Five Towns Jewish Home - 5-10-18 by Yitzy Halpern - Issuu

Five Towns Jewish Home - 5-10-18

Page 1

May 10, 2018

Your Favorite Five Towns Family Newspaper

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

Trump Withdraws from Iran Nuclear Deal

See page 7

SAVE THE DATE!

Community

SAFETYFair

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ME M O R IA L DAY

90

Around the

Community

Inspiration from Inspiring Mothers

pg

108

SIVAN RAHAV-MEIR FINDING NEW MEANING IN THE MEDIA

64 Rambam Dinner: With Heart and Soul

pg Lag B’Omer Around Town

41

93

Senator Joe Lieberman on His Newest Book on Shavuos PAGE 29

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The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Dear Readers,

I

n honor of Mother’s Day I am working on a present for mothers all around the world. As a mother we’ve all had the same situation occur on an almost-weekly basis. Here’s the scene: Mother needs to take a shower. Perhaps she likes to shower in the mornings to jumpstart her day or is sweaty from the gym or is heading out to a wedding soon. She turns on the water and then there’s banging on the bathroom door and muffled questions through the door. “Mwwwahh bwaahh klalaahh, grenaah?” What?! Who’s talking? Is it her teenager or toddler? Is it her son or her daughter? It’s very hard to hear under the water. “What did you say?” she yells out from the under the pounding water. “Mwwwahh, bwaahh shlalaahh dlenaah?” Huh? Again. Who is it? What are they saying? Do they want to know if they can invite 15 kids over for a barbecue? Do they want to tell her that they have a spelling test tomorrow? Are they letting her know that their sibling just threw up all over the floor? Or do they want to know if there’s meatballs and spaghetti for supper? She can’t just answer “yes” or “OK” without knowing the question. She’s been down that road before and she knows that random agreement can lead to something truly regrettable. And so begins the back-and-forth between mother-under-the-shower and child-on-the-other-sideof-the-door. It’s maddening and annoying and has shortened many showers for many mothers throughout the years. But I’m telling you not to fret. In honor of Mother’s Day I am in the process of creating a megaphone-type of instrument that will relay messages to moms while they are in the shower. I do not yet have a prototype or an investor but I know that sometime soon someone will come up with an invention just like this one. And it doesn’t have to be all that ingenious. Think of a waterproof intercom – put up for emergencies only – for this situation.

I have another wonderful gift that has yet to be invented for mothers in honor of Mother’s Day. You know when you have a few minutes in between the hectic-ness of homework, baths, supper and bedtime and you go into your room for a few moments of “me time”? Perhaps you want to close your eyes for a bit or read a magazine (TJH!) or listen to your messages. But what happens next is almost inevitable. Suddenly, almost seconds after you close your door, the “where’s mommy?” chant begins. It starts out small, innocuous enough. “Where’s Mommy?” you hear one child ask. And then, if the child can’t solve his dilemma without Mommy or if there’s just a shrug of the shoulder from a sibling in response to his query, the question gets louder and more urgent until it develops into a full-blown shriek: “Where’s Mommmmmmy?!” The answer is: I’m here. I’m fine. You’re fine. We’re all fine. I just wanted a few moments to myself. Sigh. Enter a yet-to-be-developed app. This app will be able to detect with absolute certainty the probability of a “where’s mommy” crescendo happening if Mommy happens to leave the room. Before deciding to cloister yourself in a quiet room for a few moments, check the app. If you see that there’s almost no probability of a “where’s mommy” episode occurring, then you can truly relax – maybe even with a coffee and a good book. Check the probability app and notice that a “where’s mommy” incident is almost certain to occur? Time to take a deep breath, smile, and enjoy your little ones. Me time will come later. This week we feature a sample of the wonderful mothers around the world who are able to be there for their children, run beautiful homes, and give back to the world. I wish we can write an article about every mother out there – each mother is deserving of her own piece. For you, dear moms, I wish you a very happy Mother’s Day – every day. Wishing you a wonderful week, Shoshana

Yitzy Halpern PUBLISHER

publisher@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Yosef Feinerman MANAGING EDITOR

ads@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Shoshana Soroka EDITOR

editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com

Nate Davis Editorial Assistant Nechama Wein Copy Editor Berish Edelman Mati Jacobovits Design & Production Gabe Solomon Distribution & Logistics P.O. BOX 266 Lawrence, NY 11559 Phone | 516-734-0858 Fax | 516-734-0857 Classified: Deadline Monday 5PM classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003 The Jewish Home is an independent weekly magazine. Opinions expressed by writers are not neces­ sarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. The Jewish Home is not responsible for typographical errors, or for the kashrus of any product or business advertised within. The Jewish Home contains words of Torah. Please treat accordingly.

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The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Contents LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Readers’ Poll

8 8

Community Happenings

41 NEWS

40

Global

13

National

29

Odd-but-True Stories

38

Trump Withdraws from Iran Nuclear Deal

90

ISRAEL Israel News

20

PEOPLE Sivan Rahav-Meir: Finding New Meaning in the Media Jews and the War of 1812 by Avi Heiligman

93 134

PARSHA Rabbi Wein

84

How to Achieve World Peace by Rav Moshe Weinberger

86

JEWISH THOUGHT In G-d We Trust, Completely by Eytan Kobre

88

Senator Joe Lieberman on His Newest Book on Shavuos by Rena Gray

98

HEALTH & FITNESS 106

Kavod by Dr. Deb Hirschhorn

Inspiration from Inspiring Mothers by Dr. Hylton I Lightman & Leah Lightman 108 The Shavuos Challenge by Aliza Beer MS, RD

112

FOOD & LEISURE Munchies for Mom

114 The Aussie Gourmet: Blintzes

116

Stewed Prunes, Mushy Peas, and Neon 118 Jello by Naphtali Sobel LIFESTYLES

Dear Editor, I was walking home from shul last week when a taxi pulled up in front of my house and a foreign driver came out. He could barely speak English but I was able to make out what he was saying. He told me, “Yesterday, I drove one of you (in other words, a Jewish person) from Manhattan to New Jersey. “He left a cell phone in my car so I called him and he told me it was his. I asked him, How will I get it back to you in New Jersey? He said, Don’t worry. Just give it to any Jewish person you see in Brooklyn. They will get it back to me.” The phone was returned to the owner in New Jersey the next day. A nice little kiddush Hashem. Thank you for the dose of Jewish pride. A Reader Dear Editor, In your note to readers this week, you highlighted a book that details the Mossad’s methods for carrying out missions and targeting terrorists. Why would you highlight a book like that if it can only help terrorists in their quest for terror? A book like that should never have been written. Chaim S. An open letter to Councilmen Bruce Blakeman and Anthony D’Esposito: Thank you for taking the time last night to go over the proposed rezon-

ing on the Woodmere Club property. One of the first things you mentioned was that we should please listen with an open mind and not rush to snap judgements of denial. I listened, I processed the information given, and I have some important questions. Correct me if I’m wrong but the main takeaway point from the studies done by Cameron Engineering was that we should rezone the Town area of the property to allow 20,000 sq. ft. lots instead of the current zoning which would technically allow 6,000 sq. ft. lots. I cannot speak for all residents of The Five Towns, but I feel that we were almost bullied to acquiesce to that rezoning because “if we allow nothing, the developer will sue us and get the 6,000 approved by a judge.” Leaving us with the one option, what is better for us 285 new homes or 118 homes? Obviously we all can agree that the less development the better, but that, in my opinion, does not address the issue. Early on in the evening you had stated that there is no possible way to widen the main roadways (primarily Broadway). During the main presentation the traffic issues that would be caused by adding any development were not addressed, the only mention was that 20,000 sq. ft. lots would contribute less traffic than 6,000 sq. ft. lots. When we were in the breakaway sessions and brought up the fact that Broadway cannot handle its Continued on page 12

Dating Dialogue, Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW 102

112

How to Fix Health Care by Robert J. Samuelson 132 Your Money

Wild with Wisdom by Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., CLC, SDS

141 142

HUMOR Centerfold

82

POLITICAL CROSSFIRE Notable Quotes

120

Armenia Escapes its Post-Soviet Malaise by David Ignatius

128

Should Kim Get the Credit for the Korean Detente? by David Ignatius

130

CLASSIFIEDS

136

Do you buy your mother something special for Mother’s Day?

42

%

YES

58

%

NO


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Continued from page 8

current traffic and adding any more would be horrendous and dangerous, we were told by several members of Cameron Engineering and Politicians alike that once the developer submits his plans there will then be a traffic study to see what impact his development would have on current traffic problems and if it cannot be supported it will be denied! This statement directly contradicts the previous statement that if we do nothing or allow nothing they will win and get their 285 houses. We, as residents of The Five Towns, know that any study will prove that the current roadways cannot handle the current car volume, so no matter how many houses the developer wants to build, there is no way an honest assessment of the roadway infrastructure would allow a development of any size to be added to our community. From our viewpoint it seems as if approving zoning for 20,000 sq. ft. lots is giving the developer the go-ahead to build with our approval, based on studies performed on the local taxpayer’s dime! In fact, I can boldly say that the taxpayers would have preferred a study be done on our current traffic issues, not on a hypothetical of 20,000 vs. 6,000 lots. If a study can be shown to prove what we all know: traffic is bad, nothing can be done to make it better, and it is a safety hazard to make it worse, then the developer would have no legal leg to stand on to sue for any sort of housing development. The burden of proof should be on the developer to show that what he wants to do will not negatively affect the current neighborhoods. We all know that is not possible, so why is it so important for you, our elected officials, to get us on board with the

rezoning? Because of the lack of honesty and transparency of the issues regarding The Woodmere Club the past few years how can you blame us for wondering if there is something going on behind our backs that would allow the developer to build if we do agree to the revised zoning you have proposed? We understand that you cannot push things off indefinitely, but why not wait to see what the developer wants and then our studies and theirs can be based on more than hypotheticals? There are many issues us residents have with the new development, but I am only addressing the traffic issue for one main reason, it is irrefutable! We can all speculate on what a development will do to our real estate values, and everyone’s opinions are subjective. A developer can restructure the sewer system, keep green space for the wildlife, and propose solutions to the flooding, but there is no way to alleviate the traffic problems – there is no solution, no fix, no way to convince us that it will not make our streets impassible. We listened to you, now please listen to us! There must be another option! You mentioned a district park and then brushed over any details, only saying you would support it if we wanted. What we want is to know more; yes, it will cost us money, but currently our tax money is being spent on things we don’t want, for example: all the money put towards the Cameron Engineering studies would have better served us going towards planning a park! I personally will offer to help with any work needed to figure out logistics on a district park. Please don’t let our beautiful Five Towns and quality of life go to waste so that a few people can make millions! Tzivia Adler

Views expressed on the Letters to the Editor page do not necessarily reflect the views of The Jewish Home. Please send all correspondence to: editor@fivetownsjewishhome.com.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

The Week In News

Japan Needs More Babies

For the 37th year in a row, the number of children in Japan has fallen. The slumping numbers are a sign that the country’s attempts to offset its severely aging population are failing. As of April 1, 2018, there were 15.53 million children under the age of 14 in Japan, down 170,000 from the previous year, continuing a downward slide which started in 1981, according to data released by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry. The largest segment of children in Japan was also the oldest, with 3.26 million 12- to 14-year-olds, suggesting the downward trend isn’t going to end any time soon. Despite attempts by the Shinzo Abe government to encourage Japanese to have more children, only Tokyo reported more children compared to the previous year. According to the Japan Times, the government has been aiming to boost Japan’s total fertility rate – the average number of children each woman has in her lifetime – to 1.8 by the end of 2025 from 1.45 in 2015 through one time cash payments and other incentives. Japan’s total population currently stands at 126 million. Children made up just 12.3% of that figure, compared to 18.9% for the U.S., 16.8% for China, and 30.8% for India. Japan has been struggling with low birth rates for decades, but unlike many other industrialized countries which have also seen native populations having fewer children, it has not been able to make the numbers up with immigrants. By 2060, the country’s population is expected

to plummet to 86.74 million from its current total of 126.26 million, according to a projection by the Japanese Health Ministry. With fewer workers paying taxes to support a growing aging population in need of pensions and healthcare services, Japan’s economy is facing an unprecedented challenge.

U.S. Warns China Over Laser Use

The United States has issued a formal complaint to China over several incidents in which U.S. pilots have been irritated by lasers that were reportedly sent from a Chinese base in Djibouti. The Pentagon has asked China to investigate what a spokeswoman called these “very serious incidents.” Washington went so far as to say that there would be consequences to “China’s militarization of the South China Sea.” Recent media reports have suggested that China has weapons systems stationed on disputed islands in that region. Djibouti is on the Horn of Africa. It is home to a United States military base which has been used for counterterrorism operations in Africa and the Middle East for many years. Recently, China opened its first military base overseas only a few miles from the U.S. facility. According to the Pentagon, people at the base have been using military-grade lasers to attempt to blind pilots landing at the U.S. base. In one instance, two officers piloting a cargo plane suffered minor eye injuries while landing. “They are very serious incidents. We have formally démarched the Chinese government and we’ve requested the Chinese investigate these incidents,” Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White told reporters. White said the Pentagon was confident that while the intent was unclear, the lasers had been pointed by Chinese nationals. She said that in the past few weeks around 10 laser incidents had occurred.

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Mozambique Rebel Leader Dies

Filipe Nyusi, president of Mozambique, is calling on his countrymen to keep their peace process going despite the death of rebel leader Afonso Dhlakama. The 65-year-old had opened talks with the government and was seen as playing a key role in advancing the country’s peace process. Nyusi hailed Dhlakama as “a citizen who has always worked for Mozambique.” “I hope that we as Mozambicans can continue to do everything so things do not go down,” President Nyusi said. “He did everything so that there would be peace. The last time he spoke to me, he said he was not going to miss out anything in peace negotiations.” Although the official cause of death is not yet known, several sources in

Dhlakama’s opposition Renamo party said the leader died of a heart attack. Dhlakama led Renamo for 39 years. The rebel group fought a 16-year civil war against the ruling Frelimo party until 1992 and then came out as an opposition party that was well-armed and well-manned. “His death and the unknown succession plan within Renamo will bring uncertainty,” noted Zenaida Machado, a Mozambique specialist at Human Rights Watch. “It raises critical questions about the next Renamo leader’s ability to control hundreds of armed men in the bush and negotiate a long-lasting peace deal with the government.”

Putin Employing Violent Cossacks According to recently released reports, pro-Kremlin Cossack fighters are to patrol the streets of Moscow during the World Cup. Similar fighters were recently seen using leather whips to attack opposition protesters during a rally last weekend. They had joined forces with the National Guard and city police to crack down on protests

ahead of Vladimir Putin’s inauguration for a fourth presidential term.

More than 700 people, including opposition leader Alexei Navalny, were detained for organizing an illegal rally. Although they were released, many received summonses to appear in court and face up to 30 days in prison for their “crime.” Protesters also gathered in dozens of cities across Russia. “We’ll do over anyone who makes trouble against Putin,” an unnamed Cossack told reporters on the scene. Cossacks also used sticks to lash out at protesters who had gathered at Moscow’s Pushkin Square. Documents published by the mayor’s office show that Moscow’s administration has paid the Central Cossack Troops (CCT), an organization that has close ties to Russia’s security forces, almost £190,000 to train Cossacks in how to

“ensure public safety” at events in the city. The World Cup is set to start on June 14. Over 300 Cossacks are lined up to work with police in Rostov-onDon, the southern Russian city that will host four World Cup group matches and a round-of-16 game. Cossacks have a long and violent history in Russia. The Kremlin’s human rights council has called for an emergency session to discuss the authorities’ use of “fascist” Cossack fighters to break up the protests in Moscow.

Ebola in the Congo

This week, Jean Jack Muyembe, head of the national institute for bi-

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A massive sinkhole opened up in a New Zealand farm last week. The sinkhole is the length of two football fields and the depth of a six-story building. A worker stumbled upon the chasm before dawn when he was rounding up cows for milking on the farm near the North Island town of Rotorua. Thankfully, no one fell in.

ological research in the Democratic Republic of Congo, confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola in the country. Two cases of the lethal infectious disease have been confirmed and 10 more are suspected, according to Congo’s health ministry. The new cases alarm health officials after an unprecedented outbreak of the disease between 2014 and 2016 killed more than 11,000 people across western Africa. Cases of the disease, a type of viral hemorrhagic fever, were confirmed in Britain, Italy, Spain and the United States, where one person died. The epidemic of 2014 to 2016 was the most widespread outbreak of Ebola in history, plaguing countries such as Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone with death and economic woe. In West Africa, the Ebola outbreak that ended in 2016 killed more than 11,300 people and infected some 28,600 as it rolled through Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia before finally being contained. In June 2016, the outbreak was officially declared over, but the virus is still present in several African countries. The most recent outbreak of Ebola in Congo was declared contained in July 2017, having killed four out of the eight it infected. People who remain most at risk are those who care for infected people or handle their blood or fluid, such as hospital workers, laboratory workers and family members, according to NHS guidance. Ebola is believed to be spread over long distances by bats, which can host the virus without dying, as it infects other animals it shares trees with such as monkeys. It often spreads to humans via infected bushmeat. Congo’s vast, remote geography gives it an advantage, as outbreaks

are often localized and relatively easy to isolate. Initial symptoms associated with Ebola include a fever, sore throat and muscular pain before more serious effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, a rash and stomach pain starts to develop. Many victims bleed internally and externally before death if the symptoms aren’t treated immediately. No licensed treatment or vaccine exists for Ebola.

“Shia Duo” Triumphs in Lebanon Elections

Lebanon held its first election in nine years on Sunday. The voting went smoothly, although turnout was low, as many thought that old party bosses would still dominate the sectarian quota system that underpins Lebanese politics. Christians, Sunnis, Shi’ites, Druze and members of other religions voted for reserved candidates, guaranteeing that much of the legislature remains the same and that patronage systems dominate. This year, though, Hezbollah, which currently has 11 seats in the


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

parliament, will gain one or two seats. Its Shi’ite allies in the Amal movement will maintain their level of representation, yielding 29 seats of representation for the “Shia duo.” Combined with Michel Aoun’s Free Patriotic Movement, this alliance may get more than 60 seats in the 128-member parliament. That would be a major victory. In typical legislative sessions, only a simple majority of 65 members is required to vote, something that Hezbollah, Amal and FPM with a few allies can easily obtain. Two-thirds quorum vote is required in crucial matters in the parliament, such as amending the constitution or electing a president. Because Hezbollah may be able to connect with its allies and convince more than a third of the parliament to vote with them, it’s possible they can block the quorum. Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, declared the outcome a “national achievement” in a televised speech on Monday. Saad Hariri’s Future Movement, which had 29 seats in the outgoing parliament, is heading for a disastrous defeat after the elections. Hariri was the center of controversy last year when he flew to Saudi Arabia and resigned as prime minister, only to return to Lebanon and remain in office. His party is estimated to receive only 21 seats. This is a major setback for Saudi Arabia, which is a key ally of Hariri. Hariri’s father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, was murdered in 2005, allegedly by Hezbollah. As the leader of many Lebanese Sunnis, Saad Hariri is seen as one of the only bulwarks against Hezbollah’s influence on the country. He is also seen as pro-Western. Now that his party has been weakened, it is unclear if the veneer of Lebanon being a “Western ally” will remain. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea’s party appears to have nearly doubled its representation in parliament, from nine to 16. Geagea, a former head of a powerful militia during the civil war, was arrested in 1994 and imprisoned for 11 years. He spent many years in solitary confinement but received an amnesty in 2005 following the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon. Since then he has been a main ally of the Hariri-led March 14 Alliance. As such he is a counterweight to President Michel Aoun and Hezbollah’s allies. However, the days when the Lebanese Forces were an armed

force like Hezbollah are over and they do not present any real counterweight to Hezbollah’s armed activity in Lebanon. The strengthening of Hezbollah’s allies shows that the Lebanese certainly have not embraced a new path forward. This is partly the fault of their sectarian system that locks Shi’ites into voting for Shi’ite candidates, Christians for Christian candidates, and so on. The weakening of Hariri and strengthening of Geagea appears to show that the country is more divided than before.

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Nikol Pashinyan’s appointment to the position of prime minister by the parliament in Armenia is more than just a vaunted post in the government. It is a symbol of Armenians’ desire for change – and the government’s attempts to produce that change. Pashinyan’s victory amounts to a peaceful revolution in the nation of around 3 million people squeezed between Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia. It marks a dramatic split from a corps of leaders who have run the country since the late 1990s, developing a reputation for corruption and cronyism. The tipping point came two weeks ago when veteran leader Serzh Sargsyan, who had served the maximum two terms as president, was appointed prime minister – complete with new powers conferred by a controversial referendum he had supported. Many Armenians regarded the job swap as a brazen attempt to maintain his grip on power. Protests erupted across the country, with Pashinyan at the forefront of the demonstrations. In response, Sargsyan stepped down. His Republican party, though, which holds a majority in parliament, thwarted Pashinyan’s first bid to replace him. In Tuesday’s vote, some Republicans switched sides, and Pashinyan won

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the backing of 59 lawmakers, with 42 voting against him. “This is a remarkable shift in Armenian politics,” said Laurence Broers, an associate fellow at the Chatham House think tank’s Russia and Eurasia program, adding, “The desire for change is coming from within. It is coming from the Armenian streets, from the ordinary citizens.” Under the constitutional reforms ushered in by the 2015 referendum, the position of president has become largely ceremonial. The prime minister is now the head of government and controls the army, police, National Security Service and the Security Council. The result of Tuesday’s vote will be watched keenly in Russia. Although the two countries do not share a border, Russia wields considerable regional influence and Moscow is an important provider of military hardware to Armenia. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Pashinyan on his victory. “I expect that your work as the head of government will contribute to further strengthening the friendly, allied relations between our countries,” he said.

Putin’s Fourth Term

As his first act after being sworn in as Russia’s president for the fourth time, Vladimir Putin nominated Dmitry Medvedev to be the country’s prime minister. Medvedev has held the position since 2012. The move signals that Putin plans to keep on the same trajectory which has brought Russia into conflict with the West in the past couple of years. Medvedev’s appointment needs to be confirmed by the lower house of parliament, but the chamber is dominated by Kremlin loyalists so that process is expected to go smoothly. Some thought that Putin may seek to bring in a fresh face to help kick

start the country’s slow economic and political status. However, keeping Medvedev in as prime minister shows that the powerful Russian leader is favoring continuity over reform. Many regard Medvedev’s main quality to be his loyalty to his boss. The 65-year-old Putin won his new six-year post after he was backed by more than 70 percent of voters in the March 18 election. His most serious challenger, Alexei Navalny, was not allowed to participate in the election. Navalny was detained this week during a protest that was given the title: “Putin is not our tsar.” Russian law prohibits Putin from seeking a third term in a row. Many are curious and watching for clues as to how the transfer of power will take place in 2024. In the past, Putin had Medvedev serve as president after Putin served the maximum two consecutive terms permitted. At that time, Putin held the prime minister position. Medvedev was an obvious puppet serving his master. In fact, during his term, he extended the term of the president from four years to six years. Putin has now been in power for the past eighteen years, serving as the second-longest leader of Russia, right behind Stalin.

Traffic Circle Named for U.S./ Trump

This week it was announced that a traffic circle adjacent to the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will be named “U.S. Square – in honor of President Donald Trump.” The municipality plans to formally unveil the square in the presence of U.S. officials after the opening on Monday of the embassy, which is currently a U.S. consular building.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

The square is located on David Flusser Street in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Arnona. “President Trump has decided to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish people, to stand on the side of the truth, and to do the right thing,” Mayor Nir Barkat said in a statement. “Naming this square in honor of the president is our way of showing our love and respect for the president and the American people, who always stand by the side of Israel.” On Monday, workers put up street signs pointing the way to the new embassy. Small in size, the embassy will initially occupy part of the consular work space pending planning and construction of a purpose-built embassy – ​​a long-term project, according to the U.S. State Department.

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Philanthropist Sells Iconic TV Program

Haim Saban, an Israeli-American media mogul, has sold the rights to the Power Rangers franchise to Hasbro Inc. for $522 million. The deal also includes the rights to many other brands including My Pet Monster, Popples, Julius Jr., Luna Petunia and Treehouse Detectives. “Twenty-five years after launching Power Rangers, I believe the future for this brand has never been greater,” said Saban, the founder of Saban Brands and creator of Power Rangers. Power Rangers has nearly 900 episodes to date, making it one of the longest running live-action children’s series ever. Currently in its 25th season, the series is seen in 150 markets around the world and has been translated into many languages. Saban was born in Egypt and raised in Tel Aviv. He moved to the United States in 1983. While in a hotel room, Saban discovered the Japanese version of Power Rangers on TV and bought the rights. He sold the show to Fox, and “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” has netted billions

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of dollars in TV profits and merchandise since its debut in 1993. Saban, 73, is a well-known philanthropist in Los Angeles. He has donated a research clinic at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and sponsors the annual Saban Forum on Israel, which brings political figures from the United States and Israel together to discuss topics related to the Jewish state and the Israeli-American Council.

Abbas Apologizes For Anti-Semitic Speech Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the Palestinian Authority, issued an apology last week to people who were offended by a speech he gave in which he blamed the Jews’ “social function” for the Holocaust. “If peo-

ple were offended by my statement in front of the [Palestinian National Council], especially people of the Jewish faith, I apologize to them,” Abbas said in a statement. “I would like to assure everyone that it was not my intention to do so and to reiterate my full respect for the Jewish faith, as well as other monotheistic faiths,” he said. Abbas has long been accused of being a Holocaust denier. He pub-


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lished a doctoral thesis claiming that there were secret ties between the Nazis and Zionists. The dissertation reportedly claimed that the six million figure of Holocaust victims was hugely exaggerated and that Zionist leaders cooperated with the Nazis.

remains a Holocaust-denier,” alluding to Abbas’s doctoral dissertation, and called on the international community to condemn the speech and its expression of an anti-Semitism “whose time has come to disappear off the face of the earth.” Truthfully, though, Abbas has never been known to be a lover of Jews, so why are people surprised?

Tree’s Copy of Decl. of Independence During a long speech last Monday during a session of the Palestinian National Council in Ramallah, the 82-year-old PA leader alleged that the Holocaust was not caused by anti-Semitism, but rather by Jews’ “social behavior, [charging] interest and financial matters.” Many have noted that Abbas’ comments were blatantly anti-Semitic. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the speech that “apparently a Holocaust-denier

been stuffed. The scroll was originally placed between the roots of a cypress tree on Kibbutz Degania Alef in the Jordan Valley, east of the Sea of Galilee. The tree fell two weeks ago during a storm. This week, two kibbutz members were removing clumps of dirt from its roots before removing the tree. They noticed something round, tall, and thin poking out. Turns out, it was a copy of the declaration. The kibbutz will keep the new find enclosed in its special jar, as it already has a copy of the declaration in its archives.

Judith Leiber Dies

It was seventy years ago when Israel was declared a state. This week, a copy of Israel’s Declaration of Independence was found in a tree sealed in a taxidermy jar, normally used for keeping creatures that have

Judith Leiber, a famous handbag designer, and her husband Gerson Leiber passed away last week hours apart from one another. Judith was 97 and Gerson was 96. They both had heart attacks. The couple’s spokesman, Jeffrey Sussman, who was also their biographer, told The New York Times that

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Shoe-Gate Last week, celebrity chef Segev Moshe served dessert for Prime Minister Netanyahu, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and their wives in a shoe. The Netanyahus hosted the Abes for dinner at their home. Chocolate pralines were nestled in men’s black brogue shoes (which were really metal sculptures). Although the Prime Minister’s office said the Abes enjoyed the meal, much controversy was made over serving dessert in a shoe to the leader of Japan, a country where people take off their shoes when they enter their homes.

it 30 years later for $16 million. Judith was known for designing small bags with crystals covering them called minaudieres. The bags often had other decorations such as small animals and flowers or were formed into whimsical shapes. They sold for thousands of dollars. Many of her bags were worn by first ladies of the United States and have landed in museums as historic pieces. Gerson Leiber, known as Gus, was an artist who created abstract landscapes, prints, and sculptures. His work has been featured in several prominent U.S. museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Whitney Museum of American Art. The couple did not have any children.

Why is Iran’s Top Nuclear Scientist Still Alive? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to the world last week in which he named Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a professor of physics and an officer in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, as the director of Iran’s nuclear project. Bibi showed a large archive of materials Israel had removed from a warehouse in Tehran which contained many details of Iran’s nuclear

weapons program. “Remember that name, Fakhrizadeh,” urged Netanyahu, while he went on to show how Iran lied leading up to the 2015 nuclear deal as they had been seeking to develop a nuclear weapon at the time. Fakhrizadeh was already well-known before Bibi called him out. “If Iran ever chose to weaponize (enrichment), Fakhrizadeh would be known as the father of the Iranian bomb,” a Western diplomat noted years ago.

The question many are asking is why is Fakhrizadeh still alive? Many of his colleagues have been assassinated in hits linked to the Mossad and it is “reasonable to assume” that Fakhrizadeh would also have been “picked out” for assassination by the Mossad over the years, according to intelligence expert Ronen Bergman. Bergman speculated in an Israeli radio interview that “one can say apparently there was an assassination plan,” which was rejected during the years when Ehud Olmert was prime minister. Bergman is a well-connected journalist on Israeli intelligence and security who recently published


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Be’eri. The flames consumed dozens of acres of grasslands and agricultural fields over the course of approximately six hours before firefighting teams were able to get it under control. The fear of more attacks is growing, especially as the weather gets hotter and drier.

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a landmark book, Rise and Kill First, on “the secret history of Israel’s targeted assassinations.” “Apparently, there were those who came to Olmert…and said, listen, there is a danger that the operation will fail; there is a danger that the forces on the ground will be discovered. At another time,” more recently, Israel’s military intelligence apparently “said maybe we’d be better off with Fakhrizadeh alive, so that we can keep track of him, rath-

er than Fakhrizadeh dead, because a dead man produces no intelligence chatter.” Aharon Ze’evy Farkash, a former head of Military Intelligence in the Israeli army, also said that Fakhrizadeh was probably closely watched over the years to see where he was going, who he was meeting with, and where he disappeared from view. Israel has never admitted to assassinating anyone involved in the Iranian nuclear program.

Palestinians’ Kite Fires Palestinians have a new tactic used to attack Israelis. During recent Gaza protests Palestinians launched kites laden with incendiary material into Israel, where they sparked fires into grasslands and agricultural fields causing a lot of damage. The worst fire occurred last Wednesday near Kibbutz

The IDF has not yet addressed this problem directly. An army official said on Friday that the response is “proportional” to the occurrences. There have been about 15 incidents per day in recent weeks, he said, implying that as of now the kite fires haven’t been deemed a significant, consistent issue and therefore there is no plan yet to counteract them. “We are taking this very seriously because it has the potential for damage, to property and – heaven forbid – to people,” the army official said. “The IDF finds solutions. There were rockets, so there’s an Iron Dome [missile defense system]. The kites are a new issue that the army is now figuring out how to deal with,” she said, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with standard IDF protocols. Currently the military is keeping a close eye on the skies in an attempt to spot the kites before they reach Israeli territory to extinguish fires immediately. Israeli residents have been warned not to touch any fallen kites even if they do not appear dangerous as they could be booby-trapped. The Israel Defense Forces released a statement in Arabic calling for Palestinians to abandon plans to launch these “attack kites” into Israel. “The arson phenomenon is not hidden from our eyes, and we are taking it very seriously,” the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson tweeted. “Attack kites are not a kids’ game and we don’t see it that way.” Israeli military aircraft struck a Hamas site in the northern Gaza Strip used as a launching pad for some of the kites. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties in Palestinian media. The attack was in response to “terrorists launching burning incendiaries in an attempt to a cause fire in Israeli territory,” an army spokesperson said. “The IDF


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

will continue to operate against terror activity above and below ground, and holds the Hamas terror organization responsible for all terror activities in the Gaza strip,” an army statement released on Sunday said. The kites are created by stretching plastic sheets or newspapers over a hexagonal frame made from a few pieces of scrap wood. Some are left plain, others are painted in the colors of the Palestinian flag – one kite released in April bore a large swastika. The containers of burning fuel are attached with a metal wire and often contain sugar or charcoal to ensure they burn slowly, maximizing the potential for fires to catch.

FDR Sought to Keep Jews out of U.S. There is new evidence to suggest that while Jews were being slaugh-

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The FDR library has made public the files found in Roosevelt’s safe, among which is a secret initiative dubbed the “M Project.” The M Project is a study that he commissioned to outline the options for post-war Jews that had been displaced by the Nazis. The project proposed a plan in which academics and geographers would survey “the vacant places of the earth suitable for post-war settlement,”

specifically in Africa and South America, and the “type of people who could live in those places.” The president wanted to develop a strategy for all refugees, not only Jews. He outlined a number of questions the study would attempt to answer, such as: “Is the South Italian stock – say, Sicilian – as good as the North Italian stock – say, Milanese – if given equal economic and social opportunity? Thus, in a given case, where 10,000 Italians were to be offer[ed] settlement facilities, what proportion of the 10,000 should be Northern Italians and what Southern Italian?” Roosevelt also noted that while “most South American countries would be glad to admit Jewish immigration, it was on the condition that the Jewish group was not localized in the cities, they want no ‘Jewish colonies,’ ‘Italian colonies,’ etc.” He also asked the committee to determine how to best “resettle the Jews on the land and keep them there.” Roosevelt sought to put Isaiah Bowman, a rabid anti-Semite, in charge of the study. Bowman was president of Johns Hopkins University and was known for saying things like “there are already too many Jews at Hopkins,” and “Jews don’t come to

Hopkins to make the world better or anything like that. They came for two things: to make money and to marry non-Jewish women.” The M Project was eventually scrapped by President Harry Truman, who took over as commander-in-chief after Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945. Truman saw the $10,000 a month study as a huge waste of money and ordered the State Department to pull the funding soon after becoming president.

Hawaii Volcano Erupts

Days after the Kilauea volcano erupted on Hawaii’s Big Island lava and noxious fumes were bursting through cracks in the ground of Leilani Estates.

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Thirty-five structures – including at least 26 homes – were destroyed by the smoldering lava and 12 fissures have formed. “It’s nothing that I’ve ever experienced on a personal level ever before,” said Jessica Ferracane, a spokesperson for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kilauea volcano erupted on Thursday, spewing molten rock nearly 100 feet in the air and releasing high levels of sulfur dioxide. Even worse, cracks emerged in the volcano’s East Rift Zone – an area of fissures miles away from the volcano’s summit. All 1,700 residents of Leilani Estates, as well as nearby Lanipuna Gardens, were ordered to evacuate. But the disaster is far from over. A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the area on Friday and subsequent quakes have shaken the Big Island on average of one an hour. Residents were able to go home to retrieve pets, medications, and vital documents. They were cautioned to be careful due to the toxic gas, earthquakes and smoldering lava. The eruptions have released high levels of sulfur dioxide into the air, and the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry says the gas can be life-threatening. Breathing large amounts of sulfur dioxide can result in burning of the nose and throat, and breathing difficulties. Senior citizens, the young and people with respiratory issues are especially vulnerable to the gas.

NY Attorney General Resigns Amid Assault Charges

This week New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman resigned abruptly after reports came out that he physically abused women. The charges are horrifying and unsettling, especially since Schneiderman fashioned himself to be a champion of women and their rights.

“It’s been my great honor and privilege to serve as Attorney General for the people of the State of New York. In the last several hours, serious allegations, which I strongly contest, have been made against me,” Schneiderman said in a statement. “While these allegations are unrelated to my professional conduct or the operations of the office, they will effectively prevent me from leading the office’s work at this critical time. I therefore resign my office, effective at the close of business on May 8, 2018.” He did not show up to the office on his last day of work. Shortly after he announced his resignation, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office said they had opened an investigation into the allegations against Schneiderman. Schneiderman’s swift resignation, which came just hours after The New Yorker published its report against him, is a shocking fall from grace for a once rising star in Democratic politics. Schneiderman had cast himself as a fierce opponent and critic of President Donald Trump. Schneiderman had also been a vocal proponent of movement against abuse against women. The article also went into detail how Schneiderman would drink himself into oblivion on many nights during the week, forcing others to drink with him. It goes so far as to document that one night around the presidential election – which devastated Schneiderman – he drank so much, he passed out and cut himself. He woke up the next morning in a pool of blood and concocted a story about falling down to cover up for his drunken wound. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo had called for Schneiderman’s resignation on Monday. “No one is above the law, including New York’s top legal officer,” Cuomo said in a statement. “I will be asking an appropriate New York District Attorney to commence an immediate investigation, and proceed as the facts merit. “My personal opinion is that, given the damning pattern of facts and corroboration laid out in the article, I do not believe it is possible for Eric Schneiderman to continue to serve as Attorney General, and for the good of the office, he should resign,” he added. The women who came forward to detail Schneiderman’s abuse also recounted – separately – that he would threaten to have them tailed or have

their phones tapped if they reported him. He told one of them that he “was the law” and called another his “brown slave.” Following the report outlining allegations against Schneiderman, Trump counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway shared a tweet of Schneiderman’s from October 2017 where he called out the Trump administration, saying: “No one is above the law, and I’ll continue to remind President Trump and his administration of that fact every day.” To this, Conway replied in her own tweet: “Gotcha.”

3 U.S. Prisoners Released from N Korea

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump triumphantly declared that three Americans held in North Korea have been released and are on their way back home. “I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health,” Trump tweeted. He added that Pompeo had a “good meeting” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and said a “date & place set” for a meeting between the two leaders. Pompeo and three freed men arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland early on Thursday, when President Trump was there to greet them. Pompeo also tweeted about the meeting with Kim and said he is “delighted” to bring home the three Americans. “I had productive meetings in Pyongyang with Chairman Kim Jong-un and made progress. I’m delighted to bring home three Americans,” the tweet said. A statement released by the White House on Wednesday said Trump “appreciates Kim Jong Un’s action to release these American citizens and views this as a gesture of goodwill.” “The three Americans appear to be in good condition and were all able

to walk on the plane without assistance. All Americans look forward to welcoming them home and to seeing them reunited with their loved ones,” the statement said. The Americans, Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak-song and Kim Sang Duk, also known as Tony Kim, have been held in North Korea for months. While Kim Dong Chul has been in North Korean custody since before Trump was elected, the other two detainees were arrested last spring, after Trump’s inauguration and as tensions between Washington and Pyongyang were beginning to ramp up. The family of Tony Kim specifically thanked Trump for working to secure the Americans’ release. “We are very grateful for the release of our husband and father, Tony Kim, and the other two American detainees. We want to thank all of those who have worked toward and contributed to his return home. We also want to thank the President for engaging directly with North Korea. Mostly, we thank G-d for Tony’s safe return,” the family wrote in a statement Wednesday. Tony Kim and Kim Hak-song, who were arrested in April and May of 2017, respectively, were both accused of carrying out “hostile acts” against the Kim Jong Un regime. Both worked at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, which bills itself as the only privately run university in the North Korean capital. Kim Dong Chul was arrested in 2015 for spying on behalf of South Korea. Joseph Yun, who until March was the administration’s top diplomat working on North Korea issues, told CNN the release of the three Americans is “terrific news” and he hopes they “are in good health.” U.S. officials had insisted that the three men’s freedom “must not be related or used to loosen the main issue of denuclearization.” Many see their release as a goodwill gesture ahead of a planned summit between Trump and North Korea.

Melania: Be Best After 16 months of being first lady Melania Trump has unveiled her formal platform: “Be Best.” The comprehensive program will focus on three main points – well-being, fighting


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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opioid abuse and positivity on social media – and is the culmination of the past several months of Melania’s various public events, all of which focused on helping children. “As a mother and as first lady, it concerns me that in today’s fastpaced and ever-connected world, children can be less prepared to express or manage their emotions and oftentimes turn to forms of destructive or addictive behavior such as bullying, drug addiction or even suicide,” she said during a Rose Garden event on Monday.

“I feel strongly that as adults we can and should be best at educating our children about the importance of a healthy and balanced life,” she added.

The nation’s ardor for the first lady has strengthened in the recent weeks. In a poll conducted by SSRS last week, 57% of Americans say they have a favorable impression of Melania, up from 47% in January. This is the biggest number Melania Trump has experienced in any CNN polling, and higher than any favorability rating earned by President Donald Trump in CNN polling history going back to 1999. The platform pillars she revealed during her 10-minute speech in the White House Rose Garden include well-being, encompassing healthy living as well as emotional health; opioid abuse, including bringing awareness to neonatal abstinence syndrome and emphasizing the importance of healthy pregnancy; and social media, where Trump plans to encourage kids to use the internet in positive ways, tamping down cyberbullying and negativity. “As we all know, social media can both positively and negatively affect our children. But too often, it is used in negative ways,” she said. “When children learn positive online behaviors early on, social media can be used in productive ways and can affect positive change.”

President Trump along with executives from Google, Twitter, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft and Snap listened to the speech alongside representatives from the Families for Online Safety Institute. Past first ladies have instituted different campaigns throughout the years. Michelle Obama announced her “Let’s Move” program in February of 2010. Former librarian Laura Bush unveiled literacy programs during her first year as first lady. Hillary Clinton championed health care, failing to overhaul the system during her husband’s tenure.

CT Joins Popular Vote Interstate Compact Perhaps preparing for the 2020 election, Connecticut’s legislature has passed a bill that proposes automatically giving the state’s Electoral College votes to the presidential candidate who wins the popular vote nationally. Ten other states and District of Columbia have joined the National

Popular Vote Interstate Compact. The Connecticut state Senate voted 21-14 for the bill and the state House passed the bill, 77 to 73.

The compact requires its members to cast their Electoral College ballots for the presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote. The agreement goes into effect once states representing at least 270 electoral votes – the number needed for a candidate to win the presidency – signs the compact. Once Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, who is a Democrat, signs the legislation, the compact will have 172 electoral votes. California, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia have already signed the accord.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Malloy has described the current Electoral College voting system as “fundamentally unfair.” “With the exception of the presidency, every elected office in the country, from city council, to United States senator, to governor, is awarded the candidate who receives the most votes,” the governor said. “The vote of every American citizen should count equally, yet under the current system, voters from sparsely

populated states are awarded significantly more power than those from states like Connecticut.” Last presidential election candidate Donald Trump lost the popular vote by almost 3 million ballots but won the electoral vote 304 to 227, upsetting many Democrats. Connecticut cast its seven electoral votes for Hillary Clinton.

Who’s Got Your Wallet? If you’re one of the many that waited till last minute to file taxes, you may have put yourself at an increased risk of identity theft. In 2017, there were nearly 63,000 reported cases of tax-related identity theft alone. Experts are saying that a good way to

The IRS and other financial institutions have ramped up efforts to combat identity theft, causing the number of reported cases in the United States to decrease over the last two years. However, it is still an epidemic, as there were 371,061 cases of all forms of identity theft in 2017, down from 399,222 in 2016 and from the 490,226 known incidents in 2015. Another trend seen in identity theft is location. It seems that certain states have a higher rate of identity theft than others. While South Dakota has the lowest incidence of identity theft, with just 46 reported cases for every 100,000 residents, other states reported more than three times as many as in South Dakota. Using data from the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states with the least and most cases of identity theft. If you’re living in these ten states, you can breathe a little easier, as these are ten states with the lowest rates of identity theft: 1. South Dakota 2. West Virginia 3. Vermont 4. Iowa 5. Maine 6. Montana 7. Nebraska 8. North Dakota 9. Hawaii 10. Wisconsin Other the hand, people in these states should hold onto their wallets – tightly. Here are the ten states with the highest rates of identity theft: 1. Michigan 2. Florida 3. California 4. Maryland


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Counties in IL Fight for their Rights

Sanctuary cities are not just for illegal immigrants. At least five counties in rural Illinois are taking a stand in support of gun rights by declaring themselves a sanctuary for gun owners. The counties passed resolutions declaring themselves a safe haven, perhaps a conservative statement counteracting Chicago’s stance against federal immigration laws. The

resolutions are intended to fluster the Democratic-controlled Legislature. The message is that if it passes new gun bills, including new age restrictions for certain weapons, a bump stock ban and size limit for gun magazines, the counties might bar their employees from enforcing the new laws. “It’s a buzzword, a word that really gets attention. With all these sanctuary cities, we just decided to turn it around to protect our Second Amendment rights,” said David Campbell, vice chairman of the Effingham County Board. He said at least 20 Illinois counties, and local officials in Oregon and Washington, have asked for copies of the resolution. County officials are up against tough Chicago lawmakers who are dealing with an extremely high homicide rate in their city. Last year 650 homicides involved guns. Many people in communities in Illinois hunt as a sport. Guns are a way of life for them and they view gun restrictions as unconstitutional. “We wanted to ... get across that our Second Amendment rights are slowly being stripped away,” Effingham County’s top prosecutor, Bryan Kibler, said. He is the brainchild behind the concept.

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U.S. Returns Smuggled Items to Iraq

The United States has returned thousands of artifacts to Iraq that had been smuggled to U.S. retailer Hobby Lobby through the United Arab Emirates and Israel. The 3,800 ancient objects included packages containing cuneiform tablets, cylinder seals and clay bullae. Most of the artifacts originated in the ancient city of Irisagrig and date back to 2100-1600 BCE. They were intercepted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on their way to three addresses in Oklahoma City, where Hobby Lobby is headquartered. As part of the civil suit settlement, the company agreed to forfeit the artifacts and pay a $3 million fine. During the repatriation ceremony last Wednesday in Washington, D.C., the objects were turned over to Iraq’s Ministry of Culture. According to Iraq’s ambassador to the United States, Fareed Yasseen, the items will be sent to museums and universities in Iraq for study and exhibition. Several months ago, Hobby Lobby said in a statement that it had been acquiring artifacts “consistent with the company’s mission and passion for the Bible,” with the goal of preserving them for future generations and sharing them with public institutions and museums. Hobby Lobby’s president, Steve Green, last year opened a Bible museum in Washington with 40,000 biblical artifacts.

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reported a rare net loss of $1.1 billion in the first quarter of this year. The new rule requires the company to report unrealized gains or losses in stock investments as net income. Berkshire reported a $6.3 billion loss in investment income in the first three months of the year. This is Berkshire’s first quarterly loss since 2009, according to Bloomberg. Although this is surely a blow, the well is far from dried up and it seems that Buffett was prepared for this. Several months ago, in his annual letter to shareholders, Buffett warned that the new reporting rule would produce some “truly wild and capricious swings.” He also noted that “gyrations of that magnitude will swamp the truly important numbers that describe our performance.”

On Sunday (yes, even billionaires work on the weekends) Buffett released a statement urging investors to focus on Berkshire’s operating businesses and not earnings results based on fluctuations in its nearly $173 billion stock portfolio. He said the stock portfolio can see fluctuations of up to $10 billion in any given quarter. “The amount of investment gains or losses in any given quarter is usually meaningless,” he wrote. Aside from its huge stock holdings, Berkshire owns about five dozen businesses in industries ranging from railroads and retail to auto insurance and industrial manufacturers. Some of the more well-known brands include ice cream retailer Dairy Queen, battery-maker Duracell and auto insurer GEICO. On Sunday, Berkshire and Buffett hosted the company’s coveted annual shareholder meeting, dubbed the “Woodstock of Capitalism,” in Buffett’s hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. The main event was a question-and-answer session where Buffett, 87, and vice chairman Charlie Munger, 94, fielded questions from an estimated crowd of 40,000 on topics ranging from who will run the conglomerate when Buffett leaves the stage to how they plan to deploy a cash hoard that hit a record $116 billion at the end of last year.


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The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

Of course Buffett strategically made sure to lead the meeting with good news rather than the recent loss. Just before the event Buffett said that Berkshire had bought 75 million more shares of Apple in the first quarter, raising its total stake in the iPhone maker to nearly 242 million shares. The Apple stake is valued at roughly $44 billion. Apple is now Berkshire’s No.1 stock holding.

City of L.A. Sues Drug Companies

Lawmakers are attempting to address the growing opioid epidemic that is sweeping the nation. The Los Angeles city attorney filed a lawsuit on Thursday against nine makers and distributors of prescription painkillers. The suit alleges that they failed to halt suspicious drug sales and engaged in deceptive business practices that contributed to the opioid addiction crisis. “The scourge of prescription drug addiction has made a significant impact on Los Angeles residents,” City Atty. Mike Feuer said in a statement, “and created a continued public nuisance in our city.” Feuer believes that the drug makers are partially to blame due to their “significant impacts of their reckless and irresponsible business practices.” Every single day an estimated 180 Americans die as a result of an opioid addiction. L.A.’s civil lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court names Purdue Pharma, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Cephalon, Insys Therapeutics, and Mallinckrodt in the 165-page complaint. The city alleges that the companies borrowed from the “tobacco industry’s playbook” by using false and deceptive marketing and business practices to normalize the use of opioids for various kinds of pain. Additionally, lawmakers accuse the companies of deliberately misleading doctors and patients about the proper uses, risks, safety and effectiveness of their products, including downplaying the

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dlemen, wholesale distributors including McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource, claiming that they failed to report suspicious orders and sales of large and frequent orders of prescription pain pills, although required to by state and federal law. The city alleges that such “willful ignorance” has caused addiction and overdose rates in Los Angeles to rise. The lawsuit cites a 2016 Los An-

geles Times investigation accusing Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, of knowing a MacArthur Park clinic was a corrupt pharmacy peddling prescription painkillers but chose not to cut off its supply. As a result, “1.1 million pills had spilled into the hands of Armenian mobsters, the Crips gang and other criminals,” the investigation charges.


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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

year scientists with the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) used “advanced investigative techniques” to discover areas on Tarawa believed to be burial sites for the battle’s fallen troops. The government agency works to provide the fullest possible accounting of missing personnel to their families and the country. “They discovered some bones and matched them up with dental records and with DNA samples provided by family members,” Gibbus said. “That allowed them to identify the body.” A second Marine from Tarawa was also identified and buried on Saturday. Marine Corps Sgt. David Quinn, 24, was returned to his hometown of Temple, N.H., and also received full military honors.

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Marines Buried 70 Years Later

It’s been about 70 years since World War II, but a slain Marine’s body has just been brought home. The body of U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Raymond A. Barker, killed during World War II, was recently identified and brought back to his hometown in Wisconsin. Barker was buried with full military honors on Saturday at Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan. “Seventy-five years later after he was gone, here we are celebrating this event,” Barker’s nephew, John Gibbus, said. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker or-

dered flags at half-staff on Saturday in honor of Barker’s service. It is believed that Barker was killed on the first day of the Battle of Tarawa on November 20, 1943, at age 22. Approximately 1,000 Marines and sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded during the three-day fight against the Japanese resistance on the island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea. Until recently Barker’s body was deemed non-recoverable, but last

The Troy Police Department in Michigan has its newest me-owmber: Pawfficer Badges. The female cat officially joined the police department back in April but she did not get a name until last week, when officers put out a vote on her new moniker. She went through a vigorous process to get the job and beat out five other felines for the position. The other name possibilities for P.B. were: Pawfficer Katrina, Pawfficer Pawla, and Pawfficer Donut. Pawfficer Badges won paws down with forty percent of the vote that the department put out online. She will be working with an officer who has two cats at home. The kitty will be used for therapeutic purposes and to make public appearances. Another job, according to cops? Keeping an eye on the K9 unit.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

A College Degree at 96

Bob Barger is an American hero. The 96-year-old was a pilot in the Navy during World War II. He signed up after he saw an ad that said, “Join the Navy and get an education.” Now, decades later, Barger is officially getting a certificate of education. Barger flew seaplanes for scout observation over the Gulf of Mexico and was a flight instructor at a base in Corpus Christi, Texas. He later was stationed in Norman, Oklahoma, after the war and planned on a career in the Navy until an explosion in a bunk house. He wasn’t hurt, but carrying out the bloodied men changed his mind about staying in the military. After leaving the military, Barger went to University of Toledo but never graduated. He worked in a paper company after he married and had kids. Now, 68 years later, Barger will be graduating from the university after his transcripts from the 1940s showed that he completed enough credits to qualify for an associate’s degree – a diploma that was not offered at the time that Barger attended the school “It was something I never dreamed of,” Barger said. “I knew I couldn’t go back to school now. I’m going to be proud to hang that diploma on the wall and think about the friends behind it,” he said. “I found out without friends, this old world wouldn’t be worth living in.” The university took a look at Barger’s old school records because of a friendship he struck up with Haraz Ghanbari, the school’s director of military and veteran affairs. They met five years ago when Ghanbari, a Navy Reserve officer, asked Barger to officiate his promotion to lieutenant. Ghanbari later found out that Barger never graduated from the university, even though he took a full load of classes from 1947 to 1950. The records showed Barger completed 83 credit hours — about 20 more

than what’s required for the associate’s degree. University officials say they don’t know of anyone older ever graduating from the school. “It’s the right thing to do. He deserved. He earned it,” Barbara Kopp Miller, dean, said. “It’s so cool to honor a member of our greatest generation.” Barger never gave much thought about not graduating until just recently. When he was told in January that he would finally get a degree, he let out a hearty laugh. “I can’t believe this. I’m 96 years old,” said Barger, whose wife died in 2011. Members of the university’s Student Veterans of America chapter bought him a cap and gown that he tried on last week. “I fit. I guess I look pretty good in it,” he said. The assisted living center where he lives is planning a big graduation party for over 100 people. Barger stocked up on a dozen bottles of vodka, whiskey and scotch. He jokes that he now wants to find “a cushy job where I can play golf.”

30,000 Big Macs

Don Gorske is a Guinness World Record holder. He won the record for most McDonald’s Big Macs consumed in 2016. Last Friday he reached another milestone when he downed his 30,000th Big Mac. The 64-year-old prison guard from Wisconsin ate the record-extending double-patty sandwich at a local McDonald’s restaurant and says he’s eaten so many simply because he loves hamburgers. He likes other foods as well. Lobster, he says, is his second-favorite food. According to Gorske, he’s eaten at least one Big Mac – usually two – a day since May 17, 1972. His achievement was recognized by Guinness World Records in 2016 when he was tallied in at 28,788 Big Macs. His wife makes him eat parfaits as well, in addition to his Big Mac habit, so he will have some fruit in

his diet. According to Gorske, his cholesterol and blood pressure are normal despite his horrific fast food habit. To us, it sounds like a heart a-mac waiting to happen.

Hair Spy-le

Officials at Fort Ticonderoga have announced that a lock of American traitor Benedict Arnold’s hair will be displayed at the fort he helped capture with the help of Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys in the Revolutionary War’s opening weeks. A piece of his wife Margaret’s hair will also be on display. Curator Matthew Keagle said the hair was recently rediscovered among the museum’s vast collection of 18th century military artifacts, ranging from muskets and artillery to uniforms and documents. “There so much in the museum collection that’s not on display. It’s still an ongoing cataloguing process,” Keagle said. “Sometimes we rediscover things, and this was one of them.” Keagle said the hair was preserved by the couple’s youngest son Henry, who was living in Canada when someone sent him the keepsake after his father died destitute and forgotten in London in 1801. Margaret Arnold died in 1775 in Connecticut, Benedict Arnold’s home state. Benedict’s lock of hair was wrapped in paper inscribed: “Two locks of my Father’s Hair sent from London, 1801. Henry Arnold.” Saving a lock of a deceased lovedone’s hair was a common practice during the era, a method of preserving “a physical reminder of the presence of that person,” Keagle noted. The locks of hair were acquired by Fort Ticonderoga from one of Arnold’s direct descendants in 1952, the curator said. Arnold was an officer in the Connecticut militia when he and a small force of frontiersmen led by Ethan Allen rowed across the southern end

of Lake Champlain on the night of May 10, 1775, and captured the British-held fort, located 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Albany. The war had begun three weeks earlier in Massachusetts at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Arnold went on to become one of the Continental Army’s best battlefield leaders. Denied promotions and deep in debt, he turned traitor and attempted to hand over the American fortifications at West Point, New York, to the British before being discovered and fleeing to the redcoats’ side. Arnold fought for the British and moved to England after the war. He died at 60 on June 14, 1801, and was buried at a London church. His name has become synonymous with traitor in American lingo.

Three Times a Charm

They say that lightning doesn’t strike twice in one place, but for Ping Kuen Shum from Vancouver luck struck three times on April 28. April 28 was always a lucky day for him, as it’s Shum’s birthday. This year, though, he also decided to retire on that day. And then, sitting on his couch enjoying his first night off, Shum realized that he just won the lottery, matching all six numbers on that evening’s BC/49 drawing. Shum’s ticket earned him a $1.55 million jackpot. “It’s unbelievable that all three events happened on the same day,” Shum enthused. “I have worked hard for so many years and I’m looking forward to sharing this fortune with my family.” It’s certainly unbelievable. The odds of all six numbers matching up is just one in 13,983,816. Shum said he treated his family and friends to a dim sum meal to announce his newfound fortune. He said he plans to use some of his winnings for a trip to China.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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Around the

Community

HAFTR’s Pre-K children enjoyed a special day in Cedarhurst Park in celebration of Lag B’Omer last week

YCQ Enjoys Spring

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o kick off the spring weather, the Yeshiva of Central Queens grade 3 students visited the Queens Botanical Gardens. Students learned about different plants and explored the expanse of gardens while learning about the environment and the role plant life takes in keeping our Earth safe and healthy. On Lag B’Omer, the students and

staff celebrated by participating in a day of fun activities. Thanks to the beautiful weather, the nursery had relay races followed by a pizza picnic; the kindergarten headed to Fort Totten Park in Willets Point for a day of bug hunting and exploring; and the elementary school spent the morning in the yard competing in relay races blue versus white followed

by an excursion to Flushing Meadows Park. At the park, each grade participated in various activities including soccer, kick ball, relay races, Steal the Salami, and jump roping and hula hooping competitions. Before returning to school they enjoyed a treat of ices, which were welcomed on this hot and sunny afternoon. The JHS boys enjoyed a field day

at the park as well, while the JHS girls went on a trip to BOUNCE! Syosset, an indoor trampoline center. After the morning activities, the students headed back to yeshiva for an outdoor barbeque, a great way to welcome the long awaited warmer weather.


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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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YOSS Celebrates Lag B’Omer

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he spirit of Lag B’Omer resonated throughout all divisions of Yeshiva of South Shore last

week. The preschool children had their annual Lag B’Omer parade and marched proudly with signs about the mitzvah of v’ahavta l’reacha kamocha and the values that Rabbi Akiva spread during his life. The elementary students held a beautiful kumzitz around a bonfire and heard stories and divrei Torah from their rabbeim and the Rosh Yeshiva. The mechina boys were treated to a Lag B’Omer hilula led by Rabbi Yosef Newcomb and his band. Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky told the boys about Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and the power he received to “see way beyond the surface to the depth of the Torah.” A special yasher koach goes to Rabbi Zev Davidowitz, Rabbi Avraham Robinson, Rabbi Shlomo Drebin, Mrs. Elana Fertig and Mr. Stuie Vaiselberg for organizing this wonderful day. The Yeshiva also thanks the PTA for sponsoring!


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

HAFTR High School students and faculty celebrated Lag B’Omer last Thursday with a festive BBQ lunch and music on the yeshiva’s front lawn. The boys enjoyed playing football with their rebbeim. The great weather made the day even more enjoyable. Thank you to the HAFTR PTA for their generous sponsorship of this beautiful event.

Color Me Happy at Shulamith MD

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ag B’Omer was a fun-filled, festive, fantastic day in the Middle Division. We began with a Color War Breakout that featured a balloon drop planned and executed by G.O. 2018. Students welcomed the news with great excitement but wondered if the scheduled Color Run was still going to happen. The answer, of course, was YES! The Color Run, which was organized and held on behalf of The Camp Scholarship Fund, took place in Baldwin Park. Upon arrival, the girls were jumping with joy to see a stage set up and hear the blasting music of the live DJ! They also exclaimed in delight over the colorful arch of balloons at the starting line. Students enjoyed the glorious weather, danced to the music, and played on the playground, and then… it was time to RUN! If you’ve never heard of a Color Run, the photos here speak for themselves. Clearly, this activity was a hit,

and the pot of gold at the end of the proverbial rainbow was that by participating in the Run we raised funds to help children in our community attend camp! When we returned from the park,

the fun was not over! On Thursday afternoon and Friday, students banded together on teams Yitziyat Mitzrayim, Matan Torah, and Eretz Yisroel. The achdut was wonderful as each team created banners, songs, cheers,

divrei Torah, and more. This year’s color war featured a separate component for fifth and sixth graders so that every single girl in the MD could find her place to shine!


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

Around the Community

The Gesher Lag B’Omer carnival included a bounce house, cotton candy, and fruity ices. The event was sponsored by the Bolinsky and Mandel families

Friendship and Fun for Shulamith

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ag B’Omer was packed with fun activities and life-long lessons about friendship at Shulamith Lower Division. Our 1st and 2nd grades went to Cedarhurst Park in the morning for relay races and playground fun! Lunch was served picnic-style with classic checkered tablecloths spread out on the ground. Israeli pickles and apple juice were served to give a taste of Israel and to refresh from the heat. The 3rd and 4th grades held “Maccabea” Olympic Gymnastic competitions. The girls did an Olympics march led by Sivan Tsur and Deenie Bokow and the competition began! The audience was superb as they clapped and cheered for their friends

during the performance. Thank you Morah Deutsch for orchestrating and encouraging the girls! The 3rd and 4th grades made friendship bracelets and freshly squeezed orange juice, while the 1st and 2nd grades made “super-friend” capes. All girls were treated to ice cream from the Sprinkles Ice Cream truck sponsored by the SWO. The day ended with a kumzitz, singing Lag B’Omer songs, Israel songs, and our school song. Thank you Morah Futersak, as always, for producing a fantastic and memorable Lag B’Omer program. Thank you to Morot Esty Berkowitz and Malki Agular for facilitating all the day’s activities.

Lag B’Omer at Yeshiva Har Torah

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

Lag B’Omer with the Nikelsburg Rebbe


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Lag B’Omer at Siach Yitzchok

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fter all the boys were taught about Lag B’Omer and many zemiros were sung, the kindergarten talmidim put on their drums or prepared their “microphones” for the Lag B’Omer event at Siach Yitzchok. Grades K-8 then headed over to the Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv Dining Room for a delicious uplifting seuda. Rabbi Justman, one of the fourth grade Rebbes, shared a story with everyone regarding the power of tefillah on Lag B’Omer and how it can break even certain very harsh gezairos. After benching everyone headed outside for the long-awaited highlight of the day – the Hadlakah. Reb Dovid sang the classic Bar Yochai, and Rabbi Steinwurzel, shlita, a former Rebbe at Siach Yitzchok, joined us once again and led the singing of the Karliner song. Reishes Chochma came too,

and had a fine time in their own dance with Rabbi Stone. Many Siach Yitzchok alumni

from Yeshiva Shaarei Chaim came during their lunch break and joined in the festivities. Quite a number of

Lag B’Omer at HAFTR Lower School

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AFTR Lower School students celebrated Lag B’Omer in style. Each grade enjoyed the day in a meaningful way that was both fun and educational. Kindergarten classes participated in a mini field day followed by a kumzitz around a mock bonfire. The first grade took advantage of the beautiful weather and took part in a grade-wide barbecue and assortment of relay races. The festivities continued as they visited the MET and saw how artists, including Seurat, Mondrian, Cezanne, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh, captured our world on canvas. The students were so excited to see famous pieces created by the artists they studied in art class. Second

grade celebrated science and nature at the New York Hall of Science. After exploring the various exhibits in the museum, the students enjoyed a picnic lunch followed by an amazing time at the Science playground where they learned about science through personal discovery and participation. Third grade students enjoyed some healthy competition outside as they enjoyed grade-wide races. Their enjoyment of the great outdoors continued at the New York Botanical Gardens. After a guided tour, they savored their time in the sun surrounded by beautiful gardens. Fourth grade students spent time on our school field testing their strength and endurance and

having a blast at the same time. The Brooklyn Bridge was the fifth grade’s destination. They toured both downtown Manhattan and DUMBO as they crossed the Brooklyn Bridge. While walking the city streets, they were acquainted with important landmarks and sights that are an integral part of our New York City culture and history. Our HAFTR Lag B’Omer celebration culminated in a special treat sponsored by the PTA. Students devoured marshmallows covered in delicious chocolate and sprinkles. Each experience reinforced our belief in Rabbi Akiva’s mantra: V’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha!

fathers, too, took part. It was truly a day of achdus and warmth – as Lag B’Omer is meant to be.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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“Achdus” Sefer Torah Dedicated in Memory of the Azan Family PHOTO CREDIT: AK STUDIOS

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he horrific house fire in Brooklyn that claimed the lives of a mother and three children on Chanukah was a tragic and painful loss for the Azan family that also brought all of Kal Yisrael into a state of mourning. The tragedy broke the hearts of Yidden worldwide but Rav Aharon Walkin, the Rosh Yeshiva of Chazaq’s Bais Medrash Nosson Meir in Queens, was pained to the point he had difficulty delivering his shiurim. He approached baalei batim who are part of his morning shiurim and expressed a desire to dedicate a Sefer Torah in

memory of the kedoshim. Indeed, Reb Moshe Sdaeb, a dedicated talmid, got over 50 community members to make contributions and in a joint effort purchased a Sefer Torah with a beautiful silver crown. The Sefer Torah was mostly sponsored by members of the Bukharian-Sefardic community in Queens but they agreed to dedicate it to the Ashkenazi community in Lakewood, New Jersey, as a special show of achdus amongst all segments of Klal Yisroel. Chazaq organized ksivas osiyos in Queens on the day before Lag B’Omer which was attended by numerous

prominent community rabbonim and community members. Reb Yosef Azan, the father and husband of the victims, attended the event and wrote a letter in the Sefer Torah as well. At the end of the event he expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the Sefer Torah and encouraged members of Chazaq to work even harder in inspiring Jewish public school students so that the Ribbono shel Olam will send us the ultimate Geula and we can be zocheh to techiyas hameisim. Then, on Lag B’Omer, the Sefer Torah was brought to the home of Rav Ahron Walkin in Lakewood for the

conclusion of the osiyos which was graced by the presence of Rav Malkiel Kotler and Rav Yeruchim Olshin, Roshei Yeshiva Beis Medrash Govoha. The Sefer Torah was then taken to the streets where hundreds of men and women danced throughout the night. A bonfire was subsequently lit with uplifting zmiros followed by a seudas mitzvah. Words can’t describe the kedusha and achdus that was felt by all who were zocheh to attend. May Hakadosh Baruch Hu grant us the geulah shleimah, bimhera beyameinu, Amein!


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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Around the Community

Lag B’Omer Trike-A-Thon at Gan Chamesh

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an Chamesh, Chabad’s Early Childhood Center, celebrated Lag B’Omer with an exciting Trike-a-Thon last week. The children came to school with bicycles, tricycles, scooters and helmets on Lag B’Omer. They were

thrilled to receive their own personalized licenses before the event. Wearing brightly colored Gan Chamesh shirts, they scooted and pedaled furiously around the delineated Gan Chamesh racetrack. The morahs posed as traffic officers, using

LAWRENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE SPRING 2018 SCHEDULE OF FREE REGENTS REVIEW CLASSES, OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS OF THE LAWRENCE SCHOOL DISTRICT COURSES WILL INCLUDE: Algebra 1 Geometry Earth Science Physics Global History II

Algebra II/Trig Chemistry Living Environment English U.S. History

CLASSES WILL BE OFFERED ON: Fridays - June 1 & 8 - 2:45 PM - 4:45 PM Saturdays - May 12, June 2 & 9 - 8 AM - 12:30 PM Sundays - May 13, June 3 & 10 - 8 AM - 12:30 PM For updated schedules & more information, please visit: http://lawrencehighschool.lawrence.org/ Classes will meet at Lawrence High School: 2 Reilly Rd, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 All District #15 students may attend. No reservations required. ID is required for admittance to Weekend Academy.

stop signs and other props to guide the children. They encouraged each child to make a stop at the car wash, which was a blast to drive through. Every child was a winner and received a gold medal and refreshing ices. Their bright smiles rivaled the

shining, bright sun and attested to the incredible success of the day. It was a special way to celebrate Lag B’Omer at Gan Chamesh. Thank you to all who sponsored the event.


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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Around the Community

The Hilula for Cong. Aish Kodesh took place on Lag B’Omer in Lawrence Middle School

Marion and Aaron Gural JCC Presents Post-Lag B’Omer Bonfire

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espite the predictions for ominous weather, the rain held off this past Sunday, just long enough for the newly formed Cub Scout Pack 1818 to enjoy their first outing! Amidst the crunch of sneakers and boots on the carpet of leaves that covered the campgrounds, laughter and excitement could be heard as well as the snapping and crackling of the post Lag B’Omer bonfire the boys and their families enjoyed at the Baldwin Boy Scouts Association Camp. In just three weeks since opening, over 50 local boys and their families registered with Pack 1818, the newest Shomer Shabbat and kosher chapter of Cub Scouts, chartered by The Marion and Aaron Gural JCC and initiated by local parent and attorney, Batsheva Altman. The year-round family-oriented program for boys and

their families encourages every child to “Do Your Best.” The pack, comprised of six dens based on grade level, meets twice a month. The program focuses on character and leadership development. Scouting embraces the outdoors through camping, hiking and water sports. They also focus on helping communities through service projects, STEM development and building confident kids through a wide range of activities. The Cub Scout program is designed to develop physical, mental and emotional fitness. The scouts have met twice at the JCC’s Harrison-Kerr Family Campus in Lawrence and this past Sunday took a trip to the outdoors campgrounds in Baldwin. At the outing, Sagamore Troop volunteers, Steven Alberts and Wayne Price, demonstrated how to

build a fire by forming a teepee of kindling and different size logs and then lit the fire with flint. The group was enveloped by the fire’s warmth as each child roasted their hot dog and marshmallows, graciously donated by Gourmet Glatt. The boys listened intently as they learned tips on fire safety such as keeping a proper distance, not to play near the fire, to keep their tzizit tucked in and to have a bucket of water handy to extinguish the fire. One of the parents spoke about Lag B’Omer and the importance of being kind to one another. The evening ended with the boys riveted by a colorful fire display as chemicals were added to the fire to turn it multicolored. Lion scout Porat Altman from Woodmere claimed the bonfire get together was “the best scout meeting so far!” As good scouts,

and in keeping with the Boy Scouts of America’s creed to Leave No Trace, everyone pitched in to clean up the campgrounds as they left. Cubmaster Bruce Wernick was delighted to see boys from a wide range of local schools join the pack. “We have kids signed up from public schools, HAFTR, HALB, HANC, South Shore, Darchei Torah and other local institutions, forming friendships and working together. This is one of the only local activities I know of that bridges the divide between so many different groups in our community,” he explained. For more information about Pack 1818 and how you can join, contact Rachayle at the Gural JCC (516)5696733 ext. 222 or email rachayle. deutsch@guraljcc.org.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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At the White Shul annual hilula on Lag B’Omer

L-R: Rav Yaakov Bender, Rosh HaYeshiva; Rav Muttel Katz, rav of Khal Beis Shmuel Abba; Rav Duvid Katz; and Rav Eliyahu Saldinger, a rebbi in the Yeshiva, at the Lag B’Omer Hilula at Yeshiva Darchei Torah

Rav Yaakov Bender dancing with Rav Moshe Mandel, a rebbi in the Yeshiva

Rav Eliyahu Saldinger, a rebbi in the Yeshiva, was honored with kindling the bonfire


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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Around the Community Rav Yaakov Feitman and other rabbonim with members of Kehillas Bais Yehudah Tzvi on Lag B’Omer

Early Intervention Services For children birth - 3 years with special needs

Rav Dov Silver lighting the Medurah with Rav Yaakov Feitman and Rav Yochanan Cohen

Rav Yaakov Feitman and Rav Yochanan Cohen singing Bar Yochai with the Kehilla

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For more information about CHALLENGE: T. 718.851.3300 W. challenge-ei.com


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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

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Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology Opens New Office in Ozone Park

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n May 3, Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, the largest private radiology practice on Long Island, opened its second facility in Queens. The office is located at 10234 Atlantic Avenue in Ozone Park, between Woodhaven Boulevard and the Van Wyck Expressway. It is conveniently located on the Q24 bus line at the Atlantic Avenue/102nd Street

stop. The Ozone Park office joins Zwanger-Pesiri’s other location in Laurelton to offer Queens residents the best radiological care available. In addition to these two Queens locations, Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology has one facility in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, and 23 offices on Long Island. The Ozone Park office provides Vida 3T MRI, PET/CT, Nuclear Medicine,

Low-Dose CT, Ultrasound, X-ray, 3D Mammography and Bone Density (DEXA) scans. The Vida 3T MRI unit was FDA approved in August 2017 and is the newest MRI machine on the market. Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology prides itself on being a patient-centric practice. Offices are open evenings and weekends to accommodate working patients. They employ over 65 subspecialty-trained radiologists who only read studies within their field of expertise. “This leads to more accurate results,” said Dr. Steven L. Mendelsohn, Chief Executive Officer. The reports and images from exams performed at any Zwanger-Pesiri facility are posted on the Patient Portal for the patient to access at his or her convenience. Patients can then securely fax or email their information to additional physicians with just a few clicks. “We are proud and excited to have opened another office in Queens. We are constantly striving to make the best imaging easily accessible and our Ozone Park office will enable us to serve another new community. Queens residents deserve high quality care and we are eager to provide that care,” said Dr. Mendelsohn.

About Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, the largest and most respected radiology practice on Long Island, has been serving the community for over 65 years. To date, there are 26 locations in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn providing a range of radiological specialties, including musculoskeletal imaging, neurologic imaging, oncologic imaging, vascular imaging, and more. Having over 65 board certified radiologists that have multiple subspecialties and offering twenty-seven 3T MRI units, ten 1.5T MRI units, three 1.2T Open-Sided MRI machines, thirty 3D Mammography units, seven PET/CT scanners, and the first clinical outpatient MRI/PET system in the country, Zwanger-Pesiri continues to provide the highest quality of care and excellence to all of its patients. Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology strives to provide the most advanced technology available today, with a strong focus on delivering a quality of care unmatched in the industry. Visit the Zwanger-Pesiri website for further information at www.zprad.com.

Senate Passes New York State Iran Divestment Act

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he New York State Senate passed a bill to reinforce its stand against Iran, a country that is a known sponsor of terrorism and a threat to American and Israeli citizens, last week. The bill (S923), sponsored by Senator Thomas Croci (R, Sayville), would safeguard New York’s Iran Divestment Act of 2012 by continuing to impose limitations on vendors that do business with the Iranian energy and financial sectors and seek contracts with New York State agencies, SUNY, CUNY, public authorities, and local governments. Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan said, “Let’s face it: Iran continues to be a supporter of terrorist groups and an enemy to America and our allies abroad. At a time when there is much uncertainty surrounding previously signed international agreements, New York must stand by our steadfast ally Israel. By pass-

ing this legislation, we are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate a state sponsor of terrorism or those who would do business with Iran.” Senator Croci said, “Iran remains the greatest and most dangerous state sponsor of terrorism in the world. New Yorkers stood together today in unanimously passing this legislation calling on our state government to continue not doing business with Iran. Our Governor and the Assembly majority owe it to the residents of United States, Israel, and our allies to unite against this terrorist regime. I am proud to support this bill and I hope that the Assembly and Governor will act quickly on it to ensure that state contracts and investments will never go to those who preach the destruction of America.” “New Yorkers work too hard to see their tax dollars support a regime that has bankrolled acts of terrorism

across the planet,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky, a member of the Senate’s Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee. “I’m proud that the State Senate has stood by the U.S.’s strongest ally in the region, Israel, and I urge the Assembly to pass it as soon as possible.” The measure builds upon the Iran Divestment Act of 2012, which was modeled after similar legislation across the country and conceived with help from the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. It directs the state Office of General Services to create a list of people, corporations and other organizations with investments of more than $20 million in the Iranian energy sector. Those on the list would be excluded from bidding on government contracts. The law also requires individuals or entities to certify they are not on the list when they submit bids to

state and local agencies. Individuals or companies on the list that are the sole source of certain commodities or services can renew or enter into contracts on a case-by-case basis. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed Israel is in possession of thousands of documents that show Iran lied about its nuclear ambitions by continuing to conduct a secret nuclear weapons program leading up to the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015. In light of this recent news, this bill would ensure the 2012 Act’s important provisions will remain in effect in New York – regardless of JCPOA’s fate – to prevent the financial support of Iran’s tyrannical government unless the United States Senate approves a treaty to the contrary. The bill has been sent to the Assembly.


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The Lunch Coders

By Aliza Pinchasov and Molly Buchbinder, Grade 4

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very Wednesday at 12:15 a group of 19 girls gathers in the computer room in Shulamith during lunch for a math enrichment class led by our STEM teacher, Mrs. Lane. There we learn the science of computer programming using the

website code.org. On this website we learn about functions, angles, and the secrets of coding. We help each other out when we share tips and tricks on how to debug the codes. It’s so enjoyable that we don’t even realize how much achdut we’re having! A big thank you to the 19 girls who come during lunch, and a huge shout out to Mrs. Lane!

Securing Children’s Success with Special Tefillos at Kever Shlah Hakadosh By Yoel Krausz

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ear-round, Yidden flock to the kever of the Shlah Hakadosh to daven for the success of their children. Renowned for Tefillas Hashlah, we all turn to the tzaddik to be an advocate for our precious offspring’s future. But right now, Jews around the world have a wonderful opportunity to amplify the zechusim even more! Tehillim Kollel, a respected, established organization, is offering a special tefillah opportunity. An entire minyan of talmidei chachamim will recite the complete sefer of Tehillim, from start to finish without any interruption, along with the

Bais Yaakov of Queens Annual State Fair

Tefillas Hashlah, at the Tzion of the Shlah Hakadosh. These Tehillim reciters, as are all the ones employed by Tehillim Kollel, are handpicked for their special qualities, their purity and extraordinary ability to daven with a whole heart for their brothers and sisters. While Tehillim Kollel offers many different types of membership, including year-round tefillos at one of their many worldwide holy sites, this special offer is expiring soon. For more information on signing up, visit www.tehillimkollel.org or contact the Tehillim Kollel headquarters at (718) 705-7174 or email at info@tehillimkollel.org.

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ast week Bais Yaakov of Queens hosted its annual state fair, and it was incredible! Upon entering the cafeteria, you were greeted by costumed students, each representing her state. Among them included many colonial figures, costumes with features highlighting each state and bright, happy smiles. Each student represented one of the states in the United States of America. It was wonderful to watch the girls present with their informative and beautiful show boards, a culmination of months of their own research and effort. Mrs. Ellen Ziskind, the fifth grade social studies teacher who coordinated the event, oversaw all of the girls’ work at school and all of the work was completed at BYQ. The research, typing, printing, cutting, pasting and designing were all done here! Parents kept commenting about how thrilled they were to finally see the projects

their girls kept discussing at home, but, until the event, did not see themselves. Mrs. Sarah Bergman and Mrs. Karen Reisbaum, principal and assistant principal at BYQ, explained the goal and process of the experience. “The objective of the State Fair is to have the girls delve into research at school so they can learn the process of deep, meaningful research. The work is completely done at school so we can observe how they work and guide them for further research and presentations. This experience will be a solid foundation for future studies.” The girls share all of their knowledge about each state when they articulately present their work to their classmates. They each seemed so confident with the information they prepared and were animated and prideful about their learning!


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

Around the Community

Yeshiva Kinyan HaTorah: A Chassidish Yeshiva in Far Rockaway/Five Towns

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eshiva Kinyan HaTorah, also known as the Chassidish Yeshiva in Far Rockaway/Five Towns, established itself within our community over the last year and the bochurim are very excited spread Chassidish varemkeit, warmth, throughout the Five Towns. Every Thursday night the Yeshiva has a shiur and a farbrengen with cholent and kugel. The entire community is invited. The yeshiva is run by Rabbi Hartman and shiurim including a Daf Yomi shiur in the afternoon and in

the evening is a shiur in halacha. The bochurim dorm in the area and are available to learn with baale batim as well as tutoring them privately. They are here on Shabbos as well. On Thursday evening, May 17, Reuven Guttman is making a KIMZITZ at Machon Basya Rochel at 8 pm, 137 Lawrence Avenue in Lawrence, New York for the community and the yeshiva. Everyone is invited The Kimzitz is dedicated l’ilui nishmas HaRav Yitzchok Aryeh ben HaRav Mordechai Dovid, a”h.

This past week marked a poignant Shabbos at Bais Tefila of Inwood as Rav Baruch Levi Faivelson spent Shabbos as a special guest at the shul. Rav Feivelson is the Rosh Kollel of Kollel Derech Chaim in Yerushalayim, which is Inwood’s partner Kollel in the Adopt-A-Kollel Project. The Rosh Kollel delivered inspiring divrei Torah and interacted with community members throughout Shabbos. It was a perfect uplifting prelude to the upcoming yom tov of kabbolas haTorah. Pictured here is Rav Pinchas Weinberger, Rav Baruch Levi Feivelson, and Tzvi Sussman.

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Jump-Start on Chessed

T This past Sunday the boys of Learn & Live had such a “splash.” R’s Pinchus Birhack presented the mitzvah of tevilas keilim. The boys got some real hands-on experience of the mitzvah. This coming Sunday iy”H at L&L will be “kosher all day long.”

he EC at Shulamith was “jumping for mitzvot” at our Chai Lifeline Jump-a-thon this week. We are so proud of our girls for putting their energy into this wonderful chessed. The girls were excited to know that even though they

are small, they are still able to contribute to help other children. Mr. and Mrs. Binyamin and Robyn (Morah Tzivia) Lipsky sponsored the jump ropes in memory of her brother Pinchas Yaakov ben Zacharia.

Yeshiva Har Torah Goes to Greenkill

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ast week the sixth grade students of Yeshiva Har Torah enjoyed their overnight trip to Greenkill Outdoor Education Center in Huguenot, NY. Throughout the two-day trip, the students engaged in various activities to enhance their love of Hashem’s creations. The students hiked in the forests, learned about water ecology and participated in many team-building activities. The

sixth graders also learned about survival skills including shelter and fire building techniques. The trip was enhanced by the presence of the amazing teachers, morot and rebbeim who helped the children frame what they were learning through the lens of Torah and appreciate the natural world as Hashem’s gift to humanity. The students relayed on the bus ride home how the trip was the highlight of their year!

BBY TMM Students Win First Place at CIJE STEM Fair

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he CIJE-Tech High School Engineering Program presentation took place on Sunday, May 8, where over 1,300 high school students shared their original CIJE-Tech STEM capstone projects that use their engineering studies to solve real-world problems. Awards were presented to students in various categories for their achievement in their projects. Bnos Bais Yaakov’s Tichon Meir Moshe H.S. is proud to

announce that Miri Edelstein, Rivka Storch and Chaya Tanenbaum were presented as the First Place winners in the category of “Innovation in Safety.” The CIJE engineering program is taught over a two-year period, and each year culminates with projects designed and built by students. TMM is proud of its students and this award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of their hard work and achievements.


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Around the Community

Yosef Mendelevich, Famous Refusnik, Inspires Rambam

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n the late 1970s and early 1980s there were close to 3 million Jews locked up behind the Iron Curtain in Soviet Russia. Many, if not most of them, desired to immigrate to Israel or the United States to be able to live a life of freedom and opportunity for both religious observance and the pursuit of economic opportunity. Jewish groups such as the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry and the Jewish Defense League, as well as others, held rallies and lobbied members of Congress to pressure the Soviet Union to release the Jews, who were called prisoners of conscience. Jews desperately sought freedom and, in 1970, Yosef Mendelevich and a group of 15 other “Refusniks” attempted to hijack a Russian plane in order to escape to the Western world. The plot was foiled and Mendelevich was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Despite his imprisonment, Mendelevich never wavered in his faith or observance of halacha. He described in vivid detail his struggle to decipher the direction of Mizrach while being confined by the Soviets. “The window had many

grates and I could barely peak through to see where the sun was, so I directed my heart to Jerusalem and prayed like Daniel when he faced a similar situation,” he explained. The Jackson Vanik Amendment, passed in 1975, provided the United States government with the leverage to tie trade with Russia to the number of Jews allowed to emigrate from Russia in each year. Jews began to leave the Soviet Union by the tens of thousands. Mendelevich, however, languished in prison until 1981 when world pressure finally forced the Soviet Union to release him and allowed him to immigrate to Israel. Rabbi Mendelevich spoke to the talmidim of Rambam about his experiences, challenges, and determination to remain a committed Jew and being careful about halachic observance even under the most trying of times. He described his journey from a secular Communist to a religious Jew that began with his first realization of being Jewish when he saw a mass grave of Jews in Riga. He and a handful of other young Jews recognized the impor-

HALB SEPTA Event

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n Wednesday evening, May 1, HALB hosted a parenting workshop sponsored by SEPTA (Special Education PTA). Dr. Yardana Galler Hodkin, PsyD, spoke to a large crowd of parents and educators about “The Secrets of Raising a Happy Child.” She shared positive psychological interventions that parents and educators can implement to help children feel happier in their lives. The four points she focused on were: gratitude, relationships, acts of kindness and savoring. Following Dr. Hodkin’s presentation, Mrs. Ronit Haber, HALB social worker and Mrs. Carly Namdar, di-

rector of HALB middle school guidance, explained their roles at HALB and the important programs the students participate in throughout the year to help build social/emotional skills. Life is often very busy and the parenting workshop allowed both parents and educators to take time to realize how vital it is to focus on the positives in their lives and how critical it is for children to feel happy, confident and strong on a daily basis. Thank you to Mrs. Jessica Lampert and Mrs. Lisa Hecht and the SEPTA committee for arranging this wonderful evening.

tance of their Jewish heritage when they confronted Jewish history and the mass murder of our people during the Shoah. Rambam’s Rosh Mesivta, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, pointed out to the boys how fortunate we are to have the amazing opportunity to live freely in the U.S. or Israel and enjoy a life of Torah and mitzvos without having to deal with the anti-Semitism and oppression that was so rampant just two generations ago. He contrasted that with Rabbi Mendelevich who put his life at risk

and was actually subject to beatings because he simply wanted to wear a yarmulka and eat kosher. Rabbi Mendelevich’s poignant message resonated through the halls of Rambam as the students’ gained a greater appreciation of the sacrifices of earlier generations and the commitment we must have to not take things for granted. The dedication for sponsoring the event was in memory of Ernest & Shirley Weiner, Yizchok ben Tzvi Hirsch and Sarah Chaya bat Dov Ber.


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Students and Government

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tudents Rose Schwartz (SKA H.S.), Meira Edelman (TAG H.S.), Gabriella Lumerman (Queens College) and Dov Greenberg (DRS H.S.), along with those of Lawrence High School, HAFTR High School and RAMBAM, are part of an ongoing program that allows area students to participate in all phases of Village government. They are pictured here with Lawrence Mayor Alex H. Edelman and Lawrence Village Justice Donald J. Buchalter. “It’s the government and court closest to them”, says Mayor Edelman, “and it’s of great value that they feel a part of it, and gain an understanding as to how local government impacts their lives.”

At TD Five Boro Bike Tour, Team OHEL Wins for OHEL’s Children

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rave and determined members of Team OHEL trekked out early Sunday morning,

May 6 to complete the grueling TD Five Boro Bike Tour, all in support of the thousands of individuals and

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families that OHEL serves every day through both out the new OHEL Jaffa Family Campus in Flatbush and the Kleinman Family OHEL Regional Family Center in Far Rockaway. A team of 20 dedicated team members raised money for OHEL’s myriad of programs and services that serve the most vulnerable in our community, including a scholarship fund to help send children with disabilities to Camp Kaylie at OHEL, the trailblazing inclusive summer camp in Wurtsboro, NY. For 40 miles, Team OHEL riders pushed themselves to their physical limits, motivated by their collective mission to raise money and awareness for foster children, victims of domestic violence and people with disabilities. Our amazing riders led the way with some outstanding individual finishes – both across the finish line, and in their generosity! “My wife and I feel very strongly about supporting OHEL as they do so much for the community at large. We are proud to be part of Team OHEL for the Five Boro Bike Tour and are overwhelmed with the kindness and generous donations made by our friends and family to this worthy cause,” said Jonathan Field. Team OHEL elevates the lives of

thousands every year through their annual fundraising sports initiatives, and you too can be transformative! Join hundreds of participants, young and senior, and of all abilities, as they challenge themselves for a great cause at 4th Annual OHEL Xtreme Challenge Classic on Sunday May 27 at Camp Kaylie. You can also join other Team OHEL events such as the TCS NYC Marathon, Jerusalem Marathon, and the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. Secure a spot on our team before it’s too late by contacting Meital Cafri at 718-686-3217 or meital_cafri@ohelfamily.org. OHEL is the most trusted haven of safety and support, providing services that help build lives, strengthen families, homes and communities to face social, developmental and emotional challenges. OHEL serves thousands in need every day in communities in New York, New Jersey, California and worldwide. Individuals interested in the many programs that OHEL offers should contact OHEL at (800)-603-OHEL (6435). Like us on Facebook at OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services, follow us on Instagram @ohelfamily or visit us at www.ohelfamily.org.


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Around the Community

Say Cheese!

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he Cheese Store of Cedarhurst, located at 532 Central Ave, continues as one of the few landmark stores that has serviced the neighborhood for over 41 years. The store was set to close before Passover and Daniel Goldfarb, a longtime customer and Lawrence resident, purchased it. Daniel knew that the previous owner, Mitch Raki-

Vaad and everybody can enjoy what the cheese store has to offer. We also carry fresh bagels, muffins and salads and we will be expanding our menu shortly. We can also make fresh cheese platters with up to 30 fresh varieties of cheeses. Daniel has put the welcome mat out

ta, had a winning formula – the best coffee, warm and friendly staff, and a wide selection of freshly sliced cheeses. The loyal staff that has been with the store have all remained. Daniel hopes to continue to service the neighborhood for another 45 years. The only significant change made with the new ownership is that now the store is under the supervision of the Five Towns

for everyone. As he says, “If you have been a loyal customer, please continue to come. And if you haven’t, try us and see what you’ve been missing.” Our hours are Monday to Friday, 8-5pm, and Sunday from 9-4pm. Please stay tuned for expanded hours this fall.


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Rambam Celebrates its Honorees at 26th Annual Scholarship Dinner

Eli and Julie Verschleiser, Guests of Honor

Steve and Dr. Alissa Grill, Parents of the Year, with their sons Charlie and Max

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r. Eli and Mrs. Julie Verschleiser, Mr. Steven and Dr. Alissa Grill, Rabbi Ari Boiangiu and alumnus Adam Ehrenreich shared the stage at the Rambam Scholarship Dinner. Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal served as the MC and delivered introductory remarks. Shortly thereafter, he introduced Rambam’s Rosh Mesivta, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, who shared thoughts on the parsha and spoke about the honorees. “Our guests of honor, Eli and Julie Verschleiser, are paradigms of pro-Israel advocacy in our community. They give the resources, finances and time to multiple Jewish organizations and are always there for the soldiers of the IDF,” Rabbi Friedman said. “Our parents of the year, Steve and Alissa Grill, are longstanding and active members of the Long Beach community. Their son, Sam, who graduated Rambam six years ago, now plays a key role

Rabbi Ari Boiangiu, Rebbe of the Year

in Israeli security.” He continued, “The heart and soul of every yeshiva are the rebbeim. Our Rebbe of the Year, Rabbi Ari Boiangiu, wows the boys with his guitar and shiurim, building a wonderful kesher with them while providing them with inspiration and guidance. Adam Ehrenreich, our alumnus of the year, is an accomplished young man in the area of finance with a humble attitude

and wonderful middos,” Rabbi Friedman said. The honorees responded in kind when the awards were presented. Eli Verschleiser graciously accepted the award and spoke about the hakaras hatov he and his wife have to Rambam for the guidance they provided to their son Jacob who will be graduating this year. The Grills expressed their appreciation as well and said that the honor of parents

Natan Sharansky: “The challenge a young Jew is facing today in Israel or the U.S. is bigger than my challenge with the KGB 30 years ago.” Page 93

Adam Ehrenreich, Alumnus of the Year

of the year really belongs to all of the parents...being that Rambam and its parent body have a wonderful bond and partnership. Although their son Charlie is graduating this year they look forward to sending their third son Max to be part of the Rambam family. Rabbi Boiangiu spoke glowingly about the great opportunities and nachas he has to teach boys who are serious about their avodas Hashem and middos. Adam Ehrenreich, in his typical modest manner, spoke about the great chevra he had in Rambam and how his friendships have continued even a decade later. All of the students knew about the importance of being a “Rambam

Man” before the newspapers got wind of it. Rabbi Rosenthal got up to wrap up the program and there was a request from a surprise speaker. Jacob Verschleiser, usually a reticent young man, asked to speak a few words from the heart. He emotionally expressed his thanks to Rambam, especially Rabbi Eliach, for everything they did for him over the past four years. It was a wonderful and heartfelt conclusion to the program. This year’s dinner was held at The Mansion in Lawrence and from the feedback of all those present it was a wonderful, warm evening paying tribute to four outstanding honorees.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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Rabbi Eisikovik’s 7th grade class of Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island took a walk to KolSave in honor of finishing a very successful year of Masmid Govoha. The boys were able to purchase a delicious lunch

HALB Color Run

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his past Sunday, hundreds of HALB elementary school children and parents came together at our Hewlett Bay Park Campus to have a blast and celebrate HALB in “full color.” Donning t-shirts that started out white (but didn’t stay that way for long), each grade ran together as a group along a track manned by awesome parent volunteers who showered the runners in color as they passed each mark in succession. Runners also included HALB’s middle school principal, Rabbi Lubetski, who ran alongside his children and Rabbi Yehudah Fogel who ran alongside his talmidim. Lower school Principal Mr. Richard Altabe expressed that events like these reinforce the incredible spirit of community that embodies the HALB family. In addition to the run, students had their faces painted, refreshed themselves with Rita’s ices, and enjoyed delicious pizza. This awesome event was coordinated by HALB’s incredibly dedicated Women’s League and chaired by parent volunteers Ariella Freundlich and Hannah Berry. We are already counting down until next year!


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Around the Community At the UJA-Federation event for the Long Island Healthcare Professionals Physicians and Dentists Affiliated with Northwell Health Cocktail Reception (L to R) Dr. Rubin Cooper, Dr. Steven Allen, Dr. Barry Bass, Dr. Jill Rabin, Dr. Beatrice Bloom, Dr. Bettie Steinberg, Dr. Douglas Mund, and Dr. Ronald Burakoff (L to R seated) Honorees Dr. Phyllis Speiser, Dr. Alessandro Bellucci, Dr. Judy Olshin, and Dr. Richard Schwarz

Yom Achdut at DRS

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tarting high school can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience, but not for DRS’s incoming ninth graders! At DRS’s annual Yom Achdut, the 94 members of the DRS incoming Class of 2020 joined together for an opportunity to meet one another before they embark on four years of high school together. Hailing from over 15 different elementary schools, next year’s DRS freshmen were selected from one of DRS’s largest pool of applicants in the school’s history. They had a chance to hear from Rabbi Kaminetsky and DRS’s new General Studies principal, Dr. Hillel Broder, among other administrators at DRS. After introductory words of Torah from Rabbi Kaminetsky on the topic of achdut, the boys took placement exams in both algebra and Ivrit to determine the appropriate classes for next year. The future DRS students were then treated to ice cream sundaes. Following snack, students were moved to the gym for a game of

“concentric circles,” where students found themselves sitting across a new friend and were prompted to discuss an array of different questions. After five minutes, students moved in front of a different future classmate to meet them as well.

After the game, the grade was divided into groups for a unique egg drop competition. Each team was given a raw egg and several materials. With the materials, the students were challenged to construct a contraption that would keep an egg from cracking

when dropped from the DRS roof. The winning team of students each received gift cards to Dunkin Donuts, a DRS student hotspot. The incoming students were able to meet their new classmates and gain a taste of what DRS is all about.


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Around the Community

Reb Yosef Mendelevich, the famed Refusenik who endured imprisonment in the Soviet Union, spoke at Yeshiva Darchei Torah’s Mesivta Chaim Shlomo on Tuesday

Councilmen Blakeman and D’Esposito Postpone Golf Course Zoning Proposal, Approve Continuation of Moratorium As Developer Threatens Lawsuit

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t Tuesday’s Hempstead Town Board meeting, Councilman Bruce Blakeman and Councilman Anthony D’Esposito led the board in a vote to postpone a hearing related to residential development on privately-owned golf course properties until June 19th at 7 p.m. In addition, the councilmembers also voted to extend the building moratorium currently in place. During public comment, the current property owner of one of the impacted golf courses, the Woodmere Club, Efrem Gerszberg, announced that he would be filing a lawsuit against Hempstead Town in response to the continuation of the moratorium and the zoning proposal that was presented to the community at a meeting on May 7th. In the year and a half that the moratorium has been in place, the consulting engineers hired by the Town of Hempstead have been looking at lot sizes of golf course parcels that are the subject of residential development proposals to ensure that construction would complement surrounding village residential properties. The moratorium prevents building permits from being issued for new residential development of certain privately-owned golf course properties. While most of the town is fully developed, private golf course properties leave open the possibility of large developments that could

potentially change the character of local neighborhoods. By not issuing permits during the moratorium, the town and its engineers have been able to study the implications of property development at affected golf courses, especially as it relates to nearby village residential homes. They have extended this moratorium to give local residents the opportunity to study the zoning proposal presented. Without the moratorium, properties could be developed in a manner that is completely inconsistent with that of nearby villages. While the councilmembers have rescheduled the re-zoning hearing, they have also noted that the Town is simultaneously studying the feasibility of creating a public park district. “It is absolutely essential that we extend this moratorium in order to allow the residents to weigh in on the engineer’s report,” noted Councilman Blakeman. “We will do everything in our power and consider all available options to ensure that the integrity of our local communities remains intact,” added Councilman D’Esposito. Proving the concern of the councilmembers and residents to be true, Mr. Gerszberg stated his belief that they would be able to build in excess of 350 homes under current zoning. The proposed zoning change would only allow for the construction of 77 homes in the unincorporated portion

of the property. He said he did not plan to wait until the zoning passed

before he files suit with the Town of Hempstead on this issue.


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Two first grade classes from Bais Yaakov Ateres Miriam visited Bridal Secrets and Nip & Tuck Alterations on Central Ave in Cedarhurst to learn firsthand about Jewish business practices and tzniusdik fashion. They were in heaven! The girls were accompanied by their morahs and received a personal tour from Joy Glicker Lieber, bridal consultant and designer.

Rabbi Moshe Rubin, Holocaust Survivor, Visits Machon Basya Rochel Seminary

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achon Basya Rochel Seminary, dedicated in memory of Mrs. Rose Edelman, a”h, recently hosted Holocaust survivor Rabbi Moshe Rubin. Rabbi Rubin is a resident of Cedarhurst and recently compiled a memoir of his extraordinary life called Plucked from the Fire: Surviving Auschwitz, a Memoir written with Rabbi Yair Hoffman. He shared his life story with the students of the seminary on Wednesday, May 2 in conjunction with a course the students have been taking through the year called “The Holocaust from a Torah Perspective” taught by Mrs. Rivka Spiegel. Mrs. Spiegel is a certified teacher of the Holocaust by both Yad Vashem and

Torah U’mesorah’s Zechor Yemos Olom program. The seminary students were captivated as Rabbi Rubin began with explaining that the Satmar Rav would tell people to receive brachos from people who survived the war and have numbers on their arm. Rabbi Rubin continued to give the students a heartfelt bracha as he showed them that he has the criteria to give that bracha. He then took questions from the girls about his life as a teenager in the Holocaust. He spoke about losing many members of his family in one day when he arrived in Auschwitz, about davening on the way to work while he was in the camp, and finally about the lib-

eration. Rabbi Rubin had a close relationship with the Klausenberger Rebbe after the war and he related how he restarted his life in America. He went on to have extraordinary experiences later in his life where he was saved or he saved someone. Many times he explained that he felt that Hashem wanted him to live and have, bli ayin hara, a long life. Teachers and students of the seminary expressed that it was a special zechus to meet Mr. Rubin and hear about his life. The Holocaust course in the seminary has been a way for students to take their Holocaust studies beyond just a historical time line and to learn from this time period many hashkafik concepts

such as kiddush Hashem and mesiras nefesh. Mrs. Spiegel made this come alive to the students by inviting Rabbi Rubin to join us to hear firsthand experiences.


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Samchainu: Helping Widows and their Families with their Loss

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t must have been a few months after the petirah. I was going about my household tasks, with tears running down my face. My four-yearold daughter asked, “Why are you crying, Mommy?” “Because I miss Totty,” was my honest answer. “So don’t think about him,” was her quick advice. “I can’t help it, sweetie…” Her retort: “So eat pizza!” I still think about that story, fourteen years later. Because it isn’t just a cute anecdote; it’s a testament to the human inclination to “fix it.” A fouryear-old couldn’t bear her mother’s sadness, so she suggested “fixing it” with what works for a four-year-old – pizza! As adults, our inclination is identical, though our solutions are probably more varied. We see a widow and our hearts go out to her. What can we do to help? We want her to be hap-

py again, we want to fix it. Klal Yisroel are by nature gomlei chassadim. And yet here is something that we can’t “fix.” The loss of a spouse does not have a time limitation. It never becomes natural to be alone. When a father passes away, the foundation of the home is shaken. All turn to the mother for their survival. Who will support her, make sure she can face the awesome tasks ahead? Enter Samchainu. Our list of programs grows as we identify a need. We host monthly support groups in Brooklyn for different age groups, a Chanukah party for 500 people, an additional Chanukah party for mothers and children with individualized gifts, a Purim party with a play and masquerade, and six annual midweek overnight retreats for different age groups. We send flowers on their birthdays and call them on

their husband yahrtzeits. We send shoe and clothing coupons for the children before yom tov, pre-Pesach meal vouchers, and checks to help make a vort. We offer help building sukkahs, delivery of seder plate and simanim foods, and shoveling snow. We send out checks to help with yom tov expenses. The list goes on and on as the needs grow. Our flagship event is our Shabbos, which will take place on June 1-3, 2018 in the Crowne Plaza of Stamford. Five hundred widows from all over the country will come together to enjoy chizuk, connection and a once-in-ayear opportunity to give and receive the understanding only a fellow survivor can share. Rabbi Yaakov Bender, Rabbi Yosef Eisen, Rabbi and Mrs. David and Debbie Greenblatt, Rabbi Nosson Muller, and Rabbi Paysach

Krohn are our regular and loyal presenters. This year we will welcome Rabbi and Mrs. Shalom Mordechai Rubashkin, who will share their unparalleled emunah and bitachon with our members on Sunday morning. All of our Shabbos speakers are volunteers, as well as our year-round staff. Our membership has grown to 2,000 women, and our budget is now over $400,000. We can never fix what was lost. But together, we can make a difference. Please open your heart and be a part of Samchainu! Join us this Monday, May 14, 2018 at 7:30 pm the home of Mrs. Hannah Fuchs, 101 Fulton Street, Lawrence, for an evening of inspiration and a chance to support this one of a kind organization. For women only.

Rambam Welcomes Sander Gerber, Who Stopped American Taxpayers from Rewarding Palestinian Terrorists

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ambam students, parents, and community members were wowed while hearing an exposé about the history and the efforts to get the Taylor Force Act signed into law. Taylor Force was an American servicemen who did a tour of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and then returned to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree. As part of that program at Vanderbilt University, he traveled to Israel with his schoolmates. While there he was brutally murdered by a Palestinian terrorist during a stabbing attack. Shockingly, the terrorist responsible for this atrocity, Bashar Massalha, was buried with a hero’s funeral. His family now receives monetary payments for his murderous activities. While some people in America and in Israel were aware of Palestinian terrorists being incentivized to attack and murder Jews through local payment programs, few, if any, were aware of the institutionalized nature and the magnitude of this heinous policy. Mr. Sander Gerber, the Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Bay Capital, began to research the issue and was shocked to find that Palestinian law mandates that terrorists be re-

warded for killing, maiming, and attacking Jews. In a well-researched and documented multimedia PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Gerber outlined for the Rambam family the extent of those payments and the operational structure supporting them. He demonstrated that in 2017 the Palestinian Authority, which is funded in part by U.S. tax dollars, paid out $350 million...to terrorists! Not only is this outrage codified in Palestinian law, it shows up in their official annual budget books, representing approximately 8% of their budget. Money paid to terrorists outstrips the money the Palestinian Authority pays

to those needing ordinary social welfare and government aid. Mr. Gerber showed a number of video clips of Mahmoud Abbas decrying violence and speaking of peaceful coexistence with Israel, while at the very same time urging Palestinians to take up weapons and use them as needed. Mr. Gerber also spoke about the failure of American elected officials and many in the Israeli government to know about this problem of rewarding terrorists. However, when Taylor Force was murdered, Mr. Gerber felt he had no choice but to dedicate his resources, time, money, and efforts to stop this policy, which even-

tually became known as “Pay to Slay.” Lobbying members of Congress from both parties, providing them with information including visuals, documents, and spreadsheets from the Palestinian Authority, Mr. Gerber was effective in winning over the votes to get the legislation passed as part of the Omnibus Spending Bill on March 23, 2018. Rosh Mesivta, Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman, who introduced Mr. Gerber, spoke glowingly about his efforts, highlighting how much one single individual can achieve. Presenting him with a plaque of appreciation at the end, Rabbi Friedman said, “Today’s appreciation is just a small token of gratitude. Imagine how much nachas we will have in 10 or 20 years from now when one of our boys sitting in the audience will end up taking the lead, standing up and doing something of tremendous importance for the Jewish community.” Despite the bell signaling the end of the day, students sat in rapt attention during the presentation, and many even stayed afterwards, surrounding Mr. Gerber and asking questions, hoping to learn more about how he accomplished what he did and how they can get involved.


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Shulamith Student Wins First Prize at STEM Event

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n Sunday, May 6, Shulamith High School ninth grader Basya Vishnepolsky won first prize in the national STEM trivia competition at the CIJE Innovation Conference, held at the New York Hilton Hotel. Joining her in the competition were 2,000 students from over 50 Jewish schools. The Shulamith delegation also included STEM students Noam Maman, Gabriella Grossman, Chaya Warren, and Sarah Antonelli. Under the leadership of their teacher, Ms. Tamar Herskowitz, the students presented three innovative solutions to everyday problems that they had spent months designing, engineering, and producing: a forward-thinking crib they named “The Nelly,” which is a must-have for all moms; an “EZ DRY” dish rack, designed to accelerate the drying process for dishes; and an Eco-Friendly Crusher (“EFC”), which crushes plastic bottles and aluminum cans for recycling purposes. In addition to demonstrating their prototypes, the students also

prepared tri-fold posters to explain the human needs they identified that their creations address, the methods they used to generate the idea for their product, the experimentation they undertook to develop and refine it, and the features of their solution that make it not only desirable but also technologically feasible and economically viable. The students also had the chance to meet fellow budding engineers. They broadened their engineering knowledge by interacting with students from other schools and seeing what inventive ideas they had come up with. As they walked around the fair, each had the opportunity to peer-review a student’s project from another school. The students also used their marketing skills to share with the judges the stories behind their projects in the form of inspirational business plans. The girls had an amazing experience and are already talking about what creative ideas they can come up with next.

Meet the Mets

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n June 26 at 7PM, the Fleetwood Synagogue will be going to Citi Field to watch the Mets battle the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fleetwood Synagogue is a growing Orthodox congregation that serves lower Westchester and is located within ten minutes of Riverdale and New Rochelle. Tickets will be

available for a contribution to the Shul of $18 per ticket, and if one buys two tickets, the third one will be half off. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go towards the Shul. To order, please contact Rabbi Daniel Rosenfelt at Rabbirosenfelt@ fleetwoodsynagogue.org.

Touro Valedictorian from Lawrence (May 8, 2018)--At an early age, Betzalel Krasnow of Lawrence learned that he would need extensive--and expensive--dental work. After a full regimen of orthodontics, bone grafts and implants, he flashes a million dollar smile and is on his way to a career as a dentist. Although his personal experience inspired his career choice, Krasnow took the advice he got on the first day at Touro’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences in Flatbush, which was to treat his undergraduate experience like a smorgasbord- -- take classes in a number of different subjects, decide what he liked and then go back for doubles in his chosen field. Determined to prepare himself for a career and for life, the 2018 valedictorian sampled accounting and finance before settling on biology on his path to dentistry. “The courses I took outside my major prepared me for life. I’m president of the board in my coop building and I can examine financial statements and understand them. I helped renegotiate the building’s mortgage because I have an understanding of how financing works,” says Krasnow. When it came to his career track, the small class size and biology professors’ ability to make the subject come alive provided him with the knowledge and skills needed to excel and compete with students from top schools. He maintained a 3.94 GPA, scored in the 98th percentile on the Dental Admissions Test and was accepted to three dental schools. Krasnow also served as Editor-in-Chief of the school’s Science Journal and president of the Pre-Dental Society in Flatbush where he created a forum for students to network, learn about the field and gain real-world experience. No Contradiction – Life as a Ben Torah and Successful Professional Krasnow attended Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway for elementary, high school and Beis Medrash. He studied for two years in Eretz Yisrael at Yeshivas Brisk and then in Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. He is married to Leah (Biegeleisen) Kras-

now, a graduate of Touro’s Physical Therapy program, and is the father of two daughters. “When I was ready to start college, I chose Touro in Flatbush because it enabled me to pursue my profession while maintaining my schedule of learning Torah. It’s an environment where students can thrive both as Bnei Torah and seekers of academic scholarship. I love that it’s not at all uncommon to walk into a classroom at Touro and see students discussing a passage of Gemara with a professor,” says Krasnow. Krasnow’s comfort level with the values at Touro helped him choose Touro College of Dental Medicine to continue his education. “Although I was accepted to NYU and also to University of Maryland, which is the oldest dental school in the country, I’m confident in my decision to attend Touro’s new dental school. Visiting the campus, I saw the commitment to excellence with cutting-edge technology to train students to deliver the best patient care. Equally as impressive were the many top professionals proudly walking around with yarmulkas on their heads,” says Krasnow. Being successful professionally while living life as a ben Torah is second nature to Krasnow. His father Yoel, a tax attorney at Milbank, who graduated Columbia Law School and served as Touro’s valedictorian in 1984, is his role model. “I learned from my father and grandfathers that the two can coexist. They showed me that setting aside time to learn Torah regularly and being top in your field is possible and that is my goal,” says Krasnow. Krasnow will smile broadly when he is recognized among 700 degree candidates at the 44th commencement ceremonies of Touro’s Lander Colleges to be held at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center on May 27, 2018.


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Around the Community

JEP/Nageela’s First Art Auction

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ver a dozen paintings were sold at JEP’s first art auction this past Saturday night. Central Avenue’s Cedarhurst Center was buzzing with people Motzei Shabbos as they perused a wide array of artwork. From a Monet print to an original signed oil painting by Zvi Raphaeli, there was something for everyone. Attendees enjoyed fresh sushi and champagne and the lively auction presentation by Jeff Neckonoff of Azamra Entertainment. Ella Harkins, Nageela camper for three summers in a row, spoke about how JEP/Nageela made a big impact on her life, influencing her decision to switch from public school to Yeshiva. New artists Yaeli, Myriam Meisels, and Devora Davidowitz not only donated original artwork to JEP for auction but also attended the event. Close to a hundred people came to support the organization and participate in this unique night out. Proceeds from the event will help JEP/ Nageela continue to make Judaism fun for children through its exciting educational programs and Camp Nageela. Among the popular auctioned

items were colorful scenes of Yerushalayim, Tzfat, Judaica-themed pieces, beautiful landscapes and ocean views. One lucky bidder paid $1,000 for an original painting of the Kotel by well-known artist Anatoly Baratynsky, valued at over $2,000. Raffle winners went home with artwork worth more than $350 such as a lithograph of a chuppah scene in the shape of a hamsa. JEP/Nageela would like to thank the generous artists, along with other donors, board members, sponsors, volunteers, and friends, including Chaim and Esther Holzberg of Metal Art (a division of 925 Sterling), Avi Polansky of Your Arts Desire, LLC, the Cedarhurst Center, and Gabe Solomon. A special thanks to Michael Schick, President, JEP/Nageela, and Catering by Michael Schick. For those who couldn’t make it and want to view the art gallery of remaining items, you can still bid on a piece of artwork: visit jepli.org/auction. If you would like to be a sponsor or donate artwork for our next art auction, contact Jennifer S. Zwiebel, JEP/Nageela’s Director of PR & Development at 516-374-1528, ext. 240. Visit jepli.org and campnageela.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: GABE SOLOMON-LIFECAPTURE IMAGES


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Chazaq 5 Towns Kicks off Sunday School Program

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hazaq held a community-wide Lag B’Omer extravaganza at Ohr Hatorah attracting close to a thousand people throughout the day! After the event, board members of Cong. Ohr Torah in North Woodmere invited members of the Chazaq organization to map out a game plan in starting afterschool programs in their community, which is home to scores of public school children. Sunday, May 6th the first Sunday school program began at Congregation Ohr Torah. The primary focus of this Sunday school program are the hundreds of children that are currently attending public schools and are at

risk of losing their Jewish identity. The Queens communities of Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Garden Hills and Fresh Meadows have benefited

greatly from Chazaq’s services with hundreds of Jewish public school students attending their afterschool programs and learning the founda-

tions of Judaism. In the last year and a half, over 370 of the children have been transferred to yeshivas.

Kollel Tiferes Avos Continues to Grow

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Medrash Zichron Aryeh in Bayswater and founder of Priority One, a bastion of far reaching kiruv. He will deliver an inspiring message preparing the community for the yom tov of Shavuos and Kabbalas HaTorah. Under the leadership of Rabbi Dov Bressler, and with the skilled as-

n Sunday, May 13, Kollel Tiferes Avos, under the leadership of Rabbi Dov Bressler, will hold its eighth annual at Congregation Shaaray Tefila on Central Avenue in Lawrence, NY. The guest speaker will be the noted Mashpia, Rabbi Shaya Cohen, Rosh Hayeshiva of Bais

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sistance of Rabbi Dovid Scheiner, the Kollel provides shiurim and chavrusos for Jews of all ages and backgrounds. With a record of having completed eight years of serving the learning community and numerous constituents, the Kollel looks back at its accomplishments of bringing together Jews of all ages and occupations across Far Rockaway, Bayswater and the Five Towns in a unified learning experience. It has injected an air of enjoyment, interactive earning, and practical application into the study of Torah. As it embarks upon its ninth year, the Kollel looks ahead to accommodate new Chavrei ha’Kollel. The current study of Maseches Beitzah with its many practical applications related to hilchos yom tov has been especially exciting to Kollel members. The Kollel this year will present a memorial tribute to the memory of Larry (Aryeh) Cohen, z”l, for his more than forty years of tireless and consistent learning with chavrusos and attending the shiurim of Rabbi Bressler and other distinguished rabbonim. His zest for learning, discussion and argumentation was contagious and left its mark on all who attended the Kollel and greatly influenced his own children. The Zecher Olam Award will graciously be accepted by his sons: Zev, Michael and Avi. May they continue in his footsteps and beyond for many years. The Kollel’s Eitz Chaim Award will be presented to Moshe (Martin) and Judy Osofsky for truly making the Kollel and Moshe’s daily learning an integral part of their daily lives.

Mr. Osofsky’s punctual and consistent attendance sets a standard that others seek to emulate. As a person who has come to Torah learning later in life, he demonstrates conclusively that it is never too late to commit and abide by a life of Torah learning and observance. His Aishes Chayil, Judy, deserves at least half of the reward because she is continually at his side to encourage, value and cherish. The entire program will be chaired with warmth, sensitivity and humor by Rabbi Bezalel Korn, who himself is an inspiring force within the shul on Seagirt Boulevard where he officiates. The Kollel also recognizes the administrative assistance it has received from inception through the efforts of Rabbi Shaya Heimlich and Sender Schwartz, along with the assistance it constantly receives from other Kollel members. Kollel Tiferes Avos is in session weekdays at Shaaray Tefila on Central Avenue in Lawrence. A day at the Kollel begins with a 9:45 AM shiur in Sefer HaChinuch and insights into the parsha presented by Rabbi Dovid Scheiner. A daily Gemara shiur, emphasizing the underlying significance and ramifications of every thought together with halachic ramifications, is delivered by Rabbi Dov Bressler, Rov of the HILI Beis Medrash. Simultaneously, chavrusos study the same masechta at a more advanced level. Probing vaadim on machshava and mussar are also presented. For those who cannot attend morning sessions, evening shiurim are given every Tuesday evening and on Shabbos.


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BYQ Artifact Fair Hosts Generations of Museum Treasures

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he Bais Yaakov of Queens Annual Artifact Fair welcomed parents and grandparents who came to share and view heirlooms belonging to generations of Bais Yaakov family members. This year’s collection included artifacts from 100 years ago! Guests were able to examine treasured possessions and read the

stories behind the keepsakes. Mrs. Naomi Pacht, the sixth grade social studies teacher and museum curator, guided the sixth grade students through the process of presenting artifacts for a museum. Magically, she transformed the school’s cafeteria into an authentic-looking museum. The well-spent time in

preparation was obvious because the presentation of the artifacts and the girls’ confidence in presenting the information were impressive. As they made your way through the rows of tables, they were able to gain an appreciation of the multiple cultures in the school and the variety of treasures.

The many visitors, grandparents and great-grandparents expressed their gratitude for the event as many of them were interviewed by their granddaughters and great-granddaughters. “When we sat together for the interview, we were able to share our family’s history, and that was truly special. What a wonderful project!”

SKA Announces 2018 Graduation Honors Mazel tov to the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls Class of 2018 honorees! Valedictorian: Ayelet Aharon Ranked first in her class, Ayelet is an extraordinary amalgam of exceptional qualities and talents, reflected in her many and varied leadership undertakings. In addition to her positions as editor-in-chief of Skappenings and Parsha Press, captain of the Torah Bowl Team, and head of Production choir, Ayelet is a SPARKS committee head and the recipient of both Tanach and Keter Torah Awards. An AP Scholar, National Merit Scholarship Commendee and Science Olympiad Team Captain and Gold medalist, Ayelet is also a teacher-nominated Long Island American Chemistry Awardee for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement in High School Chemistry and a member of the Re’ut National Honor Society. Serving as an SKA Ambassador representing the school at recruitment

and open house events, Ayelet is also on the Model Congress and math teams. Outside of the classroom, Ayelet volunteers at Kulanu, where she works for special needs children and received the UJA Robert A. Belfer Family Fellowship Award for her leadership and community service. Ayelet will be attending Michlalah next year and then continuing her studies at Stern College for Women Honors Program. Salutatorian: Shoshana Rockoff An exemplary student, Shoshana’s passion, motivation and intelligence are a rare combination. Her talent for writing, singing and public speaking are matched by her outstanding abilities in the classroom. Editor-in-chief of Skappenings, Parsha Press, Holocaust Journal, and captain of the Debate Team, Shoshana’s senior schedule consisted of three APs and four honors classes, the most allowed in the school. In addition to representing students as Head Ambassador and

being appointed as head of SKA’s tefillah committee, Shoshana displays her love for Israel though her involvement with NORPAC and she was selected to represent SKA to meet with Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer. An all-around excellent student, Shoshana genuinely loves to learn and was a member of the Reut National Honors Society, SKA Math Team, Model Congress, and was the recipient of SKA’s Tanach Award for Excellence in Judaic Studies. She was also active in many of the school’s organizations including TTYL, MACs and SPARKS. When not serving as SKA choir head in production, dedicating her time to Friendship Circle or tutoring chemistry, Shoshana can be found playing on the SKA soccer, volleyball and softball teams. Most importantly, Shoshana is someone who embodies exemplary middot as she was chosen by her peers to receive the Middot Award for Outstanding Character. Shoshana will be attending MMY next year and then continuing her studies at Stern College Honors Program.

Keter Shem Tov: Aliza Rothman Aliza Rothman has been voted the Keter Shem Tov awardee by her peers in the Class of 2018. Head of Production, sports editor of the yearbook, and Color War general, Aliza has a contagious enthusiasm in the classroom and throughout the school, receiving middos and Keter Torah awards. In tenth grade Aliza’s family moved to Canada and she was greatly missed by her classmates; she returned for junior year and jumped right back into the swing of things, never missing a beat. A bright and motivated student, Aliza also volunteers at Kulanu, i-Shine and JEP and is involved in SKA’s Kiruv Club. This year, she brought Operation SOS (Support Our Soldiers) to our school, an initiative to try and support American troops while they are away. Aliza will be attending Michlalah next year and then continuing her studies at Touro College for Women.


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SKA Pauses for Speech

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AUSE – Pausing and Understanding Speech’s Effect, SKA’s new initiative led by 10th and 11th grade students under the direction of limudei kodesh teacher, Mrs. Sheva Mezei, was introduced to the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls’ student body on Wednesday,

May 2. The group began last year when the 10th grade PBL (Project Based Learning) Chumash classes studied the inyun of Miriam and what happened to her when she spoke lashon hara about Moshe. At the same time, members of the 11th grade were motivated to form

a committee about the effects of negative speech; a new SKA organization was formed. To kick-start the program this year, the students heard from noted educator, author and relationship expert Mrs. Slovie Jungreis Wolf. In her introduction, Mrs. Helen Spirn, Head of School, noted that Mrs. Wolf is the daughter of beloved Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, a”h, who had spoken so inspirationally many times in the school and at our Shabbatons. Addressing an auditorium of SKA students, Mrs. Wolf shared ideas and stories of how to speak and act positively. ”Go out of your bubble,” Mrs. Wolf implored. “Notice if your friend is in pain. You have the power to change a life.” To launch the day’s program, SKA’s morning davening groups viewed the Chofetz Chaim video on “The Butterfly Effect,” indicating how one action can affect events on the other side of the world. After Mrs. Wolf’s talk, a gripping original video prepared by juniors Devora Schreier, Jackie Rubin, Talia

Wein and Gavi Goldsmith on changing negative speech was shown. PAUSE committee members Rachel Kirschner and Chaviva Salzberg then introduced the daily learning on lashon hara and lashon tov that would take place in the 18 days leading up to Shavuot. Phone pockets with PAUSE’s inspiring message were given out after the program. Thanks go to Mrs. Mezei and the committee members for launching this incredible initiative.

YOSS ECC Hosts Professional Development Day at Tanglewood Preserve

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he teachers at Yeshiva of South Shore’s Early Childhood Center spent their recent professional development day getting their hands dirty. In order to spark creativity in the classroom, the staff spent time in nature at the Tangle-

wood Preserve’s Center for Science Teaching and Learning. Located in Rockville Centre, the CSTL’s mission is to encourage science literacy for adults and children. The teachers participated in a hike and worked together on two experi-

ments. They also created animal habitats using toys, recycled items, grass, soil, rocks and tree stumps. “We’ve been working on a schoolwide theme this year called ‘learning through discovery.’ We planned this day to inspire conversation, camara-

derie and ideas,” said Mrs. Elana Fertig, Director, YOSS Early Childhood Center. “It was a wonderful experience and we’re already adding new teaching strategies and projects to our classrooms and outdoor Discovery Pavilion.”


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Aroni and Chani Parnes Guests of Honor at Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael Annual Dinner

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n Tuesday, May 29, Yeshiva Gedola and Mesivta Ohr Yisrael will honor noted Lawrence community leaders Aroni and Chani Parnes as the Guests of Honor at its 19th annual dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Parnes are highly respected members of the community and have always been involved in many chessed organizations. “Those of us who know Aroni and Chani know that the word ‘no’ does not exist in their vocabulary,” said Mr. Benjamin Ringel, prominent Five Towns resident, who will serve as the dinner’s Journal Chairman. “They help everyone they possibly can.” Mr. Parnes is one of the original founders of the Yeshiva which began in a small shul in 1997. Aroni served as the gabbai, while the Rosh HaYeshiva of Ohr Yisrael, Rabbi Avraham N. Zucker, served as its Rav. The two were high school classmates and close friends. With every step of the Yeshiva’s growth, Aroni has been at the Rosh HaYeshiva’s side, assisting in every way possible. Mr. Ringel emphasized Aroni’s efforts on behalf of the Yeshiva. “I can easily say that without Aroni, Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael – with all of its branches – would not exist,” he said. Another chapter was added to Aroni’s relationship with Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael when his son Yehuda joined the Yeshiva. He took great pride in watching his son form his own connection with the Rosh HaYeshiva, as well as many of the other rebbeim. During his time in the Yeshiva, Yehuda was able to progress in his learning, while earning a bachelor’s degree from Yeshiva. He will begin law school this fall. Today, Yeshiva Ohr Yisrael is comprised of a very successful high school, with advanced studies in limudei kodesh as well as a strong general studies department. Additionally it has a fully accredited Beis Medrash and a growing Kollel in which talmidim can continue their growth in Torah and Yiras Shamayim, all while preparing themselves

for their future as community leaders. The dormitory facilities, which include a state-of-the-art workout gym, enable the Yeshiva to provide for students from all communities. In 2003, the Yeshiva forged a unique partnership with Seton Hall University. This partnership affords the students of the Yeshiva the opportunity to pursue an MBA degree as well as a Masters in Accounting. This unique program allows bochurim to achieve great success and accomplishment at a young age without compromise to their avodas Hashem. The Yeshiva is a burgeoning kehilla, where alumni can settle with their families and remain close with the Yeshiva and its Rosh HaYeshiva. The Yeshiva’s impact is felt very strongly in our community as hundreds of its alumni live locally, here in the Five Towns. “The Yeshiva began based on the belief that young men can grow in Torah and Yiras Shamayim, even while pursuing a secular education,” says Aroni. “With great vision, the Yeshiva has stayed committed to that mission and achieved excellence. The combination of a remarkable Rosh HaYeshiva, along with an outstanding group of warm and talented rebbeim, has created a flourishing makom haTorah. Chani and I take great pride in our involvement in this wonderful institution.” The Yeshiva will honor Mr. and Mrs. Yitzy Berger with the Shochein Tov award. Mr. Yitzy Tepper will be honored as Alumnus of the Year. Mr. and Mrs. Duvie Silbiger will be honored as Parents of the Year. The dinner will take place on Tuesday, May 29 at Kingsway Jewish Center, 2902 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY. Reception will be at 6:30 PM, with the program scheduled to begin at 7:30. For additional information, and to place an ad in the Journal, please call (718) 382-8702 or visit www.ohryisroel.org/dinner or email the Yeshiva at ads@ohryisroel.org.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

Rabbi Avraham Nesanel Zucker rosh hayeshiva Rabbi Raphael Bernstein menahel, mesivta

Yeshiva Gedola & Mesivta Ohr Yisrael Congregation Ohr Yisrael Kollel Ma’ayan Yitzchok cordially invites you to attend its annual dinner

Celebrating Nineteen Years of Growth

Celebrating Nineteen Years of Growth Tuesday, May 29th, 2018 KINGSWAY JEWISH CENTER 2 9 0 2 k i n g s h i g h way • b ro o k ly n , n y

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honoring

Mr. & Mrs. Aroni Parnes Guests of Honor

Mr. & Mrs. Yitzy Tepper ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

Mr. & Mrs. Yitzy Berger SHOCHEIN TOV award

Mr. & Mrs. Duvie Silbiger Parents of the Year

Chaim Abramson • Jason Lyons dinner chairmen

Menachem Braunstein • Charlie Jearolmen • Benjamin Ringel journal chairmen

shloimy zelcer

master of ceremonies 2899 NOSTRAND AVENUE • BROOKLYN, NY 11229 FOR MORE INFORMATION: 718.382.8702 • WWW.OHRYISROEL.ORG/DINNER.HTML

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TJH Riddle me

this?

An IDF soldier is attempting to scale a cliff sixty feet high. Every minute, he climbs upward three feet but slips back two. How long does it take for him to reach the top? See answer below on the opposite page

Centerfold You gotta be kidding An American tourist was riding in a taxi in Israel. As the taxi approached a red light, the tourist was shocked to see the driver drive straight through without even slowing down. Surprised as he was, he didn’t say anything, feeling himself a “guest” and not wanting to make waves. The trip continued without event until the next intersection. This time the light was green and, to the American’s dismay, the cab driver brought the vehicle to a grinding halt. Unable to contain his astonishment, he turned to the driver. “Listen,” he said, “when you went through the red light, I didn’t say anything. But why on earth are you stopping at a green light?” The Israeli driver looked at him as if the American was deranged: “Are you crazy?!” he shouted. “The other guy has a red light! Do you want to get us killed?”

What Every Taxi Driver in Yerushalayim Thinks He is Political pundit – ”Ani makir Duneld, hu chaver sheli” Stock broker – ”Yesh li harbei stock bi-epple” Expert on getting around traffic – ”Tov, bo nelech derech achora”

IDF general – “Yiyeh milchama...ma ani ya’aseh?” Shadchan – “Lamah atta lo nassoi? La’kol sir yeish machseh” Psychologist – “Aich hachayim, chabibi?” The Baba Sali – “Hashem ya’azor lecha...ten li teep gadol bevakasha”

Photographer – “Yesh li harbei temunot ba’bayit... Hayita b’B&H?”

Meteorologist – ”Lo yored geshem halayla”

Expert on California – “Garti b’Calyforneye lifnei esrim shanah...ken, ken...hayiti B’Hollyvood... ani v’Arrison Ford chaveirim tovim”

The Prime Minister – “Eich ossim shalom? Ani rotzeh! Aval ha’Aravim rotzim rak laharog otanu...ma ya’asseh!” (Spits sunflower seeds out of window)


The Jewish Home |Home OCTOBER The Jewish | MAY29, 10,2015 2018

O' Yerushalayim Trivia 1. If you are in Har Nof and want to go to the Kosel, which bus do you take? a. #1 b. #37 c. #2 d. #10

b. When the bus driver drives too fast c. When people on the bus want the driver to put on Jamaican music d. When there is a suspicious package on the bus

5. Which animal is on the emblem of the seal of Jerusalem as a symbol that Hashem gave us the Land of Israel? a. Eagle b. Deer c. Dove

2. In which war did Israel capture the Old City?

6. After whom are the streets in Geulah named?

b. Six Day War c. Yom Kippur War

a. Famous generals

d. Lebanon War

b. Amoraim

3. When do bus passengers say, “Rrreeegggaaa Naahhaaagg”?

c. Founding Members of the Hagana d. Neviim 4. Who made Yerushalayim the capital of Israel? a. Shmuel Hanavi b. Shaul Hamelech c. Dovid Hamelech

d. Talbieh 8. Where is the first place the Centerfold Commissioner goes in Israel, after the Kosel? a. To Massov or H’lo Teiman (for shwarma) b. To Ben Yaakov (for a falafel)

d. Lion

a. War of Independence

a. When the bus driver starts driving the bus while a woman is stepping off the back exit while carrying a double stroller, sixteen bags of groceries and 4 knapsacks

d. Shlomo Hamelech

7. Which of these is not a neighborhood in Yerushalayim?

c. To Hadar Geula (for pareve chulent) d. To Fro-Yo (for ice cream) e. To Machaneh Yehuda (for marzipan) f. All of the above (after completing the above steps, repeat) 9. Yerushalayim is closest to which body of water? a. Red Sea

a. Ramat Shlomo

b. Dead Sea

b. Ramat Gan

c. Mediterranean Sea

c. Neve Shannon

d. Pacific Ocean

 Wisdom Key

 Answers

7-9 correct: You know so much about everything, you must be a cab driver (that's a compliment, see list on opposite page). 4-6 correct: You are like a shwarma in America good but not the real deal. 0-3 correct: Join me as I strum my guitar, "Jerusalem, if I forget thee..."

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9. B

3. A

8. F - If you really want me to like you, bring me back an aish tannur when you go on your next trip to Israel 5. D

2. B- During the 1948 Independence War, Jordan captured what is commonly referred to as “East Jerusalem,” which encompasses the Old City. Israel miraculously recaptured it in the Six Day War in 1967.

4. C

1. C

7. B 6. D

Answer to Riddle Me This: Fifty eight minutes. Although the net progress each minute is one foot, he reaches the top on the fifty-eighth minute just before he would slip back two feet.


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3

Torah Thought

Parshas Bechukosai By Rabbi Berel Wein

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he Torah reading of this week concludes the book of Vayikra. As is obvious to all who study this book, it is primarily concerned with laws and observances and the details connected to those Divine commandments. Even though the Torah had intimated previously that the observance of these commandments was not a matter of pure recommendation or suggestion but that they were mandatory conditions for the survival of the Jewish people, the punishment

for disobedience was never graphically described as it is in the Torah reading of this week. Here we have, in awful detail, the fate of the Jewish people in exile. Instead of serving the Creator in comfort and tranquility in their own homeland, Israel would now be forced to loyally serve G-d under the dire circumstances of exile and oppression. It is difficult to imagine what that first generation of Jews thought when they heard these words transmitted to

them by Moshe. It would be almost millennia later for these words to become reality. There is a tendency in human life, completely understandable and perhaps even justified, to postpone the realities and consequences of true prophecy to a later time, a time that one would never have to witness or experience. Yet, somehow the stark predictions of the future that would befall Israel, because of its abandonment of Jewish life and tradition, undoubtedly made an impression on those who first heard these words. The question then remains whether this impression could or would be transmitted to later generations or would the only method

enemies of the Jewish people that still exist in our world. This interpretation takes the words of the statement “never again” and turns them into a challenge and an admonition exclusively directed at others who would wish us harm. However, as the Torah reading of this week clearly indicates, this warning and hope is not only directed at the outside world, but it is directed to our society and the makeup of the Jewish people itself. We are the ones who should say “never again” – that we as a people will no longer continue to imitate the ever-changing follies and errors of the current age and society that we live in. Rather, we will restore ourselves by re-

We are the ones who should say "never again" - that we as a people will no longer continue to imitate the ever-changing follies and errors of the current age and society that we live in.

for verifying them be that they would have to occur and become the reality. After the Holocaust and the horrors experienced by the Jewish people in World War II and under the Soviet Union, the accepted and current mantra in Jewish life is “never again.” Though I fully subscribe to that sentiment, I think that many Jews have misinterpreted that slogan. They are under the impression that brave words are meant solely to apply to the cruel

newing our ancient traditions and observances, by loyalty to our Torah and to the Land of Israel and to the value system of Jewish life so explicitly explained to us in detail here in the book of Vayikra. Only then will we be able to say with confidence and certainty that these prophecies have run their course and that the time of redemption has dawned upon the people and the Land of Israel. Shabbat shalom.


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Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island

rnugc d"k at YKLI

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

From the Fire

Parshas BeharBechukosai How to Achieve World Peace By Rav Moshe Weinberger Adapted for publication by Binyomin Wolf

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arshas Bechukosai begins by painting a picture of a perfect world, a world as it could be. It describes images of a physical world of peace, security, and tranquility. According to the psukim, this ideal world will exist within the laws of nature. The Torah describes no miracles. In the midst of this section, however, the Torah describes something that sounds almost supernatural. The pasuk (Vayikra 25:6) says, “I will remove the wild beasts from the land and a sword will not pass through your land.” There is a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai with regard to whether this promise will be fulfilled at the end of time by natural or supernatural means. The Midrash in the Sifra (Bechukosai 2) says as follows: “And I will remove the wild beasts from the land.” Rabbi Yehuda says that this means [Hashem] will remove them completely from the world. Rabbi Shimon [Bar Yochai] says that it means that [Hashem] will remove their tendency to cause harm. Rabbi Shimon says, “What is the greater praise of Hashem? That He removes animals which cause harm or that animals which nor-

mally cause harm are present but that they no longer cause harm? Certainly [His greatest praise is when He brings about] a time when animals which normally cause harm are present but that they no longer cause harm. This is what the pasuk (Yeshayahu 11:6-8) refers to when it says, ‘And the wolf will lie down with the lamb... the cow and the bear will graze together... and a child will play over a snake pit and over the eye of an adder and a weaned child will extend his hand.’ This teaches that a Jewish child will be able to stretch out his hand into the viper’s nest and remove the venom from its mouth.” Rabbi Shimon brings a strong proof that the nature of the wild beasts will change in the times of Moshiach. The prophet Yeshayahu explicitly tells us that the nature of carnivorous animals will change such that they will live in peace with tame and peaceful animals, and even children. According to the Ramban, Rabbi Yehuda reads the pasuk which says, “And I will remove the wild beasts from the land,” according to its simple, natural meaning. The nature of the animals will not change. Rather,

they will simply be absent from the land. As we see from experience, when a place is heavily populated and civilized, wild and dangerous animals simply find other places to live. Rabbi Shimon, however, is not satisfied with this naturalistic explanation. According to the Ramban, he explains that the pasuk means that the evil within the carnivorous animals will be removed. According to Rabbi Shimon, when mankind does teshuva, obliterates the reality of sin in the world, and returns the world to its state before the sin of Adam, then evil, aggression, and venom will automatically be removed from the animal kingdom as well. The world is a reflection of the spiritual state of its pinnacle, mankind. Therefore, when man rectifies himself, the world will automatically follow. As Rav Chanina ben Dosa (Brachos 33a) says, “It is not the snake that kills, but rather, sin that kills.” Therefore, when man removes the “evil beast” from within himself, then evil will be removed from the animals of the world as well. The Ramban, the master of the inner meaning of the Torah, concludes that he prefers Rabbi Shimon’s explanation over

Rabbi Yehuda’s. The Rambam, however, explains the nature of the age of Moshiach differently. As a rationalist, the Rambam always chooses a natural explanation of the psukim whenever possible. Here too, he explains (Mishna Torah, Hilchos Melachim 12:1) that in the times of Moshiach, “Olam k’minhago holech, The world will continue in its natural state.” He therefore explains that the seemingly supernatural prophecy in Yeshayahu “And the wolf will lie down with the lamb” should be interpreted allegorically to mean that the aggressive nations of the world will live together with the Jewish people in peace. The Ra’avad, who is connected to the secrets of Torah like the Ramban, argues with the Rambam, pointing to the pasuk in this week’s parsha, “And I will remove the wild beasts from the land,” to show that the evil nature of the wild beasts will change, just as Rabbi Shimon says in the Sifra as explained by the Ramban. This would therefore imply that the Rambam sides with Rabbi Yehuda in holding that the nature of the animals will not change in the times of Moshiach.


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The Radvaz, however, defends the Rambam from the Ra’avad’s proof from our parsha. He says that the pasuk regarding the removal of the wild beasts from the land should also be interpreted allegorically to mean that the evil and wild people will be removed from the land of Israel in the times of Moshiach. Indeed, we find that evil people are referred to as “wild beasts” when Yaakov says (Bereishis 37:33), upon seeing the blood-soaked multi-colored coat brought by his sons, that Yosef had been consumed by a “wild beast,” which alludes to the wicked people of Egypt and the wife of Potifar, who attempted to seduce Yosef to sin. So too, the Radvaz explains that in the times of Moshiach, the wild and wicked children of Yishmael who live in the land of Israel, who are called (Bereishis 16:12) pereh adam, animalistic men, will be removed from the land. In actuality, however, the difference between Rabbi Shimon/the Ramban/the Ra’avad on one hand and the Rambam and the Radvaz on the other, becomes less stark when one considers how the Rambam concludes his explanation of the times of Moshiach. He writes (Hilchos Melachim 12:5): “At that time, there will be no more famine or war, nor jealousy or envy... The world will involve itself in nothing but the knowledge of G-d alone.” While the Rambam characterizes his explanation of the end of times as completely natural, it is difficult to imagine a more miraculous world than the one described by the Rambam! We must therefore explain as follows. The difference between the Rambam/Rabbi Yehuda and the Ramban/Rabbi Shimon is not whether or not mankind will experience a spiritual transformation. We see that both approaches agree that in the end, mankind attain a spiritually elevated state of dedication to the service of Hashem. Rather, the difference must be that according to the Rambam/Rabbi Yehuda, this transformation will take place gradually, and not all at once. According to this view, mankind has the natural ability and potential to rid itself of evil both internally in terms of

sin, and externally, in terms of ridding the land of wicked people. Rabbi Yehuda/the Rambam’s explanation is the first stage. Once man does his part to rid the world

or for them to join us in peace? The answer must be that there are two stages. In the beginning, the only rational approach is to vanquish those who try to harm us with a

Mankind has the natural ability and potential to rid itself of evil both internally, in terms of sin, and externally, in terms of ridding the land of wicked people.

of evil, the world will be ready for the second stage, Rabbi Shimon/ the Ramban’s world, in which the evil within mankind will be transformed. If we try to skip over the first stage in which we obliterate evil from the world, including the people who behave like wild animals and inhabit the land of Israel, it is doubtful that we will ever reach the ideal world in which all of mankind can live together in peace. This is the foolishness of the Western ideal of diplomacy. They believe that they can make peace with the Arab and Muslim world right now. They want to skip the first stage and make peace with those who still actively want to destroy the Jewish people as well as the entire civilized world. Whether the wild animals come from Syria, Iran, or Chechnya, they must first be obliterated. We can only achieve the peaceful world described by the Navi Yeshayahu after those who do evil are destroyed. We also find this two-stage process reflected in the pesukim in Tehillim (108:10 and 60:10). In the first pasuk, we say, “Plishtim, I will shout [in victory].” This alludes to our victory over the “Palestinians.” In the second pasuk, however, we say, “Plishtim, join me.” Which one is it? Do we want victory over them

complete victory. Only after that can we attain the second stage in which we can call out to the children of

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Yishmael in friendship. We can only make peace with that nation after we have removed the wild and sinful nature from them and from within ourselves. It bespeaks the foolishness of the Western nations of the world that they delude themselves into believing they can make peace without first achieving victory over the animalistic nations who want to destroy us. May we merit to see our leaders in Eretz Yisroel and the rest of the world begin to take the evil of the nations which terrorize the world seriously and begin to fight that evil in earnest so that we can reach the time of “And I will remove the wild beasts from the land,” when peace and the knowledge of Hashem will fill the world.

Rav Moshe Weinberger, shlita, is the founding Morah d’Asrah of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, NY, and has served as Mashpia in Yeshiva University since 2013.


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OCTOBER 29, MAY 10, 2018 The |Jewish HomeHome OCTOBER 29,|2015 2015 | The The Jewish Jewish Home

Between the Lines

In G-d We Trust, Completely By Eytan Kobre

It pays to trust in G-d with all and to make no reservations. -Smith Wigglesworth

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n September 14, 1860, renowned French tightrope-walker Charles Blondin became the first person to cross a tightrope stretched 11,000 feet across the mighty Niagara Falls. Wowing throngs of Canadian and American spectators, Blondin made several trips back and forth... each time with a unique twist—in a sack, on stilts, on a bicycle, in the dark, blindfolded, carrying a stove and cooking an omelet, and pushing a wheelbarrow with a sack of potatoes inside. After this last feat, the applause was louder than the roar of the water. Blondin turned to the crowd. “Do you trust me to carry one of you

across in this wheelbarrow?” “Yes!” the crowd yelled. “You are the greatest tightrope walker in the world. We trust you! We trust you!” “Okay,” said Blondin. “So who will get into the wheelbarrow?” But no one did. Because they “trusted” Blondin – but not really. Both the Sabbatical year and the prohibition against charging interest remind us to place total and complete trust in G-d (Kli Yakar, Vayikra 25:20-21; Kli Yakar, Vayikra 25:36). “For any man who finds it in his heart to give and leave free, ownerless for all the world, all the produce grown by his lands and the inheritance of his fathers for one whole year, he and his family become trained in [trust and faith] for all their lives” (Sefer HaChinuch, No. 84; Sichos Mussar, No. 69). And the same could be said for the prohibition against charging interest – by refraining from interest-lending, we demonstrate trust in G-d that He will provide more than the interest

is worth (Kli Yakar and Malbim, Vayikra 25:36). We are to be ever-aware of the need to trust in G-d and our complete dependence upon Him (Yerushalmi, Berachos 8:10). “There are many pains for the wicked; He who trusts in G-d will be surrounded by kindness” (Tehillim 32:10) – even if one is wicked, but he trusts in G-d, he will be rewarded with kindness (Shabbos 139a; Sefer HaIkkarim, Chapter 46). Because trust in G-d is the bedrock Torah principle (Vilna Gaon, Mishlei 21:19; Vilna Gaon, Yeshayahu 10:20; Kad HaKemach, Bitachon). But only complete and total trust will do; that is, trust exhibited not only intellectually but also in practice (Pele Yoetz, Havtacha; Nesivos Olam, Nesiv HaBitachon; Sichos Mussar, No. 70). A poor laborer once asked R’ Yisrael Salanter how to be assured of a livelihood. R’ Yisrael told that man that if he trusted that G-d would provide him with sustenance – if

he truly and deeply and completely trusted – G-d surely would supply him with the immense fortune of 10,000 rubles. The man returned home buoyed by R’ Yisrael’s assurances. Placing his trust in G-d, he prayed and studied day and night, but to no avail. Even after several weeks, there was no 10,000-ruble-fortune. He returned to R’ Yisrael to seek an explanation. “I fully believe in my prior assurances to you,” said R’ Yisrael. “I maintain that if you trust in G-d completely, He will surely provide you with 10,000 rubles.” “But,” R’ Yisrael continued, “if you prefer, I happen to have 5,000 rubles right here, which I will give to you instead of the 10,000 rubles.” Seizing on the opportunity to grab 5,000 rubles – not the immense fortune promised, but still a nice haul – the man accepted eagerly. R’ Yisrael smiled knowingly. “One who has complete and total


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trust in receiving 10,000 rubles would not agree to accept only 5,000 rubles.” In Orchos Tzaddikim, the concept of trusting G-d is listed not in its own chapter or in the chapter dealing with faith but in the chapters discussing happiness. The opposite of total trust is not doubt or disbelief – it is anxiety and fear and worry (Michtav M’Eliyahu, Vol. V, pg. 90; Chovos HaLevavos, Shaar HaBitachon, Chapters 1 and 20). Because one who trusts totally and completely has no such thoughts. The Baal Shem Tov was once directed from the Heavens to travel with his disciples to a certain village to learn from the local revenue collector about trust in G-d. When they arrived, the collector was happy to see them and insisted that they be his guests. The next morning, a policeman walked into the collector’s house and, without uttering a word, banged his stick on the table three times, whereupon he turned left. The guests thought this strange but ignored it. Several hours later, the scene repeated itself: the policeman walked through the door, banged his stick on the table three times, and left. Now the collector explained. “It’s a warning to pay the local poretz a large sum of money by this afternoon. On the day money is due to the poretz, a policeman comes to bang on the table three times as a reminder that the poretz will jail me and my family if I don’t pay.” “But you don’t look worried,” the disciples replied. “So you must have the money already. Why not pay the poretz now?” “Frankly,” the collector confided, “I don’t have anything. But G-d will provide. Let’s sit and eat. There are still three hours until the deadline.” The guests enjoyed a leisurely meal with their host, who sat and ate and conversed as if he didn’t have a care in the world. After the meal, the policeman came again and banged on the table. Now, the collector stood up and put on his coat and hat. “I’m off to pay the poretz!” “So you do have the money?” the disciples asked.

“No, at least not yet. But I have no doubt that G-d will provide.” As the collector left his home, the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples went to the porch and watched their

is not tempted to steal or cheat, because the same G-d that commanded at Har Sinai, “I am Hashem your G-d,” also commanded us to trust Him for all our material needs.

"Frankly," the collector confided, "I don't have anything. But G-d will provide. Let's sit and eat. There are still three hours until the deadline."

host walk down the road. In the distance, they saw a wagon come to a halt, its rider calling out to the collector. A short conversation ensued. Then the wagon continued traveling. Then it stopped again. And then the driver tossed a bundle of cash to the collector, who continued on in the direction of the poretz. The Baal Shem Tov and his disciples ran after the wagon and demanded an explanation. “I approached the collector with a business proposition. I was interested in buying whiskey from him, and I proposed a price for his entire batch. Then we haggled a bit, but he told me he had to leave to pay the poretz. So I withdrew my offer and continued traveling. But then I regretted my decision; after all, the collector is an honest man – why should I haggle? So I called him back and tossed him the original purchase price before someone else could make a deal with him.” Complete and total trust in G-d is particularly relevant as Shavuos approaches. Explaining how one could receive the Torah from G-d Himself one week (Yisro) and then sell himself into servitude the very next week (Mishpatim) because he cannot repay his theft, R’ Moshe Feinstein identified the disconnect as a lack in trust in G-d. One who has complete and total trust in G-d

But despite our belief in G-d, we just can’t seem to trust him completely when it comes to worldly matters. There was once a town that suf-

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fered from a terrible drought, and the townsfolk turned to their rabbi for a solution. “Gather tomorrow in the town square,” the rabbi announced. “We will pray together for rain, and, with G-d’s help, rain will fall and saturate the land. Let us trust in G-d!” And so it was. All the townsfolk gathered in the town square, and, together with their leader, they fasted and poured out their hearts to G-d. Still, no rain fell. “Well,” said the rabbi, “do you trust completely in G-d to bring you the rain you seek so desperately?” “We do! We do!” the townsfolk clamored. The disheartened rabbi shook his head. “Then why didn’t any of you show up with an umbrella?”

Eytan Kobre is a writer, speaker, and attorney living in Kew Gardens Hills. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? E-mail eakobre@outlook.com.

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Trump Withdraws from Iran Nuclear Deal “America will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail”

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his week, once again, President Trump showed that he was a man of his word. On Tuesday, he stood before reporters and the world when he announced that the United States will be withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal. In addition, the president stated that the U.S. will be preparing to reinstate sanctions that it had waived as part of the agreement. Additional economic penalties will be imposed as well. Trump outlined the danger that the Middle East, and the world, would be in should the Iranian regime be able to produce nuclear weapons. He added that, like with North Korea, the United States is showing Iran that it will no longer be a doormat upon which to tread. He reached out to Iranians in Iran, assuring them that the United

States is on their side and understands that they have been held hostage under a tyrannical dictatorship. Before signing a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating U.S. sanctions on the Iranian regime Trump said his action sends a critical message: “The United States no longer makes empty threats.” This week’s decision unravels the signature foreign policy achievement of his predecessor, President Barack Obama. The Iran nuclear deal was signed in 2015 after two years of negotiations between Iran and a group of world powers known as P5+1 – the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, Germany and the European Union. The following is a transcript of the president’s announcement.

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y fellow Americans, today, I want to update the world on our efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The Iranian regime is the leading state sponsor of terror. It exports dangerous missiles, fuels conflicts across the Middle East, and supports terrorist proxies and militias such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Over the years, Iran and its proxies have bombed American Embassies and military installations, murdered hundreds of American service members, and kidnapped, imprisoned, and tortured American citizens. The Iranian regime has funded its long reign of chaos and terror by plundering the wealth of its own people. No action taken by the regime has

been more dangerous than its pursuit of nuclear weapons – and the means of delivering them. In 2015, the previous administration joined with other nations in a deal regarding Iran’s nuclear program. This agreement was known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or J.C.P.O.A. In theory, the so-called “Iran deal” was supposed to protect the United States and our allies from the lunacy of an Iranian nuclear bomb, a weapon that will only endanger the survival of the Iranian regime. In fact, the deal allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium and – over time – reach the brink of a nuclear breakout. The deal lifted crippling economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for very weak limits on the regime’s nuclear activity – and no


The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

limits at all on its other malign behavior, including its sinister activities in Syria, Yemen, and other places all around the world. In other words, at the point when the United States had maximum leverage, this disastrous deal gave this regime – and it’s a regime of great terror – many billions of dollars, some of it in actual cash – a great embarrassment to me as a citizen and to all citizens of the United States. A constructive deal could easily have been struck at the time, but it wasn’t. At the heart of the Iran deal was a giant fiction: that a murderous regime desired only a peaceful nuclear energy program. Today, we have definitive proof that this Iranian promise was a lie. Last week, Israel published intelligence documents – long concealed by Iran – conclusively showing the Iranian regime and its history of pursuing nuclear weapons. The fact is, this was a horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made. It didn’t bring calm, it didn’t bring peace, and it never will. In the years since the deal was reached, Iran’s military budget has grown by almost 40 percent – while its economy is doing very badly. After the sanctions were lifted, the dictatorship used its new funds to build its nuclear-capable missiles, support terrorism, and cause havoc throughout the Middle East and beyond. The agreement was so poorly negotiated that even if Iran fully complies, the regime can still be on the verge of a nuclear breakout in just a short period of time. The deal’s sunset provisions are totally unacceptable. If I allowed this deal to stand, there would soon be a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Everyone would want their weapons ready by the time Iran had theirs. Making matters worse, the deal’s inspection provisions lack adequate mechanisms to prevent, detect, and punish cheating and don’t even have the unqualified right to inspect many important locations, including military facilities. Not only does the deal fail to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but it also fails to address the regime’s development of ballistic missiles that could

deliver nuclear warheads. Finally, the deal does nothing to constrain Iran’s destabilizing activities, including its support for terrorism. Since the agreement, Iran’s bloody ambitions have grown only more brazen. In light of these glaring flaws, I announced last October that the Iran

decaying and rotten structure of the current agreement. The Iran deal is defective at its core. If we do nothing, we know exactly what will happen. In just a short period of time, the world’s leading state sponsor of terror will be on the cusp of acquiring the world’s most dangerous weapons.

If the regime continues its nuclear aspirations, it will have bigger problems than it has ever had before.

deal must either be renegotiated or terminated. Three months later, on January 12, I repeated these conditions. I made clear that if the deal could not be fixed, the United States would no longer be a party to the agreement. Over the past few months, we have engaged extensively with our allies and partners around the world, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. We have also consulted with our friends from across the Middle East. We are unified in our understanding of the threat and in our conviction that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. After these consultations, it is clear to me that we cannot prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb under the

Therefore, I am announcing today that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating U.S. nuclear sanctions on the Iranian regime. We will be instituting the highest level of economic sanction. Any nation that helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons could also be strongly sanctioned by the United States. America will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail. We will not allow American cities to be threatened with destruction. And we will not allow a regime that chants “Death to America” to gain access to the most deadly weapons on Earth.

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Today’s action sends a critical message. The United States no longer makes empty threats. When I make promises, I keep them. In fact, at this very moment, Secretary Pompeo is on his way to North Korea in preparation for my upcoming meeting with Kim Jong-un. Plans are being made, relationships are building. Hopefully, a deal will happen, and with the help of China, South Korea, and Japan, a future of great prosperity and security can be achieved for everyone. As we exit the Iran deal, we will be working with our allies to find a real, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear threat. This will include efforts to eliminate the threat of Iran’s ballistic missile program, to stop its terrorist activities worldwide, and to block its menacing activity across the Middle East. In the meantime, powerful sanctions also go into full effect. If the regime continues its nuclear aspirations, it will have bigger problems than it has ever had before. Finally, I want to deliver a message to the long-suffering people of Iran: the people of America stand with you. It has now been almost 40 years since this dictatorship seized power and took a proud nation hostage. Most of Iran’s 80 million citizens have sadly never known an Iran that prospered in peace with its neighbors and commanded the admiration of the world. But the future of Iran belongs to its people. They are the rightful heirs to a rich culture and an ancient land, and they deserve a nation that does justice to their dreams, honor to their history and glory to G-d. Iran’s leaders will naturally say that they refuse to negotiate a new deal. They refuse, and that’s fine. I’d probably say the same thing if I was in their position. But the fact is, they are going to want to make a new and lasting deal, one that benefits all of Iran and the Iranian people. When they do, I am ready, willing, and able. Great things can happen for Iran. And great things can happen for the peace and stability that we all want in the Middle East. There has been enough suffering, death, and destruction. Let it end now. Thank you. G-d bless you.


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Sivan Rahav-Meir Finding New Meaning in the Media By Tammy Mark

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f you sat next to Sivan Rahav-Meir back in grade school, you’d have to have been prepared to be interviewed. The evening news anchor and media darling began exhibiting her talent and crafting her skills at a very young age, regularly interviewing her classmates by age 7. Within a week of meeting a new friend, she would have an in-depth article published in the children’s magazines on the classmate’s hobbies or pets – complete with titles such as “Karen Adopted a Dog.” Rahav-Meir’s career as a journalist accelerated from there; she obtained her first press pass at the age of 8, interviewed Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres as a teenager, graduated high school at age 16 and completed her BA in political science by 18 before serving in the Israel Defense Forces and reporting for Galei Zahal Army Radio. Today, in addition to being a beloved primetime anchor on

Israel’s Channel 2 News, Rahav-Meir has a column in one of Israel’s largest newspapers, Yediot Acharonot, hosts a weekly radio show on Galei Zahal, and shares a radio broadcast, as well as five children, with her journalist husband Yedidya Meir. Her affable, engaging and enthusiastic demeanor helps endear her to diverse audiences and followers alike.

Meaningful Meetings As an Orthodox Jewish woman on Israel’s most popular channel for close to 25 years, Rahav-Meir has countless stories to tell, and her subject matter has undoubtedly grown well beyond her grade school interviews. She has had the inside view of Israel’s Knesset and its Supreme Court and has interviewed rabbis, dignitaries and celebrities. From the rare interview with former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Rav Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, to sitting down with Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israel’s

Prime Minister, Rahav-Meir appreciates it all. She likes to say, however, that she hopes her most fascinating interview is still yet to come. It is during the darker times that Rahav-Meir finds the most meaning in her work, such as while interviewing the families of terror victims in Israel. “When you interview them, you can touch destiny. It’s the only time when you say good things about people,” says Rahav-Meir. “In Israel we say in the news that we say ‘good evening’ and then for an hour we prove why it’s not good – everything’s bad! But when you touch terror, it’s the only opportunity to say, ‘Hey, there was someone here that was good – look at what he did, look at what she did, look at their lives.’ When we interview these special families of soldiers and citizens it’s something else; it brings another spirit to the regular news.” She adds, “It’s the only chance to

say something meaningful about people that are not stars and celebrities – ordinary people – and to remind ourselves that the eight million ordinary Israelis aren’t so ordinary when you look inside and hear stories about them,” she says. “It’s not a happy mission but an important one.” Some of the more difficult times Rahav-Meir has been on the air include covering wartime and terror attacks. “It’s very intense and sad, and you just have to stay cool while you’re not cool.” There have been other types of challenging assignments for Rahav-Meir throughout her career and many situations that contradict her values. She is keenly aware of the bias commonly found in the media. “There are all kinds of disputes in Israel about liberal values, and sometimes the media doesn’t cover reality, they run a campaign; they have an agenda and my agenda is exactly the oppo-


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site,” she says.

be the home field of the Torah!”

Turning to Torah

A Life of Conviction

Rahav-Meir’s views and values are quite established and publicly well-known for some time, but it was a couple of years ago, after the birth of her fifth child, when she realized that her passion lies more in broadcasting Torah messages than in covering the continuous cycle of current events. She turned to social media and began to post daily thoughts and stories on the weekly parsha, quickly growing a following on multiple platforms. Her live lectures in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv bring over a thousand people each week. Her book, #Parsha: Weekly Insights from a Leading Israeli Journalist, which provides insights on the weekly Torah portion complete with soundbite style passages, was translated into English last year. Between WhatsApp groups in Hebrew and English with over 30,000 followers and the approximately 150,000 followers on Facebook and Twitter respectively – including a small Druze population following as well – Rahav-Meir’s frequently shared posts reach many more than the documented figures. Rahav-Meir says she is now more recognizable for her Torah work than for her years in the media. “Baruch Hashem it’s thousands of people. I didn’t know that people are hungry to listen to Torah – it’s fun to discover how much people want to know and listen. It’s a new thing and it’s exciting.” Rahav-Meir recently visited the States; her first stop was at the Young Israel of Woodmere to partake in a presentation for Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls as part of a panel for Yom Iyun: Inspiring Voices: Women who Shape the World Guided by Torah. Rahav-Meir shared lessons on being observant in the workplace, alongside Civil Court Judge Ruchie Freier and writer Alexandra Fleksher. The program was created under direction of Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky, Director of Religious Guidance, and began with an introduction by Head of School Mrs. Helen Spirn. The three female panelists shared their personal stories, and Rahav-Meir was thrilled for the opportunity to speak with the students. Despite all of the potential

Born in Israel and raised in a nonobservant family in Herzliya, Rahav-Meir became observant as a teenager. She did not even know any religious Jews personally until the age of 15. One fateful weekend she had the chance to visit a family for Shabbat and witnessed an entire discourse over the permissibility of lending a nonobservant neighbor sugar on Shabbat. At first she thought it was very strange, not understanding why anybody would care so much. After some reflection, she realized that it came from devoutness about doing what was proper and worrying about the neighbor as well. Rahav-Meir came to view the situation as holy, reasoning that if they were worried about such small details, perhaps there was something very holy to warrant all the thought. Realizing that it’s not only Jewish morals and values which are extremely important but also the small details in life helped her choose to bring halacha into her life. Along with the successes, the challenges and lessons came early on in Rahav-Meir’s career. When she first came to Channel 2 at age 21 she was assigned to cover a beauty contest of Philippine immigrants. Rahav-Meir felt the assignment was not appropriate for her but didn’t have the courage to say so; she fabricated an excuse to avoid it. When her boss went on to assign the story to her colleague Shelly Yachimovich, a feminist, left-wing, secular socialist who is today a Member of Knesset for the Labor Party, Yachimovich refused. She explained how, as a feminist, she would never cover such an abomination – literally calling it a “toeivah.” This struck Rahav-Meir and made her think, “If she could express her personal values with so much confidence, why can’t I?” Fast-forward to age 36, when Rahav-Meir was asked to fill in on a story for another anchor. The lineup was ready and she was all set to interview famous Israeli singer Tzvika Pick, whose daughter Daniella just become engaged to American director Quentin Tarantino, a non-Jew. Rahav-Meir was directed to wish Pick on “mazel

Reporting on the news

challenges that come with being a high-profile personality, Rahav-Meir says that the true day-to-day ques-

first years it was hard but I think now it’s easy because they know who I am – the real challenge is with your kids

“It’s the only chance ... to remind ourselves that the eight million ordinary Israelis aren’t so ordinary when you look inside and hear stories about them.” tions and challenges she faces are akin to those of any Jewish person. “My father-in-law is a rav and I ask him questions all the time,” she says. “Most of the questions are private – most of the challenges are in daily life, as a person, as a women, as a mother, as a wife – it’s harder. Being a journalist is easier, I think,” she muses. Work, she believes, is often more straightforward in some respects. “People know me. They know my values, they know I’m orthodox. In the

than with your boss.” She elaborates, “To be accurate, to know what I want, to feel good, to be kind, to be patient – it’s easier to be patient at work than with my children sometimes.” Joined by her husband Yedidya and their nine-year-old son, Rahav-Meir’s trip included a stop at Citi Field to take part of in the Orthodox Union’s Torah New York, speaking amongst a lineup of esteemed rabbis and other noted lecturers. “I know it’s the home field of the Mets,” she muses enthusiastically. “On Sunday, it will


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tov” on-air. Rahav-Meir asked herself, “Can I bless a father that his daughter is engaged to a non-Jew? Shouldn’t I refuse to promote assimilation on prime time news?” The station tried to persuade her by saying that she was just filling in, and that it was no big deal. But Rahav-Meir ultimately refused to wish him congratulations and was subsequently accused of being a racist. Rahav-Meir understands that there may be many views to consider – the situation definitely left room for debate and discussion – but she couldn’t accept the view that the engagement of a Jew to a non-Jew should have been taken as a sign of Israeli pride. Rahav-Meir holds tight to the concepts of Shabbat and modesty. For somebody whose job is being completely connected, 12 hours without a phone on the plane is a welcome respite. She appreciates Shabbat and the chance to disconnect, sharing that her favorite time is being in the States on Friday afternoon when it’s already Shabbos in Israel. She loves having “Shabbat moments” on the other six days of the week and believes we vitally need these moments in daily life, “Shabbat in our weekdays,” a concept touted by Reb Nachman of Breslov, she explains. She and Yedidya set firm boundaries on social media and otherwise. They post no pictures of their children, even if they would get more “likes” than her parsha posts. She texts her babysitter in Israel to ask her to hide the daily newspaper from the kids while she is away. Their oldest child is 14 and has no internet yet, and they keep their children away from most of the other media. Sivan herself misses the innocent childhood that she had, even in a secular world, back before the explosion of technology 20 years ago. Rahav-Meir also addresses tziniut, modesty, in the workplace and how it is not just a dress code. “If you question your modesty, others will question and try to move your boundaries. There should be no question marks, but on the other hand, no exclamation points,” she advises and warns that when you shout, you can also can face difficulties – it’s best to present your values with a “period,” as a statement. “When you know your

The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

Meeting with Natan and Avital Sharansky

laws and borders and rules, people will respect them,” she notes. “Speak with a point and don’t shout or question – people will, b’ezrat Hashem, respect it and respect you.”

Judaism was Easier in the USSR Rahav-Meir recently received some powerful messages that she wants to share with her fellow Jews.

The interview was with Avital Sharansky, wife of Natan Sharansky, a Russian refusnik and political prisoner who was jailed in Russia in the late 1970’s for refusing to accept the Communist laws and wanting to live as a Jew and immigrate to Israel. Avital and Natan were young Russian citizens and knew nothing about Judaism until they were teenagers – they barely knew what the word “Jew”

“The challenge a young Jew is facing today in Israel or the U.S. is bigger than my challenge with the KGB 30 years ago.” One of her most significant interviews came right before Passover this year. It was for the Nightly News at 8, the main program on Channel 2, but she feels as though she hadn’t completely done her job and is on a mission to share what was left out.

even meant. Together they became involved in learning about Judaism and married in a Jewish ceremony, the first they had ever experienced. Avital was able to leave the country with plans for Natan to follow soon after; he was instead arrested and sent to

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jail for close to a decade. Throughout his time there Avital relentlessly led the movement to free him, inspiring demonstrations in the Jewish community and becoming a symbol for freedom fighters across the world. When Natan was finally freed, he was welcomed to Israel at the Western Wall. Natan eventually pursued politics, but Avital was no longer in the public eye. For 30 years she refused to be interviewed. Rahav-Meir’s dream was to interview Avital, and she had attempted to do so for many years. This year, Natan was awarded the 2018 Israel Prize and Avital finally agreed to be interviewed. Rahav-Meir showed up the very next day for the historical interview and made sure to ask for a long segment from the station. At the end of the interview, Rahav-Meir asked the Sharanskys why they finally agreed to be interviewed. Avital explained that the Jewish people were very united when Natan was in jail; she feels that they have forgotten those days from 30 years ago, forgotten those bygone moments when Jews were united all over the world, even students on campuses, Jews who were affiliated and unaffiliated. Avital says that supporters will even stop them at times and remark how there was something in the atmosphere that was different back then. Natan’s answer as to why he was interviewed wasn’t included in the airing, but Rahav-Meir can’t stop thinking about his answer. “I don’t want to talk about my heroism,” Sharansky said. “I speak about my heroism because I think your heroism is bigger. I think the challenge a young Jew is facing today in Israel or the U.S. is bigger than my challenge with the KGB 30 years ago.” Rahav-Meir needed further explanation. He continued, “It’s very easy to fight when you know exactly what’s right and what’s wrong. I was completely right – Stalin, Lenin, KGB, Communism, totalitarian regime – completely wrong, that’s the devil. I know I speak for the truth of Judaism, Zionism, human rights, democracy.” He added, “But the minute I walked out of jail I got confused. It’s easier to arrange a hunger strike with all of the prisoners, than to eat kosher in a secular pluralistic democratic world.”


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Rahav-Meir wants to spread Natan’s message: today you have a supermarket of ideologies – everything’s open, everything’s legal and you can do anything – complete freedom. Though we want to live in an open society in freedom, we have to work hard to keep our values and heritage when it’s so confusing. “His message to all of us is that today it’s even harder,” Rahav-Meir says. “It’s harder to be a zealot and sacrifice and have mesiras nefesh when nobody is chasing you, when everything is possible.” Speaking at the SKA presentation, Rahav-Meir proudly told the girls, “If you’re not confused, all the generations from the past are looking at you and they’re very proud. Don’t underestimate the challenge you’re facing…. When it’s easy, sometimes it’s harder,” she reiterated. Rahav-Meir explains how the media plays a large part in shaping perceptions of Orthodox Jews in Israel. Her own parents’ reactions to their daughter becoming religious were most definitely affected by this bias. “At first they were very worried – it’s scary. It’s scary because of the media in Israel,” she notes. “The media in Israel sees Judaism as a problem, not as a solution. I think Judaism is a solution. The majority of the people in Israel think Judaism is good. The majority of media in Israel thinks Judaism is bad. That’s why there are conflicts unfortunately.” Her family didn’t know any religious people except for the ones they saw on TV. Rahav-Meir jokes that there’s a lot of “fake news.” Her parents knew only of the violent extremist groups of Haredi and right-wing Zionists settlers depicted in the news and assumed that these were the only possible lifestyles of those leading a religious life. It took a couple of years until they met her husband for them to see another option. “The minute my husband Yedidya and his family came into our lives, something changed – they started to understand how Judaism really is, not through cameras and masks and studios. So it was hard, but worth it.” Rahav-Meir thinks that Americans Jews are bringing a healthy approach to Israel on how to combine the Zionism and Haredi worlds

With her husband, Yedidya Meir

better – recognizing that one can be religious and Zionistic, have a belief in shivat Zion and serious Torah learning. “I think Torah is above left and right,” she says. “In Lecha Dodi it says, ‘Yamin u’smol tif’rotzi,’ break these borders of left and right.”

We are All “Frum Jews on Channel 2” Rahav-Meir is constantly asked what it’s like to be a religious Jew on the very liberal Channel 2. Her traditional media outlets – including

they feel inside. They feel the contradiction of the inner self and what’s going on outside. What’s going on outside is so provocative, so shallow, so extreme, so superficial, so loud, so nothing...you think there’s a contradiction because you have a tzelem Elokim inside, but the media convinces you that you don’t.” Rahav-Meir elaborates on what prompted this shift in focus that occurred in her life three years ago. When her baby Yehudit was born, she had a crisis. She decided that if she

“When you know your laws and borders and rules, people will respect them.” Channel 2, IDF Radio and the Yediot Acharonot newspaper – are all secular entities that don’t follow halacha as their guide. She understands that people recognize that there must be a conflict for a religious woman in such secular places. She views it rather as a question about all observant Jews. “I think the deepest answer is that it’s not a question about me, it’s a question about them,” she asserts. “We are all ‘frum Jews on Channel 2.’ I think it’s a conflict we’re all facing. People see me and it reflects what

was now leaving five children at home with a babysitter, her work had to be meaningful. “For several years I wasn’t satisfied at work. I thought, I don’t want to go back to my boring work. I covered the Knesset, and before I covered the Knesset, I covered the Supreme Court.” All very important work she admits, but it had gotten to the point when she felt she wasn’t doing anything meaningful, simply watching people argue each day about the same predictable conflicts – arguing for

years between the left and the right, religious and non-religious, Israeli Arabs and Jews. Rahav-Meir recalls the time she spent 20 hours straight in the Knesset listening to the fighting about Shabbat laws all day and ongoing debates about conversion and all types of Torah-related issues – yet with no actual Torah being taught or discussed. “I don’t want to fight and argue about Judaism anymore,” she thought. Furthermore, her role as a journalist had changed. Whereas the MKs used to chase her down to be interviewed, they are now able to reach their audience more immediately and directly through social media. She came to realize that she herself could utilize the same available platforms to spread the messages that she wanted to spread and combine the worlds of Torah and new media. She jokes that she felt it was as risky as combining Coca-Cola and Mentos to see if they would explode but fortunately when Rahav-Meir began posting about the parasha there was no disaster; she was met with unbounded success. She is grateful to be living this dream combining her passion of Torah and journalism and living her life with strong values. She advises young women that if they have a dream they should go for it.

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hen asked what a typical day is like in the life of this busy mother and master of media who wears so many hats, Rahav-Meir says, “There is no regular day, each day is an adventure! I can’t predict what’s going on.” Rahav-Meir applauds all of the working mothers who face the same challenges and more, on a daily basis. “The regular women like my sisters-in-law – one’s a lawyer, one’s a secretary, one’s a teacher – they work harder than me. I have freedom as a journalist to choose my missions and control the schedule. The ‘regular normal Jewish moms’ are the real heroes.” It’s doesn’t come as much of a surprise when Rahav-Meir is asked what the most exciting interview she could possibly imagine would be. She answers without skipping a beat, “To cover Mashiach coming to Jerusalem!” she exclaims. “Watch it live!”


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

OUR KINDERGARTEN BUNKS ARE CLOSED OUT!

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Senator Joe Lieberman on His Newest Book on Shavuos By Rena Gray

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he period between Pesach and Shavuos is viewed by many as a time for personal growth, humble reflection, and Torah learning. Senator Joe Lieberman, together with Rabbi Ari Kahn, used this time as a stage for their new book, With Liberty and Justice: The Fifty-Day Journey from Egypt to Sinai, blending Jewish observance with political experience as they lead readers through the counting of the omer. Acting as a concise yet comprehensive sefira companion, the work is comprised of fifty essays – one for each day of sefira – on the topic of law and liberty in our lives today. The Senator supports his ideas with verses from the Torah and Talmud and ties it together with personal accounts from his political career and religious experiences. We recently spoke with Senator Lieberman about his newest book and to gain some insight into his unique role as an Orthodox Jew in politics.

Senator, what prompted you to write this book? In some sense it is a follow up to the book I wrote on Shabbat, The Gift of Rest. I just felt very good about it and felt that it had a positive effect on people who read it. I was encouraged by my teacher and friend Rabbi Menachem Genack to write another book and he suggested one on Passover. I felt, respectfully, that there were already

so many books on Passover, and to me the most underappreciated holiday in the Jewish year is Shavuot, arguably one of the most important because it commemorates the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai. I thought this would be an opportunity to write something that would make the connection between Shavuot, the festival of receiving the law, and Passover, the festival of our freedom – to have it both be an argument for

more observance of Shavuot and also a discussion of the necessity and importance of law in both Jewish history and any civilized society in the world. The basic message is that G-d freed the Jewish nation in the Exodus from Egypt, which we celebrate on Passover, but the purpose was not just freedom alone; as I say in the book, the Children of Israel were not just let go in the desert to just

go wander freely and they were not essentially emancipated to become citizens of Egypt – they were given a mission. And this is what Moses appeals to Pharaoh for constantly: to serve G-d and to go to Mt. Sinai to receive the law. And I think in this journey there’s a big message from the Torah, which is that freedom alone is not enough. That humans, because we’re imperfect, need law to set standards to embrace our values


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and to live civilized lives. This concept also holds true in modern society. Yes, it does. A lot has changed – we’ve gone from the agricultural age to the industrial age to the information age, and we have previously undreamed of capabilities technologically but human nature remains what it is. History tells us, as it did at the time of the Exodus and Sinai, that without law societies will inevitably degenerate into chaos, violence, immorality, and perhaps even self-destruction. With law they have a chance to live better lives and achieve justice. The other end of it is, as I say in the book, that if there’s too much law, you lose your freedom and you end up where the Jews were in Egypt – in slavery – and that’s obviously not acceptable either. So I think that that is still true of human nature. As we see in rule-of-law societies such as ours, Israel and some European countries, people live better and more secure lives. In other countries that are more authoritarian or totalitarian like Iran and North Korea, and increasingly Russia and Turkey, people don’t have freedom, which is their birthright from G-d. Who would you say is the target audience for your book? That’s a good question. I think there are different target audiences. I think the book will probably be read a lot by Jewish people who are religiously observant and already observe Shavuot. It’s divided into 50 essays that you can read every day during the counting of the Omer between the two holidays, and I hope that people will read it and that it will enrich their journey from Egypt to Sinai. But I’m also hoping for two other audiences. One is for people who observe Pesach but never get to Shavuot; some may not even know about it. I hope that this intrigues them enough that they want to, if nothing else, gather in a group on Shavuot to study the law and the place of the Ten Commandments in Jewish and world history, maybe even using my book as a guide to doing that.

The third audience, which might be the furthest reach, is people who are just interested in the law. I do

laughs] I think I would try to work in a Shavuot seder on the first night where people gathered around the

The day Al Gore and I would have been sworn in, I probably would have stayed at a hotel nearby and walked to the Capitol.

make a lot of comparisons between Jewish law and secular law [including] some very close connections between what happened at Mt. Sinai and what happened in Philadelphia when America declared its independence and adopted the Constitution. In many ways the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai was the beginning of law as we know it, certainly in Western civilization. Early on in its history Christianity embraced the Ten Commandments, and Islam does too. Why do you think it is that Pesach is so well-known while Shavuos is quite the opposite? Well, it’s really interesting – I think it’s a combination of factors. One is the appeal of the story, which is that freedom is our birthright and that G-d entered history to take the Israelites out of slavery. Of course that’s been a metaphor for freedom movements since Sinai and certainly in modern history in the Civil Rights movement here in the United States. The second is that the central event for many people of Passover observance is the seder. The seder [invites] family and friends around a table, which is a very pleasant and memorable experience that people want to repeat. Also the text of the Haggadah, while in some ways is quite ornate and complicated, seems to draw people into the discussion by the way it was constructed. If they authorized me to redesign Shavuot [the Senator

dinner table, obviously eating dairy food and discussing really what happened on Mt. Siinai. In Jewish law there’s the Written and Oral Torah. Is there anything comparable in secular law?

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Moshe says in the Torah that this is the law of G-d and you cannot add to it or subtract from it, but [in its] context it couldn’t answer all of the questions. There was clearly a need for [interpretation]. The Torah provided for this by enumerating sources of authority, the Kohanim or Sanhedrin, to interpret the Torah, and that’s the tradition. This development of interpretation of the Written Law of the Torah grew more intense when Jerusalem fell and the Temple was destroyed and the Jewish people were in the diaspora. The rabbis put a larger role in really sustaining Judaism without the Temple, without Jerusalem, and without Israel. It’s quite interesting, though it’s not an exact parallel, but in America we have a written Constitution, but there, too, it’s clearly a statement of general principles that need application and interpretation. In our system, judges, sometimes legislators, and sometimes executives by regulation are there to interpret and


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apply the law. You can change the Constitution; you can’t change the Torah. You can amend the Constitution, and it has been amended, but it’s very difficult so it doesn’t happen very often. In your political career did you ever experience a clash between American and Jewish law? Generally I did not have that kind of conflict. What would you have done if you would have won the vice presidency in the year 2002 and when the presidential inauguration fell on Shabbos? What are the general challenges of being an Orthodox Jew in politics? I made a rule for myself when I started out way back at the state Senate level in Connecticut, which was that I would not do political events on Shabbat, but that I would

try very hard never to fail to carry out my governmental responsibilities on Shabbat. When it really came into conflict was when I became a U.S. senator and there were times, probably over forty in the 24 years that I was in the Senate, where there were votes on Friday night or Saturday and I felt it was my responsibility to vote because if I wasn’t there, I couldn’t delegate my vote – I couldn’t sign over power of attorney. If I wasn’t there Connecticut would only have half of the representation they were entitled to, so I would walk or stay down at the capital. The day that Al Gore and I would have been sworn in, I probably would have stayed at a hotel nearby and walked to the Capitol. I felt an obligation, even though we had not been declared the winners, to walk to be there, and so I walked in. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us, Senator. My pleasure, thank you!

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By the early 1970s, I was fully observing Shabbat, but on the festivals, after attending synagogue in the morning, and sharing a meal with my family, I would go to work in the afternoon. After I had become a state senator, I committed to a political event during the afternoon of one Shavuot holiday. I was feeling guilty about doing so, but I did not want to back out of my commitment. When I closed the front door of my house as I left for the event, something flew by my eyes. I looked down at the stoop and saw a klaf, the small piece of parchment that sits inside the mezuzah... As part of our service to G-d, we are to put tefillin on every day, place mezuzot on our doorposts, and teach the commandments to our children. Going to a political event on Shavuot was in direct violation of those commandments. I looked at my front doorpost and, sure enough, the back of the mezuzah had come loose, releasing the klaf to the ground. I had opened and shut that door any number of times. Why did it now unsettle the mezuzah? For me, the answer was clear. I looked up and said: “OK, G-d. I got the message. This is the last time I go to a political event or work on one of the festivals. And it was.” I could not be happier about that decision. - From With Liberty and Justice: The Fifty-Day Journey from Egypt to Sinai, Day 44, “A Mystical Shavuot”

Dedication of the

Caryn Pollak a”h West Hempstead Yachad Chapter

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Dating Dialogue

What Would You Do If… Moderated by Jennifer Mann, LCSW of The Navidaters

Dear Navidaters,

I’ve always been the type of guy who moves at my own speed. Maybe I’m just slower than others or maybe I process what’s happening around me more slowly. But it is the way I am, and I can’t seem to help it. Whatever decisions I’ve made during my life have happened after much ruminations. And I’ve always been alright with that because, ultimately, I think I mull things over thoroughly and come up with the right decisions.

Now that I’m dating, I’m finding that my style is not appreciated very much. I have gone out with a number of women probably more times than I should have because I just wasn’t sure after a date or two whether or not there was a possible future worth pursuing. I know several young women (and their parents) made comments that I wasted their time. But I had to be sure. Now I’m dating someone who seems very special to me and we’ve been going out already for over three months. I’m getting a lot of pressure from her, from my parents, from her parents, and just about anyone else who feels they have the right to give me advice. Though I like her very much, I’m just not yet 100% sure and I can’t say how long it will take until I do feel 100% certain that she’s the one for me. The pressure I’m feeling is really getting to me and setting me back and forcing me to lose focus on this process. No one seems to want to give me a chance to do things my way – but that’s how I’ve always operated. I can’t stand feeling rushed, especially about something as important as marriage. I desperately feel as though I need to get everyone off my back and so far I haven’t been very successful in doing that. How do I get everyone to slow down and let me be me?

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to diagnose or otherwise conclude resolutions to any questions.

Our intention is not to offer any definitive

conclusions to any particular question, rather offer areas of exploration for the author and reader. Due to the nature of the column receiving only a short snapshot of an issue, without the benefit of an actual discussion, the panel’s role is to offer a range of possibilities. We hope to open up meaningful dialogue and individual exploration.


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The Panel The Rebbetzin

Rebbetzin Faigie Horowitz, M.S. ou sound like an introspective person. It’s fine to take your time to make decisions. Going out with a girl a few more times to give the relationship a final chance to grow is legitimate. However, people with your history, personality and habits have a hard time reaching a decision about marriage. That’s why you are feeling pressured now. It feels like this girl is the one but you want to be sure. That’s your tried and true style. Here’s an important fact. In our world, most people are not sure when it comes to committing to

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marriage. They haven’t tested it, they haven’t lived together. They go with their gut, take the plunge, and pray along the way. I don’t think that knowing this fact will help you, however. You need a professional dating coach to help you through this. You need to talk about this girl, your fears and the maturity of taking a reasonable risk. You also need to explore possible other explanations for generally ruminating too much over other decisions. Explore other times you feel pressured. Find a dating coach that you both agree on and go separately and together to see the coach. See if you can work at something together and see where it goes. Don’t blow this one because you feel pressured. Give it the effort it deserves but get a facilitator who can support you.

The Mother Sarah Schwartz Schreiber, P.A. o you want to be 100% sure that the young woman you are dating is The One? You are biding your time, as is your “style,” awaiting that magical moment when your heart, gut and psyche go “ping” so you can proclaim, with absolute certainty, “Yes! Yes! I’ve found my bashert.” Sorry, my friend, you’ll be waiting a looong time. Because the special girl you are dating may get tired of your protracted deliberation. First, because she – and her parents and your parents and probably the rest of the world – are on a different timeline; three months are three months on everybody’s calendar. Second, people and relationships are dynamic; they don’t come with guarantees. What seems perfect today may irritate you tomorrow. That’s the joy, challenge and reward of marriage. I boldly suggest that your slower approach to courtship may be a symptom of the big “C” – commitment issues – that have been troubling you for some time. Now would be a good time to enlist the assistance of a dating counselor or therapist to explore your anxiety about commitment and decisions so that you can seal the deal without feeing forced or pressured.

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The Shadchan Michelle Mond The reality of dating and marriage is that the needs of the individual on the other end must be met as well. You no longer have the luxury of moving at your own pace. While your individuality and personality should be respected and accepted, you need consideration for the other side as well. Long waiting periods are hard, especially for a young woman. This is inevitable and applies almost across the board with young women. If she

How do I get everyone to slow down and let me be me?

likes you, she is anxiously awaiting your decision. Lacking any conclusive statement from you, the anxiety builds up: do you want to marry her or not? If she finds her feelings toward you aren’t reciprocated, she will start to lose those feelings for you. So we need to solve the problem on your end. Your uncertainly may stem from a lack of methodology in decision-making. Rather than relying heavily on gut feeling, you need a solid, scientific approach to finding the right one. The good news is that you can already answer this: you have enough mutual attraction and chemistry that you’ve been going out with her for the last three months and feel things are going well. Together with a dating coach, close mentor, or advisor (parents may qualify), take some time to write a list of what qualities and hashkafos matter to you most in your life’s mate. Address what you want in a wife, mother of your children, and, conversely, the person to whose children you will be a father to. Be honest and frank when answering the questions. Once you reflect on these questions and objectively assess her “on paper,” it is time to pursue a definitive decision: make it – or break it. After three months of going out, you certainly should be able to answer most of these questions. Answer the unanswered questions by actively seeking out the answers the next time you meet. If you find that she has the special qualities you seek in a wife and mother, then it is ultimately up to you, not circumstance, to make it work. I assure you that no one enters marriage on feelings alone; there is


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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

no audible bas kol that informs you when you meet your bashert and no one has 100% certainty. Your married friends will endorse this (if they are being honest). Much hatzlacha!

The Single Tova Wein t sounds to me as if you have great insight into what makes you tick

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and you listen to your own inner voice – rather than what others around you seem to think is the correct way to operate. You’ve stated that your approach to life has served you well in the past and so you feel confident staying the course in your usual manner when it comes to dating. The obvious problem is that when it comes to dating within our community, there seems to be a rulebook that most people believe has to apply to everyone. But we are not all equal, and sometimes what works for the masses does not

necessarily work for certain individuals. I think it would be a shame if this woman you are dating ended your relationship because you weren’t ready to propose within the expected timeframe. If that’s the case, that tells you a lot about her and her need to strictly follow “group think.” In fact, you need a woman who understands you and the way you think and live because whoever you ultimately marry will have to be patient with you, as you take longer than most people to make important decisions and you will need a patient and understanding woman by your side. But maybe it’s all just noise, and ultimately, this

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It is time to pursue a definitive decision: make it - or break it.

woman will decide to wait it out and hang in there until you’re ready to commit with a full heart and no second thoughts. You never know. In the interim, it wouldn’t hurt for the two of you to visit a dating coach together in order for both of your concerns to be heard and alleviated.

Pulling It All Together The Navidaters Dating and Relationship Coaches and Therapists

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t’s understandable that a thorough, thought-out, mull-it-over kind of guy like yourself would feel as though he is in a pressure cooker when he is dating “by the rules.” Solely based on your letterh, my mind takes me to two possibilities with regard to what is going on here. The first is that your nature and the “shidduch system” simply aren’t a good shidduch. You like to take your time and think things through, always happy with your decision in the end, while shidduchim often require some faster footwork. The second possibility is that you are using a formula, weighing pros and cons and balancing risk/reward, that may be good for schooling, career and business, but that doesn’t translate into the world of feelings and relationships. Regardless of why this is happening, my suggestion is for you and the woman you are dating to see a therapist or a dating coach together to help the two of you navigate what you are experiencing. We have to find a way right now to release the valve and let some air in, so you can relax a bit. You aren’t going to be able to make a commitment feeling this pres-

sure. And the special woman i n your life may be having all sorts of her own feelings right now. S h e may feel insecure in the relationship or question your feelings for her. Also, if she is accustomed to her friends and family getting engaged after a certain amount of time, the concept of waiting and dating longer may be foreign to her. We have to honor her and her needs through this process. The therapist/coach may want to continue to see the two of you together or he/she may suggest working exclusively with you, depending on what is revealed during the session. I’d hate to see you lose out on a special relationship because there was some misunderstanding between the two of you. Perhaps with both of your needs being met in therapy/coaching and then hopefully in the relationship, the two of you will be able to have a new and very different conversation about the timeline of this relationship. At this point, I’m just going to offer you, and others who are resonating with your plight, some food for thought.

1. What will your relationship need to look like in order to know or feel comfortable taking the next step? What is it that you need to see or feel? 2. Was there ever a time when you wished that you could arrive at a decision using a different avenue? Was there ever a time when you felt beholden to, or resentful of, or trapped by your decision-making process? 3. How would you feel if she were prepared to end the relationship or ended the relationship? 4. Have you spoken to her about your feelings? Have you communicated to her that you have feelings for her, but that you tend to take more time? I didn’t get a sense of the two of you talking about this productively as a couple; only of the pressure you feel. That pressure may be coming from her, but it also may be how you are perceiving talk of commitment. Has the relationship stalled since the pressure set in? What does a date look like these days? 5. I’m curious about your feeling of needing “everyone off my back.” What does that mean? What does that look like? Are you getting annoyed with everyone? I’m also curious about whether or not you have any empathy or understanding for your partner’s feelings in all of this.

While your feelings and experiences are important, hers are equally as important. When in a relationship, there is no more “let me be.” In other words, the way you are reacting to the pressure is equally as important as the pressure you are feeling itself. That needs to be looked at as well. You’re leaving this column with different questions and areas for exploration than you came with. Whether it’s the shidduch system that isn’t right for your nature, or you wind up on a path of self-discovery and growth, whether you settle down happily with this woman, or it turns out it wasn’t meant to be, I think it’s important that you address the current situation in therapy/coaching and see where you go from there. Sincerely, Jennifer Esther Mann, LCSW and Jennifer Mann, LCSW are licensed psychotherapists and dating and relationship coaches working with individuals, couples and families in private practice in Hewlett, NY. To set up a consultation or to ask questions, please call 516.224.7779. Press 1 for Esther, 2 for Jennifer. Visit www.thenavidaters.com for more information. If you would like to submit a dating or relationship question to the panel anonymously, please email thenavidaters@gmail.com. You can follow The Navidaters on FB and Instagram for dating and relationship advice.


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Dr. Deb

Kavod By Deb Hirschhorn, Ph.D.

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t was 8 o’clock at night and once again some person thought that the best way to solve his (or her) earthly problems was to let loose with his car horn. And once again, I wanted so badly to go out there and say, “You know, there are parents right now, right here, trying to put their children to sleep.” But I didn’t. Mainly because I knew that with that degree of impatience, the person would be long gone before I got out my door. I never pursue it; it’s just my fantasy. Listen, we all have a “to do” list. We’re supposed to. We’re doers. That’s why kiddush says that to get the beauty of Shabbos we need to spend six days “doing our work.” But a point comes when we’re not only too busy to enjoy just living, we hurt others by our single-minded focus on what we have to “do.” We keep thinking – mistakenly – that it’s all about us. Sure, one life is equivalent to the entire world. And it’s true that we are supposed to think “bishvili nivra haolam,” that G-d created the world just for me. But we are definitely not supposed to stop there. We need to ask why? Certainly not so that we could conclude that the world spins around us! I think about things like this during sefira especially because it’s

hard to wrap my head around the idea that 24,000 people died who were talmidei chachamim and, I would think, good people. Of course, they were held to a higher standard than we would be. Still, it always makes me wonder just what kavod to another human being is. We learn that kavod Shamayim

see that. The person ahead of you is not a moron who doesn’t know to move up if space allows (although that’s the message you’re giving by honking). This goes for being anywhere on the road. • If someone is driving particularly slowly, instead of thinking that he or she is slowing you down,

We keep thinking - mistakenly - that it's all about us.

means letting the world know by our actions that there is a G-d that runs everything. It would seem that kavod habriyos must facilitate that ultimate kavod to Hashem. And perhaps that’s why the whole world was created for us. After all, to whom would we give kavod if the world (and the people in it) weren’t there? Toward that end, I’d like to write a list of examples of what constitutes respect for others: • When you’re pulling into the parking lot at Gourmet Glatt, don’t honk your horn. Maybe someone is pulling out of a spot and you don’t

maybe think that the driver is lost or confused about the address and needs some help to find it. • If your spouse asks what sounds to you like a dumb question, don’t react with rolled eyeballs. Is it really necessary to convey to him or her that the question seems stupid? What do you gain? Don’t you lose more that way? • Follow Rabbi Akiva’s advice: Don’t do what you wouldn’t like done to you. That means if you wouldn’t appreciate your mother-in-law telling you she wasn’t “into” the sort of food you made, don’t tell that to her,

either. Or, to the mother-in-law, if you wouldn’t appreciate your sonin-law giving you financial advice, don’t give it to him, either. Notice, by the way, how this injunction can be person specific. You might not mind your wife suggesting a good investment to you, just not your motherin-law. • Respect the mood your spouse is in. Don’t make jokes if she’s sad and don’t rain on her parade if she’s happy. • Don’t wake a sleeping person – unless you’re waking your kids for school. Even then, they ought to take responsibility for getting up themselves. (Saying that you sleep through an alarm clock is no excuse. There are devices that get around that very well.) • Check the name on the doorbell before ringing it and bothering a stranger. • Don’t flirt with someone else’s spouse. Even if it is totally innocent, you really have no knowledge of the personal things in their marriage and you might be kicking over a red ant hill. • Don’t assume you’re smarter than someone else, even if it’s in your area of experience. Be open to everyone’s ideas and input, even those of small children. • Don’t give advice when it’s not


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

asked for. Your good intention to be helpful can come across as arrogant. Your friend might feel more lost and alone because you were too busy helping instead of listening. • The same thing goes for pep talks. If I’m having a crummy day, I don’t want to hear, “At least this and this didn’t happen to you” or something of that sort. That’s not empathy. That’s not kindness. It’s really arrogance because you’re showing off your superior attitude on life. • Don’t shake hands when you have a cold. Don’t share a car, either, when you’re sick. • Be on time. You don’t know what the other person went through to meet with you. Maybe your mom’s perfectly timed dinner will not quite taste the same if you’re late. • Don’t argue publicly. Or privately, for that matter. If you have a different take on something, bring it up gently. We cover the challah to avoid embarrassing it. • Get back to people who reach out to you. I know it’s awfully hard when your inbox is full and your phone can’t take more messages. But then you can always disable these applications. If you’ve got the app, don’t ignore the other person; it makes them feel like two cents. • Don’t take a job making robo calls or spam sales calls. Since every single minute of Life is precious, don’t squander other people’s minutes. Believe in the reason you’re on the phone or don’t do it. • Never, ever imply your friend is stupid even if they take a different political position than you – which you may find incomprehensible. For that matter, don’t make fun of their religious beliefs, either, whether you think they’re “too” religious or not religious enough. It’s between them and G-d, not you. • Pay the shiva call even if you didn’t know the person well. And when you get there, do not ask how long the deceased was sick or were they prepared for this demise. People are never prepared. Your job is to say something nice and meaningful about the deceased. If you didn’t know them, you can say something nice about the mourner and that this good middah perhaps came from the parent or was learned from the spouse. Or you can sit quietly; that’s okay. Don’t rush out; the mourner may actually want to talk to you. You do not know what comfort you may be giving. Whatever you do, don’t feel the need to be silly

or ask inane questions just to keep the conversation going; the mourner may actually prefer the silence and your presence alone may be the biggest comfort you can give him. • Smile at the cashier in the store. Say something nice. You need to do that to counter the complaints they hear all day. • Speaking of cashiers, don’t complain about long lines moving slowly. No one wants to hear it,

especially since they’re standing on that line, too. Better to make a pleasant comment or not make one at all. For all you know, Hashem is testing your patience and pleasantness, so don’t fail. • Let’s end with the grocery store as we began. Move your cart as close as possible to the wall of products; you’re really not the only person there. We do not know what exactly af-

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fects Hashem’s plans for us. It could be the little things as much as the big ones. That’s what I learned from Rabbi Akiva’s students and their lack of kavod.

Dr. Deb Hirschhorn is a Marriage and Family Therapist. She can be reached at 646-54-DRDEB or by writing drdeb@ drdeb.com.


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Inspiration from Inspiring Mothers By Hylton I. Lightman, MD, DCH (SA), FAAP & Leah Lightman

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ou’re observant. Yes, there’s a second byline this week and it belongs to my wife. My wife works in my office and, as a result, speaks to many patients and their parents, especially the mothers. She comments daily that one of the “perks” of the job is speaking with our talented, smart and savvy mothers and grandmothers, sisters and daughters. They are a wealth of information. Ben Zoma says in Pirkei Avos: Who is wise? One who learns from every man. Through our work, we are uniquely positioned to hear people’s stories and insights. Thank you for sharing with us. And the time has now come to share this unending fountain of wisdom with you, our dear readers. It’s our gift to you. Leah (LL) has spoken with three woman with three different, yet overlapping, perspectives on life. All are mothers and one is a grandmother. They’re physically spry, mentally agile, emotionally resilient and spiritually burgeoning as they go about their lives, both inside and outside the home. With G-d’s help, this will become a quarterly endeavor. After all, learning never stops.

Jamie Geller The world knows Jamie Geller as one of the gurus of kosher cooking, an American-born Israeli who founded JoyofKosher.com. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of New York University, she is a businesswoman par excellence who is internationally renowned for her cooking prowess and creativity. Yet Jamie is first and foremost the wife of Nochum and the mother of six (ages -3-13), living in Ramat Beit Shemesh. We first met Jamie when she was a brand, spanking new mother in the office, a few days after a C-section. She was, in her own words, the bride who knew nothing and then became the mother who knew nothing. You’ve come a long way, Jamie.

LL: On your odyssey as a Mom, who has been the biggest influence on you? JG: Nochum. He is always pushing me to grow, sharing the Torah he learns with me and our family. LL: You’ve entered the teen years with your children. What are the challenges you’ve encountered so far? JG: Entered the teen years?! That happened when my oldest turned 9. I try to keep a straight face when I’m speaking to my girls who are so passionate and everything is real and meaningful to them. I’d never want to laugh at them, but they can be entertaining. And their passion. I want them to have passion and to follow it. It’s carried me far.

social media, social media has no place in my family. Social media is for the job only and yes, it’s a creative outlet in which my partners, employees and I engage. But there is no social media in my home so it’s a nonissue. LL: Share a moment of greatness about being a mother. JG: My grandmother, a”h, and my mother always said, “When a baby is born, a Mom is born.” The transformation with each birth is the greatest moment. I cry when my kids sing zemiros at the Shabbos table. I cry when they get along. And I’m still crying six kids later. Maybe I should own stock in a tissue company? LL: Dr. Lightman was your first

"Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky said, 'You're not raising great kids. You're raising great adults.'" LL: Technology, especially social media, is part-and-parcel of your life. How does this affect your family? JG: While Jamie Geller the cook and businesswoman is immersed in

pediatrician. How did he help you? JG: I was a complete mess the first time I came to the office. He examined my daughter, gave me instructions and then we talked. He

wrote me two separate prescriptions on his prescription pad. One said, “Take time for you.” The second one said, “Mr. Geller: Kindly buy your wife flowers.” Dr. Lightman thought about me! LL: Here we are, Jamie, 6 kids later. When you look back, what would you say to your younger self? JG: It’s overwhelming to have kids and a lot of kids. I remember feeling like I was truly accomplished when all the kids would be asleep by 7pm and then Nochum and I had couple time. Yet now, emotional challenges abound 24/7. Looking back, I wish I had cherished that time period more. I look back and I see each failure and misstep and I wish I could redo everything better. That becomes my inspiration as I move forward. LL: When you’re feeling overwhelmed as a mom, what’s your #1 self-care tip? JG: Confiding in someone. Often, it’s my husband. Other times, it might be my mother or a friend. And it’s always done privately, never in front of the kids. LL: Share something about your mother or another woman who has influenced you. JG: My grandparents. They were Holocaust survivors who embodied strength and character and created lives out of nothing. My


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grandmother is my “go to” person in my head during hard moments. She had no anger and was quick to forgive but she never forgot anything. And then there’s my mother. She followed us on Aliya and in becoming Torah observant. She believes in me and that I’m the best and she is my source of strength. LL: Name your #1 “self-care” tip. JG: Sleep. 7-8 hours per night. Then I can wake up singing Modeh Ani. It’s important the kids go off with the right attitude for the day.

LL: What’s the one morning ritual you will never skip? JG: Davening. Even before I was religiously observant, my mother encouraged me to call out to G-d. LL: How did you come to develop a career in cooking? JG: Nochum. He was a caterer who married me, the bride who knew nothing. We loved hosting Shabbos guests and my cooking took off from there. I’ve kept the cooking in our home so I’m there for the kids. LL: Let’s circle back to social

media. What has been the feedback for you with a robust following on Facebook and Instagram? JG: Thank G-d. The feedback keeps me going. People respond to my being “real,” walking to the Kotel, showing the mountains of Judea, loving the people I meet along the way. I don’t suffer from this FOMO (fear of missing out) syndrome that comes with social media because I have no need to be a voyeur into other people’s lives. Social media is about sharing an important part of what I do with

the world. LL: You’re a foodie, Jamie. Name your #1 pick-me-up food. JG: Five cups daily of green tea. The warmth is soothing. It has caffeine and it’s loaded in antioxidants. LL: Share a spiritual insight on motherhood. JG: Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky said, “You’re not raising great kids. You’re raising great adults.” Nochum and I are raising our kids to be functioning members of society who will make the world a greater place.

ple. Like so many women, my mother and others have helped to form me. I’m also surrounded by all kinds of women in different stages of life, each with her own challenges. The amount of role models is endless. They talk. I listen. We interact. Each person enriches my life, lifting me up and giving me amazing outlooks. When I want to learn further, I go out and observe women whom I believe have “it.” And from all of this, I’ve been able to form my sense of “self” which I bring to motherhood. LL: What do you pride yourself most about as a mother? AD: I have the gift of gab so I use it to talk to my kids in real ways about real life issues. We’ve developed vocabularies around giving back to others, loving people, respecting people who are different from us. We also discuss real life scenarios like the

responsibility of having a credit card and driving. No topic is taboo. We talk about puberty and what the body changes mean, how drugs and drinking are inappropriate and can ruin your life. We talk about trusting G-d and that when you’re in control of your reactions, that’s what G-d wants. G-d is there to love each of us. I have an open house, meaning we talk to our children about everything and they know we are honest. LL: What’s the most difficult part of motherhood for you? AD: Time. There’s never enough time. My business requires time. But no matter what, I push everything aside for my husband and kids. They are my life. LL: You went from child bride to businesswoman with a family in a flash. What drives you? AD: My husband and children. Seriously. The cost of living an Orthodox Jewish life is steep. I found ways to help provide for my family via something I believe in which helps other people. LL: Please share an example of how you creatively combine career and motherhood. AD: Food. I’m creative at getting fruits, vegetables and whole grains into my kids. One example: I add Arbonne’s “Green Balance” to every recipe that requires tomato sauce. My kids enjoy their food and are none the wiser about the nutrients flowing through their growing bodies. I also brought my daughter to the recent Arbonne conference. We hung out together for a couple days before and

then we bonded further during the conference. LL: How do you describe your relationship with social media? AD: Honest. Bold. Real. Just the way I talk to my children. My posts are unplanned. If a quote or picture resonates with me in the moment, then I post it that very same moment. LL: How do you present social media to your children? AD: Social media is for me and my business. The business helps the family. They know their mother has created something from nothing and social media has been a tool to get there. Right now, my children are not on it. Period. LL: How has Dr. Lightman helped you? AD: He was a loving presence in my childhood and remains for me as I parent. My kids adore him. We can talk to him about anything. LL: When you’re stressed out, you… AD: Run to the gym for a serious workout. Self-care is a must. Each woman has to find what works for her. LL: The #1 Arbonne product that travels with you wherever you go is… AD: The Anti-Aging set. Nothing more needs to be said. LL: Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Any thoughts you can share about your mother? AD: My mother navigated a difficult divorce while remaining a devoted mother. She always maintained a smile and made a happy, secure world for us. How awesome. I appreciate her and everything she’s done.

Aviva David Aviva David is a homegrown girl, born and raised in Far Rockaway and presently living in North Woodmere with her husband Judah (also a Far Rockaway native) and their four children, the oldest of whom is 12 years old. Aviva and her siblings grew up in Dr. Lightman’s practice. Her mother worked Dr. Lightman’s front desk at one point. It brings Dr. Lightman loads of joy that she chose him to be her children’s pediatrician. A bold businesswoman, Aviva built her sheitel business from scratch and enjoys a large following. Several years ago, she branched out and became a successful independent consultant in health and wellness with Arbonne. LL: What do you believe is unique about your odyssey as a mother? AD: I watch and learn from peo-

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OCTOBER 29,|2015 | The Jewish MAY 10, 2018 The Jewish HomeHome

Joy Glicker Lieber Joy Glicker Lieber has been a community leader in Far Rockaway and the Five Towns for several decades. While raising her family of five children, she built and operated a retail hat business. Presently, she is a grandmother who’s a serial entrepreneur. Her professional accomplishments include (but are not limited to): Bridal Consultant at Bridal Secrets; Designer and Buyer at Nip-and-Tuck; and Manager of Fashionably Late Gowns. She is the creator of Perfect Matches, the interactive Jewish dating game which is now in its second printing. The Chessed Network News Directory (http://www.thechessednetworknews.org) is Joy’s brainchild and ongoing “baby.” Joy is also a medical clown with Lev Leytzan, bringing joy (pun intended) to all. LL: Who has been the biggest influence on you on your journey as a mother and grandmother? JL: My sister, Sondra Gottesman, is my role model in all endeavors. Sondra, who is a great-grandmother, is 17 years older than I am. She had a large hand in raising me. By the time I was toddling around, Sondra was married and raising her family. I was pretty much the same age as Sondra’s children so I fit right in there. We are still very close. LL: What was the biggest benefit of being the youngest child of immigrant parents and having siblings who were significantly older? JL: Learning how to go with the flow. LL: What is the #1 “go to” you

learned growing up that has helped you navigate a full and busy life? JL: The classic clown’s big red ball nose. It’s in my handbag at all times. I’m not joking. Laughter and levity can alleviate much pain. One time, I accompanied my daughter to a Manhattan hospital. While waiting for the phlebotomist, we witnessed a woman overcome with emotion at the thought of having her blood drawn. She couldn’t stop crying and she was beyond reason or being comforted. As a trained clown, I carry with me the clown’s nose because you never know when it might be useful. Creatively reaching into my bag, and communicating with the phlebotomist through eye contact only that she should proceed full steam ahead, I put on the nose and interacted with the “patient.” She was stunned and before she even realized it, the phlebotomist had done her magic and there was no pain at all. LL: Who gets the credit for your appreciating and using laughter and levity? JL: My mother, a”h. She lived

LL: How did you think of Perfect Matches? JL: I’ve worked with brides for years to make the biggest day of their lives (to date) as awesome as possible. We bond: They talk and I listen. Many have spoken about how little they know the chosson when they’ve dated for maybe six weeks. They talk on dates so why not make the talk real-life meaningful? I reviewed our conversations, heard their questions, developed new ones, tested all 500 of them with “real life” people (including Rabbi Eytan and Aviva Feiner and Rabbi David and Debbie Greenblatt) and got feedback. For example, within the 500 cards are five cards that state, “Give the other person a compliment.” Brides have told me that some people do not know how to compliment their (potential) life’s partner. By playing the game, each person can assess how the other compliments them. How does the other person make me feel? An important consideration when contemplating a life-time commitment. LL: Has Perfect Matches helped people get married?

"Laughter and levity can alleviate much pain." until she was 90. She was happy and made others happy. LL: You’re a “doer,” Joy. You get things done. And that comes from… JL: My family of origin. We are doers who get things done. For example, my late sister Lorraine Pollak, a”h, helped to found NCSY’s Yachad – National Council for Jewish Disabilities because her daughter Caryn Pollak, a”h, (whose first yahrzeit is imminent) had Downs Syndrome. And Jewish kids with disabilities need programming and socialization like all other Jewish kids. LL: Where do the ideas for different businesses come from? JL: Hashem. I picture that my head has a slit on top, just like a tzedaka box. Hashem puts ideas into my head through that slit. The lightbulb goes “on.” Then I’m off and running.

JL: Yes! I get emails and phone calls all the time. It’s helped people get married and it’s helped people decide not to marry someone they have been dating. Perfect Matches has given them clarity. LL: What’s the most challenging part of working with brides? JL: Stopping them when they’re choosing a gown and they begin to say, “Will my friends like it?” I hit the “pause button” and make it clear that it’s about how you, the bride, feel and look, and not about anyone else. Our clientele say we “empower” them. Baruch Hashem. LL: Describe your most rewarding moment as a bridal consultant. JL: A Bridal Secret bride got married in Chicago. At some point during her big day, she called me, saying, “I’m holding my cellphone and speaking to

you while I’m looking in the mirror and I look beautiful. Thank you.” LL: How do you choose which gowns to carry in Bridal Secrets? JL: The inspiration comes from the clientele. They share pictures with me. I research the luxury designers’ creations and save those images. And then there are the bridal fashion shows: How do these creations mesh with Bridal Secrets’ clientele? The fun then begins – taking everything to the next level, from strapless and sleeveless and ultra-sheer to our levels of modesty. It’s a creative process from beginning to end. LL: Lots of creativity. It means expending energy. How do you rejuvenate? JL: In a number of ways. There’s retail therapy. I love to look. A store, especially a luxury department store, is a museum to me. There are also online “museums” and designer websites. I also love spending time doing needlepoint for my family members. Reading nightly is a must. LL: In addition to your needlepoint creations, how does your family benefit from your creativity and unending energy? JL: Baruch Hashem, my grandchildren think I’m cool. No one has tefillin bags like theirs. I’ve taken my older granddaughters on shopping trips to Manhattan for fabric and trim. I encourage them to imagine and create. They loved trying on funky-colored boas and feather masks. I’ve shared with them that when I was growing up, my mother and aunts would take me to visit my uncles in their fur business and I played with fur scraps and fabric. LL: Hashem gives you your ideas. How is He present in other ways in your life? JL: Hashem is always with me. He was there when I was growing up. He was with me every moment I was raising my children, and He’s with me every moment of my life, awake or asleep.

Dr. Hylton I. Lightman is a pediatrician and Medical Director of Total Family Care of the 5 Towns and Rockaway PC. He can be reached at drlightman@totalfamilycaremd.com, on Instagram at Dr.Lightman_ or visit him on Facebook.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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MAY 10, 2018 The Jewish HomeHome OCTOBER 29,|2015 | The Jewish OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home

Health & F tness

The Shavuos Challenge By Aliza Beer MS, RD

W

ho doesn’t love Shavuos? The weather is typically beautiful. It presents itself without the extra pressures of putting up a sukkah, purchasing lulavim and esrogim, turning the house upside down to clean it, or kashering the whole kitchen. What it does present, though, is a diet challenge. This year Shavuos is a three day yom tov. We have Shabbos, a day that is always difficult to navigate and maintain our weight, immediately followed by Shavuos, the yom tov notorious for its high fat, carby and cheesy foods. The crown jewel of Shavuos is the highest caloric cake known to man: the cheesecake! How can any of us expect to avoid weight gain over this three day food fest? Honestly, it will be very hard, but not unrealistic, to maintain one’s weight. It will take planning, focus, and a lot of discipline. Incorporate the following guidelines when creating your menus for the holiday and the scale will stay steady. • Dairy Downside: If one were to eat four meals of lasagna, eggplant parmesan, mac ‘n’ cheese, blintzes, and pizza, weight gain is unavoidable and the most likely outcome. Cheese is a very high fat food, so plan for some poultry/lean meat meals as well. I recommend for the four Shavuos meals to designate two dairy and two meat meals. • Fish is your Friend: Fish is a wonderful source of omega 3 fatty acids and a great weight loss tool. Serve fish options at both dairy meals. Season the fish with your favorite rubs or spices and drizzle some olive oil on it. Bake or grill it, never bread or fry it! For those of you who do not eat fish, try eating eggs or homemade veg-

gie burgers as a dairy option. Eggs are very healthy and easy to make. Use your favorite veggies and turn them into a frittata. Make your veggie burgers with a mix of veggies, eggs, and some oats or whole wheat flour. Bake them or grill them. These can be made and frozen in advance. • Savory Salads: Instead of making quiches and kugels, serve salads and grilled or roasted veggies. Salad bars are always a hit with guests and morphs the meal into a fun activity where everyone can participate. Make dressings that are low-fat and sugar-free. Roast or broil veggies with

above mentioned salads and veggies if available. • The Art of Cheating: It is unrealistic for me to expect everyone to get through these three days with zero indulgence. So if you are going to treat yourself, please do it in the morning, not late at night! Whatever we eat at night just sticks to us, especially if one is going to bed soon after. We do not burn off our dinner, and certainly anything eaten after dinner, the way we burn off our breakfast and lunch throughout the day. True story: A number of years ago Shavuos was a three day yom tov. I

If you are going to treat yourself, please do it in the morning, not late at night!

spices and a little olive oil or Pam. Another good option is using an air fryer for making sweet potato fries or zucchini chips. Cauliflower rice and zoodles are excellent faux carb sides. • Cheese It: If you must eat some cheese, then only use low-fat options like low-fat cottage cheese or partskim shredded mozzarella. Make your own homemade pizza either using whole wheat crust or, for non-carb options, you can use Portobello mushrooms or eggplant. Use low sugar or no sugar added tomato sauce. If you are a guest at someone else’s table and are not in control of food prep, then take small portions of these high fat options. Fill up your plate with the

had a patient that had a piece of cake for breakfast every morning of those three days, a normal nice yom tov lunch without dessert, and a Greek yogurt for dinner every night. She came to my office the day after yom tov and she had lost 2 pounds! How could this be? She had cheated in the morning, burned it off throughout the day, and ate very little for dinner; she therefore went to bed on a light stomach. The night is the key to weight success! • Drink Water: I know I’m repeating myself, and recommend this in almost every article, but water works! Drink one to two cups of water before each meal. Studies show that people will eat less at that meal, and it helps

the stomach prepare itself to receive the food. • Matzah: I am well aware that it was just Pesach, but whole wheat or spelt matzah are much healthier carbs than challah. Challah is like cake – it consists of oil, sugar, and eggs just like cake. Matzah, on the other hand, is just flour and water. Also, there is less of a chance you will overeat the matzah like one can overeat challah. If you eat challah at six meals in a row then weight gain is inevitable! Designate three out of the six meals as matzah meals. • Go for Walks: The weather will hopefully be beautiful, so take advantage and walk off your meals. Cardio exercise burns fat, and walking is a good cardio activity! Walk for at least 30 minutes a day – longer if possible. • What Cheesecake?: I buy fat free frozen yogurt, in an assortment of flavors, for our dairy dessert. You can even make an “ice cream bar” but instead of ice cream use frozen yogurt! Use berries, slivered nuts, and granola for toppings. Compote and sorbets are other lower calorie and refreshing options. If you are determined to have your cheesecake, then either buy or make a low-fat option. Helpful hint: buy the ones that are already pre-portioned for you; this will inhibit overeating. If you are planning on making your own then use nonfat Greek yogurt and/or low-fat cottage cheese and bake them in small muffin tins or cupcake holders, again for portion control. Diet alert: a regular slice of cheesecake with graham crust and toppings can be in the neighborhood of 1,000 calories! Proceed with caution. Shavuos is truly my favorite hol-


The Jewish | MAY 29, 10, 2015 2018 The Jewish HomeHome | OCTOBER

iday. It is a very meaningful and joyous yom tov, but too much focus is given to the food. Indulge in some of its physical pleasures, but emphasize the spiritual importance of this yom tov too. Enjoy the special holiday treats, but with portion control and discipline. Too much of even healthy

foods, such as fruit, is still too much food. Experiment more with flavors and spices, your food can be delicious and nutritious! Approach this yom tov with a plan for every meal – even log your meals in advance – and stick to your plan. Putting pen to paper will help keep you on track.

If one meal is a bust, don’t despair, instead get yourself back on for the next. Throwing in the towel, especially early on, will only have you digging yourself into a deeper hole. Don’t look back, just look forward and try to do your best! Wishing all of my readers a chag

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sameach! Aliza Beer is a registered dietician with a master’s degree in nutrition. She has a private practice in Cedarhurst, NY. Patients’ success has been featured on the Dr. Oz show. Aliza can be reached at alizabeer@gmail.com.


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OCTOBER 29,|2015 | The Jewish MAY 10, 2018 The Jewish HomeHome

Munchies

for

Mom Cinnamon Sugar Bundt Cake

Moist vanilla cake with a ribbon of sweet cinnamon sugar filling hidden inside. Ingredients Cake 2½ cups all purpose flour 4 TBS cornstarch 1½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups soy milk 2 tsp apple cider vinegar 2/3 cup canola oil 1½ cups granulated sugar 4 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp almond extract Filling ½ cup brown sugar 2 tsp of cinnamon ½ tsp of pumpkin spice Drizzle 1 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar 2 TBS soy milk or almond milk 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preparation Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a bundt pan with cooking spray. Mix the soy milk and apple cider vinegar together and stir vigorously. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes. Prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice together. Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl and the wet ingredients together in a smaller bowl. Combine and mix till batter is just combined. Pour ½ the batter into the pan. Add the cinnamon sugar filling mixture, poured evenly to cover the batter already in the pan. Now pour the remainder of the batter over the filling layer. Drag a spoon in a circle around the cake, with the spoon placed in the center of the batter. This makes the cinnamon sugar layer curved when the cake bakes. Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.


The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

35 115

Luscious Lemon Cake Ingredients Cake ¼ cup yogurt ½ cup lemon juice 3 ½ TBS oil ½ TBS vanilla extract Zest of one lemon 1 cup flour

½ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp plus 1/8 tsp salt ½ cup sugar Glaze ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar 1 tsp lemon juice

Preparation Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 5×8 loaf pan and set aside. In a bowl, whisk the first five ingredients. In a separate bowl, stir together all remaining cake ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir just until evenly mixed. Smooth into the loaf pan and bake 25 minutes or until loaf has risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool. To prepare the glaze, mix together the confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle on top of cooled cake.

Apple Pear Turnovers Ingredients Filling 2 apples 1 firm but ripe pear 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 TBS flour ½ tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp ground cinnamon

1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg 1/3 cup raisins (optional) Pastry 2 frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed 1 egg 2 TBS sugar

Preparation Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease 2 baking sheets. Peel and cut the apples and pear into small chunks and put in bowl. Add the brown sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins and stir together with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle a work surface with flour. Unfold 1 puff pastry sheets on top of the flour. Sprinkle some flour on the pastry. Roll into a 12 ½-inch square. Trim edges to make into a 12-inch square. Cut the square into four 6-inch squares. Spoon 1/3 cup of the filling into the center of each square. Spread the filling across the middle toward 2 opposite points. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a fork. Set aside. Brush the beaten egg along 2 edges of each square with the pastry brush. Fold onehalf of each square over the filling, enclosing it fully and forming a triangle. Press the edges together with the fork to seal them. Place the 4 turnovers on a prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Repeat with the remaining puff pastry sheet and filling. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg. Sprinkle the turnovers with the sugar. Bake for 25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. If you wish, you can glaze the turnovers after they cool. Mix 1 cup confectioner’s sugar with 1 tablespoon water. Drizzle over turnovers.


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MAY 10, 2018 The Jewish HomeHome OCTOBER 29,|2015 | The Jewish

In The K

tchen

Blintzes By Naomi Nachman

My grandmother, Rebecca Atlas, a”h, from Sydney, Australia (via Vilna, Poland) always made the best blintzes. Every week my family would go to her house and she’d have a feast prepared for us. My favorite weeks were when she made us blintzes – there would be platters of blintzes piled high! The blintzes were filled with either potato or cheese (and I loved both). This recipe was passed down from my Bubby to my Mum and then to me. I’m so excited to share this recipe with my American family.

Ingredients Blintz 3 eggs 1 cup flour 1 ½ cups water 1 tsp oil ½ tsp salt

Cheese Filling 1 egg yolk 2 TBS sugar 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened 2 cups (12 oz. carton) dry or creamed cottage cheese ¼ tsp vanilla extract Strawberries, blueberries or fruit of choice

Potato Filling 4 Yukon gold potatoes 1 large onions, diced

1 TBS olive oil, plus additional oil for frying 1 large egg, lightly beaten Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation To prepare the blintz leaves: Mix ingredients a food processor or whisk well in a bowl and let stand for 15 minutes. Heat a 9-inch nonstick frying pan or crepe pan over medium heat. Coat pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour enough batter into the pan to just cover it, about one-third of a cup. Cook until the top is just set and the crepe is cooked through. Remove from pan to cool. Repeat with remaining batter. To prepare the cheese filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer combine egg yolk and sugar; beat until thick and yellow. Add cream cheese, cottage

cheese and vanilla extract; mix well. Add in fruit of your choice. Refrigerate until ready to use. Place about a quarter of a cup of filling into the center of each blintz; roll to form blintz. Heat about a ¼ cup of oil in a frying pan; fry the blintz for about 2 minutes per side, until crispy. To prepare the potato filling: In a small pot boil potatoes in salted water until fork tender. Heat oil in a sauté pan and fry onion until brown. When the potatoes are cooked, drain and mash them with the fried onion. Add the egg, salt and pepper and mash until smooth. Place about a quarter of a cup of filling into the center of each blintz; roll to form blintz. Heat about a ¼ cup of oil in a frying pan; fry the blintz for about 2 minutes per side, until crispy.

Naomi Nachman, the owner of The Aussie Gourmet, caters weekly and Shabbat/ Yom Tov meals for families and individuals within The Five Towns and neighboring communities, with a specialty in Pesach catering. Naomi is a contributing editor to this paper and also produces and hosts her own weekly radio show on the Nachum Segal Network stream called “A Table for Two with Naomi Nachman.” Naomi gives cooking presentations for organizations and private groups throughout the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan area. In addition, Naomi has been a guest host on the QVC TV network and has been featured in cookbooks, magazines as well as other media covering topics related to cuisine preparation and personal chefs. To obtain additional recipes, join The Aussie Gourmet on Facebook or visit Naomi’s blog. Naomi can be reached through her website, www.theaussiegourmet.com or at (516) 295-9669.


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

ELEVATE

Our Teens, Young Adults & Families Focusing on Prevention & Intervention Programming

Annual Breakfast to benefit

Sunday, June 10 9:30 AM

at the home of

Menashe and Miri Oratz 412 Adelberg Lane Cedarhurst, NY Men and women are encouraged to attend

COMMITTEE Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Burg Mr. and Mrs. Judah Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Uri Dreifus Mr. and Mrs. Yossi Eisenberger Mr. and Mrs. Yochanan Frisch Mr. and Mrs. Gadi Fuchs Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Garber Mr. and Mrs. Nosson Ginsbury Mr. and Mrs. Simcha Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Avi Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Michoel Greenfeld Dr. and Mrs. Ernie Isaacson Mr. and Mrs. Motty Jacobowitz Mr. and Mrs. David Klein

Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Klein Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Klein Mr. and Mrs. Motty Klein Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Kutner Mr. and Mrs. Yoni Kutner Dr. and Mrs. Moishe Lazar Dr. and Mrs. Steven Levine Mr. and Mrs. Menachem Lieber Mr. and Mrs. Allan Lieberman Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Majeski Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Mandel Mr. and Mrs. Yitz Mendlowitz Mr. and Mrs. Eli Moskowitz Mr. and Mrs. Yanky Muller

936 Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598

I

516-371-3250

Mr. and Mrs. Yanky Neuhoff Mr. and Mrs. Shmueli Neuman Mr. and Mrs. Aroni Parnes Mr. and Mrs. Sholom Parnes Mr. and Mrs. Dov Perkal Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Perl Mr. and Mrs. Tzvi Perl Mr. and Mrs. Avi Popack Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Ratner Mr. and Mrs. Shlomo Reich Mr. and Mrs. Shimshi Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. Sruli Rosenfeld Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Sabo Mr. and Mrs. Yossi Schonkopf

I

info@madraigos.org

Mr. and Mrs. Mordechai Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Ushi Shafran Mr. and Mrs. Aron Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Naftali Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Yaakov Spinner Mr. and Mrs. Nassan Treitel Mr. and Mrs. David Vegh Mr. and Mrs. Shalom Vegh Mr. and Mrs. Sruli Weinstein Mr. and Mrs. Dovi Wisnicki Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Wolfson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Zuckerman

I

www.madraigos.org

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OCTOBER 29,|2015 | The Jewish MAY 10, 2018 The Jewish HomeHome

Chef

Trnare tristique. Morbi tempor eros quis eros ultricies, vitae pulvinar felis rutrum. In vitae lacus eget erat interdum vehicula quis non tellus.

Talk Photo by Yisroel Feivelson

Stewed Prunes, Mushy Peas, and Neon Jello By Naphtali Sobel

N

ursing home food doesn’t exactly have the best reputation. There are a number of contributing factors to this reality. One reason is caused by health factors, limiting the chefs to work without flavor enhancers such as salt and sugar. Salt and sugar both add and heighten flavor. Another factor is temperature control. Since the food is required to be cooked to particular temperatures and maintained at certain temperatures in warming apparatuses, the food is susceptible to drying out, becoming overcooked, or becoming steamed and soggy. To prevent this one must have an acute sense of timing, temperature control, and cooling and heating methods. In reality, with a bit of culinary background, it is totally attainable to create deliciously flavorful and vibrant dishes without the use of salt and sugar. By slightly over-seasoning the food, you can call attention to the spices applied in lieu of salt. Additionally, by utilizing herbs both fresh and dried, and even with a bit of Mrs. Dash, you can thoroughly amplify the dish’s flavor. Furthermore, adding vegetable or meat stocks or broths to certain dishes, or other flavorful liquids such as wine and vinegars, is another way to pump up flavor. Properly browning meats and vegetables

will also add layers of flavor and complexity. Essentially, nursing home food and specialty diets don’t totally need to be bland and tasteless. On the contrary, a chef who can create masterpiece food without the use of certain ingredients can display much more talent and skill than a chef who does not face these obstacles. I personally always add savory herbs and

mushrooms, potatoes, bananas, and spinach. When cooking pizzas and pastas, a creamy béchamel sauce can be used, instead of tomato sauce. Dysphagia has to do with the ability to swallow. Different food textures are determined by a speech therapist to aid the patient with eating and to prevent choking. Some of these textures are cut up, ground and pureed foods.

A chef who can create masterpiece food without the use of certain ingredients can display much more talent and skill than a chef who does not face these obstacles.

spices to dishes that would normally be only sweet to fill the flavor void, thus avoiding bland food. There are several more food restrictions that eldercare facilities accommodate. One being renal diets and another being dysphagia diets. Renal diets are created for people with kidney failures and are low in phosphate and potassium, thus eliminating products like tomatoes,

Additionally, there are thickened waters and juices available to assist patients suffering from dysphagia. Often chefs will not season the pureed or chopped foods, rationalizing that its pureed mush so it doesn’t need seasoning, but this is a mistake. Even one with swallowing issues deserves good taste in their food. I am not suggesting to make food spicy, which can cause one irritation and discomfort,

and can cause gag reflex. I recently made an adjustment from catering to food service management in health care, more specifically to the Woodmere Premier Nursing and Rehab Center. Besides being in a brand new, state-of-the-art building, and besides having brand new therapy and dialysis centers on site and phenomenal health care, we believe in putting tremendous emphasis and excellence in our food service. Under the general guidance of our administrator Eli Pollack, who is both a mensch and a true leader, and more directly under our general food service manager David Brodie, our dietary manager Kim Minsky, our head dietician Ann Slochowsky, and under the strict supervision and guidance from the Vaad of the Five Towns, plus close to a century of culinary experience in both healthcare and high end catering from our chefs, we are performing at an extremely high caliber. In addition to catering to the general American palate, under my guidance our chefs are preparing heimishe foods for Shabbos and holiday meals to give an extra feeling of warmth and hominess. With Shavuos in a few weeks, I chose to share a recipe that will hit home. I was inspired to make a savory blintz soufflé that was inspired by


The Jewish HomeHome | OCTOBER The Jewish | MAY 29, 10, 2015 2018

the Hungarian dish rakott krumpli. Rakott krumpli is a type of layered scalloped potato with egg slices and a sour cream custard. In this recipe I omitted the potatoes and replaced them with potato blintzes instead. I composed this recipe as an alternative to sweet blintz soufflé as a better option for diabetic diets. It can be prepared with or without salt as well. The eggs and sour cream make it a wonderful source of protein during yom tov. This is a great recipe for your guests who do or do not have food restrictions. With a bit of research we can become rock star cooks and can take care of our loved ones regardless of food restrictions. Menus can be created to make people with nut allergies or gluten intolerance or elderly relatives feel comfortable and satiated at your meal. Naphtali Sobel is an experienced chef and food consultant. He is available as a personal chef and for consulting. He can be reached at napsob87@gmail.com.

R EC I P E Savory Blintz Souf flé IN GR ED IEN TS ht) 16 potato blintzes (storeboug 11 eggs 1 stick but ter 2 large onions 2-3 TBS oil 5 hardboiled eggs 1/8 tsp white pepper ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp garlic powder Paprika tional) Chives and dill to garnish (op

FO R

Yo u

FRO M TH E KIT CH EN OF

PR EPAR AT IO N

N aphtali Sobel

d 9x13 pan. Slice Place blintzes in lightly grease s, then slice in egg 5 l Boi onions and sauté in oil. with sautéed tzes blin er circles when cooked. Lay onions and egg slices. aining 6 eggs. Mix the sour cream with the rem m and egg crea r sou the to Melt the but ter and add with pale ink spr , tzes mix ture. Pour on top of blin or until utes min 60 45for prika and bake on 350°F ts. spo ne l-do golden with one or two wel dill. Ser ve with Garnish with sliced chives and sauce. The egg le app and add itional sour crea m d if preferred. itte om be or the sautéed onion can

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Notable Quotes “Say What?!”

Kanye West is a very creative young man who has presented some of the most revolutionary material in the African-American community. … But we also think that sometimes Kanye West talks out of turn and perhaps sometimes he needs some assistance in helping him to formulate some of his thoughts. - Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) when asked by Politico about Kanye West’s vocal support of President Trump

Yo No Creo En Fronteras. - Spanish slogan written on deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee Rep. Keith Ellison’s (D-MI) t-shirt as he marched in a May Day parade in Minneapolis (English translation: “I Do Not Believe in Borders”)

Apparently, the library at the University of Utah has installed what they’re calling a “Cry Closet.” This is exactly what it sounds like. I promise this is true. It’s a closet where stressed-out students can go to cry…It’s going to be a shock when those students graduate. Take it from me, there are no “Cry Closets” out here in the real world. You will have to use your car in the McDonald’s parking lot like the rest of us. – James Corden

A man who was bitten by a shark, a bear, and a rattlesnake in less than four years and survived. The man thanked G-d he’s still alive, while G-d said, “What do I have to do to nail this guy? I mean, come on.” - Jimmy Fallon

I think we play too much baseball. Yes, guys are going to take pay cuts. But are we playing this game for the money or do we love this game? I know it’s both, but in the long run it will make everything better. - Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, echoing a common complaint about Major League Baseball’s long 162-game season

If I’m like, “Man, I’m taking 10,” now they’re going to start taking advantage of me. You know what I’m saying? I know it’s a business, too. So, I’ve got a business to handle as well. We’ll see what happens, but I don’t see myself taking that big of a cut. - Golden State Warrior basketball player Kevin Durant in a recent interview, when asked if he would accept an offer of about $25 million for next year, rather than the close to $35 million that he can potentially make (talking about first-world problems)

MORE QUOTES


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We considered Israel among three countries in which to establish offices. We invested in five different companies here, and I am being accompanied by 40 senior managers. I believe we will continue to invest here. - Alibaba founder Jack Ma, speaking at Tel Aviv University last week

I sing well, but only in the shower. I draw, but not well. There are three Jack Ma’s: the first exists in people’s imagination, but it is not me, not when they criticize nor praise me. There is Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, but it is not me, that is merely my position. And then there is the Jack Ma that is me, and that is why I want to retire early and become myself once again, one who wants to do something new every year. – Ibid.

The job of a parent is to give his children three things: health, happiness and education. The rest is up to them. - Ibid.

All our founders come from not such good schools, but we all believed in the future. When we became millionaires, I asked my partners whether we were smarter than other people, and they said no. I asked them whether we worked harder than others, and they again said no. Smart men left the company, but those who believed in the vision stayed. It does not matter where you are from but what you believe in. - Ibid.

His emotional state seemed to worsen after the 2016 Presidential election. He had counted on forging an ambitious partnership with a White House led by Hillary Clinton. Instead, the Presidency had gone to Donald Trump. Earlier, Schneiderman’s office had sued Trump University for civil fraud, and Trump had countersued Schneiderman personally. On the morning of January 19, 2017, the day before Trump’s Inauguration, Schneiderman called Selvaratnam from a hospital emergency room. She recalls, “He told me that he’d been drinking the night before, and he fell down. He didn’t realize he’d cut himself, and got into bed, and when he woke up he was in a pool of blood.” Selvaratnam rushed to the hospital. Schneiderman had several stitches above his left eye; his face was puffy and bruised. - From the New Yorker expose about disgraced Attorney General of NY, Eric Schneiderman, who resigned from office last week after he was exposed as a woman abuser, alcoholic and drug addict

Schneiderman was too valuable a politician for the Democrats to lose. – Ibid., disclosing why people discouraged female victims of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman from exposing him as an abusive tyrant

Belgium cannot be governed the way it is today: solely for the richest and most powerful. It’s a Belgium of Antwerp diamond dealers that we have today when we need a much more pluralistic Belgium. - Belgium’s previous Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo in a recent interview making seemingly anti-Jewish comments about Jews, who dominate the diamond district of the Belgian city of Antwerp

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The secret to a long life is to just be happy and enjoy your time with friends. - Daisy Bastin, 110, of Britain, sharing the secret to longevity

They keep me going. They’re good for the skin too. - Ibid., adding that using fresh onions while cooking has also contributed to her longevity

Washington is too expensive. - Rep. Dan Donovan (R-SI), who sleeps on a cot in his office, explaining to reporters why he opposes a bill that prohibits members of Congress from turning their offices into makeshift sleeping quarters

Oh and uh short burn of the century comin soon. Flamethrowers should arrive just in time. – Tweet by Tesla CEO Elon Musk to investors that recently shorted his company

I think it’s ridiculous… He’s the president of the United States and he’s a very good man. - Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), who is retiring from the Senate, talking to the Politico about ailing Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) wish that President Trump not attend his funeral

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We’re doomed. The outcome is death, and it’s the end of most life on the planet because we’re so dependent on the burning of fossil fuels. There are no means of reversing the process which is melting the polar ice caps. And very few appear to be prepared to say so. - Prof. Mayer Hillman of University of Westminster’s Policy Studies Institute, telling The Guardian that it is basically “ballgame over” for the world due to global warming

C’mon, man! - Federal Judge Thomas Ellis, at a court hearing last Friday, questioning Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s motives and honesty in a pre-trial hearing for one-time Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort

The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

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In light of this last election, I’m concerned about us as women and how we think. What is going on in our heads where we let that happen, you know? - Michelle Obama at the United State of Women summit, echoing recent comments by Hillary Clinton

When the most qualified person running was a woman, and look what we did instead, I mean that says something about where we are. - Ibid.

You don’t really care about Mr. Manafort. You really care about what information Mr. Manafort can give you to lead you to Mr. Trump and an impeachment, or whatever. – Ibid

Last year, I had some corn. - Don Gorske, 64, of Wisconsin, who just at his 30,000th Big Mac, when asked by the NY Post if he ever eats vegetables


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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Political Crossfire

Armenia Escapes its Post-Soviet Malaise By David Ignatius

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rmenia appears at last to be breaking with its post-Soviet malaise and demanding democratic change, thanks to

a grass-roots movement that has found a way, for now, to straddle Russia and the West. Tens of thousands of people

thronged Yerevan’s central square last Wednesday night, chanting “Victory! Victory!” in what one Armenian reform supporter in the United States told me was “a celebration of the country as much as a protest.” The movement’s mass street demonstrations over the past month have deposed the prime minister, Serzh Sargsyan, and last week appeared ready to topple his long-entrenched ruling party. Videos circulating on social media captured a country embracing the reform movement headed by Nikol Pashinyan, who is seeking to replace Sargsyan. Responding to Pashinyan’s call to shut down the capital, conservatory students played classical music at one intersection; protesters did a line dance at another; a small boy blocked a street with a lineup of toy cars, in a photo circulated by CNN. Pashinyan made what sounded almost like a victory statement last week, when he told the crowd, “Now we will stop our actions for a while and rest.” Last Tuesday, the Armenian parliament, controlled by Sargsyan’s party, had narrowly defeated Pashinyan’s bid to form a new government. But another vote is scheduled for May 8, and the ruling Republican Party signaled it won’t oppose the reformer. If Pashinyan succeeds in estab-

lishing a new government, it will be in large part because the police and army refused to open fire on the protesters who turned out in huge numbers to support him. This refusal to kill fellow citizens is often the fulcrum of social change; it’s especially powerful in Armenia, which last month commemorated the anniversary of the 1915 genocide by Ottoman Turks that left more than a million Armenians dead. Armenia’s basic political dilemma over the past 25 years has been how to reconcile its pro-Western political sympathies with its military dependence on Russia. This impasse helped foster a circle of pro-Moscow oligarchs around Sargsyan, who siphoned much of the country’s wealth. For all the entrepreneurial spirit of its people, a corrupt and authoritarian Armenia never achieved the capitalist takeoff of some other former Soviet republics and Warsaw Pact countries following the Soviet Union’s demise in 1991. Reformers asked why Armenia ranked below many other former Soviet-bloc countries in measures of political freedom, rule of law and economic growth. The Policy Forum Armenia, an activist group based in Washington, has compiled a series of well-documented reports on corruption, human rights and legal-reform issues.


The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

The popular uprising has been tolerated, so far, by Russian President Vladimir Putin. He seems to have decided that it was better to sacrifice his ally, Sargsyan, than to risk losing Armenia itself. “He wanted to avoid another Ukraine,” a reform leader told me. Because of the long kinship between Russia and Armenia, the images of protest in Yerevan may have a galvanizing effect in Russia, too. Pashinyan broke through the post-Soviet morass for several reasons, his reform movement colleagues argue. First, his movement has been nonviolent and broadly based, from young people to grandmothers; “Arms up,” symbolizing civil disobedience, became a slogan of the protesters who joined Pashinyan’s march on Yerevan last month that culminated in Sargsyan’s resignation. Second, Pashinyan avoided taking sides between Russia and the West. He has walked a narrow line in what one reform leader told me

was an “Armenia-centric” approach. He has reassured Moscow by saying that he doesn’t intend to withdraw from military and trade pacts with Russia if he becomes prime minister.

The Armenian reform movement has been building for the past two years, ever since armed men seized a police station in Yerevan in July 2016 and held it for two weeks, to

Armenia's basic political dilemma over the past 25 years has been how to reconcile its pro-Western political sympathies with its military dependence on Russia.

At the same time, his pro-democracy movement has roused sympathy in Europe and the United States, offering the prospect of wider friendships for the small, embattled nation.

protest what they claimed was the government’s political repression, corruption and vacillation on the emotional issue of Karabakh, an Armenian-populated enclave seized

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from Azerbaijan in a bloody war in 1994. “We refuse to become a region of Russia,” proclaimed Jirair Sefilian, a Lebanese-born former Armenian military leader who was one of the organizers of the 2016 protest, which took the name “Armenian Renaissance.” Sefilian would be a candidate for defense minister if Pashinyan succeeds in forming a new government, though his strong pro-Western sympathies might antagonize Moscow. Pashinyan’s movement promises change, but as is often the case with grass-roots uprisings, the details are fuzzy. His group is called “Civil Contract,” built on a pledge that a new government will deliver specific reform commitments to the people. Even his movement’s supporters admit they aren’t sure yet what that agenda might include. But in the excitement of Wednesday’s mass protest, the details could wait. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group


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Political Crossfire

Should Kim Get the Credit for the Korean Detente? By David Ignatius

P

resident Trump deserves credit for seizing the moment for negotiations with North

Korea. But some little-noticed documents reveal that Kim Jong-Un has been planning his denuclearization

offer and opening to America for the past five years. The diplomatic pace is accelerating now as Trump and Kim prepare for their planned summit. There’s talk that North Korea may soon release three American prisoners, and Pyongyang has announced plans for a theatrical demolition of a nuclear test site later this month, with American observers watching. How did this extraordinary Korean detente happen? It’s a complicated story, but it appears that Kim has been the main driver. He has relentlessly pursued a dual strategy – to obtain a usable nuclear weapon and then pivot toward dialogue and modernization of his economy. He sought his nuclear deterrent with almost reckless determination, but he has been surprisingly nimble in making the turn toward diplomacy. Would Kim have moved toward negotiations regardless of who was president? We’ll never know. But there’s no denying that Trump’s confrontational approach created an opportunity for crisis diplomacy – and that he was bold enough to embrace Kim’s offer of direct talks. The North Korean documents were highlighted for me by Robert Carlin, a former CIA and State Department analyst who has visited the North more than 30 times since

1996. He retired from the government in 2004 and has since worked at Stanford University. In our many conversations over the past year, Carlin has been consistently accurate in predicting what Kim would do. Kim first outlined his dual approach, known as the “byungjin line,” in a speech to a Korean Workers Party meeting in March 2013, two years after taking power. He said that North Korea wanted to strengthen its nuclear-weapons capability, but also improve its backward and impoverished economy. The U.S. didn’t pay much attention, because Kim also said he wasn’t prepared to discuss denuclearization. But that soon changed. Kim’s regime explicitly put denuclearization on the table in a June 16, 2013 statement by the National Defense Commission (NDC). Though the statement had the usual rhetoric, calling America a “war arsonist” at one point, it also included this remarkable language: “The denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the behest of our leader” and “must be carried out ... without fail.” The statement also urged “high-level talks between the DPRK [North Korea] and the U.S. authorities to ... establish regional peace and security.” Reinforcing the message, a North


The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015 The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

Korean official privately told American contacts a few weeks later that “underpinning the new policy articulated in the NDC statement was Kim Jong Un’s personal, positive stance toward improving relations with the United States,” according to an unclassified summary of the conversation. North Korea amplified the denuclearization message in a July 6, 2016, statement by a government spokesman that sought to anchor this policy as part of the dynastic legacy of Kim’s father and grandfather. “The denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the behest of the Great Leader [Kim Il Song] and the Fatherly General [Kim Jong Il and the steadfast will of our party, army and people,” the statement said. Despite the talk of denuclearization, Kim’s regime drove defiantly toward the nuclear-weapons capability the statements claimed he was ready to give up. This push

culminated in a series of nuclear and missile tests last year, after Trump became president. Despite Trump’s bellicose threats, the North Koreans kept testing.

that now we have finally realized the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force.” On New Year’s Day came the pivot. Kim said that although “the nu-

There's no denying that Trump's confrontational approach created an opportunity for crisis diplomacy - and that he was bold enough to embrace Kim's offer of direct talks.

Late last year, Kim declared, in effect, “mission accomplished.” After a missile launch on November 29, 2017, he proclaimed “with pride

clear button is on my office desk all the time,” and his missiles could target all of America, he now wanted to stress “the building of a prosperous

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country” and a diplomatic outreach to South Korea. Kim proposed that North Korea attend the Pyeongchang Olympics to “ease the acute military tension” and “create a peaceful environment on the Korean Peninsula.” From that proposal flowed the extraordinary chain of meetings, confidence building measures and public promises about denuclearization – and the pathway to the expected TrumpKim summit. Last month, he told a Workers Party plenum that the “byungjin line” had triumphed and he was shifting to a “new strategic line” devoted to boosting the economy. Kim is like an illusionist who tells you what trick he’s going to do, and then does it before your eyes, daring you to guess the secret. Trump sees himself as a clever, confrontational deal-maker, but he may have met his match with the kid from Pyongyang. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group

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Political Crossfire

How to Fix Health Care By Robert J. Samuelson

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o doubt about it: Health care is a vexing political problem. There’s a contradiction at the core of our thinking. We want the best care when we or loved ones get sick. It’s a moral issue. There should be no limits on treatment. But the resulting uncontrolled health spending harms the country. It undermines other priorities – higher wages (more labor income gets channeled into health-insurance premiums) and competent government (defense and other programs may be underfunded). By and large, Americans ignore the contradiction. Presidents and Congresses have wrestled with it for decades without subduing it. The stakes are huge. Collectively, major federal health programs now constitute the budget’s largest spending item, more than $1 trillion in 2017, or 26 percent of outlays. In 1990, the comparable figures were $137 billion and 11 percent of outlays. Meanwhile, insurance premiums – often paid by employers – have jumped, as have deductibles. What can be done? Based on past experience, it’s tempting to say, “not much.” This may ultimately be the case. But a growing number of studies suggest some cause for optimism; health costs can be contained. The relevant studies compare Medicare reimbursement rates with private insurance payments for the same medical conditions. The finding: Medicare pays less – much less. A 2017 Congressional Budget Office study found that Medicare’s average payment for a standardized hospital admission was $11,354 – 47 percent lower than insurers’ $21,433.

This research has two interpretations. One is that Medicare rates have been cut to artificially low levels. To replace lost revenues, doctors and hospitals must raise their charges on privately insured patients. The increases are passed along in higher premiums. There’s massive cross-subsidization of Medicare recipients by the working-age population. Not surprisingly, the rival explanation denies Medicare’s role in boosting premiums. Instead, providers – mainly doctors and hospitals – get the blame. Their market power has increased. Hospitals have merged.

Many health care experts believe that high prices – hospital and doctors’ charges – as opposed to more utilization of medical services are the main reason that U.S. health spending outstrips costs in other advanced societies, says Miriam J. Laugesen of Columbia University’s School of Public Health and author of “Fixing Medical Prices: How Physicians Are Paid.” You can see where this is going. If higher American health spending reflects the growing market power of providers, then why not curb that power with some form of price controls? This is what most affluent societies do,

There are few genuine solutions to our health care problems - only changes that are less bad than the alternative.

Doctors’ group practices have grown larger or have been sold to hospitals. Providers and insurance companies typically renegotiate premiums once a year. The fewer providers there are, the harder it is for insurance companies to dictate terms to the survivors. Probably both theories contain some truth. But scholarly opinion seems to favor the market-power explanation. Significantly, the congressionally created Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPac) has endorsed that view.

notes Laugesen. Writing in the liberal Washington Monthly magazine, Paul Hewitt and Phillip Longman recommend just that. Under their proposal, Congress would adopt the Medicare fee and reimbursement system for the entire country. If this were done, employer-paid premiums would drop sharply, and some savings – maybe all – would be passed along to workers. (Hewitt and Longman call their proposal the “single-price system,” as opposed to the “single-payer system,” which is

universal coverage.) Of course, this wouldn’t be done instantly. The sudden loss of so much income would doubtlessly bankrupt scores of hospitals and doctors’ practices, whose costs are tied to present premiums. But phased in over, say, a decade, some sort of new system might achieve significant savings without destroying the health care infrastructure. We ought to be grappling with these issues. We aren’t, for understandable if not commendable reasons. The relentless controversy over the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) reminds us how incendiary health care debates become, raising – as they do – issues of life and death. There’s also the reality that the self-interest of medical providers is mixed inexorably with their professional opinions. If price controls were proposed, doctors might well lose. They would surely raise legitimate questions about quality of care. Controls would also be denounced as inflexible and un-American, despite the fact that Medicare already has controls: The roughly 750 “Diagnosis-Related Groups” (DRGs) through which payments are made for various ailments and injuries. There are few genuine solutions to our health care problems – only changes that are less bad than the alternatives. We need to slow medical spending and relax the pressures on wages and other government programs. The recognition of the huge gap between Medicare and private reimbursement rates creates the opportunity to do that. We should take it. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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Forgotten Her es

Jews and the War of 1812 By Avi Heiligman

A depiction of Francis Scott Key seeing the flag at “dawn's early light”

O

ne of lesser known wars in American history is the War of 1812. The impetus for the war is a bit difficult to understand from the American point of view but when one takes the British view into focus it can be seen as an extension of the Napoleonic Wars taking place at the same time. British ships had placed a blockade against French merchant ships entering the U.S. which upset the United States. The British then supported local Native American tribes who attacked American frontiersmen. This prompted the United States to declare war on Great Britain in June 1812. While this was fairly unpopular among American citizens, many felt it was their duty to fight the British. One of the more famous battles and campaigns of the war took place in August and September of 1814. The British marched into Washington, D.C., burned many buildings including the White House, the Capitol and the Library of Congress, and forced most of the government including President James Madison to flee. The next British target was Baltimore, as they were looking to capture the stra-

tegic city, and sent a huge fleet into its port. The Americans were centered at Fort McHenry and needed to hold it in order to save the city. The battle lasted four days and took place both on the sea and land, with the final result being that the British withdrew from the area. The story of the Battle of Baltimore

rest of British troops. On September 7, before the commencement of the fighting, 35-year-old Francis Scott Key and John Skinner boarded the British flagship with orders from President Madison to release their friend. They met with General Ross and the admiral in command of the fleet, Alexander Cochrane. After convincing the

The Jewish population in the United States at the time of the War of 1812 has been estimated at about 10,000.

is not complete without the story of the Star Spangled Banner. Every morning, at reveille, a huge American flag was raised over Fort McHenry, and on the morning of September 14 an American in British hands saw it flying high. A respected and elderly doctor named William Beanes was arrested by the British for allegedly aiding in the ar-

officers with letters from British soldiers stating that Beanes was indeed helping the soldiers, he was released. However, Key and Skinner had heard the British planning for the upcoming battle and they were to be held until after the fighting ended. Key and Skinner were allowed to return to their boat but they weren’t

allowed close to the shore. As they watched the battle unfurl eight miles away, they couldn’t tell who was winning. On the morning of September 14, the smoke began to clear and it was apparent “at the dawn’s early light… our flag was still there.” Key put his thoughts down on the back of a letter and the rest is history. His brotherin-law, who was an officer in the fort, called it the “Defense of Fort M’Henry.” A local newspaper, the Baltimore Patriot, picked it up and it soon spread throughout the country under the new name: “Star Spangled Banner.” The Jewish population in the United States at the time of the War of 1812 has been estimated at about 10,000. Records state that at least 43 Jewish Americans fought in the army and several more in the navy and marines. In addition to this tally, an unknown number of Jews volunteered in the home defense of Baltimore in 1814. It is hard to determine if a particular soldier was actually Jewish based on scant documents available from the period. Historians have done their best to try and conclude which soldiers were indeed Jewish. The final number


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the Treaty of Ghent and no ground was ceded to either side. The last engagement of the war was the Battle of New Orleans which took place after the treaty was signed but the news had yet to reach the frontlines. For this reason it was called the needless battle. Under American General Andrew Jackson, the future president, was Jewish philanthropist Judah Touro. Touro was seriously wounded in the thigh by British cannon fire and was nursed back to health by a friend who was also in the army. Other Jewish soldiers and sailors took part in the battle including two army captains. In the not too distant future we will cover these forgotten heroes and a Jewish buccaneer that took part of a war who was not so well-known in American history.

Fort McHenry today

the USS Argus. After dropping off an American minister in France, the Argus sailed to the English Channel and captured at least 21 ships. Levy was placed in charge of one of these captures, the Betty, but on August

12, 1813, the Betty was captured. Two days later the Argus was captured by the British ship Pelican, and the entire crew, including Uriah, was imprisoned in England for the rest of the war. The War of 1812 ended in 1815 with

Avi Heiligman is a weekly contributor to The Jewish Home. He welcomes your comments and suggestions for future columns and can be reached at aviheiligman@ gmail.com.

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of Jews taking up arms during the War of 1812 is probably well into the hundreds. Among the Baltimore Jews that took up arms against the invaders were Solomon Etting and his son Samuel who were part of the volunteer militia. Several Jews including Privates Jacob, Philip and Mendes Cohen and Second Sergeant Samuel Cohen were soldiers in the Maryland Artillery stationed at Fort McHenry. Marine Lieutenant David Twiggs was stationed on the frigate USS President when it was captured by the British during the War of 1812. The President fought a tough battle against four British ships but couldn’t hold them off, and Levi was sent to a prisoner camp in Bermuda. After the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 he was released and returned to the marines. Uriah Levy was 20 when the war broke out and he volunteered for military service. The captain of his ship quickly recognized his skills and he was appointed as a sailing master on

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Classifieds

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com / text 443-929-4003 SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

HOUSES FOR SALE

Alternative Solutions Geriatric Care Management staff will assist you with: * Obtaining Medicaid and Pooled Income Trust * In-home Assessments, Individual and Family Counseling * Securing reliable home care assistance * Case and Care Management services Dr. S. Sasson, DSW, LCSW (718) 544- 0870 or (646) 284-6242

HAIR COURSE Learn how to wash & style hair & wigs Hair and wig cutting, wedding styling Private lessons or in a group Call Chaya 718-715-9009

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Can’t afford your property taxes? Mortgage? Must sell for any reason? Call for FREE Consultation. Call now 212-470-3856 Cash buyers available!

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SHALOM HANDYMAN Plumbing, heating, boiler, installation, sewer, locks, dryer vent cleaning and more… CALL 917-217-3676 Yoga & Licensed Massage Therapy Peaceful Presence Studio 436 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst Separate men/women Group/private sessions Gift Cards Available www. Peacefulpresence.com 516 -371 -3715 GERBER MOVING FULL SERVICE MOVING Packing Moving Supplies Local Long Distance Licensed Insured 1000’S Of Happy Customers Call Shalom 347-276-7422

HOUSES FOR SALE WOODSBURGH: BEST PRICE IN TOWN PRICE REDUCED: Sprawling 4BR, 4BA Exp-Ranch, Oversized Rooms, LR W/ Fplc, Formal Dining Rm, Large Den, Master Suite, Full Finished Basement, Storage Room & Office, Deck, Fabulous Property…$1.078M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com EAST ROCKAWAY - NEW LISTING Lovely 4BR, 2.5BA Colonial, Eik, Formal DR, Lg Master BR W/Lots Of Closets, 2 Car Garage W/Attic & Storage Rm Plus Large Shed, Close To Train & Schools…$529K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

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Fabulous 4BR, 3BA Colonial, Lovely 3BR Split In SD#15, Fin Bsmt, SD#15..$P.O.R Hw Flrs, Near All..$759K


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

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Classifieds HOUSES FOR SALE Don’t Get Stuck With a Two Story House Ya Know, It’s One Story Before You Buy It But a Second Story After You Own It! Call Dov Herman For An Accurate Unbiased Home Inspection Infrared - Termite Inspection Full Report All Included NYC 718-INSPECT Long Island 516-INSPECT www.nyinspect.com

HOUSE FOR SALE PROPERTY IN MINT CONDITION, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Kosher eatin/kitchen, Dining room/living room, Closets, Patio, 2 Car garage, Driveway, Beautiful fenced backyard, Within the Eruv and Parks, Call or text for a private showing 516-206-2005 www.AllGoingRealty.Com GoingRealty@gmail.com

COMMERCIAL RE CEDARHURST 500-3,500 +/- SF Beautiful, newly renovated space for rent. Ideal for Retail or Executive offices. Prime location. Convenient Parking. Sam @516-612-2433 or 718-747-8080 INWOOD OFFICE SPACE LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! 500-7000 Square feet gorgeous office space with WATERVIEW in Inwood! Lots of options. Tons of parking. Will divide and customize space for your needs! Call 516-567-0100 ROCKVILLE CENTRE 5700 -S/F Warehouse/ Office 2300 S/F Warehouse/Office Large Windows / Loading Dock Ideal Location: Walk To LIRR - Chase Bank - Seven Eleven - Rite Aid 917-822-0499

LAWRENCE: PRICE REDUCED Beautifully Updated CH Colonial In Prime Location, 6BR, 5 Full Baths, Formal DR & LR, X-Lg Eik W/Island & Open Den, Finished Basement W/Full Bath & Kitchen, Close To All…$1.795M Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

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New excl! Spacious young col, sprawling .5acre prop. Full update. Energy star appl, systems, modern chef kit, WICs. Bruria (718)490-7791 $1.9M

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Beau sh col, full update. Qt blok w/ stunning prop. New roof, electric, Kosher granite EIK, ovrszd den, low taxes. Chaya 347-782-5912 $1.35M

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Open contemporary col w/ lg spacious rms. Loads of windows. All systems, 4bdrms on 1 lvl. Each bdrm duplex w/ loft area. Call Chana (516)449-9692 $829K

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New exc! Classy, clean 4bdrm splanch on coveted Harborview W, Lwrnce Bay Pk. Low taxes, will go fast. Avigail (516)316-3452 $1.259M

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Beautifully renov sp lvl home w/ 3brms, 3.5baths, study, den, playroom, stunning yard & low taxes. Call Raizie (917)903-1778 $869K

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Mint condition 4br, 3bth split level home in the heart of the Academy area. Priced to sell! Call Bruria (718) 490-7791 $749K

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Classifieds

TJH Classifieds

COMMERCIAL RE INWOOD 10,000 sq ft brick building. Offices and warehouse. High ceilings. Asking $16/foot.

Post your Real Estate, Help Wanted, Services, Miscellaneous Ads here.

Owner: 516-206-1100 mark@mbequitygroup.com EAST ROCKAWAY:

Weekly Classifed Ads Up to 5 lines and/or 25 words 1 week ................ $20 2 weeks .............. $35 4 weeks .............. $60 Email ads to: classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com Include valid credit card info

1,500+/-SF Office Space in Professional Elevator Bldg W/Full Bsmt & Ample Parking, 3 Private Offices, Conference Rm, Bullpen & Reception Area, For Lease… Call For More Details Broker

COMMERCIAL RE EAST ROCKAWAY: Retail Stores on Busy Corner, 1000SF& Up Available, Great High Visibility Location, For Lease… Call for More Details Broker (516) 792-6698 INWOOD: Various Sized Industrial Bldgs, High Ceilings, On-Site Parking & Street Parking, Queens/Nassau Border, For Sale… Call Arthur For More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

(516) 792-6698 FRANKLIN SQUARE: 2,185+/-SF Medical Office Space in Professional Strip W/On-Site Parking in Great Location, For Lease… Call Alan For More Details (516) 2953000 www.pugatch.com HEWLETT: INVESTOR’S DELIGHT!!!

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5 Store Strip – Fully Leased, Great Tenancy, High Traffic Location, Easy to Manage, For Sale… Call Ian For More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

FREEPORT: INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!!! 12,000SF Multi Tenanted Professional Building with 21 Car On-Site Parking, Good Upside Potential, Lot Size 24,570SF, For Sale …Call For More Details Broker (516) 792-6698 LONG BEACH: Various Office Spaces Available on 2nd Floor, 525 - 900+/- SF, Separate Bathrooms, Newly Renovated, For Lease…Call for More Details. Broker (516) 792-6698

New! Exclusive office space Located in Lawrence. 3 offices, reception area, conference room. Call Raizie 917 903 1778


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018

COMMERCIAL RE VALLEY STREAM: ONLY ONE LEFT!!! Office Suite Available in Professional Building, Handicap Accessible, Parking, For Lease… Call Randy For More Details (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

CO-OP/CONDO SALE WOODMERE: BEST BUY Spacious 2BR Apartment, Washer/Dryer In Bldg, Elevator Bldg, Open Floor Plan, 1st Floor, Close To All...$199K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com SPACIOUS 1 BDR APT CO-OP FOR SALE BY OWNER New Kitchen, Hardwood Floors, New Bathroom, First Floor, High Hats, Underground Parking, Very bright apartment, Located in the heart of Lawrence, Move In Condition For More information please call 516-405-0248 or 718-873-5422 ISLAND PARK New Listing - Spacious 3BR, 2.5BA Condo W/Porch & Terrace In Gated & Exclusive Resort Like Community, 24HR Security, Salt Water Pool & Boat Slips, Deeded Dock Spot & Much More...$625K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

HOUSES FOR RENT NEWLY BUILT HOME IN INWOOD FOR RENT beginning August 1st. Frum neighbors, 1 block from LIRR, 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, fully kosher kitchen (2 sinks, 2 dishwashers), living room, dining room, family room, nice backyard. $3500 monthly. Call/text 917-975-1800 for more information

APT FOR RENT CEDARHURST: NEW LISTING, 2BR, 2BA In 2 Family House, Eik, LR, DR, Washer/Dryer, Very Close To All, Great Location...$2,500/mo Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com Top Of The Line Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Stainless Steel Appliances, Crown Molding, Close To All…From $2,000/mo Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com

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MAY 10, 2018 | The Jewish Home

Classifieds APT FOR RENT FAR ROCKAWAY: NEW LISTING Spacious & Updated 2BR, 2 Bathroom Apt on 1st Floor W/Terrace In Elevator Bldg, Parking, Doorman & Laundry Room On Premise...$350K Call Carol Braunstein (516) 295-3000 www.pugatch.com FOR RENT BY OWNER. NO BROKERAGE INVOLVED. 3 BEDROOM APARTMENT IN FAR ROCKAWAY (Dinsmore Avenue near Nielsen), Two full bathrooms, Two balconies, In a 3 story 3 family house, Kosher kitchen with 2 sinks. Washer and dryer in basement. Available immediately, Asking 2050 per month, please call 516-225-4558

HELP WANTED HAMASPIK IS SEEKING COMMUNITY HABILITATION STAFF to work day hours, evenings and weekends in the Five Towns, Queens, Far Rockaway & long Island, with high functioning developmentally disabled adults, children and teens. Shabbos staff also needed for Cedarhurst, Far Rockaway & Lawrence. Drivers’ license a plus. Mileage will be reimbursed. Please call Yehudis: 718-408-5417 for more details F/T & P/T REGISTERED NURSE openings to work with adults who have developmental disabilities within residential settings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Long Island. Current NYS RN, min 2 years hospital experience. OHEL: 855-OHEL JOB, www.ohelfamily.org/careers FULL TIME POSITION: Field Network Technician /Installer for a growing phone service provider. Good pay, some experience needed Email your resume Sales @communicationsteam.net Call 718-471-8604

classifieds@fivetownsjewishhome.com text 443-929-4003

HELP WANTED RECRUITER / STAFFING COORDINATOR Looking for a motivated recruiter to join our Woodmere office - Full Time, 9-5 - Entry-level position with room for growth! - No experience necessary Please send your resume to cityjobs10@gmail.com to schedule an interview ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL POSITIONS Lead Teachers Kodesh and Secular Studies, Middle School Math, ELA & Social Studies, Rebbeim, Assistant Teachers, Kriah Teacher, DOE: Social Worker, SETTS, Speech and OT Providers, Part-time and full-time positions available, Compelling compensation Be an integral part of an innovative, warm and professional learning environment; please submit your resume and references to MyYeshiva613@gmail.com. Pugatch Realty Corp., in Woodmere, is looking to hire and train a select group of motivated Realtors. If you are looking to build a career in real estate, or looking to take your existing career to the next level, there is no better place to start that the #1 Real Estate Brokerage in the Five Towns…Call Today (516) 295-3000 x 128. All calls kept confidential. FIVE TOWNS OFFICE LOOKING FOR immediate hire of several people…part time and full time…starting at $15 per hour. Need detail- oriented person to handle A/P, A/R, customer service, and ability to negotiate bids and contracts. Computer literate a must. Please email fabadi@egwaste.com

HELP WANTED CATAPULT LEARNING Teachers, Title I Boro Park, Williamsburg and Flatbush Schools *College/Yeshiva Degree *Teaching experience required *Strong desire to help children learn *Small group instruction *Excellent organization skills Competitive salary Send resume to: Fax: (212) 480-3691 ~ Email: nyteachers@catapultlearning.com SHULAMITH EARLY CHILDHOOD is looking to hire a full time teacher assistant for the current school year. Please email resume to earlychildhood@shulamith.org MATH & ELA TEACHER Seeking Math & ELA Junior High teacher for boys in Far Rockaway,NY. M-TH, PM. Warm, supportive environment. Excellent salary. Please send resume to rbzungar@ siachyitzchok.org Due to continued growth, the Yeshiva of South Shore is seeking Elementary School Teachers. Cert/Exp required. Please forward resume to monika@yoss.org SECRETARY 5 Towns Boys Yeshiva seeking Elem Gen Ed Teachers. Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/ exp need apply. Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com 5 TOWNS BOYS YESHIVA SEEKING Elem Gen Ed Teachers. Excellent working environment and pay. Only lic/exp need apply. Email resume to yeshivalooking@gmail.com SPECIAL ED TEACHERS 2018-19 CAHAL is seeking experienced and certified male special education teachers, part time, afternoons, for two middle school boys classes in Five Towns and Far Rockaway yeshivas. E-mail resume to shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666.

HELP WANTED SPECIAL ED REBBE 2018-19 CAHAL is seeking an experienced special education rebbe for a middle school boys class in a Five Towns yeshiva. E-mail resume to shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666. SPECIAL ED TEACHER CAHAL is seeking an experienced and certified special education teacher, part time, afternoons, for a 1st grade elementary boys class. E-mail your resume to shira@cahal.org or call 516-295-3666. GENERAL STUDIES TEACHERS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR SEPT 2018 email: fivetownseducators@gmail.com

MISC GIFT IT FORWARD is located at 527 Central Ave, inside Prestigio Wigs. We are a non profit gift shop whose proceeds are used to help others in need through donations to local charities. Every purchase benefits the community. Donations of new gift items appreciated. fb/insta/whatsapp @giftitforwardcedarhurst info.giftitforward@yahoo.com WIG GEMACH Everyone in our community deserves to look great! Donate used wigs and make a world of a difference. For appointments to see wigs or to donate, call Deena 845-304-6668 There will be a KIVREI TZADDIKIM TOUR AT WASHINGTON CEMETERY-BP, Sun, May 13 @11:15-1:00, iyH. Led by Rabbi Yosef Gesser, author of “Monuments to Nobility” in Hamodia.. Private tours also available. Also Queens cemeteries Rav Pam, Rav Yakov Joseph, etc. and LI. Call 718-690-1534 or email ygesser@gmail.com

Reach Your Target Market

Classifieds


The Jewish Home | MAY 10, 2018 The Jewish Home | OCTOBER 29, 2015

Your

141 15

Money

No Business Like Shvo Business By Allan Rolnick, CPA

T

he lights of Broadway have long shone bright as the show business capital of the United States. (Hollywood may have the movies, but it’s just not the same. And Vegas? Puh-leaze.) New York theatres attract millions of visitors and billions of dollars every year. Naturally, sharp New Yorkers have co-opted show business tactics to promote all sorts of unrelated businesses. So now, we have fashion-as-theatre, restaurants-as-theatre, and even real-estate-as-theatre. Michael Shvo may be the most theatrical real estate guy of all. He started out as a brash Manhattan broker, squiring buyers in a chauffeur-driven limo and trademarking the slogan, “Let’s Shvo.” He enlisted celebrity designers like Giorgio Armani and musicians like John Legend to help sell showy condos to showy buyers. Now he’s reinvented himself as a developer, with current projects designed to make everyone else’s projects look like college dormitories or maybe Soviet-bloc worker collectives. Shvo is also a noted art collector who favors paintings by Andy Warhol and sculptures by Francoise-Xavier and Claude Lalanne. He paid $14 million to combine two 68th floor condos overlooking Central Park, then stuffed the resulting 4,100

square feet full of treasures. (The living room rug is beaver fur.) He dropped another $6 million on an allwhite Hamptons house to stuff with more treasures that wouldn’t fit in the Manhattan pad. And he’s currently developing a 50-acre private island resort in the Bahamas. So we know that Shvo likes buying showy stuff. It turns out, though,

a sham Montana corporation to avoid taxes on a Ferrari — the defendant dodged more than a million dollars in state and local taxes.” Shvo’s favorite ornate ruse involved a Cayman Islands company called Shvo Art, Ltd. He told the galleries and auctioneers who sold him art, furniture, and jewelry that he was shipping his purchases to the

He paid $14 million to combine two 68th floor condos overlooking Central Park, then stuffed the resulting 4,100 square feet full of treasures.

that he doesn’t like paying tax on it. Back in 2016, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. indicted Shvo on 28 counts of criminal sales tax fraud. And on April 26, he pleaded guilty to two of those counts. “Michael Shvo’s brand of tax evasion was an art form unto itself,” said Vance. “Through ornate ruses — like creating

Caymans, where there would be no tax. Instead, he sent them to his Fifth Avenue office or one of his homes. As for the Ferrari — a 458 Spider that stickers at $230,000 — Shvo set up a Montana LLC to buy it and register it. But he actually drove it in New York, which made it subject to the Empire State’s use tax. (Montana

has no sales tax and lets LLCs register vehicles, which makes the “Montana license plate scam” a favorite for highend vehicle buyers. Of course, the rest of the states generally fail to see the humor in that move — California even has a special website for ratting out vehicles with out-of-state plates.) The guilty plea calls for Shvo to pay $3.5 million in taxes, penalties, and interest. But something tells us he’s not particularly worried about his sentencing, scheduled for June 7. After copping his plea, Shvo and his wife, a Turkish actress and model known for her vast collection of oneof-a-kind Barbie dolls (including one dressed by designer Christian Louboutin), left court in a $400,000 Rolls-Royce. We tell quite a few stories here about celebrities who don’t seem to understand the difference between a “tax plan” and a “felony.” Sadly, the moral is always the same: you don’t have to cheat to pay less. You just have to have a plan. So what are you waiting for? The curtain is ready to rise on real savings!

Allan J Rolnick is a CPA who has been in practice for over 30 years in Queens, NY. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at 718-896-8715 or at allanjrcpa@aol.com.


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OCTOBER 29,| 2015 | The Jewish MAY 10, 2018 The Jewish HomeHome

Life C ach

Wild with Wisdom By Rivki D. Rosenwald Esq., MFT, CLC

A

nd the crowd goes wild. Thank you Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. So, there we are, finally reunited with the melodic tunes filling the air. No more bum chi bum, chi bum, chi bah bah bah.... As enjoyable as a cappella is, there’s nothing like a full-scale back-up band. And how great it is to finally take scissors in hand and be able to see clearly again, without peeking through overgrown bangs. And for the men, to stop feeling like Father Time! That first shave is oh so painful, but worth it! No more itching or wondering every morning, Who’s that guy in the mirror?! And hooray! The simchas can start up again! The brides can begin marching blissfully into their futures. Lag B’Omer has come and gone. And though we are continuing our count upward to the receipt of the Torah, doing it in a less saddened state is quite rewarding. I’m not saying it’s not exciting

enough just to anticipate getting the Torah. It’s “huge,” as our president might say. But no one really likes weeks of added restrictions beforehand. Those who opt to go from the

begged for more! Yes, the relief of being back to enjoying our days, without the added attention to keeping solemn customs, is a thrill. What can I say? We Jews just

It's our architectural guide to building out every day life.

33rd day of the Omer to the 50th with a little more lilt in their step, embrace Lag B’Omer as a much-welcomed turning point. A point where once again their hills may be alive with the sound of music! Where they can get rid of lots of hair, long beautiful hair! And a time they could again dance all night and still have

like to travel through the states. New York State is a big one for us. The State of Israel is, of course, another major destination that we repeatedly opt for. But more than anything, we are always seeking to effectuate the State of Happiness. Relinquishing the signs of mourning taken on during the Omer is one way

to continue on our journey to serve G-d with joy. So, enjoy your next week as we continue our ascent to the pinnacle of our history – the day we were gifted the greatest “how to book” for life. Reviewers have labeled it a tour de force, a must read, and a page turner! And this is, of course, true. But most of all, it’s our architectural guide to building our every day. It’s ours for the taking. The celebration is around the corner but the gift informs our every day. So, go wild, blast the music, dance to your hearts delight. Because, we’ve bypassed Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and even Blue Door Books (in the Five Towns) to own – free of charge and with easy access – the most informative and helpful manuscript for life.

Rivki Rosenwald is a certified relationship counselor, and career and life coach. She can be contacted at 917-7052004 or rivki@rosenwalds.com.


The Jewish HomeHome | OCTOBER 2015 The Jewish | MAY 29, 10, 2018

43 143


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