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February 22, 2018

Distributed weekly in the Five Towns, Long Island, Queens & Brooklyn

Your Favorite Five Towns Family Newspaper

Trump Comes to the Five Towns for MAGA Parade

See page 7

Around the

Community

And Other Purim News Stories See TJH Supplement, page S12

58 A Celebration of Community at Achiezer’s Tribute of a Decade

A Freilechen Purim!

42 Fun for a Cause at OIF Play4Israel Game Night

The Amalek Within..................................................................................S4 Bobker on Purim .....................................................................................S8 Melodramatic Mishloach Manos......................................................S30 Nosh, Nosh, and Keep Noshing Hamantashen............................S24 Two Brothers & Their Three Cornered Cookies...........................S22 Really Forgotten Heroes......................................................................124

Be included in the 41 TJH Purim Album! Celebrating Adar around Town

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll Community Happenings

8 41

NEWS

S24

Global

National

Odd-but-True Stories

“Real” Purim Certified News

S12

ISRAEL Israel News

The Road to Safed and Back by Rafi Sackville

PEOPLE Two Brothers and their Three-Cornered Cookies

S22

Really, Really Forgotten Heroes by Avi Heiligman

124

PARSHA Rabbi Wein

Calling out Modern Day Evil by Rav Moshe Weinberger

JEWISH THOUGHT The Bold and the Brazen by Eytan Kobre

A Season of Rapid Reversals by Rabbi Dr. Naphtali Hoff

The Amalek Within by Yaakov Klein

Bobker on Purim

S8 HEALTH & FITNESS What do Normal Relationships Look Like? by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn 104

Dear Editor, I enjoy reading your paper, specifically the section that highlights the many wonderful programs and activities the schools in our neighborhoods run. Working in the education field myself, I have read many wonderful ideas I was inspired to implement in my own classroom. This week, as I perused that section a thought occurred to me that I wanted to share with you. Though this is certainly not the impression meant to give, it often seems like the only thing our schools do is special programming. I wondered to myself, does any learning occur at these schools? Are there regular classrooms with teachers teaching curriculum? Of course we know the answer is yes, but the glorification of programming lends readers to believe, albeit in a subtle manner, that special activities are the main reason we have schooling and that programming is the most important part of a successful Torah institution. But isn’t that what camp is for? Don’t we have educational institutions to teach? What about limudei kodesh and limudei chol? I would like to propose a suggestion. Can you create a new column that highlights a different teacher each week and how they teach and reach the learners in their classroom? Perhaps they can explain goals of their

curriculum or moral dilemmas they face as teachers. Though perhaps not as exciting as the special activities column, I think it would be inspiring for other educators to read, as well as the general public to see, that our teachers are effectively teaching! Thank you, A morah at one of our local schools Dear Editor, Dr. Deb touched on some very important points in her article this week, “How Do You Get Happiness.” True happiness comes from feeling complete; it comes from feeling needed and wanted and in touch with oneself. As Dr. Deb pointed out, once you understand and connect with your inner self, feel comfortable with yourself, you will feel a deep, inner happiness. And more than that, once you “master” something – you feel like you have accomplished, conquered, a goal or a project or a subject – happiness results. Chazal tell us that there is no happiness like “hataras ha’sfeikos,” coming to a decision, forming a conclusion, forgoing any doubt. Going along with Dr. Deb’s point of view, once one “masters” a subject, there are no more doubts for them; they Continued on page 10

A Purim Shpiel by Aliza Beer MS, RD 106

106

Finding our Way in a World Filled with Rage by Dr. Hylton Lightman 108 FOOD & LEISURE

Not Another Hamantashen Article by Naphtali Sobel

110

Nosh, Nosh a Hamantash by Nina Safar

S24

Bagel, Lox and Cream Cheese Hamantashen by Melinda Strauss

S28

LIFESTYLES Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW

100

Adar is Here by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

134

What’s your favorite hamantashen flavor?

HUMOR Centerfold Melodramatic Mishloach Manos by Susan Schwamm

88 S30

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

112

Despite the Olympic Glow, Half of Korea Remains in Darkness by Marc A. Thiessen 120 How the U.S. can ‘Get to Yes’ with Turkey by David Ignatius CLASSIFIEDS

122 128

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“own” the subject or their goal. They have accomplished their task. There are no doubts. Additionally, being connected to oneself means that one has complete confidence in who they are; they are not shadowed by doubts; they are comfortable with their whole selves. That is the ultimate happiness. Wishing everyone a happy Purim! Lilly H. Dear Editor, I don’t follow Israeli politics, as I find it too foreign for me. That being said, after reading your cover article this week, “Netanyahu Under Fire,” I don’t know who to believe. Is Netanyahu really guilty of all that is be-

ing said? Is he the subject of a “witch hunt,” as he says? Will he beat these charges as he beat all the others? Do all politicians in Israel do what does? Is this just politics? Why is the main witness against him his political rival? Politics is, well, politics – and it’s sticky. From across the ocean, I have trouble believing one side over the other. Truthfully, I sometimes have trouble figuring out politics in my country – between the Democrats who have been crying over Trump since the election and the president vociferously and loudly denouncing any suspicions against him. I feel as if I’m in middle of a novel or a movie, and it’s becoming too long and winded and I can barely follow the plot. I’d just like to be finished with it already. Y. Lernman

Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home. Please send all correspondence to: editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

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New Pres for South Africa

Last Thursday, after President Jacob Zuma of South Africa was recalled by the ruling African National Congress party, Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in as the nation’s new leader. Zuma had been dodging corruption and nepotism scandals during his nine years in office and was told to resign by his party. On Friday, Ramaphosa gave a stirring state of the nation address, vowing to capitalize on the “digital revolution.” “Our prosperity as a nation depends on our ability to take full advantage of rapid technological change,” he said. Ramaphosa, 65, who was elected president of the ANC in December by a slim majority, has already begun to make changes to revitalize the South African economy which had been in decline under Zuma. He was forced this year to finally institute an inquiry into state capture after losing a court bid against a ruling by South Africa’s graft ombudsman. Along with a focus to grow the economy, fix the country’s mining sector, address education, create jobs – especially for the youth – and increase investment, Ramaphosa signaled out the potential of the “digital industrial revolution.” South Africa’s telecoms ministry was bizarrely split into two departments by Zuma, and competing ministers have spent years feuding over their roles. This has caused unnecessary complications and huge delays, including South Africa missing the June 2015 deadline by the United Nation’s International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to switch from analog television signals to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). Ramaphosa, was centrally in-

volved in negotiating South Africa’s constitution and was the ANC’s secretary-general when Nelson Mandela was released from jail in 1992. A lawyer by training, Ramaphosa formed the National Union of Mineworkers, then the country’s largest trade union. Ramaphosa, who held Mandela’s microphone at his first public address after 27 years in detention, was the Nobel Laureate’s preferred choice of successor. But he was overruled in favor of Thabo Mbeki, the country’s second democratic president. Ramaphosa went into business and became a billionaire, ironically as a shareholder in mining companies, until he rejoined the ANC as Zuma’s deputy president in both the ANC and government five years ago. Zuma’s corruption- and scandal-tainted rule has seen South Africa’s economy stall, as unemployment and poverty have risen. The popular Ramaphosa is considered a reformative force who will restore the country’s fortunes and eradicate widespread corruption. “We have done it before and we will do it again,” Ramaphosa said in Parliament, “bonded by our common love for our country, resolute in our determination to overcome the challenges that lie ahead, and convinced that by working together we will build the fair and just and decent society to which Nelson Mandela dedicated his life.”

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The level of hypocrisy rose in Poland on Tuesday when Polish Deputy Culture Minister Jaroslaw Sellin backed a call for building a “Polokaust” museum to commemorate Poles killed by the Nazis during World War II. “I think the story of how the fate of Poles during World War Two looked like ... deserves to be told and shown in this way [in a museum],” Sellin was quoted as saying by state media. “It is enough to read official

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German documents from these times or Hitler’s book to know that after the Jews, whom he wanted to completely erase from Europe..., the next [target] was generally Slavic people, especially Poles.” The idea for a “Polokaust” museum comes on the heels of Poland’s newest legislation aimed at crushing any talk or memory of Poland’s role in the Holocaust. More than three million Jews who lived in pre-war Poland were murdered by the Nazis during their occupation of the country. They accounted for about half of all Jews killed in the Holocaust. Poland’s nationalist ruling party says the new law is needed to ensure that Poles are also recognized as victims, not perpetrators, of Nazi aggression. It notes that the Nazis also viewed Slavs as racially inferior and that many Poles were killed or forced into slave labor during the German occupation. The “Polokaust” museum was actually the brainchild of Marek Kochan, a writer and academic, who wrote in the Polish daily Rzeczpospolita about the concept of a “Polokaust” museum. It was unclear from Sellin’s comments whether the museum will be built. Many Poles believe – or want to

believe – that their nation behaved honorably for the most part during the Holocaust. But research published since 1989 has sparked a painful debate about responsibility and reconciliation. For example, a 2000-2004 inquiry by Poland’s state Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) found that on July 10, 1941, Nazi occupiers and local inhabitants colluded in a massacre of at least 340 Jews at Jedwabne. Some victims were burned alive after being locked inside a barn. Some Poles still refuse to acknowledge the IPN’s findings. Anti-Semitism was common in Poland in the run-up to World War II. After the war, a pogrom in the town of Kielce and a bout of anti-Semitism in 1968 sponsored by the communist authorities forced many survivors who had stayed in Poland to flee.

Swedish Citizenship for Iranian Prisoner Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian medical doctor and lecturer at the

Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, has been granted citizenship by Sweden. Djalali was arrested in Iran in April 2016 and was convicted of espionage. He was accused of helping Israel assassinate several senior nuclear scientists by feeding the Jewish State information. He is now rotting in an Iranian jail, with the threat of death looming over his head.

Djalali was handed a death sentence by Iran’s Supreme Court earlier this month. His accusers say that he confessed to speaking with agents of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and delivering information on Iran’s nuclear and defense plans and personnel. A Swedish spokeswoman read a statement this week saying that “we know that he has been granted citizenship by the Migration Board. We

continue in our consular work for Djalali and request consular access to our citizen. We have been in regular contact with Iranian representatives, requested access to Djalali, and presented Sweden’s view of the death penalty, which we condemn in all its forms. Our demand is that the death penalty is not carried out.” Dr. Djalali was traveling to Iran on business when he was arrested and sent to Evin prison. He was held in solitary confinement for three months and tortured, according to Amnesty International. The group also said that Djalali wrote a letter from inside prison in August stating he was being held for refusing to spy for Iran. A letter was signed by seventy-five Nobel Prize laureates last year which pleaded for Iranian authorities to release Djalali so he could “continue his scholarly work for the benefit of mankind.”

Another Russian Cyber-Attack The Russians are dominating headlines lately, particularly for cyber-crimes. The U.S. and UK governments have attributed another

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

massive ransomware attack to the Russian military. Last year, the NotPetya attack targeted companies in Ukraine, attacking its government, financial and energy institutions in June. It ended up causing collateral damage to global companies with offices in Ukraine, including Maersk, FedEx, and Merck. The cyber-attack resulted in up to $300 million in lost revenue for Maersk.

The Trump administration released a statement last week calling NotPetya the “most destructive and costly cyber-attack in history,” noting that it caused billions of dollars of damage in Europe, Asia and the Americas. “The Kremlin has positioned Russia in direct opposition to the West, yet it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Lord Tariq Ahmad, the UK’s foreign office minister for cybersecurity. “We call upon Russia to be the responsible member of the international community it claims to be rather than secretly trying to undermine it.” Ahmad said Russia’s “reckless” attack showed a “continued disregard for Ukrainian sovereignty” and cost organizations across Europe hundreds of millions of pounds. According to the investigation, the Ukraine government discovered evidence directly linking the attack to Russian hackers in July. UK officials also noted that the hackers used ransomware as a disguise for an attack clearly meant to destroy data and cause chaos. “The malware was not designed to be decrypted. This meant that there was no means for victims to recover data once it had been encrypted. Therefore, it is more accurate to describe this attack as destructive than as ransomware,” the UK’s National Cyber Security Center noted. The Russian government “categorically denied the accusations.” “We think they have no basis and no foundation, and this is nothing else but the continuation of the Russophobic campaign,” Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, said.

The NotPetya ransomware infected computers and locked down their hard drives. It then demanded a $300 ransom to be paid in bitcoin. Even after the ransom was paid victims were not able to access their files.

1.17M War Crimes in Afghanistan

In November, the International Criminal Court began collecting material for a possible war crimes case in Afghanistan. In just three months, the department has received a whopping 1.17 million statements from Afghans who claim they were victims. The claims include accounts of alleged atrocities by terror groups like the Taliban and the Islamic State. More surprisingly, some of the claims were directed towards Afghan Security Forces and government-affiliated warlords, the U.S.-led coalition, and foreign and domestic spy agencies, said Abdul Wadood Pedram of the Human Rights and Eradication of Violence Organization. The next step is for the ICC judges to conclude whether or not to seek a war crimes investigation, a lengthy and expensive process. The ICC is the world’s first permanent court set up to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. “It is shocking there are so many,” Pedram said, pointing out that many claims involved multiple victims, sometimes entire villages. “It shows how the justice system in Afghanistan is not bringing justice for the victims and their families. I have the names of the organizations, but because of the security issues, we don’t want to name them because they will be targeted,” said Pedram, whose group is based in Kabul.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

In 2016, thieves stole $101 million from Bangladesh Bank using SWIFT, $20 million of which was later recovered. Financial institutions in Vietnam and Ecuador are also thought to have been hit with successful attacks. SWIFT spokespersons said last Friday that the company does not comment on individual customers. “When a case of potential fraud is reported to us, we offer our assistance to the affected user to help secure its environment,” the Brussels-based organization said in a statement. Attackers generally follow the same pattern when using SWIFT to steal funds. The hackers circumvent a bank’s local security systems and gain access to the SWIFT network. Fraudulent messages are then used to initiate cash transfers. In the Bangladesh Bank heist, the hackers used this tactic to move money out of accounts at the New York Fed. SWIFT has since implemented new rules and security measures, including tougher standards for their local computer networks. 89% of their customers had already complied with their new recommendations by the end of 2017. Starting in January 2019, SWIFT will no longer accept organizations that do not meet their security standards.

Returning Objects Stolen by the Nazis

Last year the activist received death threats, forcing to Pedram flee Kabul. He now keeps a lower profile, no longer speaking to local media. “The warlords are all here. You have to be very careful,” he said. “In the morning, I kiss my little son goodbye...because I don’t know what will happen to me and when, or if I will see [my family] again.”

SWIFT System Targeted Sophisticated thieves used the SWIFT international payment system to steal $6 million from a Russian bank last year. SWIFT is a communications network that links much of the global financial system.

The attack on the unnamed Russian bank is only the latest in a series of thefts that have exploited the SWIFT system. “The SWIFT payment system was used exclusively as a channel to withdraw the stolen funds,” the central bank said in a statement. “The bank – and the SWIFT operator’s workplace in particular – were the primary targets of the attack.”

In Bad Arolsen, Germany, there is a huge complex of six buildings that house 30 million original documents relating to the fates of 17.5 million victims of the Nazis. The archives are run by International Tracing Service (ITS), an organization that has been working to locate these victims, discover what happened to them, and more recently, return stolen artifacts to their descendants.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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ITS has been returning stolen items to survivors and their family members since the early 1960s. Between 1963 and 2015, roughly 1,500 items were returned either directly to owners or sent through the Red Cross behind the Iron Curtain to be returned there. The organization is now running a #StolenMemory campaign in order to step up their number of returns. The campaign was launched on International Holocaust Remembrance Day this past January with the placement of huge posters around the outside of the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Each of the posters had a picture of a different item stolen by the Nazis and the names of their original owners. The hope is that people passing by will recognize a name and help ITS find the object’s lost owner. ITS will also be bringing customized versions of the posters to different countries and plans to launch a #StolenMemory website this spring. “We already have requests from Poland and Greece to bring customized versions to those countries, and we are getting significant media exposure in France and other places about the project,” said ITS director Floriane Hohenberg. Of the remaining 3,000 objects that ITS still holds, only a small number belong to Jews because Jews were generally sent to death camps and their belongings were immediately exploited by the Nazis. The organization was originally set up to trace and reconnect people after World War II. Finding the owners of these lost items was not a priority but Hohenberg has changed that. “They burn my hands,” Hohenberg said about the personal effects. “There is something wrong for us to have these here. It’s not something we can justify. They have to be returned to the owners.”

Anti-Semitism on the Rise in Poland Anti-Semitism has made its way once again into the mainstream Polish public debate. A diplomatic dispute with Israel over a new Holocaust speech law has brought forth old feelings of hatred and bigotry that many felt would not rise again in Poland after the Holocaust. Before the outbreak of the Second World

War, there were 3.3 million Jews in Poland. Of those, less than 10 percent survived, and today only a tiny fraction actually lives in Poland.

Recently, Law and Justice, a Polish conservative party, won power in Poland, vowing to restore national greatness and also stressing an anti-Muslim, anti-migrant message. After they came to power, Jews became targets of hate in Poland with more frequency. The hate escalated recently when Israeli officials came out strongly against new Polish legislation that criminalizes blaming Poland as a nation for crimes committed by the Nazis. Israelis accuse Polish officials of trying to whitewash history and clean the blood off Polish hands that killed many Jews during the Holocaust. Polish lawmakers deny such accusations and say that they are only trying to protect Poland from being depicted as a collaborator with the Nazis when the country was Adolf Hitler’s first victim and that they resisted the Nazis through nearly six years of war and occupation. During the public debate on the law, many commentators were heard using offensive slurs, and one popular talk show host went so far as to make disgusting jokes about Jews and gas chambers. A Catholic priest said on national television that it was “hard to like Jews” and his words were then quoted by the ruling party spokeswoman. An advisor to the president said he thought Israel’s negative reaction to the law stemmed from a “feeling of shame at the passivity of the Jews during the Holocaust.” Jewish community members in Warsaw have noticed a surge of anti-Semitic attacks recently. Agnieszka Ziatek of the Jewish Agency for Israel said she has seen a spike in the number of Polish Jews inquiring about immigrating to Israel.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

A Cursed Cruise

DO YOU have food rules or lists of “good” and “bad” foods that guide your eating?

Abbas Addresses the UN

Guests on a Carnival cruise signed up for a relaxing vacation, but wound up enduring a nightmare. The 10 day excursion in the South Pacific is currently under investigation as authorities try to determine what exactly transpired on the ship. The Carnival Legend set sail from Melbourne to New Caledonia, but it was not smooth sailing for the passengers onboard. Videos from the cruise have surfaced in which one family, identified as the Barkho family of Melbourne, were seen fighting, pummeling and threatening passengers and security officers. In a statement to The Washington Post, Carnival confirmed “several instances [of] extremely unruly behavior” on the ship. The cruise line claims the belligerent family group “physically attacked other guests.” Eyewitnesses say the family of 23 intentionally provoked conflicts by spitting in the pool, screaming, and fighting with passengers and staff. “They were looking for trouble from the minute they got on the ship,” Kellie Peterson said on a local radio station in Melbourne. “Anyone and everything. They even picked on a 16-year-old boy because they thought he looked at them.” Peterson said that her family was warned by security not to travel the decks alone. Others locked themselves in their cabin to avoid being hurt. The ship eventually docked at Eden, where officers boarded and took the 23 members of the Barkho family into custody. “We sincerely regret that the unruly conduct and actions of the passengers removed from the ship may have prevented other guests from fully enjoying their cruise,” read Carnival’s statement. As a courtesy, the cruise line promised passengers 25 percent off their next excursion.

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On Tuesday, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations Security Council, calling for a “multilateral international mechanism” to pave the way for Palestinian statehood, while accusing Israel and the United States of obstructing peace efforts. “To solve the Palestine question, it is essential to establish a multilateral international mechanism emanating from an international conference,” the PA president said, adding that he anticipated a summit by mid-2018. Abbas wants to replace the central role that the United States has played as mediator in the peace process. The Palestinian leader took aim at Washington’s handling of the issue over the past year, namely U.S. President Donald Trump’s December 6 decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “The administration has taken Jerusalem off the table,” Abbas said, quoting the words used by Trump last month to describe the declaration. The Palestinians, Abbas argued, have a historical presence in the territory dating back “5,000 years.” “We are descendants of the Canaanites that lived in Palestine 5,000 years ago, and have continuously remained there to this day,” the PA president insisted as he began his speech, adding that there are currently 13 million Palestinian refugees in Israel, the West Bank, and abroad. The PA president also panned the U.S. administration’s failure to clarify its position on whether or not it supports a two-state solution to the conflict. He lashed out at Washington’s decision to cut aid from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, “which

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they helped establish,” and blasted the U.S. threats to close down the offices of the Palestine Liberation Organization in Washington. Abbas asserted that the Palestinians “are ready to begin negotiations immediately in order to achieve peace.” But he also conditioned negotiations on the withdrawal of Trump’s Jerusalem recognition and the cessation of Israeli settlement building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. He said his proposed “multilateral international mechanism” should lead to full UN membership for the state of Palestine, mutual recognition of Israel and a Palestinian state, and the creation of a new international mechanism to reach a final settlement. Abbas also pledged to “intensify” his efforts to obtain full member state status at the UN, where the Palestinians are currently considered a non-member observer state. Arguing that it undermined peace efforts, Abbas lambasted Israel’s continued settlement construction and “continued occupation of Palestinian lands,” claiming that that the PA had “become an authority without authority.” “We are working for the occupation, we are employees for the occupation, and we say that Israel must be held to its obligations as an occupying power.” However, Abbas asserted that “our problems are not with the Jewish people. Our problem is only with the occupiers of our land.” Both Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt, Trump’s special envoy for the peace process, were in the room when Abbas spoke. The United Nations granted Palestine the status of a non-member observer state in 1992, but an upgrade to full membership would require unanimous backing from the Security Council – an unlikely outcome, given the near-certainly of a U.S. veto. In December, the General Assembly voted 128-9, with 35 abstentions, to reject the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem. That vote in the 193-nation assembly came after 14 of the 15 council members voted in favor of a similar measure. The United States vetoed that draft resolution. After Abbas addressed the UN, he abruptly left the chamber, refusing to hear US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speech to the Security Council. Even though Abbas was AWOL during her speech, Haley addressed much of her words to the Palestinian leader. “The United States stands ready to work with the Palestinian leadership,”

she said to Abbas. “Our negotiators are sitting right behind me, ready to talk. But we will not chase after you. The choice, Mr. President, is yours.” Earlier in her speech, she referenced the top Palestinian negotiator’s admonishment of her earlier this month that she should “shut up.” “I will decline the advice I was recently given by your top negotiator Saeb Erekat,” she said. “I will not shut up. Rather, I will respectfully speak some hard truths.” Haley told the Palestinians they had two choices: either go on a “path of absolutist demands, hateful rhetoric, and incitement to violence” or a “path of negotiation and compromise.” The latter, she said, “remains open to the Palestinian leadership if only it is courageous enough to take it.” “You can choose to denounce the United States, reject its role in peace talks, and pursue punitive measures against Israel in international forums like the UN. I assure that path will get the Palestinian people exactly nowhere toward the achievement of their aspirations,” she said. “Or you can choose to put aside your anger about the location of our embassy and move forward with us toward a negotiated compromise that holds great potential for improving the lives of the Palestinian people.” Haley also addressed President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “The United States knows the Palestinian leadership was very unhappy with the decision to move our embassy to Jerusalem,” Haley acknowledged. “You don’t have to like that decision. You don’t have to praise it. You don’t even have to accept it. But know this: that decision will not change.” Israel’s ambassador to the UN also castigated Abbas for his speech, saying it revealed the Palestinian leader as obstructing peace efforts. “I expected Mr. Abbas to stay with us and have a dialogue, unfortunately he’s once again running away,” Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said. “Look what just happened in this room. Mr. Abbas came in, he put his demands on the table, and he left, and he’s expecting you to deliver the results. It’s not going to work that way. The only way to move forward is to have direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians,” he said. Addressing Abbas, who was not in the room, he said, “You have made it clear, with your words and with your actions, that you are no longer part of the solution. You are the problem.”

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

IDF Returns Terrorist Bodies The bodies of two terrorists were returned to the Palestinian Authority by the Israeli government last week. Nimer Jamal, who murdered three Israelis in Har Adar in September of last year, and Hamza Zamareh, who tried to stab an Israeli in Gush Etzion’s Karmei Tzur this month, were both returned to the Palestinians for burial. The parents of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin, whose body is being held by Hamas, were distraught with the news. Simcha and Leah Goldin accused the Israeli government of showing “security weakness and betrayal of IDF soldiers.” “We thought the prime minister and the Cabinet members were merely lying to the public in the media, but have now learned they have no qualms about lying to the High Court as well,” the Goldin family said in a statement. “This past Thursday, the state vowed before the court to implement the Cabinet’s decision regarding [terrorists’] bodies in full, but 24 hours later released the terrorists’ bodies for burial,” Hadar Goldin’s enraged parents said. “This government has no respect for its kidnapped soldiers and no shame about lying in court. It’s sad we have come to a point where the government lies to a bereaved family and does not implement its own decisions,” the Goldin family lamented. The court hearing that the Goldin family is referring to is one that deals with a petition they submitted to have the Cabinet make the conditions of incarcerations for Hamas prisoners harsher and to not return terrorists’ bodies to the PA. “My son was killed in Operation Protective Edge and we are now entering the fourth year of his body being held by Hamas in Gaza,” Simcha Goldin said. “I’m a reserve lieutenant colonel, my children are all officers, and I know soldiers may die in battle. I raised my children that the IDF sends soldiers to battle and the prime minister is also responsible for bringing them back.” The Goldin family is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next month. They have been very critical of how Netanyahu’s government has dealt with their son’s missing body. “The government did not forget Hadar; it abandoned and ignored him,” Goldin said. “Netanyahu knows he left in Gaza an excellent

Golani officer and an excellent Givati officer. He knows that. The defense minister and the IDF chief also know that. The question is, what are they doing [about it]? They ignore and abandon, which is a very bad way to begin the 70th anniversary celebrations to the State of Israel.”

Arrests in Case 4000 Case

wrongdoing. The prime minister was acting communications minister at the time of several alleged illicit deals made with Elovitch, one of which included helping Bezeq buy the satellite cable provider Yes, overriding any antitrust issues raised by ministry officials. On Sunday, Netanyahu decried the investigation as “baseless” and part of a “media witch hunt.” “Another baseless investigation under pressure from the media,” a statement from Netanyahu said. “The media witch hunt continues in full force.”

Iran: Tel Aviv Will be Leveled Scandals continue to rock the Netanyahu household, even when they aren’t directly connected to the prime minister. On Tuesday, police lifted a gag order on the Bezeq fraud case, known as Case 4000, revealing the names of seven people who had been arrested earlier in the week. Shaul Elovitch, the owner of the Walla news website and the controlling shareholder of Israel’s largest telecom company Bezeq, his wife Iris, and his son Or were among those arrested and held for five days. Director General of the Communications Ministry Shlomo Filber, former Netanyahu family spokesman Nir Hefetz, Bezeq CEO Stella Handler, and senior Bezeq executive Amikam Shorer were also arrested. The case revolves around a suspected quid pro quo deal between Elovitch and Netanyahu that would have seen the prime minister granted positive media coverage in exchange for financial benefits for Bezeq. On Monday Elovitch “categorically” denied allegations leveled against him, saying that “no offense has been committed.” According to law enforcement sources, Elovitch swayed the Walla news site’s coverage of Netanyahu and his family in exchange for the Communications Ministry enacting policies potentially worth hundreds of millions of shekels for Elovitch. Netanyahu, who has also been singled out by Israeli media as a suspect in the case, is suspected of furthering that deal. Netanyahu also denies any

Iran and Israel continued with their war of words this week. On Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed that Israel would act against Iran directly if needed. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called Netanyahu’s words a “cartoonish circus.” The secretary of Iran’s Expediency Council, Mohsen Rezayee, also downplayed Netanyahu’s threats as a “theatrical move and a childish game.” “About Netanyahu’s unwise words, I should say that if they carry out the slightest unwise move against Iran, we will level Tel Aviv to the ground and will not give any opportunity to Netanyahu to flee,” Rezayee told Hezbollah’s TV station Al Manar. “The U.S. and Israeli leaders don’t know Iran and don’t understand the power of resistance and therefore, they continuously face defeat,” he further claimed. “Today, the situation of the U.S. and Israel indicates their fear of the Zionist regime’s collapse and the U.S. decline.” Last week, it was more than tempers that flared between Israel and the Persian regime when an Iranian drone left an airbase in Syria and infiltrated Israeli airspace. The IAF shot down the drone and then attacked 12

Syrian and Iranian targets in Syria. The Syrians responded with dozens of anti-aircraft missiles, one of which exploded near an F-16 fighter jet, bringing the plane down, but not before its pilot and navigator were able to bail out. “Iran is dragging the entire region into an adventure whose end is shrouded in darkness. It was a grievous violation of Israeli sovereignty by Iran. Anyone involved in the drone’s launch was targeted,” the IDF said after its attacks in Syria. Lebanese army commander General Joseph Aoun also delivered his own threat to Israel on Monday, saying his army will use every available means to confront any potential “Israeli aggression” no matter the cost. “I affirm again our categorical rejection of the Israeli enemy infringing on Lebanon’s sovereignty and its sacred right to exploit all its economic resources,” the Lebanese army quoted General Joseph Aoun as saying on Twitter. “The army will not spare any method available to confront any Israeli aggression, whatever that costs.” Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have recently flared up over a border wall being constructed by Israel, a tender issued by Beirut for oil and gas exploration in disputed waters, and arms flowing to Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

Cold-Blooded Murderer Receives Life Sentences Nineteen-year-old Omar al-Abed has been handed four life sentences by the Israeli government for the murders of Yosef Salomon and his two children, Elad and Chaya. Michal Salomon, Yosef’s widow and Elad and Chaya’s mother, was vocal about her disappointment that al-Abed was not given the death penalty. “I think justice would have been done if he got the death penalty but we saw that there was no majority, so apparently justice was not done,” Michal said. Michal had lobbied many officials to have a death penalty verdict come down. “Everyone told me: the State of Israel does not support the death penalty,” she noted. She recalled that when Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu visited her while she was sitting shiva, he promised to support the

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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tacked six Hamas targets across Gaza, after which Hamas fired rockets from the Strip into nearby Israeli neighborhoods. The army “views with great severity the attempt by the Hamas terror organization to carry out popular and spontaneous demonstrations which are seemingly intended to turn the fence area into a confrontation zone,” an IDF statement said, “and to carry out their terror activities that will undermine stability in Gaza.” Amos, whose wife and three children were home when a rocket landed on his roof, called his family’s survival a “miracle.”

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death penalty for the terrorist. “The truth is, I really thought it would happen, really had a thought that this murder would shock the country,” Salomon said. “Slowly I realized that they didn’t really mean it.” The Salomon family was slaughtered while preparing for a Friday night shalom zachor at Yosef’s home in Neve Tzuf last year. Right after the murders, many politicians said they would try to have the terrorist put

to death. “The death penalty for terrorists – it’s time to implement it in severe cases,” said Netanyahu at the time. “The death sentence is the only appropriate punishment for such a despicable act. I call on the judges to demonstrate courage and hand down a death sentence to this terrorist,” Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said then.

Escalating Tensions in Gaza The IDF retaliated against 18 terror targets in the Gaza Strip during escalating attacks and responses over the weekend. Hamas terrorists detonated an explosive device attached to a Palestinian flag near the border fence, injuring four IDF soldiers. In retaliation, the Israeli Air Force at-

“We heard a Code Red alarm, he related. “We went into our shelter, as we’re used to by now. The moment we entered there was a really loud explosion. The entire house shook. We went outside. My wife went out to our yard, saw the damage and called me. When I returned inside I saw the roof partially caved in. My daughter, who was already traumatized by [Operation] Protective Edge, took it really hard. There was a lot of panicking. My youngest, on the other hand, was asleep in the shelter and didn’t even wake up. The most important thing is no one was hurt. We’ll be sleeping at our neighbors tonight until the roof is fixed.” Later in the day, a group of four Palestinians was discovered trying to sneak into Israeli communities south of Gaza through Rafah. The group was shot upon and captured. According to Palestinian news outlets, two of the suspected terrorists were taken to a local hospital after being wounded by tank fire. There has been relative quiet in the region over the past few months. The IDF has noted a growing amount of escalation in the protests that Hamas has organized near the fence. Many of the protesters have been found carrying weapons, including grenades. Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu was attending a security conference in Munich when the attacks took place.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Jerusalem, One of the Safest Cities in the World

There has been a lot of discussion about gun laws around the world in the days following the tragic Parkland school shooting. This prompted Jerusalem’s Mayor Nir Barkat to announce that despite the constant threat of terrorism, Israel’s capital city, Jerusalem, “is one of the safest cities in the world” due to “zero misuse” of guns. Barkat explained that in a city of close to 900,000 people, the murder rate is only one per every 100,000 residents, which is far lower than in most major cities. Barkat noted that “people care very much about one another” and “look out for one another’s well-being” more than in many other cities around the world. Additionally, residents of Jerusalem are “extremely alert” and always looking out for anything suspicious and reporting it immediately. Barkat also praised the IDF and police force for being superior in active intelligence capabilities that often prevent terror attacks before they occur. He also pointed out that the response to an attack in the city is swift being that many passerby previously served in the army or underwent other security training. “A terrorist attack is usually over in 60 seconds, because people care and are willing to take charge, even at risk to their own lives,” Barkat explained. “Many times, civilians know how to tackle terrorists better than police because we are trained in war.” Although civilian handguns are an essential component of Israel’s security apparatus, Barkat notes that “only 3 percent of the population carries guns, and those who have them know how to use them. “This is why I always encourage those with handguns to carry them,” Barkat said.

Holocaust Denial by Polish PM?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s remark that Jewish perpetrators were also responsible for the Holocaust as “outrageous.” Both leaders were in Munich last week for a security conference. “There is a problem here of an inability to understand history and a lack of sensitivity to the tragedy of our people. I intend to speak with him forthwith,” Netanyahu said about the comment. While addressing the Munich Security Conference, Morawiecki rejected criticism of the new Polish law that criminalizes the mention of Polish state involvement in the Holocaust. During the press conference, an Israeli journalist asked if sharing his family’s history of persecution in Poland would be outlawed under the new legislation. “Of course it’s not going to be punishable, [it’s] not going to be seen as criminal to say that there were Polish perpetrators, as there were Jewish perpetrators, as there were Russian perpetrators, as there were Ukrainian; not only German perpetrators,” Morawiecki responded. The Polish PM’s comments were swiftly criticized across the Israeli political spectrum. “Mateusz Morawiecki talks like the last of the Holocaust deniers. The blood of millions of Jews cries out from the ground in Poland over the distortion of history and escape from blame,” tweeted Labor Party leader Avi Gabbay. “Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, and Poles took an active part in their murder. The Israeli government must be here for the millions murdered and strongly condemn the Polish prime minister’s words,” he said. Tzipi Livni, a Zionist Union MK and former foreign minister, said it was “moving to hear Ronen Bergman asking/attacking the Polish prime minister over the law that forbids

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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mentioning the participation of the Polish nation in the Holocaust, as [Bergman] told his family story and received applause from the audience.” Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, one of the most vocal Israeli critics of the Polish law, said Morawiecki’s statement is “anti-Semitism of the oldest kind.” “The perpetrators are not the victims. The Jewish state will not allow the murdered to be blamed for their own murder,” Lapid said. The most conservative estimates find that over 200,000 Jews were murdered by Polish citizens during the Holocaust.

No More Breaks for BDS Businesses

bers of the blacklisted organizations, not to members of the public that are critical of Israel and personally think it should be boycotted. The Strategic Affairs Ministry published a blacklist last month that covers 20 international groups that are said to be part of the BDS movement. “[Our] work of collecting information and intelligence on them [the activists] is important and significant so that we will be able to justify our actions against them,” an official from the ministry was quoted as saying.

Damascus Gate Watchtower Sparks Outrage

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The Israeli government is compiling a list of Israeli supporters of the Boycott, Divest, Sanction (BDS) movement and will be denying them tax breaks and government contracts. Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon will soon be approving the new regulations which prevent BDS supporters from benefiting from laws they had taken advantage of until now. The new law will be in line with a law that was passed in March 2017 banning leaders of the BDS from entering the country. The Law of Entry was amended to include organizations that take consistent and significant action against the Jewish State through BDS. The 2017 law includes not only those that advocate for the boycott of Israel but also to those that want a boycott of only the West Bank settlements. It is not clear if the new law will apply to those who only boycott the settlements. According to sources in the Strategic Affairs Ministry, a new committee is being established by the Finance Ministry to establish the details of the new regulations. The source also reported that the ban will apply to political activists and mem-

Palestinians are voicing their anger over a security watch post that has been installed at the entrance to the Old City. They have said that they will be organizing protests to stand against Israel “changing the Arab and Islamic character” of the city. Palestinians are demanding that the two-story watch post structure be removed from the Damascus Gate, the main entrance into the walled city’s Muslim Quarter. The structure was erected as part of an Israeli plan to improve the overall security in the area. The plan is in response to the high number of stabbing and shooting attacks in the past two years. Two more concrete watch posts are being constructed at the Damascus Gate as well. New police and military activity has historically been a potential spark of unrest in the city as Palestinians see them as an Israeli attempt to solidify Israel’s hold on the city. “This is another Israeli assault on Jerusalem and its Arab population,” claimed a senior Fatah official. “Israel is mistaken if it thinks we will allow it to pursue with its plan to Judaize Jerusalem and empty it of its Arab residents.” Yousef Natsheh, a senior official

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

with the Islamic Waqf Department, called the watch post an “assault on Islamic heritage and an attempt to change our history.” He then went on to accuse Israel of using security measures as an excuse to “distort” Damascus Gate so as to change the Arab and Islamic character of Jerusalem. “What’s happening at Damascus Gate,” he added, “is morally, scientifically, and ethically unacceptable.” So is stabbing and shooting innocent men, women, and children.

Mueller Indicts Russians for Meddling Special counsel Robert Mueller has completed his first and perhaps only task as head of the Russian investigation. Thirteen Russian nationals and three Russian entities have been accused of meddling in the 2016 presidential election. They are being

charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, the Department of Justice announced last Friday. In addition, three defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, and five defendants with aggravated identity theft.

“The defendants allegedly conducted what they called information warfare against the United States, with the stated goal of spreading distrust towards the candidates and the political system in general,” Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said. Just last week President Trump tweeted, “Russia started their anti-US campaign in 2014, long before I announced that I would run for President. The results of the election were not impacted. The Trump campaign did nothing wrong – no collusion!”

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The indictment confirms that the Russians’ actions did not affect the outcome of the election. In a statement, the White House said Trump was fully briefed on the indictment and “is glad to see the Special Counsel’s investigation further indicates that there was no collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia and that the outcome of the election was not changed or affected.” “It is more important than ever before to come together as Americans,” Trump said in the statement. “We cannot allow those seeking to sow confusion, discord, and rancor to be successful. It’s time we stop the outlandish partisan attacks, wild and false allegations, and far-fetched theories, which only serve to further the agendas of bad actors, like Russia, and do nothing to protect the principles of our institutions. We must unite as Americans to protect the integrity of our democracy and our elections.” The indictment claims that the Russian organization Internet Research Agency began its operation to interfere in U.S. elections as early as 2014. Some of the defendants pretended to be American by creating false U.S. personas and operated social media pages and groups designed to attract U.S. audiences. Two of the Russians also allegedly traveled to the United States in 2014 to gather intelligence for their operations. The Internet Research Agency had a “strategic goal to sow discord in the U.S. political system” including the election, according to the indictment. Russians posted “derogatory information about a number of candidates.” They paid for ads and communicated with “unwitting” people connected to the Trump campaign and others to coordinate political activities. The indictment mentions a February 2016 memo to Internet Research Agency staff telling them to post political content on U.S. social media sites and “use any opportunity to criticize Hillary and the rest (except Sanders and Trump — we support them).” Twelve of the 13 defendants charged worked for the Internet Research Agency. Rosenstein assured that no Americans knowingly participated. He said, “There is no allegation in this indictment that any American was a knowing participant in this illegal activity. There is no allegation in the indictment that the charge conduct altered the outcome of the 2016 election.”

However the indictment does mention communications between unnamed Trump campaign officials and the Russian defendants. The three campaign officials are simply identified as campaign officials 1, 2 and 3. On at least three occasions American personas created by the defendants contacted the campaign officials. The indictment does not say whether the unnamed campaign officials ever responded to the Russian personas.

Baltimore Police Officers Convicted

The Baltimore Police Department was hit hard last week when two of its own were convicted of racketeering, robbery, and fraud. Detectives Daniel Hersl, 48, and Marcus Taylor, 31, were members of the Gun Trace Task Force, a unit that is credited with reducing the number of illegal guns on the city’s streets. Four of the detectives’ former colleagues testified against them during the trial – in their prison uniforms. They had previously stood trial and had been convicted. They admitted that cops had stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, drugs, guns, and luxury accessories while pretending to be seizing the goods for legitimate enforcement objectives. They also fabricated reasons to chase and search suspects. There were instances when they entered houses without warrants, which was classified as breaking and entering. The judge also relied on the testimony of some of the officers’ victims, “many self-described dealers.” A wiretap was obtained that recorded the two detectives discussing their plans for splitting the cash they had stolen. Hersl and Taylor face up to 60 years in prison. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. The Baltimore Police Department has created a new anti-corruption team to investigate at least 10 other officers suspected of being involved with the disgraced gun unit.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

U.S.: Beware of Chinese Phones

A new threat that has U.S. lawmakers and intelligence officials concerned is coming from Chinese telecommunication companies operating inside the country. Last week, the Senate Intelligence Committee held a hearing on global terror threats attended by the directors of the CIA, the FBI and the National Security Agency. Senators are concerned about phones coming from China – and possible security breaches that can result from their use Tom Cotton, the junior U.S. Senator from Arkansas, raised concerning questions to the panel of U.S. intelli-

gence officials. The senator explained his concerns and introduced legislation, supported by other senators, that says that “the U.S. government can’t use Huawei or ZTE and the U.S. government can’t use companies that use them.” FBI director Christopher Wray and NSA director Adm. Mike Rogers noted, “We’re deeply concerned about the risks of allowing any company or entity that is beholden to foreign governments that don’t share our values to gain positions of power inside our telecommunications networks.” He added that entities with the capacity “to exert pressure or control over our telecommunications infrastructure” or “maliciously modify or steal information” and “conduct undetected espionage...Those are the kinds of things that worry us.” Mike Rogers, NSA director, explained, “You need to look long and hard at companies like this. We’ve been gratified to date by the response of large U.S. telecommunications providers to our trying to raise awareness on this issue.” Both Verizon and AT&T have dropped plans that offer phones from Huawei. Huawei was ranked just behind market leaders Apple and Sam-

sung in global smartphone shipments in the fourth quarter of 2017, according to market researcher IHS Markit. ZTE was also ranked in the top ten. “The [U.S. government] has been concerned about Huawei for many years,” James Lewis, Senior Vice President, Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted. “The Chinese had an early focus on telecom as a strategic industry because of the intelligence advantages it confers,” he added. A ZTE spokesman asserted, “Our mobile phones and other devices incorporate U.S.-made chipsets, U.S.made operating systems, and other components. ZTE takes cybersecurity and privacy seriously and remains a trusted partner to our U.S. suppliers, U.S. customers and the people who use our high quality and affordable products for their communications needs.”

Van Der Zwaan Pleads Guilty

manager Paul Manafort, who was an advisor to Yanukovych. Manafort and his longtime employee, Rick Gates, have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy, fraud and money laundering charges arising from allegedly secret lobbying work for a Russian-friendly political party in Ukraine. In a two-page information document, prosecutors alleged that Van Der Zwaan falsely told the FBI and Mueller’s office that his last communication with Gates was in mid-August 2016 in an innocuous text message and his last communication with another, unnamed person was in 2014 when Van Der Zwaan discussed that person’s family. Van Der Zwaan also allegedly falsely said he did not know why a September 2016 email between him and the other person, identified in court documents only as “person A,” was not produced to prosecutors. In fact, prosecutors alleged, Van Der Zwaan spoke with both Gates and Person A regarding the report on Tymoshenko and recorded the calls. Van der Zwaan also allegedly “deleted and otherwise did not produce emails” sought by prosecutors and an unnamed law firm.

Romney for Senate

On Tuesday, Alex Van Der Zwaan pleaded guilty to making false statements in special counsel Robert S. Mueller’s probe of alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, according to a new court filing. The London-based son-in-law of a Russian businessman was charged with one count of making false statements, a felony, about his work as an attorney employed by a law firm engaged in 2012 by the Ukraine Ministry of Justice to prepare a report on the trial of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Tymoshenko was imprisoned by former president Viktor Yanukovych for signing a controversial gas supply deal with Russia in 2009. U.S. prosecutors in Mueller’s office said the case was related to former Trump 2016 presidential campaign

Mitt Romney is gearing up for a political comeback. The 2012 presidential candidate announced last Friday that he will be running for Senate in the state of Utah. In a video announcing his candidacy, he said that he is “ready to fight for this great state and advocate for solutions that improve the lives of Utahns.” Many speculated that the Massachusetts native would run after Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch said in January that he wouldn’t run for reelection. “I am running for United States Senate because in these trying times there is no better moment to bring Utah’s values to Washington. Utah’s economic and political success is a model for our nation,” Romney said.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

are released into the air after trash and other waste are incinerated at American military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The former Massachusetts governor said that he is planning to visit all of Utah’s 29 counties over the coming months. His campaign also highlighted Romney’s experience leading the organizing committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. It talked about his role in developing “a health insurance program that covered all citizens,” a program that served as a blueprint for Obamacare.

Utah is a heavily Mormon state, and Romney’s campaign wasted no time highighting his Mormon faith. Romney spoke of his role as a bishop and stake president in the church, which is headquartered in Salt Lake City. “Utahns are known for hard work, innovation, and our can-do pioneering spirit,” Romney said, asking those living in state for his support.

Judge: Military Burn Pits Cause Cancer A judge under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office for Workers’ Compensation Programs announced last month that open-air burn pits are linked to lung disease. Open-air burn pits are where thousands of chemicals

The verdict comes after thousands of U.S. military personnel and private contractors claimed that they suffered health complications after being exposed to the dense smoke of burn pits and were denied proper treatment. The judge’s decision is a victory for the approximately 64,000 active service members and retirees who submitted their names to the Burn Pit Registry created by the Veterans Administration. They are seeking proper medical coverage. “This case has legitimized the disease,” former contractor Veronica Landry of Colorado Springs, whose case was a part of the recent ruling, said. “There are many people out there who are still not getting the treatment they need.” Some of the medical problems linked to open-air burn pits include cancer, respiratory problems and blood disorders. While the Veterans Administration takes care of military personnel, private contractors are left to fight their own cases. Landry filed her case with the Labor Department for this very reason. “I’m really grateful that the judge looked over our case,” Landry said. “That’s why this is so important. We wanted to make sure that others can get help.” Landry said in her testimony that she was exposed to smoke from the burn pits “every day” while working at Mosul Air Force Base in Iraq for Kellogg, Brown, and Root [KBR], and that “every plastic water bottle that every soldier drank out of was also burned in the burn pits.” “I knew the danger I was going to face when I went to Iraq, but I never imagined that I would bring it back home,” Landry said. Since returning from Mosul she had been in and out of hospitals, and doctors discovered inflammation in her lungs. Her employer’s insurance company refused to assist with her mounting medical bills.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

“This evidence is sufficient to establish Ms. Landry suffers from deployment-related lung disease,” reads a line of the ruling. “Ms. Landry need not introduce affirmative medical evidence to show working conditions caused the alleged harm. She need only show working conditions which could conceivably cause the harm alleged.” The court’s conclusion was that AIG, the insurance company, and KBR, Landry’s employer, should be covering Landry’s expenses.

Tougher Home Schooling Regs in CA?

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FRIDAY, MARCH 2ND Several weeks ago, authorities were alerted to severe abuse by parents in Riverside County, California. One of the couple’s children managed to escape: the 17-year-old girl appeared malnourished and afraid. Police discovered 12 more siblings at the family home, ages ranging from 2 to 29. The parents, David Turpin, 56, and Louise Turpin, 49, were arrested and charged with multiple counts of torture and child endangerment; they pleaded not guilty. They have been forbidden from contacting their children, who are now in the care of the city. In the aftermath of the horror, California lawmakers are petitioning to increase regulation of home schools, often a red flag of parental abuse. The family’s home had been registered as a private school called Sandcastle Day School. David Turpin himself was registered as the principal, and records show six school-age children were enrolled. Democratic state Assemblyman Jose Medina recently proposed a bill in California that he said would “tighten up” state regulations regarding home schools. Currently, under state laws, families can keep their children at home for schooling. Once they register with the state Department of Education, they are simply considered to be operating private schools. The DOE

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does not know which schools are actual private schools and which are home schools – although the small number of students makes it obvious, but there is no other formal indication. No one in the state Department of Education, county or local school district has any legal responsibility to check on the conditions of home schools or assess the students’ academic performance. Is it possible that the Turbin children would have been found earlier if there

were tighter home school regulations? The new legislation is looking to amend those laws. The proposed legislation would require city and county fire departments to conduct annual inspections of all registered home schools in their areas. “The horrific child abuse case in Perris, California, raised questions about the lack of oversight of private schools,” Medina said. “I believe it is important to have different educa-

tion options, such as private schools, to meet each child’s individual needs. However, the state has a responsibility to ensure that each child is in a safe learning environment.” Although California’s laws seem lax, particularly after the shock of this incident, there are 11 states that don’t require any paperwork at all. Texas, once home to the Turpin family, is one of the states that don’t require parents to register home schools.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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A New Congressional Map in PA The May 15 primary in Pennsylvania may be very different than what voters in the state are used to. This week, the Democratic-majority state Supreme Court voted to impose a new congressional district map.

The new boundaries will usher in changes, especially to the state’s Republican delegation, which is facing six open seats in this year’s elections. The map was overhauled to balance what some called a gerrymandered Republican-drawn map. After Monday’s announcement by the court, Republicans vowed to immediately challenge it in federal court. Meanwhile, candidates finding themselves in a new political landscape are rethinking campaigns

Hillary Clinton in 2016, may have to campaign even harder this time around as his district now encompasses the heavily Democratic city of Reading. The map also removes the heart of one district from Philadelphia, where a crowd of candidates had assembled to replace the retiring Democratic Rep. Bob Brady, and moves it to suburban Montgomery County. The court ruled last month that Republicans who redrew district boundaries in 2011 unconstitutionally put partisan interests above neutral line-drawing criteria. It was the first time any state court threw out congressional boundaries in a partisan gerrymandering case, this one brought by registered Democratic voters and the League of Women Voters last June. The new map repackages districts that had been stretched nearly halfway across Pennsylvania and reunifies Democratic-heavy cities that had been split by Republican map drawers six years ago.

a week before they can start circulating petitions to run. Most significantly, the new map gives Democrats a better shot at winning a few more seats, particularly in Philadelphia’s heavily populated and moderate suburbs. There, Republicans have held seats in contorted districts, including one labeled “Goofy Kicking Donald Duck.” Republican Rep. Ryan Costello, whose suburban Philadelphia district was narrowly won by Democrat

Reactions to the court’s ruling were as obvious as the lines that were drawn. “It remedies the outrageous gerrymander of 2011, and that’s the important thing, that the gerrymander be over,” said David Landau, the Democratic Party chairman of Delaware County, which was ground zero for the “Goofy Kicking Donald Duck” district. “All that zigging and zagging is all gone, and it makes Delaware County a competitive seat now.” Mark Harris, a Pittsburgh-based GOP campaign consultant, is on the other side of the line. “It’s a straight Democratic gerrymander by a Democratic Supreme Court to help Democrats,” Harris said. Republicans will argue in federal court that legislatures and governors, not courts, have the constitutional responsibility to draw congressional maps. But they appear to face an uphill battle since federal courts are normally reluctant to undo a state court decision.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

60 Bad Days a Year

a good job, take a hot shower and buy yourself a blow-dryer. And if all else fails, head to the gym.

The “Returns” Merry-GoRound

Having a bad day? You’re not alone. According to researchers at Freeletics, a personal fitness and nutrition app, on average Americans have around 60 “bad days” a year, with 80% of these 24-hour periods being made at least partially unpleasant by work-related stress. Lack of sleep produces the largest source of misery, accounting for 67 percent of an individual’s dissatisfaction on any given day. Illness, financial worries, cancelled plans, and feeling unclean or disheveled also had the ability to ruin someone’s day, the researchers found. In fact, bad hair days were fairly prominent responses. One in four respondents indicated that frustration over uncooperative hair puts a damper on their day. Similarly, another quarter of respondents admitted that having no hot water for their morning shower left them in a day-long bad mood funk. A small percentage – eight percent – said that their day could feel wrecked by their favorite sports team losing a game. What happens when you’re having a bad day? According to their research, respondents were more likely to eat unhealthy foods after a tough day, and 34 percent said that they were more likely to drink alcohol. Exercise seems to be the best way to deal with stress, as it provides both mental and physical benefits. Additionally, workout frequency was positively correlated with one’s ability to cope with stress, the researchers added. Ninety-five percent of those surveyed said that a stressful day could be made less difficult by spending some time at the gym. Half of the respondents indicated that working out gives them more energy at the office, and 44% said exercise simply makes them feel more motivated. Lots of people noted that they have a gym membership but never show up at the gym. If you want to avoid “bad days” the formula is simple: go to sleep, get

Many moms have a stack of items waiting in their trunk to be returned. The skirt just didn’t sit right, the sweater wasn’t the right match, the sneakers aren’t cool enough, and the baseball mitt didn’t have the right fit. We can probably all commiserate – been there, done that too many times. But once you are relieved of an unwanted item and a credit appears on your credit card statement, the item is just beginning its long journey. Retailers are stuck dealing with returned merchandise, especially stores with popular and forgiving return policies. While many returns go back on the shelf to be re-sold at a discount, much of the merchandise is shipped out. Each retailer has their own system. Some offload rejected clothes, appliances and toys for pennies on the dollar through a vast ecosystem of resellers, ranging from outlet stores and online auctions to flea markets and salvage dealers. For example, last week, on an online auction site, 49 washing machines and dryers that had recently been returned to Best Buy Co. sold at a 68% discount for $13,300. This year, retailing’s secondary market saw a jump in sales, perhaps because of the strongest growth in holiday sales since 2011 and the surge of online shopping. Online purchases are more likely to be returned. In 2016, the total revenue from post-retail sales, including both returns and overstocked items, totaled $554 billion. That figure has steadily been rising by about 7.5% a year, according to Zac Rogers, an operations and supply-chain professor at Colorado State University’s business school. As expected, due to post-holiday clean-up, January and February

are the busiest months for resellers. Howard Rosenberg, chief executive of B-Stock Solutions, which runs online liquidation sites for major retailers, including sites of the Best Buy and Sears sales, as well as similar auction sites for Costco Wholesale Corp., Macy’s Inc., J.C. Penney Co. Inc., Lowe’s Cos., Home Depot Inc., Walmart Inc. and others, said this is what is called reverse supply chain. “It’s just mayhem during this period,” Rosenberg said. This November and December, holiday sales reached nearly $692 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. About 13%, or $90 billion, is expected to be returned through the end of February, according to a forecast by Optoro Inc., a logistics company that works with major retailers like Target Corp., Staples Inc. and BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. Clothing and apparel is the most commonly returned item, followed by electronics, beauty products, and sports or outdoor gear. Most retailers are proficient at handling returns and they have finessed their processing, handling hundreds of thousands of items a day in some facilities. Many of those processing centers add a second shift this time of year to handle the higher volume. This season may be a good time to look for good deals on clearance shelves or outlets, so happy shopping! And returning, of course.

home after work. In general, Tang says her commute home from the city is just a 30 minute train ride. But on January 20, during the last five minutes of her subway ride to Forest Hills, her train stalled in a tunnel, resulting in a two-hour delay. If that wasn’t enough, Tang says she had to use the restroom – and every extra minute was agony. She has since learned from her mistake. “Now, before boarding the subway, even if it’s for one stop, I use the bathroom.” The Riders Alliance awards were organized by the advocacy group to urge New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state’s Legislature into enacting a long-term plan to fund and fix the city’s declining subway system. Tang was its first awardee. Winners receive a chocolate replica of a MetroCard. Tang says that her commute on that January 20 day was her personal worst in a lifetime of subway riding: “Even in the ‘70s when I almost got mugged on the subway, I never had such as horrible experience on the train.” Talk about train pain.

Thumb Theft

Worst Commute of the Week

Thought your commute to work was bad? Jennifer Tang has it worse than you. This week, the Riders Alliance awarded the City University librarian its first “Worst Commute of the Week” award. What did Jennifer do? Well, it’s what she wasn’t able to do – head

Chinese authorities are going ape over the loss of an appendage from a 2,000-year-old terracotta warrior. The figure is on loan to a U.S. museum, is valued at $4.5 million, and is considered a “priceless part of China’s cultural heritage.” Back in December, during an ugly sweater party hosted by the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Michael Rohana and his friends entered the closed-off exhibit. Rohana took a selfie with the statue after his friends left. It was then that authorities say he snapped off the warrior’s thumb, putting it in his pocket to take to his home in Delaware. Perhaps he needed it to access the warrior’s iPhone; we’ll nev-

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

er know. Rohana was arrested last week for the thumb theft. The missing thumb was discovered by a museum worker on January 8. An investigation by the FBI led officials to Rohana. One of his friends told authorities that Rohana was bragging about sneaking the thumb out of the museum on their ride back home from the party. What a “thumb” thing to do. Rohana handed the thumb to investigators when they came to interview him. It was laying in the desk in his bedroom. Rohana has been charged with theft of an object of cultural heritage from a museum, concealment of an object of cultural heritage stolen from a museum, and interstate transportation of stolen goods. He was released on bail last week. Chinese authorities, though, are livid over the disrespect and lack of regard for culture and history. They are demanding a harsh punishment for Rohana. The Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Relic Exchange Center plans to send two experts to the United States to repair the thumb. And that’s nothing to thumb your nose at.

Dog for Gov

It’s dog discrimination, I say. Last week, Angus P. Woolley’s dream of running for Kansas governor was squashed when the secretary of state ruled that he was not qualified for the position. It was really ruff for Angus to hear that. He is a Wirehaired Vizsla – a dog – that was entered into the state’s gubernatorial race by his owner, Terran Woolley. Woolley had filed the paperwork after he discovered there were no electoral rules specifying criteria for who can run for Kansas governor. He decided to put in Angus’ name after he saw a few teenagers were running for the office. “Basically, I was reading some

stories about the young teenagers that were entering the governor’s race and I thought, ‘I wonder what it takes to be in the race,’ and I thought, ‘I wonder if my dog, Angus could run,’” Woolley said. Well, wonder no more, Woolley. According to Bryan Caskey, director of elections for the secretary of state’s office, “A dog will not be allowed to file and put its name on the ballot.” Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach is running for governor this year. We’re guessing he’s not a dog. Perhaps the people of Kansas should still consider Angus for their governor. If he would have nabbed the position, he promised all citizens “soft couches, Tempur-Pedic beds, free-for-life universal chuck-it ball supplies and a completely anti-squirrel agenda,” his Facebook page stated. His siblings, Babe and Max, would have become his lieutenant governor and secretary of state, respectively. Alas, there’s nepotism even in the dog world.

Thirty-five pounds of sauce was slathered on the dough, 15 pounds of cheese was sprinkled on, and lots of pepperoni completed the deal. The pie was then baked in a custom-built, shipping-crate-sized oven for two hours. Who got the first bite? The local fire department was the lucky recipient of the first largest delivery pizza. For now, Mallie’s is waiting to hear good news from Guinness World Records but until then non-kosher-eating customers can enjoy the world’s largest delivered pizza pie from the pizza joint. For just $300, which includes free delivery within a 5 mile radius, the mammoth pizza can be yours to enjoy – with lots of your friends of course.

Horse Cure

Largest Delivery Pizza Ever

Ding, dong! It’s your pizza delivery. Well, not just any pizza delivery. Last week, Michigan’s Mallie’s Sports Grill and Bar baked the biggest delivery pizza of all time. The humongous disc of oozing sauce, stringy cheese and chewy dough weighed a whopping 100 pounds and was six-feet-by-six-feet. That’s a lot of friends you’ll have to invite over to finish off this massive pie. The restaurant constructed the deep dish dream on February 14. They used 50 pounds of dough and five chefs were needed to stretch and roll the dough for 20 minutes into a 72-inch square. The dough was then put in the oven for 15 minutes prior to getting sauced to keep it from getting soggy.

Stuck in the hospital with pneumonia Christine Carbonneau was getting visitors every day. But there was one visitor she never was able to see: her pet horse, Ireland. Carbonneau is set to get married and has been in the hospital for over a month. Her fiancé, Gary Stephens, wanted to cheer her up and so he arranged for Ireland to gallop from their home in Thonotosassa, Florida, to the long-term facility where Carbonneau was staying. “When Christine woke up [from a coma] at the end of January, she wasn’t able to talk and was just too tired to write. I could tell she was just a bit down and I thought I would hatch a plan to cheer her up,” Gary said. Christine burst into tears when she was wheeled outside to see the horse. Gary recalled, “It was such an amazing moment and it was special to see Christine smile.” “I’m really grateful to all the staff at the hospital who helped me make it happen,” he added. What’s better than a horse to cheer you up, of course?

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the

Community DRS Mock Trial Team Defeats Top Team

ongratulations to the DRS Mock Trial Team on defeating Clarke High School (the defending New York State Mock Trial champions). The team, led by Dr. Janice Oliver and Mr. Blumenthal, spent countless hours practicing to prepare for each game. Each team receives the case in December and our team met multiple times a week writing our case and brainstorming ideas. Dr. Oliver uses her experience in theater to help with performance as well as her widespread knowledge in writing our case. A special thanks to Captains Sruli Fruchter and Benyamin Bortz and Assistant Captains Josh Samet and Jonah Loskove. This

week our defense played, which consists of lawyers Fruchter, Benyaim Bortz and Shaya Samet and witnesses

Jonah Loskove, Ari Katznelson, and Jonathan Kazlow. Last year, DRS lost to Clarke in the State-Wide Semi-Fi-

nals and looks to take home the gold this year!

SKA Welcomes the Month of Adar

t’s that time of year again when princesses, assorted cartoon characters, hippies and other unusual persons start appearing in the classrooms of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls. To welcome this month of simcha, SKA held a special Rosh Chodesh Breakfast in the gym and added to the

festivities with an entertaining costume contest. Girls from every grade vied for the opportunity to be chosen for “best costume” but everyone enjoyed dressing up in more than everyday clothing. The month of Adar was greeted by SKAers with delicious food, joyous dancing and amazing ruach. We can’t wait for Purim!

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

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aturday Night, February 10, at The Mansion at Lawrence, in the heart of the Five Towns on Long Island, hundreds of guests gathered for One Israel Fund’s 4th Annual Play4Israel Game Night and Israeli Auction. The Play4Israel event is organized by the Young Leadership Committee of One Israel Fund. The new venue this year was outstanding, and the food and décor put forth by Main Event-Mauzone was first rate. And of course, everyone enjoyed the games and prizes. We can’t wait for next year and hope you will join us too! PHOTO CREDIT: ERAN ABRAMOVICH PHOTOGRAPHY

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

HEED THE CALL OF THE GEDOLEI YISROEL

HELP RETURN THE ‫ שכינה‬TO THE

‫פלטרין של מלך‬

It’s not a question of maaser. It’s not a question of a chomesh. It’s a question of whatever a person can give, he should give it for turning Eretz Yisroel around and bringing it back to the Ribbono Shel Olam. Then He will come back to us. MOREINU HARAV AVROHOM PAM, ‫זצ”ל‬

Shuvu’s Important programs are known for saving the spiritual lives of our brethren and bringing them closer to the Torah and Yiras Shomayim MARAN HARAV ELYASHIV ‫זצ”ל‬

Shuvu has grown into a large network spread out over the length and breadth of Eretz Yisroel. It is a great mitzvah upon every Oheiv Hashem and pursuers of tzedakah and chessed, in every location, to come to the aid of this institution with a hand opened wide and to assist them to continue and expand the work of their holy organization, Shuvu, to exalt and expand Torah.

MARAN HARAV AHARON LEIB SHTEINMAN, ‫זצ”ל‬

Through Shuvu, the Rosh Hayeshiva has transformed a generation torn from their Jewish roots. May he see his dream culminated with the arrival of Eliyahu and the fulfillments of the verse, “veheishiv leiv avos al banim, v’leiv banim al avosam. THE NOVOMINSKER REBBE, ‫שליט”א‬

By connecting with Shuvu, by getting ourselves involved, we are not only involving ourselves in an organization, we are not only involving ourselves in Torah education, we are not only involving ourselves in this phenomena of raising up a Jewry that had been downtrodden... we are getting involved with the revival of the Yiddishe Neshoma, and all our nashomos are bound together. If we take chizuk From the children of Shuvu, we will be at the front of the line to greet Moshiach.

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The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

YHT Special M’Dor L’Dor Program

he fifth grade of Yeshiva Har Torah had an amazing opportunity to do the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim as they welcomed their grandparents for a special learning program. The children spent time studying source sheets with their grandparents in preparation for shiurim given by the rebbeim and morot on inyanei

Purim. The students and their grandparents learned about the four mitzvot of Purim and how each mitzvah of the day aims to create an atmosphere of togetherness on Purim. What an amazing way to get started in the month of Adar by spreading the joy of learning Torah and strengthening the bonds between generations.

Purim Fun at Central

he month of Adar began with a bang as Central welcomed Yachad students from Ivdu for its annual Rosh Chodesh Adar Chagigah/Carnival. Central students lined up at the door to cheer on the Yachad participants, who then had the opportunity to take part in various carnival booths, including Write Your Own Candy-O-Gram, Make Your Own Crown, and Find the Missing Jewel. Junior Danielle Ganchrow said, “The carnival was a great opportuni-

ty for everyone to come together and feel included,” and junior Leora Itzkowitz added that “it was also so much fun!” Ms. Rebecca Konigsberg, Assistant Director of Student Activities, described it as a “magical morning of chessed, fun, and ruach,” though she added, “it is really difficult to pick out the best costume!” As wonderful as it was, the chagigah was only the kick-off; the rest of Adar promises to be packed with more Purim ruach!

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community An exciting Rosh Chodesh Adar at Siach Yitzchok

Learn & Live

hat a “bang” it was at this week’s Learn & Live program. For the melacha of boneh each boy received a project to build -- either a fire, monster or flower truck or a small closet chest. This Sunday iy”H will be on the topic of “Getting Carried Away.” For more information regarding L&L/Pirchei please email us at learnandlivefr@gmail.com or try our new hotline 641-715-3800 pin 932191#.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Midreshet Shalhevet Basketball Season Draws to a Close

idreshet Shalhevet is a school filled with spirit. Cheers are always heard loud and clear as soon as you enter the gym for a basketball game, or even practice. The basketball season for the MSH Sabers has officially come to a close, but not without immense gain. Dedication was evident, whether it was a home or away game being played. Students who weren’t even on the team went for the ride, just to cheer, “Here we go Sabers, here we go!” The talented 2017-18 team roster included senior Leah Feder, juniors Hadassah Krigsman, Maayan Sandowski, Shifra Chait, Avital Hochster, and Becky Haviv, sophomores Leah Rubin, Avigayil Roffe, and Eliana Nayberg, and freshmen Lital Davidov, Shani Roffe, Jacqui Tennenbaum, Leah Cohen, and Ayala Feder. As team captain, Hadassah Krigsman led the Sabers through their wins and losses. The incredible coaches Ilona Diamond and Rena Rubin didn’t just perfect the play-

ers; they taught them what it means to be a team. After their final game on February 13, Coach Diamond gave a heartwarming speech about what this team has accomplished, how they have grown as people, not just as players, and how well they have played. Tears could be seen in the teammates’ eyes, and hugs were passed between one another. As

Coach brought her speech to a close, she announced that Maayan Sandowski will be joining Krigsman as co-captain for the 2018-19 season! The team is looking forward to celebrating all they have accomplished at the special Basketball Shabbaton and annual Basketball Dinner! However, it is bittersweet since they will be saying goodbye to

longtime player senior Leah Feder when she graduates. On a happier note, softball season is just around the corner, and MSH’s star players are eagerly awaiting their first game! This 2018 season includes captains senior Sarah Austin, junior Maayan Sandowski, and sophomore Leah Rubin, as well as team members seniors Sabina Kormin, Shana Shapira, and Rachelli Klein, juniors Chaya Roffe and Becky Haviv, sophomores Simmy Shafiro, Avigayil Roffe, Staci Steinfeld, and freshmen Ayala Feder, Shani Roffe, Lital Davidov, and Emily Weintraub. We are eagerly awaiting the first game and can’t wait to see all of our supporters at North Woodmere Park! At MSH, sports are more than just competitions. Whether it’s basketball, softball, track, or P.E., they are outlets for our students to have fun, learn new skills, and grow as a group of friends, rather than just teammates. We wish all of the teams good luck on their upcoming seasons!

Marbim B’Simcha at Shulamith

Morah Chani Pollak dressed as a student; 5th grader Raizy Bokow dressed as Morah Pollak

hodesh Adar got off to a rollicking start in Shulamith School for Girls! The fun began last Monday with a pre-Rosh Chodesh trip for the entire Middle Division to Sky Zone in Deer Park. The girls and their teachers had a wonderful time together, bouncing on the trampolines, leaping into the “Foam Zone,” and enjoying every other part

of the action-packed venue. The trip also gave everyone the opportunity to experience the achdut for which Shulamith is well-known. On Thursday, the day began with tefillah together, and after a few periods of limudim, it was time to reconvene in the auditorium for the “mystery activity.” Convinced that it was color war, the eighth graders were es-

pecially eager to begin, but were they surprised when none other than Benny Friedman stepped out from behind the curtains. The expressions of pure joy were priceless, as students and faculty spent the next exciting forty-five minutes dancing, singing, and reveling in the excitement of having the dynamic singer perform for them. The simcha continued on Friday

with the first in a series of Dress-Up Days. Teachers dressed as students, and students dressed as teachers, a tradition which everyone in the school community looks forward to each year. Coming up… more dress up days, the annual Purim carnival, and who knows?! Maybe even color war in this month of revelry and happiness!

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community

Torah Tots Visit YOSS Rav Yosef Elefant, a maggid shiur in Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim, speaking at Yeshiva Darchei Torah on a recent Friday morning

Rabbi Eytan Feiner Praises New Ramat Givat Zeev Project in Israel

he talmidim at Yeshiva of South Shore’s Hollander Early Childhood Center were treated to a surprise Torah Tots concert to welcome Rosh Chodesh Adar. The

boys dressed in topsy-turvy clothing and enjoyed music and dancing as Talmi D. Torah and Tubby the Teva performed.

Rabbi Feiner with Alan Stahler, one of the project’s investors

amat Givat Zeev recently hosted Rabbi Eytan Feiner, shlita, an esteemed spiritual leader of the Five Towns, Long Island community, one of the most well-known frum kehillas in New York. After hearing that many people from his community had purchased properties in Ramat Givat Zeev, he decided to take a firsthand look at the luxurious neighborhood. Rabbi Feiner was extremely impressed with the quality of the neighborhood, lauding the beauty of the new homes and parks. He voiced his desire to see a forum of rabbis

band together to provide the spiritual guidance for the neighborhood. He emphasized the importance of having strong spiritual leadership, which provide the foundation for the community’s wellbeing. With that in mind he promised to help guide the founding of the Ramat Givat Zeev’s institutions. Chish Nofei Israel was thrilled to welcome such an important leader of American Jewry to their project and praised Rabbi Feiner for his supportive stance on the growing numbers of Jews making aliyah from America.

Click! Click! Did you send in your Purim photos to TJH? Send them to editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com Deadline: Monday, March 5, 5pm

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

STEM Thrives at Rambam

ambam’s celebrated STEM program began over a decade ago with the arrival of Mr. Gerald Bass who offers enrichment to honor students every week. Students gather and work on projects in Science, Technology Engineering, Math and Social Science under his guidance and tutelage. This unique program has served as a springboard for those involved to participate in award-winning science competitions. Last week students in Rambam’s Forensics class were privileged to go with their teacher, Dr. Clyde Wells, to the Suffolk Crime Laboratory where Dr. Wells spends his time when he is not at Rambam. Students got a firsthand look at what goes on inside of the lab. The visit feature an in-depth experience to learn about up-to-date methodology in fingerprinting, ballistic testing, and “how to catch the bad guys.” The trip was both educational and exciting and, upon their return, students remarked how much they learned and how their forensics class

“came alive” as a result of the visit to the lab. Another focus of Rambam’s STEM programming is the Math Enrichment Program. The program, which features Rambam parent Mr. Jonathan Balsam, challenges students to explore and understand mathematical concepts. In their last

session they analyzed Euler’s Formula and proved why it works for all Polyhedrons. He challenged students to think about the following questions: Let’s imagine that there is a hotel named the Hilbert Hotel. What if a Hilbert Hotel is full and an infinite number of infinite buses ar-

rive. What do they announce so that everyone gets a room? Are all room numbers in the Hilbert Hotel finite or are there some infinite ones? Is there a “last room” in the Hilbert Hotel? Members of Rambam’s math team will be happy to provide you with the answers!

Rambam Masmidim Recognized for Their Extra Learning

embers of Rambam Mesivta’s prestigious Masmidim Extra Learning Program were recently treated to a day in honor of their commitment to learning and enhancing Rambam’s atmosphere as a makom Torah. The Masmidim enjoyed a special Traditions lunch where they, and the Masmidim rebbeim, Rabbi Avrum Haar, Head of Masmidim, and Rabbi Yossi Ziskind, Rabbi Ari Boiangiu,

Rabbi Yaacov Weisenberg and Rabbi Ephraim Meth shared words of Torah with their talmidim. Rosh Mesivta of Rambam, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedma,n joined the boys to highlight and celebrate their learning commitment. He began with the query of how it makes sense to be go out and eat and spend the afternoon on a “fun surprise trip” given the fact that they are Masmidim dedicated to learning, which

implies an avoidance of all physical distractions? He explained that enjoyments of this world are perfectly acceptable and encouraged given the proper motivation. “When one eats so that they can learn better, that eating is purposeful and considered a mitzvah. Today’s get-together of chevra, food, and a surprise trip is not only well-deserved but hopefully will inspire all of you to continue doing

extra learning beyond your regular shiur,” said Rabbi Friedman. After benching, the Masmidim were presented with gear in the form of red and black fleeces and then whisked off to a surprise trip to…Escape the Room. It was a meaningful and fun day for the Masmidim who rededicated themselves to learning at Rambam after school and during lunch.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

HAFTR Launches Drasha Public Speaking Tournament

L-R: Menachem Neiman (DRS), Miriam Kopyto (HAFTR), Benjy Gottesman (HAFTR), Elliott Ottensoser (HAFTR), Elijah Guvich (HAFTR), Eli Rockoff (DRS), Aaron Nassir (DRS), and Menachem Kunin (DRS)

earning Torah and communicating the Torah that you have learned are a vital part of our mesorah. In order to push this a step further, on Tuesday night, February 13, HAFTR High School hosted the first South Shore Speech & Debate League Drasha Tournament. Five students from HAFTR and DRS competed; they each delivered a 5 to 8 minute drasha on any topic on Shemos in the span of 2 rounds. The tournament was judged by local Five Towns rabbis. First place was

awarded to Elijah Gurvich (HAFTR), second place to Benjy Gottesman (HAFTR), and third place went to Elliott Ottensoser (HAFTR). We hope to continue this tournament in March with students delivering a drasha on the topic of Pesach. In the spirit of Toastmasters, the tournament also included Impromptu Speaking, in which students chose 3 topics and have 3 minutes to prepare a 3 to 5 minute speech. Again both HAFTR and DRS were represented at this event. First place was

awarded to Elijah Gurvich (HAFTR), second place was shared by Miriam Kopyto (HAFTR) and Menachem Neiman (DRS), and third place went to Benjy Gottesman (HAFTR). Finally, the tournament also included Public Forum debate, where teams of 2 students debated the topic: “Resolved: The United States should abolish the capital gains tax.” Participants from HAFTR, DRS, Rambam and Hunter College High School in Manhattan competed at this event. The finalists who went 2-0

in the round were: Menachem Kunin & Aaron Nassir (DRS) and Eli Rockoff & Shui Steinberg (DRS). HAFTR has made a commitment to delivering a world-class speech, debate and model congress program. In order to make this happen we need your help. Please contact Alex Libkind (allibkind@haftr.org) if you’d like to volunteer as a judge at one of the upcoming tournaments. Your help would be very appreciated by all the students.

DRS Celebrates Rosh Chodesh Adar

dar, and Purim specifically, is a time when we celebrate our salvation from our enemies. To that end, on Rosh Chodesh Adar, DRS celebrated by hosting seven chayalei Tzahal, our broth-

ers from Medinat Yisroel who risk their lives every day to save us from our current enemies. After a celebratory Hallel, students and chayalim danced in the school’s lobby, accompanied by the DRS student

led-band. One of the visiting soldiers was newly engaged, and received a warm DRS-style celebration, as rabbeim and talmidim sang “Od Yishama” while lifting the chayal on their shoulders. After the dancing,

the chayalim visited Gemara shiurim to discuss their experiences and incredible stories of mesirat nefesh in the IDF with the boys.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community

Pheffer Amato Partners with Agudath Israel to Assist Students with Special Needs

ssemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) proposed bill A.9648 in the NYS Assembly this week. This legislation, which was drafted in conjunction with Agudath Israel of America, clarifies the state law which mandates that school districts must provide transportation for students with disabilities who attend a non-public school and who have been recognized by the local Committee on Special Education (CSE) with the need to attend that school. Currently, the law’s language gives room for local districts to deny transportation to students if the program he or she attends is not “similar” to the special education services recommended by the CSE. “Parents of children with special needs have enough on their plates. They should not have to prove that the services or programs their children attend are similar to the ones recommended by the CSE in order to receive transportation,” said Pheffer Amato. “I am thrilled to be working with Agudath Israel on this important piece of legislation to help the many families who have had to deal with this hardship until now. The law should be clear and school districts should not be able to hide behind a loophole in order to deny transportation.” The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that all children who have

been identified as having a handicapping condition receive transportation to and from school, and have the opportunity to learn in a way that would be the most beneficial to them. David Zwiebel, Esq., Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel of America, said, “Eliminating the daily pressure of transporting a child with special needs to a school in which the student will actually be able to learn will make an incredible difference in the daily lives of the child as well as his family. Congratulations Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato for stepping up to the plate for these long suffering children and parents,” Leah Steinberg, Director, Project LEARN, Special Education Affairs, Agudath Israel of America, said, “We are grateful to Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato for recognizing that parents of children with special needs have to-do lists that are long enough as it is. Busing them to school should not be on that list. Thank you Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato!” According to Agudath Israel, often the reason parents want to send their children to a school other than that recommended by the CSE is that the school, services, or programs suggested do not sufficiently address the child’s needs. The bill has been referred to the Education Committee.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

MAY Annual Mid-Winter Ski Trip

ast Thursday, Mesivta Ateres Yaakov held their annual mid-winter retreat for the entire yeshiva. Organized by Student Activities Coordinators Rabbi Shlomo Drebin and Rabbi Tsvi Greenfield, talmidim, together with their rabbeim, spent the day at Mountain Creek Ski Resort, ending the great day with a catered dinner and slideshow of the day’s events. Following a leibidik Rosh Chodesh Adar Shacharis, the day began with divrei Torah from 12th grade Rebbe, Rabbi Yonasan Sprung, who highlighted the middah of simcha and avenues through which to attain it. The divrei his’orirus resonated with talmidim throughout the trip. The limud for the day, organized by 11th grade Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel Oratz, was chazarah on blatt Gemara learned this year. The learning was dedicated l’refuah sheleimah for R’ Yoni Rudansky, son of General Studies Principal, Rabbi Sam Ru-

dansky. By the final tally, over 170 blatt of Gemara were reviewed. Simply amazing! Talmidim were joined by rabbeim on the slopes, skiing and snowboarding throughout the afternoon. With only a break for lunch, Mincha and learning, the bulk of the afternoon was action-packed! “The trip accomplishes three things,” commented Assistant Menahel, Rabbi Yossi Bennett. “It serves

as a battery-recharge during a long winter z’man, an opportunity to concretize relationships with friends and rabbeim outside of the yeshiva’s walls and a way to apply the growth and learning in which our talmidim engage on a daily basis in real-world situations.” Multiple kiddush Hashems were made throughout the day. Many boys opted to spend time on the bus learning together with a chavru-

sa, while others spent some time in the lodge when they weren’t on the slopes together with their rabbeim. The day’s events closed with a delicious dinner catered by Dougie’s at the Moriah School in Englewood, NJ, divrei Torah from Mashgiach Ruchani, Rabbi Yehuda Horowitz, and a digital slideshow of pictures from the day’s events.

Rozic Joins Service Mission to US Virgin Islands to Aid Jewish Community

ssemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) announced this week that she will be traveling on a service mission to help with recovery efforts in the US Virgin Islands. In response to requests from local rabbis on St. Thomas and St. Croix, Rozic’s office will be collecting non-perishable kosher for Passover food items in preparation

for the holiday. “As we live our daily lives, it is all too easy to forget that many families are still struggling. We cannot neglect their plight,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “With the Passover holiday quickly approaching, now more than ever, our help is needed.” Months after the US Virgin Is-

lands were devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the territories continue to recover from the destruction, dealing with power outages and continued difficulty accessing certain food and supplies. Rozic is reaching out to the local Jewish community throughout New York to participate in this initiative. “It is our responsibility to help

others in their time of need, both near and far,” Rozic added. Food contributions may be dropped off at 159-16 Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows, Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm until March 12. For additional questions, please contact Rozic’s office directly at rozicn@nyassembly.gov or 718-820-0241.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community

Visit From a Gadol

Rav Shlomo A. Altusky, Rav Eliyahu Hillel, Rav Yaakov Hillel, Rav Dovid Bender, and Rav Yaakov Bender

Rav Yaakov Moshe Hillel, Rosh Yeshiva of Hevrat Ahavat Shalom in Yerushalayim, inspired the bachurim of Yeshiva Darchei Torah during his recent visit

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Achiezer’s Tribute of a Decade – A Celebration of Community

“T

onight’s beautiful evening is an opportunity for us to come together as a united community to pay tribute to the tireless members of the Achiezer Executive Board through a unified show of support.” With these opening words, Mr. Shlomo Reich, Master of Ceremonies at Achiezer’s tenth anniversary Dinner, encapsulated the feel-

ings of the entire assemblage. On Thursday, February 15, a crowd of over 1,500 guests joined together at the Sands Atlantic Beach for a Tribute of a Decade on behalf Achiezer and its ten dedicated founding Executive Board members. Mr. Reich proceeded to give honorable mention and thanks to elected officials, hospital representatives and agency heads, providing the

audience with a glimpse of the scope of the organization’s network and the channels through which it operates on a regular basis. The program continued with the recital of Tehillim led by the evening’s chairmen, Mr. Ronald Lowinger and Mr. Lloyd Keilson. This was followed by a surprise presentation of a special Hakoras Hatov award to one of Achiezer’s longstanding and devoted staff members, Mrs. Elke Rubin. The ability to pull off a surprise presentation like this, complete with journal ads and a video, for someone so deeply involved in virtually every facet of the Dinner campaign was truly an amazing feat. Among the highlights of the evening was a powerful

visual presentation highlighting Achiezer’s development from inception through its ten year milestone. Meir Glenn, a victim of a hit-and-run accident in the Bronx, proceeded to the podium and shared his own personal Achiezer story, which again portrayed the scope and reach of Achiezer’s services. He described how Achiezer was alerted to his situation when he was in a faroff hospital in the Bronx given practically no chance of ever standing on his own two feet again. Immediately springing into action, Achiezer personnel arranged everything, from his immediate transport to a world-class hospital, to top doctor referrals, support and guidance, kosher food and so much more. Meir concluded

his brief story saying, “There is no question that without Achiezer I would not be standing here before you today and it is with their help that I will be’ezras Hashem be walking down to my chuppah two weeks from now.” All eyes turned to the podium as Boruch Ber Bender, Achiezer founder and president, delivered his address. Rabbi Bender noted the diversity represented in the evening Honorees, which was paralleled by the broad representation amongst the audience of virtually every facet of the communal spectrum. “The power of community, the power of unity, that is the power of Achiezer,” said Rabbi Bender. “Once we are determined to roll up our sleeves

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community PHOTO CREDIT: BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHY, MOSHE GERSHBAUM

and do for somebody else there is no limit to what we can do and who we can help.” Indeed, as many have noted, it is difficult today to imagine the community without Achiezer. Rabbi Bender then made a poignant presentation to a special guest named Anthony Vero, General Manager of LaGuardia Airport. Just one week earlier, Mr. Vero orchestrated a miraculous transport of an aron requiring a connecting flight from LaGuardia Airport to Newark in record time. The incoming flight was delayed by two hours and the circumstances seemed nearly impossible by all accounts. He

provided special clearance for the hearse to proceed onto the runway and remove the aron from the incoming plane immediately upon landing. He then arranged for an escort all the way to Newark Airport. Upon his acceptance of the award, the entire assemblage spontaneously rose to their feet giving Tony a well-deserved standing ovation. The program concluded with the award presentation to the evening’s ten Honorees, the founding Executive Board members of Achiezer. Rabbi Bender asked those gathered to join him in saying thank you to these selfless

individuals. “Thousands of people have been helped in lifesaving ways, as well as in small, insignificant ways, because ten years ago, ten people in our community saw the potential of what could be done. They dared to believe when Achiezer was nothing more than a piece of paper and a dream. They realized that if we want to help people then the sky is the limit. And they jumped on board and have not looked back.” Achiezer extends its heartfelt thanks to Aaron Jungreis and Rosewood Realty Group for sponsoring this year’s dinner journal.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community

OHEL Bais Ezra Children Head to Broadway

hile many were getting ready to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 4, OHEL Bais Ezra was bringing the joy of theater to over 100 individuals diagnosed with autism and their families at a special showing of the hit musical Wicked on Broadway. This program was made possible thanks to generous funding received from the NY City Council and The Department of Mental Health and Mental Hygiene and coordinated under the auspices of the Theater Development Fund (TDF). The TDF sponsors the Autism Theater Initiative, which develops autism-friendly shows for those diagnosed on the spectrum. Along with the OHEL Bais Ezra staff, TDF staff provided any necessary assistance to individuals and families, to help ensure a most enjoyable experience for all. With the music playing a bit quieter than usual and the theater allow-

ing people to walk around during the show and tolerating more noise than usual, the show began. Families were mesmerized by the experience, being at a show with their families and having the opportunity to do what many

families do all the time – have a family outing together and going to a community-based event. After a delicious lunch, everyone received custom headphones, anxiety relief toys, hats, bags, and more to

ensure everyone was able to enjoy the show in its entirety. OHEL Bais Ezra Area Coordinator Alyse Appelbaum added, “For many families it’s a rare occasion to go to a Broadway show, especially for those with a family member with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis who may have a difficult time sitting still or being quiet for an entire Broadway show. Watching the families get a day to feel like any other family at a Broadway show and not being judged by those around them or having to worry what their family member is doing was such an amazing experience.” One parent summarized the day: “It was a dream come true! I don’t really go out with my son often and this was unbelievable, from the lunch to the transportation to the bags, I didn’t have to worry about a thing.”

Rambam’s Writers’ Guild Features Guest Author

ow in its fifth year of existence, Rambam Mesivta’s Writers’ Guild provides a forum for those interested in creative writing to share their work and receive feedback from like-minded individuals. At the start of the month, “prompts” are provided by the Guild’s facilitator, Rambam’s Associate Principal, Mr. Hillel Goldman. The young writers compose their stories for about three weeks until they are submitted, collated, and distributed to the other members of the Guild. In any given month abut 40-50 pages worth of original fiction are written and annotated by the members of the Club. The writers then meet after school (over some Carlos & Gabby’s) and the watchful eye of the Club’s real facilitators, Seniors Noam Fruchter, Zev Granik, Gavriel Haviv, and Yoni Schlager, they encourage and critique each other’s writing. Past stories have been written in response to such prompts as, “Close Encounters,” where the task was to write a story about two characters who have been stuck together in a confined space for an extended period of time; “Return of the Imaginary

Friend,” in which a story is composed where a character’s childhood friend returns, for better or for worse, later in life; “The Words Unspoken,” a story where it is something the main character didn’t say that made all the difference; or “Last Ticket,” which imagines a world where it is the night before everyone alive will be teleported to an undisclosed location. Over the years, there have been dozens of prompts and hundreds of pages written read, and discussed. Last month the Guild was fortu-

nate to welcome guest author Mr. Jon Schneeweiss who shared his thoughts on writing and publishing and offered feedback on the Rambam students’ writing. The session began with a lively Q&A where the young writers asked questions about his writing process and sources of his inspiration. Mr. Schneeweiss discussed how he wrote a 600 page manuscript but wasn’t satisfied with the way one character was impacted in the flow of the novel. He started from scratch and rewrote it as a 400 page novel

called Hidden Bosses, which is soon to be released. It was inspiring to the students to see how dedicated he was to his craft and that he didn’t shirk from starting over. The Guild then offered feedback to Mr. Schneeweiss on a short story of his which he submitted to the Guild based on the prompt, “Emotional Journey,” featuring a character who goes from one extreme emotion to another in just a few pages. Mr. Schneeweiss then offered his critique of the Guild stories and was very impressed with the quality of writing. “Most of these stories, if worked on a little more, could be fit for publishing,” he declared, “Two, however, I think, could be published right now.” He then cited Sophomore Dovid Edolkopf’s story “The Will” and freshman Yonatan Simantov’s “Afraid of the Dark” as outstanding stories. It was a meaningful and instructive night of reading and writing and, at the end of the night, the Guild members presented Mr. Schneeweiss with a thank you card and bookends as a sign of hakarat hatov. Mr. Schneeweiss was very touched by the gesture and promised to return.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Parent Workshop and Purim Planning at Gesher

ith the onset of chodesh Adar, Gesher activities seem to all be revolving around the letter “pey.” The kindergarten learned about “pey” in kriya, accompanied with Purim-themed reinforcements. Shaloch manos fruit, pears and pineapples, and matanos l’evyonim purses with pennies were part of the lesson. Purim is certainly in the air. On Rosh Chodesh everyone had the chance to dress up in a topsy-turvy outfit, a reminder of “v’nahapoch hu,” that Hashem can make anything happen in an instant. But the “pey” theme was not limited to the classroom walls. Gesher proudly hosted a valuable Parenting workshop on Rosh Chodesh as well. The well-attended event was introduced by Assemblywoman Melissa Miller of the 20th district. She talked about her passion for advocacy and her desire to use her experience to benefit others. That message was ob-

viously consistent with the program and its purpose. Gesher provides workshops for its parent body and invites the community to benefit as well. The featured presenter was Dr. Naftali Reichmann who methodically explained how emotional support and compassion should influence parenting techniques. The crowd was wowed by his encyclopedic knowledge and ability to relate to all scenarios and challenges in practical terms.

Rabbi Cohen at HALB had his second grade class act out the war between the four kings and the five kings in Parshat Lech Lecha. By making the story come alive, the skills that are being covered in class to dissect the pesukim are more deeply rooted in the minds of the children

SKA Sophomore Leil Iyun

By Batya Altmark and Eleora Fine, ‘20

t’s such an experience to spend the night at SKA! SKA’s tenth graders rushed to school on Thursday morning, February 8 with all their sleepover supplies to get ready for an exciting leil iyun that evening. The program started right after school with a delicious dinner including pizza, fries and salads. The 10th graders then split into groups and went around to different classrooms, with teachers offering

different lessons through videos, music and more. There was challah making, ice cream sundaes, lots of dancing, talking, and loads of fun! In the morning, the leil iyun continued with davening and breakfast, giving the sophomores the rest of the day off, with time to rest on Friday. All agreed there’s nothing like bonding together as a grade when having a giant sleepover in school! Our grade level advisors and madrichot really made the leil iyun an awesome event.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community The White Shul’s Hachnosas Sefer Torah took place last Sunday in memory of Rabbi Yechiel Hecht, zt”l, shamash of close to 30 years at the White Shul. Hundreds of people from the community and beyond joined in this tremendous kavod for Reb Yechiel. PHOTO CREDIT: BERYL OSTROFF PHOTOGRAPHY

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

The HANC ECC West Hempstead Art Gallery was open for viewing last week. The Nursery Bet students had an exciting Art Enrichment Study program. Each class learned about three artists and then recreated their works. We shared the students’ wonderful works of art with their families and guests.

Yeshiva Medrash Chaim of Lakewood’s Annual Five Towns Parlor Meeting

eshiva Medrash Chaim of Lakewood under the direction of the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Rephael Moshe Gettingers, shlita, held its Annual Five Towns Parlor Meeting event this year once again at the home of Rabbi and Mrs. Tzvi Medetsky in Lawrence. The event attracted alumni and friends of the Yeshiva as well as local friends of Rabbi Medetsky. The guest speaker was the esteemed Rabbi Mordechai Sterns, shlita, of the Heichal Dovid Shul. The Yeshiva’s Executive Director, Rabbi Tzvi Lang, opened the program by welcoming the attendees and extending gratitude to the hosts. Mr. Motti Drillman followed with a masterful introduction of his Rav, Rabbi Stern. In particular, he underlined the special relationship he has both with the Rav and the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Rephael Moshe Gettinger, with whom he has a family relationship going back many years. Rabbi Stern, shlita, then presented the dynamic analysis of the historical purpose of Yeshivos in Klal Yisrael centered on a quote from the Chofetz Chaim, zt”l, that “in Yeshivos we create people – ‘menschen’ – into towering spiritual personalities housing Hashem’s presence which dwarf any edifice or activity that exists in the world at large.” He stressed that Yeshiva Medrash Chaim is a worthy example of such a Mikdash Me’at, properly fulfilling this objective. The Rosh Yeshiva, shlita, then concluded the event by echoing Rabbi Stern’s words with the emphasis that the transmission of Torah in Yeshivos

Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Rephael Moshe Gettinger, speaking

Rosh Yeshiva with alumni

Mr. Motti Drillman addressing the crowd

from generation to generation, going back to Moshe Rabbinu in Har Sinai, is a function of bnei Torah, rabbeim, and their talmidim, emulating the experience of Moshe Rabbinu learning Torah with Hakadosh Baruch Hu in Har Sinai. On a personal note, Rabbi Re-

phael Moshe Gettinger expressed his pleasure at seeing in action the continuity of genuine Torah transmission in the Five Towns community, as reflected by Rabbi Stern joining his father and father-in-law, Rabbi Moshe Brown, shlita, as one of the neighborhood’s major Torah personalities. He

even recalled the divrei Torah of Rabbi Brown at his own sheva brachos in the Philadelphia Yeshiva, which made an impact on all the bochurim. The event was an inspiration to all those who attended, as well as a chizuk for the Yeshiva.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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The Amalek Within by Yaakov Klein

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THE

AMALEK WITHIN By Yaakov Klein

he Gemara states, “Hakoerei megillah l’mafreia lo yatza, He who reads the megillah backwards has not fulfilled his obligation” (Megillah 17b). R’ Boruch’l of Mezibizh taught that this line hints at an important message. A Jew must study the Purim story with the realization that it is not merely an ancient drama that happened thousands of years ago, but one which takes place inside each and every one of us, at all times. Thus “He who reads the megillah ‘l’mafreia,’” approaching the Purim story as if it is something that took place long ago and contains no relevancy for today’s generation, “lo yatza,” he has entirely missed the point.

In the same vein, the Kedushas Levi writes: “It is not just that the Jewish nation is commanded to battle Amalek, the descendant of Eisav, but that each member of the Jewish people must eradicate the portion of evil which is called by the name ‘Amalek’ that is buried inside his heart” (Kedushas Levi, D’rush Parshas Zachor). What is Amalek? How does it manifest inside our hearts and affect our avodas Hashem? To answer, we must analyze the verses which deal with the battle against Amalek which took place before Matan Torah. The Torah tells us that immediately before Amalek attacked, Klal Yisrael questioned the very fundamentals of Judaism, asking, “Ha’yeish

Hashem b’kirbeinu im ayin? Is G-d in our midst or not?” (Shemos 17:7). The moment this doubt crept into the hearts of the Jewish nation, Amalek pounced. This is the entire power of Amalek, their entire weapon: doubt. As is known, the word Amalek is numerically equivalent to the word safek, doubt; that little voice inside that asks, “Is it really true?” We are commanded to remember what Amalek did to us on the way, “Asher karcha ba’derech” (Devarim 25:18). The root of the word karcha is “kar,” cold. Amalek seeks to cool us off from our spiritual high; to pour icy water on our flaming souls. It is well-known that the story of Purim is bound up with Adam and Chava’s sin of eating from the Tree of Knowledge. The Gemara states that

the source for Haman in the Torah is the verse “HaMiN haetz,” Hashem asking Adam, “Did you eat from the tree?” (Chullin 139b). What is the connection between Haman/Amalek and the sin of the Eitz Hada’as? As we have stated, Amalek’s weapon is his ability to cause us to doubt the existence of One G-d; to doubt that there is a spiritual reality behind this physical dream. Why did Adam want to eat from the Tree? Because the snake convinced him that G-d had eaten from the tree, and if Adam would eat from it he would become like Hashem. Thus, the whole motive behind Adam’s eating from the Tree stemmed from a tremendous breach in the belief that G-d’s unlimited powers

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are inherent and that He did not need to be given anything to become G-d. The sin of the Eitz Hada’as had “Amalek” written all over it. When questioned by Hashem regarding her sin, Chava responded, “Ha’nachash hishi’yani, the snake tricked me.” How fascinating it is to note that the word hishi’yani is made up of the letters of both the words “ha’yeish” and “ayin,” the terms used to express Klal Yisrael’s doubt immediately prior to the attack of Amalek: “Ha’yeish Hashem b’kirbeinu im ayin?” It goes even deeper. One verse in the Torah states, “Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad, Hear O Israel, Hashem our G-d Hashem is One” (Devarim 6:4). Another verse states, “Lo sishtachaveh l’el acher, You may not prostrate yourselves to another god” (Shemos 34:14). In a Torah scroll, the last letters of these two phrases, the daled of “echad” and the reish of “acher” are enlarged. The reason for this is that it is very easy to confuse the letters daled and reish as they look very much alike and, in this context, confusing them could be blasphemous. What is the difference between the letter daled and the letter reish? The difference is that the letter daled has a little extra sticking out of the back called a kotz, a thorn (See Likutei Moharan 10). (It is remarkable to note that not only is that little thorn the physical difference between these two letters, it is also the numerical difference, as daled equals four, and reish equals 200; the difference between 4 and 200 is 196, the exact numerical value of the word kotz, that little thorn.) Amalek’s goal is to blur that thorn, to cause us to confuse between the letters daled and reish, “Hashem Echad” and “El acher.” He causes us to get caught up in the views of a world which is so atheist, so far in its values and interests from the belief in anything deep, anything spiritual (see Bereishis Rabbah 53:5). We live in the world predicted two hundred and fifty years ago by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov when he stated, “In the coming generations great torrents of atheism will flood the world” (Sichos Haran 39). This is the force of Amalek at work. (Indeed,

the word “Haman” in its expanded form with each of the letters spelled out equals 196 – kotz, the thorn which differentiates between the daled and reish, Amalek’s source. In addition, the Midrash teaches that Haman was hanged on a thorn bush [Esther Rabbah, 9].) When Adam eats from the tree, Hashem curses him with having to work the ground to produce food, and says, “V’kotz v’dardar tatzmiach lach, Thorns and thistles will sprout for you” (Bereishis 3:18). But there is a deeper meaning as well. “V’kotz!” says G-d. “You have allowed Amalek, doubt,

Moshe lifted his hands in the air, it was the signal for the Jews to look heavenward; to realize that without G-d they had nothing, and that it was Hashem, not their own efforts, Who was helping them win the war (Rosh HaShana 3:8). Thus the verse states, “Vayehi yadav emunah”; Moshe’s hands exuded the emunah necessary to battle Amalek (Shemos 17:12). When the lots Haman drew for the time to carry out his plan to eradicate the Jews fell out in the month of Adar, he was thrilled because this was the month in which Moshe had died (Megillah 13b). According to what we have

EACH OF US NOW CONTAINS A PIECE OF MOSHE, UNWAVERING EMUNAH, WITHIN. to blur the little thorn which distinguishes between the belief in G-d and atheism. Thus, ‘v’dardar tatzmiach lach,’ now you will have to battle with this doubt – ‘dardar,’ daled, reish, daled, reish, back and forth, ‘Hashem EchaD’ or ‘el acheR’ until the end of time” (Ben Ish Chai, B’nei Yissaschar, Megaleh Amukos). When the Torah discusses the obligation to remember this attack, it states, “Hashem will have a war with Amalek for all generations.” Fascinatingly enough, the way the Torah refers to G-d’s battle against Amalek in all generations is “Milchamah l’Hashem b’Amalek m’dor dor,” again daled, reish, daled, reish, a reference to Amalek’s goal of blurring the difference between the daled and the reish, inflicting safek, doubt, into our hearts and souls. The question is, what’s the cure? How can we fight off the Amalek within? The answer is emunah. When Amalek attacks Klal Yisrael, Moshe battles with his hands; when he holds them up, the Jews are winning. How did this work? The Mishna tells us that when

learned, the reason for Haman’s joy is now clear. As we have stated, Moshe represents emunah; the only way to battle Amalek. Thus, Haman reasoned that the month in which this great teacher of the staunch belief in One G-d had died would surely be an auspicious time for Amalek to attack and inflict its poisonous message of doubt upon the Jews. But here’s what Haman didn’t know. The Gemara says that although Moshe indeed passed away on 7 Adar, it was also the day on which he had been born. The Chasam Sofer teaches that Moshe’s being born on the 7 th of Adar refers not to his birth into this world, but rather to his rebirth, after his death, into each and every Jew of all future generations. Each of us now contains a piece of Moshe, unwavering emunah, within. What Haman didn’t realize is that in Adar we, in fact, have the most ability to battle Amalek, not the least. And indeed, the rest is history. Thus, the Megillah says, “La’Yehudim haysa orah v’simcha, For the Jews there was light and joy” (Esther 8:16), using the same wording as the Midrash which

relates that by Moshe’s birth, “Nismaleh habayis kulo orah, The house filled with light.” The only way we can battle Haman-Amalek is by tapping into the rebirth of Moshe within our individual souls. (Perhaps this is why the month in which Moshe both died and was reborn is called the month of Adar; on the one hand, it has the power of Moshe’s death represented by rad – Amalek’s ability to blur the thorn between the daled and reish – but also has the power of Moshe’s rebirth represented by the aleph of “Hashem Echad,” perfect emunah.) But what is emunah? Emunah begins where da’as, knowledge sent by my senses to my brain, ends. Emunah is the belief in what lies beyond the physical world; to the underlying spiritual reality and the life force sent out from G-d which powers all of Creation every split second. Emunah goes beyond what my hands can feel, beyond what my eyes can see, beyond what my nose can smell, and beyond what my mind can grasp. Belief in G-d stems from a place higher than the limited reach of the human mind. This is why on Purim, when we are decimating the Amalek within, we are drinking “Ad d’lo yada,” to get to a place which is beyond our mind’s grasp, to reach true emunah with which to battle the doubt, the “dardar” of Amalek. Shoshanas Yaakov! On Purim let us tap into the Rose of emunah, the “Shoshana bein hachochim, the rose among thorns” (Shir HaShirim 2:2); thorns of doubt; thorns of the Amalek inside our souls. Then, and only then, will we merit tzahala v’sameicha, true joy. As the sefarim say, “Ein simcha k’hataras hasfeikos, There is no joy as the joy of clarifying a doubt.” Let us state with absolute and unwavering belief in One G-d: “Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad!”

Yaakov Klein is the author of Sparks from Berditchov: An Inspirational Guide to Avodas Hashem recently published by Feldheim. Originally from Far Rockaway, New York, Yaakov currently lives in Chicago with his wife Shira, where he teaches for the ICJS, writes, and produces music. Yaakov can be reached on his Facebook page @sparksfromberditchov. He looks forward to connecting with you.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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BOBKER ON PURIM Un Peuple d’Elite

ne day Rabbi Naftali of Ropchitz remained in shul an entire morning, praying that the rich would give more money to the poor. When he returned home, the rebbetzin asked him, “Were you successful with your prayers?” “I’m halfway there,” the rabbi answered. “The poor have agreed to accept.” What delicious irony! A sophisticated man slanders Jews for keeping Jewish holidays. He then rolls the dice of hate so badly that he becomes responsible for adding another Jewish festival to the very calendar that he so despises; in fact, he singlehandedly creates Purim, the zaniest festival of them all, a lively and boisterous day of prayer and parody, law and levity. Welcome to the sagacious Haman, a word derived from mano, “to count,” in that the only thing that counted for him was selfishly measured in terms of power or money. Haman is the epitome of the Hebrew definition of rasha, wicked, a man who exists in a constant state of emotional turmoil and whose life’s ambition is to wear “royal clothes and ride

the King’s horse.” The Talmudic adage on hereditary, ma’aseh avos siman l’banim, “like fathers like sons,” is evident in this impeccable racist whose yichus stretches all the way back to the dreaded Agag, cunning king of the Amalekites. His boss’s pedigree is similarly sinister. Ahasuerus’s father was King Cyrus, a menacing Persian king who elevated anti-Semitism into an acceptable social activity. Bigotry ran all in the family. Guess who his wife’s zeida was? None other than the notorious Nebuchadnezzer, a man who knew more about destroying Jews than anyone else. And like most deceivers and opportunists, Haman was true to form: his family tree was no more Persian (he was an Aggagite, son of Hamdata) than Adolf Hitler’s was German (he was an Austrian) and Yasser Arafat’s was Palestinian (he was Egyptian). Meanwhile, it is hard not to feel sorry for the woman cast as Queen. Vashti, from ushti, beloved, is an enigmatic character whose brief appearance is admirable, her execution less so. Vashti’s decadent husband is a megalomaniac

wife-killer, convinced that in order to be the king of his castle a man must so dominate that a wife’s refusal to entertain his guests is enough to issue a death warrant.

urim is a Jewish festival of mixed emotions struggling in a tide of rising and falling fortunes of entire Jewish communities. The mood swings like a pendulum, from gratitude to sudden panic, vacillating between prosperity and trouble, relief and danger. Do we celebrate, then grieve? Or vice versa? The latter, notes Rabbi Joseph Dov Soloveitchik, by fasting first, feasting afterwards; the typical “Jewish” way to deal with the precariousness of Jewish life in exile. Destruction, deliverance, drunken orgies, conspiracies, an exotic locale, assassination attempts, and a beautiful heroine. This ancient plot has it all: which Hollywood director could ask for more? The carefully crafted Megillas Esther describes a drama unfolding in Shushan, capital of Persia, from bayam-

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

in ha’haim, the distant past. The Megillah dates back to sometime between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE and, despite the fact that it’s not overly long, it has earned its own Yiddish phrase: Di gantze Megilla, the full Megillah, a snide reference to anybody or anything that is endless and tedious. The curtain opens on a Persian monarch whose rule coincides with what the Torah calls yesud hama’ala, the beginning of their ascent, the return of Babylonian Jewry to Zion. Zerubbabel and Jeshua, two local Jewish leaders, ask  A Rembrandt- Haman Ahasuerus for permission to rebuild begging Esther for mercy Solomon’s Temple, some 70 years after its destruction. The leader of the world’s greatest metropolis could have simply OK’d the request, but his was a rule of stupidity and indifference, and so he refuses. His response is met with such protests that the King loses nearly half his kingdom (240 provinces), leaving Haman rolls him the undisputed ruler of 120 countries, “from India to Ethiopia.” Meanthe dice while the Megillah wastes no time in Destruction, of hate so describing Persian Jews as a community deliverance, headed towards extinction; not only an badly that am mefuzar, a “scattered folk among the drunken he becomes nations,” but also an am mefuzar u’meorgies, responsible forad, “divided from within.” Jewish mystics see assimilation in conspiracies, for adding Esther’s name itself, a word whose Hean exotic another brew root is a cipher for “hiddenness,” a symbol that the Jews were “hiding” locale, Jewish from their religion. They could hide assassination festival to the but they couldn’t run: their communal attempts, and complacency was shattered the moment very calendar their king symbolically removes his sigathat beautiful he so net ring and abdicates power to a rogue heroine. despises prime minister whose first official act is an order to kill all the Jews. This led R’ This ancient Abba bar Kahana, a 3rd-century amora, plot has it to observe that “greater is the taking off all: which of a signet ring [that turned the Jews into immediate ba’alei teshuva] than Hollywood all the pleas of the 48 prophets and 7 director could prophetesses in Israel!” What caused Haman to turn to mass ask for more? murder? Certain “laws and customs” of the Jews. Which ones? Rava, 4th-century sage, identifies them as kashrut (“they do not eat of our food,”) non-assimilation (“they do not marry our women nor give us theirs,”) Jewish holidays (“they evade taxes by claiming ‘Today is the Sabbath,’ ‘Today is Passover,’ etc.”). Haman takes his defamatory accusations to his boss, whining that “there exists one nation [yeshno am echad] whose laws and customs are different

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from those of all nations, and who do not le-minded,” an unpredictable obtuse adhere to the King’s customs.” bumbler, swaying between good and bad, wisdom and foolishness; an intele who starts with lectual midget in the hands of his advithe complaint sors. that some Jews are anti-social irere’s a trivia quesritants inevitably tion: The popular ends with a much Shoshanas Yaakov more serious charge; that all Jews are praises Mordechai, disloyal Hofjude-type citizens. Even in Esther – and CharCairo, where the Jews tried to out-Egypvona. Charvona? tian-the-Egyptians in their patriotism, Who was Charvona? He was “Mr. OpPharaoh also considered them dual loy- portunist,” an advisor to the king who is alists and a security risk. Jewish histo- credited with a single suggestion: “Check ry is littered with such terminally cor- out those huge gallows… Haman just set rupt Esau-stereotypes as Balaam (“they those up to kill Mordechai, you know, dwell alone, not to be reckoned among the guy who saved your life… Since they the nations”); Joseph Stalin (“they are are already there, and, ah ready, why passportless wanderers”); Bernard not hang Haman on them, uh, like right Shaw (“they are enormously arrogant”); now?” Jewish history gives him a posiCharles de Gaulle (they are un peuple tive review for expediting the execution d’elite, sur de lui-meme et dominateur, of Haman, despite the fact that he was far “an elite people, sure of itself and dom- from being righteous. inating”); Voltaire (“What was the Jews’ As the men in the Persian White crime? None, other than being born!”); House gear up for their blood-letting and, of course, Adolf Hitler, yimach she- crusade, Haman’s unattractive wife mo v’zichro, the inventor of state-spon- Zeresh suddenly realizes that the “elsored genocide (“they are of a different derly man [Mordechai] who sits at the race with a different smell.”) palace gate is of the Jewish race, an ‘ish What accounts for this type of Yehudi.’” She knew: Jewish survival is Jew-hatred? Ah! The $64,000 ques- irreversible, the Jew unbreakable. Vetion. R’ Menasseh ben Israel, a 17 th cen- Hakadosh Baruch Hu matzilenu miyadtury Dutch rabbi, saw Antisemitismus im, in “every generation we are saved and Judenfeindschaft (“Jew-hatred”) from their hands.” History had already as pure psychological inversion: people proved that the anonymous writer who who hate something about themselves carved in the stone of an ancient Temple project it onto the Jews. “People hate from King Merneptah’s time that “Israel Jews because of envy,” sighs R’ Ibn Ver- is laid waste; his seed is no more” turned out to be nothing more than a sloppy ga, and “for envy there is no cure.” Haman’s “dislike of the unlike,” cen- writer of fiction. Zeresh quickly concludes that her turies before T. S. Elliot developed his own “insane nausea about the Jews,” spouse had crossed the line with this gave him an entry ticket into history’s “stiff-necked people,” and by underestiJudeophobia Club. A bas les youpins, mating the Judaic spirit of faith, deter“down with the kikes,” was the eternal mination, and intransigence in the face graffiti, penned by misfits who perceived of (another) deadly adversary, would the Jewish community in their midst as “undoubtedly fall” – and fall he does (tosome form of abnormality. Haman can- gether with her 10 sons) in a “downfall,” not even hate with originality; he simply ironically hanged from the very same echoes such other vile men as Cicero and gallows that he had prepared for MorTacitus (“the Jews sit apart at meals, and dechai). This is a spectacular and unprecesleep apart from foreign women.”) Interestingly, the Megillah and rab- dented ending. Haman’s demise is not binic texts are careful not to overtly caused by the might of any Judaic warpaint King Ahasuerus with this kind of rior but from the might of the Jewish anti-Semitic brush. Why? I don’t know. spirit as wielded by Ishtar, a shy and reThey remain divided as to whether, as served orphaned girl (who we know as wicked as he was, he was as inherently Hadassah), and her humble uncle Morevil as Haman. The consensus is that dechai, a Benjamite descendant from Ahasuerus was manipulative and “fick- Jacob’s youngest son and a respected

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

member of the Sanhedrin. Rabbi Eliyahu, the Gaon of Vilna, whose hobby was gematria and numbers, was delighted to discover that there are 54 letters in the names of Haman’s 10 sons, and that Esther’s name appears in the Megillah 54 times; that Hadassah, Esther’s other name appears only once, as does Memuchan, Haman’s other name (from the root of l’hachin, “to prepare”), and that the first and last words (vayehi, zaro) of the Megillah have the same gematria (314) as Mordechai haYehudi, Mordechai the Jew. This “name-game” leads us to surely one of the more bizarre elements of Purim; the startling incongruity that our hero and heroine are named after major Babylonian gods. “Mordechai” is a direct derivative of Marduk, supposed god of creation and preservation. Ishtar comes from Astarte, supposed god of the planets. Babylonian lore believed that the combination of these gods was a cosmic wedding union;

 Esther pointing to Haman in front of her husband the king

a legend that made the 11th-century French master R’ Solomon ben Isaac of Troyes (Rashi) flirt with the idea that maybe Mordechai and Esther were married.

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Here’s an idea. Perhaps this heavy innuendo of avoda zora is the reason why G-d’s Name is conspicuously missing from the Book of Esther? This is Purim’s most-oft asked question. Why, out of the 24 books of the Tanach, G-d doesn’t appear in this one. A literary accident? No. Its absence is so obviously deliberate that its exclusion has now become more spiritually significant than if it had been included. And G-d’s Name is not the only unmentionable; Eretz Yisrael is also “absent” and, except for one brief reference to life “from Jerusalem,” the word “exile” is also conspicuously missing. (Is G-d’s Name absent in any other sefer? Yes: Shir HaShirim, the Song of Songs.) This Jewish festival prefers to crown G-d in absentia, in His own exile, hidden from a world riddled with the lawlessness of disorder, where assimilation, drunkenness, lewd language and immodest beauty contests rule the times. In the classical sense, the Hebrew root dat might mean dat (for “religion,” a word derived from the Latin verb religare, “to bind”) but here, where it appears 20 times, it is linked to data, an old Persian word which means “law, edict, custom” (e.g.: the drinking in Ahasuerus’s grand ol’ parties was, “according to dat,” i.e., in the customary manner.)

Perhaps the very hiding of His own identity is why we wear disguises? Does the costume of Divine comedy, a theological ars poetica, include a disappearing act? But wait, didn’t Jacob, a patriarch, disguise himself to get a blessing? And wasn’t Esau himself a master of deception, a ki tzayid b’fiv con artist who, even from conception in the womb, tried to play the role of the righteous one? And what about Moses, the teacher of teachers and greatest of all prophets, who was forced to “place on his face a mask [upon] descending from Mount Sinai [after the Jews] were afraid to approach him [knowing] that there was a splendorous ray of light on the skin of his face.” The Midrash goes back even further: the snake in Eden (nachosh) shed its skin in order to camouflage his ways; and so, when describing an Amalek primed in the element of surprise to attack the Jews, our rabbis see him as “dressed up” like the K’naani (asher korcho ba’derech, “Amalek comes at us like a snake!”). Maybe the absence is simply the fulfillment of a Biblical prophecy, that G-d (and His miracles) would be “hidden” from future history? This is the kabbalist position: based on the similarity in the Hebrew root of olam (“world”) and he’elam (“hidden”), indicating that G-d prefers to be hidden, waiting to be found. When the 19th century leader, the Chiddushei Harim, was a little boy, one of his teachers teased him, “If you can tell me where G-d is, I will give you a gold coin.” “If you can tell me where G-d is not,” the boy immediately responded, “I’ll give you two gold coins.” Have a freilichen yom tov!

Joe Bobker, alumnus of Yeshivas HaRav Kook in Jerusalem, is the former publisher and editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Jewish Times, author of the popular Torah With a Twist of Humor and the 18-volume “Historiography of Orthodox Jews and the Holocaust,” the first of which, “War Against the Rabbis: Hitler’s Assault Against Judaism,” will be published this year around Shavuos. Mr. Bobker can be reached at jbobker@ gmail.com.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Trump Comes to Five Towns for MAGA Parade

resident Trump’s plan for a military parade in Washington crashed like a MOAB (for those in the Five Towns who are in the bone spur club and did not serve, that stands for Mother of All Bombs... kind of like the chulent that you make). Instead, the president went with Plan B and held the parade in the Five Towns. The Five Towns was chosen because its massive force of parking ticket agents rivals the military of the United States. The U.S. had not seen a parking-ticket-ticker-tape parade like this since the epic Five Towns Memorial Day parades which manage to always fall out on the first day of Shavuos at the exact moment that most men are in their 5AM cheesecake-induced heartburn comas. (The hunting nature of man: “If I don’t stuff that cheesecake into my mouth when I am fatigued out of my mind before going to sleep on Shavuos morning, it might not be there when I wake up; it might just decide to pack it up and walk out of the fridge on its own.”) The parade, which started at the top of Central Avenue, quickly turned into a national crisis when Mr. Trump was overheard saying that he wanted food from somewhere other than Holy Shnitzel. Sen. Dick Turbin Durbin (DIL) was with the president and was aghast when Mr. Trump said, “Why do we only have the option of ordering from Holy Shnitzel? Why can’t we order dairy from another place?”

According to twenty-three sources who spoke with the Washington Post, all on condition of anonymity, when Sen. Durbin objected and explained to the president that some people are lactose intolerant, the president responded with a flippant wave of the hand and said, “Go chew on a mozzarella stick.” Upon hearing this news, Sen.

Chucky Cheeze “Cholov Yisroel” Schumer began crying uncontrollably and said, “Do you know how offensive that is to those of us who are lactose intolerant?! We always knew that this president is xenophobic, clydoscopic, myoclogicalphibic, pleutozonphopic, priximataphobic, supercalifragilisticphobic, and now we know that he is also lactose intolerant-intolerant!”

Sen. Schumer was surrounded by several burka-clad ladies, but an aide explained that the visual should not be looked into too much; they were the only props available at the moment. Mr. Schumer then proceeded to bash the Orthodox Jewish community for having so many pizza shops and not being sensitive to those who are lactose intolerant.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

One noted Orthodox community figure came to Schumer’s aid and wrote an op-ed urging the community to take heed to Sen. Schumer’s criticism because “don’t forget he’s the ‘Cholov Yisroel’” and we may need him some day for important community matters such as “teaching us how to balance our reading glasses on the tip of our noses while eating pickles at the Second Avenue Deli.” As the parade progressed down Central Avenue, Mr. Trump became visibly excited when he saw Jus by Julie. “I didn’t know there are Jus here. My daughter converted and would fit right in here with Jus,” he said. The parade came to a halt in front of Mike’s Burgers and Vice President Pence jumped off of the float to take a picture in front of it. Before doing so, the president was overheard saying, “Go ahead Mike. Take a picture in front of Mike’s Burgers.” “Aw, Mr. President, that’s totally not necessary.” “Come on, Mike, you know you want the picture.” “Seriously, Mr. President, ha ha...I’m quite alright as is.” “OK. You are FIIIRRRE...” “Alright! I’ll take the picture.” “That-a-boy.” When the parade passed Oh Nuts the president smiled and said, “This must be where Nancy Pelosi usually hangs out.”

An unamused Ms. Pelosi, who was tweeting her response to the president in real time, really dropped the mic with a six-word zinger: “You’re the real nut, President Bush.” President Trump spontaneously jumped off the float in front of Fame for a picture. “Who is more famous than me? Really folks, really. Who? So true. So true.” When President Trump passed the famous Yours Salon on Central Avenue he decided to stop in for a haircut. After all, the mop on his head needs a talented barber. An ecstatic Sal, who is a HUGE Trump supporter – evidenced by the photos of President Trump in the window of his store – greeted the president in his shop and took a photo with him. But he refused to give him a haircut. “You didn’t make an appointment,” Sal explained emphatically. Mr. Trump pleaded and said that he would pay top dollar for a haircut, but Sal insisted: “No appointment. No haircut for you!” Prior presidents were invited to the parade, but most were unable to attend. President Carter was busy building tunnels for Hamas; President George W. Bush was in the middle of a color-by-number coloring book; and President Obama came down with a vicious case of poison ivy after sitting for fourteen days in a bush for his official presidential portrait. Besides, he had to hang out with his good ol’ bud-

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

dy, Louis Farrakhan. President Trump was particularly perturbed that Mr. Obama didn’t attend. “I was going to stop by Berrylicious and teach Obama how to lick ISIS,” he said. When asked about the president’s comments, Mr. Obama replied, “Mr. Trump may have licked ISIS, but think about the environmental impact of the plastic cup that he used. I never touched ISIS because I didn’t want to spread global warming. In seventeen thousand years the globe is going to be much cooler and our great-great-great-great-great-greatgreat-great-great-grandchildren won’t be able to freeze the way we do.” Bill Clinton actually showed up at the parade but came late. He politely

apologized and said that he was told that the parade is in the Five Towns but since he “doesn’t know what the definition of ‘is’ is” he got lost on the way. He was supposed to bring his political partner – I mean, wife, Hillary – but she was unaware of the date of the parade because she deleted the email about it. Also, she had a vicious cough. Along the parade route there was a smattering of not-my-president protesters. One such protester, who had four piercings in her tongue, two on each lip, three in each nostril and seven in each ear, said, “Thith psesithenth thtinkth.” Another protester, who just finished a stint in a Trump Derangement Syndrome clinic, was holding her emotional support rat and was practicing deep breathing techniques as the president’s convoy passed but she was unable to contain herself and began flailing like the poor stick figure balloon on Rockaway Turnpike in front of Mattress Firm (which used to be Sleepy’s, if you can’t figure that out on your own). When the parade approached the Stefan’s building at the corner of Central Avenue and Rockaway Turnpike, the president marveled at the different colored shutters on the building. He immediately ordered the White House to be adorned with similar shutters. At the parade’s conclusion, Mr. Trump made his way back to JFK Airport for his ride back to Washington. Alas, he is still stuck in traffic on Rockaway Turnpike. Don’t worry, Mr. President, one day they will fix the problem. The politicians assure us of that every few years at the beginning of November before something called “Election Day.”

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Amazon Fulfillment Center Comes to the Five Towns

fter a lengthy process of searching for a location for its new fulfillment center, Amazon has chosen the Five Towns. CEO Jeff Bezos made the announcement from the new location – Ruben’s Barbershop. While standing in the middle of HQ2, as it’s known, a gleeful Bezos said, “This location not only meets all of the criteria that we were looking for but it comes with all of the products we sell!” Marveling at his surroundings, he added, “We don’t have to stock this fulfillment center; they have it all already – batteries, baseball cards, iPhones, beauty supplies, books, screwdrivers, lamps, shoe polish, fidget spinners, candy, watches, etc.” Perhaps a sign that this is a match made in heaven are the barber robes

which contain images of every item sold on Amazon. Although the details are

still being worked out, according to the business plans, barbers at Ruben’s Barber-

shop-HQ2 will sing Bukharin lullabies to Amazon Prime customers as an added ben-

Hillary-ious

efit while they get their haircuts. While Mr. Bezos spoke, his new partner, Ruben, was busy pointing at various members of the press who were on hand for the announcement and urging them to get haircuts. “My friend, please, you are next,” he repeated, while using the comb in his hand to make jabbing motions towards an available barber chair. Mr. Bezos noted that, as an added bonus, he “can get free haircuts for life.” Um, Mr. Bezos, you are bald. Come to think of it – if you were worth $100 billion and were bald like Bezos, how much money would you pay for a full thick head of hair? Discuss!

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Bernie’s Socialist Social Club http://moziru.com/images/hexagon-clipart-snowflake9.pnghttp://moziru.com/images/hexagon-clipart-snowflake9.pnghttp://moziru.com/images/hexagon-clipart-snowflake-9.png

THE WAIT IS OVA’!

All Bernie Bros in the Five Towns are Welcome at Bernie’s Socialist Social Club

Daily activities 11AM-12:30PM: Roundtable discussion about the evils of capitalism and how horrible it is that people actually wake up before 11AM and go to work. Potatoes and mud water served. 1PM- 2PM: Emotional support animal bonding time. Spend time with your emotional support gerbils. Remember, they are people too and should not be neglected! 2:30PM- 4:30PM: Daily protest field trips. This week’s field trip includes “make the magnates pay for magnets!” Protest to be held in front of Gracias Mansion requiring the wealthy to pay a per-car magnet tax. Cardboards and crayons to be provided for posters. Bongos are encouraged because the more headaches we give the better it is! 5PM - 6:30PM: Seltzer tasting competition. “Can you tell which

flavor seltzer it is while blindfolded?” Flavors include plain, plain, plain and plain. Please note: this is just for fun and there are no winners or losers. As Bernie says, “When it’s ova’ everyone’s a winna.” Therapists are on hand to make sure that this activity is played in a way which is sensitive to those with carbonatedbeveragedystopia, a condition affecting .00000000000002 of the population who are unable to discern seltzer flavors. (Why they are not a protected class is CRAAZZYYY!!!! OK...deep breaths...hmmmm...Beeeerrrnnnniiiieeee!)

7PM- 8PM: Adopt an MS13 Member Hour. You will be paired with a local Long Island MS13 member and will get to go on drug running operations with them. (Please be very sensitive to them, they are under a lot of stress because of “you-knowwho,” who is evil and is threatening to throw them out of the U.S., which was built by immigrants. Please handle guns, ammo and drugs with care. If pulled over by the police please immediately resist arrest and call for backup! Remember this easy chant, “Hands up; don’t shoot.”)

8PM- 3AM: Video Game Time. In your mother’s basement. Fee to join: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs!”

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018 The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Trudeau Throws it Down on Trump

anada’s Prime Minister Justin Beaver Trudeau, who recently stated at a town hall meeting that it is not politically correct to say “mankind” and that the term “peoplekind” should be used instead, made headlines when he unloaded on President Trump in another town hall meeting. The liberal, politically correct pretty boy held no punches. “Person-o-person, unfortunately there are too peopley people who don’t realize that Trump is a peopleipulator who used his peopleipulating skills to peopleuver his way into the White House. He is all talk and can’t really oversee anything and is mispersonaging the American economy. He thinks that he will get rid of NAFTA to bring back personofacturing jobs to the U.S. but that is a load of personure. I will outpersoneuver him. His perforpersonce so far has been horrible. He is not the ‘great epersoncipator’ of the American workers and his bad policies will perpersonently hurt the U.S. He is a meglopersoniac who has not only hurt the U.S.’s relationship with Canada but also with important allies in Europe such a Gerpersony. He is dispersontling the world order and he is bad for global hupersonity. I am adapersont that the political ropersonce that some have with him will end rather impersonently when people realize that the big houses and personsions he promised to build for all of them are up in flames as if set afire by a pyropersoniac. He is a very scary boogyperson and people should depersond better from their compersonder-in-chief. He should be repripersonded by Congress and his White House should be dispersontled before he steals everything for himself, because he is a kleptopersoniac and will do that. It’s all about him and his ego because he is a complete egoperoniac.” Mr. Trudeau concluded by saying, “I know that what I’m about to say is politically incorrect, but since I am talking about Trump I can say anything. There is definitely some-

thing wrong with Trump’s head – I really think he is peopletal!” With that, Mr. Trudeau left the town hall to get another manicure. Oh, so sorry, I hope I didn’t offend any snowflakes. He left to get a personucure.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Epic Moment Leads to New Siri Voice

t was an “aha moment” like no other. When Apple CEO Tim Cook stopped in Cedarhurst for a quick bite to eat before heading back to Palo Alto recently, he put a bitcoin in the meter and waited for instructions. And then he froze. “That voice! It is what I have been looking for my entire life!” he thought to himself. “Touch screen here,” the voice emanating from the Cedarhurst parking meter said with a perfect blend of a horrible fake British accent and a post-nasal drip. Cook instantly decided that this would be the new voice of Siri. That evening millions of Apple users were asked to update their soft-

ware to 11.924.52.4.47. When they reached for their iPhones at 3AM for their middle-of-the-night “is the world on fire” browsing session, they were treated to the new voice of Siri. In other news, millions of people have been reporting heightened levels of stress in their lives, due to an unknown cause. One common thread is that they are all iPhone users. For some reason, which is unknown as of yet, many people have been crushing their iPhones, Hillary-style. Some have gone so far as even flushing them down the toilet. But even chucking the phones hasn’t decreased their tension. Once you hear that dreaded voice, you can never forget it. “Touch arrow pointing to your vehicle.” Aaaahhhhrrrgghhhhh!

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018 The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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UFO Sighting in the Five Towns

Five Towns resident, Yankel Cholemacher, was whisked to NASA headquarters last week after he saw a UFO on Central Avenue last Monday. The visibly shaken young man was interviewed by a team of scientists and was asked to tell them exactly what he saw. “So, I was driving on Central Avenue and there was a buildup of traffic,” he began. “Sounds credible so far,” declared the scientists in unison. “And there was a car on a street to my right with a driver who had a left blinker on. So, to be nice, I stopped and let the driver make a left turn in front of me.” At this point the scientists were on the edge of their seats. “Then, I went into semi-shock when I noticed what looked like a hand lifting up and making a waving-like motion in the driver’s window!” “A waving motion? Are you sure?!” asked the scientists incredulously. “Yes, I’m telling you I saw it. Five fingers in the air with the hand swiveling on the wrist from right to left,” Yankel reiterated. “Must have been a UFO!” declared the ecstatic scientists.

Dr. Roundglases Kombover explained to TJH that they were able to instantly determine that it, in fact, was a UFO sighting because there is no statistically possible alternative explanation. “Um…er…uh...based on our data, the likelihood of a driver waving to another driver who extends a courtesy in the Five Towns is so small that it can’t even be considered a possibility. There is…um…er…uh… more of a chance of someone driving a minivan that’s not a Pacifica. So it must have been a UFO that Mr. Cholemacher saw.”

According to Dr. Urpain Ismypain, who is a psychologist with NASA, it’s very hard for drivers in the Five Towns to wave to other drivers who extend them a courtesy. “First of all, many of them have heavy rings or watches which weigh down their hands and makes it hard for them to lift their hands to give a nanosecond wave,” he explained. “Others feel like waving makes them vulnerable.” TJH caught up with a driver and asked her if she would ever wave at someone who extends her a courtesy on the road. “Neva…neva,” she re-

The Foldable Sheitel Arrives

t is finally “hair!” The foldable sheitel! Famed sheitel macha Shaindy Sheitel, of Shaindy’s Shaina Sheitels in Boro Park, has invented the first ever foldable sheitel (pronounced “shy-tel”). “Oy, Ribbono Shel Oilam, for years I had to deal with big sheitel boxes whenever I went to Miami Beach. I mean, I always sit in first class, but still, it was hard to shlep the big box around. Now I have a foldable sheitel and I am able to put it in my Louis Vuitton Sac Plat Fusion Fire handbag that I take with me to Miami to throw stuff in,” said Yentel Schmaltzburg. The foldable sheitel, which bears a strong resemblance to a dead rodent, is lightweight and easy to fold; you

just bunch it into a ball and shove it in your pocket. The best thing about the foldable sheitel is that Orthodox women will no longer need to use sheitel covers in the rain which oftentimes causes them to be mistaken for the Amish. Instead, the sheitel can fit in their coat pocket and they can cover their hair with a sleek, sophisticated snood. One proud foldable sheitel user said, “I mean, I love wearing Gourmet Glatt and Seasons bags on my head on Shabbos, but now I can wear them when they are a good match with my shoes and not just because it’s raining. It’s mamash a lifesaver. Shaindy, you are a genius!” As Shaindy says, when it comes to sheitels – you gotta know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em!

sponded. “It could mess up my manicure.” Another young man, driving a car with vanity license plate IMNTITLD, said, “Why would I wave? Do you even know what I accomplished in my life? Seriously. Look at my socks – count the colors. Have you ever worn socks with that many colors? Now get out of my way so I can show you my speeding and U-turn skills.” Other drivers in the past have claimed to see such UFOs as well but most of those cases did not stand up to the scrutiny of NASA scientists. People have come in with similar sightings from time to time but they usually had credibility issues. For example, one person told NASA scientists that she was on a carpool pickup line and let a driver in ahead of her and the driver waved, as if saying “thank you.” The scientists found that totally not credible, “Why would someone wave, as if saying thank you, when all you did for them was give them fifteen minutes of your life?” If anyone else sees such a sighting in NASA County, they are urged to call (800) IM-HALLUCINATING (you can leave the last 6 numbers off because you need help faaaaaaasssst!).

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Magnet Tax Rocks Orthodox Community

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n his first State of the City address of his second term Comrade Bill de Bill-sio touched upon familiar themes such as wage disparity, the One Percent, and increasing the minimum wage for unskilled, untrained and unschooled workers to $114 per hour. “Me and my wife, Chirlane McCray – yes, we are hip and she never adopted my surname – could never live on the salary that some people live on, which is why I take bribes...I mean...which is why I want to raise the minimum wage.” But his proposal to pay for the minimum wage hike has led to some crying foul. Mr. de Bill-sio introduced a bill to tax vehicles $1 a month for each magnetic decal plastered on its trunk and additional fees for other stickers. For generic magnets, the fee is $1. But for any “Hashem Loves Me” magnets on said vehicle, the fee increases to $5. This proposal drew immediate backlash from the Orthodox Jewish community in New York. “How can he do that to me?” cried Ms. Oorah Simcha. “My magnets and I have a CIMBY-otic relationship. Mayor de Bill-sio is Kaylee-ing me!” Mendel Magnetstein explained to TJH, “I am a person with very strong political convictions and it’s important for me to express those strong political convictions on the bumper of my car.” However, supporters of the measure argue that the exponential number of magnets on some Orthodox vehicles cause E-ZPass machines to get confused and jam up so it’s only fair for people to pay for the right to have magnets. The legislature has circulated material to residents containing tips on how to deal with the new magnet

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Call (800) TAP-FISA tax. “Go Magnet-Free Cold Turkey,” blares the header. “Much like removing a Band-Aid, the slower you do it, the more it hurts. The best thing is to get rid of them all at once,” they advise. However, one noted magnether-

apist told TJH that there is no way to go magnet-free cold turkey and anyone who tries it is setting themselves up for failure. “The best way is by taking baby steps — aim to remove one magnet per week and after 83 weeks all your magnets will be

removed,” she stated before handing our reporter a car magnet declaring, “My magnetherapist loves me.” Bill advocates held a rally in front of Gracias Mansion in support of the bill, chanting, “Make the magnates pay for magnets!”

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Two Brothers and Their ThreeCornered Cookies 10 Questions for Reisman’s Bakery By M. Lowinger

et’s play a game. I’ll tell you a word and you tell me what that word brings to mind. Ready? Here goes. “Purim!” For most people reading this column, the word “Purim” brought up images of hamantashen. And when you’re talking about hamantashen, the hamantash that come to mind is inevitably Reisman’s ubiquitous three-cornered nosh. In a world filled with self-proclaimed foodies and Instagram chefs, the classic and timeless Reisman’s hamantash is still universally accepted as the best of the bunch. This week, we caught up with Esther from Reisman’s who was able to give us a very small glimpse into the company that churns out hundreds of thousands of hamantashen a year around the globe.

Esther, we all know the name but not much about who the Reismans are. Our bakery was started by two brothers, Avrum and Berel Reisman, both Holocaust survivors. Avrum was the baker and Berel was the salesman. They opened in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in 1962. There were lots of bakeries in Brooklyn during the late1900s. What was special about Reisman’s? Avrum and Berel were innovative and creative. They were the first to come up with the idea of selling packaged baked goods in groceries and supermarkets. Now everyone does it, of course. But back then you bought your rugelach in a bakery and your milk in a grocery. Their first really big break was when Waldbaum’s started selling their products. Then other supermarkets followed. Purim is here and with it comes our yearly hamantashen-nosh-

ing trance. Do you sell the hamantashen all year-round? Yes we do. In our community, hamantashen sell primarily during the Purim season. But in the general market, they are sold all year-round. Only the name is changed. We call them Fruit Tarts! Well, what’s in a name anyway, as long as it has a sweet filling and soft, flaky dough. Has the recipe changed over the years? Not really, but we’ve added some new filling flavors. Years ago, it was all about prune or poppy seed. Now we offer raspberry, apricot, chocolate, mango, and pomegranate. Which flavors are the most popular? Raspberry and apricot, for sure. And chocolate is a close runner up. How many hamantashen do you bake? The weeks before Purim, Reisman’s Bakery bakes a whopping

124,000 hamantashen per day – and they’re all pinched by hand. Reisman’s hamantashen are everywhere. Where’s the furthest you ever shipped them? All over North America, including Hawaii and Canada. We send them to Lubavitch shluchim, shuls, temples, and organizations throughout the country. We’ve also sent them to Jewish soldiers on army bases and prisoners through the Aleph Institute. Hamantashen have a long shelf life, so the orders start coming in well before Adar. Wow! That’s a lot of hamantashen! What are some unusual requests that have been made? People constantly ask us to make different flavors or colors to match their Purim theme. We’ve been asked to do coffee flavor and purple jam, to name just two. Much as we’d like to, we can’t really accommodate everyone’s requests.

So far, just today, I’ve eaten a whole box of hamantashen. Tell me, how many calories are in a Reisman’s hamantasch? Each one is about 100 calories. A hundred calories doesn’t sound too bad, although a whole box of them, on the other hand... Hamantashen aside, what’s your most popular product? The Brownie Bar, no question about it. People can’t get enough of them. And there’s an interesting story behind it. The Reisman brothers once went to a bakery show and saw a machine that manufactures knishes. They decided to buy it and experimented with chocolate instead! After months of trial and error, the Brownie Bar was born! I now have added respect for knishes, if it is through them that the Brownie Bar was born.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Nosh Nosh a

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

amantash H BY NINA SAFAR

This year, the traditional hamantashen get a fun and modern makeover with sweet and savory flavors from Kosher in the Kitch! Forget the classic fillings of raspberry, prune and apricot and enjoy these three tasty combos of cookie butter and cheesecake, chocolate and vanilla pudding, and barbecue chicken pizza.Â Purim will never be the same!

Chocolate Eclair Hamantashen

While traditional eclairs use a batter to bake the crispy shell and then a homemade custard filling, this recipe uses puff pastry dough, instant vanilla pudding and chocolate chips, making it a super simple yet delicious treat to whip up for the holiday. INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

Puff pastry dough 1 packet of instant vanilla pudding, prepared 1 package chocolate chips

Cut a triangle shape out of puff pastry dough using a cookie cutter. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then bake on 350Â°F for 10 to 12 minutes until puffed. Once puff pastry is baked, allow to cool off then take one puff pastry triangle and gently separate into two layers. Top one layer with vanilla pudding then place the other layer on top of pudding. Melt chocolate chips by placing in microwave safe bowl and melt on 30 second intervals. Top puff pastry triangle with melted chocolate.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018 OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

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Lotus Cookie Butter Cheesecake Hamantashen Sweet caramel cookie butter and classic creamy cheesecake are a match made in hamantashen heaven. The cookie crumble and the glaze on top are the perfect topping to this holiday treat. This recipe makes about 20 hamantashen.

INGREDIENTS Dough 2/3 cup sugar ½ cup oil 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 2 ½ cups flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 cup cheesecake filling (recipe

below) 1 cup Lotus cookie butter Crushed lotus cookie for garnish

Cheesecake Filling 1 8oz. package of cream cheese 1/3 cup of sugar (you could use ½ cup if you like it very sweet) 1 tsp of vanilla extract

Cookie Butter Icing ¾ cup powdered sugar 1 TBS almond or soy milk. Water can also be used 1 TBS Biscoff Lotus cookie butter

PREPARATION Cream together sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla. Slowly add flour and baking powder. Mix together. The dough might be crumbly; use your hands to smooth it out and combine it. Roll out dough on floured surface (about ¼ to 1/8 thick. Not too thick since then the circles are hard to shape and will open up. Not too thin since then it will rip when shaping or filling) and cut out circles using a large circle cookie cutter or the rim of a large glass cup or mason jar. Combine the cheesecake ingredients together in a separate bowl until smooth. It should yield around 1 cup of filling. Fill center of the circle of dough with cheesecake filling (about ½ tsp to 1 tsp) then add a ½ teaspoon cookie butter on top of cheesecake batter. Fold over one side, then the next and finally bring the bottom up to the top. Gently pinch the corners. You can also simply bring up the sides, forming a triangle by pinching the corners together. Bake on 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes depending on how soft or crispy you want them. I like them super soft so I bake them for about 12 minutes. Combine the ingredients for the icing until smooth. Allow hamantashen to cool off then drizzle cookie butter icing on top and sprinkle lotus cookie crumbs over glaze. These hamantashen freeze well.

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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

BBQ Chicken Pizza Hamantashen

Soft pizza dough stuffed with shredded bbq chicken takes the traditional hamantash and turns it into a savory appetizer for the holiday. Using storebought rotisserie chicken, these take minutes to prepare and are ready to serve in about 10 minutes, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on Purim.

INGREDIENTS 20 mini pizza doughs 1 rotisserie chicken 1 cup barbecue sauce Cilantro for garnish, optional

PREPARATION Shred rotisserie chicken using a knife or two forks. Combine chicken and barbecue sauce. Place a tablespoon of chicken in center of pizza dough. Fold over left side, then right side, pinching the corners together. Bring up the bottom to seal the triangle. Bake on 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until dough is cooked through and slightly crispy. Optional: garnish with additional barbecue sauce and chopped cilantro. Nina Safar is the founder and foodie of Kosher in the Kitch! She started her blog in search of the best recipes and realized, you don’t need to be a chef to cook a good meal. With the right recipe, or blog, you can enjoy delicious cuisine right from your home! Browse through the site to find your next favorite dish.

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The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

In The K

tchen

Bagel, Lox & Cream Cheese Hamantashen By Melinda Strauss

The hashtag #jewfood just got taken to a whole new level! This flakey dough, studded with dill flavored havarti, creates a cheesy crust that is out of this world. The creamy filling mimics a traditional bagel with whipped cream cheese, lox and chives. And while everything bagels might not be your thing (but really, is that even possible?), they are certainly mine! Why choose a favorite topping when I can just get them all at once?! Trust me, you want to make these hamantashen and serve them breakfast, lunch and dinner. Then you want to turn them into a sandwich with more cream cheese, lox and dill because turning hamantashen into a sandwich just seems like the right thing to do! Ingredients Havarti Cheese Dough 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp salt 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed 1 cup shredded havarti cheese 1 TBS fresh chopped dill 1/3 cup ice water

Lox and Cream Cheese Filling 1 cup whipped cream cheese ¼ cup chopped lox 1 TBS chopped fresh chives 2 tsp lemon juice ¼ tsp salt

Topping ½ cup Everything Spice mix 1 egg + 1 tsp water, whisked

Preparation In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and combine with a fork until the texture of coarse sand. Gently fold in the havarti cheese and dill then add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 days. This dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to make the hamantashen, preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to around ¼-inch thick. Cut 3 inch circles and place them on the baking sheet. To make the filling, fold together the cream cheese, lox, chives, lemon juice and salt. Spoon ½ teaspoon of filling into the center of each dough round, then fold into a triangle, pinching the ends tightly. Brush the tops of the hamantashen with the egg wash, then sprinkle heavily with the Everything Spice mix. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese in the dough is beginning to brown. Enjoy these hamantashen hot or cold. Melinda Strauss is a food blogger and certified health coach based in Long Island, NY. Her blog, Kitchen-Tested.com, has established itself as a leader in the kosher food industry with its creative recipes, healthful ingredients and innovative flavor combinations that inspire readers to be fearless in the kitchen.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Good Hum r

Melodramatic Mishloach Manos By Susan Schwamm

know there are some of you who are reading this a week before Purim who have no clue what you’ll be sending out for mishloach manos this year. To you I say, forget it. Don’t even send out mishloach manos this year. You’re too late. Start working on next week’s mishloach manos now and maybe you’ll be OK for next year. But for this year? There’s just not enough time. You may think I’m exaggerating but Purim is serious business. I start to plan my Purim right after I put away my Pesach dishes. Wait, wait, wait, that’s not really true. I start thinking about my Purim mishloach manos for next year right after I come home from megillah – on Purim night. You can never be too early when it comes to mishloach manos ideas. After all, you don’t want to

have the same mishloach manos every year and G-d forbid anyone from the block or neighborhood should be sending out your same theme. Blasphemous! The truth is, it’s OK if someone from your state has the same theme, although keep in mind that sometimes Lakewood (which is in New Jersey) overlaps a bit with New York, so if you want to play it safe I’d stay clear of the tristate area. But really, this takes a lot of work. I’ve been asked to give some tips to readers about how to create the ideal mishloach manos. Truthfully, when you’re planning mishloach manos it’s not just mishloach manos that you’re planning. You are creating an ambiance, a mood, a setting for your entire Purim. The costumes that your family wears, the seudah that you plan, the décor for your

home – it’s all intertwined. So it’s a big concept that you need to work on and it’s not for the faint of heart. I’d like to go over some of my Purim themes from previous years to get you into the headspace. You can, if you wish – although I strongly advise against it because then it won’t be original – use my ideas. I’m always happy to share, especially since I won’t be using that same theme again – ever. First, you should know, that when I redid my house, I had my contractor install a Purim closet in the basement. It’s not really a closet but I call it a closet because otherwise my husband would never have allowed a room the size of my kitchen to be used in the basement just for Purim. “It’s only one day a year,” he says. But he has no clue about what goes

into making Purim! Last year, Purim was a zoo at my house – for real. I went with an animal theme for mishloach manos because I felt it was so versatile. The costumes were easy – I had my husband dress up like a wooly mammoth; those animals are just so cool. My kids were sloths (they take forever to get dressed in the morning!) and I was a starfish – because, like, I’m a star. I had a designer who made the costumes for “Lion King” design our costumes, and they came out amazing, aside from the fact that we couldn’t get into the car. You know what? It was worth it! I had my mechanic create a specialized float so we could ride down Central Avenue delivering mishloach manos. The best part? No traffic. Once the community saw a

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

huge wooly mammoth, four sloths and a giant starfish rolling down the streets, they ran for cover. Some people wouldn’t even open the door for us when we went to hand them their mishloach manos. I tell you, those costumes were so authentic! Want to know what mishloach manos I gave last year? This was, by far, the most coveted mishloach manos in the neighborhood. I wanted to give foods that could be used at the seudah, like, isn’t that the mitzvah or something like that? So I called up the hosts from Bison & Bourbon. They know me there. Shmuely and I go there every Thursday night. They prepared the most delicious steaks, which I sent along with their famous Bourbon Onions. I know that people get thirsty so I made sure to include craft beer (get it? beer/bear?!). And for dessert I had Ben & Jerry’s make their delicious Phish Food ice cream into a pareve version for me. My friends went crazy! The mishloach manos was the talk of the town; for months I couldn’t walk down Central Avenue without people telling me how they couldn’t believe that I was able to arrange it all. I mean, I could barely get my Shabbos shopping done – I kept on getting accosted by friends in Gourmet! To go with the zoo/animal theme, my house on Purim actually became a safari. Shmuely helped me get a circus lion tamer, and he was the entertainment at the seudah. It was brilliant, except for a small mishap when one of the lions got slightly distracted by one of our guests’ sparkly bowties but there were no real injuries, so all was OK, although I think our guest still has a slight scar. It’s behind his ear, so it doesn’t really show. Oh, and at the end of the night, I sent my friends (female only) home with a new sheitel. Get it? I gave them some hair (hare? Got it?). It’s a bit of a stretch but buh-lieve me, no one complains when you gift them with a $4K prize at the end of an amazing night. This column was not meant to make you jealous that you’re not on my 2-feet tall list of people I send mishloach manos to. Really, don’t feel bad about that. I’m sure you’re still a good person. This article is

meant to give you inspiration for you to create your own over-the-top mishloach manos. So here are a few other ideas that I have come up with over the years. It’s my pleasure to share them; after all, as I explained, I ain’t ever doing them again.

out 57 varieties of Heinz ketchup – to each person. And I didn’t just give the ketchup. Each variety had something to go with it. So I sent along a hot dog with one variety, a hamburger with another, French fries, onion rings, eggs, pasta...you get my point.

The best part? No traffic. Once the community saw a huge wooly mammoth, four sloths and a giant starfish rolling down the streets, they ran for cover.

Let’s see, two years ago I had ketchup on my mind. The idea came to me in a flash one time we were barbecuing. Ever look at a Heinz ketchup bottle? It says “57 varieties.” Varieties of what? So I set out to give

Wow! It was like 28 meals in one. But I always feel that when you’re dealing with mishloach manos, the more you put in, the better. Just stuff it in. Like Achashveirosh loaded it on at the mishteh, I want to load it

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on with mishloach manos. Middah k’neged middah, or something like that. My friends told me that that mishloach manos kept their families full until bedikas chometz night. I believe them. Three years ago my mishloach manos was just adorable. I had Pesach on my mind (who doesn’t?). So I made each person blue slurpees and filled an empty Windex bottle with the slurpee and then I made yellow lemonade and filled an empty Mr. Clean bottle with the lemonade. The tag line? Drink up the fruits of your labor! Get it? It was hysterical. I had so much Windex left over, though, that I started cleaning my kids’ faces before each school day with Windex that year. Come to think of it, I was wondering why they all had weird blotches on their faces in the Purim pictures. Oh, well, they look OK now. Back in 2011, when Steve Jobs died, I decided to go with a computer theme. I thought it would be cute to package the mishloach manos in a computer box so we ordered all these Macs and used the boxes for the mishloach manos. (Don’t worry; I didn’t want to throw out all those new computers, so I let my kids give them out to their friends in school at recess. They are such giving children.) Anyway, when my friends opened up their “computer” box, they got some dill (get it? Dell) pickles, a McIntosh apple (that was easy), chips, cookies, Nerds, and chocolate mousse (like a mouse). I also had them reengineer SPAM to make it kosher (took quite a while, I must say) and I included that too, although I have to say that it tasted terrible. This year, my theme is truly over-the-top, and I am so excited for Purim! Purim is my absolutely, completely most favorite holiday. It’s my time to shine, to show everyone how creative I am and how geshikt I can be. If you see someone driving down Central Avenue in something that looks like it should be in the Metropolitan Museum of Art with an 18-piece band strolling behind, that’s probably our family. But ssshhh, don’t even ask about our theme this year. We’ll never tell.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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DRS Alumni in Israel

very year, DRS Menahel Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky and Associate Principal Rabbi Elly Storch visit DRS alumni studying in yeshivot in Israel during their gap year between high school and college. Each year, roughly 96% of DRS alumni study abroad in 20 different

yeshivot including Kerem B’Yavneh, Reishit Yerushalayim, Shaalvim, Netiv Aryeh, Yeshivat HaKotel, Mevaseret, Gush Etzion, Torat Shraga, and Lev HaTorah. The purpose of the visit is to continue to strengthen the rebbe-talmid relationship that DRS is so famous for. It gives the rabbeim

tremendous nachas to see so many alumni growing through their experience in yeshiva abroad. Rabbi Storch and Rabbi Kaminetsky meet with every single student, documenting each of their experiences in order to better serve our students when helping them make their decision of where to go to

Yeshiva in the future. Additionally, DRS held an alumni reunion, hosted by Yeshiva Netiv Aryeh, where every DRS alum learning in Israel joined together to create another great DRS experience.

Orthodox Jewish Nurses Association Conference

urses are at the forefront of healthcare. They advocate for all patients – young and old. The vital role of a nurse in the care of patients is often overlooked. One tends to forget that it is the nurse who spends the most time with and is closest to the patient. This responsibility is magnified when the patient is Orthodox and requires special attention to halachic principles as well as sensitivity to make the patients feel comfortable that they are being cared for in a manner that does not violate their adherence to halacha and its many permutations. Because of its orientation and sensitivity to halacha, the Orthodox Jewish Nurses Association (OJNA) has become an vital component in the care of Orthodox Jewish patients. The Orthodox Jewish Nurses Association seeks to provide a forum for discussion of professional issues for Orthodox Jewish nurses, provide social and professional activities for members, and to promote the welfare and serve the special needs of its members. OJNA supports Orthodox Jewish nurses and educates them on how to most effectively navigate the healthcare industry. Because Orthodox Jewish nurses have a unique responsibility to their community, OJNA provides invaluable resources and information on situations they encounter with regards to Jewish law. Perhaps the largest obstacle Orthodox Jewish nurses encounter is the inability to work on Shabbos, a

requirement for almost every hospital-based nursing position. Certain healthcare institutions refrain from hiring more than a few Orthodox nurses because they will not be available for work on Saturdays. Often, this forces Orthodox Jewish nurses to pursue other areas of employment. A unifying factor of this group of nurses is the commonality of issues faced due to their identity and religious practices. They confront similar challenges because of time constraints, family factors, and lifestyle choices. The comfort in knowing that there are other nurses out there who have experienced a similar situation provides support and encouragement. Members enjoy the networking opportunity available at annual conferences and throughout the year on our very active Facebook forum. With over 1,600 forum members, Facebook postings help nurses get jobs and have provided mentorship for resumes, night shift concerns, career advancement, schooling, head covering, and much more. OJNA’s annual nursing conference is the highlight event of the year. It is attended by well over 100 nurses primarily from the metropolitan New York area. Attendees also come from Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Lakewood, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Indiana. Samara Gold, along with her mother and sister, traveled from South Bend, Indiana, to participate in an annual conference held in New York City. “I was excited to attend the OJNA con-

ference with my mother (Julie Blatt) and sister (Chana Blatt), who are both nurses as well. I felt it was worth the travel to meet and spend time with other nurses who share our unique challenges and values. Living in a smaller Jewish community, Orthodox Jewish nurses and patients are a very small minority. I especially appreciated learning about community resources that haven’t yet made their way to my area, but could benefit so many people there.” In 2016, over a hundred nurses gathered in anticipation of an impressive lineup of speakers addressing various issues of shared interest. Some of the topics discussed include breast and ovarian cancer, care of the special needs population, teens at risk, and caring for aging Holocaust survivors. Reva Judas, founder and director of Nechama Comfort, spoke about perinatal loss and bereavement. She said, “Be informed and know what resources are available to you. The nurse’s position is twofold –dealing with a patient as a nurse and as part of the Jewish community.” Rabbi Elchonon Zohn, of the National Association of Chevra Kadisha, spoke about kavod hameis and how frum nurses should behave within the guidelines of halacha in the face of death and provide support to families under such stressful circumstances. Prior conferences discussed prenatal screening and testing, eating disorders, cutting and other teen behaviors, organ donation, infertil-

ity, domestic violence, bullying and lateral workplace violence, and legal issues pertaining to the nursing profession. Rochie Simchi, RN of Passaic, NJ recalls a talk by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, a”h. “The Rebbetzin was so appreciative of the nurses who took care of her husband when he was sick. She left us with a strong message of ‘Be a Blessing.’ She had us all in tears! Her talk left such an impression on me.” We are looking forward to our upcoming annual conference. It will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 in Lander College for Women. It is open to men and women and will offer continuing education credits for participants. Cholov Yisroel breakfast and lunch will be served. We are expecting 150-200 attendees this year. Participants will hear from an amazing lineup of speakers who will discuss reproductive technology, vaccination and the Jewish community, genetics in Jewish law, PANDAS, atopic dermatitis, transformational leadership, nursing malpractice, and more. For more information about our organization, visit our newly launched website, jewishnurses.org, and see the many services we offer: mentorship, career and writing assistance, resume review, rollout of our first professional nursing journal, as well as national chapter networking and social events.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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eginning February 24, the theatrical production of “Yosef the Musical” featuring the music of internationally acclaimed singer Gad Elbaz and producer Zvika Bornstein will debut for a short run at the Master Theater in Brooklyn. Madraigos, along with six other organizations, has aligned themselves with this production to help raise funds for its programs and services which benefit the Five Towns community and beyond. Unlike the well-known Broadway musical by a similar name, this allmale musical production about Yosef and his brothers is based on Torah and commentaries. It is a professional production with original songs, dance, and comedy highlighting the importance of achdus and emunah and designed for the whole family to enjoy. “Yosef the Musical” is a grand stage spectacle with colorful costumes and sets that takes place on stage and throughout the theatre. This energy-packed show will leave the audience laughing, crying, and inspired. The cast of 30 professional adult and child actors transports the audience on a voyage back in time as this colorful story of Yaakov, Yosef, and Yosef’s brothers comes to life. The production’s subject matter befits the time of year as it tells the tale of a slave who became a master, a prisoner who became a king, and a king who became a legend. Audiences of all ages will sit down to their family sedarim spiritually uplifted by the inspirational story and memorable music, making Purim and Pesach even more meaningful. The professional production has earned high praise from countless critics. The Jewish Press declares it a “smash hit.” A journalist from the Five Towns calls it “genuine and powerful, Broadway caliber.” TheJewishInsights.com proclaims it “family entertainment at its best.” Zvika Bornstein, director, producer, playwright, lyricist, and composer, has become a much-admired, innovative director in the world of theater and Jewish entertainment as he combines his extensive experience in theater and his sensitivity to the nuances and needs of the Orthodox community. For over twenty years Bornstein has built his respected reputation by pursuing and embracing a wide range of works

for the stage from new plays and classics to musicals and concerts. He has also employed his visionary talents to create and choreograph many music videos, which have been viewed by millions around the globe and are changing the face of the Jewish music industry. Gad Elbaz, who plays a central role in the cast of “Yosef the Musical,” elevates it with his excitement and showmanship. Gad is one of the top recording artists in the Jewish music industry and is currently the most recognized name and face in Jewish music worldwide. Regarding “Yosef the Musical,” Elbaz commented, “I knew if Zvika was directing and producing this show, then it had to be top notch. It was something I had to be part of.” Rivka Lock, Director of Development, Madraigos appreciates the opportunity to be among the event partners. “This is an amazing production. It has been a pleasure working with Zvika Bornstein to make this event a successful endeavor. We are grateful to Cross River Bank, Executive Producer Sponsor, for their very generous event sponsorship. Gourmet Glatt, Associate Producer Sponsor, is graciously sponsoring this event as well and we appreciate it very much,” Lock said. Six shows are scheduled: February 24 at 7 PM, February 25th at 2:30 PM and 7 PM, February 27 at 7 PM, and March 11 at 2:30 PM and 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at www.yosefthemusical.com by calling 718-2084599 or at the door two hours before each performance. For group tickets of 20 people or more, please contact group sales at 718-208-4599. Separate seating is available. The production is recommended for children five-yearsold and up. For event and playbill sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rivka Lock at 516-371-3250 x102 or rlock@ madraigos.org. Funds raised from “Yosef the Musical” will assist Madraigos, a 501c-3 not-for-profit organization, in providing a wide array of valuable mental health, social and spiritual services geared towards helping teens and young adults overcome life’s everyday challenges one step at a time. For more information about Madraigos, please call 516-371-3250 or visit www.madraigos.org.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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Alumni of Yeshivas Be’er Yitzchok Melava Malka

Rabbi Schulman with alumnus Menachem Ruvel

n Motzei Shabbos, Parshas Teruma, February 17, alumni of Yeshiva Be’er Yitzchok of Elizabeth gathered for an inspiring Melava Malka in North Woodmere. The event was graciously hosted by Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Friedler in

Rabbi Schulman, Rephoel Gluck, and the host, Rabbi Yosef Friedler

their home and alumni braved the storm and came from across the Five Towns to spend time with old friends. It was also a special opportunity for everyone to hear divrei chizuk from the Rosh Hayeshiva, Rabbi Avrohom Schulman.

Rabbi Schulman mentioned that we find chochma by the Yidden because we have faith in Hashem and we grow in our ruchnius. He went on further to explain that through kabalas haTorah, we have an underlying faith in Hashem which makes us steadfast

Smiles Abound at Bnos Melava Malka

n a rainy Motzei Shabbos Parshas Mishpatim, girls from all over the Five Towns and Far Rockaway communities gathered to celebrate a new community-wide organization, established earlier this year. Bnos, in conjunction with the Agudath Israel of Long Island, has added tremendously to the girls’ growth and Shabbos afternoon experience. Each week, girls gather in TAG High School to play wholesome and exciting games, gather with their friends, enjoy some nosh, and listen to a dynamic guest storyteller. The feedback has been enormous as the program is truly filling a void of a kosher and fun place for girls to enjoy them-

selves on Shabbos afternoon. The first annual Melava Malka was celebrated in Bnos Bais Yaakov, allowing everyone to participate even if they generally live too far to join on Shabbos. The atmosphere was electric as the girls’ smiles lit up the room despite the gloomy conditions outside. Everyone was treated to an adorable cupcake decorating activity, music, dancing, pizza and a riveting performance by Syltig the Magician. Returning home with raffles and a Bnos car magnet, the girls truly felt connected with one another. For sponsorship opportunities please email office@agudahli.org.

Rabbi Schulman catching up with alumnus Rabbi Tzvi Madetsky

in our emunas Hashem, unlike the umos ha’olam, whose chochma gets warped and disillusioned when they are tested with a nisayon. Instead of remaining strong they buckle and are involved with their desires.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Rosh Chodesh Fun at BYAM

he girls at Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam had a great time at the Rosh Chodesh Assembly on Friday. Each girl was given another girl in her class’s name and she had to write something nice about her in a letter. They then decorated a bag and stuck the letter and nosh in the bag to brighten up another person’s day. This ensured that everyone was marbim b’simcha on Rosh Chodesh Adar! May it be a month of simchos for all Klal Yisorel!

We have ribbon raffia cellophane bags and plastic cylinders and boxes as well as gift bags bows shred tissue paper and facepaint.

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The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Love for Sophie. Run for Sophie.

hen parents find out their child has cancer, their world changes completely. When Sophie was diagnosed with pleuropulmonary blastoma just before her third birthday, her parents, David and Jenny Spangenthal, knew they were not going to sit by or hide what they were going through. Of course, they sought out the best medical treatment, but they also shared their story and brought a community together. Their blog, Love for Sophie, keeps their friends, family and neighbors in the loop. What they did next, however, is truly extraordinary. They created Team Sophie and ran the Miami Half Marathon with Team Lifeline. Team Lifeline is an endurance training program that brings runners from all over the world to destination races, raising funds and awareness for Chai Lifeline. Team Lifeline participates in the FitBit Miami Marathon/Half Marathon, NYC Marathon, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon/Half Marthon/10K. Each year Team Lifeline raises significant funds for Chai Lifeline’s children. Chai Lifeline stepped in as soon as Sophie was diagnosed. They helped Jenny and David access the right specialists, provided meals when she was hospitalized, and arranged transportation to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where their daughter was treated. Volunteers visited Sophie, bringing toys and games to keep her occupied, and even arranged special events just for her, as Sophie was immunosuppressed and could not

play with other children. You name it, Chai Lifeline was happy to do it. David and Jenny wanted to give back to the organization that has been keeping them afloat. They rallied together their friends and family and brought Team Sophie down to Miami for the Half Marathon on January 28, 2018 with Team Lifeline. Team Sophie raised $56,276 for the children of Chai Lifeline. “Nothing prepared us for how inspirational the entire weekend would be,” says David. “We knew we’d be surrounded by families and others who’ve been touched by illness, but to see the excitement and joy in everyone’s faces was incredibly moving. The pre-race pasta party was really the highlight of our trip. Sophie being able to go up on stage and wave to the hundreds of people in the room who are supporting her and our family really meant so much to us.” Sophie is an incredible child who has touched so many people already. Her strength and courage is an inspiration to everyone she meets. Her smile is contagious and her positive attitude is admirable. Sophie is a true Chai Lifeline Warrior, with amazing parents who provide her with encouragement and support every single day. For more information about Team Lifeline visit www.teamlifeline.org. You can make a difference too. To learn more about how you can be part of the team and inspire your community, email tdagan@teamlifeline.org.

project: YHKSERVICES.COM

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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The Turning Point: The Night of Purim

ehind every mishloach manos label, behind every Purim sign, behind every Purim greeting, we have a wish...for a freilichen Purim and a freilichen tamid. As we are surrounded with the costumes and the singing and the joy, we cannot help but think how this entire celebration is…a costume. We think about the broken hearts behind the mask, and we wish that the simcha of Purim can spread to our everyday reality. At the Kollel Chatzos headquarters, we hear this wish reverberate over our phonelines as we are inundated with hundreds of callers from cities across the globe, requesting to partake in the tremendous zchus of all-night Torah learning on Purim night in their zchus. As the callers share their heartbreaking plights and heartfelt yearnings for salvation, we feel their pain… and share their hope. After all, ever since the original Purim miracle, the night of Purim is a particularly ripe time for salvation. The Chasam Sofer assures individuals who learn between the two megillah readings that they will merit a year of life, tranquility, and nachas – and a guarantee for Olam Haba. The Me’or v’Shemesh explains that because the entire Purim miracle began with Achashveirosh’s slum-

Kever of Mordechai and Esther in B’reim

ber-less night – “b’layla hahu nadeda shnas hamelech,” Purim night is a special eis ratzon for Yidden throughout the generations. And indeed, from the days of Mordechai and Esther until this present day, countless Yidden have merited dramatic yeshuos in the merit of dedicating Purim night to limud haTorah. The story of the famed gaon, Rav Volf Nachum Borenstein, zt”l, mechaber of Agudas Eizov, is well-known. One fateful Purim, the gaon exerted himself to upkeep his nightly practice of

awakening at chatzos to learn Torah. He was informed from Shamayim that his learning coincided with a cataclysmic moment of history, a moment that no one else was learning Torah, but he. It was his midnight Torah learning that upheld the world. As a result, he was rewarded with a child who lit up the world; the great Avnei Nezer, zt”l, whose Torah and tzidkus continue to illuminate Klal Yisroel. All because of limud haTorah on leil Purim. This year, we know that the broken-hearted Yidden who call upon

Kollel Chatzos to be their emissaries and poel a yeshua are especially fortunate. Talmidei chachamim will learn on their behalf in Chatzos Kollelim throughout the world. Particularly remarkable, the talmidei chachamim of the distinguished Meron Kollel will learn and daven on their behalf on both Purim nights – 14 and 15 Adar. On 15 Adar, the kollel will be joined by talmidei chachamim of Yerushalayim shel Maaleh, who are in the midst of their Purim celebrations, and come to mark the day by learning in the courtyard of the heilige tanna, Rabi Shimon bar Yochai. In addition, on Shushan Purim, Kollel Chatzos delegates will also daven on their behalf at the kever of Mordechai and Esther in the city B’reim. As the emissaries who brought forth the miracle for Klal Yisroel in the past, it is certain that Mordechai and Esther will evoke rachmei Shamayim on behalf of all petitioners today as well. To partner with Kollel Chatzos and share in the merit of Torah learning on Purim night or to hear more about the tremendous segula of twelve hours of consecutive Torah learning between megillah leinings, call Kollel Chatzos headquarters: 718887-9114.

Flaum’s Herring Makes a Trendy Comeback after the legendary movements of the herring mimicking these virtues. Having built a reputation for being Chassidus and the Yeshiva movement true to their original recipes, whilst puts these foods in a context of conbeing innovative, Flaum’s herring has tinuity and heritage,” said Hershey Grunhut of Flaum’s. Indeed, historicome a long way. Each product ans point out that herring that is introduced is inwas a basic staple in spired by one of the the courtyards of the original recipes, Chassidic moveperfecting it so ments in pre-War that it remains Europe. Whethflavorful, comer it’s a weekfortable and a day or Shabbos, familiar taste tens of thoufor loyal cussands of people tomers. ToSweet Shmaltz choose Flaum’s day Flaum’s, A Herring that is Tomid Besimcha—perpetually happy Appetizing for their which is run by —with the optimistic disposition of Breslov. NET WT. 7.5 OZ. (213g) spreads, dips, herring a fifth-generation and other delicious Jewfamily member, sells ish heritage food because of more than 15 varieties its exceptional taste it has become the of the herring including Swedish Matjes Herring, Lox Tidbits in Cream, herring of choice at kiddush celebrations all over the country. European Matjes and more. For immigrants who lived on the “Naming our herring products DEEP ROOTS. DEEP FLAVORS.

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erring is one of the comeback kosher foods of the 2000’s. For five generations, the Flaum family has been serving up fresh kosher pickles and herring, fish spreads, dips and salads that bring the delightful taste of old-world tradition to every table. Once thought to have been discarded into the dustbin of history, herring has emerged as a strong seller in the modern kosher food world, experiencing a 30% spike in sales over the last five years, according to food experts. Celebrating its 100th year, the famed Flaum’s brand, which began as an appetizing store on Lee Avenue in Williamsburg, has rolled out a series of herring products that are named after several legendary Eastern European Chasidic and Yeshiva movements such as Kotzk, Volozhin and Breslov, each known for their respective traits of sharpness, wit, and sweetness with

The Herring of Breslov Keep Refrigerated

Lower East Side and Williamsburg, a trip to Flaum’s was an obligatory stop as a way of connecting with some of the foods of “der alter heim.” Today Flaum’s is a leading producer of a full line of salads, Mediterranean delicacies, dips and fish products. The remarkable growth of so many different kosher foods in the late 1980’s and 1990’s relegated herring to a backseat, say the experts, but in recent years sales of herring products, particularly the Flaum’s variety, have soared making it a leading seller in the kosher market. Herring has become a basic staple at the shul kiddush. Served with a variety of different kichels, herring along with vodka, bourbon, schnapps or other alcoholic beverage has completed the traditional kiddush. But herring is no longer a Shabbos food, as it is now on buffet tables at events and even weddings.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Rock Your Purim Seudah with Subtle Wines By Gabriel Geller of Royal Wines

ubtle wines on Purim? Sounds a little strange, no? The Purim seudah requires abundance of responsible drinking (please do not drive afterwards or have a designated driver accompany you if you are going to friends or family). When drinking big, bold, full-bodied wines one’s palate often gets tired quickly, losing the ability of enjoying more wines after a glass or two. The solution I believe is to broaden your horizons. Sure, with the mitzvah of the seudah and drinking Ad d’lo yada (to the point one would not be able to tell apart Haman the Persian tyrant from Mordechai the tzaddik), Purim is one of the main “wine holidays.” We learn from Megillas Esther that even when G-d is not intervening as obviously and publicly as He is with the makkos or Kriyas Yam Suf, He nonetheless never abandons Am Yisrael, the Jewish people. To the

contrary, Haman had plotted to hang Mordechai and eradicate the Jewish People. G-d, however, did v’nahafoch hu – He turned Haman’s plans upside down. Haman was hanged on the gallows he had built to hang Mordechai, and the Jewish People fought back and won against the mighty Persian Army. So here with wine, let’s do v’nahafoch hu and turn things around, as well. Instead of opening the bottles you have been stashing away for special occasions, keep them for the upcoming yomim tovim and go for more approachable, somewhat lighter wines. I recently had the opportunity to taste many new and interesting wines. Herzog Wine Cellars just came out with Lineage, a series of high-value wines that includes a lovely Chardonnay with tropical fruit notes and subtle creaminess – deli-

cious! Tabor winery has a lovely, off-dry Mt Tabor Gewürztraminer that is light as a feather, fragrant and restrained with hints of lychee, white peach and rose petals. Nadiv is a relatively new winery in the Judean Hills. They make fruit-forward wines, showcasing very well the unique richness of Israel’s ancient terroir. Starting with the new released 2016 vintage, their wines are overseen by veteran winemaker Pierre Miodownick who, for over three decades, produced some of the best kosher wines to ever come out of Europe. Miodownick’s experience combined with the Israeli sunshine and soil have yielded the Matan. The Nadiv Matan is a smooth blend that is medium in body and features an elegant mouth-feel with notes of red forest berries, as well as Mediterranean herbs.

Jezreel Valley has an unusual wine made from Argaman, a grape variety that is indigenous to Israel where it was created in the 1970’s, a hybrid of the French-Spanish Carignan and the Portuguese Sousão. While the previous vintage was a bit on the heavy side, the newly released 2016 is more restrained and nuanced, making it even more interesting and pleasant to sip. It truly provides an intriguing drinking experience and I highly recommend you check it out! Mishenichnas Adar marbin b’simcha! When the month of Adar comes in, we shall rejoice! These wines will definitely play their part. Purim sameach!

Perform the Mitzvos of Purim to a New Degree of Hiddur

orah-true Jews have no greater desire than performing all mitzvos with hiddur. But some mitzvos have multiple prerequisites: for matanos l’evyonim the recipient must be a true evyon, and the funds must be delivered on Purim day and used to actually feed him. As for mishloach manos, it is ideal as ready-to-eat foods, namely for the Purim seudah. Thankfully, according to the psak of HaGaonim HaGedolim Harav Elyashiv, zt”l, and Harav Wosner, zt”l, the best way to fulfill your matanos le’evyonim and mishloach manos obligations is by providing edible food for the poor and needy on the day of Purim. And that’s just what Jerusalem Open House-Linas HaChesed has been doing for the past decade and a half. Established in the late 1980s by

HaTzadik Rabbi Chaim Cohen, shlita, it operates as a soup kitchen for the needy in the heart of Jerusalem. Its doors are open seven days a week, and two warm meals are served every day of the year. Hundreds of Yerushalayim’s destitute Jews find their way to these inviting doors. The nourishing hot meals are a lifeline for so many poor almonos, yesomim, elderly and infirm, who cannot even rub two shekalim together to buy some bread. Hundreds of innocent, hungry children stop by every morning on their way to cheder, reviving their bodies and souls so they can pull through another day of learning. Even those who are too weak or too proud to walk into a soup kitchen are tended to, with meals discreetly delivered to them b’derech kavod. This is not a periodical “food

drive”; Jerusalem Open House-Linas HaChesed runs seven days a week, providing food for the needy throughout the year, including Shabbosim, yomim tovim, and all other days. On Purim, the Jerusalem Open House-Linas HaChesed soup kitchen serves thousands of festive Purim meals which includes meat and fish to poor, hungry Jews throughout many cities in north and south of Eretz Yisroel. This year, the organization’s volunteers will also hand-deliver personal mishloach manos to hundreds of innocent little orphans. With the global economy still weak, Jews in Eretz Yisroel must make do with next to nothing. Jerusalem Open House-Linas Hachesed is now the emergency support system for hundreds of additional Jewish

families in these trying times. They now turn to acheinu b’nei Yisroel with an urgent request and worthwhile exchange: Help us and we will help you. Join us. Feed at least two evyonim, as required by halacha, for just $36. Feed more evyonim for an even greater mitzvah. For $540 and up, the meals will bear your name to mark your generosity at the time and location of its distribution. A gift to the poor. An opportunity for you. With your donation of $36 and up, Linas Hachesed will hand over your kvital with your personal request to the hands of Reb Chaim Kanievski on the day of Purim. To donate and have your names and bakashos recited during these auspicious days please call 1-800-216-8905

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community

Simon Wiesenthal Center and HAFTR Join to Educate Students on Holocaust and Present Day Poland

n Friday, the Simon Wiesenthal Center in partnership with HAFTR made the first of a series of presentations on anti-Semitism in Poland both from the Holocaust to present day to the 11th grade in preparation for those students who will be traveling there next year. The presentation was given jointly by Holocaust author Ann Arnold and her survivor father, Mark Schonwetter. Ann Arnold’s memoir of her father’s experiences escaping the Nazi’s in the Polish countryside (Together – A Journey for Survival) has been widely recognized as a critical perspective on Poland during the war and has been used in Holocaust curriculums in schools across the east coast including most recently in the Newark, NJ, public school system. Ann Arnold’s talk included a discussion of her and her family’s recent trips back to her father’s home village and the surprising actions and attitudes of the current residents including the local mayor’s re-consecration of the original Jewish cemetery, many of whose headstones had been recovered recently from the masonry work on town people’s homes. “The Simon Wiesenthal Center is proud to be working with an institution such as HAFTR toward ensuring that the next generation not only continues to hear the stories of survivors but understands the need to a continuing commitment to combating anti-Semitism and hate that unfortunately is still very much alive in the word around us. We look forward to our continuing work with HAFTR in helping prepare students in understanding the need to become active participants in protecting our community,” said Michael Cohen, Eastern Director, Simon Wiesenthal Center. Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen, Judaic Studies Principal of HAFTR High School, introduced the program. “We start this program on Rosh Chodesh Adar to remind us of our mitzvah of ‘zechor v’altishkach, remember and never forget.’ Just like with Haman and Amalek we must always remember our Jewish Histo-

ry and never forget to learn from it – we reflect on the past to improve the future – this Rosh Chodesh is a continuation of the ‘zechor v’al tishkach.’ We need to remember what Hitler, ym”sh, did, and never forget.”

The Simon Wiesenthal Center and HAFTR are currently collaborating on both the continuation of this important series as well as other programs that will be teaching the student body and the Five Towns

community about combating anti-Semitism in a multitude of arenas including upcoming joint programming on hate and terroristic speech on social media.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Siyumim and Gatherings of Rabbanim and Poskim Highlight Integral Role of Telephone Role in Daf HaYomi B’Halacha By Chaim Gold

t was a unique siyum – a siyum on a daily limud learned by many thousands in all four corners of the world. HaGaon HaRav Yisroel Gans, shlita, a well-known posek in Eretz Yisroel, Rav of the Mattersdorf neighborhood of Yerushalayim, a maggid shiur at Yeshiva Kol Torah and one of the most prominent talmidim of HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l, is a very busy man. Seven and a half years ago, when Dirshu’s Daf HaYomi B’Halacha had reached Siman 301 in the middle of the complex laws of Hilchos Shabbbos, Rav Gans was asked by senior members

Rav Dovid Hofstedter addressing the siyum on Mishnah Berurah

of Dirshu’s Hanhala to deliver a Daf HaYomi B’Halacha shiur via telephone. Initially

he refused, stating simply that he does not have even an extra second in his day.

THE SEGULAH OF THE CHASAM SOFER: P U R I M

N I G H T

N O N - S T O P

GUARANTEE OF THE CHASAM SOFER: Whoever learns Torah on Purim night between the

reading of the megillah at night and reading of the megillah in the morning is guaranteed

yeshuos!

(‫)דרושים ואגדות חתם סופר פרעשבורג‬

T O R A H

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by sponsoring 12 hours of Torah on Purim night!

By supporting our Talmidei Chachamim, you fulfill the mitzvah of Matanos L‘evyonim

The Talmidei Chachamim of Kollel Chatzos in Meron will learn, daven and recite your name at the Kever of Rebbi Shimon.

Ultimately, he was convinced that the zechus of talmud Torah d’rabbim was a sufficient

reason to juggle around his schedule to somehow fit in the short daily shiur. Now, seven and a half years later, Rav Gans has completed the entire Mishnah Berurah in his telephone shiurim. A beautiful siyum was recently held with the participation of numerous distinguished rabbanim from the Bayit Vegan neighborhood, including HaGaon HaRav Moshe Yehuda Schlesinger, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Kol Torah, the Sochatchover Rebbe, shlita and the Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter. Rav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Yisrael, was slated to attend but had to make a trip abroad. He sent a letter that was read at the event.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community “From here we see that the true ideal behind a shulchan aruch is providing a person with the tools, the utensils, the ability to understand not just the halacha, but the concepts behind each halacha as well. That is the singular greatness of the shiur of Rav Gans. It is a shiur of a great gadol b’Torah who doesn’t just give over the final psak but instead enables the learner to understand the foundation of the halacha and the rationale behind it.”

Joyous dancing at the Dirshu siyum

At the siyum, Rav Gans candidly admitted that when he began he had no idea of the power and reach of the shiur. “I realize now that through saying the shiur over the telephone, thousands of Yidden the world over can and do listen to the daily shiur as well as past shiurim that are on system. I am literally flabbergasted when I get calls from people in Russia or Australia who are religiously listening to the daily shiurim and have a question that they need to ask. At times, I enter a taxi and the driver tells me that he listens to my shiur on Daf HaYomi B’Halacha! I myself did not realize what a powerful tool of harbotzas haTorah the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha Mishnah Berurah shiurim that I am giving would prove to be,” Rav Gans concluded with great emotion. Persevering Despite the Yetzer Hara Rav Gans related in the name of Rav Mattisyahu Salomon that when the Chofetz Chaim completed the sefer Mishnah Berurah he made a siyum every night of the week for an entire week, one siyum for every volume of Mishnah Berurah. At the siyum, the Chofetz Chaim related how

many times the yetzer hara had tried to stop him from completing the Mishnah Berurah and yet, despite everything he had persevered because he recognized how pivotal it was for Klal Yisroel to have a Mishnah Berurah. Rav Gans explained, “Similarly, there were many reasons not to deliver the daily shiur and many difficulties that could have prevented us from completing the shiurim but boruch Hashem, we were able to finish the entire Mishnah Berurah with the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha cycle over the telephone! The harbotzas Torah is simply beyond anything anyone could have expected!” Shulchan Aruch: Understanding the Foundations of the Halacha In his powerful, heartfelt remarks Rav Hofstedter cited the posuk, “These are the judgments that you shall place before them,” from the weekly parsha of Mishpatim. Rashi comments, “Hashem said to Moshe, ‘Don’t think that you can just teach them a chapter or two without troubling yourself to make them understand the underlying reasons. There-

fore, the posuk says, ‘You shall place [it] before them like a shulchan aruch, a table that is set and prepared for eating…’” Rav Hofstedter asked, “Shulchan aruch connotes a set table, meaning Moshe Rabbeinu summarized everything, making it easy for Klal Yisrael to understand. On the other hand, the above Rashi clearly seems to indicate that Klal Yisrael would have to invest effort in order to understand the underlying reasons for each halacha. This appears to be the diametric opposite of ‘shulchan aruch’?” “The answer,” Rav Dovid explained, “is that when a person sits in front of a set table everything that he needs, all of the necessary utensils to eat and drink, are placed in front of him. What Hashem was telling Moshe Rabbeinu is, ‘Don’t just tell them the halachos, rather give them the keilim, the utensils that they need so that they will be able to eat and drink by themselves – to learn by themselves, to be able to compare and understand the halachos thereby empowering them to be able to learn Torah and pasken by themselves.

“Answering Shailos is Even Greater Than Going up Har Sinai!” Another momentous Daf HaYomi B’Halacha event was held the same week at the home of HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Eliezer Stern, shlita, talmid muvhak of Rav Shmuel Wosner and Av Beis Din of Rav Wosner’s Beis Din. The event was attended by HaGaon HaRav Chaim Feinstein, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Bais Yehuda, the Nadvorna Rebbe, shlita, and Rav Dovid Hofstedter, all who gave short speeches. The event celebrated another telephone innovation of Daf HaYomi B’Halacha. Inasmuch as thousands of people are learning the same daf of Mishnah Berurah every day, many halachic questions come up on that daf. Dirshu has therefore set up a hotline where a rotation of prominent Rabbanim are available to answer questions on that day’s daf from 8am until 12am. In his remarks, Rav Stern said, “The second that people know there is a bais horaah available to answer questions on the daf, it offers a totally different level of importance. I can tell you that the rabbonim who answer the phone have conveyed some of the shailos that they have been asked on the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha and I am astonished by the quality and depth of the questions! I can’t even begin to depict

the zechus that Dirshu has for bringing Torah and halacha to Klal Yisroel in such a comprehensive manner,” Rav Stern concluded. Rav Chaim Feinstein related that “when Moshe Rabbeinu went up to Har Sinai to receive the Torah, he left the zekainim below so that anyone with a shailah would have whom to ask. From here we see that had the zekainim not been needed to answer questions they would have been able to come up the mountain with him. Therefore,” Rav Feinstein extrapolated, “having rabbanim available to answer shailos is even more important than going partially up Har Sinai with Moshe Rabbeinu!” A third Daf HaYomi B’Halacha related event took place at the annual ‘Ashreinu’ Kinnus of Yeshivas Hamasmidim led by HaGaon HaRav Leib Mintzburg, shlita. At the gathering, members of the entire kehillah accepted upon themselves to learn Daf HaYomi B’Halacha for the coming year. The Nadvorna Rebbe: “The Enviable Zechus Harabbim of Dirshu” Perhaps the emotional words of the Nadvorna Rebbe, shlita encapsulated the Daf HaYomi B’Halacha’s impact best when the Rebbe said, “We live in a generation with so many spiritual nisyonos, nevertheless we see that Hashem planted Yidden with profound ahavas Torah in our generation; Yidden who want nothing more than to learn Torah themselves and ensure that so many other Yidden learn Torah as well. They are ready to do whatever it takes to make Torah and halacha more accessible to Yidden, to give people a taam, a joy in learning, to make Torah pleasant and sweet. This is the enviable zechus harabbim that Dirshu has.”

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Remembering Rav Binyamin, zt”l

The View from the 68th Floor By Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky

his story begins sometime in 1964 and really hasn’t ended. My life as a boy growing up in Woodmere kept me mostly to the streets of that small town in suburbia. My father had just finished constructing a new building for his Yeshiva of South Shore a town over, and the bank was already foreclosing. I had a two-year-old brother and three older sisters, and unlike most of the younger American families in the neighborhood, for us, Sunday was no day off. I was always upset as I watched my father go raise money for the Yeshiva each week. He placated me by latching me on to other families who went to the city in the guise of fun. Truth be told, I didn’t really think museums and history were much fun, nor did I feel at home in those venues, but that’s where I was schlepped along, smiling and nodding, because that’s what little boys did in the ‘60s. I made my father promise that one day, when there was no school, he would take me somewhere in the city. There were no official days off in those years – surely no winter break. But one day, school was closed – maybe it was one of those days that there was no heat in the school either because the system broke down, or they did not pay the bill. “Could this be the day?” I asked him. He agreed.

We would go by train and go somewhere exciting. I picked a destination where I thought he would know no one. We would be 100 stories above ground on top of the tallest building in the world, the eighth wonder of the universe. The Empire State Building. It was a Monday morning. It was cold, but the clarity of the sky was remarkable. I was excited. I’d get to the top and I would be able to see Canada, I thought. I remember my mother forcing me to wear that silly black cap with the fluff-coated ear flaps that had two straps hanging from them. I looked goofy even for the 1960s, a time when everything was what kids today would call very nerdy. I let the straps just hang down, dangling like Chassidic payos below my ears. My mother would scream, “Snap those earflaps or you’ll get frostbite (whatever that meant), chas v’shalom!” We were off. My father and I. No attaché cases. No Yeshiva brochures. Just father and son walking in the cold to the Cedarhurst station a few blocks away. I got to watch my father work the crowd, shmooze up the conductor, and greet everyone on the train as if he knew them. Forty-five minutes together. Not one word to anyone about the Yeshiva, its deficit, or a foreclosure. The walk from the Pennsylvania

Station to the Empire State building was not more than two or three city blocks. I was craning my neck trying to get a glimpse at the tip of the tower. I pictured myself hanging on for dear life, waving my ear-flap cap in the wind, dangling it from one of those straps and letting it fall all 102 stories into the oblivion of a New York winter. We entered the building and were greeted by the myriad signs hawking the trip to the top. The cost seemed like a lot, especially for a father who probably had not been paid in many weeks. I saw my father purse his lips, in strained thought. The line was pretty long as well. And then I saw trouble. A man who had stubble for a beard and a thick European accent approached my father. “You a rabbi?” he asked. He also had a young boy my age with him. He pulled my father out of the line, as if he had something very secret to say, and began crying his heart out to him. I don’t know what they were talking about, but I think it was about what happened to him in a lost world 20-some years earlier. They spoke for about 10 minutes, huddled in private, out of the line. The boy and I lost patience, as we spoke in the common language of eyeball rolling. But worse, we lost our place in line. In those 10 minutes, about three busloads of Midwestern tourists displaced us back to a place where we felt the draft from the gusts of the opening doors that led to Fifth Avenue. I was distraught. I think the boy was too, but we both would not speak about our parents. I just wanted to go home. And then my father’s face lit up. “Follow me,” he declared to all of us. My father beckoned me, the man, and his son and led us away from the hubbub of the tourists, down a corridor where a uniformed man stood by a magnificent elevator. “Abba,” I protested, “that’s not the elevator to the top!” He ignored me and my protests. The man and his son did not seem to mind the adventure. The elevator man escorted us in and asked what floor. “Sixty-eight,” was my father’s crisp reply as if he either was the landlord or a tenant for the last three decades. “Abba,” I muttered, “the view is on the 86th floor not the 68th!”

He ignored me, and about a minute or two later, with my stomach stranded some 60 floors below, the elevator stopped. My father walked out, turned right, and knocked on the door of Ashkenazi Watch Company. The secretary allowed us in and I stood in wonder. I glimpsed at a large window which opened to the amazing sites of the city and my mouth was agape in wonder. The man and the boy stood in awe as well. A man with graying hair came out of his office and my father’s arms opened wide in a hug. “Joshua!” my father shouted, “How are you? I’m in the city and I…” I never heard the end of the conversation as he escorted my father and the man into his office. After a few seconds, he came out and told me that I and my new friend (who I did not say two words to,) could go to any window and watch whatever we wanted. “The view from here is much better! And it’s warm as well!” He was right. I saw everything and was pointing out landmarks to the man’s son when Mr. Ashkenazi called him into his office. Fifty years later, I don’t know what that European man wanted. I don’t know what my father did or said in Mr. Ashkenazi’s office. I don’t even know if 86 to 68 was a planned bait and switch. What I did know is that it had nothing to do with the Yeshiva. The trip to the Empire State Building ended when some broken Jew and his son walked out of an office somewhere in the stratosphere with smiles as wide as the building was high. My father took me in to see Mr. Ashkenazi, who gave me a watch. And we went back down 68 floors. I never made it to the top. But I will never forget the trip – or what my father taught me that day. For the little boy who set out thinking that he would reach the top of the world, I learned that sometimes one can reach greater heights by stopping off some 20 stories below. Adapted from a story that ran in Ami Magazine in 2011. Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim at South Shore.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Around the Community

5 Years, 81 Vendors, 5,237 Shoppers Exclusive Interview with Elisheva Perlman, Founder of the Brooklyn MRKT By Malka Forster

he’s known as an insanely creative mastermind, a marketing genius who churns out uncharted –and extraordinarily successful – ideas. She’s also the founder and producer of the Brooklyn MRKT, a buzzing annual event that’s become a magnet for thousands of women across the tristate area. Who is Elisheva Perlman, and what drives her to produce the MRKT each year? “The spirit,” she explains. “To see 150 talented women channeling their energies to businesses they love – and using those businesses to support Ohr Naava, a beloved women’s organization, it’s hugely inspiring.” The MRKT, Elisheva explains, began in 2013 as a trendy retail event: a way to bring the area’s most popular vendors under one roof, while raising money for Ohr Naava. As time went by, Elisheva – and her team at the Anelis Group, the marketing firm that produces and markets the event – discovered that shoppers (and vendors) were loving the event for yet another element: the palpable entrepreneurial spirit. The vibes of connection and collaboration that formed a unique women’s bond. “This is not about women’s lib or feminism – in fact, it’s the opposite,” Elisheva, a Flatbush native and avid entrepreneur, says. “What’s amazing is that each of these female vendors is a wife and mother too. Each fills a critical role at home, raising children and families, while maximizing their creative energies at work. And that’s a powerful message for our daughters: you can maintain your values

and live a balanced life while pursuing a career you love.” Over the years, numerous mothers have told Elisheva that they bring their newly-graduated or just-outof-sem daughters to the MRKT for more than just a new wardrobe: they want to open their eyes and allow them to step into a world where vibrant, committed Jewish women are immersed in businesses that invigorate them. “It’s not just about leaving with a bunch of shopping bags,” one mother told her last year. “It’s about being in a room and seeing so many women who’ve found their voice and are able to express it. It’s about seeing fashion designers whose lines are chic and cosmopolitan – but tznius. It’s about realizing that you don’t have to compromise or sacrifice your spiritual growth, and you can dream big as a creative entrepreneur. There’s a whole world of options out there.” This, Elisheva says, is what gives her the energy to undertake an event of this magnitude. Particularly as the mother of two school-age daughters, she feels privileged to be the conduit for such a message – a message she feels is critical in this generation. This year, Elisheva is especially excited about the new venue: Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. “It’s hip, it’s close, it’s collaborative,” she says. “It has raw industrial decor, throbbing urban vibes, and best of all – it’s only 20 minutes from Flatbush and 10 minutes from Boro Park.” She also notes that the event is a full 4 weeks before Pesach, allowing attendees to shop in advance – and with peace of mind – well before the

Love those costumes! Send in your Purim photos to TJH! editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com Deadline: Monday, March 5, 5pm

heavy preparations begin. Shoppers who love action, nonstop hustle and bustle, will love the MRKT. But those who appreciate exclusivity and quiet can also get their fix between 10AM and 12PM Sunday morning, when the event opens for “Exclusive Early Access” to shoppers who’ve purchased $99 packages or above. Shoppers in this higher-level category will also get to choose from an array of free gifts: a gourmet dairy lunch from the Brooklyn Artisan Bakehouse and Fork + Bowl, Buttons & Bows ribbed beanie, Buttons & Bows keychain with charger, Driven Day Planner, Kim Kushner cookbook, or leather belted bag from Two 12 Fashion. The convenience is another huge attraction: Elisheva shares that she frequently gets stopped in the street by people who point to their hat, wig, clothing, and accessories, saying,

“I got this and this and this at the MRKT! I did all my shopping for the season in one day!” But above all, she says, the money spent on March 4 and 5 is money well-spent. “Few organizations have made this kind of impact on this number of women,” Elisheva says. “Ohr Naava is there for every Jewish woman, whatever her background or needs.” It’s a full-circle effect. Women shoppers come to support women entrepreneurs in an event that sustains a beloved women’s center –a place that continues to transform the lives of thousands. “Women helping women — I believe this is where the siyata dishmaya comes from,” Elisheva sums up. “The MRKT is a massive event where we have experienced incredible bracha and success. We’re humbled by this circle of giving, and privileged to be a part of it.”

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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FEBRUARY29, 22,2015 2018| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home OCTOBER

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Centerfold

Dear Underlings,

nt week of the year, when huOnce again, in the most importa folks ence above all else, the serious mor is supposed to take preced l er ask me to waste valuable rea who handle the rest of this pap you “If to?” e ent. “Really? Do I hav estate for a serious announcem h ats like that will really work wit value your job you do.” “Oh, thre t tha , they asked me to announce me!” Well, ha! Whatever. Any way tures to im and send in your Purim pic you should snap away on Pur to menme ed ask y m. They specificall editor@fivetownsjewishhome.co st so you (Ju ” tos. should write “Purim pho k they would put in the tion that in the subject line you at my underlings? Wh do you thin in h fait no you ve “Ha , was e Purim spirit going know, my respons the pictures so we can keep the in d sen , way Any ”?) ipe rec subject line: “Tuna fish for a while! t! We are going to have ngs, I decided to host a concer erli und at gre h suc are s guy an (all males will Also, because you epps, Ninth Day, Henny Friedm Shw kov Yaa – re the sic mu the greatest acts in Jewish aaaaa, and many more. The con ance), MDX, Zooooooooooosha form per her ing und dur aro e t wai leav to be asked th are the first one there, just at 7PM on February 29 . If you cer t will be in Cedarhurst Park w up shortly! – have no worries, we will sho manos. If it is cash you can ere to drop off my mishloach wh w kno to t wan ple peo ny dreds, any thing less Oh, and ma er. Just note that I only like hun sion mis Com old terf Cen n: l estate, and prisend it to TJH, Attentio also accept boats, ATVs, RVs, rea I t tha w kno you Did p. kee l than that you might as wel vate airplanes? Happy Pur im!

rfold Commissioner Your extremely humble Cente

Vayzusa Walks into a Bar... • A guy says to him, “What’s your name?” He responds, “Vayzusa.” The guy says, “Do you hang here often?” • A guy says to him, “What’s your name?” He responds, “Vayzusa.” The guy says, “Wow! That name takes my breath away!” • A guy says to him, “What’s your name?” He responds, “Vayzusa.” The guy says, “Hey, man!”

• A guy says to him, “What’s your name?” He responds, “Vayzusa.” The guy says, “Gosh, what happened? All the cool names like Parshandasa were taken?” • A guy says to him, “What’s your name?” He responds, “Vayzusa.” The guy says, “You’re telling me your parents actually put that name on your birth certificate?”

The 22, 2015 2018 The Jewish Jewish Home Home || FEBRUARY OCTOBER 29,

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Torah Thought

Parshas Tetzaveh By Rabbi Berel Wein

he Torah reading of this week deals with the garments and vestments of the children of Aaron, the priests, and High Priest of Israel. At first glance, the garments that these men were to wear present a clash of ideas and a contradiction of policies. On one hand, the garments of the ordinary priests were simple, modest and low key – a hat, a belt in the form of a sash, trousers and the tunic. They

were pure white in color and represented purity of body and soul and humility of behavior and attitude. Even the High Priest of Israel wore these basic, simple garments at all times during his service in the Temple. However, the High Priest wore four additional garments that distinguished him and his office from that of an ordinary priest. These four garments – a golden plate on his forehead, the long out-

er-robe of blue, a collar decorated with tufts of wool and golden bells, and a multicolored intricately designed printed cloth with shoulder straps which held the golden plate. This chest plate had 12 precious stones and two large diamond-like stones on the shoulder straps – which were surely garments of pride, grandeur and majesty. The garments that the High Priest wore were in essence self-contradictory, for some of the garments were meant to reflect humility and modesty, simplicity and purity, while the other garments

pride, arrogance and self-interest. Nevertheless the Torah demands of leaders and scholars a certain amount – a one-sixty-fourth measure - of assertiveness and selfpride. For the High Priest to wear only garments of simplicity would automatically diminish his stature and influence over the people that he is meant to serve and uplift spiritually. So we must add garments of majesty and grandeur in order to allow him to fulfill his role of leadership and influence. But underneath the four garments of grandeur, he still

The garments that the High Priest wore were in essence self-contradictory.

that he wore reflected grandeur, opulence, wealth and power. In this seeming contradiction, in my opinion, lies a deep and important message, which is very relevant to us even today. A person’s basic makeup, represented by the simple garments of the ordinary priest and of the underlying garments of the High Priest himself, must always reflect humility, simplicity and purity. We are told in the Talmud that the L-rd, so to speak, abhors self-grandeur and overbearing pride. Maimonides teaches us that in matters of humility one is allowed to go to an extreme in order to avoid hubris,

wears the simple white garments that represent humility and purity. Therefore on Yom Kippur, he changes his garments a number of times. Some of the service he conducts wearing only the white simple garments, while at other times he is empowered to wear his magisterial robes. This is always the balance that the Torah demands from all of us and especially from our leaders… never to fall into the trap of hubris but always to realize that even a costume can influence the public with whose leadership he is charged. Shabbat shalom.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

From the Fire

Parshas Tetzaveh Parshas Zachor Calling Out Modern-Day Evil By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

have been waiting for this Shabbos when we remember the actions of those who have attempted to destroy us for months now. Although I am going to speak about things I usually avoid discussing on Shabbos, as I watch the events in Europe and throughout the Middle East, I cannot help but feel that we are living Part II of the story of “And it was in the Days of Achashveirosh” (Esther 1:1). Just like in the days of Achashveirosh, we had a dispute about the leader of our country a few years ago (Megillah 12a): Is he a foolish king or a wicked king? Our former president, Barack Obama, said repeatedly in every speech, “Make no mistake… Let me be perfectly clear.” And we

know from experience that everything he said after that introduction is a confusion obfuscation of truth, an utter lack of clarity. Purim is a holiday of stark contrasts. As we say in the song Shoshanas Yaakov, “Cursed is Haman who attempted to destroy me” and “Blessed is Mordechai the Jew.” We have “Cursed is Zeresh the wife of the one who terrorized me” and “Blessed is Esther [who sacrificed] for me.” The Megillah refers on one hand to “king” Achashveirosh. But it also refers to “The King,” the hidden King of all kings who acts behind the scenes. Purim means making a place in our lives for both parts. While gratitude to Hashem, re-

joicing in His salvation, gifts to the poor and to our friends, and celebrating with friends are a major part of Purim, an equally important part of the day is hatred of that which is truly evil in the world today. Therefore, when we celebrate on Purim by drinking a little bit, “when the wine goes in, the secret comes out” (Eiruvin 65a). Our inhibitions and political correctness subside and we call out the alternate text of Shoshanas Yaakov, “Cursed are all of the wicked!” Certainly everything in Yiddishkeit starts and ends with the quality of love. In the second blessing before Shma, we say every day, “You have loved Your nation Israel with an eternal love.” In Shma, we say

the pasuk (Devarim 6:5), “And you shall love Hashem your G-d will all your heart, with all your soul, and with all of your resources.” And the Torah teaches us, “And you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Vayikra 19:18). Love is the foundation of the world and is the overarching emphasis in our service of G-d. And the ultimate goal of “turn away from evil” is to “do good” (Tehillim 34:15). As Rabbeinu Bachaya says, “a little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.” That is always the primary emphasis. But the truth is that love is not everything. The Western world is drunk with the idea that, as the song says, “All you need is love.” That is the perverse current formu-

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

lation of a concept which originated in the teachings of the apostate from Nazareth. The reality is that “those who love Hashem hate evil” (Tehillim 97:10). This is a positive form of hate; one which is not only permissible but obligatory. In the Western mind, love is always good and hate is always bad. But this extremist, black-and-white approach is foolish, false, and very dangerous. The truth is that there is a good form of love and a bad form of love. There is a good form of hate and a bad form of hate. We have an obligation to clearly identify evil and evildoers and work to stop and, if necessary, destroy them. It is forbidden to indiscriminately love everyone and everything. Judaism is not a religion of love. Nor is it a religion of hate. It is a religion of truth. As long as there are evil acts and evildoers in the world, there will be a limitation on where love is appropriate. If one loves wicked people, he begins to identify with them and eventually justifies and becomes caught up with them, ultimately throwing his lot in with them in every way. The Rambam rules (Hilchos Melachim 5:5) that “it is forbidden to forget his [Amalek’s] enmity and hatred.” And the Chayei Adam (155:2) teaches us that “it is a positive commandment from the Torah to remember what Amalek did and to hate him with a hatred fixed into the heart…” Why is this? It is because “those who love Hashem hate evil.” The same thing that makes a person love Hashem causes him to hate evil. That is why the Alter Rebbe, zy”a, teaches us in the tenth chapter of the Tanya about a complete tzaddik: “The extent of the greatness of his love for Hashem is the extent of his hatred for the Other Side and his complete disgust with evil.” It is not that those who love Hashem “also” hate evil. Their love of Hashem itself gives birth to hatred of evil people and their evil actions. The same way a modest, loving mother hates someone who abuses her child, a tzaddik’s hatred for evil does not come from anger, jealousy, or arrogance. Rather, it arises from the powerful purity

and refinement of his love for G-d. “Love is powerful like death… Its coals are like the coals of the fire of the flames of G-d.” When a fiery love of G-d comes into contact with evil, that evil is completely consumed. This is the message of Shabbos Zachor. We must clearly identify evil. We must “make no mistake” and “be completely clear.” Esther answered the question “Who is this and where is he” (Esther 7:5) without hesitation or equivocation: “This evil Haman!” (ibid. 6). The evil people of the world today completely negate the image of G-d in man. They viciously behead, slaughter, and enslave Christians, Yazidis, and Kurds all over the Mid-

say (Gitin 57b), “the great-grandchildren of Haman studied Torah in Bnei Brak!” I explained to him that while this is true, how Hashem ultimately redeems the good in the evil things of this world today is none of our concern. He will extract sparks of goodness according to His plan. But as long as something reveals itself as pure evil in this world, we must relate to it as such. It is true that the Arizal teaches that the pasuk, “And regarding Yishmael, I have heard you [Avraham]” (Bereishis 17:20), refers to how G-d took note of the spark of holiness within Yishmael. It is also true that Reb Shimon Ostropoler, zy”a, teaches that Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish, Reish Lakish, was a reincarnation of Yishmael. He further

Judaism is not a religion of love. Nor is it a religion of hate. It is a religion of truth.

dle East, not to mention how they butcher other Muslims who disagree with them, including burning a Muslim pilot alive as part of their worldwide PR campaign. Shabbos Zachor reminds us that we must clearly identify and condemn evil in our own time. We cannot fall prey to the same mistake President Obama makes by refusing to call radical Islam out as the source of the problem and clearly identify Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, the Syrian Regime, Fatah/the PLO, and their ilk as the purveyors of the most inhumane forms of evil perpetrated in the world today against non-Muslims and Muslims alike. Someone pointed out to me this week that in chassidus we always learn that there is a spark of holiness in everything in the world, from the most benign to the most evil. He asked whether we should seek out the good in evil ideologies, regimes, and organizations in the world today. Does the Gemara not

explains that because the word for “And He heard, va’yishma” is related to the name Shimon, the pasuk (ibid. 21:17) “And G-d heard the voice of the boy [Yishmael]… where he was” hints at the fact that the soul of Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish was already deep within Yishmael. Notwithstanding all of that, the fact that good or bad would come from Yishmael or his descendants in the distant future was not part of the calculation at the time. Yishmael was only saved because he was deserving at the time. We must relate to evil exclusively according to its manifestation as evil as long as its spark of goodness remains hidden. Hidden, as-yet-unredeemed, holiness is none of our concern. Obama, who refused to identify or confront evil in our time, demonstrated his deep fear of Prime Minister Netanyahu speaking before a joint session of Congress and meeting with a bipartisan group of Senators by attempting to humiliate and

embarrass him in order to discredit his message about the dangers of a nuclear Iran. President Obama was terrified because he knew that Netanyahu will do what he always does; identify the evil, terror-supporting Islamic Iranian regime as an existential danger to Israel and the free world. He knew Netanyahu will “be perfectly clear” and “make no mistake” when he answers the question, “Who is this and where is he?” Obama knew that the prime minister would shatter his whitewashed image of terrorism as a few random extremists radicalized by poverty and lack of opportunity rather with no connection to the worldwide Iran-funded systematic recruitment to radical Islam happening all over the Middle East and Europe. He knew Netanyahu will point out the evil nation that sits on the same point on the map as ancient Persia; the nation that attempted to annihilate our people just as the Ayatollahs seek to do today. It is no coincidence that amidst the mitzvos of Purim related to love and friendship is the mitzvah to remember the evil of the nation of Amalek. One is the natural result of the other. “Those who love Hashem hate evil.” While the primary mitzvah to destroy Amalek today can only be fulfilled by destroying our own inner Amalek-like qualities, coldness and detachment toward an enthusiastic, wholehearted service of G-d, we must also fulfill the mitzvah by recognizing and calling out the evil and evildoers of the day. May Hashem bless us by giving us and our leaders the clarity and courage to unequivocally identify and destroy the evil ideologies, organizations, and regimes prevalent the world. 1. The good within a Jewish soul within a wicked person’s body is different because that good is revealed on some level even here in this world. Rav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, is the founding Morah d’Asrah of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, NY, and has served as Mashpia in Yeshiva University since 2013.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Between the Lines

The Bold and the Brazen By Eytan Kobre

Impudence is the worst of all human diseases. -Euripides

here was once an elderly Jewish woman who sold pretzels out of a pushcart on Wall Street for 25 cents apiece. Every day at lunchtime, a young man who worked in the area would pass the old woman and her pushcart, and leave her a quarter – without uttering a word and without taking a pretzel. This scene repeated itself day in and day out, for more than three years. One day, as the young man passed the stand and left his quarter as usual, the pretzel lady spoke up. “I appreciate your business, but my pretzels are now 35 cents.” That’s chutzpah. Guy Kawasaki, the man responsible for marketing Macintosh’s computer line in 1984, described chutzpah as “calling tech support to report a bug

on pirated software.” Each of the Kohen Gadol’s garments was intended to atone for some sin. The tzitz – the golden forehead-plate engraved with the words “kodesh laShem” (“sanctified to G-d”) (Shemos 28:36) – atoned for the sin of brazenness, or “azus panim” (Zevachim 88b; Eruchin 16a; Vayikra Rabba 10:6). To be sure, boldness can be an asset (Pele Yoetz, Azus; Mesillas Yesharim, Chapters 5 and 20; Daas Torah, Bereishis 28:11). We are naturally a bashful people (Yevamos 79a; Nedarim 20a; Rambam, Issurei Biah 19:17), but we are also bold (Beitza 25b; Shemos Rabba 42:9) – and that is what earned us the Torah (Beitza 25b). Boldness is needed to ignore those who mock our Torah observance (Tur, Orach Chaim 1:1). We are to “be bold as a leopard” (Avos 5:23). When R’ Shalom Schwadron was a young man learning in the Chevron Yeshiva, a group of students were determined to protest the desecration of Shabbos by encouraging local shops

and businesses to close for Shabbos. Each Friday afternoon, the students broke out into smaller groups and canvassed the area to try their hand at persuasion and pressure. One week, the group assigned to cover the Bukharim quarter of Yerushalayim came running to R’ Shalom and told him that they could not secure the closure of one particular store, a barber shop, because its owner had hired a massive thug to chase away the students who came to protest. R’ Shalom could not understand. “You’re a group of five,” he challenged, “and you’re intimidated by one hooligan?” But his friends insisted that they would not confront the goon. “When you see him,” they insisted, “you’ll understand just why we’re afraid.” The next week, R’ Shalom joined the group assigned to the Bukharim neighborhood. Without hesitation, R’ Shalom approached the massive ruffian and demanded that the barber shop close for Shabbos. The thug raised his fist ready to pounce, but still R’ Shalom would not back down. “I demand

that this store close for Shabbos!” With that, the goon abandoned his post, and the students managed to convince the barber to close for Shabbos. Even years later, R’ Shalom Schwadron recalled the episode fondly as a lesson in the power of boldness. But there is a difference between boldness and brazenness, between “azus” and “azus panim” (Biur HaGra, Orach Chaim 1:1). Boldness is to be decisive, to be stalwart, to be courageous; brazenness suggests insolence, impudence, impertinence, brashness, chutzpah. Boldness should never be confused for brazenness. Brazen people are embroiled in disputes, consumed with hatred and jealousy, and ultimately deny the existence of the Creator (Orchos Tzaddikim, Chapter 4 [Gate of Brazenness]). Brazenness causes drought and sin, and one who is brazen is “wicked” and “despised” (Taanis 7b; Zevachim 102a; Bamidbar Rabba 18:10; Mishlei 21:29). And, in the ultimate show of brazenness, the brazen one commits

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

numerous sins but nonetheless wishes to be counted among the righteous, as we confess on Yom Kippur: “may our supplications come before You...for we are not so brazen-faced and obstinate to say before You that we are righteous…” (Orchos Tzaddikim, Chapter 4 [Gate of Brazenness]). Ultimately, the brazen are doomed to an eternity in Gehinnom (Avos 5:23). Brazenness – “brazenness of the face” or “azus panim” – is the outward expression of a boldness that should be kept in the recesses of our hearts and used only sparingly and to noble ends (Ruach Chaim, Avos 5:23). So we ask each day to be spared not from boldness per se but from “azei panim and azus panim” – from brazenness and from those who would relate to us brazenly (Berachos 16b). Boldness is fine; it is brazenness we seek to avoid. Mordechai and Haman played on opposite sides of the delicate balance between boldness and brazenness. Although technically Mordechai’s slave (Megilla 15a-b; Yalkut Shimoni,

Esther 956), Haman was so brazen that he demanded that all the king’s servants bow to him – his own master, Mordechai, included (Esther 3:2). And yet, Mordechai countered Haman’s brazenness with a boldness of his own: when all the king’s servants

Like the leopard, our boldness should be the result not of uncontrolled emotion but of selective and measured function.

bowed to Haman, Mordechai refused (Esther 3:5). The tzitz was the ideal symbolic attire to account for this distinction. While it surely atoned for brazenness, in due deference to acceptable boldness, the tzitz also was engraved with the words “kodesh laShem” – because

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boldness is appropriate when exercised with a noble purpose (Ksav Sofer and Tosefes Beracha, Shemos 28:36). (For this reason, we are encouraged to be bold as a leopard (Avos 5:23), even though the dog typically is regarded as the paradigm of bra-

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zenness (Beitza 25b; Shemos Rabba 42:9). Dogs act brazenly regardless of the circumstances, whereas leopards act boldly only when provoked by other animals. Like the leopard, our boldness should be the result not of uncontrolled emotion but of selective and measured function.)

If “audacity will be pervasive” in the end of days (Sota 49b), the impudence pervasive in today’s society certainly suggests that the final redemption is at hand. We are a bold people, of course, but we’ve had to be; a history beset by persecution and trial and tribulation has made sure of that. We can be resilient. We can be obstinate. We can be intrepid. And we should be. But it would be a mistake to confuse boldness for brazenness or brashness. So, let the boldness of our actions pass the litmus test of “kodesh laShem” – exercised with restraint and to noble ends – and, as a result, “the Bais Hamikdash will be rebuilt speedily in our days” (Avos 5:23).

Eytan Kobre is a writer, speaker, and attorney living in Kew Gardens Hills. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail eakobre@outlook.com.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

A Fulfilled L fe

A Season of Rapid Reversals By Rabbi Dr. Naphtali Hoff

he recent turmoil on Wall Street has left many investors scratching their heads and holding their collective breath. Following two 1000-point plunges that left the Dow in a correction (10% decline from previous highs), the market surged back, with the Dow and the S&P 500 have notched their biggest two-day percentage gains since June 2016. As I was contemplating this current, drastic change from security and prosperity to temporary shock and disillusionment (and then back again, at least for now), it brought to mind the crazy, roller coaster-type scenario which stared down at the Jews of Persia nearly 2400 years ago. In the year 370 BCE, less than a decade before the commencement of the Purim story, the newly crowned Persian king Koresh (Cyrus) issued a decree urging all Jews to return to their ancestral homeland and rebuild their central house of worship (see Ezra 1:2–3). One can imagine how high the Jews’ collective spirits must have been at that time. Not only were they finally freed from the oppressive Babylonian monarchy, but they were even granted permission to return to the land of their fathers and rebuild the holiest of structures, the long-awaited fulfillment of Yirmiyahu’s “seventy year” prophecy (see Yirmiyahu 29:10). What an unbelievably positive turn of events! Yet, as quickly as things had improved for the Jews, they would sour

almost as rapidly, eventually bringing the Jews to a collective sense of despair and near destruction. Despite Koresh’s mandate and the Jews’ initial enthusiasm, a mere 50,000 Jews (out of an estimated population of one million) actually returned to Eretz Yisrael. Shortly thereafter, the fledgling Jewish settlement’s attempts to rebuild the Bais HaMikdash were thwarted by a scheming local population, who convinced Koresh to quickly reverse his

tioned “seventy years” redemption prophecy would not come to fruition, and even utilized the vessels of the Bais HaMikdash as part of the festivities (see Megillah 11b). Later, Achashveirosh transferred executive power to Haman, one of greatest Jew haters in history. What Haman elected to do with that power soon sent tremors throughout the Jewish world, in Persia, Eretz Yisroel, and beyond. Talk about a reversal of fortunes.

Yet, as quickly as things had improved for the Jews, they would sour almost as rapidly.

edict. These Jews were now left without a sense of security or purpose and soon headed towards despair and assimilation. A few years later, Koresh’s successor, Achashveirosh, led the Jews of Persia down a different path of dashed hopes. At first, he bestowed great apparent favor upon the Jews of Shushan, inviting them to a lavish, extended party in the royal palace. However, it soon became clear that the king’s primary objective was to celebrate the fact that the aforemen-

And we thought that we had it bad! Of course, what ultimately saved the Jewish people at that time was the great degree of emunah u’bitachon that they were able to achieve under the devoted leadership of Mordechai and Esther. Through fasting and repentance, they reconnected with Hashem to such a degree that they came to “reaccept” His Torah (Kimu v’kiblu – kiblu mah shekiblu kvar, Shavuos 39a, based on Esther 9:27). In so doing, they invoked Hashem’s compassion and brought

about their own stunning and complete reversal of fortunes, a true v’nahapoch hu (Esther 9:1). Not only were the Jews spared the terrible tragedy of annihilation, but they even grew to new levels of prominence in Persia, again led by Mordechai, the king’s new viceroy. In addition, within a few years, the Jews of Eretz Yisroel would reinitiate the building of the second Bais HaMikdash and would eventually, under the leadership of Ezra first and then Nechemia, reestablish a vibrant, secure community committed to the highest standards of Torah observance. While we cannot say that they all lived happily ever after, the end of this particular saga ended far more favorably than anyone at the time could have realistically imagined. In this great season of v’nahapoch hu, a time of great physical and spiritual revivals and redemptions, we can at least hope that Hashem will see fit to keep moving our nation on an upwards trajectory and make this Purim a true day of orah, simcha, sasson, v’kar. Rabbi Naphtali Hoff, PsyD, is an executive coach and President of Impactful Coaching & Consulting. Please see his webiste, ImpactfulCoaching.com. For a free, no obligation consultation, please call (212) 470-6139 or email nhoff@ impactfulcoaching.com. Check out his new leadership book, “Becoming the New Boss,” on Amazon and on the book site, BecomingtheNewBoss.com.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Israel Today

The Road to Safed and Back By Rafi Sackville

t is not uncommon for writers to occasionally embellish their description of events with the aim of making their pieces more exciting. The story you are about to read has no extraneous swirls of the pen, no superfluity, no contrived facts. It begins like this: most schools in Israel work hard on building a sense of unity among their staff. Our school does this in a few ways: sometimes they take everyone out to supper, a few years ago we all went rafting in Kfar Blum, and sometimes we take a bus and travel with the goal of combining current calendar events to the area we live in. On a mild, but chilly late September evening, we took our annual Selichot trip to Safed and the surrounding area. It was 6 o’clock on the Monday during Aseret Yamei Teshuva when we got to school. Two buses were awaiting us, but only 50 teachers and staff had showed. One of the buses departed, but not before the driver got onto the first bus to talk to

his colleague. I was sitting in the front row passenger seat listening while Dudu gave Momi a full explanation of how his dashboard panel worked. He’d say things like, “No, that’s for the back door. That’s for the microphone. That one? It’s the demister. You got it, Momi?” Momi would have been pushing retirement age. He was short, whitehaired, and had a habit of sucking his bottom lip. To every question put to him he answered in the affirmative, “I got it!” Our first destination was just outside Kadita, to visit the grave of Rabbi Tarfon. Kadita is a mysterious yishuv between Ma’alot and Safed that is not recognized by the authorities. Apparently, this is fine for its residents, who live without electricity and running water. As we were leaving school Momi began complaining to our guide, Yuval. “You better not be taking me on any narrow roads or sharp turns,” he

said. I thought that strange, seeing that many of the roads in our area are just that: narrow and plenty full of sharp turns. Off Momi drove. Sort of. The bus never passed 30 MPH and Momi had a terrible habit of applying the brakes at every opportunity. Shimon was sitting next to me. He looked a bit under the weather. When I asked him what was ailing him he told me nausea. When I asked him from what, he replied the bus trip. When I pointed out we’d only driven 2 miles, he raised his eyes in despair. In response I recited Tefillat Haderech at the top of my lungs because the audio system had broken down. We stopped and started like sputtering jalopy until Kadita appeared in the darkness. We had to drive onto a side road that was narrow and winding and long. Momi stopped at every hole, rock, and bump. By the time we arrived there was a detectable murmur throughout the bus. Something wasn’t quite right. What

was with the driver? Understand that these questions were not asked in panic. They tended to be made with a tinge of mirth. Guffawing, if that is a word, was common when it came from people at the back of the bus. I laughed, but from my front row perch it was more in anxiety than a lightheaded titter. The grave of Rabbi Tarfon, the famed Mishnaic sage, lies up an unpaved road and forty uneven steps. Momi parked the bus in the middle of the road while we went up to the grave. By the time we returned he was directing traffic at the front of the bus, while the driver of a grey van was complaining he couldn’t get past at the other end. Nerves were frayed by the time we got to Safed. It took Momi a full five minutes to negotiate one of the large intersections. Alighting from the bus for our three hour walking tour was a relief. The city was packed with student and army groups. In the dark we learned about the history of

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Safed, accompanied to the sound of music related to Selichot. We stopped to eat our homemade cakes and home-picked dates. By the time we got back to the bus it was 11pm. It was then that Momi’s driving took a turn for the worse: he drove even more slowly and erratically. It was frightening. At one point we were descending towards a 180 degree turn between Sasa and Ma’alot and I was concerned he wouldn’t make it. “Left, here!” I called out from my seat. “Where else can I go?” Momi shouted at me. “I’ve been driving for 45 years. I know what I’m doing!” While saying this Yuval was wiping the windshield with the day’s newspaper because Momi couldn’t locate the demister button. Shimon asked him why he was having trouble with the bus. “It’s the first time I’ve driven a bus like this,” he replied. Shimon then asked him when the last time he had driven a regular bus was. Clearly doing sums in his head, Momi paused

before answering. “The last time I drove a regular bus was twelve, no, fourteen years ago.” I looked around at the seats closest to me. There was a look of shock

the windshield! When it couldn’t get more worrying, it did. The bus stalled in the middle of highway 89 on an incline. Four times the bus rolled backwards and

Clearly doing sums in his head, Momi paused before answering. “The last time I drove a regular bus was twelve, no, fourteen years ago.”

on faces. Penina and Lucy behind me quickly put on their seatbelts and an audible murmur of worry ran down the bus like an unfriendly gale. We were the first passengers Momi had driven in fourteen years! It was night! He couldn’t see out of

each time it did Momi braked hard. “There’s something wrong with the gears,” he explained, before adding how lucky we were that we didn’t get the second driver because “he doesn’t know his way around here.” We finally made it back to Ma’alot

before midnight. Momi’s driving was the hot topic of conversation the following morning. Penina is the school’s financial secretary. We met in the staff room. She told me she had called the bus company and complained about the roller coaster ride we’d had. She vociferously made it clear to the owner of the company that “we are not test bunnies!” “What did he say in response?” I asked her. “He fired the driver,” she replied matter-of-factly and thanked me for saying Tefillat Haderech after we had left school the night before. “What do you think Momi will do next?” I asked her. “Momi? He said he’d worked in a hospital for the last fourteen years. Maybe he’ll go back there. Better him working in a hospital than his passengers being patients in one, don’t you think?” Rafi Sackville, formerly of Cedarhurst, teaches in Ort Maalot in Western Galil.

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FEBRUARY29, 22,2015 2018| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home OCTOBER

Dating Dialogue

What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

My family has always been a Young Israel/Y.U. type of family. When my daughter came back from Israel, she and her group of friends all moved totally over to the right and they all decided that they wanted to marry “learning men,” men who were quite Yeshivish and either learning full time or learning and earning.

Though she presents to her friends as if she is exactly like them, my husband and I suspect that her true self is not really on board with that lifestyle. We can hear her in her room listening to modern music and have noticed her reading modern books. When she walks into the den, and my husband and I are watching T.V., she’ll often stop in her tracks and quickly gets engrossed in the show we’re watching, which is all more than fine with us. We always imagined that someday she would meet a nice, sincere Y.U. guy to marry, and live a similar lifestyle to the one in which she was raised. She’s been dating for close to two years now and nothing is happening. None of the young men she’s been set up with “do it” for her. When we try to dig a little to find out what exactly is the problem, she doesn’t go into any details. My husband and I think that the problem is she is trying to force herself to be someone who she isn’t really in her heart. We understand the peer pressure of being like her friends and believe that it could be at the core of her dating the wrong type of guys, but when we suggest that she go out with someone a bit more to the left, she gets very annoyed at us and says we are trying to change her. As parents, our gut tells us that she will never meet anyone appropriate so long as she continues to tell the shadchanim she talks to that she wants a learner or learner/earner. What do you suggest we do to get her to break away from the “group think” her friends are engaged in and have the confidence to be true to herself?

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions.

Our intention is not to offer any definitive

conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. reaking your daughter’s connection from the “group think” her friends are engaged in is not going to do the job you want done. You want your daughter to be true to herself but she probably doesn’t know what that is and how to get there. It frequently takes time for young people to find their equilibrium as they emerge from school and into young adulthood. It takes time to assimilate changes and understand what kind of lifestyle one wants. Encouraging her relationships with people that have been mentoring her through her changes and encouraging a relationship with you as parents needs to be

done in a healthy way. Your use of language like “breaking” her connection and the fact that she doesn’t share with you tells me that the parent-child relationship is very problematic now. Get help to learn how to communicate with her. She is obviously not turning to you for help with dating prospects so you are going to have to come to grips with her wants and aspirations, whether she is up to them or not. Don’t personalize her choices – they are not about rejecting your choices and are not a value judgment about you and your spouse. Generally, when a relationship improves, suggestions can be made that will actually be heard. Hopefully, you will reach that point in your relationship with your daughter and she will go for some help in

sorting out her wants and needs. Keep in mind that dating is a process and young people grow from it. The fact that you say nothing is happening after two years of dating tells me that you are unrealistic and you want to see her married immediately. That’s not a fair expectation to have. And that’s also something to explore with a professional. Good luck doing the work to improve your relationship and your expectations. I hope your daughter does the same.

The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, P.A. e’ve all been there. Every mother reading your dilemma has inevitably locked horns with a child over differences between what the parent felt was reasonable behavior and the child’s stubborn insistence on doing what everyone else was doing – the “group think,” as you call it. I respect your belief that Mr. Black Hat from Brisk may not be for your daughter. But save your breath. Harping on the issue and bashing her rightwing friends will not cause her to change her mindset or cave to your expectations. Instead, be her friend, be supportive, be present; allow her to come to her own conclusions about what feels right – probably not Mr. Lakewood or she would have been married two years ago. Her bashert (sporting a black hat or srugi) is out there and the One Above will orchestrate heaven and earth – circumstances, friends, neighbors, shadchanim – to bring him to your door. Time and confidence will allow her to mature and possibly alter her “elevator speech” about what she’s looking for. For now, Mom, deep breaths…

You can’t control your daughter’s personal journey.

The Shadchan Michelle Mond t sounds to me like you are so focused on the image you have conjured of the man your daughter was “supposed to” marry based on your family’s YU hashkafa that you are willing to lose your relationship with her over it. You are writing in for advice on how to change her but my advice to you is to merely accept and love her. If she does not feel like you are constantly judging and rejecting her personal decisions she will be less defensive and much more likely to open up to you. While there are many girls who come back from seminary on a fake high, there are also many who come to real, personal realizations about the type of life they want to live. She cannot possibly be faking it for two whole years just because of peer pressure. In terms of the type of things she does at home, you are assuming that because she sometimes listens to modern music and reads modern books she is not cut out for a yeshivish type of guy. While that may be true for a certain genre of yeshivish people, I have spoken to many singles, both male and female, who align with a yeshivish mentality who also enjoy more modern books and music. There is no rule that one must either be YU/ modern and be okay with books and music or align with the more

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

yeshivish approach and be completely cut off from that world. People are complex and are a work in progress. There are definitely people in the middle. I hope you are able to repair your relationship with your daughter through acceptance and understanding and hope that she is introduced very soon to the kind of man who aligns with her personal vision of the home she is hoping to build.

The Single Tova Wein

our gut may be right, and yet, be prepared and accepting of the fact that your gut may be entirely wrong! It seems that when your daughter is in your home and has the easy access to a lifestyle that may not be what she is hoping to create when she gets married it’s easy for her to slip back

Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

our daughter is telling everyone she is a vegetarian and that she will only eat in vegetarian restaurants, but you’ve seen her sneaking a burger every now and then when no one is watching. Why does she need to think of herself as a vegetarian when she clearly isn’t? And furthermore, she may be happier coming out of her meat-eating closet! There’s nothing wrong with eating meat! Oh my goodness, is parenting hard! Here you see your daughter, potentially not truly knowing who she is, searching for her bashert. And you are concerned (or maybe outright worried) that she isn’t meeting him because she isn’t yet true to herself. Sometimes the hardest parenting of all is when we have to take a backseat and keep our opinions to ourselves. It’s when there’s nothing we can do to fix it. It’s letting them go and allowing them to make their own decisions. And allowing them to face the consequences of those decisions. Even as I write this (as a fellow mother) I don’t like it one bit.

I say this because oftentimes well-meaning parents don’t understand when it is no longer appropriate to give opinions when they are not asked for them by their adult children. Oftentimes, those same well-meaning parents do not understand why their children have distanced themselves. And oftentimes, they will walk into my office. And though what we discover varies from family to family, some common themes emerge. The adult children feel as though their parents view them as disappointments or incapable of making their own decisions. And so relationships are either taxed and strained or completely non-existent. The good news is that more often than not, the relationship can be repaired when the parent expresses an understanding and a validation of the way their well-intentioned comments made the adult child feel. You can’t control your daughter’s personal journey, nor can you con-

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into old habits. However, once she is eventually married and creating her new lifestyle, she may have an easier time foregoing certain behaviors. The fact that she isn’t married after two years of dating doesn’t necessarily mean that she’s looking for the wrong type of man. Many people need to date for much longer until the perfect person comes along. The amount of time is no proof of anything. However, if you and your husband are correct, and she isn’t truly in touch with her authentic self, then relax in the knowledge that with time she will figure this out on her own. But it will have to be a process – her process. I

trol her choosing the right guy. But what you can control is the kind of relationship you have with her. I want you to have a good one. And if you use words like “group think” and allude to her not having confidence or maintaining a lifestyle due to peer pressure, I am afraid at some point this will tear away at the fabric of your relationship. If she thinks that you view her in this way, this will chip away at a healthy attachment and relationship. And she will either privately resent you or distance herself from you because her reflection in the mirror you hold up to her is too ugly. So, what can you do? To yourself, acknowledge that your daughter is an adult who is on her life’s journey. Respect that. Appreciate it. Put the mirror down. If you see her watching a movie or listening to music, assume that she’s working things out and she’s got things under control. You have to assume (yikes, assume!) that this is working for her (and it very well may be). When you adopt this attitude, your daughter will feel it. At that point, feel free to pick the mirror back up.

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Acknowledge that your daughter is an adult who is on her life’s journey.

don’t think you would have any success in trying to convince her otherwise. And if you try, and worse yet, badger her, it would only backfire and sabotage your relationship with her. So sit back. Let her know that you’re there for her if she ever wants to talk about her dating experience, and have faith that she will figure it all out in due time.

She may allow some “collaborative” conversations about dating and lifestyle to take place. Your role will be to support her but there may even be some allowance for thought-provoking questions about what she wants. She may even come to you to “run something by you.” If you don’t know how to have open, non-directive conversations, because it’s not something your mother did with you and you never did it with your kids, you can work with a therapist to learn how to do so. Sincerely, Jennifer Esther Mann, LCSW and Jennifer Mann, LCSW are licensed psychotherapists and dating and relationship coaches working with individuals, couples and families in private practice in Hewlett, NY. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 516.224.7779. Press 1 for Esther, 2 for Jennifer. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email thenavidaters@ gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Dr. Deb

What do Normal Relationships Look Like? By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

omeone recently asked me why he needed to say “Goodbye” to his wife and tell her where he was going on the way out. So then I knew that an article on what “normal” looks like couldn’t hurt. This article will be a list.

• You say “Hello” when you walk in even if you do not have enough energy to say it, and you say it with a smile. • You say “Goodbye” when you leave and if you weren’t expecting to leave at that time, you even inform your spouse where you were going. • Informing your spouse where you were going is not tantamount to asking permission. That said, if you knew that where you were going would be objectionable to your spouse, then it is better to discuss your reasons and listen with an open mind to those of your spouse. • When your spouse needs a listening ear, be a listener. That means reflecting back some of what he or she said before making any points of your own. You don’t always have to have solutions.

• Solutions are great sometimes and you should be able to pick up cues from your partner as to whether or not they are wanted. If so, don’t offer solutions that they would have also thought of; offering the obvious makes it look like you think they are stupid. • Disagreements are normal for everyone. Healthy people don’t get defensive about their own view; they can let go of their ego and they can hear criticisms without thinking the world is coming to an end. • Boundaries are respected. This means not butting into the lives of your married children with unsolicited advice or criticism. • Same thing with your older single adult children. • You do not diagnose your spouse no matter how obvious the behavior seems. Doing so shows a lack of respect. • When a partner has a flaw (chas v’chalila!) you don’t bring it up; you treat the topic with prudence and discretion. • There’s no place for anger over

your partner’s flaws. • If the flaw bothers you a lot, you work on yourself to be tolerant. If, on the other hand, it is dangerous or harmful, then it must be addressed directly, but again, without anger. • It is normal to get annoyed or upset once in a while, but that “once in a while” is rare, like once in three months. I never saw either of my parents angry at each other. Okay, they got angry at me! The level of annoyance never gets to where you could call it “drama.” Drama produces too much stress. • Both parties know how much money the family has and where it comes from. Neither exercises control more than the other. The exception might be older re-marrieds who agree ahead of time that they will keep their monies separate because they each have responsibilities for children of their own. • The Shabbos table is holy. There are divrei Torah, singing, light chatter, and catching up on the week. Who you’re angry at, what your plans are for work or housework and chores

have no place at the Shabbos table. • Complaints to one another are never, ever mentioned in front of the children. • If a spouse appears to act badly the thought doesn’t enter your mind that your spouse is acting badly. Rather there is an automatic dan l’chaf zchus for your partner’s actions, even when they look really bad. • When it is impossible to think of a good reason for the behavior that appears to be bad, you just hold yourself open to hearing the explanation and never for a moment pass judgment on your partner while waiting for that explanation. • You aren’t interested in leading your own parallel life to your spouse; you want to be “part of” one another’s lives. That means you’re happy to share what’s on your mind and in your heart. • You feel like equals; neither person is smarter or better equipped for life. True, each of you may have strengths that the other lacks, but that means you can each teach the other what you know. Even that teaching

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

process is done with respect for an equal partner. • When something goes wrong, you accept your accurate share of responsibility. • When something goes wrong, you often take the option of not blaming the other person for their share of the mistakes; you don’t mind letting it go because you know that goodwill for your partner will eventually come back to you as goodwill for you when you make a biggie. • Teasing is fun and you both enjoy doing that to each other. (Of course it’s never sarcastic.) There’s a lot of laughter in the house. • And there are those looks, too, the ones where you turn to each other knowingly because even when you disagree on some things, you’re basically on the same page. • There are often words of love, words of kindness, and for the shy ones, deeds of kindness. • There’s an interest in doing for each other. You napped Shabbos and

I watched the children but I’m happy you got to nap. You’re ready to give up the armchair for me and I appreciate that. You spend lots of time on the road driving to work but when I ask you to run to the store, you’re happy

same hobbies, but you manage to find things to do that you both enjoy, and you make time for them. I knew of couples who had an official date every Rosh Chodesh. Some people manage adventures only on school breaks or

You feel like equals; neither person is smarter or better equipped for life.

to do it. You know I do plenty for you, too. • You feel elevated by your partner; they inspire and enrich you. • You don’t always agree, but whoever “won” the last time takes turns winning the next time, roughly speaking. • You don’t necessarily have the

chol hamoed, but there is “together” time, nevertheless. • Going through difficulties cements the relationship; you reach out to one another. • Illness or challenges make you feel glad to be there for your partner who needs you. • You have a signal that only the

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other one knows to indicate to each other when you want to leave a social event. I imagine the list could be longer. These were inspired by things I’ve witnessed or experienced myself. My belief is that the good can be hidden in people’s hearts – just as Hashem seemed to be hidden in the Purim story – but it can be brought out under the right conditions. We should never assume because we don’t see the interactions we’d wish for that they are not actually “there.” They say that b’yimei haMashiach, Purim will be the only chag we celebrate. Isn’t that interesting? The chag about Hashem being hidden when He’s already been revealed. Maybe this is a cue for us to see the G-dliness in our significant others when it seems hidden. Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. She can be reached at 646-54-DRDEB or by writing drdeb@ drdeb.com.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Health & F tness

A Purim Shpiel By Aliza Beer MS, RD

iracles and secrets abound in the story of Purim With a diet consisting of feasts, fasts, and hamantashen Food is what triggers the Jews and their downfall Learn from their mistakes, you can’t have it all!

Let’s begin with preparation for the Fast of Esther Eat three normal meals and 8-10 glasses of water Break your fast on a protein, veggies, and a healthy grain Don’t binge and eat a day’s worth of food, that’s insane! On Purim morning, a nutritious and filling breakfast is the right way To rev up your metabolism and keep hunger pains at bay Eat protein and fiber to keep you satisfied all day through Eggs and whole wheat toast or yogurt with high fiber cereal are some examples, to name a few. Consider getting fleishigs at lunch with turkey or chicken This will inhibit most of the chocolate and dairy consumption Keep water and an iced coffee with almond milk handy Maintain good hydration and you

will feel dandy. Treat yourself to one special something that you truly adore Deprivation will only lead you to eat more and more Moderation is the key to navigating the seudah Eat mainly protein and vegetables, please control the challah. Drink and be merry, there are much nissim to celebrate! But eat sensible portions, all your selections should fit onto one plate On Shushan Purim donate most of the cake, candies, and food Keep it hanging around, and you will be up to no good. One must remove the temptations, it is the only way To stay on the straight and narrow, Pesach is four weeks away! If all else fails, I am here at your beck and call A freilechen Purim to one and all!

Aliza Beer is a registered dietician with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail.com.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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Whenever, wherever we’re needed, Chai Lifeline is there.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Health & F tness

Finding our Way in a World Filled with Rage By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH (SA), FAAP

t’s an understatement to say that our world today is loaded with rage. Last week’s tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, is but one example. The lives of the 17 victims are irreplaceable. Unfortunately, life will never be the same again for their families and for the adolescents and adults who were in the school that day. They will carry the “pekel” for 120 years and beyond. In response, and wishing to effect positive change, Emma Gonzalez and her fellow grieving students at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are mobilizing forces for tighter gun control laws. No doubt their planned march on Washington scheduled for next month will be built on this groundswell of anguish. It’s one way to go. More on that later. There are responses and proactive actions for us as a community. We are a nation of rachmanim, bayshanim, and gomlei chasadim. The Chabad rabbis on the ground in Florida were extraordinary, stepping to the plate in a horrific vacuum of confusion and angst and bringing an appropriate framework for action and grief. Worldwide, we davened and recited Tehillim. Yet more needs to be done. Let’s begin with security. Our own precious children were in school when this disaster was per-

petrated. Did we question (even for a moment) their safety? And then we sent them back to school the next day. Without thinking about it. And then we went to shul on Shabbos. Without thinking about security. Few of us know and understand the security procedures and systems in our schools and shuls. What’s the most recent time our children had a lockdown drill? How often are there lockdown drills? How tight a relationship is there between the schools and local police

with these questions, parents and community members also have a role. We should care. We should be asking the right questions. And we should be volunteering to help move all our mosdos into the most secure security situations possible. It requires work, money, and time. The operative question should be: what can I do to help? Communication – honest communication with our children – is paramount, even when it’s uncomfortable for us adults. We must make

The operative question should be: what can I do to help?

precincts? What’s our community’s relationship with Homeland Security? Are all school and shul entrances secured? How? If not, is there a plan to secure them? This includes back and side entrances for deliveries and garbage pickup, not just how children and others enter and exit. Do we have security measures in place for community gatherings and dinners? While professionals may deal

the time to speak to our children about this (and any other) tragedy. Please refer to the sidebar for some guidelines. Further, Nikolas Cruz and his sickeningly premeditated shooting rampage didn’t appear out of nowhere. There were warning signs something was brewing. Cruz must have been plagued by psychiatric, social and academic demons for a long time. Did teachers pick up on clues

and recommend evaluations and/or interventions? It’s my understanding that the Parkland school district is a good, solid school system. Yet even in good school systems, it’s not uncommon for teachers to be overwhelmed with the duties of teaching “regular” students. But if there are warning signs, pay heed and involve the administration. Fast. At the risk of sounding trite, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Please G-d, no other child should go unnoticed. Before being expelled from school (and it’s usually a long road until one is expelled), Cruz had shared with classmates pictures of animals he had shot. His classmates allege that he threatened several times to bring his legally obtained firearms to school. Teenagers may have a propensity for gossip but they usually want to help others. Were Cruz’s threats reported? How were they dealt with? I’m guessing that the straw that probably broke the proverbial camel’s back and snapped Cruz’s mind was his mother’s death this past November. Subsequently, he went to live with a foster family. His firearms were locked in their family safe; they profess to having no idea he had a key to the safe. At the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

(AAP), we question parents at every well visit about the presence of firearms in the home. If the answer is affirmative, we then inquire about a secured location for ammunition. Why? Because it’s for the safety of all. I don’t know the foster system intimately. Am I assuming correctly that the foster system has in place the right checks-and-balance system to check out the status of firearms in a home? The responsibility of the persons who have access to the key to the safe? Much has been said about the FBI receiving an anonymous tip on January 5th that Cruz had a “desire to kill people, erratic behavior, and disturbing social media posts” yet failing to act. We know that the FBI has been busy of late. But there are no words to justify this inaction. Let’s use this information obtained with the benefit of 20/20 vi-

sion in hindsight to move forward intelligently and correctly. Understandably, there’s focus on gun control. The vision and energy displayed by Gonzalez and her friends is admirable. Planning for a march in Washington to impact midterm elections is a high goal, especially for a high school senior. May her energies take her far, doing wonderful things for all humanity. Yet the world is not so black-andwhite. Allow me to elaborate. It’s not even a question that access to firearms in this country needs to be tightened – considerably tightened. There’s also a difference between a handheld pistol and other firearms. I don’t think it’s possible to outlaw all weapons which is why access to them needs to be revamped and ricocheted up a marked amount. Outlawing them will only send them underground; they’ll be obtainable

but perhaps at the price of illegal actions which will be only more difficult to track. Revisiting the Brady Law is a must. Assault weapons and such should have in place stringent background checks. Excuses that people need them for hunting is not acceptable. We don’t want humans to be hunted. Prohibition in this country during the 1920s and ‘30s imposed a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The result? The bootlegging industry began. While fortunes were made as people did almost anything to procure their liquor, it was accompanied by loss of life. It’s too horrific to imagine what would be created if the firearms were completely banned. There are insidious sources that will stand by, ready, willing and

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able to fill that void. Gonzalez shouldn’t stop her efforts. She’s listening to that inner voice that wants meaningful change. Good for her. Perhaps by marching on Washington on a grand scale she will effect change that can prevent similar tragedies from happening. Prevention, through securing our schools and other institutions and making sure that no child “slips between the cracks,” would be two tremendous accomplishments. At least they are places to start. As always, daven.

Dr. Hylton I. Lightman is a pediatrician and Medical Director of Total Family Care of the 5 Towns and Rockaway PC. He can be reached at drlightman@totalfamilycaremd.com, on Instagram at Dr.Lightman_ or visit him on Facebook.

TALKING TO OUR CHILDREN ABOUT THE PARKLAND SHOOTING

lthough we adults are struggling with our own thoughts and feelings about this horrific tragedy, it does not absolve us from the responsibility of talking to children about what they are seeing and hearing, even when they did not directly witness the event. Here are some guidelines that parents can use for children who’ve been indirectly affected by this calamity. Honesty is important but that doesn’t mean children need to know the details. The child’s “developmental lens” should determine what he needs to know and how we speak with him. Answering a child’s questions depends on what he can understand without further alarming him. First, find out what your child already knows. Gently ask questions and listen to their responses. This is an opportune time to correct misinformation. Acknowledge your child’s feelings; this should be the focal point rather than the event itself. Searching for the right words to use? Check out the website

https://www.afnatal.org/sup-

porting-your-children-in-timesof-stress/. Let’s start with young children. Infants and toddlers are comforted when caregivers was warm and responsive to their needs. Highly predictable routines are crucial. Because young children are sen-

Please still exercise caution in sharing details. Listen carefully to what they say and ask and respond accordingly. Adolescents need adults to listen to their thoughts and feelings without the adults editing them. Some teenagers are already grap-

Use this as an opportunity to invite your children to ask questions and to bring you information to discuss.

sitive to adults’ emotions, make every effort to speak in a calm voice. Language should be simple. Answer questions honestly but with minimal detail so their imaginations do not run wild. This age group does best when reassured they are safe. Perhaps some extra attention from Mommy, Daddy or a loving adult might be needed. School-age children may understand more and, as a result, may need to speak more. That’s okay.

pling with life and death issues and whether or not this is a world of justice. They want honesty, not doubletalk. However, teenagers do it on their timetable, meaning, it’s when they’re ready to talk. Our world is plagued by TMI – too much information. It’s hard to regulate what our children are exposed to, especially when they have friends and walk the streets. This is not an excuse for us to cop out. Rather, use this as an opportunity

to invite your children to ask questions and to bring you information to discuss. Of course, never give up setting boundaries and monitoring your children on any electronic device. Kids know far more than we realize (or want to admit). Exercise. Get and keep you and your children moving. I’m not joking. It keeps everyone busy and less “self” focused. It’s bonding time. And you already know the benefits to setting loose those endorphins. Take care of yourselves, Mommy and Daddy. Our world is a stressful one. Make sure you eat well and rest. Socializing with peers is important. If you or any family member or loved one are struggling, don’t be a martyr. Seek professional help. There are mental health professionals, rabbonim, askanim and others who can help you – or at least help you to get the right help. Healthy parents mean healthy children. Together, let’s move forward with our children’s mental and emotional health intact. As always, daven.

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home FEBRUARY29, 22,2015 2018| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home OCTOBER

Chef

Trnare tristique. Morbi tempor eros quis eros ultricies, vitae pulvinar felis rutrum. In vitae lacus eget erat interdum vehicula quis non tellus.

Photo by Rebecca Sobel

Not Another Hamantashen Article

Talk

By Naphtali Sobel

have no intention of boring you with yet another hamantashen recipe, although I would advise sneaking citrus zest in the dough even if the recipe doesn’t call for it. Interestingly, the custom has nothing to do with Haman’s hat, nor does it have anything to do with eating filled foods on Purim. Rather, it symbolizes how Queen Esther would hide various seeds in a pouch to keep kosher even while living in King Achashveirosh’s palace. The custom to eat filled foods on Purim is to symbolize the hidden nature in which the Purim miracle took place, as the salvation came about through a sequence of peculiar and hidden events. On the other hand, the Pesach miracle of Splitting the Sea was an outright, open display of Hashem’s intervention. Therefore, we have the custom of eating filled foods on Purim where the filling is concealed, symbolizing the hidden nature of the Purim miracle. On this note I would like to offer a “filled” recipe for Purim. I will not offer you a kreplach recipe, nor will I offer you a stuffed cabbage recipe. There are enough of these items in the freezer section and I don’t wish to compete with passed down family recipes either. I would, however, like to offer my pulled beef babka recipe as an ode to eating filled foods but of course not as a replacement, because I seriously can’t do Purim without stuffed cabbage and kreplach. Since

we are talking about pulled beef, I can’t refrain from sharing a purple slaw recipe and a bourbon glazed pecan stuffed yam recipe which is the perfect complement to any food that is even remotely slightly Southern. Naphtali Sobel is an experienced chef and food consultant. He is available as a personal chef and for consulting. He can be reached at napsob87@gmail.com.

R EC I P E IN GR ED IEN TS

Purple Slaw

bage 1 package shredded pur ple cab ¼ cup vinegar ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup oil Pinch of salt Sliced chives, optional

Bourbon Glazed Yams 3 yams or sweet potatoes ½ cup brown sugar Splash of vanilla Splash of bourbon Pinch of cinnamon Pinch of salt 1 cup pecans

Youu Yo

FO R FO R FRO M TH E KIT CH EN OF FRO M TH E KIT CH EN OF

el obel Sob ali S htali apht Nap N

PR EPAR AT IO N

all ingredients Prepare the purple slaw: Mix e until well blended. together except for the cabbag serv ing. Pour on top of cabbage before yams: Bake yams Prepare the bourbon gla zed and set aside. for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until soft ients, aside from Place the rest of the ingred g to medium heat. the pecans, in a sauté pan. Brin stir for an additionWhen syr upy, add pecans and al moment. yams and stuff Make a gash in the cooked r to serv ing. them with the pecan mix prio

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The 22,2015 2018 The Jewish Jewish Home Home || FEBRUARY OCTOBER 29,

R ECIPE

FOR

Yo u

FRO M THE KIT CH EN OF

Pulled Beef Babka

PR EPAR AT IO N

IN GR ED IEN TS Pulled Beef placed in 1 large onion, thinly sliced and bak ing pan 3 lb. second cut brisket 1 TBS kosher salt 1 TBS garlic powder 1 TBS paprika 1 TBS black pepper ½ TBS cumin ½ TBS oregano t you are Dough (any challah dough tha fine) just k wor will with comfortable r flou en glut ½ bag high 1 cup sugar, plus a pinch 1½ TBS kosher salt 5 TBS and one tsp yeast egg for egg wash 4 XL eggs plus an additional er 2 cups war m wat 5 ½ TBS oil

ed sliced onPrepare the pulled beef: Plac ing pan. Season ions on the bottom of a bak place on top of brisket with all of the spices, and foil and bake with the onions. Seal pan tightly °F. for three hours on 350 from juices Once cooked, remove brisket the beef. As you and onions and begin pulling onions and meat are pulling the beef, place the il syrupy, either juices on the stove to reduce unt of or by transpro in the bak ing pan if it’s stove ced, remove redu e Onc ferr ing it to a sauté pan. a bottle of of rs arte e-qu from flame, add thre in the fold and ce sau ue bec your favorite bar pulled brisket. yeast in 1 Prepare the dough: Bloom ar. Once sug of h cup war m water and a pinc nts to edie ingr the of bloomed, add all the rest Cover . utes min 10 for a dough mixer and mix gh dou il unt area m war in dough and let rise gh in dou Cut r). hou an ut (abo doubles in size

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, and let rise for half, form each half into a ball another half hour. dough has To make the babka: Once the until it pin ing risen, roll each ball with a roll when per spa new is slightly larger than this two the een betw f it’s closed. Split pulled bee re enti the ss acro ly doughs and spread even st Twi . roll jelly a like gh area. Roll up the dou then and pe sha 8 re figu a into each “jelly poll” place in a greased loaf pan. place liberal Brush with egg wash and e on top. Let spic amounts of ever ything-bagel m area and war a in rise for additional hour utes or until min 0 45-5 ut bake at 350°F for abo fully baked.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

How much are you worth, Nancy?

If it was the GOAL of Russia to create discord, disruption and chaos within the U.S. then, with all of the Committee Hearings, Investigations and Party hatred, they have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. They are laughing their [heads] off in Moscow. Get smart America! – President Trump after the Justice Department announced that 13 Russians were indicted for online activities during the 2016 election and tried to sow discord among Americans

- A heckler to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi who was speaking at the Arizona Center for Economic Progress about how “horrible” the Trump tax cuts are

No, we’re not talking about that.

We know that this might have inconvenienced some of you. - KFC, after running out of chicken in nearly all of the UK

- Pelosi’s response

I am happy for the country. Bob and his team did a very good job on this. - President Trump’s lawyer John Dowd “throwing shade” at Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller after the Justice Department announced that Mueller indicted 13 Russians for their online activity during the 2016 presidential elections while specifically stating that the Trump campaign was not involved in any way

At some point we’re going to be fatigued with everybody being a victim. - Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas telling an audience at the Library of Congress last week that constant aggrievement will exhaust the country

We’re getting a lot more – I mean from a photographer’s standpoint – we get a lot more access to the president. I see him more on a daily basis than we did with Barack Obama. - New York Times White House photographer Doug Mills when asked to compare working in the White House under President Trump and President Obama

MORE QUOTES

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

We are descendants of the Canaanites that lived in Palestine 5,000 years ago, and have continuously remained there to this day. - Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas revising history in a speech to the United Nations Security Council last Tuesday

Our negotiators are sitting right behind me, ready to talk. But we will not chase after you. The choice, Mr. President, is yours. There is the path of absolutist demands, hateful rhetoric, and incitement to violence. That path has led, and will continue to lead, to nothing but hardship for the Palestinian people or there is the path of negotiation and compromise. History has shown that path to be successful for Egypt and Jordan, including the transfer of territory. That path remains open to the Palestinian leadership, if only it is courageous enough to take it. - U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, addressing the UN Security Council last Tuesday after Abbas’ speech (Abbas deliberately left the room before her speech)

I will decline the advice I was recently given by your top negotiator, Saeb Erekat. I will not shut up. Rather, I will respectfully speak some hard truths. - Ibid.

We constantly promote “see something, say something,” and a courageous person did just that to the FBI. And the FBI failed to act. “See something, say something” is an incredibly important tool and people must have confidence in the follow-through from law enforcement. The FBI director needs to resign. - Florida Governor Rick Scott, after it was disclosed that the FBI was notified about the Florida shooter on multiple occasions and failed to investigate him

Very sad that the FBI missed all of the many signals sent out by the Florida school shooter. This is not acceptable. They are spending too much time trying to prove Russian collusion with the Trump campaign – there is no collusion. Get back to the basics and make us all proud! - Tweet by President Trump after it was disclosed that the FBI failed to investigate the Florida shooter

Must they run their mouths like that? A lot of kids and some adults take these ignorant comments seriously. Look, there might be a cautionary lesson in LeBron for kids: this is what happens when you attempt to leave high school a year early to join the NBA. And it’s always unwise to get political advice from someone who gets paid $100 million a year to bounce a ball. Oh, LeBron and Kevin [Durant], you’re great players, but no one voted for you. Millions elected Trump to be their coach. So, keep the political commentary to yourself, or as someone once said, [be quiet] and dribble. - Laura Ingraham, on Fox News, responding to LeBron James’ expletive-laced comment that President Trump doesn’t care about people

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FEBRUARY29, 22,2015 2018| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home OCTOBER

Is the WH really hiding behind a school shooting so they don’t have to answer questions about a host of scandals in the administration? Kinda looks like that’s what’s happening. - Tweet by MSNBC’s Chris Hayes when in the moments after the Florida school shooting the White House canceled a press conference that was supposed to begin at the same time as the shooting

They were the worst musicians in the world. - Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, talking about the Beatles, whose albums he produced, in a recent interview

Jeff, it’s okay, your job at MSNBC is already secure.

Senator Schumer, one time, just one time, I’d love to hear you speak about the men and women who bled and died for you with as much compassion as you speak about illegals in this country. - Tweet by country music legend and strong supporter of the U.S. military Charlie Daniels

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- Tweet by Ben Shapiro after retiring “Republican” Senator Jeff Flake went on yet another anti-Trump tirade

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

The most important work of my life has been to support and empower women. I’m proud that it’s the work I’m most associated with, and it remains what I’m most dedicated to. So I very much understand the question I’m being asked as to why I let an employee on my 2008 campaign keep his job despite his inappropriate workplace behavior. The short answer is this: if I had it to do again, I wouldn’t. - Facebook post by Hillary Clinton after her 2008 campaign manager disclosed last week that Hillary blocked her from firing a male campaign aide who engaged in inappropriate behavior towards others

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Especially during this time when the underbelly of capitalism — white supremacy, cisheteropatriarchy, and xenophobia – is being exposed, it is imperative that everyone, especially those who have access to spiritual practices like yoga, ask difficult questions of ourselves and one another. We must ask: in what ways are we complicit in a system that harms people of color… poor people, people with disabilities, and immigrants? - From an article recently written by Shreena Gandhi, a religious studies professor at Michigan State, claiming that Americans who practice yoga are contributing to white supremacy and promote the “yoga industrial complex”

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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Discover the Magesty of Montana

xecutive Chef Seth Warshaw of New Jersey’s #1 rated statewide steakhouse, ETC Steakhouse, introduces Rustic Elegance and invites you and your family to a week-long adventure and culinary experience. Traveling to the jaw-dropping landscape and views of Glacier National Park in Montana will create lifelong memories and deliver incredible journeys, adventures and stories. Coupling the daily voyages with kosher culinary cuisine will create a blissful experience like no other. “It’s time that our community gets to have their cake and eat it too when vacationing in extraordinary locations. I am proud to be a part of Rustic Elegance and create an incredible, week-long experience this Summer” commented Chef Seth. “In addition to the fun-packed itinerary and excursions, we will be offering opportunities to have cooking classes and photography lessons throughout the week. This will be an experience like no other kosher outdoor adventure–I assure you of that.” Glacier National Park is home to over one million acres of land, two mountain ranges, 130 named lakes, and over 1,000 species of plants and wildlife. Glacier boasts some of the best mountain views in America. Going to the Sun Road, the main park road, has been rated as one of the top scenic drives in the world. With only 26 glaciers remaining in the park out of its original 150, come see these majestic wonders before they are gone forever. The program will run from Sunday lunch through Thursday and enables families time to travel home for Shabbos. Itineraries will be catered to each couple or family, based on desired excursions and intensity levels. The staff at Rustic Elegance will work with each attendee to create a build-to-suit itinerary to maximize the experience. Along with scheduled minyanim, a full breakfast buffet will be served daily, gourmet boxed lunches prepared and a complete, 5-Star multi-course dining experience each evening. The experience includes rustic cabin lodging and various upgrade options. In an interview with Rustic Elegance founder, Yitzi Kessock, we asked:

Who is the ideal participant on a Rustic Elegance vacation? Anyone who is seeking the opportunity to experience one of the great national parks and its beauty, while enjoying top-notch culinary treats from one of the foremost kosher chefs in the world. What are some of the itinerary options from which to choose? The array of activities available truly range from those who are regular outdoor campers and hikers to those heading out for the first time. Options include hiking, mountain biking, rafting, scenic bus tours, horseback rid-

ing, helicopter tours, scenic photography lessons, and cooking lessons from Chef Seth, who will be with us for the entire week. These will be memories that will last a lifetime. What prompted the creation of Rustic Elegance? Chef Seth and I have been friends since our early childhood. Our families used to go on regular outdoor adventure trips together and we share some amazing lifelong memories. While enjoying the most amazing ribs at ETC Steakhouse and reminiscing with Seth about some of those trips, the idea was born and Rustic Elegance

was created. We are excited to enable families to create such experiences and memories for themselves. Having the opportunity to disconnect for a week, being outdoors surrounded by some of the most majestic scenery in America, while enjoying a convenient 5-Star kosher cuisine with your closest family and friends is truly an experience of a lifetime. For further information or to register for Rustic Elegance Summer 2018, visit our website www.kosherrustic.com or email info@kosherrustic.com or call for further details 307213-9178

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Political Crossfire

Despite the Olympic Glow, Half of Korea Remains in Darkness By Marc A. Thiessen

atching the media fawning over the North Korean delegation at the Pyeongchang Olympics, I recalled

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Agitation Department, a senior leader of the most brutal repressive totalitarian regime on the face of the Earth. As one defector told The Washington Post last year, “It’s like a religion. From birth, you learn about the Kim family, learn that they are gods, that you must be absolutely obedient to the Kim family.” Any perceived disloyalty to the

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the other is enveloped in the total darkness of human misery. Keep that darkness in mind while watching the North’s Olympic charm offensive over these two weeks. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, is not the “North Korean Ivanka.” She is the vice director of the Propaganda and

Kim family can result in a visit in the middle of the night from the Bowibu – the North Korean secret police – that could send not just the offender, but three generations of his or her relatives, to a forced labor camp for life. North Korea’s system of “re-education” camps, which was recently mapped by

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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This is the brutality that Kim Yo Jong represents. Yet despite this cruel reality, the media could not help fawning over the North Korean delegation. Reuters declared Kim Yo Jong the “winner of diplomatic gold at Olympics.” CNN gushed how, “with a smile, a handshake and a warm message in South Korea’s presidential guest book, Kim Yo Jong has struck a chord with the public.” NBC even tweeted a photo

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of the North Korean cheerleaders with the heading “This is so satisfying to watch.” Seriously? NBC failed to mention that in 2005, 21 cheerleaders were sent to a prison camp for speaking about what they saw in South Korea. Instead of normalizing the regime, this should be an opportunity to educate the massive Olympic audience about the realities of life in North Korea under the murderous

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satellite by the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, is the most extensive in the world. Under three generations of Kims, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, have been imprisoned and killed in these camps. Inmates undergo the most brutal forms of torture imaginable, including being hung on hooks over open fires, while pregnant women are tied to trees while their babies are cut out of their bellies. Yet the camps are simply prisons within a larger prison. The entire country is one giant gulag. Thanks to widespread malnutrition, North Koreans are between 1.2 and 3.1 inches shorter than South Koreans. And thanks to economic mismanagement, 97 percent of the roads are unpaved. According to my American Enterprise Institute colleague, Nicholas Eberstadt, up to a million North Koreans died of starvation in the famine that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. “It was the only time in history that people have starved en masse in an urbanized, literate society during peacetime,” he notes. North Korea’s people starve while the regime pours its resources into its messianic quest to deploy nuclear missiles capable of reaching and destroying American cities. Even among the elites there is no safety. Last year, North Korea’s vice premier for education was executed for not keeping his posture upright at a public event. Defense Minister Hyong Yong Chol was pounded to death with artillery fire for the crime of falling asleep at a parade. And if you wonder why those North Korean cheerleaders stay in such perfect sync, maybe it’s because they saw 11 North Korean musicians lashed to the barrels of anti-aircraft guns which were fired one by one before a crowd of 10,000 spectators. “The musicians just disappeared each time the guns were fired into them,” one witness declared, “Their bodies were blown to bits, totally destroyed, blood and bits flying everywhere. And then, after that, military tanks moved in and they ran over the bits on the ground where the remains lay.”

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Political Crossfire

How the U.S. can “Get to Yes” with Turkey By David Ignatius

ow bizarre that the biggest obstacle to finishing the war against the Islamic State and beginning the stabilization of Syria is America’s supposed friend and NATO ally, Turkey. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made the latest attempt to mollify an angry Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a three-hour meeting in Ankara last Thursday. But this may be mission impossible: Granting Turkey’s demands would make Syria more unstable and prolong the threat of jihadist terrorism there. The U.S. goal is “getting to yes” with Erdogan, says a senior administration official. To that end, the U.S. has crafted a tentative package meant to appease the Turks by offering them a buffer zone in the Kurdish enclave of Afrin, joint Turkish-American patrols of the Manbij region where Erdogan has threatened an “Ottoman slap” if U.S. troops don’t leave, and gradual dilution of U.S. ties with a Kurdish-led militia that Erdogan despises. To coax agreement, U.S. emissaries have prepared what amounts to a Venn diagram, showing how closely American and Turkish interests overlap in the region – except for on the Kurdish issue. That’s like saying a couple have an interest in staying married, except for the fact that one accuses the other of using their money to buy gambling tickets. Certainly, American and Turkish interests should converge; but if so, why does Turkey imprison American citizens,

accuse Washington of fomenting a coup, and violate U.S. sanctions against Iran? Nobody wants a violent rupture with Turkey. But seven years into the catastrophic Syrian war, observers need to admit some ground truths: The Turks allowed thousands of foreign jihadists to flow into Syria and create bases from which they threatened Europe and America; these terrorists would still be in their capital of Raqqa, planning attacks, if the U.S. hadn’t partnered with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces militia that Turkey hates so much.

ness in the Syrian battlespace over the past month: Al-Qaeda has shot down a Russian jet, using a Chinese-made missile; Kurdish forces have shot down a Turkish helicopter, using an Iranian-made missile; Iran has flown a drone into Israel, across Russian-monitored Syrian airspace; Israel has bombed twelve sites across Syria in retaliation; and the U.S. response to a Russian-backed sneak attack on oil-and-gas fields near Deir al-Zour killed perhaps scores of Russian mercenaries, overflowing the local morgue. Syria is now riven by “converging forces with diverging interests,”

Turkey fulminates and demands American support, but lacks the power to stabilize areas it seeks to control. Meeting Turkish demands would mean abandoning the SDF, which did the fighting and dying against ISIS. Even if the U.S. were ready to take that amoral act in the name of realpolitik, the result would be more chaos in Syria, not less. The Turks simply don’t have enough disciplined, reliable military power to stabilize the areas the SDF now controls. The U.S. would create a freefor-all that would make Lebanon look tidy by comparison. Here’s a catalogue of the crazi-

warns a senior Pentagon official. Staffan de Mistura, the U.N. special envoy, said last Wednesday that it is as “violent, worrying and dangerous” a moment as any since he took the job four years ago. What’s the answer to this toxic mix? Not empowering Turkey’s deeper meddling, surely. The path out is a steady, patient advance of the faltering Geneva negotiations to extend the power and authority of a reformed Syrian state and military. For the U.S., that means biting the

bullet and working with Russia and the Syrian regime – two untrustworthy but essential partners. Russia actually took a step forward this month by drafting a new Syrian constitution that would grant limited autonomy for Kurdish regions in a newly decentralized Syrian state. The Russian draft would reconcile Kurdish and Arab demands, and some U.S. officials see it as a basis for serious talks. But other administration officials view Russia as a wrecker that uses “bait and switch” tactics to advance its interests and Iran’s, at the expense of America and its allies. What President Trump favors is anybody’s guess. The core problem in this latest phase of the Syria mess is similar to what got us here: The U.S. has the strongest military force, but doesn’t know what it wants, politically. Turkey fulminates and demands American support, but lacks the power to stabilize areas it seeks to control. Russia has the steering wheel, diplomatically, but has no trust from its passengers and no gas in the proverbial fuel tank. Here’s a thought experiment: Should the Kurdish-led SDF be disbanded, as Turkey wants? No! That would create a power void and more instability. Instead, the SDF should become part of a new Syrian national army – working with Damascus, Washington, Moscow, and yes, even Ankara. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Forgotten Her es

Really, Really Forgotten Heroes By Avi Heiligman

Were they short a minyan on the Mayflower?

Author’s note: I have to put this annual disclaimer for those that are comically challenged. This Purim article only contains marginally true facts and was done in a manner to enhance the Purim spirit. Not funny enough? Try it with a bit of whiskey.

olks, it’s that time of year again. When the words “put on your tin pot hat” and “oh no, that wasn’t me who chopped down your cherry tree” appear in the same sentence it means that it is time for another edition of revisionist history. Your fearless author of the Forgotten Heroes column has plowed through many feet of dust to pull previous unknown facts about famous people and stories from our gloried history. I am not talking about the recently discovered version of the Declaration of Independence that was signed by

John Hancock without his signature autograph that looks like he was practicing to write his name in the same manner of a typical first grader. No, we’re talking about Revolutionary facts that have come

filled with Jewish families. Unfortunately, the Jews had only nine men in their community and were coming to America to start a new life – and to look for a tenth man for their minyan. When they landed

The real rallying cry was "The British are coming to put a tax on herring and lox."

to surface from the perspective of Jews living in the U.S. at the time. Our story starts with the Pilgrims coming over on the Mayflower after their first ship, April Blossom, sank. The Puritans, as they were known in England, had a secret compartment on the ship

they met a Native-American named Squanto. While history doesn’t record his last name we know from mesorah (Artscroll’s grandfather during Colonial times) that his last name was Goldberger. He was a secret Jew living among the Chumash Indian tribe (it really is the name

of Native-Americans who inhabited California), and he soon became the rav of their shul. As any good Jew knows, where there is one shul there must be a second one close by where under no circumstances members of shul #1 will daven. Soon after Anshei Squanto was established, another one was set up. Congregation Oheiv Emes eventually moved to Virginia near the boyhood home of a curious little guy named George. His father, Augustine, knew from the congregants about the mitzvah of always telling the truth. Little George learned this lesson one day when he cut down his father’s cherry tree. The members of the shul had just read Parshas Mishpatim and were singing the popular folk song “Midvar sheker tirchak” (stay far away from telling lies) on their way home from a delicious kiddush chulent. Their ears perked up when

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

they heard Augustine scolding his son and came over to George to teach him about this mitzvah. Little George Washington listened and confessed that he did indeed damage the cherry tree. For this simple act he gained trust and respect in the community’s eyes and eventually became to be the first president of the United States. Listen, my children and you shall hear of the real purpose of the midnight ride of Paul Revere. At chatzos – midnight – Paul set out to let the Patriots of Massachusetts know that the “British are coming!” In the ensuing years, the end of the chant got left off of the famous refrain. The real rallying cry was “The British are coming to put a tax on herring and lox.” This got future football fans really upset because they never could imagine having a bagel without lox and a kiddush without herring was a big no-no. So they took up arms and drove the British out of America. For many decades there was no tax on lox and herring until Congress came along and put their two cents into everything. You already knew that part of the story. America was built on pioneers. Great statesmen like Washington, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams and frontiersmen with the names of Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Johnny Appleseed and Paul Bunyan all had a hand in building America. What the latter group all had in common was their drive to go to the far reaches of the U.S. where the buffalo roamed to carry out their shlichus. Yes, this author is happy to report that while Johnny Appleseed was wandering around planting apple trees he was spreading the Rebbe’s message. Davy Crockett may have been the “King of the Wild Frontier” but he was also the “King of the Wild Frontier Shochtim.” Everyone West of the Appalachians came to him for his expertise in the matter and that is why he went off to Congress to serve a spell (at least that’s how the song goes). Not many people know that Daniel Boone served with our hero from earlier in this column, President George Washington that is, during the French and Indian War (go check up that fact – I’ll wait). With him was his sidekick whose name was lost in history so we’ll call him Mendel. Mendel, as you guessed by this point, always car-

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ried with him a bottle of schnapps and a spare pair of tefillin. After being defeated by the superior French (one of the only French military victories in their history but they lost the war so no one remembers it. How many Frenchmen does it take to defend Paris? Who knows, it’s never been tried) Mendel saved the day by offering a l’chaim to each of the wounded soldiers and by asking if they put on tefillin that

day. Boone escaped with Mendel to safety on Mendel’s trusty old horse whose name was Shifregaz, which by pure coincidence, was the same name as Achashveirosh’s horse. During those times, Chabad houses dotted the frontier, building the United States and spiritually moving mountains. What do Albert Einstein, Sherlock Holmes, and the Olympics all have in common? You guessed

it: all are part of the The Jewish Home’s Really Forgotten Heroes Purim 2018 column, part II! Stay tuned for next week’s issue.

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@gmail.com.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

PESACH 2018 AT KMR

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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Classifieds

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The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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HELP WANTED P/T Ohel Bais Ezra's Community Habilitation and Respite Programs looking for dedicated and responsible male and female staff to work with children or adults with developmental disabilities who live at home in your community. Experience and driving preferred, not required. Good English communication a must. Flex P/T After school hours. Call 718-686-3487, apply online: www.ohelfamily.org/careers

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Teachers, Elementary & JH - Math, ELA for Sept. '18. M-Th afternoons. 5 Towns Area Boys’ School. candidateteacher@gmail.com HAMASPIK IS SEEKING COMMUNITY HABILITATION STAFF to work day hours, evenings and weekends in the Five Towns, Queens, Far Rockaway & long Island, with high functioning developmentally disabled adults, children and teens. Shabbos staff also needed for Cedarhurst, Far Rockaway & Lawrence. Drivers’ license a plus. Mileage will be reimbursed. Please call Yehudis: 718-408-5417 for more details. COUNSELORS NEEDED to work with men with developmental disabilities or psychiatric disabilities living in group residences in Hewlett, Cedarhurst and Lawrence. Ability to speak and write English required. Valid driver's license required for some positions. All shifts available including 8:30am-4:30pm, 3pm-11pm, Overnights and Weekends. Great Salary plus benefits!! For more information contact OHEL at 855-OHEL JOB or apply online at www.ohelfamily.org/careers Well known Preschool in Far Rockaway, seeking certified SPECIAL ED TEACHER FOR SUMMER SESSION. Competitive salary, pleasant working conditions. Email resume to scohen@oonourwaylc.org

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The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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Life C ach

Adar is Here By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., MFT, CLC

ake no mistake It’s time to bake And then to take The stuff you make To 229 Juniper S., near the lake.

Where you will then buy Great stuff to try Babkas, kugel, or pie. To support a cause That is all of yours –

Spreading Yiddishkeit to Jews With different views Who can use More helpful clues To the great insights And sheer delights Of a Torah life! G-d is always in our life Through trouble and strife As the Purim story taught When Mordechai was distraught And Haman was caught That G-d is there When we are not aware To always take care Of His loved ones so dear! Our cause is great Remember the date Feb 27 and 28 Tuesday, goes late And Wednesday you will not have ate But our food is great So come participate! Be a sport Come support! You are shopping anyway To break-fast or for seudah display So give tzedakah too, this way! Our group, J inspire Long Island, has guided so many Jews to reconnect to their heritage and what is so valuable about being a Jew. And they have then inspired their children to pursue greater interest and knowledge about their Judaism. This is

so integral in a day and age when so many are disconnecting and becoming disheartened and disillusioned from Yiddishkeit. The funds we raise through our bake sale help us create programming that invites people to explore their Yiddishkeit. We are not asking for much – just that you make some food item that’s your forte or come buy some awesome food items! There will also be kids’ clothing being sold and a raffle for great Rangers game tickets so hopefully you’ll find something you need. Please take a few minutes to GPS over. Thanks and tizku l’mitzvot and have a joyful Adar! As a life coach and therapist, I guarantee giving will make you feel good! Please call or text if you can participate in donating a food item or just show up to buy on February 27 or 28 (Taanis Esther): 917-705-2004 229 Juniper Circle South in Lawrence 9AM-9PM Tuesday (morning drop off and early bird buying) 9AM-4PM Wednesday, Taanis Esther Looking forward to seeing you! Wishing you and your families a freilechen Purim! Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-7052004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | The Jewish Home