Jewish Voice and Opinion December 2011

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THE JEWISH VOICE AND OPINION Promoting Classical Judaism

December 2011

Vol. 25 • No. 3

Kislev 5772

Four Separate Attacks on Israel by the Obama Administration in Less Than a Month: Coincidence?

President Barack Obama n the past month, President Barak Obama, his Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, his Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, and his Ambassador to

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Sec. of State Hillary Clinton Belgium Howard Gutman have made statements excoriating Israel, its elected leaders, their supposed “lack of commitment” to the peace process,

Sec. of Defense Leon Panetta and some of the internal policies that are currently being debated in the Knesset. Mr. Obama commiserated with an attack on Israeli

Ambassador Howard Gutman Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Mrs. Clinton chided Israel for its Orthodox-Jewish soldiers who refuse to listen

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AIFL and Wall Street Come Together to Celebrate Israel Day at the New York Stock Exchange and Seek Out the Next Big Thing

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ounding like a business professor, Israel’s New York Consul General Ido Aharoni made it clear that he wanted the impressive array of Israeli CEOs and corporate leaders and those who were seeking to partner with them in the United States, to keep one word ever-present in their minds: Relevance. “Make sure there is compatibility between your competitive edge and the needs of your consumer,” he said. Mr. Aharoni was just one of dozens of speakers, most of

Halachic Therapy............................. 5 Kol Ami:Israeli Nuclear Option?..... 6 The Current Crisis.......................... 7 Mendel Meyers Photography....... 14 Let’s Stay Safe.............................. 14 Broad Financial for the Frum....... 16 Travel to Morocco and Italy......... 17

them leading businessmen thriving in what has been called the Israeli economic miracle, who participated in Israel Day at the New York Stock Exchange on November 29. Co-Sponsored by the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce and the AmericaIsrael Friendship League, the day-long program was entitled “A Partnership of Business Innovation.” Technological Capital Participants included Israelis who went into business

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Inside the Voice

The Mechitza in America............. 19 KosherWoman.com...................... 26 Delicious Dreidls Crafts............... 26 The Log........................................ 28 Just in Time for Chanukah .......... 34 New Classes................................. 37 New Minyanim............................ 39

Mazal Tov.................................... 39 Aliyah Seminar ........................... 41 Ess Gezint: Oil on Chanukah....... 46 Index of Advertisers . .................. 49 Therapy Gym for Children ............ 50 Letters to the Editor .................... 52 Stopping Iran ................................ 54

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Therapy To Help Homosexuals Change Orientation: Hundreds of Orthodox Rabbis Now Say It’s the Only Torah-Approved Way

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he announcement in the mosexuals into the community middle of November that and said they should not feel Rabbi Steven Greenberg, a graducompelled to undergo therapy; ate of Yeshiva University’s RIanother group just this month ETS who identifies as an openly reacted in opposition to Rabbi homosexual Orthodox spiritual Greenberg’s wedding ceremony; leader, had performed a “quasiand a third, led by the revered halachic” wedding ceremony for Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky two men at the Sixth and I Hisof the Talmudical Yeshiva of toric Synagogue in Washington, Philadelphia, is in the process DC, has once again highlighted of issuing a statement declaring the issue of the Orthodox posireparative therapy as the only tion on homosexuality. course of action, along with teWhile virtually all Orthodox shuvah, that is “consistent with rabbis agree that homosexual relathe Torah.” Reparative therapy tionships and unions are forbidden is defined as “reinforcing the by halacha, there have been several natural gender-identity of the recent attempts to bring a “nuanced” individual by helping him or approach to the issue. her understand and repair the jewish oct group 2011:Layout 1 10/3/2011 18:08 Lastvoice year, one of emotional wounds that led to Page its Orthodox rabbis welcomed hodisorientation and weakening,

thus enabling the resumption and completion of the individual’s emotional development.” Not Orthodox Rabbi Greenberg, who was ordained at YU in 1983, declared himself a homosexual in 1999, and serves as a senior teaching fellow at CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, made it clear that, in addition to the fact that the two principals under the chupah were men, there were many other deviations from the standard Orthodox ceremony. Nevertheless, many media outlets reported that it represented the first time an Orthodox rabbi had officiated 1at a same-sex marriage in the United States.

Rabbi Gil Student, who blogs at Hirhurim Musings, credits Rabbi Greenberg for not claiming that the ceremony was “Orthodox.” But, Rabbi Student said, he should go further. “He should declare that he is not Orthodox,” said Rabbi Student, who grew up in Teaneck and whose smicha is also from YU. “When a (formerly) Orthodox rabbi unilaterally disposes of a long-standing law, he forfeits the title Orthodox.” Correction Less than two weeks later, some 115 Orthodox rabbis, including Rabbi Student, signed a statement “to correct the false impression than an

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THE JEWISH VOICE AND OPINION, Inc. © 2011; Publisher and Editor-in-Chief: Susan L. Rosenbluth Phone (201)569-2845 Managing Editor: S. Edelman, Advertising: Rivkie Lichstein-Stall The Jewish Voice & Opinion (ISSN # 1527-3814), POB 8097, Englewood, NJ 07631, is published monthly in coordination with The Central Committee for Israel. A one-year subscription is $18. Periodicals postage is paid at Englewood, NJ and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Jewish Voice and Opinion, POB 8097, Englewood, NJ 07631. All advertising in the Jewish Voice and Opinion must conform to the standards of the Orthodox Rabbinic kashruth. Editorial content reflects the views of the writer and not necessarily any other group. The Jewish Voice is not responsible for typographical errors.

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Kol Ami: Israeli Nuclear Option?

hus far, Israel has waged its defense against the Iranian threat of nuclear annihilation on the diplomatic scene at the UN and in the halls of government throughout the civilized world as well as, perhaps, in cyberspace through the use of viruses and worms targeting the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program’s centrifuges, the devices that enrich uranium to create nuclear fuel. At the ZOA dinner last month, we asked some prominent pundits: What is the likelihood that, despite all its efforts not to do so, Israel will be forced to use its own nuclear option? Y

A better question would be: what can be done to prevent Israel from having to go down that road. The answer is for the American people to elect a leader who will be a true defender of Western values, which means the US and Israel, and, as such, will prevent Iran from developing the weapons that threaten all of us. Scott Feltman Executive Vice President One Israel Fund Far Rockaway, NY

If Israel does not take preemptive action against Iran itself, it will eventually have to do so against Iran’s proxies, Hamas in Gaza or Hezbollah in Lebanon. Zev Brenner Talkline Communications New York, NY

It is an option that has become increasingly likely, especially in light of the opportunity squandered by President Obama in 2009, when he did nothing to help Iranian dissidents who rose up against the ruling mullahs. Pamela Geller Atlas Shrugged and “Stop Islamization of America” New York, NY

It is almost inevitable. When someone tells you they will kill you, and that they are doing it in the name of “democracy,” you had better believe them.That is what we are seeing throughout the Muslim world as a result of the so-called “Arab Spring.” They are vowing the destruction of Israel and doing it in the name of “democracy.” Benjamin Jolkovsky Editor, Jewish World Review Brooklyn, NY

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Kislev 5712

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The Current Crisis: “Even in Laughter, the Heart Can Ache”

hanukah came early for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He got Israel its fourth Dolphin class submarine from Germany, which is financing one-third of the costs. And all Bibi had to do was release the PA’s tax revenues he probably was going to give them anyway, for nothing. After the PA submitted its unilateral bid for UN membership last fall, Israel retaliated by freezing the tax revenues it collects for them, approximately $100 million per month, on goods at crossings along the security fence. Few in Israel doubted that, eventually, with or without a payoff, the Israelis would have allowed the tax money to flow again to Ramallah. After all, without those funds, the PA admitted it cannot meet its payroll. With them, the PA also cannot meet its payroll, but that’s another story. Few, however, thought Israel would be able to trade releasing the funds for such a big incentive. The most expensive single-vehicle in the IDF, Dolphin subs are considered among the world’s most sophisticated and capable conventional submarines. Each is armed with torpedo tubes, which are also capable of firing Sub-Harpoon missiles. The subs can also carry nuclear-tipped missiles, which should provide an important deterrent to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in case he decides he’s not yet ready to send most of his countrymen to meet their 72 virgins. Israel’s decision to freeze the PA’s tax revenues had prompted heartfelt criticism from left-wing Israelis, the Obama administration, UN officials, and the EU, all bemoaning Bibi’s cruelty. Israel’s Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is convinced

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that Mahmoud Abbas and his colleagues will use the money for just one purpose: to encourage terrorism. Mr. Lieberman pointed to the homes and gifts the PA has lavished on their terrorists—many with blood on their hands—whom Israel released in October in exchange for Gilad Shalit. “The PA uses the money to give the murderers of Jews and Israelis luxury and respectability, encouraging the next generation to join the terrorists’ ranks,” said Mr. Lieberman, adding that all Mr. Netanyahu had to do was “explain this reality clearly to the international community” and then, surely, the pressure would cease. Suspecting the international community was not too interested in helping Israel deter terrorism (much of the international community wants to encourage terrorism against Israel), Mr. Netanyahu seems to have spent the past few months figuring out just what Israel could get out of the deal, especially if he managed to withstand the leftwingers’ pleas to start helping the PA with nothing in return. If Israel had not been withholding the PA tax revenues, German Chancellor Angela Merkel might have demanded a building freeze throughout Judea, Samaria, and the eastern sections of Jerusalem. But as it stands now, Israel is releasing the tax revenues “for the time being” (a warning to the PA to behave itself) and the sub will be delivered. Not a bad deal just in time for Chanukah. Does anyone think it was a coincidence that news of the deal was leaked the day after Iranian “students” trashed the British Embassy in Tehran? Or how about the message Bibi may have sent to his left-wing critics? Something to the effect that giving away something for nothing is a terrible idea in time of war. Happy Chanukah, SLR

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Halachic Response

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Orthodox-approved, same-gender wedding took place.” “By definition, a union that is not sanctioned by Torah law is not an Orthodox wedding, and, by definition, a person who conducts such a ceremony is not an Orthodox rabbi,” they said. The statement indicates the rabbis not only “appreciate the sensitive nature of intimacy,” but also recognize their own “crucial role,” as spiritual leaders, in helping Jews “facing great personal challenges to feel comfortable and welcome in our communities.” Nevertheless, they said, “The public should not be misled into thinking that OrthodoxJewish views on this issue can change, are changing, or might someday change.”

Important Signators Citing the Rabbinical Council of America, the Orthodox rabbinic organization affiliated with the Orthodox Union, the statement makes clear that “the Torah, which forbids homosexual activity, sanctions only the union of a man and woman in matrimony.” Local signators included Rabbis Ephraim Epstein, Cherry Hill; Eliyahu Ferrell, Cary Friedman, Ira Kronenberg, and Gavriel Price, Passaic; Yaakov Luban, Highland Park; Steven Pruzansky, Lawrence Rothwachs, Michael Taubes, Philip Weinberger, and Ari Zahtz, Teaneck; Moshe Schapiro, Bergenfield; Yaakov Wasser, East Brunswick; Yosef Grossman, Ari Jacobson, and Moshe David Tendler,

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Monsey; Gidon Rothstein, Riverdale; and Dov Shapiro, Spring Valley. Rabbis Hershel Schachter of New York, Barry Freundel of Washington, Benzion and Michel Twerski of Milwaukee, and Aharon Rakeffet of Jerusalem also signed the statement. Response While it was clearly written as a response to the ceremony performed by Rabbi Greenberg, some observers assumed it was also a reply to the “Statement of Principles,” which appeared in January 2011. Based on an original draft by Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot, an Orthodox rabbi who now serves as spiritual director of Cong Netivot Shalom in Teaneck, and signed by some 200 Orthodox rabbis and educators, the statement addresses the place of “our brothers and sisters in our community who have a homosexual orientation.” It attempts to uphold halacha while trying to be sensitive to what it perceives as the needs of homosexuals. For example, it recognizes that same-sex sexual interactions are prohibited, but says that the Torah “does not prohibit orientation or feelings of same-sex attraction.” It says Jews with homosexual orientations or same-sex attractions should be “welcomed as full members of the synagogue and school community,” but it stops short of addressing what individual synagogues should do about “accepting members who are openly practicing homosexuals and/or living with a same-sex partner.” Signators include Rabbis Shmuel Goldin, now president of the RCA; Haskel Lookstein, Adam Mintz, Shlomo Riskin, Avi Weiss, and Neil Winkler. Therapy Many traditional Orthodox rabbis said that while they found nothing anti-halachic in the “Statement of Principles,” its “tone” made them believe it could be, as one rabbi put it, the “first step towards adopting a PC version.” Perhaps the most controversial part of the “Statement of Principles” is its discouragement of “change therapy,” even for those who find their same-sex attractions unwanted. It minimizes the conviction of those who believe sexual orientation can be altered with the help of proper psychological guidance and counseling. “While some mental health professionals and rabbis in the community strongly believe in the efficacy of ‘change therapies,’ most of the mental health community, many

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com rabbis, and most people with a homosexual orientation feel that some of these therapies are either ineffective or potentially damaging psychologically for many patients. We affirm the religious right of those with a homosexual orientation to reject therapeutic approaches they reasonably see as useless or dangerous,” said the statement. Torah Declaration That statement and approach is being confronted in a two-page statement signed by Rabbi Kamenetsky. “The Torah Declaration on Homosexuality” has not been officially released, but because it has been given to numerous Orthodox rabbis— several hundred have already signed—it is not surprising that it was leaked to Jayson Littman, a writer who identifies as homosexual but who went through reparative treatment before deciding to revert to the homosexual lifestyle. Mr. Littman posted the declaration on the Huffington Post. Written by a committee of about 25 rabbis, parents, “strugglers” (those still undergoing therapy), and “success stories” (those who underwent therapy and today are living heterosexual lives, many with spouses and children), the statement’s position is that same-sex attractions can be modified and healed. “The concept that G-d created a human being who is unable to find happiness in a loving relationship unless he violates a biblical prohibition is neither plausible nor acceptable,” says the statement, which views same-sex attractions as if they were like any other behavior that the individual wants to alter, including addictions or weight control. Sensitivity Like the other rabbinic statements, this one goes out of its way to caution against castigation of the individual. “The key point to remember is that these individuals are primarily innocent victims of childhood emotional wounds. They deserve our full love, support, and encouragement in their striving towards healing,” says the statement. However, the statement insists on differentiating between “struggling individuals who seek health and wellness” and “the homosexual movement and its agenda.” “This distinction is crucial. It reflects the difference between what G-d asks from us all and what He unambiguously prohibits,” it says. Interviews Available According to a member of the committee,

Kislev 5772 who said he and the others members would request anonymity, their purpose is to help Jews who “have become confused on this issue and have begun accepting some false notions,” including the concept “that a person cannot control his ‘nature’ and, therefore, should accept his prohibited inclination as something natural and normal that does not need to be worked on and healed.” The member said the committee, which can be reached at TorahDec@gmail.com, has been connecting the prospective rabbinic signers with psychologists, therapists, and counselors “who have worked with Orthodox Jews for years and have successfully helped many individuals overcome their unwanted same-sex attractions and live happy and kosher lives.”

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They are also connecting the rabbis with “frum individuals who have struggled with same-sex attraction, have gone through reparative or gender-affirming therapy, and have successfully completed the healing work necessary to overcome their same-sex attractions.” According to the member, many of these “success stories” are “now married to women who know their backgrounds and are upstanding members of klal Yisrael living lives filled with kedusha and consistent with the Torah.” However, he said, due to the sensitive nature of the issue, many of these individuals have agreed to speak only with known rabbinic leaders who will protect their identities and confidentiality while sharing their experiences. S.L.R.

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Attacking Israel to a woman sing; Mr. Panetta ordered Israel unilaterally to “go back to the damn table;” and Mr. Gutman blamed Israel for Muslim antisemitism. That these incidents are occurring now, one year before the November 2012 elections, came as a surprise to many pundits who have seen Mr. Obama trying to correct the widespread perception that he is, if not openly anti-Israel, than certainly not as supportive of the Jewish state as he is of the Palestinians. Claiming to be Pro-Israel At the end of November, at a campaign fundraiser hosted by the head of the American Jewish Congress, Jack Rosen, at his home in New York, the President audaciously claimed that his administration “has done more for the security of the state of Israel than any previous administration.” Saying that he tried “not to pat myself on the back,” he insisted, “We don’t compromise when it comes to Israel’s security…and that will continue.” The claim stunned syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer, who called it “really chutzpah,” and told the Fox News channel that if Mr. Obama really believed his boast, “he’s delusional.” “This president has done more to delegitimize and un-

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continued from page 1 dermine Israel’s position in the world than any other president and he did it by arriving on the scene and imposing and demanding of Israel a freeze on settlements, including the building of Jewish homes in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem of all places, something that had never been a precondition in 17 years of negotiations,” Mr. Krauthammer said. Condemning Bibi Not one of the 30 guests at the fundraiser, for which they had paid a minimum of $10,000 to close to $36,000 per person, mentioned an incident that had taken place barely three weeks earlier in which French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Mr. Obama, not knowing their microphones were still on, complained about and condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The exchange between Messrs Sarkozy and Obama took place during what they believed was a private conversation during the G20 summit in the French Riviera town of Cannes. It began when Mr. Obama took Mr. Sarkozy to task for supporting the Palestinian request for membership in the UN cultural heritage agency, UNESCO. “I didn’t appreciate your way of presenting things over the Palestinian membership of

UNESCO. It weakened us. You should have consulted us, but that is behind us,” Mr. Obama was quoted as saying. “I cannot bear Netanyahu. He’s a liar,” said Mr. Sarkozy, to which Mr. Obama responded, “You’re fed up with him, but I have to deal with him every day.” Changing Perceptions While few observers were surprised by Mr. Sarkozy’s sentiments (a few days later, he told a French magazine the idea of a Jewish state was “silly” and that Mr. Netanyahu bears the sole blame for the stalled peace process), Mr. Obama seemed to have been trying to correct the perception that he is anti-Israel. In some quarters, the overall defeat of Democrats in the 2010 midterm elections was seen as a reflection of many Americans’ displeasure with the President’s perceived unfriendliness to the Jewish state. Even Mr. Obama’s critics agree that he scored points in the pro-Israel community this past fall when he refused to recognize the Palestinians’ unilateral bid for statehood in the UN. They also concede that his administration has supported Israel’s military needs and that he did not rail against the Congressional decision to defund UNESCO after it welcomed the PA as a member.

For his part, Mr. Netanyahu, whose current stint as prime minister began in 2009, has mostly acquiesced to Mr. Obama’s demands, often angering the politically conservative Israeli voters who elected him and the Likud Party to office. Mr. Netanyahu not only announced his acceptance of Palestinian statehood, he also accepted Mr. Obama’s demand for the very unpopular building freeze in Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria, and the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem. For nine of the ten of months of the freeze, PA leader Mahmoud Abbas refused all Mr. Obama’s appeals to begin negotiations. The PA’s UN bid for statehood was undertaken despite Mr. Obama’s personal appeal not to do so. In October, France joined an appeal from the so-called “quartet”—the US, the European Union, Russia, and the UN—for Israel and the Palestinians to return unconditionally to the negotiating table. Mr. Netanyahu said yes; Mr. Abbas refused. Personal Loathing Taking that history into consideration, Washington Post columnist Jackson Diehl said the only explanation for the expressions of frustration and detestation from Messrs

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Attacking Israel

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Obama and Sarkozy is that their feelings are “personal.” “Abbas, it is fair to say, has gone from resisting US and French diplomacy to actively seeking to undermine it. Yet it is Netanyahu whom Sarkozy finds ‘unbearable’ and whom Obama groans at having to ‘deal with every day.’ If there is an explanation for this, it must be personal; in substance, it makes little sense,” said Mr. Diehl. According to popular columnist Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, Mr. Obama’s comments seemed to represent a reversal of his decision “to make nice with Bibi and treat him with the same respect he accords other world leaders, albeit without the warmth of the two-armed embrace he reserved for Hugo Chavez or the bow he accorded the

King of Saudi Arabia.” Rabbi Boteach said that even before the obvious gaffe in France, Mr. Obama’s new posture toward Israel had not convinced him that the President should be trusted with America’s pledge to safeguard Israel’s security. “Obama believes that Israeli intransigence, rather than Islamist terror, is the principal obstacle to peace in the Middle East,” he said. What They Really Think According to Rabbi Boteach, hearing what Mr. Obama “really thinks of Israel’s democratically elected leader,” when he thought no voters were listening, was a “disappointment.” “If he despises Netanyahu, let him not play games with the American-Jew-

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ish community and feign friendship for votes,” said Rabbi Boteach. In Israel, the Obama-Sarkozy gaffe, including Mr. Obama’s failure to defend Mr. Netanyahu to the French president, raised far fewer eyebrows. Mr. Netanyahu’s office declined to comment, but Vice Premier Silvan Shalom dismissed the incident, saying, “Everyone talks about everyone. Sometimes even good friends say things about each other, certainly in such competitive professions. So you have to consider the main things. Is Obama a friend of Israel? Is Sarkozy a friend of Israel? Is their policy a consistent policy of support for Israel? The answer to all these questions is affirmative, and, as far as I’m concerned, that is what’s important.” Rep Michael Grimm (R-NY), who serves as co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus, thought otherwise and demanded that Mr. Obama issue a formal apology to Mr. Netanyahu for the “highly offensive” and “disgraceful and inappropriate” remarks. “Whether the microphones are on or off, the message to our allies in Israel should always remain the same: ‘We stand with you,’ ” said Mr. Grimm., calling the remarks “a poor and inaccurate reflection of the American people he was elected to serve, and they must be rescinded.” Fundraiser Ambassador As opposed to Mr. Obama, Mr. Gutman made his comments in Brussels with the full knowledge that what he was about to say to a legal conference organized by the European Jewish Union (EJU) on the issue of antisemitism would be shocking and hurtful. At almost the exact same time that Mr. Obama was bragging to Jewish donors in New York about his administration’s accomplishments for Israel, Mr. Gutman told the assembled attorneys from throughout Europe that Israel was the reason for Muslim antisemitism. An attorney and the son of Holocaust survivors, Mr. Gutman was a major fundraiser for Mr. Obama’s 2008 election campaign. According to reports, he bundled $500,000 for Mr. Obama, including at least $2,300 of his own money. He was appointed to the post in Brussels by Mr. Obama.

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com At the conference, Mr. Gutman began his presentation with a video clip of students and teachers at a Muslim school in Brussels welcoming him with heartfelt applause. “While he did not mention what had prompted the warm reception at the Muslim school, his message was that this is the kind of welcome given to a Jew who supports President Obama’s policy of openness to Islam,” said Menachem Gantz, who covered the conference for Yediot Achronot. Understandable Antisemitism When he addressed the attorneys, Mr. Gutman first apologized, telling them that his words would not be to their liking. He then proceeded to inform them that there is a distinction between traditional, presumably Christian, antisemitism, which should be condemned, and Muslim hatred of Jews, which, he said, stems from the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. He argued that an Israeli-Palestinian peace treaty would significantly diminish Muslim antisemitism, but he did not address what the cost might be in terms of Israeli security or heritage. He insisted that by “becoming credible in the Arab world, President Obama has become Israel’s best and most valuable friend” and that, as US Ambassador, he personally had enjoyed successful relations with Muslim communities” throughout Belgium. But he could not pretend away Muslim antisemitism, admitting that Dr. Jacques Brotchi, a leading neurosurgeon, had just quit his affiliation with a Brussels university over the issue, and the week before the EJU meeting, “a Jewish female student was beaten up at a Belgian school by other students spewing racial epithets.” Nevertheless, he called this “a complex problem” and said it was “somewhat unfortunate” that “most of the cause and, thus, most of the tension and hatred in Europe,” including growing problems at universities and epithets shouted in the streets, “rest with governments and people a continent away.” Stunned Audience According to Mr. Gantz, the attorneys at the conference were stunned, leaving the speaker who followed Mr. Gutman, Nathan Gelbart, an attorney from Germany, to issue a scathing rebuttal to the

Kislev 5772

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American envoy’s remarks. “The modern antisemite formally condemns antisemitism and the Holocaust and expresses utmost sympathy with the Jewish people. He creates himself as a new species, the ‘anti-Zionist’ or—with even greater sophistication—the so-called ‘critic of Israel,’ who will never say ‘Jews go home,’ but, rather, questions the legality of the incorporation of the State of Israel and, therefore, the right of the Jewish people to settle in their homeland,” said Mr. Gelbart. He noted that the “Israel critic” never says outright that “Jews are evil,” but, rather, like Mr. Gutman, claims that “the State of Israel is a major cause of instabil-

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ity and war in the region.” “There is no other country, no other people on this planet for whom the ‘Israel critic’ would dedicate so much time and devotion. He criticizes no other country and asks that the goods and academics of no other country be boycotted. And this is for one simple reason: Because Israel is the state of the Jewish people, not more and not less,” said Mr. Gelbart. He left the platform to loud applause, while Mr. Gutman made excuses about a prior obligation and absented himself. Asked by Mr. Gantz if Mr. Obama’s policies were causing the US to lose its influence in the Middle East, Mr. Gutman

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Mendel Meyers Studios: Capturing the Simcha’s Moments

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efore a bride and groom or the parents of a bar- or bat-mitzvah child choose the photographer for their once-ina-lifetime simcha, they naturally want to know something about the studio’s experience level. The two photographers who comprise Mendel Meyers Studios have a combined 45 years of experience. “We adhere to the same level of professional expertise and desire to make certain that all customers are happy with the product, one that they will cherish for years to come,� said Mr. Meyers. Based in Teaneck, Mr. Meyers has been in business for 17 years. Well versed in all Jewish simchas, he offers photography packages geared to reflect his customers’ economic realities along with their desire

for uncompromising quality. “We pride ourselves on being small enough so that we can get to know our clients and offer them superb service. We are not an agency. Everything we do is personal,� he said. Experience Counts When clients call Mr. Meyers, they can be certain that he or David Ticktin (formally Aura Studios) will be at the simcha. Both of them, said Mr. Meyers, have the experience to know what must be photographed and to keep an eye out for the distinctive details that make each simcha unique. “We want those who look at our photographs to feel the beauty of the simcha, the happiness, and the emotions. Some-

times, it’s hard to predict which picture will make that happen. That’s why you need to hire a photographer with the experience to know instantly how to capture the moment,� he said. While Mendel Meyers Studios handles videos as well, he said that brides, in particular, usually focus more on the photographs. Recommended by name by many vendors, including caterers and hotels, Mendel Meyers Studios is located at 195 West Englewood Ave in Teaneck. The phone number is 201-862-0288. The website can be accessed at www. mendelmeyers.com. “Log onto the website and see how Y people blog about us,� he said.

Groundbreaking Children’s Book by Bracha Goetz, Let’s Stay Safe Offers Life Lessons in Safe and Unsafe Behavior

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s if common wisdom were insufficient to convince Jewish parents to make efforts to inoculate their children against danger, recent media headlines broadcasting threats ranging from bullying to murder in the Orthodox community should press the point home. Fortunately, popular children’s writer Bracha Goetz has authored a picture book which may help this bitter medicine go down with a spoonful of sugar. With its easy rhyming text and childfriendly realistic illustrations by Tova Leff, Let’s Stay Safe smoothly connects old-fashioned safety instructions, such as how to cross the street and when to call the fire department, with relatively new concerns, such as what to do when there is

a knock on the door or a counselor in camp engages in inappropriate touching. In an eerie premonition of the Leiby Kletzky tragedy last summer, the book features a little boy who becomes separated from his parent and is tempted to approach a stranger who is wearing a yarmulke. The book advises finding a policeman, a shopkeeper, or a mother with children. Small wonder that Artscroll’s general editors, Rabbis Nosson Scherman and Meir Zlotowitz, have said the new book “may well be the most important picture book that a parent will share with his or her young child.� Let’s Stay Safe is published by Artscroll’s parent company, the rabbinically approved Mesorah Publications.

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Its impact should go well beyond the book’s own message, which as some critics have noted will not by itself provide a reliable safety net. Rather, Let’s Stay Safe, if used correctly, should facilitate conversation between parents and children on these important issues in an increasingly difficult world. Getting the book published was not easy. For more than two years, Ms. Goetz peddled her manuscript to every publishing house trusted by the Orthodox community, and, despite her proven track record (as a Harvard graduate with 15 published children’s books), all of them turned her down. Finally, she showed it to Rabbi Yakov Horowitz, director of Project Yes, a Monsey-based program affiliated with Agudath Israel of America and known for helping troubled Jewish children and at-risk teens. Seeing the book’s potential, Rabbi Horowitz threw his weight behind it and accomplished what is being heralded as a breakthrough: acknowledging abuse prevention to be as essential to the safety of Jewish children as their wearing helmets while riding bicycles. It would make an important Chanukah gift for any child and family. “I wrote this book to help keep our little ones safe. In the merit of reading this book to young children, may all of our precious ones be blessed to remain pure and in good health, with shining neshamas,� said Ms. Goetz. S.L.R.

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Broad Financial: The Retirement Industry Redesigns for the Orthodox-Jewish Consumer

f you live in the Orthodox-Jewish community, chances are you don’t live on a nice tree-lined street in a house where all you’re currently thinking about is redoing the kitchen counter-tops. You may live on the tree-lined street, but you probably have a few donations due to the local synagogue and you are worrying about massive tuition bills. You might want to settle on an apartment in Israel, and, in addition, there are still those counter-tops that need redoing. So, who do you turn to retirement advice?

You could go to a standard IRA provider, like Fidelity, or you could trust your brother-in-law’s cousin who has the lowdown on a really good opportunity. The problem is that Fidelity doesn’t offer you the freedom to invest in anything other than stocks and bonds, and your brother-in-law’s cousin is, well … your brother-in-law’s cousin. Which leaves you in a quandary. As a member of the Orthodox-Jewish community, with all its monetary pressures, who is going to understand you and offer

you appropriate financial products? Alternatives Enter Broad Financial, a company focusing on the financial concerns of those who seek alternatives to standard investing platforms. Broad Financial does this by offering an easy-to-use, self-directed plan that enables investors to put their retirement funds, tax-deferred IRAs, and 401Ks into virtually any investment that could eventually turn a profit. The choices range from real estate to gold to private investment. The only thing you can’t do with Broad’s platform is invest in collectibles. (It turns out your mother was right—the baseball cards are out.) “Reality” Broad believes that self-direction is the investment mode of choice for members of the Orthodox community because, as Broad’s CEO Brian Finkelstein puts it, “It’s about reality.” “The reality is that when you have such a heavy economic picture because of the necessities of religious life, such as weddings and the desire to go to Israel, you need a product that doesn’t pose the same risks as standard retirement investments. Being self-directed allows you to find those investments and enter them at the right time,” says Mr. Finkelstein. As synergy would have it, members of the Orthodox community have a number of investment goals that could take advantage of self-directed capability. First and foremost is purchasing a home in Israel. With Broad’s platform, individual investors can use their IRA or 401 K funds to purchase an Israeli residence, which can then be rented out. The profits are accrued to the retirement fund until the investor decides to retire. Tax-Lien Fund For those looking to remain local, the self-directed platform offers other attractive options. One popular choice offering relative security is the Broad Tax-Lien Fund. Open to accredited investors, this fund purchases tax liens at auction and averages an annual return of eight percent.

continued on page 17

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Kislev 5772

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Morocco for Chanukah; Italy for Presidents’ Week

ewish Heritage Tours (JHT) has a busy winter season planned. Over the December holidays, for example, there will be an excursion to warm and exotic Morocco in northern Africa, only 14 kilometers from Europe. JHT’s scholar-in-residence, rav, mash-

Financial

cont. from p. 16

Mr. Finkelstein is very enthusiastic about this fund because it provides a safety net for a sector that cannot afford the roller coaster stock market. “When you’re looking to marry off a few children and you still want enough left over for retirement, you don’t want to hear that your retirement package just lost 70 percent of its value. The beauty of the tax-lien fund is that the principal is virtually guaranteed, which means you can invest with incredible peace of mind,” he says. A+ Rating That is not an idle boast. The Broad self-directed platform has been reviewed by one of the top ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) law firms in the US, and the company itself enjoys an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. That rating is due in large part to the concentrated efforts of Broad’s COO Daniel Gleich, who sees the company’s excellence as the fruit of years of hard work. “We’ve been customer-centric since our inception, and have focused on making sure clients know the product and are able to handle it effectively. Every other day, I get calls from accountants or attorneys who would like more information so that they can better advise their clients,” he says. Although there have been previous attempts to target specific religious groups via shared beliefs (such as Christian offerings), as well as funds addressing specific points of religious law (such as Shariacompliant investments), Broad’s efforts represent the first time that an investment plan has been created to target the specific communal needs of a religious group. “Time will tell if other financial services will adapt the specificity of this model, but, for now, one thing is certain: With Broad, you can have your cake and it will be kosher, too,” says Mr. Finkelstein. Y

giach, and guide to all things Jewish, Rabbi Dr. Nosson Dovid Rabinowich, pointed out that Morocco is a very safe country. “It is North Africa, not the Middle East,” he said. “What is wonderful about this unique trip is that it leaves on Sunday, Dec 25th, and arrives early Monday morning in Casablanca, allowing participants to begin touring immediately. They return mid-afternoon, Mon., Jan 2, which is when New Year’s Day is celebrated this year, which means not having to miss any days of work or school. In the interim,

they will have explored a sizeable portion of a fascinating country and learned its Jewish history in just seven days,” said Rabbi Rabinowich, who often serves as scholar-in-residence for synagogues and other institutions throughout the country and abroad. Unique Opportunity Highlights of the trip to Morocco will include the opportunity to daven for yeshuos at the most revered tzion in the country, Rebbe Amram Ibn Diwanne in Quezzane; explore the neighborhood in

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion December 2011 Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice & Opinion”

Morocco and Italy

continued from page 17

which the Rambam and his family spent five years; visit Sali, the home of the Or Hachaim Hakadosh and pray at his holy grandfather’s tzion in Fez; and daven on Shabbat in the mellah in Marrakech in what is probably the second oldest still active shul in the world. The personable and knowledgeable local tour guides engaged by JHT will help the group appreciate this land of contrasts, known for its magnificent imperial cities; royal palaces; enormous, exquisite gardens; colorful markets; white sandy beaches; rich culture and history; archeological

wonders; and hospitable people. “It is a very child-friendly tour and is also a great opportunity for singles to meet,” said Rabbi Rabinowich. Extensions to Israel either before or after the tour to Morocco can still be arranged. Early Bird Price JHT’s Early-Bird all-inclusive price for this trip is $3,699 per person, double occupancy, which includes the high-season airfare, tips, and taxes. There are no other “extras.” Both hotels used by the tour group are five-star-rated, and as it does on all

its tours, JHT has placed great emphasis on delicious, nutritious meals. Reservations must be made promptly because the Early Bird price will soon expire. Touring Italy Two months after the Morocco tour, during Presidents’ Week, February 2027, Rabbi Rabinowich will accompany another JHT trip, this time to Italy, on an exquisitely-planned excursion designed specifically for both active and retired teachers, although others are welcome to take advantage of the special deal as well. “JHT has never offered a tour to Italy that is this reasonable,” said Rabbi Rabinowich. In addition to visiting Rome, Siena, Florence, and Venice, the group will be able to experience first-hand the renowned Carnival of Venice, which is celebrated at the end of February, exactly when the JHT will be there. “Italy has been home to many great rabbis and kabbalists, including the Aruch, Tosafos Rid, Shibbolei Haleket, Sforno, Abravanel, Yosef Colon, Menachem Azariah of Fano, Yehudah Leib de Modena and Ramchal, to name just a few. Their lives, works and contributions to society will be discussed in depth,” said Rabbi Rabinowich. Many Things to Enjoy As in Morocco, expert local guides will help participants appreciate the secular side of Italy: its classical origins, marvelous art, and glorious museums, magnificent architecture, rich musical and literary traditions, gorgeous lakes and mountains, and of course, its superb kosher food and wine. As on all JHT trips, delicious gourmet, strictly kosher meals will be served daily at very pleasant and quality local restaurants. All hotels are four-star deluxe, and land travel includes ultra-modern air-conditioned buses. Air travel will be handled by the safe and reliable Delta Airways. All entrance fees are included in the price. For more information on either the trip to Morocco or the one to Italy—or both—call 718-382-9108 or 917-753-5178, or go to JHTtours@gmail.com. Y

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Catriel’s Notebook

Life and Times of the Mechitza in America it necessary to rule on the issue at all was By Catriel Sugarman, Researcher on Jewish Issues, indicative of the direction in which the Social Critic, Lecturer, acatriel@netvision.net.il American-Jewish community seemed to cumstances, but, rather, binding Sinaitic n 2009, Brandeis Prof Jonathan Sarna be moving. The late 1940s, ‘50s, and early law. Rav Feinstein ruled that Jews were recognized that Orthodox Judaism’s ‘60s was a period of explosive growth for prohibited from praying in a synagogue “revival over the past 50 years is one of the Conservative movement, but, for the without a mechitza. the great stories of postwar Judaism.â€? most part, this did not represent organic Yeshiva University’s Rav Joseph SoEmblematic of this resurgence is the resexpansion from within, but, rather, was alloveitchik, zâ€?tl, disagreed slightly, holding toration of the mechitza, the traditional most entirely due to “Orthodox fallout.â€? that separation of men and women was barrier between men and women during During those key decades, the ConBiblically mandated, but that the physical synagogue worship. It is, in fact, one of servative movement attracted hundreds of mechitza was a binding rabbinic decree. the most visible manifestations of the rethousands of upwardly mobile, religious“Orthodox Falloutâ€? naissance of Orthodox Judaism, and one continued on page 20 The fact that these Torah giants found of the most controversial. The tradition of separating men and women worshippers goes back at least to the days of the Temple in Jerusalem, where the women’s courtyard was called the Ezrat Nashim, the same title given to TM the women’s section in Orthodox synagogues today. In Western Europe and the Middle East, some women’s sections were established as balconies or galleries, while in Eastern Europe, they were frequently Receive FREE Culinary Cuisine By Mauzone’s Catering by separate areas behind the men, divided Celebration with Alan Shulman and Executive by a suitable barrier. In the US, it is not room upgrade! Chef Martin Levin from the Culinary Institute of unusual to find an Orthodox shul with a America, Author of Chef Marty’s Kosher Kitchen Book by Dec. 31, 2011 kosher mechitza that runs down the center of the sanctuary, dividing the men’s and women’s sections. An excellent history and a review of the relevant Halachic literature can be found in Mr. Baruch Litvin’s seminal work, MatzaFun’s eleventh outstanding year at the New Jersey Shore. The Sanctity of the Synagogue. Celebrate with a pampered Passover at Ocean Place Resort & Spa Biblical Origin Gourmet Glatt Kosher Cuisine, Orthodox Supervision In the Bible, the Prophet Zechariah (12:12-14) predicted that, after a future siege Complete Programing - Infants, Kids, Teens, Adults of Jerusalem and war, the Jews would win a spectacular victory. But instead of rejoicOnly 55 Minutes From NYC! ing, he said, they would recall their sins UĂŠ"Vi>Â˜ĂŠ6ˆiĂœĂŠEĂŠ*Ă€ÂˆĂ›>ĂŒiĂŠ >Â?VÂœÂ˜ĂžĂŠ7ÂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠ UĂŠ >ĂƒÂ…Ă€Ă•ĂƒĂŠĂ•Â˜`iÀÊ i…ˆÂ?Â?>ĂƒĂŠ >ÂˆĂƒĂŠ i˜âÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠÂ‡ĂŠ Ă›iÀÞÊ,œœ“ ,>LLÂˆĂŠ<Ă•ĂƒÂ…iĂŠ Â?iVÂ… and there would be a great mourning: “All UĂŠ->˜`ÞÊLi>VÂ…ĂŠ ÂˆĂ€iVĂŒÂ?ĂžĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠvĂ€ÂœÂ˜ĂŒĂŠÂœvĂŠ,iĂƒÂœĂ€ĂŒ UĂŠ Ăœ>Ă€`ĂŠ7ˆ˜˜ˆ˜}ĂŠ ÂœĂŒiÂ?ĂŠÂş ÂœÂ?`ĂŠ iÞÊ,iVÂˆÂŤÂˆiÂ˜ĂŒÂť the families that remain, and their wives UĂŠ , ĂŠ/Ă€>Â˜ĂƒÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ Ă€i>ĂŒĂŠ `Ă›iÂ˜ĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠ UĂŠ Ă•Ă€ÂœÂŤi>Â˜ĂŠ-ÂŤ>ʺÊ*>“iÀÊ9ÂœĂ•Ă€ĂƒiÂ?vÂť apart.â€? The Talmudic sages reasoned that

-9ĂŠ >Ăž UĂŠĂ“ĂŠ ˆÂ?iĂƒĂŠÂœvĂŠ Âœ>Ă€`Ăœ>Â?ÂŽĂŠvi>ĂŒĂ•Ă€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ*ˆiÀÊ6ˆÂ?Â?>}i if mourning on such a solemn occasion would necessitate a separation between UĂŠScholars in Residence:ĂŠ men and women, certainly, during hapRabbi Dr. Ephraim Kanarfogel]ĂŠ i>`ĂŠÂœvĂŠ iĂœÂˆĂƒÂ…ĂŠ-ĂŒĂ•`ˆiĂƒ]ĂŠStern College, Yeshiva University, pier situations, when people would tend Mendy Ganchrow M.D.]ĂŠ iVĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂ€]ĂŠ Ă•ĂŒÂ…ÂœĂ€]ĂŠ ÂœĂ€Â“iÀÊ*Ă€iĂƒÂˆ`iÂ˜ĂŒ]ĂŠThe Orthodox UnionĂŠ -i`iĂ€ĂƒĂŠVœ˜`Ă•VĂŒi`ĂŠLÞÊCantor Pinchus Cohen]ĂŠManhattan Beach Jewish Center. to be more frivolous, a separation would be even more necessary. In the 20th century, the influential follow our blog posek, HaRav Moshe Feinstein, zâ€?tl, ruled that a mechitza is required as a matter of 800-752-6050 or Biblical law. He saw Zechariah’s state215-332-2444 w w w. m a t z a f u n . c o m ment not as a prophecy about future cir-

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion December 2011 Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice & Opinion”

Mechitza in America

ly apathetic “non-observant Orthodox” Eastern European immigrants and their children for whom, for purely sociological reasons, “Classical Reform” was not an option. At that time, the “more refined,” German-dominated, Episcopalian-like Reform temples simply would not accept ostyuden. At the same time, literally hundreds of Orthodox synagogues throughout the United States “turned” Conservative: mechitzot fell like ten pins. By the immediate post-World War II period, with the exception of a few retro holdouts (mainly in New York), mixed seating had become the norm for American Jewry. Not an Issue Rabbi Dr. Solomon Schechter, the real founder of Conservative Judaism in North

continued from page 19 America, never actually addressed the issue. After making a name for himself in Eastern Europe as an Orthodox scholar and in London as the excavator of the Cairo Geniza, he came to the United States in 1902, when some traditional Jews, reacting against the Reform movement, established their own “conservative” Jewish Theological Seminary of America (JTS). Rabbi Schechter served as its president from 1902 to 1915 and founded the United Synagogue of America, recently renamed the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. While clearly expecting synagogues under his jurisdiction to remain loyal to traditional Judaism, he accepted any congregation that “did not use the [Reform] Union Prayer Book and did not pray with uncovered heads.”

The majority of the synagogues that initially affiliated with the United Synagogue still had separate seating, including such major congregations as Adath Israel in Cincinnati, Chisuk Emunah in Baltimore, Temple of Aaron in St. Paul, and Sha’ari Shamayim in Montreal. Accepting Defeat In 1921, when Rabbi Dr. Louis Ginzberg, one of the major legal lights of JTS, was asked whether “family pews” would be “a departure from traditional Judaism,” he said that while gallery seating was unnecessary, “the separating of the sexes is a Jewish custom well established for 2,000 years, and must not be taken lightly.” In 1941, the Conservative movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards recognized mixed seating because “the prevailing attitude about the place of women in modern society is making it increasingly difficult to maintain the traditional policy of isolation towards women in the synagogue.” By 1947, even Rabbi Ginzberg counseled advocates of separate seating in Chisuk Emunah, then the largest nonReform synagogue in Baltimore, to yield gracefully to their opponents. “If continued separation of family units during services presents a great danger to the spiritual welfare of the majority, the minority ought to yield to the spiritual need of the majority,” he said. On another occasion, Rabbi Ginzberg characterized separate seating in the synagogue as “obsolete.” Nevertheless, in one of the three or four vague references to the “mechitza controversy” in the massive, 477-page anthology Tradition and Change, the Development of Conservative Judaism, published in 1958, the editor, Rabbi Mordecai Waxman, noted that “certain forms of synagogue procedure, such as the seating of men and women together at a service, were widely adopted by congregations and never subject to [halachic] examination and legal debate.” Orthodoxy’s Non-Observance During this period, even many nominally Orthodox synagogues, while loudly proclaiming their loyalty to Jewish tradition, adopted the practice of mixed seating. In 1957, the more traditionally minded members of the New Orleans Orthodox

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com synagogue, Chevra Thilim, went to court to enjoin the newly elected officers of the congregation not to institute mixed seating. In their defense, the officers furnished statistics demonstrating that “perhaps there are 250 Orthodox synagogues [in the US] where family seating is permitted.” While the accuracy of these statistics can be debated, there is no question that the number of such congregations was high. Further, argued the officers, “90 percent of the graduates from the Chicago Hebrew Theological Institute, which is Orthodox, and 50 percent of the graduates of Yeshiva [the RIETS seminary affiliated with Yeshiva University], the Orthodox institution in New York, [serve] where family seating or optional family seating prevails.” In an article published in The Torah u-Madda Journal in 2000, YU Professor of History Dr. Jeffrey Gurock calls 19001960 “20th Century American Orthodoxy’s Era of Non-Observance.” In his piece, Dr. Gurock said that, just like their more liberal counterparts, Orthodox synagogues habitually sponsored late—well after sundown—Friday night services to accommodate the work schedules of their members, as well as family pews and “a myriad of non-mechitza seating patterns.” A case in point, he said, was Congregation Sharrey Zedek, which, for many years, was Detroit’s only member of the Conservative movement’s United Synagogue. As Dr. Gurock notes, “that was probably because there was no ‘need’ for any further Conservative presence. In the handful of self-described Orthodox synagogues in Sharrey Zedek’s vicinity, families sat together when they (infrequently) attended services.” Despite these deviations from Orthodox practice, the rabbis of these mixed-seating synagogues remained members in good standing in Orthodox organizations, including the Rabbinical Council of America. The late Dr. Marshall Sklare, recognized as the founding father of AmericanJewish sociology, defined the membership of these synagogues as “the non-observant Orthodox.” A typical member, he said, was “someone heterodox in personal behavior but who, when occasionally joining in public worship, prefers to do so in accordance with traditional patterns.” Drawing the Line In his 1987 book, The Debate over

Kislev 5772 Mixed Seating in the American Synagogue, Dr. Sarna postulated that three high-profile court cases concerning the seating patterns in American synagogues in the 1950s, made it impossible for this ambiguity to continue: Adath Israel in Cincinnati; Beth Tephilath Moses in Mt. Clemens, Michigan; and Chevra Thilim in New Orleans. According to Dr. Sarna, despite a great deal of unfavorable coverage in the media, in which statements such as “the Orthodox are bigots” or “the mechitza is un-American” were all too common, these court cases “strengthened Orthodoxy for it gave publicity to the movement’s views and established in the popular mind that ‘true’ Orthodoxy and separate seating went hand-in-hand.” Scores of Orthodox spokesmen branded the proponents of “mixed-seating Orthodoxy”

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as “Conservative Jews,” and ridiculed the very concept as a contradiction in terms. According to Dr. Sarna, these leaders “so vigorously insisted that mixed seating violated halacha that those who supported the opposite position realized that they were clinging to a view that no institutionalized brand of Orthodoxy would agree to legitimate.” The Orthodox community had drawn its line in the sand, and, in time, many of these “deviant Orthodox” congregations affiliated with the then-expanding Conservative movement. Weak Orthodoxy Surrounded by flourishing Orthodox communities of all stripes, Jews today below the age of 65 often have great difficulty comprehending how weak Ortho-

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion December 2011 Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice & Opinion”

Mechitza in America

doxy actually was in the 1940s and ‘50s. In 1955, Dr. Sklare, wrote in his book, Conservative Judaism, an American Religious Movement, that “Orthodox adherents have succeeded in achieving the goal of institutional perpetuation to only a limited extent; the history of their movement in this country can be written in terms of a case study of institutional decay.” But only 22 years later, when Dr. Sklare published a second edition of the book, he declared that Orthodoxy’s unexpected growth meant no less than that the “laws of religious sociology have been repealed.” “Unaccountably, Orthodoxy has refused to assume the role of invalid,” he wrote.

continued from page 21 “Rather, it has transformed itself into a growing force in American-Jewish life.” In fact, Dr. Sarna thought it “ironic” that Orthodox Judaism should serve “as the poster child for what a beleaguered religious movement can accomplish.” Conservative Moment Their surprise is understandable. In 1945, the Conservative movement’s United Synagogue had 350 affiliated congregations. At its height, in 1965, it had 850. While many of the new affiliates in the growing suburbs were new synagogues that were founded as Conservative institutions, a good number of the additional 500 membersynagogues were older congregations that

had previously been Orthodox. Other older, non-mechitza Orthodox congregations, especially in the Midwest, simply dropped the Orthodox label and redefined themselves as “traditional.” In 1957, Rabbi David B. Hollander, z”l, an Orthodox activist and former President of the Rabbinical Council of America, mourned that in “major Jewish communities, such as Detroit and Chicago, the Orthodox synagogue has become all but a museum, a relic of the recent past.” Resurgence However, to the amazement of pundits, social observers, and ordinary Jews, by the mid-1960s, Orthodox Judaism in the US had succeeded in transplanting itself to suburbia. Hundreds of Orthodox shuls with mechitzot popped up in some of the most affluent areas of the country, and the secularly educated Orthodox Jews who filled them were far removed from the outmoded stereotypes of lower-class, semi-literate, raggedy, Yiddish-speaking immigrants of a bygone era. The Orthodox renaissance in Bergen County, NJ, and the Five Towns in Long Island are prime examples. Some synagogues that once had mixed seating restored their mechitzot, an observation made by Prof Charles Leibman in an essay, “Orthodoxy in American-Jewish Life,” published as part of the 1964 American Jewish Yearbook. He noted that, in addition to the newly established suburban Orthodox congregations, “some 30 synagogues that once had mixed seating had installed mechitzot since 1955.” Many others would soon follow suit. In 1960, only one Orthodox Union-affiliated synagogue in Los Angeles had a mechitza; by 1975, every OU-affiliated congregation in California had one. Bridging the Gap In short, by the 1960s, Orthodoxy had begun to bridge the gap between its ideals and the personal conduct of its younger, American-born adherents. In a recent interview, Professor Arnold M. Eisen, now chancellor of the JTS, bemoaned the yawning gap between the “ideals” of the Conservative movement and the religious behavior of 90 percent of its members. This, he said, was in contrast to what he saw in the Orthodox

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com community, where, he noted, in the last generation, there has been “the reduction of a similar gap in its movement.” “People don’t remember that there used to be many members of Orthodox synagogues who didn’t keep kosher. This situation has now vanished. Orthodoxy has done a wonderful job in educating its laypeople by building strong communities where observance is normative,” he said. NCSY Naturally, this Orthodox success has many “fathers.” Rabbi Pinchas Stolper, the legendary founder and longtime national director of the OU’s youth movement, the National Conference of Synagogue Youth, has postulated that NCSY played a major role in convincing “mixed-seating Orthodox synagogues” to install mechitzot. In an interview conducted by Binyamin Rose for Mishpacha magazine, Rabbi Stolper recalled that in the late 1950s and early 1960s, many rabbis in OU-affiliated congregations were in the position of trying to convince their memberships to erect mechitzot in their synagogues. The usual retort from the synagogue officers was that: “A mechitza is European. We want to save our youth, and they will not sit separately.” Trump Card But NCSY had a trump card. The newly established youth movement would run events only in synagogues with a mechitza, which put “mechitza-less” congregations, many of them in suburbia, under terrific pressure. By the early 1960s, when the Conservative movement peaked, virtually every affiliated congregation had an active chapter of the Conservative youth movement, United Synagogue Youth (USY), and a considerable number of teens from OU synagogues were joining. The more perceptive Orthodox leaders, including rabbis and layman alike, realized they had to do something quickly. Since NCSY would run events only in a synagogue with a mechitza, the leaders decided that, under the circumstances, they would “humor” the youth group and set up a temporary separation. After all, they figured, what did they have to lose? It was worth a try! Unexpected Consequence Then, as Rabbi Stolper recalled, something strange and unexpected happened.

Kislev 5772 “You have a synagogue that is barely drawing any young people to their service. Then all of a sudden, one Shabbat, NCSY holds a Shabbaton and the shul is filled with 100, 200, 300 teenagers. A temporary mechitza has been put into the shul. The kids come in, and the boys and girls sit on their sides of the mechitza. These balabatim are scratching their heads and saying: ‘What’s happened here? Maybe we were wrong all along? The first time we’ve seen so many kids here is when there’s a mechitza.’ As a result, dozens of shuls put in mechitzot. I believe that’s what turned it around.” Certainly, there were other factors at work as well, but, be that as it may,

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by 2011, the OU had only one affiliated congregation with mixed seating and even in that synagogue, there was an active “mechitza minyan” whose median age was decades lower than those praying in the main sanctuary. Des Moines, Iowa Sometimes, it took a charismatic— and patient—rabbi to restore Orthodoxy to a wavering congregation. While Des Moines has an active, warm, and caring Jewish community, it is emphatically not a bastion of Orthodoxy. According to the website of the OU-affiliate in Des Moines, the Beth El Jacob Synagogue, “When the shul existed in downtown Des

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion

Mechitza in America Moines, the men were seated downstairs and the women upstairs. This was the way of the shul until we built the existing building in 1957, when the decision was made not to install a mechitza.� According to the website, mixed seating “somehow� became the accepted policy in both the small chapel and the main sanctuary. But 25 years ago, nowRabbi Emeritus Marshall Berg began what the website calls “the process of bringing back some sense of Orthodox tradition by requesting a mechitza in the daily chapel.� Seven years ago, a Kollel was brought to Des Moines, necessitating negotiations and an eventual agreement that created, in the main sanctuary, a men’s section, a women’s section, and a “mixed section.� Since then, according to the website, Beth El Jacob has “worked to better the opportunity

December 2011

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continued from page 23

for Orthodox practice, and eliminated the mixed section.� “We now have a kosher sanctuary,� the website declares. Oakland, California Though Cong Beth Jacob in Oakland, California, was affiliated with the OU when Rabbi Howard Zack (an NCSY alumnus) arrived in 1985, the synagogue had no mechitza. Rabbi Zack, who had served as Shabbat Youth Director at Cong Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck under Rabbi Macy Gordon, understood that the situation in Beth Jacob was not unusual, but he had no intention of leaving the status quo, which had existed ever since the synagogue had moved “uptown� in the 1950s. “Many Jews left the trappings of the Old World behind in an attempt to assimilate. But later, as people began to feel more comfortable expressing their Jewishness, many began

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returning to the more traditional ways,� he said. Restoring the mechitza was only one of the changes Rabbi Zack brought to Beth Jacob. He and his wife, Linda, established the Gan Mah Tov pre-school and then the Oakland Hebrew Day School. “Some congregants left over the mechitza, but more joined,� he said. By the time he left Oakland in 2001 to become the founding rabbi of Congregation Torat Emet in Columbus, Ohio, the California community had been transformed from an older congregation with few observant Jews into an active, multigenerational Jewish community with dozens of Shomer Shabbat families. “There was an influx of dozens and dozens of young families from around the country and world, who essentially were looking for a very warm, vibrant community,� he said. The same thing happened in Congregation Beth Jacob of Beverly Hills, the largest Orthodox synagogue west of Chicago. It took Rabbi Simon Dolgin 20 years to convince his congregants to install a mechitza, but once they did, to the surprise of many, the membership surged. The Orthodox Minyan About ten years ago, the Utopia Jewish Center, a Con-

servative synagogue on the border of Hillcrest and Fresh Meadows in Queens, began to rent space to a nascent Orthodox minyan which called itself the Utopia Torah Congregation. According to Jay Goldberg, president of the Utopia Jewish Center, the synagogue’s transformation now seems like it was inevitable. “Over the years, the Conservative population of the synagogue started to dwindle, while the Orthodox congregation was growing larger. Soon the Utopia Torah Congregation had to move their services to the main ballroom,� he recalled. Eventually the two minyanim consolidated; a mechitza was installed; the microphone was removed; and the first unified service for both congregations was held in the synagogue’s main sanctuary. While some Conservative members left, many decided to remain and are still actively involved with the now Orthodox shul. Since the “switch,� the congregation has grown substantially. It is a story that has been repeated even in the so-called “cathedral synagogues,� largescale, prestigious buildings, conceived as symbols of the emerging—and opulent— Jewish presence. Today, the

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http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com Brooklyn Jewish Center in Crown Heights, the Ocean Parkway (Brooklyn) Jewish Center, Congregation Ahavas Israel in Passaic, the Jewish Center of Teaneck, and other synagogues throughout the metropolitan area have become newly Orthodox congregations. Chabad One of the most interesting stories is that of the Anshei Shalom Jewish Center, a former Conservative synagogue in Kew Gardens, Queens, whose magnificent structure was erected in 1970. By 2007, the synagogue’s beautiful 7500-square foot, two-story building, with its gorgeous stained-glass windows; impressive aron kodesh; 300seat sanctuary; 175-capacity social hall; spacious, commercial kitchen; five classrooms; and beit midrash were almost devoid of activity, prompting the president of the fading congregation, Jerry Gaeta,

to initiate negotiations with Chabad. A long-time member of the congregation observed that “if the idea of a Conservative synagogue making the switch to Chabad seemed far-fetched at first, the will on the part of the synagogue’s board to see its building bubbling with Jewish activity, was strong enough to find a way and build a bridge across differences, for the benefit of this Jewish community.” As part of the agreement, Anshei Shalom of Kew Gardens agreed to change its constitution and redefine itself as “Orthodox.” New Programs, More Jews In March 2008, the shul was renamed Anshei Shalom Chabad, a mechitza was installed, the beit midrash was outfitted as the Gutnick Jewish Library, and the Sifrei Torah were examined and certified by Chabad sofrim. Immediately after settling

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in, the Chabadniks initiated a host of new, imaginative programs, and began attracting Jews. It had been more than a decade since the synagogue could justify even opening its doors for Friday night services, but, according to Steven Sobelsohn, long-time executive director of Anshei Shalom, within two weeks of Chabad’s arrival, the activity level within the congregation had gone from “almost nil to a happily frenetic pace.” Mr. Sobelsohn’s understandable concern was for the long-term members. “Whenever you change rituals, there will always be some who won’t want it,” he said, acknowledging that some of the congregation’s “second-tier” members disappeared. But, he said, the “core group” of officers and active members “all remained steadfast.” Many of them, he said, invested time to make the deal

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with Chabad a reality. “Cool” Many commentators have noted that Chabad, with its insistence on institutional halachic observance but tolerance towards Jews, irrespective of their personal levels of observance, could be the perfect partner for some shriveling Conservative congregations. But whether through Chabad or OU, many Jews agree that Orthodoxy and all it entails is, well, catching on. In a recent Philadelphia magazine article about the influx of an estimated 400 Orthodox-Jewish families to the well-heeled suburbs of Bala Cynwyd and Lower Merion, a member of “a rich philanthropic family” told the publication, “Orthodox worship is the cool thing now—it’s not your father’s Oldsmobile.” In the 1950s, who would have thought that a mechitza would be considered a trendy draw? A sign of the times! Y

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion December 2011 Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice & Opinion”

KosherWoman.com for a Quick, Easy, Important Read By Jeanne Litvin, KosherWoman.com Admin, office@kosherwoman.com

K

osherWoman.com debuted online eight months ago, and already it has about 8,000 unique visitors each month. They represent big American cities, small towns, and all sizes in between. The website is also growing in popularity in Israel, Canada, England, and Australia. KosherWoman.com, a treasure trove of information on Jewish subjects women need to know, has become a comfort zone for women from the least observant

Ann D. Koffsky is the author and illustrator of “Noah’s Swim-A-Thon” and many other Jewish Children’s books.To see more about her work, or to subscribe to her monthly craft e-mail, visit www.JewishArtbyAnn.com or www.annkoffsky.com.

to the most Orthodox and from young adults to senior citizens. The creators of the website did so to fill the need for a source to which busy women like themselves could go for quick answers to questions, rather than having to read lengthy articles. Unique among Jewish websites, KosherWoman.com combines intrinsically kosher subjects like prayer, travel, kitchen, and lifestyle, with secular topics like health, nutrition, diet, and exercise. All the information is presented in charts, bullets, or short paragraphs. Beyond the Expected The pages within the sections go beyond the expected. The “Lifestyle” section, for example, not only has information on holidays and safety, but also on where victims of abuse or women who need Jewish divorces can find help. While the “Kitchen” section does have recipes, it covers many other topics, such as food contamination, “Cooking Methods Explained,” and “Quick Answers to Kashrus Questions,” to name just a few. The “Travel” section boldly tells “The Truth about Passover Travel” as well as offering “Passover Programs Compared,” a chart which shows “first timers” how to select the right type of Passover program for their lifestyles. The “Prayer” pages have successfully attracted many not-yet-observant women to the site, but observant women who were taught what to do but not the fundamentals of “how,” also find the website helpful. The “Health, Nutrition, Diet, and Exercise” sections run the gamut from “Symptoms of DVT,” “Fast and Nutritious Breakfasts,” “Pros and Cons of 20 Kosher Diets,” and “Fun Activities That Work as Exercise.” Updates The website adds new information weekly; there are already close to 150 pages. The KosherWoman.com staff also performs updates of page information regularly. In addition, a newsletter goes out twice a month to alert returning visitors about new pages and updates. To get a quick and easy read on information about the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle, visit KosherWoman.com. Y

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December 2011

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Fri., Dec 9

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Shabbat, Dec 10

Young Couples/Family Minyan and Luncheon, Cong Ahavas Achim, Highland Park, 8:45am Rabbi Ozer Glickman, scholar-in-residence, Jewish Center of Teaneck, “Understanding the Occupation: Who Needs Wall Street? Talmudic Insights into Market Economics,” 10am; “From the Board Room to the Beit Midrash: Making Sense out of Two Different Worlds,” seudah shlishit, 4pm, 201-833-0515 “Aliyah to Jerusalem for All the Reasons in the World,” Akiva Weber, director of Aliyah from English-speaking countries for the municipality of Jerusalem, Cong Bais Torah, Monsey, 4pm, 212-339-6067, shaniek@jafi.org, or werberfamily@gmail.com “What do Non-Religious Israelis Mean When They Say, ‘Baruch Hashem?’” Uri Pinsky of Yeshivat Hesder in Ramat Gan,

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Motzei Shabbat, Dec 10

Saturday Night Fun, spons by the Friendship Circle, parents can drop off their special-needs children and their siblings for an evening of swimming, magic, and more while the parents enjoy “Saturday Night Out,” at Aidekman JCC, Whippany, 6:30pm, 973-2510200, or the Jewish Center of Teaneck, 6:30pm, 201-262-2172 Jewelry and Ice Cream Party, for girls in grades 1-4, spons by the East Hill Synagogue, private home in Englewood, 6:15pm, 201-569-4008 “Positive Attitude,” Shomer Shabbat and Shomer Kashrut Cub Scout Pack 613 Den Meeting, for boys in grades 1-5, cubmaster Jonathan Schachter, Cong Ahavat Achim, Fair Lawn, 7pm, jschachter2@gmail.com Judaica Art Sale, featuring Noa Attias and Dikla Meri, private home in Englewood, 8pm, 201-569-1080 Project Ezrah Dinner: “Honoring Ten Years of Neighbor Helping Neighbor,” honoring Chava and Ephraim Casper, Abby and David Flamholz, Sora and Eli Grunstein, Danielle and Lawrence Kossove, Rachel and Azi Mandel, Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, Rena Schnaidman, and Barbara and Sidney Topiol, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8pm, 201569-9047 Bikur Cholim of PassaicClifton Melave Malka, for men and women, featuring HaRav Yosef Viener, hot dairy buffet, music, Cong Adas Israel, Passaic, 8pm, 973-249-8811 Audio/Visual Presentation: “Rise and Shine: Tips, Tools, and Wisdom for Rising Above the Challenges of Your Family, Home, and Life,” for women, featuring Bella Weinreb, Rebbetzin Zlata Press, and Miriam Serdlov, spons by the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation, Reenas Bais Yaakov School, Highland Park, 8pm, 732-572-4713 or 732-572-4408

Sun., Dec 11

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Resource Fair, and Family Day, for families with special-needs members, featuring “The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children, Adolescents, and Adults Who Are Affected by Autism and Related Disorders,” Dr. Charles Cartwright; special workshop for parents of children with Downs Syndrome, Dr. Fred Hirschenfang; childcare for ages 2-6, fun sibling programs for ages 7-13, programs for special needs ages 5-16, 9am-2pm, herrmann@ou.org Torah Teens, for specialneeds and non-disabled teen volunteers, spons by the Friendship Circle, at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, Livingston, volunteer training and breakfast, 9am; program, 9:30am, 973-251-0200 Mother-and-Daughter Matan Bat Mitzvah Program, for girls 10-12 and their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, Pnina Yahid, Ben Porat Yosef, Paramus, 9:30am, 201-845-5007 ext 10 Northern NJ Hadassah Women Myrtle Wreath Celebration, featuring Sen Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and honoring Marge Kohlhagen, Glenpointe Marriott, Teaneck, 9:30am, 201836-7332 Republican Jewish Coalition of South Jersey and Philadelphia, Holiday Inn, Cherry Hill, 10am, 610-667-1263 Sen Robert Menendez (D-NJ), spons by NORPAC, private home in Teaneck, 10:30am, 201-788-5133 Drisha Institute Satellite Bat Mitzvah Program: “Our Mothers, Ourselves: How Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Relates to Women in the Bible from both Pshat and Drash Perspectives,” for girls ages 11-13 and their mothers, Golda Och Academy, West Orange, 10:30am, inquiry@drisha.org Hadassah Chug Ivrit, Hebrew Club, for men and women, intermediate to advanced Hebrew speakers, private home in Highland Park, 11am, 732-843-5239 Theater: “It’s Time for a Laugh,” written and directed by Ira Ben Wisemen, Riverdale YMHA, lunch, 11:45am, show,

1pm, 718-548-8200 Violin Vurtuoso Itzhak Perlman and Pianist Rohan De Silva, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, 3pm, 888-466-5722 Sen Joe Manchin (D-WV), spons by NORPAC, private home in Englewood, 5pm, bchouake@ aol.com Frum Singles Event, spons by the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists (need not be a scientist to attend), Riverdale YMHA, 6pm, 347-275-7246 “Aliyah to Jerusalem for All the Reasons in the World,” Akiva Weber, director of Aliyah from English-speaking countries for the municipality of Jerusalem, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 7pm, 212-339-6067, shaniek@jafi.org, or werberfamily@gmail.com “Aspects of Divorce,” Rabbi Martin Rosenfeld, Esq, and Dr. Nancy Silberman Zwiebach, Teaneck General Store, 7pm, 201530-5046 “Law and Life: Connecting Human Narrative and Divine Ideals—The Unity of Chumash: Mirror Images of Bereishit and Devarim,” Elana Stein Hain, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, 7:30pm, 201-837-2795 Shalom Bayis: “Hair Covering & Becoming an Ishah Kashera [Kosher Wife],” for women, Devorah Rose Kigel, private home in Teaneck, 8pm, allyson.guraryeh@gmail.com Empty Nesters Group, private home in Teaneck, 8pm, 201-801-0337 or torateacher@ yahoo.com “Platforms and Frisbees: Building a Path to Serious, Substantive Spirituality through the Study of Mesillas Yasharim,” for women, Rabbi Tanchum Cohen, Cong Beth Abraham, Bergenfield, 8:30pm, 201-384-0434

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Hockey, for special-needs teens, spons by the Friendship Circle, Horizons High School, Livingston, 5pm, 973-251-0200 Interviews for Teen Philanthropy Institute, learning how to allocate tzedakah dol-

The Jewish Voice and Opinion

lars, JCC, Tenafly, 6-8pm, 201408-1469 “An Evening to Explore Rescue and Survival in the Holocaust: Film: “No 4 Street of Our Lady,” the story of Francisca Halamajowa, a Polish-Catholic woman who rescued 16 of her Jewish neighbors while passing herself off as a Nazi sympathizer, panel discussion with filmmaker Judy Malt, and survivors Chaim Malta and Fran Malkin, Kean University, Union, film, 6:45; panel, 8:30pm, 908-737- 5326 Israeli TV: “Arab Labor: Avoda Aravit (Shoddy or Second-Rate Work),” with Sayed Kashua, taught by Daniel Sonnenschein, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7pm, 845-362-4200 “Fascinating Facts about Judaism: It’s All Hebrew to Me,” Rabbi Shmuel Gancz, Chabad of Suffern, 7:30pm, 845-368-1889 “Managing Challenging Behaviors within the Family Structure: Activities and Discussions to Stimulate Thought, Homework with Activities for Different Age Groups, Encourag-

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ing Family Play Time and Meetings,” Chaya Barat and Marlene Greenspan, FOCUS, Englewood, 7:45pm, 201-894-5800 ext 32 “Fascinating Facts—Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism: Myths, Misconceptions, and Urban Legends,” Rabbi Dov Drizin, Chabad of Woodcliff Lake, 8pm, 201-476-0157 Shiur, Rabbi Chaim Kramer, in honor of his new Breslov Chumash, separate seating, Rabbi Horowitz’s Shtieble, Highland Park, 8pm, 732-985-1698

Tues., Dec 13

“A Joyous Celebration in Jewish Song: Tribute to Kurt Heilbronner, z”l,” with musicologist Velvel Pasternak, spons by “New Beginnings,” Jewish Center of Teaneck, 1:30pm, 201833-0515 OU Kashrus Webcast: OU Poskim Answer Your Questions, Rabbis Yisroel Belsky and Hershel Schachrer, 2:30pm, http://www. ou.org/webcast_kosher/ “Fascinating Facts—Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of

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Come meet author NAFTALI MOSES

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion

The Log

December 2011

Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice & Opinion”

continued from page 29

Judaism: Myths, Misconceptions, and Urban Legends,” Rabbi Levi Dubinsky, Chabad of Mountain Lakes, 7:30pm, 973-551-1898; Rabbis Yitzchok Dubov, Levi Shemtov, and Hershel Weiszner, Chabad of Riverdale, at the Riverdale YMHA, 718-549-1100, 8pm Yeshiva University High School for Boys Parlor Meeting, for parents and 8th graders, private home in Highland Park, 8pm, 908-472-0304 or 212-9605400 ext 6676 Volunteer Orientation, to work with special-needs children and teens through the Friendship Circle of MetroWest, Livingston, 8pm, 973-251-0200 “Mourning Under Glass,” Dr. Naftali Moses, on his mourning for his son who was murdered in the Mercaz Harav shooting in 2008, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 8:15pm, 201-569-4008 “Why We Pray What We Pray: The History of Jewish Prayer,” Rabbi Jeremy Donath, Cong Darchei Noam, Fair Lawn, 8:15pm, 201-773-4080 “Modern Family: A Present-Day Look at Sefer Bereshit— How to Ensure a Family Feud: Children and Our Will Proxy,” Rabbi Shalom Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8:30pm, 201907-0180

Wed., Dec 14

Deadline to Submit OneAct Jewish Plays and Musicals on Holocaust Themes. One of the plays selected for Shoah Stories, staged presentations of Holocaust related plays and musicals, will for adult audiences; the other for

students in grades K-12, 347-8785771 or 973-929-3066 Cong Agudath Israel Daycare Open House, for parents of 3s and 4s who need all-day (7am6pm) or fewer hours, Caldwell, 9:45am, 973-226-2537 Book Group: “The Assistant” by Bernard Malamud, with Carol Berman, JCC, West Orange, 11am, 973-530-3421 “Echoes and Reflections: A Multimedia Curriculum on the Holocaust,” for teachers, Randi Boyette, Goodwin Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Cherry Hill, 3:30-6:30pm, 856751-9700 ext 1249 Interviews for Teen Philanthropy Institute, learning how to allocate tzedakah dollars, JCC, Tenafly, 6-8pm, 201408-1469 “Engaging Israel: Foundations for a New Relationship,” curriculum developed by the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, JCC, Margate, 7pm, 609-822-1167 “A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah— Motivation 101: How to Get Things Moving When Novelty Fades,” Rabbi Michel Gurkov, Chabad Center, Wayne, 7pm, 973-694-6274 Challah Baking, for boys grades 3-5, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 7pm, 973-736-1407 Parent-Child Workshop Designed to Ease the Transition from High School to College for Students with Learning Diabilities, includes “College Programs for Students and How to Apply for College with

IEPs/504s,” “Accommodations Offered at the College Level,” “Skills Students Need to Manage College Life,” and “Assessing College Readiness,” Joseph Cafaro, Dumont High School, 7pm, 201-599-0585 “Take It Off and Keep It Off: Healthy Kosher Eating Habits, Healthy Shabbat and Meal Planning, Learn Your Numbers,” Dr. Duane Fredericks, Stephanie Greenspan, nutritionist, Cong Arzei Darom, Teaneck, 7pm, 201-530-1900 Rep Shelley Berkley (D-NV), spons by NORPAC, private home in Englewood, 7pm, 201-788-5133 or 201-951-7900 “Generation Text: Raising Well-Adjusted Kids in the Age of Instant Everything,” Dr. Michael Osit, Wilf JCC, Scotch Plains, 7pm, 908-352-8375 Mom’s Support Group, for mothers of children with special needs, Amy Brunswick, LSW, spons by Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, JCC, West Orange, 7:30pm, 973-765-9050 or 973-929-3129 Support Group for Caregivers, those caring for an older adult who is physically frail or suffering from memory loss, JCC, Tenafly, 7:30pm, 201-408-1450 “Fascinating Facts—Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism: Myths, Misconceptions, and Urban Legends,” Rabbis Levi Wolosow and Boruch Chazanow, Chabad of Manalapan, 732-972-3687, 7:30pm; Rabbi Avrohom Bergstein, Chabad of Fair Lawn, 718-839-5296; Rabbi Chanoch Kaplan, Chabad of Franklin Lakes, 201-848-0449; Rabbi Mordechai Baumgarten,

Chabad Center of Northwest NJ, Rockaway, 973-625-1525; Rabbi Ephraim Simon, Chabad House, Teaneck, 201-907-0686, 8pm “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: The Many Useful Functions of a Will,” Eric Reimer, Esq, Reimer Law Firm, Paramus, 7:30pm, 877-885-8800 Parlor Meeting for Camp Moshava Ba’ir, Paramus-based summer day camp for children currently in grades pre-K-4, Rabbi Menachem Hecht, private home in Bergenfield, 8pm, 212-4659536 “Chicks with Sticks Knitting Circle,” hats for preemies, children with cancer, and IDF soldiers in Israel, private home in Highland Park, 8pm, 732-339-8492 Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class: “Blessings,” Rabbi David Pietruszka, spons by the JLE, at Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, 8pm, 201-966-4498 Yeshiva Zichron Yaakov High School of Monsey Open House, for parents and students, Spring Valley, 8pm, 845-362-4990 Online Class: “Eight Ways to Connect to G-d through Food: A Personal Journey,” actress Dr. Mayim Bialik, 9pm, register at www.room613.net MidKnight Breakfast Break from Studying for Finals, dairy feast, Rutgers Hillel, New Brunswick, 11pm, 732-545-2407

Thurs., Dec 15

Deadline to Enter Essay Contest, for high school students, spons by the Sister Rose Thering Fund for Education in Jewish-Christian Studies, after viewing the film “Sister Rose’s Passion,” students can write 500 words on “How Does Sister Rose’s Passion Relate to an Experi-

The Log is a free service provided to the Jewish community in northern and central New Jersey, Rockland County and Riverdale. Events that we list include special and guest lectures, concerts, boutiques, dinners, open houses, club meetings, and new classes. Announcements are requested by the 25th of the month prior to the month of the event. Due to space and editorial constraints, we cannot guarantee publication of any announcement. Please email them to : susan@jewishvoiceandopinion.com.

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com ence in Your Life?” 609-292-9274 or 973-761-9006 Senior NCSY Winter Regional, at Hudson Valley Resort & Spa, Kerhonkson, NY through Sun, Dec 18, 212-613-8233 or 551-486-7136 Jewish Business Network Breakfast, private office in Edison, 8:30-10am, 646-233-2031 La Leche League of Bronx/ Riverdale, Mia Damond Padwa, pregnant women, babies and small children welcome, healthy snacks, Riverdale YMHA, 9:30am, 718543-0314 Rachel Wig Sale, Lillian Lee Salon, Teaneck, 1-6pm, 732-8095493 or 201-837-6770 “Crash Course in Judaism: Prayer,” West Orange Encounters, at the West Orange Public Library, 7pm, 973-736-0198 Challah Baking, for girls grades 3-5, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 7pm, 973-736-1407 Book Group: “The Assistant” by Bernard Malamud, with Carol Berman, JCC, West Orange, 7:30pm, 973-530-3421 “Project Prayer: The Meaning Behind the Prayers and Insight into Our Ancient Liturgy,” Rabbi Yaacov Leaf, Lubavitch Center Judaica, West Orange, 7:30pm, 973-731-0770 Camp Nesher Parlor Meeting, private home in Highland Park, 8pm, Rbick@verizon.net

Fri., Dec 16

“Health Care, Ethics, and Cultural Tension,” for nurses, social workers, and case managers, Laurie Kleid, CareOne, Teaneck, 8am, 201-287-8560 A Taste of Shabbat, for children 1-5 with an adult, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, noon, 845-362-4200 “Judaism’s Relevance to Modern Life: Motivation 101— How to Get Things Moving When Novelty Fades,” Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, spons by Chabad at the Shore, private office in Linwood, 12:15pm, 609-822-8500 “The Four Most Important Questions G-d Will Ask You,” Rabbi Dov Greenberg, scholarin-residence, includes dinner, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 5:15pm, 718-549-1100

Yeshiva University Connects Shabbaton, at Cong Ohr HaTorah, Bergenfield, through Shabbat, Dec 17, OHTShabbaton@gmail.com Yachad Shabbaton, Cong Beth Abraham, Bergenfield, through Shabbat, Dec 17, 201387-0439

Shabbat, Dec 17

Shabbaton for Grade 7, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck Cantor Noam Ohring, Jewish Center of Teaneck, 9am, 201833-0515 ext 200 Rabbi Dov Greenberg, scholar-in-residence, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, “What Is Chassidism? What Is Its Innovation?” 10:30am; “The Philosophy behind the Messianic Idea,” noon, includes lunch, 718-549-1100 Bnai Akiva Snif Chadash of Teaneck Darom, for students in grades 1-6, fun with an educational Zionist element, Cong Netivot Shalom, Teaneck, 4pm, pscheininger@hotmail.com

Motzei Shabbat, Dec 17

Hockey Night Live, the NJ Outlaws vs the Danbury Whalers, with analyst Stan “the Maven” Fischler, Capital One Ice Vault, Wayne, autographs, 6:30pm; game, 7:35pm, 973-886-9335 Thurnauer Chamber Music Society: “The Viennese Tradition: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary Fritz Kreisler’s Death,” with Sharon Roffman and Annaliesa Place, violins; Yari Bond, cello; Richard Goldsmith, clarinet; and Jon Kilbonoff, piano, JCC, Tenafly, pre-concert conversation, 7pm; concert, 8pm, 201-408-1465 Evening of Comedy with Modi, Cong Ahavath Torah, Englewood, 7:30pm “Prozac for the Soul: Applying the Kabbalah to the Challenges of Everyday Life,” Rabbi Dov Greenberg, includes Melave Malka and Farbrengen, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 7:30pm, 718-549-1100 Cong Beth Aaron Sisterhood Book Club: “Valley of Strength” by Shulamit Lapid, private home in Teaneck, 8pm, 201-837-0651 The Shmuz: “Understanding Life Settings—If G-d Is Just,

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Why are Talents and Abilities Not Meted out Equally to All People,” Yeshivat Beit Hillel, Passaic, 8pm, 973-777-0735 Yachad Benefit, the Orthodox Union’s program for specialneeds children and adults, dress-up 70s style for prizes, at Velocity17, Maywood, 8pm, herrmann@ ou.org or 201-994-1200 Kandles and Kegs, for singles in their 20s and 30s, candlemaking, beer-tasting, poker, and Mediterranean fare, spons by the Orthodox Union and West of the Hudson, at the Jewish Center of Teaneck, 9pm, west.huds@ gmail.com

Sun., Dec 18

Blood Drive, Cong Ahavas Achim, Highland Park, 9am-3pm, 732-393-1018 Torah Teens, for specialneeds and non-disabled teen volunteers, spons by the Friendship Circle, at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, Livingston, volunteer training and breakfast, 9am; program, 9:30am, 973-251-0200 Explanatory Morning Service, Rabbi David Pietruszka, spons by the Jewish Learning Experience, at Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 9:15am, 201-966-4490 Mother-and-Daughter Matan Bat Mitzvah Program, for girls 10-12 and their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, Pnina Yahid, Ben Porat Yosef, Paramus, 9:30am, 201-845-5007 ext 10 Film: “Nora’s Will,” Temple Emanu-El, Bayonne, 9:30am, 201-437-7926 Drisha Institute Satellite Bat Mitzvah Program: “Our Mothers, Ourselves: How Becoming a Bat Mitzvah Relates

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to Women in the Bible from both Pshat and Drash Perspectives,” for girls ages 11-13 and their mothers, Golda Och Academy, West Orange, 10:30am, inquiry@drisha.org Ice Skating, spons by Shomer Shabbat and Shomer Kashrut Cub Scout Pack 613 Den Meeting, for boys in grades 1-5, cubmaster Jonathan Schachter, meet at Cong Ahavat Achim, Fair Lawn, 1pm, jschachter2@gmail.com Theater Trip to see “Shlemiel the First,” in English, at the Folksbiene National Theatre at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, bus leaves JCC, Middlesex County, Edison, 1:15pm, 732-494-3232 ext 614 “Where Do We Draw the Line between Legitimate Criticism of Israel and Antisemitism? How Can We Tell the Difference? How This Issue Affects Pro-Israel Students on College Campuses around the World,” Dr. Eric Mandel, Cong Adath Israel of Riverdale, 2pm, streelsh@ gmail.com Cong Ohr Torah of Edison Dinner, honoring Hedy and Lou Smith and Aliyana and Eugene Wasserman, 5:30pm Alisa Chapter of AMIT Mother-in-Israel Event, includes docent tour of the Guinness Collection and Champaign-dairy dessert, Morristown Museum, 6:30pm, hdubroff@gmail.com or catspurrson@comcast.net Nefesh B’Nefesh Workshop, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, 7pm “Law and Life: Connecting Human Narrative and Di-

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion

The Log

December 2011

Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice & Opinion”

continued from page 31

vine Ideals—Where the Rubber Hits the Road: ‘Loopholes’ in Rabbinic Law,” Elana Stein Hain, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, 7:30pm, 201-837-2795

Mon., Dec 19

Yachad Mothers’ Support Group Lunch, for mothers of special-needs children, Chani Herrmann, private home in Teaneck, 12:30pm, herrmann@ou.org Israel Film Club: “Joy,” in Hebrew with English subtitles, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7pm, 845-362-4200 “Fascinating Facts about Judaism: Myths, Misconceptions, and Urban Legends,” Rabbi Shmuel Gancz, Chabad of Suffern, 7:30pm, 845-368-1889 “Transforming Homework Hysteria into Homework Harmony,” Coach Adina Lederer, spons by Cong Beth Abraham Sisterhood, private home in Bergenfield, 8:30pm, 201-385-0767 Yeshiva University High School for Boys Parlor Meeting, for parents and 8th grade boys, private home in Riverdale, 8:30pm, 212-960-5400 ext 6676

Tues., Dec 20 1st Chanukah Candle

National Founders Dinner, spons by Chabad House Jewish Student Center at Rutgers and Its Ten Affiliate Chabad Houses in Central and Southern NJ, honoring Richard Saker (Saker ShopRites, Inc), and featuring NJ Lt Gov Kim Guadagno, Hyatt Regency Hotel, New Brunswick, 5:30pm, 732-296-1800 Parlor Meeting for Camp

Kaylie, OHEL-run camp for children with no disabilities as well as those who are high-functioning developmentally disabled, Rabbi Peretz Hochbaum, private home in Edison, 8pm, 732-777-9575 or 718-686 3261 “Modern Family: A PresentDay Look at Sefer Bereshit—Educating the Perfect or Not-Perfect and Half-Shabbos Child,” Rabbi Shalom Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8:30pm, 201907-0180

Wed., Dec 21 1st Day of Chanukah, 2nd Candle

Theater Trip to “Shlemeil the First,” at the NYU, leave Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 1pm, 973736-1407 ext 240 “A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah— What is Beautiful? The Spiritual Science of Intrinsic Attraction,” Rabbi Michel Gurkov, Chabad Center, Wayne, 7pm, 973-694-6274 Confidential Abused Women’s Support Group, Jewish Family Service, Teaneck, 7:15pm, 201-837-9090

Thurs., Dec 22 2 Day of Chanukah, 3rd Candle nd

Support Group for Caregivers, those caring for an older adult who is physically frail or suffering from memory loss, JCC, Tenafly, 11am, 201-408-1450 “A Celebration of the Jewish Soul through Violin,” David Podles, JCC, Tenafly, 11:15am, 201-408-1426

“Crash Course in Judaism: Shabbat and Ritual,” West Orange Encounters, at the West Orange Public Library, 7pm, 973736-0198

Fri., Dec 23 3 Day of Chanukah, 4th Candle rd

Deadline for Areyvut’s Bnai Mitzvah Video Essay Contest, for students in grades 5-10, create a video that captures why and how the student incorporated or will incorporate the values of chesed (kindness), tzedakah (charity), and tikkun olam (social action) into the bnai mitzvah celebrations, prizes are gift cards 201244-6702 “Judaism’s Relevance to Modern Life: What Is Beautiful? The Spiritual Science of Intrinsic Attraction,” Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, spons by Chabad at the Shore, private office in Linwood, 12:15pm, 609-822-8500

Shabbat Chanukah, Dec 24 4th Day of Chanukah

Carlebach Minyan, Cong Darchei Noam, Fair Lawn, 8:45am “I Wish I Understood Everything I was Saying” Minyan, Rabbi Steven Weil, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8:45am, 201-907-0180

Motzei Shabbat, Dec 24 5th Candle

Parent-Child Learning with a Theme, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, 6pm, miriamstobezki@gmail.com Shomer Shabbat and Shomer Kashrut Cub Scout Pack 613 Den Meeting, for boys in grades 1-5, cubmaster Jonathan Schachter, Cong Ahavat Achim, Fair Lawn, 7pm, jschachter2@ gmail.com Trip to Gotham Comedy Club in Manhattan, spons by Cong Netivot Shalom, Teaneck, seating, 9pm; show, 9:30pm, yurowel@yahoo.com

Sun., Dec 25 5th Day of Chanukah, 6th Candle

Day of Caring and Sharing, for teens, making peanut butter and

jelly sandwiches for the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, JCC, Margate, 10am, 609-822-1167 WinterFest, includes carnival, crafts, games, prizes, musical performance by Squeaky Clean, and food, JCC MetroWest, West Orange, 10am-1pm, 973-929-2922 JACS Meeting, 12-steps meeting for Jews in recovery, Rabbi Steven Bayar, Cong B’nai Israel, Millburn, 6pm, 973-379-3811

Mon., Dec 26 6 Day of Chanukah, 7th Candle th

Film: “Good Evening, Mr. Wallenberg,” with Stan Goldberg, JCC, Tenafly, 1:30pm, 201408-1457

Tues., Dec 27 7 Day of Chanukah, 8th Candle Wed., Dec 28 th 8 Day of Chanukah th

Tutoring, for grades 1-5, by students of Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Teaneck, 4:40pm, weineri@maayanot.org or 201-833-4307 ext 110 “A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah— Sold or Sent? A Biblical Tale of Narrative Therapy,” Rabbi Michel Gurkov, Chabad Center, Wayne, 7pm, 973-694-6274 “Chicks with Sticks Knitting Circle,” hats for preemies, children with cancer, and IDF soldiers in Israel, private home in Highland Park, 8pm, 732-339-8492 “Modern Family: A Present-Day Look at Sefer Bereshit— Business Trips and Vacations to Sin City: Is Any Place Off Limits?” Rabbi Shalom Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8:30pm, 201-907-0180

Thurs., Dec 29

Cong Ahavas Achim of Highland Park Raffle Drawing, prizes include gift certificates, tickets, and shul membership, 5pm, 732393-9006 “Crash Course in Judaism: Judaism and Sexuality,” West Orange Encounters, at the West Orange Public Library, 7pm, 973-736-0198

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com Frisch Parlor Meeting, with principal Dr. Kalman Stein, private home in Highland Park, 8pm, ybeyer486@aol.com

Fri., Dec 30

“Judaism’s Relevance to Modern Life: Sold or Sent? A Biblical Tale of Narrative Therapy,” Rabbi Avrohom Rapoport, spons by Chabad at the Shore, private office in Linwood, 12:15pm, 609-822-8500 NCSY National Yarchei Kallah Shabbat of Inspiration, for more than 200 Jewish public school teenagers, featuring tefillah, community onegs, and learning sessions, various shuls throughout Teaneck and Bergenfield, through Shabbat, Dec 31, 212-613-8145 or beckerd@ou.org Friday Night Dinner, for grades 2-3, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, 5pm, 201-837-2795

Shabbat, Dec 31

Bnai Akiva Snif Chadash of Teaneck Darom, for students in grades 1-6, fun with an educational Zionist element, Cong Netivot Shalom, Teaneck, 4:15pm, pscheininger@hotmail.com

Motzei Shabbat, Dec 31

“Positive Attitude,” Shomer Shabbat and Shomer Kashrut Cub Scout Pack 613 Den Meeting, for boys in grades 1-5, cubmaster Jonathan Schachter, Cong Ahavat Achim, Fair Lawn, 7pm, jschachter2@gmail.com Desert Reception, honoring Rabbi Moshe Stavsky on his installation as spiritual leader of the Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, featuring YU President Richard Joel and Rabbi Yosef Adler, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, 8:30pm, 201-637-7470

Sun., Jan 1

Explanatory Morning Service, Rabbi David Pietruszka, spons by the Jewish Learning Experience, at Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 9:15am, 201-966-4490 G.E.M. (Gathering for Encouragement of Modesty): Hashkafa and Halacha from Bnos Melachim and Individual Thoughts, for women, private home in Passaic, 9:15am, 973-365-2342 Uncle Moishy Concert, spons by Areyvut, at Cong Beth

Sholom, Teaneck, 9:30am, 201244-6702

Mon., Jan 2

Deadline to Apply for Fellowship Program at the Yiddish Book Center, Amherst, MA, for recent college graduates. Spend Sept 2012-Aug 2013 researching Yiddish books and collections, oral histories, educational programs, and other projects. Strong background in Jewish studies or related field and working knowledge of Yiddish. Stipend plus health insurance. 413-256-4900 Café Europa Holocaust Survivor Group, Linda Storfer, Riverdale YMHA, noon, 718548-8200

Tues., Jan 3

“All You Ever Wanted to Know about Breast Feeding,” Elly Gail Egenberg, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 10:15am, 845362-4400 Contemporary Israeli Poetry Group, in the original with English translation and discussion, Atara Fobar, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, 7pm, 718-796-4730 “Modern Family: A Present-Day Look at Sefer Bereshit— Is Nothing Sacred Anymore? Fidelity in a Kim Kardashian World,” Rabbi Shalom Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8:30pm, 201-907-0180

Wed., Jan 4

Tutoring, for grades 1-5, by students of Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Teaneck, 4:40pm, weineri@maayanot.org or 201-833-4307 ext 110 Mother-and-Daughter Matan Bat Mitzvah Program, for girls 10-12 and their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, Pnina Yahid, Ben Porat Yosef, Paramus, 7pm, 201-845-5007 ext 10 “A Weekly Journey into the Soul of Torah— Embrace Your Past: The Dynamics of Spiritual Time Travel,” Rabbi Michel Gurkov, Chabad Center, Wayne, 7pm, 973-694-6274 Confidential Abused Women’s Support Group, Jewish Family Service, Teaneck, 7:15pm, 201-837-9090 Jewish 12-Step Meeting, JACS—Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons, and Significant Others, Jewish Fam-

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ily Service, Teaneck, 7:30pm, 201-837-9090, ask for IRA (Information and Referral) or 201981-1071 Volunteer Orientation, to work with special-needs childrenand teens through the Friendship Circle of MetroWest, Livingston, 8pm, 973-251-0200 “Israel in Light of the New Middle East: Arab Regime Changes, Housing Crisis, US Administration’s Push for Peace, PA’s Bid for Nationhood,” Gil Lainer, JCC, Tenafly, 8:15pm, 201-569-7900

Thurs., Jan 5

Fast Day, Asarah BeTevet NCSY Break-Fast, private home in Teaneck, 5:30pm, 917355-6202 or 845-641-8838

Fri., Jan 6

“The Invisible Bridge,” Julie Orringer, JCC, Tenafly, 11:30am, 201-569-7900 Junior Congregation Friday Night Dinner, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, 5pm, 201-837-2795

Shabbat, Jan 7

Shabbat Lunch, for grades K-1, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, noon, 201-837-2795 Kiddush in Honor of the New Mayor of Highland Park Gary Minkoff, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, noon, 732-572-5613 Mother-Daughter Oneg, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 3pm, aabjdyouth@gmail.com

Motzei Shabbat, Jan 7

Comedy Night, Mordechai Schmutter, Teaneck General Store, 8pm, 201-530-5046

Sun., Jan 8

Clowning Program Train-

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ing: Bikur Cholim, spons by Areyvut, for adults and children 4th grade and up, includes visit to CareOne, at Young Israel of Teaneck, 8am, 201-244-6702 Torah Teens, for specialneeds and non-disabled teen volunteers, spons by the Friendship Circle, at Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, Livingston, volunteer training and breakfast, 9am; program, 9:30am, 973-251-0200 Mother-and-Daughter Matan Bat Mitzvah Program, for girls 10-12 and their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers, Pnina Yahid, Ben Porat Yosef, Paramus, 9:30am, 201-845-5007 ext 10 Adolph Schreiber Hebrew Academy of Rockland County (ASHAR) Open House, for grades N-8, Monsey, 10:30am, 845-357-1515 SibShops, support group for children 7-12 who have a special-needs sibling, JCC, Tenafly, 10:30am, 201-408-1489 “Teens and Spirituality: New Approaches for a New Generation,” featuring workshops: “Making Shabbat Meaningful to a 21st-Century Teenager,” “What Is Your Teenager Saying to G-d? Turning Our Teens on to Tefillah,” “The Calm before the Storm? Infusing Spirituality into the World of Elementary School Children,” and “The 10 Questions That Teens Ask, the 10 Answers You Need to Know,” spons by NCSY, at Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 7pm Shalom Bayis, combined class for wives and husbands, Rabbi Reuven and Devorah Rose Kigel, private home in Teaneck, 8pm, allyson. guraryeh@gmail.com Y

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion

Thurs., Dec 8

Last Day to Contribute a New, Unwrapped Gift, for Jewish children, infants through young adults, through Bergen County Chanukah Toy Drive, www.bctoydrive.com Chanukah Party, Rabbi Ely Allen, Hillel of Bergen Community College, Paramus, 12:30pm, 201-820-3905 Chanukah Story Time, Barnes and Noble, Morris Plains, 6:30pm, 973-929-2926 Chanukah Cooking Class: Lots of Latkes, for the family, JCC, West Orange, 7:30pm, 973530-3400

Motzei Shabbat, Dec 10

Menorah Lighting, NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, exit 116 Garden State Parkway, PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, 6pm, 732-335-0033 Chanukah Ball, spons by Rutgers Hillel, at the Rutgers Student Center, New Brunswick, 6:30pm, 732-545-2407 Latke Fest, for families, eating, dreideling, and latke Bingo, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, 6:30pm, 201-837-2795 Chanukah Boutique, with programs for children in grades K-6, Riverdale Jewish Center, 7-9:45pm, 718-548-1850

Sun., Dec 11

“Sammy Spider’s First Cha-

December 2011

Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice & Opinion”

Just in Time for Chanukah

nukah” and “Sammy Spider’s Chanukah Fun Book,” with author Sylvia Rouss, JCC, West Orange, book reading and activities for ages 3-4, 10am; book reading and activities for ages 5-7, 11am, 973-530-3400 or 973-929-2922 Pre-Chanukah Program: The Holocaust Survivor Cookbook, for women and girls 7th grade and up, featuring Joanne Caras, spons by Jewish Women’s Circle of Chabad of Riverdale, coffee and deserts from the cookbook, 10:30am; Chanukah Message from Rebbetzin Sorah Shemtov, 10:45am; Joanne Caras, 11am, private home in Riverdale, 914-7090308 Pre-Chanukah Shaina Wig/Sheitel Sale, private home in Fair Lawn, 11am-2pm, 201773-3297 Chanukah Baking for Children: Donuts, Latkes, Apple Sauce, Cookies, ages 7-12 with a parent or grandparent, Debbie Schwartz, JCC, Tenafly, 1pm, 201-408-1457 Shira Community Chorus

on the Palisades Chanukah Concert, Matthew Lazar, JCC, Tenafly, 3pm, 201-408-1464 Family Chanukah Concert: Chanukah Fever, “Jewgrass” with the Mama Doni Band, co-spons by the Jewish Early Childhood Coalition, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 4pm, 845-362-4400 Chaburah on the Inyanim of Chanukah, Rabbi Zev Rivkin, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, 8:15pm, hermankc@ gmail.com

Mon., Dec 12

“A Survey of Chanukah through the Ages: Maccabees 1 & 2, Midrishei Chazal, Chanukah and Zionism, and Stories of Modiin,” in Hebrew, Yifat Mor, SAR Academy, Riverdale, 9:30am,

718-548-1717 Chanukah Shiur, Rabbi Gil Simchi, Teaneck General Store, 7:30pm, 201-530-5046 Glitter Galore Chanukah Sale, hair accessories and beaded jewelry, private home in Teaneck, 7:30-10pm, 845-304-3443 Gemara Shiur: Maseches Shabbos, The Sugyas of Chanukah, in Hebrew, Rabbi A Erlanger, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, 8pm, 720-480-2879

Tues., Dec 13

Atria Riverdale Kosher Senior Residence Chanukah Boutique, 4-7pm, 718-432-2448 Chanukah Story Time, Barnes and Noble, Livingston Mall, to benefit JCC MetroWest, 6pm, 973-929-2922

Wed., Dec 14

Choral Chanukah Presentation, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 1pm, 845-362-4400 Chanukah Sale: Jewelry and Judaica, private home in West Orange, 8-10pm, 973-731-7125 Chaburah on the Inyanim of Chanukah, Rabbi Zev Rivkin, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, 8:15pm, hermankc@gmail.com

Fri., Dec 16

Burn Safety Tips for Parents around the Holidays, Heidi Rinsky Schnapp, JCC, West Orange, 9:30am, 973-322-5620

Motzei Shabbat, Dec 17

Chanukah Family Olympics, for families with children in grades K-6, Chanukah playroom for children ages 4 and younger, JCC, West Orange, 6:30-9:30pm, 973-929-2922 Chanukah Dinner Dance, for special-needs adults, JCC, Tenafly, 7pm, 201-569-7900 Chanukah Extravaganza, includes dairy dinner, music with Moshe Katzburg, dancing, prizes, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7:30pm, 845-362-4400 Chanukah Boutique, featuring The Skirt Shop, Amanda Blu jewelry, and The Kosher Cook, private home in Passaic, 7:30-11pm, 973-272-8528 Riverdale Israeli House (iHouse) Chanukah Celebration and Israeli-Style Dance Party, for adults, with DJ Jerry Lasken, Riverdale YMHA, 8pm, 718-548-8200

Sun., Dec 18

Glow-in-the-Dark Dodgeball Chanukah Celebration, for grades 2-6, spons by Bnei Akiva of Teaneck, at Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 9:30am Chanukah Party, for children ages newborn to five years and their families, Ali Blech, Cong Arzei Darom, Teaneck, 10am Chanukah Crafts, for children in grades K-4, make Chanukah menorahs and decorate jelly donuts, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 10am, 201-907-0180 Chanukah Party, spons by Riverdale Israel House (iHouse), includes gym and Israeli-style brunch, for children and adults, in Hebrew, with Talya Leib, Riverdale YMHA, 10:30am, 718-548-8200 Chanukah Fever Concert, with Mama Doni and the Mama Doni Band, Preschool of the United Synagogue of Hoboken, 10:30am, 201-222-9696 Chanukah Extravaganza Carnival, 20 booths, puppet show, concert, snacks, and shopping, spons by the Stein Yeshiva, at the Riverdale Jewish Center,

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com 10:30am-1pm, mindyona@gmail. com or 914-965-7082 Chanukah Wonderland, includes Torah Tots, carnival booths, candle- and donut-making, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 10:30am12:30pm, 718-549-1100 Chanukah Party, featuring brunch and light jazz with Cory, Riverdale YMHA, 11:30am, 718548-8200 Hurray for Chanukah, Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill, drop-in crafts, 1-3pm; sing-along with Janet Sclaroff, 3pm, 856-424-1233 Yerachmiel Begun and the Miami Boys Choir Chanukah Concert, spons by the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, at the Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, 3pm, 201-862-1144 or 201-986-1414 Bnei Akiva of Teaneck Chanukah Celebration, for first graders, at EJs Pizza, includes a movie and Chanukah activities, 3:15pm, pscheininger@hotmail.com Chabad Chanukah Telethon, Rabbi Anchelle Perl, to support Chabad’s 12-Step Rescue Program, Drug Prevention Outreach, on WLNY-TV and other Cable stations, 7-11pm, 516-739-3636 Chaburah on the Inyanim of Chanukah, Rabbi Zev Rivkin, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, 8:15pm, hermankc@gmail.com

Mon., Dec 19

“A Survey of Chanukah through the Ages: Maccabees 1 & 2, Midrishei Chazal, Chanukah and Zionism, and Stories of Modiin,” in Hebrew, Yifat Mor, SAR Academy, Riverdale, 9:30am, 718-548-1717 Pre-Chanukah Mommy and Me, for mothers and babies newborn-3 years, includes music, movement, and stories, Chabad Center, Wayne, 10am, 973694-6274 Euro Café Chanukah Party, for grades 7-12 with Holocaust survivors, at The Rockland Holocaust Museum and Study Center, Spring Valley, 6pm, 845-3624400 ext 173 Chanukah Shiur, Rabbi Gil Simchi, Teaneck General Store, 7:30pm, 201-530-5046 Gemara Shiur: Maseches Shabbos, The Sugyas of Chanu-

kah, in Hebrew, Rabbi A Erlanger, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, 8pm, 720-480-2879

Tues., Dec 20 1st Chanukah Candle

Menorah Lighting, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 239th St and Henry Hudson Pkwy, Bronx, 4pm, 718-549-1100 Menorah Lighting, Bris Avrohom-Cong Shomrei Torah Ohel Yosef Yitzchok, at City Hall, Jersey City, 4:30pm, 908-289-0770 Menorah Lighting, Friends of Lubavitch of Bergen County, at Englewood City Hall, 5:30pm, 201-907-0686 Menorah Lighting, Valley Chabad, River Vale Town Hall, 6pm, 201-476-0157 Lighting and Latkes, Rutgers Hillel, New Brunswick, 6:30pm, 732-545-2407 “Fire on Ice” Chanukah Party, includes watching an sculpture carve a large menorah out of ice and lighting the first ice menorah, latkes, donuts, chocolate Chanukah gelt, crafts, spons by Chabad Jewish Center of Upper Passaic County, at the Haskell Towne Center, 7pm, 201-696-7609

Wed., Dec 21 1st Day of Chanukah, 2nd Candle

Menorah Lighting, spons by Bris Avrohom-Cong Shomrei Torah Ohel Yosef Yitzchok, includes presentation by Cheder Yaldei Menachem Preschool, at Elizabeth City Hall, 10am, 908289-0770 Chanukah Celebration, for seniors, Lisa, JCC, Tenafly, 11:15am, 201-569-7900 Chanukah Luncheon and Concert: Klezmer and Yiddish Classics, the David Glukh Duo, Riverdale YMHA, 1pm, 718548-8200 Menorah Lighting, spons by Bris Avrohom-Cong Shomrei Torah Ohel Yosef Yitzchok, at City Hall, Union, 1pm, 908289-0770 Chanukah Luncheon, featuring “My Son, the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy,” comedy by Brad Zimmerman, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 1pm, 845-362-4400 ext 109 Celebrate Chanukah, for children 2-6, with an adult, in-

Kislev 5712

The Jewish Voice and Opinion

cludes crafts, songs, and film: “Grover and the Missing Menorah,” JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 3:45pm, 845-362-4200 Menorah Lighting, Chabad of Essex County, West Orange Town Hall, front lawn, 4pm Bayonne Town Center Menorah Lighting, Networking Café, Bayonne, 4pm, 201-437-1777 Celebrate Chanukah with Seniors, Woodcliff Lake Health and Rehab Center, spons by Valley Chabad, 4pm, 201-476-0157 Menorah Lighting, spons by Valley Chabad, includes Lego menorah building, at Tice’s Corner Mall, Woodcliff Lake, 4pm, 201-476-0157 Menorah Lighting, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 239th St and Henry Hudson Pkwy, Bronx, 4pm, 718-549-1100 Community Chanukah Celebration, includes dinner, children’s comedian “The Great Chanukah” Holtzie, Kulanu’s Teen Shira, Chanukah crafts, and music, JCC, Margate, 5pm, 609-822-1167 Chanukah Extravaganza, featuring “Bubble Trouble” comedy, music, and interactive bubblemagic, also Children’s Chinese Auction, Cong Tifereth Israel, Passaic, 6pm, 973-249-6365 Chanukah Indoor Inflatable Jump Party, for special-needs children, spons by the Friendship Circle of Passaic County, at JumpNasium, Fairfield, 6pm, 973-694-6274 Chanukah Program, for special-needs teens, The Friendship Circle, Livingston, 6pm, 973-251-0200 Menorah Lighting, spons by Chabad of Camden County,

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at JC Penney Court, Cherry Hill Mall, 6pm, 856-874-1500 NCSY Chanukah Party, private home in Fair Lawn, 8pm, 201-747-6855 Chaburah on the Inyanim of Chanukah, Rabbi Zev Rivkin, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, 8:15pm, hermankc@gmail.com

Thurs., Dec 22 2nd Day of Chanukah, 3rd Candle

Chanukah Blood Drive, Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, Livingston, 10am-4pm, 973-597-1115 or qtpi@blendengroup.com Celebrate Chanukah with Seniors, at the Plaza Regency at Park Ridge, spons by Valley Chabad, 4pm, 201-476-0157 Chanukah 4 Kidz, for children 2 and up, includes Puppet Show, live music, arts and crafts, spons by Chabad of Hoboken, at Hoboken City Hall, doors open, 4:45pm; puppet show, 5:15pm; menorah lighting, 6:30pm, 201386-5222 Chanukah Lighting of NJ’s Largest Menorah, spons by Chabad Center of Holmdel and Colts Neck, Rabbi Ephi Carlebach, featuring a youth choir, Dreidelman and the Macabees, latkes and donuts, at PNC Bank Art Center, Exit 116 on the Garden State Parkway, 5pm, 732-858-1770 Menorah Lighting, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 239th St and Henry Hudson Pkwy, Bronx, 5:15pm, 718-549-1100 Menorah Lighting, spons by Chabad of Camden County, at Library Point, Haddonfield, 6pm, 856-874-1500 Menorah Lighting, spons by Valley Chabad, at Ramsey

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion

Center, 6pm, 201-476-0157 Teen Chanukah Bash, comedian, magician, and ventriloquist John Pizzi, Valley Chabad, Woodcliff Lake, 6:30pm, 201-476-0157 Menorah Lighting, spons by Friends of Lubavitch of Bergen County, at Shops at Riverside, Hackensack, 6:30pm, 201-907-0686 The Yeshiva University Maccabeats Chanukah Concert, featuring Pay Dalid, ASHAR, Monsey, doors open, 6:15pm; concert, 6:45pm, 845-357-1515 Community Chanukah Candle Lighting, for grades K-7, includes latkes and jelly doughnuts, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7pm, 845-362-4400 Edison Township Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration, JCC of Middlesex County, Edison, 7pm, 732-494-3232 Chanukah Party, for children, spons by Nshei of Ahavas Israel, Passaic, 7pm, 973-779-8132 Russian-Jewish Community Chanukah Dinner, spons by Chabad of Fort Lee, at Via Amalfi Social Hall, Cliffside Park, 7pm, 201-886-1238 Chanukah Unity Concert,

December 2011

featuring the 8th Day Band with Shmuel and Bentzi Marcus and Shiru Lo, spons by The Center for Jewish Life at Rockland Community College and Hillel of Rockland, at the Cultural Arts Theater, Rockland Community College, Suffern, 7:30pm, 845-574-4422

Fri., Dec 23 3rd Day of Chanukah, 4th Candle

Menorah Lighting, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 239th St and Henry Hudson Pkwy, Bronx, 3pm, 718-549-1100

Shabbat Chanukah, Dec 24 4th Day of Chanukah

K’tonton Shabbat Chanukah Lunch, for children up to 1st grade and their families, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, noon, 201-569-4008

Motzei Shabbat, Dec 24 5th Candle

Chanukah Party, for adults, Valley Chabad, Woodcliff Lake, 8pm, Menorah Lighting, Valley Chabad, at Ramsey Center, 6pm, 201-476-0157 Teen Chanukah Bash, comedian, magician, and ventrilo-

Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice & Opinion” quist John Pizzi, Valley Chabad, Woodcliff Lake, 6:30pm, 201476-0157 Menorah Lighting, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 239th St and Henry Hudson Pkwy, Bronx, 6:30pm, 718-549-1100 Chanukah Party, featuring an 8-foot menorah made of chocolate Chanukah gelt, and a cool-science Chanukah show, Chabad House, Teaneck, 7:30pm, 201-907-0686 Chanukah on Ice, Chabad of Camden County, giant carved ice menorah, skate to Jewish music, The Flyers Skate Zone, Voorhees, 7-9pm, 856-874-1500

Sun., Dec 25 5th Day of Chanukah, 6th Candle

Chanukah Chagiga, for children, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 10am, 201-569-4008 WinterFest, includes carnival, crafts, games, prizes, musical performance by Squeaky Clean, and food, JCC MetroWest, West Orange, 10am-1pm, 973-929-2922 Family Fun Chanukah Brunch, Lubavitch Center, West Orange, 11am, 973-486-2363 Chanukah in Chocolate Land, includes Moon Bounce, Ride the Bull, Ball Crawk, Swamper Stomper, and Menorah Lighting, spons by Bris Avrohom-Cong Shomrei Torah Ohel Yosef Yitzchok, at the Jewish Educational Center, Elizabeth, 11am-1:30pm, 908-289-0770 Chabad of Fort Lee Chanukah Celebration, featuring acrobat Xiao Di, 1pm, 201-886-1238 Chanukah on Ice, includes open skating, organized skating games for children and families, Biblical heroes of Chanukah, music, latkes, donuts, hotdogs, drinks, and lighting a giant menorah in the center of the rink, spons by Chabad of Atlantic City, at The Flyers Skate Zone, Atlantic City, 3-5pm, 609822-8500 or 609-992-4100 Celebrate Chanukah with Seniors, at the Allendale Community Nursing Home, spons by Valley Chabad, 3:30pm, 201476-0157 Celebrate Chanukah with Seniors, at Emeritus at Emerson,

Valley Chabad, 3:30pm, 201476-0157 Menorah Lighting, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 239th St and Henry Hudson Pkwy, Bronx, 4pm, 718-549-1100 South Jersey Car Menorah Parade, Chabad of Camden County, begins at The Chabad Center, Cherry Hill, place menorah on the car, 4:30pm; leave Chabad Center, 5pm; arrive at Saharah Sams Water Park, West Berlin, for lighting of 16-foot menorah, 6pm, 856-874-1500 ext 302 Chaburah on the Inyanim of Chanukah, Rabbi Zev Rivkin, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, 8:15pm, hermankc@gmail.com

Mon., Dec 26 6th Day of Chanukah, 7th Candle

Café Europa Chanukah Party Luncheon, for Holocaust survivors, Jacob Weiland, MSW, spons by the Claims Conference Riverdale YMHA, noon, 718548-8200 ext 303 Shlock Rock Chanukah Concert, to benefit Project Ezrah, Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, 3pm, shan1yael@yahoo.com Menorah Lighting, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 239th St and Henry Hudson Pkwy, Bronx, 4pm, 718-549-1100 Chanukah Chagiga, Cong Adas Israel, Passaic, 5-8pm, 973473-8501 Gemara Shiur: Maseches Shabbos, The Sugyas of Chanukah, in Hebrew, Rabbi A Erlanger, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, 8pm, 720-480-2879

Tues., Dec 27 7th Day of Chanukah, 8th Candle

Menorah Lighting, Chabad Lubavitch of Riverdale, 239th St and Henry Hudson Pkwy, Bronx, 4pm, 718-549-1100 Yeshiva University’s Maccabeats Chanukah Concert, Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, Livingston, 7pm, dgoldstein@jkha.org

Wed., Dec 28 8th Day of Chanukah

Chaburah on the Inyanim of Chanukah, Rabbi Zev Rivkin, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, 8:15pm, hermankc@gmail.com

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com Sundays

The Jewish Voice and Opinion

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New Classes this Month

Sugyas in Shev Shmaytsa, Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky, Cong Ohr HaTorah, Bergenfield, 7:15am, ohtannounce@gmail.com Learning Group, Rabbi Ze’ev Reichman, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 7:45am, 201-569-4008 Mishna: Masechet Megillah Fourth Perek, Rabbi Lawrence Zierler, Jewish Center of Teaneck, 8am, 201-833-0515 Breakfast and Learn, for children in grades 5-8, Rabbi Shalom Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8:30am, 201-907-0180 Shiur, Rabbi Duvie Weiss, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 8:45am, 201-907-0180 Teen Minyan, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 9:15am, 201569-4008 Sewing Class, for girls, Shana Kesselman, private home in West Orange, 9:30am, shanasok@yahoo.com Father-Son Class, Rabbi Ze’ev Reichman, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 10am, 201-569-4008 Self-Defense for Girls and Women, Sensei Nancy Campoverde, private location in Clifton, ages 5-9, 10am; ages 10+, 10:30am, cheder. nshei@gmail.com Cheder N’shei After-School Enrichment for the Community: Beginners through Level II Swimming Lessons, Montclair YMCA, boys, 2pm; girls, 3pm, cheder.nshei@gmail.com Self-Defense for Boys, Sensei Dr. Walter Kraweic, private location in Clifton, 6pm, cheder.nshei@gmail.com Avot uBanim/Father-Son Learning, with snacks and prize raffle, Yeshiva Gedola of Teaneck, 7pm, 201- 833-5920 Interactive Shemonah Perakim Chaburah, Rabbi Yitzchok Segal, Kehilas Bais Yosef, Passaic, 8:30pm, kby613@gmail.com Chaburah Avodah Zorah, Binyamin Halberstam, Cong Tifereth Israel, Passaic, 9pm, 862-686-6748

Mondays

Kislev 5712

Beginning Hebrew Reading, Diana Yacobi, JCC, Tenafly, 201569-7900, 9:30am and 8pm, begins Jan 9 “The Book of Ezra: The Most Relevant Sefer of Our Time,” for adults, Rabbi Alex Mondrow, in memory of Ruchi Lerner, z”l, at Yeshivat Noam, Paramus, 10am, avogel@yeshivatnoam.org Tehillim and Tefilla, for women, Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 11am Intermediate Israeli Dance, Sara Burnbaum, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, noon, 845-362-4400, begins Jan 9 Opportunity to Learn B’Chavruta, for boys in 7th and 8th grades to learn with juniors and seniors at the Torah Academy of Bergen County, includes refreshments, Teaneck, 7pm, 646-706-2553 or 201699-2137 “Contemporary Jewish Thought,” Rabbi Lawrence Zierler, Jewish Center of Teaneck, 7:30pm, 201-833-0515, begins Jan 2 Melachim Bet, Rabbi Ian Shaffer, Young Israel of Fair Lawn, 7:55pm, 201-797-1800 Elementary Bais Yaakov Classes, for women, Goldie Cohen, private home in Passaic, 8pm, 646-584-7540 Parsha Shiur, Rabbi Ze’ev Reichman, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 8:15pm, 201-569-4008 Navi Shiur: Sefer Shmuel II, for women, Aviva Orlian, private home in Monsey, 8:15pm, 845-364-5148 “The Law and the Law,” Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 8:15pm Partners in Torah, Cong Bais Sholom, Clifton, 8:15pm, 862591-2920 Sheilos U’tshuvos, Rabbi Yaakov Luban, Cong Ohr Torah, Edison, 9:10pm

Tuesdays

3-Mile Walk around Highland Park, spons by Raritan Valley Hadassah, meet at Highland Park Post Office, 7:30pm, 732-819-9298 Women’s Tehillim Group, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 9am, 201-569-4008 Women’s Learning Group, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 9:45am, 201-569-4008 Parshat Hashavua, for women, Rabbi Ari Zahtz, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 10:15am Trei Asar: Sefer Yonah, Rabbi Shalom Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 11am, 201-907-0180 Navi Shiur, for women, Rachel Frazer, Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, 7:30pm Talmud: Tractate Sanhedrin, Rabbi Avremel Kotlarsky, Chabad of Rockland County, New City, 8pm, 845-634-0951 Yoga, for women, Sheri Klugmann, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 8pm, sheri678@gmail.com Yeshiva Night: Study Yeshiva-Style with Bochurim from the Rabbinical College of America, Lubavitch Center of West Orange, 8pm, 973-486-2362 Shiur, Rabbi Moshe Stavsky, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield, 9pm, ryan@bmob.org Tehillim, Rabbi Yaakov Luban, Cong Ohr Torah, Edison, 9:10pm

Wednesdays

Shiur on Tefillah, Rabbi Shalom Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 7:45am, 201-907-0180 “The Hidden Message of the Jewish Marriage,” for women, Mandana Bolour, Sephardic Beit Midrash, Cong Ahavath Torah, Englewood, 9:15am, 917-544-1929 Slower-Paced Walk, around Donaldson Park, spons by Raritan Valley Hadassah, 10am, 732-249-4321 “Ethics in Action,” Rabbi Lawrence Zierler, Jewish Center of Teaneck, 11am, 201-833-0515 “Man and Mission: How Our Great Biblical Personalities Reacted to Being Called by G-d,” Shifra Schapiro, Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Teaneck, 11:15am, 201-833-4307 Lunch and Learn, for seniors, Rabbi Michael Taubes, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, lunch, 1pm, shiur, 1:30pm Yachad, for children in grades 5 and up, Young Israel of Monsey and Wesley Hills, 6:45pm, 845-354-5218 Class for Teenage Girls, Rabbi Marc Spivak, private homes in West Orange, 7pm, 973-669-7320 Matan Bat Mitzvah Class, Rebbetzin Debbie Baum, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck, 7pm, 201-907-0180 Chumash Methodology and Commentators, Rabbi Marc Spivak, Cong Ohr Torah, West Orange, 8pm, 973-669-7320 Tehillim Group, for women, for the refuah shleima for all cholei Yisroel, private home in Teaneck, 8pm, debbieshalom@yahoo.com Gemara Brachot B’Inyun Shiur, Rabbi Ari Jacobson, Young Israel of Monsey and Wesley Hills, 8pm, 845-354-5218 Navi Shiur, Rabbi Yisroel Gottlieb, Cong Bais Torah, Suffern, 8:15pm, 845-352-1343 Shiur, Rabbi Aharon Ciment, Cong Arzei Darom, Teaneck, 8:30pm, 201-530-0043 Talmud Shiur: Bava Kama, Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, 8:30pm

Thursdays

“Sefer Tehillim Revealed: Lessons for Life in All Its Complexity,” Rabbi Lawrence Zierler, Jewish Center of Teaneck, 7:45am, 201-833-0515

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The Jewish Voice and Opinion

New Classes

December 2011

continued from page 37

Women’s Discussion Group, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 10am, 201-569-4008 Pizza Club, for ages 4-grade 3, reading and pizza, Cong Ohav Emeth, Highland Park, 5pm, OEgroups@gmail.com Pre-Intermediate Israeli Folk Dance, Sara Burnbaum, JCC Rockland, West Nyack, 7pm, 845-362-4400, begins Jan 12 NCSY Night Chill Session, private homes in West Orange, 7:30pm, 551-486-7136 Chumash Shiur, Rabbi Eli Mansour, Cong Beth Tefillah, Paramus, 7:45pm, seg5724@gmail.com Parsha and Cholent, for teenage boys, by various rabbis in the Highland Park-Edison community, Cong Ahavas Achim, Highland Park, 8pm “Insights on Parsha,” Rabbi Sharbat, Sephardic Bet Midrash, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 8pm, 973-736-1407 Mishna Brura Shiur, Rabbi Ari Jacobson, Young Israel of Monsey and Wesley Hills, 8pm, 845-354-5218 Rambam Shiur on the Parsha, Rabbi Yosef Strassfeld, East Hill Synagogue, Englewood, 8:15pm, 201-569-4008 Chabura on Sefer Nefesh Ha-Chaim, Rabbi Herschel Grossman, Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, 8:15pm Women’s Mishnayos Shiur: Laws of Tum’ah and Tahara, Debbie Raice Fox, Cong Bais Torah, Suffern, 8:15pm, 845-352-1343 Gemara Shiur: Masechet Brachot, Rabbi Eliezer Zwickler, Cong Ahawas Achim, Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 8:30pm, 973-736-1407 Chumash Shiur, Rabbi Chaim Davis, BMT/Cong Zichron Moshe, Passaic, 8:30pm, 973-473-3666 Chumash Shiur, Rabbi Yissocher Frand, via satellite, Cong K’Hal Zichron Mordechai, Monsey (845-356-7188);Young Israel of Fair Lawn (201-797-1800); Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck (201-907-0180); Cong Ohr Torah, West Orange (973-669-7320); Cong Tifereth Israel, Passaic (973-

Tell Our Advertisers “I Saw It in The Jewish Voice & Opinion” 773-2552), Cong Ahavas Achim, Highland Park (732-247-0532), 9pm Parsha and Chassidus, Rabbi Moshe Weinberg, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 9:15pm Pirkei Avot Shiur, Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, 9:45pm Parsha and Halacha, Rabbi Michael Taubes, Cong Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck, 10:15pm

Fridays

Parsha Shiur, for adults and children in grades 6 and up, Matt Greenberg, private home in West Orange, 7:45pm, pam.greenwood@gmail.com Tisch of Nosh and Zemiros, Stories and Kugel: Tisch Learning, Conversation, and Camaraderie, Rabbi Ron Eisenmann, Cong Ahavas Israel, Passaic, 7:45pm, 973-777-5929

Shabbat

“Halachot of Shabbat,” Rabbi Aharon Ciment, Cong Arzei Darom, Teaneck, 8:30am, 201-530-0043 Chassidus Mevueres—Shabbos: The Alter Rebbe’s Ma’amarim on Shabbos Kodesh, Rabbi Yitzchak Sebbag, Passaic, 8:30am, rabbisebbag@gmail.com Teen Minyan, for grades 6-12, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 9:30am, aabjdyouth@gmail.com Kinder Shul, for children 3-8 while parents attend services, Dara Zaer and Abbe Rosner, includes Shabbat stores, songs, games, and snacks, Jewish Center of Teaneck, 9:30am Bnos Agudas Yisroel, for girls in grades 1-3 and 4-6, stories, games, nosh, and prizes, Kehillas Zichron Yitzchok, Monsey, 2:30pm, 845-362-1566 or 845-362-1443 Bnos Groups, for girls in grades N-5, games, treats, and kosher fun, Cong Adas Israel, Passaic, 2:30pm (fathers can daven mincha and stay for a shiur) Sefer Chofetz Chaim, Rabbi Eliezer Moskowitz, for women, spons by Passaic Torah Institute, private home in Passaic, 3pm, 908278-4059 Winter Women’s Shabbos Shiur, Rabbi Schwab, private home in Monsey, 3pm, knesses_yisrael@yahoo.com Gemara Shiur, Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg, private homes in Fair Lawn, 3:10pm, avikuperberg@gmail.com Pirkei Avos Shiur, for men and women, Rabbi Mordechai Becher, Yeshiva Passaic Torah Institute, 3:15pm, 973-594-4774 Children’s Program, for grades 1-6, inspired Shabbat ruach, Cong Ahavas Achim, Highland Park, during mincha Shalosh Seudos Program, for boys in grades 4-6, includes mincha at shul, followed by zemiros, divrei Torah, and return to shul for ma’ariv, spons by Cong Ohr HaTorah, private homes in Bergenfield, ohtannounce@gmail.com

Motzei Shabbat

MishMash Parent-Child Learning, Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, 45 minutes after havdalah, 973-736-1407 Melovie Malkas: Parent-Child, Grandparent-Grandchild Learning, with a Dvar Torah from Rabbi Yosef Adler, Cong Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, one hour after havdalah, 201-837-2795 Motzei Shabbos Shiur: “Topics in Halacha,” Rabbi Michael Taubes, Cong Zichron Mordechai, Teaneck, 75 minutes after havdalah, yaakovsdad@yahoo.com Saturday Night Learning, for children in grades K-6 with a parent, relative, or friend, snacks, raffles, and prizes, Riverdale Jewish Center, 6pm, 718-548-1850 Avos U’Banim Learning, with prizes and pizza, Pirchei Agudath Israel of New Hempstead, 6:30pm, 845-352-3547 or 914-406-7915 Father ‘n’ Son Learning, for fathers and sons of all ages, spons by Torah Links of Northern NJ, at Yeshiva Ohr Simcha of Englewood,

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com 6:45pm, 484-620-6187 Mishmar, bring your own seforim, includes pizza, donuts, prizes, and raffles, Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva, Edison, 7pm Bnai Jazz, featuring Dave Scher, guitar; Steve Wien, bass; Ray Butler, keyboard; Josh Marcus, vocals; and Seth Chosak, percussion, Hamsa Kosher Restaurant, Tenafly, 7pm til closing, 201-871-6060 Navi, Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, live via satellite, Young Israel of Fair Lawn (201-797-1800); Cong Ahavas Achim, Highland Park (732-247-0532); Cong Tifereth Israel, Passaic; JEC, Elizabeth (908-591-5929); Cong Khal Zichron Mordechai, Monsey (845-356-7188); Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck; Cong Ohr Torah, West Orange (973-669-7320), 7:30pm Chinuch Shiur, Rabbi Viener, for men and women, Cong Agudas Yisroel Bircas Yaakov, Passaic, 9pm, 973-594-8526

Special

Daily Telephone Shiur: Mishnayot, Rabbi Mordechai Gershon, Mon-Thurs, 2:15pm, 605-477-2100, Access Code: 1034746#

New Minyanim

Weekday Shacharis, “for people who recognize the crucial importance, especially in these times, of the commandment of devekus, attachment to Hashem, through prayer, Airmont (South Monsey), Nusach Ari, Rabbi Ben-Tzion Saloff, 7am, rabbininjew@earthlink.net Weekday Shacharis, Wesley Kosher area, Sun-Fri, 7:55am, gewirtzj@optonline.net Mincha, private office in Middletown, NJ, Mon-Thurs, 12:25pm, 732-420-2059 Mincha, private office in Piscataway, Mon-Thurs, 12:30pm, 732699-8522 Mincha, private office in Hawthorne, NY, Mon-Thurs, 12:30pm, 914-552-1967 or 914-591-1800, aaron@adldata.com Mincha, private office in Roseland, Mon-Thurs, 1pm, Roselandminyan@gmail.com Mincha, Hackensack University Medical Center, Mon-Thurs, 1:35pm, 201-519-0321 Mincha, private office in South Plainfield, Mon-Thurs, 2pm, 732397-6996 Mincha, private office in Piscataway, Mon-Thurs, 2pm, 732-7523200 ext 1119 Mincha, private office in Edison, Mon-Thurs, 2pm, 732-2574500 ext 259 Mincha, private office in Cranbury, Mon-Thurs, 2:10pm, 609860-5620 Mincha, private office in Iselin, Mon-Thurs, 2:30pm, 732-301-3200 Mincha, private office in North Brunswick, Mon-Thurs, 3pm, 732-248-5533 Mincha/Maariv, Kehillas Bais Yehuda, Wesley Hills, 4:30pm, rwaitman@cisco.com Maariv, Sephardic Wing of Cong Ahawas Achim Bnai Jacob and David, West Orange, Mon-Thurs, 7:45pm, jrmoradi@yahoo.com Maariv, Rabbi Ari Jacobson, Young Israel of Monsey and Wesley Hills, Mon-Thurs 8pm, 845-354-5218 Maariv, Kehillas Bais Yehuda, Wesley Hills, 8:30pm, rwaitman@cisco.com Maariv, Cong Keter Torah, Teaneck Mon-Thurs, 9:35pm, 201907-0180 Nusach Sefard Shabbat Minyan, Cong Beth Aaron, Teaneck, 7:30am, joseph_crystal@yahoo.com

Chessed Ops

The Bikur Cholim of Passaic is collecting toys for children for Chanukah. Drop-off is a private home in Passaic, 973-249-8811 The Bikur Cholim of Raritan Valley needs more volunteers for its hospital visitation program. Only one hour a month will suffice, 732-572-7181 Y

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Mazal Tov Mazal Tov to the Bar Mitzvah Boys: Judah Adler, Netanel Arussy, Moshe Burstein, Ariel Fromowitz, Yehuda Goldberg, Justin Goldman, Nate Goldstein, Yehuda Gruen, Hillel and Yehuda Koslowe, Chaim Lauer, Ari Lowy, Avi Margolin, Danie Osen, Jakey Ostrove, Ari Portal, Jack Reiz, Jacob Rosenfeld, Moshe Sarue, Marc Shapiro, Eitan Shatkin, Eli Szafranski, Noah Thurm, Aryeh Weisel, Aryeh Wise, and Eli Yager; and the Bat Mitzvah Girls: Tali Antosofsky, Jamie Blum, Miriam Cohen, Remi Feintuch, Elisheva Hahn, Ayelet Kaplan, Ilana Miriam Kaufman, Arianna Kaye, Shira Kosowsky, Devorah Leah Kotlarsky, Shoshana Marcus, Alexandra Melzer, Tamar Nenner, Meira Prager, Aviva Ramirez, and Ayala Stone Mazal Tov to Peter Berkowsky and Rabbi Jim Michaels for holding the 29th Minyan for Marathoners and hosting a record turnout before the Nov 6th New York Marathon Mazal Tov to Chef Seth Warsaw, of Etc Steakhouse in Teaneck, and to Chef Craig Solomon of Ariel’s of Englewood, on winning and placing, respectively, in the kosher “Iron Chef” competition at Kosherfest. Their dishes featured boneless duck breast. Mazal Tov to Dovid and Lisa Cohen, Rabbi Moishe and Shoshana Jacobovitz, and Jeff and Channa Siegel on being honored at the Passaic Torah Institute dinner Mazal Tov to Rabbi David and Leah Pietruszka, Rabbi Richard and Ramona Wolpoe, and Stephen and Edythe Sacharov-Fried on being honored at the Jewish Learning Experience of Bergen County dinner Mazal Tov to Chanie Zeilberger on being honored at the Rabbi Jacob Joseph Yeshiva of Edison Ladies Luncheon Mazal Tov to Blu Greenberg, Carol Kaufman Newman, and Zelda Stern on being honored by the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance Mazal Tov to Jack and Debbie Becker on being “Parents of the Year” at the Yeshiva Madreigas HaAdam Dinner Mazal Tov to Rabbi Menachem Genack and Dr. Arnold Lustiger on editing the newly published “Mesorat HaRav Siddur,” which allows the teachings of Rabbi Joseph B Soloveitchik (the Rav), z”l, to be available as integral components of personal worship and synagogue services on weekdays, Shabbat, and Holidays. Published by OU Press and Koren Publishers of Jerusalem, the 1,304-page volume includes introductory essays by the Rav’s son-in-law, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, and a personal reminiscence of the Rav by Julius Berman Mazal Tov to former Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes and his family for donating giveaway Thanksgiving lunches to residents of the Tibbs Senior Center and organizing members of Cong Ahavath Torah and the East Hill Synagogue to hand out the packages and visit with the seniors Y

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Economic Miracle after finishing their military service and university training, those who were inspired by an interesting idea, and Americans who relocated to Israel or operated businesses that allowed them to go back and forth between the United States and the Jewish state. Some were Americans looking to get in on the “next big thing,” which they clearly expected to come from Israel. Virtually all were there because they recognized that Israel is not only an historically strong business partner for the US, it is now the world’s largest source of new technological development per capita and well positioned to enter into innovative partnerships with US companies. This will benefit firms in both countries and, equally important, create jobs for Americans and Israelis. Israel now has the third largest number of companies traded on the NYSE. Only the US and China have more. Last year, Israel boasted 600 new start-ups that succeeded in attracting venture capital. The entire continent of Europe had only 700 such start-ups. As Kenneth Bialkin, chairman of the America-Israel Friendship League explained, Israel’s “unparalleled progress and success” can be credited

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to its people’s ability to find solutions to challenges such as living in a water-deprived region. The results range from the kibbutz movement’s dripirrigation system established in the 1930s, to today’s widely used solar-heating panels. “Israelis take an idea and put it into action, and they are not afraid to fail,” said Mr. Bialkin. Crucial Mistake While many of the several hundred attendants at the Wall Street program epitomized this new Israeli ideal, Mr. Aharoni pointed out that for years, Israelis seeking to engage in international business persisted in making a crucial mistake. “Everybody knows that, on a first date, you try to put your best foot forward, hoping that way you can get a second date. But Israelis had a different way of doing it. They usually began with all our political and strategic issues, telling would-be partners about the gratuitous violence we have experienced and the military dispute with our neighbors. Then the businessmen would say to the prospective partners, ‘I need you to publicly support my position and sign documents stating that Israel is right and our opponents are wrong.’ And then we were surprised that the international

business community didn’t ask for a second date,” he said. More recently, he said, Israeli businessmen have learned that rather than scoring debating points with prospective partners and venture capitalists around the world, they need to build relationships and establish avenues of communication. The consensus at the New York Stock Exchange was that this approach, coupled with extraordinary displays of Israeli know-how in almost every field of endeavor, has led to the recognition of the Jewish State as an international economic superstar with a competitive edge that cannot be ignored. “Being right is important; being attractive in the international business community is even more important,” said Mr. Aharoni. Pursuing the Majority He pointed out that while there are certainly some, especially in Western Europe, who have insisted they will not do business with Israel, they represent a very small percentage of the total number of prospective partners and customers. For example, he said, at the height of the criticism of Israel in 2008, when the IDF went into Gaza to attempt to halt the daily barrage of Qassam missiles being fired by the ruling Hamas faction onto Jewish civilian targets, French businessmen and opinionmakers were asked whether their support for Israel or the Palestinians would influence their market decisions. Nine percent of those who responded said they supported Israel; 16 percent supported the Palestinians and indicated they would not “buy Israel.” To Israel’s marketing people, it meant that only 25 percent of

the French elite even bothered with the question. “Our job is to do business with the other 75 percent, those for whom ideological positions and politics will not interfere with market decisions,” said Mr. Aharoni. In the US, a similar poll showed that upon learning that a product was manufactured in Israel, 10 percent would either refuse or feel discouraged from buying it; 28 percent said they would feel encouraged to purchase it, and 31 percent said they “might” buy it. “In addition to the 59 percent who would probably buy, the remaining 30 percent is also our potential market,” said Mr. Aharoni, stressing that these numbers should resonate with those looking to invest in Israeli companies. Generating Jobs Israel’s relevance and attractiveness as a business partner has resonated in the United States. Myron Brilliant, senior vice president in charge of International Affairs for the US Chamber of Commerce, said working economically with Israel “makes business sense.” On the front steps of his building, directly facing the White House, he said, there is a huge banner proclaiming his agency’s “priority one, two, and three: Jobs.” “In this time of financial turmoil, we need millions of jobs in the US and around the world. We are interested in opening investment and trade opportunities, and there is no more dynamic place to do this than Israel,” he said. “We recognize that Israel is a vital business partner for the US, a generator of jobs and economic innovation throughout the world.”

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Economic Miracle

New Initiative With that in mind, the US Chamber of Commerce has announced a new four-part initiative to facilitate US-Israeli business relations: looking at the impact of Israel-US relations for job creation; considering case studies including successful American companies that have benefitted from a strong presence in Israel, and Israeli companies that have had the same experience in the US; facilitating government and non-government programs to make an increasing economic impact; and studying Israel as “the matrix of innovation.” The agency has its work cut out for it, said Mr. Brilliant, explaining that while most Americans see Israel as a security and strategic ally, the commercial aspect of the relationship between the two countries has not received sufficient attention. “Only a small number of American business people know about the dynamic relationship between Israel and the US,” he said. New Friends The excitement of the economic potential seemed to energize some individuals who were never seen as friends of the Jewish state. For example, at the Israel Day program, James Rubin, who served as assistant secre-

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tary of state for public affairs under Madeleine Albright in the Clinton administration, popped up in a new position to which he was just appointed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo: senior advisor at the Empire State Development Corporation. Mr. Rubin seemed to view courting Israel as part of his new job description. “I used to be in the warand-peace business,” he said, “but now I am busy seeing what the US can do to restore its leadership position so that the values shared by Israel and America can go forward.” He said that, in this “era of innovation,” there should be “teamwork and a confluence of technology, education, and finance between Israel and New York.” “New York and Israel have a great deal in common,” he told the assembled businessmen, citing the fact that the two states do more than $5 billion worth of business every year, making the Jewish state New York’s third largest trading partner. Telling the Israeli businessmen who were not yet involved with the economic possibilities offered by New York to “come to us because New York is open for business,” Mr. Rubin said he intended to use his position “to learn from Israel.”

Business Ambassadors Ofra Strauss, chairperson of the now-multi-national Israelibased Strauss Group as well as the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce, seemed ready to teach him. She maintained that all Israeli businessmen and women are ambassadors of the Jewish state. “Israel is always in my suitcase,” she said. While Ms. Strauss never made the decision to relocate to Israel because she was born there, Matthew Bronfman, who participated with her on a panel, is an American who chose to invest in Israel because it made sense. He is now the controlling shareholder of the Israel Discount Bank, Ikea Israel, and the Supersol chain of supermarkets. While he is generally pleased with his decision, he said Israel must do more to limit its overarching, business-retarding bureaucracies and regulations. He recalled the frustration of owning a fully-loaded Supersol in Rishon Letzion which had to wait more than a year before it was allowed to open. Like a Family One of the joys of doing business in Israel is the sense it is one family, but this can also be a source of sorrow when things go wrong. Mr. Bronfman said it was “a personal tragedy” when the Ikea store in Netanya suffered a massive fire, necessitating laying off employees, many of whom had been with the company for years. The bright spot is that the store is about to reopen and Mr. Bronfman is encouraging those employees to reapply. Ikea is scheduled to open its third Israeli store in January 2013. Mr. Bronfman invested in Ikea because the corporate leaders in Brussels openly told

him they “did not want Israelis to own the store.” When he appeared four years after Ikea Israel had opened, he was acceptable because he was an American. “Ugly words were used, which have served to make me very aware of the prevalent anti-Israel, antisemitic attitudes. It is therefore important to me to keep connected and promote what is important to the global-Jewish community,” said Mr. Bronfman. Roundtables In the afternoon, there were two roundtables, one designed to help Israelis and Americans understand what is necessary to do business together, and the other to help Americans understand the opportunities for investing in Israel’s energy sector. Sherwin Pomerantz, chairman of the American State Offices Association and facilitator of the roundtable entitled “Know How: Doing Business in the US and Israel,” said investment would achieve two major policy goals: increasing exports and creating jobs. His roundtable was dedicated to showcasing successful case-studies of cooperation by small-to-medium-sized Israeli and American companies and presentations showing the interest of US government and academic groups to encourage such cooperation. Energy Cooperation The second roundtable, “Energy Cooperation: Innovation and Opportunities,” was based on the understanding that the US and Israel share the common goal of developing alternative energy technologies and reducing dependence on oil. The speakers focused on existing and potential energy cooperation between companies in both countries to

http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com develop innovative solutions for cleaner energy and more efficient use of energy resources. Not surprisingly, the recent discovery of huge reservoirs of natural gas in Israel has increased the opportunities for investment and cooperation. Representing Genie Energy, which is part of the Newark-based IDT Corporation controlled by Howard Jonas, Lior Alroy of Passaic explained that Genie is a holding company comprised of IDT Energy, a retail energy provider, and Genie Oil & Gas (GOGAS), which controls the company’s ventures in oil shale research and development in Colorado and Israel. GOGAS seeks to acquire and develop unconventional fuel resources, including oil shale, and develop innovative fuel extraction technologies to produce oil and natural gas. Mr. Alroy, who serves as Genie Energy’s deputy chairman, said Israel has one of the best and largest oil shale deposits in the world, ripe for conversion, especially because it is completely isolated from the aquifers, the underground reservoirs which give Israel its water supply. SodaStream and IP Perhaps two of the most animated speakers of the day were Daniel Birnbaum, who made aliyah with his family at the age of seven in 1970, and is now CEO of SodaStream, the gadget allowing some four million households throughout Europe, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Taiwan, and the US to make their own soda; and Jeff Pulver, a once-lonely Jewish boy from Long Island who found salvation in ham radios and morphed that fascination, using technology developed by the IDF, into transmission techniques for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet. Among Mr. Pulver’s achievements are Spreadsheet Solutions Corporation, which he founded while working at a Long Island accounting firm in order to market add-ins for Lotus 1-2-3 and Excel, and the Edison, NJ-based Vonage, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which he co-founded. He became involved with Israel, he said, “because I’m a Jew and I wanted to say thank you to the people there.” These days, he spends his time blogging and investigating the various social

Kislev 5772 media networks, organizing 140 Character Conferences in the US and Israel . The name is a play on Twitter’s character limit. He believes the social networks have “awakened humanity and spirituality, and affect change.” In Israel, he said, he learned the value of hugs, which he bestowed happily on many of the participants in the room. “A hug today means to embrace today, to make today matter,” he said, echoing what many observers say is the secret behind Israelis’ willingness to take risks for security as well as in business. Quick Decision Like so many of the new breed of

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Israeli entrepreneurs, Mr. Birnbaum followed that mantra when he decided that a friend’s proposed target for acquisition, Soda Club, an old company making a home soda-machine that could turn out carbonated beverages cheaper than buying them in the store, was a sleeping giant. “It had an existing sales base of close to $100 million at a high gross margin, and for Israel that was big, but it was losing money on operating expenses. The management had little passion or optimism, no growth strategy, no new product pipeline, no new market development. I asked about their plans for markets like Russia and the US, and they had no an-

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swers,” he said. Learning that the soft drink sector is one of the biggest in the world, accounting for $230 billion in sales globally, he recognized Soda Club was an opportunity. Three weeks after he advised his friend to purchase the company, Mr. Birnbaum became CEO. “It was the quickest career decision of my life,” said Mr. Birnbaum, who had previously worked at Proctor and Gamble, helped found a technology startup, and established Pillsbury Israel. “I came on because I had a hunch, and sometimes it’s worth taking some risks in life.” Proud Israeli Mr. Birnbaum makes no secret of the fact that SodaStream is Israeli. “Israel is used to bringing technology to the world, but usually that’s something ‘hidden,’ like a software application or a microprocessor. We, on the other hand, are sitting on the kitchen counters in four million homes. I’m very proud to bring innovation to the world from Israel,” he said. While SodaStream maintains 14 manufacturing facilities in Germany, Australia, South Africa, and China, he is enormously proud of the plant in Mishor Adumim, the industrial section of the Judean city of Ma’aleh Adumim, which the European Union does not consider part of Israel proper. Imports from Judea and Samaria are subject to duties in Europe, and in France there are constant voices demanding that all goods be boycotted. Some European countries have de-

manded that Mr. Birnbaum print “Made in Palestine” on SodaStream’s labels, but he has refused. “Who are we to declare the Palestinian state,” he said. “We have to do the right thing for our country as well.” Seeing the Truth It has not been easy. When he faced opposition in Europe, some Israeli ambassadors told him not to bother fighting because it was, they said, a lost cause. Indeed, Mr. Birnbaum was accused of being an “occupier” and utilizing “slave labor” because he hired Palestinians. Not being a diplomat meant Mr. Birnbaum did not have to follow protocol. In one case, he almost kidnapped the son of the CEO with whom he wanted to do business and brought him to Israel to see the plant to which he objected. At Mishor Adumim, he saw Israeli Jews and Arabs, Palestinians, Bedouins, Russian and Ethiopian immigrants, and even Darfur refugees working under Israeli labor laws, which means receiving social benefits and a hot meal daily. “The minimum wage at our plant is four times higher than the Palestinian minimum wage, and the PA offers no social benefits. We are treating these people like gold, and they are delighted to work for us. It’s ironic when our European friends ask for us to shut down and fire these poor people,” he said. Winning Every Fight The European company he was trying to win over was convinced. The son

left the plant with tears in his eyes, and Mr. Birnbaum made his sale. “If we are always proactive, we won’t be losers. There is no such thing as a fight we can’t win,” he said. That is Israel’s creed regarding its nonprofit community as well. As part of the program, AIFL showcased several Israeli non-profit, social service agencies, which Mr. Bialkin said also epitomize the Jewish state’s “startup nation” character, as defined by Saul Singer and Dan Senor in their international best-seller Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle. The groups that presented themselves included Elem for youth at-risk; Natal, Israel’s nation-wide trauma program for victims of terror and war; WePower, which seeks to empower women to take their place in Israeli leadership positions; Na Lagaat, a center and theatrical troupe for the deaf and blind; Jewish Heart for Africa, which brings Israeli technological advances to outlying, destitute African villages; and the Bialik Rogozin School in South Tel Aviv, where more than 800 desperately poor children—Jews, Muslims, Christians, including refugees from Africa—are taught in Hebrew. Proclamation In the evening, AIFL continued its celebration of Israel as a start-up nation at a glittering dinner held at the Plaza Hotel

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http://jewishvoiceandopinion.com in Manhattan. While the evening’s awardees—coauthors Dan Senor and Saul Singer, and Idan Ofer and Shai Agassi, of Better Place, an Israeli-based venture-backed company working to produce a transportation infrastructure that supports electric vehicles— are all involved in the Jewish state as a financial, high-tech, innovation-driven powerhouse, the AIFL used the theme to showcase Israel for its achievements in scientific, human rights, social services, and cultural and artistic endeavors. Among the high points of the evening was the presentation by Mr. Bialkin and AIFL president Harley Lippman of a proclamation acknowledging Israel’s efforts in all these areas. The proclamation, addressed to Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, began by recognizing that the AIFL dinner was being held on the 64th anniversary of the UN vote to support the partition of the British Palestine Mandate into two states, one Jewish and the other Arab. The proclamation was accepted by Mr. Aharoni, who told the AIFL supporters that the success of Israel’s high-tech sector as well as all the other areas of endeavor is “the result of the Israeli spirit which made it possible.” “It’s in our DNA to ask questions and to refuse to accept political or any artificial limitations. This is a new narrative for Israel, a success story of modernity, creativity, and innovation that is an inspiration to the world,” said Mr. Aharoni. Panel Discussion Another high spot of the evening was a panel discussion coordinated by AIFL supporter Jonathan Medved, a co-founder and CEO of Vringo, a leading provider of software platforms for mobile social and video applications. The panelists were Israeli former Israeli UN Ambassador Dan Gillerman, who serves as AIFL Israel’s chairman of the board; Mr. Senor, the author; and former NYC Mayor Ed Koch. The discussion focused on why the Jewish state is still bedeviled at the UN and threatened with boycotts and divestment, despite all of Israel’s efforts and tremendous achievements for its own citizens as well as the world. Messrs Gillerman and Koch maintained that most anti-Israel sentiments

Kislev 5772 are little more than antisemitism dressed up in a more acceptable, politically correct package. “Israel is the Jew among the nations,” said Mr. Gillerman. “It is the canary in the coal mine. Iran, for example, is not an Israeli problem, but, rather, a danger to the civilized world as we know it.” Mr. Koch agreed, but he added that too often, “our greatest problem is other Jews” who attack Israel unfairly and single out the Jewish state for criticisms never mentioned against other nations, whose offenses in human rights make any infractions by Israel pale by comparison. Success Story While Mr. Senor did not argue with the

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sentiments expressed by his fellow panelists, the questions addressed to him by Mr. Medved focused on Israel as an economic success story. “Stop talking about Israel as a ‘conflict,’ and start seeing it as a country whose successes are changing the world,” said Mr. Senor. Asked if he thought the Israeli economic and high-tech boom might be nothing more than a “perfect storm” which could end, Mr. Senor pointed to the vast areas of Asia, Africa, and even the Middle East which, he said, “have no inhibitions about doing business with Israel.” “Israel’s success story is one that is just beginning,” he said. S.L.R.

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I

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December 2011

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Ess Gezint: They Tried to Kill Us; We Won; Let’s Eat

n many Jewish homes, it wouldn’t be Chanukah without dairy meals and foods fried in oil. The oil’s symbolism is well known. The dairy is a reminder of Yehudit, a young Jewish widow who lived hundreds of years before the Common Era. Without benefit of instant messaging or email alerts, she recognized that unless the defeatist attitude of the leaders of her city, Bethulia, were reversed, the entire nation of Israel could fall to the Assyrians. The Jewish leaders were convinced that, if G-d didn’t miraculously save them within a few days, the only course was to surrender. Judith thought otherwise and used her beauty to entice the Assyrian General Holofernes to invite her to a banquet, where she plied him first with cheese to make him thirsty, and then wine. When he fell into a drunken stupor, she used his own sword to decapitate him. With the Assyrian Army thrown into confusion, she urged the Israelites to launch a surprise attack from which they emerged victorious. Though not connected to the story of the Maccabees, the Book of Judith shares the theme of Jewish faith and courage overcoming a larger force, and, thus, has been associated with Chanukah certainly since the Middle Ages. Both recipes here depend on oil. The Quinoa Salad is from Chef Motti Almakis of the Prima Spa Club in the Dead Sea. The latkes are from Chef Maruan Aliane of the Prima Royale Hotel in Jerusalem. Happy Chanukah! Y

Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate Seeds 1 cup pre-rinsed quinoa 1 tsp olive oil 1¼ cup water ¼ cup fresh pomegranate seeds ¼ cup chopped celery ¼ cup dried cranberries ⅓ cup walnuts Juice of half a lemon Pinch of salt Chopped scallions for garnish Bring the quinoa and water to a simmer and then reduce to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes on a low flame. Remove from heat and let sit uncovered for 5 minutes. Then rinse the quinoa with cold water and place in a bowl. Add celery, walnuts, salt, and olive oil, and mix slowly. Add the pomegranate seeds, cranberries, and lemon juice, and mix slowly, not with a wooden spoon. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with scallions.

Potato and Cheese Latkes 3.5 oz kosher parmesan 4 medium potatoes, peeled cheese, grated and cooked ½ cup chives, chopped 2 medium sweet potatoes, 1 cup flour peeled and cooked 8 eggs 7 oz kosher kashkaval Salt and ground pepper cheese Oil for frying 3.5 oz kosher feta cheese, crumbled Puree all the potatoes. Add remaining ingredients, except the oil, and stir into a smooth mixture. Heat oil for frying. Pour batter into the oil by the spoonful and fry both sides until golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sour cream or applesauce.

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Attacking Israel said the Arab world has “appreciated” the US President, especially following his 2009 address in Cairo. Calls for Dismissal In the US, there were immediate demands for Mr. Gutman’s recall, most prominently from William Kristol, chairman of the Emergency Committee for Israel; the Simon Wiesenthal Center; Mort Klein of the Zionist Organization of America, and Lori Lowenthal Marcus, president of the proIsrael Z Street. Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said on Twitter, “Pres Obama should fire his ambassador to Brussels for being so wrong about antisemitism.” The California-based Children of Holocaust Survivors (CHS) said that, as an organization devoted to making sure the West recognizes the “genuine causes of genocidal Jew-hatred,” they were committed to reminding Mr. Gutman that “Muslim antisemitism stretches back centuries before the creation of the modern state of Israel and is explicitly advocated by the Quran.” Just like Soros CHS president Doris Wise Montrose dismissed some Democrat Party leaders’ assertion that, as the child of survivors, Mr. Gutman could be forgiven. She pointed out that his sentiments were reminiscent of statements made by George Soros, another Holocaust survivor who contributed significantly to Mr. Obama’s campaign and is widely seen as hostile to Israel and the US-Israel relationship. Like Mr. Gutman, Mr. Soros has said publicly that Israeli behavior is responsible for antisemitism. Daniel Pollak, co-director of Government Relations for the ZOA called Mr. Gutman

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continued from page 13 “an incredibly naïve political appointee,” who believes “the good Muslims of Belgium can’t be antisemitic because they gave the ambassador a standing ovation when he mentioned President Obama’s speech to the Islamic world in Cairo” and that “once the Arab-Israeli dispute is solved, anti-Jewish sentiment in Belgium would clearly abate.” “This is not a man who should be representing the US anywhere,” said Mr. Pollak. Distancing The furor caused by his remarks prompted Mr. Gutman to apologize, not for what he said, but because he claimed his words were “taken out of context.” In a prepared statement, the White House refrained from criticizing Mr. Gutman, but said, “We condemn antisemitism in all its forms. There is never any justification for prejudice against the Jewish people or Israel.” Rep Steve Rothman (D-NJ), who is close to the Obama administration, went much further. “Those who use the existence of the Jewish State of Israel or the ongoing deadlock in Israeli-Palestinians peace negotiations as an excuse to hate Jews are nothing more than antisemitic bigots,” he said, adding that he “strongly disagreed with Ambassador Gutman’s analysis.” Writing in Contentions, the online blog of Commentary magazine, Omri Ceren said it would be hard for the administration to claim Mr. Gutman’s views do not reflect the President’s approach to Israel and its conflict with the Palestinians. “Quite the opposite, they fit perfectly into the linkage dogma embraced by Obama and the foreign policy left,

where pathologies in the Arab world are the result, rather than the cause of, the Israeli-Arab conflict,” he said. Blaming the Victim While no one has seriously called for Defense Secretary Panetta to leave office, there was considerable consternation over his suggestion that Israeli leaders bear the lion’s share of the blame for the stalled peace process. Although in his speech to the left-wing Brookings Institution’s Saban Center for Middle East Policy, Mr. Panetta pledged “unshakable” commitment to the security of the Jewish state and reiterated a promise to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, including by military force if needed, he insisted Israel must do more to ensure its own security by seeking to repair strained relations with Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan, and by seizing the opportunity that he seemed

to think exists to negotiate a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. He quickly glossed over the fact that Israel is not solely responsible for what he called its “growing isolation,” moving to the heart of his talk, which was that Israel must make a greater unilateral effort to mend fences, particularly with Turkey. “If the gestures are rebuked, the world will see those rebukes for what they are,” he said. On Iran, he suggested that Israel take no action that could make things uncomfortable for Mr. Obama. Just like Chamberlain Columnist Barry Rubin, a professor at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya and the director of the IDC’s Global Research in International Affairs Center (GLORIA), said Mr. Panetta’s reference

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Attacking Israel

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to Israeli isolation “from its traditional security partners” was an echo of a remark made by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in 1938, who suggested that Czechoslovakia’s isolation “from its traditional security partners” was also growing. Mr. Rubin said Mr. Panetta’s solution was identical to the one made by Mr. Chamberlain: that the victim should mend relations. “Israel can’t reach out and mend fences with Turkey and Egypt because they do not share Israel’s interest in regional stability,” said Mr. Rubin. Ironically, he

said, rather than mending fences, Israel must now build one to protect itself from cross-border attacks from Egypt. A Different Turkey The problem with Turkey, he said, is that it is now a different country from the one with which Israel enjoyed good relations when Ankara was governed by centerright or social democratic parties. “Today Turkey is governed by Islamists who hate Israel. Doesn’t Panetta understand the difference?” he said, adding that, under the Obama administration, “the Islamist regime in Turkey has replaced Israel as America’s number one Middle

East friend and advisor,” despite the fact that its current regime “hates Israel and hates Jews.” Mr. Panetta’s suggestion that “the world will see” if Turkey rejects Israel’s efforts, is merely “the same old message from the West to Israel: Make gestures, give concessions, take risks, and when they are rebuked, ‘the world will see,’” said Mr. Rubin. “And every time, the world doesn’t see. After the risk is taken (and Israel’s security suffers), and the concessions are made (and Israelis die), the world is even more critical of Israel and repeats, as Panetta does, that Israel has done nothing for peace,” said Mr. Rubin. Israel’s Domestic Policies Mrs. Clinton’s criticism of Israel, also made at the Saban Center, focused not on how the government was wronging the Palestinians, but, rather, on the social climate in the Jewish state which she said called into question its commitment to democracy. In her off-the-record talk, she fretted about the Orthodox-Jewish soldiers who refused to listen to a woman sing; she grumbled about the buses that run through hareidi sections of Jerusalem and maintain separate seating sections for men and women; and she complained that, by considering bills that would limit foreign financing of NGOs actively seeking to undermine the Jewish state, allow greater damages in libel suits against journalists, and require Knesset vetting of Supreme Court judges, Israel was endangering freedom of speech and other human rights. Supporters of the bills under consideration say they will stop foreign interference, demand accountability in the media, and add a checks-and-balances component to the Israeli judiciary that is currently lacking. Just like Iran? According to Mrs. Clinton, the soldiers walking out on the woman singer were “reminiscent of Iran” and the buses were “reminiscent of Rosa Parks.” Jeff Dunitz, who blogs at Yid with Lid, responded to the reference to Iran with amazement. “Wow, in Iran the women would have been lashed or executed. In

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The Therapy Gym Seeks Wellness of Children

t The Therapy Gym, located at 205 West Englewood Avenue in Teaneck, the focus is on child rehabilitation, skill development, and the wellness of children from birth to age 21. Its comprehensive physical therapy provides interactive metronome, small-group movement/exercise classes, community kids yoga classes, and Mommy and Me programs. “Our experienced therapists are here to improve the lives

Attacking Israel Israel, they sang, but the people who felt it was against their religious beliefs left. Most senior officers supported the women’s right to sing,” he said. Israeli Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said the voices which bothered Mrs. Clinton “are totally exaggerated.” “Israeli democracy is alive, breathing, kicking, and liberal. The issue of the exclusion of women and separation is unacceptable to some people and they will work to have it stopped, but to claim there is a threat to Israeli democracy is a big stretch,” he said. Lack of Sensitivity In the US, Agudath Israel of America issued a prepared statement expressing the organization’s “chagrin” at Mrs. Clinton’s “words and comparison.”

of the children and their families. We specialize in treating children with developmental delays, decreased mobility, gait deviations, strength and range of motion deficits,” said Dr. Ellie Fuchs, owner and manager, along with Rickard Rehabilitation Services, of The Therapy Gym. “We assess gross-motor skills and orthopedic concerns in order to develop treatment plans that will allow each child to better function in their en-

vironment and reach their full potential,” she said. A full-service physical therapy provider, The Therapy Gym employs treatment that includes neurodevelopmental training, sensory integration, motor learning, motor processing, strength training, balance and vestibular training, and functional treatment approaches. New Facility In its new, over 1600-square foot facility, The Therapy Gym is a premier practice offering

an open and airy space to allow the therapist and child to use equipment without obstacles. There are areas in the gym for ball play, mat exercises, suspended equipment, and gross motor activities. There is a rock climbing wall and a sensory area. A graduate of UMDNJ, Dr. Fuchs received her doctorate in physical therapy and has specialized in early developmental and pediatric physical

is the only democracy in the Middle East.” He pointed out that the only time Mrs. Clinton expressed strongly pro-Israel sentiments was when she was running for her US Senate seat from New York. As First Lady, Mrs. Clinton was the first person affiliated with any White House ever to call for the establishment of a Palestinian state. On a trip to Israel, she hugged Suha Arafat, the wife of the thennotorious Palestinian terrorist leader Yasir Araft, immediately after Mrs. Arafat gave a talk in which she accused Israel of using poison gas and contaminating Palestinian water sources to increase cases of cancer among Palestinian women and children. Not Coincidental Writing in Israel Hayom, columnist Richard Baehr doubted that the recent attacks on Israel by the Obama administration would affect his relationship with the Jewish community. “The Obama campaign team, which, at this point, controls the President’s policy decisions on all issues, seems to have reached a conclusion that they can trash Israel publicly and all the time, with only minor consequences politically

and without engendering any significant push back from the organized Jewish community, which is dominated by liberal Democrats who care more about all things other than Israel,” he said. He was certain the recent attacks against Israel by members of the Obama team were not coincidental, but rather part of a new tack for the administration, “which has, for most of its three years, relied on the pretext of Israeli misbehavior on settlements for unloading on the Netanyahu government.” He suggested the administration might want to distract attention away from the recent bipartisan Senate sanctions bill directed against Iran’s Central Bank which Mr. Obama intends to veto, or, perhaps, it is that the results of Egypt’s election, in which the Islamists won overwhelmingly, are not playing well in the US. According to Mr. Baehr, bashing Israel can always be seen as an outreach to the Islamic world, “something Obama really cares about.” “The signal is ‘we cannot stand Israel either. And just wait to see what I do with Israel in my second term,’” said Mr. Baehr. S.L.R

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continued from page 48 “She seems either unaware or unconcerned with the sincerely held and time-honored convictions of traditionally religious Jews,” said the statement, which explained Jewish law’s “great premium on modesty and circumspection in interpersonal relations between men and women.” The ZOA’s Mr. Pollak asked Mrs. Clinton to condemn “the lack of democracy in the Arab-Muslim world and the appalling treatment of its women.” Intentional Effort Mr. Dunitz suggested her remarks were “simply part of the continued attempt by the Obama administration to delegitimize Israeli democracy and destroy one of the reasons for American support of the Jewish state: the fact that it

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The Jewish Center of Teaneck Praises Eva Gans

Thank you for the very detailed and complementary article about the Jewish Center of Teaneck’s transformation into a full-fledged Orthodox shul [“Teaneck’s Once-Conservative ‘Shul with a Pool’ Now Has a Mechitza and Separate Swimming,” Nov 2011]. It is difficult to tell such a complex story that involved a delicate and carefully considered process involving its membership at many levels, but you were very clear and fair in your description of our journey to this point. One slight error was the mention of Michael Laves as a YU spokesman. He is the JCT’s internal PR person, a volunteer role he executes with great commitment and professionalism and untold results that help effectively tell the JCT story to the community. Any story about the JCT’s progress would be incomplete without mention of the sustained efforts by our immediate Past President, Eva Lynn Gans, who ultimately brought everything together following the ground work she laid together with her predecessor Dr. Howard Wang. A seasoned and reasoned leader, Mrs. Gans arranged for the many board retreats to study the matter and other process pieces to move this strategic effort forward. She then garnered support for the necessary change and the ensuing mandated votes from the membership. As the first woman president of the JCT, she acquitted herself in this role with the utmost concern for modesty and respect for halacha and tradition. It is more than significant that the change at the JCT coalesced and came to fruition during her presidency. It was emblematic of the hands-on stewardship and hard work of a woman who was not seeking a seat on the bima, but, rather, who saw the need to introduce the mechitza in order to make the Jewish Center of Teaneck more compelling and relevant to its community. Mrs. Gans and her husband, Leo, underwrote the cost of the mechitza and the necessary construction in the shul’s Pressburger sanctuary to accommodate it, including trimming the number of seats from all the rows to fulfill all safety codes and accommodate a “bimah b’emztah” in the center of the sanctuary, which was also part of their gift. Mrs. Gans brought to her JCT presidency a wealth of experience gained from having served as president of the UJA Federation of Northern NJ as well as president of its Endowment Fund. Nationally, she serves on the board of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). A member of the JCT since childhood, she has a deep and emotional history and special relationships with many of the longtime Center members with whom she interfaced throughout the process of study and in advance of the mandated vote. As such, she was in a unique position to articulate the new vision that she and Dr. Howard Wang had embraced as central to the JCT’s ability to regain its viability and standing in the religious climate of the current Teaneck community. I thank The Jewish Voice and Opinion for your support and caring of our sustained and heartfelt efforts for our congregants and community. Rabbi Lawrence S Zierler Jewish Center of Teaneck Teaneck, NJ

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Letters to the Editor Your Cheshvan 5772 article on the Jewish Center of Teaneck aptly describes at length the noble efforts of Rabbis Washer, Feldman, and Zierler to steer the JCT toward traditional observance and Orthodoxy over the years. But I was surprised to find no mention of my father, Rabbi Ira Grussgott, JCT’s spiritual leader from 2001-2004. Though his tenure at JCT was short, my father, a musmach of RIETS, played a critical role in planting the seeds of JCT’s recent adoption of Orthodoxy. To wit: your article implies that the shul’s Hallel V’Zimra minyan, established in 2007, was the first mechitza minyan at JCT. That is not the case. The first mechitza minyan at the JCT was actually established by my father in 2003 in conjunction with Jeff Weber and other JCT members. It was called the Mercaz Minyan and eventually came to be led by Rabbi Daniel Feldman, son of JCT rabbi emeritus David Feldman. I was the first Baal Koreh at the Mercaz Minyan, which had the full blessing of my father. After my father left the JCT, the Mercaz Minyan eventually did so, too. In any case, I am delighted to see that the seed which my father, Mr. Weber, and so many others planted seven years ago has finally blossomed under the guidance and vision of Rabbi Zierler. I hope that the JCT will continue to grow both spiritually and materially, and flourish for years to come. Rabbi Moshe Grussgott Congregation Ramath Orah New York, NY Thanks for your articles on Occupy Wall Street {“Occupy Wall Street: Antisemitism Is Part of the Message,” Nov 2011}, and the Teaneck Jewish Center. On the subject of synagogues, I attended a Shabbat discussion several months ago on the issue of Glenn Beck. As a fan of Glenn’s, I was the only one who stood up for him, until my husband came. I know there were others who agreed with us, however, they did not want to speak up. The synagogue acknowledged Glenn’s support of Israel, but questioned his use of “Nazi imagery,” which is a demonization tactic-talking point of the left. On Sunday, Nov 20, I had the honor and privilege of attending the Zionist Organization of America’s Dinner, where Glenn Beck was given the “Defender of Israel” award. Bibi Netanyahu, in his video address to the ZOA’s dinner guests, said, “Glenn, you stand for a lot. You have been fearless in defending Israel against the slanders that are hurled against [it]. You’ve done that at considerable personal cost, but you’ve never backed off; you’ve never flinched; you’ve never walked away. And I want to tell you how deeply we appreciate this stand of courage and integrity.” It is very sad that vicious propaganda against a good and decent man is being spread in our synagogues Rosalie “Esther” Greenberg Teaneck, NJ

Myths, Facts, and Beliefs

I was taught every year in yeshiva elementary school and high school that, at the time of the Chanukah miracle, one flask of pure oil was discovered in the Bais HaMikdash, enough to light the menorah for just one day. But miraculously, when the menorah was lit, it burned continuously, uninterrupted, for eight straight days and nights.

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“Thought Is the World of Freedom” (R’ Dov Ber of Mazeritch)

Last year, it occurred to me that our present-day nightly menorah lighting ritual does not simulate this miracle; to simulate it we should, on the first night of Chanukah, light an eightday candle (similar to a seven-day shiva candle) and let it burn continuously and uninterrupted for eight days. I pointed this out to an Orthodox rabbi and his answer shocked me. He said that our present-day nightly lighting ritual does, in fact, simulate the miracle since the menorah in the Bais HaMikdash went out every morning and was rekindled the following night, for eight consecutive nights. This account reduced to a myth what I had believed my entire life, that the menorah burned continuously and uninterrupted for eight straight days and nights. Not only was I taught this, but so were my children and I believe that this is held to be universally true across the entire Jewish community. The rabbi’s disclosure of the true events of that eight-day period was subsequently confirmed by another Orthodox rabbi. While I don’t know the reason for the cover-up of the fact that the menorah went out each morning I suspect it is because truth does not always make for the best story. So to make a story more “miraculous,” men grant themselves the license to bend the truth and stretch it and, in the process, forfeit their honesty and integrity. This experience makes me wonder: What else was I taught in school that is, in fact, untrue? Ira Buckman Teaneck, NJ

Obama Is the Exception

I am proud to be a Republican and very proud of the overwhelming support Republicans nationwide have for Israel. That includes all of our Presidential candidates, excluding Ron Paul. Republican support for Israel is longstanding. I started my sophomore year at Hebrew University in Jerusalem in the summer of 1974, one week after President Richard Nixon visited the city. I found two wall posters (which I still have) printed by the City of Jerusalem, asking all the citizens to come out and greet the President. Israelis knew it was Mr. Nixon who literally saved the Jewish State with his around-the-clock airlift of arms to Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. All Republican presidents since Nixon have been strong supporters of Israel. President Obama’s reluctant support of Israel is not only contrary to the policies of Republican presidents, it is also contrary

to the policies of his Democratic presidential predecessors. President Harry Truman gave Israel life when the US became the first nation to recognize the Jewish State. President Kennedy called Israel a true friend in the fight for freedom in the Middle East. All previous Democratic presidents supported Israel while in office. Before Obama, no previous administration—Republican or Democrat—ever asked Israel to endanger itself by going back to the pre-1967 borders. President Obama’s first foreign policy act was to bow to the King of Saudi Arabia. Then he gave a speech to the Arab world in which he hinted that the special relationship between Israel and US was about to end. Had it not been for the bipartisan criticism of true supporters of Israel on both sides of the aisle, the Obama policy on Israel and the Middle East would most likely still be endangering Israel’s security. I am happy to say that President Obama’s speech to the UN regarding the Middle East was a good one. I’m glad that his policy towards Israel has improved somewhat. I hope he finally realizes that Israel is the only real friend the United States has in the Middle East. We Republicans do not want a President who is going to “rubber stamp” everything Israel wants. We do want a President who realizes that Israel is an important ally; a source of strength; a friend that America can count on; a creative superpower in the worlds of art, medicine, science, and technology; and, most importantly, a strategic ally in America’s war against international terrorism and jihadism. If we ever have a Republican President with misguided policies toward Israel, you can count on Republicans nationwide to let that president know exactly how important Israel is to us. Mark Meyerowitz Director, Republican Friends of Israel, Inc. West Orange, NJ The Jewish Voice and Opinion welcomes letters, especially if they are typed, double-spaced, and legible. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and style. Please send all correspondence to POB 8097, Englewood, NJ 07631. The phone number is (201) 569-2845. The FAX number is (201) 569-1739. The email address is susan@jewishvoiceandopinion.com

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December 2011

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Stopping Iran Is Imperative; Panel at the 92nd Street Y Discussed How to Do It

By Fern Sidman either Israel nor her supporters waited for the latest international confirmation that Iran has been energetically developing its nuclear-weapon capabilities. Last month, just hours before the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna released its highly anticipated report confirming Iran’s “development of a nuclear explosive device,” this was the topic vigorously addressed at a forum held at the 92nd Street Y on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The program was simulcast to a variety of venues throughout the country, allowing the 200 audience members at the Y as well as those at a distance to pose questions to the panel. The evening began with excerpts from the powerful 2011 documentary, “Iranium,” which

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details the genesis of Iran’s nuclear threat, beginning with the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the ideology espoused at that time by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini, which continues to this day. Since the film’s debut, Iranian representatives have pressured theaters to refuse to show it, and, in fact, some scheduled screenings have been canceled. The film’s director, Alex Traiman, who has been involved with other documentaries, including “Obsession” and “The Third Jihad,” which also depict the rise of radical Islam and the history of those who carry out terrorist attacks in the name of Allah, moderated the panel, which consisted of Nazie Eftekhari, a prominent Iranian-American activist and the founder and

CEO of The Araz Group, and Richard Perle, Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Administration. Secular Efforts Having grown up in Iran, Ms. Eftekhari has focused not only on spotlighting the excessive human rights abuses against Iranian citizens that take place daily in her native country, she has initiated a campaign of global support for the protection of the civil rights of Iranian dissidents. She and Mr. Perle used their platforms on the panel to offer an historical overview of the progenitors of the Islamic Revolution and the political metamorphoses that Iran has experienced over the last century. “When Khomeini came to power in 1979, he was never elevated to Ayatollah, despite

common misconceptions,” said Ms. Eftekhari. She explained that, in 1962 the previous Ayatollah and the Shah of Iran severed their ties, paving the way for Iranian women to be accorded the right to vote. “The Shah’s father was a secular ruler who did not force women to cover their hair, and if the various mullahs disagreed with his ruling, they would be horsewhipped,” she said. History Repeating Condemning then-President Jimmy Carter for welcoming Mr. Khomeini and aiding in the Shah’s ouster, Ms. Eftekhari said she saw a glaring resemblance between the current “Arab spring” demonstrations and the Iranian revolution of 1979. “As a liberal Democrat, a supporter of Hillary Clinton, and a fan of Barack Obama,

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Live Where You Can Walk to Shul

I was terribly upset and extremely disappointed to know that the leaders of my [adopted] country did not stand up and speak out when the people of Iran exercised their rights of free speech and dissent in June of 2009, following the national elections. Hillary Clinton has said that the leadership of those dissidents demonstrating in the streets of Teheran did not want help from the USA, and I simply don’t believe that,” said Ms. Eftekhari. Military Options Mr. Perle maintained that the US still has options that can be implemented to help Iran actuate regime change. However, he said, “endless, feckless negotiations haven proven a failure with Iran.” Recalling policy meetings with Mr. Reagan concerning threats from the Soviet Union, Mr. Perle said, “After exploring various strategies, Regan decided to bring down the Soviet Union, and he was successful. Today, US policy as it pertains to Iran should be the same.” He suggested a US military invasion of Iran could be accomplished with “surgical strikes” on facilities and installations that would not entail large civilian casualties. “Military containment is not a viable strategy. It es-

sentially translates into an acceptance of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Destroying critical elements of their program would be the most efficient modality,” he said. Citing the abysmal failure of the sanctions imposed on Iran by the UN, Mr. Perle said it is Iranian people who are feeling the brunt and that, as a result, “the government in Iran is miserably unpopular.” Referring to the millions of barrels of oil produced daily for foreign consumption, Mr. Perle suggested that an international ban on refined petroleum would create a situation in which the Iranian economy would grind to a halt. 33-Year Anomaly Ms. Eftekhari recognized Israel’s role in the West’s increasingly tense standoff with Iran. However, despite her praise and warm memories of the Jewish state, she exhorted Jerusalem not to fire the first salvo in what could be a major Middle East conflagration. “When I was studying in college in Iran, I warmly remember Israeli students studying there and the close friendships we developed. In Iran, Muslims and Jews at one time lived in peace and harmony. I remember the groups of Russian-Jewish children that were smuggled out of the

former Soviet Union and into Teheran on their way to Israel. We are like cousins in so many ways,” she said, calling the past 33 years an anomaly in the longstanding fruitful relationship between Iranian Muslims and Jews. She characterized Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as “a Holocaust-denying midget.” Nevertheless, she urged Israel to refrain from initiating a military assault on Iran, and suggested instead a strike of Iranian oil workers for six weeks as a means of confrontation. “We must understand the impact of propaganda being spewed forth by the Iranian regime. There are 77 million Iranians and they would hate Israel if an attack were launched. The regime in Iran couldn’t care less if they lost 100,000 of their own citizens as long as it produced hatred

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for Israel among the population,” she said. The West’s Fault She also expressed approval of alleged Israeli government kidnappings of Iranian nuclear scientists, calling their “extrication” a “good thing until they can go back to Iran to actually work on nuclear medicine.” If Israel actually feels itself forced to attack Iran, Ms. Eftekhari said she would see it as the result of the West’s having allowed the regime to violate the human rights of its own people. “Iran has declared that 1.5 million people there who express discontent with the government are criminals. Instead of bellyaching about whether Israel is going to attack Iran or not, let’s do something about it. Through their terror proxies, Iranians are killing Americans in the Middle East as we speak and we’ve done nothing to restrain them,” she said. Y

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