Issuu

February 1, 2018

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

Your Favorite Five Towns Family Newspaper

THE APPLE OF THEIR EYES See page 7

Around the

Community

A Glimpse into the Life of Local Apple Farmers

A Class Trip to Omaha, Nebraska

SOTU 50

HAFTR 7th Graders Donate Torah to the IDF

PASSOVER VACATION GUIDE See pages 101-115 – See page 3

SEASONS LAWRENCE

330 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559

Lip Smacking or Lip Biting, Depending on Which Side of the Aisle You’re On pg

Super Bowl Surprises

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

LAKE

OOD

FAR ROCKAWAY | LAWRENCE CEDARHURST | WOODMERE A CONTINUING TORAH PARTNERSHIP

This s! o b b a Sh

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING THE ESTEEMED

ROSHEI HAYESHIVA ‫ שליט"א‬OF BETH MEDRASH GOVOHA FOR AN UPLIFTING

Shabbos of Chizuk FEBRUARY 2-3, 2018

CEDARHURST WOODMERE HAGAON HARAV R' DOVID SCHUSTAL ‫שליט"א‬

‫אכסניא‬

~ ‫שבת קודש פרשת יתרו‬ LAWRENCE HAGAON HARAV R' YERUCHIM OLSHIN ‫שליט"א‬

‫ סעודת ליל שבת‬,‫אכסניא‬

Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Solomon

Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Scharf

‫מנחה וקבלת שבת‬

‫ערב שבת דברי חיזוק‬

FAR ROCKAWAY HAGAON HARAV R' ARYEH MALKIEL KOTLER ‫שליט"א‬ ‫ סעודת ליל שבת‬,‫אכסניא‬

Dr. and Mrs. Azriel Hirschfeld

‫מנחה וקבלת שבת‬

Bais Medrash of Cedarhurst Rabbi Dovid Speigel ‫שליט’’א‬ 504 West Broadway

Yesod Yosef Rabbi Simcha Bondi ‫שליט’’א‬ 119 Doughty Boulevard ~ 4:30

Kehilas Bais Yisroel Rabbi Elisha Sandler ‫שליט''א‬ 1215-1225 Caffrey Avenue ~ 5:00 PM

‫סעודת ליל שבת‬

‫מנחה וקבלת שבת‬

Dr. and Mrs. Azriel Hirschfeld 705 Caffrey Avenue ~ 8:00 PM Mezamrim: Moshe Hamel, Avi Lauterbach

‫עונג שבת‬

Agudah of West Lawrence Rabbi Moshe Brown ‫שליט''א‬ 631 Lanett Avenue ~ 8:30 AM

‫שחרית‬

Mr. and Mrs. Motti Hellman

‫מוסף‬

Congregation Kenesses Yisroel HaRav Eytan Feiner ‫שליט''א‬ 728 Empire Avenue ~ 3:45

‫סעודה‬

Agudath Israel of Long Island Rabbi Meir Braunstein ‫שליט''א‬ 1121 Sage Street ~ 4:45 PM

Mr. and Mrs. Uri Dreyfus

‫עונג שבת‬

Bais Medrash Heichal Dovid Rav Mordechai Stern ‫שליט''א‬ 215 Central Avenue ~ 5:00 PM

‫שחרית‬

Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Scharf 15 Keewaydin Road ~ 8:00 PM Mezamrim: Akiva Daitchman, Yakov Glucksman

Mr. and Mrs. Uri Dreyfus 303 Buckingham Road ~ 8:30 PM Mezamrim: Chaim Tobaly, Avigdor Wolf Kehillas Ahavas Yisroel Rabbi Daniel Glatstein ‫שליט’’א‬ 568 Peninsula Boulevard ~ 9:00 AM

‫חבורה‬

Bais Medrash of Lawrence Rabbi Dovid Fordsham ‫שליט''א‬ 48 Lawrence Avenue ~ 8:40 AM

‫סעודה‬

Agudas Achim Rabbi Elisha Horowitz ‫שליט''א‬ 200 Broadway

Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi Rabbi Yaakov Feitman ‫שליט’’א‬ 391 Oakland Avenue ~ 11:15 AM Mr. and Mrs. Menashe Oratz

‫מנחה ושלש סעודות‬

Yeshiva Gedolah of 5 Towns 218 Mosher Avenue ~ 4:40 PM

Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok Ganger

‫אבות ובנים‬

Shaarei Tefillah Rabbi Uri Orlian ‫שליט''א‬ 25 Central Avenue ~ 4:45 PM

Kehilas Bais Yisroel Rabbi Beirish Friedman ‫שליט’’א‬ 352 West Broadway

‫מנחה ושלש סעודות‬

‫עונג שבת‬

‫שחרית‬

‫סעודה‬ ‫שיעור‬

‫מנחה ושלש סעודות‬

‫אבות ובנים‬

Bais Medrash Ateres Yisroel Rabbi Yisroel Meir Blumenkrantz ‫שליט''א‬ 827 Cornaga Avenue ~ 7:30 PM

‫אבות ובנים‬

Yeshiva Gedolah of 5 Towns 218 Mosher Avenue ~ 7:05 PM

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 732.367.1060 X4252

‫בס"ד‬

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

chessed that was done for her refuah. Look at the achdus that we felt the past few months. She made us better people. She made our community one comprised of stronger, more developed, finer people. Our tefillos were not said in vain. Over the next few weeks, as we go about our days, we should think about Miriam bas Saguite, a”h, and in her memory continue to work on ourselves. Whether it is when interacting with others on line at the supermarket, while driving down Central Ave, or when we rush to work, remember the achdus that we forged in Miriam’s name. Think of Miriam as you stop yourself from saying something that may be hurtful or before forwarding that gossipy post on WhatsApp. Think of Miriam as you offer someone a ride or give someone a quarter for the meter. In this way, Miriam can continue to help us become better people.

here are times when words are not sufficient. There are times when speech is superfluous. There are times when a community is so connected that when they hear of the petirah of a young girl, they are silent, shocked, saddened, grieving. This week was one of those times. When we heard of Miriam bas Saguite’s petirah our hearts shattered. For so many months we joined together, davening, learning, performing acts of chessed, hoping, wishing, storming the heavens. But on Tuesday, when Miriam’s soul soared to Shamayim, we joined together in silence. And then we cried. We cried because she touched so many. We cried because she was an inspiration for our community. We cried because no longer would we be able to see her, talk to her, connect with her. But Miriam will not be forgotten. She was a force within our community. Look at all the tefillos that were said in her name. Look at all the

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern PUBLISHER

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR

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Shoshana Soroka EDITOR

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis Editorial Assistant Nechama Wein Copy Editor Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857 Classified: Deadline Monday 5PM classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003 The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not neces sarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

Shabbos Zemanim

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The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll Community Happenings

8 42

NEWS

Global

National

Odd-but-True Stories

SOTU: Lip Smacking or Lip Biting, Depending on Which Side of the Aisle You’re On

ISRAEL Israel News

World Builders

PEOPLE The Apple of Their Eyes: A Glimpse into the Life of Local Apple Farmers by Naomi Wein

75 Years since the Battle of Stalingrad by Avi Heiligman

116

Dear Editor, I enjoyed reading Aliza Beer’s article this week on how to watch your weight while on vacation. When I am vacationing at a hotel, I sometimes don’t even go down to breakfast. I bring oatmeal packets from home and eat it in my room so I won’t have to start deciding what to eat at the lavish breakfasts that they prepare. Once I go down for the day I ask the kitchen for some fruit from breakfast (apples, bananas, or something cut up, if they have) and then eat that as a snack if I am hungry before lunch. I find that this works well for me and it lets me start my day on a lighter note. Sincerely, Rhoda Kanner

PARSHA Rabbi Wein

Learning to Fly by Rav Moshe

Weinberger 72 JEWISH THOUGHT Mother Nurture by Eytan Kobre

Lessons from My Recent Staycation by Rabbi Dr. Naphtali Hoff

118

HEALTH & FITNESS The Power of Silence by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn

A Diet without Dieting by Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN

Shidduchim by Dr. Hylton I Lightman

Dear Editor, I am sorry to hear that the person who wrote into the dating dialogue column has a complicated family situation. But the way he frames his question – “what exactly am I supposed to endure?” – is distasteful. Perhaps young women, on the other side of the phone, are thinking the same thing about him. Why do they have to “endure” his family situation? Perhaps he is bitter and

insensitive because of his family’s upbringing. They would have to take that into account when dating him and definitely have to live with his bitterness throughout their relationship (although they should probably stop dating him if he is a bitter, vitriolic person to be around). Two thoughts: first and foremost, this gentleman should head to counseling to tease out his feelings of bitterness that may or may not have come from his family situation. He should make sure he is healthy and offering his best front when going out on a date and looking for a relationship. It’s possible he is not getting dates with other women because of his personality and bitterness. Secondly, in dating – and in life – no one should have to “endure” anything. In dating, especially, there are no strings attached. If one finds themselves in an awful situation, then it’s time to say sayonara. If on the first date one is not majorly attracted to their date, they can give it a second date if there is merit in other areas and if the lack of attraction is not terrible. If they find someone repugnant (which says something about them – to find someone’s Continued on page 12

FOOD & LEISURE Super Bowl Surprises The Aussie Gourmet: Korean Style Ribs

98 102

LIFESTYLES Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW

Your Money

124

Truths about Kids by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

126

HUMOR Centerfold

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

104

As the Islamic State Battle Ends, Old Feuds Resume by David Ignatius The Expanding Millionaire Class by Robert Samuelson CLASSIFIEDS

This Friday is Groundhog Day. Do you think we will have a long winter?

112 114 120

YES

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

tribute of adecade. event of adecade. OUR TURN TO SAY THANK YOU TO ACHIEZER

an event you donâ€™t want to miss! RECEPTION & BUFFET DINNER: 6:30 PM PROGRAM: 7:45 PM | DESSERT: 8:45 PM

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The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

tribute of a decade 10 YEARS OF DEDICATION 10 COMMUNITY PATRONS

community patron awardees

Dovid Bloom

Aron Solomon

FA R R O C K AWAY

CEDARHURST

Jay Gelman

Yakov Mirocznik

LAWRENCE

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Moti Hellman

Moshe Schreiber

FA R R O C K AWAY

Ben Lowinger

Shulie Wollman

LAWRENCE

FA R R O C K AWAY

Michael Krengel

Joel Yarmak

WOODMERE

LAWRENCE

Ronald Lowinger

Lloyd Keilson

DINNER CHAIRMAN

P AY I N G T R I B U T E T O O U R E X E C U T I V E B O A R D

thursday t h e

FEBRUARY 15, 2018 ‫ראש חודש אדר תשע"ח‬

s a n d s

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JOURNAL ADS/RESERVATIONS:

W W W.AC H I E Z E R.O RG/D I N N E R

tribute of a decade

For ten years, the Greater Five Towns and Far Rockaway communities sleep better at night, thanks to the round-the-clock dedication of Achiezer’s team of volunteers and the myriad resources, skills and services it brings together as a unified community mainstay. This decade milestone is our opportunity to reciprocate and pay tribute to the indefatigable members of Achiezer’s Executive Board through a unified show of support for Achiezer.

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Continued from page 8

looks so horrible just shows how shallow one is) then a second date is not necessary. I wish this young man best of luck but I think he has a lot of learning and change ahead of him. Where he stands today I would not set him up with anyone I know. Melissa Rosen

Dear Editor, Your article on Vice President Pence’s trip to the Middle East was informative and well-rounded. I am happy that he was able to see for himself the beauty of our land and the determination of our people. Yochanan Simon

Dear Editor, How funny our lives have become! Years ago, one learned how to make gefilte fish, chicken soup, potato kugel, kishke, etc. from their mother, helping out in the kitchen before they were married and then carrying on the tradition with their mother’s help and advice in their own homes. Now we need articles

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telling us how to make the “best” potato kugel or kishke. Things were so much simpler back then! Chana M.

Dear Editor, Mr. Kobre’s article this week on teachers was wonderful. I remember fondly my teachers of years past who really care and connected with their students. Today, I hear of teachers and rebbis who think of their students constantly – whether it is inviting them to their homes for a melava malka, or on Purim, or on a Shabbos afternoon. There are those who motivate their students with contests and prizes, acknowledging that sometimes children need those things to get excited about learning. There are teachers who have made it their business to say a warm hello to the girl who sits alone at her desk at recess, and there are those who have extra snack on-hand for students who forget theirs at home. How lucky are our children today who have such wonderful mechanchim who care for them every day! Much hatzlacha, Shira Penroth

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

The Week In News

Holocaust Whitewash in Poland?

The Polish parliament implemented legislation last week that punishes anyone who blames Poles for war crimes during the Holocaust. The law, which still needs to get passed by the Senate before being signed by the president, will give fines or a maximum three-year jail term for anyone who ascribes “responsibility or co-responsibility to the Polish nation or state for crimes committed by the German Third Reich — or other crimes against humanity, peace and war crimes.” It would make using the phrase “Polish death camps” punishable by up to three years in prison. The proposal sparked outrage, forcing Poland’s President Andrzej Duda to respond. He said in a statement on Sunday that he would present his “final evaluation of procedural legal provisions after the completion of parliament’s work and a careful analysis of the final shape of the act.” Many survivors of the Holocaust and family members were particularly disturbed by the sound of the new legislation. Emotions were particularly high being that January 27 was International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Israel’s Ambassador to Poland Anna Azari said that her primary concern is that Holocaust survivors could face prosecution for their testimony. She said that while Israel’s government rejects the legislation, it also “understands” who built death camps like Auschwitz and that it was “not the Poles.” Duda appeared to address the concerns expressed by Azari saying that “everyone whose personal memory or historical research speaks the

truth about the crimes and shameful behavior that occurred in the past with the participation of Poles has full right to this truth.” In a statement on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Polish bill “baseless” and said “history cannot be rewritten. The Holocaust cannot be denied.” On Sunday, at the Israeli weekly parliament meeting, Netanyahu said he expects Poland to amend the proposed legislation. He continued, saying that Israel has “no tolerance for the distortion of the truth, the rewriting of history and the denial of the Holocaust.” Netanyahu and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki talked by phone late on Sunday and “had agreed to open immediate dialogue between teams from both countries to try to reach understandings on the legislation.” Polish officials claim the law aims not to “whitewash” but rather “to safeguard” history. “Jews, Poles, and all victims should be guardians of the memory of all who were murdered by German Nazis. Auschwitz-Birkenau is not a Polish name, and ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ is not a Polish phrase,” Morawiecki said on Twitter on Saturday.

Louvre Displays Holocaust Art

In an effort to find the rightful owners of some paintings, the Louvre Museum in Paris is putting 31 paintings on permanent display. The museum hopes that the rightful owners of those and other works of art looted by Nazis during World War II will come forward. The Paris museum opened two showrooms last month to display the paintings, which are among thousands of works of art looted by German forces in France between 1940 and 1945. More than 45,000 objects

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

have been handed back to their rightful owners since the war, but more than 2,000 remain unclaimed, including 296 paintings stored at the Louvre. “These paintings don’t belong to us. Museums often looked like predators in the past, but our goal is to return them,” Sebastien Allard, the head of the paintings department at the Louvre, said. “The large majority of the retrieved artworks have been plundered from Jewish families during World War II. Beneficiaries can see these artworks, declare that these artworks belong to them, and officially ask for their return.” The paintings in the new showrooms are from various artists of different eras and horizons, including a remarkable landscape from Theodore Rousseau, “La Source du Lizon.” Other more famous looted works had already been on display in the museum, but visitors did not necessarily know they had been stolen by the Nazis. In museums, pieces of art retrieved by the French authorities are identified with the label “MNR,” French initials for National Museums Recovery. “We needed to draw attention

further to the matter and raise public awareness,” said Allard. “We thought it was important to highlight the specific case of these works, which are not listed on our inventories.” The Louvre initiative is the latest effort by French authorities to find heirs of families who lost their artwork. A working group set up by the Culture Ministry is in charge of tracing back the origins of the art and identifying owners. But it’s a long and laborious task: only some 50 pieces have been returned since 1951. “People who come forward need, for instance, to establish the proof that the artwork belonged to their grandfather,” Allard said. “They need to find old family pictures and payment slips, or gather testimonies. It can take years.” In addition to the display of art in several museums across the country, French authorities have also designed an MNR catalog, which is available online and can help owners identify their items without traveling to the Louvre. The complete list is known under the name of Rose Valland, a French curator who risked her life keeping notes on all the art the Nazis stole during the war.

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IKEA Founder Dies at 91

Ingvar Kamprad, founder of Ikea, died this week at the age of 91. The billionaire started the Swedish company while he was a teenager and turned it into one of the best-known furniture companies in the world. Ikea is aiming to generate $62 billion in revenue by 2020, but the company had very slow beginnings. Kamprad started Ikea in 1943 when he was only 17-years-old. His big break came in 1956 when the company invented flat pack furniture. He had the idea when he saw an employee take the legs off of a table to fit it into a customer’s car. Kamprad realized that furniture could be constructed and packed into flat boxes

to save money on transport, storage, and sales space. The business now has around 400 stores around the globe that were visited by roughly 1 billion people last year. “One of the greatest entrepreneurs of the 20th century, Ingvar Kamprad, has peacefully passed away, at his home in Smaland, Sweden, on the 27th of January,” the company said. Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said of Kamprad that he was a “unique entrepreneur who had a big impact on Swedish business and who made home design a possibility for the many not just the few.” Kamprad was known for being frugal. Despite his massive wealth, he drove an old Volvo, recycled tea bags and would take home salt and pepper packets from restaurants. In the Swiss village of Epalinges, where he lived for a while, he was known as “Uncle Scrooge” and “The Miser.” Kamprad encouraged his staff to write on both sides of a sheet of paper so as not to be wasteful. Additionally, Ikea’s corporate culture mimics Kamprad’s frugality. Executives of the company travel on low-cost airlines and lodge in budget hotels. Its employees follow a basic pamphlet written by Kamprad in 1976, “The Testament of a Furni-

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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THE DINNER AND JOURNAL IS IN MEMORY OF RABBI BEINISH MANDEL Z"L, ORGANIZER AND LONG-TERM PARAMEDIC FOR HATZOLAH, WHO PERSONIFIED HELPING OTHERS AND WHO WAS A DEAR FRIEND OF NEVEH.

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ture Dealer,” which states that “wasting resources is a mortal sin,” and stipulates Ikea’s “duty to expand.” The New York Times revealed that Kamprad also owned a Porsche in addition to the old Volvo and lived in a villa overlooking Lake Geneva, reasoning that Kamprad endeavored to highlight frugality to employees for them to imitate. In 1994, Swedish newspaper Expressen reported that Kamprad had contacts with Swedish fascist leader Per Engdahl in the 1940s and ‘50s. In a letter to Ikea employees, Kamprad admitted that he once had sympathies for the far-right leader and called it “a part of my life which I bitterly regret.” In a 1998 book, he detailed his struggles with alcohol and wrote about his youthful “delusions,” saying he had been influenced as a child by his German grandmother’s strong support for Hitler. His paternal grandparents immigrated to Sweden in the 1890s. Kamprad had an estimated net worth of $58.7 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making him the world’s eighth-richest person. Ikea officials point out that Ikea was not wholly owned by Kamprad as the company is owned by a foundation that he created. Even so, Kamprad died a very wealthy man. In 2017, 403 Ikea stores in 49 countries received 936 million visitors, and the chain generated sales of $47.6 billion. The name Ikea is made up of the Kamprad’s initials and the first letters of the Elmtaryd farm and Agunnaryd village where he was raised.

UAE: Huge Water Reserve Below the Desert DR. & DR.

MR. & MRS.

ARYÉ & VALERIE KREMER

IAN & SOPHIE GLASTEIN

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GAN CHAMESH PARENTS OF THE YEAR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Rabbi Zalman Wolowik DINNER CHAIRMEN Mr. & Mrs. Yosef Yitzchak & Penina Batsheva Popack Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Shira Eisenberg Mr. & Mrs. Israel & Sharon Garber Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Susan Sachs

Living in a desert can make people thirsty. But not those living in the United Arab Emirates. Residents there, on average, consume about 600 liters of water per day. The country has now taken a big step to shore up their water security. The Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority recently unveiled the world’s largest reserve of artificially desalinated water.

The reserve sits in aquifers under the Liwa Desert about 160 km away from the desalination plants that stock them. It contains 26 billion liters of water and required 26 months to fill it to capacity. In an emergency situation, the reserve can provide over 100 million liters of water per day to the country’s residents. While that is only a fraction of what the country consumes, the 6 billion liters per day that is normally used includes non-essentials such as watering the country’s golf courses and running its indoor shark pools. The planning to build the enormous water reserve began in 2002. The total cost was about $450 million. The water is transferred through a large pipeline that was pieced together in the desert using high precision welding. The water is then dumped about 80 meters underground through perforated pipes. There are 300 wells to recharge, recover and observe the aquifer’s water.

Jogging Reveals Military Secrets

Going out for a jog seems pretty innocuous, but it could put military personnel in peril if enemies can locate them using joggers’ known routes. A recent report by The Washington Post and other outlets noted that a “heat map” posted online by the fitness-tracking company Strava showed where users jog, bike and exercise – and in the process inadvertently highlighted the locations of U.S. military facilities in some of the most dangerous spots in the world. The concerns raised by the online map went beyond sensitive military sites, with evidence that Strava could help reveal the movements of international aid workers, intelligence operatives and millions of other people in many countries.

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In the latest discoveries on Monday, internet sleuths found ways of using the publicly available Strava data to identify individual users of the tracking service by name, along with the jogging routes they use in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. On one of the Strava sites, it is possible to click on a frequently used jogging route and see who runs the route and at what times. One Strava user demonstrated how to use the map and Google to identify by name a U.S. Army major and his running route at a base in Afghanistan. On a separate Internet site, it is possible to establish the names and hometowns of individuals who have signed up for a social sharing network on which runners post their routes and speeds. One popular route on a base in Iraq has been nicknamed “Base Perimeter” by the U.S. runners who regularly use it. Another outside the big U.S. base in Kandahar, Afghanistan, is called “Sniper Alley.” On Monday, the Defense Department launched a review to determine whether new policies are needed. “Recent data releases emphasize the need for situational awareness when members of the military share personal information,” Army Col.

Robert Manning III said. “We take these matters seriously, and we are reviewing the situation to determine if any additional training or guidance is required, and if any additional policy must be developed to ensure the continued safety of DOD personnel at home and abroad.” Privacy experts have long warned that tech companies often make personal information — including contact lists, social media posts and location data — available by default. That means users who do not routinely read privacy notices and tweak settings can be surprised by how much information is collected by private companies, as well as how that data ultimately is used. The public availability of the data represents “a potential catastrophe,” said Nathaniel Raymond, who is director of the Signal Program on Human Security and Technology at the Harvard School of Public Health and researches the use of data technology for humanitarian workers. He said he used the map to pinpoint the jogging route he would take when he served with UN peacekeepers in South Sudan in 2015. The route is evidently still being used by peacekeepers deployed there. Since Sunday, Raymond and

his team have used Strava to identify the names and daily routines of eight foreigners working for aid agencies and the United Nations in the Somali capital Mogadishu, one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The realization that the data posted by Strava contained sensitive information was made by chance by an Australian undergraduate student, Nathan Ruser, who used the company’s publicly available map to identify the perimeters of U.S. military bases in places such as northeast Syria.

Trump Stars at Davos

President Donald Trump delivered a highly successful speech in Davos last week. The president was in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum where he announced that “America is open for business, and we are competitive once again.” Trump made the argument that “the world is witnessing the resurgence of a strong and prosperous America.” He went on to confidently say that “there has never been a better time to hire, to build, to invest, and to grow in the United States.” He outlined how many of his policies have led to a hugely successful American economy. In the past year – Trump’s first as president – the country has moved from high taxes, massive regulation, and huge government spending to a private-sector incentive system that rewards success. Trump has slashed individual and corporate tax rates, provided 100 percent immediate expensing for plants and tech, and made it easy for big companies to bring back the money they moved off-shore to avoid high taxes. 2017 saw more than 250 American companies announce gigantic investment projects, pay large bonuses to their employees, increase 401k contributions, and raise corporate minimum wages. The stock mar-

ket has generated 7 trillion dollars in wealth since Trump was elected. Trump spoke for a while about his deregulation policies. “Regulation is stealth taxation,” Trump said in Davos. “We are freeing our businesses and workers so they can thrive and flourish as never before.” Trump also spoke about America’s place in the international economic community. “As president of the United States,” he said, “I will always put America first, just like the leaders of other countries should put their countries first also. But America first does not mean America alone.”

Former FARC Leader to Run for President

Rodrigo Londoño wants to be Colombia’s next president, but he has a quite colorful past. Londoño is the former guerrilla leader who led thousands of Marxist rebel troops to surrender their weapons last year, ending years of armed struggle in Colombia. Better known by his guerrilla alias “Timochenko,” he was the top leader of Colombia’s most powerful guerrilla force, FARC, throughout the group’s lengthy peace negotiations with the government. There is one major obstacle Londoño needs to overcome before he can actually take a bid at the presidency. The FARC leader has been accused by the U.S. State Department of controlling FARC’s cocaine operations and “the murder of hundreds of people.” In fact, the Drug Enforcement Administration has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Last weekend, Londoño’s supporters dressed in white shirts and gathered in Bogota’s neighborhood of Ciudad Bolivar displaying posters of Londoño as he officially announced his presidential bid. “I’m committed to lead a transition government that will generate conditions for the birth of a new

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Colombia,” Londoño told his supporters. “For a government that will finally represent the interests of the poor.” The first round of elections is scheduled for May 27. Londoño is the first presidential candidate leading the FARC’s new political party, Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Común or Common Alternative Revolutionary Force. Current President Juan Manuel Santos is not allowed to run again and his term will end in August. The Colombian government and the FARC signed a peace agreement in Havana in September 2016 following four years of negotiations and a 52-year civil war that claimed more than 200,000 lives. The FARC was formed in 1964 by rebels who wanted to forcibly redistribute wealth, adopting anti-U.S. and Marxist ideology. The group was funded by an elaborate cocaine trafficking network and was armed with child soldiers. The armed group seized territory, attacked government forces, and interfered with political life through high-profile kidnappings. The United States and the European Union designated it as a terrorist group.

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Devastating Suicide Bombing in Afghanistan A massive suicide bombing rocked Kabul on Saturday killing more than 100 people and injuring at least 235 more. The attack is the worst Afghanistan has seen in many months. The suicide bombing came one week after the Taliban killed another 22 people in a siege at the Intercontinental Hotel. Just a few days before the attack, ISIS militants stormed the offices of Save the Children in eastern Afghanistan, killing four and triggering a standoff with police that lasted almost 10 hours. The attacks appear to be showing no signs of letting up, despite the pressure President Ashar Ghani is facing to improve security. Although the final numbers have not yet been tallied, Interior Minister Wais Barmak said the casualty toll had risen to at least 103 dead and 235 wounded in the massive bombing on Saturday. The attack was carried out by a terrorist driving an ambulance that was stopped at a police checkpoint.

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The Taliban said that the attack was meant to be a message to President Donald Trump who has sent more troops to Afghanistan and has ordered an increase in airstrikes in the region. “The Islamic Emirate has a clear message for Trump and his hand kissers that if you go ahead with a policy of aggression and speak from the barrel of a gun, don’t expect Afghans to grow flowers in response,” said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah

Mujahid. The “Islamic Emirate” is what the Taliban calls itself. After the attack, President Trump issued a statement: “This murderous attack renews our resolve and that of our Afghan partners. The Taliban’s cruelty will not prevail. The United States is committed to a secure Afghanistan that is free from terrorists who would target Americans, our allies, and anyone who does not share their wicked ideology. Now, all

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countries should take decisive action against the Taliban and the terrorist infrastructure that supports them.” The attack was carried out in one of the most heavily protected parts of the city. It was carried out close to many embassies and government buildings. The explosion was felt throughout the capital. Dozens of vehicles were damaged or destroyed. Several shops, including some selling antiques and photography equip-

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

ment, were also destroyed. A day of mourning was declared by the Afghanistan government and a day off was given from work to allow others to help the families of the victims.

M16 Honors Agent for Saving Jews

In a rare acknowledgment of its secretive work, Britain’s MI6, officially the Secret Intelligent Service, honored late British intelligence officer Major Frank Foley on Tuesday for saving an estimated 10,000 German Jews in Nazi Germany prior to the outbreak of World War II. The most senior spy in Berlin, stationed in the German capi-

tal’s British Embassy, Foley issued thousands of visas to German Jews seeking to flee Nazi persecution – an act of heroism that was never acknowledged during his lifetime. MI6 honored Foley, who died in 1958, with the unveiling of a bust at the agency’s London headquarters. The ceremony was attended by family members and the Holocaust Education Trust. Foley’s cover story for his espionage activity in Germany was his work as a passport control officer at the Berlin embassy, moving to Berlin in 1920 to report on the changes taking place in the country. Visas issued by Foley, who was described as “the Scarlet Pimpernel” at the trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, enabled German Jews to legally immigrate to Britain or Palestine. Despite not being protected by diplomatic immunity, Foley risked arrest and even his life by entering concentration camps, including Sachsenhausen, to present camp authorities with visas issued for Jewish prisoners, enabling them to escape. Foley also hid Jewish families fleeing from persecution in his home. Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service Alex Younger applauded Fo-

ley’s heroism at Tuesday’s ceremony. “While many condemned and criticized the Nazis’ discriminative laws, Frank took action,” Younger said. “With little regard for his personal safety he took a stance against evil. Despite exposing himself to significant personal risk, Frank made a decision to help. He knew the dire consequences were he to get caught.” He added, “There is a mantra that surrounds MI6’s history that reads, ‘Our successes are private, our failures are public’... It’s a wonderful thing for MI6 that one of its most distinguished members’ successes are no longer private.” Recognition of Foley’s heroic acts only came decades after his death, with the former spy being awarded the “Righteous Among the Nations” status by Israel’s Holocaust center Yad Vashem in 1999. In November 2004, a plaque honoring Foley was unveiled at the British Embassy in Berlin to mark the 120th anniversary of his birth at a ceremony attended by survivors, family members and senior British politicians. Foley was also awarded the title of British Hero of the Holocaust by the British government in 2010.

Cream of the Crop

Life is not a contest, but if it was and you live in Switzerland, then you officially live in the best country in the world. Each year an Overall Best Countries Ranking is released. The report is based on global perceptions, economy, and quality of life. Participants were given a survey with questions regarding 65 attributes pertaining to countries, and they then were asked to assess how closely they associate an attribute with a nation. Attributes included adventure, citizenship, cultural influence, and entrepreneurship. For the second consecutive year Switzerland was ranked the number one country in the world. It is known

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for staying away from global politics while being one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Oh, and we won’t even mention its yummy chocolate. The U.S. was bumped from its #7 spot last year to #8 this year. The Netherlands joined the top 10 club this year, knocking out Norway (#12). The top ten best countries in the world are: 1. Switzerland 2. Canada 3. Germany 4. United Kingdom 5. Japan 6. Sweden 7. Australia 8. United States 9. France 10. Netherlands

Iran Introduces “Halal-net” Iran is getting its own version of kosher phones. After spending many years boycotting and resisting the internet, the Persian regime has reached a compromise. Iran’s relationship with the inter-

net is complex. On the one hand, it has helped modernize the economy. In the past several years, Iran officials have encouraged the use of the internet for economic benefits. Now, nearly half the population owns a smartphone. But Iran is paranoid about freedom of expression, squashing instances of their citizens criticizing the government. Social media was how many Iranians connected to spark the recent burst of protests across Iran. In response, the government shut down social media and messaging apps.

contradictions,” noted Sanam Vakil, an associate fellow at Chatham House who studies Iran. “The government has taken the internet and effectively used it for its own purposes and also has realized the dangers of it as well.” Until now Iran was able to maintain control of what the outside world sees and knows. All television and radio broadcasts within Iran are from state-run stations. Satellite dishes are officially illegal. Outside media is heavily supervised, and the proposed “Halal-net” will further control the content that leaves and gets into the Islamic nation.

Scientists Clone Monkeys Now, officials have created a solution which will restrict internet usage. “Halal-net” is an attempt to restrict what the public can see and how people connect. “The Islamic Republic is not black and white. It shows a myriad of contradictions and its internet policy ... is one of the great examples of those

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Neuro-

science in Shanghai have successfully cloned two long-tailed macaques. The small primates, which were born six and eight weeks ago, were created through a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The nucleus of a cell containing the macaque DNA was placed into an egg that had its nucleus removed. The team behind the impressive scientific process hopes that more research will be funded now to better understand diseases in populations of genetically uniform monkeys. “Humans are primates. So (for) the cloning of primate species, including humans, the technical barrier is now broken,” said Muming Poo, who helped supervise the program at the institute. “The reason ... we broke this barrier is to produce animal models that are useful for medicine, for human health. There is no intention to apply this method to humans.” Medical research that is done on cloned animals is very valuable because the animals have the exact same genetic code and therefore outliers are controlled for. Genetic variability is always a concern in medical research because it is genetically possible that one animal may be able to fight whatever illness is being re-

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searched better than another. Since Dolly, the famous sheep that was cloned in Scotland in 1996, over 20 other species, including cows, pigs, dogs, rabbits, rats, and mice, have been cloned using SCNT. However, until now a primate was never successfully cloned and many thought that their genetic makeup was too complicated to copy in a lab. Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua are both being bottle fed and are developing normally.

$420 million. Asked about the key to his longevity and winning, Federer opined, “I think by not overplaying, not playing every tournament possible.” He added, “I enjoy practice. Not minding the travel. Having a great team around me, they make it possible. At the end it’s seeing that my parents are incredibly proud and happy that I’m still doing it. They enjoy coming to tournaments. That makes me happy and play better.”

Federer Wins Protests Australian Open, Continue Across Makes History Russia

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer, 36, took home the Australian Open crown last weekend for the sixth time. He beat out Marin Cilic for the victory. “The fairy tale continues for us, for me, after the great year I had last year,” said Federer, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017. “It’s incredible.” Aside from the win, Federer also set a new record by reaching 20 grand slam titles, more than any other tennis athlete. Grand Slam tournaments, also called majors, are the four most important annual tennis events. They offer the most ranking points, prize money, public and media attention, the greatest strength and size of field, and greater number of “best of” sets for men in tennis. During his career, Federer has so far accumulated $104 million in prize money but he earns even more from off-court appearances and endorsements. He won $3.2 from his most recent win. His latest contract with pasta brand Barilla will last for five years and will have a paycheck of about $40 million. Over the years he has partnered with Nike, Mercedes, Rolex, and many other companies. According to Net Worth Post, Federer’s total net worth is estimated to be

Protests continued across Russia calling for the boycott of the upcoming March presidential election when President Vladimir Putin will run for his 4th term in office. Protestors showed their support for opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Most of the crowd present over the weekend in the frigid temps were young, passionate Russians who have lived most or all of their life under Putin, who was sworn into office in January of 1999. The turnout this week was slightly less than previous protests against Putin, indicating that the opposition may be quickly losing steam. In other words, Putin has been successful in squashing any significant resistance to his victory in next month’s election. Amongst the estimated 1,500 participants was Navalny himself, who was arrested while walking to the Moscow demonstration at Pushkin Square. Navalny has bravely challenged Putin and his suspiciously high number of votes in past elections. He has also questioned the corruption in Putin’s cabinet. Navalny had attempted to run against Putin but was denied permission due to a previous embezzlement conviction, a case that is widely seen as politically-motivated. Later Sunday night, hours after

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police detained him, Navalny tweeted that he had been released before a trial. Russian news reports cited police earlier as saying he was likely to be charged with a public-order violation for calling unauthorized demonstrations. Other protests were carried out in other cities, and, according to police, 257 people were arrested across the country.

Elegance

Palestinians carried out a mock-execution of Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Effigies of the U.S. leaders were hanged and then burned in a street in the Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem. The incident was broadcast on a Palestinian TV station.

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On Tuesday, a delegation of U.S. diplomats had to cut an event in the West Bank city of Bethlehem short after protesters stormed their meeting. The protesters, who were objecting to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, also kicked and threw tomatoes at the delegation’s car as they left, a video posted online showed. Five protesters kicked one of the doors of the car, which had U.S. consular license plates, and ripped the plastic casing off a side mirror, Reuters reported. The protesters held signs, with one reading, “Zionism = Nazism = Fascism. USA=ISIS=Terror.” Among their chants was the call for “America out.” The American diplomats had been invited by city officials to give a workshop on doing business over the internet. Samir Hazboun, head of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, said the group had been holding a training session for local businesspeople about digital commerce with an American expert and a delegation from the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem. Near Bethlehem last weekend,

Canada’s New Israel Fund has admitted that the organization has been acting against the Israeli government’s decision to either return illegal infiltrators to their original countries or transfer them to other countries. On Facebook, the New Israel Fund wrote that “the Israeli government is stepping up its efforts to deport African asylum seekers who have made their way to Israel. The NIF family has issued a series of emergency grants to Israeli NGOs that are lobbying to stop the deportations and are organizing a campaign for Israelis to speak out.” It added, “A total of $15,000 USD has already been approved, with much more expected in the coming weeks.” There is also a link that can be clicked to donate money to the cause with notes that say “with your support, the international NIF family’s emergency grants can continue to support key work on the ground.” In the past two months, Israel has been offering tens of thousands of African infiltrators the option of either leaving the country within 90 days or being arrested. Approximately 40,000 infiltrators who entered Israel illegally – mainly Eritreans and Sudanese – will have until the end of March to leave. Each person will receive a plane ticket and $3,500 (2,900 euros) to leave. Those who remain will face arrest. Israel has not ordered any bona fide refugees to leave, only those who had entered illegally seeking employment.

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So far, for this year, the United States has committed $60 million, far short of the $360 million it committed last year.

Journalist: Separate is Not Equal

11 Countries Step in to Fund UNRWA The United States has consistently been the UNRWA’s largest donor, contributing one-third of its budget. Last month, President Trump withheld half of the first installment of

the payments for this year, demanding reforms at the UN agency as a condition for future aid. The president also noted that other countries should help foot the bill. This week, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Commissioner General Pierre Krähenbühl, said that Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Russia, Belgium, Kuwait,

the Netherlands, Turkey and Ireland have agreed to speed up their contributions to help fill the shortfall. UNRWA, which serves some 5 million Palestinian refugees and their descendants, had a budget of over $1 billion last year. This covered long-running programs, including education, as well as emergency funds for crises such as the war in Syria.

A journalist in Israel plans to take Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch to court for being separated from her male colleagues while Vice President Mike Pence was visiting the holy site. Tal Schneider, who works for the Globes financial daily newspaper, told an Israeli radio station that she intends “to sue the Western Wall rabbi – and Globes stands with me on that. “First we will send him a warning letter and see how he responds, and then we will go to court if necessary because it seems unreasonable to us that male and female journalists are treated differently when they come to report and work,” she said. The separation, of course, is in line with the rules of the Western Wall, and she was not treated any differently than any other female visitor. The podium that was put up for journalists during the visit included a barrier between the men’s and women’s sides of the Kotel. After journalists complained, a tarp which was covering the podium was removed and women were allowed to stand on chairs in order to see over their male colleagues when the vice president of the United States visited the Kotel last week. The Western Wall Heritage Foun-

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

dation told Israeli news outlets that it made an effort to grant “maximum accessibility” to all journalists and “rejected any attempt to divert the discussion away from the important and emotional visit of the U.S. vice president and his wife to the Western Wall.” Vice President Pence’s visit to the Kotel lasted ten minutes. He read a short prayer, placed a note in the Wall, and signed the guestbook. His inscription read: “It is my great honor to pray here at this sacred place. G-d bless the Jewish people and G-d bless the State of Israel always.”

Israel Warns UN of Iran’s Military Growth Israel is calling out Iran for building up a massive force inside Syria. Danny Danon, Israel’s representative at the United Nations, accused Tehran of trying to turn Syria into the “largest military base in the world,” calling the global community’s attention to Iran’s dangerous intentions.

While speaking to the Security Council, Danon said that Iran controls 82,000 fighters in Syria, including 9,000 members of the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah, 10,000 Shiite militiamen from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and another 60,000 Syrians. There are another 3,000 soldiers from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in Syria as well. “We are releasing this classified information because it is vital for the world to understand that if we turn a blind eye in Syria, the Iranian threat will only grow,” said Danon. “The Shi’ite crescent is on our doorstep,” he said. “Iran is ready to strike at a moment’s notice.”

The size of its army in the country is proof of its malicious intent. “Why does Iran keep recruiting these extremists to be killed in the battlefields of Syria? Why is Iran building bases to house these fighters for the long run? The answer is clear. To further destabilize Syria and our region. To further threaten Israel, and to further terrorize the entire free world,” he said. Israel has said many times that it will not tolerate an Iranian military buildup on its northern border. Although there has not been any confirmation, many airstrikes on Iranian-linked targets in Syria have been attributed to Israel. Danon highlighted Iran’s expanding military budget. “In 2014, 17 percent of Iran’s government spending went to its military expenditure,” he said. “This past year, in 2017, this number ballooned to 22%. That’s $23 billion spent on missiles, arms and other weapons of war.” Danon ended his speech by imploring the world to not “allow Iran to continue funding worldwide terror, pursue its dangerous internal arms buildup, and grow its military presence abroad.”

The Picture You Were Never Supposed to See

In what can only be described as a shocker, a photo recently surfaced of Barack Obama and noted Jew-hater and racist Louis Farrakhan. The photo was taken at a meeting that Farrakhan had with the Congressional Black Caucus, which is a group of black members of Congress, in 2005, when Obama was a senator. (It is un-

known why the Congressional Black Caucus, which should be sensitive to racism, would meet with such a vile racist.) The photo had not been disclosed until now because the Congressional Black Caucus contacted the photographer shortly after the photo was taken and demanded the original. The photographer, however, kept a copy but did not want to hurt Mr. Obama’s political prospects so he did not reveal it to the public until this week. This would not be the first instance of Obama associating himself with radical racists. For nearly two decades Obama was a member of Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s church. Rev. Wright had a history of making racist remarks and preaching against America, including stating right after 9/11, “We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back into our own front yards. America’s chickens are coming home to roost.” Once some of Rev. Wright’s comments came to light during the 2008 presidential election, then-presidential candidate Obama “left” his church. Reverend Wright, though, is a choir boy compared to Farrakhan, who has in the past said things such as: “My G-d will wipe this country [America] from the face of the earth”; “You see everybody always talks about Hitler exterminating six million Jews. That’s right. But don’t nobody ever ask what did they do to Hitler”; “[Jews] are wicked deceivers of the American people. [Jews] have sucked their blood”; “The Jews don’t like Farrakhan, so they call me Hitler. Well, that’s a good name. Hitler was a very great man.” After seeing the photo of Obama and Farrakhan, noted-Obama supporter Alan Dershowitz stated on Fox News, “Louis Farrakhan is a virulent anti-Semite. He’s called Judaism a ‘gutter religion.’ He’s anti-American. He is a horrible, horrible human being and if I had known that the president had posed, smilingly, with him when was a senator, I would not have campaigned for Barack Obama. It would have influenced my decision.” Although Pres. Obama’s supporters will attempt to defend him by stating, “It’s just a picture!” how would those same people react if a picture came out of President Trump with David Duke or the grand wizard of the KKK?

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Number Two at FBI Ousted

In what can be described as a “deep state earthquake,” the deputy director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, was abruptly removed from his post this past Monday. McCabe was originally scheduled to retire in March but, according to reports, he was pressured by FBI Director Christopher Wray to resign one day after Director Wray reviewed a congressional memo which detailed wrongdoing by the Justice Department and the Obama administration during the 2016 presidential campaign. Speculation is that McCabe was prominently featured in that memo. McCabe has long been a target by

Republicans who accuse the former number-two man at the FBI of severe anti-Trump bias. McCabe played a key role in the exoneration of Hillary Clinton who was investigated for transmitting classified information over an unsecured, private email server. Shortly before that investigation began, McCabe’s wife ran for the Virginia state senate and received approximately $675,000 from Clinton-related political action committees. McCabe’s name was also prominently featured in a batch of text messages between FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Page – who at one point worked on Robert Mueller’s Russia probe – that the Justice Department released last month. One email which garnered much attention states, “I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andy’s office – that there’s no way he gets elected – but I’m afraid we can’t take that risk… It’s like an insurance policy in the unlikely event you die before you’re 40.” GOP lawmakers surmised that “Andy” is a reference to Andrew McCabe and that he was involved in an effort to prevent Mr. Trump from becoming

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the president. In an email to FBI staff, Director Wray insinuated that a coming inspector general report about the FBI’s conduct during the 2016 election led to McCabe’s removal.

Trump Talks

On June 1, 2017, United States President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would cease all participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation. Trump stated that “the Paris accord will undermine [the U.S.] economy,” and “puts [the U.S.] at a permanent disadvantage.” Now, Trump is saying that the U.S. may possibly re-enter the Paris climate change agreement but only if it would be for a “completely different deal.” In an interview with Piers Morgan for British ITV on Sunday, Trump said that although he is a proponent of a cleaner environment, the original Paris agreement would not have benefited the U.S. The president said, “I believe in clean air. I believe in crystal-clear, beautiful … I believe in just having good cleanliness in all. Now, with that being said, if somebody said go back into the Paris accord, it would have to be a completely different deal because we had a horrible deal. As usual, they took advantage of the United States. We were in a terrible deal. Would I go back in? Yeah, I’d go back in...but it’s got to be a good deal for the United States.” Asked if he believed in climate change, Trump said: “There is a cooling, and there’s a heating. I mean, look, it used to not be climate change, it used to be global warming. That wasn’t working too well because it was getting too cold all over the place. The ice caps were going to melt, they were going to be gone by now, but now they’re setting records. They’re at a record level.” Trump also weighed in on his thoughts regarding Brexit. He said that he “would have negotiated it dif-

ferently” than Theresa May did and said that he had “a lot of problems” with the European Union. “Would it be the way I negotiate? No, I wouldn’t negotiate it the way it’s [being] negotiated ... I would have had a different attitude,” he said. The president said that the relationship between the U.S. and the EU is a “very unfair situation,” adding: “We cannot get our product in. It’s very, very tough. Yet, they send their product to us – no taxes, very little taxes. It’s very unfair. I’ve had a lot of problems with European Union, and it may morph into something very big from that standpoint, from a trade standpoint.” Trump, never the one to shy away from media, discussed his “tremendous respect for women.” He also shared his Twitter habits, admitting that his posts are sometimes put together from his bed or at the breakfast table but generally during the evenings as he is too busy during the day.

Air Marshals on More Flights?

Want to fly to Mexico more securely? Mexico and the United States are looking into whether armed U.S. federal air marshals could be deployed on commercial cross-border flights, according to a document seen by Reuters and a Mexican official, as Mexico deepens security ties with its neighbor. Since Donald Trump took office, U.S and Mexican officials have said that Mexico has tried to improve cooperation with its top trade partner on security, immigration, and foreign policy, hoping to convince the U.S. president to take a softer stance on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In 2003, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the United States, Mexi-

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on i t a v r e Rabbi Avrohom s e ds! R Boruch Brafman r l fo rnal A l a l C Jou a n i Mr. F Joel Ganz & Dinner Chairman

‫ישיבה דרך איתן‬ ‫ע”ש מרן רבי‬ ‫אברהם יפה'ן זצ”ל‬

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co agreed to place Mexican security agents on certain flights, but said it would never allow U.S. officials on board its commercial airlines, let alone letting them be armed. However, in a January 18 meeting in Mexico’s foreign ministry, officials from both countries agreed to “study the convenience of negotiating an agreement for the deployment of Federal Air Marshals on commercial flights,” according to the official Mexican document seen by Reuters. A Mexican official with knowledge of the plan said the hardest part of the negotiations would center on allowing U.S. officials to carry arms, given that the use of weapons by foreigners in Mexico is sensitive and tightly regulated. It will be decided if marshals will be on flights going into Mexico, or going into the United States, or both. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) places sharpshooters on domestic and international commercial flights to and from the United States to prevent militant attacks. The document shows that Mexico and the United States have agreed to several other security measures to tackle “transnational criminal organizations.” The two countries plan to create a bilateral investigative body for probing international criminal groups. There are also plans to negotiate a maritime drug seizures treaty and to use ships and radars for specific operations. The two nations also want to deepen efforts to eradicate opium and marijuana plantations. Additionally, the document showed that Mexico and the United States agreed “to identify specific transnational criminal organizations, map their business models in both countries, and design a joint operational strategy to combat them.” Mexico, Canada and the United States are currently in the midst of fraught negotiations to reshape NAFTA, a lynchpin of the Mexican economy that Trump has threatened to abandon.

Monkey Research Shut Down Monkey see, money do. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration was forced to shut down an experiment on nicotine addiction that used squirrel

monkeys as test subjects after some of the animals involved in the study died.

Gottlieb also discussed future modifications that will be made to how the FDA uses animals for experimentation purposes. Those procedures will include establishing an Animal Welfare Council to supervise all animal research conducted by the agency.

Trump’s DACA Plan The study began in 2014 with the objective of studying the relationship between nicotine and addiction. The monkeys were first allowed to self-administer nicotine doses by pulling a lever until they were addicted. Then, scientists slowly lowered the doses and observed the effects on the monkeys. By 2017, four of the monkeys died – three while given anesthesia while catheters were being inserted, another died from gastric bloat. In March, the details of the experiment became public after the White Coast Waste Project, a group that opposes taxpayer-funded animal experimentation, filed a Freedom of Information Act request for records on the nicotine study. Jane Goodall, longtime chimpanzee devotee, penned an open letter to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb calling the experiment “shameful.” Goodall cited practices such as restraining the monkeys and subjecting them to the side effects of the nicotine ― including vomiting and diarrhea ― as “unnecessary and cruel.” The study was being conducted at the Arkansas’ National Center for Toxicological Research. The 26 monkeys will now be transported to a sanctuary. In a statement released on Friday announcing the shutdown of the study, Gottlieb said that while the animals were “safe and being well cared for,” the review had raised some concerns, including a “generalized lack of adequate oversight” and “repeated reported deficiencies” on the part of a third-party animal welfare contractor. “It is clear the study was not consistent with the agency’s high animal welfare standards,” Gottlieb said, adding that the agency “will place the monkeys involved in a new permanent sanctuary home, which will provide them with appropriate longterm care.”

years, which was subject to renewal. Individuals were able to request DACA status if they were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, came to the U.S. before turning 16 and continuously lived in the country since June 15, 2007. Individuals also had to have a high school diploma, GED certification, been honorably discharged from the military or still be in school. Recipients could not have a criminal record. The program did not provide “legal status.”

3 Giants Team up for Healthcare

In the fall, Trump terminated Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an Obama-era program that allowed undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to remain in the country, upsetting many immigrants and immigrant supporters. The White House announced on Thursday that President Trump has proposed an immigration reform to Congress that includes a path to citizenship for an estimated 1.8 million young undocumented immigrants, twice the number of “Dreamers” who were enrolled in the original program. This part of the proposal is sure the gain the approval of Democrats, but will likely upset conservative Republicans. Perhaps Republicans will be appeased when they notice the $25 billion “trust fund” requested in the bill for a border wall. The funds will also be used to upgrade security on both the southwest and northern U.S. borders. Senior White House officials presented the plan as a compromise. Trump gets his wall, and the 690,000 enrolled in DACA whose temporary work permits will begin to expire March 5 will earn permanent citizenship. Time will tell if the compromise is well-received by Congress. The DACA program was formed through executive order by former President Barack Obama in 2012 and allowed certain people who came to the U.S. illegally as minors to be protected from immediate deportation. Recipients, called Dreamers, were able to request “consideration of deferred action” for a period of two

On Tuesday, Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan announced that they are collaborating to offer healthcare services to their U.S. employees more transparently and at a lower cost. The three companies plan to set up a new independent company “that is free from profit-making incentives and constraints.” The healthcare industry has been nervously eyeing the prospect of competition from Amazon for months. While the new company created by Amazon, Berkshire and JPMorgan would be for their U.S. staff only, this is the first big move by Amazon into the industry. The new collaboration could pressure profits for middlemen in the U.S. healthcare supply chain. “Hard as it might be, reducing healthcare’s burden on the economy while improving outcomes for employees and their families would be worth the effort,” Amazon Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos said in the statement announcing the endeavor. “Success is going to require talented experts, a beginner’s mind, and a long-term orientation.” The group announced the news in its very early stages because it plans to hire a CEO and start partnering with other organizations. The effort would be focused internally first, and the companies would bring their data and bargaining power to bear on lowering healthcare costs. Potential ways to bring down costs include providing more transparency over the prices for doctor visits and lab tests, as well

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

as by enabling direct purchasing of some medical items. In the statement, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said the initiative could ultimately expand beyond the three companies. “Our goal is to create solutions that benefit our U.S. employees, their families and, potentially, all Americans,” he said. Billionaire Warren Buffett has called healthcare a “hungry tapeworm” feasting on the U.S. economy. Healthcare spending was estimated to account for about 18 percent of the U.S. economy last year, far more than in other developed nations. Amazon, Berkshire and JPMorgan are among the largest private employers in the U.S., with more than 1 million workers combined. And they’re among the most valuable, with a combined market capitalization of $1.6 trillion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. This isn’t the first time big companies have teamed up in an effort to tackle healthcare cost. International Business Machines Corp., Berkshire’s BNSF Railway and American Express Co. were among the founding members of the Health Transformation Alliance, which now includes about 40 big companies that want to transform healthcare. The group ultimately partnered with existing industry players including CVS and UnitedHealth Group Inc.’s OptumRx.

A Pizza & a Funeral

For those of you who don’t like to procrastinate, here’s one for you. A Wisconsin funeral home, wishing to get some planning out of the way, is offering future patrons a free slice of pizza if they preplan their funerals. “Enjoy free pizza on us as we discuss how preplanning your funeral

helps ease the emotional and financial burden for you and your family,” the ad for Krause Funeral Home in Brookfield, Wisconsin, reads. The promotion is called “Pizza and Preplan” and it is sure to light a fire under those who just don’t want to die. Lest you think the promotion is a bit, um, tasteless, the company ran a similar promotion last year and more than 100 people showed up. The pizza promotion was for one day only. No word on if coffin, I mean coffee, was served.

Literally Crazy

This is literally the craziest rule ever implemented in a bar. Patrons at The Continental, a bar in New York City’s East Village, better watch their language. The eatery has banned the word “literally” in its establishment, calling the word “the most overused, annoying word in the English language.” In a sign prominently displayed at the bar, the owners warn: “Say the word ‘literally’ inside Continental you have 5 minutes to finish your drink and then you must leave. If you actually start a sentence with ‘I literally’ you must leave immediately!!!” Owner Trigger Smith is triggered by that now-common phrase. “It’s not just millennials,” he says. “Now you hear newscasters using ‘literally’ every three minutes on the Sunday news shows. What’s annoying is people aren’t even aware they’re saying it. How could you be so unaware of your words that it’s coming out every couple minutes?” Some have seen the sign and laughed. Others are miffed that they have to watch their mouths as they down drinks after work. The Continental is not new to controversy. It was accused of being racist in the past because of an unwritten dress code that banned saggy jeans, open laced sneakers, “blingy” necklaces and sideways caps. Even so, the bar still has a follow-

ing; people are literally falling over each other to order drinks.

Sneaking into Prison Life in prison is not good. In fact, for Joshua Randall Hansen, it’s really not good. There’s no whiskey, tobacco, or home cooked foods for him to enjoy. And so, last week, Hansen decided to make a run for it. The 25-yearold, who was serving a 27-month sentence for drug-related charges, escaped from federal prison in southeast Texas. His breakout was clean – he got away without alerting authorities. The only problem was when he came back. What? Yes, you heard that right. Hansen endeavored to return to prison – and it was then that he was caught by authorities. The sheriff’s office said that they had been tipped off about inmates sneaking out of the prison and then reentering with contraband. Hansen was caught with a large duffel bag containing three bottles of Martell brandy, a bottle of Crown Royal whiskey, multiple bags of Buglar tobacco, salty snacks, fruit, and home cooked foods like BBQ sausage and fried chicken. He now faces additional charges of escape and marijuana possession. And he may be eligible for the most dimwitted prisoner award.

Bathroom Vows

Last week, Brian and Maria Schulz were set to get married at the Monmouth County Courthouse in New Jersey. As the couple was waiting in line, Brian’s mother thought she was having an asthma attack and rushed to the bathroom. Police officers administered oxygen to her while they waited for paramedics. Brian and Maria were torn. They wanted to be there for their moth-

er but if they didn’t get married on Wednesday, they would have had to wait another 45 days for a new marriage license to be processed. Thankfully, a court officer didn’t let their dreams get flushed away. In an unconventional ceremony, the judge and the new couple headed to the bathroom in the courthouse, where Brian’s mother was waiting. In the bathroom, standing in front of the paper towel dispenser, Brian and Maria were married. The marriage ceremony, short and sweet, was captured on video, with the groom wearing a suit and tie and the bride wearing a trench coat over her clothes. Sounds like a great story to tell the kids.

Home for €1

Want to own a home in a beautiful Italian village? It’s yours – for just a little more than a dollar. Ollolai, a destination in the mountain region of Barbagia on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, is selling hundreds of abandoned homes for just one euro, which is around $1.20. Efisio Arbau, Ollolai’s mayor, has put up 200 stone-built homes for sale. The sale has a small catch: purchasers need to commit to a refurbishment within three years – which will likely cost about $25,000. The town of Ollolai is slowly shrinking. Once boasting 2,250 people, now only 1,300 call Ollolai their home. Some traditional ways of life survive. Local shepherds continue to make the exquisite premium sheep cheese, Casu Fiore Sardo, that the area is known for, while artisans still weave fine baskets. “We boast prehistoric origins,” says Arbau. “My crusade is to rescue our unique traditions from falling into oblivion. Pride in our past is our strength. We’ve always been tough people and won’t allow our town to

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Professor Adisa Azapagic, whose name sounds like a greenhouse emission, from the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Sciences, said: “Given that sandwiches are a staple of the British diet as well as their significant market share in the food sector, it is important to understand the contribution from this sector to the emissions of greenhouse gases.” The study concludes that the carbon footprint of the snacks could be reduced by as much as 50 percent if a combination of changes were made to the recipes, packaging and waste disposal. The researchers also suggest extending sell-by and use-by dates to reduce waste. Perhaps a better way to reduce global warming is for all of those hyperventilating about it to just stop eating altogether.

to be done from the outside and we did not take the opportunity to send a plumber [out] at 10,000 meters,” Frank Olsen, a plumbing company CEO aboard the flight, told Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet. Once back on the ground, the problem was fixed and the Boeing 737 resumed its interrupted flight, arriving in Munich about three hours late.

Anyone Have a Plumber?

Has Newman moved to Italy? Italians in the area of Vicenza have been frustrated for years with the town’s missing mail. Finally, police say they have found the culprit: a 56-year-old postman who has been stockpiling nearly half-a-ton of undelivered mail in his garage. The 573 kilograms’ (over 1,200 pounds’) worth of mail is the largest ever discovered in all of Italy. The postman has been stealing the mail for over eight years, including people’s utility bills, bank statements, old phone books, and political propaganda mailings from the 2010 regional elections. Police were tipped off when volunteers from a recycling center reported receiving 25 big yellow containers from the postal service with mail still inside. The postal police say the mail will now be delivered to its rightful owners – it may just be a few years late.

On Friday, the world’s tallest man, Sultan Kosen, met the world’s shortest woman, Jyoti Amge, in Cairo, Egypt. Kosen, who stands at a sturdy 8 feet, 3 inches tall, hails from Turkey from Kurdish background. Amge, from India, is 2 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs just 11 pounds. She is 24-years-old; Kosen is 35.

die.” Now Ollolai, which takes its name from an ancient battle cry of “alalé,” is fighting back once again in its own unique way. So far, at least three homes have been sold. More than 100 purchase requests have come from all over the world – including from Russia and Australia. Hopefully, the new, refurbished homes will lead to more jobs, reviving the local economy. How do you say metziah in Italian?

Your Polluting Sandwich First they came for your SUV, then they came for your plastic bags, now they are coming for your sandwiches. England’s University of Manchester just completed a study titled,

“What is the environmental impact of your lunchtime sandwich?” And, no, it’s not a joke. The study rates the environmental impact of different sandwiches.

“The carbon footprint of your sandwich could be having a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions according to new research,” notes the study. A team of mentally deranged individuals – um, I mean researchers – looked at 40 different sandwich types, recipes and combinations. The highest carbon footprints were found in sandwiches with pork meat (bacon, ham or sausages) and those containing cheese or prawns.

How many plumbers does it take to fix an airplane toilet? Well, the joke was on them when a flight last week heading for Germany from Oslo had to turn around due to a broken toilet. The irony? There were 85 plumbers on the flight. “We would have liked to fix the restrooms, but unfortunately it had

Stealing the Mail

Many of us also suffer from “finish the plate syndrome.”

Page 94

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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Around the

Community Learn & Live

uilding for the future! R’ Nachum Dinowitz presented the melacha of boneh this

past Sunday at the Learn & Live program. R’ Dinowitz brought boneh to life for the boys. This coming Sun-

G.O. Chinese Auction at BYAM

he G.O. of Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam hosted a Chinese Auction for the elementary school this past Friday. In conjunction with this year’s theme, unity, the girls learned that one way we unite with other Jews is by giving tzedakah to those in need. They therefore made a Chinese Auction to demonstrate one fun way of giving tzedakah. The girls in grades 1-5 each brought in one dollar to purchase tickets and then chose from an array of prizes to see where they would like to put their tickets in. The drawing was an exciting event, where each participant left with the feeling that they won by giving tzedakah.

day, iy”H, L&L/Pirchei will present a special event, “A Smashing Success.” For more information email us

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SKA Reunion in Israel

t’s one of the most anticipated visits of the year! SKA graduates now attending Israel seminaries happily greeted each other and Head of School Mrs. Helen Spirn and limudei kodesh teacher and Israel advisor Mrs. Paghit Ralbag at the annual reunion held on Monday evening, January 8, at Michlala. Production clips and the student-produced video sending warm wishes and divrei bracha from Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls administrators, faculty members and staff were shown to heartfelt

applause. After the reunion, Mrs. Spirn and Mrs. Ralbag visited every seminary their students attended; each SKA graduate had her own personal meeting to discuss her progress and explore her aspirations for the second half of the year. Since the founding of SKA over 25 years ago, many graduates have made aliyah. Of the 42 alumnae of the class of 1997, ten out of eleven who now live in Israel held a special melave malka in Ramot welcoming Mrs. Spirn and limudei kodesh teacher Mrs. Myrna Weinberger. It was an incredi-

SKA reunion in Israel with Class of 1997 graduates who made aliyah

ble evening catching up and reminiscing! Thanks go to Mrs. Dahlia Openden Steinhardt for hosting this won-

derful gathering. You can see from the photos of the event how delighted all the formers

SKAers are – they may be in Israel, but they are still a part of the SKA family!

Mrs. Helen Spirn and Mrs. Paghit Ralbag with SKA Class of 2017 in Israel

Countdown to Achiezer’s Tribute of a Decade

he striking hues of navy on bright orange flashing across the Five Towns and Far Rockaway neighborhoods are generating a sense of excitement and anticipation. Where will you be on 2.15.18? Achiezer is celebrating its tenth anniversary and the community is eager to give back to the organization and its indefatigable team, who have given so much to the community via unparalleled medical, hospital and emotional support, dedicated crisis intervention and other vital services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Branded as the Tribute of a Decade, this special milestone Dinner

will pay tribute to Achiezer’s ten dedicated Executive Board Members who have been with the organization since it was merely the brainchild of its leader, Boruch Ber Bender. These selfless individuals have stood behind Achiezer in times of challenge and in memorable moments, enabling it to rise to the occasion time and again, doing whatever it takes to help people in need. Perhaps the sentiments of the community at-large are best expressed in the words of one prominent philanthropist who said, “I’m not from those who can sleep with a phone near my bed, jumping to an-

swer the call at any given time. The least I can do is help provide the wherewithal for those angels amongst us who do that, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.” The pride that we all feel in the growth and achievements of Achiezer stems from the way we identify it as our very own – an organization that is truly for the community, by the community. The diversity of the board members and their representation of every neighborhood in our area is an integral hallmark of Achiezer. The Dinner is on Thursday evening, February 15th at the Sands Atlantic Beach. The abbreviated but

powerful program planned for the evening will provide a virtual lookback at Achiezer’s diverse activities over the past ten years, with dramatic, in-action footage of some of the organization’s most memorable moments. With just over two weeks remaining to the Dinner, preparations are now in high gear. The Achiezer administrative office is abuzz with activity processing the flow of journal ads and reservations. Reservations can be placed and ads can be submitted online at www.achiezer.org/dinner, via email at dinner@achiezer.org, or by calling 516-791-4444 ext. 113.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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Zeide-Father-Son Melava Malka By E. Ganz The venue may change from year to year But the event’s uniqueness remains quite clear. Grandfathers, fathers, and sons together Represent the shalsheles that lasts forever.

n Motzei Shabbos, the talmidim in Grades 5-8, as well as their fathers, grandfathers, and many alumni, joined together in Bnos Bais Yaakov for this year’s Siach Yitzchok melava malka. In the days leading up to the event, Rabbi Schon, shlita, coordinator of the melava malka, went around to the classes to teach them various niggunim. One of these included “Askeinu seudasa,” which Rabbi Mashinsky, shlita, a former rebbi and sgan menahel of Siach Yitzchok, had introduced to the Cheder years ago. Another song was the beautiful “Hashivenu” with its Yiddish accompaniment, which the seventh and eighth grade boys recently sang at the Dinner. Having learned and practiced the various songs, the boys were well-equipped to sing with gusto on Motzei Shabbos. Rabbi Schon distributed raffle tickets to the participating talmidim; a number of fortunate boys won beautiful sets of seforim. Reb Dovid, shlita, addressed the crowd; Rabbi Feifer, shlita, rav of the Aguda of Bayswater, was the guest speaker. He emphasized that we must realize that anything that happens is a reminder that Hashem runs the world, and illustrated this with a number of stories. Rabbi Feifer’s riveting words held the entire room spellbound. After bentching on a sumptuous milichig seudah, everyone joined together in a large circle to dance together. The classes then broke off into their own circles. The rebbe of each class danced with each talmid individually, along with his father and grandfather(s). Clip-on book lamps – to enable learning in all conditions – was the parting gift, along with wonderful memories of another Siach Yitzchok event.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns Annual Dinner

s years (and dinners) pass by, it is important that we take time to appropriately reflect on the accomplishments of the past. Equally as important, we should always look ahead to the future and assess our collective future and growth. The Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns is exemplary in what it has been able to accomplish relative to its size. However, when we look at that success carefully, it reveals an amazing potential for even further achievement and growth. The Yeshiva remains committed to its founding principles of keeping a warm and close relationship with each and every talmid, yungerman and community member who chooses to use its services. The mesorah of the rebbeim is felt in every act, connection and relationship with the talmidim and families. Since its inception, the Yeshiva has become a sought-after makom Torah for young men returning from learning in Eretz Yisroel. The Yeshiva is known for

the high level shiurim given by the prominent rebbeim as well as for its energetic atmosphere and unique hashkafah. The Yeshiva continues to accommodate the increasing demand for students and specifically those who dorm due to the reputation it has earned locally and across the globe. The Yeshiva, however, is a multifaceted institution. In addition to having become a prominent makom Torah for its talmidim and Kollel yungerleit, it also serves the Five Town community in various ways. The eruv is maintained by the Yeshiva, which includes sending people to check its status and fix it on a weekly basis, irrespective of the weather conditions. The Yeshiva provides numerous shiurim to baalei batim, ranging from iyun to amud yomi and hashkafah. Its doors are open to all who wish to learn in its inspiring atmosphere. The Yeshiva’s yungerleit are available as chavrusas for interested baalei batim. Young boys and

girls have a growing number of opportunities to come and share in the growth sought by all those who enter the Yeshiva’s doors. In the coming days at the Yeshiva’s 15th Annual Dinner, the greater community will once again come together to celebrate YGFT’s growing accomplishments and put faces on some of those who have graciously shared in the responsibilities towards facilitating its success. The three sets of honorees, Dr. and Mrs. Justin Hirmes, Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Richtman and Rabbi and Mrs. Menashe Benedict, have contributed and continue to contribute towards the Yeshiva’s efforts in expanding the reach of Torah within our community, through ahavas haTorah, ahavas chessed and mesiras nefesh. Guests of Honor Dr. Justin and Ricki Hirmes It is always special when a family’s connection to the Yeshiva is holistic. While Justin is a regular in Yeshiva, both during the week and on Shabbos, it is the presence, however often, of the rest of the family that make this couple special. The Hirmes family does all of the little things which people don’t necessarily notice but are important and meaningful. It could be setting up the kiddush, helping with meals for those who need, organizing Tehililm, and so much more. They have chosen to raise their family with a deep sense of chessed through action, not just words, and sincerity in everything they do. The Hirmes family moved to Woodmere almost nine years ago. Justin, who grew up in Woodmere, attended HAFTR until leaving to study in Reishit Yerushalayim in Israel. Upon returning, he attended and graduated from Lander College,

staying at Touro to earn his PhD in physical therapy, which he now practices privately. Aside from all of his responsibilities, Justin is an active member of Hatzalah for the past 13 years. Ricki Hirmes also grew up in Woodmere and attended HAFTR. Following a year of study at Midreshet, she attended Adelphi and then Malloy to ultimately earn degrees as a nurse and nurse practitioner. She recently joined LIJ after eight years at NYU and also practices at Urgent MD. Aside from her busy work schedule and family, Ricki is active in organizing Yeshiva events as well as many programs at Bnos Bais Yaakov. Both of them use their professions as vehicles for chessed and kiddush Hashem. The Hirmes have, b”H, beautiful family. Zevi attends Darchei Torah while Shayna and Dina attend Bnos Bais Yaakov. Liba and Estee are at home. The Yeshiva is certainly appreciative of their ongoing support and help in so many ways and excited to be able to show our hakaras hatov to them this year. Avodas Hakodesh Award Rabbi Yosef and Shani Richtman There are many ways that people contribute to the growth of an institution. In the case of the Richtman family, there are just too many to list. Everything from the weekly divrei Torah, the food in the Yeshiva, Mosher Kosher, Avos U’banim and so many other things, Yosef is there to fill in the blanks. Regardless, when it comes to the Richtman family, nothing is done or said without a smile, dedication and selflessness. The Yeshiva is fortunate to have them as members of its hanhala. Outside of Yeshiva, Yosef volunteers for many organizations and also as-

Hashem is telling each one of us: “You are a Jew! You can fly! Despite all of the heaviness of the world, you have powerful wings and you can fly above everything.” Page 72

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Around the Community sists in running programs for Siach Yitzchok. Yosef can be seen all over the neighborhood during the week, running to a chavrusa or to do a chessed. He grew up in St. Louis and Chicago, graduating from Skokie Yeshiva High School before learning at Bais Yisroel for the following four years. During his 4th year in Bais, Yosef married his wife Shani. When they returned to America, Yosef learned in Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv for one year, after which he joined the then newly formed YGFT Kollel. After learning full-time in the Yeshiva for several years, Yosef was added to the YGFT staff as Director of Special Projects. He is truly instrumental in the Yeshiva’s success. Shani (nee Orzel) Richtman grew up in Kew Gardens Hills where she attended Bais Yaakov of Queens. After graduating from Prospect High School and studying at Bnos Chava Seminary in Israel, Shani returned to earn her Masters in Speech Therapy. She currently works for Step by Step as a therapist, in addition to her other responsibilities. The Richtmans have a large mishpacha, b”H. Their

oldest, Charna Rochel, attends YOB High School. Menacham and Shmuel Dov attend Siach Yitchok. Chanala, Hinda Leah and Esther all go to Bnos Bais Yaakov. The younger girls, Rivky and Nechama Mintza, are still under the care of the Richtman home. The Yeshiva is thankful to be able to show our appreciation for all that the Richtmans do for us at this year’s dinner. Harbotzas Torah Award Rabbi Menashe & Amanda Benedict It is always rewarding when alumni move on and are so productive and integral to their new communities. It is, as much as anything else, a testament to the Yeshiva, its rebbeim and overall environment. The Benedict family is continually allowing the Yeshiva to take pride in their accomplishments. Their collective dedication to the Yeshiva and the growth of Torah is an inspiration to us all. Menashe learned in Yeshiva and excelled. As a young boy, he grew up on Queens, attending Tiferes Moshe and South Shore respectively. After

time at Yeshiva Tiferes Yerushalayim, Bais Yisroel and Mir in Eretz Yisroel, Menashe came to study at the Yeshiva. His energy and passion for Torah and Yiddishkeit earned him a sterling reputation amongst his rebbeim and peers. After learning in the Yeshiva’s kollel, following his marriage to Amanda, for two years Menashe went to learn again in Eretz Yisroel, going back to the Mir. Subsequently, the Benedicts settled in the Philadelphia community to join the local kollel where, aside from learning full-time, he learned with community members at night. After three years in the kollel, Menashe took on a role teaching and doing kiruv at local universities, under the Meor program. It is here where Menashe’s deep love for Torah and chessed make him a true asset to those he teaches. Aside from all of that, Menashe makes time to be part of an organization called the Chevra, who give weekly shiurim in the city to young Jewish professionals. Amanda (nee Tammam) Benedict grew up in West Orange, NJ, and attended both Kushner elementary and Bruriah High School. Af-

ter studying at Midreshet in Eretz Yisroel, she eventually pursued her sonography degree and currently works at Mainline Healthy Hospitals in the Philadelphia area. Amanda juggles her professional career with her responsibilities at home with her growing mishpacha. Both respective set of parents’ love for Torah and chessed is evident in the home that the Benedicts are building. Of note, Menashe’s father, Dani Benedict, was instrumental in helping the Yeshiva obtain the construction financing for our current building. We are proud to be able to acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments. The Benedicts find opportunities to come visit the Yeshiva as frequently as possible.

Taub, Rav of Young Israel of Holliswood, spoke. He shared that when Hashem told Moshe he would lead B’nei Yisrael out of Egypt, Moshe said, “Who am I?” Rabbi Taub explained Moshe was saying, I have a deficit. I am not a man of words. I am alone. When children recognize they are different, they feel alone. When you earn a 45% on a test, you define yourself as that mark. This feeling of being alone is profound. Yet, Moshe Rabbeinu who claimed he was not a man of words, became the quintessential man of words. We see this, Rabbi Taub imparted, in Sefer Devarim where he speaks to B’nei Yisrael. Rabbi Taub shared that a principal once asked Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky, zt”l, if they could put mezuzahs lower down in the classrooms so students could reach them. Rabbi Kamenetsky rejected this idea. He told the principal to keep the mezuzahs high. We must bring children up to Torah. Children can reach any height imaginable. We must believe every child can become a Moshe Rabbeinu or Miriam.

Rabbi Taub related that the Gemara asks: how do you choose a rebbe? It answers you choose a malach, an angel. There is an idea that every blade of grass has an angel saying, “Grow.” So too, the teacher sees each student as a long-term investment. Rabbi Taub shared that Dr. Judah Weller recognized the ideal of no child left behind. These children should thrive and become leaders of Klal Yisrael. Rabbi Taub ended that in the zechus of PTACH, we should merit to Mashiach’s arrival. Perhaps Mashiach will be a PTACH graduate. Sponsors of the evening included Rabbi and Mrs. Yochanan Bechhofer, Mr. Mark and Mrs. Linda Frankel, Mr. Eli and Mrs. Yitti Glaser, Mr. Sheldon and Miriam Greenberg, Mr. Itzi and Mrs. Irene Laub, Mr. Izzy and Mrs. Ruchi Sherman, and Mr. Chaim and Mrs. Chana Wasserman. Everyone left warmed and inspired by this uplifting event. For more information about PTACH and or to donate call (718) 854- 8600 or visit www.ptach.org.

Please join us at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 6 at Beth Shalom in Lawrence, NY, as we recognize these special families for their tireless service to the yeshiva, the Five Towns community and klal Yisrael. For more information please call the Yeshiva office at (516) 2958900x4 or go online to www.ygft. org/dinner.

PTACH Tea in Queens By Susie Garber

“E

very child wants to do well. Failure is never intentional or just a phase of life. When given proper, customized instruction and a safe environment in which to learn, children will surely succeed,” Dr. Judah Weller, ED. D Educational Director of PTACH, expressed the philosophy and vital work of PTACH recently. PTACH was founded 40 years ago and began at Yeshiva University High School. Since then it has expanded to many yeshivas and day schools and has become the model for other organizations. PTACH educators use differentiated instruction based on understanding attention, language, and memory function in the learning process to aid students with learning disabilities or different learning styles to succeed and reach their potential. On Motza’ei Shabbos, January 13, a large crowd of community members and supporters of PTACH gathered at Congregation Ahavas Yisrael in Queens for a tea to sup-

port the important work of PTACH. Wassermans Supermarket donated delicious food for this event. Rabbi Yochanan Bechhofer greeted everyone and shared his thoughts about PTACH. He noted that he spoke on behalf of grateful parents he knows whose children are the recipients of PTACH’s amazing work. He stated that PTACH is all about chinuch, meaning influencing the student to be connected. The Hebrew word “ptach” means an opening. PTACH creates an opening, a doorway, for students to enter and an opening for them to come out and unleash their G-d given potential. PTACH educators use cutting-edge techniques. The assumption of PTACH is that every child can learn. Some children learn differently. A mother in the audience told this writer that her daughter was a participant in PTACH from grade 9-12. Her daughter is currently in seminary attending Shana Bet and the school raves about what a wonderful asset she is to the seminary and they don’t want her to leave. Following this, Rabbi Moshe

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

HAFTR Seventh Graders Donate a Torah to the IDF

Rabbi Kupchik dancing with the Torah

n honor of their bar and bat mitzvahs, the seventh graders at HAFTR donated a sefer Torah to the IDF, Israel’s Defense Forces. They partnered with Oz Ve’Hadar, an organization in Israel that works directly with the army in providing each base with a sefer Torah. The students gave a portion of their gift club money to-

HAFTR families celebrating in Israel

wards this campaign and collectively gathered the total needed. Bashi and Benjy Fish sponsored this program in honor of their son Jacob’s bar mitzvah. Jason and Laura Radzik sponsored the celebration in honor of their son Noah’s bar mitzvah. Additional funds were contributed by the HAFTR High School graduating class of 2016.

Mr. Uri Dopelt, Project Manager for Oz Ve’Hadar, was instrumental in arranging all the details. The dedication and festivities took place in Israel during the recent winter vacation. This particular Torah will be housed at the Navy base in Ashdod. Rabbi Dovid Kupchik, menahel K – 8 at HAFTR, sees this project as a fitting

way for bar and bat mitzvah students to mark their s’machot and it is especially appropriate for a Religious Zionist school such as HAFTR to partner with the IDF. This meaningful project will hopefully be an annual campaign as this year’s sixth graders are well on their way of reaching their goal. Kol hakavod!

sources on establishing better communication with riders. I will continue to speak with the MTA and hold them accountable to give LIRR riders the dependable and dignified commuter rail system they deserve and for which they pay a great deal.” At the hearing, Lhota responded by telling Senator Kaminsky: “I am not happy with it [the LIRR delays and cancellations] and the lack of urgency is what concerns me the most….You have my word, it will get fixed.” Lhota added, “Nothing concerns me more than communicating with our cus-

tomers...we will beef up government and community affairs staff with Long Island residents who know and live in impacted communities.” Kaminsky also pressed Lhota to push for an overhaul of the East River tunnels, citing them as a major source of delays and a potential safety hazard. Senator Kaminsky has led the fight to provide relief to Long Island commuters. He held a rally, attended by scores of people, to “Sack Amtrak.” He also twice penned letters to legislative leadership requesting they hold emergency hearings on conditions at Penn

Station. In response, the Assembly held hearings during which Amtrak and MTA officials testified, disclosing new, actionable information. He has repeatedly spoken out against the increase in LIRR fares while performance has declined, and challenged the MTA Director in Senate hearings on the poor state of several stations in his district. Senator Kaminsky was the sole Long Island Senator to question MTA Chairman Joseph J. Lhota at last week’s hearing about the LIRR’s performance.

Kaminsky Questions MTA Chairman on Disastrous LIRR Performance

ast week, State Senator Todd Kaminsky questioned Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman Joseph J. Lhota at the Joint Legislative Transportation Budget Hearing on the Long Island Rail Road’s ongoing poor performance. Kaminsky displayed a chart showing the recent spate of cancellations and read aloud an email from a Rockville Centre commuter complaining that this is the worst the LIRR has ever been in his 31 years of commuting. Specifically, Kaminsky asked Lhota what actions the LIRR will take to correct the poor state of the railroad and how communication with riders should be improved. Following the hearing, Senator Kaminsky said: “I was heartened by Chairman Lhota’s commitment that the LIRR will ‘get fixed’ and for his willingness to focus attention and re-

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Yeshiva Har Torah Girls Celebrate a Special Bat Mitzvah

he girls of Morah Ben-Ari’s class in Yeshiva Har Torah participated in a very meaningful chessed project before winter vacation. Having all now already celebrated their own bat mitzvahs, the girls in the class decided to help enhance the bat mitzvah of a special young lady

with special needs. They made a short video related to her name, a photo montage, a centerpiece for her bat mitzvah, and a beautiful scrapbook with warm mazal tov wishes from each girl in the class. Morah Ben-Ari attended the bat mitzvah and was able to share with the students how much of an im-

pact the girls had made. Mi k’amcha Yisrael goy echad baaretz! Who is like your people Hashem, They look

out for others who may not have the same opportunities in life! May the chessed and sen-

sitivity of all the children of Klal Yisrael bring us closer to the days of Moshiach.

Young Israel of Jamaica Estates 39th Anniversary Dinner

he Young Israel of Jamaica Estates will be highlighting the multi-generational nature of their community at their upcoming 39th Anniversary Dinner on February 3. Well-known throughout Queens

and the greater Jewish community for its friendly, family atmosphere and highlighted by chessed, youth and community programing, for nearly forty years the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates (YIJE) has served as an institution well beyond the services of a

typical synagogue. Led for more than a quarter of a century by Rabbi Shlomo Hochberg and his wife Karen, along with multiple generations of dedicated professional and lay leaders, YIJE has served as the primary vibrant and active Jewish community center of the Jamaica Estates, Holliswood, Fresh Meadows area. One significant aspect of YIJE is the relative frequency of multiple generations, siblings and other relatives living within the community. On Shabbat morning, it is not uncommon to find three generations of siblings and cousins sitting together in shul. The generations also regularly participate together in the shul’s monthly family mitzvah mornings and Motzei Shabbat Parent-(and Grandparent)-Child Learning program. At this year’s dinner, YIJE will highlight three such multigenerational families. Honorees include Ruthie and Phil Fyman together with their children Dina (Fyman) and Jay Lehon; Jane and Martin Schulman with their children, Beata and Eylan Schulman; and Helen and Sandy Silverman with their children, Lauren and Daniel Silverman. Each is a shining example of the next generation choosing to live and raise their family in their hometown of Jamaica Estates. In all three instances, the younger generation was raised in Jamaica Estates, moving from the youth department to the teen and collegiate programs and ultimately following in the footsteps of their parents serving on the board and taking on leadership roles in the shul and community.

In each instance, a third generation of children is now active in the unparalleled and vibrant youth program that serves the entire community, well beyond membership and geographic boundaries, with Shabbat, holiday and competitive sports programming. Each of these families contribute their time and resources to the shul’s reputation as a model of chessed not only within its own neighborhood but also for its demonstrated commitment to larger Jewish and communal causes on a local, regional and global level. Community-wide activities include family oriented mitzvah projects, scholar-in-residence and lecture series, Yachad shabbatons, housing of Queens JEP program for public school students, and a myriad of Israel activism and fundraising programs highlighted by the annual Memorial Day L’Chaim 5K Run for Israel. To date, YIJE has raised over a million dollars for terrorist victims and their families, as well as medical and security needs in Israel. These families share a love for their shul as a community center in Jamaica Estates, Queens and beyond. They have all demonstrated through action, what it takes to successfully grow a community and they continue to transmit this ethic from one generation to the next.

For more information about the Young Israel Jamaica Estates and its upcoming 39th Anniversary dinner, visit www.yije.org or call 718-479-7500.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Around the Community

YOSS Hosts “Yeshivas Bein Hazmanim”

Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal affixes the mezuzah at the Legislative office building in Albany

t Yeshiva of South Shore the mid-winter break is truly a “Yeshiva Week,” as it is highlighted by an annual program called “Yeshivas Bein Hazmanim.” This program, geared to the talmidim of grades 1 through 8, gives the boys an opportunity to enjoy a respite from their daily grind of schoolwork within a yeshiva environment. Despite the vacation, the boys come to yeshiva, daven with a minyan and then learn with rabbeim in an informal, non-classroom setting. After an exciting and “geshmak” period of learning, the boys and their rebbeim head out for a day trip under the direction of Rabbi Shlomo Drebin and supervised by his staff of experienced counselors. Over 60 talmidim attended this year’s program, which included two trips. The first trip was to CoCo Key Water Resort in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, which was rented exclusively

for the boys. Although it may have been 25 degrees outside, it was 85 degrees inside and the boys enjoyed water slides, water tubing and swimming. It was a summer escape in the middle of winter! On another day, the group traveled to Teaneck where they had lunch at EJ’s Pizza and then continued on for some heart-pumping excitement at High Exposure. Ninja warrior obstacle courses and rock climbing were just some of the adrenaline-filled activities the boys mastered. It goes without saying that the YOSS boys acted with utmost derech eretz which prompted numerous compliments from staff members at the facilities. The talmidim returned to yeshiva feeling invigorated and ready to resume learning after a fun-filled winter break.

Kashrus, Live Rav Zevi Trenk, menahel of Mesivta Chaim Shlomo, made a fascinating demonstration on the halachos of glatt kosher vs. treifah for the fifth grade talmidim at Yeshiva Darchei Torah last week.

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Tu B’Shvat in Albany

ssemblywoman Nily Rozic celebrated Tu B’Shvat with students in Albany. Students from the Maimonides School in Albany came to the Capitol to join Rozic, Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, and other legislators in honoring the Jewish holiday, the New Year of the Trees. Students also had the opportunity to tour chambers and sit in Assemblywoman Rozic’s seat.

Lawrence Schools District Superintendent Meets with Gesher Administration

r. Ann Pedersen, Superintendent of Schools in the Lawrence School District, met recently with the administration of the Gesher Early Childhood Center. Director Mrs. Chava Bodner and Director of Student Support Mrs Dahlia Weiss discussed issues of related services and advanced training with Dr. Pederson. The students, meanwhile, enjoyed learning about Yetzias Mitzrayim. Dressing up in pa-

jamas to highlight Paroah’s last effort is always exciting for young children.

Tu B’Shvat at YOSS

he children at Yeshiva of South Shore’s Hollander Early Childhood Center engaged in many activities in celebration of Tu B’Shvat. The boys had a chance to examine, smell, compare, count and, of course, taste the shivas haminim. The nursery class baked shivas haminim cookies and painted with tree branches. The children learned all about trees and were amazed by how many different things come from a tree, like fruits, wood, paper, and shade. They drew, wrote about, and played with their new tree blocks too!

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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In Binyomin Klein Morning Kollel, 44 Bachurim Make Great Strides

The Early Risers of Yeshiva Darchei Torah

hen Binyomin Klein, a”h, was suddenly niftar in the spring of 2012 at the age of 31, Rav Shimon Dov Notis, a maggid shiur in Mesivta Chaim Shlomo, went to be menachem avel his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Motty Klein. Shaken by the tragedy and resolved to do something fitting in Binyomin’s memory, Rav Notis suggested to Mr. Klein that they start a morning kollel at the Yeshiva. Mr. Klein agreed. It is nearly six years later and the kollel is still going strong. “We learn an amud a day, every day,” Rav Notis explains. “We begin at 7:00 a.m. and learn for 35 minutes, until Shacharis, Sunday through Thursday.” On many a Friday, Rav Notis will deliver a chaburah to the entire group. Although it is a kollel, a term usually used for married men, it is actually comprised of 44 Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid bachurim. Since its inception, the Binyomin Klein Morning Kollel has enabled the bachurim to complete Masechtos

Makkos, Megillah, Sukkah, Gittin, Bava Kamma and Yevamos. The current group is on track to finish Kesubos, the masechta the Yeshiva is currently learning. “At one siyum, bachurim spoke and described how this seder literally changes their entire day,” Rav Notis relates. “They are certainly not the only ones learning in the beis medrash at that hour, but rabbeim have commented about how gevaldig it is when they come in early for davening and there is already a beautiful kol Torah resonating in the room.” “There is no question,” Rav Notis continues, “that it changes my day. I’m a different person. It’s a different davening [afterwards]. It’s a different day.” And there is no question that besides the positive impact the Morning Kollel is having on the lives of its members and the Yeshiva as a whole, that it is also providing an aliyah for the neshama of Binyomin, a”h, ben R’ Mordechai.

February 18th, April 16th *Limited space available

April 30th, June 24th

Joi u for Pesac i Yerushalayi For more information call the Eretz Yisrael Movement at

www.israelmovement.com

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Protecting Our Investments with JEP/Camp Nageela port kiruv efforts large and small. Amazingly, Hashem takes care of the upside for us. The grandeur and success of Torah Judaism we know of today is perhaps nothing less than the bracha coming from our efforts to protect Klal Yisroel’s losses. On Monday night, February 5, one of the premier vehicles protecting our downside, JEP’s Camp Nageela, is hosting the 3rd annual Real Estate Networking event. JEP/ Camp Nageela brings Torah to hundreds of children each year. The real estate industry will gather to support teaching Torah to Jewish kids who have no other opportunity, and Hashem will allow the deals to flow.

By Rabbi David Shenker, Director, JEP-LI & Camp Nageela

ver wonder why so many Jews are in real estate? The allure of real estate is in the deal making. Little wonder that it attracts Jews. Avraham and Moshe were dealmakers. Our sources teach us that Hashem makes deals. Deal making is in our genes and our culture. In our time, we are seemingly experiencing a deal Hashem made with us. A common deal making tactic, mentioned in President Trump’s “The Art of the Deal,” lehavdil, is to “protect the downside and the upside will take care of itself.” Since the 1960s, Hashem has offered us the ability to protect Klal Yisroel’s downside; to open the eyes of unknowing Jewish youngsters to Torah. We lis-

To attend, RSVP at jepren.org or call: 516-374-1528, ext. 104. tened to the call of the gedolim, we cultivated the teshuva movement,

and invested huge sums into protecting our losses. We continue to sup-

Chai4ever and a Mother Living with a Life Threatening Illness By Julie Roberts

lay in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) pondering the latest devastating news and yet another autoimmune diagnosis. I have been mostly homebound now for 14 years. My son’s innocence was lost early on as he watched me struggling to breathe or to take a step over the years. There is so much uncertainty about how I will raise and coach my son to college and into adulthood and my health and further disabilities in coming years. I am blessed with many organizations and resources in my community to help me when times get rough. Chai4ever specifically has provided me with much needed hope and help as I fight my illnesses and maintain some semblance of quality of life. My debilitating illnesses have been particularly difficult and frightening for my son and for other children trying to deal with the emotions and disruption in their lives. Families suffer often silently and behind closed doors when a parent is diagnosed with a debilitating or terminal illness. Beyond the trauma and constant anxiety and chaos that the illness produces, nothing ever seems normal again as life revolves around infusions, nurses, hospitalizations,

endless doctor appointments, the loss of income, and the inability to be the caretaker of our own children. Chai4ever has provided our family with a variety of programs and services. These services included delicious prepared dinners delivered to my home. Chai4ever coordinated with our rebbetzin to arrange a meal train, which provided a fresh-cooked dinner daily. At my request, they also provided daily visitors to my home as I struggled to recuperate from yet another treatment or hospitalization. The organization has provided me transportation to and from medical appointments and immunotherapy. My transportation needs have not always been medical in nature but I also need to help my family continue to run despite my health. For example, my son will be graduating from high school this year and I really wanted to be involved in open houses, financial aid, and college night and similar occasions. Chai4ever has been there to get me to these events because I can no longer drive. After my chemotherapy, Chai4ever jumped in to provide monetary assistance for housekeeping. Summers are always difficult because of the high cost for camp and my son, now 16, usually spends the

summer lonely and bored. This year, my son joined a group of boys and their counselors for Camp4ever! on an epic road trip and summer journey camp traveling from Lakewood through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. This is a fun, super-exciting traveling experience in the company of other kids who also have parents going through debilitating and life threatening illness. The staff is specially trained to provide support and security, and counselors are provided 1:1 to each camper. Chai4ever has also had a variety of recreational outings and getaways including concerts, carnivals and trips to activity centers to give my son things to do and give me a reprieve from the difficulties. One Shabbat, my son was invited to stay with another Chai4ever family, and another time he was invited to dinner with another family. Other resources that have been so helpful to us was the initial intake and case management helping us identify resources elsewhere in the community. Chai4ever’s mission is to provide emotional and practical support for families dealing with the acute or chronic illness of a parent. Chai4ever understands parents like me who

become incapacitated due to illness and how it can throw the entire family into crisis. Chai4ever seeks to mitigate the repercussions of parental illness by surrounding families with the care and support they need to maintain a stable and functional home life and lessen the impact of the parental illness for the whole family including the patient, the spouse, and the children by providing practical and emotional supports for the entire family. Your support to Chai4ever enables Chai4ever to fulfill its mission to help these families in crisis and is much needed and greatly appreciated. Donors even have the opportunity to specify what their gift will sponsor. You can choose to send holiday gifts to the children of a sick parent, sponsor a week of housekeeping for a family in need, or even send a child to summer camp for a much-needed reprieve from the heaviness of life with an ill parent. Make a one-time or recurring donation to Chai4Ever, and give the gift of stability and normalcy to children and families in need today. Julie and her husband, Edward Roberts, live in Cedarhurst. Their son, Colin, is in the 12th grade.

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DID YOU SCAN YOUR CARD TODAY?

PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H NORMAN

The Five Towns-Far Rockaway Rosh Chodesh Shiur for Women held its monthly shiur at the Young Israel of LawrenceCedarhurst last week. The presenter was Rabbi Zechariah Wallerstein. His topic was “Tu B’Shvat, A Light at the End of the Tunnel.”

Technologically Progressive

Mazel tov, Abie Lent! Abie’s toy drive for i-Shine netted over 500 toys for Chai Lifeline’s after-school program for children living with illness or loss in their homes. Chessed is in Abie’s genes; his parents and grandparents are well-known for their generosity, and Abie, his parents Jenny and Mordy, and siblings are active i-Shine volunteers and leaders.

THE SCHOOL YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW

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Mazel tov to Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls seniors who were accepted to Stern College for Women Honors Program, early decision. Pictured, left to right: Mrs. Helen Spirn, Head of School, Neima Inslicht, Shoshana Reichman, Aliza Lerman, Shoshana Rockoff, Ayelet Aharon, and Yael Scheinman.

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Public Transportation to be Increased in an Effort to Serve the New Growing Neighborhood of Ramat Givat Zeev

After a couple of Motzei Shabbos shiurim the boys from the Ashreinu program enjoyed a Motzei Shabbos outing of “fun.” This time the outing was bowling at Woodmere Lanes. The boys had a wonderful time. For more information or sponsorship, please email us at ashreinufr@gmail.com.

Ezra Academy to Celebrate Fifty Years

I I

srael’s Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety has confirmed plans to increase public transportation for the new Ramat Givat Zeev neighborhood. Plans include increasing the frequency of transportation to, from and within the neighborhood, which is already well on its way to a completed infrastructure. With houses nearly complete and ready to be moved into, there are already numerous amenities in place to greet approximately 150 families expected to move into their new homes in the coming months, many of whom are

new Olim. Fully functional amenities that are ready to accommodate the family-friendly neighborhood include four parks, a basketball and tennis court, with much more in the works. Experts in the real estate field are calling Ramat Givat Zeev “one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Israel,” with housing prices expected to increase significantly in the near future. Visitors who came on a recent trip to the neighborhood were thrilled to see the progress of the homes and infrastructures.

A Gift of Chessed

he YIJE Sisterhood Purim Shaloch Manot Committee reserves a portion of its proceeds each year for a chessed endeavor and decided that this year it would donate siddurim to the Kotel in honor of Israel’s upcoming 70th anniversary. In anticipation of another successful YIJE Shaloch Manot campaign, and due to logistics, 150 new hardcover siddurim were recently purchased and presented to the Western Wall Foundation last week.

To add another level of meaning to the gift, each siddur is dedicated in memory of a fallen hero who died defending the State of Israel, tying in with another global initiative, Yizkereim: Honor Israel’s Fallen, whose goal is to perpetuate the memory of all 23,545 security forces who have sacrificed their lives to secure the existence of our homeland. We are so proud of the efforts of the Shaloch Manot Committee: Rivky Orlow, Robin Appel, Janna Herskowitz, Susan Kass and Gail Reichwald.

n 1968 there was a public school strike in New York, which led to the closing of all the public schools for a few months. During that time Rabbi Eliyahu Marcus came up with an idea to open a Jewish day school to cater to all the Jewish children out of school. He saw this as an opportunity to introduce Jewish education to those children who were deprived of it in the public school system. The idea was born but the right person was needed to run the school, someone who would be able to bring the Torah to the level of the children and be able to relate to them too. This was a difficult feat in the sixties before the kiruv movement was an idea. The search didn’t take too long; Rabbi Eli Freilich was the perfect fit. The doors opened with a handful of students and never looked back. Ezra Academy, as the school was then named, has been serving the Brooklyn, Queens, Great Neck, Bronx communities and beyond. The goal then was to help educate Jewish children in their roots and traditions and that same goal remains the focus of the Yeshiva to this very day. There is no one demographic that makes up the student body. We have had students of American, Persian, Israeli, Russian, and Bukharian descent. Students come here for high school and remain with us for the rest of their lives. Being invited to alumni weddings, their children’s bar and bat mitzvah and other simchos is commonplace. Rabbi Freilich has a wall in his office with pictures of his students’ families as many see him as a father/ grandfather figure and send him their

family pictures the same way they would their biological father. The care and concern for each and every student which goes well beyond the walls of the school and past the school bell is a founding pillar of the school. This too was established by Rabbi Freilich. Being able to connect to each student as an individual and cater to their needs was not just a nice idea but a prerequisite for the staff he hired. And he led by example, oftentimes staying after school to schmooze with a student, play them in chess or any other way that was necessary. This idea has spread into so much more: rabbeim and teachers hosting Chanukah mesibas, Simchas Beis Hashoeivas, Lag B’Omer outings and so much more on their own time. The school itself organizes three Shabbatons and a schoolwide retreat every year. A recent graduate, Yitzchak Aminov, said, “I came to Ezra because of my friends who were going there but stayed because the staff made me feel wanted and the relationship I developed with them was incredible.” This feeling is not his alone but that of any Ezra student, past or present (and future). The school will be celebrating fifty years of success on February seventeenth at Da Mikele Illagio in Queens. Rabbi Eli Freilich and Mrs. Fran Hirschman, the school’s principal, will be the honorees. All are encouraged to come celebrate the amazing work, dedication and selflessness that these two amazing individuals have given over to countless people in their time at Ezra Academy.

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Celebrating the Trees

n honor of Tu B’Shevat, the girls at Ohr Leah learned all about trees. They knew that the trees drink water but couldn’t figure out what they eat! They then learned that Hashem makes a nes for the trees called photosynthesis which means that that they can make their own food using the sunlight! They passed around a leaf and saw that it has veins like people and learned that the veins allow the water and food move about the tree. In the winter, when there is not as much sun, the trees need to

conserve their food so they let the leaves fall off so only the trunk and branches need to be fed. They learned about the parts of the tree, the parts of the leaf, and the parts of the flower. The girls concretized these lessons by doing puzzles which required them to put the various parts together and label them. Every day the girls take turns watering our classroom esrog trees which we planted after Sukkos last year. We are all amazed by how tall they are getting!

Seforim Sale Singles Event lationship issues applicable to Orthodox Jews. Open to all and geared for singles ages 21- 33. Cost is only $10, payable at the event. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated at www.yuconnects.com/upcoming-events. Special Seforim Sale discount offered to participants. Sushi and refreshments are an added bonus! Excellent matchmakers will be in attendance and free parking is available. The event will be held in Belfer Hall, at Yeshiva University’s uptown campus, 2495 Amsterdam Avenue, NYC. Doors open at 8 pm, program begins at 8:30 pm. Any questions, please email mglatt@yu.edu or call (516) 6038141.

Virtually Unmatched

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he Seforim Sale at Yeshiva University is a popular monthlong February event, allowing the community to purchase a wide array of Jewish books and seforim. Often, it serves as a gathering point to reacquaint with friends and former classmates; the sale has emerged as the leading spot to browse books while socializing on these winter evenings. This year, combine both with a fascinating talk hosted by YUConnects on Wednesday, February 7. YU’s Rosh Yeshiva Rav Mordechai Willig, and his sister, Woodmere native Mrs. Chava Willig Levy, noted author and matchmaker, will be the featured speakers at this forum. “A Match Made in Where?!?” discusses the incredible personal marriage journey of Mrs. Levy. Rav Mordechai Willig will expound and highlight important re-

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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MAY Visits Its Israel Investments

abbeim from Mesivta Ateres Yaakov made their annual visit to Eretz Yisroel last week to “check up on their investments” in their respective post-high school yeshivos. 12th grade rabbeim and Israel advisors Rabbi Yehuda Orlansky and Rabbi Yonasan Sprung embarked on a whirlwind of activity that filled their schedule while in Israel. While the MAY rabbeim spend an amazing amount of time every week keeping in touch with their former talmidim, there is nothing like reconnecting in person. Straight from the airport they begin visiting the many yeshivos hosting MAY alumni. Their talmidim were eagerly waiting for them and showered them with ear-to-ear smiles and warm embraces. Each talmid sought to “impress” their rabbeim with their achievements and accomplishments, their notebooks and libraries. It was truly a fitting welcome to Eretz Yisroel. If that wasn’t enough, talmidim also had surprise visits from Rabbi Meir Braunstein, Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva Gedolah; Rabbi Yehuda Horowitz, Mashgiach of the Mesivta; and Rabbi Leibe Wolf, 10th grade rebbe. The week-long trip was a non-stop excursion from yeshiva to yeshiva; over 20 different yeshivos in all, over

100 talmidim, from the early hours of the morning – davening Shacharis together with various yeshivos – until way past midnight. The MAY rabbeim met privately with each talmid, their roshei yeshiva, mashgichim and current rabbeim, to ensure that each talmid’s needs were being met and that their particular kochos were being properly cultivated. The trip also gave the rabbeim an opportunity to “scout” each institution for suitability as a destination for MAY’s current and future talmidim. This is necessary since new yeshivos continue to emerge annually and even established yeshivos revamp their programs. The high point of the trip was once again the Shabbos spent to-

gether at Yeshivas Ohr Yerushalayim with close to 100 talmidim. Yeshivas Ohr Yerushalayim, the annual host for this event, rolled out the red carpet and helped create a memorable and meaningful experience. The alumni gathered for a Shabbos of chizuk in Moshav Beit Meir and spent, what many talmidim referred to as, “the best Shabbos they’ve ever had” together with their rabbeim. The entire weekend was infused with inspiration. From the enthusiastic tefillos, to the leibadik meals, and all the heartwarming divrei Torah and learning in between – it was the perfect mix of ruchnius and gashmius. Divrei chizuk by the tefillos, talmidim making siyumim, older bochurim delivering prepared cha-

buros, a Shabbos afternoon shiur from a rebbe or just the casual walks and warm reminiscing – everyone was both inspiring others and being inspired. Reflecting on the Shabbos, Rabbi Orlansky commented, “The diversity among the talmidim is very apparent; each progressing at his own pace along their distinct paths towards individual goals. Yet equally apparent was the deep-rooted camaraderie and reciprocal admiration that they share with each other, recognizing each other’s struggles and taking pride in their accomplishments. Not only did each of the ninety-plus bochurim respectfully listen to their fellow talmid’s words of chizuk and divrei Torah, they often made reference to each other’s remarks and made a point of both raising and praising each other when they could. I am so proud of who they are and who they continue to become.” The Shabbos left all in a reflective state of mind, more focused on their goals and confident of their ability to overcome all forms of adversity. In addition to mentally and emotionally equipping them for the future, it also reminded them of the solid foundation that unites them and which prepared them for who they are now – the formative years of nurturing and growth at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov.

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A Unique Vacation at MSP

his past week was hopefully a most restful and enjoyable one, as many of us had the opportunity to spend some quality time with our children who had some time off for their midwinter vacation. Whether we went on a local trip, a ski destination, warmer temperatures down south, or to Eretz Yisrael, we hope our children got what they needed to propel themselves for the second half of the school year. There was one local yeshiva that took this midwinter vacation to a whole new level – one that combines beautiful scenery, kiruv rechokim, skiing, and a most enjoyable week with their dedicated rabbeim. Mesivta Shaarei Pruzdor, or MSP as it’s formally known, decided to utilize this opportunity to make an everlasting

impact on their talmidim and an entire community. Their destination was the Jewish community of Omaha, Nebraska. The excitement for this most memorable trip has been in the making for a few months, and was the brainstorm of the Rosh HaMesivta, Rabbi Eli Merenstein, and the rav of the Omaha community, Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. The mission to Omaha was an all-encompassing trip whose goal was to make an impact on a community that might not have the resources and accessibility that we have here in the Far Rockaway/ Five Towns community. With the total Jewish population in Omaha at 5,000, one shul, one kosher store, but no yeshiva, what bigger impact can be made on how b’nei Torah dress and act than by sending 26 ninth graders to

a place where many Nebraskans have never met yeshiva students! Omaha, Nebraska which has a 100-year-old Jewish community, was thirsting to have a Shabbos where a group of students would come and join together for a most uplifting Shabbos. To prepare for this trip, the boys understood that their achdus, zemiros, divrei Torah, and visible yarmulke and tzitzis would have an impact on young and old alike. The leadership opportunity for each and every talmid was second to none. The boys had the opportunity to lead davening, say divrei Torah, give parsha “shiur” to not-yet-observant students, and help prepare and serve Shabbos meals. As a group, the boys made an impact from the first moment they landed in the airport, as they davened Shachris during their

stopover with tremendous pride and joy. One of their first stops was to a local senior center to lift their spirits and give them a small taste of Shabbos zemiros. They visited a 100-year-old Jewish cemetery, held a kumzitz and talent show with the members of the community youth, and amazed every person they came in contact with. The Omaha community graciously hosted the boys and more than 200 members of the community joined the yeshiva for two Shabbos meals. The boys interacted with the members of the community both young and old during these times, and the experience of this Shabbos is one that will not be forgotten for many, many years by all participants. Although it was a group trip, each talmid felt the importance of their individual impact on the community and their lives as a Mesivta boy. Each and every detail was carried out with perfection, both in regard to ruchniyus and gashmiyus. On their “vacation time,” there were various shiurim going on from the rabbeim of MSP, as well as from Rabbi Dembitzer, the rav of Omaha. They also had the chance to experience many of the local “attractions” including sporting activities, ice skating, a goat farm and skyzone. If this wasn’t enough of an experience, the dedicated staff of MSP then took their students on a two-day ski trip in

Colorado. This unbelievable and life changing trip with their rabbeim is sure to have an everlasting impact on each boy and propel them to have a most successful second half of the school year. With our Far Rockaway/ Five Towns community bursting at its seams, there’s no question how crucial it is for us to support a new Mesivta in our midst. The Yeshiva’s first inaugural scholarship dinner will take place iy”H February 7, 2018, honoring Mr. and Mrs. David Klein as Guests of Honor and Mr. Simcha Frishman receiving the Teacher Appreciation Award. MSP is doing an amazing job and has fulfilled the need for another yeshiva in our growing community. A very generous anonymous donor has agreed to match the first $250,000 in donations. Reservations and donations can be made at Pruzdor.org.

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Rambam Yeshiva University Honors Four for Four

ut of a senior class of approximately forty students, all four students who applied from Rambam Mesivta for the prestigious Yeshiva University Honors early admissions program were accepted. Rambam, since its inception over 25 years ago, has been consistently sending students to the YU Honors Program and now Charlie Grill, Yoni Grossman, Samuel Sicklick, and Akiva Schuck are part of this legacy. Charles (Charlie) Grill, of Long Beach, is currently an Honors Student at Rambam Mesivta. His favorite subjects include calculus and halacha. He is Head Coordinator of the Blood Drive and part of the Entrepreneur Academy. He has been part of many teams such as Flagfootball, Debate and Model UN. Charlie is currently the President of the Bach Synagogue in Long Beach, NY, and has been a counselor at Camp Kaylie and interned at Cedarview Capital, a New York City hedge fund, over the summer. Charlie plans on spending a year in Israel after he graduates. Rosh Chodesh is never complete without the kavana and inspiring voice of Yoni Grossman. Yoni is a Dean’s List student and a stalwart member of Rambam’s Masmidim After School Learning Program. He is the Varsity Hockey’s star goalie and a member of the school’s Fire Safety Squad, Varsity Softball team, and Arista National Honor Society. Yoni also plans on learning in Israel after he graduates. Sam Sicklick is the president of Rambam’s Senior Council and was previously the vice president of the Student Government. He has played on the varsity basketball team since 10th grade and also played for the hockey, soccer, and softball teams. Sam currently is on the Dean’s List and learns in Rabbi Ziskind’s Double Beis Medrash program as well as the YU Bekius program. He was a member of the Rambam Scholars program, often directs Tisches and Shabbatons for the students outside of school, and is the head of apparel design and distribution for the school. Sam plans to learn in Israel for the next (two) year(s) and then will be learning in Yeshiva University. Akiva Schuck is the vice presi-

dent of Senior Council and through almost four years of high school has been on the Principal’s List. He is on the hockey team, the softball team, and the rally committee. He is part of the Double Beis Medrash program and, last year, he was part of a committee to visit the German Consulate to discuss the school’s attempt to prevent the desecration of a Jewish gravesite. Next year, he plans to study in Israel before attending YU. Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, Rosh Mesivta of Rambam, feels that “Charlie, Yoni, Sam, and Akiva are truly continuing in the tradition of Rambam in terms of Torah, middos, and excellence. We are confident that they will continue to bring nachas to all of us in the years ahead.” Principal Rabbi Yotav Eliach shared that “we are very proud of Charlie, Yoni, Sam, and Akiva for being accepted to the YU Honors program early decision. All of them are shining examples of what we like to refer to as ‘The Rambam Man.’ They are bnei Torah in and out of the Bet Midrash, as well as budding Jewish community-minded leaders.” “While their academic accomplishments are impressive,” noted Associate Principal Mr. Hillel Goldman, “what is truly remarkable is that all four of these top students are committed to chessed, leadership,

and have tremendous character. We are confident that Charlie, Yoni, Sam, and Akiva will continue to con-

tribute to the community at large in the years to come.”

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The Next Generation

n honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, last week DRS Senior Sruli Fruchter and a phenomenal editorial staff of students put together the second-ever DRS Literary Journal in remembrance of the Holocaust and the 6 million Jews who were murdered at the hands of the Nazis. At a time when the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, it falls on us to ensure that we hold true to our promises of #NeverAgain and #NeverForget. This year’s journal was called “The Next Generation” to signify how the Holocaust is still with us and impacts us to this very day. As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, Sruli found it to be incredible to raise

enough money from our sponsors to print and distribute 500 copies of “The Next Generation” to every student, teacher, and administrator in DRS. Presenting the journal at DRS this week left Sruli with the notion that we are succeeding in our missions of en-

Remembering Rav Binyamin

A Subscription for Life

av Binyamin Kamenetzky, zt”l, dedicated his life to ensuring that all Jewish children in the Five Towns community could receive a yeshiva education. He did not falter from trying to get people to send their children to yeshiva – not only to his beloved Yeshiva of South Shore, but also to any institution of Jewish education that would hopefully save them from assimilation and intermarriage. He also went out of his way to solicit benefactors to help ease the cost of yeshiva tuition and his mantra was “never say no to a Jewish child who wants a Jewish education.” To that end, under his leadership, no boy was ever turned away from YOSS for lack of funds.

Rav Binyamin was not one to shy away from a challenge. He regularly sought out and engaged the local, secular Jews in the area. Whether it be the newspaper boy on his route or the public school kids who were out on Halloween, he would ask them into his home and invite them to make a bracha. He would try to get their parents on the phone and convince them to send their kids to yeshiva. Sometimes he was successful, sometimes he was not. But he always tried. During shiva, Mr. Goldberg (name has been changed), a prominent Orthodox educator who grew up as a secular Jew, told the Kamenetzky family the following

suring that the Holocaust never happens again and we never forget the 6 million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis. The first Holocaust Journal, “In Living Memory,” was ranked as a Gold Medalist by the Columbia Scholas-

tic Press Association. The judges that awarded “In Living Memory” the Gold Medalist status congratulated them on a “beautiful job, narrative after narrative, page after page.” They also noted that they presented “the material with clarity, sensitivity and respect.”

story. Many years ago, when he first moved to the neighborhood, Mr. Goldberg met Rav Binyamin at the post office. He was with his young son and naturally Rav Binyamin engaged both of them in conversation. Learning that the family had just moved to Woodmere, he asked him, “Where is your son going to school?” “Well, he hasn’t started school yet, but next year I will be enrolling him in public school,” said Mr. Goldberg. “Public school?” asked Rav Binyamin. “Why don’t you send him to our yeshiva? This way, he will receive a quality Jewish education.” Mr. Goldberg responded that he wasn’t religious and was therefore not interested in giving his son a Jewish education. Rav Binyamin described how much his child would benefit from attending Yeshiva of South Shore, or any yeshiva for that matter. Although the man found Rabbi Kamenetzky extremely cordial and engaging, his pleas fell on deaf ears. A yeshiva or day school was simply out of the question. Seeing that he was getting nowhere, Rav Binyamin asked Mr. Goldberg for his address and then wished him a good day. Years later, Mr. Goldberg met Rav Binyamin and this time embraced and thanked him. Mr. Goldberg had not only become shomer Shabbos,

but he also held an important role in the community. The journey began through his son, who indeed went to a local Jewish day school. Mr. Goldberg explained, “Not long after I left the post office, a children’s publication called Olomeinu began arriving each month at our home. I looked through it and was impressed by the ethics and morals conveyed on each page. These were beautiful Jewish ideals being taught to Jewish children. I realized that these were principles that I wanted my son to learn, and the only way he’d learn them was if he attended a yeshiva. “I did some research, and I soon discovered that this magazine had come from Rav Binyamin. Your father did not give up on us. He bought our family a subscription to this great magazine, and today, my entire family is shomer Shabbos.” While Rav Binyamin felt unsuccessful in his overtures, he cared too much to just let it go. The least he could do was get the man’s address, so that he could introduce the children to the Torah values in the Olomeinu, hoping it would inspire the family. It was that gesture that ultimately succeeded in influencing the Goldbergs to provide their children with the Jewish education they deserved. Rav Binyamin’s simple act of kindness ultimately changed their lives.

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OCTOBER 2015||The TheJewish JewishHome Home FEBRUARY29, 1, 2018

TJH

Centerfold

Mall of America Facts All of the following facts are true, except one. Can you figure out which one is a “fake fact”?

3. It took 13,300 tons of steel to build the Mall of America. That’s almost twice the amount it took to build the Eiffel Tower.

1. At 4.87 million square feet, it’s the largest mall in the United States,

4. It has a 1.2 million gallon aquarium.

2. It has its own counterterrorism unit.

6. It has no central heating. Despite Minnesota’s hot summers and brutally cold winters, the only parts of the Mall of America that are heated are the entrances. The year-round 70 degree temperature that it averages is

5. It has 40 million visitors annually.

maintained by body heat, lighting fixtures, and solar heat from the skylights. 7. There is 4.3 miles of total storefront footage. 8. 7 Yankee Stadiums can fit inside the Mall. 9. 32 Boeing 747s could fit inside the Mall. 10. 65 semi-trucks were needed to transport trees to the theme park to create the outdoor feel of an indoor park. 11. 86 hours is the length of time it would take to complete your visit to the Mall if you were to spend just 10 min-

utes in each store. 12. 258 Statues of Liberty could lie inside the Mall. 13. The average shopper spends $375 per visit at the Mall. 14. 520+ stores are located in Mall. 15. More than 8,700 weddings have been performed at the chapel in Mall. 16. There are 11,000 yearround employees at Mall of America (13,000 during peak periods) 17. There are 12,550 onsite parking spaces at the Mall.

See answer on bottom right of the opposite page

Well Said, Jeff Foxworthy If you feel proud that your state makes the national news 96 nights each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Minnesota. If someone in a store offers you assistance and they don’t work there, you might live in Minnesota. If you know how to say Wayzata, Mahtomedia, Edina, Shakopee, Winton and Ely, you might live in Minnesota. If you think of the major food groups as beer, fish and venison, you might live in Minnesota. If you know all four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you might live in Minnesota.

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live in Minnesota. If you consider Minneapolis exotic, you might live in Minnesota. If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 18 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Minnesota. If your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your blue spruce, you might live in Minnesota. If you find 0 degrees “a little chilly,” you really just might live in Minnesota!

The TheJewish JewishHome Home| |OCTOBER FEBRUARY29, 1, 2015 2018

Tom Brady Trivia 2. The entire roster of the Philadelphia Eagles appeared in a total of 7 Super Bowls, not including the upcoming big game. How many Super Bowls did Tom Brady play in, not including the upcoming one? a. 4 b. 5 c. 7 d. 8 3. Tom Brady has more playoff wins than how many NFL franchises? a. 4 b. 7 c. 11 d. 21

 Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

C C D A B B (Chad Pennington & Marc Bulger) A

 Game Key 6-7 correct: You are a Tom Brady MVP! 3-5 correct: You are not bad. Inflate your correct answers a bit and you will be a Brady MVP! 0-2 correct: “Why would I want to know anything about Brady, he stinks!” That’s right, isn’t that why he is playing in his 8th Super Bowl at the age of 40? How many Super Bowls did you play in?

4. How old was Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson when Tom Brady completed his first NFL pass? a. b. c. d.

11 16 19 21

5. How many Super Bowls did Tom Brady win, not including the one he will probably win this Sunday? a. b. c. d.

3 5 6 8

6. Of those six quarterbacks picked before Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL draft, how many started more than a dozen games in the NFL?

a. b. c. d.

1 2 3 4

7. Tom Brady ended the 2000 season as the fourth-string quarterback for the Patriots. When he returned to training camp for the 2001 season he had improved so much that he was named the backup quarterback. When the starting quarterback was injured in the second game of the season, Brady took over and led the team through the season all the way to a victory in the Super Bowl that year. Who did Brady replace as quarterback? a. b. c. d.

Drew Bledsoe Doug Flutie Jim Plunkett Kurt Warner

What’s that Place Called? Just in case you are in Minnesota for the Super Bowl (like me!), all of the following are real cities in Minnesota, except for one. Which one is not the name of a city in Minnesota? Faribault Shakopee Lutsen Mahtomedi Mahtowa Wayzata Otsego Bemidji Osseo Isanti

Waconia Minnetrista Chisholm Zumbrota Breckenridge Cokato Nisswa Babbitt Lawrence

See answer below

Answer to Mall of America: Number 13 is a “fake fact”

a. Yankees b. Red Sox

c. Montreal Expos d. Anaheim Angels

Answer to What’s that Place Called?: Lawrence

1. Tom Brady was selected in the 18th round of the 1995 MLB draft as a catcher by which team?

31 69

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Torah Thought

Parshas Yisro By Rabbi Berel Wein

he high point of Jewish spiritual history is achieved in the narrative that is this week’s Torah reading. The revelation at Sinai and the subsequent granting of the Torah to Israel defined the character and mission of the Jewish people throughout its long and eventful history. The basic ideas encompassed in the Ten Commandments have become the foundation

of Western civilization. And, even though they have often been challenged, they have never been refuted or ignored. The universality of the message of the Torah is emphasized to us by the fact that the description of the Revelation at Sinai is preceded by the story of Yisro and his journey, both the physical and spiritual one, to join the Jewish people and share

‫עם ליקוטי אגרות משה‬ ‫על מסכת‬

‫ברכות‬ ‫ומדור מיוחד‬

their fate and mission. Jewish tradition tells us that Yisro had previously experimented with every form and device of paganism – the dominant religion of his time in the world – in order to find a sense of purpose and serenity for his soul and inner being. He found them all to be wanting in truth and in actuality, and due to his honesty and intellectual acuity he eventually came to reject them all. He came to Jewish thought and behavior from the outside, from being one of the leading priests of paganism of his time. But in searching for the truth, he experienced his own inner revelation that coincided with the unique holy revelation at Sinai, as seen in this week’s Torah read-

ten lacking in those who are actually participating in the event. Later on in the Torah, during the trek in the desert of Sinai, Moshe will say to Yisro: “You have been for us our eyes.” By this statement Moshe implies that Yisro saw things even more clearly than did the Jewish people and that his appreciation of the greatness of Judaism and its Torah excelled above all. Perhaps that is why there is an opinion amongst many of the commentators and in Midrash as well that the visit of Yisro to the encampment of Israel in the desert took place before the granting of the Torah. When this great event happened, it was Yisro above everyone else who could most appreciate what this historic moment really

As is often the case, the outsider, so to speak, sees things more clearly than those intimately involved in the situation.

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ing. He would find it to be difficult to be an outsider coming into Israel but he would find it to be even more difficult to remain an outsider and ignore the apparent truth. As is often the case, the outsider, so to speak, sees things more clearly than those intimately involved in a situation. There is an objectivity that an outsider can bring to bear on the circumstances at hand that are of-

meant in terms of world civilization and the progress of humankind. The Jewish people may have taken the Exodus from Egypt in stride, as being there due. Yet, Yisro reminded them of the supernatural quality of the event. The same is true regarding the revelation at Sinai and therefore Yisro merited that this portion of the Torah be named for him. Shabbat shalom.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

From the Fire

Parshas Yisro Learning to Fly By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

e know that the introduction to a sefer is the soul of the sefer. Therefore, the epsukim that introduce the Jewish people’s acceptance of the Torah are the essence of what it means to receive the Torah. They teach us what we need to know to personally receive the Torah. So what is in this introduction? Let us see some important phrases in the pesukim (Shemos 19:5-6): “And you should be a treasured nation to Me from all of the nations...a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.” But the soul of our acceptance of the Torah is (Shemos 19:4), “And I will lift you up on eagles’ wings and bring you to Me.” Rashi explains that just as an eagle carries its babies on its back to protect them from arrows, Hashem protected us from the Egyptians’ arrows with the clouds of glory. But there is a deeper message as well. There is an apparent contradiction between the Navi Yeshaya’s description of the angels in our Haftorah and Yechezkel’s description. In Yeshaya (6:2), it says, “The Seraphim stand above him with six wings for each one, he covered his face with two, he covered his feet with two, and he flew with two.” In Yechezkel (1:6), however, it says about the angels, “And each one had four wings.” How do we reconcile the four-winged angel of Yechezkel with the six-winged angel of Yeshaya? The Gemara (Chagigah 13b) an-

swers this apparent contradiction by saying that “these [the six-winged angels of Yeshaya] were at the time when the Beis Hamikdash stood and these [the four-winged angels of Yechezkel] were at the time when the Beis Hamikdash no longer stood, because the wings of the Chayos had been diminished.” The angels had lost their wings. The Gemara continues by discussing which of the three sets of wings were lost. The Mekubalim accept the opinion that it was the wings that allowed the angels to fly which were lost. It was this set of wings that they used to sing their song to Hashem, and after the destruction of the Temple, they were lost. The seforim hakedoshim say that this teaches us not only about the status of the angels but it also teaches us that we have, for the most part, lost the ability to fly, to soar above physicality and elevate ourselves above the world. There have been certain tzaddikim, however, who have managed to get their wings back and soar. Rav Uri of Strelisk was known as a “Seraph,” a fiery angel. Rav Mendel of Kotzk was also known as a “Seraph,” a fiery angel. In fact, there is a story told that when Rav Mendel of Kotzk’s son-in-law, the Avnei Nezer, lost his wife, the chevra kadisha brought him a sample text for her headstone, which read, “Daughter of the Seraph.” The Avnei Nezer told them to make one change, making it “Daughter of the flying Seraph.” As

the Gemara (Sanhedrin 93a) says, “Tzaddikim are greater than the ministering angels.” Human beings can fly even higher than angels, as long as they guard their wings.

USING OUR WINGS The Mishna in Avos (5:23) commands us, “Be brazen as a leopard, light as an eagle, run like a deer and be strong like a lion to do the will of your Father in Heaven.” Why does it say to be as light as an eagle? There are many other birds, like the sparrow, which are lighter than an eagle. It must mean that despite the heaviness of the eagle, it is considered lighter because it has the strongest wings. The Mechilta D’Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (19) explains, “Just as the eagle goes from below to above in a very short time, so too the Jewish people go from below to above in a very short time.” Hashem says, “I will lift you up” like upon the wings of eagles. This means that He will take us from the lowest point at the forty-ninth level of impurity to the point of receiving the Torah on Har Sinai in just a few weeks. This is the introduction to our acceptance of the Torah. Hashem is telling each one of us: “You are a Jew! You can fly! Despite all of the heaviness of the world, you have powerful wings and you can fly above everything.” There is no website in the world that can tie you down. “You chose us from all of the nations, You loved us, You wanted us, and You lift-

ed us up from among the nations.” The Alshich (on Vayikra 25:34) makes the following point on the Mishna in Avos: “The eagle flies much higher than all other birds. But what makes it fly higher than all others? It must be that it possesses an innate desire to be the highest of all the birds. If so, you too must act like the eagle. Learn from the eagle who does not rest until she rises above everything and you do the same!” The Ramchal explains that since a person comes from dust and earth, there is a natural heaviness to a person. He feels weighed down and doesn’t want to trouble himself to do any hard work. So Hashem calls out to us, “Be as light as an eagle! Even though it is heavy, it has strong wings and it shakes off the dust, rising straight up to the Heavens. You have wings and you must use them! Rav Chaim Vital writes in Shaarei Kedusha that the rectification for the element within our being called “earth” is to be (Avos 4:1) “happy with one’s portion.” When a Jew rejoices in the mitzvos, these are the wings that will lift him out of the heaviness and allow him to fly. My children once had a storybook about an eagle’s nest high on a mountaintop. Something happened and the eagle’s egg rolled down to the bottom of the mountain to a chicken coop. One of the chickens sat on the egg until it hatched. The little eagle was different from the other chickens and didn’t quite fit in. He tried

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

to peck at the ground and do what the other chickens were doing, but he just could not become like them. He was having a difficult time getting along with his adopted parents and siblings. One day, he met an eagle family and was immediately and naturally drawn to them. They asked him what he was doing hanging around with chickens pecking at the ground. “You’re an eagle! Why aren’t you flying to the highest heights?” Ultimately, he discovered that he could fly and soared with his fellow eagles. We are Jews. We must realize that we are not chickens. We do not need to peck around in the dust. Every adult should read Rav Kalonymous Kalmish Shapira’s introduction to Chovas HaTalmidim before becoming a parent. And every boy should read the first perek of Chovas HaTalmidim to learn what it means to be a Jew. There, the Rebbe writes: We know that you’re still

not quite sure about everything we’re saying here. We know that you’re still asking yourself, “How is it possible to make such

you your were your

feel discouraged because parents and grandparents simple people, then elevate viewpoint and look farther

Hashem is telling each one of us: “You are a Jew! You can fly! Despite all of the heaviness of the world, you have powerful wings and you can fly above everything.”

an elevated person out of me? Not only that, how can it be that while I am still young, I will become Hashem’s special, beloved child like they’re telling me? My parents and grandparents were not like that and I’m just a plain, ordinary child.” But this way of thinking is also mistaken... If

back. Who were your forefathers? The holy ones, the Nevi’im, Tanna’im, Amora’im, the Geonim and [many other] tzaddikim. The Gemara (Pesachim 66a) says, “If the Jews are not prophets, they are the children of prophets.” The Gemara is not talking about the distant past. It is teaching us that

even now, today, in your heart and in the hearts of all Jewish children, there lies a spark that came from the Nevi’im. All you have to do is search for it and discover it in yourself. We must always remember that we can rise above the world around us and become great. We are Jews and we have wings! We can’t be chickens pecking around on the ground. Each of us must set his or her sights high and become great. With Hashem’s help, all of us together should merit to return to Eretz Yisroel, on eagles’ wings, with the complete redemption, may it come soon in our days.

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 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Between the Lines

Mother Nurture By Eytan Kobre

People are what their mothers make them. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

n the early 1860s, a young mother was carrying her tiny baby across the hills of South Wales, when she was overtaken suddenly by a blinding blizzard. She never reached her destination. She was later discovered buried beneath a mound of snow. All her outer clothing was found wrapped around her baby, a dying and desperate attempt to save her child. The infant boy was discovered alive and well, for his mother had mounded her body over his and given her life for that of her child. That infant boy was David Lloyd George: the Prime Minister of Great Britain fortunate to live and become one of England’s greatest statesmen – all because of a mother’s love and sacrifice.

That is just the sort of selfless, motherly devotion that our tradition reveres. The Jewish mother not only trains the children to be righteous, humble, and well-mannered (Rabbeinu Bachaye, Vayikra 24:11), she also plays a unique role in transmitting the Torah’s teachings and values. So it is no surprise that, in preparing the Jewish people to accept the Torah, Moshe Rabbeinu addressed the women first (Shemos 19:3). It is the Jewish mother, after all, who sends her son to school, facilitates his Torah study, and inspires and motivates his development (Shemos Rabba 28:2). Moshe sought to inspire the women first “because the good woman is the catalyst for the Torah, for she is able to encourage her son to learn and she sympathizes with him” (Rabbeinu Bachaye, Shemos 19:3). And one must never “forsake the Torah of your mother” (Mishlei 1:8). When he was just seven years old, R’ Meir Shapiro (later the famed rav of Lublin) studied Torah with tutors

hired by his parents – a rarity and enormous expense at the time. Just after Pesach in 1894, he found his mother in tears. Apparently, a new tutor she had hired for the boy had not yet arrived in town. When he tried consoling her, she explained that every day that passes without Torah learning is a lost opportunity. R’ Meir Shapiro was impacted so profoundly by his mother’s tears that even many years later, at the dedication of his Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin, he recalled the incident as a motivation for his development of the Daf Yomi program, to ensure that no Jewish man would go a day without serious and quantifiable Torah study. That is the subtle but lasting effect that a mother can have on Torah learning. To be sure, educating children in the study of Torah is the father’s province; the mother, however, facilitates that education by constructing the walls of the Jewish home and defining its character. When we say that women have the merit and privilege of bringing their

sons to study Torah (Berachos 17a), we are not speaking of carpool or making lunch; we are speaking of the mother’s vital role in creating an atmosphere where Torah learning can thrive. The Jewish mother plants the roots so the tree might grow; she strengthens the foundation so the building may be erected. The mother’s impact on Torah learning is surpassed only by her selfless devotion to her family, and her role as the akeres habayis, the mainstay of the home (Tehillim 113:9). The Saturday Evening Post depicted the mother’s post accurately when it displayed the cartoon of a young boy talking on the telephone, with the caption: Mom is in the hospital, the twins and Roxie and Billie and Sally and the dog and me and Dad are all home alone. Because the Jewish mother is the Jewish home (Malbim, Tehillim 144:12); without the mother, there is no home to speak of. And that function has always been the hallmark of the Jewish mother. A disciple of the Chozeh of Lublin,

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

R’ Dovid Biederman (Lelover Rebbe) was widely regarded as a righteous man and a prominent figure in Jerusalem’s old Jewish settlement. He once journeyed to Kever Rochel to pray in solitude, only to find that he was not alone there: a woman with several small children was making herself rather at home in the famous domed chamber – spreading a blanket for her children and unpacking mounds of food. R’ Dovid was incredulous. Has this woman no shame? Doesn’t she understand that this is holy ground? How could she busy herself with such mundane matters? He demanded an explanation. The weary woman looked up at R’ Dovid from her seat on the floor. “I would like to think that our mother Rochel would be pleased that we are eating and resting here.” And that’s when it dawned on R’ Dovid. He had journeyed to Kever Rochel many times over the years, but, unlike this seemingly simple and un-

learned mother, he had failed to grasp what it truly represented. Rochel was more than just a righteous woman who bore noble children; she was the mother who wept for and prayed for and raised and sustained those children – and still does. Her sole mission

he Jewish mother has built and maintained and protected our nation throughout the ages. Perhaps that is the reason that it is the Jewish mother – not the father – who passes to her children their Jewish identity (Shulchan

“When all is said, it is the mother, and the mother only, who is a better citizen than the soldier who fights for his country.”

in life – and after – was to provide her children with comfort and relief. From then on, whenever R’ Dovid traveled to Kever Rochel, he made sure to bring food and clothing to share with all others who came to entreat G-d in the merit of Rochel, our matriarch.

Aruch, Even HaEzer 8:4). Only she can guard entry into our ranks. In words that apply with equal force to our community and today’s times, Theodore Roosevelt long ago declared: When all is said, it is the mother, and the mother only, who is a better citizen than the soldier who

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fights for his country. The successful mother, the mother who does her part in rearing and training aright the boys and girls who are to be the men and women of the next generation, is of greater use to the community, and occupies, if she would only realize it, a more honorable as well as a more important position than any man in it. The mother is the one supreme asset of the national life. How true. The Jewish mother fashions, permeates, and safeguards the Jewish home. She is its soul; she is its essence; she is its bedrock. She never tires. She never wavers. She never resigns. Her love and toil and devotion endure as long and as intensely as she does. And to her, we owe our Torah, our homes, our nation.

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

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

World

Builders

Nechama Loebel Bringing Care to the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Community in Israel By Raphael Poch

t is one thing to go out and volunteer as an EMT and help save people’s lives. But it is another when your life’s dream has been to do just that and you’ve always been told that you can’t because you are deaf. This was the challenge that faced volunteer EMT Nechama Loebel all of her adult life until she found United Hatzalah. Nechama Loebel, who has been deaf since birth, became Israel’s first deaf EMT almost two years ago. “This has always been a dream come true for me,” said Loebel, reflecting back on the rocky road that brought her to where she is today. “I’d always wanted to volunteer as an EMT first-responder who can save lives, and no one was willing to let me due to me being deaf. I am so happy that United Hatzalah gave me the opportunity to prove myself and become an EMT even with the challenges I face. This is not a responsibility that I take lightly and over the past two years I have proven to myself and others that it can be done.” Loebel didn’t just stop with becoming an EMT and helping treat physically injured patients in the field;

she also became certified in providing psychological and emotional first aid as a Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit member. Loebel then went one step further and completed the EMS instructors’ course, enabling her to train other deaf individuals in CPR and first aid in sign language. One year after she became an EMT, Loebel taught her first course and once again broke barriers for the deaf

lives,” Loebel said. But possibly Loebel’s most significant contribution to date has been educating and empowering the other 4,000 EMS volunteers in the organization to be more accepting and better able to treat members of the deaf and hearing impaired community when they need to treat them. Over the course of the past two years, Loebel has been called upon by other EMS

“This has always been a dream come true for me.” and hearing impaired community in Israel. “I didn’t want to simply volunteer as an EMT. That was just the beginning. I also wanted to empower others in the deaf community to get involved in first aid and EMT courses throughout the country, so that they too can help contribute and save

volunteers and asked to help translate a conversation between a patient and care provider via a video phone call or to help obtain an oral history from a deaf patient. One such instance occurred in September 2016, when EMS volunteer Moshe Mizrachi needed to find a way to communicate with a deaf patient he was treating who had been

involved in an accident. Mizrachi, together with other EMS first responders, found a woman who was badly injured, conscious but unresponsive to verbal communication or stimuli. While attempting to ascertain exactly what her injuries were, the EMTs were unable to gather information from the woman as she refused to respond to verbal communication. Mizrachi noticed that the woman was wearing a hearing device. He began speaking to her in sign language and she immediately responded. “Do you know who I am?” he asked. She responded in the affirmative stating that she knew him because he was friends with Loebel. Moshe immediately contacted Loebel via a video call and had her calm the woman and assess the situation. Based on the conversation and the information relayed by Loebel, the EMTs and paramedics on the scene were able to properly treat the woman for her injuries, which were severe, before transporting her to the hospital.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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Going one step further, Loebel, at the behest of the organization and the paramedic on the scene, video-called the family of the woman and let them know that their loved one had been in an accident and gave them the information of the hospital to which their loved one was being transported, reassuring them that everything would be okay. After the incident, Mizrachi said, “Nechama really saved the day today. Having Nechama available to speak to the patient gave our patient a sense of calm and allowed us to accurately treat her for her injuries. In the world of EMS, every moment is crucial and

the more we know about what ails the patient, the faster we can treat her. Nechama saved us precious minutes today and helped us save this woman’s life. Having someone who can speak the language of the patient, especially sign language which is spoken by an entire community in Israel, is invaluable.” Inspired by Loebel, Mizrachi himself, as well as other volunteers, learned basic sign language and are continuing to learn the language more fully so that they too will be able to communicate with members of the deaf and hearing impaired communities.

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FEBRUARY29, 1, 2018 OCTOBER 2015||The TheJewish JewishHome Home

Apple The

Their

Eyes

A Glimpse into the Life of Local Apple Farmers

s our children sing of blossoms and buds, birds chirping, and rebirth as we celebrate Tu B’Shvat, in America we look out upon snow-lined curbs, dangling icicles, and bitter, cold weather. Who’s thinking about sprouts and buds and apple trees? In the dead of winter, though, amidst the cold and frost, farmers in the tristate area are busy taking care of their trees. We would like to believe that after their intense labor all throughout the harvest season, farmers enjoy the luxury of mimicking the bears in their long winter’s hibernation. But, in truth, apple farmers don’t get much of a rest after their busy fall season. For, while we turn up the heat and snuggle indoors, the farmers are out in the orchards, tending to their dependent, yet

By Naomi Wein

steadfastly resilient apple trees.

Working Four Seasons

Which part of the growing process in actually taking place right now? “Pruning,” says Sharon, from Soons Orchards and Farm Market in New Hampton, NY. “We’re out there, now, even when it’s one degree outside pruning all the trees.” Orchardists utilize the opportunity now, when the branches are bare from any leaves or apples, to trim the trees, thus maintaining the health and productivity of the orchard. Sharon works a full seven-day week on the farm throughout the entire year. Even during the cold season she’ll put in eight to ten hour workdays, working on pruning each and every tree in their orchard.

Robert, from Stuart’s Farm, located at the border of Somers and Yorktown, New York, has just recently begun to prune his orchard as well. It was too cold at the end of December and the beginning of January this year to start, he says. But he did begin pruning about two weeks ago. While he puts in six to seven hours a day on the field now, Robert describes the winter as the “relaxed season.” He doesn’t need to work on the weekends, and it doesn’t compare to the busyness of the spring and fall. Ronnie Lee, proud inheritor and current owner of Lee’s Turkey Farm in East Windsor, New Jersey, explains that the winter pruning is more than just cutting away any dead branches. Every tree needs to be trimmed each year for practical purposes. Trees

will grow taller each year, making the fruits grow higher and higher off the ground. Peach trees, for example, tend to grow three feet every year, but peaches will only grow in the top 2½ feet of the tree. This makes picking extremely difficult for customers who come to pick their own fruit. For this reason, the trees are trimmed, by hand, each year to maintain the perfect height for picking fruit. However, while the trees do need to be trimmed each year, Mr. Lee recognizes the fact that part of the thrill of apple picking is the challenge of using poles and ladders and reaching for those high-up apples swinging above you. It is for this reason that, unlike many other farms which plant halfsize trees or dwarf trees, at Lee Turkey Farm you’ll find traditional full-size

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

trees. “Why not utilize the space up in the sky to grow more fruit?” Mr. Lee intones. “And besides, customers are coming for the apple picking experience – for them, it’s fun to get those apples from high-up. They don’t want

and grandparents have for four generations since the farm’s inception in 1828. One of Robert’s children lives there as well, along with four of Robert’s grandchildren. “It’s just great living on the farm. I love it!” he enthuses.

“We’re out there, now, even when it’s one degree outside pruning all the trees.” to just reach out and fill up their baskets in no time.”

Farming with Family

Soons Orchards is a family-owned farm, and Sharon and her family devote themselves to the upkeep of their fourth-generation inheritance. “Our farm’s been around since 1910. The fifth generation, my children, are finishing college now. But they work on the farm, as well.” Sharon and her family live one mile down the road from the farm – “so we can get some separation!” she says. Her sister and brother also live nearby. Their devotion to the farm can be traced to their parents and grandparents, who raised them to understand the field and tend to the crops. Sharon’s dad, now pushing eighty-five, still works on the farm every day – be it in the spring sunshine or in the frost of winter. Of course, there are employees to help out with the workload, but the responsibility of running the farm is on the family, and there’s really no time off when it comes to farming. Robert Stuart lives on his farm – he always has – just as his parents

Stuart’s Farm has been around a long time and actually contains certain varieties of apples, such as Black Twig and Northern Spy, which you can’t find anywhere else. The problem is that these trees are getting on in years and don’t have many more productive years ahead of them. But Robert explains how he is working on preserving these unique varieties. “You see, when you grow apples, you don’t just plant seeds. If you plant seeds, you’ll get who knows what! What you do is order what’s called half-trees, or smaller trees, of whichever variety of apples you want to grow, from Pennsylvania. Then you plant these grafted trees in your orchard,” he says. “What we’re doing now is cutting off some healthy branches of our special varieties while the trees are still alive. We’re then sending these seedling branches down to Pennsylvania where they’ll grow brand-new half-trees using the seedlings we’ve sent them. That means we’ll be planting new, young trees of the special varieties we still want to produce.” It sounds like an ingenious way to ensure another generation of delicious apples.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Lee Turkey Farm is not only a family-owned farm, but is actually completely attended to by the farmers themselves. “All the work on the farm is done by just two people – myself and my son. My wife runs the market. We hire someone to work in the market, but my wife always oversees the running of the little store.” Ronnie Lee and his son are the sixth and seventh generations living

on the farm. Mr. Lee and his wife live in a home built in 1802 on the farm itself. In fact, in 1964, Lee Turkey Farm opened as the very first You-Pick farm in New Jersey. “Until then you would let your neighbors come and pick in your farm, but to open your farm for the public to pick from was a new idea.”

U-Pick or I Pick

Aside from the thrill of picking

Did You Know?

There are 7,500 different varieties of apples around the world.

2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the United States; only 100 are commercially grown. Apples are the second most widely consumed fruit in the U.S. (beaten only by the banana!). The average American eats just over 16 pounds of apples a year. It takes 4-5 years before an apple tree produces fruit. Most apple growers use dwarf apple trees, which grow an average of 3 to 6 bushels of fruit. A bushel is 42 pounds. Gala apples were the most popular apple in the U.S. last year, followed by Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith and Red Delicious. The world’s largest apple peel was created by Kathy Wafler Madison on October 16, 1976, in Rochester, NY. It was 172 feet, 4 inches long. Kathy was 16 when she accomplished this feat. An apple tree can live for 100 years. The largest apple picked weighed three pounds.

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

your own produce at a farm, the idea of opening your farm for customers to pick is about offering customers their choice of produce, Mr. Lee explains. “Since all of our produce is sold retail, we don’t pick anything ourselves – the customer gets the best pick at their produce!” When it comes to customers picking their own produce, Sharon warns that it’s important to know what’s ready to be picked. At Soons Orchards, Sharon only allows customers pick what has already ripened and is ready to pick. You-pick farms all share a common quandary as they reach the end of each harvest season: what to do with the remaining fruit left on their trees. Ronnie tells of a wonderful program offered by the New Jersey Agricultural Society. Farmers Against Hunger is an organization that sends its members to farms all over New Jersey to pick all the produce that’s left at the end of the season and delivers them to soup kitchens that will use them to feed the needy. Mr. Lee donates his leftover fruits and vegetables each fall. It is a completely non-profit venture that seeks to avoid the waste of good, edible produce. While Soons Orchards offers the you-pick experience at their farm, Sharon describes the challenges in maintaining a farm that also sells its produce in stores. “For starters, by government regulations, there are about five thousand rules and regulations that farms need to adhere to. Then when it comes to selling the apples, there’s the competition of the apples coming in from Washington, where the climate is warmer and more conducive to growing than New York.” She explains, “This keeps the prices down, and when you go to stores in New York, they are actually selling more apples from out of the state than state-grown! In addition, the cost of labor is constantly increasing, for as minimum wage goes up, I need to pay my teenage employees more, as well.”

New York! New York!

While Soons Orchards experiences the challenges of governmental regulations with regards to farming, all the farmers we spoke with related that there are certain agricultural challenges which farmers in the New York/

New Jersey area face. Being of a rather moist and rainy climate, the crops are more susceptible to contracting fungus diseases such as fire blight and scab diseases. A fungus can grow on a leaf or two and, before you know it, it can spread to a whole tree, causing the tree to produce scabbed apples. Sometimes parts of the tree need to be cut away. Farmers in New York and New Jersey need to be proactive in their spraying of their crops during the planting

farmers in the tristate area need to do. “Technology has helped out a lot with watering the fields, among other farming chores,” Mr. Lee relates. “I used to have to get up in the middle of night to move sprinklers across the field. Now I have a sprinkler that moves on its own throughout the fields, and when I wake up in the morning everything’s been irrigated well. In general, from my dad’s time to now, farming has become much more efficient, thanks to technological advancements.”

season. Mr. Stuart’s explains, “If you do a good job of spraying during the spring, then the summer is a breeze. But if you allow diseases to develop during the growing and blossoming season, you have a lot of fungus problems to clean up in the summer.” Mr. Stuart shares how in drier regions, such as Arizona, for instance, farmers irrigate their crops from under the ground. This helps the trees avoid fungus growth. At Lee Turkey Farm, Ronnie has employed this method, as well – watering plants from low down to take care of the irrigating that even

Farmers also need to address the ongoing concern of protecting their crops from unwanted critters and insects. Sharon uses various kinds of fences and protective devices to shelter her farm from the rodents, deer, and other wildlife that inhabit the upstate New York countryside. Of course, the climate of a region significantly affects the agricultural productivity of the land. Being that New York and New Jersey have shorter growing seasons than places like Florida, they can’t really grow certain items, such as citrus fruits, which re-

“Farming is the only business I know of where you can do everything right and then not get your last paycheck.”

quire a longer period of warm weather. However, Mr. Stuart affirms that the Northeast grows better-tasting apples than other areas due to excellent soil conditions and particularly because of its cold temperatures. “Places like Georgia and North and South Carolina can’t grow good apples – it’s too hot!” Mr. Lee says another advantage in the particular location of his farm is that there are such large populations living within a short distance of the farm. This is ideal for a youpick farm, as his farm is visited by so many customers coming from various communities in New York and New Jersey. “The people are right there. Manhattan is just 47 miles away from the farm, and in the summer, we have chassidim coming every day!” According to Mr. Stuart, the biggest challenge in running a farm is living with the weather. So many parts of the growing process heavily depend on weather conditions. Spread of fungus depends upon the moisture in the air. Blossoming depends upon the pollination conditions during the spring season. Crops can easily be ruined by storms or sudden weather outliers, such as a bout of cold temperatures in late April or May. Mr. Lee has experienced years where not one strawberry or not one peach grew the entire season because of a hailstorm or because the blossoms had frozen from one night of frost in the spring.He says, “Farming is the only business I know of where you can do everything right and then not get your last paycheck.” No matter how advanced technology can get, agricultural life reminds us that outcomes of endeavors are not really in our control.

Labor of Love

Luckily, Mr. Lee nonchalantly adds, farmers grow a variety of fruits and vegetables on a farm that even if one crop spoils, they can still reap a lot of other produce. “I enjoy the diversity in farming – every season you’re busy with something else.” Mr. Lee recounts how from the pruning season his workdays gradually increase with the number of daylight hours. Beginning in March he’ll start planting one crop after another. He’ll actually be out on the fields practically from morning to dusk plowing, planting,

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

weeding, and spraying throughout the spring and summer until he finds himself putting in sixteen-hour workdays during the summer. These long days tending to the fields carry him right into the picking season, where Lee Turkey Farm is visited almost every day in the summer and fall by eager

customers picking a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Mr. Stuart expresses the same affinity for farming, despite the tough labor and difficulties involved. “I just love what I do and it’s a challenge every year. But you feel really good when the produce grows well, and every sea-

son you do something else!”

ndeed, our farmers toil all year, combatting all sorts of difficulties in order to offer us the delicious apples we enjoy. Come this fall, you may just want to pay a visit to Sharon or Ronnie

or Robert and join in their satisfaction of harvesting the fruits of their labor. And while right now the air is cold and the ground may seem kind of lifeless, celebrating Tu B’Shvat reminds us that the One Above is firmly in control, nurturing the seeds laying silently in the soil.

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SOTU

Lip Smacking or Lip Biting, Depending on Which Side of the Aisle You’re On By Tzvi Dear

he State of the Union went exactly as the media and liberals planned it – Not-My-President Trump’s “toupee” fell off as he walked down the center aisle of Congress towards the podium. Oh, and if you noticed that he was walking sideways, that’s because he couldn’t really fit his wide girth through if he walked straight. As soon as he opened his mouth his dentures fell out. It was very clear that his progressive dementia (two words that should be placed together more often) was untamed. After all, he said things like, “There has never been a better time to start living the American dream. So to every citizen watching at home tonight – no matter where you have been, or where

you come from, this is your time. If you work hard, if you believe in yourself, if you believe in America, then you can dream anything, you can be anything.” How dare he give people hope in themselves? Even

Trump Derangement Syndrome, stop reading – or read it again a few times – and then go back to hugging your tree. Now that we got rid of the lunatics, here’s the truth: President

“Americans are dreamers too.”

worse, when talking about immigration, he stated, “Americans are dreamers too.” You see, he really is a racist! If after reading the above you feel a sense of calm, if it soothes your

Trump gave a better speech on Tuesday night than Obama could ever dream of giving. Yes, Obama was a great speaker but that’s all he was – a great speaker. He was essentially an actor, he was playing the part and

he played it well. Trump, on the other hand, is real and says real things that makes sense to real Americans (not the elite media and liberals). In a flawless delivery, President Trump conveyed a sense of economic optimism to the American people. How nice it was to see the liberals squirm in their chairs. Nancy Pelosi had a look that she must have practiced hard to perfect – I’m upset and I want to look upset but I don’t want you to know that I purposely look upset so I will make believe that I am trying not to look upset even though I look upset. And what was with the lips? Every Democrat was biting their lips in consternation. Don’t they realize they can destroy their lips? Look at Mitch McConnell;

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he doesn’t even have lips anymore. Perhaps more Democrats should do what Joe Kennedy did before delivering his rebuttal address for the Democrats – he put so much Vaseline on his lips that the reflection of the flashes of the cameras were blinding. Once we are talking about lips, is it just me or do Paul Ryan’s lips tend to form this grin/smirk like he was naughty and stole an extra page of math homework every time he’s on camera? Despite the antics of the Democrats – who refused to applaud even when the president pleaded with them to work together for the greater good of the country – President Trump’s State of the Union address called for unity. “Tonight, I call upon all of us to set aside our differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity we need to deliver for the people we were elected to serve.” But, of course, Trump is Trump and there is one score that he needed to settle. And he did it in a creative way. He spoke about Preston Sharp, a 12-year-old boy from Redding, California, who noticed that veterans’ graves were not marked with flags on Veterans Day and started a movement which, to-date, has placed 40,000 flags at veterans’ graves. After a standing ovation for Preston, who was in the gallery, President Trump stated, “Preston’s reverence for those who have served our nation reminds us why we salute our flag, why we put our hands on our hearts for the pledge of allegiance, and why we proudly stand for the national anthem.” The lip biters were biting hard. The president gave a preview of his ambitious 2018 agenda. He asked Congress to pass an infrastructure bill that generates at least $1.5 trillion for the new infrastructure investments. “As we rebuild our

industries, it is also time to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure,” he said. He implored Congress to cut the red tape permits needed, which add years to the amount of time it takes to complete projects. “America is a nation of builders. We built the Empire State Building in just 1 year – is it not a disgrace that it can now take 10 years just to get a permit approved for a simple road?” And then he turned to the elephant in the room (if you think I am referring to Russia – weren’t you supposed to stop reading and go hug a tree?): Immigration. Before talking about his immi-

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

wound up in Kayla and Nisa’s high school.” Both girls were murdered by MS-13 gangs. Addressing Kayla’s and Nisa’s visibly moved and emotional parents, who were in the audience, President Trump said, “Tonight, everyone in this chamber is praying for you. Everyone in America is grieving for you. And 320 million hearts are breaking for you. We cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow, but we can make sure that other families never have to endure this pain.” He then unveiled his immigration plan which offers a path to citizenship for 1.8 million illegal im-

If after reading the above you feel a sense of calm, it soothes your Trump Derangement Syndrome, stop reading or read it again a few times - and then go back to hugging your tree.

gration plan, Trump decried the dangers of open borders. “For decades, open borders have allowed drugs and gangs to pour into our most vulnerable communities. They have allowed millions of low-wage workers to compete for jobs and wages against the poorest Americans. Most tragically, they have caused the loss of many innocent lives.” He spoke about two teenage girls who were savagely murdered by MS-13 gang members in Long Island. “Many of these gang members took advantage of glaring loopholes in our laws to enter the country as unaccompanied alien minors – and

migrants who were brought here by their parents at a young age; secures the border, including building a wall; ends the visa lottery – “a program that randomly hands out green cards without any regard for skill, merit, or the safety of our people”; and ends chain migration, which allows a single immigrant to bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives. President Trump concluded his speech by saying, “As long as we are proud of who we are, and what we are fighting for, there is nothing we cannot achieve. As long as we have confidence in our values, faith in our

citizens, and trust in our G-d, we will not fail.”

ithin moments of Trump delivering the State of the Union address there were five Democrat rebuttal addresses. The saliva-slinging socialist Senator of Vermont Bernie Sanders ran into some technical difficulties while delivering his rebuttal speech. For almost a full three minutes, Sanders’ response was down, and the screen read, “We will be back momentarily!” If that is not a godly metaphor for his socialism experiment, I don’t know what is. The main Democrat rebuttal was given by Massachusetts Democrat Rep. Joe Kennedy III (yes, of that gene pool). The 37-year-old, who appeared to be drooling from an overdose of Vaseline, made a passionate plea for Americans to remember how bad things are. In a tone which one commentator noted indicated that Kennedy has been to too many Tony Robbins seminars, he passionately decried, “Many have spent the past year anxious, angry, afraid…Russia knee-deep in our democracy. An allout war on environmental protection. A Justice Department rolling back civil rights by the day. Hatred and supremacy proudly marching in our streets.” Dark thoughts for Americans who have generally been calmly going about their days. Shoring up his liberal credentials, Kennedy then launched into Spanish mid-speech. “¿Qué harían estos políticos complacientes sin el traductor de Google?” No, that’s not what he said. That’s just Spanish for “What would these pandering politicians do without Google Translate.” If you want to hear what he said, go watch the speech yourself. Just watch out for the Vaseline reflection - it can hurt your eyes.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Heartfelt Appreciation. We extend our warmest thanks and gratitude to all our parents, friends and talmidim for their enthusiastic participation ‫בגוף ובנפש‬ in the unforgettable Dinner event as well as your ongoing efforts for the mortgage campaign. We are touched by the way you overextended yourselves, going beyond the limit on behalf of Yeshiva Darchei Torah. Your selflessness and mesiras nefesh have made the Dinner the most successful ever. We cherish your friendship and chizuk throughout the many years we were ‫ זוכה‬to be involved with the Yeshiva and look forward to continue working together to make the ‫ אור התורה‬burn even brighter ‫עד ביאת גואל צדק‬.

Thank You

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Dating Dialogue

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

Dear Navidaters,

I read your column and am always impressed with your advice. I felt compelled to reach out after experiencing extreme dating burnout in the past month.

I’m a 27-year-old professional living on the Upper West Side and I’ve been dating since I’m 23. I only felt “ready” to get married and began looking for a serious relationship relatively recently, in the past six months. I have been on countless dates for years and have had several short-term relationships that didn’t work out. I know I’m lucky to have the opportunities that I have and that it’s a blessing to go out often. I just feel incredibly frustrated, overwhelmed, and honestly depressed about dating. No relationship seems to lead anywhere and the possibility (and probability) of finding the right person feels far off and virtually impossible. Dating just feels unenjoyable, exhausting, and feels like an endless hamster wheel of going out constantly. Maybe it’s time for a break? I feel unsure of what to do at this point in time to move forward. I would be curious for your input on this matter.

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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The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. ou’ve answered your own question. You feel extreme burnout, you are depressed about dating, and even as you are grateful for your opportunities you want to get off the hamster wheel. Trust yourself instead of questioning us. Get off the endless cycling routine and get out of the Upper West Side single scene. Take time to enjoy new hobbies, new neighborhoods, and new experiences. Ease up on your social life as well as your dating life. Address your list of things you have always wanted to try. Stop being so driven. Recharge with a difference. After a few months of easing up (you

will need at least three months to yourself), begin asking yourself some questions about your communication skills, relationship skills, and what factors create chemistry for you. Introspect honestly, journal, and then consult for some help. And only then, after you have substantially more self-knowledge, resume dating.

The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, P.A. trike up the band! It’s taken you three and a half years of going through the motions to finally figure out that dating is not a game.

At last you are ready for a serious relationship – but are you really? The shotgun method of dating has left you frustrated, burned out, and bewildered. In your state of confusion you wouldn’t recognize your bashert if he arrived at your door in a stretch limousine festooned with lights, sirens, and the letter “B” on the license plate. It’s time to get off the treadmill, take a break from shidduchim, and do some serious introspect and soul work. What are you strengths and needs? What are your priorities in a life partner? What are the issues that prevent you from trusting and moving forward in a relationship? Navigating the shidduch waters is not easy for anyone; getting to know who you are and what to look for is like acquiring a roadmap for the most important journey of your life. Before you say “yes” to another suggestion, contact a qualified professional – rabbi, life coach, dating coach or therapist – to help you with the process of self-discovery and personal development. Take your time; you are investing in your future happiness. Once you have completed the emotional groundwork, you can hit the road – dating, that is – with renewed freshness, insight and openness. With the right tools to guide you, it won’t be long before you discover the joy of meeting that special someone with whom you want to build your Jewish home.

The Shadchan Michelle Mond he good news is that you know why you are burnt out! As you mentioned in your letter, you have been dating for years before you have actually felt ready to get mar-

If everyone had a crystal ball and knew when they would be getting married, they would be able to relax and enjoy their singlehood.

ried. Now that you are officially feeling ready for a serious relationship, you are feeling disappointed that the suggestions you have been introduced to have not been suitable for you. I think some time off from dating would be good for you to recharge before getting back in again. Spend time doing things that make you happy and make time for something you have been pushing off (perhaps a vacation with friends or something of the like). When you start up again, try to go in with the realization that realistically you are only looking for the ONE. Therefore, if you have experiences that lead to nowhere, it is completely normal, you just have not met the right one yet. You are being protected from relationships that would not have been for you in the long run. The key is to tap into your personal needs, and to get to a place where you are ready to jump back in positively. Once you do this, you will be emotionally ready to date again and hopefully will be introduced to the right one soon after. Remember that he is out there looking for you, just as you are looking for him. So long as you are doing

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your hishtadlus by dating with an open mind, you will find each other. Hatzlacha!

The Single Tova Wein

ounds like you got lost somewhere along the way during your past four years of dating. You’ve lost focus,

interest, and most significantly, hope. It’s time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh again. The fact is that you admit that you’ve only been taking dating seriously for the past six months. Everything that came prior to that time was not only not helpful to you but possibly confusing because there was no clear endgame for you. It’s time to regroup – with optimism. There is no reason to believe that finding the right person is likely to never happen. With that

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

hank you for writing in and for your kind words about the column. I am so sorry to hear that you are experiencing extreme dating burnout. So many men and women are experiencing it along with you. After years and years of dating, burnout is unfortunately a very natural reaction. Feelings of anxiety, frustration, and sadness often accompany the burnout with, of course, the greatest worry of all: Will I get married? I always say that if everyone had a crystal ball and knew when they would be getting married, they would be able to relax and enjoy their singlehood (and there is so much to enjoy before the responsibility of married life), instead of racking their brains with worry. Dating for an extended period can play tricks on your mind. The thing is, you don’t have a crystal ball, and you have no reason to think that you aren’t getting married. I know this is so hard, but you have to believe that you are

going to meet a wonderful man. You must adopt that belief. Without it, you will drive yourself crazy. Believing it will be your greatest ally in manifesting it. I think you may benefit from seeing a therapist or a dating coach right now. If you allow your extreme burnout to take over it will. I have seen this happen, and once people cross over from extreme burnout to extreme negativity, it can be nearly impossible to find their way back. So before this feeling begins to creep into all aspects of your life, seek professional counsel. In therapy and/or coaching, you will take a look at your dating history and explore if there is something you are bringing to the table that is not working in your favor. Are you contributing in some way to the meaninglessness of your re-

attitude, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Get your ducks in order. Visit a dating coach to help you clarify what it is exactly that you are looking for in a spouse. Be super clear. Additionally, with the help of a coach, make sure that you haven’t adopted any behaviors that may be sabotaging the success of your dates. Once you’ve gotten this under control, I see no reason to set up an arbitrary time during which you can’t date. However, I would say that you should only go out with those individuals who come very close to your ideal. Some people go out with just

lationships? Are you dating the right guys? Do you have crystal clear focus about what is important to you in a boyfriend or spouse? Maybe you will discover that you are doing everything right and the work will focus on controlling your thoughts and strengthening your positivity/ reality muscle. You will develop coping skills to help keep you sane during this stressful time. You may even learn how to relax and enjoy dating again. We all need a little support every now and then. After dating seriously for only six months – which, in truth, is a very short amount of time – I think you have every reason to be optimistic about your future. What you need right now is a serious dose of self-care. Sometimes when we feel burnt out, whether because of dating or work or family obligations, that is our signal to unplug, destress and fill ourselves up with the things that fuel our souls. We don’t do well under intense pressure and fatigue. Take some time for yourself and indulge. Go on a spiritual retreat, make it a habit to get your nails done, book yourself a glorious two hour massage and facial, spend

It’s time to regroup - with optimism.

about anyone that comes their way – which definitely leads to frustration and burn-out. Don’t waste any more time. And don’t refuse a date that sounds promising just because you’ve put yourself in a box!

the weekend with family or friends who make you feel good, take up spinning, lose yourself in a great book at Starbuck’s, and finally, try something brand new. Do things that make you feel like you again. When you’re in a happier place mentally and emotionally, you’ll be ready to date again. I’m really not a hokey positivity person but I have seen firsthand how powerful people’s thoughts can be in manifesting what they want. For now, therapy/dating coaching and some serious self-care are in order. Have faith in yourself that you are going to be A-OK. 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.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Dr. Deb

The Power of Silence By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

was absolutely shocked by what I learned this week. It seems to go against everything I’d been thinking and teaching people. I’m all about empowerment. Learning how to be assertive is part of self-empowerment. Instead, I learned that perhaps the most empowering thing we can do for ourselves is to be silent. I for sure had been thinking that people who give each other the “silent treatment” are being really hurtful if not downright abusive. Other than in a movie theater, when is silence golden? But it turns out that the word in Az Yashir, b’ailim doesn’t necessarily mean “other gods.” The shoresh could be eelaim, mute, so that the pasuk would translate as, “Who is like You among the mute.” This absolutely is incomprehensible. We are praising G-d for being mute for 210 years? We suffered and He was silent in response? How is that possible? But perhaps we don’t have to understand it. After all, it is enough

that we should imitate G-d; perhaps all we can do is use this bit of wisdom as it is appropriate in our own lives. Someone in that shiur – I can’t take credit for it – said maybe we can learn from this that silence is superior to loshon hara. When we speak loshon hara we judge by externals only. We see something or hear something and come to quick assumptions based on it. But in truth, people aren’t so uncomplicated; there is always more to them than that. This is why I’ve been beating on the dan l’chaf zchus drum for a long time. Even when we think we understand someone, we don’t. Because, in truth, most people – especially when in a terribly stressful situation – don’t even understand themselves. They don’t know what they feel; they don’t know what they want; they don’t have words to describe any of it. So if we look at it that way, then no matter how well we think we understand the plight of our child, our spouse, our elderly parent, our sib-

ling, we most likely don’t. So when we see behavior that looks wrong, who are we to judge? If we’re tempted to say loshon hara instead of being dan l’chaf zchus, perhaps it is best to imitate HaKadosh Baruch Hu and be silent. So how would that work when a person wants – and needs – to be assertive? How would that work when someone else is speaking badly about us and we want to defend ourselves? How would that work when we feel like we are going to explode from the stress we’re in? How would that go along with al tamod dam reiecha (don’t stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.) To answer these questions, I’ve come up with three rules for being silent.

FIRST, DO CHESHBONE HANEFESH It’s commonly accepted to use the things in our lives as personal messages to us. So, for example, if we are driving on the highway and see an accident on the other side, it

is not just someone else’s problem. It’s a message to us: Is our driving a bit off? Do we maybe need that extra cup of coffee? Are we valuing our life? Similarly, when we’re in some kind of personal struggle, it has come to us for a reason. What is it we’re supposed to learn? Don’t shut the door by saying, “I don’t know.” We need to get quiet, put all other thoughts out of our mind, and allow the answer to come to us. Or sleep on it. Often the answer comes with the morning. Sometimes, it takes a while to get the answer from inside of oneself. But there is always an answer. Sometimes the answer is all about overcoming something that has been our sore point, our Achilles heel. Someone in a terrible marriage, for example, in which the husband has a biting tongue and the wife married him because she thought he was strong and beyond being victimized by others needed to learn that it isn’t necessary to be abusive in order to be strong. She didn’t know that. It took a while but she recognized that that

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

is precisely why Hashem put her in that situation. Another person’s sore point was being misjudged and he learned that in any situation in which he felt misjudged, he was likely to flare up and become very angry. He realized he was being challenged to handle his bad feelings in a better way. Self-awareness is crucial to being fully alive. So the first step before unloading our pain with loshon hara is self-investigating why this problem has entered our lives; what can we learn from it that is vital to our very existence?

really don’t know what points will work to convince someone of your position. I had the same experience myself today at the gym. A beautiful trainer said, “Hi” with a big smile and I responded in kind. This gave her the

the path I was on to reaching them. She needed to ask me that question before deciding that I needed more weight lifting. She was probably right but I have articles to write! Who has time for more weight lifting? So next time you’re trying to

Self-awareness is crucial to being fully alive.

SECOND, GET ALL THE FACTS YOU POSSIBLY CAN I notice that when a married couple is not getting along, they will tend to try to convince each other of their own position – unsuccessfully. The reason for the lack of success is that they don’t fully understand what’s in the mind and heart of the other person. It’s no good to argue when you

idea to strike up a conversation with me: How often do I come to the gym? What classes do I take? Am I lifting weights? It became clear that she wanted to “sell” me on private lessons with her. Fine, but she did not know anything about my own goals and whether I was satisfied with

make points, ask questions instead, questions that go to the heart of learning how the other person feels and thinks. All by itself, this one rule will prevent loshon hara. After asking deeper and deeper questions of a person – and getting answers, of course – it becomes clear why they

acted as they did; there’s nothing bad to discuss.

THIRD, SPEAK TO A “KOSHER” ADVISOR It is not loshon hara to speak to a rav or a therapist. If you are troubled and specifically keeping silent with the person who is troubling you because you don’t want to hurt their feelings and you don’t want to say something based on an inaccurate understanding, you don’t have to suffer with your silence; you can speak to the right, “kosher” advisor. It’s hard to remain silent; it’s always so much fun to be the star of the show with witty comments (and catty comments), but from what I learned, it doesn’t seem to be imitating G-d.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. She can be reached at 646-54-DRDEB or by writing drdeb@ drdeb.com.

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Health & F tness

A Diet Without Dieting By Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN

ith the start of a new year, many of us are anticipating weight loss. Numerous polls show that the #1 resolution for 2018 is to lose weight and be fit. It’s nice to fantasize about losing weight and fitting into

that dress that’s been hanging in your closet for years or finally being able to close the button on your pants, however, weight loss can be very challenging for many people. Some people literally fear the word diet. Either they lack the

skills, the self-control, or simply the knowledge to properly diet. Dieting is not for everyone. The next option to achieve weight loss goals would be exercising. But that can be even more challenging. There are those who have body aches and pains and who actually have a valid excuse for not exercising. Others simply can’t find time in the day to work out or don’t have where to exercise. These winter months make

breakfast, try a healthier breakfast instead. If you normally drink four coffees with sugar and whole milk a day, try using Stevia and skim milk instead. If you absolutely need dessert after each meal, have a fruit instead of the cake, cookies, or chocolate. The list can go on and on. I’m sure each of you has one bad habit that can be replaced with something healthier. The idea is to substitute one bad habit and turn it

I’m sure each of you has one bad habit that can be replaced with something healthier.

it especially challenging to find a way to exercise for those who don’t have access to a gym or lack a place to work out indoors. So then what? How can weight loss be achieved? First of all, for those who find it too hard to diet, erase the word “diet” from your vocabulary. Instead of coming up with an actual diet plan, try changing one unhealthy or bad habit instead. For example, if you usually skip breakfast, try implementing breakfast as your one change. Or, if you generally have a sugary cereal for

into a healthier habit, thereby indirectly improving your health with one small change at a time and without an actual diet. Next, if you are not hungry, don’t eat. This can be explained by the phenomenon of intuitive eating. It is something we were all born with but lost over the years. Babies and children only eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. Yes, children might eat candy after candy even though they aren’t hungry, but generally children stop eating once they are full. It’s the

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

bad habits that we adopt over time that makes us lose this intuition. In order to help control your weight without actually dieting, pull out the intuitive eating skills buried within you. Don’t eat when you are not hungry. Don’t eat just because the food is in front of you. If you are full, don’t touch that plate. Many of us also suffer from “finish the plate syndrome.” I don’t know what causes this feeling, but many feel that when eating a meal the plate

has to be wiped clean. Tear yourself away from this syndrome! You do not need to eat everything on your plate. Once you are full, stop eating. Lastly, focus on being healthy, rather than losing weight. Some people obsess over the number they see on the scale as opposed to how they look. It could be you gained five pounds even though you are exercising three times a week. Or it could be you started eating

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healthier yet still haven’t lost any weight. Don’t focus on the number. As long as you are doing the right thing, your body is moving in the right direction. Exercise and proper nutrition improve your health regardless if they lead to a change in weight or not. While dieting may not be for everyone, you can still lose weight and be a healthier person. Find a way that works for you, and hopefully we can make this year’s reso-

lution become a reality. Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN, is a Master’s level Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist. She graduated CUNY Brooklyn College receiving a Bachelor’s in Science and Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences. She is currently a dietitian at Boro Park Center and a private nutrition consultant. She can be reached at CindyWeinberger1@gmail. com.

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Health & F tness

Shidduchim By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH (SA), FAAP

t the graduation ceremony from a local girls’ high school some years ago, the school’s top lay leader concluded the program by stepping to the microphone and saying, “Mazel tov. You have now all reached the exalted status of kallah maydel.” There wasn’t a parent in the room who wasn’t trembling. At a bris, we say “L’Torah, l’chuppah u’l’maasim tovim.” As little girls, many of our daughters ask their mothers for white dresses they in turn call “kallah dresses.” Every Orthodox child knows through parsha hashavua from a young age about the marriage of Yitzchak and Rivka. After all, it is acted out in almost all our schools, boys and girls, without exception. We invest our efforts in this process because the choice of a spouse is one of the most important life decisions. Marriage is also the best forum for growth. And it’s through marriage that our sons and daughters meet, build Jewish homes, and pass on the mesorah to the next generation. It

is a never-ending cycle that has been continued under the most trying of circumstances. It has been said that following World War II, there was a minimum of one wedding daily in each displaced persons camp. Torah Jews are “uber” focused on shidduchim and getting married. Thank G-d for that. By putting the word out there, meeting with shadchanim, and davening, we help our children to meet and to make one of the most important decisions of their lives. What’s the alternative? To meet in a bar? Thursday’s Wall Street Journal afforded its readers a glimpse into what’s happening today with online dating and dating through apps. In an article entitled, “The New Dating NoNo: Asking for a Last Name,” Nicole Hong depicts how, in these worlds, one doesn’t ask for a last name until the relationship has progressed to something more serious. Apparently, for the most part, dating apps typically limit singles to displaying their first

names only which, according to Hong, is done in the effort not to sacrifice people’s safety. Yet Hong says internet savvy millennials are skilled at sleuthing out, with just a first name and a career or name of the person’s alma mater, the full name of the potential significant other and their entire biography. This constitutes a breach of online dating etiquette and it kills any possibility for a date, let alone a relationship. You might be horrified and think that this has nothing to do with our world. Allow me to reframe your thinking: This is closer to our world than any of us would like to think about. Let’s go further. There’s little that stands in the way of Jewish parents who wish to marry off their children. The research process is second to none. Many parents take the shidduch resume and use it as a jumping point to reach out to people not on the resume but who may know the person. Undoubtedly, this yields important information. However,

it’s not uncommon that too much research can lead to killing the shidduch before it even gets off the ground. Are we so different from what Hong writes about? The shidduch process is here to stay and, with G-d’s help, may all Jewish singles find their zivugim through it. However, there’s no time like the present to air some concerns about its shortcomings and what the community might do differently. Research means questions need to be asked and the questions asked reveal a lot about the person asking the questions. My wife reminds me that questions say a lot about one’s values. A woman called not so long ago for information about a local family, asking, among other questions, “And what camps did the parents go to?” I answered, “Bergen-Belsen.” The silence on the other end of the phone still reverberates in my ears. Kudos to the schools and communities that have engaged shadchanim. There are community chats,

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

WhatsApp groups, and volunteers who come together regularly to set up people. It’s a hard job on a good day. But at least people recognize its importance and are helping. Yet we can’t rely only on professional and volunteer shadchanim to get the job done. We should all be involved in thinking of people and who we may know for them. Let’s say you’ve thought of a shidduch and are not sure how to redt it. Speak to your rav or your neighbor. Start somewhere. And when starting, consult with your local rav or someone who knows the halachos so everything you do is a kiddush Hashem and does not hurt or offend people. Let’s be honest here. Not everyone is meant to meet through a shidduch. Some people just don’t present well in shidduchim. It’s kind of like the very bright child who does not perform well on standard tests yet their potential in life is extraordinary. Rather, they shine more brightly in “natural” arenas. Today, we hear less and less of

couples who meet on the registration line or in class at Queens or Brooklyn College because, for good reasons, the frum world has separated the genders. But it’s to a fault and people are suffering. So what are we to do?

and family. Perhaps through chessed, you will find your soulmate. There’s a reason that Camp HASC is known as the Halachically Accredited Shidduch Camp. Chessed can bring together likeminded people. It’s a great way to launch a relationship.

arate seating followed by a collation where men and women could mingle and meet. Perhaps a couple of shadchanim would be present to facilitate helping people to meet. It’s so clear that we need to rethink the way our community goes about shidduchim. The system works only partially. Who will have the courage to begin filling the void so we can strike a homerun in this area? Let’s stop calling it the “shidduch crisis” and use our collective imaginations and creativity to effect positive change and growth. Now that would bring on another challenge – building more (affordable) simcha halls to meet, please G-d, the need.

There’s little that stands in the way of Jewish parents who wish to marry off their children.

Singles, please hear me out on this. If you’re reading this and are single, then the system may have failed you on some level. However, don’t give up. Strengthen your bitachon and know that Hashem did not make you this way to spend the rest of your life alone. Next, involve yourself with chessed. Chessed is a middah that is essential in forming a relationship

The same can be said about learning. We should all try to learn and grow Jewishly; this is not reserved for married people only. How many of us have made friends and formed relationships through learning and shiurim? Imagine if a community sponsored on a regular basis a shiur with a dynamic, well-known speaker and geared it to singles. There’d be sep-

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.

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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Super Bowl Surprises Here are some great ways to make it a super Sunday

Hot Pretzels Ingredients 4 tsp active dry yeast 1 tsp white sugar 1 ¼ cup warm water 5 cups flour ½ cup white sugar 1 ½ tsp salt 1 TBS oil ½ cup baking soda 4 cups hot water ¼ cup kosher salt, for topping

Preparation In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1 ¼ cup warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix together flour, ½ cup sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center; add the oil and yeast mixture. Mix and form into a dough. If the mixture is dry, add one or two more tablespoons of water. Knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Preheat oven to 450°F. Grease 2 baking sheets. In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in 4 cups hot water; set aside. When risen, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel shape. Once all of the dough is shaped, dip each pretzel into the baking soda-hot water solution and place pretzels on baking sheets. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake in preheated oven until browned, about 8 minutes.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Crispy Fried Pickles Ingredients 1 jar whole dill pickles 2 eggs, beaten ¼ cup water 1 cup flour 1 tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper 1 tsp garlic powder ½ tsp paprika 1 pinch cayenne Canola oil for frying

Preparation Slice the dill pickles ¼ -inch thick with a crinkle cut knife and dry them very well between sheets of paper towels. Add flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne to a bowl and mix. Add the eggs to the water in a separate bowl and whisk to combine. Add the pickles to the dry ingredients and coat. Remove from the dry ingredients. Add the pickle chips to the egg mixture one at a time and dredge back through the dry ingredients a second time. Heat oil to 350°F. Fry the pickles in small batches to avoid crowding, for two minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain onto a brown paper bag. If you drain the oil onto paper towels the pickles will soften from the steam it creates. Serve with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce.

Gooey Brownies Ingredients

Preparation

½ cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla 2 eggs ¼ tsp baking powder 1/3 cup cocoa ¼ tsp salt ½ cup flour ½ cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix oil and sugar until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla; stir just until blended. Mix all dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Stir dry ingredients into the oil/sugar mixture. Pour into greased 9 x 9 square pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until sides just starts to pull away from the pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips once you remove from the oven, while the cake is still hot. Cool completely before cutting. Note: you can double the recipe and bake the brownies in a 9 x 13 pan. If you double the recipe, you will need to cook longer than 20 minutes.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

In The K

tchen

Korean Style Ribs By Naomi Nachman

The Super Bowl is always so much fun; I love the hype and build-up. My family has been watching the game with the same group of friends for over 20 years. During the halftime show, we switch over to watch The Nachum Segal Network Kosher Halftime Show, which is a concert streamed on the internet at www.nachumsegal.com as a clean alternative for frum viewers. For me, it’s all about the food (of course!). I will often debut a new meat dish using this as an opportunity to get everyone’s feedback. I also usually serve kid-friendly chicken nuggets, French fries and a salad bar (I put someone else in charge of dessert). This year, I am making a brand new recipe for Korean ribs. This is a popular street food in Korea where it’s barbequed right on the street. It’s quick and easy to cook, as Korean ribs are basically thin-cut flanken ribs (cut to ½-inch thick).

Ingredients

Preparation

1 cup soy sauce ½ cup maple syrup 1 cup mirin ½ cup rice wine vinegar 6 cloves fresh minced garlic 1-inch piece minced ginger 1 tablespoon gochujang (fermented bean paste) 4 scallions, chopped Sesame seeds for garnish 3-4 lbs. Miami ribs

Mix all marinade ingredients together (from the soy sauce up to the scallions) and let the beef sit for a few hours in the marinade. Preheat broiler or barbecue to medium-high heat. Broil each side of the meat for 3-4 minutes. To serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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FEBRUARY29, 1, 2018 OCTOBER 2015||The TheJewish JewishHome Home

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

It’s come out that Bernie Sanders met with staffers to discuss a presidential run in 2020. Apparently, Bernie’s first question will be, “Will I still be alive?” – Conan O’Brien

The world is witnessing the resurgence of a strong and prosperous America. I’m here to deliver a simple message. There has never been a better time to hire, to build, to invest and to grow in the United States. America is open for business and we are competitive once again. - President Trump speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos

I’d say I like a lot more stuff than I don’t like. - Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein in a CNBC interview at the Davos World Economic Forum, talking about President Trump

There’s a new Harry Potter-themed cruise, and tickets start at $4,000 a person. For that price you get an owl, you get a wand, and you get to be alone for the rest of your life. – Conan O’Brien

The Taj Mahal is currently undergoing its first cleaning since its construction in the 1600s. “Maybe we should do that,” said New York. - Seth Myers

Let me just say what I said last night: that plan is a campaign to make America white again. - House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaking at the United States Conference of Mayors last week about President Trump’s proposal to grant 1.8 million undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship and to build a $25 billion wall to protect the border

We cannot have a peace process or peace solution without the role of the United States. - King Abdullah of Jordan at the World Economic Forum in Davos

How many people have 401(k)s here? You’re brilliant investors. I’ve had people come up, “Sir, my wife thinks I’m the most brilliant investor, because I made 42 percent in the last 10 months,” and that’s pretty good. But people are happy. Anybody unhappy with the 401(k)? I don’t think so, right? Wow. If we can keep it like this, we’re going to win a lot of elections, that I can tell you… “It’s the economy, stupid!” Did you ever hear that one? It’s the economy. - President Trump addressing workers at a commercial and industrial equipment supplier in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

Congrats to Sen. Tammy Duckworth who will become the first U.S. senator to have a baby while in office! That’s right, she’s having a baby, so at least we’ve got ONE senator who’ll deliver. – Jimmy Fallon

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Bill Maher, HBO: I hate to agree with Donald Trump, but it doesn’t happen often, but I do. I don’t know why Israel – it has been their capital since 1949, it is where their government is. They’ve won all the wars thrown against them. I don’t understand why they don’t get to have their capital where they want. Michelle Goldberg, New York Times: First of all, when you win a war you don’t get to take the other side’s land. Maher: Actually, you do… Especially because they were attacked. I mean the country was divided, which they were okay with. They were attacked more than once and they took land in those wars that they won and there has been peace offers on the table ever since to give part of that land back… The essential thing that is making the two-state solution impossible is that one party is perpetually hostile, a coiled snake. Goldberg: That’s not true. Come on. You should go and see what’s happening in the West Bank. If you look at the settlements, if you look at the facts on the ground. The fact that you have instead of a contiguous land mass you increasingly have these little cantons. And if you look at the way that Palestinians, most Palestinians, alive today were not born during any of these wars and so the idea that their lives should be blighted because of them. Look at what Americans have to do when they go through a TSA checkpoint. They completely lose their [minds]. And if you imagine doing that for two hours every single day – Maher: But this is always what happens. We talk about what happened as a result; we don’t look at the beginning of it. Like the Israelis just put up those checkpoints for no reason. They put up those checkpoints because there was an intifada and they were having bombings every day – a pizza parlor or a bus stop was getting blown up, that’s why they built it, not for no reason.

America has got one of the best presidents ever. I don’t know whether he was misquoted or whatever. But he talks to Africans frankly. In the world, you cannot survive if you are weak. - Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during a meeting with President Trump in Davos

[Tell him] that he should stay strong in his spirit and play for time, that he will not break and will not yield to President Trump’s demands. - Former Secretary of State John Kerry to PA leader Mahmoud Abbas, in a meeting that he recently had with Abbas’s deputy, according to the deputy who relayed the conversation to Israeli newspaper, Maariv

In his speech, President Abbas declared the landmark Oslo Peace Accords dead. He rejected any American role in peace talks. He insulted the American president. He called for suspending recognition of Israel. He invoked an ugly and fictional past, reaching back to the 17th century, to paint Israel as a colonialist project engineered by European powers. A speech that indulges in outrageous and discredited conspiracy theories is not the speech of a person with the courage and the will to seek peace. - U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, responding to a recent inflammatory speech by PA leader Mahmoud Abbas against Israel

In the news yesterday, North Korea suggested that it would like to reunite with South Korea. I think something’s up because today South Korea gave North Korea its Netflix password. – Conan O’Brien

I read that John Kerry is considering running for president in 2020. Kerry has a great campaign slogan. “John Kerry: Sorry I’m Not Oprah.” – Jimmy Fallon

I’m basically a liberal Jew. - Barack Obama during a private speech at New York’s Reform Temple Emanu-El Streicker

A man broke a Guinness world record by walking barefoot on a 120-foot path of loose Legos. This beats the old record set by every dad getting up to use the bathroom at night. – Jimmy Fallon

If by this he means most liberal Jews don’t believe in basic Jewish tenets or care deeply about the safety and security of Israel, then yes. - Tweet by Ben Shapiro, in response to Mr. Obama’s comment

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

No, I wouldn’t say I’m a feminist. I mean, I think that would be, maybe, going too far. I’m for women, I’m for men, I’m for everyone. – President Trump in an interview with Piers Morgan

Pizza Hut says if either team beats the record for the fastest touchdown in the Super Bowl, it’s giving away free pizza to people in its loyalty program. The only downside is you have to tell people that you’re in the Pizza Hut loyalty program. – Jimmy Fallon

Proud to work for POTUS who stands strong for Israel and all the Jewish people. - Tweet by White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Rum maker Bacardi announced yesterday that it is acquiring Patron Spirits for $5.1 billion. And like most Bacardi announcements, it was shouted at 5 a.m. in the back seat of an Uber. – Seth Myers

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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

When they disrespected us a week ago by not allowing our great vice president to see them, and we give them hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and support, tremendous numbers, numbers that nobody understands — that money is on the table and that money is not going to them unless they sit down and negotiate peace, because I can tell you that Israel does want to make peace, and they’re going to have to want to make peace too or we’re going to have nothing to do with it any longer. - President Trump talking about the Palestinians with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the World Economic Forum in Davos

Louis Farrakhan is a virulent anti-Semite. He’s called Judaism a “gutter religion.” He’s anti-American. He is a horrible, horrible human being, and if I had known that the president had posed, smilingly, with him when he was a senator, I would not have campaigned for Barack Obama.

I’ve always felt very secure and confident with myself in knowing what I could do and what I could not and so it’s not something that interests me. I don’t have the DNA for it.

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Political Crossfire

As the Islamic State Battle Ends, Old Feuds Resume By David Ignatius

U.S. forces patrolling the outskirts of Manbij

alking with Gen. Joseph Votel, the commander of American troops in the Middle East, is a paradoxical reminder of the limits of U.S. military power to determine political outcomes. American bombs helped destroy the Islamic State in Syria, but they can’t stitch the rag doll of the Syrian nation back together. Syria’s plight actually got a bit worse last week, as Turkey invaded the border region known as Afrin. Turkey says it’s protecting itself against the Syrian Kurdish organization known as the PKK, which dominates Afrin and which Turkey regards as a terrorist group. The problem is that related Syrian Kurdish forces (under a different

name) have been America’s most important ally in defeating the Islamic State. The flashpoint is a town in north-

military advisors. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened to attack Manbij. A senior Trump administration official told

Soothing words aside, the Trump administration recognizes that the relationship with Turkey is dangerously near the breaking point.

ern Syria called Manbij, occupied by the Syrian Kurds and their U.S.

me bluntly last Tuesday: “Threats to our forces are not something we

can accept.” That’s what the unraveling U.S. relationship with “NATO partner” Turkey has come to: military brinkmanship. What’s happening now in Syria is that history is resuming, after the bloody distraction of the Islamic State. Longstanding grievances that were postponed while a U.S.led coalition defeated the caliphate have returned with a vengeance. Turkey, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Russia and the U.S. are all pursuing their self-interests. The space separating these forces has collapsed – putting U.S. troops perilously close to collision with Russia, Turkey and Iran. The U.S. military three years ago was given the task of crushing the Islamic State. Votel and other

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headline in the Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak about Votel’s arrival in the war zone: “U.S. commander visits ... terrorists in Syria’s Raqqa.” That bodes ill. Like other senior American officials, Votel stressed to me that America recognized Turkey’s “legitimate concerns” and described it as a “good partner” that has done “a really good job of border security” over the past year. Soothing words aside, the Trump administration

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recognizes that the relationship with Turkey is dangerously near the breaking point. As Erdogan climbs further out on the limb with his invasion, America’s goal should be to broker dialogue between Turkey and the Kurds – not just in Syria but in Turkey itself, with its large Kurdish minority population. Erdogan’s greatest political and economic successes came in the years when he attempted reconciliation with

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commanders have largely accomplished that mission, using innovative partnerships and tactics. But they couldn’t erase local hatreds or conjure up stable governance. Votel was cautious in describing America’s future mission in Syria when we talked last week at his headquarters here and during a visit to a training base. The roughly 1,500 U.S. troops remaining in Syria will be “conditions-based,” he said, focused on “stabilization” rather than nation-building, seeking to “enhance security so people can get back to their homes,” and supporting U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for an independent, united Syria. U.S. officials speak as if America isn’t taking sides in Syria, now that the Islamic State is shattered. And certainly, the U.S. should move now to embrace all the pieces of Syria’s ethnic mosaic. But the U.S. shouldn’t forget its friends, either, or these haunting casualty numbers: In the final decisive battle to take the Islamic State capital of Raqqa, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces suffered 650 deaths, Votel says. American deaths in Raqqa were zero. America needs to bolster Sunni Arabs in Syria, lest the Islamic State returns. But American commanders know that it’s the Kurds (who the Turks now say they want to destroy) who have done the bulk of the fighting and dying. The civilian death toll in the Islamic State conflict hasn’t been well-calculated, but it was horrific. Votel visited the ruined city of Raqqa last Monday. He told reporters that the campaign there was “ugly,” but necessary. When we talked last week, he said in the last phase of the Islamic State campaign, U.S. advisors and airpower would partner with the SDF in a war of “annihilation” against “hundreds” of Islamic State fighters who are trapped in the lower Euphrates valley. U.S. commanders worry that their SDF allies will be pulled away from this essential mopping-up operation to fight the invading Turks. A sign of the new post- Islamic State crackup in Syria was this

the Kurds, including the PKK. As the Islamic State campaign ends, old regional feuds resume. America can’t stop Turkey, Russia and Iran from making mistakes. But this isn’t the time to be pulling out America’s 1,500 advisors from northeast Syria and creating an even bigger vacuum. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group

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Your

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Wolff’s conclusions mostly confirm the conventional view of a society that is increasingly economically stratified.

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By 2016, slightly more than 9 million U.S. households had a net worth of $1 million or more, according to new calculations by economist Edward N. Wolff of New York University. Of these, an estimated 1.85 million households had a net worth exceeding $5 million. Now, go back a few decades and correct for inflation. In 1983, only 2.4 million households had a net

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worth of greater than $1 million. This was less than 3 percent of all households. By contrast, the 9 million in 2016 represented more than 7 percent of households. Probably most of these new millionaires consider themselves comfortably upper-middle class, not super-rich. Indeed, it’s conceivable that 10 percent of households are now millionaires. The reason: Wolff’s study

– mostly homes and stocks – and debts, dominated by home mortgages and credit card balances.) Wolff’s analysis – based on data from the Survey of Consumer Finances, conducted every three years by the Federal Reserve – has some other good news: A steep decline in the indebtedness of U.S. households. Among the middle-class (which

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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E X C L U S I V E LY F R O M P E Y D :

USE YOUR AIRLINE MILES AND CREDIT CARD POINTS TO PAY FOR YOUR PASSOVER VACATION & HOTEL STAY Wolff defines as the middle 60 percent of the population by wealth or income), average debt dropped from $98,100 in 2007 to $69,900 in 2016. Lower debt suggests that many Americans are less vulnerable to an economic slump than in the 2007-09 Great Recession. But Wolff’s conclusions mostly confirm the conventional view of a society that is increasingly economically stratified. The Great Recession hurt almost everyone. But the upper classes have recovered faster than the middle class. It’s not entirely clear why, though the surging stock market helped upper-income households and a fall in homeownership rates – reflecting foreclosures – harmed the middle class disproportionately. In any case, median household net worth was only $78,100 in 2016, a decline of a third from its peak of $118,600 in 2007. Wolff calls this the study’s most disappointing finding. There were also wealth losses from previous peaks for African-Americans, Hispanics and millennials (households headed by someone younger than 35). It’s a sobering report. The problem is not that some Americans are better off than others. This is true now, it was true in the past, and it almost certainly will be true in the future. There have always

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been economic inequalities, but for many years, life got better for many people at the bottom as well as people at the top. Now, the top seems to be pulling away from the bottom, as evidenced by the expanding millionaire class. Aside from the rising stock market, its growth seems to reflect many factors: high pay for skilled workers; many well-paid

doctors and lawyers; two-earner couples among professionals and managers; family businesses (among the wealthiest 1 percent, two-thirds have income from private business). These numbers are not reassuring, but they define the difficult political and economic task: not to bring the top down but to raise the bottom up.

(Wolff’s study is “Household Wealth Trends in the United State, 1962-2016: Has Middle-Class Wealth Recovered?”; Working Paper 24085 of the National Bureau of Economic Research.) (c) 2018, The Washington Post Writers Group

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Forgotten Her es

75 Years since the Battle of Stalingrad By Avi Heiligman

A city left in ruins

ertain battles become famous for a variety of reasons. Some are known for their bitter combat, others are remembered for the length of the battle, while a few have the distinction of being the battle “that turned the tide of the war.” On the Eastern European front of World War II there were many battles that had one or two of these elements. However, the Battle of Stalingrad stands out as the time that the Germans went from being on the offensive to the defensive. 75 years ago this week the German 6th Army under Field Marshal Von Paulus surrendered at Stalingrad. Operation Barbarossa was the code name for the German invasion of Russia in the summer of 1941. German troops had gotten close to Moscow but the Russian winter and hardened Red Army troops had stopped them short of their target.

German soldiers clearing the streets in Stalingrad

Still, many areas had been captured and by the summer of 1942 the Germans were looking to capture an important industrial city on the Volga River. As a major producer of tanks and sitting on the flank to roads leading to the oil fields in the Caucasus, the Russians prepared for a major battle. Bearing his own name, Rus-

To go along with the German troops the Axis powers had men from Hungary, Croatia, Romania, and Italy and about 40,000 volunteers from other nations called Hiwis. At the height of their strength they had over a million men, 1,500 tanks and 1,600 aircraft. The numbers for the Russians are a bit difficult to determine

Almost every building in the city was turned into a fortress.

sian leader Joseph Stalin ordered the Red Army to hold Stalingrad at all costs. Thus began the costliest battle of the war in which both sides had much at stake.

but they had well over 1.5 million soldiers, 5,000 tanks and 5,000 aircraft during the seven-month battle. The German summer 1942 offensive was aimed at southern Rus-

sia. Operation Blau (Blue), as it was named, was to include troops that had easily captured the Ukraine in 1941. Army Group South (B), which contained the 6th Army under Paulus and the 4th Panzer Army under General Hermann Hoth, made significant advances on Stalingrad. However, all important tank support of the 4th Panzer Army was transferred over to the Army Group South (A) which was advancing on the oil fields. Hitler, ym”sh, intervened during all the stages of the battle and here he made the error – fortunately for the Russians – of dividing his troops. Only later, when the fight was raging for Stalingrad, did the Panzer Army return to Army Group South (B). Still, the Russian forces were getting hammered. Recently released documents show that the popular theory of Russian troops retreating in good order so that they could

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

A Soviet victory - finally

strengthen the lines behind them was all Soviet propaganda. Stalin ordered that no soldiers should retreat and that no ground should be given to the enemy. By July 1942 the Germans had forced their way over the Don River. Stalin made a change of command and had Colonel General Andrey Yeryomenko prepare for the defense of the city. Yeryomenko moved all the vital supplies to the other side of the Volga River and in September placed the 62nd Army under Lieutenant General Vasiliy Chuikov. Other recently released documents show that the little-known four Kotluban Offensives north of Stalingrad helped seal the fate of the 6th Army. The Russians lost hundreds of thousands of men, and the Germans were able to stop those offensives. However, the German assault on Stalingrad was delayed, and the Germans lost men and supplies that were difficult to replace. The Germans were fighting a thousand miles from Germany while the Russians were defending their homeland. Red Army soldiers were being sent to the frontlines at a rapid rate to keep the Germans from completely overtaking the area, although the Russian army was saving men to battle in the final counteroffensive. By September the fighting in Stalingrad was being fought in the streets and house to house. Almost every building in the city was turned into a fortress – the grain silo in the south of the city was the site of a three day battle. German Luftwaffe bombing missions had a devastating effect on the Russians but the Red

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Soviets during Operation Uranus

Army still would not retreat from the city. In middle of October the Russians’ backs were on the Volga River and held less than 9 miles on the western side of the river. On November 19, 1942, the Russians launched Operation Uranus. Three Soviet armies in the north smashed through the Romanian 3rd Army, which had the German northern flank. On the southern flank the Romanian 4th Army was attacked by two strong Russian armies. Most of the Axis strength went into the fighting at Stalingrad and the flanks had been thinly held. On the third day of the offensive the Soviet armies had linked up, trapping close to 300,000 Axis soldiers. There was a still a possibility that they could break out but Hitler became enraged at the suggestion. The retreat was not ordered and instead they were told to “stand and fight,” After the battle, Paulus, who did not like Hitler, was criticized for not defying Hitler’s directive and order a breakout. The fighting would continue for the next two months. Army Group Don was commanded by General Erich Von Manstein but was beaten off by the Russians. Supplying the trapped 6th Army fell to the Luftwaffe and it was taking its toll. On January 10, 1943 a Russian offensive split the German forces in two. Within two weeks the three airfields used by the Luftwaffe to resupply the army were captured. Paulus knew the end of the 6th Army was near but Hitler then promoted him to field marshal. This was done since no field marshal had ever surrendered. Even so, two days after his promotion, Paulus sur-

A Soviet soldier waving a flag over the central plaza of Stalingrad, 1943

rounded the 6th Army on February 2. The Soviet victory in this epic battle was the turning point on the Eastern front. Not only had the Germans lost a powerful army but their blitzkrieg tactics didn’t work. With more victories in 1943 the entire Eastern front changed in the direction of favoring the Russians. Germany was not able to replace the loss of men and material. Soon they were fighting on three fronts: the Rus-

sians in Eastern Europe, the Western Allies (U.S. Britain, Free France and others) in North Africa, and sixteen months later in France as well. This was the beginning of the end for the Nazis. 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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A Fulfilled L fe

Lessons from My Recent Staycation By Rabbi Dr. Naphtali Hoff

his weekend, my family – my wife and our three youngest children – went on a brief, local staycation. They were off from school for midwinter break and my older three kids were all away for one reason or another. Circumstances prevented us from taking the kids on a more elaborate trip (such as to Florida) that many of their classmates and neighbors enjoyed, and so I thought that our planned “trip” to a nearby hotel (with a big TV, a “private” pool, and other amenities) and then to visit Manhattan attractions would seem lame by comparison. I am delighted to report that the kids really enjoyed themselves and not once whined about not doing something else. A few lessons that I learned from our local excursion: 1. Farther isn’t always better – We often think that we need to go far away to feel like we’ve left. That should not be the case. Leaving, in my opinion, is more about relocating mentally than it is about repositioning physically. Ways to get yourself “away” even when you’re just a few miles from home include: a. Announcing (even if just to yourself) that you’re leaving – Vacation is a state of mind as much as it is a physical reality. Just acting as if you’re

on vacation is already a great start towards making the shift. b. Imagining like you’ve gone far – Pretend that the hotel room or Airbnb apartment are in fact hundreds (if not more) miles from home. Call your new location by an exotic name that couldn’t possibly be near when you live.

Chicago for twelve years and never once going to see Wrigley Field)? On this trip, I went to a restaurant that I had heard much about but hadn’t visited as well as two new attractions just minutes from my home growing up (mind you, they only came into existence after I moved out). 3. You can get much more done in less time – Big travel means big time expenditures in both shopping

Leaving, in my opinion, is more about relocating mentally than it is about repositioning physically.

Buy some vacation items – Getting a new bathing suit for the pool or food for the road gets you in the mindset for your “trip.” 2. There’s so much to do in your own backyard that you didn’t even know about – Staying home can often force you to become better acquainted with and more appreciative of the things to do near you. How often do you meet people who live in a place and never visited place of interest X (such as me living in

(getting everything that you need, especially for a kosher-consuming family like mine that is traveling to a place with limited choices, can be a BIG deal), packing, and traveling (many desirable destinations take much of a day, if not more, to get to and from). Staycations are great for those who want to get in and get out. 4. It offers added flexibility – When you go away, once you’re gone, you’re gone. You need to use whatever you brought (and buy whatever you didn’t) and use local amenities

(which, for Orthodox Jews like me includes praying in local synagogues). For my family, a seven-minute drive brought me back to the ‘hood for food, prayer and anything that we overlooked while packing. No need to go shopping. The saying goes that the grass is always greener on the other side. We naturally assume that if it’s “out there” it’s better than what’s “in here” especially when the “other side” is filled with sunshine and warm temps. I’m the first one to admit how beautiful many vacation destinations are and would never suggest that a rainy, mid-50s day in metro NYC trumps a sunny and 70+ temperatures locale along a beach-lined coast. That said, we don’t need to fall for the narrative that joy and satisfaction requires a major expenditure and relocation. The main thing is to find ways to “vacate” that will bring you a much-needed break while clearing your mind of the clutter that too often defines our standard routines. Rabbi Naphtali Hoff, PsyD, is an executive coach and President of Impactful Coaching & Consulting. Please see his webiste, ImpactfulCoaching.com. For a free 30-minute consult, please call (212) 4706139 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 1, 2018

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Can’t afford your property taxes? Mortgage? Must sell for any reason? Call for FREE Consultation. Call now 212-470-3856 Cash buyers available!

So far very positive results BS’D! HAIR COURSE Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009

GERBER MOVING FULL SERVICE MOVING Packing Moving Supplies Local Long Distance Licensed Insured 1000’S Of Happy Customers Call Shalom 347-276-7422

BAYSWATER, NY 1 Fam, 4 BRs 3 bths, LR/DR Kosher Kich, full fin hi ceiling bsmt, balconies, yard & drvwy, Nr all, ALL GOING REALTY 516-206-2005 ~ Other listings available as well~

Carol Braunstein Call or Text

(516) 592-2206

cbraunstein@pugatch.com

www.pugatch.com

HOUSES FOR SALE WOODMERE: CHOICE PROPERTIES • 316 Longacre Ave. $999,999 Location, Location, Location. Low Taxes • 1075 Cedar Lane $449,999 Best Value in town. 4BR • 302 Longacre A3 $118,000 Jr. 4, First Floor, Walk all locations C. Slansky BROKER 516-655-3636 BAYSWATER 2 family, large lot, full reno, 4 bed duplex, 2 bed rental, 6 car parking, 2 story garage Owner 917-747-3755 Pics available HEWLETT HARBOR: NEW LISTING Magnificently Detailed Home In SD#14, 5BR, 5.5 Baths On A Gorgeous Property In Prestigious Hewlett Harbor, Amazing Oversized Rooms Including LR, FDR, Den, Master Suite On 1st Level, Must See This One Of A Kind Home… $1.799M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

Susan Pugatch (516) 295-3000 spugatch@pugatch.com

Beautiful & Spacious 4BR, 2.5 Bath Colonial, Full Fin Bsmt, Low Taxes, SD#15... $1.260M

LAWRENCE

Brand New Rental Apartments

Price: $1.078M SCHOOL DIST #14

5 BEDROOMS

·LOW TAXES

·HALF ACRE

NO FEE

4 FULL BATHS ·FULL FIN BSMT

2 Bedrooms, 1BA, Central A/C, Stainless Steel Appliances, Near All, From…$2,000/mo.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

121

Classifieds HOUSES FOR SALE

HOUSES FOR SALE

NORTH WOODMERE

NORTH WOODMERE:

Colonial $1,050,000

NEW LISTING

5 bdr, 3.5 updated bath, in-ground

Beautiful & Spacious 4BR Colonial In

pool, in-ground sprinkler,

Very Desirable Prime Location On Cul-

finished basement

De-Sac, Den W/Fplc, Great Basement,

Call 516-924-2971

Low Taxes, Close To All…$1.260M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000

NEW LISTING – Beautiful & Spacious

WOODSBURGH:

4BR Colonial In Very Desirable Prime

BEST PRICE IN TOWN

Location On Cul-De-Sac, Den W/Fplc, Close To All…$1.260M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com WOODSBURGH: BEST PRICE IN TOWN PRICE REDUCED

Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Miscellaneous Ads here.

www.pugatch.com

NORTH WOODMERE:

Great Basement, Low Taxes,

TJH Classifieds

PRICE REDUCED Sprawling 4BR, 4BA Exp-Ranch, Oversized Rooms, LR W/Fplc, Formal Dining Rm, Large Den, Master Suite, Full Finished Basement, Storage Room & Office, Deck, Fabulous Property… $1.078M Call Carol Braunstein (516)

Weekly Classifed Ads Up to 5 lines and/or 25 words 1 week ................ $20 $10 2 weeks .............. $35 $17.50 4 weeks .............. $60 $30

295-3000 www.pugatch.com

Email ads to: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Sprawling 4BR, 4BA Exp-Ranch,

Include valid credit card info

Oversized Rooms, LR W/Fplc, Formal Dining Rm, Large Den, Master Suite, Full Finished Basement, Storage Room

Deadline Monday 5:00pm

& Office, Deck, Fabulous Property… $1.078M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

Get on the Wait List for...

starting at $1,000/Mo. W/Parking & Storage. All Utilities Incd + Amenities

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(516) 295-3000 Call Ian Leigh Today!!!

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003

COMMERCIAL RE

CO-OP/CONDO SALE

APT FOR RENT

CEDARHURST 500-3,500 +/- SF Beautiful, newly renovated space for rent. Ideal for Retail or Executive offices. Prime location. Convenient Parking. Sam @516-612-2433 or 718-747-8080

EAST ROCKAWAY: Retail Stores on Busy Corner, 1000SF& Up Available, Great High Visibility Location, For Lease… Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698

WOODMERE: BEST BUY Spacious 2BR Apartment, Washer/Dryer In Bldg, Elevator Bldg, Open Floor Plan, 1st Floor, Close To All...$199K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

LAWRENCE: NO FEE – BRAND NEW TOP OF THE LINE APARTMENT 2 Bedrooms, Stainless Steel Appliances, Crown Molding, Close To All…From $2,000/mo Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

INWOOD OFFICE SPACE LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! 500-7000 Square feet gorgeous office space with WATERVIEW in Inwood! Lots of options. Tons of parking. Will divide and customize space for your needs! Call 516-567-0100 INWOOD 10,000 sq ft brick building. Offices and warehouse. High ceilings. Asking $16/foot. Owner: 516-206-1100 mark@mbequitygroup.com CEDARHURST: COMING SOON Don’t Miss This Opportunity!!! High Tech Executive Suites W/Parking & Storage, Various Sizes Available, All New!!! 24 Hour Access, All Utilities Included Plus Many Amenities, F or Lease…Call Ian for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

FRANKLIN SQUARE: 2,185+/-SF Medical Office Space in Professional Strip W/On-Site Parking in Great Location, For Lease… Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698 INWOOD: 3,860+/-SF Industrial Space, 13’ Ceilings, 2 Overhead Doors, Office Space, Certified for a Spray Booth, OnSite Parking & Street Parking, Queens/ Nassau Border, For Sale… Call Alan for More Details (516) 2953000 www.pugatch.com LONG BEACH: Various Office Spaces Available on 2nd Floor, 525 - 900+/- SF, Separate Bathrooms, Newly Renovated, For Lease…Call for More Details. Broker (516) 792-6698 WOODMERE: 1,400 +/- SF Office Space Available, steps from LIRR Station, Close to All, For Lease…Call Lenny For More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

CEDARHURST: NEW LISTING - Bright & Sunny, Spacious 1BR Co-op W/Lg Living Rm/ Dining Rm, Eik, Near All...$159K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com HEWLETT: CONDO - NEW LISTING Beautiful Move in Ready, 3BR, 2.5BA Condo In SD#14, Full Fin Basement, Wraparound Patio, 1 Car Garage & 1 Outdoor Spot, Must See...$469K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

APT FOR RENT CEDARHURST: NEW LISTING 2BR, 2BA In 2 Family House, Eik, LR, DR, Washer/Dryer, Very Close To All, Great Location...$2,500/mo Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

BRIGHT 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT 2nd floor. Private entrance Eat-in kitchen; washer/dryer hook-up On Sage Street, FAR ROCKAWAY; parking available Near main Shuls & LIRR For more information call (718) 327-4386 FAR ROCKAWAY: NEW LISTING Spacious & Updated 2BR, 2 Bathroom Apt on 1st Floor W/Terrace In Elevator Bldg, Parking, Doorman & Laundry Room On Premise...$350K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com SEMI NEW, TWO FLOOR APARTMENT for rent on beach 9th st in Far Rockaway. Please call 347 524 3864

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Classifieds HELP WANTED 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. 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 SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year. Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org

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classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003

HELP WANTED

Teachers, Elementary & JH - Math, ELA for Sept. '18. M-Th afternoons. 5 Towns Area Boys’ School. candidateteacher@gmail.com

FIVE TOWNS OFFICE LOOKING FOR immediate hire of several people…part time and full time…starting at $15 per hour. Need detail- oriented person to handle A/P, A/R, customer service, and ability to negotiate bids and contracts. Computer literate a must. Please email fabadi@egwaste.com

SPECIAL ED DIRECTOR Responsibility: Curriculum Designer both Judaic and secular studies Individual curriculum as needs Staff training Innovative, visionary Requirement: Masters Special Ed and Education Administration or SLP Backgroup Email: specialedresume2018@gmail.com

COOK NEEDED Experienced cook needed to prepare delicious kosher meals for men and women with developmental disabilities within residential settings. Applicants must travel between residences in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Long Island. Knowledge of kashrus a must. Call 855-OHEL JOB, Apply at www.ohelfamily.og/careers Pugatch Realty Corp., in Woodmere, is looking to hire and train a select group of motivated Realtors. If you are looking to build a career in real estate, or looking to take your existing career to the next level, there is no better place to start that the #1 Real Estate Brokerage in the Five Towns…Call Today (516) 2953000 x 128. All calls kept confidential. F/T & P/T REGISTERED NURSE openings to work with adults who have developmental disabilities within residential settings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Long Island. Current NYS RN, min 2 years hospital experience. OHEL: 855-OHEL JOB, www.ohelfamily.org/careers

CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers, Title I Boro Park, Williamsburg and Flatbush Schools *College/Yeshiva Degree *Teaching experience required *Strong desire to help children learn *Small group instruction *Excellent organization skills Competitive salary Send resume to: Fax: (212) 480-3691 ~ Email: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com SEEKING PART TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT flexible days and hours Established Pre School in Far Rockaway. Resumes only to jkaplan@onourwaylc.org

SPECIAL ED SCHOOL IN FLATBUSH SEEKS: SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST team player set up behavioral management programs work with individual and groups of students Email: psychologistresume2018@gmail.com

MISC WIG GEMACH Everyone in our community deserves to look great! Donate used wigs and make a world of a difference. For appointments to see wigs or to donate, call Deena 845-304-6668

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Your

Money

iTaxes Version 38 Billion.0 By Allan Rolnick, CPA

n 2016, SyFy debuted a new show called Incorporated about a dystopian future where corporations, not governments, rule the world. If that nightmare ever comes true, we all know which realworld corporation will rule them all. It’s Apple, of course, which just took the shrink-wrap off their $5 billion ring-shaped headquarters in Cupertino, CA, and is on the verge of becoming the world’s first trillion-dollar company. Odds are good that you’ve got an iDevice of some sort in your home, office, or pocket. Apple’s product design geniuses use crack-like design and technology that keeps users hooked like heroin addicts to make Apple the most valuable corporation in the world. But what you may not know is how Apple’s financial geniuses use proactive tax planning to make their company even more valuable. And now, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has inspired them to act again. Apple has scattered their manufacturing operations throughout the world to take advantage of lower costs overseas. (You think your 10-year-old’s science fair project is

special? Big deal — 10-year-olds in China are making iPhones!) This has prompted various entertaining debates over the ethics and politics of offshoring, which we won’t presume to touch here. Apple hasn’t just offshored manufacturing operations to cut manufacturing costs. They’ve also offshored their profits, to take advantage of

file tax returns for those years. Hoarding cash before the IRS gets to grab 35% of it doesn’t mean stuffing it under some sort of supersized Irish mattress. The parent company borrows their own subsidiary’s cash, deducts 35% of the interest they pay for it here in the U.S., and pays tax on that interest at just 12.5% in Ireland, shifting even more money out of IRS

You think your 10-year-old’s science fair project is special? Big deal - 10-year-olds in China are making iPhones!

tax rates that are lower than our own traditional 35%. This involves strategies with names like the “Double Irish with a Dutch Sandwich” strategy, which sounds like something you’d see figure skaters attempting at the upcoming Winter Olympics. Apple’s Irish subsidiary, Apple Operations International, earned $30 billion from 2009-2012 and didn’t even

reach. Now the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has cut the rate on Apple’s iProfits to just 21%. It even includes a bonus “get out of jail free” card for companies with cash overseas, letting them pay a one-time 15.5% rate to load those bales of cash on a plane and bring them home. So Apple is repatriating $252 billion, and writing the

IRS a $38 billion check — enough to finance the entire government of Wisconsin for a year, with enough left over to pay for Jacksonville or St. Louis, too. But that’s still $43 billion less than paying the 35% on the full amount. And what will Apple do with their iSavings? Throw a party, of course! They’ve announced plans to hire 20,000 new employees, build another major domestic campus, and boost R&D to diversify away from the iPhone. They’ll also use billions more for dividends (which put cash in shareholders’ hands) and share buybacks (which also rewards them by pushing prices up). We realize you don’t have $252 billion to plan for. But that doesn’t mean you can’t profit from planning, too. Make sure you can take full advantage of the new tax law and see how much iCash you can put in your pocket! Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Life C ach

Truths about Kids By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., MFT, CLC

here are certain repetitive truths we cannot get away from. Driving with kids. What did that just do to you? Did you break out in a sweat, did your temples start pounding? Did you have a gut-level reaction? How about a thought or a memory of the kvetching, fighting, and boredom? Did you think of that age-old question, recited as you are pulling out of the driveway, “Are we there yet?” Like, seriously, do they not recognize your own garage?! What about visits to the doctor with our kids? What does that thought do to you? There are two truly rotten experiences that come up for most: 1) Being the new parent and feeling the guilt of them trusting you while simultaneously holding them down for a shot; or 2) When you move onto being the parent of an older kid who doesn’t trust you because they are getting a shot and you are actually letting them! How about parent-teachers night?! There are a few commons experiences here, as well: 1) for the

parents who know they’ve got a born achiever, well, they have the joy of having it reiterated meeting after meeting. Bless you, if you’re one of those; or 2) the parent of a child with strengths and weaknesses. They go through a night of “the thrill of victo-

school! Should we talk about asking a kid to clean their room?! Talk about threatening an already potentially shaky relationship. This is simply not a skill that comes on the packaging when kids are born. Making

Cleaning a mess? Well, that’s like batteries not included!

ry and agony of defeat”; and 3) then there is the unique and dreaded experience of the parent of the kid who, shall we say, has places they shine so much more so than in school. These parents enter the hallowed halls of the institution with trepidation and the same emotion as their kids; that is to say, there are places they’d rather be so much more so than in the

a mess? Check! Cleaning a mess? Well, that’s like batteries – not included! Of course, preschools have the right idea: sing a song as you pick up the mess and the kids are prancing the room, cleaning, and washing, and shelving with glee. But as they say with knife or fire demos, don’t try this at home! Oh, sure it works for a little while when they’re around two-

or three-years-old, but soon after that they seem to become somewhat tone-deaf. Are some of these truths resonating with you?! If not, I’m just going to assume you are single or have a child under the age of 6 months or are possibly living in denial! OK, granted, it could be that you gave birth to an angel or have uniquely honed parenting skills, though, I wouldn’t go shouting that from a rooftop. Too many struggling people would want to throttle you! The bottom line is that most people have some challenges raising their kids. But the reality is that the experience can actually raise you! After all, we sometimes struggle through these truths. But how we are as we navigate them is the most important truth to find!

Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds. com

The Jewish Home | FEBRUARY 1, 2018

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FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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