Community Links Lag B'omer Edition

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Vol. 10 Issue 229

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The Baal Shem Tov’s Lag Ba’Omer Parade

The Baal Shem Tov explained to them that it was the holy day of Lag BaOmer, a day to be outside in the fields, joyously celebrating the day of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Yerachmiel Tilles

Musings on the Bombing in Boston

10

I kept thinking, this stuff doesn’t happen here. After 9/11, though there had been plots and threats, all had been thwarted and no one had been hurt due to terrorism since. And Boston, well it is just safe. Alas, we all have our “reality bites” moments.

Rabbi Nechemia Schusterman

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16

Empowering Change

With Israel’s growing Ultra-Orthodox population now numbering around 800,000, and just 40% of working age Ultra-Orthodox men employed, the need for a solution has never been more pressing.

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The Baal Shem Tov’s Lag BaOmer Parade

BY YERACHMIEL TILLES

T

wo weeks before Rosh Hashanah in 1734, on his 36th Cossacks would calm down and leave. The Baal Shem Tov birthday, Rabbi Yisrael, the Baal Shem Tov, was revealed accompanied them. The people took refuge in the numerous as an extraordinarily holy person and the leader of the fledg- caves that dotted the rugged terrain. ling Chassidic movement. Before that, he devoted himself to keeping his special qualities well hidden from the public IT WAS THE HOLY DAY OF LAG BAOMER . . . eye. He dressed, spoke and carried himself like every other From their lookout places they could see that the Cossack simple, uneducated poor Jew in the Ukraine. To support him- horde had arrived. Unable to find any Jews to physically asself, he worked as a plain laborer. His sault, they vented their anger and frusintense prayers, his meditation and his tration on Jewish property. They broke deep Torah study were all carried out in into the warehouse of wine, drank themsecret. In conversation with other Jews, selves into a state of crazed drunkenness, The Baal Shem Tov he would often encourage them with smashed the rest of the barrels and set fire explained to them that teachings and stories from the Midrash to the building. The Jews all trembled in and Talmud that stressed the value of fear that the cruel Cossacks would decide it was the holy day of serving G-d simply but wholeheartedly. to search the hills and their hiding places Lag BaOmer, a day to He strove to nourish in them a love for would be discovered.

G-d, for Torah and for the entire Jewish A few days went by. The invaders be outside in the fields, people. But when he did so, it was always stacked up piles of booty looted from Jewjoyously celebrating the ish homes and stores. The Jews were still in the language and idiom of the common people. No one suspected him of terrified of being discovered. How starday of Rabbi Shimon being more than he appeared. Only his tled they were to see that the nondescript wife knew his capabilities.

Yisroelik (a nickname for Israel, the Baal bar Yochai.

Sometimes it happened that he would Shem Tov’s name) was assembling groups be forced to use his extraordinary powers of their children outside of the caves, in to save Jews, or even whole communities, broad daylight! in distress. Whenever he did so, as soon They protested, whereupon the Baal as the time of need ended, he would immediately move to a Shem Tov explained to them that it was the holy day of Lag new and distant location where nobody knew him. One of BaOmer, a day to be outside in the fields, joyously celebrating these occasions took place on Lag BaOmer. the day of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. He assured them that In those days, Jewish communities in Eastern Europe were not only would they not be endangered, but that the merit often subject to attack by wild bands of violent Cossacks and of their Lag BaOmer observance would help to protect and other such coarse anti-Semites. They would beat Jewish men, rescue the entire community. sometimes even fatally; rape the women; and plunder or deSomehow his enthusiasm and conviction affected the nerstroy whatever Jewish property they could get their hands on. vous parents, and they gave their permission. The Baal Shem Once, the town where the Baal Shem Tov was living received Tov went from cave to cave and gathered nearly all the chilword that such a gang of evil marauders was headed their dren. way. The entire Jewish community decided to abandon their While many of the adults were still mulling over this homes and hide in the hills for a few days, until the invading startling turn of events, the Baal Shem Tov launched a mini8

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parade. The children marched along, singing happily, as they followed their new charismatic leader. At first, they were a bit afraid and sang only in whispers and low voices, but in just a short time their fear melted away as they raised their voices to join in the infectiously cheerful tunes of the day honoring Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

The parents gazed after their children with nervous affection, but their attention soon whipped to the Baal Shem Tov. It was as if he was a person they had never seen before. His face flamed with rapture as he sang, and all his movements reflected ecstasy in the divine, as he danced with the circle of children. The simple Yisroelik that they knew had been transformed in their eyes into the holiest of men. His voice combined with those of the pure innocent children to produce singing that seemed to be no less awesome than that of the angels in Heaven.

The parade and the singing continued for a long time. Afterwards, the Baal Shem Tov led the children to a small plateau, sat them on the grass, and distributed to each of them desserts that he had brought with him.

He made sure that each child pronounced loudly the correct blessing for the food that he received. Then, after they had eaten, he told them riveting stories from the Talmud and the Midrash about Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and about Rabbi Akiva. The children listened attentively and felt the powerful love the Baal Shem Tov had for each of them, responding with great affection.

The parents and the other adults from the village remained very worried. How could Yisroelik stay so long in the open with their children? Their frightened glances switched rapidly back and forth from the smoke and fury in the village below to the rows of children seated in front of the Baal Shem Tov. They whispered prayers that all should end well and that everyone would be safe.

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They knew without doubt that the miracle occurred in the merit of their children’s joyous celebration in honor of the great sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on his day of joy, Lag BaOmer.

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Suddenly, they saw the Cossack gang rush from the village and scatter in every direction, running with all their might. They left so suddenly that they didn’t stop to take anything with them, abandoning their massive plunder. At first the Jews were afraid that the crazed invaders were searching for them again, but the speed with which the enemy disappeared from the vicinity soon calmed their fear. Soon after, all the Jews returned to their village.

The danger was over!

Eventually, they were able to clarify what had happened. Somehow, the hooligans had found out—or thought they had found out—that a troop of government soldiers was rapidly approaching in their direction. Frightened, they had fled for their lives, abandoning everything that might slow down their flight.

The Jews returned to their homes with happy strides, amazed by the miracle that had taken place for them.

They knew without doubt that the miracle occurred in the merit of their children’s joyous celebration in honor of the great sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on his day of joy, Lag BaOmer, with the heretofore hidden mystic, the Baal Shem Tov—who had already disappeared to another location.

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Musings on the Bombing in Boston

BY RABBI NECHEMIA SCHUSTERMAN

I

am sitting at my laptop as the older boys bounce a ball back and forth safely between themselves, and my heart is stopping to race.

My wife called me at 3:00pm to get the kids right away; there was an explosion at the finish line at the Boston Marathon. The kids go to the Chabad School, New England Hebrew Academy, just a mile or so away from the blasts.

We live in a suburb of Boston, some 15 miles north of the City of Boston, and it is usually a traffic crawl the entire way. Today being a Massachusetts Holiday, Patriots Day, there were thankfully no cars on the road.

The whole way in, driving at speeds I care not mention, my mind kept on going back to my kids. The radio was reporting that there were more bombs found and all I could think of was I hope they are fine. As I crossed the bridge into Boston my cell phone seemed to not be working properly only heightening the anxiety.

Thankfully, the phone kicked back in and I saw an email from the school announcing that all the kids were accounted for and safe.

I kept thinking, this stuff doesn’t happen here. After 9/11, though there had been plots and threats, all had been thwarted and no one had been hurt due to terrorism since. And Boston, well it is just safe. Alas, we all have our “reality bites” moments.

After gathering my kids into my car and heading back North, trying to field their thousands of questions, I realized that their world, and mine, won’t ever be the same. The terrible reality that evil exists and can touch them even here at home is heartbreaking.

We associate bombs, sadly, with Israel or Iraq, not Boston.

Later, another wise email came from the school nurse; to try to avoid the news and not share too much with the kids so as not to overwhelm ourselves and them. But, the calls and texts kept coming in. Until I heard some positive stories of the greatness of the human spirit and decided that this is a better route to go about when responding to my children.

Rather than focus on how many killed or injured, focus on the 10

people along the parade route who are coming out of their homes to give people water, or food, or a place to rest or stay, since the City was in virtual lock-down and many could not get to their homes or hotels.

An email pops in from Rabbi Posner in Boston, the Chabad center likely closest to the bombing…

The Chabad House and the Posner family are okay, Thank G-d.

Two things: 1. If anybody is in the area that needs help - a runner/family that needs a place to stay, a hot drink, a hug or wants to daven... whatever.

OUR DOORS ARE OPEN. 2. Thank you so much to all that texted, called, emailed, FB messages to see how we are!

We love you.

Shmuel and Chana It hit me, this is the appropriate response.

Thank G-d everyone is OK, now what can I do to help? We will all get past this, the perpetrator/s will be caught and punished, security will never be the same, we will have to live with the new realities that this event has inevitably thrust upon us.

However, if we can take the positive message, and if we can convey it to our children, that tragedy while very frightening, is an opportunity to grow and give, rather than cower and run, then at least, as a parent I will give them something strong and positive to hold onto. Perhaps that will be the tool to help them get through this.

May G-d comfort those who have lost loved ones, and may he heal all the injured and we speedily be ushered into the era, where “death will be swallowed up forever, and G-d will wipe away tears from all faces. May we know happy times.

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Benefit Benefit of Doubt of D ou ubbt

RABBI DO VID G R EEN

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he theme of this week’s parsha is kedusha, holiness. How should a community of people who strive for greatness behaave? The Torah minces no words. “ You shall be holy, because I am holy Hashem your G-d.” Among the many commandments enumerated in the parsha, we find commandments given to judges. “ Don’t corrupt judgement...” (Leviticus 19:15).

Even if one of the litigants is poor, and the other would not be harmed by a small loss of money, don’t faavor the poor litigant. That is not the way to give charityy. Justice must be carried out.

The last words of that passage are “you shall judge your fellow righteously.” The simple explanation is as we haave stated above, but included in this commandment is a directive for all Jews. Give your fellow the benefit of the doubt. If we see someone doing an action which seems to be incriminating, don’t automatically jump to the conclusion that it is. Seek an explanation for the action in its context. Perhaaps there are reasons we are unaaware of. The requirement of this laaw is that even if we see someone do something which is hard to find any excuse or defen e se for, we should nevertheless reserve judgement until we learn more information. We would be surprised how often our first impression would be incorrect. The following is such a story.

The Rabbis taught: “one who gives his fellow the benefit of the doubt is himself given the benefit of the doubt by G-d.” It once happened that a man went down from the upper Gallilee to the south, and he hired himself out to work for three years.

Before Yom Kippur he said to his employerr,“give me my pay, and I’ ll go” take care of my wife and children. The employer replied, “ I don’t haave money.” The worker said “then give me produce.”

Again the reply was “ I don’t haave any.” “Then give me land.” “ I

don’t haave any.” “Then give me animals.” “ I don’t haave any.” “Then give me dry goods.” “ I don’t haave any.” At that he threw his belongings over his shoulder and he went home dejected. After the holidays of Succos which follow Yom Kippur the employer set out with his employee’s pay in hand, together with a load of food, drink, and sweets. They ate and drank together and the employee was paid for his work. Then the employer asked, “ Wha h t did you think when I told you I had no money.” “ I thought you must haave found a good deal on some merchandise, and you committed your cash to it.” “ What did you think when I said I had no land?” “ I thought perhaaps you had leased out your land to sharecroppers.” “And when I told you I had no produce?” “ I thought they were still untithed, and as yet forbidden to eat.”

“And when I told you I had no animals what did you think?” “ I thought you had rented them out.” Wha h t did you think when I said I had no dry goods?” I thought you had sanctified all of your possessions to the temple as a donation.” The employee said, “this is what really haappened. I was angry at my son, and I vowed that no one should benefit from any of my possessions As a result,I could not give you anything at that time. I had to go and haave the vow annulled. Since you did not jump to any conclusions, and you judged me faavorably, may G-d judge you faavorably.”

May we learn the art of giving the benefit of the doubt, and may we always be judged faavorably by G-d.

G Give ive yyour our fellow fellow the the benefit benefit ooff tthe he doubt. doubt. If If we we see see someone someone d doing oing an an aaction ction w which hich sseems eems ttoo bbee incriminating, incriminating, don’t don’t aautomatically utomatically jjump ump ttoo tthe he cconclusion onclusion tthat hat iitt iis. s. S eek aan n Seek eexplanation xplanation ffor or tthe he aaction ction iin n iits ts ccontext. ontext.

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Reprinted R eprinted w with ith ppermission ermission ffrom rom www www.torah.org. .torah.org.

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15

Mendy Zilbershlag at his workplace with at risk single parent families

Empowering Change How Kemach is tackling ,VUDHOqV VRFLRHFRQRPLF problems head on

BY ANNA HARWOOD As the social justice protests of 2010 demonstrated, Israel’s citizens have long felt aggravated by certain sectors of society who they believe are not pulling their weight. With Israel’s growing Ultra-Orthodox population now numbering around 800,000, and just 40% of working age Ultra-Orthodox men employed, the need for a solution has never been more pressing.

But the challenge is not an easy one. Think-tanks, journalists, and regular Israelis discuss the “Hareidi problem,” but very few organizations have actually developed solutions which both respect and empower this fragile community. The Ultra-Orthodox believe that the preservation of Jewish heritage and deep rooted tradition can only occur through continued Torah study, and this is coupled with a deep-seated fear of 16

the secular workplace. Meanwhile, the extreme attitudes from the opposite end of the spectrum, demanding a complete integration into Israeli society, further compound the problem and do nothing to allay these fears.

While the average monthly household income in Israel is a little under $4,000, for the Ultra-Orthodox, this amounts to a little over $2,000. The Ultra-Orthodox have lower rates of employment, unpredictable patterns of work which can leave them in abject poverty. Low earning potential, coupled with government support declining dramatically as soon as employment begins produces an incredibly low incentive to work.

“We needed to find a way to empower the Ultra-Orthodox to strive for better earning potential and, in this day and age, it comes through knowledge and training,” said Moti Feldstein, director of Kemach. Kemach, (whose Hebrew acronym stands for ‘Promoting Hareidi Employment,) was established in 2007 to provide career-appropriate education, enabling community members to work in long-term, decently paid jobs to reverse the cycle of poverty.

Up until 2 years ago, Moshe Shechter’s life path did not diverge from the traditional route of an Ultra-Orthodox male.

Born in Haifa 39 years ago, he went to cheider, to yeshivah, and finally to Kollel. He married within the community and April 19, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

together raised seven children. Two years ago, Moshe was devastated to realize he could not provide for his family. “I turned to Kemach, having seen their logo on an advertisement for a course for Hareidi men being offered in conjunction with the Technion,” explained Shechter. Kemach put him through intensive testing to determine suitability and after a day-long battery of tests, they put his name forward for acceptance.

In late 2011, Shechter was accepted to study Geographical Information Systems and Mapping in a brand new Bnei

“We needed to find a way to empower the Ultra-Orthodox to strive for better earning potential and, in this day and age, it comes through knowledge and training,” - Moti Feldstein, CEO, Kemach Brak branch of the Technion for religious students. “There is a severe lack of trained professionals in every field of civil and environmental engineering,” said the dean of the faculty at the Technion, Prof. Arnon Bentur. “We will help Haredi students in Bnei Brak acquire a profession that guarantees them a respectable career combining income with a broad vista for advancing in the public and private sectors.”

The decision for Shechter to attend the course was not simple – he had never studied physics or mathematics, and certainly not English. Not deterred by these challenges, he was, however, daunted by the cost. Although his wife worked in between maternity leaves, her saleswomen’s salary was in no way sufficient to support him through school. Kemach agreed to provide a loan to cover tuition fees and living expenses which, upon completion of the course, will turn into a scholarship (Kemach has an exceptional completion rate of over 95% for all their vocational and academic courses).

“I am now approaching the end of the initial year and a half of preliminary studies,” proudly remarked Shechter. “It hasn’t been easy and it is a very different environment to the Beit Midrash [religious study hall], but Kemach ensured that the course was respectful of the requirements of an Ultra-Orthodox community and that the student body was serious and motivated to succeed.”

Social work student Mendy Zilbershlag has also seen firsthand how crucial the whole package offered by Kemach is.

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Kemach students studying at Machon Lev

shlag. “If they simply handed out money without advice, the money ultimately becomes worthless. With Kemach, I went through evaluations, psychological assessments and received a wealth of career advice before deciding to become a social worker.”

Zilbershlag attends the Hareidi College of Jerusalem, which acts as a campus for courses from a range of Israel’s top Universities. Zilbershlag’s course is provided by Bar Ilan University, and is taught separately for men and women. Despite the adjustments made for the needs of the Ultra-Orthodox community, including alternative course materials, Zilbershlag says that without the additional support of Kemach he would not have succeeded. His course began with 40 students, now just 10 remain.

“Many families are against academic study and exert immense pressure on students to return to Kollel [full time religious study]. Additionally the financial commitments involved in supporting a large family while studying, even part-time, is too great a strain on many students.” Kemach provides both financial and emotional support to all students enrolled on its courses.

The road to advancing meaningful employment in the Ultra-Orthodox community is not simple or one that can be hastened. Change must occur at a steady pace and, as is evident by the 13,000 applicants who have thus far turned to Kemach, it appears change is welcome. Kemach is succeeding in overturning the downward trend of employment afflicting the UltraOrthodox community. Upwards of 80% of Kemach’s 2,000 graduates are employed, and 70% state that they have seen a significant increase in earnings. Now, the challenge is how to expand the infrastructure to accommodate this increased demand.

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21

Holy Matrimony?

BY YOSSY GOLDMAN

T

he first kohanim were Aaron (Moses’ older brother) and a very important mitzvah, failure to comply with these reguhis four sons. Together with their future descendents, lations is between him and G-d. It does not affect anyone they were chosen by G-d to conduct the service in the Sanc- else, at least not in any earthly, tangible form. However, when tuary as representatives of the entire people of Israel. Due it comes to marriage choices there is always someone else involved and, subsequently, very much to his sanctified position as a minister affected. serving in G-d’s Temple, the kohen Some tragedies are unavoidable. may not come in contact with the dead, If the Torah tells us that When terror strikes, G-d forbid, his body must be unblemished, certain a particular union is it may be impossible to stay out of marriages are prohibited to him, etc. harm’s way. Illness is not something You may not have heard the story of not kosher, rather than any sane person consciously chooses. the fellow who visits his rabbi and begs resenting the interference But the most frustrating tragedy of all him to make him a kohen. He just has to belong to the priestly tribe and he’s we should consider it as is one that was avoidable. And when ignorance of our traditions leads to prepared to pay the rabbi any amount if the Almighty Himself human pain and anguish, then faof money for the honor. The rabbi patiently explains that neither he nor came down and whispered miliarizing ourselves with those traditions could go a long way towards anyone else can make the man a kohen. a word of loving advice in preventing tragedy from happening in It is simply not in the province of the rabbinate to do these things. The fellow our ears: “Trust me; this the first place.

Picture the scene. A young man is desperate. He offers the rabbi a huge one is not right for you.” announces his engagement and arrives donation if he would only grant him at the synagogue to book his wedding. this one favor. The rabbi is exasperated The rabbi discovers that he is a kohen but intrigued and asks the man why it is so important to him that he be made a kohen. The guy an- and his fiancé is a divorcee, convert, someone previously marswers: “Rabbi, my father was a kohen, my grandfather was a ried out of the faith, or perhaps the daughter of a non-Jewish father. Very sensitively, he advises the young couple that there kohen, I just have to become a kohen!”

The truth is that as funny as a born kohen wanting to buy may be a halachic impediment to their union being solemhis way into his own family may sound, being a kohen is no nized “in accordance with the law of Moses and Israel.” This week’s parshah gives us the basic laws governing whom a kojoke.

In my own experience, I have been involved in a number hen may and may not marry. If he is indeed a genuine kohen of human tragedies which emanated from Jewish ignorance and she does, in fact, belong to one of the above-mentioned about the role of a kohen and the regulations which pertain categories, we have a problem.

Now my question is, why in the two or three years of their to members of the priestly tribe.

While cemetery conduct and protocol for a male kohen is relationship did this issue never surface? The answer is igno22

April 19, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

rance. Nobody ever told them that there was a problem.

Who gets the blame? Why, the rabbi, of course. He is accused of being a religious fundamentalst, intolerant, uncaring, rigid and inflexble. Well, let me assure you that my coleagues and I love to be welcoming and accommodating at all times. There are, however, situations when Jewish law and radition, which to us is sacred and inviolate, may well appear to be standing in he way of human happiness. And we are not empowered to change the law to suit he occasion.

Personally, I say the responsibility to educate our young people about this particular issue lies with their parents. Especially a father who is a kohen and has passed down that lineage to his son has a moral obligation to advise his son of what t means to be a kohen. True, there are privileges, like being he first to be called to the Torah, but there are also responsibilities, like choosing marriage partners very carefully.

These types of pain and misery are absolutely avoidable if we educate our children. Well before they become romantically involved, parents should inform their kids to be discernng in whom they date. In the same way as no intermarriage

ever happened without prior inter-dating, no kohen would suf fer disappointment over an unsanctioned marriage if he only dated girls he would be able to marry He shouldn’t be hearing about it for the first time when he approaches the rabbi with a wedding date.

Marriage today is a tenuous insti tution. It is an enormous challenge to remain on the right side of the statis tics. If the Torah tells us that a partic ular union is not kosher, rather than resenting the interference we should consider it as if the Almighty Himsel came down and whispered a word of loving advice in our ears “Trust me; this one is not right for you.” Sometimes we think the Torah is standing in the way of our happiness when the reverse is true. In the long run, it may well be protecting both parties from making a serious mistake with life-long ramifica tions.

The priesthood is as old as the Jewish people. To be a ko hen is something no money can buy. Space does not allow me to expand on the subject here. Suffice it to say, it is a very spe cial blessing. Let’s make sure that our children never consider that blessing a curse.

“Rabbi, my father was a kohen, my grandfather was a kohen, I just have to become a kohen!”

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23

The Observant Jew

It’s About Time

BY RABBI JONATHAN GEWIRTZ

O

ver Pesach, my daughter told us that we call it Pesach because we’re focused on what HaShem did for us (passing over the houses) while in the Torah it is referred to as Chag HaMatzos, because HaShem focuses on what we did, leaving so quickly that we couldn’t even let our bread rise. It reminded me that being focused on and proud of the achievements of the other party is a wonderful tool for strengthening any relationship.

It was therefore curious to me that in Shemona Esrai, throughout the Yom Tov, we say Chag HaMatzos. Shouldn’t we continue the idea of praising what HaShem did for us and call it Pesach? It was only on the seventh day of Pesach that I was inspired with an answer.

We don’t just call it Chag HaMatzos. Instead, we have a complete phrase, “Chag HaMatzos, Zman Cheirusainu,” meaning, “the festival of Matzos, the time of our freedom.”

What, I kept asking myself, is the connection between matzah and freedom? On the contrary, we call it the bread of our affliction, poor man’s bread, and don’t think of it as a shining symbol of liberty like some glorious light-brown circular flag blowing in the wind.

Well, if we define being rich as not one who has a lot, but one who needs little (which we do - check out Pirkei Avos), then freedom could be defined not as one who is in control, but as one who is not controlled by external forces and desires. In other words, the less I need, the less others have control over me.

Of all foods, I thought, matzah needs the fewest ingredients.

It only needs two, flour and water, and is even missing a key ingredient in all other types of bread – TIME. Yes, when the Jews took their dough out of Egypt, they didn’t allow time for it to rise.

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They were told to go immediately and that’s what they did.

They didn’t worry about the fact that they didn’t have the time they needed so their food would be ready. They just left, and that is a great aspect of freedom.

People are always complaining that we don’t have enough hours in the day. There’s too much to do and not enough time. Even Chazal said it, “The day is short and the workload is large.” It’s easy to get discouraged, but instead of stressing about the fact that there’s not enough time to get it all done, let’s remember the end of the Mishna – “It’s not your responsibility to finish the job, but you are not free to neglect working on it [with whatever time you are given.]”

The freedom we experienced from the matzos was the ability not to worry about the finished product, and just to do what we need to do now. We left the results up to HaShem and got matzah, which is even better than bread because it can be eaten for much longer without going bad. In fact, in the desert heat it probably stayed light, crispy and tasty.

I remembered this thought one day as I was driving behind a v-e-r-y s-l-o-w driver. I was trying to get to shul for Mincha, and this guy was making his way ever so slowly down the onelane road, with no opportunities to pass him. He was doing about ten miles an hour below the speed limit. I started to get annoyed and angry, then told myself, “It’s up to G-d whether I make it in time. At this moment, I have to recognize that I’m not in control.” It worked. I calmed down, and drove without getting road rage or showering him with “blessings.” (I made it to Mincha.)

We’re now in the period of Sefiras HaOmer, and we count each day. We don’t say, “Today is fifteen of fifty,” we say, “today is April 19, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

fifteen.” Part of the lesson that we learn from Pesach and Shavuos, including the interim weeks, is that we don’t have o worry about finishing the job, but rather making the most of the time we are given to work with. Each day should be a goal and each day should be an achievement. “Am I doing what I am supposed to do at this very moment?” If I am, then am free. I am not beholden to an end result that is beyond my reach, and I am not bound by a need to fill twenty-four

Even Chazal said it, “The day is short and the workload is large.” It’s easy to get discouraged, but instead of stressing about the fact that there’s not enough time to get it all done, let’s remember the end of the Mishna – “It’s not your responsibility to finish the job, but you are not free to neglect working on it.”

April 19, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

hours in a day with thirty-six hours’ worth of work.

In our lives, we will not have the time to do everything that must be done in the world. However, if we spend time worrying and lamenting that fact, then we’ve wasted some of the precious time we HAVE been given.

This lesson is one we learned from HaShem when we relinquished control and left with the unrisen dough. It was G-d who gave us the matzah which taught us this special lesson about freedom and life, and that’s why we focus on this gift during Shemona Esrai, seeing it as just one more of the myriad billions and trillions of things He does for us on a daily basis.

Freedom is about time. It’s about knowing that at this moment I’m exactly where I should be. This knowledge about time is a gift - that’s why they call it the present.

Jonathan Gewirtz is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion.

For more information, or to sign up for his weekly Dvar Torah in English, e-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Subscribe in the subject. © 2013 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

25

(Standing L-R): Doctor Morry Waksberg, MD, L.A. County Commissioner Howard Winkler, Rabbi Mayer May, Doctor Irving Lebovics, DDS, Stanley Treitel, Andrew Friedman, Esq., Zvika Brenner. (Seated): Michael Feuer

Jewish Community M Leaders Endorse Michael Feuer for City Attorney Jewish Community leaders endorsed Michael Feuer for Los Angeles City Attorney in the upcoming City General Election scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2013.

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ike Feuer is one of California’s leading lawmakers and attorneys. A former Majority Policy Leader of the California State Assembly and Chair of the California Assembly’s Judiciary Committee, Mike has written some of the state’s most important public safety, children’s health, consumer protection and environmental laws.

Mike previously served for six years on the Los Angeles City Council, where he wrote some of the toughest laws in the nation to curb gun violence, fought successfully for anti-gang and after-school programs, and funded jobs for disadvantaged youth. He initiated L.A.’s 3-1-1 non-emergency services system, improving 9-1-1 response times and making L.A. government much more effective. Mike was the Council’s leader on ethics reform and spearheaded business tax reforms. He chaired successful Council efforts to deliver on-time, balanced budgets and championed the rights of disabled people, senior citizens and children.

Prior to his work on the City Council, Mike directed one of the nation’s leading public interest law firms, Bet

Tzedek Legal Services (The House of Justice). Under Mike’s leadership, Bet Tzedek helped more than 50,000 indigent, primarily elderly or disabled clients on crucial cases involving nursing home abuse, consumer fraud, access to health care, housing, Holocaust restitution and more. The Los Angeles Daily Journal wrote that he turned Bet Tzedek into a “national success story,” and named him one of “California’s 100 Most Influential Attorneys.”

Mike has also taught at the UCLA School of Law and the UCLA School of Public Affairs. He practiced law at two of the nation’s leading firms, Hufstedler, Miller, Carlson & Beardsley and Morrison & Foerster. He began his career as a judicial clerk for California Supreme Court Justice Joseph Grodin.

He has received numerous awards reflecting the breadth of his achievements as a legislator and lawyer. A Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College and cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School, Mike and his wife, Gail Ruderman Feuer, have been married for twenty-nine years. They have 2 children, Aaron and Danielle.

April 19, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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27

A $5 Million Grant for Israeli Hospital Rambam Hospital Awarded $5 Million Grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust (New York, NY) – Rambam Hospital in Haifa, Israel, has received a $5 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust in order to purchase the necessary medical equipment for its new fortified underground emergency hospital.

The Sammy Ofer Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital is a three-story, 60,000 square meter facility, which is fully fortified against both conventional and unconventional warfare. As the largest hospital of its kind in the world, it can convert from a 1,500-vehicle parking lot into a 2,000bed emergency hospital within just 72 hours of war being declared. The grant will go towards buying equipment for the hospital, thereby contributing enormously to preparing it for use.

“The initiative for a fortified hospital came about following the Second Lebanon War six years ago,” states Professor Rafi Beyar, Director and CEO of Rambam Health Care Campus. During the course of the war, 45 missiles fell in close proximity to Rambam, and although no one was hurt, it triggered off the thinking among hospital executives that action needed to be taken. “We realized that we couldn’t rely on miracles anymore,” continues Beyar.

“We had to prepare for any future threat by having a safe area where patients could be moved to and where staff could function.”

Six years later, the building of the new fortified hospital is almost complete and once all the relevant equipment has been bought, the hospital will be fully functional.

“We are extremely thankful to the Helmsley Charitable Trust for granting us this donation, which we will use in order to procure vital equipment for the hospital,” remarks Beyar.

“Unfortunately, the threat of war has grown increasingly strong over recent years. As the main referral hospital for over two million people in the North of Israel, Rambam Hospital is determined to have the capabilities of providing acute and chronic hospital care under fire to all those who need it.”

“As security and health care preparedness are core objectives of our program in Israel, we are pleased to support Rambam in equipping this vitally important new facility,” said Sandor Frankel, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust.

“As the main referral hospital for over two million people in the North of Israel, Rambam Hospital is determined to have the capabilities of providing acute and chronic hospital care under fire to all those who need it.”

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ABOUT THE LEONA M. AND HARRY B HELMSLEY CHARITABLE TRUST: The Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting effective nonprofits in a variety of selected program areas. Since 2008, when the Trust began its active grantmaking, it has committed more than $800 million to a wide range of charitable organizations. The Trust’s grantmaking program in Israel supports leading institutions and initiatives that seek to strengthen the nation’s leadership in scientific, technological and medical research, its health care preparedness, and its standing in the world. For more information on the Trust and its programs, please visit www.helmsleytrust.org.

ABOUT RAMBAM HOSPITAL: Rambam Health Care Campus is the largest medical center in Northern Israel, serving more than two million residents Recognized worldwide as a center of excellence in all medical specialties, its global prominence in trauma and emergency medicine is a direct result of its prodigious experience providing medical treatment to injured civilians and soldiers.

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29

All Star Lineup for Concert in LA J

ewish music superstars Lipa Schmeltzer, 8th Day, and Benny Friedman are teaming up to create one of the hottest shows ever to hit Los Angeles. The concert, which is being presented and sponsored by Bais Chaya Mushka Girls School, will also feature comedian MODI as the MC. The grand event is scheduled for Thursday evening June 20th, 2013 and will take place at The Wilshire Ebell Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. ‘’This school makes a real difference for our children,’’ says Shmuel Marcus of 8th Day. ‘’We’re very excited to be a part of this amazing concert and to rock the house with our hometown crowd.’’

With all this incredible talent on one stage this promises to

be one spectacular show you don’t want to miss.

Bais Chaya Mushka serves the greater Los Angeles area and has hundreds of students enrolled yearly. They continue to strive to bring top notch education to young girls in the Jewish community. This concert will help raise the much needed funds to keep the school running at a high and well qualified level.

After being asked about the upcoming concert Lipa proclaimed; ‘’I love going to LA! We are preparing an extra special show. I can’t wait.’’

Tickets are available at JewishTickets.com and your local Judaica stores. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please email - JewishConcertLA@gmail.com

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CHILLED CHICKEN NOODLE SALAD This light and refreshing noodle salad has a tangy ginger dressing and loads of crunchy vegetables – all the makings of a perfect meal. Use store bought rotisserie or leftover chicken to whip up this Quick & Kosher dish.

Times Prep Time : 10 min Cook Time : 3 min Ready Time : 13 min Servings 5 cups Ingredients 1 (9-ounce package) Gefen Japanese Style Noodles 1 cup cooked shredded chicken 1 cup bean sprouts 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion 1/4 cup thinly sliced sugar snap peas 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cool water and place in a large bowl. Add chicken, sprouts, peppers, onions and snap peas and toss to combine.

Refrigerate for 10 to 20 minutes or until chilled.

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, lemon juice, soy sauce, ginger and salt. Pour dressing over noodle salad and toss to coat evenly.

Reprinted with permission from www.joyofkosher.com.

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CERTIFIED sâ&#x20AC;?oc PERSONAL TRAINER Certified Personal Trainer for Women only, individual or groups.

For more info please contactSarit: 424-653-8705 or email Sarit1911@hotmail.com

POSITION AVAILABLE Community Links is currently looking for energetic and outgoing sales people. Positions are available in the Los Angeles area as well as the greater Valley.

Competitive commission rates!

Please email resume to info@communitylinks.info EDEN MEMORIAL PARKPLOT FOR SALE Eden Memorial Park - Plot Complete with Service, Burial, Stone Sold Out Court of the Matriarch's Bronze Marker, Base, Outer Container, Opening/Closing plus services $12,500.Please call Robert Cancilla 562-290-2849 IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR PRESCHOOL TEACHERS AND ASSISTANT TEACHERS Looking for staff who loves working with children ages 3-4 & 4-5 in the Pico Robertson area,have all their education units completed.

Experience required. Please email resume to benhuryou@ hotmail.com or call 323.632.8312

April 19, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;˘ info@communitylinks.info

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April 19, 2013 â&#x20AC;¢ 323-965-1544 â&#x20AC;¢ info@communitylinks.info

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April 19, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

April 19, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info

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OUR GUESTS COME FOR THE SPECTACULAR ROCKIES AND RETURN FOR OUR SPECTACULAR PROGRAM

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