Hope and Renewal Heard in the Bagel Store B Y Rav Aryeh Z

See Page 2 $1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 9 NO. 42 10 AV 5769 ibj,tu ,arp JULY 31, 2009

INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK “IF I FORGET THEE, O JERUSALEM”

Quick, I Need A Pill BY LARRY GORDON Hannah Reich Berman 23 MindBiz When Jews Make News Esther Mann, LMSW 26 It’s an interesting juxtapo- Both images are floated out Baseless Hatred sition. The man in Chassidic there in the interest, of Rabbi Avi Shafran 47 garb forced into the humilia- course, of the people’s right to Halachah Of Kidneys tion of the “perp walk,” fea- know. But at the same time, Dr. Daniel Eisenberg 53 tured on the front page of regardless of all the progress last Friday’s New York Times, we have made in race relations Home Upgrades and the mug shot of the and religious tolerance, it is A r

Naomi Mezei 62 black professor at Harvard simply all too easy to quickly u t z S h

who was arrested for disor- slide back to the way things e v derly conduct after a dispute once were in both areas. a with a police officer who sus- In a snap, conclusions were Thousands of people came to the Western Wall late Wednesday—the start of Tishah B’Av—to spend the night reflecting upon the destruction of the Beis pected that he had broken drawn that Jews—especially HaMikdash, which stood nearby, some 1,940 years ago. Our sages say that into what was later deter- those who mourn over the loss of the Holy Temple and ancient Jerusalem will mined to be his own home. Continued on Page 4 be privileged to someday experience its rebuilding. HOPE AND RENEWAL HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE B Y RAV ARYEH Z. tion, tefillah, and days of yom Lonely Days GINZBERG tov. Others would probably Leichtung–Freedman CHOFETZ CHAIM TORAH CENTER select Nissan, the month most wedding. closely identified with geulah Summer Memoir V is fine and good—except for See Page 70 If one would attempt to (redemption), while others B Y LARRY GORDON the fact that they are not. select, from among the twelve may suggest Kislev, with the They linger on and can be months of the Jewish calen- yom tov of Chanukah, repre- I haven’t forgotten how it vividly conjured and even dar, the month that best rep- senting the hopes and aspira- felt. I felt as if I was sacrific- relived on demand. (Now I resents the hope (so much in tions of the Chashmonaim. ing for something worthwhile know where they got that need during these difficult There is, however, one but, as you know from past idea for TV-on-demand and times) of the Jewish people, it month of the year that would descriptions in this space, I the option to pull up whatev- would be a hard-pressed clearly never be suggested as just did not like it. er program you desire from selection at best, or a “hope- the month of hope and renew- I’m talking about those deep in the past.) less” one at worst. al—the month of Av. After all, good but sometimes rough The difference between Some would suggest the Av is the month that represents summers of long ago. The today and yesterday is that month of Tishrei, the month calendar says they are a dis- filled with days of introspec- Continued on Page 9 tant and fading matter, which Continued on Page 5

Happy days at Simcha. Reaching Out To Gush Katif See Page 45 Pain And DOG DAYS OF Suffering SUMMER BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN Our Aliyah Chronicle B Y SHMUEL KATZ There exist many different kinds of pain. There is the pain We have officially reached of disease. There is the pain of the dog days of summer here. losing a loved one. There is the As usual, the entire country is pain of financial difficulty, of gearing up for the annual marital strife, and of children “everyone goes on vacation in going off the derech. And there the month of August” fest, The Sukkos charity campaign for former residents of Gush Katif, led by the are other types of pain too which means the kids are National Council of Young Israel, the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in A Rivkah Laufer Bikur Cholim Israel, and Yad Ezra, is now under way. Above (L–R): Shalom, a Yad Ezra numerous to count. The ques- home and bored and the Luncheon success. coordinator, speaking with Rabbi Pesach Lerner, executive vice-president, See Page 42 NCYI, during the Shavuot 2009 campaign in Nitzan. See Page 32 Continued on Page 12 Continued on Page 7

CANDLE LIGHTING July 31 – 7:52 PM August 7 – 7:44 PM 2 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 3 FROM THE EDITOR episode of arrests that shook the com- ple should cast a giant negative shad- matter of chillul Hashem, a desecration Continued from Front Cover munity is why Jews anywhere need to ow over just about everyone in the of G-d’s name, as it were. feel specific discomfort when people larger Jewish community. Whether you like it or not, the Orthodox and Chassidic Jews—are par- whose lifestyle or looks are similar to Still, with the photo of an obviously Jewish people are identified to a great ticularly identified as moneylenders theirs run afoul of the law. Chassidic-looking man being paraded extent as the Chosen People, a light with expertise at laundering ill-gotten If a stereotypical-looking Orthodox across the front page of the New York unto the nations, the People of the gains. At the same time, the knee-jerk Jew is caught speeding on the highway Times along with other suspects in this Book, etc. This is not simply poetry, reaction conjured by the episode in or gets into a traffic accident where he undercover sweep, there are few of us theory, or history—it is a reality that Cambridge, Massachusetts, was that if we have been dealing with since the two dark-skinned men are trying to time of our forefather Abraham and his force open a jammed door to a home, realization that something otherworld- then they are most likely in the midst of ly was going on here. committing a crime. That higher standard is something that Perhaps today some would choose to An interesting difference between the call it “religious profiling” or something two events was that while Jews almost is supposed to come from within us as along those lines. And while it’s true that everywhere cowered in shame, African the greater society has cast upon us cer- Americans, led by President Obama, tain stereotypical expectations, those took to the offensive about how police individuals as well as a community. expectations are not necessarily an out- have a history of profiling blacks as crim- growth of ancient prejudices or any- inals prior to appropriately investigating thing resembling anti-Semitism. That whatever may be the issue at hand. we are held to a different and even high- This past Shabbos, I overheard one or she is at fault, does that mean that who didn’t feel a chill or have a reflex er standard has not been imposed upon man in shul say to another something all Orthodox Jews are irresponsible to cringe. Surely, the matter of whatev- us from the outside world. That higher to the effect of, “Where is it written that drivers? Considering the circum- er financial crimes may have been standard, the morality and the fashion when an Orthodox Jew is arrested he stances and the nature of the situation committed is serious and needs to be in which we are supposed to conduct has to wear his big yarmulke, long surrounding last week’s arrests, it’s dif- dealt with accordingly. However, what I our lives on all levels, is something that kapote, and oversized tzitzis?” The curi- ficult to understand why people feel believe makes us, as Jews, coil up in is supposed to come from within us as ous thing about last week’s sorrowful that this type of behavior by a few peo- disgust at the news is the additional individuals as well as a community— and indeed spread outwardly so as to positively influence the immediate world around us. The added responsibility as Jews is not only to avoid being involved in chillul Hashem. The additional job that comes with being who we are is to be the purveyors of kiddush Hashem, the positive sanctification of G-d’s name, His image and His relationship with the people of Israel. When someone who proj- ects the image of a Torah Jew ends up on the front page of national newspapers as part of a “perp walk,” our main cause of concern is not that we will suddenly be painted into a corner of criminal suspicion by virtue of our birth. But we live by the adage of “All of Israel (Jews) are responsible for one another.” This means not only that we need to be there to help the less fortunate when they are in need personally or economically. It quite possibly works both ways; whatever happens to our fellow Jews—for better or for worse—may not be our direct responsibility, but we certainly have some accountability in the event, regardless of how distant from us the occur- rence may be. The stream of this concept of “areivus” runs through all of us. And that’s why we feel the way we do about last week’s events. It seems, on the surface at least, that others take umbrage at the idea of being identified with possibly unsavory characters in their midst. We, on the other hand, throw our communal hands up in disgust, admit that it’s all our fault, and look to raise a white flag as a sign of surrender. And that kind of reaction is just not necessary. Yes, it’s difficult to fathom, but as we’ve seen in the past it is certainly possible to be an Orthodox Jew and commit an indiscretion that seems to fly in con- travention to everything else that is important in our lives. In the daily Talmud-study schedule (daf yomi), we’ve spent many days during the last few months studying the intricacies and lia- bilities of a person’s ox that does damage to another person or property. The Talmud is extremely thorough in analyz- ing the implications of damage done by

Continued on Page 6 4 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

BAGEL STORE Continued from Front Cover now I understand it better and even accept it, much like a soldier given marching orders and then told to carry on or remain at ease. This was about my parents’ trips to Israel, summer after summer, for so many years. It started even before my younger brother and I were suitable material to be packed away in that storage facility known as sleepaway camp for eight weeks while they traveled. I can clearly recall two things. One is my father snapping the locks shut on the attaché case that he traveled with. He did this just before he was ready to leave home. The sound of that briefcase shutting was like the final punctuation mark—or a declaration that they were finished packing and it was time to go. We must have still been home a couple of times, before going to camp, in order to witness the scene of my parents going for what would amount to most of the summer, maybe five, six, or sometimes seven weeks. The other thing is that these long summer trips to Israel took place during an era of extremely underdevel- oped communication, particularly in contrast with what we have at our disposal today. As a result, except for a couple of letters and one or two phone calls—which were wildly expensive—we basically didn’t hear from our mother and father for a good deal of the summer. And that’s hard on a young kid, as well as on a teenager. The first time I can recall this being the case, my parents left us for a series of weeks in the bungalow they rented in Ulster Heights, New York. I believe that my older brother and my sister were in camp, and my younger brother and myself were left as the charges of my grandparents—my mother’s parents—who served excellently as well as with love and distinction in this vital role. I believed that my parents knew they were leaving us in trustworthy and reliable hands, and that’s why they were able to do what they did. I think that the first year my parents traveled to Israel on these long summer trips was 1963. My father, Nison Gordon, a’h, was a Yiddish- language journalist who just marveled at the opportunity to walk the streets and breathe

Continued on Page 8 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 5 FROM THE EDITOR evasion, or merchandising in bodily FEATURES Continued from Page 4 organs, we as a community are left with one very ugly mess that we had an ox, the past history of the ox, the cir- nothing to do with but has somehow Around The Five Towns 39 P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 cumstances under which the damage been hung around our communal 516-984-0079 was inflicted, as well as who has to pay necks. Those indicted will no doubt [email protected] Ask The Sensei [email protected] and how much needs to be paid. plead “not guilty” or have already done Warren Levi 39 At one point early on in the Talmud’s so. There’s a good chance that as mat- LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor discussion, it is stated that the situation ters become clarified, many of the sen- Classified Ads 66 YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON attributed to an ox and its proclivity to do sational charges will be dropped or Sales Managers damage is one thing; but, the Talmud drastically reduced. Still, irreparable The Dish asks, what about man? How do we rate damage has been done. And that’s CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Elke Probkevitz 22 Editorial Assistant his predisposition toward doing damage, because as Torah Jews we are automat- SIDI BARON and how do we gauge the sliding scale of ically as well as by our own choosing Five Towns Simcha YAKOV SERLE compensation for damage done? held to a higher standard. And that Sales Representatives The Talmud spends a lot of space standard was, unfortunately, flagrantly Ira Thomas Creations 70 SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC discussing the nature of the animal— violated on so many levels. Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor whether it is a “tam” (an ordinary ani- Last week a story was related to a Insights On The Torah CONTRIBUTING EDITORS mal) or a mu’ad, an animal with a track friend by a businessman who had a R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 29 Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen, record of doing damage and therefore real-estate closing at a bank in New Rabbi Yanki Tauber 30 Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Toby Klein Greenwald, Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz, likely to do more damage. Yet it makes York. After arriving back at his office, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz, rather short shrift of the need to cate- the businessman and his attorney The Legendary . . . Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, gorize man in the same way. The realized that the bank had overlooked . . . Danny O’Doul 52 Martin Mushell, Elke Probkevitz, Naomi Ross, Talmud says that man is always consid- assessing tens of thousands of dollars Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher ered a “mu’ad.” Left to his own in closing fees. The businessman Letters To The Editor 13 devices, man will do damage to himself instructed his attorney to call the DOV GORDON, ELISHEVA ELEFANT Staff Graphic Artists as well as to others, says the Talmud in bank, point out the error, and pay the Luach 7 Bava Kamma—unless, that is, one fees. The attorney hesitated for a IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staff Photographers uses his or her intellect properly and moment, saying, “I’m a very honest MindBiz makes use of the ability to make the attorney, and I don’t know that there FRANKEL & CO. Esther Mann, LMSW 26 Design & Production correct choices. is a legal requirement at this point to TALIYE CORLEY Perhaps we were afforded a glimpse do so.” The businessman told this Mother’s Musings Art Director into that type of damaging behavior last friend that when he heard the attor- Phyllis J. Lubin 28 SARAH GREENBAUM week as the authorities laid out their ney say that, he knew he was doing Assistant Art Director case against a cross section of men and the right thing. “You see,” he said, Real Estate women who, when tempted to do dam- “the word ‘very’ does not belong in The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news- Anessa V. Cohen 25 paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not age, failed the test, neglected to utilize front of the word ‘honest.” It’s an necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not wisdom and restraint, and indeed did important lesson that should be taken responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or That’s The Way It Is! damage to themselves, their families, to heart. O establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times. Hannah Reich Berman 23 and, to an extent, all of us. Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at Whether it’s money laundering, tax [email protected].

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6 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Aliyah Chronicle Continued from Front Cover weather is nice and hot. Not only that, but many of the Anglo families are on their summer trips overseas, so the shuls are half-full, too. And it is hot. No, not hot like you think. You have it hot in the 90s and 100s for a day or two—or maybe up to a week or ten days—and then it cools down to normal temperatures in the 80s and even as low as the 70s. We have day after day after day of 90 degree heat for over a week, one day of 85 and then right back up to the 90s and 100s. The sun is incredibly strong and I do not know how anyone lived here before there was A/C. I guess that is why we have “Shemesh” in our name here. Of course, our employers still want us to give them the full value of work for our pay, so the kids get to be bored without me in the house and Goldie home only part time. But they are used to it from the rest of the year—they

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5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 7 BAGEL STORE about a summer that I think will be This was going to be my first trip to We exited the plane and walked into Continued from Page 5 enshrined in my mind forever. It was Israel, and I was excited. As was usual the terminal. In those days there was a about a year and a half after we were in the summer, my parents were gallery up on a mezzanine from which in the air of Jerusalem and the sur- married. We had a ten-week-old already there. My parents were excited those meeting passengers at the air- rounding cities in Israel. daughter, and I had just parted ways that we were going to join them—I port could look down and try to find I’m sure that at some point he and with a university radio station that I think we stayed in the same hotel— their family and friends. my mom were somewhat conflicted had given all my life and energy to for along with their new granddaughter. I It was dizzying, exciting, and memo- about leaving us for nearly the whole the previous three years, WFMU in don’t know what we were thinking at rable. I looked up at the clear glass summer. But, like I said, we were in New Jersey. It was one of those chang- the time, but a travel agent friend partition on the second floor at the good hands and well cared for. It cer- ing times in a young man’s life. There booked us on British Airways (it was smiling faces in the distance. My eyes tainly isn’t easy to leave family behind were some other job opportunities at called BOAC then) and we had to then locked on my parents standing for such a long stretch, but the pull of the time, but they would not begin in change planes in London, which in there. My father was smiling brightly; Eretz Yisrael—especially in those heady earnest until after the summer. and of itself was quite an undertaking he was waving in a broad, windmill- early years—was obviously something Things happened so quickly at the with a small baby. like fashion, I guess both to welcome that could not be passed up. us and to be noticed. The most difficult part of the entire Our eyes locked and we acknowl- ordeal, if you can call it that, was that edged that, baruch Hashem, through during those years I was in camp, my a combination of unanticipated cir- parents were not in the country and cumstances we were here in Eretz were therefore unable to visit. I smiled back and pumped my fist Yisrael together, if only for a few Sometimes we had visitors, like when weeks. I was carrying a heavy bag in my older brother came with my grand- into the air as a simple gesture of one hand and had a baby on my back, parents, and other times my father and my wife was standing at my side. arranged for someone he knew in I smiled back and pumped my fist camp to keep us occupied on visiting triumph and victory marking our into the air as a simple gesture of tri- day. For us, though, except for one or umph and victory marking our arrival two instances, visiting day was always arrival in this holy and special land. in this holy and special land. full of surprises. Of all the many summer moments I While I guess I felt pretty bad for can recall, this is one of those I will myself, I also empathized with my par- always cherish and hope to savor and ents’ dilemma about what to do. There remember—for its giddiness, happi- were at least two summers that I can radio station; one day I was in and in I remember the airplane’s approach ness, and sense of meaning for a young recall when my parents were actually charge, the next day I was just plain to Israel, seeing the Tel Aviv coast for couple. The experience of those few home for the summer. One was the out of there. We needed a change of the first time, the jet lowering itself minutes in the airport that summer is summer of my bar mitzvah (which I pace, a temporary change of sur- and then the land of Israel, which I one that, if only I could, I’d love to just chronicled here a few weeks ago), and roundings, so we decided to take had heard and talked so much about, isolate and freeze in time. Better yet, the other was in the mid-1970s when three weeks and go to Israel. I’ve coming into view. We were extremely I’d like to bring it back, summon it up, my grandmother—my mother’s been to Israel many times since, but tired, of course. I had my daughter sit- and relive it again and again. mom—was just not well and she had aside from that visit, the longest ting on a backpack contraption we had I think I may have just done that. O to be cared for by our family. stint (and that one was taken only purchased to make moving around Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at Let me jump ahead a bit and tell you recently) has been 12 days. with her less physically challenging. [email protected].

8 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Hope And Renewal “Shabbos Nachamu.” This Shabbos has Days, and finally the climax, the day of still here to mourn, then we will still be Continued from Front Cover traditionally been a Shabbos of great Tishah B’Av itself. We mourned for our here to celebrate the future promised to simchah and celebration. Hotels are great loss, the loss of Hashem’s home us through the Navi Yeshayah. Jewish tragedy: the month of Tishah filled, concerts are scheduled, vacations on earth, and the source of all our suf- This is the explanation of the famous B’Av, of Churban Beis Mikdasheinu. are planned, and the air is filled with a fering for close to 2,000 years. When story in the Talmud of Rabbi Akiva, who Where can one find expressions of hope festive-like atmosphere. it’s over, we return to our everyday nor- laughed at the sight of the fox running amidst the tears and pain of 2,000 years In truth, there is a halachic basis to mal routine. But a celebration? It wild in the ruins of the Beis HaMikdash, of collective Jewish suffering? I would the concept of Shabbos Nachamu. We seems totally inappropriate. Has our and explained to his two colleagues that like to suggest that maybe we can. find in sefarim (two such sources are situation changed or improved? Has while they saw the destruction in this Seeing for the first time an insight Orchos Chayim and Yosef Ometz) that our loved one, the Beis HaMikdash, scene, he saw the promise of the future. from the illustrious Chasam Sofer, zt’l, after Tishah B’Av we have to focus and returned to us? Has Jewish blood Rabbi Akiva had hope where his friends on the proper name of this month mention the geulah, and “on Shabbos stopped spilling in the streets of saw hopelessness. It was this lesson that offered me a new and deeper perspec- Nachamu we are to increase our joy, Mumbai, Paris, or Hebron? Has the Rabbi Akiva shared, and they responded, tive into its meaning. The Chasam sing extra zemiros, and prepare extra disproportionate number of Yiddishe “Nachamtani”—Rabbi Akiva, you have Sofer weighs in on the discussion in delicacies to increase our oneg kinderlach in the Sloan-Kettering given us hope. the commentaries as to the proper pro- Shabbos more than the other Cancer Center been ever so slightly So, if this is the month of hope, we cedure when being mevoreich the Shabbosos of the year.” reduced since Tishah B’Av that a cele- have to ask ourselves (maybe before chodesh on the Shabbos before What is the reason for this celebra- bration is indeed warranted on we celebrate), do we really have hope? Chodesh Av. Do you call out “Rosh tion, this extra requirement of joy? Shabbos Nachamu? And if we do, what do we hope for? Do Chodesh Av,” or “Rosh Chodesh We’ve just concluded Tishah B’Av; has The Chasam Sofer taught us that we share Rabbi Akiva’s hope for the Menachem Av”? The Chasam Sofer our situation changed or improved? yes, a celebration is warranted. future of K’lal Yisrael? Or have our brings a proof from the Jerusalem Just imagine a person who had to sit Because, after the mourning of Av, hopes been dimmed, and we are satis- Talmud (end of Tractate Ta’anis) that shivah for a parent or a loved one, comes the hope and renewal of fied with a few mere crumbs instead the preferred method is to call out unfortunately. The shivah process is a Menachem, when we celebrate the of the whole loaf? “Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av.” painful one. But immediately after shiv- hope for a change and an improvement Do we hope for the promise of eter- The Chasam Sofer explains that the ah, this person stands up, changes in our current situation. In a sense, nal peace in Eretz Yisrael, or are our month of Av is really divided into two clothes and shoes, and then organizes a things have already improved, for hopes limited to a week of relative separate and distinct “months.” First is party or maybe a concert or other form when we have a sense of hope, we are quiet? Do we hope for the sound of the the month of Av, whose focus is of celebration. Would we not think this prepared to deal with the difficult days great shofar of Mashiach to be heard tragedy, destruction, and mourning. poor individual odd?! After all, he just that lie ahead. Hence the requirement around the world, or were we satisfied Then, beginning with the 15th day of concluded the mourning period for his for celebration. For a nation to have a in hearing President Obama’s less than Av, a completely new “month” begins parent; has his situation changed? Has year that we just experienced—when, enthusiastic support for Israel’s policies that is called “Menachem” and has his father or mother returned to remove as a colleague commented, “it was in dealing with the Palestinian nothing to do with the painful theme the deep sense of loss that would war- Tishah B’Av all year”—and yet still be Authority? Do we long for the time of Av. The theme of this month, rant such a celebration? How would we instilled with a new sense of hope, that when the roads of Eretz Yisrael will be expounds the Chasam Sofer, is of hope view such a misguided person? is truly a cause for celebration. clogged with the thousands of Jews all and renewal. Yet, in a sense, this is exactly what We are now in the month of traveling to spend the regel in the This profound insight finally allowed we are mandated to do. We’ve just Menachem, the month of hope. If we warmth of the Beis HaMikdash, or are me to understand a long-standing min- gone through a collective mourning can, together as a people, still mourn the we complacent if the roads are safe to hag in K’lal Yisrael that has always con- experience, which was supposed to be loss that happened almost 2,000 years founded me, and that is the concept of painful. The Three Weeks, the Nine ago, then there must be hope. If we are Continued on Page 10

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 9 Aliyah Chronicle some fun days with them as well. Hope And Renewal great and joyous occasion. As the Continued from Page 7 They deserve it. After a year of six-day Continued from Page 9 Chofetz Chaim exited his home, he school weeks, they are entitled to get out began to weep. He explained how this come home from school early here, and have some fun. Things are definite- travel between Israeli checkpoints? occasion was surely not a cause for and almost all the kids in the neighbor- ly less structured here. We see it in the The concern about where our hopes great celebration. “After all, should we hood are busy playing outside from the school year, when the kids play on their are was reinforced by a poll featured in be happy with one single tree, when minute they get home until the minute own and can freely roam the neighbor- the Jewish Week. A poll commissioned the entire forest has been promised to they go to sleep. So they are very inde- hood safely. We see it at s’machot, where by the Reform movement’s Israel our ancestors? Should I celebrate what pendent and, at least play-wise, are formality is just not so important. And Religious Action Center on Tishah B’Av is written on a piece of paper today that very self-sufficient. we see it in the summer, where there asked the question, would Israeli Jews can easily be changed tomorrow, when We are members of a pool at one of aren’t programs and camps for the whole like to see a Third Temple erected on I already have a B’ris Bein HaBesarim the local kibbutzim, so Goldie will at season. After all, if there was camp, the Temple Mount? One of the results written on the Al-mighty’s parchment least have a nice free activity for them. there wouldn’t be family fun time. of the poll showed that only 53 percent of fire that can never be changed? They love swimming. We go to the pool I got an e-mail from someone won- of Israeli Jews want the Third Temple Today I choose to weep.” every Friday and they cannot get dering why the change in the headline built on the Temple Mount. We have reduced our hopes to the enough of being in the water. But we last week. If you hadn’t noticed, we Have the other 47 percent of barest of minimums, for a few definitely miss summers in the U.S. decided to stop numbering the Aliyah Israeli Jews lost the hope—which moments of peace. The month of summer camps (day and sleepaway) Chronicle articles. You see, the prior our fathers and grandfathers carried Menachem is supposed to instill with- that last the entire summer, days that article was number 120 and in keeping with them through pogroms, inquisi- in us hopes not just of emptying our aren’t all 100+ degrees, and, my with an “ad meah v’esrim” theme, we tions, and concentration camps—of roads of Jewish funeral processions, favorite—Sundays. I would gladly trade had to make some change, and that a rebuilt Beis HaMikdash on the but of filling them with processions of my relaxed Friday if it meant that I was it. From now on, we are simply very place sanctified by Akeidas Jews bringing up our bikkurim (first could get my family Sundays back. “Our Aliyah Chronicle,” and I look for- Yitzchak? Have the hopes of half of fruits) to Yerushalayim. We are looking forward to trying out ward to sharing our experience—the our people been reduced to the As the Chasam Sofer explains, only a new activity for the Katzes this sum- highs as well as the lows—with you. Third Temple on Dizingoff Street, or with a renewed sense of hope—the mer. Israel is a country of hikers and As I write this, Tishah B’Av is still in on the beaches of Eilat?! Has the theme of the month of Menachem— campers. We have never really been into the future. By the time you read this, I month of Menachem brought with it can we readily approach the final camping, but after our very successful hope that you all enjoyed coming to a reduced sense of hope that has month of the Jewish year, the month of Lag B’Omer hiking experience, I got the Beit HaMikdash to enjoy the avo- altered our dreams for a glorious Elul, and begin to prepare ourselves Goldie’s OK to schedule a camping dah as much as my father, brothers, future? Has Rabbi Akiva’s hope and for teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah. night or nights. She will probably end and sons enjoyed performing it. On the vision for the future become dimmed Only with hope can we begin on the up sleeping in the car, but the kids will off chance that the geulah did not hap- with the passage of time? path to individual change and have an awesome time. pen, I hope you had a meaningful and When the Balfour Declaration was improvement, to be joined together Since we are still newbies, our day easy fast and are looking forward to a announced in 1917, a feeling of eupho- with the rest of K’lal Yisrael. trips, hikes, and basically anything we do terrific August. O ria erupted in the streets of Europe. In A rallying cry should go forth is an adventure for us. We have been to the cities, towns, and shtetlach, throughout the land to all our fellow one amusement park since we arrived, impromptu celebrations broke out, Jews, bearing the eternal message of Shmuel Katz currently works for Machon Puah. so that is definitely on our short list of Shmuel, his wife Goldie, and their six children with dancing and singing in the streets. the month of Menachem: Have hope, things to do. Plus, the kids always love made aliyah in July of 2006. Prior to his aliyah, In Radin, all gathered in the front of because hope inspires change, and Shmuel was the executive director of the Yeshiva the beach, the zoo, and anything that of South Shore in Hewlett. You can contact him the home of the Chofetz Chaim, urging change brings redemption. May it involves food—so we have an outline for at [email protected]. him to address them in honor of this happen speedily in our days. O

10 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 11 Pain And Suffering Rashi (Berachos 5a, s.v. “Yesurin”) Library at the University of Oxford in Jewish nation would be able to Continued from Front Cover tells us that the innocent are stricken England (and now reprinted in the empathize with all others—from the top with suffering in this world in order to back of some current editions of the strata of society, to the lowliest fugitive tion often asked—or that remains afford them greater merit in the World Midrash Tanchuma). The verse tells who is literally running for his life. unasked—is why? Why do some have it, to Come—merit far beyond what their us “Az yavdil Moshe…”—then Moshe Perhaps this is also why the pain and some seem to avoid it? actions would have earned. In other separated the cities of refuge and suffering are termed yesurim shel The Talmud deals with the issue of words, the pain and suffering they (Devarim 4:41). ahavah, sufferings of love. For it is only pain. We find a debate as to whether endure is to give them a super-credit of The Midrash tells us that the word through this type of pain that we can Hashem causes suffering even in sorts in the World to Come. “Az” only refers to the recitation of reach that higher status of empathy for instances where there is no sin, or only The Ramban (Toras HaAdam, shirah, rejoiceful song. Who sang shi- others, where we can feel that super- if there is sin (see Shabbos 54a–b). Sha’ar HaGmul) gives a slightly dif- rah? Moshe Rabbeinu recited the shi- nal state of ahavah toward others. This debate extends from the Talmud ferent explanation. He writes that rah, answers the Midrash. The The idea of this Midrash does not through the Rishonim and throughout there are small sins of omission that Midrash explains that “one who tasted necessarily negate the ideas expressed the writings of the poskim as well. everyone in this world violates to a a dish knows what it tastes like. above. Hashem is the ultimate source of The Rambam writes in his Guide to certain degree. The suffering is there Moshe Rabbeinu was a fugitive from all that is good. He is the true source of the Perplexed that there is no suffering to minimize the implications of these Pharaoh; therefore he knew what it empathy. When we rise spiritually via without sin (Moreh Nevuchim 3:17). sins of omission. was that fugitives feel when they final- empathy for others, we shed the physical Rashi in Berachos (5a) concludes that The Maharal MiPrague (Nesivas ly have a place of refuge.” and become ever closer to Hashem there is suffering even when there is no Olam, Nesiv HaYesurim, chapter one) It seems that Moshe Rabbeinu, Himself, the original and true source of sin. This is also the opinion of the provides a third explanation of the notwithstanding his great ethical empathy. We can achieve a level of Chovos HaLevavos in Sha’ar notion of yesurim shel ahavah. He writes moral composition, was only capable d’veikus—cleaving to Hashem—that is HaBitachon (chapter 3). The plain that all of us are attached to the physi- of the sublime type of empathy that not possible otherwise. reading of the Talmud in Shabbos is cal—unduly so. The suffering and the is required to recite this joyous song Perhaps this is why we suffer, to also that there is suffering even where pain is to purify our souls, to detach our- on behalf of another because he him- develop ever more in our empathy and there is no sin (see, however, Tosefos s.v. selves from the physical aspects of the self had experienced the very same in our consequent d’veikus to Hashem “U’Shma Mina,” who limits this). world and purify us and bring us to a feelings of fear and anxiety that through our enhanced concern, love, For the Rambam, the reason for suf- more celestial and spiritual plane. being a fugitive entails. Only then and empathy for others. O fering is quite clear—it is punishment Perhaps another explanation can could he truly empathize. for our sins. For the other opinions, be found, one that can give us A distinction is often made The author can be reached by e-mail at however, we may ask what the purpose greater insight into the reasons for between “sympathy” and “empathy.” [email protected]. of pain and suffering is. the pain and suffering. It is an expla- Sympathy is the ability to imagine The Gemara calls this type of suffer- nation that can allow us to maximize what another is experiencing. ing yesurim shel ahavah—sufferings of their purpose and benefit. This Empathy is much more; it is the abil- love. This term is also somewhat per- explanation dates back to the ity to experience and share in the You can now upload plexing. When we love someone, do we Midrash itself. pains and joys of others. make them suffer? The idea needs to be There is a fascinating Midrash It may very well be that the entire rea- your display ad directly further understood. Tanchuma in Parashas Va’eschannan. son for Moshe Rabbeinu’s fugitive sta- But let us get back to our original Actually, it is a manuscript version of tus in the first place was to engender via our website at question—what is the purpose of this the Midrash Tanchuma and is not this empathy that he was to demon- pain and suffering? The classic com- found in our regular edition. It is the strate decades after his original flight. It www.5tjt/com/ad mentators provide three explanations. version found in the Bodleian happened so that the leader of the

12 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES these scandals do not affect each one graph in which he states that “we of us. To the media and the public we owe it to our young women to watch are all rabbis. A co-worker approached for signs of eating disorders.” We owe me with the notion that I personally a lot more to the young women than know these rabbis in New Jersey. I to “watch”! How about preventing an don’t. I don’t even live in their commu- eating disorder by having women and nities. Another friend of mine stopped girls feel appreciated for their inner to put gas in his car and a non-Jew qualities, middos, and personality? What Is With Us? and clean: clean from theft. asked him, “What’s with your people?” How about teaching the men and Dear Editor, I say to those in Klal Yisrael who are We are all indeed affected by these boys that a woman is more than a I am but a simple baal habayis who afflicted with this malady of greed, it is scandals. We must still remember that body?! We are neshamos and have a keeps to himself, however, in light of time to stop this nonsense of cheating we are in galus and America is not our tremendous input into Klal Yisrael the recent financial scandals that have and being dishonest. Have you ever home. We must be extremely careful that I feel goes unappreciated by plagued our people I can stay silent no looked up the word Jew in the diction- how we conduct ourselves. It is time many men. Both the frum men and longer. I feel I must express my opin- ary? It means to cheat. “To jew” some- for us to change the definition of a women of our generation need to ion about this outrage. one means to cheat that person. How “Jew.” We have been swallowed up by stop thinking like the goyim. Realize What has happened to the integri- many of our brothers are sitting in jail the affluent society we live in. We have and teach that women are valued as ty of Am Yisrael? In a span of just a due to tax and Medicaid fraud? How to remember that Hashem gave us neshei chayil and are an important few short months, Jews involved in many of us are honest when filing our wealth to serve Him, not to desecrate, part in Hashem’s creation. Teach this financial fraud have made the front income tax returns? My wife, who does ch’v, His Name. to the boys and maybe they will stop pages, from Madoff’s horrific ponzi our family taxes, scrutinizes all entries It is time for us to get our act putting “pretty and skinny” at the top scheme to the latest rounding up of and asks she’eilos when needed before together. Each one of us needs to be of their description list. Imbue this New Jersey rabbis (some from finalizing the return. mekadesh sheim Shomayim as an anti- to the girls, and we will have less of a Brooklyn) being indicted for money I work for the government, assisting dote to these desecrations of Hashem’s pressure to starve ourselves into laundering. Headlines have read the public in obtaining disability bene- name. More incumbent upon us is for oblivion. As a survivor of anorexia, I “Swindler’s List” and “Is Nothing fits. The general rule in order to quali- our communities to make a collective can only hope that we can learn to Sacred?” displaying a picture of one fy for these benefits is that one must kiddush Hashem. I feel each and every prevent this problem instead of of the indicted rabbis. Such head- be so disabled that it will keep him/her community should take upon itself watching for it once it has already lines are a terrible desecration to from engaging in substantial gainful some type of project to promote kid- reared its ugly head. Hashem’s name. True, we have to activity for at least one year or until dush Hashem. With this, Hashem Name Withheld Upon Request judge each Jew favorably and hope- death. I recently received a phone call should look upon us favorably and fully each one of these rabbis will be from an acquaintance who has some redeem us bekarov. Falling Over Laughing exonerated, but why be involved in physical problems yet is still able to MS Gold Dear Editor, such activities in the first place? Why work. He wanted to know “how he Queens, NY Your column about your trip to can’t we Jews be honest, ehrlich peo- could beat the system.” Niagara Falls (“The Jews and The ple? The Torah tells us to be honest We are supposed to be the nation More Than Just A Body Falls,” July 24) made me laugh. The in our weights and measurements that other nations look up to. We are Dear Editor, American predisposition for seeing (Devarim 25:13-15). The Gemara supposed to teach the world how a I am writing in response to R’ Shea the world through red, white, and also tells us (last Mishnah in human being acts and interacts with Hecht’s article about eating disorders blue glasses is well documented, but Kedushin) that a man is to teach his his fellow man. in frum girls. The article was fine, son a trade that is “kal unekiya—easy And don’t think for a moment that but I am bothered by his last para- Continued on Page 25

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 13 The Pitfalls Of Parent Education

B Y EVAN STEELE, LCSW Difficult Children Are Different Any parent of a difficult child has As a clinical social worker, psy- heard an earful from well-meaning chotherapist, parent educator, and friends, relatives, and professionals. parent, I have had the opportunity to “If you’d only do X, Y, or Z, your be on “both sides of the couch” and problem would be solved.” To put it observe the current state of parent bluntly, they just don’t get it. What’s education. The following are some sad to say about many parent-train- thoughts about what help is available, ing courses is that they also just don’t especially as it relates to difficult chil- get it. Oftentimes, the skills such dren (with ADHD, ODD, etc.). courses focus on are basic parenting skills. The underlying message in Parents Aren’t Teachers teaching basic parenting skills to par- The function of a teacher is to pro- ents of difficult children is that if mote skills, competence, and growth. only you would have basic parenting While a teacher may help a child emo- skills, you wouldn’t have this prob- tionally or psychologically, their fun- lem. I believe that this is 100 percent damental function is not to tend to (or close to it) wrong.

A parent is responsible for emotional and psychological health.

emotional or psychological health. Difficult children are different, and The most important tools, therefore, parenting them requires something that a teacher utilizes are fairness, other than basic parenting. The skills consistency, and competence. A par- needed to parent a difficult child may ent, on the other hand, is responsible not be fundamentally different skills, for emotional and psychological but they often need to be applied in a health. While a parent also promotes highly skilled, and therefore very diffi- skills and competence, the psycholog- cult, manner. For example, a parent ical component is vital. may find himself in a power struggle Many parent-training courses with his child, and the parent may attempt to turn parents into teachers. realize quickly that it was a mistake to They teach behavior modification enter into the struggle. The parent and other limit-setting interventions may feel that to back down would be which are effective for promoting sending a message of weakness, so he skills and competence, but do not may push the struggle and force the address emotional and psychological child to comply. health. When a teacher makes a With a “normal” child, this interac- behavior chart, s/he is addressing her tion may be unpleasant and cause primary function to promote skills bad feelings, but the child will likely and competence. When a parent does give in and it will pass. With a diffi- this, however, something is missing. I cult child, pushing the struggle will believe that many parents resist doing likely meet with more and more behavior charts because they instinc- resistance, and it will end in a full- tively feel that behavior charts do scale blowup. The parent of a diffi- nothing to address the relational cult child who has found himself in a problem that their child is not con- power struggle therefore needs, in a nected to them sufficiently to be matter of seconds or less, to be able moved by the parental directive. to (1) calm his anger and consider a Behavior charts are certainly good skillful intervention; (2) think of how ideas and do improve behavior, but to walk away from the conflict with- no parent dreams for their child that out appearing to give in; (3) manage they will get five smiley faces and a other family members who may have candy. We do not hope and dream been dragged in; (4) attend to every- that our children will be compliant. one’s safety (e.g., because of thrown We hope and dream that they will be objects or hitting); (5) think of a con- psychologically well-rounded and sequence that will be effective but healthy. If I ignore, withdraw from not escalate the situation; (6) allow power struggles, do behavior charts, the child space to walk away with send them to time-outs, etc., I have some ego/pride intact; and, no doubt, withdrawn from my child. This may other things that I am forgetting. promote compliance, but I don’t That requires more than the kind of want to withdraw from my child. I clichéd advice that parents often get want solutions that are not just about withdrawing. Continued on Page 16

14 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 15 Parent Education the fault of the parents. A basic princi- uations, it is nearly impossible to con- misses both marks. Parent education Continued from Page 14 ple in parenting is that logical conse- struct logical consequences. is often too practical, focusing purely quences are more effective and pro- We usually resort to illogical conse- on techniques and interventions, and about active listening or spending duce better outcomes than illogical quences, e.g., “If you don’t go to bed thereby missing the psychological more time with their children. consequences. A logical consequence by 8:00, you lose 15 minutes of video piece. Conversely, especially in the is one that flows directly from the game tomorrow.” These sometimes frum community, parent education No ‘One-Hit Wonders,’ Please (mis)behavior. For example, Johnny work, but not always. The point here is can be all about hashkafos and not One therapist’s thing was time-out. throws a toy at his sister. The logical that parent educators invariably give about skills and techniques. Do I real- Another was play therapy. One book is consequence is that the toy is taken scenarios that involve the “you have ly need to hear again what a special all about compromise and conflict res- away. Johnny exceeds his time allotted something that they want” situation. gift my child is from Hashem and how olution. Another is about behavior for his desired activity (video game, TV, As the educator suggests, the effective important it is to make them feel spe- modification. I’m smart enough to be outside play, etc.), so he loses that response here is not difficult. What cial? At the same time, if you give me able to learn from many sources, but amount of time (or more) next time he they don’t teach is how to deal with the a laundry list of techniques outside of when I pay a professional to help me is allowed this activity. “they have something you want” sce- the context of me as an individual and with my family, I expect them to have Illogical consequences are conse- nario (getting up, going to bed, eating, the uniqueness of my family, how more than one trick up their sleeve. quences that have nothing to do with doing homework, etc.), which is infi- helpful will it be? O The above interventions and approach- the actual behavior. Johnny throws a nitely more difficult. Thus, parents es can all be effective, but they are toy at his sister, and he loses 15 min- end up feeling like bad parents Evan Steele, LCSW, is administrative supervisor never, by themselves, effective all the utes of computer time. One has noth- because it’s not as easy as it seemed at the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services Madeleine Borg Community Services time in every situation. Parenting ing to do with the other. Johnny during the parenting class. (MBCS) Boro Park Counseling Center. He can classes need to teach multiple exceeds his allotted time on the com- be reach at [email protected]. approaches and interventions so that puter, and he loses 50 cents from his Too Practical, parents have different tools to use allowance, etc. Not Practical Enough when one doesn’t work or seem appro- Of course, illogical consequences Parents often express that they priate. I appreciate that we live in a have to be utilized at times, but logi- want very specific techniques for how Submit your world of specialization, but families cal consequences are always prefer- to handle situations. They want to are complex, and they call for varied able. The problem is that logical con- know “what to do when…” This Five Towns and complex solutions. sequences work best when you have desire is both genuine and disingenu- something that they want. They want ous at the same time. Parenting takes Events/News They Make It Sound So Easy the toy, the computer, the video game, a combination of psychological forti- When parent educators speak about the freedom to play outside, etc. tude and skill competence. Asking for for the discipline and consequences, it all When they misuse these items, you specific techniques addresses the sounds so logical and simple. When take them away. Much more difficult need for parenting skills, but does not Next Issue by parents get home, however, they often is the situation where they have some- address the psychological challenge find that it just doesn’t work. This thing that you want. You want them to of parenting. The most effective 5:00 P.M. Monday. often leaves parents feeling bad about make the bus to go to school. You intervention in the world, for exam- themselves and their parenting. want them to eat breakfast before ple, is rendered completely useless Send e-mail to: Parents feel that the educators must they leave. You want them to go to bed when conveyed with anger. Thus, be smarter and better suited to parent- at a reasonable hour. You want them until the parent deals with his anger, [email protected] ing than they. to do their homework. They don’t the skills are useless. There’s a reason for this, and it’s not want any of these things. In these sit- Many times, parent education

16 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Kitchen Kronicles: A Fish Story

BY SHERRY E. WALDMAN two hours past the end of Shabbos on Saturday night until two hours prior to The Nine Days of fish/dairy/parve- onset of the next Shabbos on Friday only meals took me kinda by surprise. afternoon. I was aware of the date; I even had The name of the store is Glatt my first fish dinner with a friend at a Kosher Kingdom; I’ve always referred local Five Towns restaurant on to it as the Magic Kingdom. Any Tuesday night, the first night of the store that makes it possible for me to nine. The place was a third empty buy a suddenly needed ingredient at when we arrived at 7:30; as darkness 4 a.m. seemed magical to me. But fell and the pre-Tishah B’Av phase the magic dematerialized very sud- legally set in, I noticed that all tables denly one night some months ago. I were filled. When we left at 9:00, a was peacefully grazing among the line had formed of folks waiting for a splendiferous, majestic aisles at table. Tuesday night, midsummer, 11:55 p.m., pushing a half-loaded packed dairy restaurant; clearly the cart, when a stockperson sitting on Nine Days bell had rung. the floor awoke from his nap (after I knew it, and yet I had not consid- all, it wasn’t the LIE, was it?) and ered the fact that my fridge and drowsily said to me, “Lady, you better freezer are both loaded for bear. Or get to the front fast or you ain’t tak- would have been if bear were kosher. ing any of that stuff home with you Bear is not kosher (don’t even bother tonight.” Surprised—not by his surly to consult your local halachic manner, but by the information prof- authority; I’m no rebbetzin, but I fered—I said, “But you guys are open know my bear), but many cuts of all night!” beef, lamb, and veal are kosher, and “Not any more, we ain’t. Closing at these are what occupied most of the midnight now,” he managed through cold storage space in my home. A a yawn. minuscule amount of foresight “But…but…you’re the magic guys! would have led me to pick up a fish You have to stay open, you just have fillet or two earlier in the week. But to,” I whined and sputtered. I’d like to Foresight ‘R’ Not Us. say that Shelving Boy responded in I found myself driving home from some verbal fashion. But that would be the city Wednesday night—later than a lie, as this purveyor of unsavory usual, due to last-minute emergen- truths seemed to have lost conscious- cies at work followed by some road ness again—of me or his surroundings. mishap of unknown origin on the Dismayed by the betrayal of what I Long Island Expressway (question had considered a sacred trust (baking for my fellow Long Islanders: Is the powder at 4 a.m.), I stopped fre- LIE anything but one long stretch of quenting the store. But on this night mishaps of unknown origin?). I had halibut on my mind, so I pulled So there I was: late, hungry, irrita- up to the store, stuffed my pride in ble, and still a ways from home. And the glove compartment, and opened none of my usual, down-and-dirty, the car door. Whoa…the store was home-cooked fleishig fast-food alter- dark and shuttered. Clearly closed. natives (franks or burgers) were For tonight? For good? Perhaps now allowed to allay my physical or emo- closing daily at 3:00 p.m.? No sign, tional hunger pangs. I also felt too no idea. I resisted the vestigial traces frugal to eat out in a good restaurant of pathological Jewish guilt that whis- two nights in a row. The thought of pered, “It was you, Sherry, you. Had pizza annoyed me—too pedestrian, you only continued to shop here, the quotidian, and mundane; and store might have survived and all its besides, I’d had some for lunch. I love employees remained employed. But tuna salad, but at the mere thought nooo. You and your sacred trusts…” of cranking open a can—let alone Nonsense. There’s no way a store mincing onions and celery—I felt like closes because one meager (okay, not taking a nap. (Traffic was so slow that so meager) customer stops coming. a nap seemed possible, but only at Just no way. None. Nuh-uh. (Did I the risk of having to endure the honk- say I resisted the guilt?) ing of the drivers behind me should I With Magic Kingdom off the table, fail to awaken and move forward at prospects for fresh fish grew bleak. I the first available inch of road space.) wondered, does Brach’s close at What to do/eat? 9:00, 9:30, or 10:00 on Wednesdays? I suddenly homed in on the object With the hour closing in on 9:30, I of my stomach’s desire: pan-seared had no time to think about it, so I halibut. Yessss. I love halibut, but it’s revved the engine and sped toward often prohibitively priced, so I consid- what was clearly a small but viable er it a rare treat. In fact, a Nine Days window of chance. Rounding the treat. Perfect. corner to the front of Brach’s, I could Not so fast, Kemo-Sabe. 9:15 on see a number of cars parked in the Wednesday night—could I find a lot. Excellent sign, but not conclu- kosher store where such exotic victuals sive; these could be the Cars of as halibut are sold at this late hour? I Shoppers Past and Present but not drove up to a mall that houses a kosher Future, those who hath already store I rarely patronize, but which clos- shopped and awaiteth only to payeth. es late every night, 11:00 p.m. I absolutely, positively detest walking Actually, this store’s claim to fame up to a store entrance only to find upon opening several months ago was that it stayed open continuously from Continued on Page 20 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 17 18 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 19 Kitchen Kronicles plays of items on sale. But halibut story for another time), and I half- shopper attempt to overpower me and Continued from Page 17 called, so I made a beeline for the heartedly gazed at the packets of left- make it their own. Without so much fish department. Oy. While the rest over breaded, ready-to-bake pollock. as bending my head, let alone hang- the door locked and guarded by a of the store was brightly lit, the fish Impossible. I just couldn’t bring my ing it, I wore my smile all the way to clerk specially trained to announce section was dim, and the display case dinner plans down from halibut to the cashier and continued smiling as in a tone ringing with malicious glee where dead fish usually hang out was ready-to-bake pollock. Not tonight. I got in my chariot and drove home to “The store is now closed!” while vacant. Too late for fish! I tried to I had thanked my fishy friend and my lair. allowing those inside to exit. If clos- chew on this bitter pill, but it stuck started backing away from the count- In honor of my catch, I deter- ing time at Brach’s was 9:30, that in my gills…er, craw. er, when a flash of white in a Saran- mined to concoct a new preparation would probably be my fate. Ugh. As I turned to leave, some move- wrapped packet caught my eye. for the fish feast. It would take time, But halibut. Had to risk it. I left ment behind the gutting bench “What’s that?!” I wondered to myself, imposing further delay on actual the car and walked tentatively toward caught my eye. I called out and was although apparently muttered aloud consumption of food. But my spirits the entrance. At first afraid to look, rewarded with a “Yes?” from one of as well. Reb Fishmonger looked up, were so puffy from achieving success my heart leapt like a salamander to the fishmongers who was finishing but before he could move I was after so many garishly harrowing tri- see others leaving their cars and his last tasks of the day. Practically cradling the packet in my hands. So als (okay…a few relatively inconse- entering the store. If they could, why mute with a mixture of anticipation close to halibut—so very close, I was quential moments) that I was less couldn’t I? Could the store be open to of defeat and pathetic hope, I got out almost fooled. Not halibut; Chilean hungry now than excited about giv- everyone else but me? Hey, I might one word in the form of a question: sea bass. Snowy white, buttery- ing my creative culinary juices a have issues with guilt and a host of “Halibut?” The man’s eyes oozed sym- sweet, satiny-smooth Chilean sea whirl. After rummaging through neuroses, but I’m not a paranoid, so I pathy and his peyos swayed as he bass. Overfarmed, allegedly endan- pantry and fridge, I went to work at shrugged off any other unsolicited shook his head and answered sadly, gered, politically incorrect Chilean counter and stove. Here, my patient voices, walked up to the entrance, “No more today.” sea bass. readers, is the resulting fish dish. and blessedly the automated doors He was kindly, and he gently urged I wish I could tell you that I at parted to let me in. me to look at a tray with what little least hesitated and considered ethics Pan-Seared Fish Brach’s is one of our neighbor- fish remained, suggesting “some nice and my place in the sea of all living With Fresh Corn Sauté hood’s super-sized kosher emporiums salmon fillet, two kinds—domestic or things before snatching that fish Ingredients: (emporia? emporii?). I usually hit the Norwegian.” Unfortunately, I don’t package and hiding it under my pock- 4 firm-fleshed, white fish steaks, such grocery aisles first to check out dis- do salmon from any country (another etbook lest some other halibut-crazed as halibut or sea bass butter or canola oil 1 ⁄4 tsp. smoked paprika For the corn sauté: 4 ears of fresh corn, scraped, or a large bag of frozen corn 4 garlic scapes,* minced, or 3–4 cloves of garlic 2 shallots, minced 2 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. canola oil 2 Tbsp. capers in brine** 1 ⁄4 tsp. salt freshly ground black pepper roasted red or yellow bell pepper, chopped juice of 2 lemons For the garnish: basil sprigs lemon and lime wedges roasted tomato halves Notes: *Garlic scapes are the green vines of unripe garlic bulbs, available in the summer at greenmarkets. **As brined capers are salty, only a small amount of additional salt is used. If capers are omitted or not brine- cured, increase salt amount to taste. Directions: To prepare the corn sauté: Into 12- inch sauté pan over high heat, place 1/4 cup water, butter, and oil; when hot, add corn kernels, garlic scapes and shallot. Sauté until water has evaporated. Add capers, salt, and pepper to taste; sauté 5 minutes. Add roasted bell pepper. Cook, stirring, until all flavors have combined, 3–4 minutes. Remove mixture and set aside. Do not clean pan. To prepare the fish: Season steaks evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. In same pan, heat 1 tsp. oil and/or butter over high heat. Place fish in heated pan. Sear fish 3 minutes on first side. Turn; sear 2 minutes on second side. Squeeze fresh lemon over fish steaks. Lower heat to medium; spoon corn sauté over and around fish in pan. Cook fish and vegetables until heated through, 2–3 minutes. To serve: Spoon some corn mixture in center of each of 4 plates. Carefully place fish steaks on top of corn. Garnish each plate with basil sprigs, a roasted tomato half, and wedges of lemon/lime. 20 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 21 PERSONAL CHEF Frugal, With Flavor

Budget is the subject on everyone’s them in advance, it will save you time mind these days, and the grocery bill and money. can get quite expensive, especially when shopping for a family. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor when saving money. Here are tips to help your dol- lar go further when going grocery shopping. When life gets hectic, preparing ahead is not always easy, but grocery shopping without planning ahead can lead to impulse buying and disorgani- zation. If you plan the week’s meals while you are in the kitchen, you can check your fridge and pantry and avoid buying duplicate items. Stick to a list of exactly what you need for the week, unless you find items that are a bar- gain. However, buying items on special will save you money only if they are ingredients you will actually use, so Pot Roast Tacos don’t crowd pantries with food that Prepare this dish early in the day to will just take up room on your shelves. give you enough time, or leave it in a Think twice when buying conven- slow cooker on low so dinner will be ience foods. Prepared products sold in ready when you are. the supermarkets, such as seasoned Ingredients: frozen vegetables, frozen meals, snack- 2 lb. beef shoulder sized packs, and bakery goods, save kosher salt time in the kitchen, but often cost freshly ground black pepper much more than the ingredients they extra-virgin olive oil consist of. Homemade versions are 2 cloves garlic, smashed usually much healthier, with less sodi- 1 large onion, sliced um and fat, and will definitely give you 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes more bang for your buck. 1 Tbsp. chili powder (optional) Along with your list, using some 1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper (optional) smart shopping strategies in the store 1 Tbsp. ground cumin will save you money. When buying 3 bay leaves fresh produce, stick to in-season fruits 6 taco shells or fresh medium corn and vegetables. The freshness and tortillas taste will be superior, and the frozen 3 cups finely shredded white cabbage versions of out-of-season produce or lettuce work better for their price and flavor. guacamole, store bought or You can look for bargains in the bakery homemade section and meat counter. Buy cuts of salsa, store bought or homemade 1 meat that are on sale, and freeze the ⁄4 bunch fresh cilantro leaves extras. Purchase family packs of chick- Directions: en, or whole chickens, and cut them Season all sides of the beef with salt up yourself at home to save more. and pepper. In a heavy pot that has a Meat is an ingredient that can seem tight cover, heat 2 tablespoons of olive too expensive for dinner on a budget, oil over moderately high heat. Add the but some of the tougher fatty cuts of garlic and beef to the pot, browning meat, such as beef short ribs or beef the meat on all sides. shoulder, are delicious and relatively Add the onion and allow to lightly inexpensive. Try braising the meat or brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. cooking it in a slow cooker to achieve Add the crushed tomatoes, plus 1 fall-off-the-bone tender results. You tomato can of water. Add spices, and can also use smaller amounts of meat season with salt and pepper to taste. in dishes like stir fries and pasta to add Add enough water to cover the meat. a rich flavor for less cost. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and By using leftovers, you can cut simmer with a lid for 3 hours, until the cooking time and food costs. Reinvent meat is fork-tender. Let meat cool in leftovers for a second night’s dinner or the liquid. Shred meat and set aside. the next day’s lunch. Serve half of a Lay some shredded cabbage in tacos beef roast at dinner, and then slice it or tortillas as a base. Top with some up for roast beef sandwiches the next shredded beef, guacamole, and salsa. day. Fill tortillas with any kind of left- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. overs, from fish to chicken, for a quick and easy meal. Eating quality, delicious meals is easy when all When you have the time, make big the work is done for you. Hire a personal chef to prepare your dinners, Shabbos meals, or small batches of a dinner you make often, parties. For more information, contact Take such as meatballs or soups, and then Home Chef personal chef services by calling 516-596-8865, writing to freeze it for later. If you buy ingredi- [email protected], or visiting ents in bigger quantities and prepare www.TakeHomeChef.net. 22 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

ing. The buzz will start immediately ing that these revered and esteemed and it will play out this way: Some gentlemen did nothing wrong and that people will claim that this will lead to the charges will prove to be bogus? increased anti-Semitism, and others Aaarrrgh! Do the deniers actually will calm them down by insisting that believe that the public will buy that? it will make little difference because Quick, where are my blood-pressure the world hates Jews anyhow. Both pills? I need to up the dosage! theories have merit! Also arrested were mayors, coun- Quick, I Need A Pill It’s hard to know which culprits cilmen, assemblymen, political con- people will feel more disgust for. Will sultants, and lawyers. The public, What in the world is going on? will have an opinion. As of this writ- it be for the men who were arrested; particularly the constituents, will be More to the point, what in our world ing, the news is still fresh, so I the former-crook-turned-FBI-inform- furious and will rail about the irony is going on? The jailhouse doors have haven’t heard anything yet. But it’s ant who entrapped them; or the com- barely closed behind Bernard Madoff not difficult to imagine what’s community members currently proclaim- Continued on Page 24 and already we’ve been hit with more bad news. The ten-year FBI sting that came to light last week is the newest scan- dal to rock us. We honor and respect our rabbis because of their knowledge and integrity; they are our spiritual leaders. Money laundering, using a gemach as a front, and accepting (or demanding) bribes are not activities that we associate with these learned men who guide us. We’re disgusted with the charges we’ve heard thus far, but the likeli- hood is that the biggest horror of all will be reserved for the man accused of paying $10,000 to a vulnerable person (in Israel) willing to sell a kidney and then charging someone desperately in need of that kidney $160,000. It gives new meaning to the word astonishing! It’s been said that people who do things like that are like ships without rudders. So how did this particular rudderless ship come up with the $160,000 amount? Why didn’t he charge $180,000 for the organ? After all, chai (life) corresponds to the number 18, and most Jews have a tenden- cy to use the number 18, or any multiple thereof, when giving gifts. And this was, after all, a gift—albeit one that the man gave to himself. The omission of names here is not accidental. What would be the point? We will see the names in print, hear them on television and radio, and undoubtedly use them when we speak among ourselves, which is when the lashon ha’ra demon will rear its ugly head. Many of us sat frozen as we watched the eleven o’clock news on television. From the kippos on their heads to their tzizis flapping in the breeze, the scene as the handcuffed men were led away evoked feelings of horror, disgust, and shame. What struck this writer was the fact that not one of them made any attempt to cover his face or bend his head to hide himself from view. And now the age-old question will arise: Don’t we Jews have enough problems without this? And everyone

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 23 THAT’S TH E WAY IT IS! seem vaguely reminiscent of the ble as he might have been. Chances cidence that this dreadful exposure Continued from Page 23 mafia law of omertà—the code of are he’ll be allowed to live. occurred during the Nine Days? silence when dealing with the govern- I predict that there will also be Maybe yes and maybe no, but cer- of lawmakers breaking the law. ment—but there’s a difference. The voices of moderation. Some people tainly Tishah B’Av this year is going People will raise an eyebrow and dominant assumption of ancient and will personally implore us not to pub- to have new meaning for some mem- shake a fist to show contempt for medieval Jews was that non-Jewish licly condemn the accused until they bers of the tribe. those perpetrators, but the ethnicity authorities would not treat Jews fair- have been found guilty in a court of But who am I to talk? People who of the gonifs will likely go unmen- ly in legal disputes. In fact, the law, and others will post e-notices on live in glass houses shouldn’t throw tioned. However, when a religious Talmud authorizes immediate message boards. And countless rab- stones, so I’m putting my stones leader breaks the law, it’s a different action—even the death penalty— bis will make speeches admonishing down right now. I confess to owning story. And when that religious leader against informers. Uh-oh, could the their congregants not to feel happy at least one Gucci knock-off. Uh-oh, is a Jew, we worry that all Jews will be snitch really be in trouble now? that this shame has befallen another where are my blood-pressure pills affected. when I need them? O In truth, we ourselves will be the harshest critics. When the initial Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a licensed real-estate broker associated with shock wears off, what will remain will Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at be disgust and much talk about the [email protected] or 516-902-3733. activities that led to the arrests. There will be one person who Everyone will express his opinion about who is the worst of the lot. It’s distresses us the most. I predict not exactly a contest, but still there For the next issue, will be a winner of sorts, because deadline for reserving there will be one person who distress- a tie between the kidney thief es us the most. I predict a tie between ad space is the kidney thief and the snitch. and the snitch. Monday, August 3 The alleged kidney thief’s crime speaks for itself, but the snitch is at 5:00 P.M. something else. He’s not only a gonif in his own right, having previously been arrested for bank fraud, but he Maybe not. There is at least one Jew. We will be told not to rejoice All graphics for ads turned federal informant, most likely rabbi who challenged this thesis, and not to make foolish jokes about must be in by to save himself from further prosecu- asserting that Judaism recognizes the the situation. tion for other crimes. This man who “king’s power” to determine appropri- It’s doubtful that anyone will Tuesday, August 4 helped bring the others down seems ate punishments for all behavior that rejoice—after all, what exactly is at 5:00 P.M. to have some difficulty with the is legitimately deemed criminal. there to be happy about? But the meaning of the word honesty. Additionally, other rabbinical author- jokes will come, regardless of what And he gets a double whammy. He ities have written that many democra- instruction we receive. That’s broke not only federal and state laws, cies administer law fairly, thereby because jokes provoke laughter, Call but a religious one as well. It’s rendering dormant all restrictions which is a vehicle for the release of 516-984-0079 expressly forbidden for one Jew to against informing. Okay, so maybe tension. And if ever there was a rea- turn in another to a non-Jew. It may the snitch here isn’t in as much trou- son to be tense, this is it. Is it a coin-

24 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES your and your competition’s interior LETTERS TO THE EDITOR and exterior features. Continued from Page 13 • How to list your home to attract the highest value in the existing neigh- you may have given it its purest borhood real-estate market. expression yet. • Pending local legislation or zon- King David’s is a kosher pizza chain ing changes to your property or street in Toronto. At various times there Hiring The Neighborhood Specialist location that may affect its value, have been at least four King David’s and possible solutions that might be locations in the Toronto area. So you Sometimes sellers hire real-estate • Location, location, location! How available. needn’t worry about the infringement brokers from outside of the area, figur- does your street compare in value to • A network of existing buyers look- of the rights of a store in Cedarhurst. ing, “What difference does it make other streets with new buyers looking ing to purchase homes in your neigh- No one outside the Five Towns, let where they come from?” The only for homes? An out-of-area real-estate borhood, as opposed to having to alone outside the country, has heard comparison I can really offer is that search for that elusive buyer—which of that place. taking a real-estate broker from out- an out-of-area real-estate broker would Don’t worry about Mendy’s, either. I side your neighborhood is like taking a have to do, since they have no network can open a restaurant and call it some- travel guide living in France for a guid- presently set up in this neighborhood. thing generic like Mendy’s without ed tour of Israel. Is this something you Taking a real-estate Selling your home today requires checking if someone seven hours away would really do if you wanted the most more than just picking a real-estate happened to also call their deli the experienced person for the job? broker from outside broker “out of a hat.” A seller needs same name. It’s not like calling it Doubtful, huh? So why would you hire every possible tool available to not only Burger King. a real-estate broker, even a good one, your neighborhood show his (or her) house to its best Daniel Rubin whose expertise was in a different advantage, but to utilize the knowledge neighborhood? How would this get you is like taking a travel and skills that only someone who is Schechter Family Also Pioneers the most for your money? Working also a local member of their communi- Dear Editor, with a real-estate broker who doesn’t guide living in ty can provide. As knowledgeable and I read your article (“Three Weeks, have intimate knowledge of the neigh- bright as a real-estate broker from out Then and Now: Summer Memoir IV,” borhood can actually hurt a seller of the area might be, they can only pro- July 17) with interest, but a few facts rather than help them. Here are some France for a guided vide you with their expertise from their were misleading. The Pioneer examples of information that a neigh- own neighborhoods and are essentially Country Club was owned not only by borhood specialist would undoubtedly tour of Israel. “winging it” when taking listings from the Gartenbergs, but by the know, but that an out-of-area real- areas other than their own. O Schechter family, as well. I know this estate broker might not: because Mr. Schechter was my great- • How to develop and provide you Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a uncle. The Schechter family was in licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S. with a marketing plan specifically broker might not be knowledgeable mortgage broker with over 20 years of experi- business there until the hotel closed, geared to buyers coming into this about nuances of a neighborhood out ence, offering full-service residential and com- and then they opened the Caribbean community. of their expertise. mercial real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Hotel in Florida. I believe this Realty) and mortgaging services (First Meridian • The ability to review with you • Neighborhood nuisances and the Mortgage) in the Five Towns and throughout the deserves a correction, as your facts which homes are on the market out- best way to deal with them. tri-state area. She can be reached at 516-569- were misstated. 5007 or via her website, www.AVCrealty.com. side of MLS data and how to compete • How your home compares to Readers are encouraged to send questions or Regards, with them. other homes on the market, including comments to [email protected]. Ruth “Schechter” Ringel

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 25 things that I do, and have done, con- just seems inevitable. I guess I must sistently. I find it so hard to sit there be overly sensitive and definitely and listen to them spout their confi- insecure. dent messages, as if there is a recipe I would love to find a rabbi or a that really works for everyone. I often speaker who has a different message to want to run out of the room scream- deliver, one that understands parents ing, especially when I consider some like myself: A message of support and families that I am familiar with where acceptance. A message that helps peo- Dear Esther, stack the deck against their ability to the mothers did not do many of those ple like me feel that we did the best job I’ve noticed that your column live the typical kind of lives that I had important things, and managed to we knew how, but that maybe Hashem seems to steer away from religious expected of them. I’m not going to go raise compliant children. This is truly had a different plan for our children, topics, and I understand why. My into the struggles that I’ve dealt with, crazy-making stuff. I leave feeling not so that we can feel validated and some- question does seem to involve some trying to desperately turn things only judged, but also condemned. It how worthy. religious issues, but because I think around. That’s not only a column in feels so unfair. I guess my question is, how do I find there must be some psychological and of itself, but an entire book! a way to go to these shiurim, and not component to how I am feeling, I am But I want to talk about a particular find myself taking many steps back- writing to you in the hope that you issue that has been torturing me for wards instead of moving forward in my can shed some light on my feelings quite some time. It has to do with Perhaps you are meant spirituality? I desperately want to do and help me feel better. going to shiurim. Most of my friends this, and be free of torturing myself I’ve been dealing with some diffi- attend at least one shiur a week. It to be the messenger over the choices my children have culties when it comes to some of my seems to add a very important dimen- made. I desperately want to bring children for many years now. As a par- sion to their lives. Some of my friends who is sent to express “learning” into my life. I know how ent, I believe I’ve done many things repeatedly encourage me to join them. important it is. But I’ve struggled so to right, but I also acknowledge that I’ve Over the years, I have tried—many, how a parent like get to a better place and can’t risk done some things wrong. When I’m many times. Unfortunately, not only hearing messages that bring me down, feeling logical and compassionate are these shiurim not helpful to me, yourself reacts to some tear me up, or just plain make me toward myself, I tell myself that prob- but they make me want to run for my angry—so very angry. I have too much ably most parents do some things cor- life. I always leave feeling so angry and of the comments made. guilt as it is. I don’t want to be made to rectly and some things incorrectly, and frustrated. And whatever progress I feel even guiltier. that if their children are basically thought I had made in the area of for- Angry easygoing and lighthearted enough by giving myself regarding my mistakes Dear Angry, nature to withstand their parents’ mis- and lightening up on blaming myself, Comments such as “the apple does- When familial relationships are in takes, or maybe if children are just on I’m back to square one. n’t fall far from the tree” or “these distress and feel severely troubled—be the same page as their parents, every- Typically, if the shiur has to do with challenges are most likely punish- it with a husband, parents, siblings, or thing will work out pretty much OK. parenting, the presenter will usually ments for terrible sins on the part of especially children—it is never easy. It It’s taken me a long time and a lot of map out a program for eager parents. the parents” can drive a person to sounds as though you have done some therapy to even get to this place. Do this, that, and the other thing, and drink—or worse! important work on yourself in an Somehow, some of my children are you will raise (what our community Somehow, even when the shiurim effort to make peace with this reality, typical “type A” personalities—intense, believes to be) perfect children, who have nothing to do with parenting, yet you are still feeing somewhat raw super-bright, and always questioning will dutifully follow in your footsteps. there is always at least one comment and hypersensitive. everything. These traits seemed to Most of the things they mention are that hits a raw nerve within me. It Hopefully, as time goes by and you

26 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES continue to work on coming to terms s”xc with this area of disappointment in your life, your intense reactions on the subject will continue to diminish. It may never totally disappear, because some situations in one’s life just feel so unexpected and even, to some degree, unnatural. But it is possible to believe that someday you will feel much more confident and comfortable with your children and within your own skin—particularly if you are able to shift your expectations and focus on those qualities that your children do possess that are surely special. Having gone through this preamble, I would like to attempt to actually answer your question. I guess the easy answer would be, if something hurts, stop doing it. If you find listening to shiurim painful, find other ways to grow spiritually. There are certainly many books to read, friends to turn to for inspiration, private dialogues with Hashem to engage in, the opportunity to reach out to others with similar issues, and other ways of growing as a Jew and as a person. Not everything works for everyone, and we all respond differently to different experiences. As individuals, we must listen to our hearts and souls. On the flip side, you may wish to consider the idea that we are not necessarily meant to feel comfortable all the time. Perhaps there is something positive that can come from sitting through a shiur that taps into your greatest pain. Perhaps you are meant to tolerate this discomfort and see where it can ultimately lead you. Perhaps you are meant to be the messenger who is sent to express how a parent like yourself reacts to some of the comments made, so that speakers can be more sensitive when giving future shiurim. Perhaps you are meant to someday be the one giving lectures, thereby being the voice of parents like yourself, validating the experiences of others (and of course, your own) and, by doing so, creating greater sensitivi- ty toward this issue. Whether we like it or not, sometimes important shifts come about as the result of pain. Therefore, one should at least ask oneself whether running from the pain is necessarily the best option. Maybe it is, but maybe it isn’t. In the meantime, you bring up a very important topic that needs to be addressed. How do we as a community open our arms and our hearts to our friends and neighbors who are going through the struggles you describe? How do we cease being judgmental and instead be supportive and accepting? After all, as they say, it takes a village… No one should feel singled out and made to feel like the “bad parent,” when so much that transpires in life can feel unpre- dictable and random. Finally, I hope I don’t have to remind you to love yourself, love your children, and have faith that there is a reason for everything. Esther

Esther Mann, LMSW, has a private practice in Lawrence. Esther is a psychotherapist and life coach and can be reached at 516-314-2295 or [email protected]. She works with individuals, couples, premarital couples, and families. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 27 side dish were combined into one of fish he will eat), chicken nuggets, Another Mother’s Musings tasty treat which managed to feed the or sliced deli. He will eat salad, veg- rest of the crew. etables, or french fries for side dishes Interestingly enough, Rivka and during the week. His Shabbos fare is Food Choices please keep in mind that every main Lea are my most adaptable connois- a bit more demanding, yet usual: BY PHYLLIS J. LUBIN dish must have a corresponding side seurs of much of the “fine cuisine” gefilte fish (never from a jar), chick- dish—it’s just “the way.” available. Rivka and Lea, although en or chicken nuggets, and potato nik “The egg salad they served was The meals during the Nine Days ten years apart, are very much alike. are the requisite items, but I can slide heaven!” Lea remarked on our way are particularly challenging. My hus- First of all, if you look at pictures of in a few differing choices depending home from the shul kiddush this week. band is not a huge fan of fresh fish, Rivka when she was Lea’s age, it is on what’s available: cauliflower kugel “I don’t like the name “meat loaf”; it and there are just so many times you hard to tell if it is Lea or Rivka, or noodle kugel are possibilities, and sounds like jail food,” Rivka stated can eat the breaded fish from Ossie’s because they look so similar (thank occasionally matzah-ball soup; and when discussing a recent pre-Nine (no offense to Ossie’s). I, on the other goodness for picture dating!). In addi- cholent is a food item that he will Days food choice. hand, could eat broiled salmon with a tion, they are the first to try out new enjoy when the weather is cold out- The standard 4:30 p.m. text from side of rice pilaf every night. This foods, and both seem to have more side, or at a shul kiddush. Rochel: “What’s for dinner?” And the Naftali is an interesting chap when usual retort after I answer: “Why fleishig it comes to food choices. I can never again?” (not this week, of course). be sure what he is “in the mood for” The funny thing about Rochel is or what he will be willing to eat. But that she is a very picky eater, so it A tuna-fish sandwich won’t pass I can usually count on him to eat a really doesn’t matter whether we eat backup meal of a nice peanut-butter fleishig or milchig. Her food choices sandwich if he doesn’t like what is are just not logical. She will eat pizza, for supper during the week, offered. but not lasagna or baked ziti. I’ve My eldest daughter usually gravi- tried to explain that they are all real- but somehow for shalosh seudos tates around anything that involves ly made from the same basic ingredi- cheese. For her, the Nine Days cuisine ents, but that doesn’t seem to work. is a treat rather than a hardship. For She will eat peanut butter on white it’s permissible. the whole Lubin family, the Nine Days bread, but never rye, and she cannot food choices make us always available eat it without a cup of milk. She will to eat our favorite treat of ice cream eat dry cereal (only certain types, of for dessert! course) and she will drink milk, but evening (Sunday night), Rochel pre- adult tastes; for instance, they both May we merit to see in our day a she will never eat cereal and milk pared homemade pizza that actually “love” avocados—whereas the rest of time when the days leading up to and together in a bowl. satisfied three of the children: the Lubin crew are not interested in including the fast of Tishah B’Av are My husband is pretty interesting Rochel, Lea, and Naftali. Hubbie even trying them. changed from a time of mourning to a when it comes to food choices, as prepared shell noodles to perfection, Yussie is more a creature of habit. time of yom tov! O well. Usually dinner just isn’t satisfy- while I added the diced cucumbers, He enjoys pizza at almost any time of Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld & ing unless it’s fleishig. A tuna-fish tomatoes, tuna, and mayonnaise to day, but will request two pizza bagels Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst sandwich won’t pass for supper dur- complete the dish of pasta with tuna for his lunch bag every day. His din- with her husband Leonard and six children: Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and ing the week, but somehow for fish. A beautiful Nine Days Sunday- ners consist for the most part of Lea. She welcomes your questions and comments shalosh seudos it’s permissible. And night meal—the main dish and the pizza, pasta, fish sticks (the only type at [email protected].

28 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES ing point. It’s all coming to me. And in this world remains a gift, free to him even if I grant that you have done without expectation of anything in something for me, what have you done return, and his reward remains intact for me lately?” This attitude of entitle- in the World to Come. ment strains many relationships, and Therefore, this question is power- is one of the most difficult parts of our ful. If the Torah describes someone serving Hashem. as an enemy of Hashem, then The Chovos HaLevavos explains Hashem should simply act with strict that one of the realities of life is that justice, and charge him for all he a person isn’t entitled to anything. A received in this world; there would The Shmuz On person has to earn what he enjoys. be no reward left. Why does Hashem We are the recipients of much good, have to bother even rewarding him in not because we are entitled, not this world? The Parashah because anything is coming to us, but Why did Hashem create this because Hashem gives freely. world? The first, most basic, under- Hashem owes us nothing. standing that a person must come to if The Middah Of Rachamim pay him any reward at all, whether in In reality, we are deeply indebted to he wants to relate to Hashem is that BY R’ BEN TZION SHAFIER this world or the next? Why not simply Hashem for everything that He does Hashem lacks nothing. Hashem is destroy him? for us. If a person ever wanted to enter complete. When Hashem created this “And pays back His enemies, [each] To better understand this question, it into judgment with Hashem, compar- world, it wasn’t for Him. It was for us. to his face [i.e., in his lifetime] to will be helpful to focus our perspective. ing what Hashem has given to him ver- It was to give of His good to others. We destroy him.” are the recipients of that good. When —Devarim 7:10 Hashem put us on the planet, it was so Rashi explains this pasuk to mean that we could earn our reward in the that Hashem pays back His enemies in World to Come—the ultimate good for this world so that there will be nothing “Before I was created, what did I man. There we can enjoy Hashem’s owed to them in the World to Come, presence, there we can bask in His and then they can be destroyed. glory, and there we can enjoy the ulti- The Rishonim tell us that one of the do to merit being created?” By mate happiness that man can find. worst punishments a person can possi- There is nothing in it for Hashem. bly suffer is to be paid back his reward Hashem is the Giver. in this world. Since our stay on this definition, the answer is nothing. What happens when man veers planet is so fleeting, if a person is paid off course? Hashem also recognized the reward for his good deeds in this that man will likely veer off course world, rather than in the World to during his lifetime. According to Come, it is to his eternal misfortune Hashem owes us nothing. One of sus what he has given back to Hashem, strict judgment, man should then and is something that Hashem will the manifestations of the immature even the greatest tzaddik would fall immediately lose his lease on life. only do in retribution for wickedness. person is a sense of entitlement: “I am woefully short and would have no The King of Kings created you and This concept is difficult to under- entitled to every benefit under the sun. reward waiting for him. However, as told you not to do something, but you stand. If this person is an enemy of I am entitled to life, health, and well- long as a person lives in accordance Hashem, why does Hashem have to being. That is a given; that is the start- with the Torah, then what he receives Continued on Page 31

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 29 and rebellions—Moshe was to die and Shlomo and Ezra in Jerusalem), but be buried in the plains of Moab, and mysteriously hidden away in an undis- his disciple, Yehoshua, was to lead a closed place, where it remains intact to new generation of Jews into the this very day. Promised Land. But upon closer examination, Moshe’s prayer was at least partially answered. Moshe asked to cross over He did allow him to see and to see the Land; G-d refused the the Land. And because From The Chassidic Masters first part of the request and granted the second: “Ascend to the top of the Moshe saw it, and summit,” G-d said to Moshe, “…and Land And See see it with your eyes; for you shall not because the effect of cross this Jordan.” NNN everything Moshe did is “Don’t you see?” we insist when the incontestably real. Our Sages note that all of Moshe’s person we’re arguing with won’t rec- “Let me cross over,” Moshe achievements are eternal and everlast- everlasting, we, too, ognize the shining truth that’s staring implored G-d as the People of Israel ing. Moshe liberated us from slavery, can see it. us both in the face. “Oh, I see…” we camped on the eastern bank of the and from that moment we have been concede when yet another comfort- Jordan, “and let me see the good Land” inherently, irrevocably free; nations able fallacy is debunked. We may have (Devarim 3:24). But G-d refused. We may subjugate us physically, but no five senses with which to apprehend all know the tragic tale. Moshe, who force on earth can subdue the Jewish Chassidic teaching explains that our world, but somehow “I smelled it had taken the people out of Egypt; who soul. Moshe gave us the Torah, and this is the deeper reason why Moshe with my own nose” or even “I felt it had climbed Mount Sinai to receive never shall the Torah depart from was not allowed to enter the Land of with my own hands” doesn’t carry the the Torah for them and returned to Israel. Even the Mishkan, the “tempo- Israel. If Moshe had settled us in the authority of “I saw it with my own teach them the word of G-d; who for rary” Sanctuary built by Moshe in the Land, we could never have been exiled eyes.” What we “see”—whether liter- 40 years tended to their hungers and Midbar, was never destroyed (as were from it. If Moshe had built the Holy ally or figuratively—is unequivocally, thirsts, their doubts and complaints the permanent Divine abodes built by Temple, it could never have been destroyed. If Moshe had established the People of Israel in their homeland as a “light unto the nations,” that light could never have been dimmed. If Moshe had crossed the Jordan, that would have been the end—the end of the struggle, the end of history. G-d wasn’t ready for the end yet. So He decreed that Moshe remain in the Wilderness. But He did allow him to see the Land. And because Moshe saw it, and because the effect of everything Moshe did is everlasting, we, too, can see it. At all times, and under all conditions, we have the power to ascend a summit within us and see the Promised Land. No matter how distant the end-goal of creation may seem, we have the power to see its reality, to know its truth with absolute clarity and absolute conviction. We are still in the midst of the struggle. It is a difficult, often painful struggle; but it is not a blind struggle. Moshe has seen to that. O

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe; adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of Chabad.org. Find more Torah articles for the whole family at www.chabad.org/parshah.

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30 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES THE SHMUZ The answer to this dilemma can be Continued from Page 29 found by asking one revealing question: “Before I was created, what did had the audacity to violate His will! I do to merit being created?” By def- The punishment should be immedi- inition, the answer is nothing. I did- ate and severe. However, man will n’t exist; therefore, I couldn’t merit inevitably sin, so the world cannot anything. Once I come to grips with survive strict judgment. Therefore, that concept, I now have a starting Hashem created the world with the point to understand my relationship system of rachamim. Now when man with Hashem. fails, the middah of rachamim calls I am the recipient of good, not out to forgive him and overlook what because I am entitled, not because it he has done. According to strict judg- is coming to me, but because ment, of course, he is completely Hashem gives freely, without holding guilty. But rachamim says, “There back and without expecting anything were mitigating factors that influ- in return. enced him—environmental, social, As I stand here today, I may have and personal factors.” And so, sullied myself, and I am therefore Hashem has mercy. not deserving of anything from The attribute of mercy is so power- Hashem; but very little has changed ful that it comes into play even with since my birth. Before I was created, someone whom the Torah calls an I wasn’t worthy of anything. Yet enemy of Hashem and who deserves to Hashem created me because He is be eliminated. The middah still calls giving. So too, now, I am surely not out in his defense. For that reason, deserving, but I can trust in the kind- Hashem feels obligated, if it could be, liness of Hashem to have mercy and to at least pay back this wicked person provide for me. Much like a rebel- in this world—as if to say, “Pay him lious child who knows that his father back for whatever good he did, so that will always love him and that he can I can be rid of him.” always turn to him, so too we are What right do I have to ask called children of Hashem. We can Hashem for anything? Many times a always rely on that mercy. person may feel, “What right do I For that reason, provided that we have to ask Hashem for help? After follow the Torah’s system and sincere- everything that Hashem has show- ly attempt to serve Hashem and ered upon me, do I serve Him as I improve ourselves, we can always rely should? Most of the time, I don’t on Hashem, even if it is true that we even feel grateful for what was given aren’t deserving. O to me. How can I now have the The Shmuz, a life-changing mussar shiur, is audacity to ask Hashem to intervene available online at www.TheShmuz.com or on on my behalf?” Kol HaLashon at 718-906-6400 (press 1,4,1).

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 31 Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

B Y YAEL Gan-Ohr resident Rivka once ran EHRENPREIS MEYER her community’s gemach, the regional headquarters for distribution of pro- It is three days until Shavuot, and duce donated by Gush Katif’s agricul- all is quiet on the streets of Nitzan. tural producers to feed Israel’s poor. Silence and emptiness are shattered Today Rivka still runs the gemach. abruptly as an immense truck She is still surrounded by her one- appears. A bearded man emerges time neighbors from Gush Katif. But A member of a former Gush Katif community takes trays of eggs for yom tov during the from the truck. A smiling woman she no longer lives in a flourishing Shavuot 2009 food distribution campaign in Nitzan. materializes from the adjacent cara- town on the Gaza coast, and her van. The two exchange a few words. neighbors no longer contribute their Then both disappear. crops. Instead, those same Yad Ezra Disengagement Timeline: 2005 Suddenly, signs of life can be seen drivers who once collected from the amidst this small town on Israel’s region’s farmers now donate to them Midnight of August 14. Official September 1, prior to the reburial of southern coast. Men stride rapidly, instead, delivering produce weekly, deadline for Jewish residency in 15 in the cemetery of the Mount of women lug children in tow, and in partnership with the National Gaza; it becomes illegal for Jews to Olives. teenagers amble along, all stopping Council of Young Israel, dispatching live in Gaza. September 1. With the demolition as one behind the box-filled truck. huge trucks filled with food before August 15–16. A 48-hour “grace of the last house in Neve Dekalim, the Acting in tandem, a choreographed major Jewish holidays. period” for Jews to pack up and leave demolition of all the evacuated settle- composition performed many times “My husband and I made aliyah from Gaza (if they have not yet done so). ments is completed, with a total of before, each one plays his part: men Chicago in 1980. Four years later we August 17. Forced evacuations of 2,530 homes demolished in Gush Katif stand ready to catch boxes heaved moved to Gush Katif. Twenty-one years Jewish residents of Gaza by police and 270 in northern Samaria. from above; the women have gone later, we were expelled from our and soldiers begins. September 11. The IDF holds inside, where their voices can be homes… It feels like a punishment for August 22. The last Jews are evac- an official ceremony in the now heard: “How many per bag? How something we didn’t do. Even if we uated from Gaza. abandoned settlement of Neve many for each family?” finally get a place to build, we have no August 24. Evacuation of all 21 Dekalim, closing the Gaza division “I used to drive down to Gush Katif, money to build it with—without a Jewish settlements in Gaza and 4 set- headquarters, and the last Israeli where each farmer would give me boxes salary, all our savings have been used to tlements in the northern Shomron is soldier leaves Gaza the next morn- of produce to distribute to Israel’s needy. feed our children.” complete. ing, September 12. The settle- Today, I drive down to Nitzan—and I —Lisa, former Gan-Ohr resident August 28. Beginning of removal ments’ 19 synagogues are left give those same farmers boxes we have The system works like clockwork. of the 48 bodies in the Gush Katif intact. All 19 would later be dese- collected for them. And so the givers The trucks pull up, with their thou- cemetery for reburial; an honorary crated by the region’s incoming have now been forced to receive…” sands of pounds of fruits and vegeta- funeral was held in Jerusalem on Palestinian population. —Yossi, a Yad Ezra driver bles, hundreds of egg trays, cases of

32 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES mission came to spend Shabbos with those who even then continued to hope for a miracle. It was the begin- Gush Katif ning of a beautiful friendship between NCYI and these ba’alei Agriculture emunah and bitachon, one that has been compelled to outlast the very In Gush Katif’s unique hothouses, homes of those new friends. advanced technology was used to In those first autumn weeks after grow bug-free leafy vegetables and the evacuation, as families faced herbs which answered to the strictest Rosh Hashanah and Sukkos strand- health, aesthetic, and religious ed in cramped hotel rooms, 10,000 requirements. Most of the chemical- boxes of clothing arrived in Israel, free organic agricultural products the result of a massive clothing drive were exported to Europe. In addition, coordinated by NCYI. With the the community of Atzmona had onset of winter came Chanukah— Israel’s largest plant nursery, and the along with a new watch for every Katif dairy, with 800 cows, was the child. Adar followed, and NCYI pro- second largest in Israel. vided costumes for each child, a bit The total sum of exports from the (L–R): Yossi and Shalom of the Yad Ezra team. of simcha to make every family smile greenhouses of Gush Katif came to on Purim day. $200 million per year and made up drinks, and boxes of snacks, along with even as cars arrive from as close as “Even growing up in Wisconsin, I 15 percent of the agricultural the Shavuot specialties—15,000 bot- S’derot and as far as the Golan. knew that I would someday make exports of the State of Israel. tles of regular milk and chocolate milk, One resident said, “After Yom aliyah. Years later, my husband, and I The combined assets in Gush 5,000 yogurts, 10,000 containers of Kippur, I asked myself: How will I feed came to Israel, to Gush Katif. We found Katif were estimated at $23 billion. cheeses, 5,000 puddings, and more… my children this Sukkot? It was the our home… Even the constant attacks Of Israel’s total exports abroad, Rivka immediately sends out the middle of the afternoon. My sons and I could not drive us away, for we felt a Gush Katif exported: call to her volunteers. All rush to put on tefillin, and we davened strong sense of purpose: we were • 95% of the bug-free lettuce unload, stack, sort, and bag the Minchah as though it were Yom Kippur reclaiming our land. And how green we and greens; thousands of food items for pickup. again, crying and pleading: ‘Hashem, made it! The land blossomed with us • 70% of the organic vegetables; It is a rare opportunity for these we did our part; now You do Yours.’ We and we blossomed with our land…” • 60% of the cherry tomatoes; once self-sufficient individuals to finished our tefillot…and the tele- —Rachel, a former Neve Dekalim and feel that they are on the giving, phone rang. It was Rivka: ‘There are resident • 60% of geraniums to Europe. rather than the receiving, end. Once boxes of food waiting for you…’” Gush Katif was once home to the packages are ready, the next This well-ordered system of giving, 9,000 Jews, a kibbutz galuyos of stage is put in gear: Always sensitive and the relationship it reflects native Israelis and olim, Torah schol- to maintaining the dignity of her between the National Council of ars and teachers, agricultural experts WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? neighbors, Rivka calls only a few Young Israel (NCYI) and the Gush and former city-dwellers. Much of E-MAIL US AT families at a time, saying: “Your food Katif communities, began four years this region of Eretz Yisrael was about is here.” As one shift leaves, the next ago. Disengagement loomed on the [email protected] arrives, ensuring that order reigns, horizon. A 50-person Young Israel Continued on Page 34

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 33 Where Have They Gone? Continued from Page 33 farming: the famous “Gush Katif lettuce,” other bug-free leafy vegetables, the nation’s largest plant nursery and second-largest dairy, and two-thirds of Israel’s exported cherry tomatoes, organic vegetables, and geraniums. But there were also shops and schools, administrators and avre- ichim. “Torah v’Avodah,” a life cen- tered on religious observance combined with working the land of Israel and making it grow, stood firm as the mandate of Gush Katif. But then came the decision of the Israeli government to “disengage” from Gush Katif. Its residents protested and prayed for a reversal of the decree. But all Julia, of the former Gush Katif town of Nisanit, holding the daughter of the author, Yael Meyer. One of the many Bnei Menashe Jews who had too soon it was August 15, 2005—three The fruits and vegetables were distributed by the gemach for Shavuot. settled in Gush Katif upon immigrating to days after Tishah B’Av, with its legacy of Israel. Seated (wearing kerchief), the author tragedy for the Jewish people. We interviews a former resident of Gush Katif. watched, spellbound, tears streaming, as the floor. The family was still dealing savings left with which to reconstruct At left is Rabbi Pesach Lerner of NCYI. Israeli soldiers entered the 25 Jewish set- with this loss when the day came…the their homes—and their lives. tlements: We watched as small children soldiers came…and the home they had N N N cruelly strict standards used to define looked into the eyes of soldiers there to built and loved was no more. It was 2007—two years since that reimbursement. take them from their homes and begged The government promised “a solu- Disengagement. The evacuation itself, “Even the few farmers who did receive to be allowed to stay; as soldiers and res- tion for every resident.” They guaran- along with the thousands whose lives new land faced continued obstacles. “We idents joined together to daven, eat, and teed that homes and farms and lives were overturned, had faded from the had developed a high degree of expertise sing one last time; as grown men wept in would be built anew. But those prom- headlines. Most members of the glob- with our specific land conditions,” bidding farewell to the homes they had ises proved less steadfast than the sand al Jewish community assumed that explained Rachel. “It is hard to start built, the farms they had cultivated, and dunes on which the world of Gush having received the promised financial again—especially since we have to learn the gardens they had planted; as mothers Katif once stood. Families were initial- redress for their losses, the Gush Katif a whole new terrain. Besides, we’ve carried the children they had raised from ly placed in hotels “temporarily”— evacuees had rebuilt their homes, already lost much of our market share; in the homes in which they raised them. actually for months. Then groups were farms, and communities in new loca- the years since the expulsion, our agricul- Julia was once a happy wife and settled in caravillas—a fancy name for tions. Few knew the truth: Most fami- tural niche has been filled by others.” mother, living in the Gush Katif town a trailer. Their lives remained “on lies indeed received “compensation,” a In the summer of 2007, Rabbi Pesach of Nisanit. Tragedy struck when Julia’s hold” as they waited for land on which monetary value set by the government Lerner, executive vice-president of the daughter came home from school one to build, hoping that by the time that as reimbursement for the loss of each day—to find her father collapsed on day came, they would still have some home. But they decry the arbitrary and Continued on Page 36

34 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 35 Where Have They Gone? them to me?” Continued from Page 34 “Why don’t you give me a check instead—and I’ll make sure Nitzan’s Cost Of The National Council of Young Israel, and families have food this Pesach.” Yossi Goldberger of Yad Ezra, decided to Yad Ezra drew on its expertise in combine the resources of their organiza- providing mass-quantity food deliver- Disengagement tions to help the families of Gush Katif. ies to those in need. Meanwhile, Rabbi Young Israel has played an active role in Lerner advertised the 2007 Sukkos The Disengagement from the Gaza the Gush Katif Cemetery, including helping the Jews of Eretz Yisrael for over campaign. And Eugen and Jean Gluck Strip and the northern Shomron was those of six residents murdered by 60 years. Yad Ezra, established in the of Forest Hills, New York, known for estimated to incur the following per- terrorists. 1950s by the tzaddik Reb Asher Freund, their unceasing generosity to those in sonal and financial costs: • A $2 billion cost to the Israeli zt’l, shares that historic commitment to need, were among the first to come • Loss of homes for 1,700 fami- government, about 3.5 percent of the supporting the greater k’lal. A partner- forward for the cause. That Sukkos, lies, or about 8,000 people. A large 2005 state budget of about $59 bil- ship was established between the two every family received fish, chicken, proportion of the residents originally lion. This is equivalent to about half organizations, as Pesach Lerner and Yossi meat, canned goods, drinks, and chil- came as young couples and left with the country's annual health budget, Goldberger became a team, united in dren’s treats galore. Six months later, three generations of their families or approximately one third of the their passion to bring relief and joy to the the trucks were back, delivering she- having grown up in the area. budget for education. This includes: abandoned evacuees of Gush Katif. murah matzah, wine, and a plethora of • The closing of 42 day-care cen- • $1 billion to relocate families. You answer the phone. It is Yossi other Pesach products. ters, 36 kindergartens, 7 elementary • $500 million spent by the IDF Goldberger: “I need you to invite two “One man approached me after schools, and 3 high schools. to remove military bases and equip- families for yom tov,” comes his Sukkot. ‘I want to say thank you for the • The need to find new schools for ment from the Gaza Strip. request. What Jew would turn down Coca-Cola you gave us… You see, when 5,000 schoolchildren. • $25 million for the demolition families in need for chag? Your answer: you’re out of a job, the first thing you • The loss of 38 synagogues. and removal of rubble from some “Of course. Where are they from?” give up is soda. But when I put that bot- • Loss of livelihood to 700 Israeli 3,000 homes and public buildings. “They live in Israel,” comes Yossi’s reply. tle on our holiday table, my five-year-old farmers and small-business owners. Source: The Israel Ministry of “In Israel? But I live in Brooklyn (or gazed up at me with a look of respect I • The exhumation of 48 graves in Foreign Affairs Monsey, Baltimore, Teaneck, L.A., have not seen for a long time. ‘Abba,’ he Chicago, Detroit…). How will you get said, beaming, you found a job?’” —Shalom, a Yad Ezra driver That was the beginning. There have been six pre-holiday deliveries since then, each one capitalizing on the cooperative teamwork of donors and drivers, friends and facilitators, those who give generous- ly and those who gratefully receive. Rabbi Lerner and Yossi Goldberger are two men on a mission, driven by the firm belief that they are fulfilling an obligation on behalf of the nation. And Rivka…no one has enough words for the tzadikah of Nitzan, the one-woman provider of food and hope to a community desperately in need of both. “When I bring food to the Gush Katif communities, I see the light and life restored to their eyes. I am reminded how uncertain life is—we think we have everything but it can all be lost in a moment,” says Yossi Goldberger. With little land, widespread unemployment, and the pressure to save towards a future home, these families can no longer afford to give their children even the essentials. “How long can I tell my children, ‘No, you can’t have that; no, I can’t buy that for you?’” one father cried. Indeed, parents here face the agonizing situation of having to constantly tell their children no: “No, we cannot buy or even eat as we once did.” Even the children seem to have been hit hard by the vicissitudes of life; they no longer find much reason to smile. Until those gigantic white vehi- cles turn off the highway… “When the trucks come, my little girl smiles. For that truck means she can finally have a “Buddy,” one of those chocolate yogurts I used to buy for her, back when she still had a home… For us adults, it is not just the food but the people behind it. We are reminded that there are still some good people, who think of us and want to help. It warms our hearts, giving us grown-ups a reason to smile, too.” —Dalia, former Elei Sinai resident There is much to mourn in the destruction of the 25 towns in which Jews once lived. We mourn the loss of their homes and jobs, their schools and shuls. Families devastated and a world destroyed. People who had con- stancy and community who now live in limbo. Once-proud farmers forever 36 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES transformed by their reversal of for- tunes. We can indeed mourn. But we can also rebuild their pride and self- respect. We can give them a reason to hope and an opportunity to rejoice. We can invite them to “join us” each time we make a simcha, by ensuring that when we celebrate our bar mitzvahs and weddings, they too can celebrate their family milestones. And three times a year, we can celebrate our yomim tovim together with our fellow Jews, the men and women who once lived in Gush Katif. “The destruction of Gush Katif affects all of Am Yisrael; it is a jewel missing from the crown of Eretz Yisrael. That’s why it is so beautiful that Jews have found this way to help us—by making our chagim more special, they become a part of us too. My children’s dream became a nightmare. But with the help of Hashem—and organizations like Young Israel and Yad Ezra—it is becoming a dream again… —Liat, a former Shirat HaYam resident The Sukkos 2009 Distribution Campaign. Four years…four years of families struggling to rebuild their lives, struggling to rise above their loss—of the past they knew and the future they anticipated for themselves and for their children. Four years of seeing hope rise and fall… “This Shavuot, I called Rabbi Lerner and Yossi Goldberger,” says Rivka. “‘Will there be a food distribution this yom tov?’ They had no answer. They did not know yet if funds would suffice to bring a delivery this time. I pleaded, ‘Please, bring your trucks. Bring your food. Bring your hope. For without you, there will simply be no holiday here at all.’” Now, Sukkos 2009 is approaching— and that means a seven-day holiday challenge for the 1,800 Gush Katif families struggling to survive from day to day. These families need your help: to provide food for their yom tov tables, wine for kiddush, and treats to give their children—giving them a reason to celebrate a festival of joy. The Sukkos distribution campaign, led by the National Council of Young Israel in conjunction with the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel and Yad Ezra, is now under way. Fill these homes with food and festivity—and with the comfort of knowing that our entire nation is united as one with our fellow Jews of Gush Katif. To donate in the U.S., contact Young Israel Charities, National Council of Young Israel, 111 John Street, Suite 450, New York, NY 10038 (Tel. 212- 929-1525). In Israel, contact the Council of Young Israel Rabbis in Israel, 58 King George Street, Jerusalem 91371 (Tel. 02-625-4983, ext. 111). You can also donate on the web at www.YoungIsrael.org; click “Donate” and choose “Gush Katif-Shalosh Regalim Campaign” for your donation. And the next time you’re in Israel, visit the families of Nitzan. Show them you care—and see for yourself just how easy it is to make a child smile! To arrange a visit, contact Rabbi Pesach Lerner at 212-929- 1525 or [email protected]. O

Gush Katif coverage continues on Page 48 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 37 38 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

AskBY WARREN The LEVISensei

August Events Judaism, while being profoundly timely Stretching • Overstretching. At Chabad Of The Five Towns and relevant. This lecture is dedicated Dear Sensei Warren, You should stretch slowly, and grad- Chabad of the Five Towns is located in memory of R’ Hillel ben Dovid, father Q. I have noticed that karate class- ually move to a greater range of at 74 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst. To of Faivish Pewzner. This evening will es often incorporate stretching exer- motion. As you hold the stretch, the learn more or to register for an event, commemorate the sheloshim, thirty days cises. I attend stretching classes for muscles will become accustomed to call 516-295-2478 or visit since R’ Hillel’s passing. relaxation purposes. What are the the new length and begin to relax. You www.chabad5towns.com. Farbrengen for Men: 20th of Av. physical benefits of stretching? should stretch to tension, not pain, Bagel Babies Sign Up. August 3, August 10, 8:15 p.m. In honor of the A. When done properly, stretching while breathing normally. As a general 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.. Sign up for passing of R’ Levi Yitzchak, father of can do more than just increase mental rule, stretching exercises should be Chabad’s Mommy & Me program for the Rebbe, ob”m. and physical relaxation. Some of the done in the following order: back; children ages 12-36 months. Once a Birthday Shabbat for children who benefits include: sides; buttocks; calves; hamstring; and week, mothers and children spend a celebrate their birthday in Elul. August • Enhanced flexibility, which is quadriceps. O quality hour together and socialize 15, after morning services. Meet at especially important for improving with friends. Space is limited. Bagel Chabad to celebrate your special day your range of movement; Sensei Warren Levi has been teaching martial Babies Session 1 runs from November with friends, family, and cake. • Enhanced ability to perform arts to children and adults for over 15 years and 2, 2009-January 11, 2010. The 10 Friendship Circle Summer Camp. holds a fifth-degree black belt in shotokan skilled movements; karate. He has a bachelor’s degree in physical week session has a fee of $120. For August 24-27, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. • Enhanced body awareness; education/exercise physiology. Sensei Warren more information, contact Hadassah An opportunity for children with spe- has held many seminars on subjects such as self- • Reduced risk of injury to joints, esteem in children and teens, behavior and dis- at [email protected]. cial needs ages 4 and up to socialize, muscles, and tendons; and cipline, praise vs. punishment, career motiva- The Mysterious Journey of the Lunar go on day trips, do arts and crafts, and tion, goal-setting, and self-defense. He can be • Reduced muscular soreness. reached at [email protected] or Soul: 15th of Av and its Empowering much more. Registration required. It is important to always stretch 516-569-0808. Message to Our Personal Lives. August The fee is $40 per day, per child, or properly. Some of the most common 4, 8:30 p.m. Join in an inspirational $150 for all four days, per child. Drop mistakes made during stretching are: At 5TJT.com lecture followed by a farbrengen gather- off and pick up at Chabad. To sign up, • Improper warm-up (The purpose ing as Rabbi Simon Jacobson, author of call 516-295-2478 ext. 13 or e-mail of warming up before exercising is to you can enjoy articles Toward a Meaningful Life and one of the [email protected]. O prepare the body for exercise by gradu- most sought after writers and speakers ally raising the heart rate, increasing in 3 ways: in the Jewish world today, speaks about Martial Arts-Inspired Hebrew circulation, and raising muscle tem- 1. Read Tu B’Av. Rabbi Jacobson has deeply Reading Curriculum At Chabad Of perature. This not only prepares the impacted diverse audiences with his The Five Towns Hebrew School muscles, but also mentally focuses you 2. Print keen insights into the human condition, In a day and age where everything is for your activity); applying Torah thought to contempo- about the economy or game gear, • Inadequate rest between exercis- 3. Email rary life, in a cutting edge voice that is es; and rooted in the timeless teachings of Continued on Page 40

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 39 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS the Chabad Hebrew School is all about, Continued from Page 39 please call Rabbi Meir at 516-295-2478 ext. 19, e-mail Rabbimeir@chabad Chabad Hebrew school is motivating 5towns.com, or visit www.fivetowns its children with good old fashioned hebrewschool.com. O martial arts. Chabad’s Aleph Champion Program is based on martial arts’ moti- 400 Attend Manhigut Yehudit “Get vational philosophy of color coded lev- Involved” Conference In NY els and testing and is changing the Manhigut Yehudit held its first-ever course of Hebrew reading with this North American “Get Involved” con- innovative, cutting edge system. ference in Manhattan on July 26 at the Although the program started a few New York Marriott hotel, drawing a years ago, this is the first time the chil- large crowd of over 400 with a com- dren will be able to set their own goals mon goal of bringing authentic Jewish and work hard to achieve them. leadership to the State of Israel. “The Aleph Champion program is Manhigut President Moshe Feiglin, fabulous!” raves a satisfied parent. who has run and plans to run again for “Its ability to let my daughter learn at Likud Chairman (which would then her own pace, however fast or slow make him the Likud candidate for (L–R): Nelson Behar of Cedarhurst that may be in a given week, is exact- will serve our students for the rest of Prime Minister of Israel), addressed with Shmuel Sackett at meeting dedicated in ly the type of learning environment their lives. And not only is it afford- the full house via video. Feiglin gave memory of Rabbi Meir Kahane. she needs.” able, it’s one of the safest investments an update on the political situation in Chabad Hebrew School strives to you can make in today’s economy.” Israel and also focused on how keep the curriculum fresh, fun, and “This is one of the many programs Benjamin Netanyahu—the so-called A film of the December campaign diverse by covering a wide range of we are proud to offer at Chabad,” says “right-wing” Prime Minister—is run- for the Likud’s Knesset list was shown. Jewish traditions, heritage, history, and Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, director, “Our ning away as fast as he can from his The film highlighted the fact that culture. The dynamic program edu- goal is to provide children with an own electorate into the arms of the Manhigut Yehudit’s message of cates, stimulates, and excites children early foundation and framework. We left. Mr. Feiglin gave everyone his “authentic Jewish leadership” for while offering practical relevance. seek to ignite a spark in each child to heartfelt thanks for attending and for Israel is clearly being picked up on by Chabad Hebrew School instructors lay claim to his or her Jewish heritage getting involved. all Likudniks. Feiglin finished in a bring the Jewish traditions to life and and commit him or her to a lifetime Mr. Feiglin further discussed how position from which he would have share their own love and passion for passion for Judaism.” the only solution for the State of Israel been in the Knesset were it not for Jewish life, so that students don’t just At Chabad of the Five Towns Hebrew is for it to be guided by Jewish princi- Netanyahu’s dubious wrangling to love to learn about Judaism—they School, families of all backgrounds and ples and Jewish values. No longer can push him down to an unrealistic spot learn to love Judaism! affiliations are made to feel welcome. Israel bear to be led by those who give on the Likud list after the election “Our goal extends beyond the basic No matter if you were raised Reform, lip-service to their Jewish roots while results were already tallied. This skills and knowledge students need in Conservative, or Orthodox, everyone is at the same time evicting Jews from demonstrated to Feiglin and all atten- preparation for their bar or bat mitz- one family at Chabad. Hebrew school their homes and insisting that Israeli dees that the people of Israel (as vahs,” says Rabbi Meir Geisinsky, prin- classes are held on Sundays, and are children not be taught anything in demonstrated by the fact that the cipal, “We create a solid foundation of offered for children aged 5-13. To school about their faith, their land, Likud is a microcosm of Israeli society) love for Jewish living and learning that schedule an appointment to see what and their history. are hungering for the new way pro-

40 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES posed by Manhigut Yehudit. It is only a this September, at both its downtown Barry Bressler, dean of undergradu- include: advanced auditing, financial matter of time. Manhattan location at 65 Broadway ate business at Touro, said that the mas- markets, ethics in the accounting pro- Also shown to the crowd was Moshe and at Touro’s Midwood campus at ter’s degree in accounting “promises to fession, accounting theory, the impact Feiglin’s video response to U.S. 1602 Avenue J in Brooklyn. continue the superlative education proof technology on accounting, and President Barack Obama’s Cairo The master’s program in account- vided by Touro College, as evidenced by managerial economics. Students will speech. In his remarks, Feiglin told ing is being administered by the the outstanding scores of Touro under- then have a choice of four of the fol- Obama that he should not mistake Graduate School of Business; howev- graduates on the CPA exam.” lowing six elective courses: interna- Netanyahu’s weakness to mean that the er, it is being offered at the Avenue J Recent performance data from the tional accounting, internship in Israeli people are just as weak. Feiglin campus as a convenience to those 2007 national CPA examination, accounting, advanced topics in taxa- further told him that by insisting that students living in Brooklyn and Bressler pointed out, indicates that tion, financial statement analysis, Israel divide itself, Obama is opposing Staten Island. Touro ranked first in the nation on the forensic accounting, and advanced the only peace plan that will work— The program was created as a result Regulation portion (Taxation and Law) issues in managerial accounting. namely the Divine peace plan. of New York State’s new guidelines of the CPA exam. In addition, 87 per- Touro College’s Graduate School of Shmuel Sackett, Manhigut that make it mandatory for those who cent of Touro students taking the exam Business’s exceptional practitioner-ori- Yehudit’s international director, host- take the Certified Public Accounting passed, a figure greater than any other ented faculty, high-tech business ed the event and also discussed “what (CPA) exam to have 30 additional institution in the United States. school center—and unparalleled loca- a strong and proud Jewish State credits on top of their undergraduate “In New York, more Touro College tion in the heart of Wall Street—posi- means to the world.” Rob Muchnick, credits in accounting, according to students passed all sections of the CPA tions it as an international, urban busi- Manhigut Yehudit’s U.S. director, Professor Dick Williams, program examination than students at any other ness school of choice. O spoke about “turning Israel from the director at the Graduate School of college in the state,” he said. “This con- state of Jews into the Jewish state” Business. As of August 1, 2009, New tinues a trend of more than a decade of HASC Alumni Day 2009 And and how to distribute the weekly York State will require candidates for Touro College CPA scores ranking Dedication English-language newsletter. Tova the CPA exam to have completed 150 among the very best in the country.” The faces seen around camp on Abady, Manhigut’s media spokesper- semester hours in lieu of the current “More and more of our graduates Sunday, July 5 might have looked son, discussed various strategies for 120-hour requirement. are seeking to become entrepre- new or unfamiliar to current staff, getting the message to the media, and “As the rules and regulations that neurs,” Dean Williams added, “and but needless to say, the faces sure Yocheved Seidman, Manhigut govern accounting have become more having an advanced degree in knew their way around camp. Over Yehudit’s new program director, dis- complex, New York has required more accounting will most definitely 100 staff alumni came together this cussed Manhigut’s new online tools training for CPA candidates,” said Dr. enhance their careers.” past Sunday for the Annual Alumni and how each attendee can help make Michael Williams, dean of the Touro Professor Charles Snow, who along Day & BBQ organized by the office the dream of authentic Jewish leader- College Graduate School of Business. with Professor Gary Kleinman will be of alumni affairs. ship for Israel into a reality. “This program will ensure that our teaching in the master’s program, said Alumni enjoyed an afternoon of The attendees left the conference graduates will be well-prepared for the the new program is essential for stu- walking down memory lane through updated, informed, ready and com- demanding CPA exam and a promising dents today because accounting has camp, seeing old campers, catching up pletely energized to turn the “state of career in the field of accounting.” undergone many changes in the last with each other’s lives and either par- the Jews” into the Jewish State. O Currently, Touro offers bachelor’s 30 years and continues to evolve. He ticipating or watching the alumni vs. degrees in accounting and other busi- pointed to continuous changes in tax counselor/camper baseball game. Touro To Offer M.S. In Accounting ness degrees at its undergraduate cam- law and regulation; new technologies; Following the baseball game, alumni Touro College’s Graduate School of puses, he said, adding that the new and the way in which the U.S. does enjoyed a sumptuous BBQ and time to Business will, for the first time, offer a master’s program will allow students to business overseas. master of science degree in accounting continue their education at Touro. The courses in the program Continued on Page 42

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 41 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Shlomo Stern; Camp HASC director Continued from Page 41 Mr. Shmuel Kahn; and boys’ head counselor Avi Pollak, along with cam- catch up with one another. paign chair Josh Salmon and Stevie’s Save the date for Alumni Day 2010 former counselor, Aaron Fleksher. when the staff time capsule from 2000 The Stevie Newman Sensory Room will be opened! is a multisensory environment devel- On the same clear and cloudless oped to provide a relaxing yet stimu- sky, with music being played in the lating recreational experience for the background, over 90 family and campers (the staff loves it, too!). friends of Susan and Danny Newman, Entering the room is like entering former co-campers of Stevie Newman, another world. The lights, the aromas, a’h, and Camp HASC staff began fill- the sounds…the entire environment ing the chairs on the basketball court caters to the special needs of HASC to officially dedicate and open the campers, bringing them a variety of Steven Newman Music and Sensory sensations that would otherwise be Program for the campers of HASC. unavailable to them, with each The music and sensory program is camper responding in his or her own dedicated in memory of long time way. The “higher functioning” HASC camper, Steven “Stevie” campers can engage in cause and Neman, a’h, who passed away sudden- (L-R) Danny, Susan, & D.J. Newman standing outside the newly dedicated effect play by manipulating the equip- ly last summer at camp. Steven Newman Music and Sensory Program. ment to change the speed, colors, and Following Stevie’s untimely death, sounds of the displays. Visual tracking former staff member Joshua Salmon, skills can be worked on by following a along with fellow HASC staff alumni, for all the campers of HASC. over $100,000. light display around a circle or follow- decided to start a campaign to create Through much determination and The morning was highlighted with ing bubbles up a bubble tube. the Steven Newman Music and hard work from the alumni and moving memories from Stevie’s mother, Vocalizations can be encouraged Sensory Program, in Stevie’s memory, Newman family, the campaign raised Susan; HASC executive director Rabbi through the use of the sound and light wall. A tactile response panel allows the children to make music, while fiber optic displays provide a sensory experience unlike any these children have ever known. Campers in wheel- chairs sit up a little straighter or stretch themselves out in a suspended leaf chair or inside a ball bath, campers with visual impairments open their eyes a little wider, campers with tactile defensiveness become a little more trusting, and campers with res- piratory issues breathe a little easier in the room. In fact, following a recent activity session in the sensory room, one staff member joked, “I hope I did- n’t lose any of my olam haba (reward in the ‘next world’), because I think I just got a taste of it down here.” The dedication ended with a ribbon cutting by Stevie’s parents Susan and Danny and brother, D.J. to the building which is now The Steven Newman Music and Sensory Program. O

Another Succesful Event Of Rivkah Laufer Bikur Cholim Rivkah Laufer Bikur Cholim, a group of volunteers with courage, generosity, and heart, recently celebrated its 44th anniversary at its annual luncheon at Terrace on the Park in Queens. With over 400 participants in attendance, this dedicated group reaf- firmed its commitment to the sick and ailing and recommitted itself to per- petuating the mission of its namesake, the late Rivkah Laufer. As a warming sunlight filled the ballroom of Terrace on the Park, the

42 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES intergenerational crowd was a testa- ful assemblage, I crown you as our ment to the growth, vitality, and queen and Freddy as our king… Yasher warmth of spirit that has permeated Kochachem for your lev tov and gen- this special group since its inception. erosity. Having benefited thousands over the “Shoshana Hikind, woman of the past four decades, Rivkah Laufer Bikur year, and her husband Dov Hikind, Cholim continues its never-ending assemblyman of Brooklyn. Who does struggle to aid the sick and the needy, not know the name? Hikind is almost the young and the old, and it does so a household word. Shani Hikind was with a humanity and professionalism singlehandedly responsible for a huge that garners testimonials of praise success at the Jerusalem Reclamation from helpers and helped alike. Dinner. She has the power that what- Whether commendations come from ever she undertakes she does success- hospital chiefs or from indigent fully. So now Shani, I’m crowning you patients, the efforts of the volunteers as the Shomeret Yisrael. We thank you of Rivkah Laufer Bikur Cholim have for your gracious support. become legendary. “Acharon Acharon Chaviv… Last This year, MC Esther Weinberger (L–R): Fran Laufer, Shani Hikind, Annie and Fred Frenkel, Rabbi Dr. and Mrs. Lisa Abittan, but not least, our prestigious Rivkah opened up the program introducing Lorraine Nelson, Sara Teicher, and Pearl Pinter. Laufer Bikur Cholim Award is being Rabbi Jonathan Morgenstern to lead presented to Rabbi Dr. Chaim Abittan Tehillim. She then introduced the and to his wife, Lisa. Dr. Abittan is a founding president, Fran Laufer, who you. Let me extend a yasher koach to deeds and her maalot tovot are inde- well-known gastroenterologist who addressed the audience and distin- all those women and men that attend scribable. The rabbis would say about truly deserves this prestigious honor. guished honorees: Ann and Fred this event each and every year. I’d like our dear Gitty “Hi lo meit,” she did His healing is above and beyond the Frenkel as Guests of Honor, Mrs. to mention several women as role not die, because her memory will live required medical practice as well as Shoshana Hikind as Woman of the models, representing those yearly on forever. Thank you Fayge for all his involvement in Bikur Cholim at Year, Dr. Chaim Abittan as Doctor of attendees. In addition they also your kind generosity. St. Francis Hospital. Dr. Chaim the Year, and a memorial to Gitty involve their children in this tremen- “Sam Brach, a”h, my dear Miriam Abittan and his brother, Dr. Myer Weisman, a”h, and Sam Brach, a”h. dous act of chesed. Jean Gluck, Sara and family, as I recall Sam Brach, a Abittan, who was honored several “Distinguished honorees, executive Teicher, Regina Peterseil, my daugh- smart entrepreneur, a trendsetter in years ago by Rivkah Laufer Bikur committee, family, and friends. ters, Lottie, Suzie, and Gayle, who the kosher market industry. His ezer Cholim, and is also present here Hazor’im b’dimah b’rinah yiktzoru: We involve their children, my grandchil- kinegdo, my dear friend Miriam and today. Their commitment and midot planted with tears and uncertainty. dren. To each and every one of you I’d the children have helped to pave the tovot, have been inspired by their Who believed that in this economy I like to extend a big yasher koach for Brach’s name in the highest level of sainted father, a”h and their dear would be standing before you and your great generosity… entrepreneurship. The Brachs support mother, Ida Abittan. quoting “b’rinah yiktzoru” and gather “It is with a feeling of sadness that for many charities, including our bikur “Sorry that Miriam Lubling the with a song. Looking around seeing I’d like to express my sympathy to cholim has been known… mama of bikur cholims could not be this beautiful turnout of such elegant- you, Fayge Marmelstein, and your “Annie Frankel, when you said yes to here today. Her acts of chesed are leg- ly dressed women and men who came entire family as well as hundreds of accept our Guest of Honor award, you endary. Pearl Pinter, secretary and to pay tribute to our distinguished and friends who expressed their deepest gave me wings. Therefore, my dear beloved honorees. Welcome to all of sorrow… Gitty Weisman, a”h—her Annie, in the presence of this wonder- Continued on Page 44

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 43 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 43

treasurer, a most devoted daughter of Rivkah Laufer. Her deeds are unbelievable. In her words the success we have today was much needed due to the current economic crisis, since so many more people need our help. “The success of this luncheon would not have been possible without my hard working partner, Sara Teicher and the great Rosanne Rosenthal. Many thanks to the Queens chapter president, Lorraine Nelson, for her ongoing dedication, she is there for whoever and whatever one needs all year long. “My blessing to all our distinguished honorees and all you gathered here today for your support and generosity. I wish you good health, arichas yomim, kol tov and have a great summer. May G-d bless you all.” O

Kitchen Equipment Headed To NYS Yeshivos The federal stimulus bill will be helping stimulate some appetites—and helping alleviate the economic crunch—in 74 New York State yeshiva sites in coming months. Nearly a sixth of $6 million the state will be receiving for “equipment assistance” to elementary and secondary public and nonpublic schools will assist yeshivos. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)—the stimulus bill— included a one-time appropri- ation of $100 million for equipment assistance to public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools across the nation currently partici- pating in the National School Lunch Program. According to the ARRA, states were required to distribute these funds through a competitive grant process based on the need for equipment assistance, with priori- ty given to schools where 50% or more of the student body is eligible for free and reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Act. Eligible schools filed requests for food service equipment like “prep tables,” cooking equipment, refriger- ation units, mixers, slicers, food processors, hot/cold holding equipment, and dish- washing equipment, among others, in the range of $2,000 to $20,000 per school. Memoranda and newslet- ters from Agudath Israel of America’s Division of Yeshiva Services notified yeshivos throughout New York State and across the country about the grant and the application 44 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Continued from Page 44 process for qualifying to receive equipment. The New York State Education Department, which is administering the grant, received approximately 1,400 application requests but was only able to award grants to 493 schools. Those schools will be notified by the State Education Department that they will be receiving part or all of their requests. The 74 New York yeshiva sites will, in aggregate, receive $980,380 from the funding the state received from the federal government. Mrs. Deborah Zachai, Agudath Israel’s Director of Education Affairs, called the development “extremely welcome news for yeshivos in these difficult economic times.” “The equipment purchased under this grant,” she continued, “should help make food production in yeshivos more efficient and allow service to run more smoothly.” “It should also,” she added, “improve the quality of the food, something the students will surely appreciate.” O

21st Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale, August 5–6 The Cedarhurst BID has announced that the 21st Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, August 5, 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. and Thursday, August 6, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Rain date is Friday, August 7, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.). The sale provides a unique opportunity for merchants to showcase their products and services outdoors. Over 60 businesses and restaurants and many thousands of shoppers are expected to participate. It is a not-to- be-missed shopping ritual for local residents and visitors alike! For more information about the Cedarhurst Summer Sidewalk Sale, please contact Ava Gold Ziegler, executive director, at info@shopcedarhurst .com. O

Lots Of Simcha At Day Camp Summer is here once again, and that means fun, fun, and more fun at Simcha Day Camp. Camp Simcha is back again, bigger and better than ever. Swimming, learning, leagues, sports, carnivals, and fantastic trips are just a part of what makes SDC so unique. Simcha has new division heads, Rabbi Sudwerts, Rabbi Hulkower, and Eliezer Fuld. In addition to their roles as division heads, Rabbu Hulkower serves as learning director, and Eliezer (Zezy) Fuld is head of leagues. Only in Simcha Day Camp do you see boys so eager to learn during the summer. Where else do you see boys clamoring to join the masmidim program, which involves extra learning? In preparation for Tishah B’Av, Simcha was zocheh to host the rosh hayeshiva, HaRav Yaakov Bender, who came and inspired the campers and staff members with divrei chizuk and hisorirus. In addition to learning, under the guidance of Zezy Fuld, the campers

Continued on Page 46 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 45 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Rudansky, and Chezky Rothman. In the Continued from Page 45 Gourmet Glatt league the winner was B32, Levi’s Lions, and the MVP was have been very involved in raising Yechezkel Feivelson. The sportsman- money for Chai Lifeline. Simcha Day ship trophies went to Pacey Goldberg, Camp’s relationship with Camp Eli Biderman, and Eli Dachs. Simcha goes well beyond the similar Congratulations to all, keep up the names. SDC has had some campers good work, and much thanks to all of and staff members participate in vari- the sponsors. O ous capacities in Chai Lifeline and in Camp Simcha, their summer program. RCA Response To Recent News Last year SDC raised over $35,000, The Rabbinical Council of America and this year they are on track to sur- expresses its deep dismay over the pass that milestone. recent charges brought by the United One of the most anticipated activi- States Attorney General against ties in Simcha Day Camp is leagues numerous individuals, including sever- with great league commissioners—Jeff al prominent rabbis. We are appalled Thurm for the Shnitzel Time league, at the allegations which, if true, violate Chezky Wasser for the Emporio Suits the letter and the spirit of Jewish law, league, and Akiva Ratner for the decency, good citizenship, and the Gourmet Glatt league. Obviously, norms of our great society. nothing can be been done without ly well. In the Shnitzel Time league the Leff B71. In the Emporio Suits league Jewish law has always emphasized great coaches and fantastic campers winner was the Bell Boy Bombers. The the winner was Team 8, The Classic the importance of observing and who display great sportsmanship and MVP was Yaakov Buff and the sports- Collection Cardinals, the MVP, Yehuda respecting the laws of the land. They are play their hearts out. manship trophies went to Akiva Katz Levine. The sportsmanship trophies essential for our shared well-being. No The first month of leagues went real- B71, Shuey Dachs B51, and Doniel went to Binyominin Bortz B45, Yosef individual stands above the law. If a cit- izen violates the law then he must be subject to the penalties imposed by the legal system of our great country. Nonetheless, we must all keep in mind that those accused are entitled to a pre- sumption of innocence and due process. Members of the Syrian Orthodox community have been particularly affected by these allegations, and the stereotypes that have arisen as a result in recent days. The RCA wishes to extend its support to the Syrian Jewish community and its rabbis. They are an

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46 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES to the riotous behavior, “declares that he doesn’t belong to our community.” How To Promote Baseless Hatred Insulting another is a grave violation of halachah, as is causing him physical BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN Sabbath’s honor (leave aside the way to fers from mental illness, or a caring harm. Destroying another’s property, bring non-observant Jews to appreciate mother wrongly accused. communal property, or, for that matter, Yes, yes, there is a media double the Jewish day of rest), there is much, What we can know, though, is that the one’s own property is also forbidden by standard when it comes to chareidi much work to be done to teach them reaction of some members of her com- the Torah. No exceptions have ever Jews. That’s nothing new. what Torah is and what it isn’t. munity and some other chareidim was been made in halachic codes for And so, when thousands of Iranians And, yes, yes, again, there are unan- horrible abuse of its own sort. To review instances where a government policy poured into Tehran’s streets in protest swered questions about the arrest of a or action is not to one’s liking. How of what they saw as a fraudulent pres- Chassidic mother of a long-hospital- ironic that the idealization of boorish- idential election, the press emphasis ized child on suspicion of having ness and destructiveness—most was not on the protesters who threw starved him. The media, quoting hos- Why did the police prominently embraced by the criminal rocks, set trash bins aflame, and van- pital authorities, said that the woman world and Hollywood—should have dalized public property. The focus, was suffering from a mental illness choose instead to slap managed to infiltrate the relatively rightly, was on the bulk of the crowd— that compels a person to invent or cre- insular chareidi world—a world that peaceful protesters of what they ate symptoms of illness, sometimes in handcuffs on the five- clearly stands for diametric ideals. believed to be a fraudulent election. another person, in order to garner At this time of the Jewish year, But when tens of thousands of medical attention. months-pregnant woman Judaism-conscious Jews are focused chareidim demonstrated in reaction to Moreover, the hospital video footage on the destruction of the Holy a decision by the Jerusalem municipal- that authorities claim show the moth- in public, in front of a Temples. The Second Temple, whose ity to open a public parking lot on the er removing the child’s feeding tube destruction led to our current exile, Jewish Sabbath (increasing traffic in twenty times has yet, at least at this summoned press? was destroyed, the Talmud teaches, the heart of the Holy City and disturb- writing, to be released. And why did “because of baseless hatred.” ing the peacefulness of the day of the hospital not act after the first tube The recent rioters in Jerusalem may rest), the main coverage was not of the removal? Or the tenth? well have believed their hatred to have overwhelming mass of the crowd— Why, further, if the woman is in fact in any detail even a sampling of the had ample basis. But, whatever their peacefully standing up for the sanctity mentally ill, was a simple restraining repulsive behavior in which some reli- rationalizations, their actions evoked of the Sabbath—but rather of the tiny order not obtained, barring her from gious Jews engaged would only increase disgust in Jews the world over, some of fraction of the crowd that…threw contact with the child? Why did the the desecration of G-d’s name it embod- whom, tragically, will generalize from rocks, set trash bins aflame, and van- police choose instead to slap hand- ied. There may well have been grounds the rioters’ bad example and bear ill dalized public property. cuffs on the five-months-pregnant for protest—and civil protest is a funda- will toward chareidim as a group. But that fraction of the crowd can- woman in public (and in front of a mental right in a democracy—but there And so, even if the violent protesters not be ignored by those of us who summoned press) and place her in a were no grounds for violence. None. believe that they are innocent of base- cringed at, and remain shamed by, its jail cell (with an accused spouse-killer, That judgment was made unequivo- less hatred, they should be made to ugly behavior. The rioters may have an Arab woman, as a cellmate)? cally by, among others, the head of the confront the fact that they are deeply been boys, but they were our boys. And None of us can know with certainty (anti-Zionist) Eidah Chareidis, the guilty of promoting it. O if boys of ours can imagine that acts of at this point the answers to those ques- renowned halachic authority Rabbi © 2009 Am Echad Resources. Rabbi Shafran is destruction and hooliganism are some- tions—or whether the woman at issue Moshe Sternbuch. “Anyone who com- director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of how the right way to stand up for the is a would-be murderess, one who suf- mits acts of violence,” he wrote, referring America.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 47 the funds. The families who have made this Fourth Anniversary Of Expulsion: request belong to the Bnei Menashe community of Jews who made aliyah from India some 20 years ago and moved into Nevei Dekalim, Gush Families Can’t Afford Houses Katif’s largest town. The caravillas, which were built to last for only ten years, were to have BY HILLEL FENDEL continue to long for every part of the the size of the homes some of them been used for government offices after Land of Israel. A flag will be raised at built in Gush Katif. the expellees moved out. Their cost is July 28—The central ceremony the event, symbolizing our dream for Ironically, some 40 families say estimated at 200,000 shekels each, marking the fourth anniversary of the this site to become once again a pas- they will not be able afford to move compared to the estimated three times expulsion from Gush Katif and north- sageway, and not a dead end.” out of the caravillas when the time that amount to build a new home. ern Shomron is scheduled for this Four years after the comes. They have asked to buy the “It’s not as if we like these caravil- Tuesday evening, near the former Disengagement/expulsion, nearly all structures from the government and las,” said one member of the commu- main entrance to Gaza. Thousands of of the deported families still do not have them moved to the site of their nity, “but it’s just that our money has people, including many who never have permanent housing. Just this future homes. run out and we simply have no other lived in any of the 25 destroyed week, groundbreaking began for one The reason for their seemingly choice.” The Disengagement Jewish communities, are expected to Authority says it is looking into the be in attendance. matter. (Arutz Sheva) O The anniversary ceremony is not meant only for the expellees, says Rabbi Kobi Borenstein, of the Gush We continue to long for every part Katif Residents Committee. “We were emissaries and representatives of the At 5TJT.com entire country,” he told Arutz-7’s of the Land of Israel. Hebrew newsmagazine, “and the event you can enjoy articles is for everyone. Similarly, the responsibility to return to Gush Katif lies upon everyone—and especially during this of the new towns to be built for the strange request is that the compensa- in 3 ways: period, when we see a spirit of weak- expellees—Mirsham (Neta), between tion money the government gave ness and blindness enveloping our Kiryat Gat and southern Judea. them has run out, and they now have 1. Read political leadership. We must restore Similar earthmoving works began in no money to build a new home. The the spirit and values on which we were recent months for the expellees from money was to have been used to fund raised in this land.” two or three other communities, the construction of their new homes, 2. Print Rabbi Borenstein said that the site while hundreds of other displaced but unemployment and other expul- of the former entrance to Gush Katif is residents are not even at that stage. sion-related expenses, as well as the 3. Email named Kisufim, after the nearby kib- Instead, they continue to live in the protracted bureaucracy and uncer- butz with that name: “It is a fitting hated prefab homes known as caravil- tainty as to their future housing name, because it means ‘longing.’ We las—less than half, or even a third, options, led to the gradual erosion of

48 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES that befalls us, the calamity of Gush quate even by the standards of those giv- their expulsion from Jerusalem. We, Remembering Katif has affected each and every one ing it to you!—that you had to beg for the remnants of the Gush Katif expul- of us. and is slowly disappearing because there sion, will settle this land. The area is This was not the personal tragedy of are no jobs and the families need food. grape-growing country, and one sees Gush Katif: Rachel and Moshe Saperstein, or of Don’t talk about the people who are the vineyards stretching for kilometers. the people of Gush Katif. This was a still paying off mortgages on the homes Our town will be called Bnei Dekalim national tragedy that affected each their own government destroyed. Don’t and will be home to 500 families. Four Years Later Jew, whether in Israel or abroad. talk about men and women who still We will build a five-star hotel, a spa, Once again we were not safe. Our wake up in the middle of the night, a retirement village, and cottages for homes were not sacred. Our syna- shaking, because they still see the sol- rabbis on sabbatical. A world-class Gush Katif Viewpoint gogues were burned. Our graves were diers surrounding their homes. Don’t Judaica library will be built to serve BY RACHEL SAPERSTEIN violated. Israel was no longer a refuge talk about the 120 families still collect- them, and us. Our spa will be the first for the wandering Jew. A Jewish prime ing food from the gemach each month. truly Jewish spa in the world, teaching “Don’t whine, Rachel!” my friend minister—aided by a Jewish Knesset, a Don’t talk about the bridal showers the Jewish route to good health, both admonished. “It’s over. You’re not Jewish Supreme Court, and a Jewish held for Gush Katif brides and grooms physically and spiritually. Lachish is an going back. There is no way you will army and Jewish police force, trained because the families cannot afford to area for migratory birds, and we will ever see Gush Katif again, or what by a perverted band of Jewish psychia- buy pots and pans for their soon-to-be- encourage bird-watchers to visit. remains of it. Just stop whining. Look trists and psychologists—did what the wedded children. Biblical Lachish will come alive as vis- to the future. Talk only about your non-Jewish world had done generation Stop whining, Rachel! itors discover sites mentioned in the future. No one cares about you any- after generation: they expelled Jews Talk about the future, Rachel. Talk Torah since the days of Joshua. more. You’re history. You’re yesterday’s from their homes. about the future. Our Lachish will be as one with its news. No one cares about your prob- And as Israel was capable of Okay. Let me talk about the future. natural surroundings. Wind and sun lems. Talk about Lachish. Forget Gush expelling its Jews from Gush Katif, is it Many of our people will be living in will be used to give us energy. Even the Katif. Forget Gush Katif!” any wonder that the government of the Nitzan. Some, like myself, will be mov- wildflowers uprooted during construc- Forget Gush Katif? United States of America is demanding ing to Lachish. After four years of nego- tion will be saved and replanted. Can we as a Jewish nation forget the same expulsions in Judea, Samaria, tiations, Motti Shomron—a man of Don’t whine, Rachel. There are Tishah B’Av and our expulsion from and Jerusalem? vision, strength, and enormous faith— wonderful days ahead, as long as you Eretz Yisrael? When a nation is willing to give called to say that the tractors had final- stay within the parameters set by U.S. Can we forget our wandering from away its G-d-given land for no purpose ly begun to prepare the infrastructure President Barack Hussein Obama. land to land as edict after edict turned at all… When a nation is willing to for our new town. I have lived in Israel for over 40 us into a homeless people? allow its citizens to live under fire for “Where is Lachish?” you ask. Right years. I lived in Yerushalayim for close The creation of the Jewish State was eight years (!) without retaliation… smack in the middle of the country. to 30 years, in Gush Katif for 8 years, to change this history of wandering. that is a nation willing to commit sui- Lachish is south of Bet Shemesh, in a tiny hotel room for 9 months, and The days of the edicts of expulsion cide in order to win favor in the eyes of north of Kiryat Gat. Few Jews live in the refugee camp for 3 years. I hope were no longer to be part of our histo- its so-called allies. there. Facing the Hebron hills, one to finally put down my roots in ry. The story of Gush Katif proved us “Stop whining, Rachel” my friend sees the encroachment of Arab hous- Lachish. I’ll be well over 70 then. wrong. A national Jewish tragedy took said. Don’t talk about your life in the ing moving towards Lachish. So in It will be exciting to see a town built place with the expulsion of the Jews refugee camp, in the temporary plaster- Lachish, as in Gush Katif, we will ful- from its beginnings. Will I stop whin- from Gush Katif. board structures that have housed your fill a vital national role. ing? Probably not. Just as we, as a collective Jewish people for four years. Don’t talk about Lachish is the site of the caves And if the Al-mighty wills it, my nation, feel the pain of each calamity the inadequate compensation—inade- inhabited by Bar Kochba fighters after friends, I will return to Gush Katif. O

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 49 AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS low Jews in praying that the pledge to do our best in the Continued from Page 46 community find the strength days ahead so that the entire to weather this storm, and that Jewish community can contin- honorable, pious, and charita- they restore themselves to ue to be a model for all of our ble community, led by many function as the great commu- fellow Americans as law-abid- distinguished rabbis. The nity they have always been. ing and ethically responsible alleged misdeeds of the few We are committed as rab- citizens, striving to live in should not be used against the binic leaders for ourselves and accordance with the highest innocent many. We join with our communities to serve as religious and civic standards of our brethren in the Syrian positive role models for all of justice and morality. community and with our fel- our fellow Americans. We The Rabbinical Council of America, with national headquarters in New York City, is a professional organization serving nearly 1,000 Orthodox rabbis in the United States of America, Canada, Israel, and other countries around the world. Membership is com- prised of duly ordained Orthodox rabbis who serve in positions of the congregational rabbinate, Jewish education, chaplaincies, and other allied fields of Jewish communal work. O

Science In The Summer At the Maurice Lowinger Campus of Bnos Bais Yaakov, training in the sciences takes place 12 months a year. Since there is an emphasis on the need to improve science education across the country, Orah Day Camp, located on the campus, decided to utilize

50 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

including swimming, sports, then tied it closed. The hot sun that fun and learning go baking, ceramics, arts-and- shining on the black bag heated hand-in-hand, no matter what crafts, drama, dance, and aer- the air inside, causing the air to the weather is like! If the girls obics. Yet Science in the expand and making it float. The have a positive learning expe- Summer is one of the girls learned that hot air is less rience while they are playing campers’ favorite and most dense than cool air and that in the sun, the enthusiasm popular activities, say program this is the same principle will carry into the school year. directors Mrs. Blimi Polishuk employed by hot-air balloons. Look out, science teachers: and Mrs. Nechama Sittner. Whatever the topic, the The Orah day campers will be The campers are challenged girls in Orah Day Camp find eager and ready to learn. O to think, reason, and experi- ment. They are learning and really having a blast, all at the same time. They have con- ducted experiments related to tornados, crystallization by making rock candy, developing photosensitive paper, balloons, rockets, and so much more. Some of the most interesting experiments this summer Up, up, and away at the Science in the Summer program at Orah Day Camp. involved learning about weather. The lower division, under the direction of Mrs. Miriam the state-of-the-art Gruss the new lab, Orah Day Furman, made model weather Science Lab to promote sci- Camp’s director, Mrs. Malka vanes that turned to point in ence and make it a fun and Fishman, decided to incorpo- the direction that the wind was positive learning experience. rate and make science part of blowing. The upper division “Science in the Summer” is Orah’s already fun-filled, “oohed” and “aahed” as they the brainchild of Mrs. Judy action-packed day. watched their solar bags float Lebowitz, of the Gruss Life The campers love science to up in the sky. “What is a solar Monument Fund, who helped the extent that they don’t even bag?” you may wonder. It’s a design and create the Gruss realize how many skills they 50-foot bag that looks like a Science Lab. While it began are learning. Orah Day Camp garbage bag. The girls ran with as a mere suggestion to use boasts a myriad of specialties, the bag and filled it with air,

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 51 Cedarhurst Sidewalk Sale, what a Yes, come back from the country, A Tu B’Av To Remember - At lovely way to bask in the warm sun- don’t go to the beach, come to the light and hone a golden Bain de Soleil party well within your reach! tan and maybe, just maybe, snag the Did I hear you say, “I nay”? Are you The Cedarhurst Sidewalk Sale! perfect pair of Mavi jeans or Roman sure you’re okay? You do not want to gladiator sandals that would make an shop? Shop till you drop? What you do advancing Caesarean battalion stop not eat egg whites with Pam? Not with BY THE LEGENDARY week is already the amazing, not-to- still in its tracks and stare in silent a bagel, and not with a Tam Tam? You D ANNY O’DOUL be-believed, eagerly awaited, unparal- admiration. Repent, O you Children do not fill your body with tuna from leled splendor and undiluted pomp- of Israel, reach deep into your pock- Toddy’s, nor Ruthie’s linguini and That mountain goat is shedding his and-circumstance of the Annual ets, and pull out a coin for the mighty Fusion’s paninis and Sushi that’s mane of gray as the salmon fish sizzles Sidewalk Sale, on The Avenue of meters and a shekel for a pair of Metsuyan? to a golden crisp on a crackling cedar Utopian Living, Central Avenue, in Jimmy Choos. O, brothers and sisters of these fine plank. The local scribes have asked my sizzlingly swank Cedarhurst, New But, alas, the start of this magnifi- Five Towns, I am reminded of a wife to impinge upon me to repair their York, where even the meter maids are cent and momentous mercantile famous limerick: computer operating systems, while I toned and tan. A burg so happening marathon, on Wednesday, August 5, is “There once was a girl from smoke a large Honduran toro outside Nantucket / Who brought all her my front door. The fauna and mosqui- change in a bucket / She pulled up by toes the size of ripe crab apples zip past Dave’s / Which was once “Pizza Cave” my ash, getting ready to pounce on my / And took out a quarter and stuck it.” delicious sweating forearms—and still Parking may be free, depending But that’s not the end of the story. the faint buzzing of an Internet chat- “Before she could feed it / The meter room, charring embers faintly alight as maid speeded / In her windshield the the shrill echo of words better left upon turnout. And double-parking ticket she tucked it.” unspoken and emotions ignobly But, what’s a small contribution to released, buzzes in the background like the Cedarhurst Town Hall and Casino, a tiny hummingbird. is fine—I mean, fined. when all the shopping special bargains Ah, summer in the Five Towns. Fine are considered? So, do your part, show fish in the air, the aroma of baked some heart, step right up before it lasagna, garlic bread, and peas wafting ends, start your motors and SPEND, through air like finely honed gossip, and a happening so big that anyone calibrated to coincide with the happiest SPEND, SPEND. (Remember, only rumor, and innuendo. The Prophets who is happening just happens to be of days of the Jewish Calendar: Tu B’Av, you, the consumer, can get us out of harking us back to Temple days, when there, right next to you scooping up the Fifteenth of Av. No expense should the Depression!) such fine summer weather and bad tarpon-sized bargains like a deep-sea be spared and there’s no time for “no,” This is The Legendary Danny behavior resulted in the destruction of fisherman sitting atop a Bayliner 45 so kick out the jams and get your game O’Doul signing off and wishing you a not one, but two, Holy Temples. off the Bimini Coast. on to the Super Bowl of consumer Great Good Shabbos Nachamu. Summertime, and the livin’ is easy; Just dip in your fishing rod, boys championships. Come by car, by bike, Remember those great words of com- neighbors are jumpin’, and the tem- and girls, and pull out the frutti di or on foot—just be there or be square. fort and renewal: Nachamu, Nachamu pers are high. Your daddy’s rich, your mare like the children pulling Mayor Parise says parking may be free, Ami” and “V’lakachtem lachem pre- mama’s good-lookin’; so hush little Swedish fish and sour belts out of the depending upon turnout. And double- school-year bargains galore at the baby, don’t you cry—because next huge clear jars at Oh! Nuts. Ah, the parking is fine—I mean, fined. Annual Cedarhurst Sidewalk Sale!” O

52 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

The Halachah Of Kidneys

B Y DR. DANIEL children argued over who would have EISENBERG the privilege of donating a kidney to their father. In the end, with the guid- The Organ Shortage ance of Rabbi Elyashiv, the choice was There is a severe shortage of organs narrowed down to two sons, with the for transplantation throughout the final decision being made by means of world, including in the most scientifi- a lottery.6 cally advanced countries. The U.S. Dr. Avraham Steinberg, author of government reports that each day, the Encyclopedia of Jewish Medical about 74 people receive an organ Ethics, encapsulates the four require- transplant. However, another 18 peo- ments necessary for ethical live organ ple die each day waiting for transplants donation.7 He asserts that: that can’t take place because of the 1. The surgery to remove the organ shortage of donated organs must not be dangerous; (www.organdonor.gov). 2. The donor must be able to con- While organ transplantation has tinue his life normally after the dona- offered a new life to those whose tion; native organs have failed, it has raised 3. The donor must not require pro- a myriad of ethical questions. longed and chronic medical care; and Although the issues raised in live and 4. The success rate among recipi- cadaveric donation are different, all ents must be high. organ transplantation questions have Some decisors have expressed hesi- three ethical issues that must be clari- tation to allow live organ donation, fied: with respect to the donor, the concerned that the risk may be too recipient, and society at large. great to the donor. However, as the risk of complication has been greatly low- The Donor ered, even these opinions might permit As our discussion focuses on donors live kidney donation. For the sake of who are alive, the issues of desecration thoroughness, we present here the few of the dead body and prolonging the circumspect opinions: burial do not apply. The issues that do Rabbi Yitzchak Weiss8 was very arise are whether the donor is allowed concerned about both the danger to wound himself to donate the organ associated with the donor’s surgery and whether the harvesting is accept- and the risk of living with only one ably safe. In most cases, the prohibi- kidney. As a result, he was inclined to tion of wounding oneself may be forbid such a transplant, but suggest- superseded by other considerations, ed that kidney donation may be per- such as medical necessity, or, as in this missible if the donor will definitely case, saving the life of another. save the life of the recipient by his The consensus of modern poskim1 is donation. Even in such a case, he that one may undergo a small risk to remained circumspect. save someone else from certain danger Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Waldenberg9 or death. Nevertheless, one may never is also hesitant to allow live donation, obligate or coerce someone to donate but writes that while it is not a mitz- an organ, even to save the life of vah, if the expert doctors are sure that another. Additionally, one may not sig- there will be no danger to the donor, nificantly risk one’s own health to save he may donate a kidney to one who is the life of another, and one who does seriously ill. Dr. Avraham Avraham is called a “pious fool.2 describes Rabbi Waldenberg as mean- Donating a kidney. With respect to ing that certainty does not mean “there kidney donation, the issue is whether is no possibility of harm,” but rather the surgery poses a significant risk to that “there is a good possibility he will the donor and whether living with only not come to harm.”10 one kidney is an unacceptable risk. Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef evaluates the Rabbi Moshe Feinstein,3 among objections of both Rabbi Weiss and other Rabbinic authorities,4 permitted, Rabbi Waldenberg, but asserts that but did not require, the donation of a since the true risk of kidney donation kidney to very ill person, considering is so low, there is a great mitzvah to the act to be a pious one. donate a kidney.11 He even suggests Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, the possibility that donating a kidney arguably the preeminent decisor of to save a life might be required by the Jewish law in Israel during the latter Torah’s command to “not to stand part of the 20th century, ruled that “if idly by as your neighbor’s blood is the seriously ill patient is present (and shed.”12 Rabbi Yosef ends his respon- known to him…) it is certainly permis- sa with the words: “Thus it appears sible for a person to even undergo that the standard rule is that it is per- much suffering, for example, by mitted and also a mitzvah to donate donating his kidney, to save the life of one of his kidneys to save the life of a the patient.”5 fellow Jew who suffers from renal Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, a lead- failure.”13 ing decisor in Israel, also rules that live Donating blood and bone mar- organ donation of kidneys is permissi- row. Donation of blood and bone ble and appropriate, while not an obli- marrow are much easier to halachi- gation. Rabbi Elyashiv became person- cally justify. Blood and marrow are ally involved in the case of well-known quickly renewable, and while the Knesset member Rabbi Avraham donation process is somewhat painful Ravitz, who required a kidney transplant. Rabbi Ravitz’s twelve grown Continued on Page 54 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 53 Halachah Of Kidneys Continued from Page 53

for bone marrow donation (sometimes requiring general anesthesia), both forms of donation are very safe, pre- senting minimal risk to the donor. For these reasons, these types of live donation are permitted by all. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach felt that it is a mitzvah to be a bone-marrow donor to save a Jewish life.14 Both Rabbi Auerbach and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ruled that one is permitted to donate blood to a blood bank even without knowing that it will go to save a life.15 Interestingly, Rabbi Auerbach ruled that a competent minor may agree to donate bone marrow and the parents of an incompetent minor may consent for him.16 If the potential donor does not wish to donate his blood or marrow, there is a difference of opinion. Some rabbinic authorities feel that one cannot be compelled to donate, even at the cost of the potential recipient’s life, while others feel that coercion is permitted to save a life.17 By contrast, donations of solid organs that present a significantly higher risk (such as liver lobes and lung lobes) are more difficult to justify.

The Recipient The perspective of the recipient is straightforward. So long as the donor is permitted to donate the organ, and there is a medical indication for the transplant, the recipient is permitted to accept it, so long as there is no other viable, less dangerous medical treatment available. The recipient must be capable of following the post-transplant medical regimen. The recipient must understand the risks associated with transplant, including the need for lifelong immunosuppressive therapy, and must be capable of following the necessary post-transplant medical regimen, including being able to afford the anti- rejection drugs. Judaism has no intrinsic objection to accepting an organ donation per se, but only insists that no prohibitions be transgressed in the process of donation.

Society Societal issues also come into play with respect to live organ donation, the most sensitive being payment for organs. While society wants to provide incentives to increase the donor pool, incentives that are too persua- sive may unduly influence a potential donor to undertake a course of action that is not prudent. Donors are rou- tinely reimbursed for expenses related to donating their organ, but such payment is not usually considered to undermine the purely altruistic motivation of the donor.

Selling Organs Actual payment for organs themselves is a very controversial topic. Most experts in the field of transplantation, including surgeons and ethi- cists, have expressed opposition to payment for organs. In the United States, federal law prohibits the sale or trade

Continued on Page 56 54 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 55 Halachah of Kidneys for exploitation of people who that the creation of a market saving more lives, even if it way that is currently done for Continued from Page 54 would not donate except for in human organs will create does skew the distribution of cadaveric organs. This would the monetary incentive, as is an inequity between rich and the organs. While allowing hopefully lead to equal distri- of organs. The motivation already the case in India. poor. Those who can afford compensation for organs butions to all recipients, behind the ban is a concern Additionally, there is a fear organs would be able to would surely encourage only including the poor.18 obtain them, while those who the poor to donate, causing a Advocates of organ sales could not afford them would degree of inequity, in the cur- point out that society does not be left without options. The rent situation it is only the object to the many people best solution for society might rich who currently can afford who undertake dangerous be a national registry of peo- to buy a kidney on the black forms of employment for ple who are willing to donate market anyway. Hence, the monetary compensation (such for compensation. best solution for society might as miners, soldiers, firefight- Nevertheless, there are be a national registry of peo- ers, and policemen).19 benefits to allowing direct ple who are willing to donate Another justification of pay- payment for live organ dona- for compensation, with the ment for organs is that it tion. Obviously, it might kidneys allocated by the would bring an end to the increase the supply of organs, national registry in the same thriving international black- market in human organs, which now currently functions unregulated, with most of the profits going to middle- men, not the poor people selling their organs.20 For society, increasing the organ supply makes fiscal sense. The cost of kidney surgery is far less than the cost of dialysis, which runs about $50,000 per year. Even paying large sums of money to donors would save money in the long run. But from a philosophical point of view, there is another reason to consider allowing the sale of organs. It may be a misplaced sense of paternal- ism that leads us to prevent the sale of organs by the poor.

Continued on Page 58

56 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 57 Halachah Of Kidneys either morally or halachically. While Simply put, if donating an organ Continued from Page 56 most secular experts remain opposed were to be permitted in a given situ- to payment for organs, there is a ation, then there is no intrinsic rea- While other less traumatic means of growing support for the idea. In an son why selling it should be forbid- helping the underprivileged would be excellent article in the British medical den. It is only external societal con- far better, the reality of the world situ- journal Lancet,22 the authors make cerns and fear of exploiting the ation today is that there are millions of several cogent arguments for why pay- donor that might persuade us to for- people who might welcome the ment for organs should be revisited, bid the selling of organs. chance to alleviate their poverty by raising each objection and explaining selling an organ. how it might be solved. A review arti- Conclusion Society must also protect potential cle in the Israel Medical Association The consensus of Jewish legal donors from coercive tactics or from Journal23 also supported permitting experts is that live organ donation is a being preyed upon due to donor igno- payment for organs under tightly con- permissible and noble act, but is not rance. Informed consent is an absolute trolled guidelines. an obligation. Those who are hesitant requirement of live organ donation. For From a Jewish legal point of view, to allow live organ donation do not this reason, mentally incompetent peo- the mere fact that one is being reward- object to the concept, but feel that the ple who cannot consent to donate in a ed for an act, does not take away from risk may be too great to the donor. meaningful way are usually barred from the ethical value of that act. In fact, Since the risk of mortality or serious becoming live donors. A particularly Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach ruled complication from live kidney dona- interesting question raised by Dr. One may sell his organs to save a that “even if the person selling his kid- tion is now so low, even those poskim Steinberg is the case of an incompetent life, if it causes no halachic risk to the ney is poor (and needs the money for who had discouraged live organ dona- potential living donor whose primary donor’s life. This would not be subject himself) or to pay off his debts, since tion might consider it safe enough to caregiver is a relative in need of the to the prohibition of injuring oneself, he obtains this money by saving the be permitted. transplant. The potential donor may suf- because selling the organ is seen as a life of another Jew, he will certainly be Regarding the sale of organs, while fer more from not donating if the care- great need to save life and also doing a mitzvah. This is true even if he the thought may be distasteful (and we giver will die for lack of a donor organ! because saving a life is a mitzvah would not have donated his kidney pray for a society that would make which suspends all others. If however only to save life.”24 donating one’s organs for money May Jews Sell Organs? a lifesaving situation does not obtain, If we put aside the issue of live unnecessary), we are a long way from Taking all this into account, we for example, selling organs to a bank organ donation itself, there is a such a world. If allowing payment for must ask whether selling one’s organs or for research purposes, then doing precedent in Jewish law for the sell- organs with proper safeguards would is permitted from a Jewish legal per- so is prohibited. But if the motivation ing of organs. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein increase the number of lives saved, spective. In the final analysis, there is for his selling the organ could be ruled25 that one may sell one’s blood then Jewish law would sanction such no intrinsic halachic objection to sell- defined as a great need (e.g., avoiding to a blood bank, as mentioned above. an approach. (Aish.com) O ing organs, per se. Rabbi Yaakov bankruptcy with its accompanying While blood is a renewable resource Dr. Daniel Eisenberg works at the Department of Weiner, dean of the Jerusalem Center legal and social repercussions), it and blood donation causes no long- Radiology at the Albert Einstein Medical Center for Research, integrates the issues that would be permitted. term disability in the donor, if the in Philadelphia, PA, and is an assistant professor of diagnostic imaging at Thomas Jefferson we have discussed (the problem of This ruling may seem novel, but in donation process for solid organs University School of Medicine. Dr. Eisenberg injuring oneself, the degree of accept- reality is very logical. There is no par- such as kidneys were to present no continues to lecture around North America and able risk, and the motivations that ticular reason why receiving compen- other halachic impediments, then the now writes medical ethics articles for Jlaw.com and Aish.com. might drive someone to sell an organ) sation for an action which involves selling of blood and the selling of when he rules:21 risk should necessarily be forbidden organs are similar issues. See notes on Page 60

58 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 59 21. Weiner, Rabbi Yaakov, Ye Shall Surely Heal, Halachah Of Kidneys p. 155, Jerusalem Center for Research, 1995. Continued from Page 58 Also see Rabbi Weiner’s extensive chapter entitled “Transplants from Live Donors.” 22. Radcliffe-Richards, J., et al, “The Case For NOTES: Allowing Kidney Sales,” The Lancet, 351:9120, 1. Igros Moshe, Yoreh Deah II 174:4 June 27, 1998 pp. 1950–1952. 2. Responsa Radvaz, vol. 3:627 (1052) 23. Rapoport, J., “Legalization of Rewarded 3. Igros Moshe, Yoreh Deah II 174:4 Unrelated Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: 4. See Hershler, Rabbi Moshe, “Where Organ Suggested Guidelines,” Israel Medical Donors are Considered Mentally Incompetent by Association Journal, 346:1038 (2002). the Halacha,” Halacha U’Refuah, vol. 24. Avraham, Dr. Avraham. Nishmat Avraham, 2:122–128, Regensberg Institute, 198; Even Ha’Ezer, and Choshen Mishpat (vol. 3), Zilberstein, Rabbi Yitzchak, “May Parents Give p. 347 (English version). Permission to Donate the Kidney of a Child to a 25. Igros Moshe, Choshen Mishpat 1:103. Sibling,” Halacha U’Refuah, vol. 4:156–57, Regensberg Institute, 1985; Halevi, Rabbi Chaim Dovid. “Donating Organs from Living Donors and Cadavers in Jewish Law,” Assia vol. 4:251–259, Machon Schlesinger, 1983. 5. Nishmat Avraham, ibid. For the next issue, 6. Personal communication with Dr. Avraham Steinberg. Rav Elyashiv used the gorel of the deadline for reserving GR’A, a traditional means of deciding complex questions. See also the Shaare Zedek Medical Center website, www.szmc.org.il. ad space is 7. Steinberg, Dr. Avraham. Encyclopedia of Jewish Medical Ethics, p. 1095; Feldheim: New York, 2003. Monday, August 3 8. Minchas Yitzchak, 6:103. 9. Tzitz Eliezer, X:25:7 10. Avraham, Dr. Avraham. Nishmat Avraham, at 5:00 P.M. Yoreh Deah, p. 347 (English version). 11. The risk of mortality from live kidney donation is now estimated at 0.03% with a low rate of serious complications. See Surman, O.S., “Perspective: The Ethics of Partial-Liver Donation,” New England Journal of Medicine, All graphics for ads 346:1038 (No. 14, April 4, 2002). 12. Vayikra 19:16. must be in by 13. Responsa Yechava Da’at, III 84. 14. Avraham, Dr. Avraham. Nishmat Avraham, Yoreh Deah (vol. 2), p. 346 (English version). Tuesday, August 4 15. Igros Moshe, Choshen Mishpat 1:103 16. See Encyclopedia of Jewish Medical Ethics, p. 1096, for a full discussion of blood at 5:00 P.M. and bone marrow donation. 17. Ibid. 18. Suggested in personal communication with Dr. Avraham Steinberg. 19. The true danger of some of these professions was brought into stark relief with the events of Call September 11, 2001, when hundreds of firefight- ers and policemen perished in the Twin Towers of lower Manhattan. 516-984-0079 20. Finkel, Michael, “This Little Kidney Went to Market,” New York Times Magazine, May 27, 2001.

60 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 61 Home Upgrades: Fast And Affordable Fix-Ups

B Y NAOMI MEZEI and sizes. The planters add texture and Table lamps warm and brighten the Make A Splash With Color can easily be swapped in and out. For space during evening hours. Adding a new coat of paint is anoth- With today’s falling home prices, a coordinated look, choose flowers in While you may not be in a position er easy, inexpensive upgrade. It’s amaz- one family’s well-worn dwelling can variations of the same hue, such as to install an entirely new lighting sys- ing what a fresh coat of paint can do. quickly become another’s dream pinks and oranges. tem in your home, there are simple and Depending on the shade you select, “starter” home. But being able to affordable upgrades within easy reach: your room can be dramatically different afford a new home is one thing; being Set The Stage With Lighting • Light dimmers are available for as or simply refreshed. Moldings will pop able to afford to remodel it is another. Upgrading the interior lighting can little as a few dollars at local home cen- out and furnishings will seem brighter. Here are some cost-efficient upgrades also make a big difference in your ters and hardware stores and can be Here are a few unexpected paint that are easy enough to accomplish in home. Designers often use “layered” installed by a do-it-yourselfer in minutes. quick-fixes: a single weekend. lighting—a combination of ambient, • Add interest to a bare wall by • Paint the back of a cabinet an task, and accent lighting—to create a mounting sconces. Think about how exhilarating shade. Start At The Front Door quality of light that not only looks and you hang your sconces. Eye level is a • Take an older piece of furniture Whether you’re fixing up a newly and breathe life into it by painting it. If purchased home or upgrading your it’s a piece of furniture that you use current home to attract a buyer, noth- often, such as a kitchen table, choose ing creates a better first impression a high-gloss product and top with sev- than a new front entry door. Beyond Take a traditional item such as a eral coats of a clear protective finish. adding curb appeal to your home, This will guard against scratches, installing an energy-efficient door is chandelier, combine it with an unexpected dings, and discoloration. an important consideration if you’re • For a touch of color in a neutral fixing up an older home. material like fringe or glass beads, and space, paint just a window or a door- One way to get beauty and energy frame. It will break up the repetitiveness. efficiency is to choose a door that is you’ve got a one-of-a-kind showpiece. • Try juxtaposing not just paint col- constructed of durable fiberglass. ors, but finishes too. For example, They will offer the high style, rich semi-gloss can be used under the chair look, and warmth of mahogany hard- rail, and matte above it. wood, but at a great price compared feels better, but is also better suited to good place to start. Also, don’t put a • A ceiling covered in luminous silver with premium wood doors. activities that can take place in any sconce too close to a window, or you leaf, a thin foil, glows. Purchase silver or On the other hand, you can always given room. won’t be able to put drapes on that gold leaf in rolls and apply it yourself (or transform an existing front door by Back up natural light with lots of window. The sconce doesn’t even have hire a painter who specializes in decora- painting it a shiny bright color or by overhead illumination; that way the to be in working condition, or it can tive techniques).You can also get a simi- adding an interesting piece of hardware fun will never be compromised by a even be a candle sconce. lar effect with silver or gold paint. O to it. This vivid pop of color will add a lack of light. Add task lighting in • Take a traditional item such as a welcoming and unexpected twist. areas where you’ll play cards or do chandelier, combine it with an unex- Innovative designs and creative solutions will Potted plants can fill empty corners desk work. You can even be creative pected material like fringe or glass help you refine your environment and enrich your lifestyle. For more information please con- or can flank the doorway. Consider with your ambient lighting—take old beads, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind tact Eclectic Interiors by calling 201-248-9140 arranging pots of all colors, shapes, table lamp bases and paint them. showpiece. or visiting www.naomimezei.com.

62 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES the phone’s settings and adds stored in it. Moran, from launch is a significant step- both his company and Another features to it, such as a Kfar Saba located north of ping stone in development of Cellcom are Israeli firms. Israeli First: “music jacket” with tracks Tel Aviv, said, “The initial the company.” He noted that (Arutz Sheva) O World’s Smallest Cellphone

B Y TZVI BEN GEDALYAHU

An Israeli firm has launched the world’s smallest cellular phone. The tiny phone, which has won an entry in the Guinness Book of Records, measures 7.2 cm (2.83 inches) by 3.76 cm (1.47 inches) by 0.78 cm (less than a third of an inch). It has a memory of 2 GB. Modu, whose chief executive officer Dov Moran also came up with the Disk On Key, said it will market the phone through Cellcom and later in Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. No plans have been developed yet for marketing it in the United States. Cellcom initially will offer the new phone to a limited number of Israeli customers before expanding the market by the end of the year. The new product com- bines the tiny cellular phone with “jackets” that change

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 63 64 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES Your Ad Could Be Here.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 65 SERVICES SERVICES PROVIDED PROVIDED

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66 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES HELP REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE WANTED FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE

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Lawrence — The Carlyle — Bright at 5:00 p.m. sunny corner apt, 1 BR, 1.5 bth, 24-hour BR townhouse ...... $600’s 12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, doorman, W/D, terrace, brand new car- Lawrence — Co-ops Condos By Appt. 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, 1 Week ...... $35 pets and floors, low taxes, parking 376 Central Ave — 1 BR, 1.5 bths apt . clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space available ...... $479K. 516-374-7006 ...... $399K parking, 2 family, professional use, 250 Central Ave — Jr 4 ...... $139K 2 Weeks ...... $60 accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa- 284 Central Ave — 2 BR, 2 bth . $219K tional and religious uses. Grand colonial Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full 261 Central Ave — 2 BR 1st flr . $179K with charm and great possibilities. deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all. 4 Weeks...... $100 1 Rosalind Pl. — 3 BR, 3 bth . . $349K Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable ...... $729K 360 Central Ave — 1 BR, 1.5 bth reno- Owner 516-322-3555 5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555 Weekly Ads of up to vated ...... $469K 2 Herrick Dr. — Renovated 2 BR, 2 bth 25 words elevator bldg ...... $369K Lawrence — Sutton Park 4 BR exp ranch ...... $849K Call: 516-569-0502 Lawrence — Custom built ranch, 13 ft ceilings, beautiful entrance, mn floor Fax: 516-977-0608 mbr suite, and more Woodmere — Renovated 3 story Or E-mail ads to: Victorian 180 deep property Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306 [email protected] Classified Ads are Include payment info. Continued on the Next Page. 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 67 CLASSIFIED ADS Continued from Page 67 FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL REAL Cedarhurst — Nu House CH Col. LR, Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br, Cedarhurst: Office rental: Executive 2 ESTATE FOR SALE FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR, 3BTHS. 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D. Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft., Bsmt. For Rent ...... $2,500 Call 516-322-3555 CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Office space for rent, Cedarhurst. Yerushalayim — Coming to Woodmere/Cedarhurst — 2 BR avail- Prime location on Central Ave. 1-4 Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces. Yerushalayim for the Yomim Noraim? able. Secure buildings, new EIK, close rooms. 1 flight up, CA, CH. Please call 917-417-5725 6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near Long term/ short term apts in most to all and train station. 1 month’s free Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be English speaking areas. E-mail me with rent! $1,600 Call Sherri 516-297-7995 Far Rockaway commercial space. divided. Owner 917-359-9776 specifications: Far Rockaway listings: Brand new construction. Ideally suited [email protected] Far Rockaway — Open House every Kew Gardens — Charming 2 room apt. for medical professional offices or com- Call 972-57-311-0207 Sunday 12-2 or BA Brand New Building Furnished basement, private house and munity facility. High ceilings. Very by the Beach Luxury Apt. Rentals 1 & 2 entrance, great location E&F trains and Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq ft, fully bright and airy. Many amenities, ocean beds, granite kitchens, balconies with views, reasonable rent. Call Weissman LIRR, shuls, suitable for singles. wired for Web, partitioned, will divide. water views, Shabbos elevator, W/D Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 Reference required. 718-846-2957 Call 516-322-3555 hookup, parking. Starting at . . . $1,300 Cedarhurst — Nu House Large 3 BR, first floor, huge LR and Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100 CH Col. LR, FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, DR, 1.5 bths, w/d hookup, best block in Lawrence — Beautiful 5 BR expanded FOR RENT 4BR, 3bths, Bsmt. Far Rockaway. $1,750 per month, avail- ranch on quiet cul-de-sac, 4 full Bths, For Rent ...... $3,300 able immediately. Call 917-697-4260 oversized master BR suite w/marble 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 Cedarhurst — House Rental LR/FDR, Jacuzzi, patio. $4,500 per month. Call Cedarhurst — NU House, CH Col., LR, Neilson Street — Brand new construc- den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt . . . . . $2,300 Avromy 347-752-0948 FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR., 3BTHS. tion. 3/ 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths central Call 516-322-3555 Bsmt ...... $3,200 Cedarhurst: Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt. air, laundry hook up, parking. No 5 TOWN HOMES Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU 2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk Rental Fee. Call Avromy, 347-752-0948 516-569-5710 Bth, LR, DR, EIK...... $1,300 incld ...... $2,500 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710 5Town Homes 516-569-5710 Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning Bayswater — New 2 BR basement apt, Cedarhurst — 1BR, 2BR apartments from bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at cul-de-sac, best location . . $4K monthly full kitchenette, full bth ...... $900 $1,100-$1,700. New EIK/ bth. Wood floor. Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv, Call Irene 516-652-7099 718-327-5782 N. Woodmere — House for rent. transportation, and shopping. Tropicana. 5BR, 3bth. Cul-de-sac. POR. Ramat Bet Shemesh - Ramat Shilo, Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5 Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180 Dalia Fritz Realty 516-374-4411 Israel — New Duplex, 5 BR, lg LR/DR/ bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, den, A/C, private entrance, garage, Large 2 BR, 2 full bth apt Tower 41, LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new Lawrence — Basement 2 BR, LR, and huge sukkah balcony, panoramic views. Miami Beach. New pool on premises, carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. kitchen, large, light, real nice, separate $1,500/month. Available August. Owner, Meira: 972-526-105995, ocean 2 blocks away, walk to kosher Walk all ...... $2,250 entrance, parking. Asking . . . . $1,295. Sherman: 516-316-4139 restaurants. $200/night. 516-374-0276 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 516-901-9770, 516-647-0045

68 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FOR RENT MISCELLANEOUS

North Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch DIRECTV Free 5 months! Includes in MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street. 265+ Digital Channels and Movies! Ask 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 How! NFL Sunday Ticket is here. No start costs. Free DVR/HD receiver. Woodmere — For rent by owner. 2 bed- Packages start $29.99. DirectStarTV. 1- room, 1 bathroom, eat-in-kitchen, living 800-973-9027 room/dining room, private entrance. Minutes from all shuls. $1,600+utilities. Ocean Corp. Houston, Texas. Train for Call 917-327-1291 New Career. Underwater Welder, Commercial Diver, NDT/Weld COMMERCIAL REAL Inspector. Job placement and financial ESTATE FOR RENT aid for those who qualify, 1-800-321-0298.

Inwood — Near JFK, class A modern Deadline for building, deluxe office suite, 500-6000 square feet, use of facilities including conference room, internet, fax & phone Advertising services, copy room, parking included. 516-902-8686 in the Classifieds

5 Towns commercial locations available. Warehouses, offices, stores, land. for the Next Issue is Long term and short term leases. A Realty 516-239-1552 Monday,

MISCELLANEOUS August 3 5:00 P.M.

Free DIRECTV 5 months! Includes 265+ Digital Channels and Movies! Ask Call How! NFL Sunday Ticket is here. No start costs. Free DVR/HD receiver. 516-569-0502 Packages start $29.99. DirectStarTV. 1- 800-306-1953

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 69 Survivors’ Cookbook: A Five Towns Simcha Replacing What Madoff Took Photos By Ira Thomas Creations Among the many victims of Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme were Jewish charities which placed their trust in Madoff to manage their assets so they could continue to provide funding for their charitable work. The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles lost $18 million and Hadassah lost $90 million. Madoff is in prison today, but the effects of this scan- dal have had a devastating impact on Jewish charities throughout the world. One woman is determined to help. Holocaust survivor and cookbook author Joanne Caras, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, is donating all of the profits from the sale of her cookbook to charities. Paul Freedman of Woodmere Recently Joanne made a donation to and Debbie Leichtung of West the Carmei Ha’ir Soup Kitchen in Hempstead were married at Jerusalem. Beth Sholom on June 11. “This is our fifth donation to the Catering was by Main Event and soup kitchen,” Joanne said. “In total we music was by Rikud Orchestras. have given them $80,000.” “This past January my husband and I visited the soup kitchen. They told us that the lack of donations had forced other Israeli soup kitchens to close their doors. But they remained open only because of our cookbook!”

In 2005 Joanne visited Carmei Ha’ir for the first time. She was so impressed that she came home determined to raise money to support them. Carmei Ha’ir serves over 500 meals each day to poor and hungry Israelis. For two years the Caras family worked tirelessly to collect recipes and stories from Holocaust survivors all over the world. Joanne then compiled them into an unforgettable Holocaust Survivor Cookbook. “We have sold close to 25,000 cookbooks in a year and a half,” Joanne said. “And we have raised almost $400,000 for Jewish charities. I realize that this amount does not yet come close to what Madoff took away, but we are just getting started!” “Our goal is to raise millions for Jewish groups all over the world,” Joanne said. “In total we would like to sell 6 million cookbooks as a tribute to the memory of those Jews who did not survive the Holocaust.” “We are giving back a tiny piece of what Madoff took.” Holocaust Survivor Cookbooks can be purchased at www.survivorcook book.org. For more information call Joanne Caras at 443-604-2643. O 70 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES July 31, 2009 71 72 July 31, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES