Jerusalem NOT Israel's Capital

April 26, 2018 | Published Bi-Weekly | 11 Iyar, 5778 Issue #75

See ad on page 12

April 27- 12 Iyar, 5778 JEWISH LINK Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim CANDLE Light Candles: 7:29 PM BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT LIGHTING Shabbat Ends: 8:34 PM Germany: Jerusalem NOT Israel’s Capital contrary to international law is the 1980 United Nations Securi- not part of Israel’s sovereign ter- ty Council’s (UNSC) Resolution ritory, the international commu- 478, which proclaimed that Isra- nity, including Germany, has not el’s declaration on united Jerusa- recognized this declaration,” he lem being its capital “constitutes added. a violation of international law,” He based his position on CONTINUED ON P. 6 See ad on page 5 Westchester Marks the Shoah in White Plains By Yvette Finkelstein LAG B’OMER Sponsored by the Holocaust &

SUPER RATES AVAILABLE Human Rights Education Center ON NONSTOP GROUP SPACE By United with Israel Staff “As a matter of principle, every (HHREC) and Westchester Jewish OPTION TO RETURN BEFORE SHABBOS state has the right to determine a Council (WJC), the Annual West-

YOUR FULL SERVICE TRAVEL AGENCY mainsttravel.com YOUR FULL SERVICE TRAVEL AGENCY Germany is refusing to recog- city in its territory to be its cap- chester Countywide Yom HaSho- [email protected] 20 Robert Pitt Dr #207 845.425.2123845.425.2123Monsey NY, 10952 nize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. ital,” Niels Annen, a minister of ah Holocaust Commemoration See ad on page 15 Indeed, while its foreign ministry state in Germany’s Foreign Minis- was held at the Garden of Re- acknowledged that every country, said in response to a query by membrance in White Plains, New try has the right to name its own a lawmaker from the far-right Al- York, on Thursday, April 12, with capital, it said that this is not the ternative for Germany (AfD) par- the theme “Keeping the Memo- case for Israel, insisting that the ty last week, The Times of Israel ry Alive: Generation to Genera- status of Jerusalem can be settled reported. tion.” A standing-room only au- only through negotiations with “Since the eastern part of Jeru- dience of survivors, relatives, the Palestinians. salem that Israel occupied in 1967 children, members of the clergy Rabbi Josh Lookstein, WDS head of and other dignitaries, as well as school, with fi fth grade students. those interested in perpetuating Honoring the 70th REFLECTIONS FROM THE SCHOOLHOUSE CONTINUED ON P. 22 Anniversary of the “remembrance,” gathered to hear state of Israel: A musical celebration A View From the Offi ce See ad on page 4 By Dr. Rivka (and distinctly remember once, at a SAR HS Celebrates m Schwartz parent-teacher conference, when a mother asked for my counsel in Yom Ha’atzmaut In these post- dealing with her teenage son, think- Pesach months, ing, My oldest is 6. What do I know we read Pirkei about parenting teenagers?). Now I Avot (Ethics of am the mother of three teenagers, Now Deliver to Riverdale and Westch the Fathers) on and while I fi nd this advice far hard- Glatt Kosher Chinese Restaurant and S Phone: 914-637-9363 Shabbat afternoon. A number of er to live by and implement than it Fax: 914-637-9371 mishnayot in Pirkei Avot begin with is to dole out, it is no less true for E-mail:Under [email protected] Strict Kashruth of the “hu haya omer”—he used to say. that. Vaad Harabonim of Queens “He used to say” carries a different The most frequent parenting E-ma connotation than “he said”; it im- and educational problem that I see See ad on page 28 plies repetition, frequency. This takes many guises, but it has one wasn’t just a one-off. It was some- common root: the inability to ac- thing that particular sage repeated cept that our children are the peo- constantly, the idea or phrase he ple they are, not the people we JASON BERG was identifi ed by. might have designed them to be. NMLS##220661 I’ve been a high school teach- Our kids come to us not as mi- 201-343-6100 er in Orthodox high schools for ni-mes or projections of our hopes around 20 years now, and I have my and dreams, but as bundles of DNA, own “hu haya omer,” the thought further shaped by their epigenetics, Yom Ha’atzmaut 5778 was a day entire student body davening and that I repeat often, a distillation of their environments and their expe- of celebration at SAR High School, in the auditorium—one of only my years of experience. When I be- riences. And for all of the power of where students and faculty joined two times a year the entire school gan high school teaching, I had no together in honor of Israel’s 70th children. Then I had young children CONTINUED ON P. 20 birthday. The day began with the CONTINUED ON P. 31 See ad on page 33

Israeli Chief Rabbi Condemns Calls light of a rise in anti-Semitism, President of against the Jordan-based Arab bank, U.S. Israeli Group Seeks ICC to Remove Kippahs in Germany the Central Council of Jews in Germany Jo- justices voted 5-4 that the victims could not Action Against Hamas for sef Schuster said Jews should not wear kip- use the Alien Tort Statute to make claims Using Children as Shields pahs in public. “Defi antly showing your against the bank. (Yair Altman/Israel Hayom/JNS) The colors would in principle be the right way The plaintiffs argued that the Arab Shurat Hadin Israel Law Center is seek- to go,” he said. “Nevertheless, I would ad- bank’s New York branch knowingly pro- ing International Criminal Court action vise individual people against openly wear- vided millions of dollars to fi nance sui- against Hamas over the terrorist group’s use ing a kippah in big German cities.” cide bombings and “martyrdom” payments of children as human shields in the riots Chief Rabbi Lau responded this week, to reward the families of terrorists who that have taken place over the past month saying that the best way to battle anti-Sem- succeeded in killing civilians, keeping ac- on the Israel-Gaza Strip border. itism is to immigrate to Israel, but that all counts for known terrorists and accept- The lawsuit is based on a clause in the Jews in Germany and throughout the Dias- ing donations they knew would be used Rome Statute, the treaty that established pora must continue to wear the kippah and for terrorist activity in Israel. The bank de- the ICC’s work, which says that recruiting other Jewish symbols. nied the allegations and argued that if the children under the age of 15 to any militant Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau. CREDIT: GERSHON court allowed that, such cases would inter- organization is a war crime. ELINSON/FLASH90 US Supreme Court Rules fere with U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy. The suit names former Hamas chief Against Israeli Terror Victims In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that Khaled Mashaal, current deputy lead- (JNS) Rabbi David Lau, the Ashkena- in Case Against Arab Bank people or entities sued under the Alien Tort er Saleh al-Arouri, and moneyman Zahar zi chief rabbi of Israel, along with several (JNS) The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this Statute must have a real connection to the Jabarin as guilty of war crimes, saying that European Jewish rabbis, called on German week that foreign victims of human rights United States, but did not decide whether as all three are nationals of Jordan, which Jews to keep wearing kippahs in public fol- abuses and terror attacks cannot sue for- businesses could be sued. is a signatory to the Rome Statute, they are lowing a recommendation by a German eign businesses in U.S. courts. Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued the dis- subject to the court’s jurisdiction. Jewish leader that they fi nd alternative In Jesner v. Arab Bank, a suit by Israeli sent, stating that the majority opinion “ab- head coverings. victims of Palestinian terrorism in Judea, solves corporations from responsibility” Trump Calls Iran Nuclear In an interview with Radio Berlin in Samaria and Gaza from 1995 through 2005 for “conscience-shocking behavior.” Deal ‘Insane,’ Warning Tehran Not to Restart Program (JNS) U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at the Iranian nuclear deal this week during a press conference at the White House with French President Em- manuel Macron, calling the agreement “insane” and a “terrible deal,” while warning Iran against restarting its nuclear program if the U.S. pulls out. “If they restart their nuclear program, they will have bigger problems than they have ever had before,” Trump said, without elaborating further.

MAY 3, 2018 7 PM CONTINUED ON P. 5 HONORING THE JEWISH LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT TABLE OF CONTENTS World Newsbriefs ...... Pages 4-5 World/Israel News……………Page 6 Community News……………...Page 7 Editorial………………………....Page 8 Letters to the Editor……………Page 8 Op-Ed By Jonathan Tobin …………..Page 9 Community News……...Pages 10-17 Community Newsbriefs……..Page 16 Dvar Torah By Rabbi David Walk……….Page 18 By Rabbi Gidon Rothstein….. Page 18 Israel Spotlight………………Page 19 Reflections From the Schoolhouse By Dr. Rivka Schwartz………Page 20 Yom Hashoah…………Pages 22-25 Food & Wine Link…………..Page 28 The Kosher Dinner Ladt By Rachel Berger…………….Page 28 SIMCHA LINK………………Page 29 SCHOOLS………………Pages 30-32 SPORTS……………………..Page 32 Real Estate Section...... Pages 33-36

4 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM WORLD NEWSBRIEFS

World Newsbriefs A report in the Kommersant daily ear- is in line with Israel’s policy of holding the In February, a new wing with eight ad- lier in the week quoted unnamed Russian Assad regime responsible for any and all er- ditional plane exit gates and four bus exit CONTINUED FROM P. 4 offi cials as warning of “catastrophic” con- rant projectiles in its effort to provide secu- gates was inaugurated to accommodate up For months, U.S. and European offi cials sequences for all sides should Israel attack rity to citizens in the north. to 1,800 passengers an hour. have been meeting to discuss ways to bol- the missile batteries. More than 100 airlines now service ster the Iranian nuclear deal. In January, Ben Gurion Airport to Undergo Ben-Gurion Airport. Renovations are also Trump vowed to pull out of the deal by US Central Command Visits $280 Million Upgrade in progress at the smaller Terminal 1, which mid-May, when he must decide to renew Israel for the First Time (JNS) Thanks to climbing numbers of services fl ights to domestic locations and sanctions waivers on Iran if it does not ad- (JNS) For the fi rst time, the head of the travelers to the Jewish state, Israel’s Ben low-cost airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair and dress key issues like Iran’s ballistic-missile United States Central Command (CENT- Gurion International Airport will undergo Wizz Air. program. COM) arrived in Israel for an offi cial meet- a massive billion-shekel ($280,000) expan- ing with top Israeli military offi cials. sion program. Hamas: March of Return to Gen. Joseph L. Vote is scheduled to meet Israel’s main airport, which fi elds 90 Continue Through Ramadan, with Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. percent of entries to and exists from the Spread to West Bank Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, Israeli National Secu- country, is expected to experience conges- rity Council members and senior IDF offi - tion as it welcomes over 25 million arriv- cials to discuss security issues in the region. als and departures in 2019, a major increase As Vote arrived, the IDF fi red on a po- over 2017, which saw 20.8 million transits, sition held by Syrian President Bashar As- and the estimated 23 million expected to sad’s troops after a mortar shell landed near pass through the airport in 2018. Israel’s security fence on the northern Go- To accommodate the additional traffi c, lan Heights on Monday close to Quneitra. Ben Gurion’s main international terminal, The shell is believed to be spillover from Terminal 3, will be renovated to include an the ongoing Syrian civil war. additional 36,000 sq. meters on four fl oors, The IDF reported that the return of fi re and 88 new check-in counters. Ben-Gurion International Airport Terminal 3.

(Yona Schnitzer/TPS) The series of weekly violent Palestinian protests known as the March of Return will not end on May Laying the Roots 15, the day that the Palestinians mark as Nakba Day, but will continue through Ram- adan, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said for Our Future this week. Attending a meeting of religious clerics ahead of the month-long fast of Ramadan, which commences May 16, Haniyeh said DEADLINE the protests would not end, as originally planned, as they have “strategic goals.” He did not lay out any specifi c goals. APPROACHING! Since the protests began on March 30, Enroll by at least 36 protesters have been killed by IDF fi re, and hundreds more wounded. A April 30th! report published by the Meir Amit Intelli- gence and Terrorism Information Center earlier in April found that at least 26 of those killed were involved with terrorist organizations. Haniyeh added furthermore that the protests would no longer be isolated to the Gaza border and would spread throughout Judea and Samaria. Russia Says Will Supply Syria With ‘New Air Defense Systems’ (TPS) Russia will supply Syria with new air defense systems, the RIA Novosti news agency said this week, quoting General Ser- gei Rudskoy, chief of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff. “Russian specialists will continue training Syrian military personnel, as well as as- sist in the development of new air defense systems, the deliveries of which will be carried out in the near future,” Rudskoy told RIA Novosti. Rudskoy said the decision had been made following the recent United States- led allied attack on Syria and that based on a “detailed analysis” of that strike by the Syrian Defense Ministry, changes were being made to shore up the Assad regime’s air defenses. However, Rudskoy did not clarify which systems Russia planned to supply Syria. Previous reports had said Moscow could supply Damascus with the S-300 system, a development that has troubled Israeli offi - cials as the surface-to-air missile can lock onto targets deep inside Israeli airspace. Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman warned in response to the reports that if S-300 systems were delivered to Syria and used against Israel, they would be destroyed. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 5 WORLD/ISRAEL NEWS US Embassy Opening to Include Mezuzah Ceremony By Yori Yalon and Israel Hayom Staff Flusser Street in Jerusalem’s Ar- smoothly as possible. nona neighborhood. In the ini- While most local As part of the May 14 ceremony to tial stage following the transfer, residents say they are mark the offi cial opening of the U.S. Em- the U.S. Embassy will be situated happy about the U.S. bassy, a mezuzah will be affi xed to the in what is now the U.S. Consulate Embassy’s transfer to embassy building. According to a Chan- building. Jerusalem, there are nel 20 report, organizers decided on the Works to pave an access road those who fear the unusual move of holding a religious cere- to the consulate building for move will negative- mony to install the mezuzah as a gesture Friedman and his staff along with ly impact their quiet to Israel and following the recommenda- another escape route to be used neighborhood. In par- tion of U.S. Ambassador to Israel David in case of emergency are current- ticular, they are con- Friedman. ly underway. In addition, a new cerned by the Amer- At a special event to mark the 70th an- lighting system is being installed ican demand a wall niversary of Israel’s founding at the Me- around the consulate to better il- be erected around the nachem Begin Heritage Center in Jeru- luminate the complex and make compound. Some res- salem, Monday, Friedman said he sees it easier to secure the site. idents have already Jerusalem as a religious place. A large security team has been fi led their objections “I hope that young Jews, in particular stationed on the roads leading to to the plan, but as the children, will connect to their Jewish and the consulate building to care- issue concerns a mat- Israeli roots,” he said. fully examine everyone who ap- ter largely considered Meanwhile, preparations ahead of proaches the area. to be of major nation- the May 14 transfer of the U.S. Embassy The Jerusalem Municipali- al importance, U.S. de- to Jerusalem are continuing apace. Work ty, along with Jerusalem Mayor mands will likely be is being carried out on the site that also Nir Barkat, has also been helping U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s approved. holds the consulate building on David to make sure the transfer goes as Old City. CREDIT: OREN BEN HAKOON

Germany: similarly stated, in an interview with Is- ald Trump’s decision to move the US Em- ly surprised, he said, that Foreign Minis- rael’s Channel 10, that Berlin will not bassy to Jerusalem.” ter Heiko Maas, who had just visited Jeru- CONTINUED FROM P. 1 move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv Since Trump’s announcement in De- salem and emphasized Germany’s “special as well as on clauses for the 1995 Oslo to Jerusalem. cember that the US recognizes Jerusa- responsibility for, and solidarity with, the Peace Accords. ‘Repeating the Arguments of Israel’s lem as the Israeli capital and will move democratic, Jewish state of Israel,” was un- “The federal government shares the Enemies’ its embassy there, a number of countries willing to support Israel’s position. view that the status of Jerusalem, just Petr Bystron, who submitted the que- have followed suit. “Considering the special responsi- like other ﬁ nal status issues, can only be ry, responded that “the German govern- Bystron said he was “amazed that, even bility the German government keeps settled through negotiations to be dura- ment’s answer was almost identical with 70 years after the founding of the State emphasizing it has toward Israel, it is ble and acceptable,” Annen afﬁ rmed. that of the Palestinian Authority, which of Israel, the German government has no strange they keep repeating the argu- Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel has been protesting US President Don- idea what its capital is.” He was especial- ments of Israel’s enemies,” Bystron said.

6 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS Riverdale Holds Community-Wide Yom Hazikaron Observance By Judy Berger together is a relatively new model which I fi nd particularly powerful. Those who love On April 17, Riverdalians observed Yom and support Israel are religious and secular, Hazikaron under the auspices of the River- American and Israeli.” dale Jewish Community Partnership, at the Students from Kinneret Day School also SAR High School. performed musical pieces. “It is a strong re- The program opened with a welcome fl ection of our mission to have our students message from Deann Forman, chief execu- and the entire school community feel the tive offi cer of the Riverdale Y. Similar to the power of the day and feel connected to Am observance in Israel, a siren was heard fol- Yisrael in Medinat Yisrael,” relayed Head of lowed by a moment of silence. School Rabbi Aaron Frank. “The goal this First Secretary Yaron Wax of the Per- year...was to have them look at it from the manent Mission of Israel to the United lenses of how much we all lost when these Nations followed, stating, “During this Re- heroes fell. There was so much that they membrance Day we acknowledge the true would have given to the world. Our under- cost of freedom and sovereignty. We bow lying message is that they, as the children, SAR Academy Yom Hazikaron performance. CREDIT: JUDY BERGER our heads to honor the over 23,000 individ- have the power to contribute so much to uals who lost their lives in defense of Isra- our people and our world.” [annual Yom Hazikaron] program together or the importance of this program.” el, including the over 3,000 victims of acts Participants from 17 Jewish community with 16 other partners. After doing so, we The next evening, April 18, over 400 peo- of terror. Every year the day before Inde- partners attended and contributed to crea- were blessed to have an outpouring of par- ple came together in celebration of Isra- pendence Day is dedicated to the remem- tion of the event. Rabbi Joseph Robinson, ticipation. The need for such an experience el’s Independence Day. The event included brance of those who gave their lives so we director of community engagement at the was so great on the part of Israeli and Amer- prayer, food, music and dancing. can celebrate our independence. We need Riverdale Y, led a passionate team of profes- ican attendees that a decision was made to UJA Federation of New York has gener- to remember the price paid to achieve and sionals, lay leaders and volunteers in coor- seek a larger venue. SAR High School gra- ously supported this coordinated effort by maintain independence and security. Isra- dinating the process. “It was important to ciously opened their doors this year to hon- the Riverdale YM-YWHA. el has come to embody to true meaning of maintain the connective tissues of the past, perseverance and resilience.” while also honoring the leadership of our Students from SAR Academy present- current community needs. The vision was ed the story of two fallen soldiers, Ohed to design and implement a ceremony that Shemesh and Benjamin ‘Benj’ Heilman. could honor those who have made the ul- “We share with our students that our li- timate sacrifi ce for the state of Israel, while cense to celebrate on Yom Ha’atzmaut is also building upon the connective bonds only legitimate after we appropriately ob- of our community,” explained Rabbi Rob- serve Yom Hazikaron and truly appreci- inson. ate the sacrifi ces that have been made to Robinson continued, “In 2017, the River- bring us the gift of Medinat Yisrael,” ex- dale YM-YWHA, as part of its efforts to cre- plained Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, principal ate a deeper partnership with local Jew- of SAR Academy. “The community coming ish communal institutions, developed the Kinneret Day School Yom Hazikaron performance.

“When you’ve been seriously injured, your only concern should be getting better. We’ll

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 7 EDITORIAL JEWISH LINK For 70 Years, If You Will It, It Is No Dream BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT “THE STATE OF ISRAEL will be open for Its welcoming Co-Founders/Co-Publishers Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering role continues to be David Winter of the Exiles; it will foster the development as vital as ever while Moshe Kinderlehrer of the country for the benefi t of all its inhab- Jews in France expe- Mark (Mendy) Schwartz itants; it will be based on freedom, justice rience rising, some- Associate Publisher/Editor and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Is- times fatal, acts of Elizabeth Kratz rael; it will ensure complete equality of so- anti-Semitism. And Founding Partner, cial and political rights to all its inhabitants as reported in this Jewish Link Design Group irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will week’s Jewish Link, Adam Negnewitzky guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, the vital work of language, education and culture; it will safe- Nefesh B’Nefesh has Senior Editor guard the Holy Places of all religions; and it resulted in tens of Jill Kirsch will be faithful to the principles of the Char- thousands of anglo Associate Editors ter of the United Nations.”—From Israel’s Jews building new Phil Jacobs Declaration of Independence, May 14, 1948. lives in Israel. Tamar Weinberg How many ways can we celebrate Medi- Israel’s high-tech Community Editor nat Yisrael’s 70 years as a free, independent development, its ag- Yvette Finkelstein Jewish nation? ricultural, medical, We revel in its dramatic growth with a water, educational and military innova- set up deadly positions in Lebanon and civ- Advertising Director Jewish population that has surpassed the tions have made it a miracle that daily ful- il-war-torn Syria. Yaakov Serle Jewish census of the United States. We have fi lls the dreams of Theodore Herzl, David Though Amalek rises up again and Production Editor watched as its pioneers, among them the sur- Ben Gurion, Golda Meir, Menachem Begin, again, in just 70 years Israel has become Jennifer Hoff er vivors of Europe’s descent into the unthinka- Shimon Peres and other leaders. a powerful force for universal good and a Offi ce Manager ble, built a nation literally from scratch. That Still, as Israel can and should celebrate, safe harbor for world Jewry. It has done so Dena Kinderlehrer nation didn’t just survive, but defeated Arab it watches an out-of-control Iran, which because Israel is not afraid to innovate, it aggression on its way to becoming the hos- has, despite the West’s best diplomacy oth- is not afraid to take risks, it is not afraid to Bookkeeper tile region’s most powerful military force. erwise, never denied its desire to make the love all Jews. Gila Negnewitzky It took in Jews expelled from Arab na- Jewish state disappear. Israel has already We believe in the people and spirit of Sales Development tions, it took in Jews choosing to leave a re- given land to the Palestinians with Gaza, Israel—for those of us living in the Diaspo- Ken Goff stein ligiously bereft former Soviet Union and it only to see the area used as a launching ra and those of us who have made aliyah. airlifted Jews to their homeland from Yem- pad of rockets from Hamas terrorists. At the Happy birthday, Israel. Here’s to the next 70 Sales Representatives en and Ethiopia. same time, Hezbollah, Iran’s surrogate, has years. Josh Bernstein Risa Lefkowitz Rachel Ashendorf LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Avi Koenig Simon Worman We Say They’re Anti-Semitic. [some] Muslims may be anti-Semitic, but So, you might question why you can’t Database Coordinator They Say We’re Islamophobic. we’re not angels, either. Both sides need to just say, “Palestinians are terrorists.” The an- Moishie Rosenberg We’re Both Right. work towards peace and acceptance. swer lies in what I just mentioned in the I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been Of course, I am in no way marginaliz- last paragraph: You are including all Pal- Sports Editor Steve Gutlove sitting in class and someone has said an ing the agony we’ve suffered at the hands estinians in that statement—along with Islamophobic comment. They make me of Muslims. My own cousin, Ezra Schwartz, the actual terrorists, you are including the Proofreader/Copy Editors grind my teeth, but I don’t say anything was 18 when he was murdered in a terror- people who abhor the bloodshed and just Rivky Bergstein because I’m surrounded by people who ist attack along with two other people. His want to escape, the people who would nev- Ruth Brody would never understand the point I want attacker, a Palestinian by the name of Mo- er dream of being violent against anyone Contributors to make; they’d attack me for even opening hammed Abdel Basset al-Kharoub, had been else and the people who are trapped in a Rachel Berger • Judy Berger • Shneur Garb my mouth about it. So, I’m writing it here, planning the attack for months and had war zone and born into a life they never Jenny Gans • Josh Warhit instead, and I hope you’ll be a more willing chosen the date to celebrate his 24th birth- wanted. Adam Samuel audience than my peers. day—November 19, 2015. I have paid close Making generalizations is dangerous. Rabbi Gidon Rothstein • Rabbi David Walk I love Judaism, and there are so many attention to the terrorist attacks occuring It’s unfair. And it does not bolster peace. The The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester amazing things that come along with it, but in Israel ever since and I have no words to key to making peace with the other side is & Connecticut one undesirable thing is the “anti-Muslim” describe how shockingly reprehensible and understanding them and their issues, real- PO Box 1027 environment that is inherent in a religion numerous they are, nor the extent to which izing that they’re having a hard time, too, Bronx, NY 10471 that is regularly assaulted by people of the I have suffered because of them. and acknowledging that they can’t just go Phone: 718-564-6710 Islamic faith. To catch a glimpse of what this feels like, away any more than we can. We need to re- Email: [email protected] Yes, it’s true that some Muslims harass, close your eyes and imagine your mother ally listen to them and their struggles and Advertising: [email protected] criticize and attack Jews, but not all Mus- or father, your sister or brother. Just for a try to help them, because many of them, Subscriptions/Home Delivery: lims are terrorists; in fact, a small minor- moment, imagine what would happen if like us, are people who just want the best [email protected] ity of them are, and American Muslims they died. That sense of loss and horror, cry- for themselves and their loved ones. Rath- The Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester & Connecticut, an independent are more likely to be worried about tering with your relatives—parents, siblings, er than wasting away within our hatred, publication, promotes honest and rigorous conversations about Juda- rorist attacks carried out by Muslims than children, aunts, uncles, cousins— attend- we need to embrace the best parts of our- ism, Israel and issues aff ecting our community. The opinions refl ected in articles from our contributors do not necessarily refl ect JLBWC’s non-Muslim Americans (http://www.pew- ing their funeral, visiting their grave, sitting selves, our ability to love and respect our positions, and publishing them does not constitute an endorsement forum.org/2017/07/26/terrorism-and-con- at their shiva. Then open your eyes, and un- fellow human beings, and use this to pro- from JLBWC. We simply off er food for thought. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We cerns-about-extremism/). Around a quar- derstand that you’ve experienced just a sliv- mote peace. also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not ter of the world is Muslim, which amounts er of what I’ve seen and experienced. I am I would like to say all of this as I sit in refl ect the standards of the newspaper. We are not responsible for the to almost two billion people, and many in no way downgrading my loss. my classroom and hear discriminatory re- kashrus of any product advertised in the Jewish Link of Bronx, West- chester & Connecticut. of these are people exactly like you and It is for this reason, and many oth- marks fl y, but I just say nothing—because me—people who go to work, have par- ers, that I don’t expect Jews to hold hands no one understands what it’s like to casu- ents, spouses, families. Girlfriends and boy- with Muslims and sing Kumbaya. However, ally bid your teenage cousin farewell and friends, sons and daughters, students and making derogatory comments towards one then never, ever see him again. No one un- teachers—productive members of socie- fourth of the world’s population is hardly derstands what it’s like to watch your rela- The Jewish Link extends ty who have no thoughts to spare towards keeping the peace. In fact, I think it contrib- tive struggle with Harry Potter trivia ques- birchat tanchumim Jews. utes to the huge rift between the two re- tions and then be standing in front of his And yes, some Muslims may be an- ligions. Yes, there are radical Muslims, and coffi n, dumbfounded, several months lat- to the family of Rabbi ti-Semitic—but people in your own com- yes, some Muslims attack Jews, but these er. And, most importantly, no one under- Rafael Grossman of munity probably pick up their briefcases are a small portion of them compared to stands those moments afterwards, reason- in the morning and then proceed to hold the majority. Not even all Palestinians sup- ing yourself through your grief and slowly Englewood, formerly an interview with a black person, only to port the violence against Jews and Israelis— coming to understand that, just because a of Memphis, upon his reject their application because of their though it is true that a disturbingly large Muslim murdered your cousin, that doesn’t skin color. Similarly, I’d be shocked if you percentage does (http://www.jpost.com/Ar- mean all Muslims would. passing last week. haven’t heard anyone in your communi- ab-Israeli-Confl ict/Poll-60-percent-of-Pales- Brooke Schwartz ty make an Islamophobic comment. Sure, tinians-support-attacks-447814). Junior, The Frisch School 8 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM OP-ED Barnard: How Not to Beat BDS By Jonathan Tobin/JNS Given the limited time they get with their students, even the best synagogue The BDS move- schools are hard-pressed to give youngsters ment hasn’t won many the religious knowledge and Hebrew skills victories in the United needed to pull off a bar or bat mitzvah. An States in recent years, in-depth look at the Jewish state is usual- but Israel’s opponents ly beyond their means. Sadly, the same is had to be thrilled when often true for many day schools, which, they learned that the student body at Bar- in theory, ought to have the time to teach nard College voted to endorse a proposal Jewish history and Zionism, as well as dive asking the highly regarded educational in- deeply into contemporary Israel’s challeng- stitution to divest from eight companies es. Nevertheless, sometimes they wind up that do business in Israel. giving all that short shrift. Barnard College in New York City. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The symbolic importance of the Bar- One of the greatest achievements of nard vote wasn’t limited to the timing, American Jewry in the last 20 years was the trality of Israel a bigger part of Jewish edu- to their counterparts in Arab majority na- which came on the eve of Israel’s Independ- creation of Birthright Israel, the program cation. tions. ence Day. According to Hillel International, that takes college-age students (as well as It’s also true that teaching about Israel But the problem goes deeper than that. Barnard is one of the most heavily Jewish young adults in their later 20s) on trips to should take into account the complex na- Jewish kids grow up in an environment colleges in the United States with 850 Jew- Israel. As much as Birthright has had a posi- ture of the confl ict with the Palestinians. that tends to view all forms of nationalism ish students out of a student body of 2,500. tive impact, if we wait until kids get to col- It’s OK to acknowledge that Israel isn’t per- as illegitimate and to regard the concept That makes the vote in which 1,153 students lege to teach them about Israel, we’re go- fect, while still pointing out that it is the of a Jewish state as a form of racism. That participated a signal triumph for the an- ing to lose most of them. Jewish schools of sole real democracy in the Middle East, and ti-Zionist Jewish Voices for Peace and Stu- every variety need to begin making the cen- that Arab citizens there have rights denied CONTINUED ON P. 10 dents for Justice in Palestine groups, which sponsored the resolution. While pro-Israel groups vowed to re- double their efforts to fi ght BDS, some Jews blamed the Jewish establishment for what happened. Barnard alumna Jenny Singer wrote in The Forward that the problem was that Jewish students are fed fairy tales about a perfect Israel and are then un- prepared to face the anti-Zionist narrative in which the Jewish state is portrayed as a human-rights offender. She believes that what’s needed is Jewish education about Is- rael that is more self-critical. Singer is right about the appalling ig- norance about the Middle East that is dis- played by Jewish students. She’s also right that this refl ects a failure on the part of the American Jewish community, rather than putting the onus just on the students. How- ever, she’s wrong to think that the answer to the anti-Semitism of the BDS movement is more criticism of Israel, or that a decision not to directly confront the liars and haters is the wiser path for pro-Israel students. The problem at Barnard is no different than that of scores of other colleges. Jewish teenagers arrive on campus and are confronted by Israel-haters that have a clear script in which the Jewish state is depicted as an apartheid regime that com- mits genocide against innocent Palestini- ans. Most Jewish students don’t know that the smears of Israel are lies or lack the basic knowledge of history to refute them. Even many who do realize that the charges are false feel intimidated by a campus culture in which intersectional theory has become a modern gospel. At a time when support for groups like Black Lives Matter is the new liberal orthodoxy, the bogus connection asserted between US civil-rights disputes and the Palestinian war on the Jewish state is enough to bludgeon a great many Jewish students into silence or acqui- escence. That’s the opening that BDS sup- UPSCALE MUSIC FOR AN UPSCALE EVENT. porters have exploited into victories like the Barnard vote. Why don’t Jewish kids know as much about the Middle East as the BDS crowd? The answer starts and fi nishes with the appalling failure of Jewish education. Large numbers of Jewish kids get no Jewish education at all, let alone one that ORCHESTRA & PRODUCTIONS will arm them with the facts about the confl ict between Israel and the Palestinians. 718.256.7200 | AARONTEITELBAUMPRODUCTIONS.COM Yet the truth is that those who do get some kind of Jewish education often don’t wind up knowing much about Israel either. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 9 COMMUNITY NEWS HIR Knitting Club Warms Up America By Joan Salomon the yarn company partners with, changed family company.” everything for the club. What made the difference was that in The hectic pace that so many of us live The group chose to knit small squares only one hour a square could be complet- today often leaves no time for leisure activ- for a charity called Warm Up America. They ed. Even the busiest members can fi nd an ities like knitting or crocheting. Once-fl our- take the squares along with hundreds of hour to make a square. And the best thing ishing neighborhood yarn shops are clos- others from all over the country, and sew of all is the amazing feeling the knitters get ing and knitting clubs are becoming few them together into warm afghans for the from knowing that something so small can and far between. homeless, hospitals and victims of cata- make a real difference in the life of a per- Hebrew Institute of Riverdale—The strophic weather events. son less fortunate than they. Shira Blumenthal, brand ambassador Lion Bayit started a knitting club (HIR Knitting On April 23, David and Shira Blumen- Also present at the event was Rav Ste- Brand Yarn Company (left); Joan Salomon, Club) in August of last year. The club, too, thal attended a regular meeting of the HIR ven, who shared these beautiful words, “I HIR Knitting Club coordinator (center); and was on the path to extinction, but is now a Knitting Club to celebrate a very special bless us as a community that through the David Blumenthal, president/CEO Lion Brand vital and thriving entity in Riverdale, thanks evening where they were shown the prod- continued giving of weaving more squares Yarn Company (right). to the extraordinary generosity of two indi- ucts of only three meetings: close to 100 of yarn we will also continue weaving con- viduals and their family-owned business— squares, a completed afghan and a few cro- nections between each other.” Lion Brand Yarn Company. When company cheted teddy bears. Visibly pleased and im- Got an hour? Join the group and make head David Blumenthal, who happens to pressed with the work, David said, “Lion a square. Knowledge of knitting or crochet be a member of HIR, noticed the knitting Brand Yarn takes great pride in giving back required. club meeting announcement in the shul to the community. Our mission is to cre- HIR Knitting Club meets on the fi rst bulletin, he enlisted his daughter Shira, the ate a more colorful, connected and giving Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. and on the company’s brand ambassador, to reach out world. We are blessed to be on the giving fourth Monday at 7 p.m. at the Hebrew In- and see how she could help. A donation of side of life. Whether to synagogues, church- stitute of Riverdale—The Bayit, 3700 Henry yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks, es, senior citizen homes, or hospitals, this Hudson Parkway, Bronx, NY 10463. First 100 squares for Warm Up America. along with a suggestion that the group culture of giving has been our mantra Questions? Contact Knitting Club Coor- Knitting by members of the HIR Knitting Club, should knit for one of the many charities throughout fi ve generations of Blumenthal dinator Joan Salomon at 845-653-1290. April 23.

How Not to Beat BDS of a myth as any tall tales about a perfect fl aws, resisting BDS also requires a willing- anti-Semitic arguments that delegitimize Israel. The problem isn’t that the pro-Isra- ness to do something that is hard for any- Jewish rights, that’s exactly what is need- CONTINUED FROM P. 9 el side isn’t more reasonable. It’s that coun- one: standing up to the political fashion of ed. Yet before we can expect Jewish kids makes them vulnerable to the lies of those tering the lies requires a willingness to the day and being willing sometimes to be to muster the courage to fi ght back, the who wish to destroy Israel. stand out in a campus world where doing an embattled minority. Jewish community must do a better job Many on the left point to groups like AI- so isn’t going to win you many friends (and Calling out anti-Semites on campus is in preparing them for the challenge. Until PAC, blaming them for not being more crit- in some cases could even affect your aca- the kind of a task that won’t win anyone a that happens, more debacles like the one ical of Israel. But the notion that BDS can demic standing). popularity contest. But when confronted at Barnard are almost certain to follow. be countered by advocates who spend as No matter how educated college stu- by groups like Students for Justice in Pal- Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of JNS—Jewish News Syn- much time bashing the Jewish state as up- dents are about the Middle East or how nu- estine and Jewish Voices for Peace, which dicate. Follow him on Twitter at @jonathans_tobin. holding the justice of its cause is as much anced their views of the confl ict or Israel’s trade in lies about Israel and engage in

Tali Rosenblatt Cohen and Sender Cohen Debbie and Elliot Gibber Giti and Jack Bendheim Drs. Miriam and Felix Glaubach Dr. Aaron Levine Ira Mitzner Harriet and Joshua Muss Leyla and Daniel Posner Sharon and David Rauch Malki and Phil Rosen In Memory of Nicholas and Sondra Schwartz Zahava and Moshael Straus List in Formation

GivingDay.YU.edu

10 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS Solomon Schechter Westchester HS Hosts SEE YOU SUNDAY Israel@70 Celebration THE ORTHODOX UNION PRESENTS

NEW YORK סיטי פילד SUNDAY APRIL 29 2018, 8:45 am - 6:00 pm

From left: Amit Danan and Ofek Harel (young Shlichim: Shinshinim); Oshra Rosenberg, senior community Shlicha; Helene Schonbrun, event coordinator; and Elizabeth Lampert, WJC’s board member. CREDIT: WESTCHESTER JEWISH COUNCIL

By Judy Berger rael Baseball League, signed Mets baseball Mrs. Michal Senator Joseph Rabbi Eli hats and IBL baseballs and posed for pho- Horowitz Lieberman Mansour On Sunday, April 15, Solomon Schech- tos. ter Westchester High School in Hartsdale Classrooms were transformed to host hosted a community-wide celebration of ongoing activities, including a virtual hike Israel@70. “This was the largest event in through Israel on “Shvil Yisrael:” a commu- the Westchester Jewish community in re- nal art project, “My Tie:” a collaborative art cent history,” explained Oshra Rosenberg, project using ribbons to express personal who is completing a three-year term as the feelings about Israel; and an opportunity community shlicha of the Jewish Agency to for children to “experience Israel through Mrs. Lori Palatnik Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Rabbi Moshe Westchester. the fi ve senses.” The dining hall was trans- Hersh Weinreb Weinberger The ceremony featured remarks from formed into an Israeli food court, serving Consul General of Israel in New York Dani traditional Israeli foods including falafel, Dayan, followed by greetings from CEO shawarma and Israeli salad, as well as other Eric S. Goldstein of UJA-Federation of New kosher fare, including sushi, hot dogs and ADDITIONAL PROGRAM SPEAKERS York, Congresswoman Nita Lowey, Con- hamburgers. gressman Eliot Engel and Rosenberg. Rosenberg explained that the goal of the • Rabbi Yosef Adler • Mrs. Sivan Rahav Meir Entertainment throughout the day in event was “to bring the Jewish community the “Machane Yehuda” shuk converted the of Westchester to celebrate together as one • Rabbi Moshe Bamberger • Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon high school gym into a traditional Israeli big community, to acknowledge the incred- • Rabbi Dr. Ari Bergmann • Rabbi Yonason Sacks open-air marketplace. ible progress and achievements that have • Rabbi Eliezer Breitowitz • Rabbi Hershel Schachter “Children were delighted by the oppor- been made in 70 years, to recognize the sig- • Rabbi Moshe Elefant • Mrs. Atara Segal tunity for face painting, spray tattoos and nifi cance global contributions of Israel and • Rabbi Menachem Genack • Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman ‘Midrash Manicures’ (Israel-themed nail de- to celebrate the miracle of the state of Isra- cals and nail polish designs). The middle el.” She continued, “Creating this event was • Rabbi Efrem Goldberg • Rabbi Dr. Avraham Steinberg school gym hosted an exhibit hall of Israe- a process that involved volunteers from • Rabbi Moshe Hauer • Mrs. Esther Wein li products and Judaica for sale, with infor- this amazing community, from different or- • Rabbi Dr. Shnayer Leiman • Rabbi Gideon Weitzman mational tables by organizations providing ganizations, schools and synagogues. It was • Rabbi Judah Mischel • Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder a vibrant space for attendees to shop and an authentic celebration and the attendees • Rabbi Elazar Muskin • Rabbi Mordechai Willig learn,” described Rosenberg. got a taste of Israel during the celebration. • Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger Rosenberg detailed the day’s activities I was especially pleased that American and • Rabbi Yitzchak Yisraeli as a way to “pay tribute to the great achieve- Israeli Jews came together for the planning, ments of the Jewish homeland.” These ac- creation and execution of this day. It was tivities included appearances by a number truly a collaborative effort.” of special guests including celebrity Israe- Lead funding came from UJA-Federation Free parking Lunch available for purchase li chef Gil Hovav and Miss Israel 2013, Yit- of New York. Joining Rosenberg in organiz- yish Titi Aynaw. Concurrent programs ran ing the event were the Westchester Jewish throughout the day, including a musical Council staff and event coordinator Helene American Sign Language interpreters available performance of the children’s book “El- Schonbrun. Sponsoring partners included la’s Trip to Israel” by MusicTalks; cooking AJC Westchester/Fairfi eld, Friends of the Is- demonstrations of traditional Israeli delica- rael Defense Forces (FIDF), Jewish Nation- cies including hummus and shakshuka by al Fund (JNF), Lisa and Michael Leffell Fam- Renana Shvil; a Krav Maga session; an in- ily Foundation, Stand With Us, American $50 Online or Walk-ins 41 teractive Israeli Air Force Drone Pilot work- Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), shop; an Israel@70 theater with Neta Ariel, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Beth El Day director of the Maaleh fi lm school in Je- Camp & Nursery School, Israel Bonds, Ha- rusalem; and a photo exhibit showcasing dassah Westchester, AIPAC and the Tel Aviv the diversity in Israel today, presented by Foundation. Over 100 individuals and fami- Bring Israel Home • Impact Accelerator • Israel Free Spirit Jewish Action • NCSY • OU Advocacy • OU Israel • OU JLIC UJA-Federation of New York and the Amer- lies also supported the event. • OU Kosher • OU Press • OU Torah • OU West Coast ican Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Following this giant celebration, the Teach Advocacy Network • Synagogue & Community (JDC). 1969 World Series Champion New Westchester Jewish Council joined with Services • The Women’s Initiative • Yachad York Mets player Art Shamsky, more recent- JCC of Mid Westchester on Wednesday, ly known as manager of the Modi’in Mira- cle in the 2007 inaugural season of the Is- CONTINUED ON P. 7 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 11 COMMUNITY NEWS

Riverdale Unites to Celebrate The program was sponsored by the Solomon Schechter Westchester Israel’s 70th Birthday Riverdale Jewish Community Partnership CONTINUED FROM P. 11 Honoring Israel’s 70th birthday, Yom with the generous support of UJA Federa- Ha’atzmaut was celebrated on Wednesday tion of New York and coordinated by the April 18, for a combined Yom Hazikaron evening, April 18, with a community-wide Riverdale Y. ceremony and Yom Ha’atzmaut program. maariv service at the Riverdale Temple. The Approximately 180 people attended this service was followed by a kosher dinner ca- event. tered by Riverdale’s K Grill, complete with “We commemorated Yom Hazikaron music, and activities for all ages, enjoyed by with a moving and meaningful Yom Haz- several hundred people. ikaron ceremony,” described Rosenberg. Almost 20 Jewish institutions of River- “Since the event was on both Yom Haz- dale participated, including Congrega- ikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, we had a tran- tion Beth Aharon, Congregation Shaarei sition to Yom Ha’atzmaut, when we focused Shalom, Congregation Tehillah, Conserv- on celebrating 70 years to the declaration ative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverd- of the establishment of the state of Israel 1969 NY Mets World Series champ Art ale, The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, the and ended with musical celebration sing-a- Shamsky. CREDIT: MARC BERGER, MD Hebrew Institute of Riverdale—The Bay- long of Israeli songs with Westchester Day it, The Kehilah, Kinneret Day School, Min- Women dancing and singing during the School teachers Anat Lippner and Dikla who was killed in Operation Protective yan Shachar, Riverdale Jewish Center, The festive maariv prayer during the Riverdale Pinchasi and with the Solomon Schechter Edge in 2014. Sheffer is the former head of Riverdale Minyan, Riverdale Temple, The community-wide service prayer service held school band.” the Israel Defense Forces Planning Directo- Riverdale Y, SAR Academy, Yeshivat Chovev- at the Riverdale Minyan. CREDIT: © 2018 ROBERT KALFUS The main speakers of the evening were rate (J5), and served in the Israeli Defense ei Torah, Yeshivat Maharat and Young Isra- Renana Shvil and Major General (res.) Nim- Forces (IDF) as a ﬁ ghter pilot, command- el Ohab Zedek. rod Sheffer. Shvil shared her moving and ed an Air Force base and headed the Air Op- powerful memories and thoughts about erations Division and the Israeli Air Force her beloved nephew, Yuval Heiman, z”l, Headquarters.

Riverdale Jewish Center Chazzan Shim Craimer singing with his sons at the festive David Glazer plays guitar during the festive maariv prayer service during the Riverdale maariv prayer service during the Riverdale community-wide prayer service held at the community-wide prayer service held at the Riverdale Minyan. CREDIT: © 2018 ROBERT KALFUS Riverdale Minyan. CREDIT: © 2018 ROBERT KALFUS Westchester students entertaining WJC. CREDIT: MARC BERGER, MD At last, SINAI comes to NYC this fall!

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12 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS UJA Westchester and YINR Spend an Celebrate Israel@70 By Judy Berger Unforgettable Shavuos UJA-Federation of New York in West- with Yeshiva University chester and Young Israel of New Rochelle hosted noted Jerusalem rabbi Rav Binyam- AT OUR ANNUAL in “Benny” Lau on Saturday night, April 21. The presentation was titled “Israel@70: Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary Yarchei Kallah The Dream and the Reality of a Modern Jewish State.” Over 200 Westchester resi- Friday, May 18–Monday, May 21 dents were in attendance. Rabbi Lau methodically presented the HILTON WESTCHESTER I RYE BOOK, NEW YORK many stages of aliyah that led to the creation and sustainment of the modern state WITH OUR of Israel. Among the personal anecdotes PRESIDENT • ROSHEI YESHIVA • REBBEIM • FACULTY and biblical references Rabbi Lau discussed was the Talmudic story of Choni Hamagaal. Choni is best known for draw- ing a circle during a drought, standing in the circle demanding a heavenly response for rain. A lesser-known story, also found in the tractate Taanit, is his questioning a man planting a carob tree. The man was Rav Benny Lau at YINR. CREDIT: MARC BERGER, MD fully aware that he would not live to see the “fruits of his labor.” Choni fell asleep proximately 2 ½ years. for 70 years and awoke to see his descend- His doctoral dissertation analyzed ants enjoying those fruits. On the 70th an- the halachic theories of former Sephard- RABBI DR. ARI BERMAN niversary of the modern state of Israel, ic Chief Rabbi Chacham Ovadia Yosef, Rabbi Lau suggested that the seeds sown whose son currently holds that title, serv- in 1948 are bearing fruit today. ing alongside Rabbi Lau’s fi rst cousin, the Not only is Lau the senior rabbi of the current Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau. Modern Orthodox Ramban Synagogue in “Rabbi Lau conveyed an important Israel’s capital city, he has a long career as message when he spoke about the pro- a scholar, author and social justice activist. cess of building our country and socie- After serving in the rabbinate of the Reli- ty,” explained Westchester’s Shlicha Oshra gious Kibbutz Movement as rabbi of Kib- Rosenberg. “Things didn’t happen immedi- butz Saad and Talmud instructor at Ye- ately...and it will take more time to accom- RABBI HERSHEL RABBI ELCHANAN RABBI MENACHEM RABBI YONA shivat Hakibbutz Hadati, at Kibbutz Ein plish all our dreams. He spoke about the SCHACHTER ADLER PENNER REISS Tzurim, Rav Benny returned to Jerusalem importance of tolerance and to be unit- in 2000 and assumed his current pulpit. ed even if there is a big gap between our Since then, he formed several schools, in- opinions.” cluding a Bet Midrash for Women, the so- Rosenberg concluded by refl ecting on cial action organization Maaglei Tzedek the events of the week. “It was a week full and the Institute for Social Justice at Beit with celebrating Israel among our commu- Morasha, for government ministries and nity in Westchester. I’m so proud to be part senior IDF offi cers. of the efforts to make it happen and more

One of his unique achievements is the proud to be part of this extraordinary com- DR. MIRIAM RABBI HAYYIM MRS. MICHAL RABBI ARI 929 project. Based on the Daf Yomi mod- munity that knows how to stand for Isra- ADLER ANGEL HOROWITZ LAMM el for daily Talmud study, 250,000 Israe- el and how to celebrate Israel in a fun and lis of all backgrounds and levels of obser- meaningful way. This community is unique vance have been studying a daily chapter by the way [it] knows how to gather togeth- of Tanach in order. The ﬁ rst cycle began er, no matter what denomination or opin- on Chanukah 2014, and lasts 929 days, ap- ions people hold about Israel.”

DR. DAVID MRS. NECHAMA RABBI DR. JACOB PELCOVITZ PRICE J. SCHACTER

Join us for a Yom Tov experience that will keep you inspired until Shavuos comes again! FAMILIES ARE WELCOME World-class presenters with Shiurim and Lectures on a variety of levels Elegant Dining I Tea Room I Kiddush Day Camp and Babysitting I Excellent Teen Program • Special program with YU Connects •

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Rav Benny Lau addressing YINR/UJA. CREDIT: MARC BERGER, MD 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 13 COMMUNITY NEWSBRIEFS

Rabbi Elan Adler to Return Young Israel of New Rochelle. The lecture, to Agudath Sholom as sponsored by the Women’s Initiative for Scholar-in-Residence Jewish Studies, is free and open to women and men. The standard Biblical and Talmud- JOIN US! ic texts used throughout the world today originated in a 19th-century Lithuani- an printing company run by a brave and Sunday, May 6, 2018 talented young widow. Chechik will discuss the widow Romm’s story and the fas- cinating evolution and transmission of 5:30 P.M. Jewish texts from the earliest printings in 15th-century Italy to the internet databas- es of today. Bi-Cultural Day School Rabbi Elan Adler 2018 Rabbi Elan Adler, who served as the assistant rabbi at Congregation Agudath Sholom for seven years, will be returning to the synagogue as a scholar-in-residence Celebration Dinner on Shabbat weekend, June 22-23. He will speak four times on Shabbat day. After the 9 a.m. morning services in Hilton Stamford Hotel the main sanctuary, Rabbi Adler will de- BUFFET DINNER ~ DANCING ~ DESSERT liver the sermon, “My Favorite Sentence in the Torah.” There will be a community luncheon at approximately 12:30 p.m. in Raizie Chechik the synagogue (reservations are required), at which Rabbi Adler will speak about his Chechik studied Tanach and coun- experiences as a new immigrant to Israel. seling at Michlalah Jerusalem Teacher’s HONORING At 7 p.m., Rabbi Adler will deliver a class College, holds an MA in Jewish history Linda & Leonard Russ, Guests of Honor on the portion of the week (Chukat). Final- and has done doctoral work in both edu- ly, at 8:30 p.m., between the afternoon and cation and Jewish studies. She is a recip- Larry Rezak, Community Service Award evening services, Rabbi Adler will speak ient of numerous professional and aca- about “Lessons in Derech Eretz (Being a demic awards, among them the national Craig L. Price, Young Leadership Award Mensch).” Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excel- Rabbi Adler served as a pulpit rabbi lence in Jewish Education. Dr. Pamela Schaffer Singer, Alumni Award for 25 years in Stamford and Baltimore Please visit www.yinr.org/wijs to view prior to making aliyah with his family in the complete WIJS schedule or email Pia Walker, Jane Shoztic Memorial Award 2010. He received his semicha from Yeshi- [email protected] for more information. va University, and had the privilege of being an aide to Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Bronx Jewish Center Plans for two years. He served as the president May Community Events BCDS.org/celebration of the Baltimore Board of Rabbis. During Please join the Bronx Jewish Center for his tenure in Baltimore, he developed im- its next two community events. On Thurs- portant connections with the non-Jewish day, May 3, starting at 6 p.m., there will be a community, especially the African-Amer- community barbeque in celebration of Lag ican community. Rabbi Adler hosts the B’Omer. Derech Eretz Hour on Arutz Sheva radio On Friday night, May 4, starting at 7, every Sunday afternoon, organizes a lec- there will be a community Shabbat dinner. ture series in his home in Maale Adumim, The special theme for that evening will be provides counseling services through Shabbat in Hungary, and the dinner will be his Safe Harbor Counseling Services and fi lled with Hungarian delicacies. Attendees teaches Torah at several Israeli schools. will enjoy a delicious four-course dinner as “We are delighted to be able to host they turn Friday night into an evening of Rabbi Adler in Stamford, where he made spiritual awakening, learning, Jewish songs many connections during his tenure here and culinary delights. Please RSVP at 718- and was a beloved member of our clergy,” 812-1701. said Rabbi Daniel Cohen, spiritual leader Shabbat dinners are held the fi rst Friday of Congregation Agudath Sholom. of every month and, “no, it isn’t all about If you would like more information the food,” said Rabbi Pewzner of the Bronx about the program, or would like to make Jewish Center. “What is important is that a reservation for the luncheon, please vis- the entire community joins together and Bi-Cultural it the synagogue’s website at agudathsho- welcomes the start of the Shabbat. It will DAY SCHOOL lom.org or call the synagogue offi ce at 203- be a beautiful time for everyone. Please 358-2200. join us for both events.We look forward to welcoming you.” 2186 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT Raizie Chechik to Discuss The events are free of charge and all are the Widow Romm and the welcome. tCDETPSH Printing Press of Vilna For more information, visit www.Bronx- Raizie Chechik, head of school at Man- JewishCenter.org, or contact offi ce@bronx- hattan Day School, will present “Floating jewishcenter.org or 718-812-1701. The Bronx Letters: The Widow Romm and the Print- Jewish Center is located at 1969 Haight Ave- ing Press of Vilna” on Tuesday, May 15, at nue, Bronx, NY 10461.

14 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM LAG B’OMER

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 15 COMMUNITY NEWS Nishmat Gala Celebrates Anniversary With Nishmat’s 28th Anniversary Gala Dinner Tribute to Pioneers

Celebrating Israel at 70 (Courtesy of American Friends regulate intimate relations of mar- of Nishmat) The assistant princi- ried couples (taharat hamishpa- pal and director of Judaic studies cha). Their services, in demand Honoring at Yeshiva University High School all over the world, are available for Girls, Bracha Rutner, will re- through community Yoatzot like ceive the prestigious Miriam Rutner, and also via a hotline, Glaubach Center Award for Ex- email and on www.yoatzot.org. cellence for her distinguished ser- Bracha Rutner studied and was vice to the community as a Nish- certifi ed at Nishmat’s Keren Ari- mat Yoetzet Halacha on Monday Bracha Rutner el Women’s Halachic Consultants evening, May 14, at Nishmat’s 28th Program in Israel. Today, most US Anniversary Gala Dinner at Espace in Man- Yoatzot are educated at Nishmat’s Ameri- Judith & Morry Dr. Nicole Yoetzet Halacha hattan. Geneticist Dr. Nicole Schreiber can satellite, The Miriam Glaubach Center. Weiss Schreiber Agus Bracha Rutner Agus and philanthropists Judith and Morry The center, founded by Dr. Felix and Mir- Miriam Glaubach Center Weiss will also be honored. iam Glaubach, also offers continuing edu- Award for Excellence Bracha Rutner broke new ground, be- cation and professional development for coming the fi rst Yoetzet Halacha (wom- Yoatzot Halacha. an advisor in Jewish law) employed by Yoatzot Halacha are “women with con- MONDAY, MAY 14, 2018 an American synagogue, Riverdale Jewish summate learning and leadership skills, Center, where she served for a decade. She poised to further our communities and to A Conversation with Rabbanit Chana Henkin is also former Yoetzet Halacha at the River- continue to change the landscape for Or- 6:00 PM dale Minyan and is currently Kemp Mill thodox families,” said Dr. Giti Bendheim, & Yoetzet Halacha Julia Baruch Synagogue’s Yoetzet. As the longest-serving Yoatzot Halacha chair for American Friends American Yoetzet, Rutner helped pioneer of Nishmat and a member of the gala din- 6:30 PM Reception / 7:30 PM Dinner programs and lectures that are standard for ner committee. “We see in Bracha Rutner the 19 Yoatzot Halacha serving 54 congrega- a consummate professional who’s applied tions in 23 U.S. Orthodox Jewish communi- her scholarship and leadership skills to en- ties today. hance the lives of Jewish women and their They are part of a worldwide network families,” she said. 635 West 42nd Street • New York City of 119 Yoatzot Halacha, scholars educated More information about Nishmat’s pro- and certifi ed by Nishmat to provide trust- grams is on www.nishmat.net. To sign up ed halachic guidance and caring advice to for the Gala Dinner on May 14th or to make RESERVATIONS & SCROLL OF HONOR women observing Jewish family laws that a reservation, visit www.nishmatgala.org. American Friends of Nishmat 646.378.5895 • [email protected] Congressman Eliot Engel www.nishmatgala.org Celebrates Israel@70 HONORARY CHAIRS Miriam & Dr. Felix Glaubach Audrey & Rabbi Dr. Haskel Lookstein in Westchester Drs. Monique C. & Mordecai D. Katz Jeanie & Jay Schottenstein Congressman Eliot Engel attend- GALA DINNER CHAIRS ed the Westchester Celebrates Israel@70 Sarah Roer Bendheim & Etan Bendheim Esther & Richard Joel event sponsored by the Westchester Jew- Sherry & Neil Cohen Abby & Rabbi Yaacov Lerner ish Council on Sunday. Engel spoke at Wendy & Sholem Greenbaum Yardaena Osband & David Glazer the event about the unbreakable bond be- Linda & Michael Jesselson Pamela & George Rohr tween the United States and Israel. Pic- GALA DINNER COMMITTEE tured with the congressman are Congress- Jen & Daniel Agus Rachel & Jeremy Maryles woman Nita Lowey, Consul General of Raanan Agus Caroline & Morris Massel Israel in New York Dani Dayan and Assem- Yoetzet Halacha Julia & Leora Mogilner & blyman Tom Abinanti. David Baruch Richard Linhart Shira & Larry Baruch Josh Muskat Giti & Jack Bendheim Heather Rutner & Naomi & Ori Carmel Michael Plotsker Faith & Andy Charles Renee & Avram Schreiber Shari & Robert Feig Debbie & Daniel Schwartz Sarah & Moshe Fink Lisa Schwartz & Shira & Gadi Goldress Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz Sharon & Sinclair Haberman Robyn & Mark Tsesarsky Netti & Ari Herman Elana & Rabbi Brahm Weinberg Sara Hurand & Elie Weiss Hildee & Gary Weiss ]]ZMa?MQٺRachel & Rabbi Daniel Kraus 3IZMV2M Rochelle Stern Major & Rachel & Zev Weiss Eugene Major AMERICAN FRIENDS OF NISHMAT Sharon Liberman Mintz Wendy Greenbaum President Vice President NISHMAT. Not just an institution, but a vision.

American Friends of Nishmat 520 8th Avenue, 4th Floor New York, NY 10018

16 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM COMMUNITY NEWS Young Israel of Scarsdale Celebrates 46th Annual Dinner By Judy Berger Morgenstern began his rabbinic studies at el, Stern College for Women and Colum- the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Sem- bia University School of Nursing. She is On Sunday, April 29, at their 46th Anni- inary of YU and received semicha in 2002, an active member in the Young Israel of versary Dinner, the Young Israel of Scars- from Beit Midrash LeTalmud, an affi liate of Scarsdale and Westchester Day School dale will honor Jordana and Rabbi Jona- the Lander College in Queens. communities. Jordana, along with other than Morgenstern for 18 years of serving In a statement to their community, YIS community members, frequently cooks the Young Israel of Scarsdale (YIS) commu- described Rabbi Jonathan and Jordana Mor- and delivers food for people who are ill, nity with dedication, love and inspiration- genstern as “inspirational leaders of the new parents and new shul members. al leadership. Young Israel of Scarsdale community for The Rabbi and Jordana, married in 1998, “It is a very humbling and refl ective ex- the past 18 years.” The Morgensterns arrived are devoted parents to their four children: perience,” said Rabbi Morgenstern. “We in Scarsdale in 2000, as he became the fi rst Simon, Ayden, Ella and Jacob. have been in this community for 18 years, YIS rabbinic intern. After two years, he be- “We are putting together a video as a and have watched our family grow up here. came the synagogue’s fi rst assistant rabbi, tribute to the Morgensterns. This video will Being honored has given us a chance to re- a position that he held until 2008, when include interviews from colleagues, mem- fl ect back over this time period.” he was promoted to senior rabbi, follow- bers of our community and friends,” ex- When asked about his hopes for the ing the tragic death of his mentor, Rabbi Ja- plained Dana Jason, one the dinner chairs. future of YIS, Rabbi Morgenstern stated, cob Rubenstein, z”l. Before becoming the “We are also having a performance by the “I hope we all continue to grow and that full-time rabbi, Rabbi Morgenstern taught comedian Modi.” everyone feels they have a place in their Judaic studies for seven years at Westches- Jason added, “We are hoping that guests community regardless of spectrum of Or- ter Hebrew High School, and served as the of the dinner will walk away with a feel- thodoxy and that everyone feels they have school’s spiritual/mental health counselor, ing of pride in our rabbi and rebbetzin and a place of respect and can appreciate the di- hockey coach and softball coach. Rabbi Mor- have the opportunity to refl ect on their 18 versity of our community.” genstern then served as dean of students for years of serving our community with inspi- Rabbi Morgenstern grew up in Monsey, two years at Westchester Day School. rational leadership.” New York. After graduating from MTA, Rab- Jordana grew up in Teaneck. After grad- For more information about the dinner, bi Morgenstern attended Yeshiva Universi- uating from the Ramaz Upper School, she please visit the Young Israel of Scarsdale Dinner honorees Rabbi Jonathan & Jordana ty, earning a BA in economics in 1999. Rabbi studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum in Isra- website at www.yisny.org. Morgenstern CREDIT: YOUNG ISRAEL OF SCARSDALE

UJA-Federation of NY Plans semble hundreds of meals children ages 3 and over are welcome. Community-Wide Day of Service for those in need as they To register, go to www.timeforgood. Join UJA-Federation of New York at join scores of volunteers org/hungry-to-help. For more informa- the JCC of Mid-Westchester in Scars- across the greater New York tion, please contact Veronica Landin at dale, New York, on Sunday, May 6, from area who are tackling pover- [email protected] or 914.385.2115. 3 to 5 p.m., for Hungry to Help, a com- ty and food insufﬁ ciency as The JCC of Mid-Westchester is lo- munity-wide day of service. part of Time for Good. The cated at 999 Wilmot Rd, Scarsdale, New Participants will pack food and as- event is free, and adults and York.

MISHNAT HARA"L Yom lyun In memory of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein zt"l on the Topic of "Kedusha" Sunday April 29th, 2018 | 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Lincoln Square Synagogue | 180 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC

Introductory Remarks Dr. Tovah Lichtenstein Keynote Speech Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, “Kedushat Yisrael” Shiurim Rabbi Gedalyah Berger, “Kedushat Ha-Dibbur in an Age of Sexual Candor” Rabbi Yaakov Jaffe, "Exclusion or Elevation? The Kedushah of the Temple, Temple Mount, and Jerusalem." Miriam Krupka Berger, “Our Classrooms, Our Sanctuaries? Making Learning Holy in the Modern Orthodox High School Classroom” ]w wv{hsz Panel Discussion Topic: "Living a Life of Kedusha in the Contemporary World" Yysywv{zzwk~v Panelists: Rabbi Ezra Bick, Sarah Rindner Blum, Rabbi Shaul Robinson Closing Remarks Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein Co-Chairs: Rabbi Gidon Rothstein '82 and Rabbi Shlomo Zuckier '05

718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 17 DIVREI TORAH Holy Hutzpah Rabbi David Walk of this obligation of surrendering one’s week the demand to sanctify God’s name emulation of God and fulfi llment of Divine life, whether it’s mandatory or voluntary is ‘amidst the Children of Israel’. This sub- potential by exhibiting this kind of me- Emor-5778 or whether it’s only in public. I’m interest- lime sanctity can only be achieved with ta-natural behavior. This doesn’t have to be Growing up in the ed in trying to decipher what do we mean and through the community, for the Torah martyrdom. It can be living by Torah pre- 50’s and 60’s, I was by sanctifying, as in ‘I shall be sanctifi ed says ‘the entirety of the community is total cepts publicly and modestly. Mitzvot per- part of that TV genera- amidst the Children of Israel, I am the Lord kedusha (Bamidbar 16:3)’. The Rebbe adds formed with kindness and grace can have tion. We didn’t yet ap- Who sanctifi es you (Vayikra 22:32).’ that Jews and Judaism are invulnerable a powerful and profound effect on others, preciate how the idi- Of course, this discussion began last when so unifi ed (Parshat Kedoshim, 1883). and, therefore, the world. The great road- ot box was destroying week with the famous demand, ‘Be Holy!’ The Rebbe describes the means of block to this boon for Creation is a combi- our brain cells. TV was our reference point (kedoshim t’hiyu, 19:2). What does God achieving kedusha, but it’s the Malbim (Reb nation of apathy and timidity. We have to for everything, when I’d get a drink from want from us when we’re commanded to Meir Leibish ben Yechiel Michal Wisser, believe that our Torah system of relation- a public fountain, I thought of Red Skelt- be holy or sanctifi ed? The most famous in- 1809-1879) who, I believe, truly defi nes the ships with God and humanity is more than on’s inability to get water from the bub- terpretation is Rashi’s, who explains that phenomenon. Sanctity really does mean just a pathway to my personal salvation. I bler in the park or if I went to a bank I it means, ‘Separate yourselves from sexu- ‘separate’, but it means to be separate from strongly believe that it’s a scheme through thought of Jack Benny going into his sub- al immorality and from sin, for wherever natural reality. It means to be ethereal, out- which my behavior can be a catalyst for terranean vault, or perhaps my Mom OB”M one fi nds a barrier against sexual immo- side the natural realm, otherworldly, won- change in the world around me. Whether would ask me to get something from her rality, one fi nds holiness (19:2).’ This inter- drous and even miraculous. That’s okay those changes are constructive or destruc- purse and I’d feel like Art Linkletter. But, of pretation that ‘holy’ means ‘separate’ (pe- for God, but what about us? That’s where tive is totally up to me. course, it didn’t stop there. It included reli- rushim t’hiyu) is agreed upon by Targum the Malbim quotes Abba Shaul (2nd Centu- Our verse informs us that we can dese- gion. My reference for sanctity was Robin’s Yonatan. The Ramban expands this con- ry CE) from the Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim), crate or sanctify God in our world. I don’t use of the term ‘holy’ to describe any phe- cept to include separating from any neg- who says that we achieve kedusha by em- believe that we impact God in any way. I nomenon encountered by the Caped Duo. ative behavior, not just promiscuity. He ulating God. Since we were created in the do believe that by increasing the kedusha From blackouts to bankruptcies, hoaxes to avers that holiness requires us to refrain tselem or image of God (Breishit 1:26) we we make the world a better place. And vice hyperdermics, every crisis was ‘holy’. But from being naval b’reshut haTorah, disgust- can, in some limited way, imitate God. But versa. This improvement can be achieved what did the Boy Wonder mean when he ing even when doing permitted acts, when how? We can’t create worlds or perform by living the moral life, being a good exam- said ‘holy’? I think he meant ‘intense’. Rob- we do them in a reprehensible manner. miracles. However, we can control our an- ple. So, even though rabbis have discussed in was describing to Batman that proxi- However, that’s not the classic meaning of imal urges. Our fellow animals just follow for centuries the principle of martyrdom, mate threat was all consuming. This peril the term. Holy usually is explained as ‘ded- their instincts and appetites. Whenever we the best method of achieving this better- would eclipse everything else in their uni- icated’, as when one sanctifi es an object or control our wants and desires to conform ment of society is more about how we live, verse, until it was defused. Is this a legiti- animal for the Holy Temple. That’s called to Torah, mitzvot and a calling higher than than how we die. I guess Robin was right, mate use for ‘holy’? Let’s see. l’hakdish. nature, we have accessed our Divine image ‘holy’ is pretty intense. This week’s Torah reading has the fa- I’m not really satisfi ed with either defi - and achieved kedusha. mous mitzva called kiddush hashem nition for our circumstance. The Sfat Emet Kedusha is the ability to emerge from (‘sanctifying God’s name’), we usually un- comes closer to an idea which I think in- natural limitations through an exercise of Rabbi David Walk, who has recently made aliyah, was a teacher at the Bi-Cultural Day school as well as Congregation Agu- derstand this to be the obligation of mar- spires us, when he characterizes this sanc- our free will. In this way we imitate our dath Sholom’s education director. He continues to be a tireless tyrdom when confronted with the choice tifi cation as sublimating oneself (bitul Maker and draw upon our Divine image teacher and educator. For over 30 years, he has taught stu- of death or committing one of the three l’klal Yisrael) to the Jewish people. The Reb- and connect to higher realms. dents from third grade and up and conducted many classes cardinal sins, idolatry, murder or aray- be explains that last week the command In this way, we can either sanctify or, for teens and adults. Prior to joining CAS, he served as director ot (understood as adultery or incest). I’m ‘be holy’ was given during hakhel, a general God forbid, desecrate God’s Name in the and teacher at Yeshivat Hamivtar in Efrat, Israel. not concerned right now with the details gathering of the entire Jewish nation. This world. We can inspire the world to greater Ramban to Kedoshim: The Nature of Sanctity By Rabbi Gidon Rothstein and then generalize that. Here, the Torah should have intercourse only when in- their unconcern with maintaining clean- fl at-out prohibited certain sexual relation- tent on getting pregnant, but halacha re- liness, and is also another reason a Nazir Ramban made fa- ships and foods, but left room that some- quires a husband to ensure his wife is is called kadosh. For speech, he notes that mous the phrase “na- one who wishes to live a life of physical sexually satisfi ed, as Ramban noted else- R. Chiyya was reported to never have en- val birshut ha-Torah, a pleasures could be involved in sex or food where in this commentary. I prefer to gaged in sicha betelah, idle or empty con- person who acts badly, too much of the time (there’s no specifi c think Ramban would have agreed that versation [I was unable to fi nd his source with full permission of Torah law against—these are examples he an overall healthy relationship for a cou- for this; in Sukkah 28a, R. Eliezer says the Torah.” He said that gives, not me—a husband and wife spend- ple is vital to the propagation of the spe- that he never engaged in a sichat chullin, in his reaction to 19:2’s ing most of their lives physically pleasur- cies as well, and that includes a sexual- which is slightly different]. call to be kedoshim, a term that (like aray- ing each other, or against a man having so ly satisfying relationship. His focus is that ot, which we saw in Acharei Mot) does not many wives that he needs to spend exorbi- it should not become an end of its own, Cleanliness Is Next To… translate easily or obviously. tant amounts of time giving each of them which leads to excess]. From all this, Ramban says we will Rashi took it to refer to staying away their turn, or Jews spending too much He singles out wine as well, that come to cleanliness of hands and bodies, from prohibited sexual relationships, be- time seeking out and enjoying fi ne wines the person should be mekadesh, sancti- why Brachot 53b says that the Torah’s tell- cause the Torah mentions kedushah only, and meats). fy, himself, by limiting his wine intake. ing us ve-hitkadishtem (20:7 as well as ear- mostly or often in connection with rules Such a person would be a naval birshut That’s why a Nazir is called kadosh and lier, in Parshat Shemini) means to wash be- about sexuality [Ramban will go in a differ- ha-Torah. [The term already means some- why Noach and Lot’s drunken disasters fore eating, and vi-hiyitem kedoshim means ent direction, but I think we should notice thing different than how I have heard peo- are presented as cautionary tales [this to wash after (mayim acharonim), and ki ka- that for Rashi, proper sexual conduct was ple use it—the naval isn’t disgusting in the again could be taken to mean that he dosh refers to the oil people would put on essential to kedushah, as far as the Torah colloquial sense; it’s a person who is too would prefer people not drink wine at all; after meals. was concerned]. involved in physical pleasure, particularly that, too, seems an excessive conclusion, These are rabbinic requirements yet of sex and food, regardless of whether s/ since halachah prefers we use wine in they fi t the ideas of cleanliness and abste- General Abstemiousness he indulges that pleasure in ways we to- various regular ways, such as at Kiddush miousness from the ordinary masses that Ramban notes that Torat Kohanim day would see as disgusting.] The words and Havdalah. I again prefer to believe he the Torah promotes. For Ramban, in oth- 1:2 phrased itself more generally, that we kedoshim tihiyu came to tell us to be pe- was reacting to excess, was promoting a er words, kedusha means setting ourselves should be perushim, full stop (Rashi had rushim min hamutarot, to abstain or lim- moderate enjoyment, where it neither apart from the ordinary masses, who par- said perushim min ha-arayot, separate it our partaking of even from that which becomes an end of its own nor leads to take of the physical to excess and do not ourselves from arayot). When 12:3 told us is permissible. the drunkenness of Noach or Lot]. develop a cleanliness of person (both ritu- ve-hitkadishtem (make yourself kadosh, His last examples revolve around al and in its ordinary sense) that the Torah a word I am purposely leaving to Ram- Sex, Wine and Dirt— tum’ah, which he expands from techni- wants. ban to translate)…ki kadosh Ani, Torat Ko- Abstemiousness in Practice cal ritual impurity to eating to excess and hanim said that just as Hashem is kadosh, Brachot 22a says the rabbis made cer- speaking of disgusting matters (or in dis- Rabbi Dr. Gidon Rothstein has served in the community rab- we should be kadosh, just as Hashem is tain rules to teach Torah scholars not to gusting ways). Ritual impurity is not pro- binate and in educational roles at the high school and adult parush (separate, a concept Ramban will spend too much time with their wives, hibited by the Torah, he concedes, but level. He is an author of Jewish fi ction and nonfi ction, most re- clarify), so should we be. like roosters (the Talmudic word). For Chagigah 18b says that Torah scholars cently “We’re Missing the Point: What’s Wrong With the Ortho- He identifi es this as an example of the Ramban, the standard should be that stay away from the clothes of those who dox Jewish Community and How to Fix It.” He lives in Bronx, Torah’s tendency to prohibit specifi c ex- which is necessary for maintaining are not invested in halachic observance New York, with his wife and three children. amples of a negative appetite or tendency, the species [it’s possible he meant they (amei ha-aretz), which he attributes to 18 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM ISRAEL SPOTLIGHT Ariel David Is Spending His Gap Year at Lev HaTorah By JLNJ Staff

Ariel David is studying at Yeshivat Lev HaTorah in Ramat Beit Shemesh. He grew up in New Rochelle and attended SAR for elementary school and high school. In the summers, he’s attended Kayitz BaKibbitz, a summer camp on kibbutz Shluchot just out- side the of city Beit Shean, Israel. His family davens at Young Israel of New Rochelle. His next stop? Cornell University. Why did you choose to study at Lev Ha- Torah? I chose Lev Hatorah because I felt like its location and surrounding community would be the perfect place to aid my personal growth. (l-r) Daniel Elbaum, Yonah Shafner, Ariel What kind of goals do you have for the David, Yehuda Hammerman, Erez Major, year? Jacob Glick and Elie Kern on a yeshiva hike in Going into this year, my major goals Wadi Kelt. were to improve my Gemara reading and the resting place of our forefathers was tru- comprehension abilities, as well as seek to ly an inspiring sight. further understand the core Jewish values Who is a teacher at Lev HaTorah whom that I have been taught my whole life. you connect to especially well? What have been some of the highlights I connect especially well with my morn- of your year so far? ing Seder rebbe, Rav Cytrin. He has really YOUR VISION A highlight of the year for me has been opened my eyes to the beauty of the Gema- our three-day Negev Tiyul, during which ra, and has taught me the skills to contem- OUR RESOURCES we climbed several mountains in the Ei- plate complex halachic arguments from Building a Stronger Community lat area. However, what made the trip extra differing points of views. special was the fact that several different Which is one of your favorite classes at rebbeim joined us on this tiyul. By giving Lev HaTorah? The OU Impact Accelerator is a new initiative that will speeches and divrei Torah throughout our My favorite class this year has been provide funding, mentorship, and curriculum for early-stage time there, the rebbeim made us truly ap- learning the Kuzari with Rav Dudi Win- nonprofit ventures. Those selected for the 18-month program preciate the importance of the ground we kler. The Kuzari is a complex philosophical will receive up to $25,000 in funding as well as customized were standing on and hiking through. work written by Rav Yehuda HaLevi, and What kind of challenges have you faced carefully unpacking its complicated mes- training to scale their nonprofit startups. coming to Israel? sages and ideals has been one of the high- I think my biggest challenge so far was lights of my day of learning since yeshiva getting used to the drastic schedule change has started. from what I was used to in high school. Go- What are you most looking forward to ing from 40 minutes of daily Torah earning for the rest of the year? to about 7-8 hours a day was a huge adjust- I’m looking forward to becoming clos- ment. Thankfully, Lev HaTorah has done an er with my rebbeim as well as fellow talmi- Mentorship Curriculum Seed Money Support excellent job helping adjust me into this dim, to create relationships that will last a new lifestyle. lifetime. Receive Learn the Receive up Access OU guidance from essentials of to 25K for program How has your year been different from successful building a your nonprofit departments your expectations? entrepreneurs nonprofit venture and networks Lev Hatorah has blown my expectations out of the water. It was diffi cult at fi rst, but they have really pushed me beyond my comfortable limits and have shown me how I can truly benefi t from the APPLY TODAY result of hard work. www.ou.org/accelerator Where is your favorite place to go for weekends/Shabbat so far? My favorite place for Shabbos has been arat HaMachpela during Shabbat Chayei Sara. Seeing every kind of Jew gathered at

Ariel at his “makom” in the Lev HaTorah Bet Midrash.

To become a mentor or apply, visit www.ou.org/accelerator to learn more. Applications due May 6th.

SAR alumni at Lev: (l-r) Joshua Edelstein, Jon (l-r) Jacob Gersch, Shai Gutfreund, Jacob Maron, David Bauman, Alex Wildes, Ben May, Glick, Jon Maron, Ariel David, Yonah Shafner, Ariel David, Erez Major and Lev HaTorah rosh Joshua Edelstein, Gabi Goldstein, Yishai yeshiva Rav Boaz Mori. Korobkin on the weekly biking chug. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 19 BRINGING THE PROPHETS TO LIFE Prophetic Words for Today By Rabbi Neil N. Winkler a “mamlechet kohanim v’goy kadosh,” a cy of criticism and reproach of the sinful these the prophetic words of 2,500 years nation of God’s servants and a holy peo- people with words of comfort and hope, ago or are they news reports taken from Parshiyot Acharei ple. Israel’s specialness is her holiness, foretelling a bright and blessed future, today’s papers? Mot-Kedoshim and sanctity is achieved only through when Israel will return to Hashem. A fu- We who live in this blessed time see This week’s hafta- careful observance of God’s mitzvot and ture when God, in turn, will redeem His the fruition of the words of the nevi’im rah is taken from by faithfully adhering to His will. It is this nation, says Amos, and bring them back every day! And for this reason we can “Trei Asar,” the proph- defi nition of sanctity, the very theme of to their land. proclaim that our people will not aban- ecies of the 12 “mi- the parsha, that inspired Chazal to have The navi even goes on to describe don this land. After all, we are simply nor” prophets (“mi- this short selection read on these parshi- this time of redemption as a time of quoting the fi nal words of Amos: “I will nor” only insofar as the size of the book yot of Acharei Mot-Kedoshim. great economic prosperity when “the plant them on their land and they will is concerned), from Sefer Amos. The cen- But on this Shabbat, only one week hills will drip juice” and a time when the never again be uprooted from the land tral message is a painful yet necessary following Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 70th people will return to the land and “re- I have given them, says Hashem, your one. Israel, the navi contends, is no dif- Independence Day, I fi nd myself drawn build desolate cities and dwell in them.” God.” ferent from any other nation. God loves to the fi nal pesukim of the haftarah, This Messianic period will be one when all of His children and has redeemed the pesukim that seem to be completely un- we will “plant vineyards and drink their Plishtim and the Aramim as well. What connected (if not contradictory) from wine, cultivate gardens and eat of their Rabbi Neil Winkler is the rabbi emeritus of the Young Israel of makes Yisrael “chosen” is that they were the essence of the prophet’s message. In fruits.” And so, at this time especially, Fort Lee and now lives in Israel. chosen to fulfi ll a Divine mission: to be these few verses Amos closes his prophe- when I read these words, I wonder: Are

A View From the Office parenting, and of education, we can’t make I have seen this play out in a host of ability, interest in their schoolwork, choic- them be anything other than what they ways: in parents or educators disappoint- es about where to go for college or yeshi- CONTINUED FROM P. 1 are. ed by their children’s levels of academic va, religious inclinations or other personal characteristics. Conveying to our children that we are disappointed or dismayed by Made possible in part by the who they are or who they’ve become—be- Arev Fund cause they’re too religious, or not religious enough; because they don’t want to go the college we went to or because they don’t want to go to the college we wish we went to; because they have academic or emotional health challenges; because of their sexual orientation—won’t change any of that. That’s simply not within our power. All it will do is make our children sad, an- gry or alienated. That is not to say, of course, that we don’t get to set boundaries or parameters. As parents, we can and should do that, saying, for example, that I will only ﬁ nan- cially support your choice of college if it meets certain standards for Orthodox life. But even then we should be prepared to honestly face the reality of who our children are and what they need, and adjust accordingly. You might have hoped that your child would go to Yeshiva/Stern, or Harvard, or your alma mater. But look at the person in front of you. Does that make sense for your child? And even if you’re WEDNESDAY, MAY 9,2018 sure it does, is it what your child wants? Sometimes when we get caught up 6:30PM HORS D'OEUVRES 7PM PROGRAM in the strength of our vision of what our kids need, of what’s best for them, an out- KIRKLAND & ELLIS sider can provide a needed reality check. “I know you want your son to be an engineer. But he loves history and litera- 601 LEXINGTON AVE, NEW YORK ture.” “I know you want your daughter to be a doctor. But she loves learning Torah.” Sometimes our children themselves provide that reality check, if only we’ll listen: PREMIERE OF SHORT FILM: “I don’t think that academic program/yeshiva/career path is the right one for me, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITY THROUGH and here’s why.” It can be hard to hear sometimes that WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP, FEATURING the dream we always had of the path that our children would take in their careers, MAHARAT RACHEL KOHL FINEGOLD in Judaism, in life, isn’t going to be what we anticipated, or planned for, back when our kids were theoretical constructs and Followed by a Conversation not real people. But they are real people, with their own identities that we cannot Moderated by Hannah Dreyfus, NY Jewish Week change. What we can do is understand the particularities of who they are, their "Navigating Leadership through Complicated Power strengths, the areas in which they need to grow, and do our best to help them devel- Dynamics" op as people and as Jews along their own paths.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT [email protected] 718-796-0590 Dr. Rivka Schwartz is the associate principal of SAR High WWW.YESHIVATMAHARAT.ORG/NATUREOFPOWER School.

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 21 YOM HASHOAH Westchester Yom HaShoah CONTINUED FROM P. 1 insightful words and witness the Rescued Holocaust Torah Procession. The program opened with the Rescued Holocaust Torah Procession, consisting of 34 Torah scrolls solemnly carried into the ro- tunda of the Garden by clergy and lay leaders of synagogues throughout Westchester county. Each of the Torah scrolls has a remarkable story of being lost or hidden in European cities, where they were neglected, often left in damp warehouses and in concentration camps or placed in various synagogues or museums in Jewish commu- Agnes Vertes, Holocaust child survivor. nities around the world. One Torah scroll, the Solomon Schechter School of West- bodia, we’ve seen ethnic cleansing in chester Holocaust Rescued Torah #2, was the Balkans and, in some ways, the hu- Torah scrolls at Garden of Remembrance. CREDIT: HAINA JUSTMICHAEL, JUSTMEDIAGROUP, INC. found naked and upside down in the win- man element determines this type of hei- dow of a pawn shop in Warsaw by Schech- nous behavior, again and again.” Latim- ter high school students visiting Poland as er acknowledged the importance of the part of their senior trip. The students, dis- Garden of Remembrance: “Let this Gar- believing but excited, brought their news den not only remember those (who) have to their advisors. The Torah was taken to died, but every day that one passes by, let Israel where sofrim painstakingly restored it remind us that we have an eternal vig- the Torah to kosher status. Today, Schech- ilance against those forces. It may not ter middle school and high school students come in a Munich beer hall, it may not read from this Torah as a testament to the come with the breaking of glass (like) in spirit of survival, renewal and hope. the synagogues of Kristallnacht, but that Welcome remarks by Joseph strain still exists. We have to be ever vigi- Kaidanow, chair, HHREC, were deliv- lant. We have to fi nd in our common hu- ered subsequent to the Westchester Day manity, across our political affi liations, a School fi fth-grade choir performance of unity to make sure that this never hap- songs appropriate to the occasion. The pens again.” Honorable George Latimer, Westchester Prior to a candle-lighting ceremony Torah scrolls at Garden of Remembrance. CREDIT: HAINA JUSTMICHAEL, JUSTMEDIAGROUP, INC. county executive, spoke about the Holo- conducted by student winners from the caust and present-day atrocities, saying, Somers Holocaust Memorial Commission, Vertes, a Holocaust child survivor who re- schools, churches, synagogues and com- “We have seen the killing fi elds of Cam- the audience was introduced to Agnes sides in Weston, Connecticut. munity centers, and feels it is especially im- Vertes is president of the Holocaust portant to bring her story to today’s youth. SERVING BRONX, Child Survivors of Connecticut. She tells Vertes is not only a child survivor, she is WESTCHESTER, CT & people: “I didn’t consider myself a hidden also an award-winning independent docu- SURROUNDING AREAS child because I wasn’t in an attic. I wasn’t mentary fi lmmaker. Her production “Pass- in a closet. I didn’t even consider myself a port to Life” premiered at the Hungarian survivor like the few who came back from embassy in Washington, marking the oc- Auschwitz. It wasn’t until later on that I re- casion of the 60th anniversary of the Hol- alized, ‘Hey, I went through hell.’” ocaust in Hungary. “One out of Ten,” the Vertes was born Agnes Katz in Budapest, story of eight people from different coun- Hungary, in 1940. Vertes, her younger sister tries who were children during the Shoah, and her mother lived with relatives in the has been used as a teaching tool in schools countryside to escape the war. Her father worldwide. came for them, bringing them to Budapest, The Gates of Remembrance were creat- where a poor, Hungarian peasant woman ed by sculptor Rita Rapaport in 1992 to me- offered to keep the family safe. When the morialize the suffering and death of mil- Germans attacked and destroyed the wom- lions during the Nazi era. The Garden Walls an’s home, the family wandered the streets show inscriptions of the names of 26 plac- until they came upon a Red Cross home for es in which Jews and other innocent victims children, separating the family. Vertes and were tortured and murdered by the Nazis. her sister reunited with their parents in Located on Martine Avenue in White Plains, 1945. The family moved to the Bronx, New the Garden of Remembrance provides a York, in 1957 where Vertes met her husband, unique setting for study, refl ection and re- Michael, also a Holocaust survivor. membrance. Reservations for use of the It wasn’t until 1993 that Vertes decid- space can be made by contacting HHREC at ed to share her story. She has spoken at 914-696-0738 or emailing hhrecny.org.

ASK FOR MICHAEL

The Garden of Remembrance 22 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM YOM HASHOAH Westchester Shuls Mark Yom HaShoah at YI of Scarsdale By Judy Berger tance of being Jewish, and having a Jewish education. On Thursday, April 12, the Westchester “Growing up as a child of a survivor, community gathered for a Yom HaShoah you see things and your parents differently program, honoring the memory of the 6 than other kids,” explained Jerusha Coltof. million who perished. This year’s event “Our mother was very overprotective and was hosted by the Young Israel of Scars- we couldn’t understand why our mother dale and sponsored jointly by these Low- had a fear of abandonment. It was very im- er Westchester Orthodox shuls: Congre- portant to my mother to send her children gation Anshe Sholom, Hebrew Institute to Jewish schools.” of White Plains, Magen David Sephardic Anita Greenwald refl ected, “I didn’t feel Congregation, Young Israel of Harrison, like a child of a survivor, my parents didn’t Young Israel of New Rochelle, Young Isra- live in a negative world. My father had a el of Scarsdale and Young Israel of White huge zest for life!” Greenwald stated that Plains. her parents were huge Zionists and noth- “It is a tremendous responsibility to ing was more important than education. host this event,” explained Rabbi Jonathan However, she added, “We had sad grandpar- Morgenstern of YIS. “We want to meet the ents, they always reminded us to check un- sensitivities of everyone there and make der the bed and to lock the door and even sure the event touches everyone.” put a chair in front of the door for extra The presentation was entitled “Moth- protection.” ers and Daughters Talk about the Shoah: Marla Horowitz refl ected that she grew A Guided Discussion Passing Sacred Sto- up in a very loving home. “My parents used ries From Generation to Generation.” Rabbi Morgenstern singing Ani Ma’Amin at Yom HaShoah observance. CREDIT: MARC BERGER, MD to talk about the ‘camps’; it took me ’til I Rabbi Morgenstern described the pro- was a little older to understand what the gram as a “very real description of l’dor and her daughter Jerusha Coltof, and Helga ing, which enabled them to survive the war. ‘camps’ meant.” However, she recalled, “I v’dor, passing on from one generation to Luden and her daughters Heidi Greenbaum The Ludens were advised by the local would often hear my parents cry out at the next. The program showed the inter- and Anita Greenwald. Each of the survivors police to leave their home, so the fami- night from nightmares.” actions between mothers and daughters.” explained their experiences before and dur- ly fl ed to Luxemburg, but eventually were In addition to the presentation, six In his opening remarks Rabbi Morgen- ing the war. placed in work camps. Helga escaped and members of the community were invited stern reminded the packed audience that Mila Bachner was from Poland and sur- was rescued by partisans and hidden by to light a candle in memory of those who “unfortunately anti-Semitism is on the vived the camps. After losing her parents righteous gentiles in France. Mother and perished. Survivor Vera Koppel of New Ro- rise, and that people are forgetting the and siblings, she was most proud that she daughter were reunited and made their chelle explained, “I feel it is my duty to re- past. It is our duty to remember the past, was able to save the pictures of her fami- way to Marseilles and a boat heading to- mind people of the Holocaust, just like we keep the memories alive and pass on the ly members. wards America. did a short time ago on Pesach: ‘Tell it to survivors’ stories.” Jose Coltof, who was born during the war When the daughters were asked what your children and to their children, from The panelists were Mila Bachner and in Amsterdam, explained that after her father it was like to grow up as children of survi- Generation to Generation that we should her daughter Marla Horowitz, Jose Coltof was arrested, her mother took her into hid- vors, one common thread was the impor- always remember, ‘Never Forget.’” EARN YOUR EMBA ON SUNDAY A Sy Syms Business School EMBA will elevate your career and increase your growth opportunities.

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 23 YOM HASHOAH ‘Les Enfants de la Chance’ Is Screened at SUNY Purchase By Yvette Finkelstein fi lm tells the story of 12-year-old Mau- now have a refuge in the state of Isra- rice, who barely escapes the rounding el, “Everything is changed. We will never In recognition of Yom HaShoah, “Les up of the Jews of Paris by being taken again suffer the Shoah.” Enfants de la Chance” (“The Children of to Garches Hospital to treat a broken Chibane explained his sensitivity Chance”), a French fi lm written and di- leg. The hospital’s chief physician diag- to historical events as they affect not rected by Malik Chibane, was shown noses Maurice with tuberculosis, which only nations, but individual families. In at SUNY Purchase College on Tuesday, will require a lengthy treatment. Mau- learning about Grossman’s experience, April 10. As guests mingled in the qui- rice and eight other young patients will Malik took note of the series of lucky et ambience of the Humanities Theater, live through an unforgettable experi- breaks that allowed the young boy to re- they met and chatted with Dr. Christian ence as the doctor and senior nurse re- main alive. As a storyteller, he empha- Bailey, assistant professor of history, sort to drastic measures to keep Maurice sized “lucky star...guardian angel...hap- SUNY Purchase, who would be leading and other Jewish children safe. The boys py coincidences” as a dominant theme the Q & A following the movie. The pro- learn the importance of friendship and in the fi lm. Chibane emphasized that he gram was presented in partnership by solidarity as they demonstrate extraordi- remains convinced that the commemo- the Holocaust & Human Rights Educa- nary courage. ration of the Shoah “represents a shield tion Center and The Jewish Studies Pro- Grosman stated, “I feel that many that protects the children, grandchildren gram of SUNY Purchase and the Driscoll young people have forgotten this past and great-grandchildren born of immi- Professorship in Jewish-Catholic Studies and, if only for the sustainability of the gration.” at Iona College. democracies, I fi nd it dangerous...we Dr. Bailey completed his PhD at Yale Inspired by the tender, true story of must continue to make fi lms that re- University before moving on to the Max Maurice Grosman, now 88 years old, “Les mind us of what, not so long ago, rac- Planck Institute for Human Develop- Enfants de la Chance” is a coming-of-age ism and xenophobia were able to lead ment in Berlin, where he was a postdoc- fi lm that takes place during WWll. The Dr. Christian Bailey (to).” He noted that because the Jews toral researcher. He has held positions at The Open University, Balliol College, Ox- ford and Binghamton University. Most of Bailey’s courses explore modern Eu- ropean history, often from a global perspective. An author of several books and countless journal submissions, Bailey is particularly interested in understanding Europe from the often neglected view- point of outsiders: the minorities, the colonized and the immigrants. Bailey explained that Holocaust studies provide us with the most powerful cautionary tale of how modern West- Experience Camp Shalom - A Summer of Fun the Torah Way! ern societies can use their immense resources for evil as well as good ends. “Like many of my students,” he said, “I was initially motivated to understand how something as irrational as murder- ous anti-Semitism could have spread throughout a relatively prosperous con- tinent in the 20th century. What has continued to interest and trouble me is how the Nazi regime was able to utterly trans- form German and wider European soci- IST ety. While I very much accept that vir- EG ER ulent anti-Semitism predated the Nazis, R summer I’m equally convinced that the history of the Holocaust is a history of all kinds of people being mobilized to do unspeak- 2018 able things that they were not predis- posed to do, at least not before 1933.” N O W

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CampShalomNJ.org @campshalomnj “Les Enfants de la Chance” poster. 24 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM YOM HASHOAH Teach the Holocaust Where It Happened Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary By Yvette Finkelstein An Afﬁliate of Yeshiva University

When Dr. Annamaria Orla-Bukowska entered the Thomas J. Burke Lounge at Iona College in New Rochelle last week, colleagues and friends rushed to greet her and welcome her back to the college, knowing they were going to hear an out- G E standing lecture by an eminent scholar. As ala vening part of the William H. Donat Shoah Com- memoration, Iona College, in partnership with the Holocaust & Human Rights Ed- o T ucation Center (HHREC), featured Dis- tinguished Lecturer Orla-Bukowska, who f ribute spoke on the topic, “Teaching the Holo- caust Where It Happened.” The Susan J. Goldberg Memorial Teacher Award, given in memory of an outstanding Holocaust and human rights educator, was presented to Mr. Christopher Regan, a teacher at Wednesday, May 9, 2018 North Salem High School, followed by a presentation by Iona College students 24 Iyar 5778 who had just returned from a trip to Po- Dr. Annamaria Orla-Bukowska land. GRAND HYATT HOTEL Orla-Bukowska, a Polish Christian born Orla-Bukowska explained that by the 109 EAST 42ND STREET in Krakow, ultimately relocated to Chica- 1950s, talking about the Holocaust in Po- NEW YORK CITY go with her family. She considers herself land seemed to evaporate. Stunned si- to be a Polish Christian war refugee, and lence took hold. “For roughly two decades has devoted herself professionally to Hol- speechless amnesia was a universal reac- 5 P.M. 6 P.M. 7 P.M. ocaust studies. tion to the Shoah...The path to breaking SHIUR RECEPTION DINNER AND PROGRAM

Guests of Honor RABBI ZVI SOBOLOFSKY Rosh Yeshiva, RIETS Rav, Congregation Ohr HaTorah Bergenﬁeld, New Jersey

In the late 1980s, she began teaching through this silence continues to be a try- DR. EFRAT SOBOLOFSKY about the Holocaust in Warsaw and being and testing process, often involving Director, YUConnects lieves nothing can match the effect of agonizing introspection.” She believes it is teaching the Holocaust where it happened. individuals who make the difference. “Re- The Shoah landscape is all over Poland: The gardless of what governments and large six German death camps (Chelmno, Bel- institutions do, it is up to us individuals Tribute to the Memory of zec, Sobibor, Treblinka, Auschwitz-Birk- to keep doing the right thing and keep the RABBI MEYER KRAMER Z”L enau and Majdanek) were in Poland. In things headed in the right direction.” fact, the Polish people are “the perenni- Orla-Bukowska teaches Holocaust al caretakers of the Holocaust landscape.” studies at the Jagiellonian University in When she teaches, she explains the bitter Krakow as well as the Graduate School for irony of the fact that it was economically Social Research in Warsaw. Her general Parent Honorees and demographically prudent for Germa- fi eld of research is genocide and its social ny to establish its ghettos and extermina- consequences as well as majority-minority DR. BARRY AND tion camps in Poland, and not in Germa- relationships. Her specialization is in Pol- MRS. MARCIA LEVINSON ny. Occupied Polish territory would also ish Christian-Polish Jewish relations be- become the burial ground for millions of fore, during and after the Shoah. A social Jewish citizens from countries other than anthropologist and activist, Orla-Bukows- Poland. ka was a 1999 Koerner Holocaust Fellow One of her students commented, “In in the Oxford Centre for Hebrew & Jewish Parent Honorees class, we talked about the concentration Studies and a 2004 Yad Vashem Fellow in camps before we went to tour Auschwitz. I Jerusalem. She is the co-editor (with Rob- DR. DANIEL AND knew that it would be sad, and I had heard ert Cherry) of “Rethinking Poles and Jews: MRS. MICHELLE BERMAN about the things I would see there. I knew Troubled Past, Brighter Future.” what happened there, and I had learned The collaboration between Iona Col- about the Holocaust in school. Nothing I lege and HHREC began in April 2011 and is learned on the trip was necessarily new to now called “The William H. Donat Shoah me, and yet it was all new, like I had never Commemoration” series, presenting two actually learned anything at all.” Holocaust programs per year. It is to be To make an online reservation, Discussing the visit to the camps, an- noted that Iona College, a Catholic liber- please visit www.yu.edu/rietsgala other student said, “I believe that seeing al arts college, has been conducting Holo- and learning about things while you are caust commemoration programs for three For more information, in the location that the event took place... decades and runs a multi-faceted curricu- call 212.960.5400 x6133, or makes you think about what you are learn- lum in Jewish-Catholic relations under the email [email protected] ing much more deeply than if you were... direction of Dr. Elena Procario-Foley. For sitting in class...For the people living near further information about HHREC, please an area where a tragic event took place, email Millie Jasper, executive director, at they are constantly reminded about the [email protected] or visit www.hhrec- events that unfolded there.” ny.org. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 25 PROFILE Spotlight on Westchester Author Gloria Goldreich By Yvette Finkelstein seum, the writer said, “I love his art, but I of 100 years of the rebirth of Hebrew as a found myself not loving the artist.” The spoken language. Her presentation at Beth Hadassah Medical Organization will best-selling novel portrays the central El Synagogue Center will focus on Eliezer present award-winning author, lecturer role of the artist’s daughter, Ida, a dynam- Ben-Yehuda, a Hebrew lexicographer and and critic Gloria Goldreich, speaking on ic, forceful personality, who, nevertheless, newspaper editor, and the driving force be- the topic, “Israel: The Land of the Book,” lived in the shadow of her famous father. hind the revival of the Hebrew language in at Beth-El Synagogue in New Rochelle on Goldreich explained that Israel has al- the modern era. Monday, May 7. The program will begin ways been a focus of her In addition to her writ- with a kosher light lunch at 12:30 p.m., to be life and of her yearning. ing—she is currently work- followed at 1:00 p.m. by the presentation. She and her husband visit ing on a new novel—Gol- Goldreich, a Brandeis University grad- Israel yearly and their son dreich has been teaching a uate and historian, received a master’s in Harry made aliyah, becom- literature seminar at Tem- Jewish history from Hebrew University in ing a captain in the Israe- ple Israel in White Plains Israel. She is a fi erce supporter of Israel and Gloria Goldreich li Air Force. Goldreich said for almost 30 years and at- human rights and many of her books, fi c- that when Harry was in tracts almost 100 devoted tion and nonfi ction, refl ect these passions. observance of Shabbat when the long days the IDF she never worried students per semester to Goldreich has written many celebrated meant hours and hours when I could read about him. “He exceed- her class. novels: “Leah’s Journey” won the National and live in the sequestered world of the im- ed our dream for him. Al- A strong supporter of Jewish Book Award for fi ction in 1979, and agination. Reading means dreaming, and though he was considered Hadassah, she spoke en- her second novel, “Four Days,” received the dreaming very often evolves into writing.” a lone soldier...we knew thusiastically about the Federation Arts and Letters Award. Most Asked by several book executives to that he was not alone be- organization’s wonder- of her works have been on entirely Jewish write a book about the great artist Marc cause no soldier in Israel is ful healing mission and themes or involved Jewish protagonists, Chagall, Goldreich wrote “The Bridal ever alone.” the committed Hadas- “because those are the people I know well Chair,” published a few years ago. The pop- Fluent in Hebrew, Gol- sah women of Westches- and the lives that are familiar to me.” ular book, a “biofi ction,” is a story based on dreich discussed her obses- ter who make the miracles Goldreich’s father was a Talmudic schol- historic facts and a real timeline, with im- sion with and love of the happen. For further infor- ar and her mother’s reverence for the intel- agined details and characters. After com- Hebrew language. This year, as the 70th an- mation about the program at Beth El Syn- lectual inspired the writer’s efforts. Goldre- pleting the research on Chagall, much of niversary of the state of Israel is celebrated, agogue Center, please email Rachel Freed- ich said, “Of particular importance was the the time in Nice, home of the Chagall Mu- Goldreich noted that it is also a celebration man at [email protected]. EDUCATION Paul Glasser Named VP of Wurzweiler School of Social Institutional Advancement Work Care Café Presents at Touro Event on Screen Addiction

(Courtesy of Touro College) Paul S. Glass- (Courtesy of Wurzweiler School of So- gram that support individuals and families er of Teaneck, New Jersey was named vice cial Work) Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler seeking help and information around is- president of institutional advancement at School of Social Work will present “Glow sues of concern. Through presentations on Touro College and University System, Dr. Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking a variety of topics, Care Café aims to edu- Alan Kadish, Touro president, announced Our Kids—and How to Break the Trance” cate, motivate, empower and nurture hope today. Glasser has had an illustrious career on Wednesday, May 2, at the YU Museum, around pressing psychosocial challenges in non-profi t development and manage- 15 West 16th Street, New York City. The pro- and solutions. ment—directing fundraising campaigns, gram will feature guest speaker Dr. Nicho- “We have cafés to feed our bodies, but board relations, major gift solicitations and las Kardaras and explore the full impact of we don’t always have a place to go to feed event planning for a number of noted Jew- exploding technology use on young minds. our souls, nourish our fl agging spirits or get ish organizations. Dr. Kardaras, author, clinician, educa- information around signifi cant life issues As Touro’s vice president of institution- tor and one of the country’s foremost ad- in a supportive space,” said Dr. Katherine al advancement, Glasser will direct the col- diction experts, argues that technology has Mitchell, Care Café’s program director. “Our lege’s fundraising initiatives and build and profoundly affected children’s brains—and goal is to provide this public service plus manage the required infrastructure and op- not necessarily for the better. In this pro- connect those in need to targeted referrals erations for the philanthropic enterprise. vocative talk, he’ll expose the underside of and resources for additional help.” He will plan and implement an annual screen culture and its shocking intersec- Wurzweiler Care Café is a grant-fund- fund campaign, major gift initiatives, capi- tions with spiking rates of ADHD, anxie- ed program produced and staffed by Wur- tal campaigns and develop a department of ty, depression, opioid addiction and youth zweiler School of Social Work, in collabo- alumni relations. suicide. Unpacking the mass of psycholog- ration with local community partners. For “Everyone at Touro is dedicated to aca- ical, social, cultural and emotional factors more information or to participate, please demic excellence and meeting the needs of plaguing our “Glow Kids,” he’ll also offer visit www.yu.edu/wurzweiler/carecafe or the students, fi rst and foremost. There is a hope with up-to-the-minute tools and tac- contact Dr. Mitchell at katherine.mitchell@ perspective on intellectual inquiry which Paul Glasser tics for reclaiming young minds and soci- yu.edu or 631-481-6550. pervades the many schools and program. ety’s future. It is a commitment to create that kind of school identifi es,” continued Glasser. Dr. Kardaras is a powerful advocate for a student and professional who will live Glasser served most recently as associ- recognition of digital addiction as a clin- their life on a higher plane that attracted ate vice president for institutional advance- ical disorder, and is the author of “Glow me to Touro. Building a development de- ment at Yeshiva University, and previously Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking partment while initiating a new level of as senior director of institutional advance- Our Kids—and How to Break the Trance.” major gifts for many of the Touro schools ment at the Orthodox Union. Prior to that He has treated more than 1,000 teens and and programs is a both a challenge and an role, he was executive vice president at the young people around this issue and is on opportunity. The time appears to be right American Committee for Shaare Zedek the cutting edge for new treatment devel- for great success in these initiatives,” said Medical Center. He earned a BA from Yeshi- opment. Formerly clinical director of The Glasser. va College and completed graduate course- Dunes Rehabilitation Center in East Hamp- “My fundraising philosophy is sim- work in college administration at Colum- ton, New York, he is a professor of neu- ple—development is all about people and bia University’s Teachers College. “We are ropsychology and co-creator of clinical the cultivation of relationships with those very pleased to have Paul Glasser join our protocols with Harvard Medical School’s who fi nd the institution’s narrative compel- staff to serve Touro in this critical role Division of Addiction. ling. My goal is to generate support for the and look forward to benefi ting from his The program is part of Wurzweil- wide-ranging programs so that Touro can wide-ranging experience and skills in this er’s Care Café series: a free, traveling, psy- continue to meet every important need the arena,” said Dr. Kadish. cho-educational community resource pro- 26 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM PROFILE Perseverance Pays Off By Andrea Nissel

This is a story of a man who truly mas- tered the art of survival. Max Ostro, born in Poland in 1926, was 17 when he, his brother and his parents were rounded up by the Nazis to be sent to the Treblinka death camp. Realizing what was ahead, his parents, Reb Shmuel and Sara Chana, urged Os- tro and his brother Chanina to jump from the speeding train in an attempt to try to save themselves. Unfortunately, his brother died from the impact, but Ostro managed to survive, sustaining a head injury and ty- phoid fever. Ostro escaped death once again when he was later caught and spent 18 months Max Ostro in his daughter’s home in in a labor camp. Miraculously he escaped Englewood. just as he was about to be transported to Book cover of “My Leap From the Train to Treblinka” by Max Ostro. Auschwitz. During that time, he made numerous attempts to sneak in and out of matzeva (monument) about his indomita- ening situations, only to emerge stronger camps in his quest to fi nd members of his ble faith and incredible philanthropic spirit in his mind and soul. His faith never wa- family. A friend helped him fi nd safety, but fi lled me with a special calm and peaceful vered, despite the atrocities he endured as after fl eeing an SS raid he was forced to frame of mind,” Rabbi Kantor articulat- a young child en route to Treblinka. The Os- bury himself in a human grave where he ed. Rabbi Kantor recently spoke to a group tro family believes his story speaks to the survived through a small hole providing of yeshiva boys and shared stories about ages, imparting the critical message that him air and a meager bag of potatoes for Ostro and his benevolence and compas- when life presents challenges, determina- sustenance. sion to klal Yisrael, which the young men tion and grit can help you succeed. When World War II ended, Ostro re- found very inspiring. Rabbi Kantor believes Max Ostro was and will always be a turned to his hometown only to fi nd that that encouraging the next generation to guiding light for his family, and by shar- his house had become inhabited with new rise higher in their connection to Hashem ing his story they hope others will be in- people who had no interest in him or his would be Max’s greatest desire and a source spired by his heroic nature as well. As we Max Ostro, Anna Ostro, Marc (Avi) Hershberg, story. Ostro decided to emigrate to South of nachat for his neshama. commemorate fallen heroes this month, Nicole (Sarah Rachel) Hershberg, Michelle America where he began his entrepreneur- Rabbis and dignitaries worldwide were on both Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron, (Michal) Hershberg, Maureen Ostro. ship: a highly successful career in gem- saddened to learn about the passing of Max the Ostro family believes this story pays stones that sent him across the world in Ostro in 2010. Many sent words of condo- tribute to a true hero: Max Ostro. “My Leap fi ting the United States Holocaust Memo- search of jewels. Dubbed the Jewish Indi- lence to the family, expressing both pro- From the Train to Treblinka” is available for rial. It is also available electronically on the ana Jones, Ostro was credited with discov- found sorrow and pride in having known purchase on eBay, with all proceeds bene- Amazon Kindle bookstore. ering the world’s largest chunk of Blue To- such a unique individual. In his book “A paz from deep in the Amazon in the mid Meaningful Life” Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks 1980s, making him famous in Britain and mentioned Ostro and his remarkable story other areas of the world. of survival during the Holocaust. Everyone WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A Ostro’s success and wealth grew rapid- he encountered was touched by his human- ly, but it is the story of his incredible per- itarian ways and his invincible spirit. JEWISH FUNERAL DIRECTOR. severance that his family wants to share. Ostro’s continued strength and spirit Stripped of all his belongings by the Na- was clearly ingrained in his children. Anna zis, Ostro went from nothing to something, Ostro, Max’s daughter, recalls him teach- building a gem empire and dedicating his ing her and her brother how to approach life to helping others philanthropically. life. “Believe in yourself. Fight for what you Having risen from the depths of despair, want to achieve; always be optimistic and he was relentless in his pursuit to revital- know that Hashem is with you. You are ize Jewish communities across the world, never alone.” That was the way he lived his according to his grandson Marc Hershberg. life, and his family is trying to continue his “I am very proud to be the grandson of legacy with those guiding principles. Max Ostro, z”l, and consider him the most Ostro’s story has been recounted in sev- courageous man I know. With persever- eral books including “My Leap From the ance, sacrifi ce and hard work he raised a Train to Treblinka,” which Ostro wrote to family of incredible and loving souls and offer readers an insight into the tragedies gave us the tools and spirit to succeed. As endured by his family. Ostro embodied the he always used to say to us in the words of concept of perseverance and resilience. Winston Churchill: Never, never, never give Throughout his life he faced many threat- up,” conveyed Hershberg. Traveling to 25 countries throughout his lifetime, Ostro spent a lot of time and CLASSIFIEDS resources rebuilding Jewish life, particularly in the Far East and South America. He HELP WANTED Joel Simon is a Jewish Funeral Director. traveled the world in search of gems, and It means he serves the very important needs of the Jewish Community. along the way built Chabad establishments EDUCATION TEACHERS It means Compassion, along with a strict adherence to Halacha, committed to in many locations, always attempting to Kavod HaMet, being mindful of each communities Minhagim, working spread the light of Torah and Judaism—the SINAI Schools is seeking motivated and with Chevra Kadisha to provide Tahara and Shmira is first in everything he does. same light that the Nazis attempted to ex- qualifi ed special education teachers to tinguish when he was a mere teenager run- And finally, it means the highest level of service regardless work as part of its highly collaborative and of financial or any other needs. This is what has made Riverside Memorial ning for his life. interdisciplinary team for the 2018-19 Rabbi Kantor of Chabad of Thailand academic year. Chapels the source of support for our Jewish community since 1897. shared a very close bond with Ostro, whom Both Judaic Studies and General Studies That tradition of excellence continues with Joel Simon he called Rav Menachem Mendel. He re- teaching positions are available in our a Jewish Funeral Director. counts visiting Ostro’s kever, which was Elementary, Middle and High Schools. both emotional and uplifting for him. “I Please email resumes to RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPELS was a bit ‘down in the dumps’ before I got [email protected]. For Generations A Symbol Of Jewish Tradition. to the gravesite, but standing at the rest- Qualifi ed minorities and/or women are Westchester: 21 West Broad St., Mt. Vernon, 914 664-6800 ing place of the very dear Rav Menachem encouraged to apply, EEO. Manhattan: 180 West 76th St., 212 362-6600 Mendel and reading the inscription on his A subsidiary of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77219 713-522-5141 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 27 F OD & W NE LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT THE KOSHER DINNER LADY Tastes Like Spring By Rachel Berger no Google, or even any internet at all, to look it up. So I headed over to Blue Rib- I keep checking bon on Avenue J in Brooklyn, to buy some. my garden for signs of I asked the woman by the register for the life. Okay, I don’t real- basil and she, too, had no idea what it was. ly have a “garden” in I felt better knowing that it wasn’t just me, the traditional sense of and eventually found someone in the store the word, but I do have who brought some to me. As he handed the a backyard, and stuff green leafy bunch to me, he inhaled deeply grows there. Green shoots show up in the and said, “Here, this is basil, smell that and spring, and when they do, I am happy. you will never mistake it for anything else.” I thought that by the time the spring So I inhaled as well, and would never forget would actually arrive it might become sum- the moment I fi rst got a whiff of the fresh, mer. But, sure enough, mother nature has peppery-minty-earthy smell. awoken, and it looks like spring has fi nally Basil bruises easily, so treat it delicate- surfaced. At least this week, anyway. But a ly. It is delicious in many dishes, but in par- sure way to make it feel like spring, at least ticular I think it is best known for its role 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper on the inside, is to bring lots of fresh herbs in the Caprese salad—a layered tomato and The sweet smell of basil. ½ cup olive oil and spring vegetables into the house, and mozzarella salad, interspersed with whole In the bowl of a food processor fi tted into my food. In particular, the smell of basil leaves and drizzled with olive oil. Of 12 oz. sliced roasted peppers (jarred) with the metal “S” blade, combine all ingre- fresh basil feels like spring to me and actu- course its distinct fl avor is recognizable in 4 tablespoons toasted pine nuts dients except olive oil. Pulse a few times ally reminds me of my early days as a new pesto sauce as well, which can be tossed on 1 avocado, peeled and cubed to chop everything and scrape down the bride. That’s when I started cooking in ear- pasta, and even drizzled in soup! I thought 1 cup baby spinach leaves, sliced thinly bowl. With the motor running, slowly nest, with a bona fi de subscription to Gour- it would be fun to toss it in a fresh corn sal- Mix all ingredients together. Pour 1 cup pour the olive oil through the feed tube un- met Magazine and an intent to cook like a ad for a bright-colored, fresh-tasting spring of pesto over corn and mix gently to com- til the pesto is formed. Makes about 1 cup. gourmet chef. Each month when I received side dish, which can easily be upgraded to bine. This would be delicious over pasta or fi sh my magazine I would, in fact, cook from it, a main dish with some grilled salmon, or For the pesto: as well! not just read the articles or look at the pic- mozzarella cubes. Enjoy the weather and 2 cups loosely packed basil leaves tures. the good food! 1 cup loosely packed parsley leaves Rachel is a recovering real estate attorney, who is no longer I remember in particular one recipe 3 cloves peeled garlic planning a trip to Miami next weekend. Follow her on Face- called for basil. I didn’t know what that Spring Corn Salad With Pesto 4 tablespoons pine nuts book and Instagram @TheKosherDinnerLady. You can contact was or what it looked like. I don’t think I Corn kernels cut off from 6 ears of corn ¼ cup red wine vinegar her at [email protected]. even knew it was an herb. And there was (raw) ½ teaspoon kosher salt YINR Women’s League Celebrates Israel@70 in a ‘Tasteful’ Way By Yvette Finkelstein Hagit Evron presented ”Israel in a Pita: Sev- rael, spoke about Israeli food in the ’50s, en Decades of Culinary Zionism.” The rapt when food was scarce and people on the Sasha Fox and Anya Rackman Wiebke, audience enjoyed learning about Israeli kibbutzim and in the cities needed to be YINR Women’s League co-chairs, wanted cuisine and eagerly awaited tasting the de- fed. Food was unimaginative; basic needs to contribute to Westchester County’s in- licious fare served for dinner. had to be met. The story is told of Ben Gu- itiative, “Celebrating Israel @ 70,” with an Culinary journalist and book author rion, who wanted to bring rice to Israel and elegant history lesson, cooking demo and Hagit Evron traced the eating habits and contacted the Osem company. The result dinner. On Erev Yom Ha’atzmaut, in an el- tastes of Israelis as they went from a “cu- was the product “orzo,” known as the “Is- egantly decorated event room at YINR, ce- linary desert” to a “culinary superpower.” raeli rice.” Sardines were plentiful and pro- lebrity chef Yossi Elad and culinary writer Hagit, who also conducts food tours in Is- vided the protein so lacking in the Israeli diet. In the ’60s and ’70s, Israeli’s began trav- Susan Grobois, dinner event committee, and eling to other countries and returning with Celebrity Chef Yossi Elad. www.edenwoknr.com food ideas. Infl uenced by Julia Child in 10% America as well as various international cuisines, pizza, Chinese food and other eth- OFF! nic infl uences were brought to the Israeli CASH ONLY. kitchen. However, working with ingredi- NOT VALID ON SUNDAYS, ents on hand, the food was neither authen- MONDAYS AND HOLIDAYS. tic nor very tasty. MUST PRESENT COUPON. EXPIRES 6/30/18. In the ’80s and ’90s there was a “recon- nection” and turning point in Israeli cui- We Now Deliver to Riverdale and Westchester. sine. Israeli chefs, not tied to any one tra- The Finest Glatt Kosher Chinese Restaurant and Sushi Bar dition, began experimenting with different foods and, mirroring the melting pot of the many cultures in the country, producing varied, more tasteful dishes. At the same time, many chefs began to rediscover their Under Strict Kashruth of the 1327 North Ave Phone: 914-637-9363 roots, and particular tastes became popular. Vaad Harabonim of Queens New Rochelle Fax: 914-637-9371 As long as Israeli chefs “cooked with chutz- Culinary writer Hagit Evron. New York 10804 E-mail: [email protected] pah,” people were interested in tasting new foods. CONTINUED ON P. 29 28 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM THE SIMCHA LINK BRONX, WESTCHESTER & CONNECTICUT Can You Make a Simcha Go Green? By Jenny Gans fi nd these bags at Shoprite, Trader Joes, Tar- get or even less likely stores such as Amaz- Though Earth Day may be in our rear- ing Savings, Christmas Tree Shops and view mirror, a sense of awareness of our HomeGoods/Marshalls. Anyone who at- natural resources should never be far from tends trade or vendor fairs can score a wide our minds. Making a simcha is no excep- variety of branded canvas bags, or even get tion to our need to think of ways to cut them for free during store promotions. If back on waste. Now, we would never ex- you have to purchase them, they are not pect anyone to do away with disposable going to break the bank. They typically run tableware. Nearly everyone has their mini between 99 cents and $1.99, but are much Amazing Savings stash somewhere in their stronger than even a double bag, which house with enough cups, plates and nap- makes lugging all those heavy soda bottles kins to feed, well, a large sheva brachot. for the simcha much simpler. But without requesting the readers of The Speaking of soda bottles, don’t forget to Jewish Link to forego this necessity of en- recycle them after the simcha. When set- tertaining, The Simcha Link would like to ting out a garbage for regular refuse, try to present a few suggestions of how to mini- have a separate bag or other receptacle for mize waste when entertaining. the seltzer bottles, soda bottles, soda cans Paper goods have come a long way and water bottles that can pile up faster since Dixie started selling light fl oral pat- than used napkins. Many towns are add- terns decades ago. Now paper and plastic The tablecloth gemach has a multitude of options to enhance the table decor of any event. ing to the list of what is accepted recycling plates can be used and still look elegant at CREDIT: PROJECT YECHI material, so be sure to reference the town an event. As was mentioned before, host- Another option for tablecloths is pur- If extra lighting is required—either in- guideline, and look for the numbers on the ing an event and then having to wash doz- chasing solid colors, which can be surpris- door or outdoor—remember that LED and bottom of plastic containers. For instance, ens of dishes is still an unnecessary burden. ingly affordable and used over and over. CFL options exist in most types of fi xtures. many plastic takeout containers, as well as But let’s think about the backdrop these Many of the tablecloths that resemble the These low-output bulbs drastically reduce the plastics that strawberries, blueberries gorgeous plates go on: the tablecloth. Plas- type caterers use can be found on efavor- energy consumption but still light up the and other similar fruits come in, are now a tic tablecloths are defi nitely easy. They can mart.com for less than $10. These are the event. “1,” which has become recyclable in many just wrap up all the garbage in one swoop. types of pieces that can be used for any When shopping for the event, consider areas. At the same time, using real tablecloths re- type of gathering, whether it’s a sheva bra- bringing reusable bags. Though New York Don’t let yourself go crazy with this, be- ally adds an elegant fl air to an event, with chot, kiddush, seudah shelishit or even just does not have a plastic bag ban (yet), there cause, after all, so much is happening at the added benefi t of not creating extra gar- a Shabbat meal. They are machine wash- is no shortage of places to fi nd these practi- a simcha of any size. But remember that bage. The Project Yechi Tablecloth Gemach able, go in the dryer and get folded and cal and often kitschy accessories. Many or- even making one small change can have has an extensive selection of breathtaking put away until the next event requiring a ganizations even give them away for free signifi cant and lasting impacts on the envi- cloths for every color scheme imaginable. splash of color on the table. with their Purim deliveries. Shoppers can ronment over time.

YINR Women’s League ½ tsp. cumin minutes, while stirring. Add one pound of 1 small leek, chopped CONTINUED FROM P. 28 ½ tsp. crushed coriander seed coarse cut ground beef, mix and stir while 200 gms. of pumpkin, chopped (a bit 1 tsp. Sumac cooking for approximately 10 minutes, un- under 1 cup) Enter the 2000s, where third genera- 1 Tbs. cured lemon paste til meat is cooked. Serve in mini pita bread 1 pt. of coconut milk (pareve) or heavy tion Israeli chefs are now traveling all over 1 lb. coarsely cut ground beef with Israeli salad and tahini. cream (dairy) the world learning new techniques and mini pitas salt/pepper to taste bringing innovative ideas back to Israel. Is- Israeli salad (optional), Israeli Couscous Ben-Gurion Style Cook the couscous in a pot with plenty raeli restaurants are being opened world- tahini (4 servings) of water (pasta style) for about 6-7 minutes wide, featuring gourmet cuisine and ele- Chop one medium-sized onion, saute in 250 gms. of Israeli couscous (a little over and drain. In a pan, steam vegetables for a gant dining. Considered “culture agents,” olive oil until transparent. Add sweet papri- 1 cup) few minutes, add salt and pepper and the Israeli chefs are bringing a multitude of Is- ka, cumin, crushed coriander seeds, sumac 4 cups water coconut milk, simmer and bring to a boil. raeli foods to a welcoming public. Israe- and cured lemon paste. Saute for about 5 1 small onion, chopped Add the couscous while stirring. li cookbooks have become popular, again refl ecting the multi-cultural tastes of the people. .Classical, Jazz & Jewish Music Chef Yossi Elad, who owned the prestigious Machneyuda restaurant in Jerusalem, .Beginners to Advanced is currently co-owner of the award-win- . ning Palomar restaurant in London and is a Children & Adults prominent representative of the new Israe- . li cuisine. With his lively personality and Encourages Creativity culinary skills at work, Chef Yossi demon- .Enhances Motor Skills strated to the assembled attendees how to cook Deconstructed Kabob and Israeli .Improves Memory Couscous Ben-Gurion Style. If you’re feeling somewhat adventur- Piano & Keyboard Lessons ous, here are the recipes for Chef Yossi’s .Weddings dishes. . by Yisroel Fishbain Deconstructed Kabob Bar Mitzvahs (4 servings) .Orchestra 718.790.8659 1 medium onion, chopped olive oil Sasha Fox and Anya Rackman Wiebke, YINR .One Man Band yisroelfi[email protected] 1 tsp. sweet paprika WL co-chairs. 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 29 SCHOOLS Celebrating Israel in Stein Remembering the Heroes Yeshiva Early Childhood of the Shoah at WTA Yom Huledet Samaech, Medinat Yisrael! Yom HaShoah at WTA began with a berstein, who told them about her The early childhood at Stein Yeshiva sang, special morning tekes and memorial, af- experience as a hidden child in War- danced, painted and “toot-tooted!” their ter which students broke into groups saw. The children asked many insight- way through Israel’s 70th Yom Ha’atzmaut for different grade appropriate program- ful questions, and the conversation was Independence Day! The festivities started ming. Fifth grade students had the priv- moderated by school social worker Jen- when the children assembled a giant “De- ilege of hearing from survivor Gita Sil- nifer Schmelkin. gel Yisrael” in the school hallway. They loved the cool, wet feeling of the paint, and giggled as the Morot painted their hands. The degel was created collaboratively, using the handprints of all the children from the youngest toddlers through the 4 year olds. On Thursday, the yeladim arrived in school dressed in their fi nest blue and white. The yeladim began the day with a wonderful musical sing-a-long with Morah Carla from Tkiya! The boys and girls loved chose from blue and white materials to fi ll getting up and dancing to the music, wav- in their fl ags. Each one came out unique ing their scarfs all around, and wishing Is- and original. The yeladim had fun posing rael a “Happy Birthday on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, with their friends while proudly holding Toot, Toot!” up their fl ags in front of the Degel Yisra- After the musical singalong, the ye- el out in the hallway. The children ended ladim boarded the plane and off to Isra- their morning with Israeli Dance. Making el they fl ew! Their fi rst stop... the Israeli a bridge with their partner, the children Shuk! The yeladim listened attentively as danced and sang along to the popular chil- Morah Lenore introduced different Israe- dren’s folk song “Yaysh Lanu Tayish.” The WTA Celebrates li spices.The children enjoyed hummus, yelaidm learned how to make a bridge and pretzels, olives, pickles and Bissli! The boys had fun dancing with their partners! On and girls then enjoyed listening to Hebrew their way back home from their fun-fi lled Chag Ha’atzmaut books and were excited to see all of the dif- trip, the children enjoyed a yummy after- After a meaningful Hallel B’Tzibur and ferent places of Israel so vividly illustrated noon snack of blue and white cookies. The an outdoor parade, the WTA celebration on each page. Next, the yeladim got crea- children and morahs had great fun cele- continued with students engaging in an tive decorating Israeli Flags . The yeladim brating Israel’s 70th birthday together! array of Israel-themed activities, including searching for Israeli coins in an “archaeo- logical dig,” learning about the ancient art of winemaking while producing their own grape juice and completing a school wide mural celebrating Israel’s 70th birthday.

Bi-Cultural Waves the White and Blue The Bi-Cultural Day School sixth grade at the community-wide celebration held class performed an Israeli ﬂ ag dance at at the Stamford Jewish Community two community-wide celebrations mark- Center and the next, pictured here, they ing the Jewish state’s 70th birthday. On performed the dance at the school’s own Wednesday night the students performed Israel@70 party.

RYNJ Fifth Grader Wins First Place Under the tute- lage of general studies teacher Leora Weitzen, RYNJ fi fth grader Miri Cof- nas wrote a won- derfully creative poem that snagged her fi rst place in the River Edge Li- brary Annual Poetry Competition! There were over 100 entries, and RYNJ is so proud of her. 30 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM SCHOOLS Bi-Cultural Students Remember Israel’s Fallen Soldiers On Wednesday, April 18, students and here in Stamford and go to Israel to join el, now underway, emailed her experi- teachers at Bi-Cultural Day School in Stam- the IDF. We are grateful to them and their ence on Yom Hazikaron in Israel. As par- ford marked Yom Hazikaron with a poign- families—and to all the Israeli soldiers who ticipants in “Stars of Hope,” a nationwide ant ceremony that paid tribute to the sol- each and every day get up with courage program that brings messages of hope and diers who lost their lives in defense of the and do what they need to do to protect the healing to those in need, students brought State of Israel, as well as to the many vic- State of Israel.” with them to Israel hand-painted “Stars of tims of the country’s terror attacks. The ceremony was highlighted by the Hope” to deliver to various social service Following two minutes of silence in screening of three videos and subsequent organizations in Israel. On Yom Hazikaron which students stood as a mournful siren lighting of three candles in memory of they decided to add a “Star of Hope” recip- sounded throughout Israel and was broad- three fallen soldiers. Students also watched ient to their list. “We went to Mount Her- cast on a screen in the school auditorium, an emotional video of two slain brothers’ zl [military cemetery] and watched a mov- Head of School Jackie Herman noted the mother, Miriam Peretz, the recipient of this ie about a soldier from America who died many local young men and women who year’s prestigious Israel Prize, who delivers in battle in Israel,” wrote Talia. After the join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to help her inspirational message of strength and fi lm, “we then went to his grave and met protect the Jewish state. hope all across Israel. his parents. We told them who were were “Some of you may know them,” Her- Eighth grader Talia Raish, who is part and handed them a Star of Hope, which man told students. “They come from right of Bi-Cultural’s eighth-grade trip to Isra- they placed on his grave.” Kinneret Pays Tribute WTA Encourages to Israel’s Fallen and Young Authors As a part of a year-long literacy study, Celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut which included the study of different lit- Kinneret commemorated with poet- celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut with dance and erary genres, students in second grade au- ry music and hope on Yom Hazikaron, and schoolwide song. thored their own books. They enjoyed the process of learning how a hardcover book is bound and parent volunteers helped each student bind their own book in prepa- ration for the culminating event—the up- coming Authors’ Dinner.

(special candles) משואות Yom Ha’atzmaut at SAR al lighting of the CONTINUED FROM P. 1 by the following students: Zohar Feinberg, Hadassah Roshwalb, Gabby Cohen, Kay- gathers for tefi llah. The highlight of tefi ll- la Friedman, Amit Ginzberg, Aaron Benil- ah was Hallel led by Oshi Bloom (‘18). louche, Keren Benillouche, Dan Sonnen- Following tefi llah students chose from blick and Hillel Merkin. Each described among 27 elective sessions, featuring a their motivation to make aliyah and/or go wide range of topics ranging from Bob to the army. Beloved Ivrit teacher Yosef Ye- Goodman’s session on science and tech- shaya, who will be returning to Israel, lit nology in Israel to Rabbi Josh Rosenfeld’s the final candle. refl ections on being a lone soldier in the Following Hatikvah, everyone enjoyed IDF. SAR was also honored to welcome a sumptuous Israeli lunch of falafel, shwar- back Max Altholz (‘13) who spoke to stu- ma, schnitzel and shakshuka. Daniel Berg- dents about his experiences joining Tza- er (‘21) exclaimed, “There was positive ener- hal after graduating SAR. gy and excitement about Israel throughout Next up was a chagiga featuring Jew- the building. What an awesome day!” ish music superstar Benny Friedman, and blue and white donuts. With a grand in- troduction, Friedman came running out to his hit song “Ivri Anochi.” Students sang and danced for over an hour, arm in arm, all in celebration of Israel at 70. Next up was Kochav Nolad. Students were wowed by the incredible perfor- mances, both by students and faculty. The creative choreography and costumes, along with coordinated power point productions and videos, showcased a myri- ad of talented students. Congratulations to Zohar Feinberg and Renna Ekstein who took home the trophy for their incredible duet. טקס Following Kochav Nolad was a (ceremony), capped off with the emotion- 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 31 SPORTS Escape From Alcatraz By David Roher Part II: Learning to Swim I kickstarted my training for the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon with a New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. Because it was the start of a new year or because the Escape from Alcatraz swim is freezing cold? Yes...and yes. Didn’t you do that last year? Yes, I swam laps for almost four minutes. How did you do this year? Not as well. With a water temperature of 37 degrees and an air temperature close to that, my swim was about 30 seconds long. How did it feel? How did what feel? Everything went numb immediately, but I had a support team waiting for me as soon as I left the When you swim front crawl (freestyle water. to you non-ALS swimmers), your back is How did you really start training for fl oating on the water. this new event? So? I was unhappy with my swimming So if you lift your head up, you force last year at Ironman Lake Placid. I knew your feet to sink and they become anchors something was wrong with the way I’ve in the water. been swimming, so I enlisted my mentor Still not following you. Neil Cook to help me fi gure out what was When you walk, do you look straight wrong. He came out to New Jersey with his when you are biking; your feet are locked rection they want to go. Result: ahead or at the ceiling? GoPro and fi lmed me for ten minutes. in place. The fact is, swimming correctly You appear more like a drowning cock- Straight ahead. Just ten minutes? is one of the most diffi cult things you can er spaniel than Michael Phelps. In my head, So why don’t you do that in the water? Ten minutes was all it took for Neil to do. Proper swim form requires the athlete I was Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz and Dave Point taken. So how do you know where fi lm my swim from every angle. It has been to be aware of every single bodily move- Scott, all in one. you are going when you swim? said that swimming is not a sport; it is a ment...all at the same time. Here’s why: Dave who? To be continued... way to keep from drowning...and boy did I There’s no gravity in water. Google him. The video showed that I look like I was drowning. Um, I took physics in high school. That’s was creating drag in the water because I You are just being hyperbolic. not true. was lifting my head to see where I was go- David Roher is a USAT Certifi ed Level 1 Triathlon & Marathon Every triathlete thinks they swim like Ok, so I embellished a bit. When you ing. coach. He is a multi Ironman fi nisher & a veteran special edu- Michael Phelps, because they can’t see how are swimming, you don’t feel gravity be- Umm, isn’t that a good thing? cation teacher. He can be reached at Davidroher140.6@gmail. they look in the water. You can look down cause you are being buoyed by the water. No. You should be looking down at the com. at your feet when you are running and Your body parts are free to move in any di- bottom of the pool. Here is why: SCHOOLS Bi-Cultural Students Visit Israel’s Largest Volunteer Organization Since they arrived in Israel on April 11, on to the next phase of their young lives, unteer-staffed organization: In September, gifts—every single one—for Yah Sarah Play the graduating class of Stamford’s Bi-Cul- they get to see all they learned come to when eighth-grader Max Dayan celebrat- Center and Toy Library for children with tural Day School has been enjoying a jam- life,” says Bi-Cultural Associate Principal ed his bar mitzvah, he earmarked all his special needs. packed itinerary that includes touring the Rabbi Yehuda Jeiger. “The trip gives stu- country from Eilat to the Golan Heights; en- dents the unique opportunity to connect gaging in acts of chesed—aka ‘loving kind- with the land, the people, and the culture ness’ or social service; and attending study of Israel. They’ve been taught that this is sessions at various yeshivot. It’s all part of their homeland—now they get to feel it.” the school’s annual month-long trip to Is- Among their many stops, the students rael for eighth-graders—an experience that visited Yad Sarah, Israel’s largest volunteer has capped off the eighth-grade curriculum organization that engages in acts of kind- at Bi-Cultural for close to 45 years. ness for Jews and non-Jews in Israel, where “For all their years at Bi-Cultural these they were given a tour and engaged in sev- students have been learning about Israel. eral hands-on activities. The students had Now, just before they graduate and move a special connection with the unique vol- MTA Celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut MTA talmidim celebrated Yom Ha’atz- Bloch (‘66), who made aliyah and maut with an exciting array of activi- is currently an educational con- ties. The celebrations for Israel’s 70th sultant for the Jewish Education birthday began with the entire yeshiva Project. Rabbi Bloch discussed the davening an uplifting Hallel together at historical signifi cance of Eretz Shacharit, followed by Rosh Yeshiva Rab- Yisrael and how it ties in to the bi Michael Taubes reinforcing the impor- tefi llah of Hallel. Talmidim, reb- tance of the day with a meaningful Dvar beim and faculty enjoyed the op- Torah, and a lively chagiga with singing, portunity to bond together and dancing and a kumzitz. Talmidim were strengthen both their relation- also privileged to hear from MTA alum ships with each other and their and former administrator Rabbi Ellis love for Israel. 32 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM REAL ESTATE The Most Common Causes of Homeowners Insurance Claims (BPT) The value of homeowners insur- cal cords,” he says. “These things seem like ance is often thrust into the national spot- common sense, but it’s amazing how many light when natural disasters happen. The claims we see that result from simply not devastation and fi nancial loss they can paying attention. cause reinforces the importance of mak- “Wildfi res can be extremely scary and ing sure you have adequate insurance cov- dangerous and there is often little warn- erage to rebuild if disaster strikes your ing when they sweep through areas, leav- home. In 2017 alone, the U.S. was struck by ing homeowners little time to protect their 16 separate billion-dollar disaster events, homes. Most of this work needs to be done resulting in a record-breaking $300 billion before a fi re erupts. Homeowners can miti- in damage, according to the National Oce- gate against this risk by keeping their yards anic and Atmospheric Administration. free of dry brush, grass clippings and twigs, Thankfully, most Americans don’t ex- keep tree branches trimmed and bushes perience large-scale natural catastrophes, pruned. They should also make sure their but millions of homeowners do experi- roofs and gutters are cleared of leaves and ence some kind of property loss each year debris.” and need to make an insurance claim. The most commonly reported homeowners Theft Can Be Costly insurance claims are actually the result of Theft doesn’t necessarily pose a threat events that can occur at any time, so it’s to the physical structure of a home, but it important for homeowners to be prepared too can be costly and it often leaves home- for these potential risks. owners feeling scared and violated. The FBI’s Universal Crime Report estimates 1.5 Water Damage Claims million burglaries occurred in 2016 - with are Most Common residential properties accounting for 69.5 “Water claims are the ones we see most percent of these offenses. often,” says Christopher O’Rourke, Vice Homeowners can help safeguard President of Property Claims at Mercu- against theft by taking simple, but of- ry Insurance. “While certain perils are sea- ten overlooked precautions like ensur- sonal, water damage can occur any time ing doors and windows are locked, and of year. It’s important for homeowners to not leaving spare keys in easy-to-fi nd loca- conduct routine maintenance of appliance tions. Several smart home devices can also hoses and water pipes to make sure there the home’s main water supply if a leak or cern for homeowners and can be caused aid in deterring potential thieves by allow- aren’t cracks or leaks and, if any are detect- burst pipe is detected. And the best part is in several ways. The National Fire Protec- ing homeowners to adjust lights, monitor ed, have them repaired or replaced imme- that insurance companies like Mercury In- tion Association reports nearly half a mil- security cameras and activate security sys- diately. surance will often provide a discount for lion structure fi res occurred in 2016, result- tems from their smartphones even when “Another thing everyone can do to pro- homes that implement this technology. ing in $7.5 billion in property damage, and they’re away from home. tect their homes from leaks is turn off their O’Rourke also notes that most home- wildfi res ravaged California in 2017, leading “Our claims team strives to get our cus- main water supply when they’re away for owners insurance policies don’t cover to one of the year’s billion-dollar disaster tomers back on their feet after a loss. Our an extended period of time. No one wants fl ood damage caused by rising water from events. O’Rourke suggests controlling the hope is that people never experience such to return from a relaxing vacation to fi nd storms or overfl owing bodies of water, so things you can and mitigating against the an event in the fi rst place, but if they do water running through their home.” he recommends homeowners consult with perils you can’t. we want them to know that it is our goal Smart home technology also delivers their local insurance agent to learn how to “Most home fi res happen when people to help them get their lives back to nor- an extra layer of protection for homeown- protect against these types of events. are inattentive or negligent. These fi res are mal as quickly as possible,” adds O’Rourke. ers by providing 24/7 monitoring to help preventable if people don’t leave things like Mercury Insurance provides home- detect water pipe leaks. Professionally in- Fire Damage Is a Concern lit stoves, fi replaces, candles or portable owners with additional tips to protect stalled water pressure sensors, for exam- for Homeowners heat sources unattended. You should also against common insurance claims. Vis- ple, work with most smartphones and can, While water claims are the most com- refrain from overloading electrical outlets it https://blog.mercuryinsurance.com to among other things, automatically shut off mon, fi re damage is another possible con- and using appliances with frayed electri- learn more. For Sale/Rent by Owner: 914 Columbus Drive, Teaneck MORTGAGES OPEN HOUSE Freshly painted 4 BR/3.5 bath side hall Purchase Loans. Refinance Loans. ...And Everything In Between Sun. 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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 33 REAL ESTATE Women on the Jerusalem Roadmap By Gedaliah Borvick

Throughout the nation’s capital, streets are named for women spanning many time periods and walks of life. Baka has the largest percentage of streets named after women. They include such Biblical luminaries as the matriarch Rivka (Rebecca); Tzipora, wife of Moses; Esther Hamalka, the queen of Persia and 615 WINTHROP ROAD, TEANECK the heroine in the Purim holiday; Yael, a heroine in the period of the Judges, who ɵ Most prestigious block ɵ Spacious master suite with killed the commander of the army of Hat- in Teaneck generous walk-in closets & zor; Yocheved, heroine and mother of Mo- ses; and Miriam Hachashmonait, the wife ɵ Close proximity to most Shuls spa like bath of King Herod. ɵ Fabulous Two-story brick ɵ Home office off the master Some Jerusalem streets are named for female sages. Two examples are Bruriah, a colonial suite Talmudic sage who was admired for her tre- ɵ Lot 195 x 190 ɵ Guest bedroom and full bath mendous breadth of knowledge (see Trac- The legendary Hannah Senesh (.85 of an acre/ 37,026 square feet) in basement tate Pesachim 62b), and Professor Nechama Leibowitz, a 20th-century Bible scholar and ɵ House is 6,525 square feet, ɵ Large kitchen with granite commentator credited with rekindling in- plus additional full finished island terest in Bible study. Other streets are named for women basement of 3,759 square ɵ Double appliances and sinks who left their mark in the world of cul- feet. ɵ 3 working fire places ture and the arts. One example is Profes- ɵ Total sq. ft.= 10,284 sq. ft. sor Gertrud Kraus, a dancer and choreogra- ɵ 2-car attached garage pher, and the creator of modern dance in ɵ Formal marble entry hall Israel. Kraus was a true Renaissance wom- ɵ Price: $3,450,000 an, as she was also an accomplished paint- ɵ 8 bedrooms er and sculptor. ɵ 8 bathrooms (6 full, 2 half) ɵ No brokers please! Some streets are named for authors, such as Leah Goldberg, who crafted tales For Sale By Owner 201-836-3403 or email [email protected] and literary works and lectured at the He- brew University, and prominent poets such as Zelda Michkovsky and Rachel Sela. Prime Minister Golda Meir Other streets are named in memory of FFEATUREDEATURED HOMEHOME fi ghters during World War II and Israel’s At the Bustan Baka project, a new street War of Independence, such as Zahara Lev- is named after Martha Bamberger, who was ito, a pilot and commander of a Palmach active in Women’s International Zionist Or- squad who was killed in the line of duty in ganization, or WIZO, where she founded a 1948, and the legendary Hannah Senesh, a chain of handicraft stores. In addition, Bam- poet, playwright and paratrooper who par- berger assisted Jewish refugees who moved achuted into Yugoslavia to rescue Hungari- to Israel after World War II as well as Jews an Jews about to be departed to Auschwitz. who had been evacuated from their homes Some of Senesh’s poems were later set to during Israel’s War of Independence. She music and became popular Israeli folk also championed the “cottage industry” songs. concept, helping women work from home, In addition, streets are named after fe- raise their children and provide income for male politicians—such as Golda Meir, Isra- their families. el’s fourth prime minister, who was known The Jewish nation has been blessed 3.5 elegant bathrooms, beautiful modern as “the grandmother of the Jewish peo- with powerful women who have helped Van Cortlandt Crest, Yonkers at the kitchen, spacious and sunny great room ple”—educators, activists, philanthropists shape the course of Jewish history. It’s with dining area, den with pellet stove, and Righteous Gentiles. heartening to see their efforts recognized Riverdale, N.Y.C. border recreation room or offi ce with sepa- A large majority of Jerusalem streets in the public forum. ASKING PRICE REDUCED! rate entrance, large garage plus drive- are named after men but there has been a $999,999! way. Central air conditioning. Located movement over the past decade to reverse 5 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms in the upscale Yonkers Van Cortlandt this trend. Case in point: Two newly con- Sopher Realty Crest community, convenient to River- structed streets in Baka are named after (718) 601-4000 ext. 127 dale’s amenities, including transporta- women. At the luxurious Park Eight pro- A very special home, just steps from tion, shopping, SAR Academy, and shuls. ject, the main pedestrian boulevard has Riverdale! Winner of the 2009 Yonkers Low property taxes--only $10,243.36/ been named Dina Street, in memory of the Greenie Award for Renovation. This en- year! Shown only by appointment. Viv- Biblical fi gure Dina, daughter of the patri- ergy-effi cient solar home is in move-in ian Oleen, Associate Broker, Sopher Real- arch Jacob and matriarch Leah. condition and was completely renovat- ty, 718-601-4000 ext. 127 or msopherco@ ed and enlarged in 2009. Five bedrooms, aol.com.

Zelda Michkovsky

Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.my- israelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at [email protected]. Martha Bamberger 34 April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM REAL ESTATE The Facade Inspection Safety Program: Toward a Safer New York City By Vivian J. Oleen building envelope, not only the street-fac- Buildings. An amended report is submitted ing facade. This was done in part to protect after the repairs are completed. Thirty-eight years ago, a Barnard Col- building workers who work behind and on Facades that are determined to be lege student named Grace Gold was hit and the sides of buildings. Inspections must in- SWARMP have the potential to become Un- killed by a terra cotta masonry object that clude walls facing the rear and sides of ad- safe, so in the technical report the inspec- fell from the façade of a building at 115th jacent buildings, except for walls that are tor must state a specifi c month and year Street and Broadway. The tragic end to 12” or less from a neighboring building. No by when the condition must be rectifi ed. Grace’s life was the impetus for the 1980 pas- longer are the visual “binocular” street-lev- However, the condition cannot be classi- sage of New York City Local Law 10, which el inspections from afar allowed as in Local fi ed as SWARMP for two consecutive re- is now named the Facade Inspection Safety Law 10; instead, the inspector must use a porting cycles; if it still exists then it must Program (Local Law 11). (Refer to RCNY Sec- scaffold or other observation platform and be reported as Unsafe. tions 103-04 Periodic Inspection of Exteri- perform a physical inspection. At least one Buildings must be inspected only by li- or Walls and Appurtenances of Buildings.) ground-to-roof inspection is required and censed Registered Architects or Profession- In 1997 and 1998, New York City recorded the results are to be compared to the build- al Engineers who perform these “critical several failures of exterior walls. These in- ing’s condition as reported in previous Lo- examinations” and submit their reports cidents resulted in the passage of the even cal 10 and 11 reports. to the Department of Buildings. The Reg- more comprehensive and stringent New In the currently required reports, the in- guards, canopies, satellite dishes, and any istered Architect or Professional Engineer York City Local Law 11, which requires that spector can no longer certify the building as equipment attached to, or protruding from, must have at least one year of relevant ex- the entire building, not just the facade, Pass or Fail: Local Law 11 mandates a deter- the facade. In Cycle 8, following the fatal perience. The inspector is called a QEWI must be examined and certifi ed. The law mination of Safe, or Safe With a Repair and fall in 2013 of a woman when her balco- (Qualifi ed Exterior Wall Inspector). is administered by the Facades Compli- Maintenance Program (SWARMP) or Un- ny railing gave way, balcony railings were Finally, a word to the wise: If you are ance Division of the New York City Depart- safe. The report must be signed by the reg- also required to be inspected. There are de- purchasing an apartment, request that ment of Buildings; fi ling fees and penalties istered architect or licensed engineer who tailed requirements to be met before com- your buyer’s agent and/or your attorney ask are enforced by the Department of Build- performs the inspection and by the build- ponents such as balconies, fi re escapes, and about the building’s FISP compliances. If ings. The purpose of the law is to ensure pe- ing’s owner. No repair condition previous- guardrails can be designated as Safe. For the building needs repairs, is there enough destrian safety by preventing building ele- ly described can be reported in two consec- example, balcony enclosures erected with- money in the reserve fund to cover them, ments from falling on pedestrians. Over utive reporting cycles. A cycle lasts for fi ve out a permit shall not be considered Safe or will an assessment, a bank loan, or a re- 12,500 New York City buildings are current- years; cycle 8 ends on 2/21/20. In 2013, the by the Department of Buildings. fi nance be required? Will the repair work ly subject to inspection. Seventh Cycle was amended to require sup- A fi nding of Unsafe mandates that the inconvenience you? If you are renting an In brief, the original law required that plemental inspections of the building’s el- condition must be repaired within thirty apartment, if the building will need repairs, buildings that are six stories or more above ements (guardrails, balconies, and fi re es- days (unless an extension is granted) and to what extent will repair work impinge on grade must undergo periodic inspections of capes), in order to ascertain that these that the public must be immediately pro- your quiet enjoyment of the premises, and their street-facing exterior facades. Follow- components are code-compliant and struc- tected. Pursuant to the determination that is it safe for you to inhabit the building? ing the 1997 and 1998 incidents, the law was turally stable. Inspections now include a building and/or its element is Unsafe, expanded to require inspection of all exte- antennas, air conditioning units, fl ower the inspector must immediately notify the Vivian J. Oleen is an associate broker with Sopher Realty. rior walls and appurtenances—the entire boxes, fl agpoles, signs, parapets, window building’s owner and the Department of

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718-564-6710 • WWW.JEWISHLINKBWC.COM April 26, 2018 • 11 Iyar, 5778 35 'UVCDNKUJGFt/QTTKUCPF/CTKN[P5QRJGT

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