August 6, 2020
Your Favorite Five Towns Family Newspaper
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Around the
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36 Riding for a Cause
Who Joe Biden Will Pick As His Running Mate… If He Didn’t Already Pick Someone Else pg
80
An Agunah-Free World 42 Supporting the Police
HOW THE YASHAR COALITION SEEKS TO REACH THIS CRITICAL GOAL pg
When the Broken Path Still Leads Home
46 Chessed in Local Camps
PAGE 27
pg
64
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
Dear Readers,
I
someone who likes to have things organized and preplanned – but all good in the end. Throughout the preparations something that someone told me a few months ago stayed in my head. She reminded me that a bar mitzvah should be about the bar mitzvah boy – not about the fanciest flowers or the most beautiful dresses or about the most delicious desserts. “Focus on him, build him up, and do things that will make him feel happy,” she advised. And I really kept that in mind. Although my son was in camp in the days leading up to the event, while planning for the simcha, I consistently pictured his smile when he came home and saw the little details that came together in his honor. Truthfully, this piece of advice holds true for so many occasions throughout life. When making a wedding or an upsherin or a class reunion or even a Friday night meal, focus on the person or the thing that you are celebrating and make sure that that is what’s being uplifted by the simcha and not becoming the periphery. The era that we are in has certainly given us a reminder to recalibrate our priorities. Soon, G-d willing, things will go back to “normal.” I hope that our appreciation about what’s truly important will remain.
t’s been a while since I’ve chatted with you from these pages, and I can say that I’ve missed the excitement that goes on behind the scenes at TJH. At first, when I found myself on vacation, it was an unsettling feeling. I had never taken a vacation from TJH, and I almost felt that I was drifting. But my objective soon became clear as I jumped into the role of making a bar mitzvah for my oldest child. In COVID times, a simcha doesn’t have the same “standards” that generally apply. Anything and everything goes. You can decide to set up a table outside and wave to your guests from your front porch or you can wave to your relatives from a screen on Zoom or have an in-person event. You can pre-package food or offer simple refreshments or not have any food at all. Backyard minyan? Minyan in a tent? Minyan in a shul? These times have forced us to become creative. And it has also forced us to roll with the punches. What we initially thought we would be doing for the bar mitzvah slowly evolved into something totally different – and that was OK. The evolution involved many steps and myriad backs-and-forths. I joked with my neighbor that we could write a book titled, The 1,277 Versions of How to Make a Bar Mitzvah, together. Every day she would ask me, “OK, so what’s with the bar mitzvah?” and every day something else changed. It was all good – perhaps slightly disconcerting for
Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana
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PUBLISHER
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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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Friday, August 7 Parshas Eikev Candle Lighting: 7:44 pm Shabbos Ends: 8:47 pm Rabbeinu Tam: 9:14 pm
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
8
COMMUNITY 8
Readers’ Poll Community Happenings
36
An Agunah-Free World by Shulamit Ben-Shachar
64
NEWS Global
12
National
27
That’s Odd
32
ISRAEL
72
Israel News
20
My Israel Home
60
JEWISH THOUGHT
Rabbi Wein on the Parsha
56
When the Broken Path Still Leads Home by Shmuel Reichman
58
My Personal Holocaust Memorial Day by Rabbi Baruch Fogel
62
PEOPLE Submarines on Special Missions by Avi Heiligman
86
HEALTH & FITNESS Pain is Good? by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn
70
Is Stress Making You Gain Weight? by Aliza Beer, MS RD CDN
72
FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Tortellini and Meat Sauce
76
LIFESTYLES Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW
66
Your Money
92
Losers Weepers?! by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS
94
Dear Editor, HaGaon Harav Shmuel Kaminetzky, shlita, the revered leader of Orthodox Jewry in America, recently endorsed Present Trump for re-election and urged all fellow Jews to vote for him in the upcoming election. This was a rare and historic statement regarding politics for the Gadol Hador. He was quoted in an interview with Yisroel Besser in Mishpacha magazine. I did not see it mentioned in any of the local newspapers and wanted to share his sentiments with your readers. Harav Kaminetzky is concerned about the current matzav for Jews in America, the protests of anarchy, and says it is frightening. G-d has become a dirty word in much of America; religion and religious institutions are their enemy. He said, “If Trump does not win in November, it’s worrisome.” I concur 100%! Yaacov Lewis Dear Editor, I’d like to comment on the backand-forth between Rena Friedman and a reader regarding a previous column. The reader felt that a shidduch resume presented with bad grammar and misspellings is not a reason to reject a girl before even
getting to know her since, with shidduchim, one is looking for a wife and not a proofreader. The reader is absolutely correct – one is looking for a spouse in the sea of shidduchim. But there are a few things to keep in mind: Firstly, checking grammar and spelling means this is important to you. You are essentially writing one resume and tweaking it over time. Spend a few minutes to do it right. Show that you care and are a responsible, mature person. You wouldn’t send out a job resume with grammar errors or spelling mistakes. Secondly, in our shidduch world, women and men generally do not get to meet on their own. A resume is the first impression that a man gets about a potential spouse, and, whether we like it or not, first impressions do matter. You wouldn’t go out on a date with ketchup on your skirt or coffee on your tie (I should hope not!). Make sure you present yourself in the best possible light. Later on, as your future spouse gets to know you, he/she will slowly learn that you have no clue of how to differentiate the words “affect” or “effect” and it won’t matter to him/her at all! Continued on page 10
HUMOR Centerfold 54 POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes
78
Who Joe Biden Will Pick As His Running Mate…by Nate Davis
80
Is Resigning in Protest Becoming a Jew-
92
ish Tradition? by Rafael Medoff
82
MAGA Masks Would Protect the Country by Marc A. Thiessen
84
Pelosi Cares More About A Win Than the American People by Marc A. Thiessen CLASSIFIEDS
85 88
Are you planning an overnight vacation this summer?
38
%
YES
62
%
NO
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
Continued from page 8
I wish that the singles in our community wouldn’t have to deal with shidduch resumes. I wish that things would be simple and easy and that everyone would meet their match easily. Until then, make sure to take out your spell-check and enlist a family member to look over your resume. Best of luck, Tzirel Gordon Dear Editor, It seems that there’s a lot of uncertainty about the upcoming school year. I just want to point out to people that the schools in our neighborhood have been working very hard to ensure that the school year will go smoothly. As we know, much of
what will happen is not up to them. The governor has, unfortunately, put himself in charge, and he doesn’t have the best interests of children and parents at heart (there’s a lot of politics behind the scenes – and we’re all caught in the middle). Please, parents, do what you can to support our schools by being behind them and showing them that you understand that they are not in an easy position. Let them know that you understand that they’re trying their best. Whether our kids end up being on Zoom/in the classrooms/halfway in the classrooms/on busses/in carpools…know that the schools only wish that they could bring all their students back safely and in an organized way. Sincerely, J. Y.
Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home.
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The Week In News
Hong Kong Postpones Elections
Hong Kong’s leader announced last week that the territory will postpone its parliamentary elections due to health concerns from the coronavirus. Calling it “the most difficult decision I’ve made over the last seven months,” Chief Executive Carrie
Lam announced on Friday that she would use her emergency powers to postpone the elections that were slated to be held on September 6. “This postponement is entirely made based on public safety reasons. There were no political considerations,” she said. The move comes amid spiraling infections in Hong Kong, with the region seeing more than 100 new cases for over a week and a half. Currently, the territory has more than 3,500 confirmed cases with 27 deaths. According to Lam, the need for new social distancing measures means that holding elections on their scheduled date would pose “a large-scale gathering and an immense infection risk.” She added that the ban on large crowds meant that candidates couldn’t hold campaign events before Hong Kong nationals went to the polls. “The new wave of epidemics may take several weeks or even longer. Even if the previous experience in April or May, even if the epidemic stabilizes, the society will take some time to recover,” said Lam. “Experts say that unless it is immediate that they develop and supply effective
vaccines, otherwise a winter outbreak is very likely to occur by the end of the year.” Opposition lawmakers condemned the decision to postpone the election, calling it an undemocratic move that sought to avoid elections indefinitely. They also contended that Lam is attempting to prevent Hong Kong citizens from voting against the current government and the new National Security Law that is widely seen as a Chinese ploy to gain control over the territory. Joshua Wong, a prominent anti-China activist barred from contending in the elections, alleged that Lam was exploiting the delicate health situation “as an excuse to postpone the election” and that it was “the largest election fraud in #HK’s history.”
TV Teachers in Mexico Instead of teachers educating students in Mexico this year, televisions will be giving over lessons to Mexican youth.
According to the country’s education secretary, the government struck a deal with the country’s largest television networks to bring educational instruction to Mexico’s 30 million schoolchildren in the small screen.
“We wanted to return to in-person classes, but it is not possible, nor prudent,” Secretary Esteban Moctezuma Barragán said, adding that students will return to classrooms when the government evaluates the spread of COVID-19 presents less of a risk. Mexico has reported 443,813 coronavirus infections and 48,012 deaths. Moctezuma said officials fear children could become coronavirus carriers, infecting relatives at home. Throughout Latin America, nearly all schooling is being carried
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registered a 3.3 magnitude, with reports suggesting it was heard as far away as Cyprus, 150 miles away into the Mediterranean. The exact cause of the blast remains unknown, although authorities said that more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate, an industrial compound, was being stored in the warehouse that was the scene of the blast.
out online or through television as the pandemic continues to surge. In Bolivia, the government announced on Sunday it was ending the school year because it was impossible to guarantee free and universal education in a country where most rural areas lack access to the Internet. Moctezuma said television was chosen as the forum for schooling in Mexico because government data shows 94% of homes have one. Those
without a television could listen to radio classes, and some 140 million free textbooks will be distributed.
Enormous Blast Rocks Beirut More than 100 people died in Tuesday’s massive explosion at a warehouse at the port in Beirut,
Lebanon. At least 135 people are dead and more than 5,000 were injured in the blast, according to the figures released by Lebanon Health Minister Hamad Hassan on Wednesday. Still, many are missing. The enormous explosion, which flattened a portion of the city, has left up to 300,000 people homeless. The United States Geological Survey reported that the explosion
Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun said that those who managed the ammonium nitrate storage at the warehouse linked to the explosion are to be put under house arrest. Ammonium nitrate is the same fertilizer that was used to make explosives for the Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people 25 years ago. The ammonium nitrate appears to have been confiscated from a commercial cargo ship abandoned in Beirut in 2013 and then confiscated by the Lebanese authorities a year later. The ship was forced to dock due to technical issues in autumn 2013 and then was forbidden to sail by the Lebanese authorities after they found violations during an inspection. The ammonium was then offloaded by Beirut’s port authorities and placed in warehouses to await auctioning or proper disposal. Lebanon is undergoing its worst political and financial crisis in decades. The country’s foreign minister resigned on Monday, warning that conflicting interests threatened to turn the country into “a failed state.” The government, backed by the militant Hezbollah group and its allies, has struggled to carry out reforms demanded by the international community as the price of a bailout. Talks with the International Monetary Fund for a $10 billion loan have stalled; the government has appealed for aid from Gulf countries. These countries, though, are wary about channeling funds into Lebanon as they’d done in the past, especially given Iran-backed Hez-
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
bollah’s growing influence in the country and its formal role in the government. Hezbollah is classified by Gulf states and the U.S. as a terrorist group.
Spain’s Former King Leaves
This week, Spain’s former king, Juan Carlos I, wrote a letter to his son, King Felipe VI, stating that he left the country “in the face of the public repercussion that certain past events of my private life are generating.” Spanish and international media have reported on the alleged financial dealings of the former king, now 82, even before he abdicated in 2014, and on the efforts of his son to distance himself from his father. King Felipe expressed “heartfelt respect and gratitude” for his father’s decision to leave the country, according to a press release from the Royal Household. “The King wishes to emphasize the historical importance that his father’s reign represents, his legacy and his political and institutional work for Spain and democracy; and at the same time he wants to reaffirm the principles and values on which it (Spain’s democracy) is based,” the press release said. In the letter announcing his departure, Juan Carlos wrote: “A year ago, I expressed my will and desire to stop performing institutional activities. Now, guided by the conviction to perform the best service to the Spanish people, their institutions and you as King, I am communicating my thoughtful decision to move, at this time, outside of Spain. “A decision I make with sadness, but with great serenity. I have been King of Spain for almost forty years and, during all of them, I have always wanted the best for Spain and for the Crown,” said the letter, published by the Royal Household. Juan Carlos is widely credited with helping to guide Spain to de-
mocracy after the long dictatorship of Francisco Franco. But in recent years, his image has suffered. In 2014, he abdicated under a cloud of financial scandal and criticism of his elephant-hunting trip to Botswana during Spain’s financial crisis in 2012. Swiss prosecutors are currently examining documents that allege Juan Carlos may have received $100 million from Saudi Arabia’s king in 2008 that may have been related to a contract for a Spanish consortium’s construction of a high-speed train between Medina and Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The former king’s lawyer said in a statement that even though he is leaving Spain, Juan Carlos wanted to make public that he “remains at the disposition of [Spanish prosecutors] for any formalities or actions considered opportune.” In March, King Felipe ended the annual public stipend paid to his father and renounced any personal inheritance from him.
U.S. Withdrawing 12,000 Troops from Germany Despite substantial bipartisan opposition, the United States will advance plans to withdraw 12,000 troops that are currently stationed in Germany.
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced the drawdown last week in a press conference from the Pentagon. “The current EUCOM plan will reposition approximately 11,900 military personnel from Germany, from roughly 36,000 down to 24,000, in a manner that will strengthen NATO, enhance the deterrence of Russia, and meet the other principles I set forth,” Esper confirmed. An estimated 6,400 troops will be brought home while another 5,600 will be shifted to other Euro-
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pean countries such as Poland. While President Donald Trump had originally spoken of his intention to shift U.S. troops to other bases in early July, Esper’s announcement marked the first indication that the president was serious. Trump has explained the move as a form of punishment for Germany’s failure to dedicate more of its budget to defense, choosing instead to rely on U.S. military might for its protection. “We spend a lot of money on Germany, they take advantage of us on trade, and they take advantage on the military, so we’re reducing the force,” Trump told reporters last week. “They’re there to protect Europe, they’re there to protect Germany, and Germany is supposed to pay for it,” he added. “We don’t want to be responsible anymore.” Trump has demanded that NATO countries increase defense expenditures to at least 2% of their GDP by 2024. None of the alliance’s member countries have done so despite frequent promises to ramp up their military spending. The troop drawdown marks a major shift in longstanding U.S. policy and has earned bipartisan criticism in both the House and the Senate.
The Pentagon has also opposed the move, which it says will embolden Russia to expand its influence in western Europe. Tens of thousands of U.S. troops have been stationed in Germany since the end of World War II in order to protect the country along with the rest of western Europe from a communist invasion. At the height of the Cold War, the United States had almost half a million troops stationed in Germany along with two airfields, fighter jets, and long-range missiles.
Dutch Jewish Partisan Dies
Hank Van Geldern, a Jewish-Dutch partisan whose textile
factory was used to produce yellow Jewish stars for the Nazis, died at the age of 98. After the Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1940, they took over Van Geldern’s factory and used it to produce more than half-a-million yellow stars that the Jews were forced to wear. Van Geldern himself hid in Amsterdam and adopted a false identity under the name Johannes Bvers. Later, he teamed up with an anti-Nazi resistance organization that was known for forging high-quality identity cards and travel documents for people wanted by the Nazis. His older brother, Matthias, also disappeared into the underground but was caught and was murdered shortly before the Allied forces liberated the Netherlands. Last March, Van Geldern was appointed mayor of Enschede, where he lived during the Holocaust and where his factory had been located before it was confiscated by the Nazis. In one interview with the Dutch media, Van Geldern said that he felt no ill-will towards his former employees who produced the yellow stars in his factory.
“What could they have done?” he asked. “There was a German boss in the factory, they got the order, they had to eat. If they didn’t do it, others would do it.” With honorary citizenship, Enschede honored Van Gelderen for his many social merits for the city. In addition to his working life, he was active in numerous additional positions in and for the local cultural sector.
Ayatollah: No Talks with U.S.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini, ruled out any talks בס״ד
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
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2018 and reimplemented sanctions. Currently, the Trump administration is attempting to force the UN to extend the arms embargo on Iran that is slated to expire in October. The ban prevents countries from selling advanced weapons to the Islamic Republic in the hope of preventing it from modernizing its military. Last month, Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook confirmed that the U.S. wants the ban extended indefinitely despite Chinese and Russian opposition. “We think the right policy is to have an arms embargo in place that doesn’t have a definite date fixed,” said Hook.
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Cult Leader Arrested for COVID Spread
Help us to continue to provide critical and essential services to our entire community. The Rina Shkolnik Kosher Food Pantry
located at The S.H.O.P. (Sustenance Hope Opportunities Place) has seen a 40% increase of new families who are suddenly facing hardships.
Our Older Adult Department
is in touch with seniors and Holocaust survivors to check in and perform wellness checks. Activities are being shared so that they can stay healthy and engaged.
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with the U.S. over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. In a televised sermon he gave celebrating the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha on Friday, Khameini said that any talks with the United States were useless and would be exploited as “propaganda-like negotiations with North Korea.” Iran’s Supreme Leader added that the biting U.S. sanctions “are aimed
Cedarhurst, NY 11516, Attn: Development Department • By Phone: at 516-569-6733, ext. 201
at collapsing our economy” and seek to weaken Iran’s geopolitical position. The cleric called on his people to be steadfast in the face of U.S. pressure, saying that only by “relying on our national capabilities” would Tehran ride out the storm. Khameini also singled out the European powers for what he called was their “betrayal” in failing to save the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. “They have
inflicted a blow on Iran’s economy by hollow promises,” he said. In the 2015 accord, the United States, EU, China, Russia, and India agreed to relieve sanctions that had devastated Iran’s economy in exchange for a promise to suspend nuclear enrichment for a decade. However, the deal has been on life support ever since President Donald Trump pulled out of the agreement in
South Korea has arrested the leader of a religious cult said to be responsible for infecting over 5,000 citizens with COVID-19. Lee Man-hee was taken into custody on Saturday after the Suwon District Court approved a warrant for his arrest a day earlier. The 89-year-old is the leader of the powerful Shinchenoji Church, a secretive religious sect the South Korean Center for Disease Control says is responsible for 5,200 coronavirus infections. The religious group had been hit by a wave of infections in early February following the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China. According to authorities, Lee ordered members of his sect not to divulge information to health officials and prevented them from knowing who was present at various events, foiling the government’s contact tracing efforts. Lee was denied bail after South Korean police officers said that they came upon what appeared to be an attempt by Lee and other sect leaders to destroy incriminating evi-
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
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dence. Upon denying bail, Judge Lee Myeong-chul noted that “there have been circumstances indicating systematic attempts to destroy evidence” and that “it cannot be ruled out that there will be similar attempts in the future.” Lee also faces charges of embezzling an estimated $4.7 million his religious group raised by holding illegal events without governmental authorization. The Shincheonji Church denied both allegations, saying in a statement that its leader had never attempted to destroy evidence or foil the investigation. “The court’s issuance of an arrest warrant doesn’t mean a guilty verdict,” said the church. “All possible efforts will be made to unveil the truth in the upcoming court date.” Since Lee founded the group in 1984, the Shincheonji Church has grown consistently and now has more than 230,000 members. Its members were among the first South Koreans to be infected in February and then spread the disease nationwide by traveling the country freely despite knowing they were sick. In March, Lee publicly apologized after authorities accused his group of being responsible for 36%
of the country’s 14,000 cases. “Although it was not intentional, many people have been infected,” he said. “We put our utmost efforts, but were unable to prevent it all.”
Captured Terrorist Reveals Tactics
Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency revealed recently that a senior Hamas terrorist had given Israel valuable intelligence after fleeing
Gaza due to “family issues.” The intelligence agency said that 24-year-old Gaza resident Izz al-Din Hussein swam out to sea where he was arrested by the Israeli navy. He was taken into custody and was interrogated by the Shin Bet, where he divulged a wealth of sensitive intelligence. According to the organization, Hussein was recruited into Hamas in 2013 and rose through the ranks to command a unit tasked with shooting down IDF helicopters. His job included studying the various kinds of helicopters used by the Israeli air force and practicing using an assortment of shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles. “As part of his role, he stored an anti-aircraft missile in his home and was instructed to launch it at an Israeli helicopter, ensuring it landed near his home in Gaza, for the purpose of killing or abducting Israeli soldiers,” the Shin Bet said. “His activities in Hamas and the vast knowledge he acquired through this framework have been a unique source of intelligence that provided the Shin Bet with a great deal of information” about group. The veteran terrorist had decided
to defect to Israel after his relationship with his family deteriorated. The announcement comes only three weeks after the Shin Bet revealed that it had turned a senior Hamas terrorist who ran the organization’s elite maritime commandos unit. The commander had been providing Israel with intelligence since 2009 but was spirited out Gaza by the Israeli Navy after he aroused the suspicions of his superiors.
A Symbolic Flyover
Israeli air force jets will roar over the Dachau concentration camp in a highly symbolic flyover during an upcoming defense drill with Germany.
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The joint air warfare training is slated to take place in September and will feature IDF special forces, strategic bombing, search and rescue, and air-to-air combat. During the drill, Israel will send a squadron of warplanes over Dachau, a Nazi concentration camp that was the final resting place for 30,000 Jews during the Holocaust. The fighter jets will also fly over the Olympic Village in Munich where 11 Israeli athletes were killed in 1972. Israel and Germany frequently conduct joint military training to strengthen the bilateral alliance. Last year, Israeli Air Force Commander, Major General Amikam Norkin, visited Germany and the United Kingdom in order to develop and deepen international cooperation between the respective countries’ air branches. “We meet here and remember what happened in the past, and do together everything possible for the future,” Norkin had said during the visit. “Our people remember and do not forget, and look forward with a strong desire to be an air force that guarantees the future of future generations. Seventy-one years after the establishment of the Air Force, we are an object of pride and a source of strengthening Israel’s strength and state ties in the world.”
High Court Override Bill Dissolves
activism of Israel’s highest court, the proposal could have potentially split the coalition. However, the haredi UTJ and Shas parties along with Yisrael Beytenu from the opposition announced on Sunday that they would vote against the bill. While Yisrael Beytenu maintained that the government’s focus should be on fighting the coronavirus, UTJ and Shas said that they wished to avoid inter-coalition strife. The haredi parties are usually hostile towards the High Court due to its decades of activism that saw it overturn legislation on issues such as draft deferments and public Shabbat observance. As a result, speculation had been mounting that they would support the bill despite it being proposed by the Yamina party in the opposition. The bill had been bitterly contested by the center-left Kahol Lavan, which promised to dismantle the government should it pass. With many haredi parties suffering from a financial crisis, UTJ and Shas have put passing a budget as their highest priority and as such wish to avoid new elections. “Representatives of the ultra-Orthodox factions have stated that they are committed to the unity of the coalition and to preventing elections, and are working to pass a state budget and fighting the coronavirus epidemic,” said the Shas and UTJ parties.
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An attempt to pass legislation allowing the Knesset to pass bills overriding High Court rulings fizzled on Sunday after both haredi factions voted against it. The bill had been sponsored by Yamina lawmaker and former Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and would have enabled the Knesset to nullify High Court rulings with a majority of 80 MKs. With most of the right-wing strongly opposing the radical judicial
An estimated 17,000 yeshiva students from overseas will now be able to study in Israel after coronavirus czar Professor Ronni Gamzu gave the final approval to admit them into the country. Gamzu’s decision came after a week of deliberations with Health Ministry officials and the heads of more than a dozen yeshivot and
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gap year programs. In a statement, Gamzu said that the government needed to find a balance between protecting public health and the need to maintain the State of Israel’s connection to Diaspora Jewry. The approval affects 12,000 yeshiva students, 2,000 university attendees, and another 5,000 people enrolled in various gap year programs. The students were planning to spend the year in a slew of yeshivot and Jewish Agency programs as is customary in many circles. Yet Israel’s entry ban on foreigners that has been in place since the initial coronavirus outbreak in March put many of those plans in doubt. Now, the students will be allowed to enter the country but will be subject to a slew of restrictions. These include quarantining upon arrival for the full 14 days and taking a coronavirus test before entering the country. In addition, anyone found breaking the health guidelines will be deported automatically. The decision to allow Jewish students into the country despite Israel’s soaring infection rate is controversial and comes after Gamzu criticized the agreement as irre-
sponsible. The initiative had been approved before Gamzu was appointed to head the fight against the pandemic last week, and multiple reports said that he had initially attempted to reverse it. A multitude of opposition lawmakers slammed Gamzu and Health Minister Edelstein after the final approval was given on Monday and accused officials of caving to haredi pressure. Special criticism was saved for the fact that many of the students are arriving from the United States, which is currently the world’s biggest coronavirus hotspot. “With all of Professor Gamzu’s diplomatic efforts, this is a failure in decision-making,” said Yisrael Beytenu head Avigdor Liberman. “This is a wrong decision, and we will pay a heavy price for it.” Fellow Yisrael Beytenu MK Yulia Malinovski tweeted, “I hope Prof. Ronni Gamzu agreed to approve the entry of 17,000 students and yeshiva students for substantive reasons and not as a result of pressure. In addition, I hope he understands the consequences of this move.”
Terrorists Neutralized
The IDF killed four terrorists as they were planting explosives on the Syrian border fence on Sunday evening. The terrorist cell was eliminated by the “Maglan” special forces unit, which waited in ambush before neutralizing them with a precision-guided missile. In video footage released by the IDF, the four terrorists can be seen approaching the border before being killed in a large explosion. No IDF soldiers were injured in the operation. Later on, on Monday, army sappers found at least two improvised explosives and a gun that the terrorists had left behind near the border.
According to the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, the cell had been spotted at around 8 p.m. on Sunday evening by security cameras. Later that night, Maglan operatives confirmed that they were planting explosives and received the approval to open fire. “They crossed the ‘alpha line’ so they were totally within Israeli territory,” noted IDF Spokesperson Haggai Zilberman. The military noticeably refrained from revealing which terror organization was behind the attempted bombing, arousing speculation that the cell belonged to Hezbollah. Over the past two weeks, the IDF has been on high alert after Hezbollah vowed to avenge the death of its operative in a bombing last month in Syria. In late July, the military opened fire on Hezbollah commandos who were spotted approaching the Israel-Syria border, setting off a skirmish that lasted for hours.
Uman Warning Israel’s Health Ministry announced that the popular Rosh Ha-
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shana pilgrimage to Uman is liable to have catastrophic results. In an appearance before the Knesset’s coronavirus committee, Health Ministry official Dr. Asher Salamon urged authorities to ban Israelis from making the annual trip to the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. As per the doctor, the tens of thousands of people who commonly flock to the site would be atrisk of infection and would cause another outbreak of coronavirus after returning home.
last month due to health reasons. In a video released on Facebook, Mayor Oleksandr Tserbiy said that “every year about 30,000 pilgrims come to Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. But this year, the coronavirus pandemic made adjustments to our life.”
IDF Bombing Raid in Syria
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“Our professional position is that the incident should not be allowed to take place due to the gathering of 30,000 people on a street and a half,” Salamon told the assembled lawmakers. “The only way to stop this is for the Ukrainian authorities to take the appropriate action.” As of now, there is no official ban on Israelis from traveling to Uman. Even so, multiple reports have spoken of haredi leaders privately pressuring Health Ministry officials to take action in order to avert a mass breakout in their communities. Israel’s envoy to Ukraine had already recommended in January that Israelis avoid traveling to the gravesite in order to prevent a rise in coronavirus cases. The Ukrainian city of Uman is the site of the final burial place of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and has become a popular pilgrimage site over the past decade. Last year, 40,000 Jews flocked to Uman for Rosh Hashana, and the number of attendees was expected to rise this year before the arrival of the pandemic. The feasibility of Rosh Hashana in Uman this year has grown increasingly in doubt as the city’s mayor ruled out admitting foreigners
At least 15 people were killed in a slew of Israeli strikes on Syrian military bases on Monday evening. The bombing raid was extensive and included air force jets, helicopters, drones, and ground-to-ground missiles. Dozens of targets were destroyed, including observation posts, Syrian intelligence gathering equipment, air defense batteries, and command and control centers. While the majority of the targets were located just across the Israel-Syrian border, Israel also bombed an Iranian weapons warehouse in the Imam Ali base adjoining the Abu Kamal crossing with Iraq. In a statement, the IDF said that the bombings were retaliation for an attempt to attack the Israeli border earlier in the day. “The IDF sees the Syrian regime as responsible for all operations carried out in its territory and will continue to act with determination against all attacks on the sovereignty of the State of Israel,” said the IDF. In the bombing attempt earlier in the day, IDF special forces killed four terrorists while they were approaching the border. The IDF special unit had been waiting in ambush for several days after receiving warning of a potential attack. Sappers later found at least two rudimentary explosives and a rifle the militants left behind near the border fence.
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the KKK leader vowed to expose the “systemic racism lie” and accused Jewish-owned media outlets of “incitement of violence against white people.” It is not clear what prompted Twitter to ban Duke for life, with the company only saying that Duke “tweeted a harmful link.” The farright activist had already been banned from YouTube in June, while Facebook deleted his account in After President Donald Trump 2018. said he would ban TikTok from operThe move by Twitter was praised ating in the United States, Microsoft by an assortment of Jewish and civ- announced its intention to possibly il rights groups, who said that the purchase the video app. white supremacist should not be givIn a blog post on en a platform to spread hate speech. Sunday, Microsoft said its CEO “For over ten years, Duke used Satya Nadella has talked with Twitter as a megaphone to spread Trump about buying the app, which anti-Semitic conspiracy theories is owned by Chinese start-up ByteDand Holocaust denial,” said the ance. American Jewish Community. “Such “[Microsoft] is committed to hate is unacceptable.” acquiring TikTok subject to a comA native of Louisiana, Duke was plete security review and providpreviously a card-carrying neo-Na- ing proper economic benefits to the zi before leaving the movement in United States, including the United "Advanced technology safe the access to all order to head the Ku Klux Klan.that He enables States Treasury,” company said, thefounded sites and applications you want. from later the “National Associ- that adding that it will Choose “move quickly” to ation for the Advancement of White talk with ByteDance “in a matter of 3 levels of protection as well as many other People” and was elected to Louisiweeks.” customizations." ana’s state legislature in 1989. “During this process, Microsoft
TikTok Tumult
Twitter Bans David Duke
Twitter has permanently banned Klu Klux Klan leader David Duke for running afoul of the social media giant’s policies on hate speech. The company announced on Friday that Duke “has been permanently suspended for repeated violations of the Twitter rules on hateful conduct.” Duke had been on Twitter since 2009 and frequently tweeted racist and anti-Semitic messages to his 53,000 followers. In his final tweet,
looks forward to continuing dialogue with the United States Government, including with the President,” the company added. TikTok is the fastest growing video app in the world and has more than 80 million users in the U.S., the majority between the ages of 12 and 24. Users commonly use the platform to record 15-second videos that usually involve lip-synching to songs and movie clips. However, its explosive growth has raised concerns that it could be used by China to spy on the U.S. as part of Beijing’s well-documented history of utilizing commercial apps for espionage purposes. In January, the U.S. Defense Department banned the popular app from government-issued smartphones and ordered all serving military personnel to delete their accounts. On Friday night, Trump said that he could use emergency economic powers or an executive order to block TikTok from operating in the United States. On Sunday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the TikTok ban is part of the Trump administration’s effort to roll back Chinese
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influence and spying operations around the world. “Here’s what I hope that the American people will come to recognize,” Pompeo said. “These Chinese software companies doing business the United States, whether it’s TikTok or WeChat, there are countless more ... are feeding data directly to the Chinese Communist Party, their national security apparatus – could be their facial recognition pattern, it could be information about their residence, their phone numbers, their friends, who they’re connected to,” said Pompeo. A deal by Microsoft would create a new structure wherein Microsoft would own and operate TikTok services in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. As part of the agreement, Microsoft said it would ensure that all private data of TikTok’s American users would be transferred to and remain in the United States. TikTok had previously asserted that its U.S. user data is already stored on U.S.-based servers and backed up in Singapore, and is therefore not subject to Chinese law.
9 Marines Die in Training Accident
Nine United States marines were killed after their amphibious water vessel plunged to the ocean floor during a training exercise off the coast of southern California. All of the deceased soldiers belonged to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is based at California’s Camp Pendleton. They had been practicing an amphibious landing near San Clemente Island last Thursday when the vessel began taking water. Despite frantic calls for help, nearby forces were unable to reach the doomed craft in time, and it sank, taking nine of its 16-person crew with it. All of the marines had been out-
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fitted in heavy gear that would have made it nearly impossible to swim, including body armor, 50-pound backpacks, and weapons. Thousands of troops spent the next 40 hours looking for the missing soldiers, with the Pentagon deploying an extensive array of vessels for the search that included helicopters and a Navy destroyer. They were pronounced dead on Monday after officials determined that there was little chance they remained alive after four full days lost at sea. “It is with a heavy heart that I decided to conclude the search and rescue effort,” announced Col. Christopher Bronzi. “The steadfast dedication of the Marines, sailors, and Coast Guardsmen to the persistent rescue effort was tremendous. “Our thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with our Marines’ and sailor’s families,” added Bronzi. “As we turn to recovery operations, we will continue our exhaustive search for our missing Marines and Sailor.” Those killed were identified as Pfc. Bryan J. Baltierra, 19, of Corona, California; Lance Cpl. Marco A. Barranco, 21, of Montebello, California; Pfc. Evan A. Bath, 19, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin; U.S. Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem, 22, of Stockton, California; Pfc. Jack Ryan Ostrovsky, 21, of Bend, Oregon; Cpl. Wesley A. Rodd, 23, of Harris, Texas; Lance Cpl. Chase D. Sweetwood, 19, of Portland, Oregon; and Cpl. Cesar A. Villanueva, 21, of Riverside, California. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger suspended use of the branch’s 800 amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) until the cause of the disaster could be identified. Nicknamed a “water tank,” the 26-ton craft has been in service since 1972 and is supposed to float naturally.
September 30, according to an announcement by the bureau on Monday. The bureau will also end its labor-intensive efforts to knock on the doors of households that have not filled out the survey online, by paper form, or by phone. The shift is part of an effort to “accelerate the completion of data collection and apportionment counts” by the end of the year deadline, Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham said in a statement. “The Census Bureau’s new plan reflects our continued commitment to conduct a complete count, provide accurate apportionment data, and protect the health and safety of the public and our workforce,” he said. The census, which needs to take place every 10 years, determines how many representatives each state gets in Congress and how billions of dollars in federal funding is spent. Schools, roads, and other important things in your community will gain – or lose – funding over the next 10 years depending on this official population tally. The Trump administration this spring requested Congress to extend the completion deadlines for the census by four months. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law said it condemned the plan to shorten collection “in no uncertain terms” because it could lead to “missing millions in Black and immigrant communities.”
NYC Health Commish Resigns
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In her resignation letter this week, Dr. Oxiris Barbot, New York City’s health commissioner, wrote, “I leave my post today with deep disappointment,” she said, taking aim at Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our experts are world renowned for their epidemiology, surveillance and response
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work. The city would be well served by having them at the strategic center of the response, not in the background.” Barbot’s replacement was immediately announced as Dr. Dave Chokshi, a Rhodes Scholar who served at the Louisiana Department of Health during Hurricane Katrina and was the principal health adviser to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the Obama administration. “It was time for a change – it became clear it was time for a change,” de Blasio said during a Tuesday news conference, in response to a question about Barbot’s resignation. It was “not obviously about one thing,” he added. Barbot’s resignation comes after de Blasio stripped control of the city’s COVID-19 contact tracing program from the health department, which has historically handled tracing. The mayor instead placed the program under Health and Hospitals, the agency that runs the city’s public hospitals. Barbot also butted heads with NYPD Police Chief Terence Monahan when he asked for more face masks for his officers in March, according to the New York Post. Following the in-
cident, which was widely reported in the media, Barbot disappeared from public view for days – at the height of the coronavirus outbreak in New York City.
Florida Teen Arrested for Twitter Hack
A 17-year-old Florida teenager has been arrested for masterminding a massive hack of a slew of prominent Twitter accounts. The data and privacy breach occurred on July 15 and saw the compromising of accounts belonging to well-known individuals such as Jeff Bezos, Joe Biden, and Elon Musk. The hack lasted for over two hours and caused the social media giant to
use unprecedented measures to regain control, including locking users out of their accounts and preventing others from tweeting. Now, authorities say that the breach was masterminded by Graham Ivan Clark, a 17-year-old Tampa native who graduated high school in June. He faces 30 felony charges for his role in the hack, including communications and organized fraud, fraudulent use of personal information, and access to a computer without authority. Police also arrested 19-year-old UK resident Mason Sheppard and 22-year-old Nima Razeli for aiding and abetting Clark. Sheppard faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and the intentional access of a protected computer. Another minor was also taken into custody but was not named due to this age. “Today’s arrests represent just the first step for law enforcement,” said FBI San Francisco Assistant Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “Our investigation will continue to identify anyone else who may have been involved in these crimes.” Twitter said in a statement that it thanked “the swift actions of law enforcement in this investigation and will continue to cooperate as the case progresses.” During the breach, the three took over a slew of widely-followed accounts and promised that anyone sending Bitcoin to a link they shared would receive double in return. The trio racked up $117, 457 from 400 ransoms.
Fatal Plane Crash in Alaska
An Alaska state legislator and seven others were killed in a deadly midair collision about 150 miles away from Anchorage this week. 67-year-old Republican Gary Knopp had been piloting his jet alone when he collided with an airplane
that was taking four South Carolina residents sightseeing. All six people aboard the airplane were killed, with one survivor passing away on the way to the hospital. Knoop was remembered by his colleagues as a rugged outdoorsman who loved fishing and enjoyed everything Alaska had to offer. “I’m devastated and shocked to learn of the crash that claimed Gary Knopp’s life,” said Alaska’s House Speaker Bryce Edgmon. “Gary was a one-of-a-kind leader and a true Alaskan who worked tirelessly for his district in the Legislature. He will be missed by many.” Originally born in Montana, Knoop moved to Alaska in 1979 and was elected to represent House District 30 in 2016. The other victims were named as Gregory Bell, 57; David Rogers, 40; Caleb Hulsey, 26; Heather Hulsey, 25; Mackay Hulsey, 24; and Kirstin Wright, 23. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered all flags be lowered to halfmast for three days in mourning.
NYC Shootings Surpass 2019 Numbers
New York City now has had more people shot this year so far than in all of 2019. According to the NYPD, 777 people have been shot since January so far, surpassing 2019’s entire total of 776. The dubious milestone was reached on Saturday after a man was gunned down during a firefight between rival drug gangs in Mott Haven. In addition, shootings in July in New York City jumped to 244 from 88 in 2019, a 177 percent increase. Murders are also on the rise, with an unprecedented 54 people killed in July. The upsurge is only part of the crime wave hitting New York City that many call the worst in over three decades. Break-ins also rose 31%, while car-jackings climbed by 53% with
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more than 900 incidents of car thefts reported in July alone. Despite mounting pressure on City Hall to stop the escalating violence, NYPD records show that arrests have plunged 54% compared to last June. Many blame the high crime and low policing on an NYPD demoralized by the nationwide anti-enforcement sentiment that has led to a wave of early retirements and resignations. The mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, has refused to clamp down on rioters and criminals. “This is going to be a situation I think that’s going to take some time to turn around, and it’s going to take all of us working together,” NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said. “I’m confident it’s going to turn around ... but it’s not going to be a short-term fix. We have some work ahead of us.”
What Caused the Apple Fire? According to authorities, the cause of the Apple Fire, a blaze that has burned more than 26,000 acres
in Southern California, was “hot objects” emanating from a vehicle tailpipe.
Cal Fire officials said a diesel-fueled vehicle “emitting burning carbon from the exhaust system” had been identified as the source of the blaze. So far, officials say that no suspect had been taken into custody and are asking people with information on a vehicle with mechanical problems or “unusual smoke emitting from it” to contact investigators. The Apple Fire, which began Friday, had grown to 26,850 acres late Monday – more than 41 square miles – and continued to threaten homes. Only 7% of its perimeter was contained as about 2,300 firefighting personnel battled the blaze and dropped water and fire retardant from the air.
The blaze, which began as three smaller fires that eventually merged, was fed by low humidity, a slight breeze, thick vegetation and triple-digit temperatures. So far, one injury has been reported, a firefighter who suffered a flash burn when opening the fuel cap on his chainsaw. The fire had destroyed five structures as of Monday evening. “It’s a miracle no one else lost a home, because the fire burned five feet from the doors,” Lt. Al Campa of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department noted.
Federal Agents to Deal with Chaos After last month’s deployment in Portland, Oregon, the Department of Justice will send additional federal agents to other cities witnessing an upsurge in violent crime. Within the next few weeks, dozens of federal agents will arrive in Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee and will work to restore order in the aforementioned cities. The personnel hail from a variety of agencies, including the FBI, DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Attorney General William Barr announced the move, saying that it was part of an initiative taken by the Trump administration to restore law and order in America’s cities called Operation Legend. The program coordinates an effort by the federal government to step in after Democrat-controlled urban centers refused to crack down on rampant crime and unrest. “For decades, the Department of Justice has achieved significant success when utilizing our anti-violent crime task forces and federal law enforcement agents to enforce federal law and assist American cities that are experiencing upticks in violent crime,” said Barr. “The Department of Justice’s assets will supplement local law en-
forcement efforts, as we work together to take the shooters and chronic violent criminals off of our streets.” As part of Operation Legend, federal agents work in tandem with city police forces to identify, track, and arrest those responsible for the rising violent crime rates. The main thrust of the effort will focus on tackling violent crime including gang activity, gun violence, and drug trafficking. Since late June, hundreds of officers have already been sent to Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, and Portland. In Portland, federal agents belonging to an elite U.S. Border Patrol special forces team caused an uproar after they were videoed forcing protesters into unmarked cars and driving off. The controversy led the city and state to order the tactical team to leave Portland, resulting in a standoff with President Trump.
Illegal Lamborghini
This car is so amazing that it’s above the law. Lamborghini’s new supercar, the Essenza SCV12, is not legally allowed to be driven on public roads. As such, the company suggests that owners keep their new vehicle in a special garage at the company’s headquarters in Italy. Think that your car will be lonely without you? Owners will have access to a secure webcam feed so they can gaze at their newest possession ad nauseum. Want to do more than just look at your million-dollar car? Lamborghini can arrange – upon request – for the car to be transported to almost any racetrack in the world so the owner can drive it there. It will also provide a professional racecar driver to provide coaching in how to get the most speed and enjoyment from the
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
SAVE the DATE SUNDAY
9.13.20 6 P M
BE THE CHANGE.
PLEASE JOIN ME AT THE VIRTUAL
EMUNAH ANNUAL DINNER Johanna Guttmann Herskowitz National President
Karen Spitalnick Chairman of the Board
NATIONAL CHAIRS
Elizabeth Gindea
REGIONAL CHAIRS
Careena Parker
MEDIA & PRESS CHAIR Mindy Stein
Laurie Szenicer Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Salig
MARKETING CHAIR Sue Nadritch
YOUNG LEADERS CHAIR
California
Florida
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Maureen Eisenberg
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Connecticut
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Fran Hirmes
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Heddy Klein Karen Spitalnick
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
V12-powered supercar. Additionally, in case you want to socialize with others in your elite stratosphere, the company will host a few special events throughout the year to let Essenza SCV12 owners get together and enjoy their cars as a group. It’s an elite group. Only 40 of these supercars will be produced. Most of the cars are already signed up for but have no fear – a few remain available. Considering a purchase? For now, Lamborghini does not have a price for the Essenza SCV12 but it will be priced similarly to the company’s other limited-edition models such as the Lamborghini Centenario and Sián, which sold for $1.9 million and upwards of $2 million, respectively. “This car is like a special passport to the most exclusive world of Lamborghini,” said Lamborghini’s chief engineer Maurizio Reggiani. Like a true racecar, the SCV12 is designed so that any of the three major sections that make up the body can be quickly replaced during a pit stop. While the car can be painted any color the customer wants, Lamborghini is making it available in a special racing inspired paint scheme including sponsor logos. The car’s rectangular steering wheel with a built-in display screen is modeled on the steering wheels of Formula 1 cars. The “SC” in “SCV12” stands for Squadra Corse, or “racing team” in Italian, which is also the name of Lamborghini’s motorsports department, founded in 2014. And we’re off to the races.
that the emus were once welcome visitors and would pop by every now and then for a few biscuits. Then they learned to climb stairs. “Travelers have to be very cautious with the emus, because they will poke their heads in a caravan door and drink all the coffee without spilling the mug and steal your toast, and if you have a barbecue, watch out because they’ll take everything,” he says. “When they finish breakfast at the caravan park they come down to the hotel, and last week they figured out how to walk up the steps of the hotel.” The hotel has decided to take action against the fine-feathered fowl friends. Now, they put up a chain rope at the top of the steps along with a sign that reads: “Emus have been banned from this establishment for bad behavior. Please let yourself through the emu barrier and then reconnect.” Gimblett notes that emus are not pleasant when you get between them and their food. Standing more than 6 feet tall, the emu is Australia’s tallest native bird and one of the world’s largest bird species. Emus are related to ostriches and another native Australian bird, the cassowary. The emus became citizens of the town when a resident found eight abandoned eggs in town. A wildlife lover wrapped the eggs in a blanket and helped them hatch. The other emus have since left the town but these two have stayed. Perhaps they find Yaraka Hotel quite emu-sing.
Emu Ban Shoe Shyster
These two emus are not so em-azing. Kevin and Carol, two emu siblings, have been banned from a hotel in Australia’s Outback for bad behavior. The Yaraka Hotel has just four rooms, as well as campgrounds and a pub. Co-owner Chris Gimblett says
Police in Germany have found an unlikely culprit in the stealing of more than 100 shoes that had been left outside of homes in the Zehlendorf neighborhood recently. It turns out that a fox with an affinity for footwear has been nabbing
the slippers, sandals, and sneakers. Christian Meyer noticed that his running shoes had gone missing. Posting the event on a local message board, he was met with other comments by residents who were scratching their heads about their lost shoes. Meyer began to investigate the disappearances and came up with a fox that he caught “red-handed” with a pair of flip-flops in his mouth. He later found the fox’s trove of multi-colored shoes. At least three pairs of footwear have since been reclaimed by their rightful owners. Apparently, Meyer was able to outfox the fox.
It’s Elementary
This kid is really in her element. Natalia Najam of Lahore, Pakistan, broke a Guinness World Record when she arranged the elements of the periodic table in 2 minutes, 42 seconds. The nine-year-old science enthusiast beat the previous record by a mere 7 seconds. The previous record was set by Indian economics professor Meenakshi Agarwal, who completed the task in 2 minutes, 49 seconds. Natalia screamed with joy when she heard that she won. She said she hopes her accomplishment inspires other children to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Natalia’s father noted that his daughter never had formal schooling and has always been educated at home. Now there’s no excuse for not do-
ing your homework while learning on Zoom.
Lost Leg & Found When Chris Marckres lost his leg while skydiving, he didn’t even feel it. The double amputee had gone for a jump on Saturday in Vermont and lost one of his legs after leaping from the plane. “I think my adrenaline was so high, and I was just so excited, I didn’t realize I had lost it,” he said. Thankfully, he landed safely with the help of an instructor and then put word out on social media of his missing limb.
When farmer Joe Marszalkowski heard about Chris’s problem, he kept an eye out for it on his farm. Sure enough, Joe found the appendage in his soybean field. And, aside from a few scratches, the leg was as good as, well, new. “You’ve always got to keep an eye out,” Joe said, and compared the discovery to a needle in a haystack. He said he was grateful he found the leg without running it over with a machine during the fall harvest. “Or, G-d forbid, the combine sucked it up – it would’ve destroyed it,” Joe added. Good point. Chris said that losing his leg turned into a positive experience for him. “We kind of take for granted sometimes how many truly good people there still are in the world,” he said. Sometimes it takes a lost leg to remind us.
Tortellini tonight? Naomi Nachman, Page 76
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
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Around the
Community Shalom Task Force’s Family Bike Ride
PHOTOS BY YEHUDA JOFFE PHOTOGRAPHY
O
n Sunday morning, July 26, 300 riders came together, with social distance, to take part in Shalom Task Force’s Spin to Win: Bike Edition. Riders of all ages lined up in the HALB parking lot with their families, equipped with their Shalom Task Force hand sanitizers and race numbers, to ride either a 3-mile and 10-mile course through Woodmere and North Woodmere to show their support for the vital work Shalom Task Force does. As she sent off the cyclists on the ride, Dr. Shoshannah Frydman, Executive Director of Shalom Task Force, thanked the crowd for supporting the agency’s mission. “One of the goals of Shalom Task Force is to create a supportive community. Seeing all of these families come out and safely support the work of our
organization, shows we are one step closer to reaching our goal.” This ride supports Shalom Task Force, a national organization that combats domestic violence and fosters health families and relationship during this unprecedented time. Raising these critical funds and raising awareness of domestic violence and the work of Shalom Task Force helps break the stigma of reaching out for help. As riders finished the route, they were welcomed back with an amazing to-go lunch, sponsored by Sharmel. Before leaving, every family was able to commemorate the ride in the photo booth sponsored by Yehuda Joffe Photography Shalom Task Force is grateful to HALB for the use of their property and helping make this event a real-
ity and to the officers of the Nassau County 4th Precinct and Auxiliary Police for their protection. Thank you to Bailey and Brian Sigman, Daniella and Elisha Graff, and Sarah and Ian Boczko for chairing this year’s event under the direction of Rachel Marks, Vice President of Shalom Task Force. Shalom Task Force also recognizes the incredible work of Michelle Farbman for coordinating the ride and working around the clock to ensure its success. Thank you to the sponsors of the event: Miller Realty, Word on the Street, Aarons Kissena Farms, Sharmel, Forspan Klear LLC, Yehuda Joffe Photography, and Print on Point. The COVID pandemic has increased the need for Shalom Task Force’s services exponentially- the calls to the hotline and legal services
have more than doubled in the past few months. During the shelter-inplace orders, victims are literally trapped at home with their abusers, and family violence is emerging as the pandemic within the pandemic, with reports of incidences increasing internationally. The combination of being stuck at home, increased financial stress, anxiety, depression and isolation all contribute to this danger. STF recently expanded its hotline to include text, chat and WhatsApp so that support is more accessible. If you or your loved one has questions or concerns about relationships, or are currently in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, please call, text, or WhatsApp the confidential Shalom Task Force Hotline at 888-8832323 or chat with a live advocate at shalomtaskforce.org.
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Camp Shira’s Chessed During the Nine Days
Supervisor Clavin Introduces TOH “Shark Patrol”
A
t Camp Shira, the excitement never stops, but sometimes the camp makes sure to have fun for a cause! During the Nine Days, Shira campers participated in a variety of chessed activities. The youngest campers, the Junior Division, made refuah shelaima cards for sick children. They also rode in an adorable Chai Lifeline trike-a-thon through a course. The older campers enjoyed a swimathon. Shira campers collectively raised over $10,000 for Chai Lifeline! Campers also wanted to show their appreciation for the heroes who have kept us and our families safe these past few months. The Senior Division made cards for nursing home residents and the healthcare staff that care for them. The oldest campers, Shira Extreme, created packages and cards for local police officers. Each division also focused on Mitzvah Programs. Junior campers built a mitzvah wall brick by brick. Senior campers had a brachos campaign
culminating in a brachos party to celebrate a week filled with brachos and amens! The oldest campers in Shira Extreme had a campaign focusing on middos and brachos. It was an action-packed, chessedfilled week at Camp Shira! In this unprecedented summer, Camp Shira’s staff, campers, and parents have worked together to make this another summer to sing about!
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S
upervisor Don Clavin joined with the Town of Hempstead lifeguard team at Town Park Point Lookout last week to introduce America’s largest township’s new “Shark Patrol.” With multiple shark sightings confirmed last week by Hempstead Town lifeguards as of Wednesday, Clavin unveiled a new “Jet Ski” personal watercraft and deployed a team of lifeguards on a Bay Constable boat to monitor the waters as needed during this period of shark sightings. The new shark patrol tools enhance Hempstead Town’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the shore from potentially dangerous situations, as lifeguards continue to survey the waters, whether from their assigned posts, on surfboards, on a boat, and now with personal watercraft. “Our trained lifeguards are crucial in allowing us to quickly identify sharks in the water and alert the public of imminent danger,” Clavin said. “By creating a dedicated ‘shark patrol,’ we are providing our lifeguard team with an immediate advantage as they monitor the waters and work to keep beachgoers safe.” A key feature of Hempstead Town’s shark patrol is the continued deployment of a Bay Constable and a boat to team with members of the lifeguard squad to search for sharks in the waters. By teaming lifeguards with the Bay Constables, the town is
utilizing a crew that is talented and experienced with waterways, bays and oceans. Combined with the new “Jet Ski,” this provides lifeguards with an upclose and enhanced perspective of the ocean as they keep an eye out for potentially dangerous sharks. With the Jet Ski, lifeguards can move through the ocean both faster and more safely should they end up in a hazardous situation. The new Jet Ski is currently a rental to utilize for the entirety of this busy Long Island shark season, and officials will work to secure a purchased personal watercraft in the near future. With sightings of significantly sized sharks, Clavin and the lifeguard team had restricted swimming throughout the week and has made adaptations as the situation changes. Restrictions have included “ankle deep,” “ankle to waist,” “redflagged, no swimming” and have varied depending on the location and time of the sighting. “Town of Hempstead lifeguards do an outstanding job of making sure everyone stays safe,” Clavin said. “In order for that to happen, we need to make sure they stay safe, too.” For more updates on beach closures and schedule changes, visit hempsteadtownny.gov or follow the Town of Hempstead on social media.
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
my favorite weekly specials
Store Hours:
Order Online: www.FrankelsKosher.com or by Email: orders@Frankelskosher.com
Aug 5, - Aug 11,
1913 Cornaga Avenue • Far Rockaway • T. 718-327-4700 F. 718-327-4701 E. orders@Frankelskosher.com
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718-327-4700
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There is a $2 Fee
Send your name to 718-327-4700 for WhatsApp status updates.
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$5.99
Large Green Squash
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$1.09
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$1.39
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Pre Cut Paper Towels 125 Ct
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$2.29
Chobani
52 Oz
5.3 Oz
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$0.99
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6 Oz
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$1.99
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Watermelon
Persian Cucumbers
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Organic Red Beets
2/ $1
flower arangments
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$9.49
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16 Oz
10 Oz
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17.6 Oz
$.89 Lb
Pickles & Olives
$3.49
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Shefa
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Broccoli Florets
7 Oz
Spinach & Broccoli Littles
24 Oz
$1.99
Mushrooms
dairy - frozen Tree Ripe
Hummus
$.69 Lb
Hearts Of Palm Sliced
5 Oz
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Wednesday, Aug/5/20 thru Friday Aug/7/20
Facial Tissues
6 Oz
$2.99
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PRODUCE SPECIALS WEDNESDAY THRU FRIDAY Bananas
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$3.29
produce
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$2.89
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$4.49
Taamti
Birdseye
Birdseye
12 Oz
12 Pk
Tulips
$12
Shabbos Bouquet
$20
Potato & Vegetable Cigars
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$15
$4.49
Butternut Squash
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14.4 Oz
$2.09
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take a peek at our everyday special prices Norman’s
Gevina
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$.69
$1.39
5 0z
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$2.99
Fresh & Tasty
Milk
Cholov Yisroel
2/$4
Mehadrin
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$11.99
We now offer deliveries to the following areas
• Atlantic Beach • Long Beach • The Rockaways • Belle harbor
American Cheese 108 Slices
$15.99
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Yogolite
Postiv
Romaine Lettuce 24 Oz
$0.79
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$10.99
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Fresh Salmon Fillet
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Specials Are Running From Wednesday Aug/5/20 Thru Tuesday Aug/11/20. Produce Sale Effective Aug/5/20 Thru Aug/7/20 We Reserve The Right To Limit Quantities, While Supplies Last. Not Responsible For Typographical Or Photographic Errors. No Rain Checks.
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Tisha B'Av night at the Woodbourne shul
Online Cybersecurity for Healthcare Program Launched by Touro College
T
ouro College will offer a post-bachelor’s certificate in Cybersecurity beginning this fall, Touro President Dr. Alan Kadish announced last week. The program will be presented online and is accessible to students across the U.S. These programs are part of the newly-launched graduate division, Touro College Illinois. “Touro College and University System has a substantial footprint in the medical and health care education space, and the cybersecurity program will offer a concentrations
in health care. As technology takes over more and more of daily life, the world of cybersecurity for healthcare is rapidly-expanding,” said Patricia Salkin, Touro College Provost. Patient records that were once collected by hand are now entered digitally, instantly added to a network, and synced with insurance information, medical history, and other crucial data. Keeping all that data secure is crucial – not only for HIPAA compliance, but also for patient confidence and improved doctor efficiency.
With opportunities that range from safely integrating high-tech medical devices and equipment – to tracking network attacks and stopping hackers, careers in cybersecurity for the medical industry vary widely. “Cybersecurity for healthcare is a career path that is on the cutting edge of technology and offers job security for the future,” said Dr. Zev Eleff, Vice Provost of Touro College Illinois. Career Opportunities Network security, risk assessment and management, and medical device security are all growing fields in cybersecurity for healthcare. A career in network security for healthcare involves all aspects of protecting a network and the information it contains. Healthcare records are subject to strict privacy laws, and all the information collected and kept by doctors, hospitals, insurance providers, and anyone else who provides medical services must be securely protected. Since most healthcare records are managed digitally and stored on networks, the security of healthcare
systems and servers is crucial. Healthcare risk assessment and management professionals work in tandem with network security experts to identify critical data and systems in the overall healthcare infrastructure. Then, they assess risk and identify potential security concerns or system vulnerabilities, offering their expertise for how to mitigate those risks and reduce the likelihood of a potential network attack. While many jobs in cybersecurity for healthcare involve protecting patient data and securing networks, Internet of Things (IoT) and medical device security offer different types of opportunities. These roles involve maintaining security for products like radiation machines, MRIs, CT scanners, insulin pumps, and pacemakers – and safely integrating them into the healthcare landscape. Fall application to Touro College Illinois is open, and financial aid is available to those who qualify. Students can complete the cybersecurity certificate in six months. To learn more about how to get trained for these exciting careers or to apply, contact Illinois.touro.edu
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
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Around the Community
Ending the Year Strong at Siach Yitzchok
I
t was a grand finale of a turbulent school year, a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, highs and lows that will always be associated with the “Year of the Coronavirus.” Siach Yitzchok’s closing events, including the Kindergarten Aleph Beis Siyum, Pre-1a Chumash Mesiba, and schoolwide Siyum Hashana, marked the completed summer session for returning students in their beloved school building. While strictly adhering to rabbinical and medical guidelines, Siach Yitzchok opened its doors for the duration of the June-July summer session. For many children in our community, it was an impossible feat, but for the students of Siach Yitzchok, these last few weeks brought the long-awaited return to school, a dream come true for the hundreds of young boys reunited at last with their friends and rebbeim in a structured
learning environment. As articulated by a pre-school rebbe, “I can’t imagine that six months could have passed before returning to Cheder.” The sentiment of immense gratitude for Hakadosh Baruch Hu’s kindness and the tireless efforts of the Cheder’s hanhala reverberated
throughout the building these past weeks and was openly expressed at each of the memorable and poignant siyumim. After four months spent at home, the return to school allowed students to complete their year of learning in the optimal environment and feel the security afford-
ed by proper closure to the school year. It was a valuable opportunity for students to reinforce their learning skills, reacquaint with their peers, and reconnect with their rebbeim. Despite concerns of a potentially difficult transitional period, the boys adjusted quickly and smoothly to their routines, which were designed to gently ease them back into the school setting. At the Siyum Hashanah, the esteemed menahel, Rabbi Dovid Sitnick, shlit”a, related to his talmidim that the world is sustained by the breath of the pure tinokos shel bais rabban learning Torah. How fortunate are these talmidim to carry the zechus of sustaining our world. To echo the sweet voices of the kindergarten boys’ enthusiastic singing, “Baruch Habah… We came back to Cheder; we’re together again!... Ashreinu ma tov chelkeinu!”
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Supporting the Police Force
C
ounty Legislator Howard Kopel urged Nassau residents to wear and display blue ribbons in support of police at a rally at East Rockaway Village Hall last week. In attendance were a number of South Shore mayors, elected officials, community leaders, and 4th Precinct officers including, as pictured here, NCPD Lt. Charles Sollin, Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony P. D’Esposito, Legislator Howard Kopel, 4th Precinct Deputy Inspector Leslie Moulds, Village of Lawrence Mayor Alex H. Edelman, Lawrence Deputy Treasurer Lina Fusco, and Lawrence Village Administrator Ronald Goldman.
Lawrence Village Election Mayor Edelman, Popack, Kutner and Mandel to Run on Unity Ticket
M
ayor Alex H. Edelman has announced that he is seeking re-election as Mayor of Lawrence, noting his commitment to no increase in taxes; the continuing and expansion of road and sidewalk repairs; his opposition to The Woodmere Club developers’ plan; his intention to utilize the Village’s decommissioned water treatment plant for 7 or 8 residential homes and a park, rather than a 150unit apartment complex; resolving the lighting crisis on 878 and flooding conditions with the State; and forthcoming acquisition of security cameras with the County. Also running on the Unity Tick-
et to fill the spot of retiring Trustee Syma Diamond is Lawrence Civic Association President, Lawrence Yacht and Country Club Park Commissioner and NYS Assembly Woman of Distinction Awardee Paris Popack and prominent local businessman, Partner and Vice President of Harborview Capital Partners, former U.S. House of Representatives Legislative Aide, Lawrence Civic Association member, and Street Safety Initiative founder Eli Kutner. Mr. Kutner is also a member of the World Zionist Congress, The National Investment Center, National Multi-Housing Council, and several other prestigious national finance
By phone or private appointment
associations. Both Ms. Popack and Mr. Kutner share the Mayor’s views on no tax increase, no development of the “6th Town,” Village infrastructure, and preserving Lawrence’s character rather than jeopardizing it with the introduction of 150 apartments as well as the other crucial items noted above. Paris Popack would especially focus on environmental issues, safety and security, as well as, continued rejuvenation of the Memorial Day Parade and ensuring that the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club is the “Jewel of the Neighborhood” for the entire community and residents as well as for its members. Eliezer (Eli) Kutner pledges to spearhead the Lawrence Business Association to enhance and upgrade the Village’s commercial area and make it a focal point for everyone.
Concerned with the quality and efficiency of the Village’s sanitary services, he would also seek to serve as the Village’s Commissioner of Sanitation in order to have an effective presence and voice in Sanitary District 1. Running for re-election on the Unity slate is Lawrence Village Justice Gary Mandel. Having served as Village Prosecutor since 1994, Justice Mandel succeeded retired Judge Donald J. Buchalter in 2018 in presiding over local vehicular and Village Code matters. The Lawrence Village election will be held Tuesday, September 15, 7a.m.-9p.m. and (because of Covid-19 and need for social distancing) will be held at the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club at 101 Causeway in Lawrence, NY.
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HBY Connects with Tisha B’Av By Shoshanna Friedman
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adar Bet Yaakov, Queens’ newest girls’ high school, ran a chessed storytelling Zoom event on Tisha B’Av afternoon to connect teenage girls with the essence of the most somber day in Jewish history. Instead of focusing on the historical facts of the day, the program highlighted the reason for the Beit Hamikdash’s destruction: sinat chinam or needless hatred and then spotlighted the middah most necessary for its return: ahavat chinam and ahavat Yisrael. Mrs. Shoshanna Friedman, HBY principal, introduced the Zoom event and gave an overview of the significance of ahavat Yisrael in our lives, emphasizing its all-incorporative key role in a Torah observant lifestyle. “Although these concepts are foundational, this isn’t what today is going to be about,” she told the girls. “I want you to all appreciate the invaluable quality of ahavat chinam but I don’t want today to be about intellectual appreciation. I want today to be about emotional connection and you only get that through stories – stories that mean something to their storytellers. Today, you’re going to listen to stories of ahavat chinam in people’s lives and see it through their eyes.” The afternoon, she told them, would be an afternoon of storytelling, personal perspective and meaning. “Each storyteller gives us a chance to grow as they pass the candle to the next storyteller.” HBY teachers came on for twenty minutes each, beginning with Mrs. Rachel Rambod who told moving
stories of difficult chessed during this past Pesach’s quarantine time, and shortly after, Mrs. Shaindel Simes who talked about the life changing quality of making simple “how are you” phone calls to grandparents or anyone in need of a call. Mrs. Chavi Rosenshein discussed “filling ourselves up with good things” because it makes us a happier person and showed how chessed is both a gift to someone else as well as yourself. Ms. Sara Nasirov told of memories of a warm welcoming family over ten years ago when she and her sister were stranded on erev Pesach, and Mrs. Devorah Muskat recounted a moving story of Jews in Israel who went above and beyond to help each other in times of deep distress. There were some young voices included as well with Aleeza Ashurov, in-coming HBY 9th grader, and Rikki Friedman, a Shevach 10th grader. Both girls told their own personal stories of chessed; Aleeza remembered an “almost” Shabbat disaster that ended up wonderfully because of kindness and Rikki described the strong impression someone made on her by their special attention to kibbud eim. “I’m not the same person I was at the beginning of this event,” Mrs. Friedman said as she ended the program later that day. “I feel changed because I understand chessed and ahavat Yisrael differently. You can’t help but be transformed after listening to these powerful experiences.” Hadar Bet Yaakov created their HBY Connects Program to facilitate growth and connection to Torah for high school girls everywhere.
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Girls from Camp Revach handed out water bottles and “smile” cards on Central Avenue over the Nine Days
PEYD Team Excited to Announce the Launch of REWARDS+
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EYD is looking for talented sales reps and those with connections to the business community, to build relationships and strategic partnerships with businesses nationwide. The team that brought community awareness to credit card rewards and its impact on individuals and businesses’ bottom line is pleased to announce the launch of its new division, REWARDS+. REWARDS+ provides access to financial products and services for businesses with more than $200,000 in monthly spend. These options maximize cash flow and capitalize on flexible payment terms and higher credit limits while offering better rebates and rewards than the industry standard. Founded as a rewards redemption and travel service provider, PEYD initially focused solely on assisting consumers in maximizing airline miles and credit card points. Within a few short years, the company developed into a full-service travel agency, addressing travel needs of both private individuals and small businesses. Get PEYD’s latest venture, REWARDS+, takes it to an entirely different sphere, as it is now attending to the business marketplace and in many more avenues than ever before.
For years, businesses have been locked into traditional payment programs and unnecessarily spending huge sums on outdated payment processes, while accruing millions of credit card points they couldn’t properly use. The PEYD team worked to identify payment options that reduce expenses, while offering better cash rebates for businesses with significant spend. After vetting various banking and financial institutions, PEYD began focusing on forming relationships with the payment providers directly and creating partnerships to benefit their business client’s long-term financial goals. “Over the years we have built relationships and worked closely with many leading payment companies including, American Express, Comdata by MasterCard, Brex and Global Rewards. We are now leveraging our relationships with these financial institutions to offer businesses payment and financial products that boost their bottom line,” said Moshe Fried, Head of Sales at PEYD. Pinny Ackerman, partner and head of operations at PEYD, added, “Recent developments relating to COVID’s impact on the business community have resulted in significant losses of revenue, which has triggered credit reduction and payment term restructuring, and have
made it even more important to identify possible solutions to help these businesses.” “During the past few months, we have been focusing on providing greater value to businesses who need it most. We have seen tremendous success helping our clients connect to financial resources and products of which they were previously unaware. We are excited to launch our affiliate program and to connect with talented individuals with business relationships throughout the community to bring these programs to the forefront.” Pinny continued, “There is tremendous opportunity for those connected to the business community to leverage their relationships into extra income for themselves, as well as finding significant savings for the business clients and relationships they manage.” “The credit card companies have approached us and asked, ‘How can we work together to get the best value for your clients?’” said Fried. “When we are talking to our clients, we’re asking them, what’s more valuable for you: higher credit limits, better payment terms, cash rebates, or eliminating messy check writing?” The team at REWARDS+ collaborates with the payment providers by analyzing the client’s business and
spending habits, connecting them with the right program to maximize their dollars, and finding new ways for savings and additional revenue. For example, eligible e-commerce businesses can utilize a program that provides 60-day payment terms and free wire transfers. Currently, REWARDS+ is focused on working with e-commerce, jewelry supply, construction, electrical & plumbing contractors, healthcare, and waste management & medical supply industries to find them the right payment platform for their unique business needs. Further market exploration and outward expansion to follow. The team works with businesses spending tens of thousands per month, as well as businesses spending in the millions. If you are someone who enjoys working remotely or on your own schedule and has experience representing yourself in a sales and marketing capacity, the PEYD team wants to hear from you. If you have an existing book of business and/or contacts in the business community or are business-spending more than $50,000+ per month, you can email PEYD at info@peyd360.com or call (646) 801-PEYD (7393) for more information.
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The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
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Camp Areivos Fun
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amp Areivos is more than halfway through its inaugural summer, and the fun is nonstop! As Camp Areivim’s sister camp, Areivos had a lot to live up to. The activities and atmosphere in camp are absolutely electric. In a corona world, camp was faced with the challenge of creating
a safe and enjoyable environment. But leave it up to Mrs. Mimi Isaacson, program director, to ensure that every girl in Areivos is having an incredible and safe summer. Many of the older campers who are missing sleepaway camp have even commented that Areivos feels like a sleepaway camp just without the
sleeping over part. Aside from the classic swimming, baking, and art activities, the girls enjoy activities like Human Lemonade Twister, Silent Disco Dance Party, a raft making competition, and an epic flour fight. The fun in Areivos doesn’t stop during the day; the older bunks have an incredible Areivos Nights Pro-
gram. Some of the activities include balloon art blast, soap-making, a glow-in-the-dark dance party, and much, much more. Many parents and campers have commented to the director, Rabbi Hersh, “Areivos is the best camp ever!”
Rabbi Ya’aqob Menashe – A Leader of Sephardi Jewry Worldwide By Friends of Midrash Ben Ish Hai
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aruch dayan ha’emes, what a loss for Klal Yisrael! The Hacham, Rabbi Ya’aqob Menashe, a”h, founder and spiritual leader of Midrash Ben Ish Hai, was laid to rest in Eres Yisrael on Har Hazeitim on the morning of the 7 th of AV (Tuesday, July 28). Rabbi Menashe’s passing is a tragic loss not only for the Great Neck community, but for Jewish communities as far as India where the Hacham kept the Jewish community functioning, as well as Australia, England, and across the globe, where his teachings are shared with adults and a new generation of children alike. On Monday afternoon, people from all walks of life joined in cars and in person, with social distancing, in the oversized parking lot at the Great Neck Synagogue, to remember the life and legacy of Rabbi Menashe, a”h, with hespedim. Rabbi Ya’aqob Menashe’s illustrious ancestors paved the way for his accomplishments and mission of spreading Torah to all. Rabbi Menashe was a direct descendant of the philanthropist David Sassoon, who donated generously to Jewish and city causes in Bombay, building schools, synagogues and docks, as
well as the Menashe-Zbeida family from Baghdad, who founded Midrash Beth Zilkha where illustrious leaders such as the Ben Ish Hai and Hacham Abdallah Somekh studied. Rabbi Menashe’s parents, Rabbi Albert and Mrs. Rachel Manasseh, were leaders of the Iraqi Jewish community in Bombay. In fact, his father was the spiritual head of the entire community in Bombay as well as life president of the Sassoon Trusts. Rabbi Ya’aqob Menashe, who emigrated to England with his family at the age of eleven, would fondly recall sitting next to his father at the Keneseth Eliyahu Synagogue, and participating in the religious Habonim organization that his parents led.
Rabbi Ya’aqob Menashe, a”h, was a skilled, cultured, and talented individual. He was fluent in many languages, understood and appreciated music, and was a skilled speaker and lecturer. From his early years, Rabbi Menashe was selflessly dedicated to the distribution of Torah. As a young man, Rabbi Menashe noticed that Sepharadi Minhagim (customs) were beginning to be lost, to a large extent because Sephardi yeshivot and synagogues were few in number. Rabbi Ya’aqob Menashe made it his life’s mission to invigorate the Sephardi heritage in others and disseminate the works of Hacham Yosef Hayyim, a”h, the holy Ben Ish Hai. Understanding that people learn and
connect to Torah differently, Rabbi Menashe brought Am Yisrael closer to the holy scripture through speeches, written essays, books, and videos, and pioneered the use of every technological advance available during the respective period. His acclaimed A Torah MinuteTM series will stand as an everlasting tribute halacha, hashkafa, and mussar. He also published numerous books, including compilations of some of his daily Torah Minutes, as well as Ronni V’Simchi LeYa’aqob, a book on the halachot of bar mitzvah that he wrote when his son, Menashe, turned thirteen. Rabbi Ya’aqob Menashe, along with the late Rabbanith Ruth Menashe, a”h, built Midrash Ben Ish Hai into a multifaceted organization. From classes to outreach, lectures to singles events, his warm and engaging manner attracted people of all backgrounds. Thousands worldwide receive A Torah Minute daily, for over a decade, alongside much other content. The Hacham will be remembered as a true mentor and leader, and will be sorely missed and mourned by each life he impacted with his personal touch of care, compassion, and dedication, whilst continually being a role model for honesty and integrity.
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Bringing Eruvin to Life: All Daf’s New Initiative for Lomdei Daf Yomi By Chaim Saller
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t has been just eight months since All Daf was launched, and the platform has already become the go-to destination for lomdei gemara and daf yomi regulars alike. With more than 35,000 app downloads and 10,000 daily visitors, the app and website have transformed the daf-learning experience for so many in a drastic way, and have added depth and clarity to the daf through its various shiurim, media clips, learning aids, and PDF library. Now, as the Daf Yomi cycle approaches Meseches Eruvin, a new set of challenges face lomdei hadaf. Complicated sugyos with hard-to-envision scenarios often come up during the daily learning, and the real-life pitfalls of Eruv construction – necessary to understand many sugyos – are generally unknown to those not in the “Eruv business.” The complexity of the topics can be a constant struggle to those trying to comprehend the gemara with the quick-moving daf yomi pace, and the unfamiliarity can prove to be a hurdle to anyone seeking to gain clarity in the often hardto-grasp sugyos. “People are often hesitant to wade in to the topics of Eruvin,” Rabbi Moshe Schwed, the director of the All Daf platform for the Orthodox Union, points out. “Others are tempted to ‘drop out’ of daf yomi during this mesechta. The new and sometimes foreign concepts that are introduced in Eruvin are challenging, and it can impact the continued commitment of some to their daily learning. There was a serious need for something that would revolutionize the way the mesechta could be learned.” All Daf stepped up, ready to help users as they embrace the challenges of their ongoing journey. The platform has launched a special Eruvin initiative, aptly called “Bringing Eruvin to Life,” which aims to help users overcome the unique set of challenges that may impede their learning as they attempt to grasp the intricate sugyos of Meseches Eruvin. “We are introducing three series of videos, each one addressing a different vital component of the
mesechta,” Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, shares. “These videos were carefully made to draw the viewer into the topics in an enjoyable and easy-to-understand manner. Even advanced talmidei chachomim will be able to gain a stronger grasp of the sugyos through these clips.” To make the first series of videos, All Daf commissioned Rabbi Micha Shotkin, a renowned Eruv architect and builder. Rabbi Shotkin, from the vantage point of the world’s most advanced Eruv vehicle – his telescopic bucket truck – gives viewers a virtual tour of all the facets of Eruv construction. Each clip touches upon a different topic, including gud asik, lavud,
brings Eruvin to life in a relatable manner, and shows viewers how the teachings of the daf pertain to their local Eruv. For the third new video series, All Daf tapped Rabbi Shlomo Francis and Rabbi Yonason Glenner, co-author of The Laws of an Eruv, to deliver engaging shiurim on Eruvin. With a smartboard and a firm grasp of hilchos eirivin, they deliver fascinating and enlightening shiurim, masterfully portraying the concepts of the Gemara in a pristine manner, allowing lomdim to comprehend the topics through a contemporary-style shiur. The videos will serve as an indispensable introduction to those seek-
“These clips go into the intricacies of practical Eruv construction,” Rabbi Schwed relates. “How do you measure a lechi when it is beneath a high-power tension line that is hundreds of feet in the air?
and tel hamislaket. These videos, revealing an up-close perspective with such an eminent tour guide, can be a key resource to both newcomers and seasoned learners alike. “These clips go into the intricacies of practical Eruv construction,” Rabbi Schwed relates. “How do you measure a lechi when it is beneath a high-power tension line that is hundreds of feet in the air? How do you measure the angles of a tel hamislaket? You can learn a whole new side of the practicalities of Eruvin through these clips.” The second series focuses on applying the concepts of the daf to an existing community Eruv. For this, Rabbi Chaim Jachter, a leading posek on Eruvin, walks along the perimeter of an Eruv, pointing out all the particulars involved, while pointing out the sources from the Gemara and poskim. This series of short videos
ing to begin Eruvin, as well as a guide for users to reference throughout the mesechta. These clips will be integrated into the popular All Daf app and website, to accompany the rich content already available. Incorporated on the All Daf platform is an incredible array of Shas-related content, meticulously curated and streamlined, including the shiurim of Rabbi Moshe Elefant, Rabbi Shalom Rosner, Rabbi Shloime Schwartzman of Daf Hachaim, Sruly Bornstein, Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Shas Illuminated, and many others. Since the onset of Meseches Shabbos, All Daf has hosted the popular concise series, The Quick Daf, delivered Rabbi Zecharia Resnik. Daf HaChaim’s well-known introductions and reviews, including two specially made visually animated introductory clips to Eruvin, have
also been included in the All Daf library, and can serve as a valuable resource while trying to understand the mesechta. All Daf also features new content, created specifically for the platform. Aside from the special Eruvin initiative, each mesechta has short, engaging clips that were created to serve as supplements to a Daf Yomi shiur, infusing a new dimension into the daily daf. The clips cover the historical background of topics mentioned in the daf, explanation of the pesukim in Nach quoted in the daf, insight into related halachic aspects of the daf, and a deeper look at the lomdus behind the daf. These short clips allow anyone to connect to the sugya in a more intimate manner, ignites a personal passion, and allows people to walk away from the daf with a memorable perspective that will help them remember the sugya. The Zichru Simanim program, hosted on All Daf, has helped thousands of users retain key points on every daf. The All Daf platform seamlessly integrates all these features in one, clean interface and is customizable to fit individual preferences. Users can download content for offline use, get notifications for new shiurim, or utilize a slew of other contemporary conveniences. All of the various content is sorted by daf, so that just one click on the desired daf will give access to everything, circumventing the need for multiple searches. The platform has exploded in the months since its release, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. All Daf has enhanced the Gemara learning experience for so many, and it continues to evolve based on the needs associated with each mesechta. “The new initiative, Bringing Eruvin to Life, is an example of how All Daf evolves along with the needs of users,” Rabbi Moshe Elefant, the COO of OU Kosher and a world renowned daf yomi maggid shiur for OU, adds. “It is truly a befitting addition to such a widely-used platform.” You can download the All Daf app, available for iPhone and Android devices, or visit AllDaf.org to experience the platform firsthand.
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Bachurim Around the Globe are Deeply Immersed in the Dirshu “B’Zechus HaTorah” Program Shiurim Given Daily by Leading Gedolei Yisrael By Chaim Gold
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es, a worldwide pandemic has infiltrated virtually everywhere… Now, there is a worldwide antidote that is illuminating and firing up thousands of bachurim the world over! The worldwide antidote? Dirshu’s “B’Zechus HaTorah” program that has been especially designed for bachurim who are living through the Covid-19 pandemic and desire a structured limud for the month of Av. The program began on the first day of Av, and the way bachurim all over the world have taken to it has been nothing short of remarkable. “I must confess,” Rabbi Avigdor Bernstein, a senior member of Dirshu’s hanhalah, related, “initially, I
was not sure how successful this new program would be. For decades, Dirshu has been at the forefront of providing learning opportunities with comprehensive goals and monetary stipends. If anyone could succeed, they could. That being said, our bachurim have been through a lot in this pandemic. Many have not been able to attend yeshiva and even those who have been able to, have had their learning interrupted, suspended, and disrupted numerous times. Now that Chodesh Av, traditionally the month of bein hazemanim has arrived, I was wondering how much interest there would be. “What can I say? I am thrilled that my skepticism was unwarranted! Thousands of bachurim worldwide, literally worldwide, have joined the B’Zechus HaTorah program and are learning up a storm,
HaRav Dovid Cohen at the recent Dirshu World Siyum in Yad Eliyahu
listening to shiurim from some of the greatest Roshei Yeshiva and Admorim in the world! They are having a summer of true shteiging.” Coming Together B’Achdus There over 100 chaburos of bachurim learning in B’Zechus HaTorah in communities all across Eretz Yisrael, but that is only where it starts. Bachurim throughout America are participating in the program as well as chaburos in France, London, Gateshead, Manchester, Argentina, Panama and, yes, even Venezuela! The program’s limud is Perek Keitzad Mevarchin, the 6th perek of Masechta Brachos, which is a very practical, geshmake limud. Every weekday, the participants learn one amud of Gemara with Rashi and Tosafos with Friday and Shabbos consecrated for chazarah. Thus, two and a half blatt are learned weekly and all ten blatt of the perek will be completed by Rosh Chodesh Elul. Another component of the program is the daily mussar learning with Dirshu’s Kinyan Chochma program. The limud is the fifth perek of Pirkei Avos with the commentary of Rabbeinu Yonah and the sixth perek with the commentary of Rashi. There will be a test on Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul and Dirshu will be giving a very substantial stipend for excellent results.
Leading Senior Gedolim Delivering Daily Shiurim Numerous Gedolei Yisrael from both Eretz Yisrael and the United States have enthusiastically backed and encouraged participation in the B’Zechus HaTorah program. They have not just sufficed, however, with an encouraging word. They have shown the importance that they attach to the program that is in essence a hatzalah, a spiritual lifejacket, for many bachurim by agreeing to give shiurim on the sugyos. Every day, a different gadol gives shiur via telephone on a sugya in that day’s limud. For example, the venerated senior Rosh Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, shlita, was slated to give a shiur on 14 Av. HaGaon HaRav Berel Povarsky, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Ponovezh gave a shiur on 12 Av and the Modzhitzer Rebbe, shlita, gave a shiur on the morning of erev Tisha B’Av. Other shiurim were given by HaGaon HaRav Boruch Mordchai Ezrachi, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shaul Klein, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Chaim Feinstein, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, shlita, and HaGaon HaRav Boruch Dov Diskin, shlita. In America, too, some of the most prominent roshei yeshivas and rabbonim are delivering shiurim. They include HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Miller, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Sorotzkin, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Yissocher Frand, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Yisroel Reisman, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Dovid Goldberg, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Felder, shlita, HaGaon HaRav Nissim Kaplan, shlita, and the Nasi of Dirshu, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, shlita. This is in addition to daily blatt shiurim given by Rav Chaim Weg and Rav Eliyahu Pam in English and Rav Avrohom Shlomo Yavoh, the Lemberger Rav, in Yiddish. Rav Shraga Shteinman Another amazing development was the special event held recently in France to launch the program. France is home to a very large com-
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YOU ENVISION. WE CREATE. Partial view of participants at the Dirshu B’Zechus HaTorah program in France
munity of bachurim who have been home for a long time. As is understandable, being away from yeshiva is not optimum for any bachur. Dirshu in France, however, arranged a get-together of hundreds of bachurim in a large tent on the outskirts of France where they were addressed via video by numerous Gedolim including HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Ponovezh, HaGaon HaRav Shraga Shteinman, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Orchos Torah, Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi Dirshu, and HaGaon HaRav Shimon Galei, shlita. The event was arranged by Dirshu’s directors in France, Rav Naftali Levi and Rav Shlomo Elhadad. HaGaon HaRav Dovid Cohen, shlita, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, sent a special letter to be read at the event. He wrote, “I was so happy to hear that my dear friends, Rav Naftali Levi and Rav Shlomo Elhadad, are investing such effort to ensure that bachurim are remaining steadfast in their learning and their avodas Hashem. It is a tremendous mitzvah to bring together all the bachurim in France. No bachur should feel that he is alone, which in and of itself is a spiritual danger. Every bachur should feel that he belongs, that he is part of something great and important together with other likeminded bachurim.” Rav Dovid encouraged those who are able to safely return to their yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel in Elul. Those who cannot, should discuss with a spiritual mentor the best way to spend the upcoming Elul zman in France. Rav Shimon Galei addressed all participants in the worldwide program saying, “It is such an important segulah to make brachos properly. It brings great bracha to the
world. The way, however, to ensure that one invests proper kavanah in making brachos is by learning Brachos. When one learns the perek Keitzad Mevorchin in Masechta Brachos, the importance of brachos penetrates his very essence.” The words of Rav Shraga Shteinman, a son of Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman, made a profound impact and applies to all bachurim the world over. Rav Shteinman said, “We are living in very difficult times. Because of the upheavals of the coronavirus, and the fact that many bachurim were not able to be in their regular yeshiva setting, there was a rifyon, a weakening in limud haTorah among many. Not all the yeshivos and battei medrash are open, and it is much harder to learn. Nevertheless, whoever strengthens himself and learns despite the adversity earns the reward of everyone. The Yerushalmi says, ‘If a person learns when everyone is neglecting to learn, he receives the entire reward that was designated for everyone!’” Rav Baruch Dov Diskin, shlita, a rosh yeshiva at Yeshiva Orchos Torah who helped design the program, related, “The carefully planned, constructed program by Dirshu is a great yeshuah for bachurei yeshivos. Every bachur wants to shteig. No bachur wants to have a yeridah, especially now during this difficult period for Klal Yisrael but the lack of a framework and the fact that so many of our bachurim are not in a structured environment means that a program such as this can be both a tremendous way to grow in Torah while serving as a profound yeshuah for bachurim.” As the program enters its third week, Rav Diskin’s words seem almost prophetic.
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AUGUST 6,29, 2020 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 2015 | The Jewish Home
TJH
Centerfold
In the Name of Baseball I think I throw the ball as hard as anyone. The ball just doesn’t get there as fast. — Eddie Bane There have been only two authentic geniuses in the world: Willie Mays and Willie Shakespeare. — Tallulah Bankhead Ninety percent of this game is half mental. — Yogi Berra I watch a lot of baseball on radio. — Gerald Ford Bob Gibson is the luckiest pitcher I ever saw. He always pitches when the other team doesn’t score any runs. — Tim McCarver Trying to sneak a pitch past Hank Aaron is like trying to sneak the sunrise past a rooster. — Joe Adcock I never took the game home with me. I always left it in some bar. — Bob Lemon After Jackie Robinson, the most important black in baseball history is Reggie Jackson. — Reggie Jackson All I remember about my wedding day in 1967 is that the Cubs lost a doubleheader. — George F. Will Us ballplayers do things backward. First, we play, then we retire and go to work. — Charlie Gehringer There are two theories on hitting the knuckleball. Unfortunately, neither one of them works. — Charlie Lau I’d be willing to bet you, if I was a betting man, that I have never bet on baseball. — Pete Rose The baseball mania has run its course. It has no future as a professional endeavor. — Cincinnati Gazette editorial, 1879
You gotta be kidding A baseball scout found a remarkable prospect – a horse who was a good fielder and who hit the ball every time he was up at bat. The scout got him a try-out with a big league team. Up at bat, the horse slammed the ball into deep left field and stood at the plate, watching it go. “Run!” the manager screamed. “Run!” “Are you kidding?” answered the horse. “If I could run, I’d be in the Kentucky Derby.”
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The Jewish Home | AUGUST29, 6, 2020 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 2015
Baseball Rules Trivia 1. Where on a batter’s body is the bottom of the strike zone? a. b. c. d.
7. A team has runners on first and third bases with one out when the batter hits a fly ball near the stands along the third-base line. The third baseman makes a leaping catch and falls into the stands, holding onto the ball. What happens next?
Just above the knee Mid-thigh Mid-shin Beneath the kneecap
2. What is the call when two runners end up on the same base? a. The lead runner must try to advance to the next base. b. The play is dead and the trailing run is permitted to return to the previous base. c. The lead runner is entitled to the base; the trailing runner must try to go back to the previous base. d. Both are automatically out. 3. True or false: A batter who is hit by a pitch without making an effort to get out of the way will not be awarded first base. a. True b. False 4. True or false: If in trying to make a catch in front of the outfield wall, the ball bounces off the fielder’s glove over the wall, it is a home run.
a. It is live play, and the runners may proceed. The third baseman can try to throw them out. b. Batter is out, and runners do not advance bases. c. Automatically the runner on third scores, and the runner on first goes to second. d. Ball is considered a foul. 8. With the bases loaded and two outs, the batter hits a grand slam. The runner on first base misses second base as he circles the bases. What happens? a. The hitting team scores three runs and the inning is over b. The hitting team is granted 4 runs and the inning continues (because it was a Grand Slam, the player did not have to touch the base). c. The hitting team is awarded two runs (for those that scored before the player did not touch second) and the inning is over. d. The hitting team is not awarded any runs and the inning is over.
a. True b. False
5)
A
4)
A
3)
C
2)
D
1)
7) 6)
B
Intentional grounding Umpire should not make any call Infield fly rule Double play
C- When a fielder carries the ball into dead ball territory and controls the ball, he is credited with the catch but all runners are awarded one base on the play
a. b. c. d.
8)
6. There is a runner on first and second when the batter bunts the ball 15 feet in the air. Instead of catching the ball, the pitcher drops it and starts a 1-5-4-3 triple play (if you don’t know what that is, you obviously don’t know much about… soccer). What call should the umpire make?
Answers A- A runner can assist another runner as long as he did not score yet or was not yet ruled out
a. Yes b. No
D- No runs can score when an inning ends in a forceout
5. There is a runner on first when the batter hits the ball deep to right field and it is not caught. The runner who was on first falls down. May the batter, who is now rounding first, assist the runner ahead of him around the bases?
Scorecard 6-8 correct: You belong behind the plate wearing an umpire’s mask. (Time to start rounding off that belly of yours.) 3-5 correct: You are good, but prone to mistakes. You get to wear a mask…but it’s blue on the outside and white on the inside; no umpire’s mask for you just yet. 0-2 correct: Let’s try this: how many outs in an inning? Ooh, sorry, there are 6, not 3 (there are three in a half inning), but good try!
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Torah Thought
Parshas Eikev By Rabbi Berel Wein
T
he word that this week’s Torah reading derives its name from is eikev. There are many subtle nuances that exist within this short three letter Hebrew word. Our teacher Rashi uses a midrashic interpretation that connects the word to the Hebrew noun which refers to the heel of a person. He indicates that there are important considerations in Torah and life that people somehow step upon with their heel without
understanding the importance and ramification of so doing. Most commentators interpret the word to mean a causative issue. It indicates that, because a person does or does not do certain actions and behaviors, immense consequences flow from that seemingly unimportant decision. We are all aware that the Torah views the events of personal and national life to be one of cause and effect. Nothing happens in
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a vacuum or at random, and it is human behavior that sets the stage for all later events, even events that will occur centuries or millennia down the line. This lends importance to every act or omission of an act that a human being performs. And thus, the interpretation of Rashi falls in line with the general interpretation of the word eikev. We are being taught that there is nothing in life that should be considered completely unworthy of contemplation. Every situation, no matter how minor or inconsequen-
are aware that there is a cause that has activated this situation. I am not speaking about an immediate direct cause – the escape of the virus from the Wuhan Chinese laboratory. That is only a superficial cause that answers little and explains even less. Rather, there is a deep-seated cause within human society of the early 21st century that has provoked this reaction to the behavior, agendas, and thought processes of modern civilization. If the cause is to be searched for in our attitudes and behavior, then that requires con-
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It is human behavior that sets the stage for all later events, even events that will occur centuries or millennia down the line
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tial we may deem it to be, is a matter of importance and contains within it ramifications that we are unaware of but are present. The course of life is always mysterious, surprising, unexpected, and basically inexplicable. No one in our world today would have expected it to look the way it does just six months ago. We had all made plans for our immediate and long-range future. All those plans have been dashed by the dreaded coronavirus and its consequences. And yet, as we stand dazed and confused by what has struck us, deep down we
templation and rational thought instead of preconceived utopian ideas. It requires a sense of humility and a return to the basic values of human life as represented to us by the Torah and taught to us by Moshe our revered teacher Human civilization needs a little less hubris, less arrogance, more minimal expectations of life, and a realization that even though man may have many great ideas, it is the will of the L-rd, so to speak, that will eventually prevail one way or another. Shabbat shalom.
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
Think, Feel, Grow
When the Broken Path Still Leads Home By Shmuel Reichman
A
n old man sat on the train as it rumbled peacefully along the countryside. He was enjoying the view and the quiet atmosphere of the train car, until, at one stop, a young man got on the train and sat across from him. The man was sweating visibly, gripping his knees, and occasionally stealing nervous glances out the window. Concerned, the old man asked if there was anything he could help with. The young man looked at him, sizing him up, before deciding to trust him. “I’m not sure that you can help me, but I guess I may as well share. I grew up just a few miles from here…. In fact, my parents still live there. My parents blessed me with an incredible childhood – love, support, and every opportunity I could ask for. Unfortunately, I gave them the exact opposite in return. I was selfish, ungrateful, rude, and oppositional, causing trouble wherever and whenever I could. I eventually left them, deciding to strike it out on my own, free of them. They were heartbroken and tried for years to reconcile with me. I ignored their every effort, working to build a new life for myself. I began making connections and cutting deals, slowly building a life for myself that looked nothing like the honest, value-based life that my parents lived. I cut any corner I needed to if it would get me ahead, using people in ways that I should have been ashamed of. “However, things did not go as planned. Eventually, things fell apart. Those who I considered ‘friends’ were quick to abandon me as soon as our friendship stopped benefiting them.
My financial plans turned sour, with my shady deals being exposed for what they were. I borrowed, I begged, but things just kept taking turns for the worst. I soon found myself friendless, penniless, and alone, completely abandoned. With nowhere to turn, I contemplated ending my life. “Then, I thought of my parents. How they had spent years writing to me, pleading with me, saying how much they love me, before eventually giving up. “‘No,’ I thought to myself. ‘There’s no way they would take me back. How could they, after everything that I’ve put them through?’ “I went back and forth for weeks before finally mustering up the courage to pen them a letter. In it, I apologized for what I’ve done, explaining
how low I’ve sunk, and begged them to take me back. I then made a deal with them. On Tuesday, I would take the train that passes right by their home. If they were willing to accept me once again, they should hang a white flag on the tree in front of their house. And if not, if there’s no white flag on the treee outside their home, I would keep riding the train. I would understand that I had simply gone too far, that they no longer had a place for me, and that I was completely on my own.” The young man, now crying, looked up at his older seatmate. “We’re two minutes from their house. I can’t bear to look,” he said, as he broke down completely. The old man nodded with compassion and kindly assured him that
he would look out the window to see if there was a white flag. The young man whispered his thanks, as he sat with his head in his arms, softly crying. Two minutes later, the old man gasped. The young man, unable to look, frantically asked what was going on. “Is there a flag hanging?” he asked, with panic in his voice. The old man just slowly shook his head, gazing out the window in awe. The young man finally gathered up the nerve to look, and his entire body was flooded with warmth. There wasn’t a flag hanging in the tree; the entire tree was covered in white flags. *** This beautiful and heartwarming story relates to a deep theme that is
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020 The The Jewish Jewish Home Home || OCTOBER OCTOBER 29, 29, 2015 2015
central to both Parshas Va’eschanan and the transition from Tisha B’Av to Elul. In Parshas Va’eschanan, the Torah reading of last week, we read about the Arei Miklat, the cities of refuge for those who unintentionally murder. This parsha almost always falls out immediately following Tisha B’av, and, consequently, shortly before Elul. At face value, these two themes do not seem to share a thematic connection. The Ir Miklat is a city of refuge, a safe haven, for one who unwittingly murders. Tisha B’Av is a day of sadness and destruction, as Klal Yisrael mourns the loss of the Bais Hamikdash and the tragedies that have occurred throughout Jewish history. Elul is the month of teshuva. What links these three topics together? In order to understand their deep underlying connection, we must first delve into each of these three seemingly unrelated ideas.
stroyed, the world died. The soul of the world – Hashem – left its body, its vessel – the physical world – resulting in a cosmic spiritual chasm and a shattered reality. We mourn on Tisha B’Av not just for the destruction of a building, but for the death of the world itself. And we yearn for the day when Hashem will once again be fully and clearly manifest in this world, revealing the spiritual essence of this physical reality. Based on this idea, it is now clear why Klal Yisrael was sent into galus as a result of the churban Bais Hamikdash. A person who murders
Tisha B’Av: The Death of the World
another intentionally is executed as punishment. An accidental murderer, on the other hand, is not executed, but exiled. When the Jewish people “killed” the world, we were sent into exile. We lost our home, our makom – Eretz Yisrael. According to some opinions, this was, in fact, an act of mercy on the part of Hashem, as the Jewish people should have been executed for murdering the world, for severing its soul from its body. Instead though, we were merely exiled, retaining the ability to correct our mistake and return home. This serves as a beautiful explanation of the Midrash (Eichah Rabbah 4:14) which states that instead of destroying the Jewish People, Hashem took his wrath out on the sticks and stones of the Bais Hamikdash. Hashem destroyed the Bais Hamikdash, but He did not destroy us, giving us the chance to rebuild anew. Our exile is, in a sense, a gift, as it allows us to rebuild the connection between us and Hashem and return home once more.
On Tisha B’Av, we go through a process of aveilus (mourning), similar to the process of mourning a loved one. This seems to be an excessive response to the loss of a building, the Bais Hamikdash. However, the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash was merely the physical expression of a much deeper tragedy. As we have discussed in the past, the Bais Hamikdash was the makom (locus) of connection between Hashem and this physical world. The Bais Hamikdash was destroyed as a result of the disconnect that we, Klal Yisrael, created between us and Hashem, between us and our fellow, and between us and ourselves. We lost sight of the spiritual root of this world, shattering the connection between us and Hashem. As the Nefesh Ha’Chaim explains, once this was broken, the physical vessel that represented this connection – the Bais Hamikdash – was reduced to an empty shell and could easily be destroyed. The death of a person is the process of one’s soul separating from his or her body. The concept of death is the disconnect between a spiritual life-force and its physical vessel. When the Bais Hamikdash was de-
and rebirth. As we transition from Tisha B’Av towards Elul, we pause, stop the negative momentum, and begin building anew. The low of Tisha B’Av becomes the impetus for growth throughout the month of Elul, and in this way, it becomes a yeridah l’tzorech aliyah, a breakdown for the sake of ascension. Elul, in the deepest sense, represents our journey back home to our proper makom, back to our unbreakable bond with Hashem. The goal of Rosh Hashana is to fully and wholeheartedly anoint and embrace Hashem as our King. This can only happen after a month spent bridging
Elul is Hashem’s way of saying, “There will always be a place for you.”
Elul: Returning Home This is why Elul directly follows Tisha B’Av. Tisha B’Av is the time of breakdown, exile, and death; Elul is the time of rejuvenation, redirection,
the gap that we created between us. Elul is our voyage back home, as we reconnect Hashem to this world, the Soul of the world to its proper place. The definition of teshuva is return, and that is our goal at this time. We yearn to return the world to its proper, higher state, to return the Jewish People back to our elevated status, and for each and every one of us to return to our higher, true selves. The process of return is a sweet one, but it is also a challenging one. We feel as though we are fighting an uphill battle, and we struggle to maintain momentum and continue gaining ground. Every year, as we approach Elul, there is an underlying sense of dread as we prepare ourselves for another year of “New Year’s commitments,” writing down the same list of goals, only to be forgotten two weeks later. For many, this is the unspoken dread of Elul – the feeling of despair and loneliness as we grapple to rebuild ourselves and what feels like a broken connection with Hashem. This is why Hashem created the Ir Miklat.
A Place for Those Without a Place An Ir Miklat, a city of refuge, is a place for those without a place. When one loses his physical makom, he feels
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lost, abandoned, hopeless. At exactly this moment, he is given a sense of hope. He may have lost his place, but there is still a place for him to go in the interim until he can return home. This is what the Ir Miklat represents: hope for the hopeless, a home for the homeless, stability for the unstable. This is the purpose of Elul. Tisha B’Av reminds us about how broken life can become, about the genuine difficulty and challenge of life. But there will always be an Elul, an Ir Miklat, a makom. We will always have a place to stay until the chaos fades away. But even while in the midst of that chaos, we must remember that this is only a waystation and that we must arise and journey back to our true makom, to our true destination. Elul is our shelter amidst the storm, a lighthouse in the dark. It helps protect us during the madness, but it also helps guide us back to our true destination. When we pass by the month of Elul, Hashem covers every tree with white flags. Elul is Hashem’s way of saying, “There will always be a place for you.” In response, we must embrace that place and begin rebuilding from there towards our true destination. This is the first step of teshuva, recognizing that we are not where we need to be but that through constant effort and the help of Hashem, we can get there; we can return to our true makom, we can ascend to a true Rosh Hashana. The foundation for this is our interim makom, our Ir Miklat, Elul – the place for those without a place. This allows us to gain our footing, create clarity and purpose, and begin our journey back home. May we all be inspired to pause, find our footing, and use this Elul to purposely journey back to our true Makom, Hashem Himself.
Shmuel Reichman is an inspirational speaker, writer, and coach who has lectured internationally at shuls, conferences, and Jewish communities on topics of Jewish thought and Jewish medical ethics. He is the founder and CEO of Self-Mastery Academy (ShmuelReichman.com), the transformative online course that is revolutionizing how we engage in self-development. You can find more inspirational lectures, videos, and articles from Shmuel on his website, ShmuelReichman.com.
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My Israel Home
PHOTO BY GEDALIAH BORVICK
Great News for Overseas Buyers By Gedaliah Borvick Project near Jerusalem’s Haas Promenade
L
ast week, the Knesset approved a number of bills to counter the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. One of these bills was a reduction in the purchase tax for investors to help stimulate the construction industry. The term “investors” includes Israelis buying a second – or non-primary – home as well as overseas purchasers. The previous purchase tax rate for investors and overseas buyers was 8% for the first 5,300,000 NIS
and then 10% for the balance. The new, lower rate starts at 5% for the first 1,292,280 NIS, and then rises to 6% for the portion of the purchase price up to 3,876,835 NIS, 7% up to 5,338,290 NIS, 8% up to 17,794,305 NIS, and 10% above that. Let’s say an overseas buyer purchases an apartment for $500,000. Using a dollar/shekel exchange rate of 3.40, the tax would be approximately $26,200, a savings of $13,800 compared to the previous 8% tax rate. If
the purchase price is $1,000,000, the purchase tax would be approximately $56,200, a savings of $23,800. The new tax cut reverses recent trends. Back in 2013, then-finance minister Yair Lapid raised the purchase tax rate for investors from 3.5% to 5%, and the upward movement continued in 2015 when his successor, Moshe Kahlon, raised the rate to 8%. Kahlon’s stated goal for raising taxes on investment properties was to make them a less attractive investment option. Such actions are called “demand-side” reform because they address the issue of demand: by reducing investor demand, the government hoped to limit price increases, thereby helping young
a loss of 10,000 home sales annually, of which 4,000 would have been purchases of new apartments, reflecting a hefty 10% of the construction industry’s annual sales. This sales decline made it challenging for the developers to advance their new projects, as banks only provide construction financing after 15% of the project has been sold. Another effect was indirect but significant: investors often buy existing homes, and their absence from the second-hand market due to the increased tax forced many apartment owners to retain their homes and not upgrade to larger homes, putting a damper on the construction industry. Now that the purchase tax is lower, the expected sales increase
The new tax cut reverses recent trends
families to have affordable housing opportunities. On the “supply-side” of the equation, Kahlon instituted a number of programs to increase the number of new housing units entering the market, including making more government land available for development by aggressively rezoning land to residential usage, and streamlining the planning and approval process to expedite development. Kahlon’s “supply-side” goal was achieved, as more land has become available for development, but the “demand-side” tax increase was not a success. The goal of lowering the percentage of investment homes was achieved, as the investors’ share of the residential real estate market fell from 25% to 13%. This translated into
should reinvigorate the industry. Another positive effect of the new tax break is the benefit to the rental market, in which demand greatly outstrips supply. By increasing real estate investments, the supply of rental units will increase, causing rents to decrease. Bottom line: we are jumping for joy that our clients have finally caught a tax break.
Gedaliah Borvick is the founder of My Israel Home (www.myisraelhome.com), a real estate agency focused on helping people from abroad buy and sell homes in Israel. To sign up for his monthly market updates, contact him at gborvick@ gmail.com.
The Jewish Home | AUGUST29, 6, 2020 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 2015
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Jewish History
My Personal Holocaust Memorial Day By Rabbi Baruch Fogel
With my grandparents
T
here has been much debate how best to remember and memorialize the Holocaust as a community. Some have chosen to focus on Tisha B’Av, while others focus on Yom Hashoah or Kristallnacht. Whatever day each individual community chooses, we are all in agreement that it is important for each person to internalize what the Holocaust means to them. I think that it is also appropriate for each person, if possible, to find a day that has specific meaning for them and their family and use that as a day of reflection so that the meaning and the lesson of the Holocaust remains alive for the next generation. As a grandchild of survivors of Auschwitz, and a great-grandchild of many great-grandparents murdered in Auschwitz, there are many days
throughout the year that I could have chosen. As a family, we commemorate the day(s) that my great-grandparents, with their young children, were taken to the gas chambers. I
A recent photo of my grandmother and me
grandmother, Yolan Altman (née Riedermann), a survivor of Auschwitz, is still alive. As her oldest grandchild, we share a very special bond and relationship that contin-
I cannot fathom their cruelty in having her sign her entry papers into Dachau
could choose to commemorate the day(s) of liberation. But I chose August 1 as a commemoration to the Holocaust because of a unique document that haunts me constantly. I am blessed that my maternal
ues until this day. In 1997, she courageously gave her testimony to the USC Shoah Foundation detailing her personal Holocaust story. Though she did not talk about it much with us, throughout the years I was able
to hear snippets of information that helped me paint a better picture of all that she suffered and experienced. One story that she told often has particular meaning as we approach the fast day of Tisha B’Av. She always told us that even though she was starving in Auschwitz, she nevertheless resolved to fast on Tisha B’Av to commemorate the destruction of the Holy Temple almost 2,000 years ago. Being that she was a Hungarian, and that Hungarians were only rounded up in the spring of 1944, she had only been in Auschwitz for a couple of months when Tisha B’Av (July 29, 1944) occurred. She was approached by women from Poland and Lithuania who had been in Auschwitz for a number of years who derided her decision to fast on that day. And yet, she resolutely refused to eat, saying
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that even though they were starving, she would not let the Nazis take her religion away from her as well. I chose August 1 to commemorate the Holocaust because of a document I recently found. When the Arolsen Archives were opened online to the public, I thought it would be interesting to see if there were any documents that mentioned my family members. I was not sure what I was looking for, as I thought I knew all the details about my grandparents and great-grandparents from our family’s oral history. But what I found regarding my grandmother (after trying numerous spellings) blew my mind. At first, I felt lucky just to find something. But, after internalizing what the document means, I cannot stop reflecting on the importance of what I had found. I found my grandmother’s en-
try form to Dachau. On August 1, 1944, Yolan Riedermann entered Konzentrationslager Dachau. (According to her testimony, she was taken to Landsberg, which refers to the Kaufering system of Dachau subcamps.) The form lists her date of birth, her place of birth, who her parents were, her religion and race (Jud.). It also detailed her weight, nose (shape), hair (color), mouth, ears, eyes, teeth, and shape (gestalt). It mentioned which ghetto she originated from (Kisvarda) and that she arrived after coming from Kl. Auschwitz. Lastly, on the bottom, is her signature! Every time I look at this document, I see my grandmother’s whole Holocaust story encapsulated on one page. It mentions the ghetto where her family was rounded-up to, Auschwitz where her mother and siblings were murdered, and Dachau,
where she was sent as a forced laborer, helping maintain the crumbling German infrastructure at the end of World War II. I also see the unfathomable meticulousness and cruelty of the Nazis. Their intent to systematically destroy all Jews is apparent in their need to label every body part as being identifiably Jewish. Lastly, I cannot fathom their cruelty in having her sign her entry papers into Dachau! However, I also note that she was sent from Auschwitz on August 1, which was merely three days after she had fasted on Tisha B’Av. Her stay in Auschwitz was relatively brief, as she was lucky enough to be selected for forced labor and sent to a work-camp. Though she could not have known it when she decided to fast, her faith in not giving in was repaid, as she was able to survive Auschwitz, survive forced labor, even-
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tually survive the war, and come to America where she, with my grandfather, raised a beautiful family. Seventy-six years later, on this Tisha B’Av, and on August 1, as I called to wish her a good Shabbos, I commemorated my personal Holocaust memorial day. I will remember all of my relatives who perished. I will thank G-d for allowing me to still have my grandmother with us so that my children can love and appreciate their great-grandmother. And I will remember that her faith that carried her through Auschwitz will forever be with me and with the eternal Jewish People. Rabbi Baruch Fogel is the campus rabbi at Touro Law School and a professor in the NYSCAS division of Touro College. He lives in Lawrence with his wife and four daughters.
לא תרצח DON’T MURDER!!!
Texting – while driving – kills! Texting while driving has caused the death of many in the last few years. • It is extremely, extremely dangerous. • It is prohibited by law everywhere. Because of actual tragedies, Rabbonim and Poskim shlit"a have ruled that anyone that texts while driving even momentarily - is transgressing a severe prohibition as outlined in the Rivash and R. Akiva Eiger (Yoreh Deah 334:43) putting him/herself automatically into the category of n e z i f a a n d n i d u y ( e x c o m m u n i c a t i o n ) נזיפה ונדויuntil such activities are stopped. T h e r e a r e n o c i r c u m s t a n c e o r emergency that allows it. This
is
a
grave
matter
that
must
be
treated
with
utmost seriousness by every G-d fearing Jew, anyone who accepts this will be blessed. לע"נ ר' שמואל יוסף ב"ר ראובן ע"ה
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few years ago, Martin Friedlander was leaving court after discussing a divorce case that was headed to Bes Din. Mr. Friedlander had told the judge that he would need about ten days to finish the arbitration agreement and that he believed that the whole case would be withdrawn. He was making his way out of the courtroom when a law secretary approached him and asked, “Are you sending them to the cattle prods?”
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fter 28 years working in matrimonial law, and having appeared in both batei dinim and courts, Martin has had a front-row seat to the ravages of divorce. This comment drove home a point that had been bothering him for a long time. “I realized that the perception of our system needs to be changed,” he says. This interaction outside the courtroom spurred Martin to get more involved with an initiative posed to him months earlier. He and a frum law professor had been discussing the recent spate of contentious divorces. The professor suggested it was time for a halachic pre-nuptial agreement that could be accepted and used by everyone in the Torah community and asked Martin to help him. At the time, Martin agreed but with a condition: “I told him I’m happy to get involved but not if people will say its k’negged da’as Torah, and not if it will start a machlokes. If you are willing to make sure we will get haskamos, I will put in time to develop it.”
Some time passed without the project getting off the ground. Spurred by the sharp comment by the law secretary, Martin decided the time was right for change. Thus, the Yashar Coalition was born.
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he Yashar Coalition is dedicated to providing a halachic, legal solution to address the possibility of marital problems before they come up. According to the initiative, “The Yashar Coalition provides a framework for healthy marital conflict resolution. Our ‘Premarital Agreement between Chasson and Kallah’ facilitates honest discussion about the relationship and provides common ground acceptance between the parties. The document builds trust between couples through a frank discussion of the facts. The premarital agreement is a contract, written in accordance with halacha, that has been accepted by North American Gedolei Yisroel. It is a pragmatic document, legally binding, and state specific.” This framework is the result of years of work by Martin, Eli Goldbaum, and many others who worked together to craft a respectable halachic prenuptial agreement that is acceptable to the entire Orthodox community. Something so robust and so comprehensive is not developed in an instant. The process took many years and a lot of effort to come to fruition. One of the first steps taken by the coalition was drawing on the experience of frum mental health professionals to find a deeper understanding of the issues that cause marriages to disintegrate. They consulted with
eminent psychologists and social workers including Dr. David Pelcovitz, Lisa Twerski, LCSW, and Dr. Benzion Twerski. This allowed the Yashar Coalition to draft shalom bayis protocols with the community’s needs in mind. “The concept is, we’re not limited to just the get. We’re trying to be an all-encompassing healthy dispute resolution platform,” Martin asserts. “It’s gender-neutral and is designed to help both men and women, and the whole family.” The coalition also commissioned a study, led by Dr. Pelcovitz and overseen by the Albert Einstein School of Medicine, to try to quantify the psychological damage wrought by contentious divorces. According to Martin, “The point of the study was to explain to the community and the rabbanim what the issues are with divorce and how they affect families that go through it. We put together a proposal and had them do a firstof-its-kind a survey of kids for whom the get was an issue in their house, that the mother was not given a get or had it delayed. We surveyed children and adults who had experienced this as children. We are in the process of publishing the results, but the preliminary findings show that the effect of these situations on children is comparable to children who grow up in homes where there is domestic violence.” After these steps were taken, the coalition moved into a new phase and began drafting the halachic prenup itself. The idea of the prenup was to view all the issues that have come up in the past with contentious get cases and
address the elements that cause delays and conflicts. The document was developed “to ensure a forum to address conflict for a Jewish family in a healthy environment under halacha,” says the Yashar website. “The agreement will be signed before the marriage takes place. First, the zabla process with all of its inherent conflict is waived. Second, a sitting Beis Din is chosen at the time of the signing with a mechanism for a replacement if necessary. Third, that a session of Beis Din is required within two weeks of a request.” Martin explains that a zabla beis din is one of the main culprits in dragging out divorce cases. A zabla beis din refers to an arrangement where each side picks one borer (dayan), and then the 2 dayanim pick a third. “At minimum, the zabla process causes months, or even a year-long delay,” Martin shares. “To address this issue, Yashar stipulates a sitting beis din, not one put together for a particular divorce case. The couple can pick the beis din when they are engaged, so that there will be no dispute, and provisions are made for the possibility of the beis din changing in the future. This takes away so much of the gamesmanship that happens in our community. We have cases were the parties are married less than six months, and the divorce takes three years. We want to prevent situations like that.” In addition, Martin points out that convening the beis din within two weeks of the request will not only prevent delays and bitterness in the divorce but can actually save the marriage.
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Another element of the Yashar prenup is that it is not signed the day of the wedding, in accordance with the ruling of Rav Eliyashiv, zt”l. As Martin points out, the halachic prenup is a legally binding and exhaustive document, covering divorce proceedings, financial matters, child support, and even custody in some cases. It needs to be read, examined, and understood before the wedding, and both sides need time to do that. Martin illustrates this point a shocking story: “I had a case where I was called to deal with a couple who were in middle of sheva brochos. It turns out the boy that had been ambushed and forced into signing a prenup the day of the wedding. He had not been told about it before, and the mesader kiddushin told him he had to sign or else the wedding would not go forward. “After the wedding, the boy was not allowed to see the document. He was from out of town, it was the day of his wedding, he didn’t know what he was signing. He felt that he had been strong-armed and duped, and he didn’t want to go to sheva brochos unless he had a document saying the prenup was null and void.” Although Martin was able to successfully mediate that case, he says that this story illustrates potential pitfalls of the process. “It may have been a well-intentioned overcorrection in the other direction to prevent agunos, yet it created more issues. That’s why Yashar’s prenup is neutral and meant to protect both parties. It’s not a one-way street; everybody can get a clear resolution.”
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espite all the hard work and thought that went into the Yashar coalition’s work, they still faced a major obstacle. The idea of a halachic prenup is not a new one, but previous iterations of the idea had not caught on among the rightwing yeshiva community. In Martin’s view, there are several ideas and attitudes prevalent in the community that Yashar had to confront in order to make their case. One issue is that of acceptability.
Martin is quick to point out that he is trying to serve all groups, not criticize anyone else’s work. “If people were happy to use other prenups, that’s good,” he says. “Yashar is not coming to replace anything. But many rabbanim were not using the existing prenups, and the outcome is that the marriage goes forward without one. We aren’t coming to attack or criticize anybody or say ‘ours’ is better. We’re just trying Eli, Martin and Rav Shlomo Miller to get it to people who aren’t being are hesitant to discuss a prenup at a served.” A second factor in people’s hes- wedding, I make the case to them itation when it comes to a halachic this way: How many chassanahs do you have in your community? Daily, prenup is that it may seem new and strange. They say, “It’s not out min- monthly, yearly; what are the numbers? Unfortunately, how many end hag; it’s not our mehalech.” In a com-
“It’s like life insurance: you don’t want to use it, but you have it to protect yourself.” munity where mesorah and tradition are so highly prized, it can be difficult to make the case for innovation, no matter how potentially needed or useful it might be. A third reason for opposition is that people claim a halachic prenup puts the concept of divorce in people’s minds, making it an ill-fitting element of pre-wedding plans. Discussing the possibility of a marriage’s dissolution seems out of step with the atmosphere of a wedding, with a Chosson and Kallah starting their lives together. But, as Martin points out, “The kesuba discusses the same eventualities as our prenup. In fact, Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, has a teshuva where he allowed terms that we would normally put in a prenup t be added to the kesuba.” In response to these concerns and others, Martin says he often suggests people view things with a realistic perspective. “When I encounter rabbanim who
in divorce? Those numbers are the reality we have to deal with, even if you don’t want to talk about it by the wedding. “My friend Eli Goldbaum always says that it’s like life insurance: you don’t want to use it, but you have it to protect yourself.” To fully address these concerns, and to make sure that their work would be able to serve the community, the Yashar Coalition sought out the support, insight, and approval from leading poskim in the community at every stage of the process. Rabbi Hillel David had been with them since the beginning, even writing a haskama for their work, something he has never done before. Martin, Eli Goldbaum, and others spent countless hours working alongside Harav Shlomo Miller of Toronto, making sure every detail was fully aligned with halacha. Martin recalls, “First we spoke to Harav Miller on the phone, then we flew up to his house in
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Toronto. We spent hours with him at his living room table. Every word was examined and looked over. We had more meetings, more conversations. The drafting process took years until finally Harav Miller was ready to give a full written haskama.” Following Rav Miller’s approval, Rav Yaakov Forchheimer of Lakewood also signed a haskama for the Yashar Coalition. These rock-solid haskamas, from some of the most eminent halachic minds of our generation, are both a vote of confidence in the Yashar Coalition’s work and a sign of how seriously they take this issue.
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artin says that his ultimate goal is for the Yashar prenup to become the standard, offered to students to opt in while they are still in beis medrash or seminary, much like Dor Yesharim blood tests have become de rigeur for the community. However, while he knows that step is still far away, he is proud of the work the organization has done so far and is eager for it to make an impact. Yashar planned on getting their message out to the community earlier this year but, like everything else, that plan was derailed by the coronavirus crisis. Now, Martin is anxious to get the word out so that this vital issue can be addressed. “This issue has been bothering me for a long time – that frum people couldn’t figure out a prenup that would be accepted by majority,” he says. “The fact that judges see us in this negative light, that we can’t handle these situations for ourselves, and that every divorce case turns into World War III is an unfortunate chillul Hashem. “We believe that our work will fundamentally change things and bring healing to our community.” For more information about the Yashar Coalition’s work, please visit http://www.yasharcoalition.org/. Martin Friedlander can be reached at his office at (212) 321-7092 or via email at MEF@mflawer.com.
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Dating Dialogue
What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters
Dear Navidaters,
I love reading your column, and I’d like to reach out to you with a thought. I am married, thank G-d, for three years and am very happy b”H. I got married when I was 27 years old so I wasn’t a spring chicken when I met my husband. What I’m noticing, though, is
that many of my friends who are single seem to be quite critical – unnecessarily – of their dates. For example, they’ll complain that he’s not considerate if he’s a few minutes late to pick them up or say that he’s not thoughtful if he doesn’t open the car door for them. As a married woman – and I know I’m no expert – I know that these things are not the important things in a spouse. A husband should be kind, caring, considerate, thoughtful, sensitive to your needs, understanding, helpful, responsible – I can go on and on. None of these traits, though, are determined by opening or closing car doors. I wish I can shake my single friends and tell them to look out for the important things in life but I feel like they’ll look at me and think that I just don’t “get it.” I do get it – I was in their place only a few years ago and am grateful that I didn’t get hung up on silly minutiae. I’d love to hear your thoughts, Charna Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions.
Our intention is not to offer any definitive
conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015
The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. harna, I hear you. There are some aspects of chivalrous behavior that get guys unnecessary bad marks on dates. Some women may disqualify men on the basis of these. Keep in mind that these were marks of breeding, thoughtfulness, and decency that have persisted even though dating is much more casual these days. Many couples wear casual clothing and engage in sports and games during their early dates, and dating rituals are more relaxed than they used to be. Nonetheless, there is a sense that certain chivalrous behaviors such as opening the car door are a must. I agree with you. You are right that these are not necessarily indicators of true thoughtfulness, respect, and kindness, yet their absence can irritate a woman. True thoughtfulness, respect, and the other qualities you mention are easily demonstrable; it takes time and several different shared experiences to notice these qualities. Giving people the benefit of the doubt and taking the time to develop a connection is wise because a meeting of the minds, personalities, and values will open both people up to discern qualities below the surface. It’s hard to detect the strength of positive character traits if you date briefly and your interests, ideas, and aspirations are not explored fully. I join you in wishing that daters would understand this and focus on getting to know the other person over time. This is an investment in time and effort. Unfortunately, many people rate their dates on scorecards they have developed to see if the person meets “what they are looking for.” Compatibility, attraction, and connection take two partners. Rating someone else on your criteria is about one person judging the other – it’s not about creating something together, and that’s what a lifelong marriage is all about: a deep relationship based on respect, values, and caring that takes continued effort to sustain, no matter how compatible the two individuals are. By not taking the time
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and effort to explore the other person fully and being judgmental, men and women shortchange themselves. It takes a real paradigm shift to achieve a two-sided approach to compatibility and connection. Unfortunately, many people are not ready to let go of their own list of requirements which may be superficial and no longer as relevant in their own stage of growth and development.
The Shadchan Michelle Mond hank you, Charna, for bringing this up. In response, I have two stories to share with our readership.
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Story #1) Steven* was a 32-year-old out-oftown lawyer working in Manhattan, burnt out from the dating scene, but when he heard about Perri Goldberg*, he was instantly excited. She was from out of town but resided just a short train ride away from his apartment in the city. Her description sounded spot on. She sounded like the best match he had been suggested to in months. He instantly gave me a “yes” to relay to this woman, and they exchanged phone numbers and planned a date. As the date would be later in the evening, he decided to take her to a local coffee shop. With PTSD from his experience with the last girl he was excited about that went sour, he made conscious efforts to make this time better. On that prior date with a girl named Shira*, he had taken her out to eat on a first date. When Steven excitedly called the shadchan to give a “resounding yes” afterwards, he was met with the shock that the girl had given a “resounding no” to a second date. Why, you may ask? Shira was upset at his utter social incompetence that he took her out to eat on a first date. Shocked and horrified was she. “He’s 32!” she began. “Doesn’t he know by now that it is insensitive to take a girl out to eat on a first date?
The last thing I want is to chew openmouthed while trying to make small talk. It’s a no from me.” The shadchan described the correspondence to him. That is why Steven decided the date with this new woman would be safer at a nice Starbucks. After three hours of wonderful discussions and connection, he was very interested to continue. He called to give me lots of positive feedback. When I called the woman, she had another side to the story. “I’m sorry, but I’m just not interested,” Perri said. When I probed further, she hesitantly revealed more. “I had a long day at work, which he must have known from my resume. When he planned the date for 8 p.m., I assumed it would be a dinner date. Obviously. That’s what any mensch would do. But instead he took me out for coffee. The date was a downer as soon as I
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You only get one chance to make a first impression.
realized he hadn’t had the foresight to know he should take me out to dinner. I mean, who doesn’t?” At this point, I did not yet know Steven’s experience with the previous girl, but even so, I tried explaining to her that everyone has different experiences which shape their decisions. Could she give it another shot? Are we really going to judge him on this one thing? Perri was adamant that it was over and added another comment about how he was wearing outdatedstyle shoes. It just was not going to work. It was only when I called him to break the news that he opened up and
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The second that ring slid on your finger and that sheitel hit your head, your dating advice went from being helpful to annoying
told me his story about the previous girl – how he purposely took Perri to a coffee shop because of being negatively judged by another woman for his audacity for taking her out to dinner. I tried patching things up with her by explaining the situation but she was strong with her convictions not to give it a second date. This guy has since gotten married; Perri is still single. Story #2) Leah’s* mother stopped me in aisle three of the grocery store one day with tears in her eyes. “Please, PLEASE,” she begged. “Think of someone for my Leah!” That night I wracked my brain for three hours straight going through all the ideas I could think of and finally got a yes from a guy named Dov*. The two agreed to go out with each other within a span of a week, and the date was set. Dov had grown up in New York while she was a real out-of-towner. Unbeknownst to Dov, he completely struck out when he did not open the door for her as she initially entered the car. Additionally, since they already were in touch by text, he texted her when he was outside. I got a call from Leah’s mother about ten minutes after the date was supposed to start. “I AM SEETHING!” she began. “What kind of boy texts when he is outside? I mean, my daughter texted him that he should come in, so he did. But to not automatically do that? Does he have no manners? Did he have no chinuch? And I watched them get into the car, and he did not even
open the car door for her. Seriously, who are you setting my daughter up with?!?” As I’m sure you can surmise, this date was a one and done, despite this guy driving four and a half hours in to meet her. Her mother could not get over his “audacity”, and I could not get over his mother’s audacity (but that’s another story). After speaking to the boy, he told me in very strong terms that in New York he is so accustomed to women wanting privacy and space, they almost always want him to text when outside. Additionally, they find it stilted and awkward when car doors are open by a guy they never met before. He did not want me to explain anything to this young woman’s mother because, in his words, “If she is so shortsighted and judgmental, I don’t want to have much to do with the family.” My point in relaying these stories is to drive home the following message. Most people in the dating world do what they do because of the experiences they go through which shape their decisions. Yes, there are reasons to nix a guy, however, just as you have illustrated, there are many who mistake certain conscious decisions and actions for insensitivity. Shira* in my first story was horrified that Steven* took her out for dinner on a first date, while Perri* was horrified that he didn’t. My advice to singles is to be flexible and openminded, but if you see a pattern of behaviors that you simply cannot live with, it is time to say goodbye.
The Single Rena Friedman harna, it’s so hard to stand by and watch people you love do things that you believe are unproductive and self-sabotaging. You are amazing for caring about your friends and wanting to help them with dating. You say that a husband should be “kind, caring, considerate, thoughtful, sensitive to your needs, understanding, helpful, responsible….” Your friends would agree with you. Through dating, those traits are eval-
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uated based on a person’s actions. What those actions mean seems to be where your friends would disagree with you. It may not bother you if a guy shows up late, but perhaps to a friend it sends the message that the guy does not value or respect her time. That could be an important middah that your friend is looking for. Let’s call a spade a spade. The second that ring slid on your finger and that sheitel hit your head, your dating advice went from being helpful to annoying and your credibility exponentially diminished in the eyes of your single friends. Your intentions are positive and that is commendable; however, you no longer are single and you do not fully get it. So what can you actually do? Do not give them unsolicited advice. If a friend calls you for advice about a specific guy, listen attentively, offer your true thoughts, and be very crafty in how you relate any constructive criticism. Always approach the conversation from an open angle, validate what they say, and ask them questions to start a real conversation. For example, if a friend complains that a guy didn’t open the car door, you can ask them: What does it mean for you when a guy opens a door? What is the underlying middah being displayed? Were there other times throughout the date when he exhibited those middos? Express that you have their best interest at heart, and you want to fully understand what their needs are and the best way to look for that in a guy. To the single friends that Charna is talking about: have a rav or mentor who you discuss dating with. For a relationship to progress, it is vital to have someone who knows the entire journey and can hold you accountable along the way. Read Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough by Lori Gottleib and The Surrendered Single by Laura Doyle. Identify the 3 non-negotiables you need in a husband and only look for those. Write down the list of things your husband will have to accept about you. It is great to remind yourself how YOU are not perfect and that you, too, will bring baggage to
the table. The key to a real, healthy relationship is acknowledging those imperfections, expressing what you need, and seeing that person try to improve. Picking on the little things, whatever those may be for you, will only keep this vicious cycle going. It’s scary, but you can do this! As always, all feedback, thoughts, and ideas are welcome: renafriedman2@gmail.com.
The Zaidy Dr. Jeffrey Galler hen I first read your letter, I thought, “This girl should be hired to address yeshiva high school girls about what traits are important in a spouse.” But then, I thought, “No! Wait a minute! A gentleman absolutely should open the car door for his date.” Think about it. Wouldn’t you open the car door, courteously, for someone you respected and was very important to you? For your parents? Or, for your rabbi, or elderly aunt and uncle? Moreover, wouldn’t you make every effort to be on time? If you were scheduled to meet an important person, and were unavoidably detained, wouldn’t you make sure to apologize so as not to seem inconsiderate? Now, this goes both ways: a young lady should not keep her date waiting, and, after being seated in the car, she should politely lean over and open the door latch for her date. There’s a very important adage that should be indelibly engraved in everyone’s mind: you only get one chance to make a first impression. This is especially true on a date, when you’d think that someone would be on their very best behavior. Gentlemen, always open the door for your date. However, be aware that there are some perfectly fine young ladies out there who might feel that when a man opens a door for them it is not an act of chivalry but is, instead, a manifestation of male chauvinism. If so, she will let you know not to do that in the future, and you should subsequently respect her wishes.
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The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists
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ear Charna, A belated mazal tov on your marriage! I think you have a very
Have a question for the panel? They’re here to help you with your dating conundrums. Email your questions for the panelists to Jen at thenavidaters@gmail.com.
healthy at tit ude about dating a n d expectations. Sometimes men and women alike can get hung up on the little things that in the long run do not matter. I can’t make a blanket statement, though, about your friends or other women who would like to be with a more classically chivalrous gentleman. Sometimes, a pattern of not showing up on time or never holding
a door can be indicative of character traits that may make some women uncomfortable. And sometimes, it means absolutely nothing. If a woman is completely turned off by lateness, then this may be an issue longterm for that particular woman. If she truly can’t move past that, maybe she should be with a man who values time as she does. With regard to the general concept of “pickiness,” I couldn’t agree with you more. Some people are “picky.” And some simply haven’t met the right one yet. It turns out they weren’t picky after all. (P.S. I see the latter more often than the former.) I guess I don’t have anything very definitive to contribute to the panel this week other than the following: pickiness is bad. Additionally, what works for one person may not work for another. And we are all entitled
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to have our priorities. Once again, mazal tov on your marriage and thank you for writing in! Sincerely, Jennifer
Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples, and families in private practice at 123 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst, NY. She also teaches a psychology course at Touro College. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 516-224-7779, ext. 2. 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
Pain is Good? By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.
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was reading Steven Stosny the other day, and he said something profound. He has been working for decades on helping people who’ve been not merely angry, but sometimes enraged, to feel compassion. This is no easy matter because highly angry people often don’t feel anything else but the anger. Their goal is to not feel other emotions because if they did, they’d hurt too much, way too much. (That is why you’ll occasionally hear about murder-suicides. The murderer will then feel the enormity of pain from what he did – usually it’s a he – and will not be able to tolerate it anymore.) Of course, if you want to ask the logical question – so why couldn’t he just feel the pain first so he wouldn’t have to kill two people – the answer is that feelings were blocked. Quite literally. If you took a brain scan it would look as though the brain were not functioning. Getting back to Stosny, what he said is that pain is a gift. If used properly, it tells us something is terribly wrong and needs fixing. He pointed out that when an Alaskan comes into the house to warm up from the cold, his limbs will start to hurt as they defrost. But the Inuit, the native people of that region, say that this pain is good because if their limbs don’t hurt, that means it’s too late for them. The limbs are dead. In fact, Stosny says that the opposite of pain is absolutely not, not for one minute, pleasure. It’s numbness. Nothing. And that’s not good. That’s not something we would ever want because if we felt nothing we would not be alive. Or we would be the walking dead. Like all the people who use
escape methods to not be fully alive. The trick is to read the message that pain offers so that we can immediately take corrective action. We are not supposed to suffer. Let’s look at options.
Symptoms If you have the following issues: • Anger unexpectedly flares up, out of your control, rather often • You have a lack of self-esteem or self-care; putting yourself down • You feel easily offended or mistreated, especially when those who “do” it say that it wasn’t intended • You are unable to get your message across to your spouse • You and your spouse don’t listen to each other • You don’t feel respected in the relationship • You feel neglected in the relationship • You argue with each other a lot and
it gets worse and worse • You are thinking of divorce • You feel you have nothing in common Then you should consider my 9-week Love Yourself program. It is an intensive hybrid of group and personal coaching and 1:1 therapy. I put together the key elements in it to cover everything couples complain about. Here they are:
Love Yourself Program *Inner Authority because you are taught specifically how to know what you feel, want, and need – and how to articulate it; *Emotional Agility because you have a host of gold-standard approaches to annihilate triggers; *Intentional Self-Adoration – which is not selfish or narcissistic – because you will learn how to love and adore your real Self, possibly for the first time;
*Compassionate Honesty because you will also learn how to speak your truth in a way that does not hurt but helps the relationship to deepen. These four pillars of my program include both “Top-Down” and “Bottom-Up” approaches to healing. Top-Down is the kind of therapy we are used to: talking. The “top” is the cerebral cortex which is the thinking part of our brain. We make decisions with our cortex, we analyze, and we plan. The problem is that sometimes our emotions get the best of us. Our emotions are manufactured not only in the brain, but in our bodies. According to Raphael Kellman, M.D., our microbiome – the bacteria in our gut – manufacture the serotonin we need to fight depression! This is part of the “Bottom-Up” approach to treatment (but not part of my program. I leave that to the nutritionists). The part of the “Bottom-Up” approach that therapists engage in has to do with anything that requires our thinking brain to be quiet and uses the rest of our body’s experience to help us heal –meditation, guided imagery, mindfulness, relaxation, and other body work. All of the material I’m describing is on my website and you will get Lifetime access to it. However, during the nine weeks of the program, you will have 24/6 text message access to me as well. Literally. In addition, there are 18 in-depth group coaching calls, regular bi-weekly one-to-one private therapy sessions to help you over the rough spots unless you want or need more. This is the support aspect of the program which is superb,
personal, and goes beyond any other therapy or coaching program that I am aware of. What there will not be is blamefests of finger pointing and exhausting going over the things that each person said that hurt. Why? Because we are not ready for conversations until you feel solid and strong inside, that Inner Authority that I describe above; and you are past being triggered, that’s the Emotional Agility; you cannot be shaken by a remark that goes below the belt any more, which is your Intentional Self-Adoration; and you are so past resentment and so full of compassion that you can have a rational conversation filled with Compassionate Honesty. You need to complete the course first to get to that place. All four components work together. The investment for the program is way less per person than buying a 10 year old Honda Civic! But it is far more valuable because you will be restoring yourself to yourself, something an old car cannot do. And that, of course, paves the way for the marriage to get back on track.
Trauma Is Different Now, what I’ve discovered is that if a person is suffering from trauma, this program may or may not be sufficient to heal. It is an individual matter. A person suffering from trauma may very well do better with EMDR, which is a personalized, one-to-one therapy model with very little talking in it. That’s because it is considered a
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PTSD. But his meditation program is about 6 hours a day for 3 weeks. So, if you suffer from these symptoms, EMDR may be the better choice for you: • Your head is crowded with thoughts that will not leave you alone • Flashbacks • Hypervigilance
Pain is a gift
“Bottom-Up” approach rather than a “Top-Down” approach to healing. The above are the trauma symptoms that have been helped by approaches in my course yet require a lot more time than people usually want to spend in any day. For example, Dr. Richard Davidson, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, has helped traumatized war veterans completely heal from war-induced
• Poor sleep • Excessive sleep (in conjunction with other symptoms) • Nightmares • Disturbing visions or memories in fragments • Dissociation • Feeling emotionally numb • Emotions of fear, anger, or repulsion are excruciatingly easily aroused
• Avoidance of looking inside oneself. • Self-hate is at a 8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point subjective scale • Repeated return to addictions even after being “sober” for several months. (Meaning that it is not the chemical nature of the addiction that is causing the relapse.) • Excessive anger Alternatively, you can take the course and do all the exercises in it to overcome your trauma; many people have done just that. If it doesn’t work, you can pause the program while you do the EMDR work and return to the program afterwards. The key is to take action, not to suffer with pain and just accept it. That is not how or why we were created. Discuss it with me and we can figure out together what is the best step for you.
Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. If you want help with your marriage, begin by signing up to watch her Masterclass at https://drdeb. com/myw-masterclass.
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Health & F tness
Is Stress Making Me Gain Weight? By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN
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e are living in unprecedented and stressful times. Since this “new normal” appears to be sticking around for a while, it is imperative that we pull ourselves together and adapt. Unfortunately, all of this excess stress can lead to an increase in weight. The cause of this weight gain is a mix of hormonal and psychological factors. The body has a system of hormonal checks and balances that may actually promote weight gain when you’re stressed out. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released by the body during times of stress, along with the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. This constitutes the body’s “fight or flight” response to a perceived threat. After the stressful or threatening event has expired, the levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine return to normal, but cortisol levels can remain elevated for a longer period of time. In fact, cortisol levels can remain persistently elevated in the body when a person is subjected to chronic stress. Cortisol has many actions in the body, and one ultimate goal of cortisol secretion is the provision of energy for the body. Cortisol stimulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism for fast energy, in addition to stimulating insulin release and maintenance of blood sugar levels. The end result of these actions is an increase in appetite. Therefore, chronic stress, or poorly managed stress, may lead to elevated cortisol levels that stimulate your appetite and that will lead
to weight gain or difficulty in losing weight. Cortisol not only promotes weight gain, but it can also affect where you put on the weight. Research has shown that stress and elevated cortisol tend to cause fat to be deposited in the abdominal area rather than in the hips. This is known as “toxic fat” because abdominal fat is strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. As in other areas of health and science, every individual reacts differently to stress. The amount of
cortisol secreted in response to stress can vary with some people being more “reactive” to stressful events than others. Studies have shown that women who tended to react to stress with high levels of cortisol secretion also tended to eat more when under stress than women who secreted less cortisol. One study confirmed that women who stored excess fat in the abdominal area had higher cortisol levels and reported more lifestyle stress than women who stored fat primarily in the hips. Another study showed that our
bodies metabolize slower under stress. This particular study found that the women participants who reported one or more stressors during the previous 24 hours burned 104 fewer calories than non-stressed women. This slower metabolism can result in an 11-pound weight gain over the course of one year. The stressed women also had higher insulin levels, a hormone that contributes to fat storage. Stress management is a crucial part of any weight loss regimen, especially for those who have elevated cortisol levels. In cases of stress-related weight gains, exercise will play a significant role in achieving weight loss. Exercise leads to the release of endorphins, which have natural stress-fighting properties and can lower cortisol levels. Activities such as yoga and meditation can also help lower your stress hormone levels. Exercise at least 20-30 minutes a day, and try to get outdoors weather permitting. Reading a book or listening to music are also great stress relievers. In addition to the hormonal imbalance, stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors that cause weight gain. These can include emotional or binge eating, where you are craving unhealthy food, or eating much more food than usual. This behavior provides a temporary relief from the stress but will make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Skipping meals is another unhealthy habit that will only lead to overeating later on at night.
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Sleeping less is another negative byproduct of stress. Much research has linked sleep deprivation to a slower metabolism. Feeling overtired can also reduce willpower and contribute to unhealthy eating habits such as poor food choices. How can one break the cycle of stress and weight gain? Here are a few strategies that can help you combat stress and regain control of your weight: • Make exercise a priority: Exercising is a critical component of stress reduction and weight management. Either go for a walk, a bike ride, or download an exercise app and workout in your bedroom. Incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine. • Eat healthier comfort foods: You don’t need carbs and fat to make you feel better. Eat healthier comfort foods, like air-popped popcorn, vegetable soups, and baked apples with sugar-free whip cream and cinnamon – yum! • Practice mindful eating: Focusing on what you’re eating, without
distractions, may help lower stress, promote weight loss, and prevent weight gain. Make a rule for yourself that you are never allowed to eat standing up, since that will lead
kept a food journal were more likely to manage their weight than those who didn’t. Whether you use an app or pen/paper to track what you are eating every day, being more mind-
Cortisol not only promotes weight gain, but it can also affect where you put on the weight.
to blindly grazing. When you eat a meal, sit yourself down, and enjoy it without the distraction of your phone or TV. • Keep a food journal: Paying attention to your eating habits can help you re-gain control over your food consumption. One study examined the link between self-monitoring and weight loss and found that those who
ful of what you put into your mouth will translate into better eating habits overall. • Drink more water: It’s easy to confuse thirst for hunger. If you feel hungry, and it’s only been a couple of hours since your last meal, then first try drinking some water. If you still feel hungry, then eat a healthy snack like a fruit. Drink at least half of your
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weight in water. Drink one to two cups of water before every meal; you will head into each meal not as hungry, ultimately eating a little less at each meal. The past few months have been difficult for everyone. Most of us, having never experienced this kind of stress before, are struggling with weight management. Any recent weight gain is not irreversible. If necessary, seek professional help from your physician, a registered dietitian, and/or therapist. Start by incorporating regular exercise and improving your eating habits. Making these crucial changes will get rid of those unwanted pounds and improve your physical as well as your mental health. Aliza Beer is a registered dietitian 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, and you can follow her on Instagram at @alizabeer
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CO M M U N IC ATE D
My Open Door
M A G A Z I N E A Jewish Perspective
WE are thrilled to present LAF Magazine, an email publication for those fifty and over living life with a frum perspective. We have great features in the works for you to read, among them a tech column and panel discussions on topics that affect your life – family, caregiving, moving, dating, working, eating, staying healthy, Yiddishkeit, emotional wellbeing, etc. The most important part of this publication, though, is you. We want your ideas, your suggestions, and your perspectives. We want this to be an interactive conversation, with polls, surveys and much more. To subscribe visit www.lafmagazine.com or email info@lafmagazine.com. We can’t wait to hear from you! CHUMI FRIEDMAN, MATI JACOBOVITS, JODIE MAOZ
A study done by the University of California found that cultivating gratitude on a regular basis resulted in higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. It also found that practicing gratitude resulted in less depression and stress. Even better news is that it doesn’t have to be anything formal. Just take out a piece of paper and write down what you are grateful for – or say Mizmor L'Todah each day. It will make a big difference in how you see the world.
COMING IN OUR FIRST ISSUE CHAVA DUMAS
Major Life Changer While some may think getting older means slowing down, Chava Dumas sees as it as an opportunity to do more: learn new skills, polish up her Hebrew – and save lives. She shares her story of becoming an EMT.
Subcribe Now, It’s Free!
www.lafmagazine.com or email info@lafmagazine.com
DEAR ANNIE, I’m a little hesitant to be sending this question in; maybe I am even a little embarrassed. For the past two months, as my husband and I quarantined, I’ve been thinking, “This is good. I like this.” Yes, I miss my kids and grandkids. But there is something nice about not having to clean up after a Shabbos when they are all here and the house is a mess. There is something nice about preparing a simple Shabbos meal without 3 different kinds of kugel and the special dip that my son-in-law likes from the store 35 minutes from my home where there is never any parking. Am I crazy? My friends are all bemoaning the lack of time with their families, while I am feeling sad that the special time my husband had to ourselves is almost over. SIGNED, MISSING THE HONEYMOON DEAR HONEYMOONER, Never be embarrassed about your feelings; they are an important part of who you are. The fact that you have found something very positive to focus on in the midst of one of the most difficult periods of time is to your credit. And there are definitely a lot of positive aspects to home quarantine. We have been able to connect with spouses and/or family members still at home without having to rush off to appointments, meetings or a day at the mall. The fact that we are forced to slow down our hectic pace and relearn how to appreciate the good things in our lives is a wonderful blessing. Of course we miss our extended family members, but when with Hashem’s help, we are finally able to come together with warm hugs, it will be with even more appreciation and joy for the restored opportunity. Meanwhile, don’t feel guilty; ignore the complainers and naysayers. Keep up your positive outlook and enjoy. ANNIE
That Was Then, This Is Now BY YOSSI LIEBER
THEY say that communications are easier than when we were young. Is that really true, though? I called my daughter and got the following message, “The person you are calling has a voicemail that has not yet been set up.” Desperate to reach her, I tried calling my son-in-law. Instead of reaching him, I heard the following message: “The person you reached has a voice mail that is full.” “Full of what?” I asked myself, as I punched in my grandson’s number. When he answered I quickly said, “Where is your mother? I must speak to her immediately.” And that’s when I heard it, “Sorry but nobody is home right now. Please leave your name and phone number and we will get back to you as soon as possible.” I’m still waiting!
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In The K
tchen
Tortellini and Meat Sauce By Naomi Nachman
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his is one of my all-time favorite, quick-and-easy, go-to meals. This tortellini and meat sauce can be prepped in a flash and cooked in 20 minutes from start to finish. Ingredients 1 package NY Pasta Authority Tomato Tortellini 2 lb. ground beef 2 large onions, diced 1 jar Gefen Pasta Sauce 1-2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon oil
Preparation Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add diced onions, stirring frequently until they become slightly translucent. Add kosher salt to taste and stir. While onions are sautéing, bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain when done and set aside. Once onions are sweating, add ground beef to the pan a little at a time, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Allow the meat to begin to brown before adding more. Cook about 10 minutes, stirring to make sure the meat browns on all sides. Once meat is cooked, add pasta sauce to the meat mixture and stir to combine. Add drained tortellini and stir to combine. Let come to a boil and simmer for 5-10 minutes to reduce down. Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.
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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”
Be prepared to give up your cell phone and purse/wallet. - From an email by the Minneapolis Police Department to residents about skyrocketing crime and warning them to listen to the criminals and “do as they say”
Do not walk alone. - Ibid.
Lock your doors while driving. - Ibid.
He got rich and became a snob. - Malik Obama, age 62, of Kenya, talking about his frayed relationship with his half-brother Pres. Barak Obama, in a New York Post interview
Walked through it last night out of curiosity and saw no burning, pillaging, or deaths. Chill dawg - ESPN 710 Seattle radio host Paul Gallant tweeting in response to President Trump calling the Seattle protesters anarchists and looters
I feel like I need to buy a firearm, because clearly this is going to keep happening. Enough is enough. - Ibid., several days later, when the anarchists looted a Starbucks in his building and started a fire on his block
Is it funny that the guy who refused to kneel immediately blew out his knee? - ESPN Radio’s Dan Le Batard tweeting after Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac tore his ACL after being the first player to stand during the national anthem once the NBA restarted
The Trader Joe’s branding is racist because it exoticizes other cultures – it presents “Joe” as the default “normal” and the other characters falling outside of it. - From an online petition that 5,000 wokesters signed calling for Trader Joe’s to change its branding because it is “racist”
Americans will figure out that BLM is an org that wants to dismantle the nuclear family, the justice system & the police syst so critical to protecting Black lives, esp women & kids. – Tweet by Megyn Kelly
It’s not just about punishing the sinner; it’s not just about punishing the person for being insufficiently pure. It’s about this sort of secondary boycott of people who would deign to speak to that person or appear on a platform with that person. And we see just very obviously where that kind of politics gets us. If conversation with people that we disagree with becomes impossible, what is the way that we solve conflict?… It’s violence. - Former New York Times opinion writer Bari Weiss, who resigned from the paper due to its horrific cancel culture, talking to Bill Maher on HBO
We hold China as a potential trading partner, as a country that has pulled tens of millions of people out of poverty in a short period of time, and as a country growing into a respectable nation amongst other nations. I deeply believe that. - Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) cautioning against holding China accountable for the coronavirus and calling it “respectable” despite its rampant human rights violations, including putting thousands of Muslims and dissidents in prison camps
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I said, “That’s it, now or never,” and so in 2017, I decided to enroll. - Giuseppe Paterno, age 96, after graduating with his undergraduate degree in history and philosophy during his graduation at the University of Palermo, in Palermo, Italy, July 29, 2020
The leading cause of death for young black males is homicide. Each of those lives matter. - Attorney General William Barr during his House Judiciary testimony last week, pointing out that 7,500 blacks are murdered each year – 90 percent by other blacks
You’re a real class act! - AG Barr to House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) when Nadler refused to let him take a five minute break during a hearing
He was like a blob. - Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who has recently taken to commenting on people’s weight, talking about AG Barr’s testimony
This approach challenges the familiar dogma that writing instruction should limit emphasis on grammar/sentence-level issues so as to not put students from multilingual, non-standard “academic” English backgrounds at a disadvantage. – From an email by the Rutgers University’s English department announcing that, in an effort to “stand with and respond” to the Black Lives Matter movement, it will no longer enforce rules of grammar
The idea that expecting a student to write in grammatically correct sentences is indicative of racial bias is asinine. It’s like these people believe that being non-white is an inherent handicap or learning disability…. That’s racism. It has become very clear to me that those who claim to be “antiracist” are often the most racist people in this country. - Leonydus Johnson, a speech pathologist and libertarian activist, The Washington Beacon, responding to Rutgers’ new policy
The primary focus quickly became what Donald Trump was doing (poorly) to address the crisis, rather than the science itself. As new details have become available about antibodies, a vaccine, or how COVID actually spreads, producers still want to focus on the politics. Important facts or studies get buried. – From a resignation letter by MSNBC producer Ariana Pekar, excoriating MSNBC for only being concerned with politics, not facts
Last week I asked my doctor when she thinks coronavirus might be ended. She said she doesn’t know; she’s not much into politics. – Argus Hamilton, Jewish World Review
President Trump expressed hope that the vaccines in testing will be approvable by fall. However, neither a virus vaccine nor a treatment will be the end of our daily protocols. After the coronavirus is over, we will have to wear our masks backwards for four months to get our ears back in place. - Ibid.
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W
hen it comes to politics, it’s very easy to make predictions. If your prediction is eventually proven correct, you puff your chest and remind everyone that you made the prediction. On the other hand, if your prediction doesn’t pan out, it doesn’t matter because by that time everyone probably already forgot what your prediction was anyway. It is for the latter reason that it may not be wise to predict who Joe Biden will pick as his running mate. After all, by the time you read this, he may have made his choice, and this article may already have a snug position in the trash can of foolish political articles. But what do I have to lose? In an era when politics is so vile and toxic, it’s almost a reprieve to play the guessing game. So here goes. Firstly, non-black/non-females need not apply. Sounds harsh? I’m not the one who proclaimed that Biden needs to pick a black woman as his running mate. This is not a meritocracy. It’s a colorocracy and a genderocracy. Sorry Elizabeth Warren – instead of announcing that you are a Native American, you should have said that you are black. Oh, and sorry Cory Booker – you don’t look that good in a skirt. So let’s consider the candidates who meet the “qualifications.” Barack Obama’s pick is his for-
mer National Security Advisor Susan Rice. Why are we talking about Obama’s pick if Joe Biden is the nominee? Because a prevailing belief is that, back in February, it was Obama who cleared out all the Democratic candidates and basically handed the nomination to Biden. The second part of that theory is that Obama is not silly enough to give control of the Democratic Party to bumbling Joe and that the arrangement was that Obama would control the presidency through the various officials placed around President In Name Only Biden, starting with the VP, who would really call the shots in the White Hose. Susan Rice, who is a consummate Washington insider, has been Obama’s rottweiler for a long time. She was the one who repeatedly lied about Benghazi, and she is believed to be the one who unmasked General Michael Flynn, in order to entrap him. She was also one of the architects of the Russian hoax and is still claiming that Trump is Putin’s asset. All of these actions were done on behalf of Obama and demonstrate her deep loyalty to him. On the other hand, if she is picked as the VP, Trump is going to have a field day dusting off the “drain the swamp” argument. He will hammer her until the cows come home for her proven lies. She would respond, “Russia…Russia…Russia.” The problem with that response is that it’s not a losing fight for the Democrats; they
already lost it. They would be better off focusing on the present corona and economic situation than going back to that “Russia hoax.” Additionally, although Susan Rice is seen as a foreign policy buff, Trump will hammer her for supporting the Iraq War (that is a drumbeat that will continue to work for the next hundred years). So picking Rice is very risky. The only question is whether Obama is willing to pull the trigger anyway. If they are confident that Biden has a safe lead and is definitely going to win in November, they will put her in. But if they are smart enough to realize that this thing is far from over and that Trump is more popular today than he was when he “came down the escalator” in 2016, they won’t pull the trigger on Rice. And, they are smart enough, so they will not ultimately choose her as VP. Since she is the only real Obama loyalist in the mix (Michelle is obviously more interested in becoming a billionaire than being stuck at the Naval Observatory for the next four years), once Rice is out, the decision becomes more traditional and one that the Biden team will likely make (sorry Obama…when Biden ran his mouth off and said that he will pick a black woman, he basically eliminated a lot of your people). So who is the Biden team considering?
There has been a lot of chatter about California Senator Kamala Harris. In fact, she is considered by many to be the frontrunner for the job. Chatter about her hit a frenzy when an AP reporter at Biden’s press conference (the only one he has conducted in the past four months) was able to zoom in on a card that Biden was holding. The card said “Kamala Harris,” under which there were three bullets as to why she is the right choice to be the vice-presidential nominee. Of course, the media tied themselves in knots and spent three days talking about the journalistic heist – getting a picture of the card. As usual though, they were played. That was a classically orchestrated “hot mic” type of trick, where a politician says something quietly – pretending that he doesn’t want anyone to hear – and it’s played incessantly for days once it’s picked up on a mic, because that is exactly what the politicians intended to happen. Obviously, with Biden’s cognitive decline, his hot mic moment had to be done in a way which he wouldn’t mess up, so there was a piece of paper conspicuously held so that the media could see what was written on it. Why did the Biden team want the media to see that? Well, here’s what else was written on the paper: that Biden is going to “rebuild the middle class…take responsibility…restore soul…tell the truth…” The media was a willing partici-
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pant in this hot mic charade. While breathlessly showing everyone the card in order to break the scoop that Sen. Harris will be the VP pick, millions of Americans saw that Uncle Joe is going to restore America’s soul. Mission accomplished. And, an added bonus is that they created additional VP buzz. Nicely done. The Biden camp used Kamala Harris to pull off the stunt because she, in fact, has no shot of being the VP pick. Why? For a number of reasons. Firstly, she openly called Biden a racist on the debate stage during the primaries. That’s an insult that one doesn’t get over easily. Even more, it saves Trump a lot of money on paying ad agencies to create ads. All the president would have to do is take that clip and replay it four-hundred-thousand times a day. If it helps him siphon off even an additional 2-3 percent of the black vote, that could change the whole race. Secondly, during the primaries, Sen. Harris garnered approximately two votes. Not two percent. Not two million. Not two-thousand. Two. Period. It would make no sense to pick a running mate who has proven to be a low energy campaigner. (The fact that she won statewide office in California doesn’t say much because it’s a one-party state.) Thirdly, Sen. Harris does not bring even one state into play. Her political machine is in California, which is more blue than a blue whale. A big consideration when picking a running mate is to make your ticket more geographically competitive. Another hot contender from California is the Congressional Black Caucus Chair, Rep. Karen Bass. She too has the blue whale problem. Additionally, she is sixty-six years old and will not bring any youth to an already age-sagging ticket. So, the West Coast is out. Now let’s turn to the East Coast, because that is where the VP pick will come from. Biden’s running mate will either be from the ultimate swingstate of Florida or its neighboring state of Georgia, where the Democrats want to force Trump to have to mount a serious defense of a historically red state. The two contenders in Georgia are former Georgia gubernatorial candi-
date Stacey Abrams and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Abrams, who lost the gubernatorial race but has been running around saying that she really won the race (whatever…), has been openly begging and pleading for the nod. It’s gotten to the point of being awkward, especially in early June when she complained to Stephen Colbert (the former comedian) on his nightly Democrat propaganda show that nobody from the Biden campaign has called her to discuss the job. Well, sweetie, you may want to step away from the phone because they ain’t callin’. Although it may be a good play to pull out the revenge voters in Georgia who are upset that their gubernatorial candidate lost a tight race, Ms. Adams was too eager for the job. You have to retain a modicum of class even when begging for something. That brings us to the other contender out of Georgia who actually does have class: Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. She would actually be a
people to take over an area in Georgia and make it an autonomous zone. That turned deadly when eight-yearold Secoriea Turner, a black girl, was shot and killed when her mother accidentally entered that autonomous zone. An innocent and beautiful young girl being gunned down and killed while sleeping in the backseat of a car should be a pretty big story, and the fact that it happened under Mayor Bottoms’ watch should be something that she should have to answer for. But, evidently, black lives don’t matter when it doesn’t fit the narrative. So this would not affect Mayor Bottoms in the race. Everything being considered, Mayor Bottoms would likely be a good pick for Joe Biden. But there is an even better choice: Rep. Rep. Val Demings of Florida. She will be the pick. Firstly, Florida is the whole kit and caboodle – without Florida’s 29 electoral votes, Trump has practically no path to victory. Rep. Demings
It’s a colorocracy and a genderocracy good VP choice. She is young, energetic and capable. Some say that she doesn’t have enough political experience, but presidents forty-four and forty-five prove that when it comes to presidential criteria, experience is a non sequitur. One advantage of Mayor Lance Bottoms is that she has four children, which provides a nice optic to middle America who still believes in the nuclear family. (That would also be a useful prop on the stage to divert attention from Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, who is a train wreck.) Another advantage to Mayor Bottoms is that at the beginning of this whole black lives matter craziness, she stood up to the mob and gave an impassioned speech telling them to stop the looting and destroying and to go home to their basements. That speech went viral and would certainly give her crossover appeal. One demerit to Mayor Bottoms, though, is that, despite her speech, she allowed the black lives matter
was a popular police chief in Orlando and will bring out the vote there. In a state which can swing by literally a few hundred votes (remember the hanging chads?), heavy turnout in Orlando for Biden is huge and probably enough to swing the state. Secondly, Rep. Demings was one of the House impeachment managers back in February when the Democrats tied the country up with their phony impeachment. This gives her street cred with the rabid anti-Trump base of the Democrat Party. But here is the main reason Biden will pick Rep. Demings: because it cuts the legs out from under Trump’s “law and order” claim. The ever-increasing chaos and protests in major Democrat-ran cities benefits President Trump because he can point out the idiocy of the Democrats who want to defund the police and turn a blind eye to increasing crime and chaos. This is an argument that can sway many voters who have safety concerns, especially
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the vaunted class of voters known as suburban soccer moms. As we know, once Trump gets locked into something, he rolls with it; he plans on riding this “law and order” message all the way until the last votes are cast on Election Day. Now, look at the media’s entire campaign strategy to defeat Trump (Biden is just their happy puppet): it is to frustrate him at every turn and prevent him from getting his campaign footing. You are good at rallies – no rallies, they are way too dangerous when there’s no social justice inoculation. You want to talk about a V-shaped corona recovery – we will make sure the economy stays shut because of the growing number of (largely asymptomatic) corona cases. You want to put out a tweet that makes a good point – we will falsely flag it as false. This is the way that the Pistons beat Michael Jordan in the 1989 Eastern Conference Finals – hack him before he even gets in the air; frustrate him on the floor. At this point, the strategy is showing signs of success. President Trump is certainly in a malaise and has not hit his stride. And, when Trump is frustrated, his Twitter thumbs act out in all sorts of ways, leading to even more chaos. Well, imagine if Biden now becomes the “law and order” candidate – that will totally throw off Trump. It would be another blockage that he can’t get around. Yes, Demings may cause Biden to lose the votes of the real cop haters within the party, but those people are not going to turn around and vote for Trump. Additionally, there are other ways of placating leftists. Tell them you are going to ban hamburgers, and they will be as happy as a pig in mud. Furthermore, the most rabid cop haters are in solidly blue states anyway, so it won’t affect the result of the election. No candidate is perfect, and losing a few cop haters is not a reason not to pick Demings as a running mate. So, there you have it. Biden will pick Rep. Demings. Now, by the time you read this, my prediction may have been proven wrong, and this column may seem pretty dumb. But then again, Biden may come out of his basement soon, and then I’ll certainly be bumped down a few notches on the “saying dumb things” list.
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Political Crossfire
Is Resigning in Protest Becoming a Jewish Tradition? By Rafael Medoff
W
ith her recent resignation from The New York Times, Bari Weiss joined a small but distinguished group of American Jews who have resigned in protest from positions of stature, choosing to sacrifice their self-interest for the sake of principle. Weiss, a prominent commentator on Jewish affairs and antisemitism, was hired by the Times three years ago to provide a more centrist perspective within an editorial staff that mostly leans further to the left. In her letter of resignation, Weiss reported that she had been the target of “constant bullying by colleagues who disagree with [her] views.” Weiss’ harassers called her “a Nazi and a racist” and harangued her for “writing about the Jews again.” In the Times’ internal discussion forums, she was “openly demeaned” by co-workers who said she “needed to be rooted out.” Even staff members who were “perceived to be friendly” with Weiss found themselves “badgered” for associating with her. The Weiss resignation brings to mind a handful of others who have sacrificed their professional positions for matters of conscience. One was Mark Siegel, a former executive director of the Democratic National Committee, who served as President Jimmy Carter’s liaison to the American Jewish community. In 1978, Siegel was assigned the task of convincing Jews not to oppose Carter’s planned sale of sophisticated military aircraft to Egypt and Saudi Arabia. National Security Council briefers told Siegel that the aircraft were intended for civilian purposes, but when he shared that information with the audience at a United Jewish Appeal meeting, he was roundly booed. Surprised by that hostile reception, Siegel checked with the Defense Department and was informed that the aircraft in
question were, in fact, “the best-fighter-bombers in the world.” A few days later, Siegel submitted his letter of resignation and shared it with the press. In an interview with The Washington Post, Siegel said that resigning in protest was the obvious step. “Whenever you’re in any kind of position in life and there are things you cannot do, you don’t do them,” he said. Walter Reich, executive director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, felt the same way. The “thing” he could not do was escort Yasser Arafat on a tour of the museum. State Department official Aaron Miller came up with the Arafat tour idea in 1998, as a way of trying to improve the
and, more importantly, the memory of the Holocaust dead — was more important than holding onto my job.” Reich lost his job. Ironically, Arafat backed out of the tour at the last minute, when the eruption of the Monica Lewinsky scandal diverted the Washington press corps on the morning of his planned visit to the museum — thus confirming that he was interested only in the photo-op, not actually learning about the Holocaust, exactly as Reich had warned. In an op-ed 12 years too late to save Reich’s job, Aaron Miller admitted that his Arafat plan was “one of the dumbest ideas in the annals of U.S. foreign policy,” but only because
“Whenever you’re in any kind of position in life and there are things you cannot do, you don’t do them,” he said.
terrorist leader’s image in the eyes of the Israeli public. “To many Israelis, among the worst of the Palestinian transgressions was Holocaust denial,” Miller later wrote. “What better way to counter Holocaust denial than by having the alleged denier in chief visit the museum?” The invitation was first cancelled after a backlash, but then extended again. Dr. Reich was ordered by the museum’s leadership to welcome Arafat and accompany him on the tour. “I refused,” Reich later recalled. “I told them the museum mustn’t be used as a political tool, and I wouldn’t be part of that. I said it was a matter of conscience in a museum of conscience. I knew that such a refusal constituted an act of resignation. But I felt that the principle of protecting the museum —
he failed to foresee that it would set off a storm of protest. Reich told me in an interview that Miller has never apologized to him. In his op-ed, Miller did not even acknowledge the price that Reich was forced to pay for Miller’s actions. Andrew Tarsy’s experience had a better ending. Tarsy, the New England regional director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), put his job on the line in 2007 by publicly dissenting from the national ADL’s position regarding Turkey’s mass murder of 1.5 million Armenians. The official ADL line was to refrain from calling it genocide for fear of offending the Turkish government. Despite the risk to his job and possibly career, Tarsy publicly acknowledged that the slaughter of the
Armenians was genocide. For the sin of telling the truth, Tarsy was fired the very next day. “I was not the least bit surprised,” Tarsy told me this week. “But I asked myself, how can we sustain a recognizable moral tradition and presume to lead on any subject of significance in Jewish life or American civic life while being complicit in the denial of a genocide? I knew I could not.” An outcry in the Jewish community resulted in Tarsy’s reinstatement, however, and the national ADL eventually changed its position and accepted the historical reality of the Armenian genocide. Bari Weiss’ high-profile clash with The New York Times will no doubt make her unwelcome in some segments of the media world, and complicate her professional prospects. But whatever Weiss’ future holds, one thing is certain. She has already ensured that she will have what Mark Siegel, Walter Reich, and Andrew Tarsy earned with their principled resignations: a clear conscience.
Dr. Medoff, the director of the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, is a historian and author of more than 20 books about Jewish history, Zionism, and the Holocaust. This essay originally appeared in The Algemeiner and is reprinted by permission of the author.
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Political Crossfire
MAGA Masks Would Protect the Country By Marc A. Thiessen
P
resident Donald Trump is a marketing genius, who plasters his name on literally everything – Trump hotels, Trump high-rises, Trump wines, Trump Steaks, Trump water, Trump mattresses, Trump vodka, Trump board games, Trump Magazine, a Trump airline, and a Trump University. So why not Trump masks? On his campaign website, you can buy Trump-branded straws, beverage coolers, pens, Christmas ornaments, and dog collars. But there are no Trump masks to be found on the site. Some private entrepreneurs are selling red “Make America Great Again” masks, but not Trump. It seems as though the president is missing a “yuge” marketing opportunity. He’s also missing a huge political opportunity. Imagine how differently things would have played out at his Tulsa, Oklahoma, rally if, instead of removing signs from seats asking participants to social distance, his campaign had left up the signs and handed out MAGA masks to everyone who entered. Rather than fending off criticism about how the rally was a third empty, the arena would have been filled to its socially distanced capacity with a sea of Trump supporters wearing MAGA masks. Masking is the right thing to do politically, and also scientifically. A comprehensive review of 172 observational studies on mask wearing concluded that “the use of both N95 or similar respirators or face masks (e.g., disposable surgical masks or similar reusable 12-16-layer cotton masks) by those exposed to infected individuals was associated with a large reduction in risk of infection.” According to the Lancet, N95 masks (which are mostly unavailable to the general public) offered 96% protection against infection, while surgical masks (which
are widely available) provided 67% protection. Masking becomes more effective the more universal it becomes. For
ed to have contracted the virus. Masks also protect us indirectly by changing our behavior. An Italian scientist found that people stand
“There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!”
example, a mask does not provide much protection if you come into close contact with an infected person who is not wearing a mask. But if both of you are wearing masks, the chance of transmission is dramatically reduced. In Springfield, Missouri, two hairstylists working at the same Great Clips salon saw 140 clients over eight days in May before finding out they both had COVID-19. Yet, because both they and their customers wore masks, not a single client was report-
farther away from people wearing masks. Masks provide us with visual reminders to keep apart, wash our hands, and not touch our faces. And while masks cannot completely stop droplets from spreading, they can probably reduce the amount of droplets transmitted – which could prevent infections or produce milder cases. But the most important thing masks might do is give people confidence to go about their lives again. If
the price of getting the economy moving again, and getting kids back to school in the fall, is wearing a mask, it is a small price to pay. Besides, it’s not like we will need to wear masks forever. In a matter of months, we will get a therapeutic, then we will get a vaccine, and eventually we will return to our mask-free, pre-COVID-19 lives. Most Americans get this. A recent survey found that 74% of Americans wear masks in public “always” or “often,” while just 17% say they “rarely” or “never” wear them. Trump can bring some of those holdouts along by championing mask wearing. He has already begun to do so: last week, Trump tweeted a picture of himself wearing a mask and wrote “many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!” That’s a good start. But if Trump really wants to convince his supporters to start wearing masks, the best way to do so is to start distributing MAGA masks. If Trump supporters really want to show their defiance of the establishment, they shouldn’t go mask-less. Wear a MAGA mask. It will drive the left crazy. Remember all the stories of restaurants refusing service to Trump backers wearing MAGA hats? Well, today if a Trump supporter shows up without a mask, restaurants can refuse service on the pretext of protecting public health. But show up in a MAGA mask, and they have no excuse. Trump’s goal should be to make MAGA masks to the 2020 election what MAGA hats were to the 2016 election. Doing so will help protect the country – and help him win a second term. (c) 2020, Washington Post Writers Group
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Political Crossfire
Pelosi Cares More about a Win Than the American People By Marc A. Thiessen
I
t should not be this hard to reach a bipartisan compromise when it comes to the $600-a-week federal unemployment supplement Congress approved earlier this year to help Americans who lost their jobs during the lockdown. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has made clear she prefers to let the benefits expire rather than compromise with Republicans, so that she can blame President Donald Trump for the pain inflicted on Americans. Economists on both the left and right agree that we need to responsibly phase out the temporary federal enhancement. Ending it with no replacement would hurt workers and damage the economy. But continuing it in its current form would hold back our economic recovery by creating a disincentive for millions of Americans to return to work – because they can make more money staying home. According to the University of Chicago and American Action Forum, 60% to 70% of individuals on unemployment are making more than they did in their last job thanks to the federal supplement – and the bottom 20% of wage earners are making, on average, double what they made before. If the $600 supplement continues unchanged for six more months, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that “roughly five of every six recipients would receive benefits that exceeded the weekly amounts they could expect to earn from work during those six months.” The federal supplement did not affect employment during the lockdown, because the economy was shut down and there were no jobs available. But now that businesses are reopening, employers trying to rehire workers are finding that they can’t
compete with enhanced unemployment. Nearly 1 in 5 small businesses report that they have had an employee turn down a job offer to remain on unemployment. According to NPR, more than 13,000 manufacturing jobs in Ohio remain open in part because of enhanced unemployment. Honda is so desperate, for example, it is actually having white-collar workers reassigned to assembly lines. Those who argue the federal subsidy has no impact on employment are the economic equivalent of anti-maskers. Just as it’s common sense that if you have COVID-19 and you breathe into a mask you’re less likely to spread the virus, it’s also common sense that if you are making more money not working, you’re less likely to rejoin the workforce.
at $200. It would be eliminated once a state’s unemployment rate drops to about 7%. This is a perfectly reasonable proposal. And it shows that when politics are removed from the equation, it is possible to reach a bipartisan compromise. But Democrats don’t want
Nearly 1 in 5 small businesses report that they have had an employee turn down a job offer to remain on unemployment
There are bipartisan solutions. Former Obama treasury secretary Timothy Geithner, Obama economic adviser Jason Furman and others have put forward a bipartisan plan that would phase out the federal supplement by tying it to each state’s unemployment rates. The supplement would be capped at $400 a week, with the precise amount pegged to a worker’s previous earnings. In states that cannot calculate previous earnings, the supplement would be capped
a bipartisan compromise. They are insisting on extending the $600 a month until January with no changes and have refused to even pass a temporary extension of the program while the two sides negotiate. A stalemate benefits Democrats politically, but it is the worst possible scenario for the American people. Letting the federal supplement expire without a plan to phase it out would wreak havoc on the economy. According to Michael Strain, direc-
tor of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, doing so would reduce overall personal income by about $50 billion per month and “depress overall consumer spending by several hundred billion dollars in the second half of 2020, which by itself could cause a recession-level contraction in economic output.” Congressional Democrats apparently have no problem with that, because they know a strong recovery boosts Trump’s chances of reelection. In other words, Pelosi has no incentive to negotiate. If Republicans capitulate, Democrats win – because the $600 supplement will slow the recovery while they get credit for forcing the GOP to give unemployed Americans a massive cash infusion. And if Republicans don’t cave, Democrats also win – because people lose their benefits, the recovery craters, and Republicans get the blame. The only scenario in which Democrats think they lose is compromise – because they would have to share credit with Trump for doing the right thing. And for Pelosi, defeating Trump is the only thing that matters, regardless of how much pain it causes working Americans. (c) 2020, Washington Post Writers Group
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Forgotten Her es
Submarines on Special Missions By Avi Heiligman
F
rom all of the different types of ships and vessels militaries across the world have in their arsenal, submarines seem to have the most mystique surrounding their operations. Lying below the ocean’s surface, a sub could be lurking anywhere and at any given time. Early submarines were man-powered, which, in the late 19th century, gave way to steam power. However, it wasn’t until the technology of the electric battery was invented coupled with diesel engines that made submarines able to hide underwater for significant periods of time. World War I was the first war to see submarines used on a wide scale of operations. It was during World War II that many interesting submarine missions were assigned to commanders of the Silent Service. Most submarines or underwater vehicles have a dry, enclosed space for the occupants to move around. Wet subs are just the opposite. Designed for special operations and missions in shallow waters, a wet sub can gather intelligence and lay mines – in particular, limpet mines – that can be attached to the hull of a ship. A British inventor, Major Hugh Reeves, put together a oneman submersible canoe that could carry several limpet mines. Known as Sleeping Beauties, these were put to use by the SOE (British Special Operations Executive) and the OSS (United States Office of Strategic Services). In the decades after the war, these submersibles were developed into SDV (U.S. Navy SEAL Delivery Vehicles) that are still in use today.
The HMS Seraph or the USS Seraph, a tricky submarine Submarine crews operating in the Pacific preferred regular patrols, although even these proved to be perilous as Japanese anti-submarine countermeasures sank 52 American subs during the war. The sailors had to deal with mines, depth charges, bombs from patrol aircraft, friendly fire, and defective torpedoes (it took almost two years for the American naval command to realize that they had a major torpedo problem). Still, these men went on missions, and with the Philippines taken by the Japanese, submarines were called on for special missions. The USS Trout (SS-202) was off the coast of Midway Island when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor but was unable to fire at two destroyers that slipped away from her sights. A month later, she was sent to the beleaguered island of Corregidor with thousands of rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition. It took the Trout another month to reach the island, and she
received precious cargo to take back to Pearl Harbor. Philippine banks wanted to prevent their assets from falling into Japanese hands and loaded 20 tons of gold and silver onto the submarine. The Trout was also loaded with mail and important dispatches before sailing for open sea. She blew up a freighter and small patrol boat before reaching Pearl Harbor. In mid-1943, she set sail again for her ninth patrol, this time on another special mission. On June 15, she landed five men from the U.S. Army and their supplies off the coast of Mindanao. A few weeks later, she picked up five other soldiers before heading back to base in Australia. In February 1944, the USS Trout was lost along with her entire crew after being depth-charged by a Japanese destroyer. Several other submarines also participated in evacuating servicemembers from the Philippines and the base at Corregidor in early 1942.
The last evacuation took place on May 3 with the USS Spearfish (SS190) taking off 27 passengers including twelve army nurses. Three days later, the American garrison surrendered but the fight was not over. General MacArthur famously vowed, “I shall return,” which the U.S. fulfilled in 1944, but in the meantime, underground operations took place to harass the Japanese Army. These operations were supported by American subs. The special mission to the Philippines the USS Trout went on in 1943 was one of many made by the so-called Guerilla Submarines. The USS Gudgeon (SS-211) was another submarine tasked for these missions with her first war patrol starting December 11, 1941. She was the first in January 1943 to land men on the islands to carry out operations against the Japanese. When the USS Nautilus (SS-168) went to sea for her second patrol she was accompanied by the USS Argonaut (SM-1) and was carrying the Second Raider Battalion under Lt. Col. Evans Carlson. On August 16, 1942, they arrived off of Makin Atoll. The next morning, the Raiders went ashore and defeated the Japanese garrison before reboarding the submarines. Ten months later, both subs were again used as transports when they landed over 200 army scouts on Attu Island in the Aleutians. The Nautilus went on her 14th patrol in January 1945 to land supplies on Mindanao. This was the last of the missions the Guerilla subs carried out.
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015
The USS Trout
The HMS Seraph was commissioned into the Royal Navy 1942. With Lieutenant Norman “Billy” Jewell at the helm, the 44-man crew began their first patrol on the submarine that would become one of the most famous of the war. After a quiet first patrol, she was called to Gibraltar to take on special cargo. Lieutenant General Mark Clark needed a ride to Algeria to meet with French resistance leaders ahead of the invasion, and the Seraph was chosen to provide transportation. Called Operation Flagpole, the Seraph landed Clark, two other generals, American Captain Jerauld Wright, more officers, and some British commandos on the coast of Algiers the night of October 20, 1942. Five nights later, the Seraph picked them up and took them back to Gibraltar. The meetings were vital to the landings in North Africa that made Operation Torch a success and forced the Germans out of North Africa. Two days after arriving in Gibraltar, Jewell received a strange order. He was to take the Seraph off the coast of France and pick up a party of high-ranking Free French officers. General Henri Giraud and his staff were to meet General Eisenhower to plan the upcoming Operation Torch. However, Giraud refused to board a British boat so a ruse was concocted. The HMS Seraph became the USS Seraph flying an American flag. American Captain Jerauld Wright would be the nominal commander, and the crew would use their best American accents. Jewell took op-
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The ID card created for Major Martin in Operation Mincemeat, which took place on the Seraph
erational control of the submarine. The mission went according to plan, except that Giraud wasn’t fooled. He and his party were taken to the Mediterranean where they were picked up by an American flying boat and flown to Gibraltar. In April 1943, she took on important cargo, however, this time it was a dead body. The Seraph was to take part in one of the most deceptive missions of the war. Operation Mincemeat, the brainchild of Jewish officer Ewen Montagu, was designed to fool the Germans as to where the next Allied landings were to take place. The real landings were to be in Sicily but the Germans were convinced that they were going to be in Greece. A British corpse, who appeared to have died in an airplane crash, was found off the coast of Spain where a Nazi sympathizer handed it over to the German authorities. The cargo that the Seraph was carrying was a metal canister that Jewell told his men contained metrological material. Nearing the coast of Spain, Jewell with a few other officers took the body that was packed with dry ice and said a prayer before launching it off into the sea. The body, that of Major Martin who really died from pneumonia, was holding secret documents from high-ranking Allied commanders to fool the Germans. The ruse worked beyond all expectations. The Germans moved important resources away from the coast of Sicily because of the mission, and the landings were a success. The use of submarines on special
missions gave Allied planners more in their arsenal to work with, especially in the early days of the war. Those that served on the submarines knew that the public might not know much about the Silent Service but served with pride and distinction for their country.
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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VACATION IN JERUSALEM: Beautiful 3 bedroom apartment with porch and view available for short term in the Kaduri – Jerusalem Heights project on the 8th floor. Shisha Realty 718-408-8070 vacation@shisharealty.com
SF MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE Available, Reception Area, Waiting Room, Kitchenette, 2 Consult, 4 Exam Rooms, 2 Bathrooms, 30 Car On-Site Parking, For Lease …Call Ian 516-295-3000 www.pugatch.com EAST ROCKAWAY: Retail Stores on Busy Corner, 1000SF& Up Available, Great High Visibility Location, For Lease… Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698
APT FOR RENT FAR ROCKAWAY, AUGUSTINA AVE. Beautiful 2 floor apt for rent. 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, newly renovated basement, washer/dryer, enclosed front and back yard. Available September. Asking $2850. 845-558-5527 INWOOD Brand new bright and airy basement apartment near LIRR . Never used kosher kitchen , 2 bedrooms , LR/DR central air /heat ,full bathroom washer/dryer $2000 a month Call/text Yitzi (929) 225-3616
NORTH WOODMERE
WOODMERE: BEST BUY Spacious 2BR Apartment, Washer/Dryer In Bldg, Elevator Bldg, Open Floor Plan, 1st Floor, Close To All...$199K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com
FOR RENT: LOVELY ONE BEDROOM UPSTAIRS APARTMENT in a two family home in Lawrence, feet from the LIRR and Shaaray Tefilla and near Central Avenue stores. Please call (516) 318-9153
GARAGE FOR RENT DOUBLE CAR SIZED GARAGE FOR RENT IN FAR ROCKAWAY. PLEASE CALL OR TEXT 646-523-4458
VACATION IN JERUSALEM: Beautiful Short-term rentals in Jerusalem (Sharei Chesed, Romema, Hanevi'im – City Center) Contact today for great service: Shisha Realty 718-408-8070 vacation@shisharealty.com
HELP WANTED The IVDU School System for Special Education is seeking social workers and psychologists to add to our clinical team. The IVDU Schools service students with developmental, learning, social, and behavioral challenges in stimulating, warm, growth oriented environments. Excellent professional development opportunities. Open positions: Part time social worker or psychologist Boys High School, Boro Park Part time doctoral psychologist Elementary School, Five Towns Full time psychologist Girls Elementary School, Flatbush Experience a must. Please send resume to jofent@ou.org
HELP WANTED SEEKING A MARKETING ASSISTANT TO JOIN OUR GROWING FIRM! Pleasant working atmosphere. Computer skills, marketing experience and engaging attitude a must! Email resume to info@torahmarketing.org YKLI IS LOOKING FOR AFTERNOON GENERAL STUDIES ASSISTANTS FOR GRADES 1 & 2. Fabulous environment, dynamic, creative teachers and a warm great place to work!! M-Th 12:45-4 and Fri 11:30-1:00. Email resumes to larissasteele@gmail.com Yeshiva Darchei Torah Elementary School Far Rockaway, NY GENERAL STUDIES TEACHER Grade 4 Master’s in Education or currently enrolled in Master’s Program preferable GENERAL STUDIES ASSISTANT TEACHERS Grades 1-3 Great opportunity for students pursuing a degree in education Afternoon teaching hours, Warm, supportive and collaborative environment, Excellent Pay, Email resume: abbkelman@gmail.com
CEDARHURST 119 Spruce Street, Cedarhurst 11516 358 Elm Street, West Hempstead 11552
Sun-drenched home in perfect location in N. Woodmere. 4BR 2.5bth split, beautiful yard. Avigail (516)316-3452 $879K
CEDARHURST
Five Towns 516.374.0242 W. Hempstead 516.565.4392
Colonial located in the heart of cedarhurst on oversized lot! W/4BR upstairs & very large third floor. Endless potential. Won’t last! Avigail (516)316-3452 $805K
WOODMERE
Lido BeacH Adorable 3br colonial in mint condition. Great yard, low taxes, perfect starter home. Call malka (516) 967-1967 $649k
Fantastic location! 4 spacious brs, 2.5 bth, finished basement. Spacious yard. Miri (646)515-8813. $4300/month
Lawrence
5BR, 3.55BTH 3,388 SqFt True CH Colonial with Huge Fin. Base. Renovated X-Lg Chef's EiK. Master w/ Dressing Rm, Spa Bth w/Whirlpool/Steam Shower. Guest Ste. on Main Floor. 2 Fenced Yards plus Treks Deck and Basketball Court $1,095,000
Newly Renovated Palatial 4 BR UltraLuxury Unit in The Regency - 3,300+ Sqft Of Living Space, 12 Foot Ceilings, Venetian Plaster Walls. 4.5 Bathrooms. 2 Terraces. Tremendous Mstr Suite With 2 WICs & Terrace. P.O.R
WOODSBURGH
WOODMERE
Mint condition sh colonial. 5 brs, 3 full baths, finished basement, 2 decks, many new systems. Lydia (516)286-1629 $1.649M
SH Tudor colonial with 4 brs & 2 baths on the 2nd floor, finished basement, CAC, beautiful yard, award winning SD 14. $849K
Far rockaway
west Hempstead
CEDARHURST
CEDARHURST
Spacious CH Colonial in Desirable Area Of Far Rockaway. 4 Lg. BRs, 2.5 BTHs, EiK, LR, Formal DR, Fam Rm. Extra Large Full Unfin Base., Private Driveway. $975,000
XL 5Br, 3.5 Bth Home On Cul-DeSac. Perfect For Large MultiGenerational Family Or Mother Daughter W/ Proper Permits. Updated Kit, Fenced Yard. $749,000
5BR, 3.5 bath center hall colonial on oversized property in very desirable block near Cedarhurst Park. Moshe(516)455-5364 $1.19M
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Brick SH col. on great block in heart of Cedarhurst. 4BRs & 2bths on 2nd floor, walk up attic, extremely low taxes. Tamar (917)902-0613 $899K
www.sharonabeckrealty.com info@sharonabeckrealty.com
cedarHurst Spacious First Floor Co-Op 3 Large BR, 2.5 BTH. EiK, LR/DR. Parquet Flooring. Private Patio. Close To Shopping, LIRR, Cedarhurst Park And Worship $689,000
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AUGUST 6, 2020 | The Jewish Home
Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Local Yeshiva seeking certified elementary teachers Afternoon hours send resume to atmdayw@yahoo.com
ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AFTERNOON SESSION. Email: fivetownseducators@gmail.com
CAHAL is seeking a SECULAR STUDIES, SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER for a 3-4 grade class in a Yeshiva in Far Rockaway. P/T afternoons, and some earlier hours on Fridays. Send resume or contact Naomi Nadata at nnadata@gmail.com, CAHAL is seeking ASSISTANT TEACHERS, PART TIME, mornings and afternoons, for their special education classes in yeshivas and Bais Yaakovs in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway and West Hempstead. We are seeking women to work with our morahs, and men to work with our outstanding rebbeim, in order to provide more individualized learning opportunities for the students. Send resume and contact Naomi Nadata at nnadata@gmail.com for more information. Machon Sarah TAG High Far Rockaway, seeks an experienced English Language teacher with BA in English or cognate, for three periods afternoon hours. Please send resume to mshepard@tagschools.org.
Local media company seeking a graphic designer to start immediately. P/T and F/T positions available. MUST have experience and/or degree in design. Writing skills are a plus. Compensation commensurate with experience. Flexible hours, wonderful work environment, frum company. Email resume to fivetownsmarketing101@yahoo.com SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year. Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org Looking to hire sales people to train as NY & NJ Public Adjusters. No experience necessary, flexible hours. Call 973-951-1534 Local marketing company seeks talented writer. Content will be provided by the company. This is not a creative writing position. Part time, potential to work remote. Email resume to fivetownsmarketing101@yahoo.com
HELP WANTED
Torah Academy for Girls in Far Rockaway is looking for a warm, experienced, professional, full -time preschool morah and for assistants. Great working environment! Please email resume to csender@tagschools.org.
FAR ROCKAWAY AREA SCHOOL SEEKING AFTERNOON GENERAL STUDIES TEACHERS, 1ST, 3RD & 5TH GR., FOR SEPT. 2020. Warm, ssupportive environment. Email resume to teachersearch11@Gmail.com 5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA SEEKING ELEM GEN ED TEACHERS Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply. Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com
HELP WANTED Seeking full time OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST for Special Education school located in Brooklyn. Experienced preferred. Competitive salary. Room for growth. resumes@yadyisroelschool.org CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers, Title I Boro Park, Williamsburg and Flatbush Schools *College/Yeshiva Degree *Teaching experience required *Strong desire to help children learn *Small group instruction *Excellent organization skills Competitive salary Send resume to: Fax: (212) 480-3691 ~ Email: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com SPECIAL ED DIRECTOR Responsibility: Curriculum Designer Individual curriculum as needed Staff training Innovative, visionary Requirement: Masters Special Ed and Education Administration or SLP Backgroup Email Resume: specialedresume2018@gmail.com BAIS YAAKOV IN FAR ROCKAWAY SEEKING PERMANENT SUBSTITUTE FOR PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Please call 718-868-3232 ext 211 “NEW FIVE TOWNS RESTAURANT IS LOOKING TO HIRE THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: Experienced grill man Laffa maker, Dishwasher, Delivery guy Please email Ronazohar@hotmail.com
MISC ARE YOU IN NEED OF A LIVER TRANSPLANT? LIVER DONOR AVAILABLE! If you are blood type A or AB and in need of a liver transplant call Chaya Lipschutz, Kidney & Liver Shadchan (917) 627-8336, or email KidneyMitzvah@aol.com
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
CEDARHURST
VA L L E Y S T R E A M
TJH Classifieds 1,000sf office space behind Verizon store on Central Ave ask $1,000 Call Raizie (917) 903-1778
Newly renov. all inclusive office near LIRR, singles & Suites, util, conf room, kitchen, parking Call Raizie (917) 9031778 or Sarah 347-524-9147
Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Miscellaneous Ads here. Weekly Classifed Ads Up to 5 lines and/or 25 words 1 week ................$20 2 weeks .............. $35 4 weeks .............. $60 Email ads to: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com Include valid credit card info and zip code
Deadline Monday 5:00pm
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Your
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Money
Chow Down By Allan Rolnick, CPA
O
ne of the delights of living in America is the variety of local delicacies that different places champion as their own. Maine’s lobster rolls serve up a briny mouthful of golden summer tucked into a lightly-toasted bun. Wisconsin is home to amazing cheeses: milk’s bid for immortality. Nashville’s hot chicken dresses up ordinary poultry in a peacock’s bright plumage. And Cincinnati’s Greek-style chili, a thin gravy flavored with cinnamon and chocolate, sounds repulsive at first, until you taste it, close your eyes, lick your lips, and realize you’ve just touched the void. But no city’s local specialty enjoys more fame than Philadelphia’s cheesesteak. Granted, the word “steak” is doing a lot of work here — it’s usually just a thin shaving of top round. But brown it on a griddle, scramble it with a spatula, smother it with Cheez Whiz and onions (“wiz wit”), and cover it with a hoagie roll . . . mmmm, now it’s a beloved working-class feast for those salt-of-theearth Philly denizens who inspire the nickname, “City of Brotherly Love.” Back in 2003, presidential candidate John Kerry embarrassed himself on a campaign stop when he asked for Swiss on his at Pat’s King of Steaks, a South Philly institution. But Pat’s crosstown rival, Tony Lucidonio — owner of The Original Tony Luke’s — shares something in common with the Republicans who elected Kerry’s rival George W. Bush as President. He doesn’t like paying taxes. Last week, the Justice Department indicted him and his son
ates a dozen franchised locations as far away as Texas and Bahrain but was not named in the indictment.) Those are some meaty charges
Nicholas on charges of tax evasion, conspiracy to defraud the IRS, and aiding and assisting in filing false tax returns. According to the indictment, from 2006-2016, Tony and Nicholas kept two sets of books to hide
the table” without withholding the proper taxes and paying them over to the IRS. The allegation goes on to dish up the news that, after a dispute with a second son, Tony Luke Jr., the pair amended their previous phony re-
Nashville’s hot chicken dresses up ordinary poultry in a peacock’s bright plumage.
$8 million of top-line income. (They didn’t even tell their accountant.) As if that wasn’t enough, they cooked up a scheme to commit employment tax fraud by paying staff partly “under
turns to report higher sales — but added new phony “cost of goods sold” expenses to avoid actually paying more tax. (Tony Jr., who has become the public face of the company, oper-
the IRS is serving up. Tony Sr. and Nicholas are looking at spending years in a place that doesn’t serve cheesesteaks at all. Specifically, they’re facing five years each for the conspiracy and tax evasion, plus three years more for each of the 19 false returns. That’s a lot of bland prison chow! Naturally, their attorneys have issued the usual cheesy defense on behalf of their clients: they “look forward to defending themselves in court,” blah blah blah, and they’ll “continue to serve their faithful clientele.” But hey, it’s not like the clientele can’t find cheesesteaks anywhere else — after all, they are in Philadelphia. (And since when does anyone really “look forward” to defending themselves against criminal charges, anyway?) The sad part is, there’s always a better recipe for paying less tax than cheating. That’s where we come in. We don’t just sell the sizzle; we deliver the steak. So call us to trim the fat from your tax bill, and enjoy some tasty savings!
Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.
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AUGUST 6,29, 2020 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 2015 | The Jewish Home
Life C ach
Losers Weepers?! By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., MFT, CLC
B
ut I just had it a minute ago! Trust me. It doesn’t matter what age you are. Things are always disappearing. People like to tell you that you probably misplaced it or forgot where you put it. Don’t believe them! I know for a fact that a little Martian comes down from space and moves it. While you’re running all over the place looking for it, he’s standing invisibly in the corner chuckling away. The truth is, we are busy, overwhelmed, and multitasking and can wind up putting things down in funky
places. Alternatively, we can be one of those people who sometimes doesn’t see things even when they’re right in front of us. It sometimes can help to walk away from the task of finding it. Just temporarily. This allows you to return in a little bit and see things from a new perspective. In truth, I just think it gives the alien time to put it back where you left it! This often happens with thoughts as well. We are about to say something
important, and we lose our train of thought. Then when we sit quietly for a few minutes, it usually resurfaces. Who do you think hid it from you for that space of time? Exactly, the spaceman. I’m not really trying to convince you there are Martians. I’m just trying to tell you not to get so upset with yourself when you can’t find stuff. It happens to everyone. Everyone loses things – items and thoughts as well. Oh, except weight, of course.
more. We say navigation “messed up.” That makes us kind of happy. Because we’ve found something outside of us to blame. Which kind of supports my premise that if we could just find a creature responsible for our losing stuff, we wouldn’t be so upset with ourselves. So, guess what? I’ll take the blame. Next time you can’t find something that you’re looking for, just say, “I bet that that Rivki took it.” And then go get yourself a snack. (Unless that’s what you are missing!) And I assure you
I just think it gives the alien time to put it back where you left it!
Now, why is that? The one thing we would like to have suddenly disappear seems to linger. And that’s something we would love to be able to blame on someone else, human or otherwise! We used to lose our way. Now Navigation has taken care of that. I can’t say it always gets us exactly where we want. But we don’t feel lost anymore. It’s more likely that we think it found us random streets and highways for us to unearth, even ones we had no desire to explore. Yet, we never say, “I got lost” any-
that at least 75% of time, by the time you get back, I’ll have returned it to the exact spot you left it. As to the other 25% of the time, if you promise to give me 5% of the profit, I’ll return it by Monday! Here’s hoping you “find” joy in your week! Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-705-2004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com.
The Jewish Home | AUGUST 6, 2020
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in all of g in ic r p y a Best everyd ng Island! o L & s n e e u Brooklyn, Q DAY!
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Free Parking
S EVERY T C U D O R P NEW
much
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Prices Good Sunday, August 9th through Friday, August 14th, 2020
Vitamin Water
Nut-ola Canola Oil
1
$ 99 48 oz
5
5/$
Wholesome Pantry Veggie Straws
1
$ 99 7 oz
Unger’s Chulent Mix
3
2/$
Twizzler’s Licorice
1
$ 99 12 oz/16 oz
12/$ 3
Chocolate, Vanilla, Duplex
1
$ 59 12 oz
6 oz
1
5 LB
7
5
Assorted
2
$ 49 Gallon Edy’s Ice Cream Assorted
3
$ 99 48 oz
80 oz
Shoulder London Broil
Chicken Legs
Red, Yellow & Orange Bell Peppers
Green Scallions
1
$ 99 LB
6
$ 99 LB
Sweet Blueberries
4
2/$
2
5/$
1
$ 99 LB Dried Mango Cheeks
7
$ 49LB
15.25 oz/18.3 oz
Turkey Hill Iced Tea
Somerdale Straight Cut Fries
2/$
12 oz/20 oz
Avenue A Flour AllDuncan Purpose orHines Unbleached Classic Cake $ or99 Brownie Mix 5 LB
Lieber’s Sandwich Cookies
2/$
$ 59 LB
2
89¢
5.2 oz/5.5 oz
Dozen
Minute Roast
$ 59LB
PR/SR Mustard or Sauerkraut
Assorted
Solomon’s Beef Franks
Gedilla Sour Worms
$ 99 16 oz/12 Count
Pringle’s Chips
La Yogurt
2999
1
1
3
1.5 Liter
Ortega Salsa, Fiesta Flats or Taco Shells
$ 19 24 oz
Extra Large Eggs
$
1
2/$
20 oz
Colonna Marinara & Pasta Sauces
2/$
16 oz
79¢
Crystal Geyser Alpine Water
Assorted
Hot 16” Pizza Fish S�cks
4
$ 99 LB
9
$ 99
S�r Fry Chicken in Garlic Sauce
1199
$
LB
Keilim Mikveh on Premises | Pre-Shabbos Buffet Every Thursday & Friday! Savings Plaza | 11 Lawrence Lane, Lawrence, NY | (516) 371-6200 | info@kolsavemarket.com | /kolsavemarket Hours: Sunday-Tuesday: 7am-7pm | Wednesday: 7am-10pm | Thursday: 7am-11pm | Friday: 7am-5pm We reserve the right to limit quan��es. No rain checks. Not responsible for typographical errors.