March 8, 2018
Distributed weekly in the Five Towns, Long Island, Queens & Brooklyn
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Around the
Community
48 Outpouring of Warmth at Torah Academy for Girls Annual Dinner
AIPAC 2018 3 Days, 18,000 Supporters, 1 Powerful Bond pg102
63
Growth and Community at Bais Tefila of Inwood Dinner
A New Initiative for our Community’s Girls
Local Schools Head to AIPAC IF YOU DON’T LIKE SAVING MONEY, DO NOT TURN TO PAGES 16 & 17.
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pg
Your TJH Purim Photo Album MORE THAN 20 PAGES OF PHOTOS IN PHOTO SUPPLEMENT!
PASSOVER VACATION GUIDE See pages 117 – 131
– See page 3
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
PASSOVER 2018 OUR 60th YEAR
6 Spectacular Pesach Destinations
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Dear Readers,
T
oday I’m going to talk about the weather. I know that’s the go-to subject when there’s nothing else to talk about but I’m hoping I’m not just shooting the breeze. When I woke up this morning I was greeted to a light drizzle. It was cold and it was raining. I was also woken up by emails and text messages, letting me know that there was no busing for the kids to school. Other emails let me know that my girls didn’t have school today. The reason? The impending storm. But despite forecasts of doom and gloom and mountains of snow, life has to go on. And when I showed up at an appointment I had later this morning, all the women in the office wondered: what would be of the roads today? Each one offered the bits of weather news that she had heard earlier in the day – six to twelve inches of snow, possible power outages, flooding, a nor’easter coming. At noon, there was still no snow. By day’s end, who knows? When it comes to the weather, we never know. Countless times we’ve been told of expected snows or storms, only to have them – literally – blow over. Weathermen try, they really do, to predict what’s going to come tomorrow. But forecasts are one of the biggest indicators that we are really not in control. In the 21st century, we think we can control everything. We think that we’re smarter, quicker, and better than the people who lived before us. We think that with advancing technology we can determine what’s going to come. Hey, we can now print piggy banks on our 3D printers, wave our phones to pay at the store, and watch our friend cook a meal, thousands of miles away. Remember when we were tethered to the phone in the kitchen if we had to make a phone call? Or when we needed quarters when we were on the avenue in case we needed to call home? Anyone under the age of 20 reading this now thinks I’m really old. I’m not; technology is just so amazingly fast nowadays. Weather – and the fact that we can’t really predict what’s going to happen – humbles us. It reminds us
that we’re not in charge – of anything. Even when it looks like we’re great businesspeople who can close deals with ease, or when it looks like we’re doing well on tests because we’ve studied so hard, or when it looks like the right opportunity came up because we spoke with the right people, we’re forced to acknowledge that our prowess, intelligence, charisma, and opportunities don’t come from us. There’s a Higher Power Who’s in charge. He brings in storms and sun, money and charm, opportunities and talents. There are yomim tovim that tend to take up a lot of space on the calendar and in our minds. Take Pesach, for example. It’s three weeks away, but I’ve been getting reminders from “helpful” marketing companies and stores about the upcoming holiday for over a week now. Better get ready; it’s coming soon, they say. It’s a full eight days, although some families are chometz-free before. And then, even after Pesach is over, we’re still eating leftover macaroons and potato chips for days. What about Purim? Well, it’s just one day, and the day is so busy that it’s almost over before it starts. And right after we (hopefully) put away all the costumes and extra nosh, we’re tasked with cleaning for Pesach. But don’t despair as you pull on your gloves and take out your mop and pail. TJH is here to keep some of the Purim fun alive. Check out our special supplement, packed with hundreds of photos featuring ... you! I was in awe when I saw all those amazing, creative costumes. Spend time perusing the pages and finding your friends. I know you’ll be just as excited as I was when I received all the pictures these past few days. Special thank you to our dedicated readers who sent in pictures of their families on Purim – you guys are really terrific! Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana
Yitzy Halpern PUBLISHER
publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com
Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR
ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com
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 | MARCH 8, 2018
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
8
COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll
8
Community Happenings
44
Your TJH Purim Photo Album
S1
NEWS
S1
Global
12
National
34 40
Odd-but-True Stories AIPAC 2018: 3 Days, 18,000 Supporters, 1 Powerful Bond
102
ISRAEL Israel News
26 100
My Israel Home PEOPLE Live – Not Really – from PyeongChang by Avi Heiligman
134
PARSHA Rabbi Wein
90
Embarrassment to Teshuva to Holiness by Rav Moshe Weinberger
92
JEWISH THOUGHT Find Ambition by Eytan Kobre
94
Fore! by Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe
96
HEALTH & FITNESS A Life of Meaning by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn
112
Peanut Allergy Prevention by Aliza Beer MS, RD
114
Toilet Training 101 by Dr. Hylton I Lightman
116
FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Cauliflower Sushi
118
Pesach While You Sleep
120
Dear Editor, Your article in this week’s issue, “Purim in Persia,” was an interesting view into the Iranian Jewish community. Isn’t it wonderful that, as Jews we all follow the Torah and its laws, yet there are some things that we do that highlight our origins and our slight differences? The Jews in Iran read the megillah, send mishloach manos, give tzedakah and enjoy a seudah on Purim. And yet, they don’t eat hamantashen, a food we see as synonymous with Purim. They eat different foods than us at their seudah. But we are all Jews and all follow the Torah in our own way. I see this in different aspects of our lives. Some Jews cover their heads with kippahs, others wear baseball caps, still others wear shtreimlach. We are all Jews, all following the Torah, yet we each follow halacha in our own way. What a beautiful nation of many different stripes! Sincerely, Rena Kaplan
Dear Editor, The longstanding custom among Ashkenazic Jews is to refrain from eating kitniyos, loosely termed “le-
gumes,” on Pesach. This category of foods includes, but is not limited to, beans, peas, corn, and certain seeds, such as mustard seeds. The custom among Sephardic Jews varies from community to community; some are relatively lenient, others are more strict. In recent years, some kosher supervisors (including the largest, the Orthodox Union) have begun to certify kitniyos as kosher for Pesach. While logic dictates that there is nothing wrong with kitniyos being approved for Sephardim, I wish to point to a serious michshal (stumbling block). I was in my local Stop and Shop’s Pesach aisle, and I saw mustard, by a company called Shneider’s, that bears the Star-K symbol without an indication of Passover approval and a corresponding certification, in Hebrew, from Rabbi Eliezer Schneebalg of London. Underneath these hechsherim, in English and Hebrew, is a certification from the Badatz Beit Yosef of Israel. This certification includes the words “Kosher for Passover kitniyoth.” While a learned person may grasp the kitniyos limitation, one not so discerning may reasonably conclude that this product is permitted for all Jews on Pesach and that it is endorsed as such by the Star-K, Continued on page 10
LIFESTYLES Girl Talk
106
Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW 108 Your Money
40
140
Fell Asleep in New York by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS 142 HUMOR
Centerfold
88
POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes
122
Attacking the NRA is Really Attacking Everyday Americans by Marc A. Thiessen 130 A Door Opens in the Desert Kingdom by David Ignatius CLASSIFIEDS
132 136
March 7 is National Cereal Day. Do you eat cereal for breakfast?
80
%
YES
20
%
NO
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
BROOKLYN LOCATION ONLY
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Continued from page 8
one of our country’s most respected symbols. Yet such is not the case: the Star-K’s certification does not include Pesach! The potential for error is large. A more egregious example is a tahini product that is imported by Lieber’s Chocolates, a leading brand in the “heimishe” foods segment. This product carries no major certification. It does, however, have a large sticker that states, in English, “Kosher for Passover.” Nowhere on the package does it state, in English, that the product is kitniyos; one must know how to read the Hebrew (or be aware that sesame is kitniyos) to make that determination. Needless to say, it is highly misleading for Lieber’s to market this product. I ask kosher consumers to pay extra attention this season while doing their Pesach shopping. Avi Goldstein Far Rockaway, NY
Dear Editor, My son is an 8th grader in one of the yeshivot in our community. He is one of a large handful of boys who do not have a high school for the
upcoming year. It deeply saddens me that our boys feel unwelcome in a community that they have been part for the better part of 13-plus years. The high schools that were overwhelmed with applicants did not feel a need to open more spots for our b”H growing community. As the applications rolled in, the schools should have addressed this overwhelming need. Additionally, the elementary schools should have been more proactive, reaching out to the high schools and local rabbanim in order to help our community work through this growth spurt. Unfortunately, none of this happened but what is the most upsetting and the most disheartening was the process in which the high schools filled their spaces. It seems that seats were filled on a priority basis of proximity to a board member, having a sibling in the school, and/or money and influence, leaving a very small slot for just good menschlech boys. How is this fair? Our boys who have worked hard and would be a credit to any yeshiva they attend have nowhere to go and really nowhere locally to turn. Why is no one standing up for our boys? What are going to come of these boys? They can’t just
be haphazardly thrown into places that are not for them. Do we not care about their neshamos? I worry how the message the community is sending them will affect their Yiddishkeit. Can our community really go into Yom Kippur knowing they failed these beautiful boys? I’m not writing, in this public forum, simply out of frustration. As a mother, I have tried many different avenues to ensure a proper placement for my son, with no resolution to-date. This is my hishtadlut, to reach out at large. I beseech anyone reading this, who has the ability to help, to please not turn a blind eye. Please get involved. Please help our sons. We are all brothers and chil-
dren of Hashem. We are a community that helps one another. Please be that person to make a difference! Sincerely, A very sad and disheartened mother
Dear Editor, Wow! Thank you for your feature on celebrating Purim in Iran! I never knew that there were Jews still living in Iran, a place that has become infamous for its anti-Israel rhetoric. I know that living there cannot be a picnic, and I pray for the safety of the Jews living there. Sheila Krohn
Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home. Please send all correspondence to: editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
The Week In News
Hung Parliament in Italy
This week’s elections in Italy left the country stunned – and speechless. Parliamentary elections delivered victories for populist, euro-skeptic parties but left no clear path forward for a new government. No party or coalition received enough votes to rule alone, and Italy now faces a hung parliament, in what European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker described last month as the “worst-case scenario” for Europe. With nearly all votes counted
Monday night, 50% of voters showed support for populist or right-wing parties. The anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) become the largest single party in parliament with roughly 32.7% of the vote, according to Italy’s Interior Ministry, although it will not have enough seats for an outright majority. A right-wing coalition of parties won the most seats of any bloc in parliament with about 37% of the vote. The big winner in that group was the anti-immigrant and xenophobic League – formerly the Northern League – which garnered more votes than the center-right Forza Italia, its potential coalition partner. The swing toward the League, led by Matteo Salvini, looks set to give the party as many as 123 seats in the lower house, up from 22 seats, an almost six-fold increase. Former Prime Minister and Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi stepped down from his role after his party suffered a worse than expected performance. The result was met with alarm by European leaders who fear that big wins for Italy’s anti-establishment parties will spell further trouble for a continent already struggling to cope
with the destabilizing rise of populist and far-right movements in France, Germany and elsewhere. Italy looks set to enter a period of political deadlock – facing weeks, if not months, of negotiations between groups with competing interests to form a government. Salvini, salivating at the unexpected surge for his party, said, “I have always said, I say now and I will always say, that the euro is the wrong currency, and that it was a big mistake getting in it,” Salvini declared. “We have it very clear that the common currency is bound to end. And we want to come prepared to that moment.” “We look towards the other European forces, that they call populist. I am and I will stay proudly populist, because the populists listen to the people, unlike the ‘radical chic’ that despise the workers and don’t do their groceries,” Salvini said. Italians have becoming increasingly frustrated after years of unprecedented migration and continued economic woes. Seizing on this dissatisfaction, right-wing parties had touted an anti-immigration agenda, with the League pledging to put “Italians first” and advocating for mass expulsions.
Putin Taunts with New Nuclear Missile
According to President Vladimir Putin, Russia has developed a new generation of advanced nuclear weapons including a hypersonic intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The new missile is designed to reach almost anywhere in the world and cannot be shot down by anti-missile systems. Putin made the chilling claim during his annual presidential address to the Federal Assembly in Moscow. Putin announced that the new hypersonic nuclear-capable ICBM will be called the RS-28 Sarmat. It was developed so that the world will listen to Russia because, as Putin put it, “Countries only listen when we
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, who was convicted by Russia of betraying agents to British intelligence, fell critically ill on Sunday after exposure to an unidentified substance in Britain. Police found two people – a 66-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman – unconscious on a bench at a shopping center on Sunday. They had been exposed to an unknown substance and had fallen ill. Skripal, once a colonel in Russia’s GRU military intelligence service, was convicted in Russia of treason in 2006 but was exchanged as part of a Cold War-style spy swap in 2010 on the tarmac of Vienna airport. Skripal
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is 66-years-old. He was found on the bench with his daughter. Two officers who found them also fell ill after being exposed to the unknown substance. Relations between Britain and Russia have been strained since the murder of ex-KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko with radioactive polonium-210 in London in 2006, a killing which a British inquiry said was probably approved by President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied any involvement in the killing. Litvinenko, 43, an outspoken critic of Putin who fled Russia for Britain six years to the day before he was poisoned, died after drinking green tea laced with the rare and very potent radioactive isotope at London’s Millennium Hotel. It took some time for British doctors to discern the cause of Litvinenko’s illness. Skripal, who was arrested in 2004 by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) on suspicion of betraying dozens of Russian agents to British intelligence, was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 2006. He was pardoned in 2010 by then-President Dmitry Medvedev as part of a spy swap to bring 10 Russian agents held in the United States back to Moscow. One of the Russian spies exchanged for Skripal was Anna Chapman, who was greeted as a hero by the Kremlin. She was one of 10 spies who tried to blend into American society in an apparent bid to get close to power brokers and learn secrets. They were arrested by the FBI in 2010. Since finding refuge in Britain, Skripal kept largely out of the spotlight until he was seen making strange movements on a bench in Wiltshire on Sunday.
UA
create new weapons systems.” NATO is calling the weapon “Satan 2.” The media has been reporting on the development of the new missile since 2014. Putin claims that all testing phases are over and that the missile has already been deployed to the south of Russia. His showboating comes at a time when Russia is vying heavily for more power, particularly in the Middle East. Putin backed President Bashar al-Assad in Syria after the United States, Britain, and other allies decided not to fully enter the Syrian conflict. Russia has been helping the Syrian government steer the country financially and militarily. Russia and the United States are the two most heavily armed nuclear powers in the world. The most recent figures show that the U.S. has 652 deployed ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers, while Russia has 527. The U.S. State Department said that the United States possesses 1,350 nuclear warheads on deployed ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers, while Russia has 1,444.
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In November, a story broke in the international media about a Lebanese actor and writer who was indict-
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
ed on charges of collaborating with the Mossad. It is now being reported that the entire incident was the result of a revenge scheme that was orchestrated by a former Lebanese security official who was upset over the loss of her job. Ziad Itani was arrested and accused of spying on Lebanon by passing information about Lebanese politicians and journalists to an Israeli female spy. It has now been ascertained that former Internal Security Forces official Maj. Suzan Hajj Hobeiche had hired a hacker to create a fake internet trail between the actor and the imagined Mossad agent. Hobeiche was angry over a screenshot that Itani took of a “like” of a twitter post that contributed to her being fired from the security service in October 2017. “Hobeiche did it in retaliation after Itani screenshotted her ‘like’ of a Twitter post,” a judicial source said. She liked, and then quickly unliked, a tweet about Saudi Arabia’s decision to let women drive. “The news of allowing women to drive in Saudi Arabia was incomplete. Women will be allowed to drive the car only if it is rigged [with explosives],” it said. After she was fired, Hobeiche hired a hacker to incriminate the actor on
collaboration charges, leading to his arrest and indictment. The hacker who was hired admitted to the scheme after being arrested. Lebanon, which is officially at war with Israel, takes treason charges very seriously. The punishment for such crimes can be the death penalty.
Bahrain Terrorist Sweep
A terrorist sweep in Bahrain over the weekend ended with 116 people arrested on charges of terrorism. Bahraini security forces accused the detainees of being part of a network established by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard on Saturday. The suspects allegedly plotted attacks on state offi-
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cials. Weapons and explosives were seized during the raids across the Gulf state. According to Bahraini police, 42 kilograms (93 pounds) of high explosives, 757 kilograms (1669 pounds) of explosive-making materials, grenades, and magnetic bombs, as well as projectiles and vehicles, were seized. Alongside all of those materials, pistols and several Kalashnikov rifles were discovered. Authorities believe that the arrests intercepted multiple terror plots. “The network was planning to target Bahraini officials, members of the security authorities and vital oil installations, with the objective of disturbing public security and harming the national economy,” the interior ministry said in a statement. Authorities believe that almost half – about 48 of the 116 suspected militants – received training in facilities run by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and its allies. Currently, Bahrain is ruled by Sunnis, although it has a mostly Shiite population. The oil-rich country is a point of political tension since it is located at a strategic position geographically for Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. More importantly, it currently hosts
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South Africa: Whites Forced to Give Up Land
White farmers in South Africa will be forced to release their land to the government without compensation. Parliament passed the motion by an overwhelming majority of 241 votes to 83 votes last week. The proposal will amend Section 25 of the constitution that will allow expropriation
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This revised and expanded English Sefer, KITZUR HALACHOS: PESACH, delves into the complex halachos of Pesach – based on the Mishnah Berurah. Authored by Rav Zev Hofstedter, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivas Acheinu L’Tzeirim, hundreds of common and practical halachos are made clear. TOPICS INCLUDE: • Cleaning for Pesach • Proper chometz removal • Mechiras Chometz • Hagalas Keilim • The mitzvos of matzah, maror, arba kosos and the Seder With Pesach fast approaching, this sefer as well as KITZUR HALACHOS: YOM TOV AND CHOL HAMOED will help you properly prepare and experience the joyous Yom Tov of Pesach. Available in Judaica stores nationwide or direct from the publisher, Israel Book Shop 888-536-7427
the U.S. 5th fleet. The Bahraini government has long suspected Iran of trying to destabilize it, although Tehran has denied the charges. In the last several years, Bahrain has suffered bombings and small-scale attacks by Shiite militias.
ALSO AVAILABLE: • Kitzur Halachos: Yom Tov & Chol Hamoed • Kitzur Halachos: Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur • Kitzur Halachos: Sukkah & Daled Minim • Kitzur Halachos: Chanukah & Purim
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will take South Africa forward.” The official opposition, the Democratic Alliance party (DA), opposed the motion, arguing that amendments to Section 25 will destabilize property rights and drive away prospective investors. Another point raised was that past governments’ land reform policies had led to fallow and infertile land once transferred to black farmers. Parliament has assigned a committee to review the constitution and report back by the end of August.
China Bans the Letter “N”
of land without any financial recompense. The radical left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party’s leader, Julius Malema, told the country’s parliament, “We must ensure that we restore the dignity of our people without compensating the criminals who stole our land.” The ruling party, African National Congress (ANC), amended but supported the motion, attempting
to “settle” racial disparities that date back to the 1990s. South Africa’s newly appointed president, Cyril Ramaphosa, vowed to spend his first few weeks in office ensuring that the land is transferred from white to black owners in a respectful and responsible manner. Ramaphosa will be inaugurated in two weeks. He vowed to protect the land and preserve food production and security. He said his goal is to re-
solve the issue of racial disparities in property ownership. “I will shortly initiate a dialogue with key stakeholders,” Ramaphosa said, adding, “There is no need for any one of us to panic and start beating war drums. We are going to address this and make sure that we come up with resolutions that resolve this once and for all. This original sin that was committed when our country was colonized must be resolved in a way that
Try to spell China without the letter “N” and you’re left with chia, a type of seed. But the Chinese weren’t laughing or planting seeds when the government banned the letter last week. After word got out that presidential term limits for President Xi Jinping might be dropped, the government banned the letter “N” as part of a widespread censorship clampdown on its citizens. In addition to the letter ban, terms such as “immortality” and “ascend the throne” were also deemed inappropriate to use on the internet. Victor Mair, a professor of Chinese language and literature at the University of Pennsylvania, said the government likely feared that “N” was referring to the number of terms of office, as in a mathematical equation N > 2. The nixing of “N” was a temporary one. By Monday, use of the letter online was once again permitted, according to China Digital Times. Winnie the Pooh was under fire as well last week. For years, memes derisively comparing Xi to the honey-loving bear have circulated on the internet, so Pooh is periodically censored, like the character was on Sunday after the term limits announcement. The rest of the world first heard about ban on Pooh in 2013 when the Financial Times reported on it
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and printed a long-circulated picture showing the bear strolling with his tiger friend, Tigger, next to a photo of Xi walking with his then-U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, in 2013. When the image first appeared online, Chinese netizens began posting photos of Xi in, what they considered, similar poses. They juxtaposed a picture of a frosty handshake between Xi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the image of Pooh and his gloomy donkey friend, Eeyore. Next to a photo that showed Xi inspecting troops from an open-top vehicle, they included Pooh standing in a tiny green car. The Chinese government was not amused.
N. Korea to Give up Weapons?
On Tuesday, it seemed that tensions between the two Koreas finally eased, as North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, told South Korean envoys that his country is willing to begin negotiations with the United States to abandon its nuclear weapons and that it would suspend all nuclear and missile tests while engaged in such talks. The offer by the Hermit Kingdom to abandon its nuclear weapons program is unprecedented. President Trump reacted with guarded optimism to the news, which potentially represented a major defusing of one of the world’s most tense confrontations. During the envoys’ two-day visit to Pyongyang, the North’s capital, which ended on Tuesday, the two Koreas also agreed to hold a summit meeting between Kim and President Moon Jae-in of South Korea on the countries’ border in late April. “The North Korean side clearly stated its willingness to denuclearize,” the statement said. “It made it clear that it would have no reason to keep nuclear weapons if the military threat to the North was eliminated and its security guaranteed.” If the statement is corroborated by North Korea, it would be the first
time Kim has indicated that his government is willing to discuss giving up nuclear weapons in return for security guarantees from the United States. Until now, North Korea has said its nuclear weapons were not up for negotiation. “The North expressed its willingness to hold a heartfelt dialogue with the United States on the issues of denuclearization and normalizing relations with the United States,” the statement said. “It made it clear that while dialogue is continuing, it will not attempt any strategic provocations, such as nuclear and ballistic missile tests.” Trump welcomed North Korea’s “possible progress” warmly but with caution. “For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned,” Trump tweeted. “The World is watching and waiting! May be false hope, but the U.S. is ready to go hard in either direction!” Before the two Koreas will meet – in the Freedom House, a South Korean building in Panmunjom, a “truce village” that spans the border – they will install, for the first time, a hotline by which the leaders can talk on the phone directly. This is not the first time North Korea has made overtures at “peace” only to renege on its proposals.
U.S. Report: Poles Persecuted the Jews
It seems that Poland may have opened a can of worms for itself when it passed its new Holocaust law. A U.S. State Department report from May 15, 1946 found “evidence that Poles persecuted the Jews as vigorously as did the Germans” during the World War II Nazi occupation of Poland. The declassified report, originally released in 1983, was distributed last Thursday by the Simon Wiesenthal Center just as the Polish parliament
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finalized a law that criminalizes anyone who attributes World War II crimes to the Poles. According to the report, “native Poles” assisted the Germans in carrying out their Judenrein plans during World War II. The report also highlights Polish anti-Semitism and persecution of Jews in the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust. It traces Polish anti-Semitism back to prewar legislation that was anti-Jewish. The 1946 report notes that anti-Semitism in Poland was “a traditional feature of Polish political and economic life,” adding that “the continuance of the conflict between the Government and the opposition in Poland is conducive to a resurgence of anti-Semitism, which is easily employed as a weapon in this conflict.” It continues, “Because anti-Semitism had already become so ingrained in Polish thought, it is not altogether surprising that it still manifests itself in post-war Poland, although common suffering at the hand of the Germans might have been expected to bring the Poles and the Jews closer together… When Hitler came to power…anti-Semitic elements in Polish political life became more aggressive,” and “by mid-1936 the Government itself…gave approval to the economic boycott of the Jews.”
Poland’s Holocaust Law Sees First Case Poland’s controversial new Holocaust law is in full swing after it went live last week, and activists are moving fast. The first target of the new law is an Argentinian newspaper, Pagina 12. The new legislation forbids the accusation of the Polish state or nation for war crimes, punishable by up the three years in prison. Essentially it is now forbidden to damage the “good reputation of the Polish solders.” The bill labels anyone who refers to Nazi German death camps as “Polish” a criminal. This has understandably sparked outrage amongst Jewish groups and Israel, which say it will inhibit free speech when referring to the Holocaust. The United States also strongly opposes the legislation, warning it could hurt Poland’s strategic relations with Israel and the U.S. The first case in connection to the
controversial law was brought by the Polish League Against Defamation (RDI), a non-profit, that claims that the Argentinian newspaper used an image of anti-Communist Polish resistance fighters from after World War II in an article about the Jedwabne pogrom, a 1941 massacre of more than 300 Jews by their Polish neighbors during the Nazi occupation. The article was published in December of last year, a month before the new law was voted in by parlia-
ment and three months before it took effect. If this case finds the newspaper guilty of the charges it would imply that the law is retroactive. RDI accused the newspaper and its journalist Federico Pavlovsky of “an action intended to harm the Polish nation and the good reputation of Polish soldiers” – endeavoring to silence anyone who refers to Poland’s shameful actions just a few decades ago.
Poland Seeks Compensation from Germany for WWII There were millions of casualties in World War II. Unfortunately, many of the victims had no surviving relatives to fight for their justice. While some victims did bring law-
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suits against the Germans and won compensation, that did not bring back their loved ones, and it requires tremendous emotional effort. Many survivors chose to move on and build a new life for themselves.
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One of the lesser acknowledged victims of World War II is Poland. Last year, Poland’s ruling conservative nationalist Law and Justice Party stated that they are seeking compensation from Germany for the nation’s losses. Leading the team of lawmakers on the mission, Arkadiusz Mularczyk is estimating the amount due to account for the losses during German’s six-year occupation of Poland that left 6 million Polish citizens dead along with tremendous material loss. “We are talking about very large but justified amounts of compensation for war crimes, for destroyed cities, villages and the lost demographic potential of our country,” Mularczyk said on Polsat News, a private broadcaster. No specific number has been presented yet, although the number $850 million has been thrown around by the media. Germany, however, has repeatedly said there is no legal basis for Poland’s reparation claims because the matter was settled in a 1953 agreement. That decision was dictated by Moscow when Poland was a satellite of the Soviet Union, which many argue makes the decision invalid.
N. Korea & Russia Colluding for Profits There are suspicions that North Korea and Russia are working together on a special project to import and sell illegal North Korean coal. It is suspected that Russia received four ships’ worth of North Korean coal that arrived at a seaport in Far East Russia called Kholmsk. Sup-
posedly, the ships arrived bearing the flags of nations other than North Korea during August and September of 2017. The goods were then picked up by six other ships to be “transformed” into Russian coal, which can legally be sold anywhere. Experts believe the coal ended up all around the globe including in South Korea and Japan, two of Pyongyang’s main rivals.
“They literally ‘laundered’ the coal,” said a Western diplomat, describing new details from a confidential UN investigation of the incident. “It’s the same tactic criminals use to launder ill-gotten cash.” If the scheme is found to be true, both sides would be guilty since the complex scheme would require Russian participation. The UN Security Council recently imposed new sanctions on the sale of North Korean coal. The sophisticated plot required countless falsified documents and the heavily choreographed cooperation of officials and businesses in at least three countries, according to documents and records gathered by private investigators and a team of UN experts, ultimately allowing North Korea to sell one of its most abundant commodities that accounts for about 40 percent of the country’s foreign income. North Korea is notorious for determining unique and underhand ways of getting what it needs despite decades of economic isolation. Andrea Berger, a specialist in proliferation networks and export controls with the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, California, noted, “We spend so much of our time trying to put obstacles in the way of North Korea, and in making the obstacles higher and wider, but the North Koreans are simply very practiced at getting around whatever we put in their path.” According to the report, Russia raked in $200 million in revenue from the banned goods. The ban was initiated by the UN Security Council in 2016 and 2017 as an attempt to limit revenue to Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic-missile programs.
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“Super-Colony” of Penguins Discovered
Once thought to be one of the most extinct species of penguins in the world, a large group of Adélie penguins has been discovered in the Antarctic. The flourishing “super-colony” inhabits the Danger Islands, where the effects of human activity and the changing environment are less noticeable than in other parts of Antarctica. The islands, located off the Antarctic Peninsula’s northern tip, are fully surrounded by thick sea ice. Since they are so remote they remained hidden from scientists until a team of researchers began an expedition there
to investigate signs of nesting birds. “Until recently, the Danger Islands weren’t known to be an important penguin habitat,” said Professor Heather Lynch, an ecologist at Stony Brook University, who co-led the work. This changed when scientists spotted guano stains on NASA satellite imagery of the islands, hinting that a massive penguin colony might exist there. The scientists used drones to take aerial images of the island, which captured the hundreds of thousands of breeding pairs. Scientists used the images and sophisticated software to conclude that there were 751,527 pairs of penguins living on the land mass – more than on the rest of the Antarctic Peninsula combined. Professor Michael Polito, an ecologist at the Louisiana State University who participated in the research, said he was “amazed by the sheer number of Adélie penguins” he saw. Until now, scientists believed that Adélie penguins were steadily declining. “This exciting discovery shows us just how much more there still is to learn about this amazing and iconic species of the ice,” said Rod Downie, head of polar programs at WWF. “But it also reinforces the urgency to protect the waters off the coast of Antarc-
tica to safeguard Adélie penguins from the dual threats of overfishing and climate change.”
39 Killed in Russian Plane Crash
A Russian military cargo plane crashed as it was descending to land at an air base in Syria on Tuesday, killing all 39 people onboard, the Russian Defense Ministry said. The Russian military said an An26, with 33 passengers and six crew members onboard, crashed just 500 meters (1,600 feet) from the runway. The military blamed the crash on a technical error and insisted that the plane was not shot down. All of the people on board were Russian servicemen. Russia, a key ally of Syrian Presi-
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dent Bashar Assad, leases the Hemeimeem military base in Syria, near the Mediterranean coast. The base is far from the front lines of the conflict, but came under shelling in December. President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to the families of those killed in the crash after receiving a briefing by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. It was the second Russian military plane to crash in Syria this year, after a Su-25 ground attack jet was struck by a portable air defense missile over the northern Idlib province last month. The Antonov An-26 is a twin-engine transport plane designed in the late 1960s in the Soviet Union. Large numbers have remained in service in Russia and many other countries around the world. An An-26 belonging to a military flight school crash-landed and caught fire southeast of Moscow in May, killing one crewmember. The RIA Novosti news agency on Tuesday quoted Col. Gen. Nikolai Antoshkin, former deputy commander of the Russian Air Force, as calling the An-26 a “reliable machine” even though it has been out of production since 1986.
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Iran: 2 Days for Enriched Uranium Threatening the United States not to abandon the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, an Iranian nuclear energy official warned that his country is able to create highly enriched uranium
in “less than 48 hours.” “If we want to enrich uranium to the 20-percent level, we can do it in less than 48 hours,” Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, boasted to the Iranian Arabic-language al-Alam TV network. Uranium enriched above the level of 20% is considered highly enriched and could theoretically be used in an atomic weapon, though most nuclear
bombs contain uranium enriched to higher than 80%. In his interview, Kamalvandi said that Iran has developed highly advanced centrifuges that are 24 times more powerful than the previous models used. He added that those machines could be brought back into full service if the 2015 nuclear deal – formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action – would collapse.
The interview came on the same day that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was slated to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the JCPOA. Trump has been a vocal critic of the Iran deal since his 2016 campaign and, in January, waived new sanctions against the Islamic Republic for what he said was the last time. Last month, Netanyahu told reporters he would be using Monday’s meeting to convince Trump to impose sanctions on Iran in order to address aspects of the nuclear deal Israel finds problematic — notably its “sunset clauses” that allow Iran to resume the production of fissile material after a number of years — and issues that are not part of the accord, like the Islamic Republic’s ballistic missile program. The prime minister said those problems need to be addressed, though he stressed that that “did not necessarily mean altering the JCPOA, but changing the situation,” a reference to his call on world powers to contain Iranian aggression beyond the confines of the deal. Netanyahu said the rest of the world should consider how Iran will act if it acquires an atomic arsenal, in light of its current destabilizing actions in the region. Netanyahu’s central argument is that if the U.S. were to put in place new sanctions against Iran, countries throughout the world would be forced to choose between access to the Iranian economy, with its GDP of approximately $500 billion, and the American economy, with its GDP of nearly $20 trillion.
Netanyahu Inspires at AIPAC One would never have known that Prime Benjamin Minister Netanya-
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hu was facing a firing squad in his country when listening to his stirring speech at AIPAC on Tuesday. The leader left no doubt in the crowd of 18,000 supporters’ minds that he is the leader who is most vocal and most vital to be Israel’s best representative.
The audience, it seemed, concurred. “We love you Bibi,” a female voice in the crowd assured him at one point. “That’s very kind of you. I love you too,” Netanyahu responded, although he added lightly, “Who planted her?!” Ambassador Nikki Haley also set hearts astir during her address at the convention. She was the undisputed star of the policy conference last year, and she garnered ecstatic reviews on Monday evening too. During Netanyahu’s speech, which ran along the lines of “the good, the bad, and the beautiful,” Netanyahu referenced his Monday meeting at the White House with President Trump. Talking about the “good,” Netanyahu extolled the virtues of his country; referencing the “bad,” he spoke about its enemies, particularly Iran; and mentioning the “beautiful,” the prime minister referred to the “eternal” alliance between Israel and the United States of America. Netanyahu left the lectern during his speech, pacing the stage, comfortable with his audience and the forum. He spoke about Israel’s modern technology, referring to agriculture, big data, and artificial intelligence. He added that Israel, a rising super-power, will be an integral partner for developing nations: “Pretty soon, the countries that don’t have relations with us — they’re going to be isolated,” adding, “those who talk about boycotting Israel — we’ll boycott them.” Netanyahu spoke about Israel’s desire to seek peace with its neighbors, imploring the Palestinians to end terrorism. “Stop paying terrorists,” he urged PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas, be-
cause the message those payments send to Palestinian children is “murder Jews and get rich.” Netanyahu skillfully involved the audience here, urging them to “raise your hands high if you think President Abbas should stop paying terrorists to murder Jews.” Netanyahu left the stage on Tuesday to rousing applause. In a few days’ time he would be back in Israel, where the justice system’s ardor isn’t as warm as that of AIPAC participants towards the prime minister.
Israel Defense Aid Package Sent to House Floor
A bill has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives that would codify into law the memorandum of understanding between Israel and the United States that was signed in 2016. The bill would guarantee Israel $38 billion in defense assistance over the next ten years. The bill was written by Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), the chairwoman of the Middle East subcommittee, and Ted Deutch (D-FL), its ranking Democrat. Because each of them has senior positions in their respective House caucuses, the bill has a high likelihood of passing. The memorandum grants Israel $3.8 billion a year from 2018 through 2028. After the memorandum was signed, Republican senators said they would like to overturn part of it so Israel could receive even more aid. Senators Lindsey Graham, a leading Republican foreign policy voice, and Chris Coons, a Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said this week that they considered the provision of $38 billion over 10 years “a floor” and that the number should be heavily increased. In June 2017, the House Appropriations Committee and the House and Senate Armed Services Committees advanced $705 million worth of U.S.-Israel missile defense assistance and cooperation in the 2018 defense
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appropriations and authorizations bills. Those monies were allocated to research and development as well as to provide funding for the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow-2 and Arrow – three U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense systems.
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Up For Sale
More than 10 foreign stock exchanges are vying to purchase part of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. A portion of Israel’s only securities exchange is being offered in order to draw investors and make it more competitive
and efficient. TASE is looking for a new strategic partner in the shape of a major global stock exchange, hoping to become a more dominant player globally, making it more accessible to the public. Exchanges interested in buying a stake in TASE include London, Hong Kong, Toronto, Australia, Singapore, and Warsaw. The exchange has suffered from many companies delisting over the past decade. Over 200 companies have left the exchange since 2007 citing burdensome regulations and a slump in trading volume. “The move is in line with a global trend in which stock exchanges are becoming less local and more global,” said Julien Assous, the CEO of Israel’s IBI Brokerage who is also a TASE director and the head of the Israel Brokerage Association. “Joining forces with another bourse is expected to bring added know-how, potentially more investors, and uniformity in trading methods,” he said. “It is difficult to justify having such a local market when the world is going in another direction. It will bring us more know-how and technology and will not detract from Israel’s economic independence.” It has been popular lately for stock
markets to merge. Nasdaq formed a greater presence in Europe when it bought the Nordic stock market OMX in 2007 for $3.7 billion. A huge deal stalled in late stages last year when the London Stock Exchange and Germany’s Deutsche Borse were set to merge.
More-than-Silver Truffles
Want to buy something really special for your parents’ anniversary? Researchers in Israel have succeeded in commercially cultivating desert truffles. Sure, your parents will be surprised when you present them with this extraordinary gift – but they’ll be even more surprised when they see the bill. The price of desert truffles is around $120 per pound – slightly less than the cost of silver and four times that of uranium. I guess
you’d be better off buying them a silver keychain instead. The researchers were able to cultivate the truffles by stimulating a symbiosis between the fungus Terfezia leonis, which occurs rarely and unpredictably in nature, and the common desert shrub Helianthemum sessiliflorum. This marks the first time that the truffle, a highly sought-after delicacy across the Middle East and beyond, has been cultivated. As such, farmers will be able to harvest in small areas unprecedented yields. Before this breakthrough, Bedouins in Israel’s Negev region were occasionally able to extract small amounts of the desert truffle with their tracking skills. But the supply was scarce, unreliable, and labor intensive. In 2015, researchers in Israel’s north said they had a breakthrough growing black truffles, Tuber melanosporum, which is the second-most commercially valuable species, in the Galilee. The development made Israel the southernmost area with commercial cultivation of black truffles, which are an expensive ingredient in several French and Italian traditional dishes. Sounds like Israel is the land that flows with milk and truffles.
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EMBRACE SHABBOS Practical strategies and inspirational stories to enhance your Shabbos experience by Rabbi David Sutton Shabbos can be so meaningful, so beautiful. It can bring us limitless spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits. Indeed, it enables us to become partners with Hashem Himself. But we’ve got to know how. Embrace Shabbos gives us tools and techniques to unlock the enormous potential that lies in every single Shabbos, and includes dozens upon dozens of stories to inspire us to make Shabbos central in our lives.
More than 80 stories! IN IT S NOW ND SECO NG TI PRIN
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In these pages we will discover how to: 4Prepare for Shabbos all week long 4Go into Shabbos with calm serenity 4Really enjoy zemiros 4Avoid anger on Shabbos (and during the week!) 4Use the power of prayer on Shabbos 4Enhance Shabbos family time 4Use Shabbos to strengthen our emunah.
Available 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724) (637-6724) Availableat atyour yourlocal local Hebrew Hebrew bookseller bookseller or or at at www.artscroll.com www.artscroll.com •• 1-800-MESORAH
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FROM
Everything you need Your Must-Have Pesach Cookbook! A TASTE OF PESACH
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2
You loved A Taste of Pesach, which brought you the very best Pesach recipes from the famous Yeshiva Me’on HaTorah (Roosevelt) mailing series. A Taste of Pesach 2 brings you even more: more fantastic recipes, more great serving ideas, more ways to make Pesach (and the rest of the year) delicious, healthy, and FUN! Here is everything you need to serve spectacular food to friends and family.
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Over 110 mouth-watering recipes you will refer to again and again Exclusive “Plate it!” chapter with doable food presentation techniques User-friendly recipes with readily available ingredients Stunning, full-color photographs accompany every recipe Over 107 gluten-free, non-gebrokts recipes Food so good you’ll want to eat it all year round
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Your children have often heard the story of the Egyptian Exodus. Now they can experience it!
MY LAST YEAR IN MITZRAYIM A Jewish Boy’s Ancient Diary by Chaim Greenbaum Chaim Greenbaum, author of many bestselling novels, shows he can write amazing and exciting books for younger readers too! My Last Year in Mitzrayim is the fictional “diary” of Amiasaf, a young Jewish boy enslaved in Pharaoh’s Egypt. Readers ages 8 and up will cry — and laugh — with Amiasaf as he describes his terrible enslavement and the wondrous events that took place as the redemption grew near. Based on the Torah narrative and many midrashim, My Last Year in Mitzrayim will enhance our children’s Seder and their appreciation for one of the most important events in our history.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
"THE WORLD IS ARTSCROLL'S CLASSROOM" Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)
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Seder Night and RABBI YISSOCHER FRAND: A very special combination!
הגדה של פסח זכרון מאיר
RABBI YISSOCHER FRAND ON THE HAGGADAH
Who hasn’t been inspired by Rabbi Yissocher Frand, through his books, audio CDs, and acrossthe-globe speaking engagements? Now we can invite Rabbi Frand to join us at the Seder, with this engaging and thought-provoking Haggadah commentary. How do the words zecher l’Yetzias Mitzrayim, encapsulate all Jewish belief? How do the Four Cups teach us to be passionate about our lives? What is the eternal message of the matzah?
In his warm and witty style, Rabbi Frand offers us the answers to these and so many other questions. And these are answers that will enhance and even transform our Seder — and, yes, our lives. dedicated by Barry and Harriet Ray and family
ALL-HEBREW PESACH MACHZOR Dedicated by Aaron and Ahuva Orlofsky
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THE ILLUSTRATED HAGGADAH by Rabbis Nosson and Yitzchok Zev Scherman illustrated by Hannah Stern
Available in hardcover and economicallypriced paperback
M
Pick up or point to the matzah and say:
ATZAH — Why do we eat this matzah? Because God, the King of kings, showed us His glory and saved our ancestors by taking them from Egypt so quickly that there was no time for their dough to rise. As the Torah says: “They baked the dough they took from Egypt into matzos for it had not risen. They could not wait for the dough to rise because they were chased out of Egypt. And they had not prepared other food for the way.”
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6”x9” page size • Nusach Ashkenaz only Available with Hebrew instructions or English instructions
4The full Hebrew text completely reset 4 Scriptural sources4Clear, concise instructions4Attractive, clear page layouts
ַמָּצה
? ַעל ׁשּום ָמה,אֹוכלִ ים ֿ ְ זּו ֶׁשָאנּו ַעל ׁשּום ֶׁשּל ֹא ִה ְס ִּפיק ְּב ֵצָקם יהם ֶ ֵ ַעד ֶׁשּנִ גְ ָלה ֲעל,בֹותינּו לְ ַה ֲח ִמיץ ֵֽ ֶׁשל ֲא ְ ֶֽמלֶ ְך ַמלְ ֵכי ַה ְ ּֿמָל ִכים ַה ָּקדֹוׁש ָּברּוך הּוא וַ ּיֹאפּו ֶאת ַהָּב ֵצק ֲא ֶׁשר, ֶׁשּנֶ ֱא ַמר.ּוגְ ָאָלם ,הֹוציאּו ִמ ִּמ ְצַֽריִ ם ֻעגֹת ַמּצֹות ִּכי ל ֹא ָח ֵמץ ִֽ , וְ ל ֹאָי ְ ֿכלּו לְ ִה ְתַמ ְהֵֽמ ַּה,ִּכי ג ְ ֹֿרׁשּו ִמ ִּמ ְצַֽריִ ם .וְַּגם ֵצָדה ל ֹא ָעׂשּו ָל ֶהם
The Illustrated Haggadah has a simple yet elegant translation, with added words that clarify difficult passages, clear easy-to-follow instructions, and comments that can be shared and enjoyed at the Seder. And pictures! More than 50 magnificent illustrations to pore over and enjoy, that bring the dusty desert, the miraculous Ten Plagues, the churning waters of the Reed Sea, to vivid life, entertaining and inspiring young and old alike. The Illustrated Haggadah will keep everyone engaged. And isn’t that what we want our Seder to do? — ַמ ָּצהMatzah. Why didn’t God tell the Jews to prepare food for their journey, so that they would have had time to bake bread? The yetzer hara is our desire to commit sins and enjoy things that the Torah does not allow us to have. The Sages call the yetzer hara ְׂשאֹר ׁ ֶש ְ ּב ִע ָּסה, the yeast in the dough. Just as yeast makes dough rise and become big and puffy, so our yetzer hara
NEW!
convinces us to act in ways that would make us haughty. Then it is easy for him to make us sin. People would be much less likely to do wrong if they would be satisfied with the simple things that they really need. In order to remind us of this, God made us leave Egypt so quickly that our dough did not have a chance to rise. This reminds us that the best way to be free is not to let ourselves become big and puffy with false pride.
THE ILLUSTRATED HAGGADAH
ALSO AVAILABLE IN HARDCOVER AND PAPERBACK: SANDLER EDITION
ILLUSTRATED HAGGADAH IN SPANISH
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Was Sadat Sincere?
Forty years ago, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat made history as the first Arab leader to address the Knesset in Jerusalem. Despite the historic three-day visit, which took place in November 1977, IDF officials questioned the sincerity of Egypt’s peaceful intentions at the time. Newly released documents from the IDF Archives in the Ministry of Defense shed light on a meeting in the aftermath of Sadat’s visit. The head of Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate at the time, Major-General Shlomo Gazit, said during the meeting, “When it comes
to the intimate conversations, we know very little overall.” The chief of staff, Lieutenant-General Mordechai Gur, interrupted him and said, “This is about moves to prevent the war, of which I am unaware. But that was the issue, and that’s what [Prime Minister Menachem] Begin told people when he left the meeting.” Gazit also noted that Egypt was pleased with the warm response Sadat received while in Israel. “In Egypt there is a response, I would say, and full support for Sadat and for the move he made. Following Sadat’s speech, there is a feeling that Sadat properly presented the entire Arab case, and not just the Egyptian case. He spoke as if on behalf of all Arabs, of the justified claims of all Arabs.” Prime Minister Menachem Begin’s speech, on the other hand, was actually received with disappointment in Cairo. “A tough speech, with no concessions, neither in terms of withdrawal nor on the Palestinian issue,” Maj.-Gen. Gazit said, “and Sadat’s major step was met with no Israeli return or regard.” A few officials were disappointed that Sadat didn’t pointedly mention peace.
Southern Command chief Herzl Shafir gave the generals a long briefing on the Knesset speech at the meeting. He elaborated on the points raised by Sadat and concluded: “‘Ending the existing state of war in the region.’ No other wording of peace, etc., but ending the state of war.” Maj.-Gen. Moshe Levi, who served as Central Command chief at the time, noted: “He doesn’t say a single word about peace.” Northern Command chief Avigdor Ben-Gal said, “The peace agreement doesn’t include peace.” Later, he added: “He didn’t talk about war.” In another meeting, held a week later, then-Defense Minister Ezer Weizman addressed Sadat’s visit and Egypt’s military ability. “He succeeded in opening the canal, he gained hold of the eastern bank of Sinai. I don’t know if you remember, a million Egyptians went back to live along the canal. Someone who returns a million Egyptian to live along the canal won’t run back into a war so fast. I’m saying it again, whoever launched the war in ‘73 can launch a war again, but this is more or less the state of mind at the moment.”
Iran: Counting the Days Until Israel’s Demise Iran is hosting a new festival. Unlike other festivals that are intended to give participants a good time, this festival has a vicious mission. The Persian nation has inducted an “Hourglass Festival” celebrating the “imminent collapse” of Israel. The idea stems from a secret “plan” by the Islamic Republic, announced in 2015, to destroy the Jewish state within 25 years, according to Iranian media. Anti-Israel art and media productions will be displayed at the festival, symbolizing the country’s upcoming destruction, said Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s former Deputy Foreign Minister and current assistant to parliament speaker Ali Larijani, at a press conference launching the event. Mahdi Qomi, the festival’s executive secretary, said, “The organizers will work with 2,400 anti-Israel NGOs in Europe, North America, Latin America and Eastern Asia to promote the festival across the world.” In 2015, Iran’s Supreme Leader
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei predicted that by 2040 there will no longer be a State of Israel. At a Quds Day rally in Tehran in 2017, the regime unveiled a clock counting down to that proposed date. Amir-Abdollahian only recently reveal the regime’s exact plans of ensuring the destruction. He made it clear that a two-state solution is not an option, saying that the only route is “resistance.” The festival’s official website calls for multimedia submissions on subjects including the “Zionist child-killing regime”; the “Quds-occupier regime (Israel) would not survive the next 25 years”; “Israel, a cancerous tumor”; and “Israel, a fake, racist and colonialist regime.” The website also slammed the United States and Saudi Arabia. “The International Hourglass Festival was formed with the aim of collecting and introducing anti-Zionism productions of justice supporters, monotheists and Muslims all over the world in order to disclose the beastly and anti-human rights measures of the Zionist occupier regime and its supporters particularly USA and ... Wahhabism,” the website reads. The winner of each section will win $1,800 and the overall winner will receive $2,700, according to the
website. The festival is scheduled for April 21, which will be the last date for submissions.
Bezos World’s Richest
Jeff Bezos is wearing the world’s most expensive crown, as he has been named Forbes’ number one billionaire on its Annual World Billionaires List for the first time, unseating Bill Gates. Centi-billionaire Bezos’ fortune rose to $112 billion, the biggest single-year gain ever, allowing him to de-
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throne Gates, worth just $90 billion. Yes, we know, we can barely count that high. Gates has been the richest person in the world for 18 of the past 24 years. The Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, took the third spot on the list with a net worth of $84 billion. President Trump, worth $3.1 billion, ranked No. 766, falling from No. 544 in 2017. Trump’s fortune has fallen $400 million since last year’s ranking, due in part to falling values of Midtown Manhattan real estate and declining revenues at several Trump golf properties. More than 2,200 billionaires made the Forbes list, with a combined net worth of $9.1 trillion. This year, 259 newcomers were added to the list, and the number of women rose to 256, up from 227 in 2017. The United States is home to the greatest number of billionaires, with 585, followed by Greater China (including mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) with 476; Germany with 123; India with 119; and Russia with 102. California alone has 144 billionaires, more than any single country besides the U.S. and China. Want to know whose bank accounts are overwhelming? Here are the top ten on this year’s Forbes’ Billionaires list: 1. Jeff Bezos: $112 billion 2. Bill Gates: $90 billion 3. Warren Buffett: $84 billion 4. Bernard Arnault & family: $72 billion 5. Mark Zuckerberg: $71 billion 6. Amancio Ortega: $70 billion 7. Carlos Slim Helu & family: $67.1 billion 8. Charles Koch: $60 billion 9. David Koch: $60 billion 10. Larry Ellison: $58.5 billion
Terrorist’s Grandson Running for Office
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The grandson of one of the architects of the Munich Massacre has
been endorsed by California Democrats for a seat in Congress. Ammar Campa-Najjar, a Palestinian American, has won the state party convention’s endorsement for the June primary in the 50th district, a seat which is currently held by a Republican, Duncan Hunter. Campa-Najjar’s grandfather was Muhammad Yusuf al-Najjar, one of the terrorists behind the 1972 Munich massacre of 11 Israeli Olympic athletes and coaches. He was killed by Israeli commandos one year later. According to Campa-Najjar, who spent time as a young man in the Gaza Strip, he rejects his grandfather’s terrorism. His “goal is for our generation to be better than our predecessors, and find a way to end this conflict.” He has reportedly made inroads with his local Jewish community and has spoken of his commitment to Israel’s security, which he says he does not see as getting in the way of Palestinian rights. “Palestinians and Israelis have lost too much over the years of bloodshed, that’s why I am committed to helping broker a lasting peace in my lifetime,” he told a reporter when discussing his bloody family history and the current Middle East peace process.
CA Mayor Warns Immigrants about Raid
The Department of Justice is reviewing the actions of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, who gave residents advanced notice of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid in Northern California last weekend. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that she thinks “it’s outrageous that a mayor would circumvent federal authorities and certainly put them in danger by making a move such as that.” Schaaf has defended her actions, saying it was her duty to warn residents of the impending ICE raid. Her spokesman said her office is “unaware of any review” being conducted.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
Schaaf has received praise for her actions from other California officials, but many have been very outspoken about how wrong she was. “The Oakland mayor’s decision to publicize her suspicions about ICE operations further increased that risk for my officers and alerted criminal aliens – making clear that this reckless decision was based on her political agenda with the very federal laws that ICE is sworn to uphold,” ICE’s acting director, Thomas D. Homan, said in a statement. According to Homan, the mayor’s warning helped an estimated 800 “criminal aliens” escape capture. “What she did is no better than a gang lookout yelling ‘police’ when a police cruiser comes in the neighborhood, except she did it to a whole community. This is beyond the pale,” he said. Schaaf’s warning came during a four-day raid that ended with 232 people arrested for violating immigration laws. Of those captured, 115 had a prior conviction for a “serious or violent” crime. Before the raid was over, Homan said that 864 immigrants with criminal records were still at large, and he blamed Schaaf. “I have to believe that some of them were able to elude our officers thanks to the mayor’s irresponsible decision,” Homan said. Schaaf stood by her decision to aid criminal immigrants. “My statement on Saturday was meant to give all residents time to learn their rights and know their legal options,” Schaaf said on Tuesday. “It was my intention that one mother, or one father, would use the information to help keep their family together. I do not regret sharing this information. It is Oakland’s legal right to be a sanctuary city and we have not broken any laws. We believe our community is safer when families stay together,” she stated.
Trump’s Longest Serving Aide Resigns Hope Hicks, the White House communications director, resigned from the administration last week to explore new opportunities. “There are no words to adequately express my gratitude to President Trump,” Hicks said in a statement. “I wish the president and his administration the very best as he continues to lead our country.” Hicks, 29, is Trump’s lon-
gest-serving aide. The former model worked with him from before he announced his candidacy through his second year in office. “Hope is outstanding and has done great work for the last three years,” Trump said in a statement. “She is as smart and thoughtful as they come, a truly great person. I will miss having her by my side but when she approached me about pursuing other opportunities, I totally understood. I am sure we will work together again in the future.” The announcement of Hicks’ departure came a few days after she told a House intelligence panel that she sometimes tells “white lies” for President Trump but never lied about anything related to the Russia investigation. Hicks’ exact departure will be sometime in the next few weeks. Ivanka Trump said of Hicks that she is “loved & admired by all who know her. It’s with a heavy heart, but tremendous gratitude, that I wish her well in her next steps.”
Teachers’ Strike Finally Ends
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Lawrence Hardware Parents across West Virginia breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday when it was announced that the state’s teachers reached a tentative deal with the government to end a nine-day teachers’ strike. The deal would give teachers five percent raises, adding similar raises for all state workers. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said additional budget cuts by his staff will fund the raises. Senate leaders confirmed the deal, saying it involves some reduced government. “We have reached a deal. I stood rock solid on the 5% teacher pay raise and delivered. Not only this, but my staff and I made additional cuts which will give all state employees 5% as well. All the focus should have always been on fairness and getting the kids back in school,” the governor said in a tweet. The governor, union leaders and the House of Delegates had agreed last week to the 5 percent pay raise for teachers, who are among the low-
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est paid in the nation and haven’t had a salary increase in four years. But the Senate refused to go along, approving a 4 percent increase. “These are deep cuts,” Sen. Craig Blair, Finance Committee chairman, said on Tuesday. “This has been the fiscally responsible thing to do, in my opinion, to get us to the point we’re at today.”
USS Lexington Found
During the Battle of the Coral Sea from May 4-8, 1942, the USS Lexington played a big part. When she was attacked by the Japanese, more than 200 crew members died, over 2,000 people were rescued, and 35 others went down with the ship. This week, the wreckage of the United States aircraft carrier was found on the floor of the Coral Sea more than 500 miles off the eastern
coast of Australia. The carrier was discovered by a team of explorers led by billionaire Paul Allen, the U.S. Navy confirmed on Monday. It was found in surprisingly good condition. “To pay tribute to the USS Lexington and the brave men that served on her is an honor,” Microsoft co-founder Allen said. “As Americans, all of us owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who served and who continue to serve our country for their courage, persistence and sacrifice.” The USS Lexington, which was one of the first U.S. aircraft carriers ever built, was known as “Lady Lex.” “Lexington was on our priority list because she was one of the capital ships that was lost during WWII,” said Robert Kraft, director of subsea operations for Allen. “Based on geography, time of year and other factors, I work with Paul Allen to determine what missions to pursue. We’ve been planning to locate the Lexington for about six months and it came together nicely.” The U.S. Navy considers the aircraft carrier a war grave because it will not be retrieved, reports said. Last year in August, the Allen-led R/V Petrel expedition discovered the wreck of the USS Indianapolis, which sank in July 1945. It was struck by
Japanese torpedoes and resulted in the deaths of nearly 900 crew members, while only 316 lived. “As we look back on our Navy throughout its history, we see evidence of an incredible amount of heroism and sacrifice. The actions of sailors from our past inspire us today,” Sam Cox, director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, told editors of Paul Allen’s site at the time. “So many ships, so many battles, so many acts of valor help inform what we do now.” Allen’s team has also found other vessels including a Japanese warship, the Musashi, and an Italian naval vessel, Artigliere — both from the same era.
Florida Updates its Gun Laws A bill banning assault weapons was voted down in the Florida Senate last week. After the bill was thrown out, a moment of silence was held for the victims of the horrific Parkland high school shooting that took place last month. The bill, which was to include a ban on the AR-15 which was used in the school shooting, lost by a
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20-to-17 count. Senate President Joe Negron asked senators to take their seats after the vote was over and said that by the proclamation of Gov. Rick Scott there would be a moment of “silence and reflection” for the Parkland victims. “Today marks 17 days after those 17 fellow citizens lost their lives,” said Negron, who voted against the ban. “I would ask us to begin reflecting on their lives and the bravery that was shown on that day.” Although the gun ban failed, other gun restrictions have been passed in Florida since the shooting. Budget committees in the House and Senate signed off on a suite of bills that include raising the minimum age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21 and mandating a three-day waiting period for most gun purchases. On Monday, the Florida Senate passed a bill, 20-18, that would allow certain teachers in schools to be armed. The amendment narrowly tailored who qualifies as a classroom teacher – who would be prohibited from carrying firearms – to just those defined in state law as “staff members assigned the professional activity of instructing students in courses in classroom situations, including
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Stores Enforcing Stricter Gun Policies
basic instruction, exceptional student education, career education, and adult education.” Librarians, media specialists, advisors and other school personnel would still be able to carry firearms. Additionally, classroom teachers who don’t teach exclusively — such as teachers who also coach sports — would be allowed to carry. Current service members, current or former law enforcement and
teachers in a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program would also be allowed to bring guns to schools. The new program – called the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program after the assistant football coach at Stoneman Douglas who died protecting his students – would remain optional, with both county sheriffs and school district superintendents having to approve the measure and
school staff having the option of participating in the new policy. In addition, the bill allocated $400 million in funding for mental health programs, school resource officers, school safety upgrades, and more. With the bill passed in the Senate, the House will need to amend its version before passing it to Gov. Rick Scott for signing.
Another major company is making changes following Florida’s school shooting. Dick’s Sporting Goods, the country’s largest sporting goods store, announced last week that it will enforce tougher gun sale restrictions. The company will no longer sell assault-style rifles in its 600-plus nationwide stores. “We don’t want to be a part of this story any longer,” CEO Edward Stack said. “We were so disturbed and saddened by what happened down there and watching those kids be so brave to walk out of that school and start to organize for gun reform... If they can be that brave then we can be that brave too.” Additionally, the chain will no longer sell firearms to customers under 21; they will stop selling high-capacity magazines; and will continue not to sell controversial bump stocks. A bump stock is an attachment that allows a semi-automatic rifle to mimic a fully automatic weapon’s “cyclic firing rate to mimic nearly continuous automatic fire,” according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Although there has not been any formal legislature across the country raising the age of purchasing a weapon from 18 to 21, other retailers like Walmart have adapted their own policy. The mega retailer announced last week that they would also require customers to be 21 in order to purchase firearms and ammunition. They also said they ended the sale of “modern sporting rifles, including the AR-15” in 2015 and do not sell bump stocks of high-capacity magazines. Walmart also does not sell handguns except in Alaska. Stack said that his company was not receiving major backlash from customers. Many agreed that the weapon should be “off the market” and that they “don’t need” high capacity magazines.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
“We’re a supporter of the second amendment; I’m a gun owner myself. We’re gonna continue this and we understand the vast majority of gun owners are law abiding citizens who use the guns to hunt and target shoot,” Stack explained. “There’s been too many of these shootings and too many young lives lost.” Dick’s may have been particularly shaken up by the shooting since the Parkland shooter purchased a shotgun at one of their stores last November. The shooter didn’t use this gun in the shooting but “it could have been.” “Some will say these steps can’t guarantee tragedies like Parkland will never happen again,” Stack noted. “They may be correct, but if common sense reform is enacted and even one life is saved, it will have been worth it.”
Trump’s Tricky Tariffs
He was responding to a spokeswoman for House Speaker Paul Ryan who said Ryan was “extremely worried” about the consequences of a trade war and urging the White House not to advance the plan. This week, Trump clarified that if Canada and Mexico can come to a quick deal with the United States on NAFTA, they would be excluded from the tariffs. The president is using the tariffs as an incentive to the two countries, especially since a presidential election is scheduled for July in Mexico and left-wing populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is leading in the polls. U.S. midterm elections will be taking place in November and it takes months to go through the required steps to seek congressional approval for a new NAFTA deal. Essentially, the administration is racing the clock to form a new NAFTA initiative before the changing of the guard in both countries. Dangling the tariff exemption may move the process along.
Chai Lifeline is seeking an
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Lawmakers Look to Curb Al Jazeera’s Access
President Trump sent markets swirling last week when he announced that his administration will be imposing heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminum. The move, a major escalation of his “America First” trade offensive, will see a 25% tax placed on imported aluminum and a 10% tax on aluminum. “We’ll be imposing tariffs on steel imports and tariffs on aluminum imports, and you’re going to see a lot of good things happen,” the president said. “You’re going to see expansions of the companies.” Trump’s move has already seen a strong reaction from China, the European Union, and Brazil. However, the president has said many times that he will not change his mind. “We’re not backing down,” said Trump on Monday during an Oval Office meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. President Trump said that he does not expect to have a trade war as a result of his aggressive crackdown on the flooding of cheap imported steel.
Al Jazeera is a Qatar-funded media network which reaches more than 300 million people around the globe. A letter is being finalized by 14 members of the House of Representatives and being sent to Attorney General Jeff Sessions to investigate the network over a controversial documentary it filmed on the pro-Israel lobbying community in the United States. In 2016, Al Jazeera used an undercover operative to secure months of footage revealing private interactions with various advocacy groups, lawmakers, and officials. The news network promised to release the film last year but has not yet published the documentary. “Al Jazeera’s record of radical anti-American, anti-Semitic, and anti-Israel broadcasts warrants scrutiny from regulators to determine whether this network is in violation of U.S. law,” the congressional letter
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reads. “Such an investigation should cover the full range of activities undertaken by Al Jazeera in the United States, including reports that it infiltrated American 501(c)(3) and (c)(4) nonprofit organizations.” The letter also requests that Sessions force the news agency to register as a foreign agent, meaning that it is a state-backed news agency reporting in the United States. The Committee to Protect Journalists has condemned the demand. Many lawmakers are pushing the measure, including Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Ron DeSantis (R-FL), and others who have not previously been very vocal on the issue, including Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY).
Ambassador to Mexico Resigns The U.S. ambassador to Mexico will resign from her post in May. In a memo circulated to embassy staff on Thursday, Ambassador Roberta S. Jacobson, 57, informed staff that she will resign. Jacobson served as ambassador
for just under two years but is abandoning her position due to rising tensions between Mexico and the Trump administration. Analysts say her departure will be deeply felt by both American and Mexican officials. Jacobson spent 21 years in the region becoming an expert there and making connections in Latin America. She was appointed by Obama in 2015, but eleven months passed before she was confirmed due to a bitter partisan dispute in Congress.
“I have come to the difficult decision that it is the right time to move on to new challenges and adventures,” Jacobson wrote in her letter. “This decision is all the more difficult because of my profound belief in the importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship and knowledge that it is at a crucial moment.” Shortly after the announcement, the Trump administration said that
it had selected a nominee to fill the vacancy but a name has not yet been released. There are 32 countries worldwide that do not have a U.S. ambassador, including South Korea and Syria.
She’s Hair!
Valentina Petrenko may have the best Purim costume ever. The problem is that it’s not a Purim costume – this is Valentina’s real hair and she’s been wearing it like this for forever. Valentina is no ordinary mess of curls. She is someone to take seriously. In fact, the 62-year-old is a senator in the Russian Federation representing the Republic of Khakassia. Valentina’s choice of hairstyle – can we call it that? – has been a source of wonder for many years. Back in 2015, she was asked about it in an interview. “I’m so tired of answering these questions,” she sighed. “I just have curly hair. I lift it upwards with some hair pins, that is all.” Valentina’s political career is long and storied. She was born in Kazakhstan and held senior positions in the Community Party of the Soviet Union and then the Russian Federation. After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, she was elected People’s Deputy in the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. In April 2001, she had been appointed as a senator of the Government of the Republic of Khakassia in the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. In 1993 Valentina was awarded the Order for “Personal Courage” for helping to negotiate the release of child hostages. Today, Valentina – who is married and has a daughter – chairs the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy and advocates for Russian mothers. She’s a member of United Russia, Vladimir Putin’s former party. I guess she’s a bigwig with a really big wig.
Spot-on Wedding
After a couple gets married and is looking for a place to do their wedding photos, some choose a place that is close to the couple’s hearts or significant to the bride and groom. Michael Delvalle and Isabella Sablan of Miami, Florida, chose a spot that is close to many of our hearts – Target. When they were engaged and dating, Delvalle and Sablan took many trips to Target together. “We like long walks at Target instead of on the beach,” the bride said. “When we needed something to do on a slow Thursday night, Target was always there with open doors. Even if we didn’t need anything, Target always knew what was best for us and it never failed to send us home without some sort of delicious treat, household good, or one of those beautiful red tag clearance items that now consume our entire home décor,” Michael added. Target seemed to be spot-on for their wedding photos. The two shared a slushie, tried on sunglasses, rode a bicycle, checked out frozen pizzas, and hung out at the bright red shopping carts. “If you ask any of our friends, none of them would be surprised that we chose to do this at Target – that’s how obsessed we are,” Delvalle said. He and Sablan are such Target superfans they run an Instagram account with a following of almost 4,000 called @ cupsoftarget, where they invent silly stories about the abandoned cups they find throughout the stores. In other news, I’ve heard that people are lining up to have their engagement photos taken at Seasons Express.
Running Nowhere On the run from the cops? It’s best not to run into the precinct while trying to evade arrest. Two suspects did not get this common sense memo.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Last week, Marwan Al Ebadi and Salma Hourieh were approached by police officers at a gas station in Peoria, Arizona. The two took off running as the officers advanced, eventually running toward the front door of the precinct building. A sign with the words “Peoria Police” hangs above the front door of the building. The not-so-sharp suspects then ran along the building and hopped the fence into the secure outside area of the department, where several officers were in training at that moment. Al Ebadi jumped the fence and ran onto the roadway, where he was arrested. Hourieh was found huddling under a bench on police precinct’s grounds. Police say this incident serves as a reminder for people not to run into a secure parking lot of a police station if they are on the run from the police.
Oil Workers Strike Green Last week, a group of 31 oil refinery workers struck green in Canada when they won the $60 million jackpot. The jackpot was the largest prize
awarded in Atlantic Canada. Each winner will take home around $1.9 million. The winners, who come from the town of Come By Chance in Newfoundland, said they plan to retire, pay off mortgages and invest in education funding for their children and grandchildren.
World’s Oldest Message in a Bottle
tical in terms of cursive style, slant, font, spacing, stroke emphasis, capitalization and numbering style.” Tracy’s walk on the beach is now record-breaking, as the bottle she found was discovered 132 years after it was tossed overboard – the oldest known message in a bottle in the world.
Yoga After School
“I made 28 other phone calls to tell the group members individually that we had the winning ticket,” Sherry Moore Hickey said. “They had some choice words for me as they thought I was joking.” Some of the workers, who are now millionaires, immediately retired from their jobs. Others said they’d continue working until they know that replacements can be lined up for their positions. What will they do once they retire? Your guess is as good as mine.
Tonya Illman was strolling on a beach in West Australia when she noticed something sticking out of the sand. It wasn’t a kid’s toy or a piece of seaweed. “It just looked like a lovely old bottle, so I picked it up thinking it might look good in my bookcase,” she said. She realized that it was far more special when a damp, rolled up piece of paper tied with a string fell out of the bottle. The family took home the bottle and its message and dried out the paper, noticing a printed form with faint German handwriting on it. The form was dated June 12, 1886 and was thrown overboard from a German sailboat. As part of an experiment conducted by the German Naval Observatory, thousands of bottles with forms containing the date, the ship’s coordinates, and details about the route were thrown overboard off German ships between the years 1864 and 1933. On the back, the messages asked the finder to write when and where the bottle had been found and return it, either to the German Naval Observatory in Hamburg or the nearest German Consulate. The Illmans took their find to the Western Australian Museum, where assistant curator of maritime archaeology Ross Anderson conducted a series of investigations. Incredibly, researchers were able to match the handwriting on the Illmans’ find to a form that was archived from that same captain. “Extraordinary finds need extraordinary evidence to support them,” Dr. Anderson noted. “Incredibly, there was an entry for June 12, 1886, made by the captain, recording a drift bottle having been thrown overboard...The handwriting is iden-
Kids in Doull Elementary are really scared when they have to stay after school. No, they’re not afraid of detention and more schoolwork. In Doull Elementary, students who need a bit more discipline will be learning yoga instead of getting detention after school. “Yoga and meditation, they’re not necessarily an easy practice. I would say it’s challenging, but useful,” said Trinidad Heffron. Miss Triny, as the kids call her, teaches yoga and meditation. “What’s more important? Punishing kids for a mistake they made or teaching them some skills that they can actually use in life to not make the same mistakes again?” asked school psychologist Carly Graeber. Yoga, she says, can help kids in the long run. “Math and reading and science and social studies are all so important to us here, but also we’re really in the business of teaching kids social and emotional skills that they can use for their lives, how to solve problems, how to deal with complicated feelings and things like that,” said Graeber. Kids at the school are undoubtedly breathing a sigh of relief. Now, at 3 p.m., when other children are heading home, unruly kids are practicing breathing techniques and the downward dog. Namaste, they say, this sure beats doing extra math problems.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
Each detail matters. From the earth in which the vines take root to the corks that seal the bottles, nothing in winemaking can be overlooked. That’s why our viticulturist takes great care to prepare and monitor the soil where our grapes grow, to make sure our wine is perfect from the very start, from where every great wine has its humble beginning.
From the earth. tabor earth ad.indd 4
3/8/17 5:31 PM
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Community Midreshet Shalhevet Actresses Amaze in Mary Poppins
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fter months of preparation under the direction of Rina Hirsch, founding director of Drama4 Life, the students of MSH brought to life the classic Disney story of Mary Poppins! On Tuesday, February 21, they made their way to the beautiful Queens Theatre to start the final preparations. Dressing rooms and backstage were filled with excitement and energy as girls got into costumes and performed their vocal and dance warm ups. All the hair and makeup was done by amazing volunteers: our outstanding theatrical designer Mrs. Rena Rubin, Shoshie Koppel (MSH ‘16), Sapir Sandowski (MSH ‘16), Hayley Tanzman, Maayan Sandowski, Avygayl Zucker, Leah Rubin, and Ashley Paneth. When the lights went down, the stars got into their places and the magic began.
Every moment of the show was carefully thought-out and precisely brought out. Newest MSH breakout star, junior Shira Frankel, made her way onto the stage as Mary Poppins. She sang and danced alongside Chana Fischbein who exceptionally portrayed the role of Bert. Senior Hadassah Fertig embodied Mr. George Banks alongside junior Eliana Hirsch who beautifully sang as Mrs. Winifred Banks. Jane and Michael Banks were phenomenally played by junior Avital Hochster and sophomore Leah Rubin. They took on their roles and wowed the audience. The cast and crew would like to thank our biggest fans and supporters, as well as our director Rina Hirsch who truly went above and beyond in every way! Musical director Zvi Lampert met weekly with our stars and focused on helping each girl realize
her full potential. Choreographer extraordinaire Maggie Dror tirelessly encouraged
each and every girl in order to bring out their talents. As Hadassah Fertig expressed in her closing credits, “We may have been the stars, but they made us shine!” It’s hard to believe that after all the hours and effort that went into producing this show it has finally come to a close. Freshman Miriam Frankel who played Neleus, the statue that comes to life in the park, shared, “When I was behind the scenes watching the actresses and the crew working together I couldn’t help but think, ‘This is what MSH is truly about – working together to make something exceptional!’” Crewmember freshman Leora Elnatanov said, “I can’t wait for next year, I enjoyed doing the
backstage work and being part of something so collaborative and great.” Everything from the lights to the music and the digital scenery was super (califragilisticexpialidocious)! The play was no “walk in the park” but the end the result was practically perfect! The show closed to a cheering audience and a standing ovation. Although we are sad to give up our graduating seniors Hadassah Fertig, Racheli Klein, Leah Feder, Hayley Tanzman, a Chelli Katz, Gabriella Koegel, Dina Seidenberg, Leah Miller, and Leah Oppenheim after many years of wonderful performances and amazing crew work in the MSH production, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!
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Around the Community
Mad Science at Learn & Live
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nother exciting event by Learn & Live/Pirchei of Far Rockaway took place this past Sunday at Yeshiva of Far Rockaway. The event began with pizza and soda. As the boys ate, Reb Daniel Waldman told another story for the Kiddush Hashem Club program. All the boys received a ticket to be en-
tered for a grand raffle for the club. Yossie Keilson, of the Learn and Live hotline, went through the usual raffles and prizes. After all the raffles, the boys were treated to a special mavier, lighting, presentation by Mad Science. Thank you to the Learn and Live staff, Yossie Keilson, Moshe Deer, Uri
Fleishman, Biyomin Perlstein, Alter Bourch Ross, and Yitzi Waldman. This Sunday will be the “Final Hammer Blow.” For more information regard-
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Fish Tank at HALB
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rs. Korman’s and Mrs. Dini’s 7th grade science/engineering classes at HALB were excited to culminate their study of the engineering design process with the FISH TANK challenge. Students were involved in creating, building, and inventing a prototype and then “pitching” it to the judges, very much like the ABC hit show Shark Tank. Students showed incredible originality, talent and understanding of the subject matter, as well as confidence presenting their finished products in front of the judges. We are so proud of our HALB budding engineers!
The Gural JCC Introduces R.I.S.E.
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n a typical month most of us are blessed with several special occasions marked on our calendars. Friends, family and neighbors celebrate exciting milestones in their lives. And we happily do our part – attending their affairs, bringing over gifts, calling, visiting, sharing in their joy. We know our role and play it eagerly. But what happens when the scenario changes? A neighbor married for a while who has yet to celebrate the arrival of their first child? A friend who has been keeping you up-to-date during her pregnancy who suffered a miscarriage and is now not answering your calls? A close relative whose son’s bris you attended and weeks later lost the child? What is our role then? And when one of these hardships happen to you, G-d forbid, where do you turn and what are your needs from those around you? In our search for answers to these
very painful but too common situations, The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC has launched a new initiative, R.I.S.E., raising community awareness about Infertility, Miscarriage and Infant Loss through Resources, Inspiration, Support and Education. Partnering with NechamaComfort, a Jewish non-profit organization, dedicated to helping families through infertility, pregnancy and infant loss, we are bringing a much-needed service to the community, an essential tool to support those whose dreams and lives have been so sadly interrupted. NechamaComfort was founded in 2008 by Reva Judas, who suffered the loss of her first son twelve hours after his birth. She and her husband Danny experienced six miscarriages. They found that resources and information to guide them were difficult to find. At the R.I.S.E. initial meeting this week, Lisa Barnett, LCSW-R, Director of Social Services at the Gural
Spring forward! Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday
JCC, spoke of her personal experiences and our goal at the JCC to bring the support and resources so clearly needed regarding this highly personal and sensitive issue to the Five Towns and neighboring communities. Lisa introduced the NechamaComfort team – each who has been through her own heart-breaking journey – and who addressed our group with passion and compassion. We were so appreciative of all who made the difficult decision to show up to our R.I.S.E. meeting and were overcome with their stories: From the mother who lost a child 22 years ago and has never had the opportunity to speak about it; to the woman married nearly a decade who has yet to experience the joy of having a child; to the brave young couple who are marking the first yahrzheit of their beloved stillborn child; to friend of a participant who suffered multiple miscarriages, desperately wanting to learn how to do and say the right things. We spoke about the social isolation those who experience infertility, miscarriage and infant loss feel and how there is no right or wrong way to handle the untold pain and disappointment. Men and women process the experience differently and grief is so personal. Reva stated that over one million women are treated annually
for infertility issues and one in four pregnancies end in miscarriage. There are over 26,000 stillbirth deliveries in the United States each year. One in eight couples is touched by one of these losses and it is well beyond the couples themselves who are affected -- their other children, parents, friends and neighbors, all who need guidance as to how to best show their support and love, and even express their own pain. R.I.S.E., which was made possible by a grant from UJA Federation of New York, is dedicated to addressing these and many more related issues via support groups, one specifically for infertility and one for miscarriage and infant loss, one-on-one counseling, workshops, resources and much more. We welcome community members becoming involved – on our council, contacting us confidentially to join one of our groups, which will be starting in March, to inquire about one-on-one counseling or to share their stories and help R.I.S.E. make a meaningful difference in our community. For more information please contact Rachayle Deutsch (516)569-6733 ext. 222 or email rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc.org. The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC is a Proud Partner of UJA Federation of New York.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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With Hearts Overflowing….
PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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ith the beautiful theme of “b’chol levocha,” the 55th Annual Dinner of Torah Academy for Girls, held on Tuesday, February 20, demonstrated the full scope of commitment, dedication and devotion of its administration, teachers, parents and community supporters. With a huge crowd looking on, the program was able to get to the heart of the matter through its videos, presentations and warm wishes to the honorees. TAG was privileged to pay tribute to Mr. Dudi & Mrs. Esti Gross who display their wholehearted commitment to TAG on a daily basis. Their dedication and involvement in the chinuch of their three daughters will, b’ezras Hashem, continue with the arrival of their latest new family member, a little girl born after Purim. Mazel tov to the entire mishpacha. Likewise, the recipients of the Harav Moshe Weitman z”l, Memorial Award, Rabbi Dov & Mrs. Tamar Bauman, expressed their heartfelt appreciation to TAG for educating their daughters in Machon Sarah High School. Their home certainly reflects the ideals and hashkafos of Rabbi Weitman, z”l, and they are wonderful role models for all who are privileged to know them. The farewell dedication to TAG’s beloved principal, Morah Sara Drillman, evoked much emotion as the beautiful video depicted the depth of her love and devotion to her precious talmidos and everyone’s love for her. The special section in the journal beautifully described the heartfelt appreciation from so many of her talmidos throughout her decades at TAG.
Presentation to Rabbi Dov & Mrs. Tamar Bauman. Shown from L-R: Yehuda Biber; Rabbi Baruch Lovett, Director of Development; Rabbi Dov Bauman, recipient of HaRav Moshe Weitman z”l Memorial Award; Rabbi Meyer Weitman; Eliyahu Berger; Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum, Executive Director. Seated L-R: Dr. Boruch Adler, honorary dinner chairman; Dr. Moshe Katz, president; Mr. Moishe Mishkowitz, chairman of the board; and Mr. Dudi Gross, guest of honor
Rabbi Meyer Weitman, Dean of Torah Academy of Girls, introduced a short video paying tribute to the memory of TAG’s prominent Chairman of the Va’ad Hachinuch, Rabbi Aaron Brafman, z”l, whose recent passing has left a void in the lives of so many. The main school video was dedicated in memory of Morah Elsie Soffer, a”h, TAG’s beloved pre-school morah, who was remembered fondly for her many contributions to TAG’s growth and the impact she had on so many talmidos. A dinner of this magnitude needs direction and commitment from a group of individuals who literally put their hearts and souls into ensuring its success. Heartfelt appreciation to our Dinner Chairmen, Mr. Yehudah Biber and Mr. Eliyahu Berger, as well as the Journal Chairmen, Mr. Moshe Feigenbaum and Dr. Ernest Isaacson. Many thanks to our Honorary Chairmen, Dr. Boruch Adler and Mr. Hillel Axelrod.
L-R: Dinner Chairman Eliyahu Berger; Rabbi Meyer Weitman, Dean; and Dinner Chairman Yehuda Biber in front of the large display of Nediv Lev gifts
Special thanks to Rabbi Baruch Lovett and his assistant, Mrs. Edna Ershowsky, Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum and his assistant, Mrs. Rahel Hardoon, Mrs.
Soshie Hirth and the entire office staff who outdid themselves to produce such a memorable and heartwarming event.
Presentation to Guests of Honor, Mr. Dudi & Mrs. Esti Gross. Shown from L-R: Rabbi Baruch Lovett, Rabbi Meyer Weitman, and Guest of Honor, Mr. Dudi Gross
Farewell Tribute presentation to Morah Sara Drillman. Shown L-R: Yehuda Biber, Rabbi Baruch Lovett, Rabbi Yaakov Drillman accepting award on behalf of his wife, Rabbi Meyer Weitman and Dr. Shmuel Reisbaum
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Congresswoman Meng Visits BYQ
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ongresswoman Grace Meng visited Bais Yaakov of Queens and addressed the 7th graders who, with Mrs. Penina Nussbaum, their social studies teacher, learned about the history of the development of our government and the way it currently functions on state and federal levels. It was exciting to hear about Mrs. Meng’s roles, activities, choices, and experiences as our local representative to Washington, D.C., and as a mother, a member of a minority population, and daughter of immigrants. Social studies came alive as the girls can now better understand and appreciate our great nation and its government system. All in attendance enjoyed Mrs. Meng’s approachable demeanor, clear presentation of a complex topic, and answers to students’ insightful questions. All were inspired to be active members of our community and country. She encouraged the young ladies to find a mentor from whom to learn, as well as to find someone younger to help, as they grow and achieve. Congresswoman Meng represents New York’s 6th Congressio-
nal District, which includes many of our local Jewish neighborhoods and institutions. BYQ is thankful to Congresswoman Meng for helping
secure a $75,000 Federal Homeland Security Grant for security improvements to the BYQ campus. Special thanks to Rabbi Pinchas Avruch,
Executive Director of BYQ, and Rabbi Daniel Pollack, liaison between the congresswoman and the Jewish community.
Yeshiva Darchei Torah Community Celebrates Installation of New Stop Sign
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he administration of Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, New York, is pleased to announce that, thanks to the efforts of numerous elected officials, a stop sign has been installed at the intersection of Caffrey and Brookhaven Avenues by the New York City Department of Transportation. A heavily-trafficked artery that includes the Yeshiva’s campus entrances on Beach 17th Street, the Caffrey Avenue corridor had been lacking a stop sign or traffic signal from New Haven Avenue until Seagirt Boulevard. It is a stretch three-tenths of a mile long that thousands of students and parents rely on to get to and from the school each day. Many of those children traverse Caffrey on foot and there was no location at which they could cross safely – until now. “We are grateful to the Office of the Mayor, D.O.T. Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Queens Borough
President Melinda Katz, State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and City Councilman Donovan Richards for recognizing the critical need for this stop sign,” says Rabbi Baruch Rothman, director of institutional ad-
vancement at Yeshiva Darchei Torah. “There is nothing more important than the safety of our children – and this will go a long way towards enhancing it.” Rabbi Rothman also mentioned
the tireless efforts of former State Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, “who took an early interest in the need for this sign and helped lead the charge. We are forever grateful to him.”
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Hanacha K’Halacha Program Visits MAY
Early Intervention Services For children birth - 3 years with special needs
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TO REFER YOUR CHILD TO THE EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM CALL 311. This Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program for children under the age of three who are either suspected of having or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. EIP is funded by NYS and NYC. All EIP services are provided at no cost to parents. Health insurance may be used for approved services. A child’s eligibility for the program can be determined only by state-approved evaluators under contract, and all services must be authorized by the NYC Early Intervention Program.
For more information about CHALLENGE: T. 718.851.3300 W. challenge-ei.com
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his past Sunday, Mesivta Ateres Yaakov received a visit from the Tefillin Awareness Project during which qualified sofrim reviewed the external kashrus of talmidim’s tefillin. Following Shacharis, Reb Avrumi Schechter, founder of the program, addressed the Mesivta about the importance of the mitzvah of tefillin and reviewed some of the basic halachos. He noted that one typically fulfills the mitzvah of tefillin 300 times a year, which according to the Rambam totals 2,400 mitzvos! Placement, kesharim (knots), retzuos (straps), tefiros (stitching)
and re’buah (squareness) were all checked. According to Reb Schechter, tens of thousands of Yidden in all different orthodox communities have taken advantage of this unique program. Talmidim were able to have their tefillin adjusted and painted, and many opted to purchase new straps, when needed. Tefillin covers were available as well, and each boy received a free mirror for checking placement in the future. The Mesivta thanks Rabbi Yehuda Horowitz, Mashgiach Ruchani, for organizing this inspiring and useful event.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Around the Community
Lab Learning at Central Avigayil Zucker and Eliana Hirsch, students at Shalhevet High School, were Winners of the Girls Got Talent in Brooklyn this past Sunday benefiting the Zichron Shlomo Refuah Fund. They both sang and Eliana played the guitar.
A Magical Kulanu Sunday
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ulanu’s Sunday Club was supercharged this past weekend by the “Magic of Boz.” You could have heard the laughter on Central Avenue as Michael BoZniak, The Boz, generously donated his time and talents to entertain an engaged audience of over fifty Kulanu students and staff. Shira, age 9, thoroughly enjoyed the magical performance of the “Boz” and the antics of his sidekick, “Chico,” as she and her Sunday Club friends were capti-
vated by the forty-five minute show. Sunday Club meets almost every Sunday from 9:00am – 12:00pm at the Kulanu Center for Special Services. This popular program offers individuals with special needs meaningful social and educational experiences while parents and caretakers are afforded valuable respite time. For more information, please contact Amy Eisenberg at 516-569-3083 ext. #138 or Amy@kulanukids.org.
Fun with JEP/Nageela
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EP’s Nageela Sisters is hosting a pre-Pesach “Make Your Own Matzah Cover” event this Sunday, March 11th at Congregation Ohr Torah from 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. for girls up to 8th grade. Pizza will be served…but before the matzah cover project! Hope you can join us. Admission is $10. To register, please visit campnageela.org/Event3.
html or call 516-374-1528. JEP/Nageela has been inspiring children and young adults to connect with Judaism for over 30 years through fun programming, Shabbatons, one-on-one learning, and its top-notch summer sleepaway, Camp Nageela. Thank you for your continued support!
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entral students in AP Biology and Forensics recently ventured beyond school to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to further their study of genetics. They toured the facility, learning about Watson and Crick and viewing models of the chemical structure of DNA. Most of their time, though, was spent in the lab. Under the direction of Ms. Shulamith Biderman, the students first experimented with some of the basics of genetics in two lab experiments. . They first, entitled “DNA Restriction Analysis,” allowed students to practice the art of cutting and manipulating DNA through the use of restriction enzymes, otherwise known as “the scissors of molecular biologists.” After successfully separating DNA from the bacteriophage lambda using these enzymes, they then analyzed the DNA using gel electrophoresis. The next lab, entitled “Bacterial Transformation,” demonstrated the direct link between genotype and phenotype, or DNA and observable characteristics. Students manipulated the genetic material of E. coli
bacteria, adding a gene for antibiotic resistance. They then compared these bacteria to a control group, evaluating which group grew better in the presence of the antibiotic ampicllin. They observed that the bacteria in the experimental group flourished while those in the control group did not. Both of these labs were preparation for the next one, which took place for AP Biology on February 21st (the forensics class will return to Cold Spring Harbor in March.) Already well acquainted with DNA cutting and analysis, students swabbed their own cheek cells and then, using the gel electrophoresis technique they had practiced a week earlier, analyzed their own DNA for the presence of the Alu allele. The class aggregated its results and studied them as microcosm of human population genetics. Finally, the class used the BioServers website to understand the distribution and presence of Alu allele in populations around the globe. Students Leeba Sullivan and Yael Laks said that “the visit was very engaging and interesting, and furthered what we are learning in class.”
A Talk You Will Long Remember
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n Thursday evening, March 15, at 7pm, Marion Blumenthal Lazan will share her Holocaust story, a message of perseverance, determination, faith and hope, at the Hewlett Woodmere Library. Marion is the author of Four Perfect Pebbles. Today’s generation is the last generation to hear a firsthand account of the Holocaust. The reception will begin at 5:30pm, at which time copies of Four Perfect Pebbles will be available for inscription with proceeds to benefit Friends of the Library. www.fourperfectpeb-
Marion with her new great-grandson, Be’eri. Pictured here with the proud parents, Noa and Yoav, last month
bles.com. Photo gallery of Marion currently on display at the library. Presentation appropriate ages 10 to adult.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Around the Community
MTA Robotics Team Advances to Super Regional By: Elishama Marmon, Class of 2020
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n Sunday, February 25, the MTA Robotics teams, Lionotics and Lionotics 2, went to Townsend Harris High School in Queens to compete in the First Tech Challenge New York City State Championship. Lionotics has been doing these competitions for years, while Lionotics 2 is a new team, which was created this year due to the large number of students who wanted to join the Robotics team. Both teams had done extremely well in the qualifiers and were prepared to try to advance to the North Eastern Super Regional. They would have to beat the best teams in New York City in order to advance. Lionotics had completely redesigned their robot since the last competition, while Lionotics 2 had only made slight tweaks and improvements. Therefore, Lionotics had high expectations and hoped that their design would work well, while Lionotics 2 was confident in the incredible consistency of their robot to take them through to the
elimination rounds. In the first few rounds, neither robot performed up to par. The Lionotics’ new system didn’t work like it was supposed to, and although both robots’ autonomous programs worked very well and consistently and the robots did score some good points, the teams simply couldn’t pull out wins, losing a few very close games. Then something clicked for Lionotics 2, and they made up some ground by having a few great games. As they went to Mincha before the draft of teams for the elimination rounds, they all hoped that they would be selected to join a good alliance and go on to win.
The draft was filled with tension. Would Lionotics 2 be selected to join those fighting for the championship? The answer, as it turned out, was yes. Lionotics 2 was selected by the alliance made up of the two teams with the best records at that point. The three teams proceeded to win the best-of-three semifinals in two games, almost doubling the other teams’ scores. They then also swept the championships, with Lionotics 2 having an incredible game. The whole team sang “mishenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha” as they realized that they had been one of only five teams in the whole New York City, and the only yeshiva high school team, to
qualify for the Super Regional Championship of the entire North Eastern United States! While the next competition takes up an entire weekend, including Shabbos, we hope that the organizers will be able to help us and make sure that we can still compete. Congratulations to the entire Robotics team and thank you to all of them and to the faculty members who made this all possible for their hard work! Good luck to the team as they prepare for the Super Regional! If you would like to sponsor MTA’s Robotics teams or want guidance in starting your own team, please contact bjacob@yuhsbstudents.org.
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Around the Community
The Little School That Could By Mrs. Malka Strickman They say you can’t have it all. They say you can’t have your cake and eat it too. They say a lot of things we no longer pay any attention to. When searching for a school for our daughters, we knew we wanted a lot. We wanted a warm, nurturing staff. We wanted real Torah values and priorities. We wanted a growing, wholesome parent body. We wanted a multi-faceted curriculum. We wanted strong academics. We wanted role models. We wanted high standards without compromising flexibility. We wanted a school run by people who will know when to take a stand and when to allow kids to be kids. We wanted less judgement, less labeling and more ahavas Yisrael. We wanted less brand-name and systemized and more authentic, “emesdik.” We wanted a culture of “hatznea leches im Hashem Elokecha,” a tznius that is not only rules about knees and elbows. We wanted a school run by people who live and love chinuch. We wanted a school run by people we could talk to. We even had the chutzpah to want a school run by people our kids could talk to! (Gasp.) We wanted a small school, but we had big ideas. We wanted too much, they said. Then we met Rabbi Nosson Neuman. And we found all we wanted in his new school, Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam. It has been 5 years, and we’ve never looked back. There are few individuals more approachable than Rabbi Neuman. R’ Nosson is a people-person: outgoing, big hearted and relatable. His relaxed, jocular persona can be almost misleading to those who are mere acquaintances; those who spend even a few minutes more with him will quickly be able to detect a sincere, passionate approach to Yiddishkeit and chinuch. Talk to him for five minutes, and you know that he has the “chinuch gene.” Mrs. Zytman, principal of BYAM, is the consummate mechaneches. Her gentle warmth and deep intu-
ition have a soothing effect on the entire school. You can feel her calming presence in the hallways. If this sounds fanciful, we get it. I never would have believed such a thing possible myself. But ask any parent whose presence their girls rely on, trust, or mention most, and they will immediately name Mrs. Zytman. While Rabbi Neuman is known for his avuncular approach (and lollipops!) that the girls adore and giggle about, Mrs. Zytman is the mother everyone should be blessed to have. It is not unusual to see her crouched at eye-level with a child, having a serious conversation with a 3- or 4-year-old. These children are not just adorable little munchkins – they are people in her eyes. This is an individual who was born to educate. She is the mastermind behind the curriculum planning, teacher mentoring, ruach, and discipline – the nuts and bolts of the chinuch we so rely on. The atmosphere in the school is a sophisticated blend of these two individuals’ unique contributions. There is nothing they do not have a hand in. They set the tone for their incredible staff, and the results are outstanding. In a small school, the gears only turn if everyone is fully on board. Few individuals work “school hours only.” Many members of the staff play multiple roles with incredible grace and aplomb. A great example of this is the indefatigable Avraham Mayer, who is officially titled school administrator, but can just as well be named finance officer, dinner coordinator, fundraiser, school lunch organizer, tuition negotiator, transportation arranger, headache bearer, etc. I refrain from listing anyone else out of fear of leaving someone out. Suffice it to say that the dedication of the BYAM staff – secretaries, PTA heads, extra-curricular coordinators, teachers and support personnel – is unsurpassed. Everyone works extremely hard, and we as parents are so grateful for all of the efforts – both known and unbeknownst to us. We know that we aren’t the only ones who feel this way. Over the past few years, we’ve heard many beautiful things from multiple parents in the school, which planted the germ for this feature. With this year’s din-
ner rapidly approaching on March 10, we took the opportunity to ask each of the honorees why they chose Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam. Daniel and Miri Rabinowitz, beloved members of North Woodmere’s KBH, will be the recipients of the Guests of Honor Award this year. Both having been raised in homes that are directly connected to wellknown chinuch institutions (Daniel’s parents are prominent supporters of Yeshivas Chaim Berlin, and Miri literally grew up on the Telz Cleveland campus), I was curious to hear what they had to say about why they chose this particular school for their daughters. “We love the genuine hashkafos and simplicity of this school. We feel that they value our thoughts as parents and are willing to hear us out.” They also shared that their daughter Esti, a fifth grader in BYAM has an ongoing personal relationship with both principals, and was openly disappointed about missing school when the family attended a bris one weekday morning. The Rabinowitzes actually followed Mrs. Zytman here from another school a number of years back, a testament to how beloved her remarkable chinuch approach is. Rabbi Moshe and Rena Greenspan, recipients of the Harbotzas Hatorah Award, are both educators themselves in Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island and On Our Way respectively. When asked why they chose BYAM for their daughter Sarah, Rena shared that she admires the stellar values the school is based on. She appreciates the class sizes, and the way that the school is capable of getting each student’s individualized needs met – be it enrichment, support or just plain warmth. And, of course, her parting words were, “Mrs. Zytman is a true role model.” The Amud Hachesed Award is being dedicated in memory of R’ Beinish Mandel, zt”l (aka F-35), venerated pillar of chessed, member of Flatbush Hatzalah, with grandchildren in the school. It will be accepted by his wonderful children, Moshe and Miriam Mandel, who described what a joy it is to see their girls leaving to school with happy faces and returning home even happier. They report that their daughters build such natural, loving
relationships with their teachers, because the school culture has been constructed with tremendous focus on kindness and positivity. Miriam pointed out that it is rare to find a school that so beautifully emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Hashem and delicately works to give girls the tools and awareness necessary to connect with their Creator. As Rabbi Neuman, a longtime friend and neighbor to R’ Beinish can testify, this is something the Mandels lived with, and they are so grateful to be in partnership with a school that shares the same goals. My own daughters do not understand why I am surprised when they share that they were schmoozing with Rabbi Neuman about their Purim costume or summer plans. They cannot fathom the gratitude I feel when a daughter relates how a teacher retaught her the material she missed the day before during recess. They do not understand why I look so pleased when they say things like, “Ma, we’re gonna learn the whole shemoneh esrei this year and what all the words mean! I’m gonna daven soooooo long like Tatty!” or “Can we buy more books about the sun and moon? Science is so interesting!” or especially things like “Mrs. Zytman said that everyone needs to feel safe here, so I know she will help me if that girl bothers me again.” They don’t get it at all. “Don’t all kids have teachers and principals who love and take care of everyone, and answer their questions, and help them learn everything in the whole wide world, and keep them safe, and call them when they’re sick, and help them be good Yidden?” You know what, princess? They should. They should and they could. With tremendous siyata d’shmaya, and lots of dedication and perspiration, even little schools could do huge things. They say you can’t have it all. We know better now. Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam will be celebrating 6 years of chinuch habanos this Motzaei Shabbos, March 10th in Congregation Beth Shalom. Looking forward to greeting you there.
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
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Advocating for Israel: SKA Attends AIPAC Conference
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he annual AIPAC Policy Conference held on March 5-8 was attended by 18,000 delegates including eleven students from the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls and faculty member, Mrs. Tamar Bindiger. The conference was an exciting three days of meeting and learning, and it provided the SKA students with an incredible opportunity to understand the alliance between America and Israel. The girls heard from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ambassador Nikki Haley, Vice President Mike Pence, and many others. On Tuesday, the SKA students were able to lobby in support of Israel at the offices of Congresswoman Kathleen Rice
and Congresswoman Grace Meng. The AIPAC Conference was three days of learning how to have a voice for the sake of Israel’s survival, especially after attending the special sessions for high school advocacy. The SKA students gained a better insight into America’s role in Israel’s safety and Israel’s role as America’s partner as the only democracy in the Middle East and innovator in business and technology. Mrs. Helen Spirn, SKA Head of School, noted, “We are excited to participate in this year’s AIPAC Conference and proudly support our students’ strong passion and commitment to Israel advocacy.”
DRS Star: Award-Winning
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he DRS Star, DRS Yeshiva High School’s student newspaper, attended Adelphi University’s annual Press Day, winning awards while getting new ideas to further improve the newspaper. Twenty-six public and private schools from across Long Island attended the conference, held at the university’s Garden City campus. First, a panel of seasoned journalists and professors discussed several issues regarding the media in today’s day and age. Next, students and advisors broke up into smaller groups to exchange ideas about their school newspapers. After lunch came the Quill Awards presentation, as top high school journalists were honored for their work. Colum-
nist Jeremy Koffsky won First Place in “Best Online Writing.” Co-editors-in-chief Sruli Fruchter and Josh Samet won First Place awards for “Best Front Page Layout.” “I’m really proud of the awards our newspaper won at the Quill Awards, which are a reflection of the great work done by our entire staff,” said Fruchter. “I also want to thank our devoted faculty adviser, Ms. Julie Foster, as well as our Menahel, Rabbi Kaminetsky, and Principal Dr. Broder for all of their hard work, and the advice they provided, which was instrumental in making The Star an award-winning newspaper.”
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Around the Community
HANC HS Attends AIPAC
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his past Sunday, March 4, a delegation of six students, Zackary Plutzer, Batsheva Moskowitz, Tehila Baruch, Josh Vilkas, Josh Chiger, and Aeton Rabanipour, accompanied by faculty advisor Laura Eisner, represented HANC High School at the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference was action-packed
and students had the amazing opportunity to hear from important leaders in the pro-Israel community, as well as government officials who support the strong relationship between the United States and Israel. While the energy in the crowd was most electric as the 18,000 conference attendees welcomed UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Prime Minister Benjamin Ne-
tanyahu, the amount of high-ranking government officials who addressed the audience impressed upon the students the importance of the power of their voices in the pro-Israel political movement. HANC High School students also attended a small Q&A session with Jason Greenblatt, Assistant to the President and Special Representative
for International Negotiations, who spoke to the students about the administration’s work on a peace plan for the Israelis and the Palestinians. The theme of the conference was “Choose to Lead,” and the speakers and programs that the students attended truly inspired them to make that choice and further their actions for Israel.
Shulamith HS Among Nation’s First Schools Selected to Join Harvard’s Making Caring Common Project
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hulamith High School for Girls is among the nation’s first schools to join a new national campaign to mobilize middle and high schools to prepare young people to be constructive community members and citizens who create a better world. Led by Harvard’s Making Caring Common project, the Caring Schools #CommonGood campaign aims to motivate schools to take action to help mend our country’s fractures and strengthen democracy. “We are proud to be recognized for our research-driven, Head-toHeart mission”, said Ms. Rina Zerykier, Shulamith High School principal. “Shulamith High School is proud to be an early leader in joining The Making Caring Common Project. We look forward to working with the Harvard Graduate School of Education and our school community, to make our commitment to building a constructive community of character and caring – for each other and the larger world – a reality,” said Ms. Ricky Gaerman, Director of Student Learning. The campaign seeks to advance
the following specific goals by working with schools nationwide: Deepen students’ care for others and their communities; Increase equity and access for all students in the college admissions
process; and Reduce excessive achievement pressure in communities where it is detrimental to students. These goals align with and build on Making Caring Common’s suc-
cessful Turning the Tide initiative that has engaged more than 175 college admissions offices nationwide. “Our country is at a crossroads,” said Dr. Richard Weissbourd, Senior Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Faculty Director of the Making Caring Common project. “We need to mobilize the great strengths of Americans to prepare young people to build strong, inclusive communities and to protect democracy. This work has perhaps never been more important.” As an “early leader” to the program, Shulamith High School commits to strengthening its evidence-based social and emotional learning and character education. “Research suggests that character education and social-emotional programs are effective tools in building empathy, social awareness, and kindness in teenagers today,” noted Ms. Gaerman. Ms. Zerykier added, “It is integral that our students learn to truly understand areivut, what it means to care for others and take responsibility for their community.”
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Around the Community
Bais Tefila of Inwood Dinner PHOTO CREDIT: GABE SOLOMON, LIFE CAPTURE IMAGES
Pinny and Julie Ackerman
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Rabbi YY and Elisa Rubinstein
here was a unique sense of purpose and camaraderie in the air as Bais Tefila of Inwood celebrated its 9th Anniversary Dinner this past Sunday at the Inwood Country Club. It was not a typical shul dinner. In addition to marking the ninth anniversary of a wonderful community shul, it acknowledged the incredible growth that Inwood has undergone during recent years. The shul that began as a nascent dream with barely a minyan of families has grown into a major force within the community. It has spawned numerous initiatives that has made Inwood the perfect place to live for so many families. Most appropriately, the dinner honored three key Inwood families: Pinny and Julie Ackerman, one of the
Chaim and Rivki Gitelis
Rabbi Pinchus Weinberger
very first families to move into Inwood; Rabbi YY and Elisa Rubinstein; and Chaim and Rivki Gitelis. All three
families demonstrate, in word and in deed, the value of our close-knit community. As the shul looks to the future, it has now embarked on a search for a new building that will house its growing membership and allow it to
continue to accommodate Inwood’s continued explosive growth. B’ezras Hashem, with a new building, the shul will celebrate many more milestones and continue to serve as a community hub for many years to come.
FDNY Lt. Jeff Scherer presenting on the topic of fire safety at the JCCRP Smoke Detector Event at the White Shul. A second event will take place this Monday at 7:30pm. Join the event to sign up for free smoke detectors.
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H NORMAN
The Neveh dinner was a tremendous success. Over 250 people came to support the Yeshiva for its 41st annual dinner. Scott Stone, dinner chairman, brought down Meilich Kohn to entertain everyone. The honorees were Jay and Cyndi Rand, Yerucham and Malki Winer, and Chaim and Tali Bernson. The Mash was very appreciative of everyone coming out to help continue to save lives.
Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein was the scholar-in-residence at the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst last Shabbos. He spoke four times over Shabbos including presentations on “A Blogger’s State of the Jewish Union Address,” “Why The World Still Needs Jews,” “A Kingdom of Priests and Ambassadors,” and “Vashti’s Tail – How (Not) to Teach Aggada to Children of all Ages.” He is pictured here with Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, mara d’asra, and Rabbi Yaakov Trump, assistant rabbi.
Shevach Alumnae Enjoy Special Melave Malka
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n Motzei Shabbos, February 17, Shevach High School held its annual Alumnae Melave Malka, organized by Shevach alumna Mrs. Malkie Roberts. Alumnae from many years back as well as recent graduates enjoyed the opportunity to reunite with some of their former teachers and classmates in Shevach’s multi- purpose room. After everyone helped themselves to the delicious buffet, Shevach principal, Rebbetzin Rochelle Hirtz, opened the evening with a few words of introduction. She emphasized how the hallmark of Shevach graduates is their commitment to never remain as omdim, in a stagnant status, which potentially leads to downfall, but rather to always be moving forward as holchim in every aspect of their lives. Mrs. Kleinkaufman, a beloved Chumash teacher at Shevach, then addressed the alumnae. She began by highlighting the significance of returning to Shevach, a monumental place in the lives of the alumnae, because they experienced a tremendous period of growth there as high school students. Mrs. Kleinkaufman then delved into the concept of a significant place. The first few times a place,
a makom, is mentioned in Tanach, it refers to a place that has the shechina’s presence in that location. The ultimate “place” is the makom hamikdash, the only site with permanent kedusha. She noted that another makom that is significant is a makom tefilla. When a person creates a consistent makom tefilla, he or she can actually improve the tefilla because the mind automatically prepares for davening when approaching that spot. Mrs. Kleinkaufman further emphasized that this gathering was a unique opportunity for the graduates to look back at what they gained as well as to look forward into the future and how they hope to further their growth. A professional glass painter then led an enjoyable glass-painting activity where the alumnae had the opportunity to design their own glass bowls or mugs. All appreciated the chance to paint while spending time together with former classmates and friends, in the very place that had provided them with many of the tools they needed in order to become the wonderful Bnos Yisrael they are today. Thank you to alumna Miss Chani Gewanter for providing the information for this article.
Rabbi Steinberg and his 5th grade talmidim at HALB wrote a hakarat hatov letter to President Trump after acknowledging Yerushalayim as the capital of Israel. President Trump wrote the class a letter back.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Around the Community At the recent sheva brachos of the first grandchild of the Sulitze Rebbe
Stopping NYC’s Credit Card Processing Surcharge
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ssemblymember Daniel Rosenthal (D-Queens) has introduced legislation (A.9755) to prohibit the City of New York from imposing convenience fees on violations that are paid with a credit card. Senator Simcha Felder (D- Brooklyn) is the sponsor of the Senate version (S.6113). Under current state law, retailers and merchants are barred from charging consumers additional fees for using credit or debit cards. However, this prohibition does not apply
to cities and municipalities, where the costs of processing fees are often passed on to residents. In New York City, this cost translates to a 2.49% surcharge on transactions when residents choose to pay violations and fines using a credit or debit card. “Disguising surcharges as a convenience fee on our residents is unacceptable,” said Assemblymember Rosenthal. “Implementing credit and debit payment options has saved the city money by reducing personnel time spent processing paper checks, and by
increasing expediency of payments. As our economy moves towards a more digitized system, we should not be charging already over-taxed New Yorkers for choosing to pay their fines in a timely and efficient manner.” Rosenthal calls this legislation “common sense” and urges his colleagues in the Assembly to co-sponsor and support this measure that would directly save residents of New York City millions of dollars. Figures from the City Comptroller’s Comprehensive Annual Finan-
cial Report found that in FY 2016, the City collected $993 million in fines, a 3.7% increase from the previous year. The largest category of this revenue is from parking violations which brought $545 million into City coffers. In a 2016 report titled “Fines and Fees in the New York City Budget,” the Comptroller’s office called the credit card processing fee “antiquated” and “obscure” after noting this surcharge cost residents $10.5 million in parking ticket violations alone.
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Around the Community PHOTO CREDIT: CHAIM KASDAN
At the Purim Mesibah at Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi Rav Yaakov Feitman dancing with Rav Yochanan Cohen, Rav Dov Silver and members of his kehillah
Rav Yaakov Feitman dancing with Rav Dov Silver and host Yossi Eisenberger
Rav Yaakov Feitman speaking at Mesibas Purim with Rav Dov Silver and Rav Yochanan Cohen
Purim with Chabad of Far Rockaway
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habad of Far Rockaway once again provided the community with some great Purim fun. Jungle John’s reptile show had the crowd stunned learning some amazing facts and feats of reptiles. From a very long albino snake to a smiling alligator, young and old were wowed and even got to hold and touch some of the reptiles. Following the entertaining show a family-friendly megillah reading which young and old have come to anticipate took place. With
multi-media entertainment, a super loud and quick expert baal koreh and activities and snacks for the little ones, this is a megillah reading where all who come, men, women and children, can all hear the megillah at the same time. Many women thanked
Chabad after the program saying they love being able to hear the megillah with their children and not have to go find another reading later. Purim night and day as usual Chabad had a network of bochurim reading megillah at various nursing
homes and at Chabad multiple times. At the conclusion of this uplifting special Purim, a group of men and bochurim enjoyed a farbrengen led by Rabbi Pesach Schmerling focusing on the deeper messages of Purim in our daily avodas Hashem all year round.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
Around the Community
HALB Celebrates Purim
Simchas Purim at CAHAL
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Around the Community
The a-MAY-zing Purim Mesiba
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n Erev Ta’anis Esther, Mesivta Ateres Yaakov held their annual Purim mesiba with a pizza dinner, live music, a talent competition, a costume contest, and a Purim shpiel compliments of the senior class. It was definitely an a-MAY-zing event by all counts. The evening began with a delicious dinner followed quickly by enthusiastic dancing in true Adar spirit as the live music enhanced the atmosphere. It was heartwarming and uplifting for all! Talmidim arrived at the Mesivta in full Purim gear, posing for pictures and videos with their rabbeim. Rabbi Yaffe conducted his annual costume contest, judged by the volume of cheering from the talmidim’s
peers, and it got pretty loud! As always the highlight of the evening was annual talent competition, which included renditions of classics, original musical compositions, amazing juggling and incredible dancing. Talmidim had a blast cheering on their peers and singing along with their friends. Concluding the talent competition, S’gan Menahel, Rabbi Yossi Bennett, together with a number of the rabbeim, performed the 5th edition of their original satirical composition, “Don’t Call It South Shore,” which is always a crowd-pleaser. The mesiba closed with the annual Purim shpiel provided by the senior class with some surprise faculty members contributing shpiels of their own.
Did you know? Two states, Hawaii and Arizona, don’t observe Daylight Saving Time
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TJH Supp leme nt
Your TJH Purim Photo Album
More t han 20 pag es of phot os inside!
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Simchas Purim at Rabbi Werner's Home
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At the Shaaray Tefila Purim Chagiga
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Simchas Purim at Dr. Lightman’s House
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Simchas Purim at Rabbi Brown's House PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
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Simchas Purim at Rabbi Krigsman’s Home
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Easy, Breezy. Lieber's coconut miLk ice cream
1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
1. 26 oz. Lieber's coconut milk, (chilled, 4 hours)
3. Whisk briskly or churn with an immersion blender.
2. 1 - 1 3/4 c Lieber's sugar
4. Refreeze and repeat every 30 minutes until creamy and completely frozen.
3. 2 t Lieber's vanilla extract
2. Freeze for 30 minutes.
Lieber's coconut milk is what makes this ice cream recipe smooth & scoopable.
!חג כשר ושמח Also try Lieber's organic coconut cream & light milk in your Pesach recipes this year!
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Around the Community
Pre-Purim fun at Gesher
Purim at DRS
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hen walking into DRS Yeshiva on Purim night, one couldn’t help but feel “marbim b’simcha.” The Annual DRS Purim Chagigah is a highlight of the year and is unique to DRS, as it is one of the few schools that hosts its students and their parents at a fun, exciting, and inspiring simchat Purim event. The night began as students, parents, and community members filled DRS’s beautiful Beit Medrash for megillah reading led by Rabbi Kaminetsky. Following megillah, a siyum was made by 14 students who completed Masechet Megillah in the 60 days leading up to Purim! On Purim, we celebrate the fact that the Jews at that time willingly re-accepted the Torah, and it was so inspiring to see high school students accept this great project upon themselves in honor of the holiday.
The night continued as DRS students and rabbeim, decked out in Purim costume, danced for hours to the lively music of Neshoma Orchestra. Following dancing, everyone enjoyed the annual student-created comedy videos, and a comedy performance of “DRS NEWS” by some of the DRS rabbeim. The night faded away as the student body burst into laughter.
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Around the Community
Purim at Margaret Tietz
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argaret Tietz Center was proud to support community Purim parties this year. 250 mishloach manot bags were created at Margaret Tietz for seniors throughout the community. We were glad to be part of the celebrations at the Young Israel Forest Hills Senior Center, Young Israel Queens Valley Senior League, and Ohr Natan. We
had a wonderful celebration here at Margaret Tietz for our residents here at Margaret Tietz which started with a dance group under the direction of Atara Serle from Bnos Malka. A group of beautiful fifth grade girls came to dance and brought their smiles and enthusiasm to our grateful residents. Lander College Students came by in full costumes, with mu-
sical instruments, and singing which brought the Purim celebration at Margaret Tietz to new heights! Two additional groups of teenage girls from Kew Gardens Hills, in fantastic costumes, took it upon themselves to join the festivities and bring mishloach manot bags for our residents. Another group of boys came from Woodmere with mishaloach manot
Simchas Purim at Rabbi Libman’s House
bags donated from Gourmet Glatt, and a mom from the community with two of her children, one on a unicycle, definitely brought a new twist to Purim. We are so grateful to the outpouring of the community for the residents of Margaret Tietz. Margaret Tietz was definitely a destination for Purim this year.
PHOTO CREDIT: IRA THOMAS CREATIONS
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Around the Community
Purim Party at Sephardic Community of Hewlett
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jolly time was had by all who attended the Sephardic Congregation of Hewlett (SCOH) celebration of its second annual Purim megillah reading and carnival-type party. Approximately 250 adults and children joined together for the event at the Woodmere Fire House Party room. The night started with reading of the megillah. The baal koreh was Benyamin Menashy who read so beautifully for everyone to hear every single word. After the reading, Pizza
Pious catered the meal, with Leo’s usual generosity in providing the community with plenty of delicious food. The party included games and activities for the children with a great magic show. Every child received a free mishloach manot bag and toys. The sisterhood did a wonderful job in preparing over 70 beautiful baskets that were sold to the community. What a great festive night it was. SCOH is under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Raphael Ribacoff.
Young Israel of Long Beach Purim Carnival
...And a great time was had by all. Tremendous thanks to Rabbi Hudi & Dina Chinskey for organizing a fun, old-fashioned Purim carnival at Young Israel of Long Beach that drew families from throughout Long Beach, Oceanside, the Five Towns, and as far away as Monsey.
They pulled together a great team of helpers including Yocheved Brucker, Yudi Pasik, Michael Rosner, Kalman & Sammy Spiess, Shayna Smulevitz, Lisa Lederer and Barry Pinto. Shelly Wapniak enhanced our carnival with her amazing balloon art skills. Who would guess that the pickle eating
champs of Long Beach would come from the Sephardic Shul? Kol ha’kavod Kolish family! What would a Purim carnival be without a costume contest; Rabbi Weisenberg officiated and the Broder family took home top prizes for their creative homemade costumes:
Moshe the blue jelly bean and Aaron the lion. We would be remiss not to mention Binyamin Fohrman, the king of Knock Over the Cans. Thank you again Dina and Hudi – we can’t wait for next year’s carnival.
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Around the Community PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN H NORMAN
After the reading of the megillah on Purim night, Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst held a fantastic Purim party with lots of food and wonderful activities for the children.
YCQ Celebrates Shushan Purim With Its Annual Carnival
YOSS Delivers Purim Cheer to Bristal Residents
n Friday, March 2, students and staff at Yeshiva of Central Queens showed up to school in costume to enjoy their annual Shushan Purim carnival. The gym was set up with carnival games and bouncy rides with students earning raffle tickets for prizes. The grade eight students manned the rides and sold cotton candy, popcorn and drinks to raise money for graduation. To show school spirit, the administration dressed up as well and joined in the activities. In classes, students played Purim-related games. The grade six girls played “Hang Haman” with their social studies teacher, and some students in their language arts class acted out scenes from the book they are reading instead of straight reading. The early childhood department staff all dressed up as bakers and their students enjoyed hamantashen they baked themselves, as the rest of
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he talmidim of Yeshiva of South Shore’s Hollander Early Childhood Center, delivered Purim cheer and mishloach manos packages to the residents of the Bristal Assisted Living Center in North Woodmere. The fun started the week before Purim, when the nursery children decorated special bags and then
the school enjoyed a special Purim treat during lunch. Throughout all of the halls, laughter could be heard as the entire YCQ family enjoyed Shushan Purim together.
the kindergarten boys filled them with treats. The teamwork continued when the Pre-1A boys, wearing their Purim costumes, presented the special packages and sang and danced for the residents. It was a true display of “Mishenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha!”
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Around the Community
Purim at Central
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fter two weeks of Purim learning, senior dress up, and other Purim prep, Central finally welcomed Purim last week! The program began with a meaningful Taanit Esther. Students had the opportunity to hear some of their general studies teachers, Mrs. Ruth Fried, Mrs. Miriam Chopp, and Mrs. Betty York, speak on a panel about tefillah. The teachers answered questions about how they sustain kavanah each day, and which tefillot are most meaning-
ful to them. Then, at the end of the day, students entered Purim mode by participating in Purim Olympics! Each grade had to produce a music video, poster, and dvar Torah related to its assigned mitzvah of Purim – all in half an hour! The teams came through with impressive results and demonstrated their understanding of their mitzvot. And then... the much awaited moment! Students, faculty (in ‘70s costumes) and parents gathered at school for a Purim extravaganza!
Ms. Miriam Borenstein delivered a shiur to conclude the fast, the megillah was read, and a Purim chagigah broke out, led by DJ Azamra. “The event was truly something I’ve never experienced before. There was so much excitement and spirit that really enhanced Purim overall,” said Shira Ebbin, ‘21. The Central community danced the night away, celebrating the holiday and capturing the Purim spirit. “I really loved the Purim Extravaganza!” said Leora Muskat, ‘21. “I think it’s a really good
idea because it’s an amazing way to spend Purim night. Dancing, eating, and hearing megillah in costumes with friends is so much fun!” Michelle Weingarten, ’18, echoed the sentiment: “It was really nice to see girls in different grades and teachers all come together and be sameach on Purim together.” The festivities continued in school on Shushan Purim with an inschool chagigah and Purim shpiel. And now, onto Pesach!
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The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Around the Community
The Purim Story at HAFTR
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he Megillah Story was the theme of our HAFTR Lower School’s fantastic Shushan Purim carnival, facilitated by our fifth grade students. With Woody as Mordechai and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head as Bigtan and Teresh, the many Toy Story characters took on the personalities found in the Megillah. Our talented Bnot Sherut, Morel and Moriah, decorated the entire gym and lunchroom, highlighting pesukim from the megillah which represented our characters. The carnival, prepared by our fifth graders, was fun and challenging. Everyone, including faculty, were dressed in festive costumes. Cotton candy, popcorn and treats were enjoyed by many. We thank the PTA for sponsoring the prizes and the treats that were distributed.
Yachad Long Island Purim Fun
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he Sunday before Purim, Yachad Long Island held an exciting and fun-filled Pu-
rim party at the White Shul and in conjunction with their sisterhood. Yachad members, high school peers
and volunteers came dressed in their costumes ready for the exciting evening ahead! The program began with learning about Purim, including a fun and exciting trivia game. The group then created and decorated beautiful graggers and enjoyed dinner and snacks followed by spirited dancing with a special visitor, the White Shul mara d’asra, Rabbi Eytan Feiner. The Yachad participants and staff received personal brachos and words of inspiration from Rabbi Feiner, who spoke glowingly about the amazing work of the organization.
The Sisterhood of the White Shul teamed up with Yachad LI and together created the shul’s exquisite mishloach manot. Yachad members helped set up and package the mishloach manot while music blasted and Tzivi Kapelowitz of the White Shul Sisterhood gave directions. The evening was magical and fun while the mishloach manot packaging was an extraordinary chessed to be involved in. For more information or to get involved with Yachad LI, please email Rachel Stahler at stahlerR@ ou.org.
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Around the Community
Sneak Peek at the Awesome & New Grove Kosher Marketplace in Boca Raton
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he Grove Kosher Market is South Florida’s premier kosher supermarket combining an upscale, modern approach with a touch of tradition. The Grove recently completed a major project with its brand-new expansion featuring its cutting-edge facility housed in their newly redesigned, spacious 15,000 square foot store. The Grove always aims to please, and customer satisfaction is their number-one priority. The Jewish Home staff was privileged to get a private tour of the new store,
taste some of its finest foods, and get to experience The Grove Experience up close and personal. Here is a sneak peek highlighting five of The Grove’s finest features, a sumptuous treat we’re privileged to share with our readers. Produce. The first thing to catch your eye when you walk into the Grove is the large variety of bright, plump and juicy produce on display. The Grove’s selection of produce, consisting of handpicked fruits and vegetables, are uniquely packaged and
delivered to ensure freshness. From the harvest grove to The Grove, every piece of fruit or vegetable is high-quality, top shelf produce. They offer a large variety of washed, cleaned and certified-checked vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and romaine lettuce to make matters in the kitchen that much easier. And if you don’t find what you need the accommodating staff are more than happy to order exotic fruits and vegetables for you! Meat, Poultry & Fish. The Grove has an extensive
variety of gourmet, hand-selected fish, poultry and meats cut by their expert butchers. They offer fresh, American, Western beef full of flavor and unmatched tenderness. They have a large selection of USDA certified organic grassfed beef that is carved to perfection. And they will always take requests to custom cut to your specifications. Prepared Foods. The Grove’s talented top chefs created over 250 mouthwatering, delicious varieties of delicacies and prepared foods. Each dish is made fresh daily and on premises with only the best ingredients in their new, expanded state-of-the-art kitchen. There is a great variety of entrees, sides, and salads, in addition to The Grove’s famed selection of delicious soups – tastiness that is sure to satisfy any palate. What’s more, they offer salt-free, pareve, dairy, vegetarian, and gluten-free options as well to make sure that every customer’s needs are fully served. Baked Goods. The Grove’s bakery flaunts a de-
lectable and irresistible haven of baked goods. With over 100 different items, specialty bakers bake everything daily, from scratch, on premises in their state-of-the-art bakery. From specialty cakes to scrumptious cookies, from muffins to mandelbreads and rugelach, The Grove bakery offers it all. And be sure to try out their ten different types of challah! Fine Wine. The Grove offers some of the finest kosher wines available. The beautifully laid out and decorative wine display exemplifies the magnificent selection of wines. There are over 1,000 different bottles of wines hailing from all around the world. Some of the best sellers come from Israel, Chile, France, Spain, and California. With that kind of selection, every meal-pairing and palate is sure to find its match! There’s no better experience than The Grove Experience. Be sure to check it out for yourself or place an order online at www.grovekosher. com!
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Around the Community
Remembering Rav Binyamin, z”tl
The House on Oak Street, Part I By Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky
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his past year since my father, Rav Binyamin Kamenetzky, zt”l, passed away has been a time of reflection. I have reflected not only as a son on the life of his father, but also as a Rosh Yeshiva on the accomplishments of the founding Rosh Yeshiva. Yeshiva Toras Chaim at South Shore was my father’s labor of love among his many contributions to the Five Towns community. He fulfilled his dream of creating an all-boys yeshiva that has provided a Torah foundation for generations of young men. Founding the yeshiva had its practical concerns as well, and the main challenge was finding a suitable home. As we embark on the refurbishment and expansion of our current building in his memory, I’d like to go back to where it all began. Establishing an all-boy’s yeshiva in a time and place where it was almost unheard of was not without its terrifying moments. My father shared these experiences with me, including the family’s move to a corner of suburbia, where our Orthodox family (then consisting of my father, mother, and three older sisters) was met with cold stares and snide remarks – or worse. Even before my family moved to Woodmere in the summer of 1956, the neighbors were tumuling. My father, sporting a goatee, surely did not look like a chassidic rebbe or even a chassid. Yet weeks before the move, my father received a call from a Mr. Snyder, a soon-to-be neighbor on Barnard Avenue, the block in which he had purchased our home. “Hello, this is Mr. Snyder. I understand you are moving to Woodmere.” “Yes, im yirtzeh Hashem.” “Huh?” “I mean, G-d willing.” “Rabbi, I am not worried about G-d
– the question is, are we willing? Are the neighbors willing?” “Excuse me?” countered my father. “Is there a problem?” “Let me ask you a question. Is it true that your children have peyos?” My father paused. It was a long pause. And then he finally answered. “Yes, I must admit. All of my three children have peyos – long peyos.” The silence was deafening, but after waiting a few precious moments my father continued, “But not to worry; they are all girls!” Moving into a hostile neighborhood was one problem. Creating a shteeble-size Orthodox shul was another one. And finding a home for a yeshiva? Woodmere was pristine suburbia. Any change to the infrastructure, architectural or otherwise, and especially change for a Jewish cause, would be like bringing a tsunami through town. Somehow a house was obtained to be used as a shul, at least through the summer until Simchas Torah. The problem was how to convert the house into a yeshiva in the midst of the perfectly white world of Jews who wanted to be WASPS with perfectly manicured lawns. But Hashem always sends a miracle, and from my perspective, a story. This is where another Kaminetsky (sic) came in. His name was Joseph and he was older than my father. His family had come from Lida, in Latvia, but my zaidy always said that we were somehow related. Rabbi Joseph Kaminetsky had learned in Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan and received a doctorate, but he did not know my father from family reunions. My father had met his “cousin” when he had driven his father, Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky, zt”l, to Torah Umesorah meetings. Joe had become the executive vice presi-
dent and the visionary head of Torah Umesorah, the National Society for Hebrew Day Schools, ten years earlier in 1946. As the National Director of Torah Umesorah, Dr. Joe, as he was affectionately known, was charged by Reb Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, Rabbi Aharon Kotler and their peers with making an impossible dream come true: establishing a yeshiva or day school in every Jewish community with at least 5,000 Jews. In most cities people would tell him flatly, “You will build a school here when hair grows on the palm of my hand,” something my father was told when he shared his vision of creating an all-boys yeshiva in Woodmere with some of the Jewish leaders in Long Island. Indeed, Dr. Joe was as driven as my father to make a successful yeshiva in Woodmere a reality. Dr. Joe had a wide array of contacts, and he used his vast life experience to network and build. He had been a counselor back in the 1920s at Camp Mohegan, one the first Orthodox sleep- away camps in America. He had two campers, Lester and Bernie Feuerstein, whose wealthy father, Hyman, had hoped would remain traditional Jews. Hy and his wife, Rebecca, were not fully observant. They were members of Congregation Sons of Israel, a traditional congregation in Woodmere, which tried to cater to all factions by having three separate sections in the sanctuary – men, women and mixed, with a mechitzah. The Feuersteins were very interested in Jewish continuity but they had their own way of doing things. They always went to synagogue together, sitting together at the service. They also insisted that their boys partake in a Shabbos meal and then let them do whatever they wanted afterwards. When Hy lost his entire fortune,
all that remained was an old home in Woodmere with two lions perched at the entrance. Hy wanted to bequeath his home to an organization whose goal was Jewish continuity. There were no takers. There was a co-ed school, HILI (Hebrew Institute of Long Island) under the leadership of Simon Cohen, but it was doing fine in Far Rockaway and they did not want to move to Woodmere. Dr. Joe, to whom Hy had grown close, wanted to establish a teacher training institute but understood that Woodmere was clearly an impractical place for such an institution. And then in 1951, Hy died. For five years the building lay abandoned. Windows were broken, paint peeled, and the stones cracked. The grass and weeds grew tall and wild; the property was a statement about Jewish education on the Island –neglected and ignored. Then Dr. Joe found out that his cousin Binyamin Kaminetzky – my father – might be interested in a building. He placed the call. “Benjy!” he shouted into the phone with gusto. “I hear you need a building for a new school! There is a wonderful building available. It’s an overgrown property with two lions in front on a street named Oak. Check it out.” My father was excited and went to see Hy’s old house. It was not a pretty sight. 4 Oak Street was neglected and in disrepair, surrounded by overgrown weeds. But the signature lions perched eagerly upon columns seemed almost like the lions who perch, smiling, atop columns on the title page of every traditional Gemara. It seemed like a good omen. To be continued next week… Adapted from an earlier story that ran in Ami Magazine. Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky is the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Toras Chaim at South Shore.
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Rav Binyamin Kamenetzky embraced every Jew he encountered.
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EMBRACE HIS CAUSE
YESHIVA OF SOUTH SHORE RBK MEMORIAL DINNER April 15 th , 2018 • The Sands, Atlantic Beach Honor his past. Build our future. • RBKlegacy.org Yeshiva of South Shore • 1170 William Street • Hewlett, NY 11557 • 516.374.7363
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MARCH 8,29, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 2015 | The Jewish Home
TJH
Centerfold
You gotta be kidding A Texan was visiting Harvard University and was lost. He stopped a student and asked, “Do you know where the library is at?” “I sure do,” replied the student. “But, you know, you’re not supposed to end sentences with prepositions.”
Eye Halve a Spelling Chequer Eye halve a spelling chequer It came with my pea sea It plainly marques four my revue Miss steaks eye kin knot sea. Eye strike a quay and type a word And weight four it two say Weather eye am wrong oar write It shows me strait a weigh.
“Oh, OK,” replied the Texan. “Do you know where the library is at, you stuck-up snob?”
As soon as a mist ache is maid It nose bee fore two long And eye can put the error rite Its really ever wrong.
Riddle me this? What do all of these words have in common? Stun Ton Evil Mood Bad Snap Straw
??
?
See answer below
Answer: Each word makes another word when read backwards.
• • • • • • •
Eye have run this poem threw it I am shore your pleased two no Its letter perfect in it’s weigh My chequer tolled me sew.
Jewish Home | MARCH 2018 The The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29,8,2015
nagrams,
hanangrams
Just in case you didn’t know, an “anagram” is a word (phrase or sentence) formed from another by rearranging its letters. For example, “angel” is an anagram of “glean.” In the following sentences, two numbers are given in each sentence that need to be replaced by words. Each word is an anagram of the other. The numbers represent how many letters are in the word (that is why the numbers are the same...aha, ding-dong). Ready, set, go! 1. We had driven over a (4) to find a restaurant that served (4) pie. 2. Read further, and you’ll see that he (4) on the (4) of March. 3. I love fruits, especially (6) and sour (6)! 4. The raised (4) (4) listeners by making it possible for the crowd to see the speaker. 5. It is amazing how Joe (4) his (4) through his opponent’s guard to land a punch. 6. Her face became (4) when she thought that he was going to (4) from the balcony. 7. What a (4) life the gangster did (4). 8. He used a special (4) to break into the safe and make off with the (4). 9. He did not (6) vision in his right eye after the damage to his (6). 10. The (5) bit her when she leaned against the (5) tree.
Answers
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1) mile, lime 2) dies, Ides 3) melons, lemons 4) dais, aids 5) fits, fist 6) pale, leap 7) vile, live 8) tool, loot 9) retain, retina 10) cobra, carob
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Torah Thought
Parshas Vayakhel-Pekudei By Rabbi Berel Wein
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he commentators over the ages who have studied every word of the Torah carefully and meticulously particularly note that the review and accounting for the construction of the Mishkan/Tabernacle was preceded by convening all of the Jewish people before Moshe and once again reviewing the laws and importance of Shabbat. The main and obvious lesson to be derived from this juxtaposition of
subject matter is that Shabbat is supreme even over the construction of the holy house of G-d itself. Though the construction of the Mishkan was not allowed on Shabbat, nevertheless once the structure was erected and operating the services in that very edifice continued even on Shabbat with the special Shabbat offerings as prescribed in the Torah. There is a very subtle but meaningful message hidden in this seem-
ing contradiction as to the actual practical supremacy of Shabbat over the Mishkan. After all, if the Jewish people were prohibited from building and constructing the Mishkan on Shabbat then why were they allowed and, in fact, commanded to operate and conduct the sacrificial service in that building on Shabbat? There seems to be a disparity of ideas regarding this matter. Much has been written on the subject but there always is room for new ideas and different insights. This is what makes the Torah eternal and refreshes it in every generation and under all circumstances. It speaks to all times and provides guidance to all the differing ages and histories of
establishing our universe and therefore no creative work was performed any longer on the seventh day of creation. This is the template for our understanding of Shabbat. The L-rd rested, so to speak, on the seventh day, however we will understand this and interpret it, from the creative nature of establishing our universe. It is therefore understandable that our observance of Shabbat should be concentrated on creative work and that we emulate our Creator, so to speak, by refraining from any further creative work. However, just as nature proceeds to operate on the seventh day as it does on all other days of the week, the idea of nature being a creative piece of work diminishes.
This is what makes the Torah eternal and refreshes it in every generation and under all circumstances.
humankind. So, I have an idea that I wish to share with you regarding this issue. The overriding prohibition of work on Shabbat is that of doing creative work. That is the core of the laws of Shabbat as they pertain to work on the holy day. Over the centuries, Jewish tradition has overlaid layers of prohibitions to safeguard the Shabbat but in essence global prohibition for work on Shabbat remains a prohibition to do creative work. This is an example of our attempt to imitate the Creator who, so to speak, finished all creative work in
Building the Mishkan in the desert was a triumph of creativity and ingenuity, of G-dly inspiration and human talent. It therefore follows that the final Torah reading of the Book occurs on the Sabbath since that day represents the cessation of G-dly creativity as far as our universe is concerned. Once the Mishkan was in place and built, however, then it resembled nature in its continuity and flow of activity. Â Thus even on Shabbat the normal flow of Temple services continued. Shabbat shalom.
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From the Fire
Parshas Vayakhel Embarrasment to Teshuva to Holiness By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf
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e must understand how the events at the end of last week’s parsha (Ki Sisa) and the beginning of this week’s parsha connect to one another. After Moshe obtained forgiveness for the Jewish people from the sin of the Golden Calf, he descended from Har Sinai with rays of light shining from his face. The Jewish people were afraid to look at Moshe’s face so he covered it with a mask (Shmos 34:29-35). Then, at the beginning of this week’s parsha (ibid. 35:1), Moshe gathered the entire Jewish people together. He commanded them about the mitzvah of Shabbos (ibid. 35:2-3) and finally, Moshe commanded them regarding the donations of gold, silver, and copper and other materials to the Mishkan (ibid. 35:4 et seq.). The Ohr Hachaim (on ibid. 35:1) offers a straightforward explanation of the connection between the end of last week’s parsha and the beginning of this week’s parsha. The Jewish people distanced themselves from Moshe because of his great holiness which was apparent because of the rays of light shining from his face. Moshe therefore had to gather them back to him at the beginning of Vayakhel. With the Ohr Hachaim’s foundation, we can now begin to understand why these events were followed by the mitzvos of Shabbos and the donations to the Mishkan.
EREV SHABBOS IS LIKE EREV YOM KIPPUR The seforim hakedoshim explain the importance of teshuva on erev Shabbos. It is known that erev Shabbos in the home of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk, zy”a, was like erev Yom Kippur. It has been related by a woman who worked in the kitchen of the Rebbe’s home that the Rebbe came into the kitchen every erev Shabbos to beg for forgiveness for anything he may have done to hurt or offend them. She related that the spirit of teshuva overtook the whole home and everyone cried and begged forgiveness from each other. Whenever we approach someone or something whose holiness we appreciate, we are overcome with feelings of unworthiness and, consequently, teshuva. This pattern of approaching holiness, being filled with regret, and then doing teshuva is built into the nature of creation. The word for embarrassment, boshes, has the same letters as the word for repentance, teshuva, because when one is embarrassed about his past, he is moved to do teshuva. And once he has done teshuva, he then merits to reach the holiness he was initially too embarrassed to approach. That holiness is personified by Shabbos. When a person looks back at his week, he thinks, “Is this how a
Jew spends his week?” He is embarrassed and so he does teshuva on erev Shabbos and that embarrassment/teshuva process is precisely why he merits the holiness of Shabbos. According to this, we can understand why Moshe gathered the people to him. They saw the holiness on his face and looked at themselves, disgusted that they sunk to the level of the sin of the Golden Calf. Moshe therefore drew them close as if to tell them, “I understand that you are embarrassed to look at me because of what you have done. But you know that it is precisely your feeling of unworthiness that makes you worthy to come closer.” Approaching a tzaddik has the same effect as approaching Shabbos. My father told us that he remembers lining up with others to see the Ahavas Yisroel of Vizhnitz, zy”a. He recalls how the anticipation of seeing such a tzaddik caused everyone in line to cry and wail, literally like erev Yom Kippur. The way to merit contact with holiness is contemplating how distant we are from that holiness. Ironically, we come closer by focusing on how far away we are. We see in the parsha how we merit to approach Shabbos and the tzaddik through the embarrassment/teshuva process. But how do we see this played out in the way we
merited the Mishkan, the medium through which the Divine Presence rested on earth? The Ramban comments on the difference between how the Torah describes the men’s versus the women’s donations to the Mishkan. With regard to the men, the pasuk (Shmos 35:22) says, “Every man who waved a waving of gold to Hashem.” But with respect to the women’s donations, the pasuk merely says (ibid. 35:24) that they “brought” their donations. We can understand the difference between these descriptions based on a teaching of the Rebbe Reb Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, zy”a. He explains the phrase “who chooses musical songs” from Yishtabach a homiletical level. The word for musical, b’shirei, is related to the word for “left over,” she’reim. According to the Rebbe Reb Bunim, Hashem gets great nachas from, He “chooses,” that which is left over after our songs, after our davening. What does this mean? After a person finishes davening, learning, or doing a mitzvah, if he is sensitive, he has a leftover feeling that he did not do everything that he could have done. When someone finishes davening, he has a lingering feeling, “Did I daven the way I was supposed to? How much was I thinking about Hashem and the words I was saying just now?
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How much was I thinking about everything else under the sun?” And when a person finishes learning daf yomi for the day, he may feel, “Did I actually learn anything? How would I feel if someone tested me on the simple meaning of the Gemara and Rashi right now?” And after Shabbos, when a person makes havdalah, does he feel, “Did I immerse myself in the holiness of Shabbos? How much of the time did I spend thinking about weekday matters instead of learning, davening, singing, and spending more time with my family?” The Rebbe Reb Bunim teaches us that these leftover feelings are extremely precious to Hashem. The Chiddushei Harim, zy”a, expands on this teaching of the Rebbe Reb Bunim based on the pasuk (ibid. 36:7) regarding the donations to the Mishkan: “the work was sufficient for them… and to leave over.” After the people finished donating to the Mishkan, there was something left over. They remained with the feeling, “I wish I gave more! I wish I gave with a greater feeling of love. I’m so embarrassed that I didn’t give with loftier intentions.” Hashem gets great pleasure, He “chooses” those feelings when His children give with a desire to do more. That leftover feeling of broken-heartedness after a mitzvah gives Hashem so much nachas. We can now understand the difference between the Torah’s description of how the men gave to the Mishkan versus how the women gave. The pasuk (ibid. 35:22) says that “the men came to the women.” Rashi explains that this means the men came with the women. But the Chiddushei Harim offers an amazing explanation. He says that the women never committed the sin of the Golden Calf, so all of their gold was still available to donate to the Mishkan. The men, however, had already donated their gold to the appeal held for the building of the Golden Calf. They had nothing left to give to the building of the Mishkan! Humiliated, they had to approach their wives and ask, “Do you think I could borrow a ring or necklace?” The men brought whatever little gold they were able to borrow from their wives and daughters and brought it to Moshe with such embarrassment and broken-heart-
edness. The Torah simply says that the women “brought” their donations. The women brought their donations in a normal way because they had nothing to be ashamed of. The embarrassment and feeling of unworthiness with which the men brought their donations, however, caused a great stir in Heaven. That is why, with regard to the men, the pasuk describes more of a tumult when “every man who waved a waving of gold to Hashem.” Through their embarrassment/teshuva, they achieved a high level of holiness and merited to draw the Divine Presence down into the Mishkan. The desire to give and do more sometimes means even more than one’s actual accomplishments because it comes with that leftover feeling of embarrassment and teshuva that makes a person worthy to touch holiness. The power of desire even when one does not have the ability to attain his goals is illustrated beautifully by a well-known story about Rav Yitzchak Vorker, zy”a.
he desperately needed the money for his daughter and that he would do whatever he could to pay it back. Reb Moshe lent the money though it was such a sizable sum for him that he truly needed to be repaid. The wedding passed, and weeks and months went by. As often happens when one person owes a debt to another that he cannot repay, Reb Yankel began davening at a different shul from Reb Moshe because he could not bear to look at him in the face without the money to repay him. Desperate to get his much-needed funds back, Reb Moshe visited Reb Yankel, but every time, his wife told Reb Moshe that Reb Yankel was “not home.” One day, Reb Moshe saw the Rebbe, Rav Yitzchak Vorker, paying Reb Yankel a visit at Reb Yankel’s own home! Seeing his opportunity to ask for the Rebbe’s assistance, Reb Moshe walked over to Reb Yankel’s house and knocked on the door. The Rebbe himself answered the door, asking how he could help Reb Moshe. Somewhat embarrassed, Reb Moshe said, “Rebbe, I feel bad
The desire to give and do more sometimes means even more than one’s actual accomplishments.
The Rebbe had two chassidim who were neighbors: Reb Moshe, who had some money, though he was not wealthy, and Reb Yankel, who was extremely poor. Reb Yankel borrowed money from Reb Moshe from time to time when he was in need. Sometimes he paid him back and sometimes he was not able to. When he did pay him back, it was sometimes sooner and sometimes later, though it was usually later. Reb Yankel approached Reb Moshe one day with a special request. Reb Yankel needed one thousand rubles to marry off his daughter. This was an exorbitant sum for Reb Moshe but Reb Yankel promised him that
bringing this up but I saw an opportunity for a private moment with just the Rebbe and Reb Yankel. You see, Reb Yankel borrowed a thousand rubles from me to make a wedding for his daughter. I am not a rich man by any means and I very much need these funds back. Is there anything the Rebbe can do to help?” The Rebbe turned to Reb Yankel and asked if Reb Moshe’s words were true. Reb Yankel confirmed everything Reb Moshe said and admitted sadly that he wanted more than anything to pay his friend back but that he simply had no money to repay the loan. The Rebbe then told Reb Yankel to scour the house and
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search for every kopek with which to pay back Reb Moshe. Reb Yankel began searching every corner of his little house like he was searching for chometz before Pesach. Eventually he brought the Rebbe everything he was able to collect – fifty-seven kopeks, not even a single ruble. Yet the Rebbe exclaimed, “Reb Yankel, amazing! This is even more than I expected. Let us sit down together to count out the money so you can repay Reb Moshe.” When they were seated at the table, the Rebbe began counting the kopeks one by one: “One, two, three, four…” He continued counting, “fifty-five, fifty-six, fifty-seven…” But instead of stopping there, he continued counting the same coins as if there were more there: “fifty-eight, fifty-nine…” He continued counting: “ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one ruble!” But the Rebbe did not stop there. He continued counting the same rubles for a couple of hours until finally he said, “nine hundred ninety-nine rubles and ninety-nine kopeks, one thousand rubles!” He then turned to Reb Moshe, handed him the fifty-seven kopeks, and said, “Here you go Reb Moshe. Full repayment of the one thousand rubles from Reb Yankel and even a bit extra…” It goes without saying that Reb Moshe soon built a great fortune with Reb Yankel’s fifty-seven kopeks. Just like Reb Yitzchak Vorker taught Reb Moshe, Reb Yankel’s desire to repay Reb Moshe produced much more “profit” than the actual money Reb Yankel could repay. We too should not dismiss our davening, Torah, or mitzvos as inadequate. Rather, we must embrace our embarrassment at not being able to do more and realize that it is precisely that feeling that makes us worthy to approach Hashem. May that feeling of embarrassment and the teshuva we do because of it make us worthy to draw down Hashem’s ultimate dwelling place, the Beis Hamikdash, may it be rebuilt 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.
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Between the Lines
Find Ambition By Eytan Kobre
Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s heaven for? -Robert Browning
A
priest and a rabbi were chatting one day when the conversation turned to their ambitions and aspirations and what they could hope to achieve in their respective positions. “You are a priest now,” began the rabbi, “but where can you go from there?” “Well,” answered the priest, “if I do a good job, I can be promoted to monsignor.” The rabbi probed further. “Okay, and then what?” “Well, if I am successful, I could become archbishop,” said the priest. The rabbi probed further. “Okay, and then?” “Well,” said the priest, “if I work real hard and do a good job as archbishop, I can rise to become bish-
op.” “Okay, then what?” continued the rabbi. In a slightly annoyed tone, the priest replied, “With some luck and hard work, I can become a cardinal.” “Nu? And then?” continued the rabbi. Now the priest was growing frustrated. “With lots and lots of luck and some real hard work and if I’m in the right place at the right time and play my political games just right, maybe, just maybe, I can get elected pope.” “Yes, and then what?” continued the rabbi. The priest could hardly contain himself. “Good grief! What do you expect me to become, G-d?” “Why not?” replied the rabbi. “One of our boys made it.” Those who heeded Moshe’s call to take part in constructing the Mishkan were not skilled craft workers or artisans or architects (Rambam, Shemos 31:2). They were unskilled and untrained former
slaves who had spent their lives to that point in Egypt pulling and pushing big stones into pyramids. So how was the Mishkan constructed? How were its intricate vessels crafted? With aspiration and ambition. “Every man whose heart inspired him came and everyone whose spirit motivated him brought the portion of G-d for the work of the Tent of Meeting, for all its labor and for the sacred vestments” (Shemos 35:21). Sure, those who devoted themselves to the Mishkan’s work did not know the difference between a chisel and a needle; they had no training, no skill, no learning. But they had aspirations for those things (Ramban, Shemos 35:21). They were ambitious. They took initiative (Daas Torah, Shemos 35:21; Sichos R’ Nosson Tzvi, Shemos 35:21). And they accomplished what needed to be done. Because the key to success is not innate skill or training but ambition and the aspiration to succeed. The spiritual realm is no differ-
ent. For “[i]f you seek it out like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you shall understand the fear of G-d” (Mishlei 2:4). And “[i]n the path that a person wants to go, [that is where] we bring him” (Makkos 10b; Rambam, Hilchos Teshuva 5:2). Indeed, we are obligated to ask, When will my deeds reach the deeds of my forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov? (Tana d’Bei Eliyahu, Chapter 25; Yalkut Shimoni, Devarim 830). To aspire to greatness in spiritual pursuits is “a great obligation” (Igros Moshe, Yoreh Deiah 3:82). When R’ Chaim Shmuelevitz was a young man learning in the Grodno yeshiva, he once traveled to spend time in the Novardok yeshiva, headed by his uncle, R’ Avraham Yoffen. R’ Chaim was eager to make the acquaintance of the top student in his uncle’s yeshiva. R’ Avraham pointed to one boy, identifying him as the most intelligent. R’ Avraham pointed to another boy and identified him as possessing the most knowledge. R’ Avraham point-
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ed to another boy who possessed the greatest memory. R’ Avraham pointed to yet another boy, who was the most G-d fearing. “Okay,” pressed R’ Chaim, “but, in the final analysis, who is the best?” R’ Avraham pointed to an altogether different boy learning intently in the corner. “Him – he is the best.” “But he wasn’t any of the students you mentioned earlier.” “True,” R’ Avraham explained, “but he’s the most ambitious.” That boy turned out to be the Steipler Gaon. It is said that when R’ Mordechai Gifter was a young man attending and dorming at Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, he took up a collection of pictures of prominent sages and Torah leaders and arranged them on a wall over his bed. But he left one spot empty. In the middle of this collage of photographs was a blank space with this inscription: What about you? And the rest is history.
R’ Yisrael Salanter observed how all his life he strived to be as great as the Vilna Gaon – which is why he turned out to be R’ Yisrael Salanter. The Chofetz Chaim often quoted Napoleon Bonaparte as say-
purposes; others have wishes.” Ambition is about wishing – and then taking action and putting in the effort to achieve those wishes. Regarded by many as the greatest cellist ever, Pablo Casals’s pro-
At the age of 93, just a few years before he passed away, Casals was asked why, after all he had achieved, he was still practicing for hours each day.
ing, “A soldier who does not aspire to be a general is not even a soldier at all.” But ambition is not about just wanting something or having lofty aspirations. Just wanting something is a wish, and, as Washington Irving put it, “Great minds have
digious musical talent became evident early: by the age of four, he could play the violin, piano, and flute; by fourteen, he had already given a solo cello recital in the Barcelona Opera House; at nineteen, he was on the faculty of the renowned Municipal School of Music
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in Barcelona. He gained international acclaim in a storied career of such length that he performed in the United States for both President Theodore Roosevelt and President John F. Kennedy. Yet, even having acquired such unquestionable mastery of his instrument, Casals always maintained a disciplined regimen of practicing for five or six hours every day throughout his entire life. At the age of 93, just a few years before he passed away, Casals was asked why, after all he had achieved, he was still practicing for hours each day. “Because,” Casals replied, “I think I’m making progress.” Even at the age of 93 – after having achieved greatness in his craft – Casals continued to aspire for more.
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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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Rabbinical Reflecti ns
Fore! By Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe
R
abbi Avi Schulman, one of the exceptional ninth grade rabbeim in our yeshiva, uses a tremendous pedagogical tool to build awareness in his talmidim regarding hashgacha pratis, Divine Providence. Regularly, he has his talmidim enumerate what he calls “Mini Miracles” – events that people can recognize as somehow beyond the natural order. As I was visiting this ninth grade classroom recently, I asked if I could share an incident that had just happened to me, which I believed qualified as my own Mini Miracle. They readily agreed, and I shared the following with them. I had been driving along the RFK Bridge the day before when I was surprised to see what appeared to be a golf ball bouncing its way directly towards my car in looping arcs. Traveling at highway speed, I had no time to consider how strange this was before I heard a significant bang near the front of my car. I soon noticed the golf range adjacent to the bridge (be forewarned!)
and since everything seemed to be intact, I continued home. Upon arrival, I inspected my car and noted a significant dent in the front just above the driver’s side headlight. It immediately dawned on me that had the ball – or my car – been traveling just a bit faster or offset by a few inches, it would likely have penetrated my windshield right in front of my face! I felt blessed at dodging what could have been a serious accident and injury and was pleased to be able to relate my Mini Miracle none the worse for wear. It’s often difficult to see the hashgacha in our daily lives and we rarely appreciate it until we have the perspective of distance, if at all. As we go about our daily routines there is so much we can fail to notice, unless we are sensitive to the manifest ways – big and small – that Hashem watches over us. Beneficence is regularly doled out to us in heaps that we just don’t see. The famous Gemara in Taanis (29a) declares, “M’shenichnas Adar, marbin b’simcha” – as the
month of Adar enters, joy is increased. Rashi there makes a perplexing comment: “Yemai nissim hayu l’Yisrael, Purim u’Pesach,” these were days of miracles for Yisrael, Purim and Pesach. Purim and Pesach? How did Pesach, which in any event occurs in the following month of Nissan, get mixed in with Purim? What is Rashi trying to tell us by connecting the two holidays? I believe that Rashi is conveying a profound message. The occurrence of Purim during the final month of the Jewish year (counting from Nissan) is no coincidence. Purim represents the concept of the nes nistar, the hidden miracle. Klal Yisrael was experiencing their first galus (exile) and their first exposure to life without the clear direction of prophecy and the path that is meant to be followed. Galus is a form of darkness, and in galus, Bnei Yisroel had to learn to recognize the Hand of Hashem when it was not at all clear that He was still actively assisting them. When we read the megillah,
the miracles jump off the klaf, but those events actually transpired over a period of thirteen years! Recognizing Hashem’s “Hand” as the story unfolded, would have been as difficult as trying to observe a flower opening! It was only in retrospect that the miraculous events became evident. As the period of prophecy came to a close and the darkness of exile enveloped us, we needed to develop a national consciousness that could recognize Hashem’s hashgacha in our lives, even when others saw only natural historical events. It was this realization that has carried us through the last two thousand years of exile. Prior to the destruction of the first Bais HaMikdash, the Yad Hashem was evident to all. People regularly witnessed open miracles and recognized them for what they were. Pesach demonstrated Hashem’s hashgacha pratis in public, visible ways – something He continued to do until our exile. Purim demonstrated that if we tune our antennae properly, we can see
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
Hashem’s continuing hashgacha even when it’s not obvious and out in the open. At some point, we perceive those hidden miracles and exclaim, “Oh, so that’s what Hashem was doing!” The Adar experience, the period of recognizing the nistar, comes before Nissan to prepare us to better appreciate the openly revealed miracles Hashem did on our behalf during the month of Nissan and our miraculous Pesach! I believe this is the message that Rashi so brilliantly conveys to us in just six succinct words: Purim and Pesach are, in fact, two sides of the same coin and both are key to recognizing Hashem’s hashgacha in this world. It is our hope that by beginning in the currency of nistar that we can become elevated and capable of living in a world of nigla once again. That can only happen if we strive to connect the dots – something that may take many years to play out. Part of our problem today is that we don’t have the attention
span to wait to see all the connections. Let me demonstrate with such an occurrence in my own life. I grew up in a Jewishly-small city in Canada without the benefit of a yeshiva education and struggled to maintain the best levels of Torah observance possible, considering the circumstances. I was fourteen before I had my first exposure to yeshiva life, on a Parshas Zachor on an erev Purim no less. I spent Shabbos lunch at the home of one of the yeshiva rabbeim where I began a lifelong loving relationship with a strange, yet wonderful concoction oddly called chulent. It was that Shabbos that inspired me to go to yeshiva, and even though it took more than two years to get there, I feel the true journey started on that Shabbos. In the many subsequent decades, I have often imagined another guest at that fateful Shabbos table asking my host: “Wouldn’t it be odd if this public school kid end-
ed up going to yeshiva and make a lifelong commitment to learning Torah? And wouldn’t it be stranger still if, one day, he actually carried the responsibility of running a yeshiva? And could you possibly imagine that you would have a son, who would become a talmid chachom and mechanech, and end up being a Rebbe in this public school kid’s yeshiva?” Can you think of a more absurd series of queries taking place at that Shabbos table? I would certainly have scoffed at such a discussion that Shabbos, but of course, that is precisely what did occur. You already know that I was the kid in the story, but the distinguished Rebbe’s name was Rav Berel Schulman, and he would one day have a son who would become Rabbi Avi Schulman, mechanech par excellence and innovator of Mini Miracles. Could anyone have seen that coming all those years ago? Not likely. They say that hindsight is 20/20, but in fact it take a special
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sensitivity to keep our eyes open, break open the nistar and reveal the nigla that is sitting there right before us, just waiting to be perceived, revealed and reveled. Perhaps we should also shout forth resounding calls of “fore!,” not just to be able to avoid obstacles as they careen in our direction, but to awaken our awareness and make sure we don’t just let them pass us by.
Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe is the Rosh HaYeshiva of Ateres Yaakov, a local Mesivta (MAY) and Yeshiva Gedolah, with over 220 talmidim, and the rav of Kehillah Ateres Yaakov. Besides his decades as an experienced mechanech, Rabbi Yaffe holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is licensed to practice in the State of New York. Any topics of interest, questions or comments can be sent to editor@fivetownsjewishhome. com.
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
My Israel Home
ACOA A Country of Acronyms By Gedaliah Borvick
Ze’ev Jabotinsky
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hen I made aliyah back in 2003, I understood that I had to hone my Hebrew language skills. Little did I know, however, that there is another important language in Israel, which is much harder than Hebrew, called “acronyms.” Many phrases are abbreviated and used in all spheres of Israeli life. Two random examples: drishat shalom, or sending regards, has been renamed “dosh,” and Namal Teufah Ben Gurion, or Ben Gurion Airport, is known as “Notbog.” Acronym usage is most prevalent in the Israeli armed forces, where no conversation is complete unless a handful acronyms are sprinkled in. This should come as no surprise, as the army’s name, Tzahal, is an acronym for Tzava Hagana L’Yisrael, or Israel Defense Forces. The usage of acronyms in the armed forces began before the State of Israel was established in 1948. Many streets are named in honor of the pre-state underground military organizations that were known by
American volunteer David “Mickey” Marcus was the first officer to receive the rank of brigadier general
Members of the Palmach in training
their abbreviated names; let me share with you a few examples found in Jerusalem. Rechov Machal (rechov means street), in Kiryat Aryeh near Maalot Dafna, was named for the Mitnadvei Hutz L’Aretz, the 3,500 foreign volunteers who enlisted in the IDF during Israel’s War of Independence. The machal soldiers’ contribution was essential in establishing a new army whose fighting tradition was previously limited to underground resistance activities. These overseas volunteers were particularly important in developing the air force, where they numbered two-thirds of the personnel, and the medical corps. Rechov Hapalmach runs through Kiryat Shmuel and Old Katamon. An acronym for Plugot Machatz, the Palmach commando unit of the Hagana – which was the precursor to the IDF – was organized in 1939 when Axis forces had moved dangerously close to Palestine. The Palmach carried out numerous daring missions; a few examples include rescuing thousands of
Jews from Nazi Europe, breaking the British naval blockades of Palestine during the “illegal immigration” period, and guarding the settlements and highways as the British were preparing to leave the land. Rechov Etzel is in French Hill. Etzel is an acronym for Irgun Tzvai Leumi, or National Military Organization, which was an underground military movement based on the Revisionist Zionism ideology of its founder Vladimir (Ze’ev) Jabotinsky. Known popularly as the Irgun, it rejected the restraint policy of the Hagana, and carried out armed reprisals for attacks against Jews. The organization also worked against the British Mandate’s White Paper decrees, which limited Jewish immigration into Palestine. Rechov Lechi, another street in French Hill, is an abbreviation for Lochamei Cherut Yisrael, an underground organization that operated against the British during the Mandate period. The Lechi broke off from the Irgun in 1940, as they believed
that the Irgun acted too passively when it declared a truce with the British authorities during the war against the Nazis. Led by Avraham (Yair) Stern, Lechi – often called the Stern Gang – resorted to intimidation and guerilla tactics in their struggle to drive the British out of the country. The entire world has gone abbreviation-crazy, thanks to the explosion of social media. However, the Jewish nation had mastered this art form long ago – long before the Palmach and Machal – hearkening all the way back to the medieval period when many scholars, such as Rashi (Rav Shlomo Yitzchaki) and Rambam (Rav Moshe ben Maimon or Maimonides), were known by their acronyms.
Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.myisraelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@gmail. com.
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MARCH 8, 29, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 2015 | The Jewish Home
3 Days, 18,000 Supporters, 1 Powerful Bond By Noa Galon
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ith a palpable sense of excitement over the rekindled relationship between Israel and 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue now that a friend of Israel presides in the Oval Office, the 2018 AIPAC convention took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on Sunday through Tuesday of this week. As usual, the annual convention featured a full roster of speakers from both parties. This year, though, there was added hope in the air due to President Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the recent announcement that the U.S. Embassy will open in Jerusalem when Israel celebrates its 70th anniversary as a nation in May.
Vice President Mike Pence, who has strong pro-life convictions, began his keynote address on Monday night with a humorous slip of the tongue, “President Trump is the most pro-life … pro-Israel president,” he declared, to laughs from the crowd. In what was likely a dig at J Street – a supposed pro-Israel lobbying group which actually advocates many anti-Israel policies – Pence noted that AIPAC is the most “influential” Israel lobby in Washington. “Thanks to the president’s leadership, the alliance between America and Israel has never been stronger. The friendship between our peoples has never been deeper. And I stand before you today on his behalf to con-
vey a simple message: America stands with Israel, today, tomorrow, and always,” declared Mr. Pence to rousing applause. As is common when politicians speak to the pro-Israel conference, Pence sought to gently inform the audience that Israel will be asked in the coming months to make hard sacrifices for peace. “As we gather here, our team – Jared Kushner, Jason Greenblatt, and our great ambassador [David Friedman] – are hard at work crafting our administration’s vision for peace,” the vice president said. “And while any peace will undoubtedly require compromise, know this: The United States of America will never compromise the safety and security of the Jewish State
of Israel.” Furthermore, when Pence mentioned the “two-state solution” which has become American policy over the past two administrations, he shrewdly added a caveat, “if both sides agree, the United States of America will support a two-state solution.” Mr. Pence also acknowledged the efforts of Ambassador David Friedman, of the Five Towns, and stated, “The United States of America was proud to be the first nation in the world to recognize the State of Israel in 1948. And just as Harry Truman made history, President Trump will make history again, when, thanks to the strong efforts of Ambassador Friedman, in May of this year we will open the American Embassy in Jerusalem.”
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P
erhaps the biggest ovation at the convention took place on Monday night when U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, who has quickly become perhaps Israel’s greatest advocate throughout the world, ascended the podium. She regaled the audience with her story of growing up in a Southern town and being the child of Indian immigrants and how there were times that she was bullied. This experience led her to starting an anti-bullying program when she was the governor of South Carolina. “It turns out bullying is a common practice in the United Nations,” she noted. “In the real world, Israel is a strong country with a vibrant economy and a first-class military. On the battlefield, Israel does not get bullied. The Iranians and Syrians can vouch for that,” she said to raucous applause. “But the UN is a different story. At the UN and throughout the UN agencies, Israel does get bullied. It gets bullied because the countries that don’t like Israel are used to being able to get away with it. Well, just like when I was that little girl in South Carolina, that just doesn’t sit well with me.” Ambassador Haley also addressed President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and touched on a finer point which is often missed when addressing that topic. “There’s one more principle I knew before I arrived at the UN. Like most Americans, I knew what the capital of Israel was. To be more clear, I knew that Jerusalem was, is, and will always be the capital of Israel. This is not something that was created by the location of an embassy. This is not something that was created by an American decision. America did not make Jerusalem Israel’s capital,” she reiterated. “What President Trump
did, to his great credit, was recognize a reality that American presidents had denied for too long. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel – that’s a fact – and President Trump had the courage to recognize that fact when others would not.” Haley added that she hopes to be present “on the day when we open our brand-new American embassy in Jerusalem.”
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rime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the convention on Tuesday morning. Despite his party’s popularity in Israel, the prime minister is in the fight for his
declared, referencing his meeting with Trump the day before. Netanyahu, comfortable on stage and with his audience, spoke about the “good, the bad, and the beautiful” when it comes to the State of Israel – the good, referring to Israel’s great strides and advancements; the bad when talking about its enemies, particularly Iran; and the beautiful, the strong, eternal alliance between Israel and the United States. He touted Israel’s strength, intelligence capabilities, freedom, and economy. “You know, these companies –
“I KNEW THAT JERUSALEM WAS, IS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE CAPITAL OF ISRAEL. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WAS CREATED BY THE LOCATION OF AN EMBASSY. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WAS CREATED BY AN AMERICAN DECISION. AMERICA DID NOT MAKE JERUSALEM ISRAEL’S CAPITAL.”
political life back at home and very well may have been addressing AIPAC for the last time as Israel’s prime minister. Netanyahu began his speech by once again acknowledging President Trump’s courageous acknowledgment of Jerusalem as capital of Israel. “It’s always good to be here, but as I told President Trump yesterday, it’s especially great to be in America’s capital now that he has recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Thank you, President Trump, for that historic decision,” he
Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook – guess what? They all have research centers in Israel!” he declared. He quipped, “This is a terrible sentence, but it’s the confluence of big data, connectivity, and artificial intelligence.” He also spoke about Israel’s innovative irrigation technology. “See that drone in the sky? Connected to a big database there are sensors in the field, in the field drip irrigation, fertilization, and now we can target with this tech the water we give, the fertilizer we
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give, down to the individual plant that needs it. That’s precision agriculture, that’s Israeli!” Never had an audience at AIPAC been so riveted by drip irrigation. Netanyahu also boasted about Israel’s role in cyber-security. “We’re one tenth of one percent [of the world’s population] and we get a whopping 20 percent of global private investment in cyber. We’re punching two hundred times above our weight. Not two times, not 10, but 200 times above our weight. That’s one heck of a punch. Very strong,” he stated, channeling his inner Trump, perhaps. Despite the UN’s continued bias against Israel and a rise in the anti-Israel left, Netanyahu painted a different picture, of Israel gaining acceptance around the world. “We’re coloring the world blue. I’ve been to Africa three times in 18 months; I’ve been to South America, Latin America – can you imagine in the 70 years of the history of Israel, a prime minister of Israel never went south of Texas? I love Texas but yeah, I do. “But we went to Argentina, we went to Columbia, to Mexico, and they say, come back, we want more. That is changing. All these countries are coming to us – India, China Mongolia, Kazakhstan, all of it, Azerbaijan, Muslim countries. [For the] first time I visited Australia, tremendous, far away, though. So we’re coloring the world blue. Remember when people talked about Israel’s isolation? Pretty soon the countries that don’t have relations with us, they’re going to be isolated.” “There are those who talk about boycotting Israel, we’ll boycott them!” he added. Netanyahu also sought to convey a sense of urgency regarding Iran.
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“The force behind so much of what is bad is this radical tyranny in Tehran. If I have a message for you today, it’s a very simple one: we must stop Iran.” Using a screen to show Iran’s activities in the region, Netanyahu noted that “darkness is descending on our region” as Iran builds an “aggressive empire, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, more to come.” Bibi also addressed President Trump’s effort to restart the peace process. “We appreciate the effort of Trump’s superb team – Jared Kushner, Jason Greenblatt, David Friedman – thank you all for your hard work for peace. But to get peace, President Abbas has to embrace peace and stop supporting terror. Raise your hands high if you agree with me that President Abbas should stop paying terrorists to murder Jews,” he told the audience of 18,000 people. “You know how much he pays? He pays about $350 million a year to terrorists and their families. Each year. That’s about a little less than 10% of the total Palestinian budget. That’s an incredible number! He pays Hakim Awad, the terrorist who murdered this beautiful family of Ehud and Ruth Fogel and their three children and a 3-month-old baby girl, he pays Hakim Awad this murderer. Over the lifetime of this killer he will be receiving $2 million. I have a message for President Abbas,” Netanyahu said, “stop paying terrorists!”
A
lthough Prime Minister Netanyahu’s current political crisis was not addressed explicit-
ly, he received the warm endorsement of several speakers. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), who was shot and almost killed by a Bernie Sanders supporter while he played baseball last summer, recalled receiving a phone call from Netanyahu after he was shot. “By day three I woke up. And my wife was there. My family was there. They started sharing some of the stories of the people that were praying all around the world. And one
to the military, but he also shared some other personal stories with me. And it was just such a warm expression of the kind of person he is. The fact that he called told me a number of things about him, but it also said something about our relationship. Why would he call a member of the United States Congress who had been shot when he’s the prime minister of Israel? “You know why? Because our coun-
“IF THERE IS NO PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST AS WE SPEAK, AND REGRETTABLY, THERE IS NOT, I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT WE BLAME SOMEONE OTHER THAN ISRAEL FOR THIS PREDICAMENT.”
of the things that stood out, they said, ‘Prime Minister Netanyahu called for you.’ And I said, ‘Prime Minister Netanyahu called for me?’ I know he’s busy. There’s so many threats and problems that he’s dealing with. And they said, ‘He wants you to call him when you’re able to.’ So finally, about another day went by and the fog had kind of lifted and I said, ‘Okay, I’d love to talk to him.’ And so we arranged the call, and we spent just a wonderful conversation on the phone. And he shared with me some of his personal experiences.” Scalise continued, “You all know his brother died in a shooting in his service
tries love each other. Our countries care about each other. This is a relationship that’s built on this kind of love and respect for what we do.”
A
mbassador David Friedman also spoke on Tuesday morning. The Woodmere resident, who now resides in Israel, highlighted certain experiences and lessons he learned during the past year. Although he quipped that what he’s discovered can fill a book and not a speech, he attempted to share some thoughts with the AIPAC audience. When the ambassador speaks to
some American visitors, students or politicians he said that, at times, he hears the phrase that they are “pro-Israel and pro-peace.” “Pro-Israel and pro-peace sounds like a completely reasonable position. My friends, it is not,” Friedman said. “Using that phrase plainly implies that there are people who are pro-Israel and anti-peace or even G-d forbid, pro-Israel and pro-war. Having served in the country of Israel now for almost a year, I can attest that such people, in anything but the smallest, most minute of numbers, simply do not exist. Pro-Israel and pro-peace is nothing more than a redundancy.” He reiterated, “If you support Israel, then you must, by definition, support it living in peace with its neighbors. Peace is a core Israeli value, it is a core American value, it is the ultimate line of the priestly benediction that kohanim, of which I am one, bestow upon their congregations each and every day in the land of Israel. Yisa Hashem panav eilecha viyasem lecha shalom.” Citing everyday Israelis who yearn for peace – parents sending their children to the army, families living near Gaza, hotel owners – Ambassador Friedman said strongly, “If there is no peace in the Middle East as we speak, and regrettably, there is not, I strongly suggest that we blame someone other than Israel for this predicament.” Addressing his audience Friedman noted that the “ambassador”
before his name is written with a capital “A.” “But all of you are ambassadors as well, perhaps just with a ‘lowercase a,’ if you will,” he said. Charging listeners with a mission, Ambassador Friedman exhorted, “As ambassadors, all of you share with me the responsibility for making the case for Israel.” He added, “When, as
I know all of you will, you proclaim yourselves to be pro-Israel, please understand that those one and a half simple words without suffix and without apology, you are proclaiming yourselves pro-democracy, pro-religious freedom and perhaps most importantly, pro-American.” Friedman mentioned his father as
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he concluded his address. “Hashem oz l’amo yitein, Hashem yevarech et amo bashalom, may G-d give strength unto his peace, may G-d bless his people with peace. “My father of blessed memory, a pulpit rabbi for some 50 years, ended every one of his Shabbat morning services with this passage. I often
wondered what King David meant. If he was asking for peace, why did he first have to ask for strength? “My friends, in this day and age, we all know the answer,” Friedman concluded. “We all know what King David, the great warrior poet, meant by his request. We will have peace, but first we must be strong.”
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Girl Talk
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avigating girlhood can feel like a rollercoaster ride for both girls and parents. We
recently sat down with Jenni-
fer Mann, LCSW, moderator of TJH’s “What Would You Do If” dating and relationship panel, and Rebecca Gordon, LCSW, social worker at HANC High School, co-creators of Girl Talk, a new empowerment program for girls of all ages and stages. The group helps to increase girls’ self-esteem, learn how to regulate their emotions, and develop healthy social skills and relationships in a safe, fun and kosher environment.
Jennifer, we know you as a Navidater. How do you transition from counseling people on the cusp of marriage to helping girls with their struggles? Jennifer Mann: Excellent question. I am a psychotherapist working with individuals, couples and families. The readership knows me through the dating panel, but in my practice I work with hosts of different issues and people. Creating Girl Talk was a natural progression for me. If we can build girls’ confidence, self-esteem and self-worth when they are in grade school, middle school and high school, we prepare our girls all the more so for dating and marriage. I teamed up with Rebecca Gordon, who specializes in adolescents, to address the issues that our girls are facing. Rebecca, nice to meet you. Tell us a bit more about Girl Talk. Rebecca Gordon: Girl Talk is an age-based workshop designed for girls in grades 3 through 12. School offers students an academic curriculum which gives each child an opportunity to expand her mind and talents. We have developed an emotion-based curriculum to help girls navigate their ever-changing emotions, friendships, self-esteem, body image, and social skills. Girl Talk is a 6 week program that empowers girls to live confidently in
their own skin. Weeks 1 and 2 focus on self-esteem and body image. Weeks 3 and 4 target emotional regulation skills and stress reduction techniques. We conclude weeks 5 and 6 with healthy friendships, boundaries and social skills. How do parents determine whether Girl Talk is right for their daughter? JM: If you have a daughter, I think you may relate to the following. She comes home from school and is crying hysterically because her two best friends are no longer talking to her. Or, your sweet little angel is suddenly angry or withdrawn at home. Your once confident dancer will no longer put on her leotard and tutu and refuses to attend her dance lessons. You’re finding it difficult to keep up with her social drama, and she is convinced that her teacher hates her. Girls will face different issues at different stages of development, and we have noticed through our years in the field that many of the girls don’t have the tools that they need to cope. Many, if not most, girls are experiencing these issues and are forced to deal with them alone. And parents often don’t know how to help their daughters through these challenging times. Girl Talk has been created to address exactly these issues. It is for every girl. A child does not need a clinical diagnosis to join the group, but
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
ever, which is destroying the fabric of family life and causing so much undue stress on the kids and parents alike. Kids are overly scheduled with extracurricular activities.
that won’t be a deterrent either. We conduct a short phone session with each parent to determine a child’s appropriateness for the group. What are some challenges that teenage girls are facing? RG: Where do I start? Being a teenager is certainly not easy. Teenagers are tasked with exploring and forming their own identity. There are so many factors which can complicate this: family expectations, societal norms, social pressures, and so on. They are trying to figure out what makes them tick while balancing the many external pressures they are constantly bombarded with. How much more difficult this task is for teens today, in an age of almost 24/7 social media bombardment. How difficult to not allow that to cloud your judgement! Some of the most common challenges teen girls are faced with are body image, self-esteem, academic stress, social and familial relationships, and peer pressure. Again, with the increasing reliance on smartphones, they are given very little opportunity to ever truly have a “break” from all this pressure. Recent studies have shown that teenagers, now more than ever, are reporting increased feelings of anxiety and depression. In fact, anxiety has been shown to be the number one mental health issue affecting teenagers today. It has become more and more clear that the struggles our teens are faced with keep growing, while their ability to cope with these struggles does not. We have created Girl Talk, in part, to provide a forum to discuss, explore and connect. Our girls need to carve out time (when their phone is not constantly nagging or pressuring them) to truly focus on themselves. Girl Talk provides just that, and so much more! How can parents help their children in their teen years with their struggles? JM: As a therapist, and also as the mom of a teenage girl, this is a question I ask myself all the time. Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Your teenager will test you, push you past your limits, take your kishkas out, and make you feel incompetent (and that’s just Monday morning breakfast). By far, the most important piece of parenting advice I can offer is to stay connected and attuned to your teen, no matter what. If you daughter tells you, “Mom, I hate you. You’re the worst mother ever” (you know, on Tuesday morning) make sure you knock on her door Tuesday night just to say hello and ask her how she’s doing. “This was a rough morning, huh? Everything OK?” We have to strive to monitor our own feelings and emotions and make sure we are not projecting our own wants and desires, fears or inhibitions on our children. Your teen’s emotions are running high, and I see so many parents taking their teens’ jabs as a personal insult. They engage in arguments with their teens or sometimes pull away. If you do this and detach, you will lose your child. G-d wired ad-
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olescents to think parents are “stupid” as an impetus to leave us. If they thought we were wonderful and brilliant they would never fly the nest. So, keep communication open, don’t take teen-hood personally, and remember that your teen is going through so much. If she’s lashing out at Mom, this is because she feels safe with Mom. Let her know that you may disagree but she can always come talk to you, no matter what. Do you think teen challenges have evolved over the years? JM: Absolutely. While girls have always dealt with body image, social skills and conflict resolution, so-
With the increasing reliance on smartphones, they are given very little opportunity to ever truly have a “break” from all this pressure. cial media and the internet have exacerbated everything. Today, a girl will go onto (or into) her phone and she has access to and pictures of what everyone in her class did over the weekend. This often brings up feelings of jealousy, thinking that everyone else is living a life more fabulous than she is. She may feel left out seeing six girls from class at a sleepover party she wasn’t invited to. Some girls are allowed to use some social media sites while others are not. The girls who aren’t allowed (and rightfully so) often feel out of the loop as social plans are being made without her. I also think there is more homework now than
It seems that it is a big need for a forum and a group like Girl Talk. When can we expect the launch of Girl Talk? RG: Girl Talk is already up and running! We launched Girl Talk last month in my office in West Hempstead. Even without any advertising, we had a full group before we knew it. The group consists of ten fifth grade girls, from various neighborhoods and schools. Both Jennifer and I are absolutely amazed and impressed by the success of this group. From the start of the first session the excitement was palpable. The girls continue to impress us with their depth, insight, understanding, compassion and willingness to share. This group has gelled so beautifully, they are already asking for round 2! The girls themselves have reported feeling less isolated, more understood, and excited about their new friendships. We are currently forming a group in our West Hempstead location for third and fourth grade girls. Parents should reach out soon as space is limited. It sound exciting and thrilling to be part of such an endeavor. What is the future of Girl Talk? RG: Girl Talk is only getting started! We are planning on launching Girl Talk in the Five Towns as soon as we secure a location. Groups are age-based. As soon as there is enough interest amongst a specific age group, we are ready to roll! We are currently in talks with two local day camps, as we are passionate about bringing Girl Talk to as many girls as possible. If schools are interested, they should contact us as well. I’d like to quote a parent, Dawn Horowitz, whose daughter just attended a Girl Talk sessions. This is what she said after her daughter came home from one session, “My daughter came home with thought-provoking assignments that allowed her to reflect on what was spoken about weekly. She even expressed to me how she is better able to regulate when she gets upset or angry based on what she was taught. The most inspiring assignment was the kindness token. The girls were given a token and were told when kindness is done to them, hand that token off to that person. That person has to do the same and keep paying the kindness token forward. It was a truly special lesson and a great way to end this beautiful experience. I can’t wait to send my younger daughter to Girl Talk soon and see what she gets out of it!” Feedback from parents like Dawn motivates us even more to continue to expand Girls Talk. Jennifer, Rebecca, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. I only wish we had something like this when I was growing up!
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Dating Dialogue
What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters
Dear Navidaters,
I was recently set up with Dina. I was told wonderful things about her and was excited for our first date. When I picked her up, everything I was told about her in advance seemed to match. She is very sweet, refined, petite, and very pretty. I have to admit that I was taken aback when I met her parents. Both her mother and father are quite overweight, and her mother’s looks in particular were kind of shocking to me. I guess I was surprised because my parents are both very young looking and take very good care of themselves. They are slim, always well dressed, and place a great deal of emphasis on how a person presents.
I was not surprised when Dina’s parents were pointed out to my parents last week at a wedding and my parents reacted very badly. Basically, they told me that they didn’t think it was a good idea for me to pursue dating Dina because judging from what her mother looks like, I should expect Dina to look the same way down the road, especially after she becomes a mother. I have no way of knowing what Dina’s mother looked like when she was Dina’s age, but I know that Dina is very neat and attractive looking and it’s hard for me to believe that once she marries she’ll let herself go, gain a lot of weight and stop caring about the way she looks – which is basically what my parents are telling me. My father keeps insisting that all you have to look at a girl’s mother to know how she will look down the road. I’m wondering if you all agree with these sentiments, and if appearances are in fact important to me, I should listen to my parents’ warnings and forget about Dina, despite all of her wonderful qualities?
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.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. ou went out once with Dina, it seems. Give her a chance. And give yourself a chance. It seems very shallow to make a decision based on something so superficial before you have even developed chemistry. What’s important is the relationship and attraction factor between the two of you, not what her parents look like. Everyone has something in their profile that can be off-putting. The good thing here is that it is obvious. It is much more complex when there are psychological and other issues that are hidden from the public eye. Wouldn’t you rather see what you get than find out about some deep dark
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scandals and issues later? Talk to your parents from this perspective and keep dating. If things develop to the point that things are serious, you can bring up the subject of health issues in families. Be gentle and considerate of Dina’s feelings when you do so. Practice a script that you have carefully written out. She knows that this is an issue for many people, and although you want to know about this subject, how you handle this will be a test of your feelings for her. If you don’t do this sensitively and at the right time, you will blow it. If this really weighs on your mind and dealing with your parents’ attitudes is a persistent problem, you can talk to the person who set you up. Again, be gentle and sensitive. Pose your question in connection with health issues that you should
be aware of. Do it yourself and do it carefully if you trust the shadchan to be discreet and not let your question get out. Remember that dignity, sensitivity, and the ability to deal with surprises are signs of maturity.
People change inside and out, for so many different reasons.
The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, P.A. our question – so simple – is impossible to answer. The universal conundrum of Nature vs. Nurture is the daily occupation of philosophers and scientists. The mystery of Heredity vs. Environment gave rise to the field of psychology. The sublimation of the Fat Gene fuels a billion dollar diet industry. And so you turn to your humble panel to tell you whether Dina will always remain petite and svelte, even after bearing your offspring? Impossible to predict. What I can say is life offers no guarantees. Your friend marries a girl from an affluent family, her father goes bankrupt. A woman from a “thin family” becomes obese after she develops a thyroid disorder. Who knows what the future may bring. Your query doesn’t indicate how long you have known Dina and how invested you are in the relationship. If you are seriously considering marriage because of the whole package – Dina’s sterling qualities of middos, brains and looks – have a heart-to-heart. Tell her you have heretofore led a heart-healthy lifestyle and expect to perpetuate that lifestyle after marriage. It shouldn’t surprise you that skinny Dina shares your philosophy; how else has she resisted the gluttonous temptations in the kitchen pantry? Moreover, she may be determined to maintain those healthy habits because she is keenly aware of her family’s propensity towards obesity and its negative impact on health.
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The Shadchan Tzipporah Feldman ike so many people who write into this column, you’re looking for guarantees. If we could hand them out, we’d make everyone very happy. But as you must well know, no one knows what tomorrow will bring, let alone what a person’s body will look like after years of marriage and childbearing. If you’re looking for facts, I can say that more than not, children tend to take on family traits. Not always, and we all see exceptions to this rule quite often. But if staying thin and being invested in always dressing well and looking young is something you’ve incorporated from your parents’ philosophies toward life, and you know in your heart that you would be miserable being married to an overweight, unkempt woman down the road – Dina’s genes and family culture certainly presents a possible warning flag. Might you reject her now on that basis, and run into her 10 years from now, the mother of 6, and still a trim size 0? Absolutely possible. But if you are not one to play the odds and want to know that you’ve stacked everything in your favor and improved the likelihood that your wife will remain thin now and forever, maybe your father has a point. A slim point, but definitely a point. But what of her other wonderful qualities? Are you willing to walk away from them because she has a greater chance of putting on weight someday? If so, some people might consider you
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quite shallow. But only you can know for sure what’s in your heart and what you value first and foremost.
The Single Tova Wein
W
hen my friend’s brother started dating, she gave him advice that she thought was excellent. She told him to get hold of any prospective girl’s high school yearbook and check out how she looked at that point in her
life. According to my friend, when young women start dating, they work super hard to look their very best and once they land a husband, they relax back into their former selves. In other words, don’t be fooled by “kallah mode perfection.” It’s often fleeting, she said. The real point here is knowing yourself and knowing what is most important to you. Yes, everyone would love to be married to a great looking individual – both men and women. But the likelihood of someone never changing is ridiculous. People change inside and out, for so many different reasons. We can’t possibly predict with
Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists
I
have never read and reread an email as many times as I did yours. Six to be exact. I kept scrolling down to get my response started, but something kept pushing me to read your email again. I realized that I had no response for you. Nothing. And that is because you are nowhere to be found in your e-mail. Every sentiment begins with your parents and their ideas. Your ideas and your feelings are missing. (Even now, as I write this, I’m scrolling back up to reread, which will make a seventh time…hold on, I’ll be right back. I’m back.) You do write that you have a hard time imagining that she will look differently in the future based on what she looks like now. Where is what matters to you? I think now is a great time to be in therapy to begin to be able to develop an internal dialogue that is not intermingled with your parents. Where do your parents’ needs and wants end and yours begin? Do you know what you want, separate and distinct from what your parents want for you? Are you able to make the distinction? I may be totally off, or I may be onto something.
I love family, and I think having the wisdom of our parents is a gift to be treasured and respected. However, when I hear someone trying to make a decision or express his ideas, and all I hear about are someone else’s ideas or concerns (whether it’s a parent, a sibling, a spouse or a friend), this often means the person has difficulty individuating. And sometimes parents are overly expressive and forward and even times forceful with their ideas, not allowing their children to develop; which is a natural part of the lifecycle. Once you have somewhat teased out your ideas from your parents, you may want to spend some time dating Dina and be real with her about your vision of a health-conscious, stylish lifestyle. She may be on board. If you absolutely cannot get past the way her mother looks, and you think it will haunt you, then by all means, you should be dating a girl who has parents similar to yours. There’s nothing wrong with that in my opinion. You are entitled to
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
certainly what will happen down the road. But the things that usually never change is a person’s middos, level of kindness, compassion, and intelligence. Sounds like Dina rates high in those areas. What about you? Where do you rate in those qualities? Examine yourself – don’t just react to what your parents say in this regard. If Dina is someone you are presently attracted to – inside and out – continue dating for a while. Get to know her better and get a fuller idea of her entire personage. Through conversation you may get a better idea about her attitudes toward food and healthy choices. You may determine whether in general she seems to be a structured, disciplined person or not. You may observe some of her lifestyle choices. Put all of your observations, facts, and self-examination together and decide at that point
what you find attractive. Truth time: it wouldn’t be fair to Dina for you to marry her with this overwhelming concern that she will look like her mother. There are guys out there who would be thrilled to date Dina and be fully present with her…not worried about her weight fifteen years from now. Everyone deserves a partner who is fully present and accepting. We walk down the aisle peaceful and content with our partner. Good luck with your decision. Public Service Announcement: Not always, but too often, thin girls from thin parents (who are shidduch dating) are not healthy in body, mind or spirit. The message they are being sold is that they are only worthy of marriage and love if they remain skinny (and perfectly coiffed and perfectly dressed and perfectly perfectly perfect). The pressure is crushing. And so, they’re not nourishing their bodies properly, their self-esteem is in the garbage, and their neurosis is through the roof. In my mind and in the mind of many others, this in and of itself is a crisis. There is a difference between a thin, strong woman who eats well and exercises because she feels empowered and
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The message they are being sold is that they are only worthy of marriage and love if they remain skinny (and perfectly coiffed and perfectly dressed and perfectly perfectly perfect). whether this match makes sense for you.
leads a healthy lifestyle and a woman who is skinny because she is being told she won’t get a date otherwise. Women come in all shapes and sizes; and all women are beautiful…even if one man doesn’t think so or a society is selling a false message. You are beautiful! Ladies, if you are reading this, and you are thinking you may not be healthy in body or mind, please seek help. Learn to love yourself now. So you can attract a man who will love you for you. Sincerely, Jennifer
Esther Mann, LCSW and Jennifer Mann, LCSW are licensed psychotherapists and dating and relationship coaches working with individuals, couples and families in private practice in Hewlett, NY. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 516.224.7779. Press 1 for Esther, 2 for Jennifer. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email thenavidaters@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.
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Dr. Deb
A Life of Meaning By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.
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spent the three months after Hurricane Sandy looking for a shul where I would feel at home in Kew Gardens Hills because we had moved in with our daughter at that time. Then we found our current residence in Far Rockaway and didn’t worry about it anymore as we happily settled into the White Shul. But wandering around KGH with my machatainester in the middle of the night a couple years later on Shavuous, after my husband was niftar, I learned about Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky’s shul and decided to give it a try. Something about what he said spoke to me so that has become my shul-away-from-shul when I’m with my children in KGH. One time, he brazenly said, “Most people really don’t believe in G-d.” I wondered how that could possibly be true. We were talking about frum Jews. But this past Shabbos I got it. Rabbi Zakutinsky said that the eigel is not so hard to understand after all since we do exactly the same thing today: We need physical things to relate to. So, if we give a poor person a dollar because it’s halacha or “the right thing to do,” we can relate to it because it’s a physical act. We feel good about ourselves for doing something that we’re supposed to. And, after all, we are people of action. We’re supposed to be doers. Believing isn’t sufficient for us. The problem is that sometimes the believing part gets left out altogether. So the reality, from a spiritual perspective, is that if we merely give that dollar without understanding
that spiritual forces are unleashed, it’s akin to worshipping an eigel. Spiritually, every act of ours has huge effects. Of course, they’re intangible. And that’s where our problems as material beings come in. Since we are physical, we only can assume that ruchniyus is there because someone told us. We can’t see it and can’t test it out; there’s no proof. Yet, that, precisely, is our test: How can we somehow relate to the
Because everything – everything – rests on the meaning we make of our lives. When people “get” these two conclusions that I came to, and Rabbi Zakutinsky spoke about, there can be no more depression or anxiety. And my work with people who fight or refuse to talk to each other will be that much easier. What do I mean? Take the average troubled couple. Let’s say they’re the arguing type.
I didn’t give any of this much thought until my husband died and the very meaning of life became that much clearer to me.
spiritual when there is no physical way to do so and we only know physical ways? I didn’t give any of this much thought until my husband died and the very meaning of life became that much clearer to me: I really would die some day; I did not have forever to get things right. And however much I tried to get things right doesn’t even matter if HaKadosh Baruch Hu didn’t ordain it. After he died, these things became clearer to me. Why is this important for a therapist to be talking about? (Dr. Deb, just get back to your couch! Well, actually, I don’t have a couch for clients anyway.)
They feel unheard so they yell. Then, of course, no one gets heard. Any therapist can tell you that’s not very helpful and there are better ways, but they don’t need that: They know it. They’re not stupid! But they’re trapped. They don’t know the way out. Now, let’s suppose they heard Rabbi Zakutinsky’s dvar Torah which said that when they say something bad to one another, they actually are causing something bad to happen to the other person. This is what the rabbi would call a spiritual force that we create by our words or actions. That’s kind of frightening, to have so much power. But these two people happen to be scientists. They
deal all the time with tests of things that are measurable. What do they do? One thing they can do is think about the Big Questions. They can contemplate the meaning of life and death, the finality of death, the purpose for which they were created. No one likes to do this. (I can see you turning the page.) But in the end, it’s foolish to run away from these questions because they are the reality. The things we spend our days chasing are very fleeting. So, if they started to ask themselves: What do I want my life to look like? Is this okay? Does this endless bickering go anywhere? Then maybe they could make the necessary changes not by use of positive reinforcement or willpower but because they easily choose to live a more meaningful life. So, when my husband died, it was a wakeup call. We thought he would just go on. Obviously, no one does, but we thought so anyway. It was a convenient delusion to escape the reality I find myself in today. And you know what? It’s okay that I had that wakeup call. I think I’m living my life more fully with that wakeup call, sad as the whole thing is. P.S. Sunday, I leave for Eretz Yisroel and I will send you back a travel-log as I did last year.
Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. She can be reached at 646-54-DRDEB or by writing drdeb@drdeb.com.
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Health & F tness
Peanut Allergy Prevention By Aliza Beer MS, RD
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n allergy to peanuts is among the most common food allergies found in children in the United States. Many schools, including most yeshivas, have declared that they are “nutfree,” meaning that the onetime staple for kids’ lunches, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, is nowhere to be found on school grounds these days. That is because peanuts are one of the food allergens most commonly associated with anaphylaxis, a sudden and potentially deadly condition that requires immediate medical attention and treatment. Peanut allergies effect about 2% of the children in the United States, and the numbers are growing every year. The question is, can we prevent a peanut allergy from developing? A recent study in Israel and the UK suggests yes. In Israel, there is a custom of feeding infants Bamba snacks as soon as they possibly can. Bamba contains 50% peanuts. In Israel the rates of children with a peanut allergy are also extraordinarily low, much lower than Jewish children in the UK. Dr. Gideon Lack, a professor of pediatric allergy at King’s College London, led an international team of researchers in this groundbreaking study based on the idea that Israeli children have lower rates of peanut allergy compared to Jewish children of similar ancestry residing in the United Kingdom. The study tested the hypothesis that
the very low rates of peanut allergy in Israeli children were a result of high levels of peanut consumption beginning in infancy. Researchers recruited 640 children who already had an egg allergy or eczema, both indicators of children prone to a peanut allergy. The children, aged 4-11 months, were divided into two groups. The first group of 530 children did not have a peanut allergy in the initial skinprick allergy test, while the second
exposing infants to peanuts within their first year helped prevent a peanut allergy by as much as 81%! These children were tested again a year later and all the kids who did not have a peanut at age 5 still did not have a peanut allergy at age 6. This study has helped to change the recommendations on how and when to introduce peanuts to children. Recommendations fall into three categories. The first category includes children who are believed
Researchers found that exposing infants to peanuts within their first year helped prevent a peanut allergy by as much as 81%!
group of 98 infants had a weakly positive test when the study began. These groups were then divided again into two groups: in one group parents were asked to feed their babies peanut butter or Bamba three times a week until the age of five. The second group was told to keep their children’s diets peanut-free until age five. The children were tested for allergies again when they turned five. Researchers found that
to be most likely to develop a peanut allergy – infants who have severe asthma, egg allergy or both. Parents can introduce these children to peanut-containing food at 4-6 months, or see an allergist to determine if the infant is allergic to peanuts. If not allergic, then parents may follow the recommendation of introducing peanut-containing foods at 4-6 months. However, if the infant is allergic, parents should avoid feed-
ing them peanut-containing foods. The second category includes children with mild to moderate eczema, and therefore, less likely to have an allergy. These infants can be introduced to peanut-containing foods at about 6 months of age. Finally, the third category belongs to children with no eczema or food allergies and no family history of such. These children can either be fed peanut-containing foods or not at any age, based purely on family and cultural preferences. It is now known that the developing immune system samples the environment early in life as part of its training. A question can be asked: will a similar technique prevent other common food allergies, such as milk, eggs or soy? There have been some small studies that suggest this will work for other food allergens, but none as large or rigorous as the peanut study. If your infant is not allergy prone, then discuss with your pediatrician the idea of introducing peanut-containing food like Bamba early on. Always discuss any possible changes in diet with your physician first before implementing them.
Aliza Beer is a registered dietician with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail.com.
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
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Health & F tness
Toilet Training 101 By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH (SA), FAAP
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r. Lightman, my 2 ½-year-old is going to be in diapers forever. How will this kid ever move on in life?” Ah, to have the proverbial nickel for every time I’ve heard that one. Please know, Mom and Dad, that your toddler will be toilet trained. It might not be today, tomorrow or even next week. But please know that he will not go to Little League in diapers. And she’s not going to seminary that way either. But it sure feels like a long road to get there. Few parents are prepared for how long toilet training can take. Some kids are trained over a weekend. Others can take several months. There’s a better chance of success if a parent understands some of the important elements of toilet training in advance. The first step in successfully toilet training a toddler is that he needs to be able to sense the urge to go, be able to understand what the feeling means, and then be able to verbalize that he needs your help to
make it to the toilet and actually go. Some signs of readiness to watch for: • Can he follow simple instructions? • Can he walk and sit down? • Can he take off his pants and put them back on? In addition, you must consider
tive. Most children are ready between 24-27 months, but there are many variations. Don’t get hung up just because your child is a certain age and they’re not following the handbook on toilet training that you want them to. Waiting until your child is truly ready will make the experi-
Waiting until your child is truly ready will make the experience much faster and more pleasant for everyone involved.
the other challenges your toddler child is dealing with at the moment. Is there a new school? Caregiver? Sibling? These are likely to cause some snags in the process. No matter what, try not to pressure him. Otherwise, it’s all counterproduc-
ence much faster and more pleasant for everyone involved. It’s highly unlikely that your child is going to become toilet trained through one prepackaged, one-size-fits-all method only. Google and you’ll find all kinds of meth-
ods. Most likely, whatever method you choose, you will abandon. This may happen more than once. That’s okay. And then you’ll make up the method for your child. And it will work. The most important thing is ascertaining your child’s readiness. Otherwise, it becomes an exercise in futility. Also keep in mind that what has worked for one child in a family doesn’t necessarily work for another child in the same family. Each child is an individual and the process must be approached accordingly. These universal rules relating to toilet training – as well as to other aspects of parenting – will enhance your family’s experience no matter what method you choose. Be positive. Children learn better when they are praised for their progress rather than punished for their mistakes. Do what you can to help your child succeed as often as possible – even if it means learning gradually, one tiny step at a time. When he progresses, give him a
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hug, some praise, and perhaps even a small tangible reward. When he fails, tell him you’re sure he’ll do better next time and ask him to help you clean up. Part of being positive is creating motivation called bribes. Yes, you read this correctly. And mini M&Ms can do the trick. One idea: 3 Minis for using the potty correctly. Add 3 for wiping. Be consistent. Create reasonable expectations according to your child’s abilities, express them clearly and frequently, and expect your child to at least try to follow them every time. Keep his bathroom routine as consistent as possible, with the potty in the same place every day and the sequence of actions – including wiping and hand washing— the same every time. While he is toilet training, praise him for each success, and provide predictable, non-punitive consequences (such as helping to clean up) for each failure. Make sure that your approach to toilet training is consistent with those of your child’s other caregivers as well. Stay involved and observe. Very young children’s needs, behaviors, and abilities change frequently and, not surprisingly, unpredictably. Toilet training approaches that worked two weeks ago may not work today, and skills that your child mastered in the past may temporarily disappear in the face of new challenges. Continue to monitor your child’s bathroom behavior throughout toilet training and afterward so that you can quickly identify and resolve any new problems that arise. Face the fears. Some kids are frightened to use the toilet. Please don’t poo-poo (no pun intended) their fears. Each child is wired differently. A more analytical child may see #2 as part of themselves so when flushing the toilet...well, you connect the dots. Tell him that his poop is going to join the entire family’s poop. That comforts a child. Parents must get to know their children and help them to move past whatever fears they may have in a nonjudgmental environment. Enjoy. Toilet training is a necessary chore, but it can also be fun at times. Don’t take your child’s hesitations,
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passing fears, or resistance too seriously. Nearly every child learns to use the toilet sooner or later, and your child will, too. Do what you can to occasionally take your eye off the long-term goal and enjoy the charming, funny moments along the way. Keep a notebook of what your child says. They can be hysterically funny and, unless recorded, their thoughts can go “down the toilet.” You’ll want to remember what they say. Still not having progress in this area? Don’t force the issue as often, the child may withhold his stool. This can be problematic and cause dis-
tension of the bowels, something you don’t want to happen. He will have stomach aches. He might go into a corner, bend forwards and squeeze his tush, pushing the stool back up. Sometimes, especially when successfully trained for urination, he may want only to defecate in a diaper. That’s okay. A chat with your pediatrician can be helpful. There’s good news in this whole process. Yes, a toilet trained child is a great milestone to achieve. But even bigger, you and your child will get to know one another much better through this process. In addi-
tion, your child will have learned a new skill in a way that has increased his confidence, sense of security, and self-esteem. Wow. What a great basis for developing further. As always, daven.
Dr. Hylton I. Lightman is a pediatrician and Medical Director of Total Family Care of the 5 Towns and Rockaway PC. He can be reached at drlightman@totalfamilycaremd.com, on Instagram at Dr.Lightman_ or visit him on Facebook.
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
In The K
tchen
Cauliflower Sushi By Naomi Nachman
Who doesn’t love sushi?! Even though Ashkenazic Jews don’t eat rice on Pesach, that shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying sushi all Pesach long! Cauliflower rice is the perfect substitute on Pesach, and it has the added benefit of making the sushi low-carb. Omit the nori and toss the other ingredients together to make this into a sushi salad. Pareve – yields 4-5 rolls Ingredients Cauliflower “Rice” 2 (32-ounce) bags frozen cauliflower, defrosted 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon imitation soy sauce 1 teaspoon vinegar
Filling Options • avocado • carrot • cucumber • mango • kani sticks, if available • raw salmon, sushi-grade • raw tuna, sushi-grade • smoked salmon
Place the cauliflower into a bowl; add sugar, salt, imitation soy sauce, and vinegar. Mix well; set aside. Prepare the filling: Cut the fillings of your choice into long, thin strips. Place each filling component into a separate bowl. Assemble the sushi rolls: Place a nori sheet onto a bamboo mat. Spread the “rice” over the nori, forming into a thin layer and leaving a ½-inch border at the top edge. Place the filling lengthwise along the center of the sheet. Don’t overstuff with filling or the nori won’t seal when you roll it. Roll the nori, using the bamboo mat as a guide, pressing forward to shape into a cylinder. Press firmly to seal the roll. You may want to dampen the edge of the nori with water to help seal the roll. Use a damp knife to cut sushi roll into 1-inch slices.
Assembly 4-5 nori (seaweed) sheets
Preparation Prepare the “rice”: Grate cauliflower in a food processor fitted with the “S” blade until it resembles small crumbs. Transfer the cauliflower crumbs to 2 clean dish towels. Tightly wrap the cauliflower in the towels; squeeze dry. If it’s still cold from being frozen, let it sit out for another 20 minutes and squeeze again. Make sure the cauliflower is very dry.
Prepare ahead: You can make the cauliflower rice one day in advance. Store in the fridge in an airtight container. Cook’s tip: • Serve this sushi with imitation soy sauce or prepare Spicy Mayo: Mix ¼ cup mayo with sriracha to taste. • You can use cooked quinoa instead of cauliflower rice in this recipe.
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.
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 29, 2015 2015 || The The Jewish Jewish Home Home OCTOBER
Pesach While You Sleep Pesach does not equal panic! By Julie Hauser
T
ime. Money. Sanity. Everybody wants to preserve what they have of these three things. In the crunch between Purim and Pesach, we could all use some help in balancing this act so we are not spending time on the wrong things, spending too much money where it could be saved, and losing bits of sanity little by little! Pesach does not equal panic. Let’s pretend this is a hike in the mountains. What do you pack for the trip? What do you leave behind? The answers to these questions make a difference both in how difficult the hike will be and in how much you will enjoy it. Too much in your bag? Brought the wrong things? It will be more difficult and heavier than necessary. Brought the right tools? Wearing the right clothing for the weather? The hike will be easier and you will enjoy the view, instead of watching your every step because you are wearing the wrong shoes! In this article, I will attempt to share some of my own survival tips for the hike between Purim and Pesach (at least the cooking part). In my book Pesach While You Sleep: the easy way to cook ahead for Yom Tov…no Pesach kitchen necessary, I recommend cooking ahead in a small space using slow cookers to cook and freeze basic foods. Using this method, you will make the climb and enjoy the view along the way, whether or not you have a Pesach kitchen. First of all, clear freezer space. It does not have to be an entire freezer. Do what you can. Work top to bottom. If you can clear one or two of the top shelves, that’s a great start. Next, secure a small table covered with foil in a safe-from-chometz zone. Find (or purchase) your Pesachdike slow cooker (more than one is even better), peeler, serrated knife, and cutting board for Pesach. Prepare a garbage bin. It’s a good time to find a helper, too! Chop 10 onions. (For a real time-saver, use the pre-chopped onions from the freezer section of the store.) Using a slow cooker liner inside your Pesach slow cooker, cook the onions all in one slow cooker overnight with 2 tablespoons olive
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oil (or any oil you wish to use that is kosher for Pesach). In the morning, package the cooked onions into 10 snack-sized ziploc bags and freeze for use later in all of your cooking. If you are equipped to start soups, chickens, meats, or some of the other recipes in my book, go ahead. Now is the time. I have included recipes here that are simple and easy to prepare and will help you get ahead before the pre-Pesach rush. In the meantime, when someone outside your home asks you what you are up to in your Pesach cleaning, don’t fret. She is really just looking for validation and chizuk. No one is really competing. It doesn’t matter where you are up to vs. where she is up to, and she knows it. We all know what we need to do, and we will each iy”H be sitting at a seder in a few weeks, no matter what route we took. Just turn the subject back to her. Just bless her. Don’t look in other people’s grocery carts. Bless them. Bless them that they will have all the koach to do whatever they need to do to prepare for the yom tov. Bless them that Hashem will provide them all the money they need to buy the clothing, food, etc. that each of their family members needs this season. This is not a race. This is a hike, and every person is going at their own pace. The view will be beautiful for each one of us. As R’ Simcha Wasserman said, “Don’t worry what people think of you; worry what you think of other people.” Take it step by step, prepare your bags properly, hydrate yourself, hold hands with your fellow hikers, and bless Hashem for the view!
Apricot-White Wine Chicken
Creamy Broccoli Soup
Before and After Chicken Legs
Makes 6-8 servings
Makes 6-8 servings
Makes 8-10 servings
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients
8 pc. chicken legs 3 frozen garlic cubes ½ sweet onion, chopped 2-3 tsp olive oil ½ cup apricot preserves 1 cup white wine 10 shakes ginger powder ¾-1 tsp salt 3 shakes pepper, generous Optional: ½ cup dried apricots, chopped (or even dates)
1 lb. frozen broccoli, no need to defrost 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 yellow squash, peeled and chunked 1 zucchini, peeled and chunked 2 TBS olive oil ½ small golden potato ¼ cup almond milk 6 garlic frozen cubes or 6 cloves of garlic ½ TBS onion powder 1 ¾ tsp salt ¼ - ½ tsp white pepper 1 bay leaf ½ cup water
8 chicken legs 5 garlic cubes 3 onions, chopped 2-3 TBS duck sauce 4 shakes each of paprika and garlic powder Black pepper, to taste
Julie Hauser is the author of “Mothers to Mothers: women across the globe share the joys and challenges of Jewish motherhood”, “When I Check on You at Night; The Gratitude Game”, and “Pesach While You Sleep: the easy way to cook ahead for Yom Tov”. Julie Hauser’s books are all on Amazon: https:// www.ama zon.com/Julie-Hauser/e/ B005128KF4. She lives with her husband and children in Detroit, Michigan, and happens to be an occupational therapist by profession.
Chana has an appointment, Yet I didn’t serve lunch. Eli wants a ride to Mincha, It’s the pre-Pesach crunch.
Preparation Place chicken into slow cooker. Rub ingredients over chicken. Cook on low overnight in the slow cooker.
Preparation
Preparation Line slow cooker with slow cooker liner (for simple clean-up). Put chicken legs into slow cooker. Mix other ingredients together and rub all over the chicken, wearing vinyl gloves. Cook on low overnight 7-10 hours. Package and freeze with liquid. Reheat covered.
Put all ingredients in a slow cooker. Leave it on low 6-8 hours. Remove bay leaf and then blend with an immersion blender. Return the bay leaf, and cook on low an additional 30 minutes to an hour after that. Remove bay leaf before serving. If you make this in a pareve slow cooker, you could add cheese when serving at a dairy meal.
Getting Close The laundry needs folding The socks need their pairs. Shlomo’s cleaning the closet, Miriam’s doing the chairs.
kitchen Pesach food cooked like a breeze; Without “turning over” weeks early, Making everyone “freeze.” (Tonight we’re still eating mac ‘n’ cheese.)
The Pesach to-do list Is never done. But one task is crossed off— It was number one!
Pesach food was slow-cooked, Frozen, and stashed away. We’ll make salads and brownies After kitchen turn-over day.
Thanks to our pop-up Pesach
We can prepare for the seder;
Study emunah, belief, Since the main food’s all cooked, What a big relief. Vacuum the car, Clear backpacks, dust bookcases (Plus a trip to the ortho to fix broken braces.) Those jobs are still on the list; No, we are not quite done, But with food cooked and frozen, Pesach prep is more fun!
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Notable Quotes “Say What?!”
I wouldn’t know what to do. – Oprah, in a recent interview, talking about pumping her own gas
I wore it there because I’m proud to be Jewish. I wanted to wear my kippah in the highest office of the land. My Jewish peers in this country need to be proud of being Jewish, and that’s how we can honor Meadow’s memory as a beautiful Jewish girl. - Hunter Pollack, whose sister was killed in the Parkland shooting, telling Chabad.org why he wore a yarmulke during a private meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office recently
I don’t agree. - One of the terms banned on Chinese social media platforms after it was announced that China’s Communist party amended China’s constitution, enabling Chinese President Xi Jinping to be president for life
[Purim] is the same holiday that the people of Europe hated and detested [and because of it] wished that the Jews would leave their countries so they could be saved from their wickedness. This is because the Jews who lived in Europe would always bake a large pastry on the occasion of the holiday, and everyone would eat it. However, this pastry was mixed with the blood of a victim they choose from among those who were not Jews. Most of the time the victim was a little boy. - Former Hamas official, Mustafa al-Lidawi, perpetuating a new type of blood libel in the independent Palestinian Ma’an News Agency, al-Lidawi, claiming that hamantashen are made with a gentile’s blood
He’s now president for life. President for life. No, he’s great. And look, he was able to do that. I think it’s great. Maybe we’ll have to give that a shot someday. - President Trump sending the media into a tizzy when he joked during a closed-door fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago about China’s President Xi Jinping effectively becoming the permanent president of China
MORE QUOTES
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President Trump at the 2018 Gridiron Dinner last Saturday night:
Before I get started, I wanted to apologize for arriving a little bit late. You know, we were late tonight because Jared could not get through security. Attorney General Sessions is here with us tonight. ... I offered him a ride over and he recused himself. There’s talk about Joe Biden, Sleepy Joe, getting into the race. Give me a break. The guy who keeps making outrageous statements thinks he has a shot at being president? Guy makes outrageous statements. He’s going to be president? He doesn’t have a shot. [Oprah] says she’ll run only if she gets the go-ahead from the Al-mighty. All right Oprah, go ahead and run. I won’t rule out direct talks with Kim Jong Un. I just won’t. As far as the risk of dealing with a madman is concerned, that’s his problem, not mine. And it’s been a very tough year. Jeff Zucker’s here. ... CNN, it lost a tremendous amount of credibility this year, but they also lost one of their true stars, the guy who got you the most scoops, inside info ... your really very best reporter. There was nobody like him – Steve Bannon. That guy leaked more than the Titanic. I know we all came here tonight to have fun and tell jokes, but I also think we need to discuss the issues. Issues are very important. ... For example, we’ve got a new plan to tackle global warming, one of my favorite subjects. We’re going to reduce the carbon footprint when we travel by shrinking the press pool so that we only have room for Sean Hannity, Lou Dobbs, and Judge Judy. I do want to say this is one of the best times I can ever remember having with the media. This might be the most fun I’ve had since watching your faces on election night. ... I apologize. Years, years, years taken off your life.
If you’re with me and other Stoneman Douglas survivors, add your name to commit to vote this fall — it’s the only way we’ll do something about gun violence in our country… Help elect Democrats who will take action on gun violence. – From a fundraising letter signed by a Parkland school shooting survivor, sent out by and on behalf of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)
The CEO of SeaWorld has stepped down. He’s going to be getting a $10 million retirement package – if he can jump up and catch it with his mouth. – Conan O’Brien
This is why I’m not going to run for president, because I think it’s a better investment to invest in creating thousands of me’s. We don’t just need one [Michelle Obama], we need thousands and thousands. - Michelle Obama, when asked at a private event this week whether she would someday run for president
I certainly expected him to come out with some racist remarks about me. – Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) on MSNBC’s “AM Joy,” responding to President Trump joking about her low IQ at the Gridiron Dinner
MORE QUOTES
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Former first lady Michelle Obama has announced that her memoir, entitled “Becoming,” will be published in November. The book will cover some of the most exciting times in Michelle Obama’s life, like that time she got $65 million to write a memoir! – James Corden
The world is so much bigger than Farrakhan and the Jewish question and his position on that and so forth. For those heavy into it, that’s their thing, but it ain’t my thing.
We need to ban plastic bags – the time for debate on this is over. They’re bad for the environment, they’re bad for the economy, they’re bad for New York… The state is behind the curve here, it’s time to put our planet first. – Tweet by Mayor Bill de Blasio last Sunday
- Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL), in an interview with the Daily Caller, dismissing concerns about his friendship with Jew-hater and Hitler-lover Louis Farrakhan
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I want to tell you that the Jewish people have a long memory. So we remember the proclamation of the great King Cyrus the Great, Persian King. Twentyfive hundred years ago, he proclaimed that the Jewish exiles in Babylon can come back and rebuild our temple in Jerusalem. We remember, 100 years ago, Lord Balfour, who issued the Balfour Proclamation that recognized the rights of the Jewish people in our ancestral homeland. We remember seventy years ago, President Harry S. Truman was the first leader to recognize the Jewish state. And we remember how a few weeks ago, President Donald J. Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Mr. President, this will be remembered by our people throughout the ages. And as you just said, others talked about it. You did it. So I want to thank you on behalf of the people of Israel.
President Trump today endorsed Senator Ted Cruz for re-election ahead of next week’s Republican primary in Texas. And when he heard that, Ted Cruz smiled so big eight babies started crying.
– Prime Minister Netanyahu addressing President Trump at their White House meeting last Monday
– Seth Myers
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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Political Crossfire
Attacking the NRA is Really Attacking Everyday Americans Stephen Willeford at a vigil for the victims of the massacre
By Marc A. Thiessen
A BRUCE BACKMAN’S
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First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Tex. An ordinary citizen who heard the shots from his home across the street, Willeford grabbed his weapon, ran to the scene barefoot (knowing every second he delayed could mean another life lost) and exchanged fire with the gunman, wounding him in the leg and torso. When the killer jumped into his vehicle to escape, Willeford stopped a passing vehicle and followed in hot
to know about Willeford. First, he is a long-time National Rifle Association instructor; it was his NRA training that allowed him to subdue the shooter. Second, the weapon he used to stop the killing spree in Sutherland Springs was an AR-15 – the very weapon gun-control advocates now want to ban. Without an AR-15, he says, he might not have stopped the killer. “If I had run out of the house with a pistol and faced a bulletproof vest and Kevlar and
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FBI was warned about the shooter in January and failed to adhere to its own procedures to follow up. An armed sheriff’s deputy was on the scene at the shooting, but he failed to act. And yet somehow the NRA is at fault? Please. The NRA is far from perfect. I’ve criticized the NRA leadership’s resistance to legislation banning “bump stocks.” And there is nothing sacrosanct about the age of 18 for buying certain guns (or voting for that matter). But NRA members have done more to prevent gun deaths, and
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promote firearms safety, than any other citizens’ association in the country. When Democrats respond to shootings like the one in Parkland by demonizing the NRA and calling for a ban on weapons such as the AR-15 that are critical to Americans’ right to self-defense, they send a clear and unmistakable message to millions of gun owners across the country: We don’t respect you or your gun rights. This makes it harder to reach bipartisan agreement on solutions that could improve public safety without threatening the fundamental
Aliza Nugiel Designs 917.273.0392
helmets, it might have been futile,” he said. Because of his weapon, his training and his courage, countless lives were probably saved. They could have used a Stephen Willeford in Parkland. Keep his story in mind as you watch the current movement to boycott the NRA and ban so-called assault weapons. In the wake of the Parkland shooting at least a dozen companies – including United Airlines, Delta, Best Western and First National Bank of Omaha – have joined the NRA boycott. Chubb Limited insurance even announced it would cancel a program, “NRA Carry Guard,” which provided insurance for NRA members who faced lawsuits for using their weapons in self-defense. When companies do this, they are not boycotting lobbyists in Washington; they are boycotting upstanding citizens such as Willeford. He and his fellow gun owners deserve better. The NRA is a grass-roots organization made up of millions of decent, patriotic Americans who believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding citizens make our country safer, not more dangerous. To suggest that it is responsible for what happened in Parkland is obscene. Police officers were called to shooter Nikolas Cruz’s house on 39 separate occasions since 2010. The
e a c h R e s o r t & S pa F o r t L a u d e r d a l e Westin B
constitutional right of Americans to keep and bear arms. We all want to keep guns out of the hands of mentally unstable people such as Nikolas Cruz. But we should all want to keep guns in the hands of responsible citizens such as Stephen Willeford. That’s not the case today. Willeford deserves a medal, not a boycott. If corporate America can’t figure that out and continues capitulating to the NRA boycott movement, maybe it is time for gun owners to boycott them. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group
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Political Crossfire
A Door Opens in the Desert Kingdom By David Ignatius
H
earing the emphatic modernization message of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a visitor can’t help wondering: Is this for real? Are the young leader’s proposals for change supported by the religious leadership and the public in this traditionally very conservative country? Making reliable forecasts about Saudi Arabia is impossible for an outsider. But I can offer some data points gathered during a trip here, where I heard strong support for reforms from young Saudis interviewed on the street as well as a senior Muslim cleric. Whether MBS, as he’s known, can succeed with his transformational agenda is still an open question. But he has a key ally in Sheikh Mohammad Alissa, since 2016 the head of the Saudi-backed Muslim World League. Speaking through a translator, Alissa endorsed a series of recent moves by the crown prince that he said are backed by his colleagues among the ulema, or senior religious leadership. Alissa began with the symbolic issue of women driving cars, which will be allowed beginning in June. “Women driving was never a religious issue. It was about habits and culture,” Alissa said. “Extremists wanted to connect it to religion,” but many members of the ulema “welcomed the decision.” Similarly, he said the religious scholars backed MBS’s move to curtail power of the religious police. “The religious police took authority that did not belong to them. ... Nobody has rejected this. It
was a wise decision.” Alissa also voiced tolerant views on women’s dress. He said that whether women wear the black cloak, known as an abaya, or face-covering niqab “is not something important.” But he said that woman in all Muslim countries should continue to cover their hair. Asked about predictions from some analysts that there would be a religious backlash against these
ter to the director of the Holocaust Museum in Washington that described the Nazi campaign of extermination as “among the worst human atrocities ever.” The new Saudi stance against radical Islam has an operational side, too, which I saw in a visit Monday to a new Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, known as ETIDAL, or moderation. Under a giant dome, several hundred analysts sit at com-
What do ordinary Saudis think about these changes?
changes, Alissa said this view was “absolutely incorrect.” He explained that his colleagues among the ulema accept that “these reforms will assist in better understanding, and in developing the society in general.” When I pressed him on why Saudi Arabia had backed such a conservative brand of Islam for so long, seeming to offer support to religious fundamentalists, he answered: “We should not escape from the fact that there were mistakes, and then they were corrected. ... It is our duty to face this extremism.” Alissa attracted attention in the West in January when he wrote a let-
puter screens watching Arabic social-media traffic for signs of support for extremist groups. There’s a slightly ominous, “Big Brother” quality to the oversight, but it answers Western demands that the Saudis get tougher about combating extremism in their midst. What do ordinary Saudis think about these changes? Official statements and polls are controlled, and there’s limited private polling in Saudi Arabia. The best alternative I found during a short visit was simply to walk up to a half-dozen young Saudi men in a public area and ask them what they think. The venue was an
outdoor cafe in the Thager Plaza in northwest Riyadh. To be sure, this was hardly a scientific survey. But every one of the young men voiced spontaneous enthusiasm for changing the old ways. Especially popular was MBS’s anti-corruption crackdown, in which 381 wealthy Saudis, including some prominent princes, were rounded up at the Ritz-Carlton here last November and required to pay about $100 billion in restitution before most were released. “This is the beginning of justice. The prince is the same as any other citizen. That’s something!” said Rakan al-Dossery, 26, a counselor at a local high school, of the anti-corruption drive. “The entire world is changing. It’s not a surprise for the kingdom to be changing,” said Abdul-Aziz al-Faraj, 29, a bank teller. One young man named Moab said that in addition to his bank job, he has just opened a shop selling mobile-phone accessories, a business once dominated by Yemeni expatriates. Explained al-Faraj: “A while ago, the average Saudi wouldn’t think of starting a business. All he wanted was a government job.” This is the door that seems to be opening in the kingdom – toward a more modern, more entrepreneurial, less-hidebound and more youth-oriented society. It’s a top-down, authoritarian process, for now. But it seems to be gaining momentum. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group
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Forgotten Her es
Live - Not Really - from PyeongChang By Avi Heiligman Sore loser: Hockey player Jocelyne Larocque yanked off her silver medal right after she received it
A
nother Olympics have come and gone, and as we have done with the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics we’ll do a recap from PyeongChang, South Korea. There were many news stories that
started way before the games began and these will probably continue for the next several weeks at least and beyond. From Russia getting barred from the Olympics to North Korean “participation,” these games had sports fans around the globe follow-
ing many storylines. Sit back and relax as we have fun going through the two headshaking weeks of the PyeongChang Olympics. Please note that there are so many topics to discuss that we’ll just pick a few of our favorites – some good, some bad and some ugly, very ugly. With the disaster that many called the Rio Olympics, the PyeongChang Olympics was better but not by much. While there was no Zika virus, there was the concern of norovirus in South Korea this year. The disease is highly contagious so many safeguards were put into place. Close to 300 staff, media and guests were infected by norovirus which is not known to be fatal but will put a person out of commission for several days. At least two athletes, both Swiss freestyle skiers, came down with norovirus. Hockey players were told to fist bump one another instead of shaking hands after American defenseman James Wisniewski’s father tested positive for norovirus. Just for the record, the oldest male “athlete” (I put the word in quotes because who really thinks an activity that involves brooms is really played by athletes) was 50-yearold Finnish curler Tomi Rantamaki. The oldest female athlete was another curler. Canadian Cheryl Bernard made an appearance at the age of 51. Wu Meng, a halfpipe skier from China, was the youngest competitor at the age of just 15. No Israeli won a medal but Jew-
ish snowboarder Arielle Gold won bronze for the U.S. Uninspiring. That pretty much summed up Hungarian freestyle skier Elizabeth Swaney’s halfpipe run. She didn’t perform a single trick which made many wonder how she even got there in the first place. To begin with, Elizabeth was born in the U.S., although she was able to compete for Hungary through her mother who figured out how to work the system in order to qualify to compete at the Olympics. Not everyone from a talent-bereft country can show up to the Olympics. Each sport has a ranking system based on previous performances at World Cup competitions and Elizabeth figured out which of those competitions wouldn’t have a full field of competitors. She just showed up to these events. In this way she earned a high enough ranking to go to the Olympics even though she couldn’t do a single trick on skis. Many fans weren’t happy that she was allowed to compete and neither was the Hungarian Olympic Committee. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) stood by their decision to let her compete. In case you were wondering she finished dead last and did not advance to the medal round. There were some really good moments in the Olympics including gold medals by 17-year-old snowboarders Red Gerard and Chloe Kim. Jessie Diggins and Kikken Randall won
The Jewish Home | MARCH 8, 2018
USA men’s curling team finally got the right gold
the first gold medal for the U.S. in cross country skiing. The success on snow did not really translate to the ice with regards to short track and speed skating events. Of course, we are going to mention the underdog – American women’s ice hockey team pulling off a stunning sudden death shootout victory over Canada for their first gold in twenty years. Here may be a good place to mention the American men who took home gold in curling after a not so great start in the tournament. This is where the author normally would explain how they bounced back from the brink of elimination but he does not understand nor care for that matter how the “sport” is played. (I know I am going to get some passionate readers emailing about this one but I won’t budge.) What is more fascinating was that on the podium they were given the gold medals meant for the women’s tournament! The wrong medals were quickly exchanged for the correct hardware. One of the Canadian hockey players, Jocelyne Larocque, was so upset at not winning the gold that she took off her silver medal during the medal ceremony. She later apologized saying that her “emotions got the better of me.” A feel good story from the Games came from Czech snowboarder Ester Ledecka. She borrowed American Mikaela Shiffrin’s skis to compete in the Super-G competition. Even though she had been competing in that particular sport for only
two years she won gold by just .01 of a second. Shiffrin herself won gold in the giant slalom. It seems that North Korea got bitten by the Olympic bug as well and decided to participate with results that make Westerners giggle into their gloves. Most of their athletes finished dead last in their competitions with the major exception being the pairs figure skaters. They finished 13th. Even though the Koreans marched as a unified team during the opening and closing ceremonies they weren’t allowed to compete together – except in women’s ice hockey. One of North Korea’s speed skaters was disqualified after he tried tripping a Chinese opponent. The two big stories making their rounds of social media were the North Korean cheerleaders and Kim Jung Un’s sister attending the ceremonies with American Vice President Mike Pence nearby not giving her any attention and refusing to shake hands. There were also North Korean “minders,” government people who controlled every action by every athlete, ensuring no defections. Now we get to the biggest story that surrounded the Olympics before, during, and probably well after the games are finished. The Russian doping scandal will not go away for a very long time. Doping, taking performance enhancing drugs, which are strictly prohibited by the IOC, has been an alleged offense by Russia since the 1980 Mos-
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Russian athlete Nadezhda Sergeeva tested positive for doping days after wearing this shirt
Elizabeth Swaney, halfpipe imposter
cow Summer Olympics. It has only gotten worse for them as they have had 41 medals stripped because of doping. In December 2017, the IOC announced that Russia had been suspended from the 2018 Games although athletes who had no prior violations would be allowed to compete under the Olympic flag. Called the Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) 169 athletes were allowed to compete, winning a total of seventeen medals. The story doesn’t end there because at least two athletes, including a curler, tested positive for doping. Nadezhda Sergeeva, the pilot for the Russian women’s bobsled team, tested positive for a banned substance after wearing a sweatshirt with the words “I don’t do doping” printed on the front. Other headlines at this year’s Games included many of the skiing and snowboarding competitions being postponed or cancelled after dangerous conditions posed a threat to athletes. However, the IOC allowed the women’s slopestyle snowboard final to continue. There were many crashes and even the winner, American Jamie Anderson, tumbled in the strong winds. The snowboarders were angry with the IOC who were all but relieved that there were no major injuries. In the future there may be sweeping changes as to how the event is held. Data is emerging that snowboard slopestyle has 37 injuries per 100 athletes (as per The Guardian), making it the most dangerous Olympic sport. Snow-
board cross, freestyle aerial skiing, and skiing slopestyle follow as the next dangerous sports. The least dangerous sports are Nordic combined, speed skating, biathlon, and luge. Curling, surprisingly (to most readers but not this author who can’t understand why it is on this list at all), is only the seventh least dangerous Olympic winter sport. In total, the American contingent won a measly 23 medals at this year’s Games, which paled in comparison to Norway’s 39. After the Games, Fox News reported that the U.S. Olympic Committee said they would take a look on how the U.S. won its fewest medals in twenty years. Israel didn’t win any medals but sent ten athletes to the Games including Boston-native Adam Edelman who competed in skeleton. Adam was the first Orthodox Jewish athlete known to compete at the Winter Games. Well, there you have it. The author expects an email or two about “why you didn’t include this story or that medal” but space and time are limited and these stories are the ones that we found fit to print. It’s a wrap from South Korea. Next time we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled Forgotten Heroes articles. 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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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) 295-3000 x 128. All calls kept confidential. TEACHERS Elementary & JH - Math, ELA for Sept. '18. M-Th afternoons. 5 Towns Area Boys’ School. candidateteacher@gmail.com 5TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA seeking Elem Gen Ed Teachers. Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply. Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com. HAMASPIK IS SEEKING COMMUNITY HABILITATION STAFF to work day hours, evenings and weekends in the Five Towns, Queens, Far Rockaway & long Island, with high functioning developmentally disabled adults, children and teens. Shabbos staff also needed for Cedarhurst, Far Rockaway & Lawrence. Drivers’ license a plus. Mileage will be reimbursed. Please call Yehudis: 718-408-5417 for more details. Well known Preschool in Far Rockaway, seeking certified SPECIAL ED TEACHER FOR SUMMER SESSION. Competitive salary, pleasant working conditions. Email resume to scohen@oonourwaylc.org CDL DRIVER WANTED FOR SUMMER IN THE CATSKILLS FOR A FOOD DISTRIBUTER PLEASE EMAIL: employment@mehadrin.com SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year. Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org
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 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
MISC PESACH RENTAL SPACIOUS SUNNY 2 BEDROOM 2 BATH APARTMENT IN THE ALEXANDER MIAMI BEACH KOSHER KITCHEN , NEW BALCONY -OCEAN VIEW , NEW TERRACE CALL 516-410-0683 Gift It Forward a non profit gift shop, 445 Central Ave, Relocating March 2018. Huge Pre-move sale. Every purchase benefits the community. Donations of new gift items appreciated. fb/insta @giftitforwardcedarhurst info.giftitforward@yahoo.com 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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MARCH 8, 2018 | The Jewish Home
Your
Money
An Endowment Tax? By Allan Rolnick, CPA
W
e Americans have fought with our internal revenue code since 1913. But slicing and dicing income, deductions, and a dizzying array of business and personal credits is hardly the only way that Uncle Sam could raise the money he needs to pay for guns and butter. State and local governments also use sales taxes, payroll taxes, property taxes, excise taxes, and “gross receipts” taxes to fill their hungry coffers, too. And then there are the more exotic taxes, the kind that sometimes live only in philosophers’ heads. The nineteenth-century economist Henry George argued that a land-value tax would raise wages, improve land use, and eliminate taxes on economic activity. More recently, economists and politicians have proposed carbon taxes, consumption taxes, and European-style value-added tax alternatives. Here’s one you probably never considered. Earlier this month, a Duke University philosophy PhD candidate named Erick Sam took a microscope to the concept of an “endowment tax.” This is a vaguely Marxist tax on “a person’s potential earnings, which can provisionally be thought of as the maximum income a person could earn or could have
earned over a given time period.” (Yikes!) Sam opens his paper by asking how we determine a person’s “ability” in the first place. He acknowledges that we don’t “inhabit a reality where endowment is readily apparent,” then goes on to consider standardized test scores, genetic capabilities, and educational achievement as proxies for ability. He even mentions
tally relevant to this calculus, since different distributions will tend to be correlated with distinct aggregate utilities.” (Well, duh???) He goes on to address the Kaplowvian argument for endowment taxation as the ideal Haigs-Simon income tax, where “income” equals consumption plus all accretions to wealth over a given period of time. (Huh?) Next, he drags us kicking and
He even mentions one proposal to impose a “privilege tax” based on the income your parents earned during your childhood!
one proposal to impose a “privilege tax” based on the income your parents earned during your childhood! Now the fun starts. Sam walks us through the utilitarian considerations of an endowment tax, and how it counters the “substitution effect” that income taxes impose on the desire to work. “Distributive considerations are only instrumen-
screaming through a dense swamp of non-utilitarian considerations. These include Shaviro’s deontological argument for endowment taxation rooted in the theory of luck egalitarianism, Stark’s libertarian challenge to Rawlsian arguments favoring the priority of liberty, Markovits’ algorithm for balancing endowment taxation with talent slavery,
and Dworkin’s auction and insurance scheme for eliminating inequality. (It’s OK – we’re just as lost as you are.) After 69 pages, Sam thankfully suggests leaving the whole idea in one of the counterfactual worlds where it might actually work. Here on Earth, though, endowment tax fans face three unpleasant choices: 1) make peace with how it does violence towards liberty, 2) acknowledge that it’s both inefficient and unattractive on its own terms, or 3) accept its problems of “talent slavery, counterfactual talent slavery, and servitude to objective standards of rationality.” It’s enough to make our current tax code sound pretty dreamy! So ... we’ve established that our current tax code may not be the worst way to raise government revenue. But that doesn’t mean you have to like how much you pay. Make sure you’re ready for some real-world savings, and we promise to explain them in actual English!
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 | MARCH 8, 2018
Which one of these children needs Chai Lifeline? (Hint: They all do.) Chai Lifeline is renowned for the care and love it bestows on children fighting cancer. But that’s only the beginning. Chai Lifeline serves thousands of children with medical challenges that aren’t evident on the outside, everything from Crohns Disease to cystic fibrosis to heart disease and illnesses so rare only a handful of children have been diagnosed. And still, that’s only the beginning. Chai Lifeline includes siblings and parents, too, with programs geared towards the entire family. We care for more than 5,000 children and their families around the world and across the street. Chances are, you know them. They just don’t look sick.
Whenever, wherever we’re needed, Chai Lifeline is there.
Chai Lifeline. Comprehensive, compassionate, professional assistance for families facing illness, loss or trauma. 151 West 30th Street, New York, NY 10001 I (877) CHAI-LIFE I (212) 465-1300 I www.chailifeline.org
Regional Offices: Greater New York I Southeast I West Coast I Midwest I Mid-Atlantic I New Jersey I Canada I England I Israel I Belgium Hospital Support: Meals | Transportation Assistance | Hospital Visits | Respite Children’s Programs: Arts and Recreational Activities | After-school programs | Sibling Programs | Educational Assistance in Limudei Kodesh Counseling for patients and siblings | Camp Simcha/Camp Simcha Special Family Programs: Advocacy and Information | Retreats | Insurance Advocacy | Family Recreation | Family Counseling | Bereavement Services Community Programs: Project CHAI, support for schools, camps, and communities facing crisis or trauma.
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Life C ach
Fell Asleep in New York, Woke Up in Washington By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., MFT, CLC
O
ff to Washington. I’m not sure why, but everyone says you must go on AIPAC. So, with runny nose and diminishing fever, I’ve joined a 4 a.m. bus to Washington, DC. My husband says he would have remained in bed. I thought I would too. But when I woke up feeling a little better, at 3 a.m., I felt it was a message. It was amazing – with no alarm set, and with just enough time to pack and set things in some order, I got out on time. At my healthiest, things don’t usually go that smoothly! So, here I am bumping along in the dark, on my way. Who knows how much more informed and politically savvy I shall return? So, I’ve been here at AIPAC two days now. And I can say there’s a lot here, from education about America and Israel relations to world perspectives. But the most important message is no matter where you stand on a multiplicity of issues, Israel should matter to you, no matter what side of the aisle you are on.
What’s impressed me most? AIPAC’s work on college campuses, which I believe must be tripled. And I don’t mean students working harder; I mean making students a lot smarter. Colleges inoculate enthusiastic young people with ideas,
Israel’s struggles. So was it worth sneezing my way through this conference? For me, definitely. For the other 17,999 people exposed to me, I’m not sure! But would I say they do great work? It seems, yes, though maybe they
The Jews have enough issues to contend with - they don’t need me spreading germs while running around here.
in and out of the classroom, and unfortunately many put Israel in the wrong. We don’t want the next generation embracing false views. AIPAC talks to students from all backgrounds, religions, and outlooks, and even takes them to Israel to open them up to the realities of
should not only put people through security to protect others, they should also take their temperature! Okay, calm down, I’m just being funny. I washed my hands a hundred times here and really was not sneezing anymore once I decided to come. The Jews have enough issues
to contend with – they don’t need me spreading germs while running around here. There is often a passion that makes each of us choose our affiliations and outlooks. However, the more polarized each base becomes, the broader the messages and beliefs that get swept into each gestalt. The ultimate message here is that you don’t need to change your view on everything, but don’t passively allow others to stuff a perspective into your worldview because you align with them on some issues. Learn facts to refute wrongs!! Bottom line, I want to share this year’s AIPAC philosophy: choose to lead! May we all do this in making the world a better place for us, our contemporaries, and our children.
Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-7052004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com.
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