May 2008 When the ShiurTimes staff convened to discuss ideas for the Yom Ha’Atzmaut issue, myriad ideas were raised. Each idea engendered lengthy discussions about its relevance to today’s State of Israel, and to Zionism as a whole. I soon realized that this is precisely what our forefathers went through, and have been going through ever since “the beginning.” Through all of the heated discussions that go on amongst our political and rabbinical leaders, I would like to think that it is because the future of Medinat Yisrael is so dear to us. Indeed we stand at a very fragile crossroads today. We have tried to give a positive portrayal of the inyanei d’yoma (today’s issues) that are pertinent to Israel’s 60th year of independence. Herein, we trace the footsteps of our nation by offering historical insights into the basic infrastructure (see Israel’s Firsts) and sharing a moving narrative of a Holocaust survivor and halutz (pioneer) (see Rebuilding a Family, Rebuilding a Nation). We also to highlight some of the tension inherent between the cultural and religious diversity that exists here, and the lofty goal of achdut (unity) (see Uniformity vs. Ethnic Diversity in the State of Israel). You will also see a few grassroots initiatives that are making positive impacts on the collective consciousness in Israel. Lastly, Yom Ha’Atzmaut would not be the same without the mouth-watering mangal recipes! We therefore proudly present ShiurTimes Yom HaAtzmaut issue, hoping it will give you an appreciation for our shared past. I look forward to celebrating a future together, here in Eretz Yisrael, Medinat Yisrael—Reishit Tzmichat Geulateinu. Wishing you all a Chag Ha’Atzmaut Sameach! Elie RUBIN
6 Israeli Firsts 10 Parshat Emor by Rav Mordechai Greenberg
11 Halacha by Rabbi Professor Daniel Sperber
14 Parshat Behar by Rabbi Yaacov Haber
16 A fter 60 by Bryna Hilburg
26 In Focus: Shaul Scharf by Yehudit Singer
30 Parshat Behukotai by Rabbi Zvi Leshem
32 Faces of Israel by Shiur Times Staff
34 A Star by Menahem ALexenberg
36 H olocaust Commemoration by Yehudit Singer
17 Wishes for the 60th by Anita Tucker
38 L iving with Trauma
18 P sychology
39 Travel
by Chana Frumin & David Kaufman
20 Healthy Living by Dr. Simcha Shapiro
22 Music by Ben Bresky
23 Art by Shiur Times Staff
24 Finance by Douglas Goldstein
by Alison Stern Perez by Yael Ukeles
40 Making a Difference by Gaby Schoenfeld
41 Community Profile by Ilene Bloch-Levy
42 Yom Hazikaron 43 Classifieds 49 Tidbits 50 Recipes
Second Year, No. 17 May © 2008 by ShiurTimes, Inc., 1 Ben Yehuda Street. All rights reserved. To contact one of the staff with your questions, concerns, subscriptions or advertising needs, please call: 02-6256225 or e-mail: staff.editors@shiurtimes.com. Managing Publisher & Editor-in Chief: Elie Rubin Editor: Yehudit Singer Marketing Manager: Hillie Roth Art Director: Deb Houben Classifieds & Marketing: Zev Gefen Studio Rubin & Co: 054-723-4520 Stock Photography: istockphoto.com, Flickr. Copyrighting laws apply to all articles, and nothing may be reprinted without express permission from the Publisher. ShiurTimes is not responsible for the content of the advertisements. The Opinions of the articles within the ShiurTimes rest solely upon the authors. Reproduction of any parts of the ShiurTimes is forbidden without permission. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM READING THE SHIURTIMES IN THE BEIT KNESSET DURING TIMES OF TEFILLA.
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