Five Towns Jewish Home - 12-12-19

December 12, 2019

Distributed weekly in the Five Towns, Long Island, Queens & Brooklyn

Your Favorite Five Towns Family Newspaper

Always Fresh. Always Gourmet.

See page 7

pg

104

Passover Vacation Section Starts on page 116

Around the

Community

42 Chai Lifeline Celebrates “An Evening for the Kids”

A Hospital with Heart 74 Student Semifinalists Present at the CIJE Shark Tank

TJH Speaks with Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt about Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital

Joe Biden is the Democrats’ Mitt Romney

70 Rav Simcha Scheinberg Visits the Five Towns

PAGE 9

pg

118

pg

131

2

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

‫בס”ד‬

Neve Yerushalayim.

Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of Jewish women for another 50 years.

GLOWING PAST. A GROWING FUTURE. A

DECEMBER 15-16

CHARIDY.COM/NEVE I 48 HOURS RAISING $7,500,000 I 3X IMPACT

#IAMNEVE

Powered by

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

#LetsSolveIt

Where do the biggest Jewish celebs get together and bring hope for cholei Yisroel?

MENDY PELLIN HOST

CHASKEL BENNETT MC

LAST CHANCE for auction tickets!

RABBI ARI BENSOUSSAN INSPIRATION

8:30 p.m.

Mission Simcha TUNE IN FOR AN EXCITING LIVE EVENT!

RCCSauction.org 877.332.2808

The Mission Accomplished! · GREAT ENTERTAINMENT! · THRILLING LINE-UP!

Complete 1 or more Missions to receive the Mystery Gift.

See back of auction book.

3

4

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

CHANUKAH SALE Must read for all parents and mechanchim!

THE HOLY LAND AS THE NEXUS OF JEWISH DESTINY

by Rabbi A. Leib Scheinbaum

LARGE FORM A 8½”x11” T FULL COLO THROUGHO R UT

This full-color volume offers a richly layered account of the history of Eretz Yisrael from the aftermath of the First Beis HaMikdash to the beginning of the Twentieth Century. Here we will explore the turbulent Second Temple era; the saintly Tannaim and Amoraim; the Moslem, Crusader, and Ottoman conquests; the writing of the Zohar and, later, the Shulchan Aruch. And of course, the various aliyah movements, the courageous Jews who triumphed over unimaginable challenges to build Yerushalayim’s Old Yishuv and develop the rest of the Land.

The World That Was: Eretz Yisrael is the riveting story of the unbreakable bond between Hashem, His People, and His beautiful Holy Land.

BUILDING BNEI TORAH IN AMERICA

by Devora Gliksman Rabbi Chaim Segal was a fascinating man — and a master mechanech. A close talmid of Rav Yitzchok Hutner, Rabbi Segal took his rebbe’s chinuch principles and applied them in his decades of teaching. Through hundreds of true stories, we can now explore those principles and learn how to make them our own, profoundly improving the way we teach our talmidim and the way we raise our children. Based on interviews and memories of more than 200 students, as well as many of the gedolim of our day, this book brings us the engrossing life and times of a true mechanech.

Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

20

L of our L A % OFF 2,000 titles

N OW T H RO U G H 1 / 6 / 2 0

No More Excuses!

It’s Time To Succeed!

by Mordechai

Weinberger LCSW This powerful book by master therapist Rabbi Mordechai Weinberger LCSW lets us hear the inner voices that hold us back, and then arms us with dozens of powerful strategies to rev up our momentum and use our gifts to their fullest.

Broken into short, readable and doable steps, Momentum will show us how to make our journey to fulfilling our potential easier.

Also includes cartoons, motivational quotes, and tests to help us become more self-aware.

OTHER TITLES AVAILABLE FROM THIS AUTHOR

Bestseller in Hebrew – now available in English!

The elevating life, stories, and teachings of RAV YAAKOV EDELSTEIN

by Yedidya Meir

Sivan Rahav-Meir Reaching to Heaven is partly biography, partly guidance to all of us on how to live full, happy, and meaningful lives — and, with its fascinating collection of warm and personal true stories — totally captivating.

Written by Yedidya and Sivan Rahav Meir, a husband-and-wife team who have become extraordinarily popular through their lectures, writings, and media broadcasts, it contains literally hundreds of inspiring short stories about the life and — even more important — the life lessons to be learned from Rav Edelstein.

www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)

Prepare to be — Inspired. Awestruck.

Moved. Surprised. Amused.

And, of course… Amazed!

by Rabbi Nachman

Seltzer

In his bestselling series I Have an Amazing Story for You, Rabbi Nachman Seltzer has been sharing with us true stories that bring us to tears and laughter. Even while these stories entertain us, they show us the greatness that lies in every Jew — and help us access the greatness that lies within each of us.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THIS SERIES

5

6

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

E

ach week, my son reads the first few pesukim of the parsha for his Shnayim Mikra program in school. The program is divided between the days of the week, so we spend a few minutes every night when we do homework reading over the pesukim.

This week, we read about Yaakov Avinu, who is preparing to meet his brother, Eisav. When he hears that his brother is marching toward him with 400 armed men, Yaakov reacts to the news with a three-pronged approach to a possible attack: he sends before him presents to appease Eisav; he prepares for war; and he davens for Hashem to save him from Eisav – when Eisav behaves towards him like an enemy or like a brother.

These three tactics are the same strategies that Jews throughout the generations have used in approaching and dealing with their non-Jewish neighbors or enemies.

One article in this week’s issue focuses on vigilant young men and women who are working to protect their shuls. In response to recent attacks on some of our most holiest places, they are heading to firearm training to attempt to stop any attacks, should they, G-d forbid, occur. But even more than that, these young men and women are being trained to be cognizant of their surroundings. They’re told to be on the lookout for something that looks out-of-the-ordinary or for a person who seems to be taking a unusual interest in a shul or Jewish school. If authorities can be warned before a possible attack, disaster can be averted. Additionally, when they’re in shul, these men and women are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and note exit and entrances and means of escape.

I don’t believe that every person has a duty to arm themselves to prevent attack. Each person, though, can turn towards Hashem, as Yaakov

Weekly Weather |

Avinu did, and beseech Him to watch over us and protect us as we live divided among the nations.

When I heard of the tragedy that took place this week in a small Jewish community in Jersey City, my heart went out to the victims and to their families. The community’s idyllic existence was abruptly shattered by raging bullets and rivulets of blood. Without warning, these young people’s lives were cut short.

I took the senseless, heartless murders as a stark reminder for myself that we are still in galus.

Thankfully, in the United States, we tend to feel comfortable in our surroundings. Our schools are vibrant with the melodic words of Torah sung by young children; our shuls are filled with hundreds of men who hurry to catch a minyan in the early hours of the morning and the late hours at night.

But despite the vitality of our community and our way of life, we are really not at home.

Our real home, of course, will come when we will all live together in the Holy Land after the coming of Moshiach. Until then, though, as we yearn for his arrival, there is something we can do to hasten his coming.

It’s up to us to show Hashem that we are ready to live together as one by becoming unified and united. If we care for one another and help each other, we are showing Him that, although we aren’t physically one, emotionally we are a cohesive, connected unit. It’s the small things that connect us to each other. The little acts of kindness and goodness that we sprinkle throughout the day amount to an overwhelming gesture of love towards each other. And, hopefully, these small, consistent acts will bring us – together – to our Home.

Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

14

15

16

17

18

19

Showers

Rain

Partly Cloudy / Wind

Partly Cloudy

Showers

Sunny

Mostly Sunny

39° 38°

45° 30°

37° 27°

35° 29°

54° 43°

47° 34°

PUBLISHER

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR

ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shoshana Soroka EDITOR

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis Editorial Assistant Nechama Wein Copy Editor Berish Edelman Adina Goodman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857 Classified Deadline: Monday 5:00PM classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003 PAYMENT VIA CREDIT CARD MUST BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH CLASSIFIED ADS

The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine.

Opinions expressed by writers are not neces­ sarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

Shabbos Zemanim

December 13 – December 19

13

48° 47°

Yitzy Halpern

Friday, December 13 Parshas Vayishlach Candle Lighting: 4:10 pm Shabbos Ends: 5:14 pm Rabbeinu Tam: 5:41 pm

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

Pretty Pleasing ...

With Sprinkles On Top

Available now at a Gourmet Glatt near you. cedarhurst

woodmere

brooklyn

lakewood north

137 Spruce Street Cedarhurst, New York T: 516-569-2662

1030 Railroad Ave Woodmere, New York T: 516-295-6901

1274 39th Street Brooklyn, New York T: 718-437-3000

1700 Madison Avenue Lakewood, New Jersey T: 732-961-1700

Shop online at G ourmetGlattOnline.com

/ gourmetglatt

New! lakewood south 1328 River Avenue Lakewood, New Jersey T: 732-961-1750

7

8

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

8

COMMUNITY Readers’ Poll

8

Community Happenings

38

Protecting Our Holiest Places

104

NEWS

116

Global

12

National

28

Odd-but-True Stories

36

ISRAEL Israel News

20

Making Light of Rail by Rafi Sackville 102

JEWISH THOUGHT Rabbi Wein on the Parsha

88

Making Havdala by Rav Moshe Weinberger

90

Parsha in Four by Eytan Kobre

94

PEOPLE The Wandering Jew

98

Mount Sinai South Nassau: A Hospital with a Heart

118

The Battle of the Bulge by Avi Heiligman

134

HEALTH & FITNESS You Can’t Get Angry When You Get What You Want by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn 114 The Best Foods to Boost Your Mood by Aliza Beer, MS RD CDN

116

FOOD & LEISURE The Aussie Gourmet: Beer Battered Broccoli

124

Dear Editor, Your article this week on Ben Brafman was filled with many wonderful tips and pieces of advice. It was refreshing to get a glimpse into the mind and life of such a personality.

The main thing that I took away from the piece, though, was Mr. Brafman’s assertion that hard work is necessary to be successful. I find that many people nowadays are looking for a “quick fix” or an easy way to make their first million dollars. And they sometimes find themselves stuck because they shun real work and perseverance. They see their friends who have made it rich quick or are living off their parents’ fortunes, and they wonder why it doesn’t happen to them.

Well, you see, my friend, the quick skyrocket to fame and fortune happens to few and far between. Because we’re in an age where social media rules our lives, we’re exposed to these scenarios way too often. But it’s not the norm. Generally, people who are successful have spent years and years working and persevering. They have forgone vacations so they can move their businesses off the ground. Is it hard? Sure is! But after a few years of seeing the fruits of their labor, they see that it’s all worthwhile and can sit back and relax (just a little), while they continue growing their businesses.

This is a great lesson for us all.

Sincerely, Not-a-Millennial

Dear Editor, I don’t know why you put the story about yoga centers and gyms being placed in groceries in your “That’s Odd” news section. I think that it’s a great idea. First of all, if you knew that you were going to the gym, you wouldn’t buy junk on your trip to the grocery store. Secondly, it would bring people into the store – people who work out every day and then would remember that they’re low on milk or bread or yogurt.

It’s called cross-promotion and is done all the time.

Sincerely, Rebecca Adler Dear Editor, This is a message to Yoni, the person who wrote into the dating forum this week: Yoni, I’m sorry that someone filmed you on a date but it’s not the end of the world. Stop being a snowflake, and move on. Dating is not something to be embarrassed of – isn’t that what you should be doing if you want to move to the next stage in your life?

I wouldn’t give this immature kid two minutes of my time by worrying about what others may, possibly, could-be think if they see his film. You have better things to do with your time (I would hope).

C. Herzog Hillcrest, NY Continued on page 10

LIFESTYLES

114

Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW

108

Your Money

140

The Three Rs by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

142

HUMOR Centerfold 84 POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

126

Joe Biden is the Democrats’ Mitt Romney by Marc A. Thiessen

131

Shattered Trust by David Ignatius

132

CLASSIFIEDS

136

If you had the choice, would you prefer to always be late or to always be early?

12

%

Late

88

%

Early

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

g in all of in ic r p y a d y Best ever ong Island!

L & s n e e u Q Brooklyn, AY!

(

Free Parking

RY D E V E S T C U D NEW PRO

TM

much

Over 150 Spaces!

More for Less

Prices Good Sunday, December 15th through Friday, December 20th, 2019

Allegra Pasta

69¢

16 oz

Colonna Pasta & Marinara Sauces

99

¢ 24 oz

Schmerling Chocolate Bars Except Sugarless

5

2/$

Gefen Squeeze Me Applesauce Assorted

5

2/$

4 Pack

Lieber’s Chocolate Coins

5

$ 99 24 Pack Tree Ripe Orange Juice Calcium or No Pulp

1

$ 99 52 oz

Macabee Pizza Bagels

7

$ 99 18 Pack

Corned Beef Kolichel

6

$ 99 LB

Sweet Bluberries

5

2/$

2

$ 99 4 oz

6 oz

Vitamin Water

SR Parve Chocolate Chips

All Flavors

10

5

3/$

20 oz

Season Extra Virgin Olive Oil

8

$ 99 170 Pack

4

$ 99 1 Liter

Ner Mitzvah Chanukah Candles

44

¢

Salted/Unsalted

$ 49LB

Avenue A Flour Lights AllOhr Purpose or Unbleached Medium Gel $Lights 99 5inLBGlass

1 1599

44 Pack

$

KoSure Shredded Cheese Assorted

7

$ 99 32 oz Pride of the Farm Ice Cream Assorted

5

Susan’s Gourmet Rico�a Cheese

2

$ 79 16 oz

Dag Yam Golden Crunchy Fish S�cks

4

$ 99 64 oz

$ 99 24 oz

Dark Meat Chicken Cutlets

5

$ 99 LB

Aaron’s 16-18 lb Frozen Turkey

1

$ 99 LB

Italian Kiwi

Jumbo Cantaloupe

2

5

2/$

Bronzini Fillet

1499

$

12 oz

Plat O Pack Paper Plates

8/$

Dry Roasted Pistachios

7

4

3/$

10/$

3 oz

Muzon Color Sugar Crystals

Kemach Graham Pie Crust

LB

Teriyaki & BBQ Grilled Chicken Cutlets

1099

$

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: 9am-7pm | Wednesday: 9am-10pm | Thursday: 9am-11pm | Friday: 8am-�ll 2 hours before Shabbos We reserve the right to limit quan��es. No rain checks. Not responsible for typographical errors.

9

10

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Dear Editor, Great piece on Ben Brafman this week.

Every parent should read to their teenager the part where he notes that nothing written/said online or in social media or on a phone can be erased. Kids don’t always have a filter, but if they knew that their silly missives or hurtful words will be there forever, it may make them think twice.

Oh, and some adults should take those words to heart, too.

Yoram M.

Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home.

Please send all correspondence to: editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.

Dear Editor, I’d like to weigh in on the issue of sending out photos with shidduch resumes. I have been dating for a few years now, and when I initially sent out shidduch resumes, I did not include a photo along with it. I felt that someone should date me for who I am – and not necessarily because they like my looks. But after a year or two of dating, I realized that a photo helps with shidduchim in a few ways: For one, a photo does give off a certain impression of you, and people can get to know you a bit more than from the few words on a shidduch resume. A shidduch resume lists your schools, your employment, your parents’ and siblings’ names. But there’s nothing really about you – who you are, your likes and dreams. Yes, a photo doesn’t tell people who you are either, but at least it makes you more than just words to them.

In addition, when a shadchan is working with many singles, a photo helps keep him/her reminded of who you are. Photos speak more towards the heart, and in this way, it will help remind them to think of you.

Also, in this same vein, a mother of a dating boy or a young man also receives numerous shidduch resumes. And resumes are all just words, with sometimes few variations. A photo makes you into a real person and can help connect you more towards them, which hopefully will lead them to picking up the phone and finding out more information about you.

Much hatzlacha to all!

Single & Smiling

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

11

12

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

The Week In News

Tragic Eruption on New Zealand Island

20% OFF ALL IN STOCK JEWELRY

Exclusive

CREATIONS EXCLUSIVE CREATIONS INC.

5 DAYS ONLY DEC. 15-19

EXTENDED HOURS

RAZIE & SENDY BERGER

5314 18th Ave. | Lower Level | Brooklyn, NY 11204 | 718.256.2280

PRE-CHANUKAH SALE Prices range from: $600-$1100

Thursday 12/12 - 7:30-10pm Sunday 12/15- 7:30-10pm

111O Ward Pl Woodmere

Private appointments available call/text Daniela: (516) 857-9730

@banditwigs @stunningsheitel

At least six people have been confirmed dead after an unexpected volcanic eruption on White Island in New Zealand this week.

Rescuers have described attempting to save tourists covered in ash and debris. Eight other people are missing and are presumed dead.

Police believed that there were 47 people on the island when tragedy stuck. Among those, there were 24 visitors from Australia, nine from the U.S., five from New Zealand, four from Germany, two from China, two from Britain, and one person from Malaysia.

Questions have been raised as to why visitors were allowed on the island after seismic monitoring experts raised the volcano’s alert level last month.

“These questions must be asked and they must be answered,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in Parliament as police announced that they were launching an investigation.

Local tourism authorities market White Island, or “Whakaari,” as it is known in the Maori language, as “the world’s most accessible active marine volcano.” Roughly 10,000 people visit the island every year.

The volcano last erupted in 2001.

This week, a plume of ash rose 12,000 feet into the air. For now, the island is too dangerous for rescue attempts to be made, although authorities have been searching for signs of life via helicopter.

Survivors were covered with dust and ash and suffered from horrific burns. Many of them couldn’t talk, barely making out the word “help.”

Lillani Hopkins, a 23-year-old geography student who moved to New

Zealand from the UK three years ago, had been on the island just moments before the eruption. Her tourist boat turned back and rescued 23 others after the event. Lillani said that she froze when she saw people covered in ash and diving into the sea to cool their burns.

“It looked like a bomb had gone off,” she said. “There was a crippled helicopter that had been knocked off the pad. The propellers had been all bent and broken.

“All I could think was, if it can do that to metal, what can it do to human skin?” Some of them were talking while others were unconscious and some “couldn’t do anything but scream in pain.”

Corbyn: World’s Biggest Anti-Semite

Only days before Britain goes to the polls, the Simon Wiesenthal Center has called Labour leader MP Jeremy Corbyn the world’s number one anti-Semite.

Speaking with the British Daily Mail, Simon Wiesenthal Center head Rabbi Marvin Hier said that Corbyn’s actions and stated views regarding Israel means that he is the world’s biggest danger to world Jewry. Rabbi Hier added that England would become a “pariah state” should Corbyn end up victorious in the upcoming election.

“No one has done more to mainstream anti-Semitism into the political and social life of a democracy than the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party,” said Rabbi Hier. “If Jeremy Corbyn wins, he will make Britain a pariah on the world stage.”

He noted, ”To have a person seeking the highest office who ignored anti-Semitism for years, who did everything in his power to encourage it, is shocking.”

Rabbi Hier, whose organization is named after the famed Nazi hunter, likened the UK’s current anti-Jewish climate to 1930s Germany. “We don’t

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

Per

New from

fect g Mordechai W i f a Fresh L the S t to marTakes k iyum Ha Shas!

Enrich and enhance your Talmud study with this unique and fascinating new volume!

COMPLETE YOUR SCHOTTENSTEIN TALMUD SET

‫ ג‬

Rav Gidal — ‫ידּל‬ ֵ ִ‫�רב ג‬

On their way back, the monkey escaped and climbed down a hole in the ground.

When they dug around 1 the hole to retrieve the monkey, they found that it was crouching atop a pile of pearls. Taking this as an act of Divine Providence, the sailors brought Rav Gamda all the pearls.

R

av Gidal’s primary teacher was Rav. He also studied under Shmuel. When Rav Huna* was appointed as Rosh Yeshivah after the passing of joined many of their students these two giants, Rav Gidal to study under him. It appears that at some point he also Rabban Gamliel The Elder travelled to Eretz Yisrael to study under R’ Yochanan.* Tanna / Eretz Yisrael One of Rav Gidal’s colleague s A Tanna who served as entry for an incident involving was R’ Abba.* [See R’ Abba’s Nasi in the waning days both of them.] of He is mentioned many the Second Temple. times in the Talmud, most often when citing a teaching in the name of Rav, often citing Rav Chiya bar Yosef in the abban Gamliel was the name grandson of the famous transmitting Rav’s teachings of Rav. His faithfulness in Tanna Hillel (the Elder),* who founded a line of illustriou is described in the following exchange: s Torah scholars and Nesiim.

He lived during the last century of the Second Temple (Shabbos They asked Rav Gidal: 15a). He assumed the Did Rav really say what position you of Nasi [head of the Sanhedrin (High claim he said? He replied: Court)] [I swear] by the Torah, following the the passing of his father, Rabban Shimon Prophets, and the Writings I* (son of Hillel), and that Rav did say this! he served in that d the institu(Eruvin 17a). capacity for nearly forty years (Sifrei, Vezos reestablishe ylonia. In HaBerachah). In the ia quickly Talmud he is usually The Talmud relates that in Bab to Babylon called Rabban he used to sit at the entrance Gamliel “the Elder” to flourished went ish exiles the women’s mikveh in distinguish him from to time Torah those who order to instruct them ple, the Jew his grandson, , many of in a short es. in the proper Rabban Gamliel II of Yavneh* (see Tosafos First Tem method of immersion. to Niddah 6b).

Indeed, with t kindness by Hashem were great Torah Sag ion of the Because of his great ah. ruct His contempo Tor dest piety, raries ud he was not concerned that he included R’ Yishmael the iah, of grea fter the studying would have any improper Kohen Gadol,* by the Talm King Yechon hing and ct as an act thoughts Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai,* and Shmuel (Berachos 20a). explained along with tions for teac be seen in retrospe HaKatan.* Mordechai. gs 24:14, as the Temple, Among Rav Gidal’s lessons: ers (II Kin Daniel, and ), bkeep t could only re the destruction of His son was Rabban Shimon kiel gate When one states a teaching wha kel (Eze s and re they esta ben Gamliel II,* who succeeded the name of he who said in his father en years befo ‫ ֶה ָח �רשׁ וְ �ה �מּ‬, the artisan as the prophet Yechez ylonia, whe it, he should envision the and as Nasi elev Bab d e until of he roye was exil author of murdered by the Romans, that teaching as if he were dest into district warts as ‫ְסגֵּ ר‬ and standing before him [and Nehardea e such stal referred to gue that was g Yechoniah e the wer ago thus the Family his son-in-law was R’ Shimon ben Nesanel lesson will be taught with in wer y syn them led The ong (Tosefta greater clarity and faithfulne as “the es sett t by Kin Avodah Zarah 3:3), one rin 38a). Am the source], as the verse ss to dents s, when wave of [1]exil of these was known of the five primary stugue was buil Thu first ago in Sanhed states (Psalms 39:7): Only ael. syn of Rabban Yochanan ben this this bers of with an image [of his teacher] Eretz Yisr ze Zakkai. His grandson Rabban ning. One lains that should a person proceed Gamliel II merited to see Many mem them from and revitali Torah lear ‫ )ד“ה דשף‬exp (Yerushalmi and study under his grandfath Shekalim 2:5). brought with ready to receive them t houses of gillah 29a er. earth they lished grea Rashi (Me itutions Several practices of Rabban g stones and Nehardea.” d Torah inst Gamliel and his family, ority of the ardea, usin rebuilt in as related r, they foun to the Temple and its ple, the maj urage in Neh service, are recorded by years late groups of Second Tem the Mishnah. and his ento exiles came eleven es to large Rav Gamda — build the Sag to t h ael the Unique Customs To ensure that their annual halfgrea Reis of of the bulk to Eretz Yisr be taught there by statement shekel contribution was Amora / Babylonia community. s returned d to cated in a actually used to buy Temple offerings, e up from many Jew the forlorn ah continue period is clearly indi the members of Rabban A student of Rava,* who Ezra cam r Ezra and ia, and Tor was one of the leading sages Gamliel’s household would hold tz Yisrael, oil in the ing this Even afte in Babylon back their contributions tical turm otten in Ere Sages dur in the time of Rav Ashi.* remained until just before the withdrawal was Babylonian n the Torah was forg the military and poli the afterish people the [in made, and then would of Jew in s aga to enter the chamber where the shekalim otten yet The greatnes ancient times, whe again [due it.” It is were kept, each with his students. ittle is known about Rav “In forgotten n it was forg sons reestablished shekel between his fingers. halfGamda, other than that en it was ccah 20a): it, and whe his They would throw tablished he was a of shekalim colleague of Ameimar,* Lakish (Su tablished ished it. Wh Chiya and Mar Zutra,* and Rav Ashi.* hedrin rees in front of the Kohen performin it onto the pile and reestabl ian came up and rees hba revolution] R’ generally mentioned when He is and he and the San g the withdrawal, Babylonia Koc would then push it from citing a teaching of Rava. ylon was built the pile into the basket el the Bab We are told that Rav wed the Bar the Second Temple level. ah leaders he was filling (Shekalim that Gamda became wealthy, Land], Hill tion that follo after 3:3). The members of his at a very high Ezra, the great Tor and the would asta Talmud (Nedarim 50b) ia even dev the ylon that household the of describes how this came also bow in fourteen different math of not assume [2] about: rished in Bab Yisrael in the days ish’s account places in the Temple Sages did Rav Gamda once gave complex, instead of the Reish Lak ael. larship flou some money to some sailors thirteen that the rest of d in Eretz Babylonian clear from Torah scho in Eretz Yisr in the populace who bowed. The extra bow were setting out on a reestablishe es of Eretz Yisrael. tz Yisrael, n academy journey, was facing the chamber hedrin was functioned itself in Ere ds of the mai used to store something on their expedition asking them to buy him wood for the Altar’s and the Sag once the San Mesivta that fires, because Rabban n to the hea . the give Sanhedrin ia, However, Gamliel’s family the title ylon not find anything appropria However, the sailors did had a tradition from to , the Bab their ancestors that the te on their voyage. Finally, ia deferred “The the Mesivta Eretz Yisrael and Holy Ark was [3] as follows: they used the money to hidden there in undergro in Babylon , Heads of ) buy Rav Gamda a monkey. und chambers beneath 5, p. 166 hei Mesivta ivos in both others. its floor[1] (6:1 there). title of Res nim (Volume e other yesh shed above the

‫יאל �הזָּ ֵקן‬ ֵ ִ‫�ר ָבּן �גּ ְמל‬

Yeshivos a ry of the Babyloni srael and in Eretz Yi

� A Histo

R

1.

and

srael in Eretz Yi and Babylonia l Mesivta el The centra ing in Eretz Yisra of Learn the Houses

A

‫�רב גַ ְּמ ָדּא‬

L

1. The Holy Ark (Aron HaKodesh) was not present Temple. It had been in the Second hidden toward the end of the First Temple era by King Yoshiyahu (Josiah), who was informed ecy that the Temple would by prophsoon be destroyed by the Babylonians. To

W

prevent the Ark (which contained the Tablets of the Ten Commandments) from falling into foreign hands, the that it be hidden in king commanded underground chambers beneath the Temple (Rav).

Interview with Morde author of Momentum

Question: What motiva

MW: As a therapist and on my rad repeatedly. One very prevalent one working toward goals in life feel ad next. But most people don’t start o these are in the areas of spirituality care of their health. When people with a sense of purpose.

At some point, however, they hit a therapy is spent helping people to This is the concept I wanted to put when something is in motion. It’s t overcome the obstacles. The enem

1

Amora / Eretz Yisrael, Babylonia A second-generation Amora, who was a student of Rav* and Shmuel.*

13

publi HaRisho there wer stood out tz and was d in Doros Although Sanhedrin thick volvy Rabinowi is describe shed in four t that it Isaac HaLe on with the nally publi institution R’ Yitzchak excep collaborati . It was origi written by out change, ess of this and 1918 volumes. All 1967 with The uniquen in Israel in between 1897 nted in eight

h was repri reprinted acuwas later e set, whic 1). rn-day vern umes. It was volumes. It are to the six-volum Gaon (VII, in the mode school-age stuthe Talmud. ed into six Rav Sherira 1). While section was divid Edition of 1. Iggeres Gaon (VII, ivah for high ttenstein ences in this of Torah Rav Sherira is applied to any yesh the central house volume refer the notes to the Scho 2. Iggeres in sively for “Mesivta” le. the one used used exclu for the entire peop lar the term gs of books was nally it was dents, origi h issued Torah rulin im: This set ishon s HaR learning whic ences to Doro about refer 3. A note

Does the book provide losing motivation?

MW: This book’s overall message Hashem’s plan, like a force of natu tests that the Avos had to overcom that it’s not supposed to be easy, s to be?” Why do we think Hashem experiencing the normal process o

Most of our obstacles come from insid said, “For every action, there’s an equ inner voice of opposition will shout its

My best analogy for this is driving a ca

the window, you’ll barely feel the w AVAILABLE IN TWO SIZESout hand very hard. So if you don’t have m

through at 25 miles per hour. But whe by a whole host of inner voices asking so forth. If you learn to expect this, yo

e study the Talmud, poring over its pages, cherishing its every word. But do we know very much about its background? In this beautiful volume, we will enrich and enhance the experience of learning Talmud with so much vital information!

Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724) Includes writings on Over 250 biographies of Tannaim and Amoraim and Talmudic personalities.

A narrative history of the era of the Mishnah and Talmud, including a history of the Yeshivos.

Major Rabbinic works describing the transmission of the Oral Law and the compilation of the Mishnah and Talmud: Rambam’s Introduction to Yad Chazakah and to his Commentary on the Mishnah, with both Hebrew text and English translation, and explanatory notes.

The Iggeres Rav Sherira Gaon in the original Aramaic, with English translation, and explanatory notes.

The 13 Middos and other rules by which the Written Torah is expounded, with clear examples of each one.

What is the Oral Law and what is its relationship to the Written Torah?

A description of the layout of the classic Gemara page.

A history of the printing of the Talmud.

Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)

14

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

CIJE

ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 TH

want to get it wrong again. We cannot sit back and watch this happen again,” he warned.

Corbyn has appeared on the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s list before, having nabbed the number 2 spot in 2017 and the number 4 spot in 2018.

This year, he was named the top anti-Semitic person or event in 2019.

Labour anti-Semitism as a whole came in at number 10 in 2017.

The dubious distinction comes as Jews in Britain are terrified that Corbyn will become the country’s highest elected official. Under Corbyn, Labour has been embroiled in countless anti-Semitic scandals, and almost half of England’s Jews say they would consider leaving if he wins the top job.

Last week, leaked documents showed that contrary to claims, Labour has refused to crack down on the party’s rampant anti-Semitism problem. According to papers obtained by the Sunday Times, Labour activists who made open calls to kill Jews did not receive any disciplinary action.

Overall, there were 130 outstanding cases, including the failure to expel activists who made statements such as supporting the “extermination of every Jew on the planet” and calling Jews “bent-nose manipulative liars.”

Russian Agents Planned Hits from French Alps

HAFTR MIDDLE SCHOOL 44 FROST LANE, LAWRENCE NY 12:30- 3:30PM

33 SCHOOLS 110 ROBOTS Bnos Malka Academy Bruriah DRS Frisch Golda Och Academy HAFTR HALB HANC Hillel Yeshiva - Deal JEC High School JEC Middle School Levine Academy Ma'ayanot

Mazel Day School Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva (RPRY) Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School SKA Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County Solomon Schechter of Long Island Solomon Schechter School of Queens TABC The Moriah School

Westchester Torah Academy Yeshiva Beit Hillel of Passaic Yeshiva Darchei Torah Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan Yeshiva of South Shore Yeshiva Shaare Tzion of Piscataway - Boys Yeshivat Darche Eres Girls Yeshivat Noam YUHSB (MTA) YUHSG (Central)

make public the revelations about the Alps base. French officials reported that they considered the area to have been the unit’s rear base for covert operations in Europe.

“It’s good that our European partners are taking the Russian threat so seriously,” said Marc Polymeropoulos, a former senior CIA officer with expertise in Europe and Russia.

“Russia behaves at times like an outlaw regime, attempting to kill dissidents abroad and fomenting unrest in European democracies. It takes the sustained efforts of European security services working together to counter this threat.”

France’s Le Monde daily published what it said were the names of the 15 officers who planned assassinations from the French lair. Among the Russians who stayed in France’s Haute-Savoie department in the Alps were Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov.

In March 2018, British authorities revealed that Russian agents had used a nerve agent to poison a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, as well as his daughter – both of whom have since recovered. Two GRU officers, under the aliases Petrov and Boshirov, were charged by the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service in September for the attack. In addition to Skripal and his daughter, three other individuals had come into contact with the nerve agent and were harmed, including one individual, Dawn Sturgess, who died.

Russia has denied involvement in the attack, calling the allegations “propaganda.”

Devastating Factory Fire in New Delhi Like a story out of a spy novel, it was recently revealed that a group of Russian military intelligence officers have been operating out of villages in the French Alps.

The Western officials who reported this information said that European and U.S. intelligence agencies have been tracking up to 15 members of the “GRU,” as the Russian agency is known. The fact that Russian operatives have been able to move relatively freely doesn’t come as a shock, given the nature of Europe’s open borders. Rather, what is noteworthy is that French authorities chose to

A factory fire on Sunday killed at least 43 people in a crowded grains market in central New Delhi.

The fire broke out in an alleyway that was too narrow for vehicles to access, and so firefighters were left to battle the flames from about 100 yards away. The blaze was extinguished by 25 fire trucks, according to Fire Services chief Atul Garg.

The fire, which began around 5:30 a.m., started at a factory space near Sadar Bazaar. Many of its victims were factory workers who were asleep when it began.

Fires are common in India, where

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

THOUSANDS OF YIDDEN RELY ON US FOR; FOOD REST MINYAN MIKVAH HOSPITALITY LET’S MAKE MIRACLES HAPPEN FOR YOURSELF AND FOR OTHERS

LE A

REB YE SH UND ER TH A E

”A

D

DS USAN THO UESTS OF G

IR

UEST HOUSE 'S G V MOSHE FRIEDL , KER AN EH OF HARA ES DE L RS P I T H LI YA ERSH T

DS O USAN THO CLES A IR M

C1

6-

F

17

1.5 MILLION DOLLARS

36 HOURS | DEC 16 - 17

c h a r i d y.co m / ke re s t i r

7 1 8 . 6 5 0. 6 0 4 5

f R’ Shaya B” R yo or

e Zy”a osh M

In M em

36 H O U R S | D E

By supporting Reb Yeshayaleh's Guest House, you are enabling the miracles to continue.

15

16

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Koren's Chanukah Sale!

25

In the 70 years since the modern rebirth of the the State of Israel, the Jewish State has been at the forefront of the world’s attention. Today, there are countless efforts to vilify the Jewish state. Yet, there is also an ever expanding movement of biblical Zionists who stand with the nation of Israel as an expression of their commitment to God’s eternal word. As we seek to understand the clash between these two conflicting ideologies and look to make sense of the modern world’s great interest in Israel, the need for The Israel Bible has never been as important.

%

OFF

your favorite Koren books at Jewish Honoring bookstores everywhere THE GOD THE PEOPLE & THE LAND OF ISRAEL

‫תנ"ך‬

• Siddurim • Sifrei Tanakh • Mahzorim • Talmud • Rabbi Sacks • Rav Steinsaltz • Rav Soloveitchik • Dr. Yael Ziegler • Rav Binyamin Lau • Dr. Erica Brown • & many more!

The Israel Bible is the flagship publishing initiative of Israel365, which promotes the biblical significance of the Land of Israel through a variety of innovative platforms.

The organization was founded by Rabbi Tuly Weisz, an Orthodox rabbi who served for five years at the Beth Jacob Congregation in Columbus, Ohio before moving to Israel with his family. Rabbi Weisz attended Yeshiva University (BA), Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (Rabbinic Ordination) and the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law (JD). Rabbi Weisz served as the editor for The Israel Bible, leading a team of rabbis and Bible scholars to produce the world’s first Tanakh, Hebrew Bible, to highlight the special connection between the Land and the People of Israel.

The Israel Bible is the world’s first Tanakh, Hebrew Bible, to highlight the special relationship between the Land and the People of Israel. Through traditional and contemporary Jewish sources, The Israel Bible seeks to present God’s eternal and unchanging love for the Promised Land and His Chosen People from biblical times until today.  Hebrew text with linear English translation and transliteration helps you learn Hebrew while reading the Bible

 Exclusive collection of maps, charts and illustrations bring the Land of Israel to life  Hundreds of study notes illuminate the wisdom of the Jewish Sages  Contemporary commentary highlights the role of the modern State of Israel in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy www.menorahbooks.com USD $59.95/CAD $74.95

EDITED BY RABBI TULY WE ISZ

MENORAH

TheIsraelBible.com Facebook.com/TheIsraelBible

70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 1948 – 2018

MENORAH

MENORAH

The Koren Chanukah Sale is available at all Jewish bookstores from Tuesday December 17th – Tuesday December 31st 2019!

Get 25% off all titles this Chanukah only in stores!

building laws and safety norms are often disregarded. In February of this year, a fire that started in an illegal rooftop kitchen of a six-story hotel claimed the lives of 17 people.

“My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Wishing the injured a quick recovery. Authorities are providing all possible assistance at the site of the tragedy.”

Iran & U.S. Prisoner Swap Last Saturday, Iran and the U.S. conducted a prisoner exchange, releasing Princeton graduate student Xiyue Wang and Iranian scientist Massoud Soleimani, respectively.

“Mr. Wang had been held under the pretense of espionage since Au-

gust 2016,” President Donald Trump said in a statement. “We thank our Swiss partners for their assistance in negotiating Mr. Wang’s release with Iran.”

The Swiss Embassy in Tehran looks out for U.S. interests in the country, as the U.S. Embassy there has been closed since the 1979 takeover and hostage crisis.

According to Princeton University, Wang had been arrested while

conducting research for his doctorate on the Qajar dynasty that once ruled Iran. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly “infiltrating” the country and sending confidential material abroad, claims which his family and Princeton strongly denied.

Soleimani, who works in stem cell research, hematology and regenerative medicine, had been arrested by U.S. authorities on charges he had violated trade sanctions by trying to have biological material brought to Iran. He and his lawyers deny the claim, stating he had simply taken advantage of a former student’s plans to travel from the U.S. to Iran in September 2016 as an opportunity to get recombinant proteins used in his research for a fraction of the price he’d pay at home.

The prisoner exchange took place in Zurich, with Brian Hook, the U.S. special representative for Iran, present to escort Soleimani. Though Hook was the official in attendance, Trump’s national security adviser Robert O’Brien is said to have played the lead role in the negotiations dating from his time as the special representative for hostage affairs at the State Department.

Acknowledging other Americans currently held by Iran, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that “the United States will not rest until we bring every American detained in Iran and around the world back home to their loved ones.”

Migrants Drown off Mauritania’s Coast A boat carrying dozens of migrants sank in the Atlantic Ocean last week, killing at least 58 people.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 83 survivors swam to the shore of Mauritania and were assisted by local of-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

17

18

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

NEW FOR

c"qa

ficials, with an unspecified number of injured people receiving medical care at a hospital.

2020

AT S I L V E R S T E I N H E B R E W A C A D E M Y

• SELECT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

for $5000 and up for NEW 4th - 8th grade students. Limited availability for the first 20 new students.

• SEPARATE BOYS AND GIRLS Limudei Kodesh classes from 5th grade and up.

• RIGOROUS NYS ALIGNED General Studies combined with CHESSED AND SKILL-BASED, ANALYTICAL Jewish Studies.

The boat had departed from Gambia on November 27 and had over 150 passengers aboard. The vessel, en route to Spain’s Canary Islands, had been running low on fuel before it sank.

“The Mauritanian authorities are very efficiently coordinating the response with the agencies currently present in Nouadhibou,” IOM Mauritania Chief of Mission Laura Lungarotti said in a statement. “Our common priority is to take care of all those who survived and bring them the support they need.”

In wake of the accident, Gambian President Adama Barrow vowed to crack down on human traffickers who he said were risking the lives of innocent people for financial gain.

“To lose 60 young lives at sea is a national tragedy and a matter of grave concern to my government,” Barrow said on Saturday in televised remarks.

Mauritania is a country in Northwest Africa. It has a population of 2.8 million people.

resigned last week. She will become the world’s youngest sitting prime minister once she takes office this week.

Marin will also become Finland’s third female prime minister.

The Social Democrats are the largest party in the country’s governing coalition. Marin told reporters that she would work to rebuild trust within the coalition after a postal strike shook confidence in Rinne’s leadership.

The other parties in Finland’s coalition government are also led by women, several of whom are under the age of 35.

Marin joins other young world leaders, including 39-year-old Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s prime minister, and 35-year-old Oleksiy Honcharuk, the prime minister of Ukraine.

Marin entered into politics at age 27, becoming the head of the City Council in her hometown of Tampere.

“I have never thought about my age or gender. I think of the reasons I got into politics and those things for which we have won the trust of the electorate,” she said.

Measles Outbreak Shuts Down Samoan Gov’t

Prime Minister at 34 Please register at WWW.SHAGN.ORG/REGISTRATION or email CANTERA@SHAGN.ORG

CALL US TODAY AT 516-466-8522

Silverstein Hebrew Academy

"Where children are educated with REGISTRATION FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR an open mind and an open heart."

EARLY CHILDHOOD-8TH GRADE

“Where Children Are Educated With An Open Mind and An Open Heart”

117 Cutter Mill Road, Great Neck, NY 11021 SilversteinHebrewAcademy

34-year-old Sanna Marin, formerly Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications, will soon make history as the country’s youngest prime minister ever.

Marin was selected by her Social Democratic party on Sunday to take over as the country’s leader after former Prime Minister Antti Rinne

The Samoan government was shut down briefly last week in order to participate in a massive countrywide vaccination campaign against the measles.

Over 4,200 measles cases, including 62 fatalities, have been reported across Samoa in recent weeks.

The South Pacific nation is home to 200,000 people. None of the victims had been vaccinated, leading to the government’s decision to shut down services last Thursday and Friday while all civil servants (with the exception of those supplying water and electricity) assisted public health officials with the campaign.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

‫בס"ד‬

The Five Towns is Proud to Welcome

Harav Ephraim W achsman Shlita Rosh Y eshiva Meor Y itzchok ‫שבת קודש פרשת וישלח‬ SHABBOS PARSHAS VA’YISHLACH DECEMBER 13-14



Friday Night Davening - 4:20pm ‫ כנסת ישראל‬- The W hite Shul 728 Empire Avenue, Far Rockaway *

Friday Night Tish - 8:30pm At the home of:

Mr. & Mrs. A aron W olfson

1019 New McNeil Avenue, Lawrence *

Shabbos Morning Davening - 8:30am

Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv

One Cedarlawn Avenue, Lawrence *

Mincha/Shalosh Seudos - 3:40pm

Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv

One Cedarlawn Avenue, Lawrence

19

20

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Red flags have been erected outside of homes where residents have not been vaccinated against measles, and Samoan schools have been shut indefinitely since November 17 due to the outbreak.

Samoa arrested an anti-vaccination campaigner amid the outbreak.

Edwin Tamasese was charged with incitement against a government order after he was detained on Thursday.

The outbreak is in part blamed on people spreading false information, claiming vaccinations are dangerous.

According to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, children have been banned from all public gatherings and places where “large numbers of people congregate.”

The country is attempting to vaccinate at least 90% of its population.

UNICEF reported that in 2018, almost 350,000 measles cases had been reported worldwide, more than doubling the numbers reported in 2017.

NATO Conf.

Cancelled

Following the U.S. ambassador to Denmark’s decision to ban a keynote speaker at a planned NATO conference, the event was cancelled on Sunday.

Stanley R. Sloan, a visiting scholar at Middlebury College in Vermont and a former analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency, had planned to speak about the future of trans-Atlantic relations at the event celebrating the 70th anniversary of NATO. One day before his scheduled departure, he was informed that the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen had vetoed his participation due to his previous criticisms of President Trump. In his 2016 book, Defense of the West, Sloan discussed how the Trump administration might lead to a deterioration of trans-Atlantic relations.

The embassy tweeted on Sunday that Sloan had been added to the pro-

gram last minute, without the same process involved in recruiting the other speakers.

Once Ambassador Carla Sands declared that she did not want Sloan to participate, the Danish Atlantic Council “had no other option” than to revoke his invitation to speak, council Secretary General Lars Bangert Struwe said in a statement.

“After serious consideration, we have decided not to proceed with the conference,” Struwe added. “The progress of the process has become too problematic; and therefore, we cannot participate in the conference, let alone ask our speakers to participate.”

IDF Fudged Haredi Draft Numbers

The IDF found itself in hot water last week after it was exposed forging the number of haredi recruits in order to meet recruiting targets.

Until 2012, haredi yeshiva students were legally exempt from the mandatory draft under legislation known as the Tal Law. That year, the High Court of Justice struck down the law as unconstitutional but said that all haredim did not have to be drafted immediately as long as the government could meet consistent draft goals.

Since then, the IDF has increased the number of ultra-Orthodox combat units in order to promote integration in the military. These battalions, which currently exist in the Kfir, Paratroopers, and Givati infantry brigades, appeared to work, as the number of haredi recruits continued to rise.

Yet a new report alleges that the IDF purposely adopted a loose definition of what constitutes a haredi

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

21

22

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

soldier in order to cover up its failure to reach the necessary number of recruits. This false data was presented as fact to the IDF Chief of Staff, the Defense Ministry, and the government until it was exposed by senior journalist Carmela Menashe.

According to Menashe, the military defined anyone serving in one of its ultra-Orthodox units as haredi, even if he was no longer religiously observant. This included foreign volunteers who wanted to evade a mandatory three-month Hebrew course, married Religious Zionist troops who wanted more time at home with their wives, members of Chabad, and Religious Zionists who didn’t want to serve with women. Nevertheless, they were all counted by the army as haredim, something which reportedly tripled the real number in the IDF. In 2017, for example, the IDF reported that 3,070 haredim enlisted, while the real number was only 1,300. In 2013, meanwhile, only 600 haredi troops were drafted while the IDF reported that the real figure was 1,200.

Officers who were aware of the real state of affairs were also pressured by their superiors to perpetuate the lie or face demotion.

While the IDF has confirmed that

mistakes were made regarding the criteria of who was haredi, it maintains that the mistake was not part of an overall policy of dishonesty.

“There isn’t a will to inflate the numbers – it stemmed from our interpretation of who is ultra-Orthodox,” said IDF Manpower head Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz. “It is possible that people made mistakes, but there was no malice and definitely not forgery of numbers.”

Siding with Israel at the UN

Thirteen countries surprisingly opposed an anti-Israel UN resolution this year in what can be a sign that the international body is becoming less hostile towards the Jewish state.

The resolution had taken place in the UN Department of Palestinian Affairs and singled out Jewish-owned homes in Judea and Samaria for condemnation. The Department of Palestinian Affairs is considered vehemently anti-Israel and routinely bashes Israel for a litany of supposed crimes.

While the resolution passed by a large margin, 13 countries voted to oppose it for the first time, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Lithuania, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Brazil, and Colombia.

The change is rare in the UN, as the aforementioned countries that decided to oppose the anti-settlements resolution had traditionally supported such bills or had abstained. The vote took place on the UN’s Palestine Day, a day the organization dedicates to criticizing the Jewish State.

Israel thanked the 13 countries for changing their voting habits, adding that it was a step towards peace and against anti-Israel bias.

“I am pleased that this significant group of countries has decided today to voice a clear moral stance against discrimination toward Israel at the UN,” said Foreign Minister Israel Katz. “This represents an important step in the long struggle against the prejudiced bias toward Israel at the United Nations. Particularly noticeable is the shift in the stance of several member states of the European Union, and I trust that the remaining EU members will adopt this position soon.”

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority (PA) harshly criticized the nations for changing their vote, with its ambassador telling the council that “if you protect Israel, it will destroy you all.” He added that the very idea of a Jewish state constitutes “shameless racism.”

The resolution had been sponsored by a slew of nations, including Comoros, Cuba, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

It passed by a margin of 87-54 votes with 23 abstentions.

The UK, France and Spain abstained, as they do every year. The United States, Canada, Australia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, and Kiribati voted against the resolution.

Lebanese Businessman Donates Hitler’s Effects to Israel

A Swiss-Lebanese businessman responded to a controversial public auction featuring Nazi leader Adolph Hitler’s personal effects by purchasing them.

In recent weeks, the Munich-based Hermann Historica auction house caused a storm after announcing that it would sell off the mass murderer’s personal effects.

The 10 personal items included the German Fuhrer’s cigar box, a copy of Mein Kampf, and his top hat.

Enter Abdalla Chatila. The diamond magnate, who is one of Switzerland’s 300 richest people, paid more than $500,000 to buy the items when he saw the “potentially lethal injustice that those artifacts would go to the wrong hands.”

Fearing that the items would end up in the possession of neo-Nazis, Chatila said that he “felt I had no choice but to actually try to help the cause.” While Chatila originally intended on burning the artifacts, he ended up donating them to the Israeli NGO Keren Hayesod, which gave it to the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum.

The artifacts will now be displayed in Jerusalem’s national Holocaust memorial to remind visitors of the horrors that occurred in the worst organized mass murder campaign in history.

On Monday, Chatila toured Yad Vashem accompanied by Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin, who thanked him for the gesture.

“Your donation is of great importance at this time, when people are trying to deny historical truth. These artifacts, which you are generously donating to Yad Vashem, will help convey the legacy of the Holocaust to the next generation who will not meet survivors,” Rivlin said.

The president added, “What you did was seemingly so simple, but this act of grace shows the whole world how to fight the glorification of ha-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

BEST CHANUKAH GIFT EVER!!!

Special offer! order a subscription and get a discount on the previous issues!

GET A MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION FOR YOUR LOVED ONES!!!

FOR ONLY $ 72

$ 65

for 12 issues.

FREE SHIPPING!

CALL:845-531-0246 OR VISIT: WWW.MARSHMALLOWCOMICS.COM

23

24

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

From rustic to modern or traditional and refined, we can custom build your new American made furniture to fit your style. We offer hard maple, authentic American reclaimed barn wood oak, walnut, pine and birch options. Visit our showroom to design your new custom solid wood furniture. @therusticloftli

@therusticloftli

tred and incitement against other people. It was a truly human act.”

Making the story more remarkable is Chatila’s Lebanese heritage.

Israel and Lebanon are officially enemies and have already fought two wars against each other, with many predicting that another round is only a matter of time. Lebanon also does not recognize Israel’s right to exist and bans its citizens from communicating with Israelis.

Elections to be Held March 2

Here we go again.

On Tuesday, a bill for new elections was presented in the Knesset by lawmakers from both major parties, Likud and Blue and White, signaling an ignominious end to the short-lived 22nd Knesset.

The legislation sets the date of the next general election at March 2, 2020, marking an unprecedented third election within 11 months, after the last two votes on April 9 and September 17.

The bill was drafted by Blue and White lawmakers Avi Nissenkorn, Meir Cohen and Tzvi Hauser, together with Likud’s MKs Miki Zohar and Shlomo Karai.

“These are not the pieces of legislation I had hoped to submit as a public representative, and I still hope that we can pull them tomorrow before midnight and announce the establishment of a broad unity government,” said Nissenkorn, who had also co-sponsored legislation to dissolve the 21st Knesset in his first term as an MK. Following the filing of the bill, Blue and White chief Benny Gantz said there was still time to avoid “costly and unnecessary” elections.

He said his party was “making every effort” to form a government without giving up its principles.

He also called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce that the prime minister would not seek parliamentary immunity.

“As you promised before the previous election, do not hide behind parliamentary immunity, and go defend your innocence in court,” Gantz said in a video statement. “You have

the full right to protect yourself but you must not make the Knesset a safe haven for criminals.

“Do this so that we can find a solution and form a government,” Gantz added.

In response, Netanyahu said Gantz was engaging in “spin.”

“The time has come that one day, for the good of the citizens of the State of Israel, we’ll sit and seriously discuss the formation of a broad unity government. It is still not too late,” Netanyahu tweeted.

The April 2019 election made history when, by the end of May, it became the first-ever Israeli election that failed to produce a government.

After both Netanyahu and Gantz failed to form a coalition in the wake of the September vote, the Knesset had a Wednesday deadline for a majority of lawmakers to agree on an MK to form a government before parliament will be dissolved and a new election will be called.

Neither Gantz’s Blue and White party nor Netanyahu’s Likud has enough allies to form a government without the other or the support of Yisrael Beytenu, but the two parties have failed to make progress on unity efforts.

Speedy Beatie Forced to Slow Down?

Beatie Deutsch, the American-born haredi athletic sensation, recently saw her dream of representing Israel in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics collapse after the competition was moved to Shabbat.

The mother of five had been training intensively to qualify for the Games since winning Israel’s Half Marathon in January. Her dream appeared well on its way to becoming a reality until organizers informed her this past week that her event would be moved to Shabbat, a day in which the Orthodox Deutsch refuses to compete.

“I felt like I was punched in the stomach this morning,” wrote

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

25

26

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Deutsch on social media. “But the truth is I’m more than OK. When they announced the World Championships would take place on Shabbos, I remember not even feeling disappointed because I knew I had the Olympics.

“There have been several other competitions that were on Shabbos, but it’s never even been a question for me.”

Deutsch added, however, that she will do everything in her power to get the race shifted to a different day of the week before deciding to throw in the towel.

“I am planning to keep calm, keep training,” Deutsch said. “I am a fighter and will not give up. I will do all I can to change the date.”

She added, “Life isn’t always about results, sometimes the journey is even more important, and I am here for the journey.”

Originally from Washington, D.C., Beatie (Bracha) Deutsch emigrated to Israel in 2009 and settled in Jerusalem’s Har Nof neighborhood. She burst onto Israel’s athletic scene in recent years as one of the country’s top runners, racking up a slew of marathon wins in a headscarf and a skirt and even running the 26-mile race last year while seven months pregnant with her fifth child.

Lapid: No Rotation Needed

Senior Kahol Lavan leader Yair Lapid agreed to forgo an agreed-upon prime minister rotation with party head Benny Gantz this week, abandoning the deal that could have made him the country’s leader.

“If there are elections, we’ve decided that this time there won’t be a rotation agreement. We will go together, all of us, a large and united Blue and White, behind Benny Gantz, our candidate for prime minister,” announced Lapid on Monday.

Hitting back at claims that he was forced out by Gantz, Lapid said that he had willingly given up his shot to be Israel’s leader in order to help Kahol Lavan’s chances in the event of a third election.

“I don’t feel like I’m giving up on something. I feel privileged,” said Lapid.

“We built the largest party in the country. We set principles and values and stood by them despite all the temptations,” Lapid added. “We will do everything to prevent elections in the coming few days. If we succeed, great. If not – Blue and White will run united in the next election, led by Benny Gantz. And we will win.”

Lapid had conditioned merging his Yesh Atid party with Gantz’s Hosen L’Yisrael before the first round of elections in April on sharing the job of prime minister with Gantz. Known as the rotation, the pact would have seen Gantz serving as premier for two years following an electoral victory, after which he would be replaced by Lapid.

The agreement is thought to have caused Kahol Lavan significant damage in the ballot box, as Israelis who liked Gantz but opposed Lapid were moved to cast their vote for other parties. Lapid and Gantz also clashed repeatedly, with the popular ex-general and Lapid disagreeing on whether to enter a Netanyahu-led unity government. While Gantz had agreed to Netanyahu’s clause that he continue serving as premier for the first half

of the term, Lapid had adamantly refused and vetoed every possible coalition breakthrough. The disagreement reportedly resulted in Gantz warning Lapid that he would split off of Kahol Lavan should he refuse to soften his position.

Prison for Israeli Embassy Plot A Jordanian court sentenced a man to eight years in prison this week for plotting to attack the Israeli embassy in Amman last year.

According to the state security court, Khaled Abu Raya “threatened to carry out terrorist acts.” The 33-year-old Jordanian planned “to open fire on the embassy and its employees in a bid to kill a large number of Israelis.”

The plot was concocted in response to the transfer of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May 2018, a major policy shift that outraged Palestinians and Arabs. According to the charge sheet, it was also motivated by Israel’s policies vis-a-vis the Gaza Strip which has been rocked by anti-Israeli protests since March last year.

Can You Answer These Estate Planning Questions?

‫בס״ד‬

Should we be concerned about Halacha with our Estate Planning?

How can we protect our children’s inheritance?

Who will make our financial and medical decisions, if we can’t?

Are we or our parents prepared for the expense of long-term care?

Estate Planning, Probate, and Elder Law Planning (Medicaid Planning), require counsel who is experienced, professional, and above all, caring. Monet Binder Law, P.C. has earned a reputation, through over 21 years in practice, for working with clients with patience, understanding and compassion - assisting them in realizing their goals to protect themselves and their loved ones, in the best way possible.

“Monet possesses the rare combination of being very knowledgeable, very thorough and very caring. She made what seemed like an overwhelming process, much simpler and less fearful. I highly recommend her.” – Alan Proctor – Serving Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island

61-43 186th Street Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 AND 2361 Nostrand Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11210

Call Us for an appointment — The appointment can be at our office or your home, at your convenience:

718.514.7575 info@mbinderlaw.com www.mbinderlaw.com

All halachic documents are under the supervision of the Bais HaVaad in Lakewood.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

27

You are Invited to an Evening of Gifts and Giving to Benefit

Yad Eliezer

Please join us for a package party.

December 18 at 8:00 PM At the home of Yael and Ari Schulman 556 Clubhouse Road Woodmere, NY Couples Welcome

December 21 at 7:45 PM At the home of Michele and Yoni Kirschner 15 Valley Lane West North Woodmere, NY Women & Girls Welcome

December 23 at 8:00 PM At the home of Lily and Michael Weichholz 885 Westminster Road Woodmere, NY Women Welcome

Looking forward to greeting you there!

Tova & Mikey Kook Atara & Tzvi Oppenheimer Yael & Ari Schulman Penina & Zvi Wiener

Tova Bollag Ilana Buchbinder Rivka Cohen Michele Kirschner Batsheva Kopelowitz

Suzanne Feit Debbie Fogel Perri Kaye Shayna Klein Rocky Stern Lily Weichholz

Kindly bring a wrapped gift ($25-$50).

Gifts will be auctioned off and all the money raised will go directly to Yad Eliezer.

Yad Eliezer is one of Israel’s largest relief agencies. It has numerous economic and social service programs to help families cope with financial difficulties and empower them to break the cycle of poverty and achieve self sufficiency.

28

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

The same court also sentenced another Jordanian, Munir Ibrahim, to three years in jail on Monday for planning to infiltrate Israel and attack soldiers in the Jewish state. Illegal crossings of the tightly secured border between Jordan and Israel are rare. Earlier this month, Jordan referred an Israeli to court on charges of illegally entering the kingdom and possessing drugs.

Ties between the two countries, which are bound by a peace treaty, have been cool in recent years amid disagreements and issues linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2 Killed in Pearl Harbor Attack

Receive a COMPLIMENTARY hearing evaluation with your visit.

CALL TODAY! 516-295-1300

Dr. Shalom Motechin 513 Chestnut St. · Cedarhurst, NY 11516 | 516-295-1300 921 49th St. · Brooklyn, NY 11219 | 718-283-8456 hearingsolutionsli.com The following insurances are accepted as full or partial payment, depending on the plan: Oxford, United Health Care, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Healthfirst, Empire Plan, United Federation of Teachers.

Two people were killed and another was wounded after a U.S. sailor opened fire at a Navy base in Pearl Harbor last Thursday.

The shooter was identified as 22-year-old Machinist’s Mate Auxiliary Fireman Gabriel Antonio Romero.

An active duty sailor deployed on the USS Columbia, Romero had used his M4 service rifle to go on his murderous spree at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard before using his Navy-issued M-9 pistol to kill himself.

The victims were identified as Roldan A. Agustin and Vincent J. Kapoi, Jr., both Department of Defense contractors. 36-year-old Roger Nakamine, who was working as an apprentice at the shipyard, was wounded in the attack.

“Our lives have been changed forever,” Kapoi’s sister, Theona, said.

“There are so many unanswered questions, but we all have to be honest – it changes nothing because we can’t bring him back.”

While authorities are still probing for a motive, they do not believe that Romero was motivated by terrorism.

The Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) also said that they are

certain that the victims were selected at random.

The tragedy occurred only three days before National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which is the memorial for the Japanese attack on Hawaii on December 7, 1941 – “a date which will live in infamy.” The surprise attack killed 2,335 servicemen and thrust the U.S. into World War II.

George Zimmerman Sues Travyon Martin’s Family

George Zimmerman, the Florida resident who famously shot and killed Travyon Martin in 2012, is suing Martin’s family to the tune of $100 million.

Zimmerman had provoked a national controversy after he shot the unarmed 17-year-old Martin. Zimmerman was eventually acquitted of homicide charges in a trial that riveted the nation.

Now, Zimmerman is suing the Martin family in wake of allegations that they presented manufactured evidence to the court in an attempt to convict him. According to court filings, the Martin family switched out eyewitness Brittany Diamond Eugene, whose testimony would have assisted Zimmerman’s version of events, with her half-sister Rachel Jeantel.

Allegedly concocted by Martin family attorney Ben Crump, the swap put a far more persuasive Jeantel on the stand. During the trial, Jeantel had provided a damning testimony that painted Zimmerman as a violent neighborhood watch officer who chased after Martin despite the teen not having posed a threat to his wellbeing.

Jeantel had presented herself as Travyon Martin’s girlfriend and testified that Travyon had told her on the phone that he was being pursued

by Zimmerman. “He said, ‘Why are you following me for?’ And I heard a hard-breathing man say, ‘What you doing around here?’” Jeantel recalled.

Yet according to Zimmerman’s attorney Larry Klayman, Jeantel had not been on the phone; Eugene had

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

The suspense is real

Registration Now Open

Camp Tora sC Summer2 haim 020

30 years of Pre-school camping!

29

30

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

been talking to Martin at the time.

The allegations were first unearthed by the recent controversial documentary examining the circumstances of the case titled, “The Travyon Hoax.”

Zimmerman’s lawsuit accuses the Martin family and Florida authorities of being fully aware of the fraud and “are alleged to either have known about or should have known about the witness fraud, obstructed justice, or lied repeatedly under oath in order to cover up their knowledge of the witness fraud.”

Jeantel had been found to be lying several times throughout the trial, such as her reasons for failing to attend Travyon’s funeral and lying about her age and weight. In a statement, attorney Ben Crump and Travyon’s parents Tracey and Sybrina denied the allegations and said that their innocence would be proven in court.

there was no “documentary or testimonial evidence that political bias or improper motivation influenced the FBI’s decision to conduct these operations.”

The report’s conclusions clearing the FBI of criminal responsibility resulted in a withering statement by Attorney General Barr decrying the probe known as Crossfire Hurricane.

“The inspector general’s report now makes clear that the FBI launched an intrusive investigation of a U.S. presidential campaign on the thinnest of suspicions, that, in my view, were insufficient to justify the steps taken,” Barr said. “It is also clear that, from its inception, the evidence produced by the investigation was consistently exculpatory.”

Voice of Big Bird Dies

Saudi Murders 3 at Florida Naval Base

IG Report: FBI Misled Court

The long-awaited Justice Department Inspector General’s report lambasted the FBI for its actions surrounding its investigation of the Trump presidential campaign.

Inspector General Michael Horowitz had been probing the circumstances of the FBI spying on the Trump campaign during the 2016 presidential election. The investigation was launched last year at the behest of President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr and included more than 1 million documents.

In the report, Horowitz harshly criticized the FBI for lying to a top-secret court in order to get a warrant to wiretap Trump aide Carter Page. The report found 17 different discrepancies in the applications to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court, suggesting that the FBI had intentionally misled the court in their race to investigate the Trump campaign.

However, Horowitz maintains that the decision to launch the probe in the first place was justified, writing that

the time they grow up,” he told The New York Times in 1982, after 13 years and global success in his roles.

“But I never got over it. It was almost a problem for me, in fact, trying to grow up enough, even when I went into the Air Force.”

As Big Bird, Spinney reminded children that it’s acceptable to make mistakes and that it’s OK to be sad sometimes. His Oscar the Grouch persona was modeled after a belligerent New York cabdriver he encountered on his first day on the show.

Although Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch could stop children in their tracks, Spinney acknowledged that few knew the voice behind the characters.

“I’ve gotten used to the fact that Big Bird’s super famous and I’m a nobody,” he told Yankee magazine in 2010. “I made my peace with it. I’m glad I’m not recognizable.”

For those who grew up on “Sesame Street,” Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch featured heavily in their lives.

This week, the voice of those two lovable characters passed away.

Caroll Spinney was the man behind Big Bird’s 8-foot-2-inch character. He also lived in a garbage can as Oscar the Grouch.

Spinney performed his characters in live concerts around the world and at the White House many times and was featured in films, documentaries and record albums. He died on Sunday at the age of 85.

Joining “Sesame Street” for its first season, Spinney, who had loved puppeteering since childhood, had problems at first adjusting to the Big Bird puppet suit created by Kermit Love. Spinney was 5-feet- 10 inches and had to maneuver the giant from inside with hands, wires and a TV monitor strapped to his chest to guide him around studio sets.

But, raising his voice to a childlike pitch, Spinney easily picked up the talk of a perennial 6-year-old canary.

He ascribed it to a lifelong ability to think like a child.

“I think most people completely forget what it was like being a kid by

Three people were killed when a Saudi Arabian soldier in the U.S. for a training course opened fire at a naval base in Pensacola, Florida, last week.

Police said that Mohammed Alshamrani opened fire with a handgun at a classroom on base, killing three people and injuring eight others before swiftly being shot and killed by two deputies.

Alshamrani, 21, was a lieutenant in the Saudi air force and had been posted to Pensacola for a three-year training program. He was one of 852 Saudi nationals in the United States training under the program. Alshamrani began his three-year course in August 2017 with English, basic aviation, and initial pilot training.

23-year-old Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, 19-year-old Florida native Airman Mohamed Sameh Haitham, and 21-year-old Airman Cameron Scott Walters were killed in the attack.

Joshua was shot at least five times during the murder spree. His father, Benjamin, recounted his heroism, “Heavily wounded, he made his way out to flag down first responders and

gave an accurate description of the shooter. He died serving his country,” he said.

Following the shooting, President Trump tweeted that Saudi Arabia’s King Salman personally called him to apologize for the attack.

“King Salman of Saudi Arabia just called to express his sincere condolences and give his sympathies to the families and friends of the warriors who were killed and wounded in the attack that took place in Pensacola, Florida,” wrote the president.

“The King said that the Saudi people are greatly angered by the barbaric actions of the shooter, and that this person in no way shape or form represents the feelings of the Saudi people who love the American people.”

The FBI is now probing whether there were any ties between the Saudi officer and terrorist groups.

Alshamrani had been vetted before being approved to join the training course and was not on any law enforcement database of known terrorists. Yet according to reports, Alshamrani had spoken admiringly about fellow Saudi Osama bin Laden and invited friends to watch videos of mass shootings at a dinner party he held the night before embarking on the massacre.

Deadly Shooting in NJ

Six people lost their lives in a tragic series of events that took place on Tuesday in Jersey City.

Three of them were members of the Satmar community. Leah Mindel Ferenecz, 33, and Moshe Deutsch, 24, both lost their lives. A police officer, 40-year-old Detective Joseph Seals, who led the department in the number of illegal guns removed from the streets in recent years, was cut down by gunfire.

One of the attackers in the deadly shooting at a kosher supermarket had railed against Jews and police officers on social media before the attack. Authorities say that they believe that the attack was motivat-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

PESACH 2020 BOCA RATON, FLORIDA

Boca Raton Resort & Club A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT

• Gorgeous half-mile stretch of Private Beach • 2 Championship Golf Courses • 30 Clay Tennis Courts • Enjoy the exciting Surfing Simulator • Haute Gourmet Cuisine by the Waldorf Astoria Resort Chefs & Prestige Caterers • Fantastic line up of Scholars-In Residence • International Kosher Mehadrin (IK) Glatt Kosher Supervision

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

PGA National Resort

• Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • AAA 4-Diamond Resort • All Rooms Have Private Balconies • 5 Tournament-Ready Golf Courses • 19 Har Tru Tennis Courts • Fantastic line up of Scholars-In Residence • Exceptional Cuisine by Foremost Caterers • ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision

ROME, ITALY

Aldrovandi Villa Borghese • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • 5-Star Luxury Resort • Member of the Leading Hotels of the World • Located in the heart of Rome • Heated outdoor pool • Delectable Haute Italian Cuisine • Fantastic line up of Scholars-In Residence • Daily religious services • Children’s Programs • Optional tours • Glatt Kosher Supervision by Rabbi G.M. Garelik and Rabbi M. Shaikewitz, The most well-known Hashgocha in Italy

PRAGUE

Mandarin Oriental Prague • Beautifully located in the center of Prague • 5-Star Luxury Resort • Scholar-In-Residence • Delectable Haute Italian Cuisine • Inspiring Lectures • Professional Day Camp • Evening Entertainment • Close to Prague Castle and 14th century Charles Bridge • Walking distance to Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square • Fantastic optional tours • Glatt Kosher Supervision by Rabbi G.M. Garelik and Rabbi M. Shaikewitz

RYE BROOK, NEW YORK

Hilton Westchester • Entire Hotel Kosher for Pesach • Only 30 Minutes from New York City • Hotel Beautifully Renovated • Spectacular Lineup of Scholars-in-Residence • Fantastic Entertainment & Daily Activities • Professional Day Camp • Exceptional Gourmet Cuisine by Prestige Caterers • ORB Glatt Kosher Supervision

OUR 62ND YEAR

LEISURE TIME TOURS www.leisuretimetours.com info@leisurett.com

718-528-070 0

31

32

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Local officials earlier on Wednesday said they believe the Jewish-owned supermarket was targeted, but stopped short of laying out an anti-Semitic motive.

Around 100 Jewish family live in the area. Along with a kosher supermarket, the community has a shul and a yeshiva. Most of those living there moved from Brooklyn in the last few years.

Chabad Rabbi Moshe Schapiro, who shops at the store and attends the synagogue next door, said he spoke with the storeowner, Moishe Ferencz, before Ferencz learned that his wife, Leah Mindel, had been killed in the attack.

“He told me he had just walked out of the store into the synagogue not five feet away just before this happened, and then he couldn’t get back for hours,” Schapiro said. “His wife was inside the store. He said, ‘I hope my wife is safe.’”

Leah Mindel and her husband moved to Jersey City from Williamsburg around five years ago. They have three children.

‫ב״ה‬

‫תנו כבוד לתורה‬

HACHNOSAS SEFER TORAH celebrating the completion of

A SEFER TORAH ‫שישו ושמחו בשמחת‬

SUNDAY the 24TH of KISLEV 5780

DECEMBER

22

nd

4th Soviet Union Nuclear Spy Revealed

YOUNG ISRAEL OF HEWLETT 1 PIERMONT AVENUE, HEWLETT, NY 11557

‫ספר תורה זה נכתב לﬠלוי נשמת‬ ‫זאב בן אהרן מרדכי ז״ל‬ ‫מרדכי יעקב בן רפאל אברהם יצחק ז״ל‬ ‫וזוגתו אסתר רוחמה בת ר׳ חיים הלבי ע״ה‬ ‫עקיבא בן פרץ ז״ל‬ ‫שלמה יצחק בן יהושע ז״ל‬ ‫תנחום ראובן ב״ר לוי זלמן ז״ל‬ ‫גיבור בן גדעון ז״ל‬ ‫וזוגתו מרים בת גיטל ע״ה‬ ‫וזוגתו רחל בת מרדכי ע״ה‬ ‫ר׳ ישעיה ב״ר משה זצ״ל מקרעסטיר‬ ‫מו״ר שמעון בן הח״ר יהודה ז״צל שוואב‬

ed by anti-Semitic and anti-police beliefs, according to The New York Times.

David Anderson and Francine Graham, the two murderers, were killed in a shootout with police. Anderson was once a follower of the Black Hebrew Israelites, who believe they are descendants of the ancient Israelites and may practice elements of both Judaism and Christianity.

Some Black Hebrew Israelite groups have been accused of racism and an-

ti-Semitism.

A neighbor of Graham’s in Jersey City said that Graham was formerly a home health aide in Manhattan who met Anderson after getting hurt and quitting her job. The neighbor said Graham became a “dark” person after meeting Anderson.

Detective Seals had approached the two perpetrators when they were in a U-Haul van at a cemetery near the kosher supermarket because the van had been linked to a homicide

over the weekend. They then shot and killed Detective Seals.

The gunmen then drove the van to another part of the city, where they entered JC Kosher Supermarket firing their weapons. For an hour, gunfire was exchanged from the area around the market. Police later found a live pipe bomb inside the attackers’ van. Eventually, police entered the store and found the bodies of three innocent bystanders and the two murderers.

Ending years of speculation, the CIA recently revealed the identity of the fourth spy who handed the Soviet Union top secret details of the U.S. nuclear weapons project decades ago.

The U.S. was the first nation to develop nuclear weapons. Detonating the world’s first ever atomic bomb in July 1945, the United States then bombed Japan twice to bring World War II to an end.

The U.S. enjoyed a monopoly on the deadly weapon at the time. Intelligence sources predicted that it would take Moscow until 1955 at the earliest to catch up. Yet in 1949, only a few years later, Moscow announced that it had successfully closed the gap and had tested an atomic bomb of their own.

Behind the Soviet Union’s success was a spy ring of four U.S. officials that divulged the country’s most clas-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

33

34

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

sified secrets to the communist enemy. While the identities of three of the spies have been exposed as Klaus Fuchs, Theodore Hall, and David Greenglass, the fourth one – codenamed “Godsend” – has never been unmasked. Until now, that is.

A new article published in the CIA’s in-house journal reveals that the traitor was Oscar Seborer, an electrical engineer serving in a United States Army unit monitoring seismological activity. Posted at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the closet communist was on hand to watch the first nuclear test ever and was exposed to a wealth of sensitive information.

Born to a Polish Jewish family in New York, Seborer enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and was posted to Los Alamos two years later to work on the Manhattan Project. A fervent communist, Seborer, along with his two brothers, Stuart and Max, then began passing information along to the Soviet Union.

The brothers’ activities soon raised suspicions, and they were prevented from getting a security clearance after the war. Within a few years, Seborer and his brothers moved to Moscow, where he resided until his eventual death in 2015.

Researcher Harvey Klehr said that he was able to identify Seborer as the fourth spy from FBI documents that were declassified in 2011, as well as material from the KGB archives.

“There were a lot of frustrating moments,” Klehr admitted when recounting his decades-long investigation into the matter. “When you finally get FBI files, and there’s interesting stuff, and then a couple of pages are blacked out, redacted, it’s very frustrating, the slowness of the whole process.”

D.C. Nabs Worst Commute Crown

It isn’t only New Yorkers who spend hours each day stuck in gridlock.

According to a new study by online real estate referral service Clever, the average American spends approximately 200 hours annually commuting to and from work, as well as $6,449 in fuel, car maintenance, and lost time.

Clever took data from the Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and Gas Buddy to look at the 50 most populated metro areas in the U.S. to consider the frustrating amount of time drivers spend heading to and from their jobs.

Factors considered included average time of driving, cost of the fuel needed to drive, the average commute distance in that city, cost of car maintenance likely needed per commute mile driven, and “opportunity cost” of time lost while driving – i.e., the average hourly wage in a city that a person could be earning if they were working instead of commuting.

Want to know where workers spend the most time in their cars?

The worst national commute belongs to those working in Washington, D.C., where time to work averages 37.04 minutes and the annual total cost of commute comes to $11,853.08.

The Big Apple doesn’t fare too

much better. New York appeared as fourth worst in the nation, with an average time to work at 35.47 minutes, annual cost of commute averaging $10,569.31, and annual fuel costs at $601.45.

Meanwhile, the five best cities for commuting were ranked as New Orleans; Buffalo, NY; Milwaukee; Oklahoma City; and Miami.

And that’s yet another reason to move south to Miami.

UraniumContaminated Site Collapses into Detroit River

The Detroit Dock, a property contaminated with uranium and

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

11 Found in Truck from Mexico Over the weekend, federal agents in California found 11 Chinese nationals hiding inside appliances and furniture that were in a moving truck crossing the border from Mexico.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stopped the 42-year-old male truck driver, a U.S. citizen, around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, located in the city of San Diego just north of Tijuana.

Agents searching the contents of the truck found 11 Chinese nationals packed inside pieces of furniture and appliances. At least two people were squatting inside a washing ma-

chine and another was crammed inside a wooden chest.

The driver, accused of human smuggling, was arrested and transported to the Metropolitan Correctional Center to await criminal proceedings. The 11 Chinese nationals were also being held for pending criminal and immigration proceedings.

“CBP cannot stress enough the dangers of smuggling people,” Pete Flores, CBP director of Field Operations for San Diego, said in a statement. “These are human beings that smugglers subject to inhumane conditions that could have deadly consequences. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.”

This most recent human smuggling incident comes one month after CBP officers at San Ysidro discovered six Chinese nationals hiding behind a false wall inside another moving truck – also driven by a U.S. citizen – in an attempt to cross the border.’’

Another Election, Another Bush

T H O U S A N D S O F S AT I S F I E D C U S TO M E R S

PRE CHANUKAH

SALE

SU PER !

other dangerous chemicals, partially collapsed into the Detroit River on November 26. Due to the timing of the collapse, the spill first came to the attention of relevant state and federal environmental regulatory agencies last week.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has confirmed that the site, located next to Historic Fort Wayne, collapsed under the weight of large aggregate piles being stored over Thanksgiving weekend.

The property was formerly a Revere Copper and Brass site, with Revere Copper having been subcontracted in the 1940s to build the world’s first atomic bomb. The company continued to produce uranium rods in the 1950s, and according to a 2011 evaluation study by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, there remained “potential…for significant residual radiation.”

These findings are of particular concern, as Detroit’s drinking water intake lines are nearby downriver. Furthermore, construction of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge is taking place near the site of the collapse.

Member of Canadian Parliament Brian Masse of Windsor West called for an immediate binational investigation, stating that “forty million people use the Great Lakes for drinking water, and the ecosystem is already fragile.

“Any potential threat should be investigated immediately on both sides of the border,” he said.

GENTLY WORN WIGS Pierce Bush, a grandson of late President George H.W. Bush, announced that he would run for Congress on Monday. The nonprofit executive will be running for Texas’ 22nd Congressional district in the Houston area, an open seat after Representative Pete Olson announced his retirement in July.

Pierce’s uncle is former President George W. Bush, who also served as governor of Texas. His father, Neil Bush, is a well-known businessman and investor, and his cousin, George P. Bush, is the Texas land commissioner.

“We face a very challenging time in our nation,” Pierce Bush said in a Twitter video announcing his candidacy. “And we’re on the brink of losing a generation to an idea that socialism and free stuff are the answers for their future. But we all know that socialism has failed everywhere and everyone.

UP TO 75% OFF!

OVER 1000 PRECUT WIGS IN STOCK B Y A P P O I N T M E N T O N LY Email: RedCarpetWigs@gmail.com Tel: (516) 659-0959 @RedCarpetWigs

Facebook.com/RCWigs

Red Carpet Wigs is a wig consignment boutique for gently worn wigs.

35

36

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

“It’s time for new leaders to stand for conservatism that empowers all Americans, placing individuals above governments and ensuring that we all have the freedom to achieve success in life.”

The Republican primary will be held in March. If no candidate gets more that 50% of the vote, there will be a run-off in May. Bush’s competitors include Republican candidates like Kathleen Wall, who spent $6 million for a 2018 race in Texas’ 2nd District, and county judge Greg Hill.

“While I have great respect for the Bush family, I have strong doubts about any candidate who would try to parachute into our district and buy this seat,” said Hill, a former Border Patrol agent. “This is not West Houston, and unless you’ve actually lived here and worked here and raised a family here, you cannot begin to understand the issues we face.”

In addition to facing a primary where nine other Republican candidates have already filed according to the Texas Secretary of State’s office, three Democrats have filed and have been raising money, including former foreign service officer and former Congressional adviser Sri Preston Kulkarni. Kulkarni came within 5 points of winning the seat in 2018 and has raised more than $800,000 for his 2020 bid so far.

An Emotional Support Bee

An Arizona man’s emotional support animal is creating quite a buzz – and that’s his point.

David Keller of Arizona recently registered swarms of bees as his service pets. Completing the application online, Keller’s pets were ap-

proved to stand by his side through thick and thin – and in restaurants and on planes.

“A lot of people thought it was hilarious and a lot of people were getting upset,” Keller said about registering the unusual pets. He uploaded a random photo of a beehive as a service animal “to bring awareness to the issue that anyone could do this,” he explains.

Keller was inspired to go through with the registration after seeing a service dog that was visibly untrained.

“I could very easily tell that it was not a service animal because it was pulling the owner to the parking lot,” says Keller. “I was thinking that it’s just too easy to get these animals to be service animals.”

We bee-lieve you.

$25K a Night

Thinking of something really different for midwinter break? Or maybe you need to give your kids the most over-the-top Chanukah present. Consider this luxury chalet, which sits atop a glacier in a remote part of Alaska. For a mere $25,000 a night, you and your family can enjoy your next vacation in a spot that’s truly out-of-this world.

Sheldon Chalet, which opened to guests in February 2018, can only be reached via a 40-minute ride by helicopter. Guests who book the home (can we call it that?) must stay for at least three nights – yes, you do the math. Included in the exorbitant price, Sheldon Chalet provides helicopter shuttle service, a private concierge, gourmet dining, and activities such as sledding, glacier trekking, and mountaineering.

Sheldon Chalet was built in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, a glacial valley named after the father of two of the chalet’s owners, Robert and Kate Sheldon. Marne Sheldon, Robert’s wife, is also an owner.

“One of my favorite things is see-

ing people’s faces when they land – their brains can’t quite comprehend what their eyes are seeing. They need a few breaths to take it all in,” Marne said.

There are five bedrooms in the home, and it can accommodate up to ten people. Internet and cell service are not provided – and Marne says guests appreciate the feeling of being disconnected from social media and the web for the few days they stay in the cozy hut.

Guests are advised to pack for extreme weather conditions with long underwear and warm winter boots. A packing list is provided once guests make their reservations.

At that price, I would think they would pack for you as well.

Whisky for $10M

Richard Gooding, an American businessman from Colorado who has since passed away, was said to have a “great passion” for growing his whisky library, often traveling to Scotland and Ireland with Kirk, “his pilot,” to seek out rare bottles or to attend auctions.

Now, Gooding is no longer living, but his extensive collection of Scotch whisky is still around.

In a few months, in February and April of 2020, the lot will go to auction, expecting to bring in more than $10 million.

The collection is described as the “most significant” and “largest private collection of whisky ever to go to auction” and comprises more

than 3,900 bottles of Scotch, many of which were sourced by Gooding from some of Scotland’s “lost distilleries.” Some bottles are also valued at over $1.3 million each. Among the many rarities, Gooding’s library includes each of the largest private collections of Macallan, Bowmore and Springbank whiskies.

“The great majority of his purpose was to have a collection, at the end, of one of everything that was ever made. The perfect collection,” his pilot, Kirk, said.

Gooding’s wife, Nancy, agrees.

“He was always so pleased to acquire the bottles that he was searching for over the years – his mission was to collect a bottle that represented every single distillery, but his favorite was always Bowmore with his preferred whisky being Black Bowmore,” she said.

Gooding also kept his collection in an at-home “pub” he created to house the “eccentric library of whiskies” at his Colorado residence.

“Looking through it, you can tell it was put together by someone who loved whisky — and loved to drink it,” whisky expert Angus MacRaild remarked of the lot. “So many of the bottles in this collection are special because they represent such outstanding quality; from wonderful independent rarities, to ancient bottlings of legendary single malts from before the Second World War, to some classic official bottlings.”

Some of the most rare bottles in Gooding’s collection include The Macallan 1926 60-year-old Valerio Adami — of which just 12 bottles were ever produced, each featuring a label designed by Italian artist Valerio Adami — and The Macallan 1926 60-year-old Fine and Rare, a bottle of which once sold for $1.9 million, according to Sotheby’s.

Gooding’s entire “Perfect Collection” is expected to draw as much as $10.5 million at auction, according to reports.

Spending so much money on whisky would drive me to drink.

75 Years Since the Battle of the Bulge Page 134

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

37

38

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the

Community Torah Academy for Girls Hosts an Evening of Tefillah

I

t was indeed a zechus for Torah Academy for Girls to host a community-wide evening this past Sunday of tefillah on behalf of the singles in the community. The event was enhanced by the presence of Harav Yitzchok Kolodetsky, shlita, son-in-law of Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita. The Rav came to our community to share To-

rah thoughts and hashkafa and give chizuk and brachos to the many who came to see him personally throughout his stay here. One could not help but be moved by the many attendees who were led in tefillah by the Rav, as well as his words of inspiration and practical advice on how to maximize our zechusim through our actions and through tefillah. The culmination was

Yom Kippur-like with the many voices united in proclaiming Shema Yisroel followed by the blowing of the shofar.

On Thursday, the Rav visited TAG and spoke not only to our High School talmidos but visited the Pre-1A talmidos of the Ganger Early Childhood Division as well. He then took time from his busy visitation schedule to address our staff members who were

so grateful to have the opportunity to hear from him personally and to submit names for brachos.

Our community was indeed elevated by the presence of Harav Kolodetsky, shlita, and we daven that all his brachos coupled with our tefillos will reach Shamayim and be answered l’tovah.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

39

40

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Rav Koledetsky Visits TMM

L

ast Thursday, Tichon Meir Moshe students and staff at Bnos Bais Yaakov had the immense privilege of being addressed

by HaRav Yitzchok Koledetsky, shli-

ta. Convened in the Ateres Nechama Liba Simcha Hall, students, teachers and staff members listened with rapt attention as Rav Koledetsky delivered divrei chizuk and hisorerus.

Afterwards, students and staff of TMM and BBY filed past Rav Koledetsky, receiving both collective and individual brachos. Even preschool students came for a glimpse of, and a

bracha from, the tzaddik from Eretz Yisroel. We have no doubt that they will remember this event for a lifetime.

Yeshiva Har Torah Families Come Together for Yom Chessed

O

n a recent Sunday morning, students, families, teachers, and administrators of Yeshiva Har Torah in Queens gathered for the school’s first Yom Chessed. All told, more than 200 people worked on projects to benefit One Family Fund, Bikur Cholim of North Shore University Hospital, The Interfaith Nutrition Network, Kids Need to Read, and Billy’s Baseballs. Collectively, the participants helped victims of terror in Israel, patients in a local hospital, residents of a local homeless shelter, students at underfunded schools, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The day began with Shacharit and breakfast, after which the participants split up into different themed rooms. In each room, participants

completed projects for one of the beneficiary organizations.

Rabbi Gary Menchel, Head of School, noted that the day and idea behind it meshed well with the school’s general ideals. “It was a very proud day for Yeshiva Har Torah. It was a way to start our year being selfless and taking time out of our day to help others, while building school community at the same time.”

Participants noted that the day was not only fulfilling but served to help build community within the school. According to Paul Hurwitz, a parent at YHT, “it was a great way to build camaraderie with other families while doing something so meaningful. It truly gave us the opportunity to teach our children the true meaning of chessed through actions.”

Fun with Numbers

Mommy & Me at BYQ

B

A

fter learning to identify and write numbers 0-9 and learning how to count to 100, the Pre-1A girls of Cheder Chabad Girls of Long Island counted, by hundreds, all the buttons their class had (over 2,000!). They then used the buttons to trace over the numbers 0-9. What a great, hands-on activity for these girls, making math a fun experience!

The Wandering Jew Page 98

ais Yaakov of Queens kindergarten had a wonderful time at their “Mommy and Me” workshop on Thanksgiving Day. Excitement was in the air as mothers and grandmothers visited BYQ. In honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, the kindergarten students shared a morning of fun and activities. The sound of laughter was heard as children decorated Chanukah cookies and created Chanukah necklaces and crowns. Morah Reena Greenberg led the children and adults in Chanukah singing and dancing.

Kislev is off to a “lichtige” start at BYQ!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

41

42

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Chai Lifeline Celebrates “An Evening for the Kids” at Annual Gala

Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Rebbetzin Avital Weissman and Rabbi Elie Weissman of Plainview, Dr. Eddie Simpser of Plainview, and Director of Hospital Services Esther Schwartz

O

n Monday night, December 9, a crowd of more than 1,200 gathered at the Marriott Marquis in New York City to celebrate “An Evening for the Kids” at the 2019 Chai Lifeline Gala. A leading children’s health support network, Chai Lifeline provides critical assistance to children with life-threatening or lifelong illness-

Chai Lifeline CEO Rabbi Simcha Scholar, Co-Chairman of Board of Directors Larry Spiewak, Dr. Effie Kupferstein and Devorah Goldberg-Kupferstein, Chana Rivka and Mayer Fischl

es and their families through more than two-dozen, free year-round programs and services.

The evening paid tribute to longtime supporters and Guests of Honor Shimmy and Layala Bertram; Plainview resident Dr. Eddie Simpser, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children and recipient of the Maimonides Medi-

Rabbi Simcha Scholar

cal Achievement Award; Lawrence native Dr. Effie Kupferstein and Devorah Goldberg-Kupferstein, who received the Camp Simcha Appreciation Award; and Sarah and Zachary Perl, who received the inaugural Young Builders Award. The event was chaired by Chaya Rivka and Mayer Fischl, Bari and Daniel Erber, and Julia and David Baruch.

In an emotionally stirring speech, Rivka Buchbinder, a 21-year-old student from Minneapolis, shared her journey battling cancer and the life-changing support she received from Chai Lifeline.

“Chai Lifeline is a phenomenal organization that helps kids who are going through a horrific experience feel normal. They create an environment where kids feel accepted and understood,” she said. “They are the ones that have changed my life for the better. I won’t let the cancer control my life. I now look at my life in a new way. I have chosen to find the

good in each day.”

The evening’s entertainment included comedian MODI, who also emceed the program, and a musical duet performance by Jewish music sensation Mordechai Shapiro and Chai Lifeline Warrior Shimon Goldman.

Scores of Camp Simcha alumni and members of Chai Lifeline’s Young Builders Society continued the celebration and show of support at a special after-party event.

“Chai Lifeline has grown into one of the largest and most sophisticated global organizations of its kind,” said Chai Lifeline Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Simcha Scholar. “With your support, we will continue to provide more services and assistance to more children and families in our community.”

To learn more about Chai Lifeline, please visit www.chailifeline.org.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

43

44

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Yeshiva Darchei Torah Prepares for 47th Anniversary Dinner

Y

eshiva Darchei Torah’s 47 th anniversary dinner will take place on Sunday, January 12 at the Yeshiva. The evening will include the presentation of five awards, two of which will be the Kesser Shem Tov Award, presented to Mr. and Mrs. Carmi and Katie Gruenbaum, and the Parents of the Year award, presented to Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok and Shayna Steg.

Mr. and Mrs. Carmi and Katie Gruenbaum, Kesser Shem Tov Award

Carmi and Katie Gruenbaum are known throughout the Five Towns community as exemplars of chessed and Torah values. How fitting it will be to crown them with Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Kesser Shem Tov Award.

Carmi is a native of Los Angeles, where he attended Yavneh Hebrew Academy and YULA. He looks back on his childhood as the inspiration for his extensive community involvement. His parents, Nathan and Bernie Gruenbaum, encouraged his chessed activities, including visits to the nursing home and deliveries for Tomchei Shabbos. After graduating high school, he spent several years at Yeshivas Neve Tzion in Eretz Yisrael and later became a talmid of Sh’or Yoshuv in Far Rockaway. There he gained lifelong connections to the rebbeim and to his longtime chavrusa, Rav Azi Bodner. He is also privileged to maintain a close relationship with Rav Sholom Kamenetsky of the

Philadelphia Yeshiva.

Carmi is the owner of two insurance brokerage firms, OneCap Services and Preferred Services Group, but his true specialty is chessed and community service. He sits on the board of numerous organizations; is a dedicated chevra kadisha volunteer; founded the Nusach Sefard minyan at the White Shul; and uses his insurance expertise to help community members facing medical challenges, amongst other volunteer endeavors.

His wife and partner in chessed, Katie, was born in Kansas and moved to Brooklyn as a teenager where she attended Ezra Academy and forged a kesher with Rabbi Eli Freilech. It was from Rabbi Freilech and the other rebbeim at Ezra that she learned the impact of welcoming others into one’s home and family. Katie’s father, Mr. Joel Balavram, a chevra kadisha volunteer for many years, together with his wife Bonnie, also instilled in her a love for chessed. Today, she combines those lessons with the calm demeanor she saw demonstrated by her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Greer, as she graciously welcomes many guests, often with little or no notice.

She and her husband have also hosted numerous Shabbatonim and kiruv functions.

The Gruenbaums are devoted parents to nine children, three of whom are talmidim of Yeshiva Darchei Torah: Tzvi, a recent graduate; Yehuda, an eleventh grader in Mesivta Chaim Shlomo; and Chananya, a sixth grader.

The Gruenbaums stand in awe of Rav Yaakov Bender’s personal connection with each child in the school, despite its growth. They are also very grateful to the warm, caring, expert staff of rebbeim and teachers. “Yeshiva Darchei Torah is a school that is constantly improving, is never satisfied to rest on its laurels, and is always looking for new and exciting ways to engage the talmidim,” share the Gruenbaums.

Like the yeshiva they love so much, the Gruenbaum name is synonymous with continuous striving for excellence in chessed and ruchniyus. It will be the Yeshiva’s privilege to bestow upon them this year’s Kesser Shem Tov Award.

Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok and Shayna Steg, Parents of the Year

Yitzchok and Shayna Steg stand out as exceptional parents whose supreme goal of creating a home focused on chashivus haTorah and chessed, an extension of what they have seen in their own parents’ homes, is clearly evident in their beautiful family.

Yitzchok was raised in a home that was renowned for its dedication to Torah and to helping others; his parents, Mr. Heshy and Mrs. Raizy Steg of Borough Park, are wellknown ba’alei chessed who have opened their home and hearts to countless individuals.

Yitzchok attended Yeshivas Ohr Hameir of Peekskill and then continued his growth in Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim. After marrying his eishes chayil, Shayna, he continued learning in the Mir for an additional five years.

Today, Yitzchok specializes in the healthcare field, but limud HaTorah remains the ultimate focus.

He is fortunate to have forged a close relationship with Rav Moshe Brown, whose shiur he attends regularly and who has had a tremendous impact on the entire Steg family. The Stegs are also inspired by their rav, Rav Mordechai Stern, the mara d’asra of Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid in Lawrence.

Shayna credits her parents, Mr. Yussie and Mrs. Suzy Ostreicher of Lawrence, with imparting an ap-

preciation for the chashivus of Torah and constant Torah learning in the home. Mr. Ostreicher’s sedarim are an important part of his daily schedule, and they have hosted many roshei yeshiva and events on behalf of Torah institutions. Shayna attended TAG from nursery through twelfth grade, followed by a year at Bnos Chava seminary in Yerushalayim. Today, Yitzchok and Shayna are devoted parents to their seven children, Yaakov, Leah, Chaim, Menachem, Meir, Faige and Ita. The Stegs are, baruch Hashem, reaping much nachas as they watch their sons Yaakov and Chaim thrive as talmidim in the twelfth and ninth grades at Mesivta Chaim Shlomo; and Menachem and Meir in the fifth and third grades at Yeshiva Darchei Torah. They express their tremendous hakaras hatov that all their sons are privileged to benefit from the vision of Rav Yaakov Bender to instill a unique blend of the highest levels in Torah learning, bein adam l’chaveiro, and derech eretz. As Yitzchok shares, “When I walk into the yeshiva, there is an exceptional, vibrant kol Torah. At the same time, the boys are really being taught the importance of respecting others.”

They gratefully acknowledge the dedication of the outstanding rebbeim, morahs and staff, whose efforts have born extraordinary results. The Stegs feel strongly that it is an amazing zechus for them to be a part of this very special makom Torah.

Undoubtedly, Yitzchok and Shayna Steg have created a home that is singularly focused upon the importance of Torah learning, coupled with the value of caring for and respecting others. The Yeshiva is proud to acknowledge their sterling example as this year’s Parents of the Year.

The other awardees at this year’s dinner will be: Mr. and Mrs. Shia and Elana Ostreicher, Guests of Honor; Rabbi Joel Beritz, Architect of Jewish Education Award; and Rabbi and Mrs. Shimon and Tova Finkelman, Harbotzas Torah Award.

For reservations and journal ads, please call 718-868-2300 ext. 301; email dinner@darchei.org; or visit Darchei. org/dinner.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

View the full interview at oneisraelfund.org

I run the Efrat Medical Center and I volunteer part-time for Magen David Adom, Ichud Hatzalah, and United Hatzalah. Our facility also functions as a mass casualty treatment center.

So, today we staged a mock crisis and created a scenario with a collapsed school building. All our volunteers converged on the scene, and they started bringing patients here as we ran through the exercise.

THIS IS MY ORDINARY.

J

Extraordinary people deserve ordinary lives. One Israel Fund works on many projects, but with one goal: ensuring that the residents of Judea and Samaria have the safety and support they need for their home in their homeland.

ÂĽ Dr. Yitzchak Glick, M.D.

Medical Director, Efrat Medical Center

45

46

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

DRS Development and Advancement

L

ast week, before parent-teacher conferences began, the entire DRS faculty spent a number of hours together discussing some important issues that relate to the development and advancement of our yeshiva. All three divisions of HALB are applying for NYSAIS accreditation. NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools) offers accreditation to those schools that meet highest of standards education.

The NYSAIS website states that “to be an accredited NYSAIS school verifies that the school has been held accountable by a rigorous process and by the highest of standards.

Central to the NYSAIS accreditation process is the school’s self-study, a thorough self-examination seen through the lens of the school’s mission, involving the application of the NYSAIS criteria for accreditation, which are based on principles of best practice. The examination is

inclusive, involving all members of the school community. Explored are all aspects of school life including governance, finances, teaching and learning, operations and community. Taking a year to complete, the self-study is the foundation of what

will follow, the visit of a committee of peers, experts in their field, chaired by a Head of School.”

Last week, the faculty specifically joined together to examine our school’s mission statement and ensure that the teaching and culture in

our yeshiva is in line with that statement or if it needs to be tweaked in any manner. We look forward to sharing our research and work with the entire DRS family soon.

Achiezer to Honor Devoted Supporters at Annual Gala

T

he Five Towns and Far Rockaway communities are gearing up for Achiezer’s annual gala, to be held at The Sands Atlantic Beach on January 5, 2020. An evening of energy, excitement, hope, and reflection, this event will be an opportunity to celebrate Achiezer’s tremendous accomplishments on behalf of the community and to pay tribute to a group of outstanding honorees.

The theme of the dinner, “Achi – My Brother, Ezer – My Helper,” will highlight the remarkable work of this trailblazing organization.

From Achiezer’s comprehensive hospital support system to its Health Insurance Department, its Westwood Financial Management Program, its landmark community-wide Zichron Dovid chevra kadisha, its 24-hour community hotline, its Mental Health Department, and its many other

programs, Achiezer is there for the community and the individual, never taking a day off, never resting.

Achiezer will be honoring an exceptional group of dedicated supporters.

The Guests of Honor will be Jason and Danielle Bokor. Jason’s recognition of Achiezer’s amazing work was enhanced dramatically during the organization’s selfless and heroic assistance provided to families hit by Superstorm Sandy. As president of HAFTR, Jason, on a number of occasions, dealt with Achiezer on student issues.

“For many people, Achiezer’s services are unknown until they are in a situation where they need assistance,” remarks Jason.

“Achiezer is there to help and assist in every possible way.”

The Man of the Year Award will be presented to Dr. Jonathan Herman, a

uniquely devoted physician whose chessed-first attitude mirrors the motto of Achiezer. Dr. Herman is an OB-GYN who has delivered over 9,000 babies over the past 30 years and has special interest in the hereditary nature of cancers.

“The bottom line is that I have a job and that job is to help Klal Yisrael,” comments Dr. Herman. “Achiezer’s founder, Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender, views his position in that light. Thus, we have become partners, trying to accomplish the same goal.”

The Excellence in Medicine Award will be presented to Dr. Daniel and Riki Haller, a special couple who reflect the values that Achiezer holds dear. Daniel first became involved in Achiezer through the organization’s medical referral service, helping those who do not have an advocate in the medical field.

“What makes Achiezer

one-of-a-kind is that it provides such a wide range of services and programs to the community that it covers almost any need a person or family may have,” says Daniel.

The Young Leadership Award will be presented to Ari and Deena Weinstein, whose activism as young leaders in our community has earned them well-deserved admiration.

“Achiezer is special not only because it’s a 24/7 crisis hotline and the only of its kind,” says Ari. “It is unique because it is a true community organization. The power of an organization crafted to ‘help brothers out’ is unlike anything else.”

Achiezer will present the Pillar of Chesed Award to Stacey Zrihen in recognition of her dedication to Achiezer and her devotion to helping others. Stacey is the senior financial advisor for Achiezer’s Westwood Finan-

cial Management Program, where she works one-on-one with individuals and families, providing customized financial planning. Stacey has met with over 300 families, helping guide them to financial health and stability.

The dinner chairmen will be Adam Okun and Moshe Wolfson. The journal chairmen will be Zvi Bloom and Moti Hellman.

For dinner information, reservations, or to place a journal ad, call 516-791-4444, email dinner@achiezer.org, or visit www.achiezer.org/ dinner.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

AN AWESOME CHANUK AH GIF T! N-P

$1550

instead of $1850

1st - 3rd

4th - 5th

Atara Adventures

instead of $1895

instead of $1895

instead of $2395

$1595

$1595

PRICE INCLUDES BUSING AND LUNCHES

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE

D AY ! !

O T R E T S I G RE @gmail.com ara campat 8 4 4 4 ex t . 2 3 4 1 7 4 8 71 a.com campatar

$2195

47

48

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community Hempstead Town Councilman Bruce Blakeman (center) attended the Homeland Security Drill on November 14, 2019 at Jones Beach Theater. Also attending were Homeland Security Investigations Group Supervisor Walter Rivera, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Shawn Polonet, Group Supervisor Andrew Goldstein, Deputy Special Agent in Charge Edward Owens, Dennis Monette, and New York State Park Police Major Anthony Astacio

On Wednesday, December 4, MTA talmidim in Rabbi Genachowski’s freshman shiur and Rabbi Gopin’s sophomore shiur enjoyed volunteering alongside their rebbeim at Kosher Troops, where they made care packages for Jewish soldiers stationed throughout the U.S.

New Daf Yomi Cycle Initiative Dedicates Day of Learning in Memory of ArtScroll Founder

By Sandy Eller

E

xtending the chain of learning begun by Rav Meir Shapiro as the 14th Daf Yomi cycle begins anew, Klal Govoah aims to maximize Torah study by rallying Klal Yisroel to join Daf Yomi on the first day of the new cycle and experience its joy and fulfillment even for one day. The initiative is dedicated in memory of Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz, z”l, whose efforts sparked an explosion of learning.

Revolutionizing Torah study through ArtScroll’s many volumes, Rabbi Zlotowitz made Gemara accessible to the masses and Daf Yomi an attainable goal. With the new cycle beginning on Sunday, January 5, Klal Govoah is recruiting an even larger number of people to start Daf Yomi with a free livestream that will

give anyone, anywhere in the world, the ability to participate as the daily learning program starts Maseches Brachos. Featuring a shiur by Lakewood Daf Yomi’s Sruly Bornstein, whose daily shiur is heard by thousands of digital listeners, the livestream will be co-hosted by ArtScroll, the Orthodox Union’s All Daf, Lakewood Daf Yomi and Eastern Union Funding.

“Whether you want to learn one daf, all of brachos, or are thinking about taking on Daf Yomi, join us on January 5 and learn that first daf together with Klal Yisroel,” said Ira Zlotowitz, founder and president of Eastern Union.

Mr. Zlotowitz has already seen that many are eager to participate in Daf Yomi, even if they are unsure about taking on a seven-and-a-half-

year long commitment. A recent promotion run by Eastern Union as the current Daf Yomi cycle began its final masechta at the end of October saw some 2,300 people signing up to receive a free ArtScroll Schottenstein Edition Gemara so that they too could be participate in the worldwide Siyum HaShas and finish a mesechta.

Having witnessed that kind of enthusiasm for Daf Yomi, Klal Govoah hopes that the live stream will feed off the excitement of the biggest siyum in history and draw a record number of listeners.

“Start with us and learn the daf, even just for one day,” said Mr. Bornstein. “Rabbi Zlotowitz did so much for Daf Yomi through ArtScroll; let’s give him a day of learning in return.”

Those thoughts were echoed by Rabbi Moshe Elefant, chief operating

officer of OU Kosher and maggid shiur for the Orthodox Union’s Daf Yomi.

“Having taken the initiative to launch the new All Daf digital platform, the Orthodox Union is excited to join in this campaign to start the daf with Klal Yisroel,” said Rabbi Elefant. “Finishing my fourth cycle as a Daf Yomi magid shiur, I can attest to the fact that the ArtScroll Schottenstein Edition Gemara is an enormous resource and we are honored to join with Klal Govoah this initiative to learn the first daf of Brachos in memory of Rabbi Zlotowitz.”

To sign up for the livestream, to find/add a local shiur, or to subscribe to the daily recorded Daf Yomi Shiur, visit Klal Govoah online at https:// www.klalgovoah.org/startthedaf.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

Glitz

CAMP DIRECTOR: LEEBA BRISK PROGRAM DIRECTOR: ELISHEVA SEGELMAN phone: 718.324.6724(ORAH) EMAIL: ORAHDAYCAMP@GMAIL.COM W E B S I T E : O R A H D A Y C A M P. C O M

49

50

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Show me a ba’al middos — and I’ll show you a Darchei talmid.

TUITION

DARCHEI’S CHINUCH

YOU

WHOLE PICTURE

GRANTS

718.868.2300 EXT. 301 • DINNER@DARCHEI.ORG • DARCHEI.ORG/DINNER

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

‫ישיבה דרכי תורה‬ YESHIVA DARCHEI TORAH

47

TH

ANNIVERSARY DINNER

1.12.2020

‫ט״ו טבת תש״פ‬ AT THE YESHIVA

Honoring

RABBI JOEL BERITZ ARCHITECT OF JEWISH EDUCATION AWARD

MR. & MRS. CARMI & KATIE GRUENBAUM KESSER SHEM TOV AWARD

Recognizing a Lifetime of Jewish Educational Leadership in America

MR. & MRS. SHIA & ELANA OSTREICHER GUESTS OF HONOR

MR. & MRS. YITZCHOK & SHAYNA STEG

RABBI & MRS. SHIMON & TOVA FINKELMAN

PARENTS OF THE YEAR

HARBOTZAS TORAH AWARD

51

52

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

BYAM Annual PTA Tea

L

ast Sunday, the PTA of Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam held its Annual Women’s Tea, hosted

by Mrs. Shifra Blumstein. It was a beautiful event with a Chinese auction, refreshments and divrei bracha

from the menahel, Rabbi Nosson Neuman. The guest speaker, Mr. Charlie Harary, was the highlight of the evening, and everyone left feeling uplifted and inspired.

Word Problem Wednesday

J

ust before Thanksgiving break, middle school students at HALB engaged in an exciting Word Problem Wednesday. Students worked together in groups to solve challenging math questions that required critical thinking, analysis, and logical reasoning. In solving

these problems, students were introduced to inductive reasoning and the Nash equilibrium, but, more importantly, students were able to find a passcode to discover buried treasure, as well as save lab workers from zombies without a moment to spare.

A fun time was had by all!

MTA Seniors Document Holocaust Survivor Stories

S

eniors participating in MTA’s Names, Not Numbers elective had the unique privilege of meeting with Holocaust survivors and capturing their stories on film. The incredible and often heart-wrenching narratives included: survivor Rene Slotkin, who described what it was like to be sent to Auschwitz at the young age of 5, where he and his twin sister Irene were subjected to the Mengele experiments. After being forced on the Death March, he was liberated, and

finally reunited with his twin sister years later. Survivor Oscar Mohl, grandfather of senior Noam Abrahams, shared his journey of survival through Germany, Poland, and Siberia. Survivor Esia Friedman, who was saved by Righteous Gentiles, described what it was like to live in constant fear while in hiding. Survivor Gaston Silvera, of the rare Tunisian survivors, talked about his Holocaust experience in Tunisia. Survivor Muncie Seidenfeld, great-great aunt of senior DJ Wartelsky, shared

her journey from Czechoslovakia to the Munkacs Ghetto and surviving Auschwitz along with her sister.

She explained how she was reunited with her surviving siblings after the war and went on to become the matriarch of a large family that includes 140 children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, all of whom are shomer Torah u’mitzvos, thanks to her survival. Survivor Rebbetzin Chaya Small, mother-in-law of MTA Rebbe Rabbi Gopin, shared what it was like

for her family to escape the war and travel from Vilna to Moscow and finally to Shanghai, after being saved

by Japanese Imperial Consul Chiune Sugihara, the first Japanese diplomat posted in Lithuania.

Thanks to these brave survivors for sharing their stories of faith, hope, and survival. Seniors look forward to ensuring that these stories are never forgotten, as they create their documentary film, which will debut in May.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

Achiezer AnnuAl GAlA Sunday, January 5, 2020 The Sands Atlantic Beach 6:00 BUFFET RECEPTION 7:00 FEATURED VIDEO PRESENTATION & AWARDS CEREMONY 8:00 DESSERT

g n i t r o f Com

Like a Brother.

achiezer’s comprehensive hospital support system provides specially prepared family meals, 24 hour advocacy, fully stocked hospital respite rooms and every kind of assistance for hospitalized patients and their families.

Because like a brother…

Achiezer is there.

Join Us in Honoring Guests of Honor

Jason & Danielle Bokor Man of tHe Year

YounG leadersHip award

Dr. Jonathan Herman

Ari & Deena Weinstein

excellence in Medicine award

Dr. Daniel & Riki Haller

pillar of cHesed award

Stacey Zrihen

dinner cHairMen Adam Okun, Moshe Wolfson

EvEnt SponSor

Journal cHairMen Zvi Bloom, Moti Hellman

dinner@achiezer.org • 516-791-4444 ext. 113 • Achiezer.org/Dinner

53

54

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Rabbi Dovid Frishman brought the melacha of tzoveah, coloring, to life at the Learn & Live Program last Sunday

Beloved IVDU art therapist Morah Alyssa Axelrod worked with students to create beautiful watercolor menorahs in honor of Chanukah

On Thursday, December 5, a group of MTA juniors joined Yeshiva University’s Political Action Club in Washington, D.C., where they lobbied for Israel. The students met with political leaders, including Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Steny Hoyer, and discussed the important issues affecting Israel today.

Central Service Initiative

Versatiles at YOSS

T

he seventh grade boys in Mrs. Pasternak’s class at Yeshiva of South Shore have been honing their math skills using a type of game called Versatiles. It is a self-correcting way to practice that is quite different than the traditional “pencil to paper” method. Twelve “tiles” correspond to twelve questions on any given skill. Finding the solution to each problem and then properly placing the corresponding tile creates a colorful pattern. If the resulting pattern matches the pattern on the current worksheet, then all problems were answered correctly! Students have already found this practice very helpful.

I

t is an important Central tradition for each grade to embark on a few chessed missions throughout the year. The freshmen had their first taste of this last week, when the grade split up into groups to help out the needy in various places. Some went to Yachad Gifts to help special needs employees package gift baskets for Chanukah, and others did similar work at the Met Council. An-

other group visited the Yachad Ivdu school and spent quality time with special needs students, while other students visited sick children at St Mary’s hospital.

Ms. Elana Kook, freshman grade dean, said, “The day was filled with a great spirit of giving and fun. It was a great way to acclimate ninth graders to the chessed culture at Central.”

55

‫בא‬

‫ם • נוסד ע"י הר‬

‫ה‬ ‫א‬

‫םפ‬

‫בר‬ ‫שובו‬

‫אם זצ"ל‬

‫חזון‬ ‫חי‬

‫נוך‬

‫ו‬

‫ק‬

‫רץ‬

‫ה‬

NOVEMBER 17, 2019

HIGHLIGHTS

‫קו‬

& FAR ROCKAWAY

‫בר‬

.‫ד ש‬

e c n e r w a L SHUVU IN

‫ה‬

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

‫בא‬

.‫ לזרע קודש‬.

Changing the spiritual landscape of Eretz Yisroel.

‫דש‬

56

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

HaRav Yitzchok Koledetsky, son-in-law of Maran Reb Chaim Kanievsky, spoke at Mesivta Shaarei Pruzdor Long Beach last week

Rambam Israel Shabbaton: An Alum’s Perspective

By Yosef Bluth, Class of 2019

T

his past Shabbos, Rambam held its Annual Alumni Israel Shabbaton. This year, it was held in Yeshivat Har Etzion, more commonly known as “The Gush.” It was a great opportunity for everyone to get together with fellow alumni, some of whom we hadn’t seen since graduation.

Over the course of Thursday and Friday, all the visitors made their way to Gush and received a warm welcome from the guys learning in yeshiva there. Before Shabbos started, we took the opportunity to take a picture in front of the yeshiva building.

Shabbos itself was wonderful. We davened with the yeshiva, but had separate, Rambam-only meals, which confused a few other visitors to the yeshiva when they were trying to find their way to the dining room. We listened to several incredible speeches, both from Rambam Rosh Mesivta Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman who was visiting us, as well as from several of the alumni at the Shabbaton.

We enjoyed an incredible tisch, where Rabbi Friedman told us all about the different things that had happened at the yeshiva since we left. We also enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to catch up with each other and discuss how our year in Israel is going.

After Shabbos, some of the Shana Bet guys helped rent a van, letting a whole group of us head back to Yerushalayim to spend some more time together before heading back to yeshiva. We headed to Ben

Yehuda to grab dinner, and while we were there, Daniel Ganopolsky decided that it was a good time to learn some Gemara. Calling us all together, we sat down and learned the end of Perek Alef of Ma-

seches Kiddushin with him.

This opportunity really shows what Rambam is all about, as a group of alumni decided to learn some Gemara together before heading back to all our different yeshi-

vas. Not a bad way to end the incredible Shabbaton we all spent together.

Special thanks to Yosef Kuperman for helping to put this together!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

57

58

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Cupcakes and Team-Building

H

AFTR Middle School’s much anticipated annual seventh grade girls’ Cupcake Wars event kickoff took place this week.

The annual Cupcake Wars is a fun, exciting, and interactive event where students learn teamwork and communication skills, all through the exciting means of cupcake dec-

THE WAY YOU USE YOUR CREDIT CARDS WILL DEFINE YOUR BUSINESS’S BOTTOM LINE

orating.

Dr. Bracha Kasirer taught students the secrets of cupcake decorating, and beautiful beach-, unicorn-, and flower-themed cupcakes were created by our students. At the same time, students learned about working together in a group and respecting the opinion of others.

Dr. Yali Werzberger, the program’s organizer, explained, “It is gratifying to observe the delight on our students’ faces as they create cupcake designs that they never thought they could create. Even more fulfilling is the cooperation and synergy that is evident in the room as our students work together supporting one another.”

This training culminates in a Cupcake Wars challenge where teams compete to create different themed cupcakes, all while working together in a group.

HAFTR Varsity Wins Big

T

THE COMPANY YOU TRUST THE GUYS YOU KNOW

WWW.GETPEYD.COM PHONE/WHATSAPP: (646) 801 - PEYD (7393) INFO@GETPEYD.COM

BUSINESS ADVISORS

P E Y D 3 6 0.CO M

his past weekend the HAFTR High School boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams traveled to Baltimore for the 33rd Annual Beth Tfiloh - Weiner Tournament. Teams from Canada, Dallas, Baltimore, New York and Jerusalem were present at this special Shabbaton and sports event.

After five games of pool play, the HAFTR Hawks girls and boys earned a place in the semifinals.

The Varsity teams advanced to the championship games on Motzei Shabbat, after playing exceptionally well during the semifinals. In front of a packed house, HAFTR boys and girls faced the Yavneh Bulldogs from Dallas. The HAFTR varsity girls pulled ahead early on their way to a convincing victory over the Bulldogs, and their first tournament championship. The varsity boys overwhelmed their opponent by taking a quick 13-0 lead. The Hawks never looked back in a dominant performance that resulted in their second consecutive Beth Tfiloh Weiner Tournament championship. It was a wonderful experience of achdut and leadership for our HAFTR High School Varsity basketball teams.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

Please join us for a

-

BENEFITTING The only Yeshiva in North America Exclusively for Boys with Hearing Loss

Great Food, Words of Inspiration and Heartzigeh Music (Bring an instrument and plug in…)

M OTZEI S HABBOS

December 14th  ‫ י''ז כסלו‬ 8:00 PM At our home

102 Central Ave, Lawrence NY Looking forward to greeting you,

Gadi & Aliza Fuchs

Co-hosted by The Kutner and Halpern Families American Friends of Nefesh Dovid 1712 Avenue T, Brooklyn, NY 11229

59

60

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

New Talmud Bavli at Levi Yitzchak Library

This past Thursday night, the Inwood kehilla had the zechus to hear a shiur from Harav Shraga Samuels, shlita, a rosh yeshiva of Yeshivos Sha’ar Hashomayim and Be’er Moshe in Yerushalayim

Central Presents TALIA Talks

T

he Levi Yitzchak Family Center and Library is proud to announce that we now own an entire set of The Noé Edition Koren Talmud Bavli which was generously donated by Koren Publishers Jerusalem. The Noé Edition is the only set of Shas that includes color photos, maps, and illustrations, enhancing the understanding of the sugyas. The Koren Talmud joins our collection of 13,000 Jewish books for adults and children. The library is open Sunday

and Wednesday 11-5 and Tuesday and Thursday 11-7. Our Library inspires visitors to interact and grow together in a warm environment of discovery and learning.

Please come visit us in person at 564 Central Ave., Cedarhurst, NY. You can also visit us online to check out our educational programs and inspirational events for adults and children at lylibrary.org For any information we can be reached at 516-374- BOOK (2665).

YOSS ECC Lights Up the Lights

B

efore our Thanksgiving break, Central hosted its first-ever “TALIA Talks,” a Central version of the famed TED Talks.

Mrs. Audi Hecht, History Department Chair, introduced the program, saying, “Today we gather at Central to give thanks, to reflect, and to share stories. These stories build upon the original epic journey of our Puritan ancestors who, in 1620, decided to create and fulfill a new vision for their futures.”

Following her introduction, three students and three faculty members shared their or their families’ stories about coming to America. Junior Nava Grief and seniors Leora Khaimov and Orah Massihesraelian and

Student Activities Director, Ms. Leah Moskovich, spoke of their families’ journeys from Morocco, Uzbekistan, Iran, and South Africa, respectively, explaining how their parents and grandparents traveled to the United States, often in the face of persecution, in search of security, peace, and freedom. Mr. Erez Bar-Levy and Mrs. Hannie Ricardo spoke of their own more recent migrations from El Salvador and Israel, respectively, and America as a beacon of opportunity.

Mrs. Hecht said, “Each story shared was a heartfelt account of what America has represented to their families. Our school community was widely inspired by their poignant stories.”

T

hank you to Rabbi Ross and the fourth graders of Yeshiva of South Shore who led the Early Childhood Center at Yeshiva of South Shore in singing at our glowin-the-dark assembly.

Rabbi Ross gave each class a different colored light up stick, and we

all sang, “Hashem is here,” “Hamalach Hagoel,” and many Chanukah songs together.

In our classrooms we have begun to explore with olives, design menorahs, and learn about King Antiyochus and the Macaabim.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

61

62

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

63

64

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Partition Day at Rambam

L

ast week, the Rambam community had a special assembly, led

by Rabbi Yotav Eliach, principal of Rambam and noted author of Judaism, Zionism, and the Land of Israel, commemorating the anniversary of the United Nation’s passage of the Partition Plan on November 29, 1947.

As Rabbi Eliach explained, the resolution of the UN passed, delineating territory for the creation of Jewish and Arab states out of the former British Mandate of Palestine. Unfortunately, while the Jews accepted the Partition Plan, the Arab’s uniformly rejected it. When the British evacuated Palestine in May 1948, the Arabs attacked, beginning the Israeli War of Independence and the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Rabbi Eliach buttressed these points in his presentation with maps from his book courtesy of the late his-

torian Sir Martin Gilbert and a video from PragerU. The video focused on the “simplicity” of the conflict ending with a thought experiment: What would happen if the Israelis laid down their arms? There would be a massacre of the Jews by their neighbors.

Recounting the Simcha at Gesher

And what would happen if Israel’s enemies laid down their arms? There would be peace the next day.

The students gained an immense amount from this assembly and from Rabbi Eliach’s words, and hopefully will continue to do so from the excit-

Bat Mitzvah Chessed

T D

ramatic play is not just a way to break from learning. It is actually a really important tool to reinforce lessons learned.

Parshas Vayetzei provides so much opportunity for reenactments, applying those activities to other lessons. The story of Yaakov and his rocks was the foundation of a unit on measuring a person by surrounding them with objects, along with another lesson on taking two items and

combining them into one.

Ladders were a popular prop, referencing Yaakov’s famous dream.

But by far the most popular activity was the wedding. The halls were full of joy with photographers, musicians, and other typical wedding accompaniments.

The children soaked it all in using so many senses to reinforce what they learned.

ing lineup of presentations in store for the near future.

The program was concluded with a very moving rendition of “Hatikva” by members of the Rambam Band, Elisha Bauman, Ami Dube, and Abie Hersh.

here are so many details involved in preparing to celebrate becoming a bat mitzvah, but Elaine Novogrudsky put a chessed project on the top of her list. Elaine wrote a beautiful and compassionate letter to her friends and family asking them to join her in raising money for CAHAL. She chose CAHAL because she believes that with the right staff and environment, children with learning differences can thrive and eventually transition into mainstream classes. In Elaine’s words, “My heart goes out to kids who don’t have the ability to read easily, or solve math problems without strug-

gling.” Elaine aspires to become a journalist or author, and she is passionate about the joy of reading and writing. She wants every child to have the opportunity to develop his/her own unique talents. “If we help support CAHAL, we can be part of the reason these children accomplish big things, and help them make a difference in the world.”

CAHAL wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Elaine for recognizing and supporting the mission of CAHAL. CAHAL wishes Elaine and her family much continued happiness; Elaine should continue her ways of chessed for many years to come.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

PLEASE JOIN US FOR

YACHAD FAMILY & FRIENDS

chanukah

CONCERT December 23RD 8:00 PM

DOORS OPEN AT 7:30 PM

STARRING SIMCHA LEINER with special guest performance by

DUVIE SHAPIRO

Featuring a special candle lighting ceremony Family seating, premier and VIP seating available.

Special VIP package with post-concert reception and meet & greet

SHULAMITH SCHOOL

For tickets and information visit

305 Cedarhurst Ave. Cedarhurst, NY

YACHAD.ORG/CONCERT

SPONSORS

Shawn and Karen Rosenthal

Yachad is dedicated to enhancing the life opportunities of individuals with disabilities, ensuring their participation in the full spectrum of Jewish life.

Yachad is a program of the Orthodox Union

65

66

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Achieving a Healthy Body Image

By Miriam Schiller, LMSW

O

n December 6, as part of the Madraigos School-Based Services program, the eleventh grade girls of HANC were presented with a workshop on Healthy Body Image by Mrs. Miriam Schiller, LMSW, Clinician, Madraigos. In response to the many challenges facing today’s teenage girls, Mrs. Schiller coached students to develop healthy mindsets and strong skills to face these challenges in a more effective way.

The workshop helped students understand that teenage girls, in particular, are more likely than the general population to have an unhealthy body image. This population often wishes that they could change their body size or shape to match an idealized body image based on messages from the media, advertisers, social media as well as pressure applied by family and peers.

Mrs. Schiller explained that often teen girls are continuously bombard-

ed by these negative messages which sometimes lead them to buy into the notion that “if I looked like her (model or actress), I, too, would be loved by the world,” or “I will enjoy more happiness and fulfillment in life.” Mrs. Schiller helped the eleventh graders understand the importance of confronting these self-defeating thoughts by understanding that they are often a product of unhealthy messages preaching the preeminence of looking “pretty” and being thin as more important to all other personal attri-

OF THE BOSTONER BAIS MEDRASH

PROFESSIONAL CHILDCARE CHILDREN AGES 21/2 & 3 IN A LOVING ENVIRONMENT 0 PROVIDING THE FOUNDATION TORAH EDUCATION

OF

0 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATIONALLY ENRICHED CURRICULUM 0 SPACIOUS INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLAY FACILITIES 0 MORAH CHANSIE IS A RECOGNIZED EXPERT WITH OVER 30 YEARS OF CHILDCARE EXPERIENCE 0 HELP YOUR CHILD REACH THEIR EDUCATIONAL POTENTIAL!!

Limited Space Available for Fall Registration Contact Rebbetzin Chansie Horowitz 516.371.6848

butes that one has and that has far greater relevance for bettering oneself and society.

The students were taught to view themselves using healthier barometers of themselves related to inner qualities of friendliness, ability to love, loyalty, inner wisdom, and creativity. Students were also encouraged to move towards acceptance of things they cannot change about themselves and balance their real selves versus an idealized sense of self.

This presentation stimulated intense discussion among the students, some of whom maintained that they had positive body images which helped them adjust to life’s vicissitudes, while other students expressed

an interest in working to improve their body images.

Clearly, Madraigos’ work with these high-school students has already had positive, preventive effects related to their body image, self-esteem, and associated mental health.

The mission of Madraigos is clear: to provide all of its members with the necessary tools and skills to empower them to live a healthy and productive lifestyle and become the leaders of tomorrow.

If you would like workshops in your school, please contact Mindi Werblowsky, LMSW, Clinical Director, Maddraigos, for more information at mwerblowsky@madraigos.org or 516.371.3250 x 112.

It Takes Just Two Weeks

By Chana Kastlebaum

M

uch can be accomplished in two weeks.

At TAG, this Sunday marks the completion of another successful 2W4T (Two Weeks for TAG) campaign. The annual fundraising drive, which began a few years ago, has proven to be a crucial part of the success of TAG’s renowned Resource Center.

The center is known, far and wide, as a leading provider of supplementary help for students and has created a successful model that other schools have sought to replicate. TAG employs an impressive team of specialized educators and therapists who dedicate themselves to each student’s growth and development.

The results have been astounding. Entire school years have been transformed due to the skills and knowledge that students gain at the

Resource Center. TAG is very proud of its accomplishments and continues to invest in ongoing training to constantly strive for even better results.

Special thank you to all the 2W4T parlor meeting hosts across Far Rockaway and the Five Towns who opened their homes and invited friends, families, and fellow school parents to show their support: Mr. & Mrs. Meir Kaplan in Woodmere; Mr. & Mrs. Aryeh Freund in Far Rockaway; Mr. & Mrs. Pinny Ackerman in Inwood; Mr. & Mrs. Yanky Neuhoff in Cedarhurst; Rabbi & Mrs. Yechezkel Hartman in Lawrence; and Mr. & Mrs. Dovi Kohn in North Woodmere.

Now is the final chance to take part in the fundraising campaign and prove that two weeks can, indeed, transform an entire year for a young student.

Donate at TAGDonation.org.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

my favorite weekly specials

Store Hours:

Order Online: www.FrankelsKosher.com or by Email: orders@Frankelskosher.com

Dec 11,- Dec 17,

1913 Cornaga Avenue • Far Rockaway • T. 718-327-4700 F. 718-327-4701 E. orders@Frankelskosher.com

major deals Snapple

Ohr

128 Oz

Jelled E-Z Light Chanuka Candles

$6.99

$13.99 2 1/2 Hr $14.99

Canola Oil

3/$5

Ner Mitzvah

Ner Mitzvah

Small & Medium 50 Ct

50 Ct

9 Pk

Wick Refills

30 Oz

$7.99 Lb

Ner Mitzvah

Smokeless Cotton Wick

$0.99

$1.29

$2.99

Paskesz

E-Z Lite Olive Oil Candles

Ohr

Ner Mitzvah

44 Ct

Menorah Strip With Glass Cups

$13.99

$15.99

$3.69

$0.79

Paskesz

Izzy N Dizzy

Izzy N Dizzy

Izzy N Dizzy

Lapidonim Chanuka Candles Jelly 44 Ct

Dreidl Oodles

Stackable Dreidel Set

Assorted 6.70 Oz

Bouncing Dreidel

Slap Chanukah Bands

$3.99

$4.49

$3.49

$1.69

Izzy N Dizzy

Izzy N Dizzy

Paskesz

Paskesz

Chanukah Sticker Puzzle

Small Dreidel

Super Dreidel Treats

Milk Chocolate Coins

1.60 Oz

$0.99

5/$1

Gefen

Gefen

$1.29

3/$1.29

grocery Soup Mix

Cucumber In Brine 7-9

14.10 Oz

Pam

Green Giant

6 Oz

15.25 Oz

Cooking Spray

$1.19

Glicks

Hunts

General Mills

Heaven & Earth

Fruity Pebbles & Cocoa Pebbles 11 Oz

Galil

Nature Own

Frankels

Pro Plast

64 Oz

10 Oz

Large Med Small 100 Ct

$4.59

2/$4

All Flavors 12 Pack

$1.99

$2.99

flower arangments

$3.99

$.79 Lb

2/$ 3

2/$1

$6.99 Lb

$8.99 Lb

Fillet Mignon

3 Lb Yellow Onions

Ground Beef Chuck

$3.99 Lb

Thin Chicken Cutlets

Chicken Wings

$6.49 Lb

$1.49 Lb

Extra Clean

Grapefruit

Top Quality Meat & Poultry

Chuck Eye Roast

Boneless Cholent Meat

$6.99 Lb

$6.99 Lb

Lean Chicken Tenders

Family Pack

$11.99 Lb

Mexican Style

Breaded Chicken Cutlets

$5.99 Lb

$6.99 Lb

Aarons

Aarons

Smoked Turkey Breast

Family Pack

Chicken Franks 12 oz

4 oz

$2.99

$2.99

J&J

Mehadrin

Farms Creamery

All Varities 9 Oz

16 Oz

All Flavors 6 Oz

Cream Cheese

Vinyl Gloves

2/$2

$3.99

Smackin Good

Fresh & Healthy

8.8 Oz

16 Oz

Achla Hummus (Only)

$2.79

$2.79

$3.49

Dill Dip

Tomato Dip

Pizza Roll

Shefa

$12

Shabbos Bouquet

$20

Blooms & Buds Bouquet

$15

Margarine

$2.19

Sour Cream

$1.09 Ta’amti

Babaganoush 8 Oz

17.6 Oz

Shefa

7 Oz

Tulips

Pudding

Reg Only 8 Oz

Whipped Topping

$1.49

Sour Lips

2/$5

$1.19

Brick French Roast

5 Oz

$1.29 Apple Juice

2/$5

Golden Delicious Apples

Minute Steak

Vegetable Medley Chips & Beet Chips

2/$5 Crunchii Super Snacks

2/$3

dairy - frozen

$3.19

28 Oz

$2.99

La Yogurt

2/$3 Tomato Sauce

Grape Tomatoes

Glatt Kosher

Corn Kernel

$1.99 5 Lbs

Large Sweet Pineapple

meat department

19 Oz

Flour

Sweet Pomegranate

Tin Menorah Gold & Silver

Wednesday, Dec/11/19 thru Friday Dec/13/19

3 Lb Cortland Apples

5 Lb Yukon Gold Potatoes

Menorah Base

$4.99

3 DAYS ONLY

PRODUCE SPECIALS WEDNESDAY THRU FRIDAY

1 1/2 Hr

chanuka

Olive Oil

Family Pack Rib Steak

Ohr

Wesson

All Flavors 64 Oz

produce

Sun: 7-7 Mon: 7-8 Tue: 7-8 Wed: 7-9 Thur: 7-11 Fri: 7-5:00

7 Oz

$2.69

Chopsies

Macabee

4 Pk

7 Oz

Mozzarella Stick

$2.79

$1.99

$4.49

$3.19

Golden

Kineret

Frankel’s

Dr Praegers

All Varities 13 Oz

Reg Or Mini 14 Oz

20 Oz

Blintzes

Latkes

Gefilte Fish

Lighty Breaded Fishies 10 Oz

$3.29

$2.99

$3.99

$3.99

take a peek at our everyday special prices Norman’s

Taste Yogurts 5 0z

New!

$.59

Gevina

Greek Yogurts

4/$5

Fresh Sandwiches Coffee & Slush Bar

Norman’s

Fresh & Tasty

Milk

Cream Cheese

Cholov Yisroel

$2.99

2/$4

Fresh

Fruit Platters

Mehadrin

Chocolate Leben 12 Pk

$10.99

Free Cholent

While U Shop Thursday Night

WE ADDED MORE

American Cheese

Yogolite

$15.99

$0.79

108 Slices

Givat

Postiv

Romaine Lettuce 24 Oz

Weekly Yiddish Newspapers & Magazines Der Blatt, Der Yid, News Report, Der Blick, Dee Voch, Etc.

Specials Are Running From Wednesday Dec/11/19 Thru Tuesday Dec/17/19. Produce Sale Effective Dec/11/19 Thru Dec/13/19 We Reserve The Right Tp Limit Quantities, While Supplies Last. Not Respo/nsible For Typographical Or Photographic Errors. No Rain Checks.

Greenhouse Grown

$10.99

67

68

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

The eighth grade girls at HAFTR Middle School built their own Beit Hamikdash models. They researched all about their assigned kli and built replicas based on their research.

They then presented their work in our annual Beit Hamikdash fair. It was so exciting to see the culmination of all their work! Iy”H we should be zocheh to see the third Beit Hamikdash, b’mheira b’yameinu. Thank you to Ms. Jacobs for supervising and facilitating this incredible project.

SHS’s A-Waze-ing Shabbaton

S

hulamith High School’s “fuel up” week paved the way for the incredible Shabbaton, December 6-8, Parshat Vayeitzei. Seniors left on Thursday night to help prepare the Hilton in Stamford, CT. The theme was “Waze” with a focus on journeys.

Large foam print-outs with Wazestyle directions listed the schedule, and inspirational quotes decorated the second floor of the hotel where a shul, an activities room, and a dining hall were all set up.

Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors arrived on Friday morning, where they were handed a drawstring backpack complete with schedules as well as a sweatshirt and Adidas-style SHS slides. After unpacking, girls headed off to SHS Panoply through Kahoot, where everyone was tested on their random knowledge of Shulamith High School. Everything from school room locations to who would win a fight between a shark and Principal Mrs. Munk was asked. Eleventh grader Leora Goldstein was the proud winner. Directly after, teams were made and a Masterchef Cholent competition began. Teams ran to get supplies that included different types of sauces, spices, beans, barley, meats, potatoes, as well as other items one would not expect in a cholent. There was a lot of laughter and learning (who knew you had to soak the beans first?). The slow cookers were set up before girls went to their rooms to get ready for Shabbos.

Shabbos davening was led by surprise guest stars, the Y-Studs, who did an incredible job leading a meaningful davening. A panel (“Recalculat-

ing Route”), created by SHS’s NCSY Jump team and moderated by tenth grader Meira Goldstein, discussed how unexpected experiences, choices and “roadblocks” led the panelists on different paths. Rabbi Gavriel Munk, Y-Studs President Eitan Rubin, along with SHS faculty Rabbi Heshy Blumstein, Dr. Dora Haar, and Ms. Seffi Schofield, and Assistant Principal Danyel Goldberg answered questions from both the SHS NCSY Jump team and the audience. After the panel, Shaindel Antelis, the guest speaker, told her story to a rapt audience about her own journey as a musician.

Ms. Antelis finished as the smell of cholent wafted through the hotel – it was time for judges to taste and rate the cholents made erev Shabbos! Cholents were critiqued based on flavor and texture with an eleventh grade team taking the win. “The secret was the kielbasa…and the tablespoon of pepper we poured in,” a team member remarked. An oneg followed along with faculty/student games, where one table of Anomia became particularly heated (Mrs. Goldberg won that game). Finally, it was time to head up to rest, though some grades, like the juniors, continued to hang out well into the night. Seniors enjoyed a later curfew and more bonding on their last SHS Shabbaton.

Shacharit was led by the Y-Studs, who did an unbelievable job. After a dairy kiddush, students were divided by grade as the grade advisors led “Choose Your Own Path” sessions, where different scenarios with different options were played out. After lunch, Rabbi Blumstein gave a shiur,

one in which his contagious positivity was, as always, inspirational. More faculty games (and another win for Mrs. Goldberg), seudat shlishit, a kumzitz, and finally, havdalah, ended the awesome Shabbos.

On Motzei Shabbos, girls got in their Shabbaton grade colors for a Traffic Jam Dance Party, complete with special guest star Azamra DJ. Blinking traffic lights, disco balls, traffic signs, and graffiti walls decorated a hotel conference room. Director of Student Activities Esty Munk led the dancing as girls were brought in to the blasting 2019 SHS Shabbaton theme song (“Are We There Yet?”). The dance team performed a fantastic hip-hop dance, and the seniors performed a song they wrote, and everyone agreed – the dance party was a fan favorite! A pasta bar

followed and then a relaxing movie with candy and a popcorn machine made the experience that much better.

Sunday morning brought breakfast as Principal Mrs. Sara Munk addressed the girls. “The closing of this journey just begins another one,” she stated.

Students and faculty agree: this was, without a doubt, the best Shabbaton ever.

Shulamith High School is infinitely grateful to Dean of Students Mrs. Ricky Gaerman and Esty Munk for planning the weekend, as well as to Nikki Feerst and Millie Gittleman for running logistics, faculty for their efforts and energy, and all SHS students for their endless ruach.

The countdown for SHS Shabbaton 2020 has begun!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

69

70

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

A Special Bracha

T

he talmidim of Siach Yitzchok had a very special unexpected treat this past erev Shabbos. Rav Yitzchok Kolodetsky, the rosh kollel of Pardes Katz and son-in-law of Rav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, graced us with his glowing presence. He spent time in every class in the building, from the youngest to the oldest, discussing the importance of saying each word of a bracha very carefully and with kavanah. He also stressed the importance of showing proper kavod

to one’s parents, especially thanking one’s mother for preparing delicious Shabbos seudos for the family.

He gifted the children with a story describing how the Chazon Ish inspired and encouraged young talmi-

dim with a message that lasted 75 years.

Make Every Shabbos Extra Special With Tura Wine

Rav Simcha Scheinberg, rosh hayeshiva of Yeshivas Tora Ohr in Yerushalayim, visited the talmidim of Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island on Tuesday. He spoke to them about his great father Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg, zt”l, and encouraged the boys to daven with more kavana

By Hadassah Bay

N

ow that it’s officially winter, the long Shabbos Friday nights offer a unique opportunity to invest in an extended leisurely seudah punctuated by special treats. After the main course, I like to slowly bring out dessert, then nuts and seeds, and a selection of candies and chocolates, as well as tea and cake.

Among the delicacies my husband and I discovered this past yom tov were the superb Tura wines, a “tradition” we have continued every Shabbos.

Tura Winery, located in the heart of Israel’s Shomron, was founded by Erez and Vered Ben Saadon. They’ve

been producing their critically acclaimed, award-winning red and white wines for close to 17 years and are as enthusiastic today as when they first started.

We followed Vered’s pairing recommendations: Chardonnay from the Mountain Vista series, a dry white, to start the meal and whet the appetite. For the main course, Tura has a variety of rich, full-bodied red wines, but we went for Tura’s flagship wine, Mountain Peak, and had no regrets. With dessert, we served Tura’s lovely rose, floral, fruity and crisp with the aromas of jasmine and red grapefruit.

“These wines are so pungent and delicious, they contribute to the joyful Shabbos atmosphere,” Vered says.

The kindergarten classes of the Ganger Early Childhood Center at TAG were delighted when firefighter Meir Adler, nephew of TAG’s Morah Malka, spoke with them about fire safety

RON R

R ARD

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

71

COME CELEBRATE

THIS

SPECIAL

SIYUM

THIS SUN DAY!

HASHAS!

RABBI AHARON SORSCHER

SHAS ILLUMINATED MAGIDEI SHIUR

MR. AND MRS. DAVID GURWITZ

GUEST OF HONOR AMUD HATORAH AWARD GUEST OF HONOR

HONORING OUR 60+ MAGIDEI SHIUR

HACHZAKAS TORAH AWARD

AMUD HATORAH AWARD

HARBATZAS TORAH AWARD

(FULL LISTING BELOW)

MEET AND GREET THE MAGGIDEI SHIUR FLYING IN FROM ERETZ YISROEL!

Unlocking the Entire Shas. B’Iyun.

RABBI RABBI AHARON AHARON SORSCHER SORSCHER

SHAS SHAS ILLUMINATED ILLUMINATED MAGIDEI MAGIDEI SHIUR SHIUR

MR. MR. AND AND MRS. MRS. DAVID DAVID GURWITZ GURWITZ

GUEST GUESTOF OFHONOR HONOR AMUD AMUDHATORAH HATORAHAWARD AWARD

HONORING OUR (FULL (FULLLISTING LISTINGBELOW) BELOW) HARBATZAS TORAH HARBATZAS TORAHAWARD AWARD 60+ MAGIDEI SHIUR HARBATZAS TORAH AWARD

HACHZAKAS HACHZAKASTORAH TORAHAWARD AWARD

HONORING HONORINGOUR OUR60 60++MAGIDEI MAGIDEISHIUR SHIUR

SHAS ILLUMINATED MAGIDEI SHIUR HONORING OUR 60+ MAGIDEI SHIUR (FULL LISTING BELOW)

HARBATZAS TORAH AWARD

MR. AND MRS. DAVID GURWITZ

HACHZAKAS TORAH AWARD HACHZAKAS TORAH AWARD

12.15.19 Lake Terrace Lakewood, NJ

6:30pm: Reception and greet the Magidei Shiur

“You only have to listen to one Shiur to grasp how amazing it is. I use it myself, complementing Sedorim I have for learning complete Mesechtos.

Shas Illuminated gives over a real Kinyan in the Ikkrim of the Sugya.”

7:30pm: ‫סעודת סיום‬ General Admission: $54 Family Option: $180

HARAV SHMUEL FELDER, ‫שליט״א‬

Men & Women Invited Corporate Sponsor

‫דומ”ץ בבית מדרש גבוה‬

Divrei Bracha DivreiDivrei Bracha Bracha

HARAV HARAV HARAV MOSHE MOSHE MOSHE BROWN BROWN BROWN MAGID SHIUR, MAGID MAGID SHIUR, SHIUR, YESHIVAYESHIVA OF FAR YESHIVA ROCKAWAY OF FAR OFROCKAWAY FAR ROCKAWAY

‫התעוררות‬ ‫התעוררות‬ ‫התעוררותדברי‬ ‫דברי דברי‬

Special Guest Special Special Speaker GuestGuest Speaker Speaker

‫ירוחםירוחם‬ '‫ירוחם ר‬ ‫הרה"ג‬ '‫הרה"ג ר‬ '‫הרה"ג ר‬ ‫שליט"א‬ ‫שליט"א‬ ‫שליט"א‬ ‫אלשיןאלשין‬ ‫אלשין‬

HARAV HARAV HARAV EYTAN EYTAN EYTAN FEINER FEINER FEINER

ROSH HAYESHIVA, ROSHROSH HAYESHIVA, HAYESHIVA, BAIS MEDRASH BAIS BAIS MEDRASH GOVOHA MEDRASH GOVOHA GOVOHA

RABBI, CONGREGATION RABBI, RABBI, CONGREGATION CONGREGATION KNESETH KNESETH ISRAEL KNESETH ISRAEL ISRAEL

To make reservations to attend our grand siyum celebration:

72

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

THIS SIYUM HASHAS IS NOT THE END. IT’S THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT CYCLE… FILL IN YOUR MISSING VOLUMES

30

%

OFF ALL HARD COVER TALMUD VOLUMES

FREE DOWNLOAD

MASECHES BERACHOS for your Apple iOS or Android device in both English and Hebrew Download now at: the Apple App Store, Google Play, or from artscroll.com/app

Two new major projects, that will take your Gemara learning to a higher level… the schottensteın edıtıon

WERDIGER FAMILY EDITION SEDER ZERAIM

ZICHRON YAAKOV EDITION SEDER ZERAIM

Now available for Maseches Berachos Dedication opportunities are available

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

Let ArtScroll make your day — every day!

the schottensteın edıtıons are now available at HUGE savings!

All sale prices valid through 1-6-20

60

!!

R E V E T N U O C IS D T S E G R UP TO LA

$

1,000 OFF

THE 73-VOLUME SET OF SHAS

% OFF!!

BEGIN DAF YOMI WITH THIS AMAZING OFFER!

BERACHOS VOL. 1 FULL SIZE OR DAF YOMI SIZE

ONLY

FULL-SIZE ENGLISH reg. list price now only

$

2999

1,999

$

FULL-SIZE HEBREW reg. list price $2799 now only

1,799

$

19

$

99

EACH

DAF YOMI-SIZE ENGLISH reg. list price $2599

now only

1,599

$

COMPACT-SIZE HEBREW reg. list price $2349

now only

1,349

$

Both Hebrew and English Editions

Available at artscroll.com, or at your local Hebrew bookseller • Prices valid through 1-6-20

73

74

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Over 1,000 People Attend Bnos Bais Yaakov’s Annual Chanukah Expo

O

ver one thousand people from Far Rockaway, the Five Towns and beyond converged on the BBY campus for the school’s annual Chanukah Expo on Sunday.

Over fifty vendors from across New York and New Jersey offered diverse high-end products including jewelry, sheitels, artwork, housewares, chocolates, baked goods, shoes, clothing,

layettes, linens, and more. The energy was electric as visitors browsed the extensive selection and nabbed bargain purchases. Children, meanwhile, enjoyed three separate shows, as

well as snacks, doughnuts and sushi.

Women knocked off their Chanukah shopping, children were entertained, vendors gained exposure, and all supported BBY. Talk about a win-win!

Semifinalists Present at CIJE Shark Tank

Y

oung entrepreneurs filled the Flatiron space in downtown Manhattan, home to Tumblr headquarters, ready to take a stab at the business world. On Sunday morning, November 24, the upscale space was filled with excited onlookers vying to see what the young CIJE engineers had concocted.

Students pitched their Arduino-microprocessor based innovation in front of a team of “sharks.”

Their projects were among the seven semi-finalists whittled down from seventy who had submitted their projects to CIJE Tank, a competition that promotes product development and entrepreneurship. The seventy projects originally appeared among the 400 team projects presented at the annual Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE) Innovation day that features the culmination of the CIJE two-year high school engineering course.

The semi-finalists had their moment of stardom on stage as they pitched their business presentations to a panel of three investors (“sharks”), who then chose one group of budding entrepreneurs to receive a

preliminary patent for their innovation, which was generously sponsored

by Nathan Renov at Pearl Cohen.

The audience was inspired by the CIJE students’ ingenious product solutions dedication to improving the lives of millions. For example: HAFTR students focused on conserving energy with their Pezoelectric Powered Car, by using piezoelectric tiles that generate energy as the car drives. The Frisch team took the challenge of drastically reducing the damage caused by electrical fires. The Electralalarmer alerts residents once the temperature of the electrical outlet reaches dangerous levels. The Kushner students tackled the proliferation of vaping in schools by creating a con-

cealed Juul detector they call J-Dawg (Juul Detector and Warning Gadget).

Bruriah students aimed at alleviating the challenge and pain of pushing a wheelchair up an incline and created the electrically boosted WheelCheer.

Ma’ayanot students created Flex-it, an electronic solution to assist in physical therapy. Leffel (formerly Solomon Schechter of Westchester) came with two teams. One produced ConCausion, an aesthetic-pleasing headband that both protects against a concussion as well as alerts the athlete of any injury.

The winning product created

by Leffel students was E-Band. The E-Band is a smart bandage tourniquet hybrid that prevents major blood loss

from an injury while also avoiding the cut off of blood circulation.

The educational crux of CIJE Tank is the back-and-forth interaction CIJE students have with high profile “sharks”: Dov Friedman, managing partner at Imminent Capital, a VC fund; Esther Hersh is one of the founders of TeachCS and currently works in Venture Capital for the Kochin Group; Zoli Honig is COO of Waivecar, a free car-sharing program to consumers through advertising subsidies. Zoli also gave a presentation sharing his own experience on the original Shark Tank.

Our “sharks” asked the student entrepreneurs challenging questions about market sales, competitor companies, feasibility of production, and suggested alternate use cases and expanded markets. CIJE is committed to providing day school students experiences and cutting-edge curriculum that will give them the tools and empowerment to engineer a better tomorrow.

Student team project videos can be viewed at: www.thecije.org/cijetank.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

WE’RE HIRING! CARE MANAGERS

to provide person-centered, comprehensive care management to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

REQUIRED

BENEFITS YOU’LL RECEIVE

Minimum of Associates degree required for CMA position OR Bachelors or Masters degree with relevant experience OR RN with relevant experience

Medical, dental and vision coverage FSA 401K plan Life & Disability Insurance Paid time off (includes vacation, holiday and birthday!)

HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: 5 Boroughs, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Albany County, Ulster County.

W W W.T R I C O U N T YC A R E .O R G

APPLY NOW Send resume to jobs@tricountycare.org

TCC is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law.

75

76

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

HANC Plainview Wins Mindfulness Grant

I

n the 2017-2018 school year, HANC Plainview invested in an optional mindfulness course for the staff that were interested. The sessions were run by licensed clinical psychologists and social workers at the Center for Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, based

in New York. Last year, only a handful of teachers kept mindfulness actively going, which led Mrs. Lynda Last and Mrs. Francie Goldberg to apply for a grant to bring mindfulness back to every classroom. They received a $1,500 Microgrant from The Jewish Education Project, the

only organization that works across the New York Jewish community denominations and institutional settings to help educators develop new, innovative ways to engage and educate Jewish kids, teens, and families.

“I saw how much better my stu-

Lynda Last and Francie Goldberg, grant recipients

dents excelled when they did a mindfulness activity before a test or writing assignment. It is a tool every single student benefits from,” said Mrs. Last.

There will be mindfulness sessions for faculty and students together in addition to a parent’s informational program so everyone will be exposed to the same language and learn how to self-regulate no matter the situation.

“Today, our children are so overstimulated and easily anxious.

Teaching them how to calm themselves and be present in the moment will be something they use their entire lives,” said Mrs. Goldberg when asked about the importance of this grant.

Research consistently shows a positive relationship between mindfulness and mental health. We know this grant will help bring out the best in everyone at the school.

From Big Bird to Oscar the Grouch

Page 30

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

He’s your role model. Her uncle.

Our priority.

The Premier Care team provides a personalized approach to rehabilitation and nursing services. We take the time to get to know each resident and provide high quality care tailored to his/her needs. Because our residents matter - to you, and to us.

S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O D AY ! 5 1 6 . 5 8 8 . 3 2 0 0 F I V E T O W N S P R E M I E R . C O M | 1 0 5 0 C E N T R A L AV E , W O O D M E R E , N Y 1 1 5 9 8

77

78

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Domaine du Castel: A Miraculous Wine Story

By Gabriel Geller, Royal Wine/Kedem

W

ith Chanukah coming upon us, I thought telling the story of the legendary Israeli winery Domaine du Castel would be appropriate.

We often talk about the renaissance of a wine industry in Israel, which began in the 19th century.

Philanthropist Baron Edmond de Rothschild, perhaps the most illustrious member of the famous French-British banking family, donated and invested considerable resources to the Jewish establishment in Eretz Yisrael to rebuild the Holy Land’s infrastructures and agriculture more than 2,000 years after the destruction of the Second Beis Hamikdash. Baron Rothschild is the most notorious pioneer of what would eventually become a blossoming and successful wine industry.

Fast forward to the 1980s. Eli Ben Zaken is an Egyptian-born Jew

who grew up and was educated Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom prior to making aliyah, and now (in the 1980s) owns and runs Mama Mia, a popular Italian restaurant in Yerushalayim. Having developed a refined palate over his life through his exposure to various cuisines, Eli found himself naturally attracted to the complex flavors, nuances, and aromas present in European wines, particularly those of France’s Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Back in those days, there were only a handful of quality Israeli wines, most of them modeled after the wines of California.

The Ben Zaken family lives to this day in Ramat Raziel, a charming and picturesque village located in the Judean Hills 10 minutes outside of Yerushalayim. In 1988, Eli decided to experiment: he would plant a small vineyard next to his house, with the hope of producing a small batch of wine once the vines would have sufficiently matured to yield

Serving

House HOUSE Calls CALLS

Brooklyn Queens Long Island & Entire Tri State Area

Same day Same Day Service Service available available

TOP $ PAID FOR JUDAICA COLLECTIBLES

ANTIQUES ANd ESTATE BUyErS We Pay $ Cash $ for

all Gold, Gold & sTerliNG silver CosTume JeWelrY, all CoiNs, paper moNeY & sTamp ColleCTioNs

all Gold...BrokeN or NoT pre- 1960 FurNiTure, CloCks & WaTChes (WorkiNG or NoT) TiFFaNY, BaCCaraT, lalique

Top $ Paid for Diamond & Estate Jewlery

Military

Silver Gold Coins • Top $ Paid, Herrend, Meissen, KPM Etc., Antique Chinese & Japanese Art, Jade Top $ Paid for antique Coral Pottery Etc, Bronze Sculpture, All Musical Sterling!

Instruments, LP Records, Vintage Toys...Pre 1970, Persian & Oriental Rugs, Oil Paintings & Comic Books, Hummels & LLadro......The list is endless

ted Collect ions Wan , es iv Kn , Swor ds c. et s, et lm He

See our aD in the SunDay PoSt

516-974-6528 ASK FOR MICHAEL

www.antiqueandestatebuyers.com

ANTIQUE & ESTATE BUYERS WILL TRAVEL ENTIRE TRI-STATE!

We buy anything old. One piece or house full.

WILL TRAVEL. HOUSE CALLS. Will We house Calls.

WillTravel.

Travel.

We make make house Calls.

37W 47Th sT, NYC 1029 WesT JeriCho Turnpike, smiThToWn, l.i.

Free

estimate

good grapes. Eli learned winemaking and vine-growing techniques by himself, reading books written by the late Professor Emile Peynaud, considered by many as the father of modern enology. For his first harvest of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in

1992, Eli Ben Zaken made his first wine which he called Castel Grand Vin, Jérusalem, Haute-Judée, as a tribute to the wines of Bordeaux he liked so much. With only a few hundred bottles at hand, Eli served it mostly to his patrons at the restaurant and shared it with his family and friends.

In 1995, Eli and his wife received a surprise fax from Dalia Penn Lerner, an Israeli actress, who had decided on her own to send a bottle of the Castel Grand Vin 1992 to Serena Sutcliffe MW (Master of Wine, the highest distinction and diploma in the wine industry). Mrs. Sutcliffe, then the head of the wine department for the prestigious auction house Sotheby’s, was raving about Eli’s wine in her thank you note back to Mrs. Penn Lerner. Mrs. Sutcliffe’s letter motivated Eli to turn his small, hobbyist wine production into a professional winery, which he named Domaine du Castel.

And this is how a bit over a century after Baron Rothschild, Eli Ben Zaken became one of the pioneers of the boutique wineries revolution in Israel, with dozens of new wineries driven by the same passion, search of uniqueness, and excellence that followed in Castel’s path.

Like the small jar of pure olive oil that was barely enough to maintain the Beis Hamikdash’s menorah lit for a day yet miraculously held up for eight days until the Maccabim

could source and produce more, Eli Ben Zaken’s little barrel of wine became the flagship boutique winery of Israel, producing nowadays about 25,000 cases annually.

Over the years, Eli Ben Zaken was joined by his three children, Ilana, Ariel, and Eitan, each of them playing an instrumental role in the winery: Ilana is the export manager, Ariel runs the day-to-day operations and administrates the winery together with CEO Elad Katz, while Eitan, who was trained in Burgundy, is the winemaker together with Eli. The Ben Zakens have expanded production over the years, first producing the winery’s second wine Petit Castel, then a Burgundy-styled Chardonnay called ‘C’ Blanc du Castel, and then in 2009 the first Rosé du Castel, the first high-end Israeli rosé. In 2015, the winery was moved to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Yad Hashmona, which led to the production of three new wines: La Vie Rouge, La Vie Blanc, as well as a Muscat varietal semi-sweet wine.

Domaine du Castel’s wines keep receiving the highest accolades from the world’s top wine critics and writers, with 90+ scores for almost every vintage. Recently, the Castel Grand Vin 2016 was included in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines for 2019.

The Ben Zakens keep reinventing themselves; it is one of the key elements of their success. In 2017, they started a new winery out of their original facility in Ramat Raziel.

There, they will produce Mediterranean-style wines under the name “Raziel.”

We are looking forward to seeing their new wines in the USA soon.

L’chaim, and Chanukah sameach!

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

79

80

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Kinyan Torah Learners The Stars of the Dirshu Torah Revolution

By Chaim Gold

A

s Dirshu’s World Siyum approaches, it is important to highlight the ultimate heroes of the Siyum HaShas, those lomdei Torah who – day after day, month in and month out – learn the daf, chazer the daf, and take monthly tests on thirty blatt as part of the Dirshu Kinyan Torah program.

Some take tests on Gemara with Rashi, others add Tosafos. They are the supreme Torah heroes of our time. No matter what is going on in their lives, they manage to carve out time each and every day so that they can truly become Shas Yidden.

It is these great talmidei chachomim, both past and be’ezras Hashem future, who are the stars of the Dirshu revolution that has overtaken the world. In the wake of previous siyumim, thousands of new learners have joined Kinyan Torah and decided that they want to do everything in their power to take their learning to the next level. Dirshu anticipates even greater numbers of new heroes with the beginning of the next cycle of Daf Yomi.

The Kinyan Torah Impact on the Family The following letter from a woman in Monsey, received by Dirshu’s American office, offers an inkling of the lifelong impact that Kinyan Torah can have on a family.

My husband is currently involved in the Kinyan Torah 30 blatt, 120 blatt, and Kinyan Shas programs. He grew tremendously since he joined Dirshu and feels this program real-

ly taught him the right derech halimud.

As bein ha’zmanim comes along (Sukkos and Pesach), when most men get ready for vacation, my husband sits down with a calendar and figures out how many blatt he needs to cover in a day to complete chazarah of b’erech 2,000 blatt…

My husband’s heart and soul is devoted to the Dirshu programs.

Once again, I would like to thank you for all that you do.

My husband became who he is today only because of you!

Rav Avrohom Schorr, rav of Khal Nezer Gedalyahu of Brooklyn, similarly highlighted the impact Dirshu has on the entire family. He asked, “How do kids in today’s world know what is really important and what isn’t? The school may be able to impart book knowledge but seeing how their parents conduct themselves is the ultimate teacher. When a child sees that the entire home is focused around the husband’s and father’s learning seder, chazara and preparation for tests, the entire home becomes a manifestation of Torah.”

Dirshu’s Kinyan Torah program has transformed the limud of Daf HaYomi among Klal Yisrael, immeasurably enriching the limud haTorah of tens of thousands the world over. It has raised the bar in ensuring accountability in learning and has endowed Klal Yisrael with great talmidei chachamim. It has produced a cadre of elite Shas Yidden who will illuminate Klal Yisrael for years to come.

Perhaps the words of the vener-

Excuse me, but I need to bring my emotional support bee onboard…

Page 36

Partial view of a location in Eretz Yisrael of the first Kinyan Torah Bechina of the present cycle of Daf Yomi

ated Rosh Yeshiva and posek, HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Wosner, zt”l, expressed it best. Rav Wosner was not at all given to hyperbole. When he visited the testing site in Bnei Brak he remarked, “Baruch Hashem, [in the course of my life] I have merited to know numerous Torah giants from many countries. Some of them were great at in-depth learning, others had profound logic. Still, the foundation of them all was yedias haTorah – vast Torah knowledge….

“It is for this reason that I give song and praise to Hashem that I have merited to come here to witness this fantastic sight… talmidei chachamim sitting and learning the Word of Hashem in order that they merit a kinyan in Shas.”

Hagaon Harav Dovid Tzvi Ordentlich, zt”l Rav Dovid Tzvi Ordentlich, zt”l, who passed away earlier this month, served as the rav of Beitar Illit for more than twenty years. He saw the transformative impact that taking Dirshu tests and especially the Kinyan Torah program has had on lomdei Torah and their families. At a Dirshu siyum in Beitar approximately two years ago, Rav Ordentlich, who was already unwell but was moser nefesh to attend, said, “Dirshu has accomplished regarding limud haTorah and especially Daf Yomi. When the Daf Yomi was established by Rav Meir Shapiro it had a transformative effect on

Klal Yisrael. I think we can say the same with regard to Dirshu. Just as the institution of Daf Yomi was a chiddush so too was the establishment of Dirshu. Dirshu has reintroduced Daf Yomi to Klal Yisrael in a profound way. It has ensured that untold thousands are learning masechtos, finishing masechtos, starting new masechtos and knowing them. Just like Rav Meir Shapiro’s Daf Yomi spread to all of Klal Yisrael so too, Dirshu’s method of learning the daf and being tested on it has increasingly spread among numerous segments of Klal Yisrael!”

“It Becomes Part of Your Life!”

Interestingly enough, many Dirshu learners were initially wary of joining Kinyan Torah. After all, it is a real commitment. There can be no slacking off. Every month without fail the new test comes, and, ready or not, it must be taken.

Amazingly, those who started with a true commitment and dedication cannot believe how they learned before this. Learning and retaining one’s learning just becomes part of a person’s life.

Rabbi Moshe Fisher, a veteran test-taker living in Lakewood, explained eloquently how he managed to retain such vast amounts of material: “It becomes part of your life.

Every time I say kriyas Shema at Continued on page 82

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

Master.

Succeed.

Grow.

Is your son analytical, perceptive, or an independent thinker? Can he benefit from personal guidance and a closer relationship with Rebbeim?

Does your son need an academic approach that embraces a more interactive and stimulating learning experience?

Nurture A positive culture of connection between students and staff.

Motivate Each student by using success as a stepping stone for further growth.

Develop Mastery in Limudei Kodesh and General Studies to enable independent learning.

Excite Students by involving them in the development of the Shiur.

Does your son need a wholesome environment that respects him for his unique personality?

Encourage Each student to think in order to really understand the depth of what he is learning.

Now Accepting 9th Grade Applications for 2020-2021.

Discuss Topics central to Yiddishkeit extensively in open forums and classes.

TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW call 718.471.7471 or email glabrie@yamhatorah.org OR APPLY ONLINE: www.yamhatorah.org

www.yamhatorah.org mesivtayamhatorah@gmail.com | (718) 471-7471 2716 Healy Ave. Far Rockaway, NY 11691

Enable Each student to face his future, ready to succeed at whatever he sets his mind to.

81

82

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community night, I think of the Gemaras about kriyas Shema. Every time something comes up on Shabbos, I think of the related sugya in Shabbos....

Once you’re into Dirshu, it’s hard to be meisiach daas – to take one’s mind off of Shas. You simply become attached!”

At the Dirshu World Siyum in 2012, Rav Wosner said something that encapsulates what he saw as the unique power of limud haTorah and what embodies those who learn in the Kinyan Torah program,

“The klaf, the parchment of Torah Shebiksav is made from the hide of an animal. The klaf of Torah Shebaal Peh is the hearts of those who learn Torah! He who learns Torah Shebaal Peh is full of Torah, full of yirah, full of kedusha.”

A most eloquent testimony, however, to what it means to be part of Kinyan Torah can be gleaned from this remarkable poem written by the wife of a long time Dirshu member and sent to Dirshu’s offices:

“My Life Is in Danger!”

Tamar, Rescued Woman to Speak Live in the 5 Towns/ Far Rockaway This Sunday for Yad L’Achim

It seemed like just yesterday When the news came out of the blue There was an organization testing people on Shas It’s called Kollel Dirshu.

Abba came home all excited With a smile and spark in his eyes “This sounds like something I’d enjoy, I’d really like to give it a try.”

So as Test #1 came and Abba was chazering We all could feel the heat A test on the first 30 blatt of Shas Was really no small feat!

Test after test came and went With Abba doing well time and time again Then the accumulative tests started And the chazerin began with a bren.

All of us pitched in before each yom tov And on most trips, Abba was absent When Abba stayed up to learn after the seder We saw what real ameilus baTorah meant!

Three bar mitzvos we celebrated Boruch Hashem, four more births brought no rest Through simchos and challenges the Daf was there Abba didn’t miss even one test!

The night after each cumulative test Our family enjoyed steak for dinner It didn’t matter that we didn’t know Abba’s grade yet Because in our eyes our Abba’s a winner!

We’ve come a long way since that first 30 blatt test That seemed so overwhelming But this past test on 2,711 blatt Was truly exhilarating!

As we sat back and enjoyed the Siyum HaShas And Abba said the Hadran We felt such a pride at what our family accomplished But no! We’re definitely not done!

Because Abba has already started Shas again Being tested this time on Tosafos, too.

So we’ve all come together, the whole…clan To say thank you! Thank you, Dirshu!

By Shoshana Weintraub

“H

e said to me, ‘The day you leave me, is the day you will die.’”

Tamar, a descendant of Holocaust survivors, was taken as a teenager to a foreign country to be married against her will.

In a series of secret missions, Tamar and her children were rescued by Yad L’Achim and were taken to a safe location back in Eretz Yisrael.

In a series of events across the New York area (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Monsey, Queens, the Five Towns, and Long Island), Tamar will appear live, in-person to tell her story of rescue for the first time in America. Her story will inspire you and is a truly transformational experience in seeing a proud Jewish woman tell her tale of triumph over great darkness and evil.

Over the past year alone, Yad L’Achim has brought the speaking tour to the U.S., Israel, and the UK with over 50 inspiring and successful events. The tour is now coming to New York with Tamar, who has never spoken before in the U.S. Young Jewish girls, often from troubled backgrounds, are groomed

by Arab men who, often posing as Jews, offer them gifts and attention to gain their trust. But once they follow their new sweetheart into Arab territory, the excitement turns to terror. Women are routinely subject to depraved violence and abuse at the hands of the men they hoped would be their Prince Charming. Their children are raised as Arab Muslims and taught to hate Jews.

“It’s almost impossible for a Westerner to imagine how totally trapped they are,” says Yossi Eliav, Director of Special Projects, organizer of the tour.

“Some live like prisoners, without access to a phone or even the freedom to go outside.”

“One woman did not have access to a phone for 32 years and had no way to call for help,” says R’ Nesanel Gantz, Director of Yad L’Achim in America.

“People aren’t aware how many hundreds of girls are drawn into these nightmare scenarios each year,” says Eliav. “Our mission is to show their plight to the world and save as many lives as we can.”

To-date, Yad L’Achim has rescued thousands of these imprisoned women and their children. The operations are conducted with the utmost secrecy, as the lives of the women, their children, and all operatives are at high risk. Once free, Yad L’Achim provides safe shelter for these women and their children and supports their reintegration into society. The number of Jewish women and children trapped in these conditions today numbers in the thousands. Yad L’Achim also works tirelessly on prevention awareness as well.

The series of twelve events across New York are beginning this December 7. Join the thousands of people across the world who were already inspired by previous events. Come hear tell her story and see for yourself.

For more information and for a list of dates and locations, please visit www.YADLACHIMTOUR.com

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

‫ישיבה דרך איתן‬

R HONO ING

‫ע“ש מרן רבי‬ ‫אברהם יפה'ן זצ“ל‬

Y E S H I VA O F

FA R R O C K AWAY YAAKOV AND ILANA MELOHN CAMPUS IN MEMORY OF REB YOSEF MELOHN Z”L

MR. & MRS.

Avrumi Haas GUESTS OF HONOR

MR. & MRS.

Thursday January 2, 2020 THE SANDS ATLANTIC BEACH

RABBI & MRS.

Abel Feldhamer

Akiva Graeber

ESTEEMED PARENT AWARDEES

RAV AARON BRAFMAN ZT”L HARBOTZAS TORAH AWARDEES

Ben Brafman

Jonah Lobell

DINNER CHAIRMAN

DINNER CHAIRMAN

Moshe Majeski, Avrumie Rosenberg JOURNAL CHAIRMEN

Yochanan Bodner, Daniel Wolfson ALUMNI CHAIRMEN

D I N N E R

C O M M I T T E E

Dani Rosenthal B. David Schreiber, Esq. Eric Stern Shlomie Weiss

Moshe Feigenbaum Gadi Fuchs Joel Ganz Ari Hahn Chaim Hershkovich A L U M N I

FOR RESERVATIONS OR JOURNAL AD PLACEMENT:

P 718.327.7600 E dinner@yofr.org F 718.327.1430 W www.yofr.org

C O M M I T T E E

Tzvi Adler Shmuel Backenroth R’ Avrohom Boruch Brafman Yossi Deutsch Aaron Felder Yochanan Gordon

Dovid Klein Yanky Kleinkaufman Matis Miller Shmuly Chaim Neuman Yitzi Safier Moshe Slansky

83

DECEMBER 12,2015 2019| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home OCTOBER 29,

TJH

Centerfold

Riddle me this?

John Smith, a used car dealer, sold 9 cars last week. However, John never writes the dates on his contracts. He can remember the colors of the cars but not what days they sold on. Now, as the manager of the dealership, you are the one who has to sort this out.

The colors of the cars are: green, blue, black, red, yellow, white, gold, purple, and silver. John’s Used Cars is only open Monday through Saturday (for the Motzei Shabbos special). This is what John remembers: 1. John sold 2 more cars on Tuesday than he did on Wednesday – his slowest sales day.

Your Name is

What?

ur name ought yo th u o y ing And he follow T … e g n a l-life was str sedly rea o p p u s e ar names:

2. The cars with primary colors were sold on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday.

3. The purple & gold cars weren’t sold at the beginning of the week, but they were sold on the same day.

Amanda Lynn

Phil Rupp

Anita Bath

Polly Ester

Dusty Sandmann

Post, Mark

Estelle Hertz

Price Wright

5. The cars sold on Tuesday were sold to people who said that they wanted cars that were the colors of two popular apples

Evan Keel

Ray Zenz

Iona Frisbee

Raynor Schein

6. The black car was sold the same day as the gold car.

Les Plack

Robin Banks

7. Friday was John’s busiest sales day.

Lisa May Dye

Russell Sprout

8. Only one car was sold on Thursday and Saturday.

Lou Zar

Sal A. Mander

Marsha Mellow

Sam Manilla

Marshall Law

Sally Forth

May Furst

Sue Flay

Mel Loewe

Sue Ridge

Nick O. Time

Sue Yu

Owen Cash

Tom Morrow

Paige Turner

Warren Peace

Pat Downe

Will Power

Doug Graves

Warren Tee

4. The silver & yellow cars were sold 3 days before the white car (2 days between), the white car was sold 2 days before the blue car (1 day between).

Can you figure out how many cars John sold on each day of the week and what colors they were?

See answer below

Answer to Riddle Me This: Monday - 2 cars - yellow & silver Tuesday - 2 cars - red & green Wednesday - 0 cars Thursday - 1 car - white Friday - 3 cars - purple, gold & black Saturday - 1 car - blue

84 30

The 12, 2015 2019 TheJewish JewishHome Home| DECEMBER | OCTOBER 29,

Naming Positions Babycenter recently put out a list of the top 100 baby names in the U.S. Match the following names with their positions on the list:

ew r d n A Jason

Dav id

Cooper

Connor

Max Muhammad

Michae l Eli

Luke Elijah

Kai n Aide

POSITION: (1) (4) (8) (10) (26) (32) (40) (49) (54) (62) (71) (83) (93) (98) (100)

m a i L

Xavier

You gotta be kidding Yankel and Moishele are sitting on the boardwalk in Miami debating whether Hawaii is pronounced “HaVaii” or “HaWaii.”

After a few minutes they see a man walking by so they decide to ask him. Without hesitating, he answers, “Havaii.”

“Thank you!” Yankel shouts triumphantly.

“You’re velcome,” replies the passerby.

85 31

Answer: Here are the names with their position on the list: Liam (1) Connor (49) Aiden (4) Eli (54) Elijah (8) Kai (62) Muhammad Xavier (71) (10) Andrew (83) Michael (26) Max (93) Luke (32) Cooper (98) David (40) Jason (100)

CHANUKAH SALE New by

Miriam Pascal

FULL COLOR PHOTOS! Convenient size, perfect for travel!

creator of OvertimeCook.com

My

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

ArtScroll® Youth Series

ENGAGING QUESTIONS My Ale TO SPUR DYNAMIC TORAH CONVERSATION IN ANY SETTING

by Rabbi Yehoshua

GREAT CHANUK A H G I F T!

Other popular cookbooks by

Miriam Pascal

Berman

Yes, you can talk Torah. Wherever you are. Whoever you’re with.

Here’s a great way to start the conversation.

101 offers us an effective and entertaining way to get our children, our friends, and, yes, ourselves engaged and excited about Torah topics. Each page offers a stimulating question, accompanied by a thought-provoking photograph. Turn the page and you will find the answer, plus unusual facts and points to think about.

On a road trip, an airplane, or just sitting at your table with your family — 101 is guaranteed to spark a satisfying and meaningful Torah conversation.

Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at

My

86

B h p e is e l A My h B p ei s e l A

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

20

More than just a cookbook!

Baruch’s back, with another fun-filled story!

FULL-C BOARD OLOR PERFEC BOOK, T AGES 2 FOR –5!

ISBN-10 1-4226-2359-9 ISBN-13 978-1-4226-2359-6 90000

Oh yes, he does like some foods.

There were some foods he loved to eat / They always left him pleased.

Pizza, candy, ice cream, nosh / And mostly mac and cheese.

hed by

roll® Youth Series

®

In this charming book by the author of Baruch and His Disappearing Yarmulke, children will laugh as they join Baruch in learning to appreciate all the healthy, delicious, and wonderful foods that Hashem has given us.

PRINTED IN CHINA

PRINTED IN CHINA

He claimed the carrots had no taste / And cholent? Too much spice.

www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)

Here are some amazing features in

Kids Cooking with Chef Shiri: 9 781422 623596

leph-Beis Friends is a fantastic and fun way to introduce 9 781422 623596 of reading.

He wasn’t fond of lima beans / He snubbed his nose at rice.

Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11232 hildren to the wonders • www.artscroll.com

h-Beis iends My ph-Beis riends

Preschoolers will have so much fun with My Aleph-Beis Friends. They‘ll enjoy the adorable, age-appropriate rhymes and charming, interactive pictures again and again.

They’ll be having such a great time, they won’t even realize that they’re learning to read the aleph-beis!

Written by a beloved and experienced preschool teacher, My AlephBeis Friends is a fantastic and fun way to introduce our children to the wonders of reading.

by Efraim Harari

90000

eyes

hands

ISBN-10 1-4226-2359-9

ainayim

yadayim

Easy Recipes, Fun Facts, Torah Tidbits, and More!

Baruch does NOT like to eat what his mom serves him.

ISBN-13 978-1-4226-2359-6 en by a beloved and experienced preschool teacher,

‫ֵעינַ יִ ם‬

‫יָ ַדיִ ם‬

by Rivke Gerstenblit Illustrated by Chanah Fenton

• Wonders of Creation: Let’s read about the awesome world Hashem created for us.

• Buzz the Brachos Bee: Buzz tells you about berachos.

• A Dash of Humor: You’re going to love these jokes!

• Chef Shiri Says: Tips to make you an even better cook • Torah Tidbits: Short, interesting Torah thoughts • Kitchen FAQs: Find out about the laws of keeping kosher.

• Fun Food Facts: Strange … but true! cond Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11232 -9000 • www.artscroll.com

y a beloved and experienced teacher, Come and meet the preschool Aleph-Beis Friends!

-Beis Friends is a fantastic and fun way to introduce hildren will love them — and they’ll learn them! en to the wonders of reading. schoolers will have so much fun with My Aleph-Beis Friends. hey‘ll enjoy the adorable rhymes and charming, interactive Youth Series yres again and again. They’ll be having such a great time, they ® even realize that they’re learning to read the aleph-beis!

train

again and again. They’ll be having such a great time, they n realize that they’re learning to read the aleph-beis!

rakeves

Little Yu d uses ya dayim when he plays in school.

oolers will have so much fun with My Aleph-Beis Friends. l enjoy the adorable rhymes and charming, interactive

Come and meet the Aleph-Beis Friends! ren will love them — and they’ll learn them! ‫ַר ֶּכ ֶבת‬

MESORAH

MESORAH

with Chef Shiri

by Julie Orelowitz

im Mrs. Ayin has ainay that see far and near.

KIDS COOKING

ARTSCROLL

ORELOWITZ ARTSCROLL

My Aleph-Beis Friends ORELOWITZ eph-Beis Friends his rakeves Mr. Reish rides one, two, three. with train cars

Julie Orelowitz

Julie Orelowitz

F r ie n d s

N OW T H RO U G H 1 / 6 / 2 0

Come and meet the Aleph-Beis Friends! Children will love them — and they’ll learn them!

ArtScroll® Youth Series

F ri en d s

L of our L A % OFF 2,000 titles

87

88

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

3

Torah Thought

Parshas Vayishlach

By Rabbi Berel Wein

O

ur father Jacob and his family face two great crises that are recorded for us in this week’s Torah reading. The first is the long-awaited encounter with his jealous and dangerous brother, who decades later still smarts over the deal that he made in selling his birthright to Jacob. Jacob is aware that his brother has the potential to destroy him and his family, and he prepares three different avenues of salvation: a

financial settlement, the invocation of heavenly protection through prayer, and, finally, the preparation of physical means of self-defense. In the end, his brother accepts the financial gifts offered him and departs, never again to really become part of Jacob’s family and destiny. Jacob does not escape unscathed from this encounter, for he is crippled by the heavenly representative of his brother who wrestles with him to a draw. Yet Jacob feels

himself relieved that, at least temporarily, his brother is no longer a mortal threat.

Throughout the ages, the Jewish people have always attempted to mollify their enemies with financial gifts and contributions to the general non-Jewish society. This has always proven to provide a temporary stay of violence with little long-lasting consequences.

The Jewish people have relied on praying to heaven for protection as their sole avenue of escape from destruction. They were in no position to physically defend themselves from crusades and pogroms. This pattern in Jewish history has repeated itself

peal from Jacob to Heaven. He apparently accepted that this tragedy occurred to him and his daughter somehow justifiably and that there was no necessity for an appeal to Heaven after the fact. Jacob is aware that the judgement of Heaven is always inscrutable to humans as the Talmud itself states: “Those matters that Heaven has hidden from our understanding, humans should not attempt to understand.”

Jacob will later criticize Shimon and Levi for their behavior and their actions. Yet, the Torah itself leaves the correctness of the behavior of Shimon and Levi without judgement, and throughout the ages, the commenta-

Violence, even justified violence, always comes with its own costs.

Serving our community for over 30 years

over and over until our very day.

The second incident of violence against the family of Jacob is recorded for us in the story of the kidnapping and assault of Dina. Here Jacob unaccountably appears to us as being passive and having no real plan for Dina’s salvation and for punishing the evildoers. It will be Shimon and Levi who will respond violently and save Dina from her captors, showing that violence, even justified violence, always comes with its own costs.

It is interesting to note that the Torah does not record for us any ap-

tors have debated the matter of contention between the father and the sons. Suffice it to say, that Shimon, as the teachers of Israel, and Levi, as the priests of Israel, remain heroic figures in Jewish history and current Jewish life.

In our time, through the independent might of the state of Israel, these three avenues of salvation that Jacob had in the encounter with his brother once again exist in terms of Jewish survival and success. They should be employed very judiciously.

Shabbat shalom.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

89

90 64

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

From the Fire

Parshas Vayishlach Making Havdala

By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

A

fter Shimon and Levi killed the inhabitants of Shechem and Shechem the son of Chamor, Yaakov Avinu was very upset with them and criticized them by saying (34:30), “Achartem osi l’havisheini b’yoshev ha’aretz, You have caused trouble for me to make me smell bad among the dwellers of the land.” What exactly does Yaakov Avinu’s criticism “you have caused me trouble” mean exactly? The word “achartem” is very rare in Tanach.

Rashi explains that the expression as follows: “It is an expression denoting ‘murky water,’ as if to say ‘my mind is not clear now,’ and according to the aggada it means ‘the barrel [of wine] is cloudy.’”

In other words, prior to Shimon and Levi’s actions, there had been a type of clarity, a clear barrel of wine. Yaakov is saying that Shimon and Levi made that pure wine cloudy and murky. In what way did Yaakov’s sons create murkiness or a lack of clarity?

The book of Yehoshua is the only other place in Tanach where the expression “achartem” is used.

There, Yehoshua placed a ban, a cherem, on anyone who rebuilds or takes anything from the recently destroyed city of Yericho. After losing a battle, Yehoshua receives a prophecy that the loss was due to someone taking from the cherem, the banned property. Also through prophecy, he singles out the culprit,

Achan, and brings him, his family, his property, and the banned property to be destroyed in the Valley of Achor (Achor, the same lashon as achartem). Before killing Achan as Hashem commanded him, Yehoshua says, “Meh achartenu, Why have you caused trouble for us?” What is the concept of the achira created

by Achan violating the cherem, the ban, and what is the concept of achiras ha’chavis, the clouding of the barrel of wine? And how do those ideas relate to what Shimon and Levi did to the people of Shechem?

Rav Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, the Ramchal, explains the state of man before and after the sin of Adam HaRishon in Derech Hashem 2:2, 4. He says there that before the sin, man had free will to choose between good and evil and that good and evil were two separate and clearly distinct choices. Good was good, and evil was evil, and it was clear which was which. By eating from the Eitz Ha’Daas Tov V’Ra, The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad, man destroyed the clarity that previously existed and brought evil into himself, thus making it difficult to distinguish between good and evil.

According to the Ramchal, “[Adam] descended very much from his level and incorporated the darkness and murkiness within himself.” Using the word for cloudiness and murkiness that Yaakov and Yehoshua used, the Ramchal explains that

Adam made the distinction between good and evil murky and confusing.

The Ramchal explains that later, Avraham Avinu, the first Jew, began the process of bringing man back to its original state by reestablishing the difference between good and evil. Avraham was called Avraham Ha’Ivri (Bereishis 14:13), Avraham the Hebrew (lit. “the one on the other side”), because, according to Bereishis Raba on the verse, “The whole world was on one side and he was on the other side.” He maintained a separation between good and evil. When Avraham realized that his nephew Lot was not a good influence on his household, Avraham said (13:9), “Please separate from me.” We see therefore that Avraham repaired the sin of Adam HaRishon by reestablishing the separation between good and evil.

In Egypt later on, although the Jewish people failed in many ways, they maintained the distinction between themselves and the Egyptians by living in a separate city and maintaining separate names, a separate language, and a unique mode of dress.

According to the Ramban (34:13), Yaakov’s criticized Shimon and Levi by saying that although Shechem, who took their sister Dina, deserved to be killed, they killed the rest of the city without any good reason. Yaakov recognized that it was appropriate for

them to take up their swords to kill Shechem, and perhaps his father, for taking Dina. There is a time for war, and Yaakov agreed with the argument “shall our sister be treated like a harlot?” Shimon and Levi were upset that the Shechem wanted to dissolve the distinction between them and the children of Yaakov through intermarriage. They killed the people of Shechem because they wanted to reestablish the separation between the Jewish people and the nations.

Yaakov told them that by attacking everyone, and not just the person who actually took Dina, they accomplished the opposite of their goal. One important distinction between the children of Yaakov and the nations of the world is (Bereishis 27:22) “Hakol kol Yaakov, v’ha’yadaim yedai Eisav, The voice is the voice of Yaakov and the hands are the hands of Eisav.” We must not only be separate from the nations, but we must also act differently. By taking revenge on the whole city of Shechem as Eisav would have done, instead of only against the perpetrators, which is the Jewish way, Shimon and Levi actually blurred the distinction between good and evil, between Yisrael and the nations.

Achartem osi means that Shimon and Levi created murkiness and a lack of clarity where Avraham and Yaakov had worked to establish clarity, a distinction between good and evil.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

IN A GREAT DEAL! 1 WEEK ONLY

ALL LUSSO HATS REGULARLY $229

NOW ONLY

$195 VISIT ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS!

456 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst NY 11516 516.791.1925 Sunday 11-6, Mon-Thurs 11-7, Friday 10:30-1:30

BALTIMORE • BROOKLYN • CEDARHURST • CHICAGO • LAKEWOOD • LOS ANGELES • MONSEY • TORONTO

Sale ends 12/18/19. Must mention this ad. Not valid with any other offer, special or discount. We are not responsible for typos. All prices are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply.

91

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

92

65

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

In practical halacha, where the law of cherem (banned people or property) applies, the violation of the ban’s separation between everyone and everything and the banned object or person is one of the most serious transgressions.

The Medresh Tanchuma (Vayeshev 2) derives this from the story with Yehoshua and Achan: “If one transgresses a ban, it is as if he violated all five books of the Torah and he will be punished for all of his sins.”

Based on what we have said, we can understand why the violation of a ban is so serious. The word cherem literally means “separated.” Something can be separated because it is holy or the opposite. But if one brings confusion into the world by mixing two things that are not meant to be mixed together, it causes the world to regress away from its ultimate purpose, which is to regain the clarity that existed before the sin of Adam HaRishon.

The Navi Daniel says (12:10) that

at the end of time, “Many people will be cleansed and gain clarity and purification [but] the wicked will do wickedly.” Ultimately, the confusion and lack of clarity created by Adam HaRishon’s sin will be rectified. In

Chashmonaim to rebel against the Greek occupation of Eretz Yisroel was the rule that every Jewish bride had to first be with the local general. Just as the children of Yaakov fought Shechem, saying, “Shall our

We must not only be separate from the nations, but we must also act differently.

the meantime, it is our obligation to recognize the difference between good and evil and not confuse them.

We will soon be entering the time of Chanukah, when we reinforced the distinction between the Jewish people and the nations.

The final straw that motivated the

sister be treated like a harlot?” the Chashmonaim would not tolerate the blurring of the distinction between holy and profane, between good and evil, and between the Jewish nation and the other nations of the world. When they retook the Beis Hamikdash, they reestablished

separation, “they cleaned out Your sanctuary and purified your Temple.” They removed everything the Greeks had placed there which did not belong. And in lighting the Menorah, they sought out the jug of pure oil with the seal of the Kohen Gadol, showing that it had been kept separate and pure.

It is imperative that we learn from Yaakov to maintain the clear distinction between good and evil and between ourselves and the nations around us. With G-d’s help, may we soon merit to light the Chanukah candles, arichas ner l’ben Yishai mishechecha, b’mheira b’yameinu, the establishment of the candle of the son of Yishai Your anointed one, soon in our days!

Rav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, is the founding Morah d’Asrah of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, NY, and serves as leader of the new mechina Emek HaMelech.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

93

94 20

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Parsha

in 4

Parshas Vayishlach

By Eytan Kobre

Weekly Aggada And Eisav took his wives and his sons and his daughters and all the souls of his house and his cattle and all his animals and all his possessions that he had gathered in the Land of Canaan; and he went away to a land because of his brother Yaakov (Bereishis 36:6) With respect to Eisav, the Torah refers to many “souls” (plural), whereas Yaakov and his progeny are referred to only as one “soul” – “with seventy soul your ancestors descended to Egypt” (Devarim 10:22) and “all the descendants of Yaakov, seventy soul” (Shemos 1:5).

Why the difference?

Eisav worshipped many gods, so he is referred to as being comprised of many “souls”; Yaakov and his progeny, who worshipped only the one true G-d, are referred to as being of only one “soul” (Vayikra Rabba 4:6).

Weekly Mussar And Dina, the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne for Yaakov, went out to see the daughters of the land (Bereishis 34:1) The Torah refers to Dina as “the daughter of Leah” – and not the daughter of Yaakov – because Dina and Leah shared a common flaw: they were both “ones who would go out” (Rashi, Bereishis 34:1).

Now, faulting Leah for being a “one who would go out” seems a bit harsh. After all, the example of Leah being “one who would go out”

refers to Leah going out to greet her husband Yaakov, and, in so doing, she had acted purely for Heaven’s sake. “The Holy One Blessed Be He saw that Leah’s intent was purely to beget more tribes” (Bereishis Rabba 71:2). Why, then, does the Torah here seem to criticize her for doing so?

Before doing any thing, explained R’ Eliyahu Duschnitzer (1876-1949), one must consider, of course, whether the intended action is good or bad. But that’s not the only consideration. One also must consider how the intended action will be perceived by others.

Will they approve or disapprove of the intended action? Will it have a positive or negative influence on others? We must always consider how our actions will be diffused to and across others.

No one questions whether Leah’s intentions and actions – at least in a vacuum – were good. They certainly were. But, especially for someone of her stature, it behooved Leah to consider how others might view and learn from her actions, most of all her own daughter. So while her intentions were indeed purely for Heaven’s sake, she is faulted for not considering how others might be influenced by them.

Weekly Anecdote And Eisav said, “I have much; my brother, let that which you have be yours” (Bereishis 33:9) Unlike Eisav, who said he “had much” – the implication being that he had “much,” but not all – Yaakov

considered even what he had to be as if he “had all” (Bereishis 33:11).

There was once a Jew who traveled from his small town to the big city to participate in its busy market day. There, he immersed himself entirely in business pursuits with an unbridled passion.

As he was pursuing one particular deal, this Jew ran down the street to meet with a merchant but stopped suddenly when he heard a knock at the window to his right.

Imagine his surprise when he saw that it was his rebbi knocking at the window, motioning for him to come inside.

When the Jewish merchant entered, his rebbi wasted no time in chastising him for his uncontrolled pursuit of material gain. “Is it really appropriate for a Jewish man to pursue mundane, commercial matters so zealously? Are we here in this world to acquire wealth or to acquire spiritual merit?”

The more his rebbi admonished him, the more money the Jewish merchant emptied from his pockets onto the floor. In fact, so moved was the merchant that he ripped up several contracts and spit on the money he had thrown onto the floor. He truly would be a changed man!

“What do you think you’re doing?” cried the rebbi. “Do not rip another document, and pick up that money immediately!”

The merchant was befuddled.

What does my rebbi want? If I try to make money, he yells at me. And if I reject material pursuits, he yells at me.

“I see you still don’t understand,” said the rebbi. “So I’ll explain with a story.”

The farmers of a small remote village would gather at the local watering hole every night. Once, one of the farmers saw that his friend looked troubled. “Something seems to be troubling you, my friend. What is it?”

The other farmer declined to share at first, but then he opened up a bit. “Well, I’ve been having a disturbing recurring dream, but I’m embarrassed to tell you more.”

His friend couldn’t believe it.

“That’s incredible! I’ve also been having a strange recurring dream.”

So they agreed to share their respective dreams with one another – but with no one else.

Their dreams were the same: the coming year’s produce would be tainted in such a way that all who eat from it become deranged.

“Now you can understand,” explained the farmer who had been troubled by the dream, “why I found this disturbing. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to eat the produce because then I’ll be plunged into a fit of insanity. But I can’t not eat the produce because then everyone else will turn mad and I’ll be the only sane one here.”

After further discussion, the two farmers agreed to share their common dream with the village elder, who surely was wise enough to offer a solution.

The wise elder listened and smiled. “Ah, I’ve had the same dream as you both! As I’m already quite old, I don’t know if I’ll live to see the coming year. But here’s what you should do. At the beginning of the year, tie a bow at the end of your belts. Then go plant and harvest and even eat your produce. But

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

95 21

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

96

21

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

just before you eat, grab hold of the bow tied at the end of your belt, and remind yourselves that you will turn mad momentarily. Then eat.”

“But won’t we become insane?” the two farmers prodded, almost in unison.

“Indeed, you will,” answered the elder. “But there will be a difference between you two and the others.

They will become insane and not realize it. You two will also become insane...but at least you’ll know that you’re insane!”

The rebbi explained the punchline to the merchant.

“Of course you can and should make a living to provide for your family’s material needs. And that might well require significant toil in the marketplace. But when I saw how overzealously you became in pursuing that noble goal, I felt it my duty to remind you of this important point: because G-d determines how and to what extent we earn a living, investing any effort at all necessar-

ily comes with some degree of insanity...but a Jewish person must at least know that it is insanity!”

Weekly Halacha I have been diminished by all the

Yaakov was saying that his merits were diminished because of all the great kindness that G-d performed on his behalf. We derive from here that “ain somchin al haneis, we do not rely on a miracle”: “A person should never stay in a hazardous place, saying that a miracle will be performed for him

“A Jewish person must at least know it is insanity!”

(Devarim 6:16) is another source for the rule that we are not to rely on miracles (Yerushalmi, Yoma 1:4).

As a corollary to the rule that we are not to rely on G-d performing miracles for us, we are also to stay away from all hazardous places and matters (see e.g. Rambam, Rotzeach 12:6; Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Dei’ah 116:65). One who deliberately travels to a hazardous place also might transgress the Torah exhortation “to guard very much your lives” (Responsa of Noda B’Yehuda, Yoreh Dei’ah [Tinyana] No. 10; Responsa of Chasam Sofer, Even HaEzer 2:174).

The Weekly Halacha is not meant for practical purposes and is for discussion purposes only. Please consult your own rav for guidance.

kindness and all the truth that You have shown Your servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan, and now I have become two camps (Bereishis 32:11)

because a miracle may not be performed for him, and [even] if a miracle is performed for him, it detracts from his merits” (Shabbos 32a).

“Do not test Hashem, your G-d”

Eytan Kobre is a writer, speaker, and attorney living in Kew Gardens Hills.

Questions? Comments? Suggestions?

E-mail eakobre@outlook.com.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

97

98 76

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

The Wandering

Jew

HaRav Pinchas Menachem Joskowicz

By Hershel Lieber

T

he joys of traveling are greatly enhanced by the people I have met during my journeys. With some, that connection was brief and temporary yet they left an impression on me that I still vividly recall. With others, the relationship was much deeper, and with many, it continues to this very day. I felt that these relationships were mutual and that we understood and appreciated each other.

One such person was the late chief rabbi of Poland, Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Joskowicz, z”l, who was niftar about ten years ago in Yerushalayim.

Rav Joskowicz was born in Poland into a family of Gerrer Chasidim.

During the war, he was confined in the Lodz Ghetto and subsequently sent to Auschwitz, where he miraculously survived. After the war, he emigrated to Israel where he was an important personality among the Gerrer Chasidim. In 1988, he was nominated by the Jewish Congregations of Poland and was appointed by the government to the position of chief rabbi. He served faithfully in that role until mid-1999.

I did not meet Rav Mendel, as he was affectionately called, until I arrived to be the chazzan of the Nozyk Shul for the following Rosh Hashana, in 1989. At that time, I did not stay at

Meeting with the younger generation

Learning with the rav in his apartment

a hotel, rather I slept on a couch in the rav’s small apartment. The couch was in his dining room, and the lights were on all night. There was a tiny one-person kitchen and a small bedroom where the rav slept. The rav brought along some raw chickens from Israel but almost everything else had to be prepared from raw products which were bought in local markets. This included fish, fruits, and vegetables.

There was a bakery in which he personally supervised the baking of bread

and challah, and he had also some boxes of matzos. What was never revealed to me before I came was that my role as Chief Cantor included the position of Chief Chef. It was when I was drafted to this duty that I realized my epicurean capabilities, and I am still proud of them.

The rav had a knack for preparing delicious fish, which were very heimish tasting. I went down to the produce market and stocked up for the upcoming yom tov. Erev Rosh Hashana afternoon, I donned an apron and cooked up a storm. This included a large chicken soup, chicken cutlets, challah kugel, cholent, sweet carrots, cucumber salad, eggs, and applesauce.

I picked up some honey and some dates and figs that we would use for the Shehechiyanu. I also picked out flowers to decorate the drab table. By the time I was finished, I felt very accomplished.

Earlier in the day we both went to the Victoria Hotel to take good showers and we used the empty pool as our mikvah in honor of yom tov. I told the

rav about an old age home nearby, which used to be a Jewish institution and still had a number of Jewish elderly and sick residents. He never knew about it. I encouraged him to come with me to visit them before the holiday. We picked up some fruit to give out and headed there immediately. The smiles and the blessings we received are still part my fond memory.

Rosh Hashana evening was Friday night, and the shul was packed. I estimated that there were about 250 people for the opening tefilla of the yomim noraim. My voice carried very strongly with the help of the excellent acoustics.

After kiddush, I went around with a tray of apples and honey as I greeted everyone with a “l’shana tova.” The rav spoke emotionally and welcomed the Israeli Ambassador Mordechai Palzur.

We walked back to the apartment with six young men. Our guests came from the States, Poland, Israel, Austria, and Canada – truly fitting the Rosh Hashana theme of “meloch al kol haolam kulo.” During the next two days we

Preparing fish for Rosh Hashana

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

This is [learning] at YOSS. Yeshiva of South Shore students demonstrate and hone their gemara skills with individual farhers throughout the year. These sessions with our Menahelim, Rebbeim, visiting Rabbonim and Roshei Yeshiva will help your son develop analytical skills he can apply to all aspects of his life.

DISCOVER YOSS TEXT “YOSS” TO 66866 TO RECEIVE AN EMAIL NOTIFICATION WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS.

YESHIVA OF SOUTH SHORE - ‫ישיבה תורת חיים – בית בנימן‬ 1170 William St. Hewlett, NY 11557 | 516-374-7363 | YOSS.ORG

99

100

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

One of the last Jewish residents in the old age home

spent so much time together in shul, at his apartment and just walking that we developed a great rapport, which allowed us the benefit of being open and sharing feelings and outlooks.

We continued this relationship for many years. We always met when I was coming to Poland to daven or to teach at the summer and winter camps. When Rav Joskowicz came to the States, he stayed at our home on numerous occasions. In his role as chief rabbi, Rav Joskowicz was in a challenging position, since the secular leaders of the kehillah in Warsaw did not appreciate his traditional stance on many issues while he, in turn, was dismissive of their level of ignorance and observance. Still, there were a number of congregants who enjoyed his old-

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12

When Rav Joskowitz arrived at our home after leaving his position as Chief Rabbi of Poland

was relatively well-received. Nevertheless, his heart was not really there. Rav Joskowicz saw himself as a caretaker

A Torah being donated to the community in Krakow. I am seen here with Rabbi Yakov Pollak

The Poles wanted to honor Catholic Poles who perished at that notorious death camp. Jews were offended by

What was never revealed to me before.

I came was that my role as Chief Cantor included the position of Chief Chef

rabbi for the older generation that was rapidly disappearing. He took special interest in maintaining and protecting Jewish cemeteries and catering to Jews visiting the resting places of the great tzaddikim. He was actively involved in

77

the very visible Christian monument.

They felt that this large memorial took away from the image of Auschwitz being the place where the Final Solution of the “Jewish Problem “was carried out. There was lots of anger and accusations on both sides of this argument.

When the Pope arrived at a ceremony honoring the memory of the deported Jews of Warsaw, he was introduced to Rabbi Joskowicz. The rabbi brought up the subject of the crosses in Auschwitz and tried to explain why their presence was problematic to Jews worldwide. In the course of this small conversation, a photo was snapped by a reporter showing the rabbi with his finger raised toward the Pope. The photo went viral and was depicted as a wagging finger and an insult to the Pope. He was also criticized for addressing the leader of Catholicism as “Mister Pope.” The fallout was swift. The Jewish kehillah

removed him immediately from his position, and within a day he left Poland.

Rav Joskowicz traveled directly to New York where he stayed with us for about a week. When my dear friend Rabbi Yakov Pollak, z”l, heard that he was at my home, he asked me to arrange for Rav Joskowicz to speak in his shul, Shomrei Emunah of Boro Park, that Friday night. I remember well his speech where he explained emphatically that he was not wagging his finger at the Pope at all. He was talking about the crematoria chimneys at Auschwitz spouting the smoke of the murdered Jews heavenward. He was making his case that the crosses did not belong at that death camp. Furthermore, he could not understand why he was criticized for addressing the Pope as “Mister Pope” when many heads of states are addressed as Mister President. I recall him saying, “Should I really have called him Holy Father?” The congregation applauded him as a hero, and he was quite popular in many other circles as well.

My relationship with Rav Pinchas Menachem continued for the next ten years. Whenever we went to Israel, I would make a point of visiting him.

The twinkle in his eye and the bright smile on his face is the way I will continue to remember him.

Yehi zichro baruch.

Rav Joskowitz “wagging” his finger at the pope

world manners, his Yiddish language, and his general positive demeanor. I tried to encourage him to reach out to the youth who were just discovering their Jewish identity, but it was hard for him to make a meaningful connection. One year I organized an event under the auspices of the totally secular TSKZ organization after Rosh Hashana, and I practically had to force him to attend. He came, he spoke, and he

preserving the death camps sites and was a liaison with the Polish government on behalf of World Jewry.

In 1999, the Polish-born Pope John Paul II came for a visit to Poland. This was during an era when Jewish-Polish relations were at a very low point. The reason for the dismal relationship was the erection of a monument made up of many large crosses at the convent within the parameters of Auschwitz.

Hershel Lieber has been involved in kiruv activities for over 30 years. As a founding member of the Vaad L’Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel he has traveled with his wife, Pesi, to the Soviet Union during the harsh years of the Communist regimes to advance Yiddishkeit. He has spearheaded a yeshiva in the city of Kishinev that had 12 successful years with many students making Torah their way of life. In Poland, he lectured in the summers at the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation camp for nearly 30 years. He still travels to Warsaw every year – since 1979 – to be the chazzan for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur for the Jews there. Together with Pesi, he organized and led trips to Europe on behalf of Gateways and Aish Hatorah for college students finding their paths to Jewish identity. His passion for travel has taken them to many interesting places and afforded them unique experiences. Their open home gave them opportunities to meet and develop relationships with a variety of people. Hershel’s column will appear in The Jewish Home on a bi-weekly basis.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

101

Hotel Style Luxury

100% COT TO SATEE N 300 TH N COUNREAD T

8 PIECE SET INCLUDES 2 Duvet Covers // 2 Fitted Sheets // 2 Pillow Cases // 2 Shams // Available in 39", 48" and 54" QUEEN SET INCLUDES 1 Duvet Cover, 1 Fitted Sheet , 2 Pillow Cases, 2 Shams

BORO PARK 4518 13th Ave. 718.854.2595 LAKEWOOD TODD PLAZA 1091 River Ave. (Rt 9) 732.364.8822 CEDARHURST 134 Washington Ave. 516.218.2211 ORDER ONLINE @ THECLOSEOUTCONNECTION.COM

ON INSTAGRAM @THECLOSEOUT

102 36

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Israel Today

Making Light of Rail

By Rafi Sackville

H

aving just embarked on the new train from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem I was approached by a young man conducting a survey. Was I satisfied with the ride, he asked? Was it comfortable? Why had I chosen to take the train to Jerusalem? How had I made the trip in the past?

Usually one who takes umbrage to my privacy being disturbed, I was only too happy to answer his questions.

The ride south to Jerusalem from Nahariya, the northern most train station in the country, can take up to two and a half hours. It offers a break from the busy world of cars and noisy buses. The scenery is compelling, the cabins clean, the passage safe and quiet.

I had chosen to take the train because it was better than driving because it was direct (the day ticket was cheap at $20 and included all transportation throughout the country until midnight), it took as much time as driving, and, most importantly, once I got to Jerusalem, public transportation to my eventual destination was easily accessible.

The questions were pertinent because the new line is a gamechanger for people who live in the north of the country. Two-and-a-half hours behind the wheel of a car is never easy.

There is a downside to the final approach to Jerusalem: the number of tunnels between the airport and the capital city are too numerous to offer views of the beautiful countryside. However, that is a small price

to pay for comfort.

Most satisfying are the last couple of kilometers before arrival at Yitzhak Navon station. The train crosses the valley just before the entrance to the city, and just as you’re enjoying the view, it disappears into a tunnel and glides to a halt. But you’re not there yet.

One can take a 30-second elevator up to ground level or the escalators (there are four of them) that start their languid journey

The train is electric, and is thus quiet and quicker than the diesel trains that run everywhere else.

However.

The feats of engineering and the technological advancements sound ideal. Behind the ceremonial openings and media campaign, there lies a grumpy undercurrent of discontent.

The line has not been without problems. The day after the first trial run between Ben Gurion and

That makes Yitzhak Navon the fourthdeepest railway station in the world.

from 260-feet below street level. That makes Yitzhak Navon the fourth-deepest railway station in the world. It’s quite a feat of engineering.

For years, we’d watch the progress of the line traversing the plains between Ben Gurion and Latrun.

Then the towering support columns at Jerusalem’s entrance rose and were laid with track. But the Yitzhak Navon station itself was a mystery as it was hidden from public view until its opening.

Now another major step has been taken with trial runs being conducted between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Jerusalem over a year ago, there was a photo of Prime Minister Netanyahu and then-Transport Minister Katz enjoying the view. The minister declared the line would be open to the public before the chagim. Not a week later, I was sitting at a wedding with a former neighbor, an electrical engineer who works for Israel Railways. When I mentioned the minister’s quote, he laughed so hard he nearly choked on his salad. He told me his bosses couldn’t have been clearer to the minister, informing him that opening by the chagim was not realistic.

Israel Railways face more than a

few obstacles that impede efficiency. For one, their union is extremely organized, oftentimes to the detriment of the public.

Last year, there were a number of quasi-strikes, when workers would suddenly take sick leave in numbers, all on the same day. This led to timetable slowdowns, fewer trains running, and chaos in the north of the country. These disruptions came to a head last April when service countrywide was stopped. And the reason for the one-day strike? The railway couldn’t find replacements for two key workers who were “sick.”

One would be forgiven for hoping that, after a net general operating loss of close to 350 million shekels in 2018, the workers would have learned how their actions affect the efficiency of the railways. For example, the line that we use that runs between Nahariya-Tel Aviv and Modi’in is running at a 130% occupancy rate. They simply haven’t learnt from their past mistakes.

According to an anonymous report in the Israeli paper The Marker, there was a lack of planning that went into the new line to Jerusalem.

In particular, it cited obstacles for passengers with disabilities, like a lack of steps on the trains which make for an unpleasant traveling experience.

An urgent request was made in late 2016 for 60 carriages to be supplied within a year. The request has been partly fulfilled, and in a most unprofessional way – the acquisition was done through non-competitive procedures. The emergency led to

37

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Israel’s newest line from Ben Gurion entering the tunnel at the entrance to Jerusalem

the railways taking purchase of outdated carriages. The purchases are still being made. Because other carriages have been diverted to the new line, there has been rolling effects on other lines, particularly between Haifa and Tel Aviv. The line we use from Nahariya southwards has cut

back from four trains per hour to three. Hencem the overcrowding.

There have been instances of so much overcrowding that passengers have been left stranded at stations.

Others have been left waiting on platforms for hours.

When approached by the Globes

103 37

The Yitzhak Navon Station

newspaper, the spokesman for the railways said that road congestion in Israel is one of the highest in the developed world but that only 10% use the rail as a form of transport.

Let us hope the railways fix their problems sooner rather than later, for it is becoming increasingly clear

that due to poor management, more people are choosing to commute by car. This is precisely what the new line to Jerusalem was designed to tackle.

Rafi Sackville, formerly of Cedarhurst, teaches in Ort Maalot in Western Galil.

74 74 104

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, DECEMBER 12,2015 2019| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home

protecting our

holiesT Places

By Tzvi leff

They

c o m e f r o m all over.

Hailing from teeming hubs of Jewish life such as Brooklyn to far-flung villages without even enough men for a prayer quorum, they all make their way to the firearms academy in picturesque Pennsylvania.

Charedim, chassidim, Conservative Jews and the Modern Orthodox, the diverse range of people all come for the same reason: to learn how to defend their place of worship from the heavily armed anti-Semites whose increasing prominence has caused a wave of unease to sweep the Jewish community.

Yonatan Stern never foresaw the flood of people signing up for shooting classes at his counterterrorism academy.

Rabbis Armed to Protect Stern, 35, grew up in Kiryat Arba, an Israeli hamlet adjoining the ancient city of Hebron. After serving out his military service in the Nahal Haredi infantry unit, Stern picked up and moved to the United States in 2007.

Three years later, he founded Cherev Gideon Israeli Tactical Shooting Academy, a school that teaches

its customers how to operate a wide variety of weapons according to the IDF’s shooting doctrine. For the first few years, the academy was located in upstate New York before Stern moved its location to the Pennsylvania township of Honesdale.

Ever since, Stern has taught a steady stream of customers how to use firearms utilizing the same techniques that has made the IDF the strongest army in the Middle East.

From demonstrating assaults with the long AR-15 rifle to classes on personal protection with pistols, Stern has enjoyed a constantly expanding customer base.

Yet he’s never seen anything like this.

“The particular course that has become the most popular today is what we call the ‘Armed Response to an Active Shooter in a Synagogue,’” Stern told TJH. “That course is specifically geared towards the defense of a synagogue against an active shooter like we have seen in Pittsburgh and in Poway, California.

“That has become our most popular course as in the last half a year,” Stern continued. “We’re seeing that skyrocketing. It used to be not that popular of a course, but now it is the most popular program out of everything.”

The two aforementioned locations mentioned by Stern refers to a series of mass shootings that have put Jews on edge everywhere. It all started in Pittsburgh. On October 27, 2018, 46-year-old Robert Gregory Bowers walked into the city’s Eitz Chaim Synagogue during Shabbat morning prayers. A known anti-Semite, Bowers was armed with a Colt AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, .357 revolver, and a SIG semi-automatic pistol.

It took 20 minutes for the shooting to stop. Bowers fired again and again; screaming “All Jews must die,” he walked through the building looking for his next target until he was finally wounded in a shootout with SWAT officers. By the time he surrendered to law enforcement half an hour later, 11 people were dead in the worst anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history.

The mass shooting shocked Jews in the United States and around the world. Yet it was the next attack in California that drove home the message that this massacre wasn’t an isolated incident. On April 27, 2019, the Chabad House in Poway, California, was celebrating the final day of Passover when the bullets started flying.

19-year-old John T. Earnest, a

student studying at a local university, entered the synagogue armed to the teeth with a Smith & Wesson Model M&P 15 rifle and five spare magazines. His first victim was 60-yearold Lori Gilbert Kaye, who had the tragic misfortune of standing in the front lobby. After taking her life, Earnest shot Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, blowing off his right index finger that surgeons later failed to reattach.

The bloodbath finally ceased when Earnest fled following eight seemingly endless minutes of gunfire, leaving behind a synagogue filled with injured and terrified congregants. Yet the terror the worshippers felt didn’t confine itself to the suburb outside of San Diego. Coming so soon after the massacre in Pittsburgh, the Passover shooting sent a wave of anxiety throughout the American Jewish community that perhaps their house of worship is next.

“Pittsburgh was horrible, but many of us thought that it was a onetime event,” a Chabad rabbi from Minnesota told TJH. “After Poway, we’re realizing that we may be in for some unpleasant experiences in the near future.”

By “unpleasant experiences,” the rabbi was referring to another prayer interrupted by the sound of gunshots.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 TheJewish JewishHome Home| DECEMBER | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The 12, 2019

Training at Stern’s shooting academy

And to protect his flock from the unknown, he did something he never thought he would do in his 20 years as a lay-leader. He got into his car, drove down to the nearest sporting goods store, and purchased a slim Glock 19 along with two spare magazines. “Just in case,” he said.

The rabbi’s experience is shared

by Jews throughout the United States.

All across the country, Jews who never even considered becoming a gun-owner, who always voted Democrat and viewed the National Rifle Association with distaste are purchasing their first firearm. And they want people like Stern and others like him to teach them how to use it.

“These types of people probably would never have come in the past and would have had no interest in firearms training or carrying firearms in shul and that has completely changed now – we’re seeing an enormous surge,” said Stern.

“After Pittsburgh, it was crazy,” Stern continued. “So many people were calling and asking for courses that we had to turn them away. We were sending people to our competition because there was no way that we could provide them with the amount of training for that many people that were asking for it during that period.”

An Israeli Method When teaching new gunowners the basics, Stern is careful to clear up mistaken ideas about training and equipment among his customers. Particularly important to him

75 75 105

Stern demonstrating handgun loading

is highlighting the fact that owning a firearm is only the first step; while important, a gun is useless without the owner knowing how to effectively use it in times of crisis.

“In America, there are a lot of guns, there is a lot of gun ownership, but there isn’t a lot of proficiency with firearms use,” says Stern. “A lot of people just own a gun, and they think that just because they own it, they known how to use it. Unfortunately, it really isn’t true and a lot of the ranges don’t really provide training that are geared towards tactical defense.”

When instructing his customers how to take on an active shooter, Stern also teaches tactics that differ radically from those learned at the majority of gun ranges across the United States. In the U.S., the fundamentals of tactical defense are commonly based on principles taught in the armed forces.

Like most militaries around the world, the U.S. Army trains its troops for open field warfare. In such scenarios, accuracy is the deciding factor; shooting instructors have traditionally drilled into their conscripts the value of accuracy. Yet according to Stern, armed worshippers would be much better off providing a massive amount of fire that, while less accurate, increases the chances of hitting a killer and stopping him in his tracks.

“A lot of firearms training schools focus their training on marksmanship,” Stern noted. “There’s nothing wrong with that – marksmanship is

important, but it’s not going to provide you with anything when it comes to actually defending yourself against an active shooter.”

This unusual approach to firearms is the hallmark of the IDF, which has taught its soldiers how to respond to armed terrorists ever since its founding. Starting in basic training, every Israeli combat soldier learns to charge into a building and shoot as many bullets as possible in order to end the imaginary massacre, before any more lives are taken.

The benefits of the Israeli method – that puts less of an emphasis on accuracy and trained personnel –was first seen after the 1999 massacre in Columbine High School in Colorado.

After two disturbed teenagers opened fire on their fellow students, police officers quickly arrived at the scene.

Yet rather than rush into the building to confront the shooter, the estimated 75 officers took up positions around the school to wait for the specially trained SWAT team to arrive. Fifteen people lost their lives that day, with the officers’ decision not to enter the building widely considered a critical factor for the high death toll.

“The Israeli skill, what we teach, is specifically geared for counterterrorism training skills,” says Stern.

“They have years and years of experience dealing with these types of things from all the terror attacks that have been happening in Israel.

It’s been really fine-tuned to meet the demands of the American Jewish community today.

“In a terror attack, you’re not dealing with having long range shootouts sniper-versus-sniper from 800 or 1000 meters, that’s not the kind of thing you’re dealing with,” he adds.

“You’re dealing with one person who is armed to the teeth with an AR-15 who probably has body armor shooting up a synagogue and you’re talking very close range here.

“You don’t need to be super accurate here on the range; you just need to be able to deliver a large amount of firepower towards the center mass and neutralize a terrorist as quickly as possible.”

Know Your Weapon and Your Surroundings Sharon Gat agrees. A Colonel in the IDF Reserves and the commander of a special forces unit, Gat today heads the Caliber 3 counterterrorism academy in Efrat. As the head of Israel’s largest training school, Gat is counted amongst Israel’s most premier firearms experts, and his academy has trained the large parts of the country’s security apparatus, including the IDF, Israel Police, and the Ministry of Defense.

In a conversation with TJH, Gat put effective firearms training as the highest priority for those seeking to protect themselves and their community. “Before everything, [one] needs to know his own weapon,” asserts Gat. “The majority of people who have guns have no idea how to use it.”

According to Gat, new gunowners not only need to know how to oper-

76 106

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

ate their firearm safely, they need to know how to train right as well.

“Throughout their training, they need to add elements of pressure, both physically and in terms of time,” he said. “To only shoot against a stationary target doesn’t replicate a real-life scenario.

“In a realistic scenario, there is a terrorist, he’s trying to escape, and you need to know how to run after him,” continued Gat. “[You need to do this] while being under mental pressure.” Gat added that another crucial aspect is training that mimics responding to what a potential terror attack would potentially look like.

Ruling out shooting in stationary, solitary shooting stances, Gat instead recommends constantly practicing shooting while on the run and changing magazines while continuously advancing towards the shooter. The veteran instructor also advises participating in “force on force” drills, where gunowners practice operating against other people by using non-lethal technology.

“All of this training needs to be done both at the range and at the synagogue itself,” says Gat. “You should know every hallway and every classroom in the synagogue. Our advantage as defenders is that we know the turf.” According to Gat, those who effectively implement his aforementioned recommendations “will know how to solve any breach or violence” liable to take place in a house of worship.

Gat is no stranger to the terror gripping the American Jewish community. As a counterterrorism expert, Gat has been traveling around the United States in recent months to teach different communities how to beef up their defenses against potential mass shootings. In addition to his work in North America, Gat also hosts classes for Jewish leaders in Caliber 3 to provide them with the fundamentals of armed defense.

Like Stern in Pennsylvania, Gat describes massive interest among American Jews of all stripes in turning to firearms as the preferred mode of protection against anti-Semites, something he heartily endorses.

Throughout the interview, Gat reiterates the importance of a trained squad of armed volunteers that would

Sharon Gat at Caliber 3

protect their synagogue in places that the law permits.

Hitting back at critics who argue that only highly trained personnel would be able to foil an ongoing shooting attack, the veteran IDF officer said that such an approach “is nonsense; it’s incorrect and a horrible

one who wasn’t in the army for a minute, not even at a desk job – if he does the proper course with the right people, the right instructor, and with the right training, he’ll know how to respond at the synagogue and he’ll know how to save people’s lives.”

He adds, “I totally reject the state-

“you don’T always need leThal weaPons To sToP an aTTack.” thing to say.” Gat declares that consistent training and knowing the fundamentals are more than enough to enable one to stop an ongoing attack successfully.

“It’s simply an excuse,” adds Gat. “There are very few graduates of [the IDF special forces unit] Duvdevan, and there are even less of them in the U.S.” he quips.

“You can see in videos how the police there respond to incidences – they are not at a very high level and they don’t always care, they don’t always come, and when they do, they don’t always come in time,” he continues. “’If I am not for me, then who will be for me?’” he queries, invoking the classic Jewish proverb. “Even some-

ments that only graduates of the military or counterterror units should come armed to their synagogue.”

Be Vigilant, Be Safe Yet not all Jews have this luxury.

Currently, many Jewish population hubs are located in deep blue states that make it either extremely difficult or virtually impossible to obtain a firearm legally. The biggest Jewish population center in the U.S. is in New York City, where obtaining a pistol license is a near-impossible feat, with an arduous bureaucratic process requiring no less than 25 documents.

In second place Los Angeles, meanwhile, aspiring gunowners need to get past the most widely restrictive gun laws in the entire United States.

The draconian regulations include passing a written test prior to the sale, delivery, loan, or transfer of any firearm, and Los Angeles does not approve concealed carry.

A similar situation exists in other bustling Jewish communities such as Boston, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. In light of the recent spate of shootings, many Jews feel frustrated with the legal restrictions that limit the options they have to protect themselves and their loved ones.

No matter, says Gat, and goes on to detail a slew of measures Jews can take to harden their house of worship using non-lethal means. “Even in a situation like this, there are many ways to save a community even without access to weapons,” he asserts, adding that simply being aware of your surroundings is even more crucial that packing heat.

“If you have a gun but you don’t have any awareness and you’re not alert, the gun won’t help,” he contends. “If you know how to stand outside of the synagogue and you do profiling and notice if there’s something problematic, it’s enough that someone coming to carry out an attack sees you with a communications device in a secure way. He’ll say to himself that ‘here is a site that I won’t go into.’

“If the enemy sees that, then the enemy is deterred,” Gat continues. “If you know how to profile property and you reported seeing something suspicious to the police or to others inside the synagogue, you’re already a force of a few people.

“Even if you don’t have a firearm, you still have a knife, maybe you have a taser, and you know how to report things to the local police – that’s important and vital. You need to report things to the local police when you see someone standing on the other side of the street and he’s debating how to get into the synagogue,” Gat notes.

“If you reported this two minutes prior to an attack, a policeman who is patrolling the area can arrive and arrest him, and you’ve just stopped an attack and saved people’s lives. You don’t always need lethal weapons to stop an attack.

“Most of the time, a terror attack is stopped by people who did guard shifts and knew how to look, how to report, and saved the situation.”

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

107

108 60

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Dating Dialogue

What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I am dating a woman, “Sara,” with whom I am in a relationship, but am ready to call it quits due to her crazy family dynamic.

I am in my 30s and connected immediately with Sara, who is unique, genuine, and whom I grew to admire. We had a long-distance relationship, so we didn’t see each other so often, but after a while things started seeming very weird with her relationship with her father. Being older and a bit more modern, we took things slowly, so this did not come out right away. Sara is an only child and is super close with her parents back in Italy. Instead of talking to friends during lunch hour, she video-chats with her father instead. She seems as if she is beholden to him.

Sara was on a student visa in America when we met and hit it off, but over time she really did not seem serious about getting citizenship and settling down in the U.S., which is crucial for me in my line of work as a dental resident. My time is incredibly limited and living out of the U.S. is not a question. Although Sara seemed to understand my situation, we went out for a long time, of which she never managed to get herself together to settle down in the U.S. Still, because of our connection and her sweet nature, we stayed together. I recognize how special she is to be so patient with me and my busy schedule. Sara is sweet, kind, upbeat, non-judgmental, and helps bring me out of my shell; I feel I am good for her as well. I stayed in a relationship with her, had her meet my parents on numerous occasions, etc.

Eventually, her family invited my parents to Italy to meet them, and it was a total disaster. Her father was a loose cannon, a chain-smoker, rude, controlling, a firecracker with outspoken opinions – very “my way or the highway” –and dysfunctional.

Knowing my parents’ politically conservative stance, he seemed to thrive off taking advantage of my father’s peace-keeping nature. Sara’s father kept making politically liberal jabs to try everything he could to get my father to lose his cool. After the meal, he accosted my father in the hallway, pulled him into a bedroom, locked the door, and told my father that it is shameful that their son is so busy all the time, and that their son, the boy who has been dating his daughter, is living with a roommate in the Jewish community while in college. He believes, in his mind, that a man either lives alone or gets married – the concept of a roommate to share costs of rent should not exist. He also said he wants to be in the room for my proposal, which should be as soon as possible,

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 | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

61 109 61

and said the wedding not only must be in Israel, but cannot have anything Orthodox about it like a mechitzah or separate seating.

He had demands about how big the ring should be. At one of the meals they shared at her family’s house, her father went on a rant about how, when his daughter marries and has children, he will buy an attached apartment right next door and live with them for months at a time.

During all this, according to my parents, Sara did not flinch. She just smiled and giggled politely.

A week after my family’s trip to Italy, Sara’s father called my parents and said he booked a hall in Tel Aviv for the wedding. All this occurred before I was comfortable with the thought of even thinking about proposing, due to Sara’s lack of assurance that she would become an American citizen – she kept blaming it on a “lack of job opportunities.”

All this would not matter to me if she would communicate with me how unhealthy the dynamic with her father is. If Sara admitted to the dysfunctional relationship, or stood up to her father’s crazy demands, things would be different. But now, I finally have had enough and am ready to call it quits.

What do you suggest singles do when they break off a relationship, not because of the person in question, but their lack of foresight into dysfunctional family patterns? I fear I will never get over her, as she is one of the most special girls I have ever met. I’m not a spring chicken either, so the thought of starting to date again fills me with dread. Any chizuk would be helpful.

Samuel

The Panel The Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. amuel, you are presenting three issues. The one that you cite as the key to the breakup is the dysfunctional family dynamic with a controlling father at the head. But you clearly understand that Sara herself is not a mature, independent person who has worked on herself, her relationships, and communication. She is issue number two.

Issue number three is your own fears and insecurities; you have not emerged from shyness and you find dating daunting. You consider yourself “not a spring chicken,” but you are self-aware and understand others. You are mature. Use this experience as a very prolonged step on the journey to personal growth.

Count your blessings that you saw drama which kept you from proposing.

Get some help to develop stronger social skills and a deeper sense of selfworth so that you can date with confidence and assurance. Learn to trust yourself and to communicate with confidence. This does not require deep

S

therapy. You will be a changed man, and your qualities will be recognized by other young women. You will learn to trust your gut and act on it without getting into prolonged entanglements.

You have what it takes.

The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, P.A. hhh...did you hear the alarm?

Lucky for you it’s blasting loud and clear. It’s not always as ominous or obvious. There have been many unfortunate men and women who admit they chose to ignore the flashing lights and sirens of impending marital catastrophe and jumped haphazardly into the flames of a dysfunctional marriage. In the aftermath of those failed marriages, many of those miserable survivors would attest they saw the “signs” – the toxic family dynamics, the partner siding with the abusive inlaws – but they clung (naively, stubbornly) to the belief that theirs was a special love that would succeed against all odds.

S

You, my hopelessly romantic friend, have been given a gift: a wailing siren, a red flag, a horrific dress rehearsal.

I will allow that Sara is a special girl; but watching her rude and obnoxious family up close and personal, with Sara’s tacit approval, was like watching a preview of “Revenge of the Rabid In-laws.” Fortunately, while visiting her family in Italy, your parents were the audience, observing safely from the sidelines. Today you can breathe a sigh of relief and say, with confidence: I saw disaster hurtling towards me and got out just in time.

What about the acute pain of the breakup and the dread of starting over? Nothing that time, a short dating respite, and a qualified therapist can’t handle. And nothing compared to the agony of meddlesome in-laws, traumatized children, or a broken marriage.

The Shadchan Michelle Mond ou sound like a respectable, smart, realistic guy with a suc-

Y

They chose to ignore the flashing lights and sirens of impending marital catastrophe and jumped haphazardly into the flames of a dysfunctional marriage.

cessful life path ahead of you. As is with any career in the medical field, to put up with all of the immensely difficult courses, rotations, exams, and lack of free time, one has to be an incredibly devoted and dedicat-

62 110

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

ed person to get through it successfully. Because of this, it is no surprise to me that you hung on to this shidduch prospect with Sara for so long – you are a devoted person at the core of your being. You are not likely one to give up on things easily, and you like a challenge. However, you are absolutely valid to not risk throwing your future away by mistakenly marrying a sweet girl who can’t possibly be your bashert.

This seems clear based on her lack of effort to settle down in the U.S. and the glaring evidence of her unhealthy relationship with her father.

As a shadchan I see this theme quite often: intellectual and logical men have a hard time letting go of a shidduch even when things are presenting as emotionally unhealthy.

The emotional capacity in these cases are just not as strong, since these men spent their lives flexing their intellectual muscles more. You are scared to lose a logically wonderful match (as you describe, she seems

like a good person logically), but you have been storing all the emotionally unhealthy pieces under the rug.

Now, it seems, the straw has broken the camel’s back in a sudden movie-like twist on your parents’ trip to meet the potential in-laws. Everything about the encounter you described terrifies me for your future if you marry into this situation.

Don’t walk, RUN. This is one of the most unhealthy situations I have heard in a long time, and as you know as a reader of this column, there is no dearth of those. You must take all the unhealthy pieces of the puzzle out of the rug, dust them off, and pile them on top of all the reasons you like Sara. You will come to peace with the fact that marrying her certainly is not worth the risk, especially based on your conclusive evidence that Sara does not even recognize any of her father’s behaviors as “off.”

You will undoubtedly find a wonderful girl to ride the waves of life

together who is also kind, giving, patient, and sweet – just without the crazy family dynamic and pure lack of geographic stability.

Hatzlacha in both dentistry and dating. Iy”H you should be on the other side soon enough and be able to enjoy the perks of both, healthily.

The Zaidy Dr. Jeffery Galler ongratulations on embarking on a wonderful, rewarding career in dentistry.

Here are my thoughts about your current situation.

First, you are an expert in oral pathology, but you lack expertise in diagnosing family pathology. Trust your instincts. There is something very sick about Sara’s family dynamic. If you marry Sara, you will

C

Believe people when they tell you who they are.

also be marrying her parents. They will be grandparents to your children, and you will be dealing with them for a long, long time. We’ll never really know if Sara is the victim of physical or emotional abuse or some weird form of pathological dependency, but it’s extremely unlikely that she will be able to emerge from such a toxic environment unscathed.

Second, I think I can understand how you got into this predicament.

Non-dentists will never understand this, but dental school is incredibly stressful. For four years you have lived in a high pressure,

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

Yes, You Can!

You’ve always dreamt of learning Shas and really knowing it.

Now you finally can, along with thousands of others in Klal Yisroel!

• Daily Amud and Chazara!

• Weekly Friday-Shabbos Chazara!

• End of the month review and bechina!

• Calendar, Audio, Video Shiurim & Resources • Shiurim forming in communities around the world

Start ‫ ברכות‬together with all of Klal Yisroel!

‫ללמוד‬ ‫לחזור‬ ‫לקנות‬

‫מפעל‬ ‫עמוד‬ ‫וחזרה‬

ORAYSA The Amud & Chazarah Intiative

Join or set up a shiur or chaburah in your neighborhood!

Call today or visit our website for more information.

P. 8 5 5 . 4 - O R . AY S A

E . I N F O @ O R AY S A . O R G

W. W W W. O R YA S A . O R G

111

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

112

63

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

high anxiety environment. The academic atmosphere of needing to constantly demonstrate your clinical precision and perfection is guaranteed to leave all students with residual feelings of post-traumatic

stress and low self-esteem. During this difficult time in your life, you met someone who was “kind, upbeat, and non-judgmental,” so you naturally gravitated to her and developed a strong emotional at-

Pulling It All Together

tachment to her. Now, you worry that you might never find anyone as special as she is.

I guarantee that, at this very moment, scores of shadchanim and mothers of eligible women are reading this column and are trying to figure out how to meet you and help you find a more suitable life partner.

Samuel, you

are an obviously intelligent, caring individual who will make a wonderful dentist and a wonderful husband and father. Please don’t feel that you need to continue this relationship with Sara because of the time you’ve already invested in her, or because you feel sorry for her, or because you worry that you’ll never find anyone as nice.

Run away from this pathology and prepare yourself for a wonderful, happy life that you can share with a healthy, loving wife.

As for you, I want you to take an index card and write the following on it: I believe people when they show me who they are. When I choose not to believe them, I am hustling. Hustling is not part of any healthy relationship.

Put this in a visible place like your bathroom mirror or make it your screensaver.

As for Sara, she seems like a lovely person, and it will take time to get over her. But Sara has two serious issues: the first is her overbearing and out-of-control father.

The second is that she is completely under his spell. There probably would not have been much room for you and your needs/feelings in this relationship.

If you are so inclined, you should say thank you to Hashem for saving you from this certain disaster.

All the best, Jennifer

The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

W

hat do I tell singles?

BELIEVE PEOPLE WHEN THEY TELL YOU WHO THEY ARE. Believe people when they show you who they are. Believe the silences.

Believe the lack of action. Believe it all! Please! Many romantically inclined, empathic, sensitive souls (perhaps such as yourself) have a serious problem paying attention to themselves and their own needs, becoming completely engulfed and illuminated by the splendid feelings they are having and the sense of connection they have longed for.

We can lose sight of our priorities and what we know in our gut and heart of hearts will not work for us.

And so, we start to ignore the signs.

We don’t pay attention to the rational reasons why a relationship will not work.

Sara didn’t “seem serious” about settling in the U.S.? No, Sara wasn’t serious about settling in the U.S. Upon meeting her utterly toxic and dysfunctional father, the reason why may have become clear. But Sara told you this. You knew. You knew, and you didn’t pay attention.

Sara didn’t assure you about becoming an American citizen because she wasn’t assured about becoming an American citizen. And you ignored that in order to be with her. You’ve been telling yourself something in

order to stay with her. You need to figure out what that is and delve very deeply into it so this doesn’t happen to you again – in some way, shape or form. I am suggesting paying attention and following your instinct. I am not suggesting that this is easy.

In my (strong) opinion, what you need to do now is work with a therapist to figure out why and how you were willing to neglect your own needs, wants and desires, turning off the lights, living in the dark in this relationship, hoping she would change at some point. Some personality types can become so attached and ruled by feelings that it takes a frying pan hitting you over the head (Sara’s father) to see that it will not work out.

For what it’s worth, and it may not be relevant to your situation, there is a trend in both more right wing and modern circles to not pay attention to every little detail. Just get married. Nothing is perfect. It will work itself out. What are you waiting for? Sometimes, this is the truth. But sometimes, this is the farthest thing from the truth, and these relationships end disastrously.

Or they continue disastrously.

Jennifer Mann, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist and dating and relationship coach working with individuals, couples and families in private practice in Hewlett, NY. She is looking forward to teaching a psychology course at Touro College in the fall. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 516.224.7779. Press 2 for Jennifer.

Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email thenavidaters@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.

Hi Readers!

Receiving your enthusiastic emails wanting to participate in the Reader’s Respond section has been wonderful! Just a reminder about how Reader Response works. Email thenavidaters@gmail. com with the subject line “Reader Response.” We will then ask you, in the order we receive your email, if you would like to respond to the coming week’s email. If you would like to respond to an already printed Navidaters Panel, please submit your answer to the editor at editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com. You can also join us on our FB page @thenavidaters on Sunday evenings to post your response to the week’s column. Interacting with you has been a pleasure! Thank you for all of your feedback.

Jennifer

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

from

INSPIRING JEWS ...

ONE BOOK AT A TIME

Learn Aggadah — the stories and lessons of the Gemara — in a whole new way!

The Werdiger Family Edition of Seder Zeraim

TRACTATE BERACHOS Volume 1 (Chapters 1-4) Ein Yaakov is a classic collection of all the Aggados found in Talmud Bavli. It is a treasure house of stories, parables, fundamental Jewish beliefs, ethical teachings, and life lessons. This groundbreaking project will enhance your understanding of Aggadah and allow you to apply its many lessons and insights.

Features include: A new, flowing, and readable translation “Insights” that bring out the many lessons that are relevant to our lives, drawn from commentaries ranging from Rishonim to the masters of Mussar and Chassidus An “Additional References” section, where many additional sources are referenced with short descriptions of the points that are discussed The complete newly typeset Mesoras HaShas edition of Sefer Ein Yaakov, including the classic commentaries The classic Vilna page of Gemara, for the pages whose text is covered in Ein Yaakov. The text included in Ein Yaakov is highlighted on the Gemara page..

From talmidei chachamim to beginners, this monumental new project is designed for anyone who wants to access the infinite treasures of Aggadah!

Volume dedicated by Michael and Debbie Alpert

Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or at www.artscroll.com • 1-800-MESORAH (637-6724)

113

52 114

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Dr. Deb

You Can’t Get Angry When You Get What You Want

By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

I

can just imagine people reading the title of this article and saying, “Oh, yes they can! They can get exactly what they want and still be angry!”

My response to that is that they must not have gotten what they want-

ed after all.

The reality is that it is hard, sometimes and for some people, to know exactly what they want. For people who were never able to express their very real wants and needs in their families of origin, those wants and

needs get shoved down somewhere where they aren’t even aware of them.

So it is logical to pull something, anything, out of the air and say, “This is what I want!” but that “this” may not even be accurate.

I’ve met too many adults who don’t know what they like, want, prefer, or are good at only because they were told too many times by someone else, not their own heart, what their likes, preferences, skills, and values “really” were.

In an effort to raise good, cooperative children, parents sometimes forget “chanoch l’naar al pi darko.”

That is just one way in which a person will never get what he wants.

He’s (or she’s) an adult, married, and doesn’t really know what he wants.

He can almost sense what it might be that he wants. Almost. Can you imagine how very difficult that would be?

To not know yourself clearly enough to know what you want?

So you say something, anything, and of course it doesn’t work because it wasn’t the real thing in the first place. And how very dissatisfied with oneself someone would be at that point! They realize that they don’t know themselves. They still aren’t happy. And they have no clue why. Grrrr! That could make someone mad.

So knowing what you want is the first step and sometimes that requires help. If you are totally disconnected from yourself, then just sitting and trying to figure it out will not work.

Our deepest feelings are not neces-

sary something we can figure out; they’re not susceptible to logic. But they will come out, sometimes effortlessly, if a person is asked the right questions.

Sometimes, you can even arrive at answers like this all by yourself if you spend time meditating. Meditation is often called “mindfulness” but I like to think of it more as “mindlessness.”

It’s a state in which your mind isn’t focusing at all; it’s clear and empty of thoughts. That’s difficult to get to if you’ve never tried it, but once you can allow a second or two to pass with no thoughts, then it is possible to allow a third second and so on. Eventually the skill is learned.

The reason it works is because our minds are networked. One thought leads to another. So when we start out with a question and then clear our minds, something useful can pop in when we weren’t expecting it. I’m sure you’ve experienced this yourself: something was bothering you but you got distracted and stopped worrying about it. Next thing you know, you’re not thinking of anything, maybe getting ready to get to sleep or just waking up, and the answer pops into your head.

So, I’ve given you two ways you could get to who you really are or what your needs really are: from being asked the right questions and from meditating.

The next step: when you finally do get clear on what you want is to say it in a way that works. Meaning,

the trick is to not say it in a way that backfires. Anger, of course, backfires.

It causes the listener to want to run the other way or want to retaliate. Or, the third possibility, rolling over and playing dead. In real life, this looks like a person can’t think and has nothing to say; they’re in freeze mode.

Fight, flight, or freeze. These are the three stress responses. Stress causes a cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters to flood the brain and body leading to one of these three reactions.

But what if you could say what you want calmly? Not only without getting enraged, but truly calmly? And what if the choice of words you used were not in the least bit inflammatory? Like you didn’t allude to the last time that your spouse did something terrible or how miserable they were at meeting your needs?

In fact, what if the way you asked for what you wanted truly came from the heart – and anyone listening would agree that it seemed like it did?

Can you see how powerful that would be? And, most importantly, can you see how that would have a much greater chance of you getting what you did want? Would you feel angry at that point? I don’t think so. I imagine you would be happy.

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

53

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

53 115

But, as you can imagine, that is a conversation killer right there. That will surely invite retaliation along the lines of, “Well, what about when you did X and Y?” and the escalation begins.

On the other hand, one of the

Meditation is often called “mindfulness,” but I like to think of it more as “mindlessness.”

There is an art to dialogue. It isn’t simple, by the way. There are a lot of do’s and don’t’s involved. For instance, you can’t bring up the past and throw it in someone’s face. That alone is challenging. How do you get around that? It’s so tempting, right?

Low Cost Quality Insurance Our Specialty Free Consultation

Free Policy Evaluation

SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PROGRAMS FOR A SYNAGOUGE,YESHIVA, NURSING & ADULT HOME FACILITIES (SAVE UP TO 50% AND MORE)

Large Commercial Insurance Policies Life Insurance Disability Insurance Self Employed Health Insurance Long Term Care Insurance Rabbi S. M. Leiner, CLTC Licensed Independent Broker for all types of Insurance Call: 917-543-0497 - Leave a message Mail: Rabbi S. M. Leiner, CLTC P.O. Box # 7655 600 Franklin Ave. Ga Garden City, NY 11530

do’s is to make eye contact. Do you do that? Or is your eye deeply fixed in your phone? (Way back when I started being a therapist, there were no cellphones and the word in that sentence would have been “newspaper.” Same thing.) Eye contact is for

being connected and the desire to not make eye contact means you’re afraid of connection to this person. So right there we have one reason your needs haven’t been getting met.

But if you are tired of your own anger and you want something better than people telling you, “You need meds!” something where you are in control of your own brain and behavior, then learning A) what you want and need, and B) how to get that across to the other person in a way that is heard and appreciated is difficult but do-able.

Relationships – whether with your spouse, your kids, your sibs, or your colleagues at work – go more smoothly when you have this down.

And I can help 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.

22

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

116 22

DECEMBER29, 12,2015 2019| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home OCTOBER

Health & F tness

Foods to Boost Your Mood

By Aliza Beer MS, RD, CDN

W

us. The “winter blues” are mild for some people and more intense for others, like those who suffer from a type

inter has just begun, and we have a long stretch of this bleak season ahead of

PASSOVER at

• Oceanfront Resort & Multi-Million dollar World-Class Renovation • Gourmet Glatt Kosher Meals • Signature and VIP Suites • Family & Individual Packages available • Passover Catering and Takeout • Large and small groups are welcome • Exquisite Private Beachfront, Water and Sparkling Pools • Luxurious private halls for sedarim/yom tov meals

Book by December 15th

1.877.220.0437

For Catering or to book an Event, Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Wedding call Monica at

5225 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140 Chef Micha 954.548.6981 • 305.341.6501 • Sales@alexanderhotel.com www.AlexanderHotel.com • www.OrchidMiamiBeach.com

of clinical depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It affects women more than men and gets worse the farther away one lives from the equator. There are treatments for this, including medication, exercise, light therapy, and change of diet.

The fol low ing a re some mood-boosting foods that can help lift your spirits over the next few months.

• Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: There is growing evidence that suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in oily fish such as sardines and salmon, may play a role in brain functioning, with deficiencies in omeg-3 fatty acids linked to mental health problems. One study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health examined the association between fish consumption and the risk of depression. They found that people who consumed the most fish were less likely to have depression symptoms.

To increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, consume foods such as: wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, walnuts, canola oil, flaxseeds, and flaxseed oil.

• Stay Positive with Probiotics: Probiotics are best known for their role in digestive health, but new research suggests that the bacteria in the gut send and receive signals

to the brain, known as the “gut-brain axis.” Many studies have discovered the positive effects of probiotics on depression symptoms. One study found that 64% of the participants taking the probiotic had decreased depression symptoms, compared to 32% of those taking the placebo. In addition, the improvement in depression symptoms was associated with changes in the activity in brain areas involved in mood.

Foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, and pickled vegetables are good sources of probiotics. Another option is to take an oral supplement, but discuss this with your physician first.

• Be Best at Breakfast: Eating breakfast regularly is associated with fewer depressive symptoms.

For example, a 2017 study published in Appetite analyzed the survey responses of 207,710 people aged 20 years and older and found that those that seldom ate breakfast had higher depression symptoms than those who always ate breakfast. Choose foods rich in fiber, nutrients, and good fat.

Oatmeal is a great option that is high in soluble fiber, which helps maintain blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the blood.

Try eating a bowl of steel-cut oats sprinkled with some berries, cinnamon, and flaxseeds.

• Load Up on Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach and other green leafy vegetables contain the B vitamin folate. Low folate levels have been consistently associated with depression in research. One study found that people with depression had lower levels of folate and lower dietary intake of folate compared to those without depression. Folate deficiency may impair the metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline (neurotransmitters important for mood), but further research is needed to understand the role of folate in depression and mental health. Several studies have found that greater vegetable and fruit consumption is associated with a decreased risk of depression.

Folate-rich vegetables include spinach, edamame, artichokes, okra, avocado, and broccoli. Lentils are also high in folate – one cup cooked lentils provides about 90% of the daily recommended allowance. Don’t take folic acid supplements without

consulting your physician. In some cases, it may cause adverse effects, and there are risks for certain people like those with colon polyps or cancer.

• Enjoy a Cup of Coffee: Caffeine has been found to trigger the release of brain chemicals such as dopamine, which is important for performance and mood. A study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research in 2016 analyzed 12 previously published studies and concluded that coffee consumption (and to some extent tea) had a protective effect on the risk of depression. The intake that had the greatest effect was 400 ml (about 1-2/3 cups) of coffee per day. Caffeine affects everyone differently. For example, it makes me jittery, so I drink only decaf coffee.

If it makes you irritable or sleepless, then avoid it, or drink decaffeinated coffee or tea.

• The Deal with Vitamin D: Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is made naturally by the

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

23

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

117

body when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet B rays. Recent research suggests that vitamin D may increase the levels of serotonin, one of the key neurotransmitters influencing our mood, and that deficiency may be linked to mood disorders, particularly SAD. Working indoors all day, living further away from the equator, or being in an area of greater air pollution also increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency.

If the sun is not an option, there are some food sources of vitamin D, such as canned salmon with bones, cheese, egg yolks, and foods fortified with vitamin D like milk, soy milk, and orange juice.

• Decadent Dark Chocolate: This is my personal favorite and a staple in my daily diet! Dark chocolate causes the brain to release endorphins, which contribute to a positive feeling in our bodies and minds and reduces the perception of pain. Stick to dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for best results. No longer a

guilty pleasure, right? But please remember to consume in moderation, for it’s not a low-calorie food.

Small dietary changes can make a big difference in how you feel over time. Much more research is needed to evaluate the relationship between food and mood, but most of the foods discussed here will help keep you healthy for many other reasons as well. Food cannot be used to solely treat depression, but it can be incorporated as part of a multi-faceted approach.

If you have depression or any other mental condition, it’s important to seek help from your health care provider.

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.

118 70

DECEMBER 12,2015 2019| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home OCTOBER 29,

Mount Sinai South Nassau A Hospital with a Heart

By Susan Schwamm

TJH Speaks with Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt

L

ocated in Oceanside, NY, on One Healthy Way, Mount Sinai South Nassau, formerly South Nassau Communities Hospital, has been servicing our community for 90 years. Sometimes referred to as Long Island’s “best-kept secret,” the hospital has been treating patients throughout the South Shore, including the Rockaways and Queens, and further into Long Island for almost a century. With its recent partnership with Mount Sinai, South Nassau has achieved greater status and the ability to offer its patients expanded services and superior treatment – all close to home.

Recently, we sat down with Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, who is known to many of us as assistant rabbi at the Young Israel of Woodmere. But during the day, Rabbi Dr. Glatt dons a white coat in his position as professor and chairman of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases/hospital epidemiologist at Mount Sinai South Nassau. Rabbi Dr. Glatt spoke of the quality care that Mount Sinai South Nassau offers its patients along with its generous doses of compassion and kindness. Its outstanding care has been noted by national associations. Just this year, the hospital was ranked by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Hospitals issue as a Best Regional Hospital in 2019-2010 – ranking #20 in both New York State and the New York Metro area. Even more than quality care, Mount Sinai South Nassau offers patients the ability to receive expert care only minutes away from their home.

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt

Rabbi Dr. Glatt, the partnership with South Nassau and Mount Sinai has been in the works over the years.

Yes, it’s been evolving over the past three years. It’s been something that the physicians at the hospital and the board at the hospital had been very much encouraging – partnering with a larger system.

We felt unanimously that, by far, the best system for us to affiliate with – the most compatible with our principles, philosophies and goals and from a point of excellence of quality of care – was the Mount Sinai healthcare system. It’s been a wonderful “shidduch,” as we say.

South Nassau was already an excellent hospital. But now, we’re coming into a health network that has a worldwide, world-renowned reputation as a high-class academic center. Everyone can benefit from the additional services and treatments that Mount Sinai can bring to our community.

Speaking about the community, Mount Sinai South Nassau is located right here, in Oceanside.

It’s right here – just minutes

away. I even walked to the hospital one Shabbos to visit a patient from my home in Woodmere. You know, there’s a sentiment held by some that you must go into the city for great care. But that has always been incorrect. Medical care depends on the doctor, on the specialty, on a particular need. It’s true in some cases that there is only expertise offered by certain highly trained subspecialists who are available in the city. But now, with this relationship we have with Mount Sinai, you can get comprehensive total care here just minutes from your home.

The same specialists who work in the city in certain situations will have office hours here in our practices in Long Island. We already have a Mount Sinai practice in Hewlett adjacent to a South Nassau practice, so we can get the referrals back and forth very easily for those who are using Mount Sinai doctors and specialists. There are about 250 Mount Sinai doctors already practicing here on Long Island. All these doctors are now affiliating and using Mount Sinai South Nassau as their main, primary hospital. The goal is not that we should be a waystation to send patients into the city – in-

TheJewish JewishHome Home| DECEMBER | OCTOBER 29, The 12, 2015 2019

stead, patients who would have otherwise gone into the city will now be able to get their care with those same doctors within the Mount Sinai healthcare network and will be able to use South Nassau facilities.

It’s bringing everything close to home.

Mount Sinai has stated publicly that it’s their true, absolute goal that Mount Sinai South Nassau will become a comprehensive tertiary major medical center. They call it the flagship of Mount Sinai on Long Island, which is wonderful news for our community.

Let’s talk about certain procedures that are done or certain treatments that are being performed in South Nassau that you weren’t doing before the partnership with Mount Sinai.

If we look at liver transplants, for example, we will still not be able to perform liver transplants in Mount Sinai South Nassau – only a handful of hospitals in the country can do that. But now, a person can actually get their pre- and post-liver transplant care from the Mount Sinai transplant surgeon here in our community, which is wonderful. It’s

walking distance from our community, and there’s no need to run and forth into the city before and after surgery.

Mount Sinai Heart is arguably the number one cardiac program in the country; it towers over anything on Long Island and even towers over programs across the world. Using those same renowned surgeons and advanced heart specialists, with their programs and procedures, working closely with our own already stellar state-of-theart advanced cardiac center, as part of the Mount Sinai Heart program, will eventually allow advanced cardiac surgery procedures to be performed right here at Mount Sinai South Nassau. That’s phenomenal – that we can offer such exceptional care so close to home.

We have about 40 superb gastrointestinal doctors right now on our medical staff. They are wonderful GI doctors, but they refer to super subspecialists the really complex cases of inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s, and colitis, as well as advanced endoscopy that a regular, expert GI doctor doesn’t do.

Now they can refer to physicians within Mount Sinai South Nassau.

We have two of the leading interventional endoscopists that do procedures that a handful of doctors in the greater metropolitan region do. The former head of Columbia Presbyterian is now the head of interventional endoscopy at Mount Sinai South Nassau. He’s been receiving so many referrals already, that we hired a second person in the hospital as well. That person is only one of two people in the greater region who is capable of doing a procedure, called POEM, that until now required surgery. Now, we can do it endoscopically – he’s already done 70 of these and has a waiting list of patients who want the procedure done endoscopically at South Nassau instead of surgically. That’s amazing for patients – and a whole other level of care.

You know, not every physician at Mount Sinai in the city practices at Mount Sinai, the main hub. They have seven hospitals. So already, different doctors go to different places.

Many of these doctors live on Long

Island and have actually been very anxious to open up a practice closer to their home, closer to where they live. Besides that, many of them are interested in providing world-class care to a select subset of patients, and they know that those patients may not be willing to come to them.

For example, Mount Sinai is the expert on multiple myeloma [a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell]. A cancer patient suffering from multiple myeloma may not be willing or able to run into the city.

Now, patients can enroll in such National Cancer Institute studies at South Nassau, allowing these patients to get cutting-edge treatments previously only available in the city.

South Nassau already has a world-class cancer program, our Feil Cancer Center run by Dr. Rajiv Datta, a superb oncology surgeon, with a combined medical, surgical and radiational oncology faculty.

Indeed, our Gamma knife is being utilized by the Sinai neurosurgeons, as a new tool for them! But now we’re going to the next level by joining forces with Sinai’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Program, as only a handful of hospitals in the country have that level of expertise. What does that mean to our patients? They’re going to get great care, but they will also be able to be enrolled in studies that you can get only in an NCI Cancer Center.

Furthermore, if a person needs to go into the city for one procedure, they can manage. But what if they need constant care, or chronic follow-up, or daily or weekly treatments? It’s impossible to constantly be running back and forth. Mount Sinai South Nassau is offering an unbelievable advantage to our community: of having that expertise brought to you rather than you schlepping to the expertise.

South Nassau Community Hospital was always an excellent hospital. It’s now becoming a world-class hospital as Mount Sinai South Nassau, the flagship of Mount Sinai on Long Island.

You mentioned the excellent care at South Nassau. I understand you are a nurses’ Magnet hospital.

71 119

South Nassau has always been known for its wonderful nursing care. I think only three or four percent of hospitals in the country qualify with Magnet care designation from the National Nurses Association, and especially in Long Island, there are very few. We’re very proud of our excellent nursing care, run by a former Mount Sinai Chief Nursing Officer Stacey Conklin, a local resident. Patients really appreciate the compassion and care that our nurses provide.

For the past few years you’ve been renovating your building.

Yes. It’s very exciting. We are adding on a new wing, which will have four floors, including two, brand-new intensive care units totaling 40 beds. It will also have a brand-new emergency room. We’re the go-to emergency room in this region – the only trauma center in our area. Our current emergency room, under chairman of a great clinician and (Jewish!) former Navy SEAL, Dr. Josh Kugler, is fantastic, but we will be doubling its physical capacity and making it physically stateof-the-art. We’re also building 12 new surgical theaters, which will be capable of handling cardiac surgery – which is a major enhancement for the hospital. For now, we refer patients who need cardiac surgery to Mount Sinai in the city. When the renovations will be complete, we’ll be able to do the surgery right here.

We’re increasing our capacities to make our NICU a tertiary-level NICU instead of just a really good NICU. You can’t get better than having senior pediatrician Dr. Warren Rosenfeld, former chairman of Winthrop, as our chairman of pediatrics. We’re one of the few hospitals with a pediatric unit in the emergency room. If a child comes in with a laceration, for example, they can be treated right away, right there, which is amazing.

We’re also upgrading and modernizing the whole facility. We know that parking can sometimes be a problem, so we’re working on building a several-story parking garage, which will blend into the community around us.

120 72

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

We’ve been working on the upgraded facility for years. If you come into the building, the whole front of the building, the D Wing, is new – around ten years old. We’re also trying to consolidate certain outpatient centers, so if someone needs a referral, they can literally be walked down the hall for a sub-specialty referral and be introduced to the physician who will treat them. From a patient’s point-of-view, it’s phenomenally convenient for them.

We’re all about taking care of the community. If you think about it, our name was South Nassau Communities Hospital, because that was always our goal – to be there for the community. Now, our mission is the same, but we’re doing it on a higher level. It truly is something that I, as a resident of the neighborhood, as a person who refers hundreds of people each year to different doctors, knows and understands and sees firsthand.

How does the hospital accommodate the needs of the frum community?

In a way, I would say that the most important amenity we have at the hospital for the frum community is the daily Mincha minyan that we have Monday through Thursday at 1:35 p.m. There are patients who come – some with their IVs – to the minyan every now and then. It gives me such pleasure to see because I know that these patients feel terrible about being in the hospital and not being able to go to minyan.

But here, we’re allowing them to feel part of the community and be able to participate, which is really important for their wellbeing. If a person is in a state of distress and they can say kaddish or amen with a minyan, that’s very powerful. And for family members in the hospital visiting, it is a great comfort.

Achiezer has also set up a Bikur Cholim room sponsored by Gourmet Glatt. It’s wonderful. The food there is free, which is a huge help for Orthodox patients or family who are limited by what they can eat. But in the Bikur Cholim room, you can get fresh, hot food, and it’s open 24/7.

There are meals on Shabbos, too, plus the hospital bought a house ad-

L to R: Adhi Sharma, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Mount Sinai South Nassau; Stephen Silich, JD, Chief Administrative Officer, Mount Sinai Health Network; Rajiv Datta, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai South Nassau; Arthur Klein, MD, President of the Mount Sinai Health Network; Richard J. Murphy, President & CEO, Mount Sinai South Nassau; and Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chair of the Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai South Nassau celebrated the official launch of the Mount Sinai South Nassau brand at a special luncheon reception held in the hospital’s conference center on September 26

jacent to the hospital for Shabbos, or any day of the week, for people who need to stay over near the hospital.

The frum community in Oceanside is also wonderful, and there are

Oceanside (the hospital is within the eruv) and Rabbi Muskat, shlita, who are invaluable resources for the frum community.

Our community should also

“NOW, OUR MISSION IS THE SAME, BUT WE’RE DOING IT ON A HIGHER LEVEL.” many services that they offer, too, such as the Bikur Cholim Society run by Rebbitzen Gottesman, and yibadel bein chaim lechaim, her late husband, Rabbi Gottesman, zt”l, along with the Young Israel of

know that they can get kosher food at the hospital, which comes prepackaged, but they should remember that they need to be cognizant that we’re not a fully kosher hospital. For example, you might get

a 100% kosher fleishig packaged lunch, but the person serving the food may put a carton of milk on the tray next to it. So you just have to recognize that you’ll eat your fleishig lunch and give back the milk or discard the milk. I have given lectures to the nutritional staff who go out of their way to be responsive, but I always say that an educated consumer is a good consumer.

I have to say that, working in this hospital, I have witnessed and seen that Richard Murphy, our president and CEO who is a true friend, and the administration of South Nassau, are people concerned with chessed, kindness. It’s hard to describe, and you don’t find it in every hospital.

But this administration is one of caring and goodness. May Hashem reward them!

They are also very sensitive to our community’s needs. In South Nassau, if there’s a question, they defer to what the rabbi or halachic authority says to do, which is very important when it comes to endof-life matters. They will never demand that a family does something that is against their religion or beliefs. This is extremely important for our community. I know of families in other hospitals that had to switch their family members from one hospital to the next because the hospital declared the patient dead, and the family and their rabbi said otherwise. It’s very traumatic.

Mount Sinai South Nassau will never say that. They honor all patient’s religious convictions.

In this regard, the hospital has a very strong pastoral care department. I give lectures a few times a year (including one this week) to those in the department about Jewish-related issues. This way, everyone knows about our laws and traditions, and all patients’ religious concerns will be protected and respected.

No one wants to be at the hospital – except maybe in our beautiful maternity ward where we are on schedule to deliver a record number of babies this year! However, we must all do our hishtadlus to make our local hospital the best it can possibly be. Mount Sinai South Nassau is committed to doing just that.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

T OUR ASK ABOU

SHABBOS L HAGADO T A

PROGRAM OTEL H THE SAME

pesach

withChef Flam

AT

| DANB A Z A L P N W O THE CR

URY, CT

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT THROUGHOUT YOM-TOV

URI DAVIDI

Hashgacha Under Rabbi Binyomin Taub

SHMULI UNGER

SHMURA MATZAH / NON GEBROKTS LAVISH SCRUMPTIOUS TEA ROOM PLENTY OF NEARBY ATTRACTIONS DAILY CHILDRENS DAYCAMP

*OPTION TO STAY FOR SHABBOS AFTER PESACH *ADDITIONAL FEES APPLY

RABBI

MENACHEM APTER

RABBI

BOAZ BARDEA KUMZITZ WITH

www.glowdesignz.com

CHAZZAN LICHTMAN

LE Y T S S U C R CI W O H S T A ACROB

H T I W P M A C DAY AL V I N R A C G VISITIN ZOO & PETTING FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT www.pesachwithchefflam.com chanie.pesachwithchefflam@gmail.com (848) 299-1238

121 73

122

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

PESACH 2020

AT THE BEAUTIFUL

MARCO POLO BEACH RESORT

Celebrating

Years!

• Oversized renovated rooms, many terraces • Poolside fitness center sauna, steam room • Superb day camp program • Private seder rooms available • Gourmet glatt kosher cuisine with renowned Chef Andy Serano • Cantor led or private seders • Top name entertainment • Trips to major attractions • Daily services, shiurim, lectures • Scholar-in-Residence Program

For reservations call Howie Sarnoff:

800-327-8165

HOSTED BY:

The Schechter Family

Trusted Leaders in Passover Tours 19201 COLLINS AVENUE SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA

www.marcopolobeachresort.com

FIRST CHILD FREE! OFFE R EXPIRES 12 /31/ 19

marcopolopassover@gmail.com

Call Joy of AMIT Children SOUTHEAST REGION

954-922-5100

WHEN IT COMES TO PESACH, THERE ARE ONLY TWO NAMES YOU NEED TO KNOW.

APRIL 8-17, 2020 HILTON DOUBLETREE | SOMERSET, NJ

SCHOLARS IN RESIDENCE

Rabbi Menachem Leibtag Tanach Study Center

Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz Rav Beis HaKnesses of North Woodmere, Director of Semicha Program, YU RIETS

Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman Nechama Price Rosh HaYeshiva, Lecturer, Stern College Rambam Mesivta

Imu Shalev COO, Aleph Beta

A large number of oversized connecting guest rooms, free Wi-Fi Tranquil gardens and ponds on 16 acres of property Guest rooms outfitted with Hilton’s luxurious “Pillow Top Beds” On-premises tennis, volleyball, basketball courts, and nearby golf course Heated indoor pool and hot tub Spectacular tea room & nightly entertainment Hosted & Catered By Dynamic Scholar in Residence program Daily shiurim and Daf Yomi Warm and professional day camp and daycare staff Personal attention to every guest

For reservations, call Ricky Schechter at (800) 965-1655, Gross Family at (516) 766-2700, or email sharmelcaterers@gmail.com

@grossandschechter

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

%

40

D

L SO

6+ days of skiing

This Pesach, JOIN US ON THE MOUNTAIN

The Four Seasons Resort • Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

www.pesachonthemountain.com call 1 855 737 2247

Full Resort Buyout • Our 9th Consecutive Year TUESDAY APRIL 7 - SUNDAY APRIL 19, 2020

123

124 66

DECEMBER29, 12,2015 2019| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home OCTOBER

In The K

tchen

Beer Battered Broccoli Dairy • Yields 8 servings

By Naomi Nachman Photo credit: Miriam Pascal

I came up with this recipe when I had leftover beer batter I had used on fish.

I took broccoli and some other vegetables and started tossing them in the batter and frying them up. I had no idea how good it was going to be.

One year, I decided to make them for my family Chanukah party, and I made this delicious cheese sauce dip to serve it with. What a perfect combo!

Battered Broccoli Ingredients 1½ cups flour, divided 1 teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 4 large eggs ½ teaspoon sriracha

1 (12-ounce) bottle of beer, room temperature Canola oil, for frying (2-pound) bag frozen broccoli florets

Preparation Sift 1 cup flour into a large bowl. Add salt and pepper. Whisk in eggs and sriracha. Slowly add beer, whisking after each addition. Allow the batter to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

In a large pot, skillet, or deep fryer, heat 3 inches oil to 360°-375°F. Dredge broccoli in remaining flour, shaking off excess. Then coat the broccoli in the batter.

Add broccoli to oil; fry until golden brown, 3-4 minutes.

Serve with Cheese Dipping Sauce.

Cheese Dipping Sauce Ingredients

Preparation

4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter ¼ cup flour 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1½ cup milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder 1 teaspoon salt

Melt butter in a medium pot over low heat.

Add flour, garlic, and salt; mix well for 1 minute until combined. Add milk and cheese; mix well until melted and mixture has thickened. Stir in ancho chili powder and salt.

Serve alongside broccoli, for dipping.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

WINTER2020 W I T H

A NOSTALGIC WEEKEND WITH

AVRAHAM FRIED

vWc

K M R

WELCOMING BACK

WINTER WITH KMR

HEALTH & WELLNESS AT KMR

AT THE MIRAMONTE RESORT AND SPA, INDIAN WELLS, PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA JANUARY 16 - JANUARY 27, 2020

DIRECTED BY

BETH WARREN

CATERING: MICHAEL SCHICK PASTRY: UDI EZRA KASHRUS RABBI R DORFMAN CHAZZAN: BENNY ROGOSNITZKY FROM PARK EAST SYNAGOGUE SPEAKERS: RABBI MICHEL TWERSKI • REBBETZIN FEIGE TWERSKI.• RABBI SHLOMO BESSER • RABBI SIMCHA WERNER

WINTER 2020 WITH THE WERNER BROTHERS | 888.567.0100

OR

718.778.4241 | KMRTOURS.COM

125

126 26

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

I believe that the American people understand that this is something that we must do at this point. I don’t speak for all of the American people; about a majority seem to think so. And I think that we’re moving forward in a very cautious and prudent way, which is what is expected. But I also think that if we don’t include some of the things that are important to people of color, then I think that our business won’t be finished. I do believe, ma’am, that we have to deal with the original sin. We have to deal with slavery. Slavery was the thing that put all of what President Trump has done lately into motion.

You’re a … liar, man. That’s not true. By the way…I’m not sedentary. You want to check my shape, man?

Let’s do pushups together here, man. Let’s run. Let’s do whatever you want to do. Let’s take an IQ test, OK? - Presidential candidate Joe Biden, at an Iowa campaign stop, responding to a questioner, of wide girth, who asked him about Hunter Biden’s shady work on the board of a Ukrainian energy company

Look, fat, here’s the deal.

- Ibid., to the questioner

To be clear: Any assertion VP Biden said a word about the gentleman’s appearance is making this something it is not. In the latter part of the exchange, the VP began to say, “Look, facts” then said, “here’s the deal.”

If you’ve been to a Biden event, you’ve heard this before.

- Tweet by the Biden campaign, moments after the exchange

- Rep. Al Green (D-TX), on MSNBC, asserting that issues of slavery and racism needed to be addressed in the impeachment of President Donald Trump

You can’t contradict that these are the best numbers of our lives. You can’t. It doesn’t matter whether you hate [Trump] or like him – these are real numbers. This is the best number I’ve ever seen in my life…

I don’t see inflation. I don’t see recession.

- CNBC’s Jim Cramer responding to last Friday’s jobs report which showed that the U.S. economy added 266,000 jobs last month, with unemployment dipping to 3.5%, matching a 50-year low

The president can walk away from the table with this number. In the end, the Chinese are going to have to put jobs here.

- Ibid., positing that President Trump will win the trade war with China because of the strong U.S. economy

MORE QUOTES

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Pesach PRESENTS

2020

T H E U P S C AL E E X P ER I E N C E AWA I T S

W hite Oaks Resort

N I A G A R A FA L L S , C A N A D A

RABBI YONASON GOLDSON

RABBI TZVI SYTNER

RABBI AARON SELEVAN

SIVAN RAHAV MEIR

FEATURING

NISSIM BLACK IN CONCERT

15 YEARS RUNNING IN NIAGARA!

UPSCALE-GETAWAYS.COM INFO@UPSCALE-GETAWAYS.COM

1.877.895.3210

127 27

128

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

27

The Constitution says there can be no titles of nobility, so while the president can name his son Barron, he can’t make him a baron.

- Stanford Law School professor Pamela Karlan while “testifying” in front of the House Judiciary Committee last week that President Trump deserves to be impeached

Pamela Karlan, you should be ashamed of your very angry and obviously biased public pandering, and using a child to do it.

- Tweet by First Lady Melania Trump, in response

Only in the minds of crazed liberals is it funny to drag a 13-year-old child into the impeachment nonsense.

- Trump campaign spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany, in response

Liberals tend to cluster more.

Conservatives, especially very conservative people, tend to spread out more, perhaps because they don’t even want to be around themselves.

– Previous statement by Pamela Karlan, read back to her as she claimed to be unbiased in her assessment that the president should be impeached

The House will now file articles of impeachment, then it will go to a full vote, then it could go to the Senate. I mean, how many steps are there in this? Are we impeaching a president or assembling a futon from Ikea?

— James Corden

Oh my G-d, oh my G-d, oh my G-d! They finally proposed articles of impeachment. I mean, I knew when they reserved that hearing room this would be it, but you never know until it really happens. Oh my G-d, I’m so happy for you guys!

— Trevor Noah

I came in from the airport yesterday and I got off the bus from Dulles down at L’Enfant Plaza and I walked up to the hotel and as I was walking past what used to be the old post office building and is now Trump Hotel. I had to cross the street, of course.

- Pamela Karlan in a speech in 2017

But, as Jimmy Buffett says, it’s 4 o’clock somewhere – oh wait, make that 5 o’clock somewhere. Maybe I need to have a talk with Jimmy and have him do another version of the song for 4 p.m.

– Bob Slavonic, of Pittsburgh, talking about his dad, Andrew, who at age 102 still drinks a Coors Light every day at 4 p.m.

MORE QUOTES

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

We welcome you to the magniďŹ cent, newly refurbished

Heritage Resort & Spa.

Creating memories of pesach 2020 to cherish for

the

A lifetime.

years

46 hospitality

of

RABBI DR. AARON GLATT RABBI DR. CHESKY GEWIRTZ Scholars in Residence MORAH DGANIT ISRAEL Day Camp Director

Contact us at: mendyvimholidays@aol.com

Heritage southbury, ct

Just 1 hr and 15 minutes from the Whitestone Bridge this full-facility splendid resort in the picturesqueLitchfield Hills of northwest CT offers New England at its best.

It is truly quintessential destination for an unforgettable Passover holiday. The haute cuisine offered in a beautiful setting with music and shiurim to enrich your Pesach experience.

Call 718.998.4477 or 410.484.5553 w w w . v i m s h o l i d a y s . c o m

129

130 28

DECEMBER 12,2015 2019| The | TheJewish JewishHome Home OCTOBER 29,

I don’t hate anybody. I was raised in a Catholic house; we don’t hate anybody — not anybody in the world. So, don’t you accuse me of any hate. As a Catholic, I resent you using the word “hate” in a sentence that addresses me. I pray for the President all the time. So don’t mess with me when it comes to words like that.

- Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), at her weekly press conference, responding to a reporter who asked whether she is proceeding with impeachment of President Trump because she hates him

Today Nancy Pelosi said she doesn’t hate the president because she’s a Catholic and Catholics don’t hate people. I just want to say as a lifelong Catholic, I thought that was the funniest … thing I’ve ever heard in my life. What is she talking about?

We hate everybody.

— Conan O’Brien

You’re not nice people at all, but you have to vote for me. You have no choice. You’re not going to vote for Pocahontas, I can tell you that. You’re not going to vote for the wealth tax. Yeah, let’s take 100 percent of your wealth away. Even if you don’t like me – some of you don’t. Some of you I don’t like at all, actually, and you’re going to be my biggest supporters because you’ll be out of business in about fifteen minutes if they get it.

- President Trump joking while addressing the Israeli American Council conference last weekend

We have to get the people of our country, of this country, to love Israel more, I have to tell you that.

We have to do it. We have to get them to love Israel more. Because you have Jewish people that are great people – they don’t love Israel enough. You know that. You know that.

– Ibid.

It’s pretty dark that Trump would offer to send ISIS fighters to Macron as a gift, but I guess, on the other hand, we have found the one gift that’s worse than a Peloton.

— Trevor Noah, responding to Trump quipping to French President Macron at the NATO Summit that the U.S. would like to send France ISIS prisoners who are French citizens

The big story is that Senator Kamala Harris has dropped out of the presidential race. Apparently, this weekend, Kamala saw Joe Biden bite his wife’s finger in public and thought, “There’s no way I can beat this guy.”

— Jimmy Fallon

6

OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

The 12, 2019 TheJewish JewishHome Home| DECEMBER | OCTOBER 29, 2015

131 29

Political Crossfire

Joe Biden is the Democrats’ Mitt Romney

By Marc A. Thiessen

D

emocrats winced when they heard Joe Biden talking about his hairy legs. “The kids used to come up and reach into the pool and rub my leg down so it was straight and watch the hair come back up again,” he said in a video of a 2017 speech that went viral last week, adding, “I loved kids jumping on my lap.”

Despite cringe-worthy moments like this, Biden remains the Democratic frontrunner for one simple reason: 46% of Democrats believe he has the best chance of beating President Trump. Democratic voters are not enthusiastic about his agenda; only 15% think he has the best policy ideas, compared with a combined 38% who say that about Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. But they don’t think Sanders and Warren can win, while they believe Biden can.

What they don’t realize yet is that Joe Biden is the Democrats’ Mitt Romney.

Back in 2012, Republicans were terrified that tea party radicals would cost them the election by nominating an unelectable extremist. So, they united behind a genial, milquetoast moderate who they thought was more “electable” than some crazy right-winger. Sure, Romney didn’t have the “vision thing,” but it didn’t matter. Barack Obama was deeply unpopular, his approval rating stuck

in the low 40s. All they needed was an inoffensive candidate who could ride anti-Obama sentiment into the Oval Office. It didn’t work out as they had hoped.

Today, Democrats face virtually the same situation. They are terrified that their left-wing base will nominate an unelectable extremist.

So, they are backing Biden for the

ple, my friend,” boasted “I like being able to fire people,” announced that his immigration policy was “self-deportation,” and dismissed 47% of the country as a moochers “who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them”? With Biden running, it’s like déjà vu all over again.

Biden has declared that Democrats should “choose truth over facts”

With Biden running, it’s like déjà vu all over again.

same reasons Republicans backed Romney. And it might not work out as they hope.

Like Romney, Biden is not a conviction politician who can energize the base with the power of his ideas.

Like Romney, Biden is a personally decent guy who will be unable to withstand the brutal pummeling that his opponent will unleash in the general election. And like Romney, Biden is a gaffe machine.

Remember when Romney declared that “corporations are peo-

and that “poor kids are just as bright and just as talented, as white kids.”

He confused former British Prime Minister Theresa May with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. He pledged to use biofuels to power “steamships” and promised in a debate, “I would eliminate the capital gains tax” when he meant he would raise it. He criticized Trump for freezing military aid to Ukraine by declaring “people are being killed in western, in eastern Afghan – excuse me, in eastern, uh, Ukraine.”

The big difference is that Romney was at least younger and energetic.

Biden is old and fragile. If he wins, he’ll be older on the day he takes office than Ronald Reagan was on the day he left office. Indeed, many of his recent gaffes are really senior moments – like when he repeatedly gets confused about what state he is in.

Perhaps this realization is why Biden is not pulling away from the pack and appears stuck at around 28% support. Those supporters have stuck with him, no matter how he stumbles, in large part because they see no viable alternative – just as Republicans saw no viable alternative to Romney. Sanders and Warren would energize the base, but they are so far left that they spook swing voters. Pete Buttigieg is a midsize-city mayor who lacks higher-level experience and struggles to attract the black vote. The rest of the field is in single digits.

So despite having the largest presidential primary field in modern history, the best Democrats can come up with is Biden. If he wins the nomination, they might find that nominating an ideologically flexible, wishy-washy moderate, and counting on the unpopularity of the sitting president to put you over the top is not a winning strategy. Just ask President Mitt Romney. (c) 2019, Washington Post Writers Group

132 4

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Political Crossfire

Shattered Trust Why the State Department Rejected a Plan to Train Saudi Intelligence

By David Ignatius

T

he State Department recently rejected a proposal by DynCorp to train the Saudi intelligence service because of fears that the kingdom doesn’t yet have proper safeguards to prevent lawless covert operations like the killing last year of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

What has disturbed State Department and CIA officials, and led them to argue against the proposal, are reports that Saudi Arabia is continuing abusive practices, including attempts to force dissidents back to the kingdom, surveillance abroad of Khashoggi’s family, and arrests of human-rights activists.

U.S. officials worry that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman still hasn’t recognized that intelligence accountability and reform are necessary to stabilize the U.S.-Saudi relationship. Officials are disturbed, for example, that Saud al-Qahtani, a close adviser to the crown prince named by the Treasury Department as an organizer of the operation that killed Khashoggi, still hasn’t been charged – and continues to operate behind the scenes.

Among the abuses this year that concerned U.S. officials was an effort to lure a young Saudi dissident living in America back to the kingdom. A U.S. official said the FBI

concluded that he would be arrested if he returned home and warned him against traveling; the official wouldn’t identify the Saudi. The official also cited reports that Khashoggi’s fiancé Hatice Cengiz and one of his sons were under Saudi surveillance in London last summer.

Modernizing the General Intelligence Presidency, or GIP, as the Saudi spy service is known, is a goal widely supported by current and former U.S. officials. They argue that the security of both the kingdom and the United States would benefit from better management, ethical standards, and performance at the GIP. The question is how to achieve this good goal without enabling bad behavior.

“We want the GIP to be stronger, but we don’t think this is the way,” said a State Department official, confirming that the DynCorp proposal was rejected. State must review and certify all major foreign military or security sales or training programs.

The State Department, responding to strong Saudi requests to reverse the rejection of the training program, is now studying alternatives that might provide better oversight and controls on intelligence activities, as a condition for licensing the training program. The goal is to

help the kingdom, while ensuring that U.S. training doesn’t unintentionally enable lawless operations, as appears to have happened in the Khashoggi murder.

Controlling intelligence activities is a riddle for any country. One idea discussed by the State Department is to insulate intelligence activities from the royal court, which is directed by the crown prince. Another is to install formal oversight mechanisms, like those that limit intelligence activities in the United States, though it’s not clear how these controls would work in a traditional monarchy like Saudi Arabia where the crown prince effectively has total power. A third possibility is that the CIA could do the training directly.

If workable safeguards could be formulated, State might solicit a new training proposal from DynCorp or another U.S. contractor, several officials said. One concern is that if Washington won’t help Saudi Arabia modernize the GIP, the kingdom might seek such training from another country. That could derail the traditionally close liaison relationship between the CIA and the GIP, a breach that U.S. officials want to avoid.

DynCorp first requested State Department approval in mid-2018 for the training plan, to be managed

by a subsidiary called Culpeper National Security Solutions. But after Khashoggi’s murder in October 2018 by a rendition team sent from Riyadh, the State Department suspended the license, pending review.

DynCorp soon resubmitted a revised proposal, suggesting a lower contract value. This revised proposal was formally rejected by State several months ago, officials said. DynCorp didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The quiet internal debate over training and modernization for the GIP has become a litmus test for a wider question: How can the United States press the Saudi government to surmount the crown prince’s foot-dragging and develop new procedures that could reassure Congress, the Pentagon and the intelligence community that the abuses that surfaced in the Khashoggi murder won’t happen again?

The U.S.-Saudi security relationship needs a reset – but the only way to rebuild shattered trust is a new system of accountability and controls to prevent abuses. The GIP training issue reminds us of what went so badly wrong in the kingdom with Khashoggi’s murder a year ago and the urgent need to begin fixing it. (c) 2019, Washington Post Writers Group

133

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

THE MANDEL FAMILY WELCOMES YOU TO at the

THE BERKELEY

OCEANFRONT HOTEL

~ Rabbi Avi Juravel, Rav ~ ~ Entire hotel Kosher L’Pesach ~ ~ Infant day care and babysitting ~ ~ Daf Yomi, many Shiurim and lectures ~ ~ Close to many Chol Hamoed Attractions ~ ~ Amazing day camp and teen program ~ ~ Jugglers, clowns, animal shows, & more ~

Pesach 2020 Only $1990 per adult

Multi million dollar renovation underway!

€‚ƒ�

 �

Pesach 2020 at Honors Haven

PESACH 2020

TIME

URS TO

Located in Beautiful Asbury Park, NJ Just 1 hour from Brooklyn

H

PESAC

our 15th exciting year

RABBI MOSHE MEIR WEISS WOMEN'S CONCERT BY MALKY GINIGER

RABBI ELIEZER ABISH

MICHOEL PRUZANSKY THE JABALI ACROBATS

Â?

� � �  � ­  �

Kosher Cruises

Nearby Activities - Horseback riding - Great Adventure - Escape room - Aquarium - Jersey outlets - Golf / Mini golf - Charter ďŹ shing excursions -

Chasidishe Shechita, Cholov Yisroel, Non Gebroks, Hand Shmurah Matzo

Looking forward to greeting you personally.

Your hosts, The Mandel Family Chanuka Morocco Land Tour December 23 for 9 nites

Panama Canal Jan 15-26

Singapore & East Asia January 2020 13-24

Caribbean Feb 14-24

732.370.7777

www.pesachtime.com

find us on

134 32

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Forgotten Her es

The Battle of the Bulge The Greatest American Battle of World War II

By Avi Heiligman

I

ntelligence failing to detect an impending offensive or strike can really set back an army depending on the scale of the attacking force.

The Russians got caught flatfooted in the summer of 1941, and that resulted in the German Army almost reaching Moscow before winter stopped the Nazi war machine. Japanese command had a full six months to impose their will in the Pacific after surprising the American fleet at Pearl Harbor. A third Allied World War II intelligence failure occurred in the final months of the war in the Ardennes Forest. Failing to recognize a major buildup of German men and vehicles, entire Americans divisions were on the run following the start of the offensive. Called the Battle of the Bulge, the Americans reversed German gains in just a few weeks but it gave a major scare to the Allied forces in the West.

Some Allied units had penetrated Germany in the fall of 1944, while others were poised to make a breakthrough in the last couple of weeks of the year. Many German generals were trying to convince Hitler, ym”sh, to surrender, but instead the madman became crazier. On paper, he started moving around divisions that had been wiped out and made senseless military decisions. One of these was to take badly needed troops from the Russian front and launch a surprise attack on General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s powerful army in the west.

The plan relied on three things: speed, surprise, and the weather.

German Field Marshals Walter Model and Gerd von Rundstedt were chosen to lead 250,000 men, more than 300 Panzer tanks, and 1,600 artillery pieces into the lightly held Ardennes Forest in Belgium. Noticeably missing from their military hardware was aircraft for the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) had been knocked out of the skies. Allied Supreme Commander General Dwight

12th Army Group under the command of General Omar Bradley. Still, with the initial advantage of surprise, German commanders gave the operation little chance of succeeding because it would be a matter of time until millions of Allied reinforcements and thousands of planes were sent to the front lines. Before the battle, though, Allied intelligence had no idea that it was coming so the Germans achieved the surprise element of their elaborate plans.

Over 7,000 soldiers were captured in the largest mass surrender of American troops in the war.

Eisenhower was in command of 48 divisions on a 600-mile front. The Americans initially had only five divisions in the area but they were either new to battle or severely depleted from previous battles. The Ardennes was supposed to be a “soft” area, and these divisions were there for rest and relaxation. The 99th – known as the Checkerboard Division – and 106th Divisions were in the crosshairs of the German advance. They were fairly new to battle and were part of the

A 90-minute artillery barrage awoke American soldiers on the morning of December 16, 1945. 1,600 German large guns from the 6th Panzer Army led by General Sepp Dietrich had opened the offensive on an 80-mile front. First reports of the attack confused some Allied commanders as they were not convinced it was the start to a massive attack. Eisenhower knew otherwise, but it would take time to send reinforcements.

Dietrich’s column in the Northern

sector was held up for about a day by 22 men of the 394th Intelligence and Reconnaissance platoon, 99th Division. The Americans killed at least 65 German paratroopers and perhaps up 500 Germans trying to penetrate their lines near Lanzerath, Belgium.

Only one American was killed, and after many attempts the Germans captured the platoon (surprisingly, every one of those captured survived the brutal German POW camps).

This delay caused a bottleneck in the German main advance which pushed back the timetable for an entire (and vital for the Allies) day. However, thousands of American soldiers from the 99th and 106th Divisions were captured, and hundreds were massacred

by Nazi troops.

In the center of the German attack, the 5th Panzer Army neared two major road junctions including one that would soon be known to every American: Bastogne. The other, St. Vith, also saw heavy fighting as these were needed for the German advance.

The German southern attack headed towards Luxembourg as they were supposed to cut off Allied reinforcements. By the second day of the offensive, the panzers (German tanks) had captured a fuel dump, and soon American units blew up other supply depots to stop the advance. The Germans created a bulge in the thinly-held American lines, and this is how the action got the name Battle of the Bulge. Before the Americans were

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 29, 12, 2019 The The Jewish Jewish Home Home || OCTOBER OCTOBER 29, 2015 2015

Reich collapsed. It had taken 44 days to stop and push back Germany’s final, desperate gamble to win the war.

Seventy-five years after the battle, it is still remembered for the harsh conditions and the bravery of the regular Allied soldier who defeated the

Nazis for good.

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.

BY WYNDHAM

JERUSALEM

What makes this night different from all other nights?

This Passover we’re at the Ramada!

Spacious and fully accessorized guest rooms | Kosher LeMehadrin Lavish holiday menu | Fun Family Activities | Kids Club Scolar in Residence Rabbi Shmuel Hershler ‫ותקין‬

mass surrender of American troops in the war.

It was the coldest winter that Belgium had seen in decades. It was only on December 23 that planes were able to break through the weather to resupply Bastogne and start ground support. The Germans got within five miles from the Meuse River but with no chance of refueling, the Germans’ advance had been halted for good.

The Americans started their own offensives, and by January 7, the Germans retreated out of the Ardennes Forest.

19,000 Americans had died, and another 20,000 were captured during the ferocious battle. The Germans lost about 100,000 men and could not defend Germany from the Russian onslaught during the Battle of Berlin because they had used all of their manpower during the Battle of the Bulge.

Before being sent to battle, Jewish soldiers were given dog tags that indicated they were Jewish. Hundreds of Jewish soldiers were captured, and instead of being sent to POW camps, they were sent to concentration camps. Many died in captivity as the Nazi beast did not care from which nationality a Jew originated.

The Battle of the Bulge scared the Allied high command, but at the end, due to the tenacity and resolve of the infantry and paratroopers, they prevailed. The Germans lost so many men and tanks that they were not replaceable, and soon the entire Third

‫בוטיק‬

able to plug the gap, the Germans had penetrated 50 miles into their lines but their advance stalled on December 19.

Almost from the beginning Eisenhower realized that this was a big offensive and started preparations for defense. 250,000 men and 50,000 vehicles were rushed to the front lines.

This included sending the 101st Airborne, aka the Screaming Eagles, and elements of the 10th Armored Division to the city of Bastogne. Casualties were high, and they were low on supplies but still held out. On December 21, five German divisions had surrounded the city and demanded that the Americans surrender. The highest-ranking officer in the pocket, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, responded with one word, “Nuts!” On December 26, a week after being sent to the city, American reinforcements from General George Patton’s Third Army broke through the German siege.

The elite 82nd Airborne Division was sent to the town of Werbomont to halt Pieper’s column from advancing to the Meuse River. In a bitter battle, they defeated the German attack and started pushing east again. However, they weren’t close enough to the German starting point and couldn’t help the 106th. The 106th Division was new to action and held out for three days, stalling the German center force.

Out of ammunition and supplies and with no hope of rescue, over 7,000 soldiers were captured in the largest

135 33 33

Wide range of attractive holiday packages

Reserve Now For reservations call: 02-6599950 reservations@herzlhotel.com | www.jerusalemramadahotel.com

136

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

Classifieds classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com • text 443-929-4003

SERVICES

SERVICES

HOUSES FOR SALE

MOBILE and DESKTOP APPS Solve your business information management problems with a full-featured Desktop App or a run-anywhere Mobile App. MS Access expert, 25+ years experience. www.PStrauss.net or 718-696-8427

MOONBOUNCE FOR RENT

370 FELTER AV. HEWLETT 70x150 lot BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!!

Also next door lot available for sale Call 516-206-2005 AllGoingRealty.com

$100/day Holds up to 500lbs.

Perfect fun for ages 3-8 Call or text 516-220-0616 to reserve your date GERBER MOVING FULL SERVICE MOVING

Yoga & Licensed Massage Therapy Peaceful Presence Studio 436 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst Separate men/women Group/private sessions Gift Cards Available www. Peacefulpresence.com 516 -371 -3715

Packing Moving Supplies Local Long Distance Licensed Insured 1000’S Of Happy Customers Call Shalom 347-276-7422 HAIR COURSE

Alternative Solutions Geriatric Care Management staff will assist you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust * In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling * Securing reliable home care assistance * Case and Care Management services Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242

119 Spruce Street, Cedarhurst 11516 358 Elm Street, West Hempstead 11552

Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group

Don’t Get Stuck With a Two Story House Ya Know, It’s One Story Before You Buy It But a Second Story After You Own It! Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection Infrared - Termite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

FOR SALE IN LONG BEACH Beachside Classic Tudor Newly Renovated 4 BR, 4 Baths, 2 FP, Bsmt, Deck, Garage, 6000 SF lot, $899K Beach West Realty 516-287-9735 PRICE REDUCED: Sprawling 4BR, 4BA Exp-Ranch, Oversized Rooms, LR W/Fplc, Formal Dining Rm, Large Den, Master Suite, Full Finished Basement, Storage Room & Office, Deck, Fabulous Property…$1.078M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

FOR SALE IN WOODMERE Legal 3 Family on 100 x 100, Bsmt, 3 Car Garage, Brick Driveway, $849K Beach West Realty 516-287-9880

COMMERCIAL RE

Call Chaya 718-715-9009 SHALOM HANDYMAN Plumbing, heating, boiler, installation, sewer, locks, dryer vent cleaning and more…

CALL 917-217-3676

Cedarhurst 516.374.0242 West Hempstead 516.565.4392 Back Lawrence

•••••••

for the past 20 years!

Far rockaway

2-Family Home Off Empire Ave. 6 Br, 4 Fbths Total, 3br/2bth In Each Unit.

Significant Rental Income Potential. Located Just Feet Away From Multiple Houses Of Worship.

Do It RIght, the FIRst tIme - Call Us Today!

•••••••

Proudly servicing the Fi e Towns and surounding areas

#1 BROKERAGE

Spacious Center Hall Colonial In The Most Desirable Area Of Far Rockaway. Four Spacious Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, EiK, Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Family Rm Extra Large Full Basement, Private Driveway.

Asking: $999,999

Far rockaway

INWOOD OFFICE SPACE LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! 500-7000 Square feet gorgeous office space with WATERVIEW in Inwood!

Lots of options. Tons of parking.

Will divide and customize space for your needs! Call 516-567-0100

CAN’T AFFORD YOUR PROPERTY TAXES? MORTGAGE? Must sell for any reason?

Call for FREE Consultation.

Call now 212-470-3856 Cash buyers available!

3,495 Square Foot Open And Sunny Expanded Ranch On .46 Acre. 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms. Main Floor Master En Suite, LR W/Fpl, Cathedral Ceilings And Skylights. Solarium Overlooking Yard. One Block From Worship. Exclusive SBR Listing.

Asking: $1,450,000

www.sharonabeckrealty.com info@sharonabeckrealty.com

HOUSES FOR SALE

F A M I L Y

G R A T I T U D E

2019: MARKET SHARE REPORTS REVEAL VIPROPERTIES IS #1 IN: HEWLETT, HEWLETT BAY PARK, HEWLETT HARBOR, HEWLETT NECK, N. WOODMERE, WOODMERE, WOODSBURGH

L O V E

M E M O R I E S

T O G E T H E R N E S S

L A U G H T E R

S H A R I N G

T R A D I T I O N S

S M I L E S

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

137

Classifieds COMMERCIAL RE

VACATION RENTALS

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

EAST ROCKAWAY: Retail Stores on Busy Corner, 1000SF& Up Available, Great High Visibility Location, For Lease…

Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698

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

HEBREW ACADEMY OF LONG BEACH, Woodmere, NY is seeking an 8TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER for immediate hire.

Email resumes to mwein@halb.org

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 for More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

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

FIVE TOWNS SCHOOL SEEKS an energetic, responsible and innovative individual to serve as an EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT in a busy financial office as well as assisting with fundraising and school events.

Must be reliable, detail oriented and able to work with tight deadlines.

Position will be full time. Salary range will depend on skills and experience, Microsoft Office knowledge a must, InfoGrasp and Constant Contact experience a plus.

E-mail resume and references to responses246@gmail.com

HOUSE FOR RENT 6 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR RENT WOODMERE “TREE STREETS” Newly painted & carpeted Available immediately Call/text 914-263-7712

APT FOR RENT

SUMMER RENTALS DUE TO CANCELLATION 1 UNIT AVAILABLE S Fallsburg, Willow Woods B section Rent/sale, Beautiful, fully furnished duplex, porches, great condition.

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, upgraded.

Call/Text 917-270-6032.

HELP WANTED

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

Torah Academy for Girls is seeking qualified individual for a part time secretarial position. Hours 1-5:30 Monday-Thursday and 9:001:30 p.m. on Fridays. Please send resumes to shirth@tagschools.org or call 718-471-8444 ext. 214.

CEDARHURST

WOODMERE

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY The White Shul in Far Rockaway is seeking a full time administrative secretary. Responsibilities include secretarial tasks such as data entry, mailings, correspondence, website maintenance, answering phones, and maintaining calendars.

Excellent communication, computer skills and the ability to multi task and work collegially are required.

Email resume to chana@whiteshul.com

Far rockaway

WE ARE OPENED!!! LIMITED SUITES AND OFFICES STILL AVAILABLE! Call Raizie (917)903-1778

4 store commercial space with 2 vacancies and 2 operating businesses Call Raizie (917) 903-1778 ask $999K

Completely renovated 4 br, 2.5 bath home with new kit and baths, rights to priv beach. Malka (516)967-1967 $699K

cedarhurst

Yeshiva HS in Forest Hills seeks School SECRETARY/ ADMINISTRATIVE ASS’T. Computer experience a must (JL school tuition system a +).

Ability to multi-task and work with teenagers/faculty.

M -Th 8 - 4, Fri. 8 - 1.

(Tues.-Wed. hours negotiable).

Fax resume 718-520-9424 or email to mfriedler@ezraacademy.org.

Seeking full time OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST for Special Education school located in Brooklyn. Experienced preferred.

Competitive salary. Room for growth. resumes@yadyisroelschool.org

Inwood

Legal 2-fam, 3/3. Upstairs apt needs lot of work & vacant, downstairs apt currently occupied. Sarah (347)524-9147 $615K

woodmere

OPEN HOUSE 340 Marlborough 12.15.19 11-1pm Young 5br CH colonial, mint condition, great layout fabulous block close to all. Babshi (732)239-7987 $1.399M

woodmere

Build your dream home on extra large property.

Call Raizie (917)903-1778 $649K

n. woodmere

Beautiful exp 5br 4bth high ranch w/ 3 lvls of living space, many updates throughout. Sarah (347)524-9147 $999K

Brick+siding SH col, quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac. 4-5bdrm, mstrbd w/ bth. New roof, walk all. Chana (516)449-9692 $770K

Lawrence

Brick SH colonial 4brs, 2.5bth, new hardwood flrs, centrally located. Call Bryna 516-322-4831 Reduced $4500/month

Lawrence

Palatial 4 story 6br 4.5 bth center hall colonial on sprawling half-acre property. Call Bryna (516)322- 4831 $1.725M

138

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

WELCOME THE NEW YEAR WITH A NEW SMILE Celebrate with 20% OFF

Treatment Schedule to Start Invisalign Before December 13th to Qualify!

Call Us to Schedule Today (718) 868 - 1497 833 Central Ave, Far Rockaway, NY 11691

NOBODY

DESERVES TO BE

ABUSED

Shalom Task Force receives thousands of phone calls offering a confidential place to turn to for help, resources and support.

You’re not alone. We’re here to help.

CONFIDENTIAL ANONYMOUS HOTLINE:

(No Caller ID)

888.883.2323 (TOLL FREE) 718.337.3700 (NYC AREA)

Anonymous hotline — no caller ID. You do not have to give your name.

Trained staff of informed, sensitive and caring individuals.

Referrals include counseling, legal advice or finding a safe place.

It hurts to call A domestic abuse hotline.

It hurts more not to. www.ShalomTaskForce.org

MILLER COMMERCIAL 680CENTRAL 5X3.qxp_2018 11/26/18 3:32 PM Page 1

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

139

Classifieds HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

ASSISTANT TEACHERS CAHAL is seeking part time or full time Assistant Teachers for Judaic Studies (AM) and/or General Studies (PM) for the 2019-20 school year.

Send resume to shira@cahal.org or Fax 516-295-2899.

Call 516-295-3666 for more information.

JUST KIDS EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER is a private preschool program for young children disabled and non-disabled, 3- 5 years of age.

We are a dynamic program looking for individuals who love to learn & grow professionally.

Positions available at our Far Rockaway Location: Teacher Aides/Assistants (F/T) Substitute Teachers -Must be Certified Level 3 TA or NYS Certified Special Ed. Teacher (Birth-2) (F/T) Please send resumes to: JKRecruitment@justkidseclc.org

Looking to hire sales people to train as NY & NJ Public Adjusters. No experience necessary, flexible hours.

Call 973-951-1534

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

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 YOUNG ISRAEL OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A VIBRANT YOUNG COUPLE (REBBE/MORAH TYPES) TO SERVE AS YOUTH DIRECTORS. The candidate(s) would run youth groups on Shabbos and develop youth programming for all ages and seek to engage the young couples in the shul. email cwakslak@att.net.

REGISTERED NURSE openings to work with adults who have developmental disabilities within residential settings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Long Island. Current NYS RN, min 2 years hospital exp.

OHEL: 855-OHEL JOB www.ohelfamily.org/careers TORAH ACADEMY FOR GIRLS, FAR ROCKAWAY SEEKS QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED MOROS, ELEMENTARY DIVISION. Please email resume to mlevin@tagschools.org

“NEW FIVE TOWNS RESTAURANT IS LOOKING TO HIRE THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: Experienced grill man Laffa maker, Dishwasher, Delivery guy Please email Ronazohar@hotmail.com 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 SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year.

Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org

ASSISTANTS NEEDED FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, AFTERNOON SESSION. Email: fivetownseducators@gmail.com

MISC I have two field-level ($360) tickets for the upcoming Siyum Hashas.

I will be in Eretz Yisroel so I can’t make it.

If you’re interested, please text me at 917-969-2754.

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

140

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Your

15

Money

Dirty Money

By Allan Rolnick, CPA

L

et’s say you need someone to help you do something really important. Would you settle for someone who just Googled it?

Would you look for someone with the right professional license? Or would you hold out for the guy who literally wrote the book on whatever it is you need to do?

Expertise doesn’t guarantee success: great surgeons still lose patients; great lawyers still lose cases; and Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks still throw into double coverage all the time. But sometimes professional prowess is well worth the extra cost.

This week’s search for expertise takes us to the University of Miami in sunny Coral Gables, Florida. Bruce Bagley, 73, is a rumpled, jowly professor of International Relations. His field is Latin America, which seems appropriate for a university in a city that feels more like part of Latin America than the United States. His specialty is money laundering. And he’s a card-carrying expert – in fact, he wrote the go-to book on the subject, Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime, and Violence in the Americas Today. He’s even testified on it before Congress.

Back in 2016, some shady characters in Venezuela found themselves

with some dirty money. They looked around for the guy who wrote the book, and they found Bagley. Maybe he wanted a little adventure that day.

Maybe he’d just finished binge-watching Ozark. (If so, he really missed the point.) Maybe surrounding himself with all that criminality just eroded his moral compass. As Nietzsche

What better way to disguise your money laundering business than by being a professor of money laundering? We can just picture him sitting by the phone, waiting for the MacArthur Foundation people to call him with his Genius Grant. Unfortunately, someone else came calling.

Last month, the Department of

What better way to disguise your money laundering business than by being a professor of money laundering?

said, “Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster. And if you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”

Whatever the reason, Bagley found himself with a new side gig running a specialized sort of laundromat. It’s an easy business to start – you don’t need a website, or business cards, or slick brochures. He probably thought he was downright brilliant.

Justice unsealed an indictment alleging Bagley had opened bank accounts to launder cash from bribes and embezzling. Those accounts received $200,000 in monthly deposits from overseas accounts owned by a Colombian national located in Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. He passed 90% of the deposits on to a mysterious “Individual-1.” Then he wired the remaining 10% into his personal account, which seems a fairly

typical commission for fluffing and folding that sort of cash. That 10% added up to almost $300,000 over the course of the scheme.

Bagley may have made a bad choice – but it makes for a great final exam question: “You’ve been indicted on two counts of money laundering and one count of conspiring to commit money laundering. Each count carries possible tenure of 20 years in a federal facility where most of the laundry consists of orange jumpsuits.

What do you do now?” Get your blue books and pens ready!

Although to date the IRS isn’t involved in Bagley’s case, money laundering often involves tax fraud, too, so the IRS Criminal Investigation unit routinely pursues money laundering crimes. (And what are the odds Bagley reported his side gig, anyway?) Now, we don’t have any expertise in that area. We had to Google that 10% commission – honest! But if you’re looking for legitimate ways to pay less tax in 2020, you’ve come to the experts. Call us, and see how much we can save!

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019

141

142 42

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Life C ach

The Three R’s

By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., MFT, CLC

A

nyone changing their floor?

Picking a new carpet? Anyone doing a bathroom? A kitchen? An entire new home?

Anyone feeling nauseous?!

Talk about things that can get overwhelming.

The three stressful “Rs” used to be reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmetic. (And how seriously could they have truly been taken when they were spelled that way, anyway?!) But now, they are more likely centered around redecorating, remodeling, and renovating.

These fun concepts turn into torture because so many options exist and you can never find what you are looking for. Which, right there, is an oxymoron to begin with.

Backsplashes, tiles, accessories, appliances, styles, colors, lighting, layout. I know...I haven’t even touched on the extent of items one must consider. And this is on top of making time to live a life – husband, kids, job, activities of daily functioning, travel, shopping, cleaning, cooking, breathing!

Are you thinking: well, it’s easier these days just to order everything from a website?

That may work with: clothing – it folds up. And you can stuff it away

somewhere till you get a chance to send it back.

Toys – you don’t have to test them out.

Food or Costco bulk items – we kind of know already what we want or need.

But a couch, for example. Well, now, that’s a multileveled decision.

Can the couple agree on what they actually need, the look it should have, the price it should cost? And if one part of the couple is completely tuned out to the proceedings, then the challenge is: are they at least sensitive to the stress this is causing the other?!

One would think that with all the

Their decisions may not have gotten involved in the construction, but their voice and sanity have been spared.

Color, style, size, comfort, shape, etc. (I shouldn’t even use commas between them because all these features must be considered together!).

And that’s only one item that gets addressed in the remodeling-redecorating-rebuilding scheme.

This undertaking often rises to such challenging heights that even good marriages need to work to survive this period.

support on the job – an architect, a contractor (replete with a team), an interior designer, plus a decorator – it would get a lot easier.

But more voices often equal more opinions. And the homeowner’s voice often gets buried somewhere deep down under them all, somewhere down there with the plumbing and heating pipes. But just as they are integral to the suc-

cessful completion of the home, so is the homeowner’s input and decisions.

Clearly, this puts great focus on why people often opt to buy a model home offered in new developments.

Everything is done for them already, and it’s new and up-to-date. Their decisions may not have gotten involved in the construction, but their voice and sanity have been spared.

Sure, if you’ve got the fortitude for it, it’s truly rewarding when you’re done. But you don’t want to get yourself a new home with all the wear and tear moving over to you!

So be patient with yourself and your team. This is just not simple.

There are a lot of moving parts that go into it.

Try to address these projects with care and kindness toward yourself and your partners in it.

And with an added set of “Rs”: be Respectful (to yourself and the others), Rational (as much as you can be, as it can get overwhelming), and Reassured (there will be a happy ending!).

Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-7052004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com.

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 12, 2019 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

You can't get a at a dealer, but you can get a and a at .

The cure for the common car dealership.

(718) 871-7749

143 43

144

DECEMBER 12, 2019 | The Jewish Home