October 19, 2017
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THE ART OF THE IRAN DEAL What Trump’s Recent Announcement Really Means
Pages 9, 10, 11, 13 & 93
pg
81
pg
76
Around the
Community
52
Over 1,000 Attend Simcha Bais Ha’shoeva Announcing New Local Shul and Social Hall
42
Community Children Start Off Chol Hamoed Right
A Matter of Perspective
Understanding the Advocacy of Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov
49
Learning about Cells and “Cell”fies
A Wakeup Call by Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe Page 112
E
E
SE – See page 3
SEASONS LAWRENCE
330 Central Avenue, Lawrence, NY 11559
G PA
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Dear Readers,
I
n the September 2017 issue of Smithsonian Magazine, there is an excerpt from astronaut Scott Kelly’s new book, Endurance. Kelly spent 340 days in space on last year’s mission. The excerpt is a fascinating description of the journey that Kelly took from thousands of miles above Earth to his landing spot in Kazakhstan. His three-and-ahalf hour journey back to our planet was one of the most dangerous events in his entire mission. As Kelly and fellow astronauts entered the Earth’s atmosphere, gravity began to return to them slowly. But then it came back to them with “a vengeance.” “Soon everything is strangely heavy, too heavy – our tethered checklists, our arms, our heads. My watch feels heavy on my wrist, and breathing gets harder as the G forces clamp down on my trachea. I extend my head up as I struggle to breathe. We are falling at 1,000 feet per second,” Kelly wrote. A few hours later Kelly and his crew were back in Kazakhstan. But it took time for Kelly to adjust to Earth. Remember, he spent almost a year in a space without gravity. That meant that everything he used had to be tied down. Forks, knives, pencils, papers. And that meant that his body was not used to the pull of gravity that we take for granted on Earth. Walking to his bedroom 48 hours after landing, Kelly stumbled and fell into a wall. He was not drunk. But his body was not yet used to pushing against gravity. “Every part of my body hurts. All of my joints and all of my muscles are protesting the overwhelming pressure of gravity,” he wrote about finally falling into bed to sleep. A few hours later, though, Kelly woke up. And he was in even more pain. “I struggle to get out of bed, a multi-stage process. Find the edge of the bed. Feet down. Sit up. Stand. At every stage I feel like I’m fighting through quicksand. When I’m finally
vertical, the pain in my legs is awful, and on top of that pain I feel something even more alarming: All the blood in my body is rushing to my legs. I can feel the tissue in my legs swelling. I shuffle my way to the bathroom, moving my weight from one foot to the other with deliberate effort. I make it to the bathroom, flip on the light, and look down at my legs. They are swollen and alien stumps, not legs at all.” It took at least two weeks for Kelly’s legs to finally go back to normal size and for the rashes that plagued his body to go away. And even months after landing, Kelly said his muscles were still aching, unaccustomed to the pull of gravity. The excerpt that I read of Kelly’s journey was fascinating. Perhaps I may even read the book! But even more than that I couldn’t stop thinking about Kelly’s need to adjust to life back on Earth. When we read about astronauts we learn about their preparations for spacewalks and for life without gravity. But we don’t hear about their life after the mission and the hardships they go through when they complete their journey. It occurred to me that we, too, are going through an adjustment period right now – albeit on a much smaller scale. We did not spend 340 days in space but we were cocooned in the Yomim Noraim for the good part of a month. And now we are “back to Earth”; we are back to our routine. It may take some time to settle in. I know that in my house waking up for the bus this week took a lot more effort on my kids’ part than usual. But give it a few days and, while we still remember and hold onto the “mission” we took in the month of Tishrei, we’ll be able to feel more comfortable in our day-to-day routine – until Chanukah comes around! Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana
Yitzy Halpern PUBLISHER
publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com
Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR
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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 Classifieds: Deadline Mondays 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.
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
8
COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll
8
Community Happenings
42 NEWS
81
Global
13
National
25
Odd-but-True Stories
36
The Art of the Iran Deal by Susan Schwamm 81
ISRAEL Israel News
21
PEOPLE Pete Suer, a Hero with a Heart by Avi Heiligman
105
PARSHA Rabbi Wein
64
Surviving This Year’s Flood by Rav Moshe Weinberger
66
JEWISH THOUGHT Stronger Together by Eytan Kobre
70
A Wakeup Call by Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe
72
Lessons in Loyalty by Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
74
Understanding the Advocacy of Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov by Yaakov Klein 76 HEALTH & FITNESS
66
“Othering” by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn
90
The Bitter Truth about Apple Cider Vinegar by Aliza Beer, MS RD 92
The Story of a Parent’s Role: Navigating the Maze by Rivki Rosenwald, Esq. MFT 94
Dear Editor, I’ll be honest. I never heard of Alex Clare before I read your magazine. But during yom tov I was drawn to the article and mesmerized by his words. He seems so inspired and so “real.” Your interview with him was long – but it was so interesting I couldn’t stop reading! I loved what he said about Fred Sanger, the person who developed insulin, how his obituary was a small strip in the back of a newspaper when other people’s immature antics were scrawled across the front pages of magazines. What he says is so true! When you turn on the news these days you are bombarded by stories of drivel, and the people who make headlines are the people who push boundaries and who are debased. But it’s an olam hafuch!! We need to realize that in the coming years we will see who are the true “stars” and the true “celebrities,” and I know that it will be those who are doing their mitzvos, and chessed, and learning Torah, and being Torah-Yidden in their own quiet way. That’s the power of the yetzer hara. He wants us to admire the ways of the people who are loud and riotous. But that is not the true way! We should admire those who are “hatzneah leches,” the ones who don’t need constant admiration and adulation to fill fulfilled. So many people in our community really enjoy your paper. Perhaps you can dedicate a few pages every
week to people like Alex Clare, Torah-true Yidden who can be role models for our youngsters – and adults. Kol tuv, Reuven Baum Woodmere, NY Dear Editor, Please let your readers know that the start of two new stops in Far Rockaway for the Free Ferry Shuttle Bus Service will begin on Monday the 23rd. The two stops will be Mott Ave & Central and Seagirt Blvd & Beach 20th street. This will be a three month pilot program. Danny Ruscillo Rockaway Park, NY Dear Editor, I want to let readers know that not only is Naomi Nachman’s falafelstuffed eggplant delicious, but it freezes well too. I wrap each half in parchment paper and then foil. I defrost it and pop it into the toaster oven. While it warms, I make Israeli salad and techina. Yum! Dr. Deb Hirschhorn Dear Editor, For the past few years my family and I have really benefited from your “Chol Hamoed Guide” during Sukkos and Pesach. I wanted to let you know that it is really appreciated. We even save it after yom tov so we Continued on page 12
FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Creamy Asparagus Soup
96
LIFESTYLES Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW
86
A Breakdown of the SAT by Chaim Homnick
98
Your Money
110
The Inevitable Cycle by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS
111
HUMOR Centerfold
62
POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes
100
At the Crux of the U.S.-Turkey Dispute is a Gold Dealer Facing Trial by David Ignatius 104 CLASSIFIEDS
106
Do you like the taste of pumpkin-spiced drinks or food?
60
%
YES
40
%
NO
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Sale Dates: October 22nd - 27th 2017
Weekly Hellmann’s Mayonnaise
Kellogg’s 12 oz Crispix; 18 oz Corn Flakes; 15.3 oz Honey Smacks 2/$
1
399
.................................................
Bounty Paper Towels
Assorted - 6 Pack
ORIGINAL
......................................................
CRUNCHY
5
2/$
Serving Size: 2 Bars (35g) Serving Per Container: 6 Amount Per Serving Calories: 150 Cal from Fat: 51
CRUNCHY
6g
21g
0% 3% 8% 9%
2.5g
5% •
2,000
™ ORIGINAL
CRUNCHY
GRANOLA BARS
•
Carbohydrate 4
2,500
80g 65g 25g 20g 300mg 300mg 2,400mg 2,400mg 375g 300g 30g 25g
Less Than Total Fat Less Than Sat Fat Less Than Cholesterol Less Than Sodium Total Carb Dietary Fiber
Fat 9
No Artificial Color or Flavor
•
Protein 4
2.4g 70mg
SAT FAT 12% DV
SODIUM 30% DV
9
g SUGARS
Parve
NET WT 7.4OZ ( 210g)
Lieber’s Mini Stripes Cookies
1
249
$ 99
No high
$
tasting
ALLERGEN STATEMENT: Contains Gluten and Soy
PER 2 BARS
150
8 oz
5
ORIGINAL
CRUNCHY
GRANOLA BARS
Palmolive Ultra Dish Soap
Tooki - for busy kids, and grownups too, carry Whole Grain Good Sourcefructose some wholesome granola goodness with you. Rolled Oats of Fiber corn syrup Crunch away your cravings in a delicious, healthy way. Tooki is the snack you’ll be glad you packed! great
INGREDIENTS: Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Extruded Rice, Non Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Brown Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Unrefined Dark Brown Sugar, Corn Flour, Barley Malt Extract, Oligofructose Syrup, Soy Lecithin (An Emulsifier), Salt, Cocoa Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, Flavor.
DELICIOUS BARS
This product is manufactured in a facility that processes milk, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, honey, coconut and sesame.
................................................. CALORIES
Assorted - 8 Pack - 4.23 oz
Assorted - 20 oz
Vitamin C 0%
Calories
Coke, Fresca, Sprite, Dr. Pepper
7% 12 %
Saturated Fat 2.4g
2,000 calorie diet.
ORIGINAL
12
.................................................
™
% Daily Value* Total Fat
Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 70mg Total Carbohydrate Dietary Fiber 3g Total Sugars 9g Protein
Vitamin A 0%
Calcium 0% • Iron 0% *Percent Daily Values are based on a
4
3/$
.................................................
2/$
Nutrition Facts
™
Whole, Diced, Crushed, Sauce, Puree - 28 oz/29 oz
.................................................
GRANOLA BARS
1499
$
Hunt’s Tomatoes
Assorted - 32 oz
$ 99
Apple & Eve Sesame Street Juice Boxes
Tooki Crunchy Granola Bars
Regular or Select-a-Size 12 = 15 Rolls - 12 Pack
Parmalat Milk
1
$ 79
$
......................................................
99¢
5.2 oz
Assorted - 30 oz
5
2 Liter
Gefen Chestnuts
™
10
limit 4
................................................. DISTRIBUTED BY: Briut LLC P.O. Box 641, Tallman, NY 10982
.................................................
.................................................
Domino Brown or Paskesz Marshmallows Filippo Berio Olive Oil Extra Virgin, Extra Light, Confectioner 10X Sugar Except Jumbo - 8 oz Pure - 50.7 oz Light or Dark Brown 2/$ 16 oz $ 99 3/$ ™
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42486 80210 2
©2017 Briut LLC. All Rights Reserved. www.tookibars.com
5
3
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Entenmann’s Little Bites
Lieber’s Saltines
Product of Macedonia
1
Assorted - 16 oz
5
2/$
12
Assorted - 6.6 oz - 11 oz
5
2/$
.................................................
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8 oz
Except Organic 25 oz
12 oz
Gourmet Glatt Viennese Crunch
Duncan Hines Classic Cake or Brownie Mixes
399
$
Assorted - 15.25 oz/18 oz
99¢
Paesana Marinara & Pasta Sauces
3
$
99
.................................................
Gefen Coconut Chips
French’s Spicy Brown Mustard
1.41 oz
1
$ 49
99¢
limit 4
YoCrunch Yogurts
Skim Plus Milk
Assorted - 16 oz - 4 Pack $ 99
Assorted 64 oz
1
3
$
......................................................
Ha’olam Shredded Mozzarella or Pizza Cheese
$
Reddi Wip Topping
8
Assorted - 6.5 oz
5
2/$
Chobani Greek Yogurt Assorted - 5.3 oz
Except Chocolate Chip Bites - 14 oz - 16 oz
B’gan Long Stem Broccoli or Cauliflower Florets
24 oz $ 99
Ta’amti Borekas Assorted 24 oz - 29 oz
499
4
Assorted - 7 oz
10
10/$
.......................................
.......................................
Friendship Cottage Cheese
Axelrod Sour Cream Assorted - 16 oz
Assorted - 16 oz
3
2/$
4
2/$
Broadway J2 Pizza Original Only 36 oz
799
Breyer’s Ice Cream Assorted - 48 oz
399
$
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
.......................................
Assorted 20 oz - 32 oz
Assorted - 13 oz
Assorted - 32 oz
599
20 oz $ 49
7
2/$
$
$
Fresh & Frozen Gefilte Fish
Mehadrin Low Fat Yogurts
Assorted - 17 oz
$
Kosherific Fish Sticks Of Tov Chicken 25 oz Nuggets
......................................................
Sabra Hummus
2/$
5
......................................................
Farms Creamery Whipped Cream Cheese
1
Eggo Pancakes
2
limit 4 .......................................
$ 79
10
6 Pack $ 99
99
8 oz
10/$
Macabee Pizza Bagels
Assorted 59 oz
2
49
.......................................
2 lb $ 99 ......................................................
Simply Juices
10
$
4
99
McCain French Fries Super Pretzel
1
$ 99
1
$ 99
New Items This Week! B’gan French Toast Sticks
NOW 2 locations!
Cedarhurst STORE HOURS
great for breakfast on-the-go! 137 Spruce Street
Good Culture Cottage Cheese
organic - contains live cultures!
Assorted Flavors
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Woodmere STORE HOURS
1030 Railroad Avenue
(516) 295-6901
SUN - THURS: 7 AM-9 PM FRIDAY 7 AM UNTIL 2 HRS. BEFORE CANDLE LIGHTING
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
Sale Dates: October 22nd - 27th 2017
Specials
12
$
99
ITALIAN, SEASONED OR PASTRAMI BURGERS
SHOULDER LAMB CHOPS
MINUTE STEAK lb.
1299 lb.
$
Family Pack
Beef Stew
1249 lb.
$
1st Cut Brisket ...................
Family Pack ..................
Frozen Pitcha Bones
539 lb.
...................
Large Kolichel
Macintosh Apples
Jumbo Red Peppers
89¢ lb.
$
699 lb.
$
...................
899 lb. $ 79 4 lb. $ 99 2 lb. $ 99 9 lb.
Whole or Cut-Up Broilers
249 lb.
$
2 Pack - Cut in 1/4s or 1/8s ................... Untrimmed
Ground White Chicken $549 lb. Family Pack ..................
549 lb.
Frozen Duck
$
White Turkey Roast
$
Seasoned Beef or Chicken Kabobs
$
Missing Wing ..................
649 lb.
..................
419 lb.
Chicken Cutlets
$
Super Family Pack
String Beans
799 lb.
Fancy Eggplant
Green Squash
$
79¢ lb.
89¢ lb.
169 lb.
169 lb.
1099 lb.
Boneless Neck of Veal Roast
$ $
...................
$
Super Family Pack
chullent meat
Marrow Bones
$
Ground Beef
699 lb.
...................
949 lb.
Beef Deckel
................... Neck & Skirt
119 lb.
$
$
Solomon’s Navel Pastrami
1299 lb.
$
Minute Roast
...................
CHICKEN BONES
Bartlett Pears
Super Select Cucumbers
Sweet Potatoes
Snow White Cauliflower
Sliced Mushrooms
99¢ lb.
4/$3
69¢ lb.
2/$4
2/$3
Plum Tomatoes
Del Monte Pineapples
Cello Onions
Red & Green Leaf Lettuce
Green Scallions
89¢ lb.
2/$4
2/$3
99¢ ea.
5/$2
3 lb Bag
Head
/ General Tso’s Chicken $ 99 lb.
12
Pasta Primavera
24 VARIETIES!
Container
7
$
99
Swedish Meatballs with 2 Side Dishes $ 99
Split Pea Soup
Couscous with Vegetables $ 99 lb.
7
Quart
4
4
$
Breaded Fish Sticks $ 49 lb.
4
99
Salmon Fillet
1
2
Bunch
699
$
Mums Bouquet
999
$
gourmetglattonline.com
$
Crunch Roll
$
550
995
Sushi Burrito
$
......................................................
550
Sushi Sandwich
1095
$
Diet Spinach Kugel
399ea.
$
$
Mini Carnations
Tuna Avocado Roll
8
999lb.
$
Cinnamon Assorted Pies Assorted Pumpernickel Parve Bobka Club Rolls $ 49 Bread ea. 2 Pack $ 99 2 lb $ 29 ea. ea.
6
......................................................
Tilapia with Seafood $ 99 lb.
Family Pack
7
order your shabbos platters early! $ 95 Alaska $ 95 4 Roll 5
Sweet Potato Roll
49 ea.
Large Colored Calla Lilies Bunch
2499
$
/gourmetglatt
Babaganoush
299ea.
$
Charif
299ea.
$
Grilled Tuna Cutlet
399ea.
$
new!
Potato Salad
5 Section Platter Just $32.99!
Broccoli Soup
wow!
3
$
49 ea.
Quart
3
$
99 ea.
We reserve the right to limit quantities. No rain checks. Not responsible for typographical errors.
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Continued from page 8
can look through it and get ideas of trips to go on during the year. Hatzlacha, Shaindy Einhorn
Dear Editor, There were so many wonderful articles in your Sukkos edition that I was pleased we had an “extra” day of yom tov this year with the Shabbos after Simchas Torah. I really connected with the article on the artist Michoel Muchnik. I remember reading his children’s books when I was a child. I particularly recall the
book he had about the sofer (did he live in a tree?) and the two children who visited him. Recently, I took the book out of the Levi Yitzchok Library for my children to enjoy as well. I look forward to reading them more books by this wonderful artist and author. I found it very interesting to learn about his past and what inspired him to become an artist and dedicate his life to Judaica. May Mr. Muchnik continue to have strength to be able to inspire – children and adults – in Yiddishkeit. Chana Heilburn
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.
Mesivta Ateres Yaakov Ruth & Hyman Simon High School
131 Washington Ave, Lawrence New York 11559 | Phone: 516.374.6465 | ateresyaakov@ateresyaakov.com
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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
The Week In News
leader in May and rebranded the People’s Party as “something new” despite it being the center-right option in Austria for many decades. He has supported the new “burqa ban” law and has pledged to close Islamic nurseries.
Austria’s New Young Chancellor
A 31-year-old foreign minister in Austria is set to become the youngest leader in the European Union. Sebastian Kurz has been voted in as the next chancellor of Austria. Austria’s parliamentary election showed that Kurz’s right-leaning People’s Party came out way ahead of the far-right Freedom Party and the center-left Social Democrats. The millennial from Vienna is known for his slicked-back dark hair and his promises to curb immigration to Austria by mostly Muslim migrants. He became Austria’s foreign minister at the age of 27 in 2013. “It is my assignment to change this country,” Kurz said as he declared victory. “I will establish a new style in our country.” He is far younger than French President Emmanuel Macron, 39, and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, who is believed to be 33. Kurz’s party received 31.4% of the vote, with the Freedom Party coming in second with 27.4%. The Social Democrats garnered 26.7% of the vote. It is likely that a coalition government will be formed by the two right-leaning parties, which would mean a decided turn in that direction for Austria. About 90,000 migrants entered Austria from Syria in 2015; the immigration issue came front-andcenter in this year’s elections. Kurz stumped on promises that he would curb benefits for newly arrived immigrants and would require they learn German. He took over as his party’s
Macron to Deal with Illegal Immigration
In a recent interview, French President Emmanuel Macron said that he is cracking down on illegal immigrants who commit crimes in France. The 39-year-old said that even without new legislation “we can take tougher measures” and expel illegal immigrants if they commit a crime, “whatever it may be.” The French leader discussed many topics in the wide-ranging interview he gave from his home. It is only the sixth such interview he has given since being elected in May. The immigrant crime issue arose because a Tunisian man stabbed two women in Marseille two weeks ago. The illegal immigrant had been known to police for drug and alcohol problems and was even arrested two days before his attack for shoplifting. Ahmed Hanachi, who did not have the proper paperwork, was allowed to walk free. “We are not taking all the steps that should be taken. Well, that’s going to change,” Macron told three journalists in his home. The young president has seen his approval ratings plunge from 60 percent in June to 44 percent. He has had to fend off critics who call him a “president of the rich” because he is planning major tax cuts for the wealthy. The former investment banker was clear with his interviewers that the tax reforms he has planned are aimed at the middle class with improvements such as lower social charges and residence taxes. Macron also spoke about the Iran
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
deal and President Trump’s threat to “terminate” it unless Congress brings new sanctions against Tehran. Macron reiterated his commitment to the 2015 deal, along with Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany, who were all part of the original Iran accord.
Assange Risks Refuge
Talk about burning your bridges. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is being protected by Ecuador in London. As one of the world’s most known fugitives from U.S. law it
would be reasonable to assume that Assange would do anything to ensure his asylum, however recent events indicate otherwise. Assange, 46, has been in the Ecuadoran Embassy since 2012 and is currently embroiled in a public argument with Ecuador’s new president, Lenin Moreno. Moreno, who was sworn-in in January, recently requested that Assange stay silent about the constitutional crisis in Spain. However, Assange is not one to be hushed. He tweeted on September 28, “If President Moreno wants to gag my reporting of human rights abuses in Spain he should say so explicitly – together with the legal basis.” But Assange is treading in dangerous waters. He is also wanted in Sweden for alleged crimes against women and if he upsets Moreno it could cost him his freedom. Moreno’s predecessor, Rafael Correa, who originally granted refuge to the Australian activist, was an extreme liberal. Previously, Moreno has publicly stated that he will maintain Assange’s asylum, on condition. The caveat was “as long as we assume his life may be in danger.” The president
has also previously dismissed the WikiLeaks boss as a “hacker,” which Assange surely takes offense to.
ISIS Shrinking in Iraq & Syria The Islamic State tries to lure recruits from around the world with promises of eternal peace in paradise. However, as the “caliphate” collapses, mass graves are being discovered with bodies of jihadists, painting a very different picture of the “paradise” they promise. In the Iraqi town of Dhuluiyah, 55 miles north of Baghdad, a mass grave houses the bodies of dozens of ISIS fighters believed to have been killed in 2015. “They should have ended up in the stomachs of stray dogs,” local police officer Mohammed al-Juburi told AFP. “We buried them here not out of love but because we wanted to avoid diseases.” Since the 2014 U.S.-led coalition commenced, around 80,000 jihadists have been killed. Jihad-
ists were denied the Islamic rights of the dead and proper burials. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates some 50,000 ISIS members have been killed in Syria. As Russia and the U.S. close in on ISIS one Syrian commander explained that right now they are focused on abolishing the extremists. “At the moment, we are more interested in what happens above the ground than under it,” he told AFP. However, another military source said the identities of the fighters sometimes lead to useful intelligence. “The terrorists try to collect their dead. If we find them, we try to identify the foreigners for a possible information swap with their home countries,” he explained. “Figures who were well-known and wanted by the international community are buried at secret locations,” said Syrian Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman. The infamous British executioner Mohamed Emwazi, known as “Jihadi John” who appeared on several violent videos released to the media, is one of those buried in a secret location.
Mesivta Ateres Yaakov Ruth & Hyman Simon High School
131 Washington Ave, Lawrence New York 11559 | Phone: 516.374.6465 | ateresyaakov@ateresyaakov.com
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Pursue your interests and broaden your horizons! Active Student Government and many clubs Varsity & Intramural sports and competitions Model Bais Din | Torah Bowl ARISTA | Extensive chesed program Student publications including Torah, Literary Journals, and Newspapers Call us at 516.374.6465 or visit us on the web at www.AteresYaakov.com
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ISIS Defeated in Raqqa
This week, Raqqa was officially declared ISIS-free. U.S.-backed forces fighting ISIS in the Syrian city say that “major operations” have ended and that the jihadists have lost control over their self-declared capital. This development highlights a major, decisive victory in the fight against ISIS. “Major military operations in Raqqa are finished but they are now clearing the city of sleeper cells – if they exist – and mines,” Talal Salo,
spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, said. The SDF is a coalition of Arab and Kurdish fighters. “The situation in Raqqa is under control and soon there will be an official statement declaring the liberation of the city.” ISIS now only controls a small strip of territory along the Euphrates River in northern Syria. Raqqa became the de facto capital of the terror group’s self-proclaimed “caliphate” following a sweep of territorial gains in Iraq and Syria in 2014. Foreign fighters swelled the ranks of ISIS in Raqqa, which it used as a base to launch terror attacks around the world. A decisive effort to retake Raqqa began in June. In the past few days, the SDF said it had cleared ISIS fighters from the National Raqqa Hospital and Paradise Square, the infamous area in the center where ISIS jihadists carried out public beheadings and crucifixions. The terror group’s black flag was hauled down from Raqqa’s stadium, its last hideout in the city, on Tuesday, Reuters reported. In a sign that the SDF operation was nearing a conclusion, coalition
air strikes had eased off in the past week. There was only one U.S. airstrike in Syria on Monday, but that was far from Raqqa. Since the U.S.-backed operation to free Raqqa began in early June, there had been 3,829 airstrikes on the city, 90 suicide bombings and 1,873 victims. 450,000 people have been displaced. Despite the eradication of ISIS from Raqqa, the city – and the entire Syria – is still suffering from a humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes; refugee camps are overflowing. Most families do not have a home they can return to.
Iran Suspected in UK Govt Hack Ninety email accounts of members of the British parliament were hacked last summer, and UK intelligence officials now believe that Iran is behind the security breach. The cyber-criminals were even able to gain access to Prime Minister Theresa
May’s personal email account. It was originally thought that Russia or North Korea was behind the attack, but Tehran is now the prime suspect. When the hack first took places, a security source told reporters that “it was a brute force attack. It appears to have been state-sponsored,” adding that “the nature of cyberattacks means it is notoriously difficult to attribute an incident to a specific actor.”
The law enforcement agencies that are spearheading the investigation into the cyber-attacks in the UK are being very tight-lipped. A spokesperson for the National Cyber Security Center, the government body responsible for helping to counter attacks, simply told reporters that “it would be inappropriate to comment further while inquiries are ongoing.”
Mesivta Ateres Yaakov Ruth & Hyman Simon High School
131 Washington Ave, Lawrence New York 11559 | Phone: 516.374.6465 | ateresyaakov@ateresyaakov.com
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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
International Trade Minister Liam Fox called for smarter computer users. Fox said it was a “warning to everyone that we need more security and better passwords.” He noted, “We know that our public services are attacked so it is not at all surprising that there should be an attempt to hack into parliamentary emails.”
Nazi Grandma Convicted of Holocaust Denial
What will be
Jewish Woman to Head UNESCO
Audrey Azoulay has been chosen to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, known as UNESCO. Azoulay, 49, beat out her main rival Hamad bin Abdulaziz AlKawari of Qatar after six rounds of voting. The intense rivalry was very politically charged. Accusations of anti-Israel bias and tensions in the Gulf led to a narrow 30 to 28 victory for Azoulay. Al-Kawari lost the battle when he failed to pick up support from other Gulf states that are part of a Saudi-led coalition that is blockading Qatar. Azoulay promised that the “first thing she would endeavor” if confirmed by the General Conference in November would be to “restore the credibility” of the organization and the confidence of member states. One day after the United States and Israel announced their plans to leave the organization, the French native said that she believes member states must “get involved” and not leave. The U.S. said that the Paris-based body could not be supported due to the years it spent being critical of Israel. Israel announced shortly afterwards that it would also be leaving the coalition. Azoulay, a Jewish woman of Moroccan origin, faces the daunting task of persuading the United States and Israel to rejoin and fighting the blatant anti-Israel bias within the organization.
Ursula Haverbeck is an 88-yearold grandmother. She’s also a neo-Nazi. This week, the well-known historical revisionist was once again convicted of Holocaust denial, a crime in Germany. Haverbeck was sentenced to six months in prison by a Berlin district court. The conviction was for saying at an event in the city in January 2016 that the Holocaust did not occur and that there were no gas chambers at the Auschwitz Nazi death camp, which she said was a labor camp. Haverbeck said she will appeal the conviction. Haverbeck is scheduled to go on trial in the western German town of Detmold for the third time, after twice being convicted of incitement to hatred there for denying a genocide of the Jews during World War II. In November 2016, Haverbeck was convicted by a court in Verden on the basis of numerous articles she had published in the local newspaper Stimme des Reiches, or “Voice of the Reich,” in which she denied that the Holocaust occurred. The previous month, a court in Bad Oeynhausen sentenced Haverbeck to 11 months in jail for incitement to hate. In September 2016, the court in Detmold sentenced her to 8 months in prison. And the previous year, a court in Hamburg sentenced her to ten months in jail. She has appealed all of these decisions and has not spent any time in jail on the convictions.
Court: Catalonia Can’t Secede On Tuesday, Catalonia’s vote for independence was officially declared illegal. Spain’s top court ruled that the referendum was unlawful because a regional law that backed it
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two Catalan independence leaders, Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Cuixart, in a sedition probe. The judge ruled they were the orchestrators of massive demonstrations on September 20-21 in Barcelona that hindered a police operation against preparations for the October 1 independence referendum. Protesters gathered for a fresh round of demonstrations in Barcelona on Tuesday to demand their release. Some 500 students left classrooms in one of Barcelona’s main universities to join the demonstrations.
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“We urge the release of our political prisoners and call on Catalan authorities to revoke the suspension of the independence declaration and proclaim the Catalan republic,” said Aina Delgado Morell, a representative of Universitats per la Republica, a pro-independence student organization. Students would keep protests going to “stop the repression by the Spanish state,” she added.
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was against Spain’s constitution. The Catalan regional parliament passed the so-called “self-determination referendum law” in early September. Regional leaders went on to stage the October 1 referendum on whether the region should separate from Spain. The “yes” side won by an overwhelming majority of voters, and supporters said that the result gave the region a mandate to declare independence. Spain’s Constitutional Court had earlier suspended the law temporari-
ly while judges assessed the Spanish government’s objection to it. In its ruling on Tuesday, the court says the law was against national sovereignty and the “indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation.” The court says the parliamentary session that approved the law also violated the country’s constitution. The ruling was not surprising – Spain’s government had already repeatedly insisted the vote was illegal. “We are facing an executive power in the state that uses the judiciary
branch to block the legislative,” Catalan government spokesman Jordi Turull said shortly after the ruling was announced. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has until Thursday to backtrack on any steps the region has taken toward secession. If he refuses, the central government has said it would invoke constitutional authority to restrict or revoke the areas of self-governance Catalonia has now. Tuesday’s ruling came a day after a Madrid judge provisionally jailed
A truck bombing in Somalia killed more than 300 people this past weekend. The bomb was set off in a crowded street in Mogadishu. More than 400 people were injured in the blast. As the death toll continues to rise, the government in Somalia blamed the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab terrorist group, although no group has
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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officially taken responsibility for the attack that killed at least 300 people. The hospitals in Mogadishu were inundated and unable to treat many of the badly wounded victims. “The hospital is overwhelmed by both dead and wounded... This is really horrendous, unlike any other time in the past,” said Dr. Mohamed Yusuf, the director of Medina hospital. Overnight, rescue workers with flashlights searched for survivors trapped under the rubble of the largely destroyed Safari Hotel, which is close to Somalia’s foreign ministry. The explosion blew off metal gates and blast walls erected outside the hotel. The African nation has been the victim of hundreds of terror attacks in the past ten years. Analysts say there is little doubt that al-Shabab is behind the attack. “No other group in Somalia has the capacity to put together a bomb of this size, in this nature,” said Matt Bryden, a security consultant on the Horn of Africa. Al-Shabab is Africa’s deadliest Islamic extremist group. The terrorist organization promised to step up the level of their attacks earlier this year after U.S. President Donald Trump and Somali-American president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed announced a new joint military effort to
eradicate the group. “They don’t care about the lives of Somali people, mothers, fathers and children,” Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said. “They have targeted the most populated area in Mogadishu, killing only civilians.” Many neighboring countries have offered and sent assistance to the struggling nation. The United States condemned the bombing, saying “such cowardly attacks reinvigorate the commitment of the United States to assist our Somali and African Union partners to combat the scourge of terrorism.” The United Nations special envoy to Somalia called the attack “revolting.”
China’s Propaganda Starts Young Young children in China are being fed President Xi Jinping’s political agenda from a very young age. China has more than 283,000 primary and secondary schools that teach ideological education to students as young as six-years-old.
New editions of textbooks are containing more Communist Party teachings. Many schools are adding courses on traditional medicine and Confucian thought to highlight China’s achievements as a civilization. The government is cutting back on teaching the writings of historians with differing opinions or criticism of Communism in fear that it may inspire disobedience. In a strict edict issued in September, the party demanded that schools intensify efforts to promote “Chinese traditional and socialist culture.” Many see this move as an attempt for China to restore its place as a world power. The president himself has also become a part of the curriculum. In some schools, several times a week students line up to sing an ode to Mr. Xi’s signature phrase, the “Chinese dream.”
The education campaign has also extended to universities. Officials have banned textbooks that promote “Western values” and have reprimanded professors for veering away from the Communist rhetoric. Some professors are complaining that restrictions on free speech in the classroom are the most severe since the aftermath of the massacre at Tiananmen Square in 1989. As expected, the recent curriculum mandates have been met with opposition by educators and parents alike. Many believe that China’s 181 million schoolchildren really need a more thorough education in math, science and liberal arts in order to become real competition in the global economy. They blame Xi for being more concerned with self-serving propaganda and defending the party’s legitimacy than actually educating children to join the skilled workforce.
Penguin Colony Starves French scientists have reported a “catastrophic breeding event”
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in Antarctica in which a colony of about 40,000 Adelie penguins was decimated by starvation. According to the researchers, only two chicks survived the start of the year. This is the second time in four years that the Adelie population has been ravaged by starvation.
Scientists found thousands of dead and unhatched chicks at the normal breeding grounds. The cause is thought to be an unusual amount of sea ice and extensive rains, which left the colony with longer than usual traveling distances to find food. The colony had an estimated 18,000 breeding pairs. The breeding disasters have led to researchers seeking to create a marine-protected area in East Antarctica. In 2013, no chicks survived a similar occurrence. According to the researchers, climate change, as well as fishing and tourism, have had a negative impact on the Adelie penguins. The population numbers have decreased dramatically, and the researchers fear possible extinction if further action is not taken to prevent their demise.
Panama Papers Journalist Killed
Daphne Caruana Galizia was a journalist intent on unearthing the truth. Fueled by outrage at the cronyism and corruption she saw engulfing her island nation of Malta, Galizia worked tirelessly to inform the people. She was a reporter for 30 years and had previously worked for the local Sunday Times and the Malta Independent. The 53-year-old was
best known as the publisher, from 2008, of her widely-read blog, Running Commentary. This week, Galizia’s reporting was snuffed out when she was killed by a car bomb in Malta on Monday. Galizia was recently featured in Politico’s list of 28 public figures “shaping, shaking and stirring Europe,” thanks to her contribution to exposing what the massive Panama Papers data leak revealed about corruption at the highest levels of Maltese government. The news site described her as “a one-woman WikiLeaks, crusading against untransparency and corruption in Malta, an island nation famous for both.” Galizia was not without critics. Some saw her as a gossip; it was not beneath her to delve into the private lives of public figures. Others said she peddled “fake news.” She was regularly being hit or threatened with defamation suits, including by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Perhaps the critics fueled her popularity; her readership was estimated to be bigger than all of Malta’s mainstream media combined. Galizia received police protection several times but did not want to be under permanent guard, judging that it would make it impossible for her to maintain normal contacts with sources who were indispensable to her work. In 2006, anti-immigration activists attempted to burn down her house. It is said that she was considering leaving Malta before her death. In the final entry on her blog, posted barely half an hour before she was killed, Galizia signed off with a weary observation: “There are crooks everywhere you look now. The situation is desperate.” Galizia’s husband, Peter, is a lawyer. They had three sons, Matthew, Andrew and Paul.
Alibaba in Israel Alibaba is investing $15 billion in research and development and one of their newest labs will be opening in Tel Aviv. The online commerce giant will launch a global research proContinued on page 24
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This Shabbos, Cheshvan 1: Daf Yomi Bavli – Sanhedrin 97 / Daf Yomi Yerushalmi – Bava Kamma 9 Mishnah Yomi – Succah 5:6-7 / Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Yomi – 5:17-6:3
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gram called Alibaba DAMO Academy which will focus on foundational and disruptive technology research, including data intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), fintech, quantum computing and human-machine interaction.
The new program will recruit 100 scientists and researchers from around the globe to join the impressive group of 25,000 engineers it currently employs. The new facility in Israel will round out their centers in China, Australia, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Mumbai, India, and Jakarta, Indonesia. The company had already invested in Israel’s technology ecosystem. In 2015, Alibaba used Israel-based QR code startup Visualead Ltd. to stop the sale of counterfeit merchandise on their website. In 2016, Alibaba invested in Infinity Augmented Reality Israel Ltd., and, again in 2017, they invested in augmented re-
ality hardware company Lumus Ltd., based in Tel Aviv. Amazon has also heavily invested in Israeli talent in the past year. In June, Amazon rented two office spaces, in Haifa and in Tel Aviv. Amazon has announced that they intend to hire 100 Israelis to spearhead the further development of Alexa, Amazon’s voice-enabled shopping assistant.
Terrorists Captured After Killing Grandfather of 19
Reuven Shmerling, Hy”d, a resident of Elkana, was murdered by Arab terrorists a few hours before
Sukkos. He has now officially been recognized as a “victim of terror” by Israel, ensuring that the Shmerling family will receive benefits from the National Insurance Institute. Mr. Shmerling was killed just before his 70th birthday. His four children and 19 grandchildren had gathered at his house for Sukkos to celebrate his birthday with him. His body was found by one of his sons in a factory he owned in Kfar Qasim. He had served as the cantor at the Moreshet Yehudit shul on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. The Shin Bet has announced that two suspects are in custody. The terrorists are residents of the PA-controlled town of Qabatiya in northern Samaria. Over 1,200 attended Mr. Schmerling’s funeral in the Elkana cemetery on the first day of chol hamoed.
Fatah & Hamas: A Deadly Partnership After a decade of fighting, Hamas and Fatah have signed a reconcil-
iation agreement in Cairo. Saleh al-Arouri, the Hamas deputy political leader, said that the deal was signed so that all Palestinian forces can “work together against the Zionist enterprise.”
“We in Hamas are determined, serious and sincere this time and every time to end the division,” Arouri said. “We have adopted the strategy of one step at a time so that the reconciliation will succeed.” Azzam al-Ahmad represented the Fatah side of the negotiation and said that he was instructed by Mahmoud Abbas, president of Fatah, to end the rift between the two factions so that the Palestinian people will be unified “headed by Fatah and Hamas.” Hamas, an Islamist terrorist group, took control of the Gaza Strip from Fatah in a violent coup in 2007.
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Since then, Hamas has fought three wars with Israel, which it has openly threatened to destroy. Israel, for self-preservation reasons, has always opposed a Palestinian government in which Hamas plays a role. The State of Israel, along with much of the international community, has demanded that Hamas denounce terrorism, accept Israel’s right to exist, and accept the previous Israeli-Palestinian accords. The details of the new alliance have not yet been released. It is unclear whether Hamas has agreed to disarm or what will become of their 25,000-strong military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Many people do not realize that the Greek Orthodox Church is the second biggest landowner in Israel after the Israel Lands Authority. In the 19th century, the church acquired 4,500 dunams (1,110 acres) of real estate in the center of Jerusalem, mostly for agricultural purposes. A few years after Israel declared itself a state, the church agreed to lease the land to the Jewish National Fund for 99 years, with the option to extend. New reports have come out that show that the Greek Orthodox Church sold a Jerusalem neighborhood in 2012 to an investment company registered in the Virgin Islands for only $3 million. The company then sold the neighborhood of Givat Oranim, which has over 240 apartments and a commercial center, to Oranim Limited, which is registered in the Cayman Islands, for an unspecified price. The neighborhood is leased to the JNF for another 52 years. Prop-
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were sold in 2015 for only $1 million to Senet Ventures Inc., which is also registered in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. That land has been leased to Israel until late 2018. It is not yet known what the outcome will be of these sales. Peter Habash, an activist in the Jaffa Christian Orthodox community, told Israeli reporters that he feels “this isn’t a sale, it’s a theft. When you sell an asset for a fraction of its worth it doesn’t make sense.”
Rig Explodes in Louisiana At least seven people are injured, three critically, and one person is missing after an oil rig exploded Sunday night in Louisiana in Lake
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The company released a statement saying that the platform was used as a storage unit for oil and gasses. Once the tank is full, the oil or gas is pumped into a barge and moved. Three oil wells near the platform were shut-in at the time of the explosion and its one gas well was flowing, but was successfully shut-in shortly after the explosion. Clovelly does not yet know if any oil was released into the lake.
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Pontchartrain, about a 30-minute drive north of North Orleans. The explosion happened on an oil and gas transfer facility. The platform was on waters just north of the suburban city of Kenner in Jefferson Parish. Kenner Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kriss Fortunato reported that at least seven people were injured and authorities were actively searching for one missing person into Monday. However, on Monday evening authorities announced that
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the search has been suspended. The victim was identified as Timothy Morrison, 44, of Katy, Texas, a subcontractor on the structure. “The decision to suspend a search is never an easy one,” said Cmdr. Zac Ford. “We send our thoughts and prayers to the Morrison family and all those affected by this incident.” Andrew Love, who lives about 10 blocks away from the explosion, told The Times-Picayune that his “house actually shook.” “At first I thought
www.yuhsb.org
it was a sonic boom or something,” Love said. “I had no idea what was happening.” Another neighbor, Roger Fernandez said the explosion “shook me out of my couch.” It is believed that the rig is operated by Clovelly Oil and the accident happened at around 7:15pm. It is suspected that the platform exploded while maintenance was being done on the structure, sending a fireball high into the night sky.
Trump Works on Health Care
Trump is continuing to check boxes on his promises. On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order that he says will give millions of Americans more access to affordable health insurance by allowing individuals to buy premiums through large-group programs. “Health insurance stocks, which have gone through the roof during the Obamacare years, plunged yesterday after I ended their Dems windfall!” Trump tweeted Saturday morning. In a second tweet Trump said, “Very proud of my Executive Order which will allow greatly expanded access and far lower costs for HealthCare. Millions of people benefit!” From the Roosevelt Room of the White House Trump promised that this new plan would give “millions of Americans with Obamacare relief.” It would “cost the United States government virtually nothing and people will have great, great health care. And
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
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when I say people, I mean by the millions and millions.” In a separate order, the Trump administration cut billions in federal dollars to insurance companies that until now were used to subsidize consumer costs. The subsidies were designated for lowering out-of-pocket expenses like co-payments and deductibles for low- and middle-income customers, benefiting about 6 million Americans. According to the president and many others, the funding benefitted the companies and wasn’t really passed down to customers. There are critics, though, that argue that subsidies were beneficial to millions who will now suffer from drastically increased premiums. A clause of Obamacare required health care companies to lower costs for poorer consumers. Many expect that due to the cut of subsidies, carriers will increase premiums for private policies in order to make up the lost funding. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the executive order will cause a 12% to 15% increase in premiums.
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This week U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl pleaded guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. He could spend the rest of his life behind bars for his admittance of guilt. Bergdahl disappeared from his base in Afghanistan in June 2009 and was held in captivity by the Taliban until May 2014. “I left my observation post on my own,” Bergdahl told a judge on Monday. “I understand leaving was against the law.” The 31-year-old said he deserted from his outpost to try to reach the base from where he was dispatched. Bergdahl told the judge he wanted to report “a critical problem in my chain of command,” but did not spec-
ify what that problem was. There was no pre-trial agreement prior to Bergdahl’s guilty plea, both the government and defense said. Bergdahl faces up to five years in prison for the desertion charge and up to life in prison for the charge of misbehavior before the enemy. Bergdahl’s sentencing hearing will begin on October 23. Hours after Bergdahl deserted, he was captured by the Taliban. During his captivity, he said he made “somewhere between a dozen and 15 escape attempts.” He previously described the torture he endured, which included months chained to a bed and years either locked in a cage or chained on all fours. After five years, the Taliban released Bergdahl in a prisoner swap for five detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Since then, he has been called both a traitor and a hero. In 2015, an Army Sanity Board evaluation said Bergdahl had schizotypal personality disorder. That information was included in the hundreds of pages of documents that Bergdahl’s defense team released on a website called The Bergdahl Docket. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump said Bergdahl “should be shot” for walking off his post. “In the good old days, he would have been executed,” Trump said. After Trump became president, Bergdahl’s lawyers argued the judge should dismiss the charges because of Trump’s comments, claiming Trump violated Bergdahl’s due-process rights and saying it would not be possible for Bergdahl to get a fair trial. A judge ruled against dismissing the charges. Bergdahl later chose to be tried by a military judge rather than a jury. In an interview with ABC last year, Bergdahl said he didn’t think he would be able to get a fair trial after Trump’s comments that he should be shot. “We may as well go back to kangaroo courts and lynch mobs. They got what they wanted,” Bergdahl said. “People who are to the point of saying, ‘Yeah, just shoot him’ – you can never convince those people to change their minds.” Retired Army Spc. Cody Full, a member of Bergdahl’s platoon in Afghanistan when he disappeared from the base, called Bergdahl a “coward” in an interview with CNN. “He was a coward nine years ago when he deserted, and I think he showed he’s
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The only city in New York to make it to the list was New Rochelle (#50), with a population of 79,558 and the average home costing about $523,300. The typical New Rochelle household earns $75,757 a year, far more than the $57,617 the typical American household earns a year. Many residents of the suburb of NYC travel to Manhattan’s financial district for high-paying jobs. Another suburb of NYC to make it to the list was Clifton, New Jersey (#40). Although Clifton’s cost of living is about 28% higher than the national average, the average home value is just $345,100. The typical household income in Clifton is around $77,923 a year. Here are the best cities to live in: 1. Carmel, Indiana 2. Centennial, Colorado 3. Arvada, Colorado 4. John’s Creek, Georgia 5. Highlands Ranch, Colorado 6. Dale City, Virginia 7. Naperville, Illinois 8. O’Fallon, Missouri 9. Columbia, Maryland 10. Raleigh, North Carolina
A New Search for Drug Czar still a coward,” Full said. “He refuses to take responsibility for his actions.” He said the military has an opendoor policy for service members to voice concerns about chains of command, so it wasn’t rational for Bergdahl to do what he did. “He literally put thousands and thousands of people’s lives at risk,” Full added, “just so he could go and want to complain for whatever transgressions he thought happened or didn’t happen.”
Best Cities in America Many critics believe the American dream is dead, yet the United States is still considered a land of opportunity. Even so, there are specific cities within the U.S. where life is easier, more pleasant, and safer. While many people live in communities simply because they grew up there
or because their family lives nearby or because of work obligations, there are many families that have the opportunity to select the communities in which to live. For those lucky ones, 24-7 Wall St. created an index of over three dozen socioeconomic measures to identify the 50 best American cities to live in. They considered crime rates, salaries, real estate, poverty lines, education, cultural life and convenience of public transportation, among other factors.
What happens when you find out that the person you chose to become the next drug czar may have been contributing to the explosion of the opioid crisis in your country?
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
That’s what happened this week after a joint investigation by CBS’s “60 Minutes” and The Washington Post revealed that a bill advocated by Rep. Tom Marino helped to disarm the Drug Enforcement Administration during the opioid crisis. The bill weakened the DEA’s control over opioid drug distributors. Marino was President Trump’s nominee for the nation’s drug czar. In the aftermath, Marino withdrew his name for consideration. Marino was a main backer of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act. Among other things, the measure changed the standard for identifying dangers to local communities, from “imminent” threats to “immediate” threats. That change cramped the DEA’s authority to go after drug companies that didn’t report suspicious — and often very large — orders for narcotics. Marino’s nomination was pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee, but no confirmation hearing for him had been scheduled. Trump sent up the nomination in early September. Marino had yet to submit the questionnaire given to him by the committee. Sen. Joe Machin, D-W.V., who is a co-sponsor of a bill to repeal the changes made by the 2016 law, said he was “horrified” by the story, adding that he “cannot believe the last administration did not sound the alarm on how harmful that bill would be for our efforts to effectively fight the opioid epidemic.” In a letter to the president, Manchin wrote about the ability of wholesale drug distributors to send millions of pills into small communities: “As the report notes, one such company shipped 20 million doses of oxycodone and hydrocodone to pharmacies in West Virginia between 2007 and 2012. This included 11 million doses in one small county with only 25,000 people in the southern part of the state: Mingo County. As the number of pills in my state increased, so did the death toll in our communities, including Mingo County.” After Marino’s name was withdrawn, Manchin tweeted to Trump, “Thanks for recognizing we need a drug czar who has seen the devastating effects of the problem.” Drug czar is the informal name for the person responsible for drug-control policies in the U.S.
A New Deal for Iran?
Donald Trump got to use his infamous “you’re fired!” phrase again on Friday, but this time it was directed at an entire country. The president announced plans to possibly decertify the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He strongly believes that the “radical regime” has committed multiple violations of the agreement. “I am announcing today that we cannot and will not make this certification,” Trump said during a speech at the White House. “We will not continue down a path whose pre-
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dictable conclusion is more violence, more terror, and the very real threat of Iran’s nuclear breakthrough.” The announcement didn’t immediately withdraw the United States from the Iran deal, however it strongly threatened to pull out of a deal that the president called “one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into.” “In the event we are not able to reach a solution working with Congress and our allies, the agreement
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
threaten American troops and allies and imprisoning Americans “on false charges.” “Given the regime’s murderous past and present, we should not take lightly its sinister vision for the future,” Trump said. “The regime’s two favorite chants are ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel.’” Democrats, who consider the 18-month-old deal one of Obama’s finest accomplishments, were furious at Trump’s recent statements. They accused the president of adding fuel to the fire. Former Obama administration official Ben Rhodes, who helped sell the Iran deal, said the president is “provoking” a crisis with his speech. “Hard to overstate how irresponsible it is for Trump to risk blowing up Iran Deal by demanding rest of world justify his campaign rhetoric,” Rhodes tweeted. Interestingly, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer famously voted against the Iran deal when Obama was president amidst intense pressure from Jewish groups. Now, though, Schumer has said he is for the deal. Noting the hypocrisy, Trump tweeted, “Dem Senator Schumer hated the Iran deal made by President Obama, but now that I am involved, he is OK with it. Tell that to Israel, Chuck!”
The Crisis Continues in Puerto Rico
will be terminated,” he said. “It is under continuous review and our participation can be canceled by me as president at any time.” By law, the president has the power to make use of the Congressional Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act to decertify the agreement without Congress. However, Congress does have the power to then choose to restore sanctions or not. Trump is pressing Congress to work to fix the deal’s “flaws.” Iran’s transgressions of the deal
include failing to meet expectations in its operation of advanced centrifuges and having intimidated international inspectors into not using their full authority. On Friday, Trump also revealed plans to take action against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, authorizing the Treasury Department to impose targeted sanctions against “its officials, agents, and affiliates.” “Execution of our strategy begins with a long overdue step of im-
posing tough sanctions on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” Trump said. “The revolutionary guard is the Iranian supreme leader’s corrupt personal terror force and militia.” Trump boldly accused Iran of being “the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.” They have been accused of providing assistance to al-Qaeda, the Taliban, Hezbollah and other terrorist networks. The president said that Iran is responsible for developing missiles that
It’s been almost a month since Hurricane Maria attacked Puerto Rico and devastated the island leaving millions without electricity and clean water. As of Sunday, 85% of the island still did not have electricity. Governor Ricardo Rosselló hopes that by the end of the month 30% of the island will have power. After that, the goal would be to restore power to 50% of the people by November 15 and 80% by December
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1. By December 15, Rosselló hopes to have electricity on 95% of the island. “This is an aggressive agenda, but we cannot be sort of passive in the face of Puerto Rico’s challenges,” Rosselló said. “We are going to need all hands on deck.” “Our goal as government is to give Puerto Ricans access to electricity with speed and efficiency,” he tweeted earlier in the week. In order to execute that plan, the island will have to rely heavily on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since they have the resources and can hire the manpower that the island’s agencies lack. The Corps has been active on the island since the storm, after FEMA assigned them the task of aiding in rebuilding infrastructure on the island. They’ve been installing power generators, temporary roofs and reinstalling transmission lines. Last Friday, Puerto Rico suffered a setback after a failure in the “central system” caused the percentage of customers with power to decrease. Aside from the obvious complications that come from lack of electricity, there are also many other issues. Credit card and debit cards are
worthless, and ATMs are defunct. There is no internet and air conditioning, and most residents can’t communicate since their cellphones’ batteries are dead and there is no way to recharge. To add insult to injury, before the natural disaster, Puerto Rico’s power grid was in disarray. In July, the island’s electric utility filed for bankruptcy and officials said the system was “vulnerable and fragile” and in urgent need of maintenance. One of the major issues was a lack of qualified employees. Perhaps even a larger problem than electricity is that there is a serious shortage of safe drinking water. Some residents are so desperate that they are drinking water that is questionable and could be polluted with chemicals that “can have serious health impacts including damage to the liver and increasing the risk of cancer,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency. As of Sunday, more than 30% of Puerto Ricans were without access to potable water, according to the island’s water utility, Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AAA). Puerto Rico is an unincorporat-
ed U.S. territory with a population of 3.4 million located in the Caribbean island. San Juan, the capital, is a popular tourist destination, boasting beachside resorts and casinos. Each year around 4 million-plus tourists visit the island contributing to a percentage of the island’s revenue. Tourism is responsible for approximately $1.8 billion each year in a region that’s yearly gross national income is $86.32 billion.
California Battles Deadly Forest Fires
California is on fire. Wildfires continue to blaze through northern
California, threatening everything in their path, property and lives alike. By last weekend the death toll from the blaze had risen to 40. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office confirmed three deaths, raising the total number of fatalities in the county to 22. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office announced two more deaths, taking their total to six. Most of the deaths are believed to have occurred late on October 8 or early October 9, when the fires exploded, ambushing people while they slept. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 100. There are about 300 people unaccounted for, and authorities believe that they are alive but have just lost communication. More than 5,700 homes and businesses have been destroyed, making the fires the deadliest and most destructive group of wildfires in California history. “It’s a horror that no one could have imagined,” Governor Jerry Brown said. Although some evacuees were given the green light to return home, the latest estimates claim that there are about 100,000 people under evacuation orders as the fires burned
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into the sixth day. As of Sunday, 17 large fires were still burning across the northern part of the state. There were more than 10,000 firefighters fighting the blazes and more than 1,000 fire engines responding.
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Is there gold in the air? According to scientists, a gigantic collision back in August may have created oodles of gold. In the summer, scientists witnessed the long-ago collision of two neutron stars – a phenomenon California Institute of Technology’s David H. Reitze called “the most spectacular fireworks in the universe.” The crash happened thousands of years ago, according to scientists, but the signal didn’t arrive on Earth until August 17 after traveling 130 million light-years. A light year is 5.88 trillion miles. Even more amazing than the “fireworks in the sky” is the fact that the collision created an estimated $10 octillion in gold – which is $10 billion, billion, billion – an amazing discovery. NASA tweeted, “The bling in your ring is a product of the most violent kind of explosion in the universe - 2 neutron stars collide.” “We already knew that iron came from a stellar explosion, the calcium in your bones came from stars and now we know the gold in your wedding ring came from merging neutron stars,” said University of California Santa Cruz’s Ryan Foley. Measurements of the light and other energy emanating from the crash have helped scientists explain how planet-killing gamma ray bursts are born, how fast the universe is expanding, and where heavy elements like platinum and gold come from. “This is getting everything you wish for,” said Syracuse University physics professor Duncan Brown,
one of more than 4,000 scientists involved in the blitz of science that the crash kicked off. “This is our fantasy observation.” To get technical, the crash started in a galaxy called NGC 4993, seen from Earth in the Hydra constellation. Two neutron stars, collapsed cores of stars so dense that a teaspoon of their matter would weigh 1 billion tons, danced ever faster and closer together until they collided, said Carnegie Institution astronomer Maria Drout. The crash, called a kilonova, generated a fierce burst of gamma rays and a gravitational wave, a faint ripple in the fabric of space and time, first theorized by Albert Einstein. Signals were picked up within 1.7 seconds of each other by NASA’s Fermi telescope, which detects gamma rays, and gravity wave detectors in Louisiana and Washington state that are a part of the LIGO Laboratory whose founders won a Nobel Prize earlier this month. A worldwide alert went out to focus telescopes on what became the most well-observed astronomical event in history. Before August, the only other gravity waves detected by LIGO were generated by colliding black holes. But black holes let no light escape, so astronomers could see nothing. The colliding stars spewed bright blue, super-hot debris that was dense and unstable. Some of it coalesced into heavy elements, like gold, platinum and uranium. Scientists had suspected neutron star collisions had enough power to create heavier elements, but weren’t certain until they witnessed it. Calculations from a telescope measuring ultraviolet light showed that the combined mass of the heavy elements from this explosion is 1,300 times the mass of Earth.
The Carryon Con Police in France had been scratching their heads for some time after a rash of thefts were reported by passengers who had taken
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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a 75-minute bus trip between Paris and Beauvais airport. Now, though, thanks to an eagle-eyed driver, the case has been solved.
The driver on the bus thought he was seeing things when he saw a large brown bag being loaded onto his bus. The driver thought the bag was moving on its own. He tipped off police, who pounced on a Romanian man who picked up the suitcase and a smaller bag as he arrived at the destination. It turns out the man was not acting alone. In the suitcase police found another man who, once alone, would open the suitcase, pilfer through people’s belongings, and steal their items before zipping himself back into the suitcase with his loot. “In the black bag we found two laptops, money and various objects of value,” a police source related at the time of their arrests. Both men, aged around 40, were from Romania and had criminal records for theft. The man inside the suitcase received an eight-month prison sentence on Monday when he appeared in court, while the other man was given a one-year prison sentence because of his more serious criminal record. Seems like the cat’s out of the bag on this caper.
The Porsche Passport
Why would you drive around in the same Porsche every month when you can get a brand-new one every
thirty days? Lucky for you Porsche has announced a new car subscription program that, for a few thousand dollars a month, will allow customers to swap out among a number of Porsche models as often as they like. For $2,000 a month you’ll get either a 718 Boxster, a Cayman S, a Macan S or Cayenne SUV. Every thirty days try another model – or color.
The Porsche Passport, as it’s called, is easy to set up. Using an app on your smartphone, you can let your dealer know when and where you’d like your new car. Someone will drive the new model out to you, switch all your things from one car to the other, and even check to make sure your radio and phone is set up as you like them. Have even more expensive taste? No problem. For $3,000 a month,
your selection includes a pricier line-up of vehicles such as the Porsche 911 Carrera S, the Panamera 4S sedan, the Macan GTS SUV and the Cayenne S E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid SUV. Salivating at the thought of changing cars almost as often as you change your shoes? You better head to Atlanta. For now, the program is only being offered in that city, closest to Porsche’s U.S. headquarters.
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
He Finally Had the Time
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
Monte Rosenzweig 516-374-7700
291 Burnside Ave, Lawrence mrosenzweig@allstate.com We can also help with auto, home, life, and business insurance.
A Dollar and a Dream to Disney It was a busy day with the grandkids that made Palmer Scumaci win the lottery. “My wife Nancy and I were babysitting both grandkids recently. We usually have them one at a time. I came home from an outing with the 2-year-old and saw Nancy
needed a little energy boost after trying to keep up with the 4-monthold. I offered to go out for coffee,” the 67-year-old Ronkonkoma resident said. Aside from the cup of joe, Palmer also purchased a lottery ticket. When he came home, Palmer was jumping for joy. “He was yelling, ‘We’re going to Disney World’ for everyone to hear,” Nancy said. The couple won the $1 million
jackpot but took the lump sum of $522,822. The family will be heading to Disney, although they won’t be flying. Nancy doesn’t like airplanes. Despite the splurge on the trip, Nancy and hubby plan to live frugally with the earnings. “We’re going to be careful. There won’t be any dramatic changes – no fancy cars. I’ll still clip coupons. We’re just that kind of people,” she said.
Jimmie Smith didn’t know it then, but May 25, 2016 was a lucky day. It took Smith over a year to find out how lucky, though. Recently, the 68-year-old from New Jersey was watching TV and heard about an unclaimed $24.1 million lottery jackpot from a May 25, 2016 drawing. The newscast compelled Smith to pull out a stack of tickets he had stashed in the pocket of a shirt hanging in his closet. “I ended up with a stack; a pile of tickets, including the one they were talking about on the news,” Smith said. “I stood there for a minute thinking, ‘Do I see what I think I see?’ I had to stick my head out the window and breathe in some fresh air. I was in serious doubt. I really had to convince myself this was real.” Smith was not dreaming. His ticket was found to indeed match the numbers from the drawing: 0512-13-22-25-35. Smith, a father of 2 and grandfather of 12, said he has been playing the lottery since the 1960s, but he never rushes to check his tickets. “I always told myself, ‘I’ll check them when I have the time,’” he said. Smith said he plans to hold an “all-family discussion” to discuss what to do with his newfound riches. I’m sure everyone will have a lot to say.
Ten Years in the Woods Malcolm Applegate lived in the woods for ten years. It all started after he got married. Applegate, 62, was a gardener for 25 years in the United Kingdom. Once he got married, though, he said that his wife resented the hours he
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worked. Ultimately, without telling anyone and after years of nagging from his wife, Applegate ran away to the woods – where he lived for a decade
moving in high heels, but her podiatrist advised against training in the dress shoes. She instead opted for “normal training for a marathon, and then throw in the high heels every now and then.” You know what they say: if the shoe fits, run a marathon in it.
Fajitas Felony Now, Applegate lives in a homeless shelter. He recently contacted his sister – who thought he was dead. “I have a lovely room, I am able to work and I can still lead an active social life – I love it here – my life is officially back on track,” Applegate wrote about his new home. Sounds like he’s happy where he is now, knock on wood.
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Heels and a marathon don’t mix – unless you’re Irene Sewell. The retired professional ballroom dancer set a world record this week by running an entire marathon in high heels. Irene Sewell shared photos of herself following the Guinness World Record-breaking performance as she managed to complete the 26.2mile race in the high-heeled shoes. “Well world, I DID IT. I’m still in shock, but it really happened,” she wrote this week. “I ran a marathon today in high heels and set a Guinness World Record with two minutes to spare!” Sewell said she was inspired by the story of a British woman’s quest to become the world’s fastest marathon runner in heels. “She ultimately didn’t get the record. So, I was just reading about her and I thought, man, with my dancing background and now running background...” Sewell brought six pairs of 3-inch stilettos ranging from size seven and a half to nine along with blister Band-Aids, in-soles and calf sleeves. To top the previous record Sewell was required to complete the race in under seven and a half hours, a 17-minute mile pace. “That’s kind of the moment that I run for,” Sewell said. Sewell’s experience as a ballroom dancer made her comfortable
Gilberto Escaramillo missed one day of work, and that was all investigators needed to discover that he had been pilfering Tex-Mex food for nine years. Escaramillo worked at the Cameron County Juvenile Justice Department. Back in August he missed work for a medical appointment. No one really noticed he was gone, except for a delivery driver who called the kitchen about 800 pounds of fajitas to drop off. But the woman in the kitchen told the driver that the juvenile department doesn’t serve Tex-Mex dishes. The driver, though, related that he had been delivering the fajitas to the facility for nine years. Talk about a fajitas fiasco. When Escaramillo came to work the next day he was confronted about the food. He admitted to stealing fajitas for nine years. He was fired that month and arrested. Investigators found packages of Tex-Mex food in his refrigerator. They also checked invoices and determined he would intercept county-funded food deliveries and deliver them to his own customers. In all, Escaramilla stole $1,251,578 worth of fajitas over the years. “If it wasn’t so serious, you’d think it was a Saturday Night Live skit. But this is the real thing,” Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz said. Wonder what they’ll be serving in the facility he’s heading to.
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
. . xb hk vaga...lWRc.
safe riding
H E L P E D S AV E M Y L I F E . ARON ZELIG ROSENBERG
- F A R R O C K A W AY R E S I D E N T , H U S B A N D , F AT H E R O F S I X
See
When riding, scan the road ahead of you so that you are aware of potential hazards (potholes, glass, puddles, animals, etc.). Remain focused, avoid checking your phone or any other device while your bike is in motion. It is important that others can see you. The best way to ensure this is by wearing fluorescent or neon colors, and items that reflect light, including reflective tape, and flashing lights. Riding at night is more dangerous. If you must ride at night, be extra careful to ensure that you have reflectors on the front and rear of your bike and reflectors on your wheels.
Listen
While riding, you need to be able to hear what’s going on around you – traffic, emergency vehicles, others shouting warnings—do not wear a headset while you are riding.
think
Before you ride, think about whether the timing is good. Ask yourself: How’s the weather? Are you well rested? Do you have the proper skill level for your planned distance and terrain? Is your bike in proper working order?
ride smart, ride safe.
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the
Community Yeshivas Chol Hamoed/ Avos U’Bunim was once again a tremendous kiddush Hashem on chol hamoed Sukkos. Many boys with fathers and/or chavrusas came to learn and start their day off right. All boys in attendance received great door prizes each day. Thank you to all our sponsors. For more information email learnandlivefr@gmail.com.
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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
Discover Your Future.
Open House
Tuesday evening October 31, 2017 7:30 PM At the High School Campus 636 Lanett Ave Far Rockaway, NY
Rabbi Meyer Weitman Dean
Mrs. Aliza Kadosh
Principal, Limudei Kodesh
Entrance Exam Sunday morning November 5, 2017 9:00 AM At the High School Campus 636 Lanett Ave Far Rockaway, NY
Mrs. Miriam Tropper
Assistant Principal, Limudei Kodesh
Rabbi Michoel Shepard Principal, General Studies
Mrs. Barbara Cinamon
Assistant Principal, General Studies
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
HANC’s Got Talent
A
t HANC, students are offered extra-curricular opportunities through a wide array of clubs, committees, and teams. Immediately after Rosh Hashana, Wednesday, September 27, the Student Life Department hosted their annual Student Activities Fair. Students were invited to partic-
ipate in an elaborate exhibition to learn more about the incredible extra-curricular activities in which they can participate. Faculty advisors and committee chairpersons spoke with students about their respective clubs and showed pictures and videos of some of the amazing accomplishments from the past year. Additional-
ly, some new clubs for the 2017-2018 school year were featured, which included the BBQ and The Spirit Club. The excitement and energy at the fair was palpable. Students described the fair as fun, informative, and a fresh way to visit familiar clubs and learn about new opportunities. Each student then signed up on an iPad for
the committee of their choice. Thank you to Rabbi Daniel Mezei, Director of Student Life, and to his team, Ms. Nomi Bensoussan and to Rav Yitz, for coordinating the event. Kudos to faculty advisors and to all the chairpersons who made this fantastic event a huge success.
5TFRRCLSW presents a Lecture for Men and Women
ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS – A TORAH PERSPECTIVE
Causes, Clues & Coming to an Understanding
RABBI SHAIS TAUB
Ami Columnist, International Torah Lecturer, Author, Scholar-In-Residence at Chabad of 5t
Sunday, October 22, 2017 the 2nd of Cheshvan, at 10 A.M. at Cong. Kneseth Israel THIS MONTH’S LECTURE IS BEING SPONSORED BY:
Esther Feigenbaum Li”n Rav Avraham Elimelech ben Harav Pinchas Shlomo Sam and Sara Bergman Li”n Reb Klonimus Kalman ben Reb Yeshayahu & Sara Esther bas Reb Yeshayahu
“A MEANINGFUL WAY TO MARK A YAHRTZEIT” Would you like to be a K I S L E V sponsor? Email jgulkowitz@yahoo.com or call Debbie at 516-239-0494 B”H in our 29th year of unifying the women of our community!
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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Around the Community
Rabbi Aryeh Sokoloff Addresses Shevach H.S. Alumnae
I
n a continuation of the alumnae shiurim initiated last year in memory of Ms. Elki Rosenfeld, former principal of Shevach High School, on Wednesday night, September 27, Shevach held a pre-Yom Kippur alumnae shiur given by Rabbi Aryeh Sokoloff. In addition to being the revered Rav of the Kew Gardens Synagouge, Rabbi Sokoloff is a beloved halacha teacher in Shevach, where his care and concern for each and every student is keenly felt by all. It was therefore not surprising that the well-attended shiur drew alumnae from as far back as 1994, and as recent as last year. This inspiring event was coordinated by Shevach alumna Mrs. Malky Roberts. In his inimitable manner, Rabbi Sokoloff reminded his former students of the approach he taught in high school regarding the yomim tovim, where each yom tov is represented by a “train station” on the year-long route of the Jewish calendar. Each yom tov has a “gift” of a lesson to offer us at its “stop” on the route. R’ Sokoloff then proceeded to expound on the “gift” of Yom Kippur. He explained that the goal of Yom Kippur can be found in the pasuk in Tehillim, “Achas sha’alti me’eis Hashem… shivti b’veis Hashem…” Dovid Hamelech said that he had only one request even though he needed many things from Hashem. This is because what Dovid really wanted above all else was dveikus ba’Hashem (closeness to Hashem). That closeness ultimately brings about the fulfillment of all our needs through hashgacha pratis. Rabbi Sokoloff then drew a parallel between the Kohen Gadol’s avoda and our own avoda on Yom Kippur. Just as the Kohen Gadol enters the Kodesh Hakedashim on Yom Kippur, we enter the pure part of our neshama that can never be adulterated by the many distractions in our lives – the part that represents our true selves. Rabbi Sokoloff also explained that the vidui of one person, Aharon, the Kohen Gadol, was able to bring kapara for the entire nation because Aharon’s
ahavas Yisroel was so great that it was as if he was one with the people. That ability to love every Jew was transmitted to all of us in Klal Yisroel, who are called Mamleches Kohanim. Reminiscent of their high school days, the alumnae left uplifted by Rabbi Sokoloff’s portrayal of the two “gifts” of Yom Kippur: the goal of dveikus ba’Hashem and the opportunity to feel as one with all of Klal Yisroel.
There is a custom in German Jewish communities that when reciting the blessing for the new month, they use a melody that is relevant to the holidays contained in that month. ... What tune is used for the month of Mar Cheshvan? The niggun (tune) that is used while studying the Gemara.
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Around the Community
Ashreinu Heads to Philly
O
n Monday of Chol Hamoed, Ashreinu once again took a group of excited young boys on a fantastic Chol Hamoed trip – this time to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! The trip started with a tour of Eastern State Penitentiary, a prison which is no longer in use, including a tour of the prison synagogue and the jail cell of infamous mobster Al Capone. This was followed by a visit to the famous Franklin Institute, a massive science museum with incredible exhibits on the heart, the brain, space, electricity, 3D printing, and much more! The boys had a blast exploring the museum’s many rooms and interactive exhibits. The museum visit culminated with an Imax video about the mysteries of China at the Tuttleman Imax Theater in the museum. After the museum, the boys davened Mincha and Maariv and
ate supper at the Congregation Bais Shlomo of Philadelphia, where they also got to hear some divrei chizuk from the esteemed Nedvarona Rebbe of Philadelphia, Rav Chaim Shulom Isaacson, shlita. Finally, to top
off the trip, the boys played several intense games of laser tag at Ultrazone Laser Tag Arena. An amazing time was had by all! Looking forward to Chol Hamoed Pesach!
Stay tuned for more exciting Ashreinu programs, coming up this season. For more information, call (917)-202-4056 or e-mail ashreinufr@gmail.com.
Kaminsky Expands LIRR Service For Shomer Shabbos Commuters
T
he Long Island Rail Road (“LIRR”), acting upon the recommendation of Senator Todd Kaminsky, will expand their
Friday “Sundown Service” train schedule on the Far Rockaway branch by departing sixteen minutes earlier to meet the needs of many Shomer
Epiphanies fade. Emotional experiences tend to become blurry and obscure over time. Our only hope for change is by effecting it through small incremental steps.
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Shabbos commuters during the winter months. This new train will go into effect on Fridays in November. “This modification will go a long way in helping our families balance their work and home lives,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “I am pleased the LIRR made this important change to their trains, and I look forward to continue to work with transit officials to ensure that future schedule changes are done to benefit our community.” On January 10, 2017, Kaminsky wrote a letter to LIRR President Patrick Nowakowski calling on the
agency to change the time of the 3:07 p.m. train on Friday afternoons on the Far Rockaway branch to better ensure Shomer Shabbos commuters will make it home in time for Shabbos. With Kaminsky’s help, the train will now depart from Port Jefferson at 2:52 p.m. and connects in Jamaica Station at 3:15 p.m., en route to the Five Towns via the Far Rockaway branch for an arrival of 3:46 p.m. The addition of this train to the Five Towns before sundown would give residents more flexibility and peace of mind when commuting home on a hectic Friday afternoon.
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Cousin Nachum and the Twins from France entertained delighted youngsters in Yeshiva of Central Queens at Chazaq’s chol hamoed extravaganza
PHOTO CREDIT: BROWN STUDIOS
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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Around the Community
From the Cell to the “Cell”Fie: SKA Explores the Outer and Inner Self By Shira Cohen and Aliza Neuman, SKA ‘19
W
e, juniors at SKA, recently had a fascinating experience connecting our learning in both Judaic and general studies while examining our outer and inner selves! The 11th grade Human Anatomy and Physiology classes of the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls created edible cookie cells with our teacher, Dr. Neera Kimmel. Using all the different candies provided, we were able to represent the various organelles in the cell. For example, we covered the cookies with frosting for the cytoplasm, and used egg candies as the nucleus of the cell. We also used lasso candy for the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and button candy for the ribosomes. Together with our limudei kodesh teacher Mrs. Aviva Dennis, we connected
this fun activity to the yomim tovim of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Mrs. Dennis presented the following statement to us: “Taking a good hard look at yourself is not the same as taking a selfie.” With these words, we learned to look at our in-
ner self. Just as the cell has many inner parts that help it function, we too have a number of inner qualities that help us connect with Hashem. Instead of just looking at all of our selfies, we should begin to look at our “CELL”fie. We should look at what is
inside each of us and how we can improve, rather than looking at what is on the outside. All the yomim tovim which have just passed were a wonderful time to reflect on how we have grown and can continue to develop. We really enjoyed bringing what we learn in our Anatomy and Physiology class to life and connecting it to our parsha class, as well. SKA’s Open House will be held this Sunday, October 22, from 9am – 12pm. We welcome you to see how SKA bridges our Judaic and General Studies in many fields and invite you to meet our dynamic Head of School, Mrs. Helen Spirn, together with SKA’s vibrant administration and faculty members. Learn how SKA can be Nurturing, Inspiring and Empowering through the amazing educational and extracurricular opportunities offered in our school. We look forward to greeting you!
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
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Rabbi Daniel Glatstein giving a shiur in Williamsburg on chol hamoed
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ewly appointed scholar-in-residence at Chabad of the Five Towns, Rabbi Shais Taub, who developed a popular curriculum to teach the fundamental text of Chassidic thought, The Tanya, will now be teaching a weekly class on the subject in the Five Towns. Rabbi Taub is the author of Soul Maps, a curriculum which was studied worldwide by over 20,000 students. He is also the creator of the audio series, Mapping the Tanya, as well as the educational tool the Map of Tanya. “Tanya is known as a highly esoteric text,” said Rabbi Taub, “but the truth is that it’s also very downto-earth and practical as well. It just helps to have it all laid out systemat-
ically for you, which is what I tried to accomplish with my curriculum, audio series, and teaching tools. That will be the same approach we will be using at the weekly class at Chabad of the Five Towns.” The class, entitled, “A Journey Through Tanya,” is open to women and will begin on Monday, October 23, 10:30 am at Chabad of the Five Towns, 74 Maple Avenue, Cedarhurst. The class will endeavor to cover all 53 chapters of Tanya with in the year. For more information about upcoming lectures by Rabbi Shais Taub and all classes and lectures at Chabad visit chabadfivetowns.com or call 516-295-2478.
Sukkot with Central
S
ukkot break was not only an opportunity for Central students and faculty to celebrate with friends and family, but also to connect and learn with each other in new ways, in informal and different settings outside the school building. As part of “Spend Sukkot With Central,” alumnae gathered on the second day of yom tov in West Hempstead at the home of Mrs. Shani Malitzky to hear a shiur from Rabbi Joshua Goller. Rabbi Goller spoke about kavanah in the mitzvah of sukkah and mitzvot in general. He reflected that “it was great to see so many alumni still connected both to serious Torah learning and to our school. It speaks to the foundation that we build here in Central ahavat Torah, and the sense of camaraderie
with friends and faculty.” “Spend Sukkot with Central” extended beyond New York, as Central alumnae spending their gap year in Israel gathered together at Big Apple Pizza in Jerusalem on Chol Hamoed. Mrs. Rena Wolf, Ms. Rebecca Konigsberg, and Ms. Miriam Borenstein joined them as representatives of the faculty. “We had a really great time getting together with alumni in Israel!” Ms. Borenstein said. “We were able to catch up and discuss the special opportunity to learn in Israel and experience it, as well as the new challenges that come along with the gap year.” Central is now back in session, but the memories of a beautiful chag remain as we get back into gear!
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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Around the Community
Over 1,000 Attend Simcha Bais Ha’shoeva Announcing New Local Synagogue and Social Hall
O
n Chol Ha’Moed Succos, October 8, over one thousand local residents attended a community-wide Simchas Bais Ha’Shoeva in Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv. At the event, Rabbi Dovid Greenblatt of the Davis Memorial Fund announced the launch of a new project to build a world-class synagogue and social hall facility in Inwood, New York. The event was attended by local rabbonim from across the
broader community, as well as many mechanchim and principals. Town Supervisor Anthony Santino, Hempstead Town Deputy Supervisor Anthony D’Esposito, and Nassau County Bridge Authority Chairman James Vilardi graciously attended in a show of support for this monumental project. Entertainment and live music was provided by the Eitan Katz Orchestra, with elegant catering provided by Ca-
tering by Michael Schick. The Corporate Sponsors for the evening included Gourmet Glatt, Seasons, Emporio, Birch Event Design, and Luxe Events. This long-awaited project will result in a state-of-the-art, multi-level facility for local simchos. The facility will include cutting-edge technologies and efficiencies to enhance and reduce unnecessary expenditures, while providing a beautiful and memorable simcha.
Dates with fixed-cost pricing will also be available. It will provide our community with a local alternative for special occasions. The facility will be will be an exciting addition to our bustling community. Dedication opportunities are available. Please contact Rabbi Dovid Greenblatt at the Davis Memorial Fund 516-295-0296 or DavisMemorialFund@ gmail.com for more information.
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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Around the Community
Yeshiva Har Torah Hands On with Parshat Noach
I
n preparation for Parshat Noach, the students of Yeshiva Har Torah received a visit from Noach and his traveling teiva. The talmidim and talmidot excitedly learned all about the animals Noach brought on the teiva as well as the special materials Hashem told Noach to use to build the mighty teiva. What an amazing opportunity to have hands-on learning of the parsha!
To Help Houston Recover, Touro’s Lander College for Women Sends a Delegation of Students
I
t was still dark at 5 a.m., but eleven students from Touro’s Lander College for Women (LCW)—The Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School were bright-eyed as they boarded a plane for Houston, Texas, days before Sukkos. The students, along with three staff members, traveled to Houston as part of a Touro-sponsored mission to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. “The trip reflects our values,” stated LCW Dean Marian Stoltz-Loike. “Our students spent two of their vacation days in Houston engaged in chessed, true generosity and kindness – assisting the Jewish community to rebuild after the devastation from Hurricane Harvey. They felt that providing assistance was a privilege and most of the group thanked me for enabling them to help.” Harry Ballan, Dean of Touro Law Center, secured funding for this project, because “I didn’t see any option for us not to help when others are in such need. Touro’s mission is not only the transmission of knowledge, but also, and at least as important, the promotion of justice and service to others, especially those in need. This defines our culture. It’s who we are.”
After landing in Texas, the volunteers met with local activist Holly David, the founder of Willow Meadows Community Response Team, to get their assignments. Rebbetzin Rachel Yaghobian, of Congregation Torah Vachesed, introduced them to the Houston Jewish community. “Her message was that at the end of the day, while the damage was extensive, what really mattered the most was that they survived,” recalled LCW student Elisheva Hay. David divided the volunteers into two groups and sent them to Jewish families whose homes suffered
damage during the hurricane. One group helped a family gut a house that was too water-damaged to be salvaged. The other group helped a family transport furniture to their new apartment. In the afternoon, the second group cleaned a house from debris and bleached the floors to prevent mold. “It was heartbreaking,” said LCW student Zehava Kramer of Cleveland, Ohio. “We spent hours cleaning and bleaching and putting things aside for the insurance company. The homeowner said he’d probably be able to move back in a year-and-a-half and
he was one of the lucky ones.” LCW student Sarah Lacks, who grew up in Miami and saw her share of hurricanes, was surprised by the extent of the damage. “I didn’t realize how disastrous it was until we got there,” said Lacks. “You don’t think about how much water can damage something. Some homes had a foot of water and the houses had to be gutted.” On the second day of the trip, students organized and packed donated supplies and then distributed them from a warehouse in northeast Houston. “People didn’t have a chance to pack anything before they had to leave,” explained Lacks. “The warehouses provided everything from socks to canned goods to toiletries and shirts.” After two exhausting days, the students returned to New York. Lacks felt the mission was a kiddush Hashem. “People saw us in our LCW shirts and they saw us dressed modestly,” Lacks said. “We were proud to show them that we were part of a Jewish institution. It was a great experience.” For Hays, the reason was simple, “We came because we heard they could use extra hands.”
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
A RAMBAM MAN Never leaves a supermarket wagon in the parking lot. ♦ Recognizes the “Don’t” in “Don’t cut the line.” ♦ He is the one who offers the “first sip” through which he gives more than a soda. ♦ The first 10 in minyan. ♦ A Rambam Man is the one campaigning, not complaining. ♦ He doesn’t ask, “Is that everything?” he is the one asking, “What else can I help you with?” ♦ He is an idea which leads the chabura, davens for the amud, and gives shiur. ♦ He is the “r” that protects the word “Friend.” ♦ Recognizes the “Don’t” in ”Don’t forget the milk.” ♦ He is the one who wears a scarf to make his mother happy. ♦ Knows that you never take the last cookie. ♦ A Rambam Man celebrates a victory by shaking the other player’s hand first. ♦ He doesn’t ask, “Where’s the exit?” he knows where the fire extinguisher is. ♦ He is the husband who is present when he is there. ♦ Recognizes that you don’t just love Israel, you represent it. ♦ He is the space between “nowhere” and “now here.” ♦ Helps clean up after the simcha is over. ♦ A Rambam Man is first to be asked and the last to demand. ♦ He cheers for the other team too. ♦ The one calling at 12:00AM to wish you a happy birthday. ♦ Recognizes that you look for the pass before the shot. ♦ He helped pump out the basement regardless of whether the house had a mezuzah. ♦ A Rambam Man doesn’t ask, “Can I do it later?” he asks, “How about right now?” ♦ The one who reads the word “untied” as “united.” ♦ He calls his friend when he sees he isn’t in school... and photocopies his notes for him. ♦ The one who is always standing on the subway because he always gives up his seat. ♦ He is the idea that you put your siddur and chumash back after davening. ♦ He is the husband who turns around to check on you. ♦ The one doing the “don’t” favor. ♦ The one who carried the bags but refused the tip. ♦ A Rambam Man never leaves shiur without thanking the Rebbe. ♦ A Rambam Man never leaves class without thanking the teacher. ♦ He is an idea which makes partner, starts a company, heads a practice, and chairs a committee.
Rambam Mesivta
Over Two Decades of Torah, Midos, and Excellence
Open House Motzei Shabbos November 11, 2017 23 Cheshvan 5778 8:00pm
Mini Open House Monday November 13, 2017 25 Cheshvan 5778 8:00pm
Pre-Register at www.Rambam.org
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Madraigos Simchas Bais Hashoeva – Reaching New Heights
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he beautiful succah of Mayer and Mimi Gold in Far Rockaway was filled to capacity for the Madraigos Annual Simchas Bais Hashoeva. Under direction of Shmuel Hochman, Lounge Director, teens and young adults from the Five Towns, Queens, Brooklyn, and Monsey came together for a night of festivities, friends, and good food. A live band, The Lost Tribe, played lively music while boys danced together with Madraigos staff in a spiritually uplifting way. Several boys were moved and inspired so much that they benched the lulav for the first time during Sukkos. Face painting with images ranging from emojis to an esrog enhanced the evening. Delicious food, generously donated by Mr. Gold
of Seasons, was the perfect backdrop for this fun yom tov experience. The boys had the opportunity to strengthen relationships with Eli Perlman, Clinical Director of Madraigos, and Eli Fogel, Madraigos social work intern. Mr. Gold who also participated
in the event commented, “It was a pleasure to watch the Madraigos staff interacting with the teenagers from our community in such a genuine and caring way.” Madraigos extends their hakaros hatov to the Gold family for opening their home so that Madraigos
members could have a place to celebrate and get together. Their gracious hospitality sets an example for the entire community and is much appreciated. Eli Perlman said, “Many boys who came to our opening event at Madraigos joined us in the sukkah and
JONATHAN PALEY, DDS, CERT. ORTHO.
intend on attending Madraigos every Thursday night. We couldn’t be happier.” For more information about Madraigos’ programs and services, please see www.madraigos.org or contact Eli Perlman at 516371-3250 ext. 111 or eperlman@madraigos.org.
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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
an evening of PRACTICAL INSIGHTS and INSPIRATION
AWARDS PRESENTED TO
Rivki Rosenwald, Esq., MFT, CLC Rena Kutner, MFT FOR INITIATING AND LEADING THE GROWTH OF MADRAIGOS’ POPULAR PARENTING GROUPS
RABBI ZECHARIAH WALLERSTEIN
Founder and Director, Ohr Naava Women’s Center
The Importance of Conscious Parenting DR. BRAD REEDY
World-renowned Parenting Expert and Author of The Journey of The Heroic Parent
How do I get my kids to ____ without them hating me?
MO N DAY, O CTO B E R 3 0 . 8 pm . B ET H S H A LOM BA L L R O OM F R E E A DM I S S I O N
For seats or information, please contact Eli Perlman eperlman@madraigos.org or 516.371.3250 ext. 111
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Big Sister-Little Sister Bonding
By Leah Feder, 12th grade
O
ne of the first trips our Midreshet Shalhevet High School (MSH) students went on this year was their annual Big Sister-Little Sister trip. MSH has a wonderful program which pairs seniors with our incoming freshmen. The seniors show the freshmen around school and give them advice on not only how to survive but conquer high school and have the best experience
they can. The trip to Long Island Adventure Park was a huge success! With a packed bus of excited girls, the students went off to a challenging yet fun ropes course. The seniors had a great time helping out their “sisters” as they climbed, zip-lined and swung their way through different ropes courses tens of feet in the air. All the girls exclaimed about what a great trip it was and how fun it was to bond with their new friends.
Simchas Torah at MAY
E
ven over Sukkos bein haz’manim, the excitement of Torah continued at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov as rabbeim and talmidim joined together with Kehillas Ateres Yaakov for singing and dancing and a beautiful celebration of Simchas Torah. Prior to the yom tov break, talmidim participated in an animated auction for the pesukim for Atah Horeisah and the Anah Hashems to lead the hakafos. In groups of five, talmidim pledged half hour increments of learning for each kibbud. In the end, an incredible 328.5 hours of learning were pledged, to be completed before the end of bein haz’manim. But that was just the beginning of the kavod HaTorah exhibited at MAY. “Every year it’s exciting to celebrate Simchas Torah with our talmidim,” commented S’gan Menahel,
Rabbi Yossi Bennett. “The idea to auction off Atah Horeisah, to create even more excitement for the yom tov up ahead and allow talmidim to be me’chabed their rabbeim, was just icing on the cake. Unwilling to be left out, many of the yeshiva’s outof-town talmidim arranged to spend yom tov locally with friends so they could participate.” On leil Simchas Torah, talmidim joined with rabbeim for spirited singing and dancing and a tremendous demonstration of kavod haTorah. This was in addition to many rabbeim hosting their talmidim throughout yom tov for seudos and Simchas Bais Hasho’eivas. It was a truly beautiful display of the strong bonds between talmdim and their Yeshiva and an incredibly uplifting experience for all those who participated.
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
Around the Community
A Special Celebration!
Lana Bahn, Rebecca Zimmer, Deenie Bokow, Atara Jacobowitz, Tehilla Hatanian, Chana Pantiliat, and Mimi Esses enjoying their treats
T
uesday, September 26 was a day of celebration for some students in the Lower Division of Shulamith School for Girls. Every girl who completed her summer homework received an ice cream from Ezra’s, along with a choice of sprinkles to decorate her ice cream
with. The party was a great success; the girls were beaming with pride at their accomplishments as they devoured their tasty treats. The faculty and administration of Shulamith applaud these young ladies for persevering in their studies even when they were on vacation!
Opening Night at the Madraigos Lounge
T
he kick-off event at Madraigos for The Lounge was an overwhelming success. On September 14,, the Random Acts, a band led by Pinny Farcus, was center stage as the room filled with spirited music, friendship, and delicious food sponsored by Carlos & Gabby’s. Guys Lounge Director Mr. Shmuel Hochman, assisted by two Madraigos social work interns, Eli Fogel and Beryl Greenberg, warmly welcomed the boys and began building relationships. Hochman helped make introductions among attendees and laid the groundwork for a solid, cohesive group. The band was very well received and the real highlight of the evening. At one point, the boys began to dance in a circle by themselves and had a great time. Feeling this energy, some of the boys wanted to share their talent of playing music. The band welcomed this idea and invited the boys to use their instruments to play. The boys played passionately, bringing the energy in the room to an especially high level. The night ended with boys swaying back and forth with arms on each other’s shoulders. As
the band was leaving, some of the boys kept the music going by standing in a circle and singing together. “Our vision for The Lounge is to create an environment which is conducive and promotes connection. In this way, The Lounge kickoff event accomplished exactly what we had set out to do,” commented Mr. Eli Perlman, LCSW, Clinical Director. The Lounge aims to provide a warm atmosphere for teens and young adults to relax while benefitting from guidance and friendship with social work interns who could mentor them. In support of this goal, Hochman has many more great ideas for exciting programs to run throughout the year. Hochman said, “The kickoff was awesome. We will continue at this level throughout the yearevery Thursday night at The Lounge.” Madraigos Guys Lounge looks forward to a wonderful, productive year to come. For more information about our upcoming programs and services, please contact Mr. Eli Perlman, LCSW, Clinical Director at 516-3713250 ext. 111 or email eperlman@ madraigos.org.
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Wayfind Careers Helps Young People Move From Learning and College to Satisfying Careers
L
ike many young people, Elisheva (names and some identifying details have been changed) returned home from seminary undecided about her next step. She was nervous about making a decision that could impact the rest of her life. Devorah started college with the idea that she would become a school psychologist or social worker. “I like helping people and psychology always interested me,” she said. There was only one problem. Devorah knew very little about what was involved with each profession, the demand, associated salaries or the years of education she faced. Devorah, Elisheva, and the hundreds of women and men who are finishing high school, college or full-time learning every year face the same quandary. The economics of the Jewish community demand that they choose financially stable,
growing careers, but the values and lifestyle of the frum world often constrict their choices. Natasha Srulowitz, a graduate of Columbia Business School who has worked in both the finance and tech industries for more than 20 years, wasn’t surprised by either girl’s story. “For a long time, there’s been this idea that there are four appropriate paths for frum Jews, lawyer, doctor, therapist, accountant. But there are hundreds of other options that people haven’t pursued because they don’t know anyone who is doing it. When I was working as a COO (chief operating officer) at high tech companies, I tried to hire young people as interns to open up the field. Many of our young people don’t have exposure to the technology sector and all it offers to the Jewish community.” Adele Dubin, a contemporary of Natasha’s, was a director at American Express and worked at a
venture capital firm run by one of the co-founders of Priceline. After moving to the Five Towns, she left it for full-time motherhood and a second career doing chessed. When her daughter went to seminary, she came to a similar conclusion. “My daughter and her peers put so much more effort into decisions surrounding seminary and shidduchim than they did into what they were going to do with their working lives. Their main consideration was how to finish school as quickly as possible, not whether their choice of career suited their interests and needs.” Adele and Natasha both came to the conclusion that a better system was needed, one that drew upon the technology and resources of traditional career counseling but that understood the primacy of living and working within a frum lifestyle. Together, they founded WayFind, which offers education and
career support geared towards the Orthodox Jewish community. Resources, Education, Support and Professionalism “Our mission is to help members of our community choose career paths that best suit their interests, skills, strengths and values,” said Adele. Like other career counseling services, WayFind begins with an evaluation of each candidate that leans heavily on standardized assessments and questionnaires that have been shown to be statistically reliable. That’s where the similarity ends, though. Natasha and Adele whittled down the U.S. government’s listing of more than 2,000 choices to 400 that are appropriate and accepted in the community, then researched them extensively. “We’re not interested in putting people into jobs. We want them to
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
Around the Community feel comfortable and satisfied with their choices. That means that they need to know their options and choose wisely.” WayFind offers a three-session package that helps promote self-awareness and educates clients on professions they may or may not have even heard of. The first step is a battery of personality and strength assessments that have demonstrated utility in career counseling. Those are followed by an extensive interview and then the client and counselor review the professions and create a matrix that visually examines the relationship between careers and values. Clients receive information on their choices, but they also conduct guided research to become more knowledgeable. As they begin to narrow their focus, WayFind will often schedule phone calls with Orthodox professionals in those fields so that clients can get a better idea of what working will be like. By the third session, the young man or woman has been empowered to make a decision, and WayFind helps them build a realistic plan for turning their ideas into reality. WayFind helped Devorah explore her true interests while also meeting her life goals. She chose to apply her interest in psychology in a technology career. After finishing college with a degree in psychology, Devorah attended a 12-week UX Design technology boot camp at General Assembly, an industry leader in tech skills education. She specialized in user experience, learning how to organize information on screens so that it is understandable and intuitive for users. “It was a great idea for me. It was short, and I got a lot of experience during the boot camp. I started a job a month ago, and I feel that I was really prepared. Whenever I speak to friends or friends’ mothers, they are always surprised I am already working and find it refreshing I am doing something novel and different.” Elisheva is also preparing for a high-tech career. She is currently studying computer science at Touro College. She intends to focus on data science, which uses information to make predictions or to create artificial intelligence programs. According to Mordy Golding, director of content at LinkedIn, entry-level salaries in data science begin at $93,000.
Open House on October 29 Addresses High Tech Possibilities Golding, whose career includes stints at Adobe and Lynda.com (the online educational platform now owned by LinkedIn), is adamant that high tech careers offer exceptional opportunities for Orthodox Jews. “The future of the work force is going to involve programming. It’s a skill that can be used across any industry. Every company today needs tech development.” To help the Orthodox community get the skills they need for well-paying jobs with growth potential, WayFind has partnered with General Assembly, an industry leader in preparing men and women for careers in a number of tech specialties, to create gender-separate boot camps in three tech areas. Men’s and women’s classes in New York City will focus on Full Stack Web Development (creating both the front and back ends of technology products), UX Design, and Data Science. They are launching in January with a Full Stack Web Development boot camp. “General Assembly’s 12-week Boot Camps teach people what they need to find a job. They have an excellent track record. We are bringing our career coaching into the partnership to give our clients options for working in the outside world,” Adele explained. On October 29, WayFind will be hosting an Open House on Future Tech Jobs for the Frum Community at the Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst. Golding and Avi Singer, CEO of showd.me, an enterprise peer-to-peer learning platform, will be leading a panel discussion on opportunities for careers in this growing area. Mordy Golding’s 30-second elevator talk affirmed the many benefits. “Of the top 25 skills required for any job today, 10 did not exist 10 years ago. They are all tech skills, and people who have them can go anywhere. There’s such demand in these areas that people can work part-time or work from home. It’s extremely flexible.” The Open House begins at 8PM and is open to men and women, parents and students. There is no charge. For more information and to RSVP, call WayFind at (516) 253 1147 or visit www.wayfindcareers.com.
DON’T SETTLE FOR A JOB You can have a lucrative, stimulating career in a high tech field without compromising your lifestyle or values
Find out how your future can begin in 12 short weeks at the WayFind Open House
FUTURE TECH JOBS FOR THE FRUM COMMUNITY
Sunday, October 29 @ 8:oo PM Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst Discussion moderated by
Mordy Golding, Director of Content Lynda.com / LinkedIn Learning Avi Singer, CEO, showd.me Enterprise Peer-to-Peer Learning Learn about Men’s and Women’s Boot Camps in In partnership with • User Experience • Full Stack Development • Data Science Hosted by WayFind in partnership with General Assembly, the leader in high-tech career education.
Wondering what’s next after learning, seminary, or college? Find the future that’s right for you
RSVP at www.wayfindcareers.com or call us at (516) 253-1147
CAREERS | EDUCATION | SUPPORT
WayFind specializes in helping members of the Frum community choose career paths that best suit their interests, skills, strengths and values.
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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home 19, 2017
1.
TJH
Centerfold
You gotta be kidding A rookie pitcher was struggling at the mound, so the catcher walked out to have a talk with him. “I’ve figured out your problem,” he told the pitcher. “You always lose control at the same point in every game.” “When is that?” “Right after the national anthem.”
Well Said, Yogi Although Yankees legend Yogi Berra claims that “I never said most of the things I said,” here are some of his most famous one liners: • When you come to a fork in the road, take it.
• I knew the record would stand until it was broken.
• You can observe a lot by just watching.
• You better cut the pizza in four pieces because
• It ain’t over till it’s over.
I’m not hungry enough to eat six.
• It’s like déjà vu all over again.
• You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you.
• No one goes there nowadays, it’s too crowded.
• The future ain’t what it used to be.
• Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is
• It gets late early out here.
physical. • A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore. • Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours. • We made too many wrong mistakes.
• If the people don’t want to come out to the ballpark, nobody’s going to stop them. • Pair up in threes. • So I’m ugly. I never saw anyone hit with his face. • If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be.
Riddle me this? In between innings at a recent baseball game, a magician stood on the pitcher’s mound and threw a baseball around 60 feet, which was the distance between the mound and home plate, and then had the ball stop and completely reverse direction and travel back toward him. (No, nobody threw the ball back to him.) How is that possible? See answer to the right
Answer to Riddle: He tossed the ball up 60 feet in the air.
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The The Jewish Jewish Home Home || OCTOBER OCTOBER 29, 19, 2015 2017
Yankees Playoff Trivia
3. Which team has been in every American League Champion Series (ALCS) between the years 1995 and 2001? a. b. c. d.
Red Sox Yankees Orioles Mariners
4. Who threw down the Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer in Game 3 of the ALCS in 2003?
Pedro Martinez David Ortiz Manny Ramirez Curt Schilling
5. Who did the Yankees lose to in the 1995 ALDS? a. b. c. d.
Orioles Mariners Marlins Indians
6. Who caught Derek Jeter’s “home run” during game 1 of the American League Championship series between the Bombers and the Orioles, tying the game in the bottom of the 8th inning? a. b. c. d.
Tony Tarasco Todd Zeile Brent Bowers Jeffrey Maier
Scorecard 5-6 correct: You are such a big Yankees fan that you only wear pinstriped suits
A- When the Yankees and Red Sox had a bench clearing brawl, Zimmer charged towards Pedro Martinez. Martinez grabbed Zimmer by his rather large bald head and threw him to the ground. Not nice.
3-4 correct: You are mediocre…start taking some brain steroids and you may end up being as good as Aaron Judge! (Just kidding, Yankees fans! That was just a joke! Settle down)
4.
B
3.
A
2.
C
1.
Answers
Mickey Rivers Reggie Jackson Thurmon Munson Yogi Berra
0-2 correct: You proudly know nothing about the Yankees because you are a Mets fan and on paper the Mets were better than the Yankees this year! (Hope you enjoyed your “on paper playoffs”!)
B
2. In the 1978 one-game playoff between the Yankees and the Red Sox (which was played after both teams finished the regular season with identical 99-63 records), Yankee shortstop Bucky Dent was given a brand-new bat by another Yankee player to use and he promptly hit a home run over the Green Monster. The Yankees went on to
a. b. c. d.
a. b. c. d.
5.
Alex Rodriguez Derek Jeter Chad Curti Paul O’Neil
6.
a. b. c. d.
win the game by one run. For years, the Red Sox have been claiming that the bat was corked. Which Yankee players supplied the bat?
D- On October 9, 1996, with the Yankees trailing the Orioles 4–3 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Derek Jeter hit a deep fly ball to right field. Orioles right fielder Tony Tarasco moved near the fence and appeared “to draw a bead on the
1. In 1999, the Yankees won game three of the World Series thanks to a walk-off home run in extra innings by which outfielder?
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ball” when Jefferey Maier—age 12— reached over the fence separating the stands and the field of play 9 feet below and snatched the ball with a glove of his own. Right field umpire Rich Garcia immediately ruled the play a home run, tying the game at 4–4, despite the protest of Tarasco and Orioles manager Davey Johnson. Had Garcia ruled it spectator interference, he would have then used his own judgment to determine what the most likely outcome of the play would be—either an out or awarding Jeter a given number of bases. And that is how a 12-year-old became a New York hero!
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Torah Thought
Parshas Noach By Rabbi Berel Wein
T
he greater a person is or believes he or she is, the smaller the room for error in one’s life decisions. Had Noach been merely Mister Noach, his choice of beginning the world again with a vineyard and wine would have been acceptable and even understandable. After all, the trauma of the destruction of so many human beings in the waters of the great flood required some sort of release of tension and an escape mechanism. But he was not just plain Noach when the L-rd commanded him to build his ark and restart humanity. He was Noach the righteous man of his generations, the person who represented goodness and service to G-d and humanity. He was special, an exalted person who overcame the influences of a wicked and dissolute society and withstood its ridicule and insults. A person of such noble character and pious nature should not begin the rebuilding of human society with vineyards and wine. It sent the wrong message to his progeny and through them to all later generations as well. Holy people are to
be held to holy standards of behavior and endeavor. There is no one-sizefits-all in ethical and moral behavior standards. The rabbis of Midrash taught us that the greater the human
capacity for holy greatness of each individual person. This is why Noach found himself criticized by Midrash and later Jewish biblical commentators in spite of the Torah’s glowing
The responsibility for spiritual greatness is commensurate with the capacity for holy greatness of each individual person.
capacity for holiness brings with it a commensurate capacity for dissolute behavior as well. The Talmud stated that it was the scholarly righteous who had the strongest evil inclination within them. The responsibility for spiritual greatness is commensurate with the
compliments paid to him in its initial description. A person of the stature of Noach should not be found drunk and disheveled in his tent, an inviting figure for the debauchery of his own offspring. The failure of greatness is depressing. As King Solomon put it:
“If the flame has consumed the great cedars, then what else can be the fate of the hyssop of the wall?” Greatness carries with it enormous burdens and fateful consequences. As we pride ourselves on being the “chosen people” we are held by Heaven to behave and live our lives as being a chosen people. Wine and drunkenness will not suffice for a nation that is destined to be a be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, a special people. Burdened by this greatness the Jewish people have fallen short of the mark numerous times in our history. But we have always risen again to attempt to fulfill our destiny and realize our potential. It is this characteristic of resilience, inherited from our father Abraham, that has been the key to our survival. We have constantly dealt with great ideas and issues. Drunkenness, whether physical or spiritual, has never been a trait of Jewish society. We are aware of the story and fate of Noach and therefore we pursue the greatness of Abraham as our goal in life. Shabbat shalom.
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
From the Fire
Parshas Noach Surviving This Year’s Flood By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Dvora Margolis
A
s we journey through the months of the year, we find mitzvos that are connected to each month and each holiday. The month of Mar Cheshvan seems to be an exception. There is very little mentioned about this month in the seforim. What, then, is the unique spiritual service of this month? The Zohar HaKadosh comments that there is one specific mitzvah that appears to be a passing event in Parshas Noach, but, in reality, is a mitzvah for all generations. This mitzvah is found in when Hashem told Noach, “Come into the taiva [ark], you and all of your household” (Bereishis 7:1). According to one widely accepted opinion among the Kabbalists, the month of Mar Cheshvan is a time designated for flooding, and the most intense flooding in Noach’s time occurred during this month. I myself prefer air travel rather than arks or boats. Aside from occasional row-boating on the lake with my family, I prefer to avoid these types of activities. Nevertheless, it behooves us to explore how we can perform the mitzvah of “come into the taiva, you and all of your household” in the times we live in now.
Our Rabbis teach us that the mitzvah of “teshuva, repentance, preceded the creation of the world” (Midrash Tehillim Ch. 90). The Rashbah (Siman 9) and other commentaries have difficulty accepting this statement at face value. How can one discuss chronology before the creation of time itself which began with the word “Bereishis”? There are other similar comments in the Gemara that refer to creations that occurred before the creation of the world. For example, the Gemara states, “The Torah was hidden away 974 generations…before the world was created” (Shabbos 88b). The usual explanation offered in mussar seforim for this phenomenon is based on the Gemara (and other sources) which states, “Reish Lakish said: Hashem does not afflict Yisroel unless He creates the cure first” (Megilla 13b). If we apply this principle to the statement regarding teshuva, one could posit that Hashem knew that the world would begin coming apart when people sin. He therefore preempted this by creating the teshuva process. This explanation does not adequately answer the question and I believe our sages never used this ex-
planation with regard to teshuva. A deeper explanation involves redefining the meaning of the word teshuva. While it is conventionally translated as repentance, this definition is just a small portion of the totality of teshuva. When the Gemara uses the term “preceded” to describe teshuva, it is not simply describing a chronological event, but refers to the purpose and goal of creation. In other words, teshuva is the objective and purpose of creation. How can understand this more clearly? When the world was created, there was a separation between Hashem and His creations. The soul was separated from its source and implanted into a body. The purpose of teshuva is to return the creations to Hashem and to a state of “closeness to G-d is my good” (Tehillim 73:28). It is understood that a natural consequence of returning to Hashem involves removing obstructions that are in the way, including sin. If a husband was, G-d forbid, unfaithful to his wife and she is willing to give him a second chance, he must change his lifestyle and stop doing the destructive actions that were an obstruction to his relationship with his wife. The
goal is to return to his wife and the means to this end is entering into a “clean” reality. Similarly, regarding teshuva, the inner meaning is to return. In the process of returning, we remove the obstructions of sin and enter a clean reality. Let us return to the taiva of Noach. The Ramban points out that any boat maker knows that the dimensions and shape of the taiva do not describe a seaworthy vessel. The Torah delves into the details of its dimensions, in an unusual way, similar only to the descriptions of the dimensions of the Mishkan and Bais Hamikdash. Superficially, it seems that the purpose of the taiva was to rescue a family from a flood. But there are many other ways Hashem could have saved them. The taiva was certainly a means to save a family from a flood but this was not its main goal and purpose. To understand the ultimate purpose of the taiva, we must know more about the flood in the time of Noach. The Zohar HaKadosh tells us that the flood appeared as water but was actually a flood of impurity. The pasuk states, “And it [the Flood] blotted out all beings that were upon
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the face of the earth” (Bereishis 7:23), meaning, a torrential downpour of impurity was unleashed into the world and it destroyed all of creation, except for those who found refuge in the taiva. Ramchal explains that Hashem revealed something Noach called “the taiva of Noach” that would serve as a barrier between the impurity that was destroying the world and Noach and his family. We do not understand how this physical structure served as a protection, just as we cannot understand all of the benefits the Bais Hamikdash brought to the world. The taiva was clean reality and “Hashem shut him in” (Bereishis 7:16). Hashem closed and locked Noach and his family inside the taiva so that they would remain untouched by impurity. When the Zohar tells us that the mitzvah of “come into the taiva, you and all of your household” is a mitzvah for every generation, it does not mean physically entering a boat. Even with regard to Noach, his physical protection was simply a natural consequence of being sealed in the spiritual world of the taiva. This bears a great similarity to entering the world of teshuva. Once one enters this world and establishes a true and deep relationship with Hashem, sin naturally becomes irrelevant. So how does the mitzvah of “come into the taiva, you and all of your household” apply for all generations? There is a custom in German Jewish communities that when reciting the blessing for the new month, they use a melody that is relevant to the holidays contained in that month. For example, they sing the blessing during the month of Adar to the tune of Megillas Esther and they sing the blessing for the month of Av to the tune of the lamentation “Mourners of Zion.” What tune is used for the month of Mar Cheshvan? The niggun (tune) that is used while studying the Gemara.
SURVIVING THE FLOOD The Baal Shem Tov teaches that the word “ark – taiva” can also be translated as “word,” referring to a Jew’s words of Torah and prayer. Based on the pasuk, “In the six hundredth year in the life of Noach… all the wellsprings of the great deep burst open, and the windows of Heaven were opened” (Bereishis 7:11), the Zohar states “in the 600th year of the
sixth millennium, the gates of supernal wisdom will be opened as will the springs of earthly wisdom” (I Zohar 117a). Indeed, the 56th century from creation corresponds with the period beginning in the mid-1700’s in the secular calendar. During these years, a confusing flood of information, both pure and impure, entered the world. To counteract the flood of impurity, Hashem revealed more openly the wisdom of the inner world of Torah, as personified by the Baal Shem tov, the Vilna Gaon, and others. We are living in a time of great flooding. If one disagrees with this, it is probably because he or she has already drowned. If one care about holiness, he realizes how we must struggle to keep our heads above the water of impurities that surround us. A person who desires sanctity must enter into the taiva, the words of Torah and prayer, with every fiber of his being. This translates into coming to study Torah on time and putting one’s soul into the learning.
This applies whether one is studying Torah full-time or working. If a person is living in the world of the taiva, it will not occur to him to bring a phone into the beis midrash. He does not refrain from doing so because of fear that his teacher will penalize him, but because he exists in a place of purity. To avoid drowning, a person must delve deeply into the inner Torah. If he sticks his head out of the taiva for a minute, he is finished.
THE WORLD OF ILLUSION One wintry Friday, the Chiddushei HaRim (Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Alter, founder of the Gerrer Chassidic dynasty, zy”a) once had a tremendous desire to go to Kotzk to be with the Kotzker Rebbe for Shabbos. After much effort, he found a simple Jewish wagon driver (who was not particularly mitzvah-observant) willing to take him, but the wagon driver did not appear healthy, and neither did his horses. They began the difficult
Entering into the taiva is the only way to avoid the World of Illusion that exists in our day.
At the end of time, the only way that we can hope to achieve “closeness to G-d is my good” is by sealing our hearts, minds and souls into the taiva. My Rebbe, Rav Dovid Lifschitz, zt”l, was one of the happiest and most loving people I have ever met, but there were certain things he could not tolerate. He could not understand how a person could lean back and tilt his chair while studying Torah, as if he were watching a baseball game. Putting aside the damage he is causing to the chair, how could he approach Torah in this manner? Similarly, I have observed people walking with their hands in their pockets during davening or sitting with their feet crossed as if reading the Wall Street Journal. While we may have lost some of our sensitivities over time, we must realize the importance of entering into the spiritual taiva with our entire being.
journey and soon a heavy snow began to fall. The Chiddushei HaRim tried to dissuade the driver from continuing, offering to stop in a nearby town for Shabbos. The wagon driver refused to be deterred and he pushed his horses to go even faster. Suddenly, one of the horses collapsed and died. The wagon driver persisted in continuing the journey to Kotzk despite the Chiddushei HaRim’s protestations. They arrived in Kotzk just before candle lighting, and immediately the other horse collapsed and died. The Chiddushei HaRim gave the wagon driver a hug, thanked him, and ran to the mikvah and to pray. He sent a group of chassidim to assure the wagon driver that he would purchase two new horses for him at the conclusion of Shabbos. But the messengers reported back the unfortunate news that the wagon driver had also died, most likely as a result of the strenuous journey. The Chiddushei HaRim was distraught and did not conduct him-
self regularly the entire Shabbos. At the conclusion of Shabbos, he locked himself in a room and the chassidim could hear him screaming and crying. Finally, he emerged with a smile on his face. He offered the following explanation: When the wagon driver passed on to the next world, there was a judgement against him in the Heavens because of his many sins, stating that he was deserving of Gehinom. At that moment, a great defending angel stood up and proclaimed, “How can we allow this Jew to go to Gehinom when he gave up his life to bring a tzaddik to Kotzk?” There was a big tumult in heaven and finally it was decided not to send him to Gehinom. However, because of his sins, he could not be allowed into Gan Eden either. Instead, he was relegated to the “World of Illusion” where he would continuously imagine himself as a wagon driver in Poland, driving his customers on a beautiful sunny day, in a handsome wagon, with four fine horses. This scene would continue for eternity and he would not realize that he was in the World of Illusion. The Chiddushei HaRim could not leave this Jew in such a sorry state for all eternity, and he stormed the Heavens on his behalf until the man realized the false nature of the world in which he found himself and begged for whatever atonement would be necessary to bring him into Gan Eden. Entering into the taiva is the only way to avoid the World of Illusion that exists in our day. These delusions and fantasies may present as driving a nice car, elaborate vacations, etc., popular entertainment, professional prestige and success, or an infinite number of variations on the wagon driver’s smooth Polish highway. The average Jew does not understand his purpose in this world. Closeness and attachment to Hashem is our purpose and anything that prevents this is “the flood.” May each of be blessed to sing the niggun of Torah and prayer, not only in the month of Mar Cheshvan, but throughout our lives.
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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Between the Lines
Stronger Together By Eytan Kobre
Where there is unity there is always victory. -Publilius Syrus
W
alking through the jungle, a hunter chanced upon a ferocious-looking but dead rhinoceros with a Pygmy standing over it triumphantly. Amazed at the improbable sight, the hunter asked the Pygmy if it had killed the beast. “Yup, that’s right. I killed it,” said the Pygmy. The hunter was incredulous. “But how could a little fella like you kill a giant beast like that?” “Oh, I killed it with my club,” the Pygmy explained. “Incredible!” the hunter remarked. “How big is your club?” “Well, there are about 90 of us,” replied the Pygmy, “and we work really well together.” It’s amazing what can be accomplished when a unified group of people work for the same goal. The force of unity is evidenced by the punishments meted out to two primordial evil generations, the Generation of the Flood and the Generation of the Dispersion. The former was annihilated, while the latter (which had built the
Tower of Babel to ascend the heavens and fight G-d Himself) was spared since they were unified in their rebellion against G-d (Rashi, Bereishis 11:6). That unity – misguided and evil and disingenuous as it was (Pirkei d’Rabi Eliezer, Chapter 24) – was an attribute worth sparing. Like the Generation of the Dispersion, we are stronger together (not to be confused with the campaign slogan of same name). It is far more difficult to break us when we are united, like twigs, which can be snapped individually but are unbreakable when bundled together (Pele Yoetz, Achdus; Tanchuma, Nitzavim 1; Yalkut Shimoni, Amos 40). That is the reason that “when the Jewish people form one unit, even if there is idolatry in their midst, G-d’s attribute of strict judgment will not harm them” (Tanchuma, Shoftim 18). Despite the ills of idolatry, G-d will spare the Jewish people calamity if they are unified. The Divine presence rests only where there is unity – much like a palace built upon boats: so long as the boats are attached, the palace stands; separate the boats and the palace sinks (Bamidbar Rabba 15; see Seforno, Bamidbar 7:3). Unity also begets redemption – unity brought about the redemption from the Egyptian exile (Tana d’Bei Eli-
yahu 23; Vayikra Rabba 32:5) and unity is what will bring an end to the present one (Tanchuma, Nitzavim 1; Yalkut Shimoni, Amos 40). This is so, at least in part, because our unity bespeaks a connection to G-d. When one of my children does something mischievous, I can get upset; somehow, when they all make some mischief together, it is more difficult to be upset and easier to be forgiving. Actually, I almost get a little kick out of it, and my fatherly instinct can’t help but be a bit proud because by acting together they demonstrate, consciously or otherwise, that they are connected to one another and, by extension, to me. Our relationship with G-d is just the same (Berachos 6a). It is the Torah itself that binds us to one another and to G-d. Just as there are 600,000 letters in a Torah, so too there are 600,000 all-encompassing souls from which the souls of all Jewish people derive. In fact, the word “Yisroel” is an acronym for “Yesh Shishim Ribo Osios L’Torah, there are six hundred thousand letters in the Torah” (Megaleh Amukos 186). Each of these foundational souls corresponds to a letter in the Torah. Just as even one missing letter invalidates an entire Torah scroll, so too a “missing” Jew renders the Jewish
people deficient. The Torah unites us (Rashi, Shemos 19:2). Indeed, whether a product of gender or family status (Kohen, Levi, Yisrael) or location (in the Land of Israel or in the Diaspora) or other factors, there is not one Jewish person who can fulfill all the Torah’s commandments (Meshech Chochma, Shemos 19:8; Ohr Hachaim, Shemos 25:10). That is why the Jewish people were counted using a half shekel; we are to recognize that, alone, we are but an incomplete being – only when linked with others are we complete (Alshich, Shemos 30:12-15). Only together – as a collective and united people, where we fill each other’s voids – do we constitute a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts (Vayikra Rabba 30). To be sure, unity does not mean muting or masking our differences. It means respecting and caring for one another, and pursuing our collective national destiny, despite our differences – and perhaps even because of them. It means that – unlike other peoples (compare Bereishis 36:6 and Bereishis 46:27; Bereishis 25:16; Vayikra Rabba 6:4) – the Jewish people may be comprised of twelve tribes, but we share one heart (Megilla 14a; Sukka 45b; Yerushalmi, Nedarim 9:5).
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
The great entertainer Jimmy Durante once was asked to perform in a show arranged for World War II veterans. Citing his busy schedule, Durante initially declined but ultimately agreed to spare a few minutes, time for only one act, to help the effort. The show’s director agreed happily. Durante made good on his promise. He appeared on stage for one, five-minute act, but then something peculiar happened: he remained on stage. He went through one act after another. The applause grew louder and louder. And what began as a five-minute commitment turned into a nearly hour-long performance. At long last, he took a final bow and left the stage. Backstage, the elated director grabbed Durante. “Jimmy, I thought you had to go after a few minutes. What happened out there?”
“I did have to go,” Durante answered, “but if you want to know why I stayed, follow me.” Durante took the director to the curtain and pulled it aside slightly to reveal the cheering crowd. In the front row were two veterans, each of whom has lost an arm in the war – one a right arm and the other a
left. Together, though, they were able to clap. And that’s exactly what they were doing, loudly and cheerfully. “That’s why I couldn’t leave the stage,” Durante explained.
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(see e.g. Yevamos 13b; Sifri, Re’eh 96), and we know that, at least for halacha purposes, “all Jewish people are responsible for one another” (Sanhedrin 27b; Shavuos 39a).
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But do we truly feel and act that way? Or is unity just an occasional sentiment that flourishes only in times of tragedy or urgency? Now, it isn’t always easy to get along with one another. We look different. We talk different. We think different. We act different. We are divided sometimes by widely-divergent worldviews, customs, lifestyles, upbringings, social norms, and cultures. But for all our differences, we are remarkably the same. Jew-haters regard a Jew as a Jew; they do not draw ultra-fine distinctions between different “types” of Jews. And neither should we.
Eytan Kobre is a writer, speaker, mediator, and attorney living in Kew Gardens Hills. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail eakobre@outlook. com.
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Rabbinical Reflecti ns
A Wakeup Call By Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe
I
was pretty pleased when a number of years ago I was able to produce a new article for this newspaper every other week for over two years. On a pretty regular basis people ask me why I stopped writing. The answer is simple. When the publication schedule changed and I was asked to produce an essay every week the deadline was too difficult to maintain and I felt I had no choice but to retire from this journalistic role. Recently, I began to think about writing again and realized that if I waited for some monumental event to present itself I might just keep on waiting. Change is hard. Inertia sets in. Other pursuits fill in the time. However, as we started a new year, I decided that I would jump back in with both feet (actually, with both hands), write one article and see where it goes from there. I then realized that the one article I wanted to write addressed this specific theme. We have just emerged from the yomim tovim period. We all know that we are meant to create change within ourselves during this time, and yet, if we want to be honest, how different are most people on a practical level even after the most awesome of Days of Awe? Before you think I am being skeptical, jaded, or even worse, hopeless, allow me to tell you the following story. The Yomim Noraim are pretty labor intensive for me as I not only have the privilege of addressing our kehillah many times, but I also serve as the baal tefillah for much of the davening. Last year, I wasn’t feeling well for a few days before Rosh Hashanah. My back was sore, and I was uncomfortable. Not wanting to be blamed once again for not taking care of myself, I mostly kept this development to myself. On the first night, during our meal, my back began to hurt to the degree that
I excused myself and went to bed relatively early. I figured that if I at least got a decent night’s sleep, I would be able to get through the next two days. However, relentlessly shifting from one side to the other, I was unable to fall asleep. In fact, the pain became so intense that all I could do was get out of bed and pace back and forth in my bedroom. At one point, my wife very reasonably inquired if it was my intention to keep walking all night. Truth be told, I was growing increasingly panicked, worrying that there was no way I would be able to daven Mussaf and speak in the morning at this level of discomfort (and by discomfort, I mean excruciating pain). Even if the pain subsided, I was thoroughly exhausted. It was now 2AM and time, as we know it, had slowed down considerably over the past three hours. Suddenly, it dawned on me. “I know what this is,” I said to my wife. “I’m having a kidney stone attack.” Having had that experience many times before, I felt fully qualified to make the diagnosis. My mind began to race. Would I have to go to the hospital? Would this somehow resolve itself? At that moment, a calm came over me and I said to myself, “Hashem, this is clearly in Your hands. If you want me to be at davening, I’ll be at davening, and if not, I won’t and whatever happens will happen. I get it; it’s not up to me!” I’d love to say that at that moment the pain departed. But that’s not what happened. It was relentless, but not worse, so I decided to continue my hike through that very long night. At 5:45 AM, the pain lessened drastically and I decided to try to go to bed, realizing that there seemed to be no practical way that I would be able to function. I did fall asleep at about 6:15 AM, a
deep, peaceful sleep I would add, until my alarm woke me up at 7:00 AM. As my system booted up and I took stock of myself, I became conscious of the fact that I was in almost no pain and that, unbelievably, my mind seemed to be functioning. So I got up, went to yeshiva and did what I was supposed to do for the next two days. Not a bad story in of itself, but that’s not the end of it. Right after yom tov, I called up one of my married daughters and said to her, “Boy, have I got a story for you!” Before I could continue, she blurted out, “Oh no, Abba, I have a story I have to tell you first!” She proceeded to tell me that soon after they had gone to sleep on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, their carbon monoxide alarm went off, but when it quickly stopped they went back to sleep. Sometime later, it began to sound again, and since it didn’t stop, there was no way to ignore it. Concerned, they called the fire department, who upon taking readings, realized that the stove that had been left on was malfunctioning and causing toxic levels of fumes. They disconnected the offending appliance and in doing so most likely saved their lives. I only asked one question. I asked my daughter if she could give some approximation of the time this happened. She replied, “Oh, I know exactly when it happened. It was 2 o’clock in the morning.” I then understood the din that was being decided that night. Let’s face it. That’s a pretty amazing story, right? I used it in a drasha on Yom Kippur and I told it over many times on many different occasions. But that’s not why I am writing about it now. A few weeks ago, someone remarked to me about the story that happened last Rosh Hashanah. And
I’m embarrassed to say that it took me a few moments to remember all the details and recall the impact it had on me at the time. Obviously, the impression the incident left on me was not quite as indelible as I thought it had been. Upon consideration, I realized that this is not totally due to my insensitivity, rather it’s yet another manifestation of human nature. The fact is that major events generally are not the vehicles for change. Epiphanies fade. Emotional experiences tend to become blurry and obscure over time. Our only hope for change is by effecting it through small incremental steps. Don’t feel defeated that you are not a completely different person after the Yomim Noraim. Our yetzer haras want to convince us that any emotions we experienced weren’t real. But they were. It’s just that such emotions are meant to help facilitate change, not create it. Lasting change only happens when we work on it day by day, and the Yomim Noraim can be a catalyst to help get that process started. Alarms (and kidney stones) can be a real “wakeup call.” Actually being awake, however, is a different story altogether. By the way, I used this during this year’s drasha. 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.
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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The Observant Jew
Lessons in Loyalty By Rabbi Jonathan Gewirtz
O
n a recent airplane flight, I found myself very limited in my choice of seats. As it was a completely full flight, I ended up with a window seat. Normally, I prefer an aisle so I don’t need to bother people to get up but, as is always the case, it became clear that I would be sitting exactly where Hashem wanted me to. As I made my way onto the plane, I saw that my seatmates had already seated themselves: the wife in the aisle and the husband in the middle, next to me. I felt bad making them get up to let me in, especially since they were elderly and he had a lot of trouble moving. She lovingly guided him into the aisle so I could make my way to the window seat, and as I slipped in and stowed my carryon underneath the seat in front of me, she pivoted him to sit back in his seat. As she did so, she swung around behind him to face me and whispered, “He has dementia.” At the same time, I noted the necklace she wore bore a Magen David, a Jewish star. I became even more confident that there was a reason for me to be seated with them. As she got settled again in her aisle seat, she said wistfully, “We’ve been married 55 years, and soon it will be 56. He took VERY good care of me for all those years.” It seemed as though she was trying to explain her situation to me, to answer a question that I didn’t ask. “It must be such a burden on you to deal with someone with dementia. How do you do it? WHY do you do it?” First of all, I suspect she had let
me know upfront that he had dementia perhaps so I wouldn’t get annoyed with the fact that her husband was slow or might not understand my needs. She wanted me to have compassion on him, and that was fine. With this comment, though, she also wanted to let me know that this man was worthy of respect because until he was stricken with this challenge,
you like to flip through the magazine? It has nice things in it.” She remained positive and lovingly gentle though he was somewhat distant. How did she do it? From where did she draw the strength to keep going? At one point, she picked up her tablet computer and showed me the picture which was the background for her screen. It could have been a
“Taking care of someone who was so good to you is not a burden,” she seemed to be saying, “but an opportunity for appreciation.”
he had been devoted to the happiness of his family. “Taking care of someone who was so good to you is not a burden,” she seemed to be saying, “but an opportunity for appreciation.” Lesson number one. As R’ Dessler says, the root of the word love, ahava, is “hav” to give. The more we give, the more we love. For this woman, caring for the person who cared for her for so long and now needed care himself was an opportunity to not only return a kindness, but to grow in the love for the person with whom she’d spent her life. Isn’t that the advice of Shlomo HaMelech in Koheles? To find someone to love (i.e. give to) and spend your life enjoying their company? She made small talk with him. “Look what a nice plane this is; would
stock photo of a dashing young man in a U.S. Army uniform and a lovely young woman so proud to call him her husband, but I knew that to her it represented a lifetime of commitment. To me, it seemed as if this reminded her of all those years and perhaps gave her the strength to push onward when the challenge seemed too great. Lesson number two: find ways to motivate yourself to do the right thing. That picture reminded her of why she married him, of their youthful bond when she saw so much promise in him, which had apparently been fulfilled. Once again, this has a parallel in Torah where Hashem says, “I remember for you the kindness of your youth, when you followed Me in the wilderness.” Remembering the past is
key to building a future in the present. “What have you done for me lately?” is a common refrain. So long as the other party in the relationship is producing, giving us what we want or need, we’re willing to hold on. Unfortunately, sometimes people will say, “This relationship isn’t working for me anymore.” That is a selfish attitude. Now, in some cases the relationship should end, such as if one party is abusive in some way. But to end a relationship merely because someone can’t do what they used to do shows ingratitude. Sometimes we feel that Hashem has, chas v’shalom, stopped looking after us. It isn’t true, but to get us past those feelings let’s think of all the good He has given to us for all these years. Whether with people in our lives, or with Hashem Himself, we could all stand to learn these lessons. Look for opportunities to show appreciation and find ways to remind yourself why you’re appreciative. It will give you the strength and will to keep the love alive and be the most loyal and best version of yourself. Jonathan Gewirtz is an inspirational writer and speaker whose work has appeared in publications around the world. You can find him at www.facebook.com/ RabbiGewirtz, and follow him on Instagram @RabbiGewirtz or Twitter @ RabbiJGewirtz. He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion. Sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English. E-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Subscribe in the subject.
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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
A Matter of Perspective Understanding the Advocacy of Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov By Yaakov Klein
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ever confuse righteousness with selfrighteousness. They sound similar, but they are opposites. The righteous see the good in people; the self-righteous see the bad. The righteous make you feel bigger; the selfrighteous make you feel small. The righteous praise; the self-righteous criticize.” - Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sachs, Letters to the Next Generation
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ast Monday, the 25th of Tishrei, was the yahrtzeit of the renowned Chassidic master, Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov, zy”a. Fondly referred to as “the holy Berditchover,” this tzaddik is famous for having been the “Sanigoran shel Yisroel,” the advocate for the Jewish people. In each situation the Berditchover focused only upon
the inherent goodness of each Jew. If a glimmer of merit shone through a crack in the crumbling wall of a Jew’s unfavorable action, Rav Levi Yitzchak put a magnifying glass to it. If there was none to be found, he went about seeking the extenuating circumstance that was surely the driving force behind the unfortunate mistake. Encountering a Jew
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s for Rav Levi Yitzchak, he never said a bad word about His children. On the contrary, he extolled their virtues in his own heart and to G-d. His motto: man must criticize himself and praise his fellow man… The destitute, the ignorant, the misfits sought him out. His presence made them feel important; he gave them what they needed most: dignity.” - Elie Wiesel, Souls on Fire
attempting to save time by hurriedly saying the morning prayers while cleaning the wheels of his wagon, Rav Levi Yitzchak sees a Jew so in love with G-d that he cannot help but speak to Him in all places and at all times – even while cleaning his wagon. Chancing upon a Jew eating on Tisha B’Av who brazenly maintains that he eats despite his
knowledge of the prohibition and his perfect health, the holy Berditchover sees a Jew so remarkably honest that, though he could have easily saved himself from embarrassment by claiming his ignorance of the law or poor health, he continues to tell the truth. He refused to see anything else but merit in his brethren and constantly confront-
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ed their Creator armed with the sparks of holiness he had collected from within their souls, demanding that He bring the redemption they so deserved. Indeed, in his work on the Torah, the Kedushas Levi, the Berditchover writes that the primary purpose of speech is so that one may advocate on behalf of his fellow Jew1. The countless stories demonstrating Rav Levi Yitzchak’s wit and sharp insight in seeing even the most serious transgressions in a positive light never fails to bring a smile to our face. They play to emotion; they lend the heart wings to pursue its dreams of a perfect world and grant strength to the Jewish defiance we carry within. Intellectually, however, they may leave us confused. The tales told about Rav Levi Yitchak portray an almost childish naiveté on the part of the great master. One begins to wonder if Rav Levi Yitzchak truly believed his charming claims. If he did not, it is strange: why, then, did he make them? If he did, it is infinitely stranger: how could anyone with sound reason truly believe that the Jew was incapable of malicious or sinful intent? This second choice is made even more difficult when we consider Rav Levi Yitzchak’s position as the Av Beis Din in the city of Berditchov, home to a large community of Jews. There is no uncertainty as to his intellectual stature; as a child he was a famed prodigy, as an adult he was renowned as a gaon, a genius in Torah learning. How then could he have seen the world in a way that appears to be completely irrational? In order to understand the advocacy of the holy Berditchover Rav, we must first explore the idea of perspective. Perspective is a remarkable concept. When considered in any exploration of the world around us, perspective renders almost anything possible. One truth becomes many; reality a matter of mindset. In a most basic sense, perspective refers to the view a person has of a scene from the particular vantage point granted by his physical position. Standing on opposite
1 Kedushas Levi, Parhsas Bo, “Hayom”
ends of the baseball stadium, the fans see each play from a different perspective. Thus, what to one might seem to be an outrageous call by the umpire may seem perfectly fair to the other. Each is convinced by the evidence granted by their
by the one with the most superior vantage point. Thus far we have discussed the many takes on reality that different viewpoints provided by various physical perspectives provide. Now let us move into a different kind
The man of faith, from the vantage point granted by his belief in a Creator Whose existence, as manifest in the Torah, sheds the light of meaning on all that is meaningless, sees patterns of brilliant beauty.
particular perspective. Where, then, is reality? To some thinkers, it hardly exists at all. As Friedrich Nietzsche famously wrote, “There are no facts, only interpretations”2. However, to us religious Jews, the words of this German philosopher ring true only in highly specific situations, if at all. By the unearned grace of Hashem we are privy to the knowledge that there is, in fact, a very definite reality; that an overarching truth does indeed exist and that it is absolutely singular3. Thus, there must be another way of determining reality. In most cases, reality can be determined by the one with the most favorable vantage point. His definition of a given reality must reign supreme; if challenged, it can be negated only by someone whose even more favorable vantage point grants him a superior perspective. This truth is taught by the Ramchal in his Mesillas Yesharim4. There he speaks of a maze with an elevated gazebo at its center and decries the foolishness of a person in the maze who would ignore the advice of the one standing in the gazebo as to the proper path to the exit. In this parable, the Ramchal is teaching us the importance of perspective and the notion that reality is best defined 2 3 4
The Will to Power, p. 267 See Likutei Moharan 111 Mesillas Yesharim, Chapter 3
of perspective. Just as a different physical perspective can change one’s view of reality, so can a different level of intellect alter one’s perception of a given situation. Take, for example, a father teaching his toddler to walk. The father crouches a few paces away, arms outstretched, beckoning for his toddler to enter his embrace. Then, as the boy clumsily wobbles near, the father quickly shifts position and crouches further away. To a random observer, this seems like an act of cruelty. The man appears to be taunting his toddler! However, to the man’s wife, who understands that her loving husband is teaching their beloved child how to walk, the act is not cruel at all. The superior perspective granted by her deeper and broader knowledge of the situation allows for a truer definition of the reality. Still, there is yet a third kind of perspective, and here we come to the point. In the Ramchal’s parable, the man in the gazebo had a more accurate grasp on reality because of his elevated position. The same is true of an elevated spiritual position. The faith that is a result of spiritual experience (or the other way around, no matter) grants the believer access to an elevated plane from which he looks down upon the convoluted maze of existence in its totality with a sense of absolute
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clarity. Where the rationalist, from his limited perspective trapped within the walls of the maze, sees confusion and disarray, the man of faith, from the vantage point granted by his belief in a Creator Whose existence, as manifest in the Torah, sheds the light of meaning on all that is meaningless, sees patterns of brilliant beauty. Indeed, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov takes the verse “Einei Hashem el tzaddikim,5 G-d’s Eyes are upon the righteous,” to mean that the righteous are granted “G-dly eyes”6. Their unique perspective of the world, granted by both intellectual and spiritual elevation, allows them to perceive a hidden spiritual dimension at the source of all physicality7. All of Torah seeks to impart the message of G-d’s immanence which stands at the basis for moral responsibility and lends significance to the most trivial human acts. The performance of mitzvos and their study serve to keep us constantly focused on our relationship with Hashem and perpetually remind us of the spiritual realm that underlies the physical smokescreen by which we are surrounded. However, no portion of Torah breeds this awareness more than the study of Kabbalah. It is in Kabbalah (which begins, as both Rebbe Nachman of Breslov and the Vilna Gaon teach, where the studies of nature end) that we discover the spiritual blueprint for all of existence. It is in Kabbalah that we learn about the sparks of holiness that abound in our corporeal world, yearning for redemption. Saturated with a knowledge that elevated their perspective to the loftiest levels, the kabbalists understood all of history as a magnifi5 6 7
Tehillim 34:15 Likutei Moharan 98, Sichos HaRan 257 Interestingly, Chazal (Shabbos 92a) teach that Moshe Rabbeinu, through whom the Torah (with its perspective of intellectual and spiritual elevation) was transmitted, was a man of enormous physical dimensions with a height of around 15 feet. Perhaps this hints at the superior perspective in all realms: spiritual, intellectual, and physical, that he attained from his complete and utter nullification to Hashem.
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cient process of growth. They were able to perceived the joy within pain, the spring within winter, the laughter within tears. They knew that descent must always precede ascent8, that failure, both nationally and individually, was a prerequisite to success9, that everything would be fixed in the end10. With tremendous certainty, they knew that everything contained a spark of the Divine, and that the Divine was perfectly good. Thus, they taught, if one knows how to look, he can find a spark of perfect goodness hidden within all people11, places12, and throughout the entirety of creation around us13. None of this was demonstrative of an irrational, wishful, or “ignorance is bliss” manner of thinking. On the contrary. It is unequivocally rational to propose that access to an entire philosophy, especially one as profound as Kabbalah, would provide the tzaddikim with a perspective that rationalists couldn’t possibly attain, much less comprehend. Just as he who stands in the elevated gazebo has an insight into the maze that a person trapped within its walls could never achieve, so did the tzaddikim see the world from an entirely transcendent perspective. Thus, what to our limited mind’s eye might appear irrational, was to them, from their superior perspective, the absolute and entirely rational truth. Perhaps even more so than the classical kabbalists, the chassidic masters focused on revealing the spiritual realm which underlies our physical world. It is said that while Kabbalah sought to bring earth into heaven, Chassidus sought to bring heaven down to earth. In other words: where the kabbalists entered a realm of transcendent and heavenly thought only to remain in the rapture it inspired, the 8 9 10 11 12 13
See Meor Einayim, Lech Lecha, “Vayomer Hashem”; Likutei Moharan 22:11 and 25:4 See Orot Hakodesh III, p. 478 See Noam Elimelech, Bereishis, “Bara Elokim” See Likutei Moharan 33 and 282, See Kedushas Levi, Lech Lecha, “Od Yevuar, Vayomer” See Likutei Moharan 1, 17, and Likutei Moharan Tinyana 39
chassidic masters ascended and experienced that rapture, to then descend and reveal to their followers how this world appeared from that perspective; the pinnacle of
secondary, and transient when held up to the light of a Jew’s inherent holiness and the silent yearning of his soul. He knows that any wickedness exhibited isn’t real;
To the true tzaddik, every wall is a door, every obstacle a stepping stone, every fence a ladder.
all perspectives; the zenith of all truths. “Ein od milvado14” was the watch word of the new movement: there is nothing but G-d. “Meloh chol ha’aretz kevodo”15, was a verse the masters would often repeat: every particle of physicality is infused with divine holiness. It is thus that we find, in the works of the great Chassidic masters and the tales related about them, a perspective on all facets of life in this world that transcends any other rational or religious ideology. It is life as seen from the highest attainable perspective, a revelation from the man in the gazebo, shedding brilliant light on the twisted passages of the labyrinth below16.
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et us now return to the holy advocacy of the Berditchover Rav. As we have learned, from his perspective, the tzaddik sees only G-d, and thus, only good. Within mistake, he sees a life lesson17. Within challenge, he finds the opportunity for growt h18. To the true tzaddik, every wall is a door, every obstacle a stepping stone, every fence a ladder. His lofty perspective prevents him from seeing the negative drive and malicious intent of his brethren because he understands it as being external, 14 Devarim 4:35 15 Yeshaya 6:3 16 See On The Essence of Chassidus, p. 36 17 See Likutei Amarim; Tanya, chapter 7 18 See Likutei Moharan 116
in the end it shall all disappear, “I have wiped away your sins like a cloud”19. Confronted with a sinful act of the body, the tzaddik intuits the source of life – the hidden spark of G-dliness – that allowed for the act20. This awareness provides the reassurance that there must be something positive inherant in this error, waiting to be revealed. This is the avodah of a true tzaddik, of a Jew who has attained the loftiest and thus truest perspective on this world and all that fills it. He is able to focus on the point of untouched goodness, the “nekudah 19 Yeshaya 44:22 20 Chazal teach: “Al tadin es chaveircha ad shetagiya l’mikomo”, “Do not judge your fellow until you reach his place.” (Avos 2:5) On a simple level, this means that one may never judge his friend because he lacks the proper perspective; the view from his intellectually limited vantage point (due to his lack of complete knowledge of his friend’s circumstances) is poor. However, perhaps there is a deeper message here. We know that Hashem is referred to as “Hamakom,” “the Place”. Perhaps Chazal are teaching us that we may indeed judge our friend – once we have attained the awareness of “Mekomo,” the piece of HaMakom, of divine holiness, he holds in the recesses of his heart. The true tzaddik, who views the world from the elevated perspective of the deepest Torah knowledge, is in fact permitted to judge, since, having reached “Mekomo,” his friends inherent goodness which – from his perspective – is revealed, he will undoubtedly do so in a favorable way, in fulfillment of “v’hevi dan es kola dam l’kaf zechus.” (Avos 1:6)
tovah21” or the “letters of holiness22” present within each and every Jew regardless of his actions. He is able to encourage the wicked to fulfill the reality they see from their lofty perspective of emes l’amito, to turn their sins into the life lessons, and thus mitzvos, that they truly are and to use their spiritual failings as catalysts for growth23. In conclusion, Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchov was neither childish nor naïve, chas v’shalom. Very much on the contrary, this Chassidic giant viewed the world from the most rational and truthful perspective granted by his faith, his intellectual explorations, and his spiritual experiences. Thus he was able to see things as they truly are; “olam hafuch ra’isi.24” His elevated perspective compelled him to seek out the spark of holiness in even the most sinful action and to use it to encourage and inspire. Though it is difficult (indeed, many attribute the lack of a “Berdichover” dynasty to the loftiness of his path), let us all attempt to peek behind the curtain into the dimension of light this exalted tzaddik tried so hard to reveal and work to see the divine spark within the people and circumstances we encounter. May we use the baseless love this perspective breeds to bring Moshiach tzidkeinu, speedily and in our days. Amen!
Yaakov Klein is the author of Sparks from Berditchov: An Inspirational Guide to Avodas Hashem recently published by Feldheim. His essays on a broad range of Torah thought have been featured in print and on the web. Originally from Far Rockaway, NY, Yaakov currently lives in Chicago with his wife Shira, where he teaches for the Illinois Center for Jewish Studies. He can be reached at sparksfromberditchov@gmail.com for questions, comments, and all other matters.
21 See Likutei Moharan 282 22 See ibid, 33:3 23 See Likutei Moharan 261, Meor Einayim, parshas Ha’azinu “Mishecharav” 24 Bava Basra 10b
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The Art of the
IRAN DEAL What Trump’s Recent Announcement Really Means By Susan Schwamm
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s I have said many times, the Iran deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into.” These words were said by President Donald Trump last Friday. And it’s true. He has been saying this time and time again. But this time, people are taking the president seriously. In a major speech at the White House, the leader of the free world threatened to pull out of the infamous Iran nuclear deal, agreed to by the United States and five other world powers with Tehran in 2015. According to the president, Iran has not been adher-
ing to the terms of the deal that was supposedly implemented to freeze and reverse Iran’s nuclear program. He urged Congress and U.S. allies to strengthen the agreement as he unveiled a tough and comprehensive new policy toward the Islamic Republic. Trump’s announcement was uncharacteristically not an off-the-cuff remark meant to make the Ayatollah and his minions scatter, quaking in corners of their mosques. The president had been weighing his decision on Iran for weeks. In fact, he had been facing intense pressure from European allies to keep the United States in agreement and to maintain status quo. His national security advisors had encouraged him to
avoid completely withdrawing from the accord. Their thinking was that leaving the deal would isolate the United States even more and give Iran a much-wanted excuse not to reduce their nuclear stockpiles. But Trump, throughout his campaign, promised to remove the U.S. from the agreement. Since taking office, he has twice “certified” the deal but has told top advisors that he no longer wishes to do so, stating that the “certifications” appear to show the American people that he is committed to Obama’s folly. According to a person in the know in the White House, around July 17 was when things came to a head, with Trump making it known in “forceful, not uncertain” terms that he was dis-
satisfied with options given to him regarding the deal. The president felt that his national security team – including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster – weren’t on the same page as him to fulfill this critical campaign pledge. Even after certifying the deal in the summer, the president expressed in an interview that he would have preferred to decertify the agreement. And so, under intense pressure from Trump, the team got to work. On Friday, the president’s plan was revealed. The current proposal attempts to satisfy the president, his campaign promises, and those in the administration who want to keep Iran
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from going rogue. According to the Tillerson, “The president, on many occasions, talked about either tearing the deal up or fixing the deal, and he said many times, we got to fix this deal,” the secretary of state said on Thursday evening. “What we are laying out here, this is the pathway, we think, that provides us with the best platform to attempt to fix this deal.” “We may be unsuccessful, we may not be able to fix it and if we are not, then we may end up out of the deal,” Tillerson went on. “But I think what the president is saying, before I do that and just walk, look, we will try. We will try. We will go try to fix it. I think you are going to hear he is not particularly optimistic.” In Trump’s speech on Friday he accused Iran of committing “multiple violations of the agreement,” adding that Tehran had “failed to meet our expectations in its operations of advanced centrifuges,” and “intimidated” international inspectors into not using their full authority. Trump also accused the Obama administration of lifting sanctions on Iran under the terms of the deal at a moment when the Iranian clerical regime was about to collapse. He also ordered U.S. intelligence agencies to mount a new assessment of Iran’s compliance. Trump announced that he would no longer make regular certifications that the lifting of sanctions under the deal had been in U.S. interests. “We cannot and will not make this certification,” he asserted. “We will not continue down a path whose predictable conclusion is more violence, more terror and the very real threat of Iran’s nuclear breakout. I am directing my administration to work closely with Congress and our allies to address the deal’s many serious flaws so that the Iranian regime can never threaten the world with nuclear weapons.” The president warned that the deal was plagued by “insufficient enforcement” and near total silence on the missile program. Some of the prohibitions in the agreement are set to end in 2025, including limits on the number of its
Key members in the Iran nuclear deal, including EU representative Federica Mogherini, Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Secretary of State John Kerry, in July 2015
centrifuges. Iran, which has always maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and not for weapons, would not agree to a permanent freeze in its ability to enrich nuclear fuel. Trump has pointed out that there is no plan put into place to prevent Iran from racing towards nuclear armament once the 2025 deadline passes. Ultimately, the bottom line of Friday’s announcement was this: if Trump’s changes do not go through as proposed, the president stated that he would unilaterally kill the deal. “In the event we are not able to reach a solution working with Congress and our allies, then the agreement will be terminated. It is under continuous review and our participation can be canceled by me as president at any time.” This ultimatum seems to be a classic Trump move. After all, he is the one who penned the book, Trump: The Art of the Deal. But given the deep reluctance of the other parties – the UK, Russia, France, China and Germany – to renegotiate the agreement, Trump’s determination in dealing with Iran this way is not without risk. As Trump spoke, the Treasury Department issued a statement saying that it would designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for new sanctions over its support for terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East. It did not, however, single out the powerful
militia as a foreign terror organization through the State Department. Before the designation, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Ali Akbar Saleh, warned that terming the guards as a terror group would be “tantamount to a declaration of war.”
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ted” to the 2015 nuclear deal and that preserving it was “in our shared national security interest.” “The nuclear deal was the culmination of 13 years of diplomacy and was a major step towards ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program is not diverted for military purposes,” they added. Sigmar Gabriel, Germany’s foreign minister, wagged his proverbial finger at the president, saying that Trump was sending “a difficult and also from our point of view dangerous signal.” He said that the Iran deal, and other diplomatic achievements, were necessary “to convince countries like North Korea, and maybe also others, that it is possible to create security without acquiring nuclear weapons.” “Destroying this agreement would, worldwide, mean that others could no longer rely on such agreements — that’s why it is a danger that goes further than Iran,” he asserted. Iran, of course, condemned Trump and the United States. Appearing on television, its president, Hassan Rouhani, denounced Trump and called the United States an outlier that had become “more lonely than ever” in the
Trump spoke at a "Stop the Iran Deal" rally at the West Lawn of the Capitol in September 2015
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esponse to Trump’s announcement on Friday came swiftly. Though they avoided direct criticism of the American president, Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and President Emmanuel Macron of France said in a rare joint statement that they “stand commit-
international community. Rouhani did not threaten to withdraw from the deal, but made it clear that he would not renegotiate the terms, either. “The statements of Mr. Trump are nothing but abuse and threats against the people of Iran,” he said. “An international agreement cannot be disregarded.”
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This, of course, comes from a country that routinely calls for the destruction of Israel and the United States at its rallies. Rouhani, who has significant political capital invested in the deal, assured his people that Trump does not have the ability to back out of the deal. “This is an international, multilateral deal that has been ratified by the UN Security Council. It is a UN document. Is it possible for a president to unilaterally decertify this deal? Apparently, he’s not in the know.” Federica Mogherini, the European Union’s top diplomat, echoed Rouhani’s sentiment: “The president of the United States has many powers — not this one,” she said at a news conference in Brussels. She added that there had been no violations of the agreement and that the world could not afford to dismantle an accord that “is working and delivering,” especially at a time of “acute nuclear threat,” referring to the standoff with North Korea over its nuclear program. Both Rouhani and Mogherini are correct in the fact that the deal was endorsed by the UN and is effectively not something that Trump can cancel. But the president of the United States can stop waiving nuclear sanctions at any point, causing the sanctions to come back into force. Moreover, U.S. law requires Trump to waive nuclear sanctions regularly, so as long as the president does not put pen to paper, the nuclear sanctions will come back. In effect, that would terminate the deal, whether the other partners like it or not. Iran’s Speaker of Parliament Ali Larijani threatened on Friday that Iran may withdraw from the nuclear agreement if the United States does. Speaking to reporters in St. Petersburg, Larijani acknowledged that quitting the deal was “a possibility” and said that if the U.S. does not implement the agreements reached when the nuclear deal was signed, nothing will remain of the accord. “If they act like it, then there will be hardly anything left from this agreement. So a new issue will arise on the international arena,” Larijani said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday that it was “obvious” that any action by the U.S. to pull
out of the Iran nuclear deal will have “very, very negative consequences.” But not every country condemned Trump’s new policy. Praise came specifically from Israel, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu said that the announcement created “an opportunity to fix this bad deal” and was a sign of Trump’s determination to “boldly confront Iran’s terrorist regime.” Many will remember Net-
Congress. The international community and the European Union with it has clearly indicated that the deal is and will continue to be in place.” Russia’s deputy foreign minister also spoke directly to lawmakers. “We want to hope that Congress will not take any dramatic steps which would effectively signify a collapse” of the deal, Sergei Ryabkov said.
The Natanz nuclear facility in Iran
anyahu’s showdown with Obama over his speech in Congress regarding Iran and the nuclear deal. Saudi Arabia, which is Iran’s arch nemesis as it plays on the other side of the Sunni/Shia divide, said it welcomed a “new U.S. strategy” toward Iran. Iran and Saudi Arabia have consistently waged a battle for supremacy in the delicate arena of the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates, which like Saudi Arabia is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country with a sizable Shiite minority, also said that it “fully supports” Trump’s stance on Iran. The rhetoric against Trump’s announcement from foreign nations was critical, although relatively mild since Trump has asked Congress to address changes in U.S. terms. As such, it’s now up to the legislative body to determine whether or not the United States will re-impose sanctions on Iran, essentially terminating the deal. Mogherini of the European Union appealed directly to Congress when she said that America’s next step “is now in the hands of the United States
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rump has consistently accused Iran of violating both the letter and spirit of the law. For instance, on Friday, Trump pointed out that “the Iranian regime has committed multiple violations of the agreement. For example, on two separate occasions, they have exceeded the limit of 130 metric tons of heavy water. Until recently, the Iranian regime has also failed to meet our expectations in its operation of advanced centrifuges.” Since the agreement was reached, a mere two years ago, Iran exceeded the deal’s limit on heavy water, used especially as a moderator in nuclear reactors, at least twice, although the amount was by less than one percent. It endeavored to take advantage of fuzzy language in the agreement but was immediately caught by international inspectors; the other partners objected and forced Iran to come back into compliance. Iran also took advantage of ambiguous limits in the agreement – “roughly 10” advanced centrifuges – by operating slightly more than that number of centrifuges. David Al-
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bright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, noted to Congress that “Iran has also built and operated more advanced centrifuges than it is allowed, and it has misused quality assurance limitations to conduct banned mechanical testing of advanced centrifuges.” Prior to the nuclear accord, signed in July of 2015 in a flurry of handshakes and smiles, there were two uranium enrichment facilities in Iran, Natanz and Fordo, where uranium hexafluoride gas was fed into centrifuges to separate out the most fissile isotope U-235. Low-enriched uranium, which has a 3%-4% concentration of U-235, can be used to produce fuel for nuclear power plants. But it can also be enriched to the 90% needed to produce nuclear weapons. In July 2015, Iran had almost 20,000 centrifuges. Under the agreement, Tehran was limited to installing no more than 5,060 of the oldest and least efficient centrifuges at Natanz for 10 years. Its uranium stockpile was set to be reduced by 98% to 300kg for 15 years. And it had to keep its level of enrichment at 3.67%. Research and development was only allowed to take place at Natanz and was limited for eight years. No enrichment was permitted at Fordo for 15 years, and the underground facility was directed to be converted into a nuclear, physics and technology center. The 1,044 centrifuges at the site had to produce radioisotopes only for use in medicine, agriculture, industry and science. Prior to the nuclear deal, Iran had been building a heavy-water nuclear
The Arak heavy water facility
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facility near the town of Arak. Spent fuel from a heavy-water reactor contains plutonium suitable for a nuclear bomb. World powers had originally wanted Arak dismantled because of the proliferation risk. Under an interim nuclear deal agreed in November 2013, Iran agreed not to commission or fuel the reactor. Instead, it agreed to redesign the reactor so it cannot produce any weapons-grade plutonium. All spent fuel had to be sent out of the country as long as the modified reactor exists. About 6 tons of heavy water was allowed to be retained to make medical isotopes. Iran was not able to build additional heavy-water reactors or accumulate any excess heavy water for 15 years. The nuclear agreement required Iran to allow inspectors to access any site anywhere in the country they deem suspicious. But the regime has time to allow for access. For the first 15 years of the agreement, Iran has 24 days to comply with any IAEA access request. If it refuses, an eight-member Joint Commission – including Iran – rules on the issue. It can decide on punitive steps, including the re-imposition of sanctions. A majority vote by the commission suffices. Agreeing to these terms back in 2015 allowed billions of dollars to flow back into Iran’s coffers. Sanctions previously imposed by the UN, U.S. and EU in an attempt to force Iran to halt uranium enrichment crippled its economy, costing the country more than $160 billion in oil revenue from 2012 to 2016 alone. According to the deal, Iran stood to gain access to more than $100 billion in assets frozen overseas, and was able to resume selling oil on international markets and using the global financial system for trade. According to the accord, should Iran violate any aspect of the deal, the UN sanctions will automatically “snap back” into place for 10 years, with the possibility of a five-year extension.
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ow many are looking towards Congress to see how things will unfold. There, Republican Senators Bob Corker and Tom Cotton are leading an effort to change the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act to automatically restore
sanctions on Iran if it crosses a number of red lines that their amendment would establish. The thought is that restoring sanctions suspended under the Iran nuclear deal is the most direct path to unraveling the accord. European partners in the deal have not been so enthusiastic about changing the deal; they have said they are open to negotiating separate deals with Iran but do not favor anything that would endanger the original agreement. And getting Iran to agree to new “red lines” won’t be easy. Tehran has consistently rejected any renegotiations. Its mission to the UN on Friday threatened, “Iran has many options on how to proceed and if necessary will terminate its commitment regarding this issue.” Last month, its foreign minister rejected extending the length or conditions of the accord, saying that Iran would consider changing the agreement only if the concessions it
Missiles on display in Iran in front of a portrait of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
will need the “ayes” of all 52 Republicans and eight more Democrats. As such, Eurasia Group predicts that the “legislation could well morph into a softer version, leaving some room for
“In the event we are not able to reach a solution working with Congress and our allies, then the agreement will be terminated. It is under continuous review and our participation can be canceled by me as president at any time.”
had already made — including giving up nuclear fuel — were reconsidered. According to Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy at RBC, “Hence, such a red line, alongside demands for enhanced inspections and curbs on missile activity, could turn the [Iran Review Act] into a ‘poison bill’ that the Iranians would be unlikely to swallow. Such an Iranian rejection in turn could be the catalyst for Congress to reinstate the waived nuclear sanctions.” Working with Congress won’t be easy either. Solving things legislatively will require 60 votes to end debate and take a vote. The president
consensus with the Europeans and Iran.” Most important when determining legislation will be firming up the U.S.’s objective when it comes to Tehran. If the United States wants to deny Iran the capability to develop a certain type of ballistic missile, then the red lines must be strong enough to dissuade Iran from carrying out multiple tests, which will prevent them from creating the data necessary to build a successful missile. Equally important will be the administration’s need to get its European partners to agree to a shared set of goals and strategy. France has signaled its willingness to pressure
Iran, and Britain could be the key to overcoming German stubbornness. But Iran will also be on the lookout for European friends, as corporations seek to reenter its markets, formerly closed to the European world. Iran has already begun the propaganda campaign against the United States on the global front. This weekend, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told CBS’s “Face the Nation,” “It’s withdrawing from everything. So people cannot trust anymore the word of the United States,” equating the United States’ withdrawal from UNESCO to the nuclear deal. Apparently, the U.S. is not a trusted partner in any deal.
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ow, Congress has 60 days to decide whether Iran will be slapped with sanctions lifted under the nuclear deal. Slowly the power play that began in July 2015 will begin to shift. What will the world look like in two months’ time? And, even more importantly, what will the world look like in a few years from now? Will Iran be holding the keys to a nuclear ballistic missile? Or will the United States have been able to effectively stamp out their nuclear ambitions? One hundred lawmakers will be submitting their support or opposition to Iranian sanctions in the coming days. Let’s hope they make the right decision.
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | 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’m 24-years-old and engaged. Everything is, so far, so good. But there is one problem that is really irking me and I figured I’d see whether I’m overreacting or whether this is something worth fighting for.
I grew up in a home with a lot of children and very little money. From an early age, I did whatever I could to earn money. I started buying my own clothing for myself at a ridiculously young age. I also like nice things and figured out how to get it, since I knew that my parents couldn’t afford to buy these things for me or my siblings.
As I got older, I became very independent in this way. I was on my own financially. (I even paid for my dentist!) But it also motivated me to take school very seriously and do well. Right now, I have a wonderful job and earn a salary that I am very proud of. But I’ve never discussed money with my parents, since they never asked and probably knew that since they had nothing to contribute, it probably wasn’t really any of their business. My chosson grew up in a very different type of household. His parents paid for everything, including his education. And so, there was an open dialogue about money and when he landed his first job last year, he was excited to tell his parents what he was earning. When we marry shortly, we will be totally independent, financially. No one will be helping us and we don’t need any help, thank G-d. However, my mother-in-law wants to know how much I earn, how much our rent will be, etc. I find her questions inappropriate and rude. I don’t feel I need to share this private information with her, especially since they aren’t contributing to our finances. It’s causing some friction between me and my chosson. What do you think? Must they know my private financial details?
Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions. Our intention is not to offer any definitive conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.
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The Panel
The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S.
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ood for you for recognizing that you and your chosson have different relationships with money, both personally and culturally from your respective families. It affects not only the way you are relating to your mother-in-law now but will affect your relationship with your future husband. You are sensitive about being quizzed about money and see this as an invasion of privacy on the part of your mother-in-law. You think it’s not justified and not appropriate. Yes, she may be caring, open and practical as you indicated. On the other hand, you are proud of your independence and developing the ability to support yourself while you are single. But you have not discussed money with your own parents and that’s not healthy and open, even if it comes from a place of sensitivity and practicality. Your different relationships with money are going to affect your relationship even if you two will be self-supporting and financially independent. You are probably a saver and have long term goals in mind. He may want to take vacations and enjoy life along the way and not always save, save, save. Understanding these differences is one step but navigating through them in a healthy way is going to be a process. Give yourselves tools for your marriage. Learn the skills involved in talking about money and other loaded emotional topics. Enroll in the Shalom Workshop offered by the Shalom Task Force, wherein you will learn to access communication techniques and methods for hearing each other and working things out without a lot of pain. Money is one of the topics addressed in this helpful course which covers many healthy marriage tools.
This is about a lot more than responding to your chosson’s mother’s questions about finances. You two have to learn to respond to each other with caring, sensitivity and honesty. This will take time and skills. Get started now with this tried and true evidence-based training. It’s a worthwhile investment of time and effort.
The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, P.A.
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efore I answer, I want to congratulate you on being so independent and responsible; your chosson is indeed a lucky guy for landing such an amazing kallah. One of my steadfast beliefs is there are two socially unacceptable questions: What is your weight? What is your salary? On a serious note, during this engagement period, it’s time you had a heart-to-heart with your chosson regarding privacy, in-laws and finances. Make your (rightful) sensitivity about money matters clear: don’t ask, don’t tell… yes, even to your in-laws. If your mother-in-law persists in prying, answer her with a disingenuously stated question, “Now, why would you want to know such personal information?”
The Shadchan Michelle Mond
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ou’re right that you mother-inlaw does not need to know how much you earn or how much your rent will be. However, it could be that she is asking so she can make sure you two will get off on the right foot and will have enough money. Since they have always helped him
out in the past, it seems that the logical explanation is that she just wants to make sure you two won’t need help moving forward. This is actually a very nice and thoughtful gesture! If you are sure this is clearly not the case and she is just asking to be nosy, then it is a bit inappropriate. Sometimes people say things out of line and we must learn to take it in stride and communicate our frustrations in an effective way. I would say the following to keep things in perspective. If this is just a small, isolated annoyance and everything else is fine, I think you are in good shape. Everybody has runins with their in-laws at some point. You can try to have an open discussion with your chosson about the boundaries you will set starting now, in becoming your own independent couple, which includes not sharing personal information that just pertain to the two of you. Do not do it in a way where he will feel defensive about his family. Make sure to clarify how much you love and appreciate them. Realize, however, that he has lived 20-plus years in his parents’ household. If he has an excitement to tell his mother how much his new job makes, it is only natural and not a bad thing that he has a closeness, which makes him excited to share. Also, I would encourage you to alter your mindset a bit. Rather than looking at your chosson’s parents past financial help as a detriment, look at it as an advantage. They paid for his education so you are not inheriting tons of debt and are able to start out fresh. Every couple will have differences which come from differences in how they were raised. The trick is not to get bothered by everything and learn to pick your battles. Having an “ayin tovah,” focusing on the overall good, during your engagement period and during marriage will definitely take you further than picking on every small detail that bothers you. You
Make your (rightful) sensitivity about money matters clear: don’t ask, don’t tell…yes, even to your in-laws.
will be a much happier person in the long run!
The Single Tova Wein
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irst off, I must say kudos to you for checking in with the panel about your concerns over your overly inquisitive future mother-in-law. Engagements are such a stressful time and sometimes it seems like everything is a big deal – and it’s easy to wonder what really is a big deal and what isn’t. I happen to agree with you that your future mother-in-law is out of line. It could be coming from a naïve place of not understanding anything about you and your background and your hard earned sense of independence. Or it could be coming from a nosy place of being way too curious. So first off, I think it’s important to discuss your feelings around this subject with your chosson and explain your discomfort in having to report to anyone, other than him, details regarding how much you earn. Your chosson may be totally clueless toward what it feels like to be self-reliant and therefore private
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about one’s financial secrets. Hopefully, if the two of you are communicating well, he’ll be able to hear you and support your feelings. And by supporting your feelings, I mean telling his parents that they will not be learning of your salary now or ever. The two of you may have to finetune some specifics. For instance, are you OK with him telling his
parents what he earns? And, if so, does he have to report to them every time he gets a raise? And by them knowing what he earns, do his parents feel they have any say is how you spend your money? (Are you sure you can afford a vacation right now?) I also think it’s significant that the two of you plan on being totally financially independent. That’s
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called acting like adults, and your in-laws should treat you like adults and trust that you are both capable of making good financial decisions for yourselves. If they feel like giving you gifts now and then, wonderful! But that doesn’t mean that you are beholden to them with your personal financial information. Yes, this is one of those areas worth taking a stand on!
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Couples benefit from learning how to effectively communicate.
Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists
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heard a wonderful response/comeback recently. “If you forgive me for not answering, I’ll forgive you for asking.” While I advise against retorting to your mother-in-law and chosson with this response due to its snarky nature, I do want to convey how much I think you are in the right! Not only do you and your husband-to-be earn your own money, you have also earned the right to keep your finances private. You and your chosson are doing it right and you should be very proud! In certain circles, couples marry at a very young age and the possibility of financial independence is quite grim. Couples getting married while they are still pursuing their education cannot possibly support themselves. It seems to be the norm that parents are financially supporting their children. I’m not placing a personal value or judgment on this practice; I’m simply reporting the reality. As a result of men and women marrying before they can possibly be financially independent, it has placed parents in the position of being involved financially, both from
a practical investment (handing over money) and from an emotional investment (questions and concerns). Being that this seems to be a universal practice in some circles, I am going to give your mother-in-law and chosson the benefit of the doubt. In your e-mail, you didn’t mention whether or not she has married off other children and whether or not those children are financially dependent on her. Perhaps she has friends with married children and understands her involvement as common practice. Whatever the case may be, whether she is rude and inappropriate or simply a product of her environment, in your situation, her involvement is unnecessary. I am hopeful that the friction you are experiencing with your chosson can be chalked up to your very different backgrounds and upbringing. As long as there is open communication and mutual respect, this can hopefully be worked out. You are asking for a boundary to be placed around you, your fiancé and your finances. Your chosson does not want the boundary.
It is open territory. These matters, when unable to be resolved organically within the couple, ought to be brought to a qualified therapist’s office for some premarital counseling. Get a good referral and seek guidance – now. Couples benefit from learning how to effectively communicate. Part of “effective communication” is learning how to listen to each other’s feelings about issues. Perhaps there is a compromise that can be reached; perhaps this situation warrants no compromise. This issue needs to be squared away before you get married. Approach your chosson again about this issue. This time, make it a collaboration: We seem to be hitting a wall when we talk about your mom’s involvement in our finances. Can you help me understand your perspective and what you want? You are warm, open and simply gathering information. No fighting. You will now have an opportunity to share your feelings. After you do, you can ask, So, how do you see us resolving this issue? Depending on his answer and whatever comes of this collaborative conver-
sation, you will know whether or not you need premarital counseling. If you do, you can say, I see we are both feeling uncomfortable regarding your mother’s role in our finances. I think we should talk to someone so we can come to some resolution. Couples have disagreements and bumps in the road – fairly typical and to be expected. Your job now is to make sure you feel comfortable moving forward. Sincerely, Jennifer Mann 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
“Othering” By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.
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’ve come to a conclusion that isn’t very nice. But I see no way around the reality of it: I think the yetzer hara in all of us entices us to abuse people who are weaker than we are. Needy people, poor people, desperate people, lonely people. They all fit into that category. So people who otherwise would be basically decent get tipped over the edge when someone comes around who they can take advantage of. Use. Abuse. Here are some questions for introspection: • Is there a particular person that you don’t mind keeping waiting while you would never do that to others? • Is there a particular person who you don’t mind making a critical remark to while you’d be terrified to do such a thing to others? • Is there a particular person whose company you don’t enjoy but with whom you will spend time when there is no one else available? • Have there been times when you just know you can cut in front of someone on line and they would “take” it without a complaint, so you went ahead and did just that? • When you walk into a room full of strangers have there been times when you can just pick out the people there who are needy?
• D o you think that a person you consider “weird” or “sick” or “crazy” has no feelings? And I’m wondering about the people in your life who you perceive as “born wrong.” From that perspective, do you feel that anything you do or say to them is okay? I once read a book called Scapegoating in Families, and I always
• • • • •
in a group and they are trying to join in leave them out of invites made right under their noses make derogatory remarks about them that they can hear throw something messy at them “by accident” “bump into” them and laugh tell them about our travels, our children, our bank accounts
Acknowledge your common humanity
wondered how people can bring themselves to hurt another human being. Well, I’ve discovered it’s really easy. You simply de-humanize them and then you seem to think you got a green light. That’s what the Nazis, y’mach shmam, did. That’s what our radicalized terrorist “friends” are doing to us. And without thinking about it, we cheerfully do it to others. Even our own children. Spouses. Siblings. Co-workers. “Oh, she’s crazy,” we tell ourselves when we don’t understand someone. Then that frees us to • ignore them when we’re talking
when we know these things are out of reach for them • blame them for being “so stupid”
WHY DO WE HAVE THIS TENDENCY? I think it’s just implanted within us, just like the tendency to speak loshon hara or to best our competition in business, love, school, and sports. On the one hand, we’re stuck with this yucky middah, and on the other hand, knowing about it arms us to fight it. Labeling people as “misfits,” “weirdos,” “nutcases,” “borderlines,”
and so on accomplishes something for you and that is why you might do it: By “Other-ing” someone, you assure yourself that you are not in that category, thank G-d. People who are in any way insecure about themselves will jump at the opportunity to Other others. It gives a great sense of reassurance to do that. It also pumps up the ego to be the labeler rather than the one labeled. As an aside, it’s possible that as a Jew in a hostile environment, Freud might have taken comfort in labeling the women in distress who came to see him as “hysterics.” From this was born the entire system of psychiatric labeling that we use in the U.S. called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It should be noted that Europe has shied away from the intense psychiatric labeling that we use here. They understood that the origins of the catastrophe that they sank into in World War II originated from this Othering process. Another advantage to labeling is that it removes us from our emotions. What do I mean? When you label someone, you’re not responding to the uncomfortable feelings that are generated by the “different-ness” of that person. Instead, you escape into your intellect to find a fitting label. The moving away from feelings sometimes can be a great relief. But neither of these reasons is at all good. We are not supposed to be disgusted by the “different-ness” of
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others. They are our brothers. And we are not supposed to remove ourselves from our uncomfortable emotions. Hashem gave us feelings so we can use them as guides to solve problems. If another person makes us uncomfortable because they’re coming from a different place, that very discomfort should be used as a sign that we need to look closer at this person to understand him better, not move further away.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT So here are some guidelines for handling people that seem so different than you are: • Understand that if someone gave them a psychiatric diagnosis, that diagnosis is only a description of their behavior, thoughts, and feelings. It does not represent a causality. We should not automatically assume “they were born crazy.” No one is born crazy. Some people may have the genetics of
being more sensitive or less so, but that only means we need to handle them with greater sensitivity or less of it. • For argument’s sake, let us assume that someone actually was born crazy. That does not give us the right to misuse or abuse that person, or look down on him, or judge him. He couldn’t help what he was born with. • Understand that if one person is smart and another isn’t, these are gifts from Hashem and it’s ridiculous to blame someone for his innate lacks. In the same way, it makes no sense to blame people for their lack of street smarts or their lack of talent. It makes no sense to accuse people of not making better choices when they came from families that were unable to guide them better. Sure, people must take the reins in their own hands
and get the help they need to improve their lot, but not everyone knows where to turn or how to utilize advice that is incomprehensible to them. This is unfortunate. Don’t judge them. • Instead, the very first reaction, the very first thought that ought to come to your mind is gratitude and appreciation to Hashem for the brains that you were dished out at birth, the good family you come from, or the street smarts you managed to pick up, whatever it was that makes you feel better about yourself than about this Other. • Next should be a feeling of compassion, rachmanus, for this Other. He or she did not have the genetics, the family, the mazal to pick up the best solutions for living and coping. If, instead, you feel angry, hate, resentment, or the like, then
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maybe you and I need to talk about that. • Be solution-oriented. Think: What can I do to help this person on his journey? Maybe just a smile is good enough. Maybe a word of praise for something she did correctly. • Acknowledge what you and this Other, this strange person, this weirdo, have in common. Acknowledge your common humanity: You both make mistakes; you both succeed sometimes; you both wake up in the morning wondering if the day will be a good day or a bad day. You both have feelings. Use them to guide you toward rather than away.
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
The Bitter Truth about Apple Cider Vinegar By Aliza Beer MS, RD
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pple cider vinegar has recently been heralded as a new weight loss tool. In fact, apple cider vinegar has been used as a health tonic for thousands of years. But can adding apple cider vinegar to your diet also help you lose weight? I would like to explore the research and see if there are any health benefits associated with apple cider vinegar besides weight loss. What exactly is apple cider vinegar? Apples are first crushed and combined with yeast to convert their sugar into alcohol. Then, bacteria are added to ferment the alcohol into acetic acid. Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is the main active component of apple cider vinegar and is an organic compound with a sour taste and a strong odor. Some research suggests that acetic acid may lead to weight loss in several ways: • L owers Blood Sugar Levels: In one rat study, acetic acid improved the ability of the liver and muscles to take up sugar from the blood. • D ecreases Insulin Levels: In the same rat study, acetic acid also reduced the ratio of insulin to glucagon, which might favor fat burning. • I mproves Metabolism: Another study found rats that were exposed to acetic acid had an increase in the enzyme AMPK, which increases fat
burning and decreases fat and sugar production in the liver. • R educes Fat Storage: Treating obese diabetic rats with acetic acid helped protect them from fat accumulation in the liver as well as abdominal fat. • S uppresses Appetite: Another study suggests that acetic acid may suppress centers in the brain that control appetite, which could then lead to reduced food intake.
These results look promising, but the studies done were so small that much larger, lengthier studies are needed to accurately evaluate the effect of vinegar on human blood sugar and stomach emptying. The most cited study was done in 2009 on 144 obese Japanese adults over a 12 week period. They were divided into three groups: one group consumed 1 tablespoon of vinegar, one group consumed 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and one group had a placebo drink. They were all told to restrict their alcohol intake,
Those who consumed one tablespoon of vinegar lost an average of 2.6 pounds, with a 26% decrease in triglycerides.
Most studies have been done on animals. There was one small study done on 11 people which found that those who took vinegar with a highcarb meal had a 55% lower blood sugar response one hour after eating. They also ended up consuming about 200-275 fewer calories for the rest of the day. In another small study, taking apple cider vinegar with a starchy meal significantly slowed stomach emptying. This led to increased feelings of fullness and lowered blood sugar and insulin levels.
but otherwise continued their usual diet and activity throughout the study. Those who consumed one tablespoon of vinegar lost an average of 2.6 pounds, with a 26% decrease in triglycerides. The group consuming 2 tablespoons of vinegar lost an average of 3.7 pounds and had 26% decrease in triglycerides. The placebo group actually gained .9 pounds. Yes, these results are very encouraging, but losing a few pounds over 3 months is nothing to brag about – that’s about a 1/3 pound a week! Most diets will have a much
bigger result, so apple cider vinegar alone is not the way to go. Vinegar has been shown to help diabetics, and pre-diabetics control their blood sugar. This anti-glycemic response can be obtained from any vinegar, whether it’s red or white wine vinegars, pomegranate vinegar or even distilled white vinegar. The acetic acid is helping to block the absorption of starch. But in terms of real weight loss the jury is still out on apple cider vinegar and much more research needs to be done. I have found in my practice that apple cider vinegar tends to be very helpful in battling chronic constipation. Vinegar is best used as part of a salad dressing or diluted in water. One should not consume vinegar undiluted; it could cause damage to the teeth, esophagus, or stomach lining. No more than one tablespoon of vinegar should be added to a full cup of water. Apple cider vinegar can be consumed like a tea – one tablespoon in a cup of hot water with a drop of honey or sugar mixed in. As always, when one is considering adding supplements or making changes to their diet, please discuss it with a physician first, as it may be contraindicated for certain individuals.
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.
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Madraigos
The Story of a Parent’s Role Navigating the Maze By Rivki Rosenwald, Esq. MFT
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very parent deserves a medal. This is not a simple job. Parents are motivated from a place of deep love and concern and want the best for their children. The effort often yields rewarding results. However, it certainly presents trying tests along the way. Many parents worry that their child needs to be something they envision and feel personal failure when their child is not on that specific trajectory. Parents are certainly meant to love and guide their children. However, a child often has different strengths and talents than the ones we thought they would have. Getting comfortable with this reality can be difficult. Helping them build on their qualities, and supporting their needs during this journey, is an important part of our job as parents. In the Torah, we meet Moshe. When Moshe is born his parents are not identified. “A man went from a house of Levi and took a daughter of Levi. The woman conceived and gave birth to a son” (Exodus 2:1-2). The Sages point out that only later are we
told who these parents are. They explain that a child is not an extension of a pair. They are recognized as parents when they help a child actualize his potential. Rabbi Nechemia Coopersmith, of Aish Hatorah, tells of his and his wife’s concern when hearing their third child would be born with a specific impediment. They felt that the dreams they had for their son would not be achieved. They struggled with this knowledge. After spending some time raising this child, he confided that he learned from this child more than he could have ever taught him. He learned that the job of a parent is to help a child develop his own strengths and gifts and that other important qualities could emerge differently from those envisioned. He said that this ultimately helped him be a more attuned and effective parent to all of his children. “As parents, you need to fully recognize and reconsider your role as it relates to your child’s struggles," says Michael Riera, PhD. When our children are born,
we often begin dreaming of what they can be. We think our child will be just like us, and sometimes we think our child will be a far better version than us. And yes, they may in fact turn out to have similarities, or even be much more than we ever envisioned. Alternatively, they may turn out to be completely different than we had conceived. Nevertheless, that may be their purpose and destiny. Encouraging their strong points can help them emerge with greater confidence. However, the path they take to get to adulthood may be rocky or quite different than we envisioned. It can be especially trying since they pass through the years of adolescence to get there. The teen years begin a challenging time for most parents. Children who have used their brains in one pattern suddenly seem to be getting their wires crossed. Teenagers’ attitudes change, their judgement seems less sturdy, and their willingness to accept guidance from their parents seem much less intact. Therefore, parents often feel unsure that this person is the result of the child they
have been raising. All of this is happening while a child is searching for their adult identity. “As the craftsman trains for years, before gaining full status in his field, the adolescent is learning to handle adult responsibilities. The perimeter of your adolescent’s mind is expanding, allowing him to think in new ways. He is struggling with the crucial task of forming an identity,” is noted by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in “Your Adolescent.” It is important for a parent to really understand that there is a lot going on for their child during these years. They change physically, hormonally, mentally and socially. (Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers, Michael Riera PhD). Starting at around age 12, their emotional brain is in aggressive development, making them more volatile and impulsive. If a child doesn’t have his own brain giving him good advice on how to deal with strong emotions, then watching a parent be explosive, rather than calm and thought out,
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reinforces this unguided behavior. This creates an opportunity for parents to model self-control when emotions kick in, rather than being irrational as well. To get there, a parent must be attuned to what’s going on inside of himself. Brad Reedy has produced over 900 webinars on understanding parent-child dynamics. In his book, The Journey of The Heroic Parent, he states, “Influential parenting is established through self-awareness.” What is going on inside of us as our child transforms? Are we reacting to our own fears? Are we upset they are not becoming what we want them to be? Are we stuck in our own agenda and not looking at their feelings, needs, fears and struggles during this inevitable growth process? That is the “self-awareness” parents need to develop. If parents can separate what they are feeling or experiencing, and work to harness their reactive posture, then they can be
available to understand their child better. If a parent can recognize how he is responding to the words or behaviors and how it’s upsetting him, then he can be more available to cope in a calm manner. This is certainly not a simple task for a parent. Parents are used to helping organize their children’s lives. It is new to question: am I reacting to my fear for them, rather than their underlying need or feeling? As the natural teen inclination develops toward independence and adulthood, albeit many times in a childish pattern of assertions, rebellions and disrespect, parents can get very unsettled. It helps to recognize that this is unfamiliar territory for the child as well. The teen has new emotions, along with unfamiliar reactions and instincts. Children’s behaviors are often sparked by these changes and uncertainties. Psychologist Erik Erikson highlights the importance of this teen process by saying that an adolescent not engag-
ing in the process often gets stuck with unrealized independence and a confused identity. As parents, we are then left with a child instead of someone who has transitioned into adulthood. A parent can assist in this transition by reacting more rationally. One method is for a parent to tune into, and empathize with, the underlying need or feeling that sparked the behavior. An unacceptable or disturbing behavior stems from a feeling or a need. When parents try to understand the underlying emotion of a teen, it helps both parties forge a greater connection while dealing with the challenges of adolescence. Brad Reedy encourages, “As parents we need to allow our children to actually feel their emotions, to deeply experience their experiences and be there for them in intimate ways as they struggle.” Exploring this approach can help guide parents in supporting an adolescent in a jour-
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ney from childhood to adulthood with greater harmony and respect for the process. Madraigos will be presenting a parenting evening on Monday, October 30, at 8 p.m. in The Beth Shalom Ballroom. Rabbi Zachariah Wallerstein will be speaking about conscious parenting. Dr. Brad Reedy will be speaking about “How do I get my kids to...without them hating me.” At the event, Madraigos will be awarding the pioneering leaders of the first three educational and supportive parenting groups for parents of teens and young adults. These successful parenting groups met at Madraigos headquarters, 936 Broadway, over the past year. Men and women are invited to attend. Admission is free. To reserve seats or for more information about the event, please contact Eli Perlman at eperlman@ madraigos.org or 516.371.3250 extension 111.
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
In The K
tchen
Creamy Asparagus Soup
Ingredients 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 2 medium leeks, sliced (white part only) 4 stalks celery, chopped 2 zucchini, chunked 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 bags frozen Pardes Farms asparagus cuts 6 cups water, divided 1 tablespoon kosher salt Freshly ground pepper
Preparation By Naomi Nachman
I try to keep a well-stocked freezer and pantry so I can make quick and easy soup recipes with different ingredients, including a variety of frozen vegetables. There are certain vegetables, however, that require a lot of preparation. For example, strawberries, asparagus and broccoli are a challenge due to halachic issues, as they require checking for bugs. Recently, Pardes Farms introduced pre-checked frozen asparagus in addition to their other pre-checked vegetables that they sell. As I make asparagus soup regularly, this is a game-changer for me. I now stock my freezer with their pre-checked asparagus and I also keep other pre-checked vegetables that Pardes Farms sells – these are especially handy during the autumn and winter soup season.
Add oil to a large pot on medium-high heat. Add leek and sauté for about three minutes. Lower heat to medium-low; add celery, zucchini and garlic, then sauté for another five minutes. Add potatoes and asparagus and sauté for another five minutes. Add 6 cups of water, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Blend soup with an immersion blender for a full three minutes before serving.
Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Studying Sm
rt
A Breakdown of the SAT Plus Tips to Conquer the Test By Chaim Homnick
Y
om tov season is over, and school is back in full swing, which means it is time to start thinking about the most important test of one’s high school career: the SAT! Tenth and eleventh graders in Jewish schools will be taking the PSAT on October 5. Meanwhile, many seniors are studying diligently to take the SAT exam for the final time in November. Below is an exclusive breakdown of the new SAT along with relevant tips for some of the sections.
THE TEST The SAT is now comprised of 4 sections and usually takes close to 5 hours once the time spent completing forms and taking breaks are factored in:
Reading
Writing and Language
Math w/o Calculator
Math with a Calculator
65 minutes
35 minutes
25 minutes
55 minutes
52 questions
44 questions
20 questions
38 questions
5 passages of 10-11 Q’s
4 passages of 11 Q’s
M.C. 1-15 (E, M, H)
M.C. 1-30 (E, M, H)
13 minutes / passage
8:45 / passage
16-20 Fill-ins
31-38 Fill-ins
KEY CHANGES TO THE NEW SAT (POST-2015) Old SAT
New SAT
Scored out of 2400
Scored out of 1600
Penalty for Guessing
No Penalty for Guessing
Broken Down into 10 Sections
Divided into 4 Sections
Required Essay
Optional Essay
Direct Vocabulary
Only Limited Vocabulary in Context
Individual Grammar Questions
Grammar in Context Questions
5 Multiple Choice Options per Question
4 Multiple Choice Options
Calculator allowed for all Math Sections
New Math without a Calculator Section
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
SCORING The score is back to being out of 1600. The Reading and Writing sections combine for 800 points of the total and the two Math sections provide the other 800 points. This is beneficial for most students as the Writing section is one of the easiest to improve on and it now is factored into your score for all colleges.
TIMING Each section is now its own part of the test. In the math sections, the questions generally go from easy to hard. It is essential that you answer the easy questions quickly but accurately. That will leave you more time to work on the harder questions without having to rush due to running out of time. Make sure to pace yourself. For Reading, read each passage one time and then answer the questions while referring to the correct part of the passage. For Writing, answer the questions as you go, keeping in mind that you have only 40-50 seconds per question. For both Math sections, try to spend under 1 minute per easy question to leave yourself sufficient time for the harder questions.
INSTRUCTIONS Don’t ever waste time reading instructions! Know the test well and jump straight into it. Half the difficulty of the SAT comes from the fact that it is timed. Every second saved helps!
LAYOUT Remember, both Math sections are set up to go from easy questions to medium to hard within each set of question types. Answer the easy questions quickly but accurately and make sure to give yourself enough time to focus more on the difficult questions and give yourself the best shot at those. But never sacrifice accuracy! Every question is worth the same 1 point, so if you ace the first 16 questions of a section and do poorly on the last 8 questions, you can still get a great score. If you get only 8 or 9 of the first 16 right, you are in trouble.
PENALTY FOR GUESSING There is no longer any penalty for guessing so EVERY question
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must be answered. If you are nearly out of time on a section, be sure to fill in an answer for all remaining or skipped questions.
MATH Work with a tutor or find a good review book to study the math concepts and equations you need to know for the SAT. Remember, there is a formula key at the beginning of each math section with some of the formulas you need to use such as area and volume that you aren’t expected to memorize. As for the tricky ways they ask the questions, make sure not to fall for easy traps! If they ask you to solve for a specific angle, don’t just solve for X and forget to plug it back in. Again, to avoid issues with timing, don’t just practice answering the questions right; work on solving questions in the fastest way possible. For example, learn and apply the formula that can be done in 30 seconds instead of wasting 4 minutes utilizing guess and check. Keep in mind that for many vari-
yourself into answering something that doesn’t really fit. The timing on each passage is crucial because if you run out of time with a full passage or two left it will severely hurt your grade. Make sure to pace yourself. For the passages, always read
questions have 4 choices to replace the underlined word/ phrase and no actual question. 2. Choice Questions: These will always say, “Which choice best/most/least ______?” 3. C ontext/Thematic Questions: These questions ask whether a sentence should be moved or added or deleted.
Half the difficulty of the SAT comes from the fact that it is timed.
able questions you can simply plug in your own numbers! There is NO penalty for guessing so even if you have no idea how to do it, come up with an educated guess. It can’t hurt.
READING The reading sections are now entirely comprised of passages and the occasional math or science-based chart. For the charts, keep in mind that the data is there. They will not ask a question on a chart that needs outside knowledge. Likewise, for each Reading question, realize that the answer you choose has to fit perfectly with the information in the passage. The SAT is tricky enough; don’t fool
them first, unless there are only 5 minutes left and you have an entire passage to read. If so, look for questions that are on a specific word or line and answer those first. Then, as time allows, start trying to answer questions on the passage in general.
WRITING The Writing section is now entirely comprised of passage-based questions and the occasional chart (for all charts, the info is always given to you. You merely need to interpret the data). There are several types of questions in the writing section. 1. Correct the mistake: These
The above guide provides a useful summary of key factors and tips to keep in mind. To receive the complete list of grammar mistakes the SAT is comprised of as well as the Math content that is covered, reach out to us and schedule a consultation today! It is never too early to start preparing for the SAT.
Chaim Homnick is the College Advisor at Mesivta Ateres Yaakov of Lawrence and also teaches 5 periods of Honors/AP English Literature. Chaim is the owner of Five Towns Tutoring (fivetownstutoring.com). He scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and the LSAT and tutors both extensively along with most Regents exams. He has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration and an MBA. For questions, comments, previous articles or tutoring, he can be reached directly at chomnick@gmail. com or 305-321-3342.
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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Notable Quotes “Say What?!”
Google just released a pair of headphones that can translate 40 languages instantly. They say it’s a great way to travel to a new country and find out everyone’s making fun of you. - Jimmy Fallon
If you’re first across the bridge, everyone’s going to be repeating that; I’m the last one to cross the bridge. I’ve got to tell you, what an honor. - Seth Kestenbaum who, in his 1929 vintage Ford, was the last person to cross the Tappan Zee Bridge before it closed for good on October 6
Like many of our fans, we believe that everyone should stand for the National Anthem. - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in an internal memo to NFL owners last week
According to reports, Netflix is raising its prices next month. Wow, that is gonna be quite a burden on whoever’s password I’m using. – Seth Myers
We had really well-respected security, intelligence veterans saying this was a cyber 9/11, in the sense it was a direct attack on our institutions. That may sound dramatic, but we know that they probed and tried to intrude into election systems — not just the social media propaganda part of their campaign.
He ain’t using his phone if it ain’t Wi-Fi.
– Hillary Clinton during a speech in London last Sunday
- Dwyane Wade in a joint interview with teammate LeBron James, disclosing that James (who earned in excess of $86 million last year) is so cheap that he refuses to use his phone data
My wife Nancy and I were babysitting both grandkids recently. We usually have them one at a time. I came home from an outing with the 2-year-old and saw Nancy needed a little energy boost after trying to keep up with the 4-monthold. I offered to go out for coffee.
No, I’m not doing that. I’m not turning on data roaming. I’m not buying no apps. I still got Pandora with commercials.
- Palmer Scumaci, 67, of Ronkonkoma, who ended up buying a $1 million winning scratch off on his coffee outing last week, talking about how it only happened because of babysitting his rambunctious grandchildren
I will try to spend it as irrationally as possible. - Richard Thaler of the University of Chicago, who won the 2017 Nobel Prize in economics for his work on how human beings often make irrational financial decisions, disclosing how he will spend the $1.1 million prize
- LeBron James confirming his teammate’s allegation of frugalness
Territory that suffers Israeli occupation and bombings. - How an influential daily newspaper in Brazil, Estado de S. Paulo, categorized “Palestine” in a crossword puzzle
MORE QUOTES
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015
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Scientists have invented a way for you to change channels on your TV with gestures. Yeah, it’s great for people who like watching sports completely still. “Wow! What a catch — nobody move! Oh, now we’re watching Lifetime.” – Jimmy Fallon
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will speak at a rally tomorrow against gerrymandering. Admission is free, but I would still pay $1,000 just to hear him say gerrymandering. – Seth Myers
President Trump’s not only gonna finish his term, he’s gonna win with 400 electoral votes in 2020. – Steve Bannon, at the Values Voter Summit last week responding to a Vanity Fair report which claims that Bannon thinks President Trump has only a “30 percent chance of making it the full term”
People have to be careful because at some point I fight back. I’m being very nice. I’m being very, very nice. But, at some point I fight back, and it won’t be pretty. - President Trump in an interview with WMAL radio host Chris Plante, when asked about Sen. McCain’s recent criticism of him
Today President Trump flew to Puerto Rico. He was like, “These conditions are horrible! How can anyone live like this?” Then an aide said, “Sir, this is LaGuardia. We’re just refueling.” – Jimmy Fallon
It is very common for humans to develop things with the best of intentions and for them to have unintended, negative consequences.
Presidential
Quips
- Justin Rosenstein, who created Facebook’s “Like” button, talking about how his invention, which he described as “bright dings of pseudo-pleasure,” is bad for society in an interview with The Guardian
Apple is reportedly designing an iPhone with a foldable display. “We’re getting ready to fold too!” said BlackBerry. - Seth Myers
Is she going to run? Oh, I hope. Hillary, please run again. Go ahead. - President Trump when asked about Hillary Clinton’s recent criticism of him
MORE QUOTES
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
In France, someone has installed the first ever “Raw Oyster Vending Machine.” It’s being called innovative by seafood lovers and the best idea ever by bacteria. - Conan O’Brien
I saw that Epcot just celebrated its 35th anniversary. It was also the 35th anniversary of the first dad sneaking off to get drunk in Germany. – Jimmy Fallon
Donald Trump really is draining the swamp, and the alligators are really unhappy. - Newt Gingrich on John Catsimatidis’ radio show
I saw that Ikea’s teaming up with Amazon to sell its furniture online. They say it’s perfect for couples who want to argue in the comfort of their own home. – Jimmy Fallon
Those diplomatic efforts will continue until the first bomb drops. - Secretary of State Rex Tillerson talking about his diplomatic efforts to diffuse the North Korea situation, on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
MORE QUOTES
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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Today is Columbus Day. But I read that some cities are observing Indigenous People’s Day instead, while most people said, “Call it whatever you want, as long as we get a mattress for 30 percent off.” That’s all we really want. – Jimmy Fallon
President Trump just overtook Pope Francis as the most followed world leader on Twitter… I guess they could tell Trump passed the Pope when a plume of orange smoke came out of the White House. – Jimmy Fallon
Amazon just announced that teens can now shop on their parents’ accounts, but the order will only go through if Mom and Dad approve it – or if they click the button that says, “Mom and Dad approve it.” - Jimmy Fallon
Germany has just rolled out a new law banning hate speech. The law is tricky to implement because everything sounds like hate speech when it’s spoken in German. – Conan O’Brien
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OCTOBER 19, 2017 | The Jewish Home
Political Crossfire
At the Crux of the U.S.-Turkey Dispute is a Gold Dealer Facing Trial By David Ignatius
A
t the center of the increasingly bitter dispute between the U.S. and Turkey is a demand by an irate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that American prosecutors free a Turkish-Iranian gold dealer who’s about to go on trial on money-laundering and fraud charges. The confrontation sharpened Thursday, as Erdogan protested in Ankara that the businessman, Reza Zarrab, was being squeezed as a “false witness” about corruption. Turkey alarmed Washington by arresting a U.S. consular official this week, in what some U.S. officials feared was an attempt to gain leverage for Zarrab’s release before the scheduled Nov. 27 start of his trial in New York. Turkish and American officials plan to meet next week for talks to ease tensions. What dirt could Zarrab dish in court? A possible preview comes in a May 2016 court filing by then-U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. Citing a December 2013 Turkish prosecutor’s report, Bharara’s memo said the Turkish evidence “describes a massive bribery scheme executed by Zarrab and others, paying cabinet-level governmental officials and high-level bank officers tens of millions of Euro and U.S. dollars to facilitate Zarrab’s network’s transactions for the benefit of Iran” to evade U.S. sanctions against that country. Bharara’s memo noted that these “conclusions are corroborated by emails obtained through the FBI’s investigation.” Erdogan’s campaign to free Zarrab has been extraordinary. He demanded his release as well as the firing of Bhar-
ara in a private meeting with then-Vice President Joe Biden on Sept. 21, 2016, in which U.S. officials say half the 90-minute conversation was devoted to Zarrab. Erdogan’s wife pleaded the case that night to Jill Biden. Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag visited then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch in October to argue that the case was “based on no evidence,” and that Zarrab should be released. Erdogan appealed personally about the matter in his last two phone calls with President Obama, in December and early January, former aides say. “Our operating
Giuliani, a close Trump adviser. The case is toxic to Erdogan because it intersects with his nemesis, the self-exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania. Erdogan blames Gulen’s followers for gathering and leaking the 2013 evidence about Zarrab, which Turkish media reports say included allegations against Erdogan’s family. When Erdogan met with Biden a year ago, he claimed bizarrely that Bharara was a Gulenist tool, according to a former official. Giuliani’s involvement is one of the many unusual aspects of this case.
When Erdogan met with Biden a year ago, he claimed bizarrely that Bharara was a Gulenist tool, according to a former official. assumption was that Erdogan’s obsession with the case was that if it moved forward, information would come out that would damage his family, and ultimately him,” said one former senior Obama official. Erdogan’s government began cultivating Donald Trump’s team before the election. Michael Flynn, then a campaign aide, was hired as a pro-Turkey lobbyist, and his firm continued to receive Turkish money during the transition. After Flynn resigned as national security adviser in February, the Turks began working with Rudy
He contacted Bharara on Feb. 24 to inform him that he planned to travel to Ankara on Zarrab’s behalf. Trump fired Bharara in March; around that time, Giuliani began pressing the Justice Department for “some agreement between the United States and Turkey” to aid American “security interests” and help Zarrab, Giuliani said in a filing with the court. Despite these various attempts to halt the prosecution, the case rolled forward – and even broadened in an expanded indictment last month that named a former Turkish Cabi-
net minister and three other prominent Turks. Turkey’s Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag on Sept. 11 condemned the expanded charges as another “coup attempt.” Erdogan sees Gulenist plotting behind the 2013 allegations against his inner circle and a failed July 2016 military coup. Erdogan may have hoped that Trump would support his push to free Zarrab. And Trump initially seemed sympathetic to the Turkish leader, inviting him to Washington for a May meeting. But that visit was marred when Erdogan’s security detail attacked protesters outside the Turkish embassy; and Trump’s maneuvering room has narrowed because of investigations surrounding his administration. Some U.S. officials fear that Erdogan might be seeking bargaining chips in the detention of Pastor Andrew Brunson, arrested a year ago on charges he backed Gulen, and the arrest last week of Metin Topuz, a longtime employee of the U.S. consulate in Istanbul, who a Turkish newspaper has alleged was in contact with a pro-Gulen prosecutor back in 2013. And Erdogan himself suggested last month a trade of Brunson for Gulen. The phrase “NATO ally” is repeated so often about Turkey that it obscures how adversarial and autocratic recent Turkish actions have been. Washington is worried about what’s next. (c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group
The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 19, 2017
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Forgotten Her es
Pete Suer, a Hero with a Heart By Avi Heiligman
I
n today’s military the elite forces include the Navy SEALs, Green Berets and Delta Force. These units, plus a myriad of others that comprise elite soldiers, trace their roots back to World War II (some, like the snipers, go back to 19th and even 18th centuries). Paratroopers along with the Rangers during WWII were considered the best infantry that America put on the battlefields globally. In the past we’ve discussed the heroics of Sergeant Isadore Jachman of the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 17th Airborne Division. The Talmudical Academy alumnus was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor five years after he was fatally wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. Captain Alexander “Pete” Suer was another Jewish paratrooper who is remembered for his heroism during battle. His story is unique because he wasn’t just another infantry soldier who learned to jump out of an airplane. Pete Suer was born in Philadelphia in 1917 and studied in Temple University before becoming a dentist. Several months prior to the attack at Pearl Harbor, Pete joined the army and had taken a twelve week Medical Service Course. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor he decided to join the paratroopers and joined the 505th PIR. In addition to his duties as one of two dentists in the regiment, Pete learned to become a medic and later used the fact that he could speak German to his advantage (this author believes that he knew Yiddish but the history books don’t differentiate between German and Yiddish in this case). The 505th PIR was a regiment in the 82nd Airborne Division that was activated in 1942. Its first commander was the legendary (in airborne lore, that is) Colonel James Gavin. Known as the “Jumping General” because of the four combat jumps he made with
Photo taken in June 1944 at the 505th Regimental Aid Station located in Sainte-MèreEglise. The 505th PIR Officer, Captain Suer, is negotiating with Ludwig J. Cibelli (POW doctor)
his soldiers, Gavin eventually became the 82nd commanding officer. At the time, he was only 37-years-old and was the youngest to command an American division during World War II. While he was just a colonel he was a tough commander and had his men go through a grueling training regimen. This training had the men better prepared for battle than the standard training protocol. One of the men that benefited from this was Captain Pete Suer. After intensive training Suer was transferred with the rest of the 505th PIR to North Africa in preparation for
regiment in the hours preceding the beach landings by the regular infantry. His mission was to set up a field hospital once they reached the village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise. Men from various units that were scattered, other Allied men and even enemy soldiers were treated at this hospital. Pete took a jeep and modified it with a stretcher on front to collect wounded soldiers from the battlefield and take them to the rear for better medical care. Many times he would wave a Red Cross flag standing on the bumper of his jeep and direct the driver to go into the thick of
Once in the enemy rear, he would negotiate a swap of the wounded Germans for wounded Allied soldiers. the invasion of Sicily. Operation Husky saw the 505th PIR parachute from C-47 transport planes into Sicily where many of the men were scattered across the island. Many men were wounded, and it seemed to some in the regiment that Captain Suer was everywhere treating the wounded. Other medics cited him for being intent on saving as many lives as possible. Often, he took “command” of a jeep or another vehicle to transport the wounded to a Navy Beach Battalion for advanced care. He continued his lifesaving heroics when the 505th PIR jumped into Salerno, Italy. Almost all of the Allied planners knew that victory against the Nazis would have to be through an invasion of France and Western Europe. To this end, the 505th PIR made its third combat jump into Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. Suer jumped with the
fighting to pick up the wounded. In France Suer directly helped the Allied cause when he saw a group of soldiers in the distance. Pete called out to them in German that they were surrounded by heavily armed Americans. Believing they were surrounded, fifteen Germans surrendered and laid down their weapons. While another American doctor went to look for help in capturing the POWs, Pete guarded the Germans and hoped they wouldn’t see his medic armband. They didn’t, and the Germans were sent to a POW camp. The fourth and final jump for the 505th PIR took place in September 1944 as part of Operation Market Garden in Holland. The first aid post was set up in a school, and again Pete went on harrowing missions to look for wounded soldiers. Here he would fill up his jeep with wounded Germans and drive through enemy lines waving
the Red Cross flag. Once in the enemy rear, he would negotiate a swap of the wounded Germans for wounded Allied soldiers. This was quite a feat considering that if the Nazis found out that he was Jewish he would have been sent to a concentration camp. The Battle of the Bulge was the last desperate effort by Germany to win the war against the Americans. It was daring plan that involved speed, surprise and bad weather but ultimately became bogged down. Nevertheless, Allied commanders were in a panic when the battle started on December 16. The 505th was on R & R (rest and relaxation) in France when they got the call to drive to the front and stop the German advance. Ten days later Captain Suer received word that two Americans were wounded near German lines and needed to be evacuated. Knowing that the Germans were observing him did not stop the mission. While in open ground the Nazis let forth with a mortar barrage. Pete was severely wounded but insisted on being evacuated only after the rest of the wounded were taken care of first. He was sent back to the U.S. where he developed a pulmonary embolism (a blockage of an artery in the lungs). Pete died at Walter Reed Medical Center on February 1, 1945 after writing to another surgeon that he regretted not being at the front to help wounded soldiers. The heroics of Alexander “Pete” Suer are legendary among medics in the military. Dodging bullets to rescue downed soldiers is not for the faint of heart, and Pete was awarded two Silver Stars, among other medals, for his actions. 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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HUNTINGTON STATION: 1,500 +/- SF Free Standing Building W/ Parking, Great Location, High Visibility, For Lease…Call For More Details Call Ian for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
FAR ROCKAWAY: 8,600SF DayCare/School Available, Various Classrooms, Offices, MultiPurpose Room, Kitchenette & Bathrooms, Ready to Go!!! For Lease … Call For More Details Broker (516) 792-6698
EAST ROCKAWAY: 1,500+/-SF Office Space in Professional Elevator Bldg W/Full Bsmt & Ample Parking, 3 Private Offices, Conference Rm, Bullpen & Reception Area, For Lease… Call For More Details Broker (516) 792-6698
HEWLETT: 2,512 +/- Turn-Key Medical/Office, All Rooms have Sinks, Lovely Atrium-like Setting, 8 Car On-Site Parking, Handicap Access, For Lease… Call Randy for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
INWOOD 10,000 sq ft brick building. Offices and warehouse. High ceilings. Asking $18/foot. Owner: 516-206-1100 mark@mbequitygroup.com
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New From Ground Up, Spacious 2BR, 2BA, Eik, 3BR Cape, Fin Bsmt, Charming 3BR CH Col, 2BR,Near All..$1,950/mo 1st Flr, Parking..$2,650/mo SD#14,Near All..$525K Porch,Bsmt,SD#14..$649K
FREE
A Visual Evaluation Of Your Home’s Systems By A Licensed & Fully Insured Property Inspector.
Waterfront 6BR, 6.5BA Very Lg Split Level, 9BR, A Limited Time Offer. Call For More Details* Col,Dock,Pool..$1.995M Lot Size 103x118..$1.199M
Susan Pugatch
Carol Braunstein
(516)
Call or Text
(516) 592-2206
cbraunstein@pugatch.com
295-3000
www.pugatch.com
spugatch@pugatch.com
H E W L E T T: 59 Berwick Rd (12-1:30)$525K LAWRENCE: 4 2 B a r r e t t R d ( 1 2 - 1 : 3 0 ) $1.199M WOODMERE: 1075 Highland Pl (12-1:30)$649K
1,200SF 2nd Floor Office Space W/Kitchenette & Conference Rm
Call Paul Engle Jr. For More Details!!!
1,400+/- SF Storefront W/Office & Kitchen in Rear
Call Sean Kind For More Details!!!
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Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com / text 443-929-4003 COMMERCIAL RE
CO-OP FOR SALE
APT FOR RENT
HELP WANTED
HUNTINGTON STATION: 1,500 +/- SF Free Standing Building W/ Parking, Great Location, High Visibility, For Lease…Call Ian for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
FAR ROCKAWAY 833 Central , 1st floor, balcony, doorman. Completely renovated, near LIRR, 2BR/2 full bath, 2 DW/sinks, wood cabinets, granite counters $339 917-572-9644
FAR ROCKAWAY: BUNGALOW New from the Ground Up, Roof, Siding, Eik, 2BR, Near All…$1,950/mo. Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
Seeking PRE-1A AFTERNOON TEACHER for a Bais Yaakov in Far Rockaway to start immediately. Please email resume to teachingpositions1@gmail.com
ISLAND PARK: 1,400+/-SF Storefront with Office Space and Kitchen in Rear, 3 Parking Spots + Municipal Parking, Great Location, For Lease …Call Sean for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com LYNBROOK: 725 +/- SF Commercial Co-Op, Any Professional Use, Waiting Room, Exam Rooms, Lab, Reception, Consultation, Can be Fully Furnished, For Sale … Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698 VALLEY STREAM: 1,200+/-SF Office Space, 2nd Floor Walk-Up, features Kitchenette, 3 Small Offices, Conference Room and 2 Bathrooms, Great Location, For Lease …Call Paul for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
WOODMERE: BEST BUY – NEW PRICE SMALL PETS OK: Beautiful Corner Unit In Elevator Bldg, 2BR, 5 Closets, All Large Rooms, Sunny & Spacious, Close To All...$165K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
APT FOR RENT 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT IN FAR ROCKAWAY (NEAR BBY) On 2nd floor in a 3 story house Kosher Kitchen Call 516-225-4558 Available immediately Short or long terms OK CEDARHURST: Fabulous & Very Spacious 2BR, 2Fbth, Storage Units, Close To All...$2,650/mo Call Carol Braunstein - (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
355 Central Avenue, Lawrence NY 11559 (Across the street from Seasons)
P: 516.791.6100 | F: 516.374.7059 www.WeissmanRealty.com
FAR ROCKAWAY APARTMENT RENTALS
2 BEDROOMS APT IN FAR ROCKAWAY available furnished newly renovated basement apartment with high ceilings, airy and light Brand new kitchen and appliances. All rooms have split air conditioner. Full bathroom and WiFi. Please call Ricki 347-248-9160 $1350 + utilities
HELP WANTED SEEKING PAYROLL CLERK in Valley Stream corporate office to process weekly payrolls, & benefits. *detail oriented *tight deadlines *proficient in Microsoft Excel Apply at: (case sensitive) https://goo.gl/m2cGVc Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, Woodmere, NY, seeks MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER for immediate hire. Resumes to Ulubetski@halb.org
First Grade and Preschool assistant teacher needed for a Bais Yaakov in Far Rockaway- to start immediately. Call 718-868-3232 or email teachingpositions1@gmail.com ASSISTANT MORAH Looking for a heimish, post-high school girl to work as a warm and loving assistant Morah in a 2 year old Far Rockaway playgroup. Hours are 9-3 (12:00 Friday). Alternatively, 2 assistants: 9-12 and 12-3. Competitive pay, vacation, and sick days. For more information, please email mirimiller3@yahoo.com
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OFFICES FOR LEASE Far Rockaway
Cornaga location, 3 to 4 offices, plus bthrm. Good for doctor, dentist or business. $1900 Call Sherri 516-297-7995
Reduced 5 bedrooms, 2 bath with gorgeous granite kitchen. Large grand oor opens to beautiful water view. Renovation needs to be nished. Make it the way you want. Call Sherri Slochowsky 516-297-7995 $698K
Sunny Junior 4 in Beautiful Co-op Building. Renovated Kitchen & Bath, Hardwood Floors. Elevator, Doorman, and Laundry. $265,000
Cedarhurst
Single rooms or executive suites. All utilities included. Starting at $400. Call Sherri 516-297-7995
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Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com / text 443-929-4003 HELP WANTED YESHIVA KETANA OF LONG ISLAND is looking for a dynamic, positive and professional afternoon assistant for a general studies first or second grade position. Please fax resume to 516-368-9199 or email to office@ykli.org Local F.T. Accounting Office Seeks P/T JR. ACCOUNTANT proficient in Q.B. knowledge of payroll tax, sales tax, business tax and individual taxes Qualified applicants should please e-mail resume to: 5towntaxoffice@gmail.com
HELP WANTED BOYS KIRUV SCHOOL LOCATED IN KEW GARDENS SEEKS GENERAL STUDIES TEACHERS for upper elementary grades. Must be proficient in Common Core curriculum and comfortable with technology in the classroom in addition to receiving training in an award winning system. Competitive salary. Hours are Monday-Thursday 12:30-3:45 Please send resumes to jobseekfr@yahoo.com
TJH Classifieds Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Miscellaneous Ads here.
Weekly Classifed Ads Up to 5 lines and/or 25 words 1 week ................ $20 $10 2 weeks .............. $35 $17.50 4 weeks .............. $60 $30 Email ads to: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
F/T & P/T REGISTERED NURSE openings to work with adults who have developmental disabilities within residential settings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Long Island. Current NYS RN, min 2 years hospital experience. OHEL: 855-OHEL JOB, www.ohelfamily.org/careers
CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers, Title I Boro Park, Williamsburg and Flatbush Schools *College/Yeshiva Degree *Teaching experience required *Strong desire to help children learn *Small group instruction
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 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.
*Excellent organization skills Competitive salary Send resume to: Fax: (212) 480-3691 ~ Email: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com
MISC SHIDDUCH DATING? NEED PLACES TO GO? Check out Pegishaplace.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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IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND.
JAY SCHWERD
Jay Schwerd 516.374.4100 jay@ftmr.com
COMMERCIAL LEASING • SALES
27 Frost Lane
Lawrence, NY 11559
www.ftmr.com
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Your
Money
The Long and Short of It By Allan Rolnick, CPA
C
onsumer surveys consistently show that CPAs are the most trusted financial advisors of all. But what happens in the rare instance when you can’t trust your CPA? Nothing good, that’s for sure! Back in 2001, John Baldwin helped engineer a deal to sell Louisiana’s Delta Downs racetrack for a $74 million profit. Baldwin took a $10 million fee for his work, along with some hefty interest payments on a $17 million loan his company had extended to finance it. But Baldwin didn’t want to share those hard-earned gains with the IRS. So he went to the “Big Four” global accounting firm of KPMG for ways to pay less tax. KPMG dug into their bag of tricks and pulled out a doozy — a “one-time fix” called SOS, or Short Options Strategy. Without getting too technical, here’s how this little sleightof-hand worked. (If you’re
thinking “sleight-of-hand” is an unfortunate term to use in the tax-planning context, you’re right.) • First, Baldwin put up $1.5 million to buy $22 million worth of “long” options on Mexican and Brazilian currency, betting the value of the currency would go up.
in the partnership solely on the “long” position. • Finally, the partnership sold all the options for roughly what Baldwin paid for them and reported a tax loss in the vicinity of that long position — even though Baldwin was never at risk for losing anywhere near that much
$10 million in tax, interest, and penalties. Prosecutors indicted KPMG and 19 individuals for helping Baldwin and 600 more clients evade $2.5 billion in taxes — and the firm paid $465 million in to make it all go away. Years later, some of those 600 customers are still battling KPMG in court.
To add insult to injury, even KPMG says that Baldwin never should have trusted them in the first place!
• S imultaneously, he sold $22 million worth of “short” options on the same currencies, betting the price would go down. • Next, he transferred the offsetting positions into a partnership and, relying on an old Tax Court opinion, calculated his “basis”
money. If the whole thing smells like something that comes out of the south end of a north-facing horse, that’s because it was. KPMG knew it was. The IRS caught on, of course. They audited everyone in sight and socked Baldwin with over
And that brings us back to Baldwin, who sued KPMG for all sorts of nefarious-sounding offenses, like fraud, negligent representation, breach of fiduciary duty, and racketeering. Last month, the Third Circuit ruled that he really just should have known
better: “the fact that a prearranged, ‘turnkey’ transaction could generate just the right amount of losses — for an ‘investment’ and fee orders of magnitude smaller — should have also seemed a serendipitous coincidence indeed.” To add insult to injury, even KPMG says that Baldwin never should have trusted them in the first place! Here’s the good news. The tax code offers 70,000 pages of green lights to pay less tax legitimately. So don’t be afraid to ask us to show our work, and cite those green lights — book, chapter, and verse. And make sure you have a plan before your big scores, so you can make the most of them!
Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 yea rs in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.
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Life C ach
The Inevitable Cycle By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS
I
need something to eat!” is probably the last phrase anyone is likely to utter these days – at least if they’ve just been through the last bout of holidays. Not to, G-d forbid, reduce the holidays to an eating marathon! Still, if we think that, in general, we eat way too much on a simple Shabbos, what would you call the last few weeks?! You may be wondering why I am mentioning this when it’s the last thing you want to focus on. To be honest I’m getting a kickback from the local gyms and three nutritionists! After all, who doesn’t feel like getting back into shape now? I’m not saying any one of us will actually get that carried away and take the aggressive measure of joining a gym or signing up with a nutritionist. I’m just saying we have wild thoughts of doing so! So, it’s back to reality! Less food, more traffic. Less calories, more deadlines. It’s not like we won’t have what to complain about. It will just be packaged differently. Life does have a way of keeping us busy. And we do have our way of looking at it. I think it’s kind of
like ... from eating obligation to eating obligation. Seriously, who isn’t thinking about a bar mitzvah, a wedding, or Thanksgiving right now?! If you can think of the last thing you feel like doing would you say it’s seeing another supermarket, cook-
ter shape? And then again, is it even worth it if another occasion is always right around the corner? This is a perpetual dilemma. It reminds me of pregnancy: you need the interim clothing, then the maternity clothing, and then it’s back to the interim clothing. And then just as you’re
OK, I’m going to make a confession. I do have this urge to buy lots and lots of lettuce.
ing another meal, or eating another dessert? I’m not saying you won’t feel differently by Wednesday, but for the moment I’d say most of us are spent! OK, I’m going to make a confession. I do have this urge to buy lots and lots of lettuce. It’s like this feeling I want to detox. Again, I’m not saying I will, but the wild thought is there. Nevertheless, I’ll probably buy a pizza pie! So how do we get back in to bet-
fitting back i to your regular size, it starts all over again with the next pregnancy. There’s no getting away from the cycle. That’s kind of what happens with us. Just when you figure out a way to shed the last holiday’s excess weight, the latkes show up, then the matzos, and before you know it you’re back to dipping the apple in the honey and the accompanying cholents and honey cakes! Another cycle begins... Perhaps, I can suggest fight cy-
cle with cycle: bicycle. Get on yours and keep pedaling. Through each stretch of the year, use it outside or switch to the stationary indoor ones. Or find your exercise of choice and keep it as part of your routine. I’m not promising amazing results. I’m just suggesting it might give you a fighting chance to ward off some of the calories looking to bind with you year-round. Yet, if this doesn’t speak to you, don’t sweat it! I spent some time thinking of what exercise I could incorporate year-round to keep as part of my countermeasure routine. And guess what? Mine was an immediate fail. I realized my exercise of choice is chewing! So, good luck to you! And I’ll probably see you next week in the aisles of Gourmet Glatt or Pomegranate, or running not to miss the smorgasbord at the next wedding. ‘Cuz there’s no fighting it. That’s the inevitable cycle of our lives!
Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com
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