge a kallah (it’s usu- with the same color family so that the good fashion writer/blogger and speaker. She helps women look great while saving time, effort, and ally she and not the chasan who cares about color can play up your face without a lot of money, all within tznius guidelines, and she’ll add to that with custom-designed jewelry. Read how people look) to be fl exible on this one, contrast from the bad color. more about her ideas on her blog- www.truetzniutistruebeauty.wordpress.com. She also has but it’s still her day and you still need to No matter what her preferences on color, a YouTube channel, “Look Your Best in Mitpachot,” where she does head-wrapping tutorials, go with that. Whatever you do, do not just you do need to get hair and makeup right. and she is also available for private demonstrations. She can be reached at (718) 644-6135 or at wear what you want if you know that the And if the color is bad, you’ll need to make [email protected].

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48 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 BBeautyeauty Briefs Financially Risselle Naimark Ancient Japanese Beauty Recipe

for its anti-aging prop- erties and rich with B complex vitamins, rice can help stimulate cell growth and renewal. It Place 3 tablespoons also has the ability to rice in a small bowl slow down the aging pro- and pour 1 cup wa- cess and has properties to ter over it. Bring to improve the blood supply a boil, and then let to the skin. Rice is a good simmer for 3 minutes. source of squalene, which Remove from heat. helps collagen produc- Let the rice cool off tion and offers some pro- and then strain the tection from sun damage. mixture from the rice The linoleic acid in rice water. Store the boiled anity, thy name is woman! No mat- also has anti-infl ammato- and strained rice in ter what culture, country, or time ry and moisturizing properties. a glass container and Vin history, it seems women always The following DIY beauty recipe is the se- add 1 tablespoon cared about their faces. Japan is a nation cret of Japanese women and has been used warm milk and 1 ta- that is obsessed with natural beauty regi- to prevent premature aging and help create blespoon honey. Next, mens and known for its clear, glossy, and bright, smooth, and silky skin. If you want a mix all the ingredients to make a paste. Apply warm water. healthy skin. Although the latest buzz natural mask that’s safe for a sensitive com- the mixture to a clean face (avoiding the eye Sometimes the simple and wholesome in- in skincare, like dual cleansing systems plexion or are just in the mood to whip up area) and leave on for 20-30 minutes. You can gredients in your pantry can take on a new and sheet masks, emanates from Korea, an easy and homemade concoction for your actually use the strained rice water to rinse dimension. Why not be adventurous and give its neighbor on the East maintains an- face, try the following recipe. off the paste and afterward rinse with clean, it a try? cient and cherished beauty rituals fi lled with old-school wisdom. Read on to get a Ingredients: Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries glimpse into an old Japanese beauty secret. 3 tablespoons rice an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also avail- Rice masks, natural exfoliants, have been 1 tablespoon milk able for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached a Japanese beauty ritual for centuries. Known 1 tablespoon honey at 718 263-5517.

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Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 49 50 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 A Year In Review: Top US And Israel News In 2018

By Gerald Harris There was a slight easing in tensions with North LLookook Korea last year, but a dangerous trade war broke out t’s hard to believe, but 2019 is upon us, and if the with China. Israel’s relations with moderate Arab gov- past is any guide it will be fi lled with some sur- ernments improved, but terrorism against Israelis in- Iprises, a few world-shaking events, and a healthy tensifi ed, as did anti-Semitism around the world. In dose of more of the same. fact, hardly a day went by when a serious anti-Semitic 2018 certainly was not the best of times, but it also incident wasn’t reported. was not the worst of times. No major wars erupted, What will make headline news in 2019? We’ll soon important economic indicators strengthened, and im- fi nd out. Meanwhile, the following are some of the BBackack portant advances in health care and technology made stories that frightened, surprised, and delighted us life better, simpler, and more fun. over this past year. SEE PAGES 52, 53

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 51 TTopop UUSS NNewsews SStoriestories

January August 4 they were declared a national disaster. vestigation to end “right now,” urging Attorney man. Subsequently, the charges brought by those • The fl u season struck the US with a venge- A total of 8,434 fi res scorched nearly 1.9 million General Jeff Sessions to halt the inquiry into other two women were either dismissed or with- ance, and was the worst since 2009. The epidem- acres, the largest area ever consumed by fi re alleged election meddling, and accusing spe- drawn, and some people had questions about Dr. ic went on to kill more people in the US than in one season. Nearly 19,000 buildings, most cial counsel Robert Muller of being “totally Ford’s testimony, as well. Kavanaugh’s nomina- any fl u epidemic had killed in decades. Upwards of them homes, were destroyed, and at least confl icted.” tion was confi rmed in a close vote, but strong of 80,000 people died from this sickness, among 52,000 people were forced to evacuate. Worse, • Apple became the fi rst public company to emotions from both supporters and those op- them 180 children, and more than 700,000 peo- at least 87 people died as a result of the disas- have a market cap of $1 trillion; its shares made posed to his nomination lingered after the vote. ple needed to be hospitalized. One reason was ter. According to CNN, people in New York City a new high when it topped $207. • Hurricane Florence, a powerful category that the fl u vaccine was less effective than usual. were able to see the smoke from the California • The US reimposed sanctions on Iran. 4 storm, dropped nearly 36 inches of rain and New York City was one of the areas that reported caused approximately $18 billion in damage in an unusually high number of cases of fl u. the Carolinas and nearby areas. Several days after being downgraded to a tropical storm, February Florence regained hurricane strength and once • On Wednesday, February 14, a gunman again became a category 4 storm with winds of opened fi re at the Marjory Stoneman Doug- 140 MPH. After losing strength, Florence began las High School in Parkland, Florida. Seven- to intensify yet again; fortunately, wind shear teen students and staff members were shot fi nally brought the storm to an end. to death, and 17 more were injured in the at- tack. A 19-year-old former student at Marjory October Stoneman was identifi ed by witnesses as the • Eleven people were killed and six others shooter and was arrested a short time after the wounded in an anti-Semitic attack at the Tree shooting. The Parkland shooting was the dead- of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section liest at a high school in US history. of Pittsburgh. This was the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in US history. The as- March sailant was injured before being captured by • President Trump announced tariffs of police. President Trump was one of the many 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum imports, offi cials who expressed outrage at the attack launching the opening round of a very tense and offered condolences to the victims, as did trade war with China. Three weeks later, tar- numerous political leaders of both parties. iffs were imposed on $60 billion in Chinese Prime Minister Netanyahu said he was “heart- goods; the Dow responded to this move by broken” and “outraged” by the attack. falling sharply. • Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for The • President Trump accepted an invitation Washington Post and critic of the Saudi Gov- from Kim Jung-un, made through South Korea, ernment, was tortured and killed at the Saudi to meet in May, the fi rst glimmer of hope that Arabian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, by a the crisis between the two nations could be re- group of people said to be 15 Saudis. People in solved diplomatically. the US and abroad were shocked by the details of Khashoggi’s brutal assassination. Saudi Ara- April bia, the world’s largest exporter of oil and one • China retaliated against America by plac- of America’s closest allies in the Middle East, ing 25% tariffs on 106 US products, including denied that it was involved. autos and soybeans. • Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg was November questioned by several US Senate committees • The long-anticipated mid-term elections after it was revealed that 87 million people had in the US were unusual in that both Demo- their private information accessed by Cam- crats and Republicans suffered losses, yet both bridge Analytica. This news sent Facebook’s also were able to point to important gains and stock down sharply. claim victory. Democrats picked up 40 seats, enough to give them control of the House of May Representatives, and they also scored some • Following a series of small earthquakes, victories on the state level. However, Republi- the US Geological Survey warned residents cans expanded their control of the Senate by and tourists in Hawaii that the Kilauea volca- winning two additional seats. The candidates no could erupt. Two days later it did, creating that President Trump campaigned for scored a spectacular sight. Stronger earthquakes a few victories, showing that he remained a formida- days later forced Hawaii to declare a state of ble candidate for the 2020 election. emergency and evacuate 1,700 residents. • The national unemployment rate hit 3.9%, December the lowest rate since 2000. • Investors will remember 2018 for a long • California became the world’s fi fth largest time, but very few of those memories will be economy when the state’s GDP surpassed that pleasant. Most stocks were ending the year in of the UK. the red, an even worse performance than in the bad old days of the 2008 fi nancial crisis. As June of December 24, the Dow was down approxi- • The US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge mately 9% for the year – the fi rst time since National Lab announced that Summit had be- 2008 that they fi nished with a loss. And the come the world’s most powerful supercom- declines were not limited to the US – 93% of puter. Summit works at warp speed; it can per- global assets are down for the year. form 200,000 trillion calculations per second. • President Trump’s dispute with Demo- • In a history-making meeting, President wildfi res. In late November, AccuWeather esti- September crats about construction of a border wall came Trump met with North Korean leader Kim mated that the total economic loss to the state • The nation was rocked when nominee for to a head late in the month. The President said Jung-un in Singapore. would be $400 billion, making it the most ex- Justice on the Supreme Court Brett Kavanaugh that border security was desperately needed, pensive disaster in the history of the United was accused by Dr. Christine Blasey Ford of as- and warned that he wouldn’t sign a spending July States. sault that she claimed took place some 36 years bill until there is funding for one. The Demo- • In mid-July, a series of large fi res erupted ago. Two other women came forward with relat- crats refused to agree to funding for a wall, and in California, most in the north but some in August ed accusations. Kavanaugh had been considered the stalemate has led to a partial shutdown of the south. These fi res spread quickly, and on • President Trump called for the Russia in- a brilliant lawyer and a much-respected family the government.

52 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 TTopop IIsraelsrael NNewsews SStoriestories

January secret location in Tehran and brought eral weeks before, when terrorists realized results of those will be analyzed by the • The Trump Administration cut $65 those back to Israel. Prime Minister Net- its effectiveness it quickly became a weap- Weizmann Institute of Science-UCLA. million from funds intended for Palestin- anyahu displayed those to prove that Iran on of choice. By early June, seven square ian refugees, demanding that the UN Relief had been lying about its covert atomic miles in Israeli territory were burned by at August and Works Agency (UNRWA), the agency weapons program. Netanyahu gave very least 250 fi res, more than half of those in • Tensions between Israel and Gaza in- responsible for administration of those few details about this mission, but said nature reserves. creased again when Hamas fi red a barrage funds, “undertake a fundamental re-exami- that it was one of the greatest accom- of 70 rockets into Israel. The majority of nation,” the State Department said. Israel’s those landed in open areas, and the Iron ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said Dome defense system intercepted 11 more that UNRWA was misusing humanitarian of them. Nevertheless, several Israelis in aid to support propaganda against Israel Sderot were injured by the rockets and a and “perpetuate the plight of the Palestin- dozen Israelis suffered from shock. ians.” September February • Ari Fuld, a Queens native who moved • An Iranian drone entered Israeli air- to the West Bank settlement Efrat, was space and was shot down. Soon afterward, stabbed to death by a Palestinian terrorist. an Israeli F-16 fi ghter jet crashed, apparent- Despite his wounds, Fuld chased and shot ly shot down. Israel immediately launched his attacker before collapsing and dying. a series of air strikes that the ministry of The terrorist, who was shot by Fuld and defense later claimed had “taken out near- another armed civilian, was in moderate ly half of Assad’s air defenses.” According condition at Hadassah Hospital. Fuld, who to reports, at least eight Israeli F-16s and had volunteered to serve in a combat role probably more, as well as several forma- in the Israeli infantry, worked at an organi- tions of F-15s, were involved in attacks zation that provided support for Israeli on Iranian targets in Syria. The brief, but soldiers. Ari Fuld’s service to his country, violent confrontation with Syria and Iran in life and in death, brought praise from ended with Israel clearly in control of the Israeli politicians: He literally used his last air space in the region. strength to shoot the terrorist, saving the lives of many other Israelis. March • An estimated 30,000 Palestinians, October hurling rocks and Molotov cocktails, de- • October was the best month for the Is- scended on the fence separating Israel raeli tourism industry. More than 486,000 and Gaza as part of the “March of Return” people visited Israel, an all-time record, demonstrations, which were organized by and boosted the economy to the tune of Hamas. Several days later, in response to more than $676 million, according to the the heightened tensions, then IDF chief Lt. Tourism Ministry. The Tourism Ministry Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, warned that “the like- said it expected the increased level of tour- lihood of war has increased substantially.” ism to continue, and added that they ex- pected another record to be set by the end April of the year. Hungary produced the most • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin signifi cant percentage increase in tour- Salman said in an interview with The At- ists, at about 65 percent, followed by Italy, lantic that “Israelis are entitled to live Poland, Romania, and Holland, each with peacefully in their own land,” a remarkable about a 40-percent increase. The increase statement to make in public from a high in tourism from the US was 13 percent. Saudi Arabian offi cial, especially one who is the heir apparent to the Saudi throne. November While bin Salman’s concern for the rights • There were serious clashes with Gaza of Israelis to live where they choose to are after an Israeli covert operation left seven certainly appreciated, he may have been terrorists and one Israeli soldier dead. The motivated by a greater concern, one he clashes lasted for several days until a cease shares with Israel: an interest in thwart- fi re was reached through Egyptian media- ing Iranian aggression in the region. In tion. Shooting and protests in Gaza lasted the same interview with The Atlantic, bin for several more weeks, but with decreas- Salman called Iranian Supreme Leader ing intensity. Khamenei “the new Hitler.” December May • Early in the month, Israel discovered a • The US moved its embassy to Jerusa- tunnel that stretched from a home in Leba- lem and offi cially opened it on May 14, the non hundreds of feet into Israel. The tunnel 70th birthday of the modern State of Israel. could not only have been used by terrorists President Trump said that his administra- to infi ltrate Israel but was wide enough for tion’s recognizing Jerusalem as the capital a vehicle to pass through. In the following of Israel, America’s closest ally, had “taken days, additional tunnels were discovered, Jerusalem, the toughest part of (peace) ne- and all were destroyed. It’s been reported gotiations, off the table.” plishments in the history of Israeli intel- July that Israel is aware of many more tunnels • The move of the US embassy there set ligence. • A nonprofi t Israeli company called but chose not to destroy all of them at once off intense rioting in Gaza, which contin- SpaceIL announced that it would send an so as not to infl ame tensions that could ued for several weeks. Nevertheless, two June unmanned spacecraft into orbit and make lead to a war with Hezbollah. days later, Guatemala followed America’s • Palestinians discover a new way to a lunar landing in February. When the lead and moved its embassy to Jerusalem. unleash terror: fi re kites. These airborne rocket lands, Israel will become part of a Sources: cnbc.com; cnn.com jns.org; npr. This set the stage for other countries to do devices use the breezes coming off of the very small group of nations that will have org; matzav.com; nytimes.com; timesofi s- the same. Mediterranean to fl y into Israel, where accomplished this feat: the United States, rael.com; usatoday.com; washingtonpost. • Israel discovered top secret Iranian they landed and often started fi res. Al- Russia, and China. The Israeli rocket will com; wikipedia.com; yeshivaworldnews. nuclear weapons files stored in a highly though this tactic had been discovered sev- conduct a variety of experiments and the com; zerohedge.com

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 53 QQueensueens 22018018 IInn RRevieweview

By Rachel Goldsmith moved many Jews all across the world. Ambassador David Friedman, original- s 2018 comes to a close, we at the ly from Jamaica Estates and later from Queens Jewish Link bring you a Woodmere, declared the new embassy Alook back at some of the most offi cially open on May 14, saying, “We important events in our community and extend to Israel the same right that we the Jewish world. Our featured articles extend to every other nation: the right to covered important local, national, and designate its capital city.” international events and stories of local members of our communities who’ve in- Congresswoman Grace Meng saw to spired us. it that the House of Representatives ap- prove funding for several causes impor- Masbia’s Food Pantry reopened on 64th tant to us, including the US-Israel Missile Road in Forest Hills last January. They Defense Cooperation; the Nonprofi t Se- were pushed out of the old site when the curity Grant Program (NSGP), which of- space was sold to a developer building fers security grants to organizations such luxury apartments. Downstairs from the as synagogues, yeshivos, Jewish Commu- pantry will be the Henry and Susie Oren- nity Centers, and other Jewish facilities; stein Emergency Soup Kitchen, a res- monitoring anti-Semitism abroad; and taurant named in honor of donors who for issues related to the Holocaust. helped pay rent on their ten-year lease. Two thousand attendees fl ocked to Shmulie and Nochum Russell of Bay- Queens to learn Torah at the OU’s “Torah swater inspired us by delivering pack- New York” at Citi Field last May; this was ages of warm winter essentials. Human- double the number of attendees from s4HumansNYS was a project that these 2017. Over 30 teachers came together to brothers quietly started around fi ve years teach on a wide variety of topics, from ago. Recently, they decided to go public halachah to hashkafah. so they could reach more people and help more, as the homeless problem has Philanthropist Jean Gluck of Forest grown. Hills passed away in May. Mrs. Gluck, an Auschwitz survivor, immigrated with her An El Al fl ight from JFK made an emer- husband, Eugen, to New York in 1948. The gency landing in Goose Bay, Canada. Oc- Glucks are the main benefactors of the currences of hashgachah pratis were re- Young Israel of Forest Hills and the town ported by Queens residents: Dr. Dovid of Bet El in Israel, and they have sup- Goldschein got to daven and say Kaddish ported many, many other worthy causes with a minyan in Goose Bay. Rabbi Dovid throughout Queens and the entire Jewish Willig, another Queens resident, was ac- world. companying his DRS students to learn in the Mir Yeshiva. One of our avid readers, Mrs. Sylvia Malick, responded to Mrs. Friedman’s Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal was ambulance donation (see above) by set- sworn in as the youngest member of the ting up her own plans for donation to State Assembly, representing Kew Gar- Hatzolah. We applaud her for reminding dens Hills, Electchester, Pomonok, Bri- us that one mitzvah leads to another! arwood, Kew Gardens, Willets Point, and College Point. In June, New Yorkers celebrated Is- rael’s 70th year at the Celebrate Israel The Queens Jewish Link and the Bukh- Parade on Fifth Avenue, the Concert in arian Jewish Link hosted their Sixth An- Central Park and Times Square Party, in nual Networking Event at the beginning the United States’ largest annual display of February. Local leaders and politicians of solidarity with the State of Israel. spoke to the attendees, and several con- nections and new jobs came out of the On June 13 (6/13!), Kew Gardens Hills event. (Stay tuned for the 2019 Network- resident Mr. Aaron Chait received a suc- ing Event on Wednesday, February 6!) cessful kidney transplant from donor Dr. Tzvi Fischer, a retired gastroenterologist The New York GOP tapped Chele Far- living in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. After- ley to run against Senator Kirstin Gilli- wards, they discovered an incredible con- brand for her Senate seat, and she made nection between them: The donor was a great inroads within the Jewish commu- talmid of Rabbi Leibel Chait zt”l, Aaron nity, speaking favorably about the com- Chait’s uncle, who was Dr. Fischer’s rebbe munity and about Israel at the National at MTA (Yeshiva University High School Council of Young Israel dinner in March. for Boys) and remained very close to him over the years. Rabbi Leibel Chait was Mrs. Lili Friedman, 95, donated an the m’sadeir kiddushin for Dr. and Mrs. ambulance to Queens Hatzolah. A rib- Fischer, Mr. Chait noted. bon-cutting ceremony for the new Hat- zolah ambulance took place on Sunday, The National Council of Young Israel April 15, at the Boulevard ALP Assisted called on Facebook to ban Holocaust Living facility in Fresh Meadows, where deniers after Mark Zuckerberg, the com- she currently resides. pany’s CEO, defended their right to pub- lish posts denying the Holocaust, even In a historic move, the US Embassy though he fi nds their positions “deeply was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in offensive.” a Dedication Ceremony that emotionally

54 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QQueensueens 22018018 IInn RRevieweview

The last known Nazi in America was gogues, Jewish schools, and other organi- deported from Jackson Heights on Au- zations have also responded by increas- gust 20. In 2003, Jakiw Palij’s US citizen- ing their security presence at facilities ship was revoked, but deporting him and events. proved diffi cult. European countries refused to accept him, so he continued Midterm elections did not see quite to reside in plain sight in Queens. In the the “blue wave” that was anticipated, but end, though he was from Poland, Germa- New York certainly saw mostly demo- ny chose to accept the moral obligation cratic wins – notably the re-elections of and allowed the US government to send Governor Andrew Cuomo and of Senator him there. “Nazi war criminals and hu- Kirstin Gillibrand. man rights violators have no safe haven on our shores,” said Homeland Security Measles resurrected as a hot topic in Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen in a statement. the Jewish community as it spreads in Israel, Brooklyn, Lakewood, and several The Queens Jewish Community Coun- other Jewish areas. Thank God, so far, no cil celebrated 50 years at their gala din- cases have been reported in Queens. ner in August. Looking at the tables, one could see numerous Ashkenazi, Sefardi, Amazon announced its intention to and Bukharian rabbis, educators, and en- open offi ces in Long Island City, Queens. trepreneurs, all participating in the mis- Our governor and mayor are enthusiastic sion of the Queens Jewish Community about the potential for bringing more Council, where they offer services to the jobs to the city; local residents fear the needy and ensure the well-being of all increased rent costs and denser traffi c Jews across Queens. that may come with it.

The debate over closing Rikers Island Two Jewish politicians, Queens Bor- began to come to the forefront of our po- ough President Melinda Katz and Assem- litical awareness, as town hall meetings blyman Rory Lancman, have announced sprang up to discuss the pros and cons of their candidacy for Queens District At- a ten-year plan to open a new prison in torney. Former State Supreme Court Kew Gardens. Judge Gregory Lasak is running, as well.

Ari Fuld, whose family made aliyah Two teenagers were arrested and from Hillcrest, Queens, was mortally charged with fi rst-degree felony gang as- wounded at the shopping center at Gush sault and second-degree felony assault Etzion Junction. After being stabbed, for the Wednesday, November 28, beating Fuld gave chase and shot his attacker, of a young Bukharian Jew on 108th Street saving the life of the next would-be vic- in Forest Hills. Waleska Mendez, a volun- tim, the woman who had just served a teer at the Masbia food pantry, heard the falafel to the assailant. Mr. Fuld had been commotion and heroically intervened, hailed a hero. probably saving the boy’s life.

A new Jewish mental health support As of the beginning of December, group for Jews started on Monday, Oc- members of our community have begun tober 8, in Kew Gardens Hills. The group to get concerned about the rising num- is discussing topics affecting the par- ber of anti-Semitic incidents in New ticipants, which might include relation- York City, several of which took place in ships, recovery, stigma, employment, Queens – with notable violent incidents weight loss, benefi ts/entitlements, etc. in Forest Hills and Kew Gardens. “Al- People living with disabilities who are though there has always been anti-Sem- unable to physically be at the group can itism, it was never as overt as it is now, participate by video or conference call and that is disconcerting,” said Cynthia using their smartphone or computer. Zalisky, executive director of the Queens Jewish Community Council. The Adeena Paknoush Sefer Torah was completed in memory of the Great The New York State Department of Neck resident and YCQ alumna who Education released new guidelines on passed away from cancer in January. In November 20 that require more hours of her memory, her family teamed up with secular studies than there are available the school community to commission a in a school day at any yeshivah or day sefer Torah, which was a first for YCQ. school. The rules are designed to ensure The Torah dedication was celebrated that yeshivos provide the equivalency with a Sunday breakfast and a parade, of the secular education that is given which all of the YCQ students and com- in public schools, but school adminis- munity members and leaders attended. trators and advocates don’t believe the required hours are possible to achieve, The Shabbos morning massacre at Tree in addition to religious instruction, of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh brought within the current length of a school domestic anti-Semitism to the forefront day. Jewish and other parochial and pri- at the end of October. Local schools and vate schools have battled the New York synagogues hosted memorial events, in- Department of Education over the sub- cluding but not limited to a speech made ject, and Jewish organizations continue by Rabbi Avi Hirt at the Queens Jewish to work to reach an agreement everyone Center in Forest Hills, and a Night of In- can live with. spiration sponsored by Lander College and Chazaq in Kew Gardens Hills. Syna-

Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 55 COME IN AND ENJOY GREAT NEW RELEASES

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56 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 Profiles In CCaringaring Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz 7 Ways To Help Aging Parents Live Independently For Longer

here’s no place like home,” as Doro- them, so it’s all too easy to forget or become and general weakness. This means that vital thy famously said in the Wizard Of muddled. chores like grocery shopping and fi lling prescrip- “TOz, and 77 years later, she’d probably Solutions: tions might go undone. still say the same thing. Everyone prefers to live Create a crib sheet, which simplifi es and clari- Solutions: independently at home for as long as possible. fi es which pills need to be taken when Move online. Many grocery stores offer on- losing out on benefi ts. Here are seven issues that can prevent seniors Use a reminder pillbox to help prevent a line ordering and timed delivery slots Solution: from living independently, and ways to solve skipped dose Reputable pharmacies such as CVS have an Set up a good fi ling system so it’s easy for them. Hi-tech pill boxes can be programmed to re- online “virtual pharmacy,” where you can fi ll you, your elderly loved ones, or other aides and 1. Problem: Kitchen disasters like burns, fi re mind you verbally, using a loud voice reminder, your prescription and have the medication deliv- caregivers to fi nd important documents such as hazards, or poor food hygiene or visually by fl ashing lights ered to your door medical records, bills, bank statements etc. It’s Between sharp knives and hot fi res, the kitch- Good old “low-tech” solutions like the num- See if your local grocery store lets you phone worth spending a few hours with a CPA and/or en can be a dangerous place. Seniors can often bered, sectioned pillbox are also very effective in your order for delivery home organizer who can help set up a simple make mistakes in food hygiene that lead to food 3. Problem: The risk of falls at home 5. Problem: Diffi culty managing steps system that will keep everything streamlined. poisoning, like leaving food out of the refrigera- 55% of falls among older people happen at Decreased mobility, weak legs, or reliance on 7. Problem: What if there’s an emergency? tor for too long. home. A fall can lead to lower mobility and on- a wheelchair can make it hard for elderly seniors How would my elderly mother, relative or Solutions: going pain or joint issues that are never resolved, to manage steps into or inside a home. loved one get help if an emergency happens? Make sure that there are working smoke so prevention is better than cure. Solutions: Solution: alarms installed in the kitchen and elsewhere in Solutions: While your loved ones are still mobile, dis- Medical alert systems are the best-known the home Install extra handholds cuss moving into a one-fl oor home or accessi- type of technology for keeping elderly seniors Get simple fridge door alarms Put good lighting into dim corners ble apartment. If your elderly parents insist on safe General alarms can be programmed to acti- Make sure there are no loose rugs or obstacles remaining in the same home, see if you can re- Home monitoring systems that you can view vated by different events that they could trip over arrange the confi guration so that they can live remotely bring peace of mind to many elderly Many modern stove tops automatically shut More accidents occur in the kitchen and entirely on the ground fl oor. seniors and their relatives. They can be set to off the heat if they’ve been left on for too long bathroom than in any other rooms in the house, 6. Problem: Keeping up with the paperwork monitor the whole home or just certain rooms. 2. Problem: Forgetting to take medication, or so use tricks such as color contrast on the fl oors Staying on top of your paperwork can be Use and carry a simple mobile cell phone. making a mistake with the dosage requirements to help elderly seniors with depth perception intimidating at the best of times. Many baby Many networks offer low-tech options with Many seniors have multiple prescriptions, and hazard awareness boomers worry that their parents might let vital large, easy-to-use buttons that are ideal for ar- each of which needs to be taken at a different 4. Problem: Skipping out of the house er- Medicaid or other paperwork slide, and end up thritic or weaker fi ngers. time of day and under different conditions. It’s rands not unusual for an elderly couple to be taking All too many seniors feel nervous about leav- A veteran nonprofi t leader, Faigie Horowitz, MS is a columnist, motivational speaker, and active eight or nine different prescriptions between ing the house, due to poor mobility, joint pain, community rebbetzin in Lawrence.

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58 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 59 TThehe BBellell TTowerower aandnd MMee (Historical Fiction Serial) By Susie Garber Prologue: Yonah 1964

look around. The room is dark except for Something in the tone of her voice wor- candles burning. My heart is pounding. I ried me. Ihave to get away. “Ruchy, you know how money’s really I see rows of men in white pointy tight with Tatty out of work and the medical hoods. I can’t see their faces. I can sense expenses for Aunt Rose.” their prejudice and hate. They move closer My heart started racing. What was she get- to me. “Help,” I scream but no words come ting at? out. I run to the door. I try to open it, but “I wish you could go to Hinda Reicher, but the door is locked. I jiggle the doorknob the price is way out of our league. “ hard. “What?” No, this can’t be happening. My I feel their breath on me. friends and I had been planning a fun year to- I scream. gether at Hinda Reicher after seminary. That’s when I wake up. I’m sweating and “But all my good friends are going there. my whole body is trembling. That’s the only place I want to go.” Tomorrow, I’m taking a bus to Neshoba, “A letter came today with good news. You Mississippi. That’s where I’ll be fi nishing high are being offered a free scholarship to Queens school and living with the only relatives we College. There is a seminary there on campus. I’d forgotten I was supposed to go out with “They should let twins be together,” Sima could fi nd who could take me in. It’s close to home.” my friends tonight. said. It can’t be that Neshoba is as scary a place “No, I am not going there.” I ran out of the I felt embarrassed. My mother was just try- “I’m afraid I’ll have to take the remedial as I’m imagining. The news tends to exagger- kitchen and up to my room. I slammed my ing to help me. “I’ll come down in a minute,” I math,” Tova said. ate, I tell myself, as I pack my two suitcases. I bedroom door and fl ung myself on my bed. I mumbled. I hurried to the bathroom to wash “I’m excited about the math program. It’s have to run if I am going to make the bus on buried my head in my pillow and cried. How my face. I studied my eyes to see if it looked supposed to be really good,” Basi said. time to the airport. could my parents do this to me? I don’t want like I’d been crying. Tova groaned. “Well, you’re really good at to go to Queens College. I put on some eye shadow and mascara. I math.” Chapter 1: Ruchama A little while later, there was a knock on took a deep breath and headed downstairs. They were all talking about school. If only My mother strolled into the kitchen. There my bedroom door. Sima was there waiting for me in the liv- I could go with them. were worry lines etched on her forehead. “Ruchy, I’m sorry. I know how disappoint- ing room. “Ruchy, did you send in your application?” “Ruchy, there’s something I have to tell you.” ed you are…” “Hi,” I said. “Sorry I made you wait.” Sima asked. I looked up from the hot cocoa I was sip- “Go away!” “Come on. They’re all there already.” I tried The scene from the kitchen came back, ping. I had just fi nished my application for “Ruchy, Sima is here. The girls are waiting to push away the big disappointment that hitting me full force. I couldn’t go to Hinda Hinda Reicher. for you to go out to pizza.” had settled inside of me like a heavy rock. Reicher with all my friends. We headed out together into the warm “I’m… I’m not going to Hinda Reicher.” Say- late-summer evening. We could hear crick- ing the words made me feel that heavy rock ets and the whirr of traffi c on Main Street. I inside grow heavier. Everyone was quiet, and looked around at the nice evening. I took a then Sima said, “Well, I hope at some point deep breath. Everything will be okay. you can transfer. We’ll miss you.” “I’m so excited we’re fi nally all getting to- I swallowed a lump in my throat. “Well, gether,” Sima bubbled. Thankfully, she hadn’t right now it’s not working out for me. I have a noticed I’d been crying. “We’ve been trying scholarship to Queens College.” to arrange this for weeks. You were away at Sima added, “You know Deena Trachten- camp. And Tova and Shira were visiting their berg? She’s going to Queens.” sister in Arizona and Basi was away in Chi- I knew her. She was a nice girl. Only, she cago.” Sitting with my friends felt so right wasn’t one of my best friends. I nodded. Eve- and good. The fi ve of us had been best friends ryone started talking about the classes and since preschool. teachers they were going to have at Hinda “Yeh,” I said. “I’m really glad we’re getting Reicher. together. I couldn’t wait to see everyone again. “My sister had Mrs. Lancer. She’s supposed It had been a long summer and we had a lot to be a really hard professor, but my sister to catch up on. Sima pushed open the door. said she really taught her how to write,” Sima I inhaled the smell of fresh pizza bak- said. “Leora told me you have to take really ing. There were a few mothers with toddlers good notes in that class.” seated at one table. At another table, a mar- I took a sip of my Snapple when suddenly ried couple was sipping coffee and deep in my head felt funny. I tried to follow the con- conversation. Shira and Tova and Basi ran versation, but everything was getting blurry. over to greet us. “Ruchy! Sima!” Everyone was What was happening to me? I was fl ooded hugging and chatting. We settled at the large with panic. The room and everyone felt so table. “How are you?” far away. Help! I wanted to scream. No words I was eating a slice of pizza and talking to would come. Sima about being a division head and having I heard Sima speaking to me. “Ruchama? to get up so early to wake up the campers, Ruchy, are you okay?” when Shira said, “We got the letter about the I wanted to answer, but the words were placement exam next week.” Tova scrunched stuck and I couldn’t get them out. I wanted to her nose. “I hope Shira and I end up in the scream for help. My whole body was shaking same classes. We’re used to always being to- with terror. gether.” To be continued…

Susie Garber is the author of Denver Dreams (a novel, Jerusalem Publications, 2009), Memora- ble Characters…Magnifi cent Stories (Scholastic, 2002), Befriend (Menucha Publishers, 2013), The Road Less Traveled (Feldheim, 2015), fi ction serials and features in various magazines including A Bridge in Time – historical fi ction serial (Binyan Magazine, 2017). She writes for the community column for the Queens Jewish Link and she writes the Queens page for Hamodia. She works as a writing consultant in many yeshivos and she teaches creative writing to students of all ages.

60 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 Down See solution in this issue 1. Wolverine’s weapons Rogue One” 2. ‘60s stereos 31. Five-star Bradley 3. Chameleon’s cousin 32. Suggest 4. See 5-Down 33. Talk out of 5. With 4-Down, old cinema star 37. Prefix with profit 6. ___ light 38. Direction follower? 7. Rudd in “Ant-Man” 39. NYC freeway named after a NY 8. Analogy words governor 9. Skin 41. Checklist item 10. Oxford, Ohio sch. some think is 42. It may be shared on an airplane much further south 44. Means of escape 11. Single 45. Marzipan, e.g. 12. Most itsy-bitsy 46. Tucked away 13. Start and end of Shabbos? 49. Kind of bias 21. US fighters, in WWI 50. Guitar parts 22. Auto racing great Earnhardt 51. Say amen 26. Part of many a Korean name 53. Avodah ___ 27. Fix, as a shoelace 54. Ride offerer 28. Brand with pluses and minuses 55. Traif chowder 29. Positive vote 56. Fringe color, in the Bible 30. Jyn or Galen in “Star Wars: 57. Be lovey-dovey

Across 1. He’s often toasted? 25. Publishes, perhaps 43. Comeback star of 2017 who fell 6. Radar image 26. Owner whose team flew high in precipitously in 2018 10. Remote choice 2018 47. Some gifts for mom 14. Blair of a famous 360 31. Funny ___.com 48. Bank letters 15. Lessen, as difficulties 34. Blade often in crosswords 49. New School deg. 16. Chemical suffixes 35. Cash or cop chaser? 52. He lost billions (in stock) in 2018 17. “The game is ___!” (Sherlock 36. Start of a famous anti-Semitic 57. Make like Egypt in ‘67 Holmes line) book 58. Competent 18. Gelt, perhaps 37. Singer who rose to world fame 59. One to stand for 19. Cathy of “East of Eden” in 2018 60. Washington bills 20. Some might consider 39. Own (up) 61. Kind of admiral his passing in 2018 as 40. They make Arad bearable in the 62. Hotel offering “inconceivable” Summer, for short 63. 7 and 11, e.g. 23. Ashdod to Chevron dir. 41. Famous Amos 64. The Israeli Defense Force, e.g. 24. Reeves role 42. Supplement 65. Josh DIFFERENCES? 10 CAN YOU SPOT

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Special Events: Wedding Party

CONTINUED FROM P. 48 is sweet and helpful (I have yet to meet one who is not sweet and helpful), then All of the above holds for sheitels too. buy a lipstick or powder just to let her But what if you’re wearing a non-sheitel know that her time with you was worth covering? Go with a hat, beret, or mitpa- it. Once you have products and instruc- chat in fl attering colors in the same color tions, practice doing your own makeup. family as your outfi t. With a hat, a brim is Whatever you do here, do not think that okay as long as it’s not too wide because you can get away with a bare face even that will obscure your face. With mitpa- if you’re taking perfect care of your skin. chot, tails are fi ne as long as they’re fl atter- Even if you’re wearing a good color, you ing to you and you wear them on one side. need a little bit of makeup to look your Make sure you’re taking care of your absolute best. skin properly. If you can afford it, have Once the wedding is over, then you get your makeup done by a professional. to decide what to do with the outfi t. If it Speak to the makeup artist ahead of time fl atters you, keep it and wear it again. If it and show her a swatch of the bad color so didn’t fl atter you and you only wore it to that she can prepare for the right makeup please the kallah, then you shouldn’t keep that will counteract the effects. If you it. You may sell it, donate it, toss it in the cannot afford it, then about two weeks trash, or even burn it if you hate it that before the wedding go to your nearest much. I recommend the fi rst two options large department store and go to a make- because those will leave you with some- up counter and ask for help. Bring along thing (either money or a tax deduction). a swatch of the bad color and ask what If you follow the above tips, you’ll products to use and how to use them to look good for the wedding and you’ll be look your best. Take notes if you want. able to relax and enjoy yourself knowing You’re not obligated to buy any prod- that you’re making the chasan and kallah ucts from them, but if the saleswoman happy.

62 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 Can You Really Become As Great As Moshe Rabbeinu?

CONTINUED FROM P. 7 derstand why comparison and jealousy FOR SALE FOR SALE are completely illogical. If each of us is mean you were learning Chumash with unique and different, how can you com- Rashi. Rather, it means that you were learn- pare yourself to anyone else? As Einstein ing your Torah; you were being shown your famously said, “If you judge a fi sh on its unique purpose in the world, and how your ability to climb a tree, it will spend its unique role fi ts into the larger scheme of the whole life believing it’s stupid.” You can’t human story as a whole. You were given a compare yourself to someone else, since taste of your own perfection, of what you you’re completely different. If we genu- could, should, and hopefully will become. inely understood this, we would never be But most importantly, you didn’t lose it; jealous. Once you realize that everything rather, you lost access to it. Instead of it in your life is exactly what you need to One of a Kind! 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However, this time, it will team, we’re all part of the cosmic sympho- be real, since you’ve built it yourself. In es- ny of life. Your ear would never be jealous sence, your job in this world is not to create of your hand, since they’re both part of yourself, but rather to recreate yourself; to the same body; so too, if you realized that re-attain your original state of perfection, as we’re all part of the same “body,” you’d you were shown by the mal’ach. This time, never be jealous of anyone else. however, it has to be done through free will, by choosing to become great. Only by over- Answering Our Questions coming challenge and diffi culty, and assert- Now we can return to our questions. 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We around them, always searching for another each have our mission; some will be on the reason to complain. If only we understood front lines, while others are more behind the that we were each given a unique package, scenes. Both are tzadikim, both are fulfi lling we’d fi nd so much more joy in life. Your their unique roles. As Rav Elchonon Wasser- body is the exact body you need to carry man explains in his Maamarim, when the you through this world. Your psychological Rambam explains that each of us can be a clothing, which includes your intellect, im- tzadik like Moshe Rabbeinu, he specifi cally Prime Location Make An Offer! agination, memory, emotions, and personal- uses the word “tzadik.” We may not be able WI&[J0,- '7 X'9- X5WN[FYJ'FHP^FWI Front Driveway ity, were perfectly crafted and designed for to become as objectively great as Moshe, but '7 X'9- X &IIJI'TSZX4K+NWXY+Q*]YJSXNTS YM7I0,- you and your unique role in this world. 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Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] 63 64 QueensJewishLink.com • 718-880-2622 • [email protected] Vol. VII No. 50 (#292) • December 27, 2018