See Page 31
$1.00 WWW.5TJT.COM VOL. 10 NO. 4
INSIDE FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Vegetarians BY LARRY GORDON
Rachael E. Schindler, MA 24
Towers Of Pride Analyzing J Street
Larry Domnitch 25
Among the rows of alphabeti-
Free Of Charge cally named streets in Wash-
Hannah Reich Berman 38 ington DC there is none that has
been assigned the letter J.
The People Problem Perhaps that is where a new up-
Rabbi Avi Shafran 39
and-coming liberal Israel politi-
MindBiz cal action committee took its
Esther Mann, LMSW 40 name from. It’s their way of com-
municating to American Jews
that their group has a message
that the political establishment
either may not have heard artic-
ulated, was underrepresented, or
had just been ignored.
The emergence of J Street as a
force from out of virtual obscuri-
INSIDE THE TEMPLE MOUNT
Koidenover Rebbe to visit.
BY SAMUEL SOKOL
EXCLUSIVE TO THE 5TJT
See Page 53
I met Adnan Husseini in the
lobby of the Ambassador Hotel
in East Jerusalem. He did not
look like a powerful or influen-
tial man by any stretch of the
imagination. He looked like a
retired blue-collar worker, the
type one sees in documentaries
on the Arab world, sitting at a
sidewalk café playing backgam-
mon and listening to the radio.
In reality, Husseini is
Continued on Page 15
Rabbi and Mrs. Arnold Marans
to be honored by Amit.
See Page 46
New Month, Lots Of Noise
YU-RIETS Dinner honorees.
See Page 53
CANDLE LIGHTING
On Monday, DRS celebrated Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan with its premiere
October 23 – 5:44 PM Stomp! competition. Each grade was represented by a team that
October 30 – 5:35 PM performed for the entire school. Congratulations to the 11th-grade class for
winning this competition!
5 CHESHVAN 5770
ty a year and a half ago has
turned the concept of what it
means to be pro-Israel in 2009
upside down. You can debate
what it truly means to be pro-
Israel in the age of Obama, but
one thing is certain—the new J
Street has arrived with a mission
to blur the distinction between
what genuinely is and what can
be mistaken for being pro-Israel.
J Street is convening its first
national conference
Washington beginning this
Continued on Page 4
Adnan Husseini
jb ,arp OCTOBER 23, 2009
R’ ELYASHIV: REFUSE MONEY FROM IFCJ
in Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, one of the top authorities in the Torah
world, has issued a ruling that the public may not take money from the
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (Keren HaYedidut)
headed by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein (above, left).
See Page 17
HEARD IN THE BAGEL STORE
Table Talk
BY LARRY GORDON don’t belong at, but I’m con-
nected in some way, so I do the
I was sitting at a wedding the right thing and attend if I can.
other night when, at some There was an unusually eerie
point between the first course silence at this table. I knew I
and the soup, I looked around would probably be the first one
and realized I really did not to say something, but I wanted
know anyone at my table. I to see if anyone else would take
gazed around a little further at the initiative and just do the ele-
the other parts of the room and mentary sociable thing,
saw that I really didn’t recog- exchange some niceties, and
Photoby SamuelSokol
nize anyone at the other tables, talk about the weather, last
either. That’s not so unusual week’s parashah, or the beating
these days, because sometimes
I get invited to simchas I really Continued on Page 11
Rebbetzin Basha LIFE GOES ON
Scheinberg, a’h
Another Mother’s Musings
BY RABBI YAIR BY PHYLLIS J.
HOFFMAN LUBIN
As we went to press on It is cold and rainy on this
Wednesday, we were saddened Sunday morning, not conducive
to hear of the petirah, the loss, of to venturing outdoors. But it’s
Rebbitzen Basha (Bessy) the first Sunday after the yom
Scheinberg, a’h, the wife of yblc’t, tov season, and there are places
HaGaon HaRav Chaim Pinchas to go and people to see.
Scheinberg, shlita, the rosh This is the inaugural week of
hayeshiva of Yeshiva Torah Ohr. the Kulanu Sunday program,
Rebbitzen Scheinberg was and Yussie, Lea, and Rochel are
the daughter of Rabbi Yaakov ready to make an appearance.
Yoseph Herman, one of the pio- Rochel, now 14 years old, has
neers of Torah Judaism in the been a volunteer with the
early decades of the 1900’s. He Sunday morning program since
Continued on Page 28 Continued on Page 12
2 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 3
 FROM THE EDITOR
Continued from Front Cover

Sunday, October 25, through

October 28. Their convention’s
theme is “Driving Change,
Securing Peace.” Over 100 U.S.
senators and members of
Congress are listed as members
of the Honorary Host
Committee for Tuesday’s Gala
Dinner at the convention.
So increasingly shrouded in
doubt and controversy is J Street,
that politicians from both parties
are busy withdrawing their
names from the list and contriv-
ing conflicts and excuses for why
they will not be able to partici-
pate in the J Street Conference.
Last week, both U.S. senators
from New York, Charles Schumer
and Kirsten Gillibrand, withdrew
their names from the host com-
mittee, and Senator John Kerry
of Massachusetts, who was sup-
posed to be featured as a keynote
speaker at next week’s gathering,
announced a few days ago that a
conflict in his schedule makes it
impossible for him to attend.
True pro-Israel activists are work-
ing round the clock this week,
pressing elected officials identi-
fied with J Street to come to
terms with the positions they
truly represent and make their
decisions about participation.
The roster of speakers sched-
uled for the conference is very
telling. Muslim Public Affairs
Council leader Salam al-Marayati
is a featured speaker. Al-Marayati
publicly claimed that Israel
attacked the World Trade Center
on September 11, 2001, and he has
also publicly praised Hezbollah.
Josh Healey, another featured
speaker, has composed “poetry”
that equates the U.S. with Hitler.
He compares the U.S. detention
centers at Guantanamo Bay to
Auschwitz, and the fate of Anne
Frank, who died at the hands of
the Nazi regime, to the tragedy
of Matthew Shepard, whose
murderers were prosecuted by
the U.S. government.
J Street supports endless nego-
tiations over Iran’s development
of nuclear weapons and refuses
to identify a time when that tactic
should be replaced with sanc-
tions.
Interestingly, now, at the
beginning of the Obama admin-
istration, J Street seems to be
the president’s favorite Jewish
organization, though that may
be temporary. So dear is J Street
to the Obama folks that the
group was invited to a meeting
over this past summer with a
selection of organizations under
the Conference of Presidents of
Major American Jewish
Organizations even though they
are not members of the
Conference.
The question is, who needs
whom more? Has Obama been
mistakenly encouraged by the

Continued on Page 8
4 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 5
6 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 7
 FROM THE EDITOR Embassy in Washington, writes that Ben- Among the pro-Israel organizations
Ami served as Fenton Communications’ currently working to clarify where J
Continued from Page 4
Senior Vice President until he established J Street genuinely stands on Israel and
appearance on the scene of J Street? Has Street in 2008. In early 2009, Fenton signed future peace is the American-Israel Action
P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 he been deluded into thinking that this is contracts with a Qatari foundation to lead Coalition, an arm of the National Council
516-984-0079 the future direction of the collective an 18-month-long anti-Israel campaign in of Young Israel here in the United States.
editor@5TJT.com
ads@5TJT.com thought of the American Jewish commu- AIAC is a non-partisan, non-political
nity? Perhaps it is what Mr. Obama and issue-oriented organization that was
LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON
Publisher/Editor Managing Editor his foreign-policy aides want to hear. Say you present yourself formed to represent the more than
YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON
Maybe it is what they think it will take to 250,000 American citizens living in Israel
Sales Managers move the Israel-Palestinian peace process as a pro-Israel group while on issues pertaining to the continued
CHANA ROCHEL ROSS forward. safety and security of Israel and the
Editorial Assistant This is shifting some of the diplomatic in reality you are the Jewish people worldwide.
SIDI BARON furniture around. Say you present your- On Tuesday, AIAC called on President
YAKOV SERLE self as a pro-Israel group while in reality opposite. Label yourself a Obama to direct national Security Advisor
Sales Representatives you are the opposite. Label yourself a pro- General James Jones not to appear at the J
pro-peace group while you
SHMUEL GERBER MICHELE JUSTIC peace group while you push for danger- Street conference next week. AIAC
Chief Copy Editor Copy Editor ous Israeli concessions and a Middle East push for dangerous Israeli Chairman Harvey Schwartz said,
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS where there is a State of Palestine with at “Although J Street describes itself as a pro-
Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen, least part of Jerusalem as its capital. This concessions. Israel organization, the American Jewish
Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Toby Klein Greenwald,
Rabbi Yair Hoffman, Miriam Horowitz,
is the J Street version of being pro-Israel. community is well aware of the truth:
Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Shmuel Katz, J Street’s founder and director is Jeremy that J Street is a far left, radical, anti-Israel
Phyllis J. Lubin, Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, Ben-Ami. According to Lenny Ben David, a the United States with a special focus on group at least partially funded by Arab and
Martin Mushell, Elke Probkevitz, Naomi Ross, freelance journalist living in Israel, Ben- campuses. The actual text of the contract Muslim sources and whose purpose is to
Rachael Schindler, Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow,
Rabbi Avi Shafran, Eli Shapiro, Ari Sher
Ami’s agenda becomes somewhat suspect called for “an international public-opinion undermine the safety, security, and con-
when viewed in light of his past profes- awareness campaign that advocates for the tinued vitality of the State of Israel.”
DOV GORDON, ELISHEVA ELEFANT
sional involvements. Ben David, a former accountability of those who participated
Staff Graphic Artists
employee of AIPAC and also of the Israeli in attacks against schools in Gaza.” Continued on Page 10
IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS
Staff Photographers
FRANKEL & CO.
Design & Production
TALIYE CORLEY
Art Director
SARAH GREENBAUM
Assistant Art Director
The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly news-
paper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not
necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not
responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or
establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times.

FEATURES

Around The Five Towns 40

Classified Ads 70

Daf Yomi Insights

Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow 22

The Dish
Elke Probkevitz 50

Halachic Musings
Rabbi Yair Hoffman 13

Insights On The Torah

R’ Yanki Tauber 26
R’ Ben Tzion Shafier 32

Luach 20

MindBiz
Esther Mann, LMSW 29

Puzzle
Yoni Glatt 65

Real Estate
Anessa V. Cohen 36

That’s The Way It Is!

Hannah Reich Berman 36

8 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 9
FROM THE EDITOR
Continued from Page 8
Earlier this week, Israel’s Ambassador
to the United States, Michael Oren,
announced that he would not be present
at or participate in the J Street confer-
ence. Oren had been publicly invited to
address the conference by Ben-Ami in an
editorial in the Jerusalem Post a few
weeks ago.
Among those still on the J Street “host
list” is Congressman Steve Israel of
Suffolk County here on Long Island. In a
conversation with his spokesperson on
Tuesday, the Five Towns Jewish Times
asked whether Mr. Israel would be with-
drawing his name from the list, as so
many others have done over the last few
days. The spokesperson said that
Congressman Israel is not planning on
attending the conference or participating
in any way. Asked specifically about
whether he would withdraw his name
from the committee, she said that, for
now, “Congressman Israel remains on the
Gala Host Committee.”
It may be only a conference taking
place for a few days in Washington, but
in reality it represents much more. It’s
important for the still-evolving Obama
administration to see that American Jews
do not concur with the theory that a
smaller and weaker Israel, an Israel that
concedes to the most far-reaching Arab
demands and that divides Jerusalem, is
the only option that can lead to long-
term peace and a safe and secure Israel.
It’s just not so. ❖
Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at
editor@5tjt.com.
10 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
An Open Letter About J Street
Note: The following letter was
addressed and sent individually to the
more than 100 U.S. Senators and
Members of Congress who have been
listed as being on the Honorary Host
Committee for the Gala Dinner at J
Street’s upcoming national conference in
Washington, DC.
—Ed.
The relatively new organization J
Street is currently using what it boasts
is your endorsement to promote itself
as a mainstream vehicle for positive
change in the Middle East. But the poli-
cies being promoted by J Street are not,
as it claims, “pro-peace and, pro-Israel.”
In fact, the J Street conference with
which your name is linked features a
speaker who blamed Israel for 9/11, and
a “poet” who equates the U.S. with the
Nazi regime.
Here are details of the conference J
Street claims you support.
Muslim Public Affairs Council leader
Salam al-Marayati will deliver a lecture
at the J Street conference being held
October 25-28. Al-Marayati publicly
claimed that Israel attacked the World
Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and
he has also publicly praised Hezbollah,
a group on the official U.S. terrorist list.
Is this a “pro-peace” or “pro-Israel”
organization?
The J Street conference will also fea-
ture Josh Healey, whose “poetry”
equates the U.S. with Hitler and his
Final Solution plans. He says
“Guantanamo is Auschwitz,” and he
also compared what happened to Anne
Frank to the tragedy of Matthew
Shepard. Anne Frank died because of
official Nazi government policy;
Shepard died at the hands of malevo-
The J Street
conference with
which your name is
linked features a
speaker who blamed
Israel for 9/11.
lent individuals who were prosecuted
by the U.S. government.
J Street seeks effectively endless
“negotiations” over Iran’s development
of nuclear weapons, and refuses to iden-
tify a time when that tactic should be
replaced with, as U.S. Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton has called for, “crippling
sanctions.” Iran poses a direct and
immediate threat to Israel and later, but
most assuredly, to the U.S.
Just over the past week numerous
U.S. elected officials (see list below),
when provided with the information
above, have removed their names from
the list of those endorsing J Street and
its October conference.
We respectfully request that you do
not associate with J Street’s harmful
and misleading policies.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Pesach Lerner, D.Adm.
Executive Vice President
National Council of Young Israel
New York, NY
Since last week, several Senators and Members
of Congress have withdrawn their names from
the host committee for the J Street Conference
Gala, including Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY), Sen.
Thad Cochran (MS), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY),
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (AR), Rep. Leonard Boswell
(IA), Rep. Michael Castle (DE), Rep. Michael
McCaul (TX), Rep. Mike Ross (AR), and Rep. John
Salazar (CO).
WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?
WE WANT TO KNOW!
E-MAIL US AT
editor@5TJT.com
BAGEL STORE
Continued from Front Cover
the New York Giants had taken earlier
that day.
The table began to fill up, but no
words were exchanged, just a few awk-
ward glances. For about ten minutes or
so, I felt like I was in an elevator or in one
of those huge public lavatories where
everyone is afraid to speak lest something
ghastly occur. I thought to myself, “These
guys are good. It’s like we’re all invisible.
No one sees anyone else.”
I am genuinely interested in people—
possibly more so in those I don’t know
than the ones I do know. I view a table at
a wedding or bar mitzvah where I’m fair-
ly certain I will not personally know any-
one as a challenge of sorts.
So I’m sitting there as this awkward
quiet subsists, and it’s really beginning to
sound—or not sound—just absurd.
Here we are, grown men at a wed-
ding, helping the people we know cele-
brate. Yet we’re sitting around like a
bunch of kids on the first day of pre-
school. A few of us are potchkering
around with our Internet-capable cell
phones, probably text-messaging our
children back home important mes-
sages such as “What’s doing?” or “Did
you have dinner yet?”
I knew what the person sitting across
from me was doing, because he had “that
look.” I was doing the same thing, so I
recognized the interest and intensity in
his eyes. He too was checking the score
on the Jets-Bills game. The Yankees had
played that afternoon, the markets were
closed, and the updates on the phones in
this very solid building were difficult to
come by.
This simcha-seating luck-of-the-draw
plays itself out in our lives many times
in the course of the year. Some people
know precisely where they will be seat-
ed, possibly because they’ve called to
arrange it with the hosts or threatened
them along the lines that they wanted to
be seated with this or that friend—or
else. The point is that no one wants to
feel uncomfortable or out of place, if
they can help it.
Some people feel that where they are
seated is a measure of the esteem they are
held in by the host. One thing is fairly cer-
tain: you can pretty quickly tell how
much time was invested in creating a
seating plan at a simcha by where you
end up. No doubt seating might be one of
the most challenging aspects of being a
ba’al simcha, as it touches in some fash-
ion upon your relationship with each and
every one of your guests.
At the other end of the spectrum at
these affairs is the way it’s done at many
chassidishe weddings—no seating cards
or racking your brains trying to pair up
friends and neighbors who may or may
not get along with one another. And it
might even make more sense than laying
out cards or little pieces of paper on your
dining-room table with the names of
every relative and all the people you’ve
ever met since you were born.
After all, your friends and most of your
relatives are adults who are most likely
capable of figuring out all by themselves
whom they would like to sit with or pre-
fer not to sit with. So why the place cards
that communicate to the guests where
others believe they may belong? Why
open that can of worms?
The truth is, most of the time it really
doesn’t matter where you sit. That was
the case with me the other night at this
event. So it was a little quiet in the begin-
ning. The music was pretty loud anyway,
and even if people were talking it would
be difficult to hear them.
Even in this type of environment—
and every simcha is truly a beautiful
event—eventually the ice was broken
(and I believe that had very little to do
with the piping-hot vegetable soup). How
long can people sit across from each
other until someone has the courage to
say something along the lines of “So,
what’s your connection to this event?”;
“Are you a relative?”; or “You must be
from the other side, because we don’t rec-
ognize you from past simchas.”
In the end, it was after an hour and a
half or so—after I had tried chit-chatting
but just got one- or two-word answers—
that the guy sitting directly across from
me asked me how I ended up at a table
with a bunch of people that were in some
form related to one another.
I explained my association, involve-
ment, or whatever you’d call it, and when
asked my name I finally introduced
myself. Now, make no mistake; just
because my name has appeared on the
front page of this newspaper for the last
decade, week after week, it doesn’t neces-
sarily mean that I have achieved any sub-
stantive name recognition. Maybe I have
and maybe I haven’t.
I told my table neighbors my name
and where I live, and they did the same.
One man was from Queens, a few from
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
lower Manhattan, and so on. One guy,
who said he was from Hewlett, hesitated
for a few moments and then haltingly
asked whether I was the guy who had
anything to do with this newspaper. I
said that, yes, I was. A few of the others
then chimed in about how much they
like it and that they read it every week—
which is always very nice to hear.
Then, after a bit more silence, the
young man from Hewlett spoke up again
and said to me, “You know, you really need
to have some more news about Hewlett in
the paper.” I didn’t disagree with him, and
I asked him what exactly is happening in
Hewlett. But then the band started playing
again, and it was time to dance.
A little later on, he told me that there
was lots going on in Hewlett and that I
should make sure, if possible, to have a
couple of Hewlett-oriented stories in the
paper each week.
I know he’s right and I have to do that.
The last thing he said before we left at the
end of the night was that he bets he’s
going to be the subject of one of those
“Heard in the Bagel Store” columns like
this one. I thought for a moment and
then told him, “You never know—that’s
certainly a possibility.” ❖
Comments for Larry Gordon are welcome at
editor@5tjt.com.
At 5TJT.com
you can enjoy articles
in 3 ways:
1. Read 2. Print 3. Email
October 23, 2009 11
MOTHER’S MUSINGS
Continued from Front Cover
its inception some nine years ago, when
it was housed at HAFTR Elementary
School. This is the first week in Kulanu’s
new location, conveniently located a few
short blocks from our home. A little rain
was not going to keep them back, and I
dropped them off promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Now for some needed mother/daugh-
ter bonding. With my mom working full-
time during the week, we need to sneak
in our together time whenever we can. A
little rain wasn’t going to stop our plans,
either, and I picked my mom up for a nice
trip to the neighborhood coffee bar.
Truth be told, we had wanted to try out
the newest coffee spot at Crawford’s, but
they were not open when we arrived, so
we walked a couple of doors down to
dine at Cravingz. We were thankful for
the hot coffee and a pleasant place to
chat. How fortunate we are that at almost
every turn on Central Avenue there is a
kosher spot to stop at. I can recall my
own childhood, growing up in
Woodmere, when the only place to visit
was Sabra Pizza.
After my mom warmed me up physi-
cally and emotionally, I was ready to start
the day. With almost no staples in the
house, I picked Lenny up for a rainy-day
outing to Brach’s. After stocking our
shelves and our freezer, we were prepared
to pick up the troops from Kulanu to
attend our next event.
We were torn: two very important
activities scheduled for the same day!
Close to our hearts was the Making
Strides Against Breast Cancer walk along
12 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Jones Beach, in which we have been
active participants with Team HAFTR
for the past two years, but the Buddy
Walk to benefit Down syndrome
research and awareness was being held
at the same time at Nassau Community
College. While both are worthy causes,
the Buddy Walk captured our attention
as it was something we had never
attended, and we felt it was an event
that both Yussie and Lea were capable
of joining (walking five miles on Jones
Beach was not something they could
manage—nor we in the present weather
conditions) and, to be totally honest, I
was looking forward to catching a
glimpse of Chris Burke.
For those of you old enough to
recall, there was a television drama
about 20 years ago called Life Goes On,
and one of the lead actors was a young
man who played a high-school boy
with Down syndrome. The actor, Chris
Burke, actually did have Down syn-
drome himself. This show was cutting-
edge for its time, since members of the
“D.S. Club” (as we are fond of calling it)
were not often “mainstreamed” on tel-
evision. The show followed a “normal”
family who happened to have a child
who was “different.”
Though it was years before Yosef
Binyamin Lubin’s birth (he just turned
nine a couple of months ago), somehow
we were always encouraged that a child,
such as depicted on the show, could live
a relatively typical life. I can still recall
how, immediately following Yussie’s
birth, as I cried at the news, my husband
steadfastly reminded me that we must
accept the challenges that Hashem hands
us, and life goes on . . .
And so, after picking up Yussie, Lea,
and Rochel from Kulanu and getting a
quick bite to eat, Lenny, Rivka, Rochel,
Yussie, Lea, and I were off to embark
on our trip to Nassau Community
College. I’m not sure I have ever seen
so many smiling faces! It’s hard not to
smile when around such (mostly)
happy children. There is a certain nat-
ural sweetness detected in the eyes of
a person with trisomy 21 (the technical
term for Down syndrome).
In addition, as Lenny and I noticed
some time ago, there is a special heart
needed by a person who chooses a career
interacting with the special-needs popu-
lation, even though this is a “job” to most
teachers, therapists, social workers, etc.
Further, there is a certain hopefully posi-
tive perspective found within the par-
ents, grandparents, and siblings of spe-
cial-needs children. Those touched by
these special children seem to become
kinder human beings.
One of the first smiling faces we recog-
nized was Kathy, one of Yussie’s first
physical therapists—another of the won-
derful people we have met on this tri-
somy 21 journey.
Alas, we were a little late for the walk
itself (too bad—we missed the mile in the
cold rain), but we were just in time for
the festivities. The Moon Walk immedi-
ately caught Yussie and Lea’s attention,
and although there was a bit of a line (and
we know Yussie is not a fan of waiting)
Rivka and Rochel managed to keep them
entertained while they waited and Lenny
and I had the opportunity to gather infor-
mation from the various booths. We
arrived back at the Moon Walk in the
nick of time. The big grins on Lea and
Yussie’s faces as they jumped “high in the
sky” were priceless.
After the final jump, Rochel pointed
out the free face-painting. Lea had a few
balloons adorn her beautiful face, while
Yussie was transformed into a cat.
Whenever he spotted his reflection, he
made sure to react with a few meows.
The pièce de résistance for me was spot-
ting one of our heroes, Chris Burke, in the
flesh, performing with his band.
As I sit here Monday morning glanc-
ing at the newspaper, I am heartened to
see that 17,000 participants hit Jones
Beach in the Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer walk, despite wet high
winds. But, as I muse a bit more, I won-
der where the press coverage for the
Buddy Walk was.
October has been named “Down
Syndrome Awareness” month. I hope we
are becoming more aware of the men,
women, and children that live with
Down syndrome, and we support the
research for any possible future treat-
ments and, G-d willing, cures that are
waiting to be discovered that will help
our loved ones live more independent
and productive lives.
And let’s all try to remember that when
our days seems a bit rainy and difficult to
handle, the sun will surely come out
again—because life goes on! ❖
Phyllis Joy Lubin is an attorney with Rosenfeld &
Maidenbaum, LLP, who resides in Cedarhurst
with her husband Leonard and six children:
Naftali, Shoshana, Rivka, Rochel, Yosef, and Lea.
She welcomes your questions and comments at
MothersMusings@gmail.com.
DISAGREEING WITH THE RAV
BY RABBI YAIR HOFFMAN
There is a famous story cited in the book
HaGaon HaChasid MiVilna (pp. 253–254)
which originally appeared in Yashar’s biog-
raphy of the Chofetz Chaim.
It was late on a Friday afternoon in
Vilna. Reb Chaim, the tailor of Vilna, was
in a bind. It seems a question had arisen
on the kashrus of the chicken being
cooked in his kitchen. He quickly dis-
patched one of his children to pose the
question to the Vilna Gaon.
The hour was late. Normally, the Vilna
Gaon did not serve in the capacity of rav.
But here, on account of the lateness of
the hour, the Vilna Gaon made an excep-
tion. Upon examining the chicken in
question, the Vilna Gaon could come up
with only one answer: The chicken,
unfortunately, was treif.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to our tai-
lor, his wife Malka had dispatched
another one of their sons to see the great
Rabbi Shmuel, the official rav of Vilna,
who ruled leniently. The chicken, in his
opinion, was permitted.
Both children excitedly rushed into
the tailor’s home to report the responses.
Not knowing what to do, Rav Chaim
quickly ran to Rabbi Shmuel’s house and
explained to him that the Vilna Gaon had
forbidden the chicken. Rav Shmuel, the
mara d’asra of Vilna, remained firm in his
ruling permitting the chicken. He
instructed the tailor to prepare the chick-
en, and he and the Vilna Gaon would
come that Friday evening and taste of it.
Rav Shmuel went to the home of the
Vilna Gaon and said, “My Master and
Rabbi, I am nothing but like dust under
your feet. However, I was accepted as
the mara d’asra here in Vilna by its resi-
dents for halachic rulings. Since I ruled
in this matter and I did so in the proper
I ask of you to come
with me to the house of
the tailor, and we shall
both partake of the
chicken so that the
residents of Vilna will
understand the full
authority of the rav.
manner with the proper research, the
halachah is in accordance with me. I ask
of you to come with me to the house of
the tailor, and we shall both partake of
the chicken so that the residents of
Vilna will understand the full authority
of the rav, and that there will be no one
who argues or criticizes.”
The Vilna Gaon agreed. They both
Continued on Page 14
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 13

Disagreeing
Continued from Page 13
entered Reb Chaim’s home and
sat to eat. All of a sudden, before
14 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
they had a chance to taste of the
chicken, a piece of cheilev
(unkosher fat) fell from the can-
dle above.
There are a number of fasci-
nating insights from this inci-
dent. First and foremost, we see
the authority of a rav in his com-
munity or shul. If the Vilna Gaon
was willing to sit and eat some-
thing that he had deemed to be
unkosher, that says a lot. How
many people in our times would
be willing to do that? (Another
insight is that the Vilna Gaon and
the rav of the community were
willing to eat at the home of an
ordinary tailor. Eating at the
home of a ba’al ha’bayis who
needed to ask halachic questions
did not seem to be an issue what-
soever. For some reason, this atti-
tude is no longer prevalent,
notwithstanding that between
the average husband and wife, a
good quarter million dollars has
been spent on their yeshiva edu-
cation.)
The reader might object that
this is merely a story and that we
cannot rule based on a story.
We do find, however, that Rav
Hamnuna placed a ban upon a
student who ruled in accor-
dance with Rav Shimon in
regard to muktzah in one partic-
ular city. The Gemara (Shabbos
19b) objects that the halachah is
actually like Rav Shimon in this
case! The Gemara answers that
the city under discussion was
one where Rav Hamnuna was
the outstanding Torah luminary.
Clearly, undermining the author-
ity of a rabbi in his community
or shul is a very serious matter.
The halachah is further quan-
tified in the ruling of the Rema
in Yoreh Deah (245:22). He dis-
cusses when and where it
would be permissible to con-
duct a chuppah ceremony in the
domain of another rav. He con-
cludes: “However, one should
Continued on Page 19

Inside The Temple Mount
Continued from Front Cover
Palestinian Authority President
Mahmoud Abbas’s advisor on Jerusalem
affairs and former director of the Waqf,
the Islamic trust in de-facto civil control
of the Temple Mount. As such, he bears
responsibility for the calls to jihad issued
from within the Al-Aqsa mosque, and is,
in the eyes of many Israelis, at least some-
what culpable for the recent violence
against Jews in and around the Old City
of Jerusalem.
As we sat, he introduced me to his asso-
ciate, Daoud. A big, burley man with a
Palestinian Authority flag lapel pin, he
looked every inch hired muscle. Adnan
and I discussed his views on the stalled
peace process, recent violence on the
Temple Mount, and the moral probity of
memorializing terrorists that murder Jews.
Coming from the famous Husseini clan,
Adnan has impeccable terrorist creden-
tials. Husseinis were among the original
founders of al-Fatah. Haj Amin al-Husseini,
the Mufti of Jerusalem during the time of
the British mandate, is infamous for meet-
ing with Adolf Hitler and for organizing
Muslim units within the SS.
Recently, there has been a wave of vio-
lence against Jews in Jerusalem, egged on
by the Palestinian Authority, which has
claimed that the Al-Aqsa mosque is under
attack by “extremists.” They have also
claimed that the Israeli government is
planning on undermining the Temple
Mount through the digging of tunnels.
The violence began when a large group
of Jewish pilgrims ascended to the mount
in preparation for the Yamim Nora’im, the
Jewish days of repentance. Arabs pelted
the Jews with rocks, later found by police
to have been prepared in advance, and
caused multiple injuries.
This led to a closure of the mount to
Jews and lesser limits on Muslim access
as well. Since then, there have been mul-
tiple firebombing and rock-throwing
attacks throughout East Jerusalem and
the Old City.
Husseini began our interview by com-
plaining that Israel was holding the
Palestinian Authority to its obligations
under the Oslo accords by banning the PA
“Their way of peace can never
be accepted by us.They
demolish this and evacuate this,
and this is the peace.”
from holding official activities within the
Israeli capital.
“I am being here since 900 years. The
people who ask me not to do, they are
very early people coming a few years ago
so they don’t have the right to stop me,
and this is an impression about the fail-
ure of the Israel government to control
Jerusalem and to do something for the
benefit of peace.”
“This is my answer about when they
interfere and asking us not to do any
events, not to participate. This is nonsense.
We told [foreign diplomats that] this is part
of the measure that they are taking for peo-
ple who are asking for peace.”
The PLO did not ratify the Oslo accords
as signed by Yasser Arafat.
When asked about Israeli measures to
bring about peace, Husseini replied “They
are not doing anything. They are just
speaking.”
“They should do, at least some kind of
freedom, liberty. Freedom of behavior,
you know. Their way of peace can never
be accepted by us . . . they demolish this
and evacuate this, and this is the peace.”
Israel has recently removed hundreds
of earthen checkpoints and released 20
female prisoners. During the most recent
Fatah convention in Bethlehem, the use
of “resistance” was reaffirmed as a legiti-
mate tactic in negotiating with Israel.
Regarding the recent Temple Mount
violence, Husseini became very firm
and resolute. “We have been warning
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
that extremists, if they allow them to
do everything, one day there will be a
hospital in front of the government.
What they are doing now in Jerusalem,
the West Bank, they are threatening
even the security of Israel.”
If the government wanted to deal with
those that he considered “extremists,”
Husseini stated, it would be incredibly
difficult. “They have very extreme think-
ing that is not accepted in the interna-
tional community, and this is the govern-
ment that wants to deal with the interna-
tional community.”
He then called for pressure to be put
on the Israeli government. “[The settlers
come to] the Temple Mount, they come,
they start to shout, ‘Go to Mecca, this is
our country . . . We have to demolish the
Dome of the Rock.’”
Husseini denied that rocks had been
prepared in advance and claimed that the
attacks were a spontaneous reaction to
outrageous provocation and were taken
in self-defense.
I asked Husseini where he believed
Jews should go to pray. Jewish prayer is
currently barred on the Temple Mount by
the Israeli police and the Waqf. Husseini
replied that the Jews have the Kotel plaza.
However, Husseini has previously gone
on the record calling the Western Wall a
Muslim site. Husseini said to Israeli news
site NRG, “This is part of Islamic heritage
that cannot be given up, and it must be
under Muslim control.”
During my recent trip to Shechem, I
saw posters memorializing terrorists who
killed Israeli citizens. I asked Husseini if
Continued on Page 17
October 23, 2009 15
Shuvu Celebrates Kleinman
Family Petach Tikva Dedication
“Reb Elly and Brochie Kleinman are
very well known in America for being
involved in many inyanei tzedakah;
almost everything involving tzedakah
that happens in America as well as in
Eretz Yisrael,” Shuvu’s co-chairman Reb
Avrohom Biderman introduced the
guests of honor at the dedication cere-
mony of the Kleinman Family Shuvu
Petach Tikva Girls’ High School. “With
the berachah and the eitzah of Moreinu
Harav Pam, zt”l he was zocheh to be very
matzliach, but he never forgot his roots.
Now that he was matzliach he didn’t say
“kochi ve’otzem yadi” but rather he feels
achrayus; a model for everyone else who
has been matzliach to say “how can I
help others?” He’s helped so many mos-
dos Torah v’chesed and we have the
zechus that one of the mosdos he got
involved in is Shuvu.”
Back on November 5, 2003 the
Kleinmans began their tremendous devo-
tion to Shuvu with their dedication of the
Shuvu Lod School. Starting with a mod-
est 40 students, the Lod school has since
grown to be one of Shuvu’s largest, and
with the fastest growth, with over 600
students today. However not only is the
school known for its size, but also for its
excellence. Thousands of Jewish children
have been learning Torah only in the
zechus of the Kleinman family.
16 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
At the time, Hagaon HaRav Chaim
Kanievski helped the Kleinmans make
their decision to dedicate the Shuvu
Lod school. “But we were told not just
to dedicate the school but to visit
whenever we can, to check up on our
kinderlach. Baruch Hashem, my wife
and I have made it our business to visit
regularly.”
It was upon one of these visits that the
Shuvu Lod principal Mrs. Michal
Huminer raised her concern of what will
happen with the talmidos. The graduates
needed a Shuvu high school to continue
in. “She didn’t want to lose even one
neshamah, chas v’shalom, going to a
school that is not appropriate,” recalled
Reb Elly. “My wife Brochie and I felt the
same way so I called up Avrohom
Biderman and said: “It’s time for a girls’
high school!”
And so on Monday, October 12, 2009,
Isru Chag of Sukkos, the Kleinman family
was joined by many distinguished guests
to celebrate the dedication of “The
Kleinman Shuvu Petach Tikva Girls’ High
School.” The guests included Petach Tikva
Mayor Yitzchak Ohayon; his deputy, Rav
Uriel Buso and other heads of the munic-
ipality; Deputy Minister of Education MK
Rabbi Meir Porush; Shuvu’s rabbinic advi-
sor and activist Hagaon Harav Moshe
Silberberg; Rav Shmuel Bloom, former
executive vice president of Agudath Israel
of America; Rav Yitzchok Rosengarten;
and of course, the hundreds of students
learning in the Shuvu Petach Tikva
schools.
As Reb Elly, Brochie, and their children
and grandchildren arrived at the school
grounds, the tremendous sense of glee
and pride was felt. Rav Chaim Michoel
Gutterman opened the ceremony by
thanking the Kleinman family for its long
support extended throughout to Shuvu.
He recalled that during the recent chag
the Kleinmans donated two new massive,
beautiful wooden sukkahs for the con-
venience of the visitors to the Kosel.
Having participated at the celebration for
the Kleinmans at the Kosel the week
before, Rav Gutterman quoted Reb Elly’s
words then. “Reb Elly, you said then that
even had it been for only one individual
who is not frum who would’ve entered
the sukkah and made a berachah, it
would’ve been worth it!”
“Shuvu,” continued Rav Gutterman,
“unites everyone under one sukkah.
Children from different backgrounds,
Russians, Ethiopians, are all together.
Continued on Page 18
Inside The Temple Mount s”xc
Continued from Page 15
he views such posters as incitement and
a breach of the Oslo accords.
“Those people . . . died in some con-
frontation here in the area and, you
know, they are from some movement,
and the movement always try to com-
memorate them. It is a part of a process
everywhere, you know.” He went on to
say that it is comparable to Israel making
memorials to David Ben-Gurion.
Husseini also defended the recent
Fatah decision to retain their “right” to
engage in “resistance” to the Israeli pres-
ence in areas claimed by the Arabs.
Meanwhile, the Information Ministry of
the Palestinian Authority has accused Israel
of attempting to “implement a new series
of organized state terror” in Jerusalem.
The Information Ministry further stat-
ed, “Extremist Zionist groups announce[d
their intention] to storm the mosque in
order to perform religious rites in the
occasion of the so-called ‘Yom Kippur.’
“Accordingly, the Ministry of
Information calls upon our people to
gather at the mosque and to stand in the
face of extremist Jewish groups.
Furthermore, it calls upon the masses of
Arab and Islamic nations and lovers of
justice in the world to protest the crime
and to refuse it by all legitimate means.”
The “legitimate means” mentioned
have led to dozens of injuries and
increased violence against Jews. ❖

Rabbi Elyashiv:
Refuse Money
From IFCJ
BY GIL RONEN

Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, one of

the top authorities in the Torah world, has
issued a ruling that the public may not take
money from the International Fellowship
of Christians and Jews (Keren HaYedidut)
headed by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.
Groups that take money from the fund
are flouting the Torah’s prohibition of idol-
atry, Rabbi Elyashiv said, and they even aid
future missionary activities and grant
them legitimacy. “We regret to say that we
have learned that several institutions,
organizations, and charity groups have
made mistakes of this nature,” he added.
Taking money from this fund is an
“unclean” act, the rav said. Other rabbis
who issued similar decisions include
Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, Rabbi Nissim
Kerlitz, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, and Rabbi
Mordechai Eliyahu.
The IFCJ was founded in Chicago in 1983
by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. The fact that it
takes money from Christian groups causes
much suspicion in some religious Jewish
circles. However, other religious circles
have no problem with the group.
(IsraelNN.com) ❖

You can now upload

your display ad directly to
www.5tjt/com/ad
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 17
Shuvu
Continued from Page 16
Elly and Brochie, you already have
thousands and thousands of berachos
and zechuyos of Shuvu children, and
now, in your zechus there is also a girls’
high school!”
Rav Gutterman then called upon a
few students to greet the Kleinman fam-
ily and express their feelings about the
school. Ninth grader Nicole Daniel
opened her words with a personal note.
As a resident of Ashdod and former stu-
dent of the Shuvu elementary school
there, she said that no one had believed
that Kassam missiles would ever reach
their town. Until Chanukah last year,
during the Gaza War. Then the sirens
were sounded in the city and Kassams
did indeed fall. Everyone stayed indoors
for a complete week. After that week of
being cooped up and feeling a desperate
need to breathe some fresh air, Nicole
set out to go shopping with her father.
Upon entering their car, though, she
realized that she had forgotten her
sweater. She quickly ran back to her
18 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
house to get her sweater, and as she was
about to reenter the car, the siren
sounded announcing an imminent mis-
sile. Nicole lay down on the ground
with her father lying on top of her, and
she started to say Tehillim. Seconds later
a tremendous explosion was heard a
mere block ahead of them. “A Kassam
landed directly on the bus stop close to
my house, killing a woman,” she
recalled emotionally. “My father and I
would’ve been exactly there had it not
been for my going home again. The 20
seconds Hashem delayed me to get my
sweater saved our lives!”
Nicole continued, “That was one of the
R’ Elly Kleinman
moments that I thanked Hashem for my
special relationship with Him. A very spe-
cial relationship with Him which with-
out a doubt would not have been so had
I not been learning here. In my years at
Shuvu I’ve learned values and middos,
which I do not only implement within
the school grounds. I learn of how we are
meant to talk to our teachers and to our
peers. After all, we are all human beings
and we were all created B’tzelem Elokim!
Primarily, we are taught to appreciate and
respect our parents who do so much for
us, and we do so willingly and lovingly. I
see how peers of ours in other schools
talk to their parents, and just find it hard
to believe that one can treat them so! We
also learn the importance of giving altru-
istically, and in so feel the connection to
our ancestors who gave up their last piece
of bread for others during the terrible
Shoah. We learn to distinguish between
the gevurah of one’s body, which is tem-
porary, to the gevurah of one’s nefesh,
which is permanent, and fills one with
true simcha. I know that when I will grad-
uate from Shuvu I will take with me val-
ues which will stay with me my entire
life: the Torah values which come
wrapped in warmth and love. Last year
my mechanechet used to write me letters
showing love and care—if I had experi-
enced a success, or if she noticed that my
smile had disappeared for whatever rea-
son, and that I was feeling down. These
letters showed care, concern, and love,
and I’ve saved them to this very day.
What amazed me is that when I came
here from Ashdod following the war and
decided to stay, I’ve come to realize that
there is no real difference between Shuvu
Ashdod and Shuvu Petach Tikva, and I’m
sure the same applies to Shuvu Jerusalem
and the others. They all give over the
Torah values in a loving and caring man-
ner which strengthen my nefesh, ulti-
mately bringing us to serve our Creator. I
am grateful every day for being able to
learn here, because there really is nothing
like Shuvu, and this is thanks to our won-
derful principal and teachers who make
every effort to make us feel that our
school is our home. May Hashem give
you all the koach to continue on!”
Seeing the Kleinman family’s devo-
tion and love for the children of K’lal
Yisrael in general, and of Shuvu in par-
ticular, and especially considering the
Kleinmans’ dream, it seems just a matter
of time until b’ezras Hashem the heads
of Shuvu and the Kleinman family will
be gathering again to celebrate more
dedications for their kinderlach, the
children of Shuvu. ❖
Disagreeing
Continued from Page 14
not rule in forbidden and per-
mitted matters or to lecture in a
manner that shows authority in
the city of his friend.”
It would seem that the
Rema’s ruling applies not only
where there is a rav of the
whole community, but also to
the modern-day application of
synagogue and shul rabbis.
The Rivash rules on a similar
case (Vol. I, No. 271) and states
that no other rabbi may rule
outside his domain against the
opinion of the local rav. What is
fascinating is that the Rivash’s
response deals with a spiritual
issue and not a halachic matter.
Nonetheless, the Rivash is quite
clear that even in outside mat-
ters, the authority of the rav
should not be undermined. The
Rivash’s ruling is part of norma-
tive halachah. The Chasam Sofer
(Choshen Mishpat, No. 41) quotes
the Rivash authoritatively.
This idea is also seen from
the words of Rashi in his expla-
nation to Chulin 53b. He writes,
“It is unseemly [“lav orach ara’a”]
to permit something in a place
where the other rav forbade it.”
There are numerous other
passages in the Talmud where
this issue is brought to light.
For those who wish to research
further, see Shabbos 130a,
Eiruvin 94a, Pesachim 30a, and
Yevamos 14a.
The bottom line of all this?
The rabbi of a shul or communi-
ty has a s’yata d’Shmaya in his
rulings. It is unseemly and
against the Torah to undermine
his opinion. This is true even if
one happens to have the erudi-
tion of the Vilna Gaon. Certainly
it is true in our own times. ❖

The author can be reached at

yairhoffman2@gmail.com.

For the next issue,

deadline
for reserving
ad space is
Monday,
October 26
at 5:00 P.M.

All graphics for ads

must be in by
Tuesday,
October 27
at 5:00 P.M.

Call
516-984-0079

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 19

 Anti-Semitism Strikes Again In
Edison Township, New Jersey
BY HANA LEVI JULIAN
A New Jersey township was hit last
month with its second anti-Semitic
attack in two weeks, just a few hours
after the end of Yom Kippur.
were covered with three huge blue spray-
painted Nazi swastikas.
The Anti-Defamation League
announced that it would offer a reward
of up to $1,000 for information leading to
the arrest and conviction of the perpetra-

The front doors and windows of their house

of worship were covered with three huge
blue spray-painted Nazi swastikas.

Early Tuesday, members of Edison tors of the vandalism at the synagogue.

Township’s Congregation Beth-El were
horrified to discover that the front doors
and windows of their house of worship
CALENDAR
Local Police Chief Brian Collier told
the New Jersey Star Ledger, “We’re certain-
ly not pleased with this kind of non-
sense.” The Middlesex County
Prosecutor’s Office is also involved in the
investigation because the incident was
classified as a bias crime.
Police were tight-lipped on whether

LUACH
there was a link between the vandalism
and a vicious attack nine days earlier on a
16-year-old student at the Rabbi Jacob
Joseph Yeshiva on Rosh Hashanah.
The student, a resident of the town,
Oct. 23 – Nov. 1 told police detectives that a gang of
ZIP Code: 11516 youths in their mid-to-late teens shouted
5 Cheshvan
anti-Semitic slurs at him while beating
him. They jumped him from behind,
Friday, October 23
Daf yomi: Bava Basra 63
knocked him down, and one youth
Z’manim*: punched him in the head with a fist. The
Earliest tallis/tefillin: 6:21 am boy sustained a cut above his right eye
Sunrise: 7:15 am and was later hospitalized with a con-
Latest Shema: cussion. The attack was classified as a
M. Av. 9:20 am bias crime.
Gr’a 9:56 am There have been several other anti-
P’lag ha’minchah: 4:55 pm Semitic incidents in Edison this year,
Candle Lighting: 5:44 pm including a swastika painted on a man’s
6 Cheshvan – Shabbos car in a shopping center parking lot in
Saturday, October 24 July, another one painted on a fence in
Shabbos Parashas Noach June, and a third scrawled with a black
Shabbos ends**: marker in March on a local church.
6:43 pm Last year, obscene and anti-Semitic
72 min. 7:14 pm graffiti was discovered scrawled on the
12 Cheshvan walls inside the yeshiva, according to the
Friday, October 30 New Jersey Jewish News. Students and a
Daf yomi: Bava Basra 70 staff member told the newspaper they
Earliest tallis/tefillin: 6:28 am were often taunted by neighborhood
Sunrise: 7:23 am youths, who yelled anti-Semitic slurs at
Latest Shema: them as they walked by.
M. Av. 9:24 am Rabbi Dr. Bernard Rosenberg, the spiri-
Gr’a 10:00 am
tual leader of Congregation Beth-El, said
P’lag ha’minchah: 4:47 pm
that there was a pattern to the incidents,
Candle Lighting: 5:35 pm
adding, “If you don’t punish people, they
13 Cheshvan – Shabbos
will continue to do it.” (IsraelNN.com) ❖
Saturday, October 31
Shabbos Parashas Lech-Lecha
Shabbos ends**:
6:36 pm At 5TJT.com
72 min. 7:06 pm
* from MyZmanim.com you can enjoy articles
** add a few minutes for tosefos Shabbos according to
your minhag in 3 ways:
Municipal Calendar 1. Read
For 5 Towns and NYC
October 31 2. Print
Saturday night/Sunday: Daylight Saving 3. Email
Time ends (set clocks back 1 hour)
20 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 21
Daf Yomi Insights
Mini-Houses And Mezuzahs
BY RABBI AVROHOM
SEBROW
Jay Shafer has been living, since 1997,
in a house smaller than some people’s
closets. His decision to inhabit just 89
square feet arose from some concerns he
had about the impact a larger house
would have on the environment.
Wishing to share this experience with
others, he started the Tumbleweed Tiny
House Company. The houses and plans
The minimum shiur for mezuzah
would be a house that is 8 feet by 8
feet, or 64 square feet.
they offer have been designed with care-
ful attention to light, warmth, energy effi-
ciency, and proportion. They have made
the most of each cozy interior by mini-
mizing transitional areas such as hall-
ways and stairwells and by using other-
wise unusable space as storage. While his
personal house is 89 square feet, he does
sell a smaller house—the XS model. It has
22 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
a whopping 65 square feet of living space.
If one purchases such a small house, is
he obligated to put a mezuzah on the
front door? The Gemara in Sukkah 3a
states, “A house that does not contain an
area of 4 amos by 4 amos is exempt from
mezuzah and ma’akeh and is not contam-
inated by tzara’as . . .” Even if one were
to use the largest measure of amah, the
65-square-foot XS house would still be
obligated in mezuzah. Assuming an amah
is 2 feet, the minimum shiur for mezuzah
would be a house that is 8 feet by 8 feet,
or 64 square feet. The XS meets that min-
imum with a square foot to spare!
There is one caveat. The Chazon Ish
ruled that if permanently installed furni-
ture takes up some of the floor space,
thereby reducing the living space to
below the minimum requirement, a
mezuzah is not needed. Therefore, if the
minimum living space required to be
Small houses designed by the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company.
obligated in the mitzvah of mezuzah is 64
square feet, the XS might not qualify.
Nevertheless, the accepted custom in
America is to follow Rav Moshe’s opinion.
According to him, an area of 4 by 4 amos
is about 49 square feet. I haven’t studied
the floor plans, but the XS model might
still require a mezuzah with a berachah
even if some of the space is taken up by
immovable furniture.
The next question that we must con-
sider is this: Is the 16 square amos a
requirement for a house, or even for a
room? The Gemara when stating the 4
amos requirement clearly says “bayis,” a
house. Are tiny rooms in a large house
obligated in mezuzah?
According to the Maharam Shik, the
answer depends on a machlokes sur-
rounding a Gemara in Bava Basra 61a.
The Mishnah discusses a situation
where one sold a house without specify-
ing exactly what was included in the
sale. The Mishnah says that if the house
in question has a small structure nearby,
that structure is not included in the sale
unless specifically mentioned. On this,
Mar Zutra comments that only if that
small structure is a minimum of 16
square amos is it not included in the
sale. If, however, it is smaller than that,
then the structure is deemed to be
insignificant and it is included in the
sale of the house.
The Mishnah further states that if the
house has an adjoining storage room, it
is not included in the sale. Mar Zutra did
not clearly state whether or not there is
a requirement for the room to be 16
square amos to be excluded from the
sale. Perhaps even a room that is less
than 16 square amos is significant
enough to be excluded from the sale
unless specifically included.
 The Maharam Shik says that this dis-
pute would apply to the laws of
mezuzah as well. Does a room need to be
16 square amos to be obligated in
mezuzah? Or is perhaps any size room
that is part of a larger house considered
usable and significant?
The Pischei Teshuva (286:11) quotes the
Chamudei Daniel that a storage room in a
larger house requires a mezuzah even if it
is less than 16 square amos. According to
this opinion, any walk-in closet would be
obligated in mezuzah, regardless of its size.
The closet is considered a usable room for
its purpose and consequently is obligated
in mezuzah. (A closet that is not actually
entered at all is certainly not obligated in a
mezuzah according to all opinions.)
Rabbi Yair Hoffman writes in his sefer
on mezuzah that one should initially fol-
low this view and put up a mezuzah with-
out a berachah (if he is just putting up that
mezuzah by itself). However, from my
brief survey, many local rabbanim have
advised their congregants that they do not
need to put a mezuzah on a walk-in closet
unless it is a minimum of 36 square feet
(this assumes the smallest possible meas-
urement of an amah: 18 inches). In fact,
Rabbi Hoffman himself has a quote in his
sefer attributable to Rabbi Moshe
Feinstein, zt’l, that the custom in Europe
was not to follow the Chamudei Daniel’s
opinion, and only rooms that had the
minimum shiur were obligated in
mezuzah. Therefore, one should ask his
rav for guidance on this issue. ❖
Rabbi Sebrow leads a daf yomi chaburah at Eitz
Chayim of Dogwood Park in West Hempstead
and is an outreach professional at JEP of LI. He
can be contacted at ASebrow@gmail.com.
A Lesson In Dikduk
BY RABBI YITZCHAK MEIR
GOODMAN
I would like to clarify and expand on
some points made in my recent interview
with Rav Yair Hoffman (“Shabbos Shuvah,
Part 2,” 5TJT, September 25):
(1) I mentioned that I once admon-
ished people who regularly arrive late to
shul by stating that they would never do
that if they had a regular job with an
employer. I “translated” the phrase “veyei-
da kol pa-ul ki Ata pe-alto” as “every
employee should know that You are his
employer.” Some people imagined that
this was my literal translation! They
could not conceive that this was a pure
d’rash, just to bring out the point, and cer-
tainly not meant as the literal translation.
Darshanim have used this device thou-
sands of times throughout the ages.
It is an unfortunate lamentable fact
that many people set their own pace for
arrival, whether ten minutes late, or a
half-hour late, and do so consistently.
This is a horrible habit, and there is no
excuse for it.
(2) I mentioned the lack of elemen-
tary knowledge of dikduk, even among
fine talmidei chachamim. I gave one
example: those who read “v’omar am to-
ei leivav heim” instead of VA-omar. This
vowel preceding a future first-person
verb changes it to the past (vav
ha’hipuch) and thus the entire meaning
of the phrase. This is similar to “vay-
ishkav” (past tense), although “yishkav” is
future. The use of a kamatz before the
first-person verb instead of a patach
seems to confuse some people, but is
based on a grammatical point which is
too lengthy to discuss here. Most stu-
dents learn this in elementary classes!
Another classic example is the fact
that in Tehillim, we find “eidosecha”
many times, as well as “eidvosecha”—and
many people do not see the difference.
The latter pronunciation is correct when
I suffer when I say
“amen” at the end
because I seriously
wonder if that is
called a berachah!
there is a sh’va under the dalet. What fol-
lows is what looks like the vowel “o” but
is really “vo.” How many people do not
notice this difference!
One more: Young children in yeshiva
learn that a segolate noun (like melech or
yeled) gets the accent on the first syllable.
How many times do we hear a ba’al
tefillah say “hameichin mitzadei gaVER”
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
with a clear emphasis on the final sylla-
ble? [Unfortunately, in Jewish music this
rule is often ignored just to fit the tune
better, as in songs which have a phrase
ending in “aRETZ” when it should be
Aretz, but doesn’t fit with the tune.] But
the ba’al tefillah is not singing!
(3) The vowel “o” as in “lo” has many
pronunciations amongst Jews of differ-
ent backgrounds. The Galicianer chasid
says “oy” (as I do), the Lutvak says “Eiy” (as
in “rein”), the German says “ow”, but
absolutely nobody says “ee”! So why do so
many use “ee” instead of the o vowel in
the most important word in the entire sid-
dur—the name of our Creator? Every
time I hear someone recite “Baruch ata
Adeenoy” I cringe in my seat. I never say
“boruch hu uvaruch sh’mo” and I suffer
when I say “amen” at the end because I
seriously wonder if that is called a
berachah! There are also those who say
the name so fast that it sounds exactly
like “adnoy” and sometimes even “anoy.”
The Mahara’m Lublin (Shu’t, No. 83)
writes about how one must be careful in
pronouncing every syllable of the
Havayah correctly. It should slow down
everyone when they daven.
Many times I mentally thank my
father, z’l, for teaching me dikduk. It came
in very handy countless times in my
teaching years. I once suggested to a rosh
yeshiva that I would gladly offer a short
course in fundamental dikduk in the high
school. I still await a positive response.
P.S. Who can explain this: When we
add a “b” or a “l” before “p’nei” it becomes
“bifnei” or “lifnei”—but when we add “m”
it comes “mipnei?! Ba’alei dikduk know
the answer. Do you? ❖
October 23, 2009 23
To Be Or Not To Be . . . Vegetarian
BY RACHAEL E. SCHINDLER,
MA, MS, CAI, CPT
Many times when I am working with
a client and trying to get a feel of what
they like to eat, I hear, “Oh, I never eat
red meat, it’s soo not good for you.” Being
a carnivore (and Sephardic to boot!) I
could never just stop eating red meat,
cold turkey that is! (It’s still a great source
of iron and a lean cut is pretty high in
protein, vitamins, and isn’t high in fat.)
But practically speaking, is there any
health benefit to being a vegetarian? Can
a diet without meat provide adequate
nutrients?
A vegetarian does not eat meat, fish,
or fowl, or any product containing
them. A typical vegetarian diet focuses
on grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables;
still, considerable variations exist. A
lacto-ovo vegetarian avoids meat, fish,
and poultry, but consumes dairy prod-
ucts and eggs. The lacto vegetarian con-
sumes dairy but avoids meat, fish, poul-
try, and eggs. A vegan, or total vegetari-
an, excludes both dairy and eggs,
obtaining all nutrients from plant
sources. So how prevalent is vegetari-
anism in the U.S.? A 2006 poll conduct-
ed by the Vegetarian Resource Group
found that 7% of adults never eat red
meat and that 2.3% never eat meat, fish,
or fowl. That’s no small cheese!
Why would someone want to choose
to be a vegetarian? There are a variety of
24 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
reasons people do so, including concern
about the environment, animal welfare,
or world hunger; or they simply don’t like
the taste, never really ate meat often any-
way, or believe it is unhealthy. Aside from
a healthier lifestyle, religious beliefs
and/or economic issues may also factor
into this choice.
From a more traditional standpoint, the
science of nutrition has focused mainly on
the intake of nine nutrients that are ade-
quate to promote growth and reproduc-
tion. Lately, however, this paradigm has
If you don’t necessarily consume
complementary proteins in the same
meal, you can just consume them
throughout the day.
been shifting towards focusing on an “opti-
mal diet” which promotes not only health
and longevity but also reduces the risk of
diet-related chronic diseases or the preven-
tion of other diseases, including cancer. A
vegetarian eating plan can be adequate and
optimal and may even provide numerous
health benefits.
According to various studies,
reduced red-meat consumption corre-
lates with healthier cholesterol levels,
other heart health benefits, and
reduced rates of pancreatic and col-
orectal cancers. (Please note: It was
unclear how much meat was con-
sumed prior and subsequent to the
study to produce that effect and how
fatty the meats were.)
Studies have shown that a vegetarian
diet may aid in weight management. In
2007, Burke and colleagues suggested that
individuals that adhered to a lacto-ovo veg-
etarian regimen were able to reduce
intakes of both fat and calories and there-
fore reduce overall body weight. Another
comprehensive study published by the
International Journal of Obesity and Related
Metabolic Disorders (2003) examined the
body mass index (BMI) of four different
groups, including meat eaters, fish eaters,
vegetarians, and vegans. The meat eaters
had the highest BMI, followed by fish
eaters and vegetarians. Vegans had the low-
est BMI of all groups.
Contrary to popular belief, an individual’s
protein requirements can be met solely
with plant foods. Although animal proteins
are considered “complete proteins,” since
they contain all eight essential amino acids,
plant sources of protein are lacking in one
or more of them and are referred to as
“incomplete” or “complementary” proteins.
Some individuals know how to pair up the
protein sources to get a complete protein.
Some wholesome combinations include
pasta and veggies, a peanut-butter sandwich
(on whole grain bread—not just whole
wheat!) with vegetable soup, or a green
salad with walnuts and sunflower seeds.
When a variety of plant foods are
consumed and adequate calorie levels
are satisfied, the incomplete proteins
will combine to form complete ones;
the amino acids will find and join each
other. If you don’t necessarily consume
complementary proteins in the same
meal, you can just consume them
throughout the day.
Who needs meat, right? What’s the
catch here? The challenge is getting
enough of certain nutrients by eating a
variety of foods. One such nutrient, vita-
min B12, which contains cobalamine,
biotin, and folic acid, may be lacking in
vegetarians since it is found predominant-
ly in meat protein. This is especially the
case for pregnant and depressed individu-
als. The good news is that lacto-ovo vege-
tarians can get adequate B12 if they con-
sume whole eggs and dairy regularly.
Vegans have to be sure to consume forti-
fied foods, such as breakfast cereals, nutri-
Building Towers Of Pride: A Tradition Since Noach
tional yeast, or soy milk. Just some food BY LARRY DOMNITCH amid the bountiful plains of the Fertile abundance as opposed to lacking. The
for thought: spirulina, sea vegetables, and Crescent, they planted and benefited word “dwelling” in the fertile plains of
fermented soy products are not reliable There are two forms of revolt: one is from the immense productivity of the Shinar implies that they were also partak-
sources of this important vitamin. the rebellion by man against a regime; land. The people then defiantly decided ing of the land’s abundance. Likewise, at
Vegetarians, especially vegans, must the other is the revolt against G-d. The to make bricks and build a tower to Mount Sinai before the sin of the Golden
make sure to consume Vitamin D and calci- episode of the Dor haPlagah, Generation honor themselves, as stated, “with its top Calf, the people were satiated; the Torah
um, both essential for bone health. Lack of of the Tower of Babel, described in in the heavens . . . and let us make a states, “The people sat to eat and drink and
Vitamin D can interfere with normal bone Parashas Noach establishes a precedent name for ourselves” (Bereishis 11:4). then they got up to rebel” (Sh’mos 32:6).
metabolism, leading to rickets in children for the latter. The towering edifice would signify As B’nei Yisrael were soon to enter the
and osteoporosis in adults. In a study by Throughout history, revolts have most their self-confidence in their own Promised Land, the Torah admonishes
Barr (2002) of 90 vegetarians, 56 reported often taken place because of poverty. When prowess as the masters of their destiny. that they never take their future success
that their diets have become restrictive over one is lacking, one seeks to ameliorate the The people of this generation staged a and bounty for granted. Material success
time, and 48 planned more changes, specif- sufferings of hunger by forcibly replacing a revolt against Hashem, thinking that they must come with the recognition that all is
ically, to use fewer dairy products. regime that will better provide. Ideas are a themselves possessed their own abilities from the Al-mighty and be accepted as
Furthermore, a Swedish study of 30 catalyst for change, but hunger usually to successfully produce the bounty from such. The Torah states, “Lest you eat and
vegans concluded that intakes of calcium speaks much louder than any words. which they thrived. As a result, Hashem be satisfied, and you build good houses
and vitamin D were below recommended Conversely, revolts against G-d take would throw them out from their homes and settle, and your cattle and sheep and
guidelines. Specifically, when dairy prod- place amid times of plenty. and force them from their unified socie- goats increase, and you increase silver and
ucts are omitted, fortified foods such as Following the description of the gener- ty. The exiles of that generation would gold for yourselves, and everything you
soy, milk, cereals, breads, and juices must ations following Noah’s emergence from become a conglomeration of different have will increase and your heart will
be consumed. Unfortunately, vegetable the Ark, the parashah states that the new entities speaking different languages. become haughty and you will forget
sources of calcium, such as spinach, con- society settled in the valley of Shinar The Midrash Sifri states that the Dor
tain high amounts of oxalic acid, which (Bereishis 11:2). There, as one united entity, haPlagah revolted against Hashem out of Continued on Page 27
interferes with absorption.
Foods rich in Vitamin D include forti-
fied milk products, fatty fish such as
salmon, and fish liver oils, most notably
cod liver oil. Fortified foods and eggs
from hens fed Vitamin D are also good
sources. And the best source of Vitamin D
is the sun! Just a few minutes a day is all
you need. However, factors such as the
use of sunscreen, the time of day, the sea-
son of the year, the level of the pigment
melatonin in the skin, and even the dis-
tance one is from the equator, all limit
the skin’s ability to produce this vitamin.
A vegetarian must also consume iron.
Iron is a vital part of hemoglobin, a pro-
tein that transports oxygen in the blood.
Iron intake is important during all stages
of life, especially for growing children,
and pregnant and menstruating women.
The iron in meat, fish, and poultry is
“heme” iron, which the body absorbs
readily. The iron in dairy, eggs, plant
foods, cereals, and breads is “non-heme,”
which is less readily absorbed. However,
foods rich in Vitamin C, such as tomatoes,
oranges, and broccoli, aid in the absorp-
tion of non-heme iron.
So, if you ate spaghetti and tomato
sauce, the Vitamin C in the sauce should
help with absorbing the iron in the
spaghetti. In addition, those individuals
who exercise must make sure their iron
levels are adequate, since many people,
especially females who participate in
intense, regular physical activity, report
marginal to low levels of iron. Iron
requirements may be 30% to 70% greater
in active people as compared to seden-
tary people.
In conclusion, a well-planned vegetari-
an diet can be an excellent choice for
maintaining a health-conscious lifestyle.
Protein consumption is less of a concern
than ingesting adequate vitamins and
minerals from a variety of sources. So
with careful planning, enjoy nature’s
bounty to the fullest! ❖
Rachael E. Schindler, MA, MS, CAI, CPT, has over
18 years of experience in exercise physiology,
Pilates, nutritional counseling, and teaching, as
well as multiple degrees in forensic and
developmental psychology. She specializes in food
and behavioral issues for both children and
adults, offering the right combination of diet,
exercise, and support all in one stop! Insurance is
accepted. She can be reached at
Teichbergr@aol.com or 917-690-5097.
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 25

From The Chassidic Masters
Lunar Flood, Solar Year
You’ve designated the weekend for
some quality time with your family
when the phone rings; naturally, it’s an
emergency at the office which requires
your immediate involvement. You’ve
set aside the evening for volunteer
work in your community; instead, you
spend it with your neighborhood
mechanic attending to another erup-
tion of car trouble.
Relatively few of us, fortunately,
have faced a “real” flood in which tor-
rents of water threaten to engulf one’s
home. But we’re all familiar with the
experience of being flooded with the
cares of material life, of being
swamped with all sorts of matters
demanding our attention just when we
were finally getting down to the things
which are truly important and pre-
cious to us.
The Chassidic masters explain that
this is the contemporary significance
of the great Flood which the Torah
describes in the seventh and eighth
chapters of Bereishis. A basic tenet of
Chassidic teaching is that the Torah is
eternal, its “historical” events connect-
26 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
ed to ever-present realities in our lives.
Noach’s Flood is the prototype for a
challenge which we all face: the flood
of material concerns which threatens
to quench the flame of spiritual striv-
ing we harbor in our souls.
The sun and the moon represent
the two sides of a dichotomy
which divides virtually every aspect
of our existence.
Indeed, our Sages tell us that Noach’s
Flood began as an ordinary rainfall,
which the misdeeds of man caused to
escalate into the Flood. In other words,
in their proper proportion and context
as a regulated means to a higher end,
the waters of materiality are a benefi-
cial, life-nurturing rain; but when
allowed to overstep their bounds, they
become a destructive deluge.
The deeper significance of Noach’s
Flood is also reflected in the fact that it
began and ended in the second month
of the Jewish year, the month of
Cheshvan.
The first month of the year, the festi-
val-rich month of Tishrei, is wholly
devoted to spiritual pursuits: the
renewal of our commitment to Divine
sovereignty on Rosh Hashanah; repent-
ing our failings on Yom Kippur; cele-
brating our unity as a people and G-d’s
providence over our lives on Sukkos;
rejoicing in our bond with the Torah
on Simchas Torah. The following
month, Cheshvan, marks our return to
the “daily grind” of material life.
Cheshvan is the first full month of the
rainy season in the Holy Land, coming
after the six rainless months of the
summer season and signifying the
return to a life that derives its nourish-
ment from the earth. It is no coinci-
dence that Cheshvan (also called “Mar-
Cheshvan”—mar meaning both “bitter”
and “water”) is the most ordinary of
months, the only month of the year
without a single festival or special
occasion.
The Jewish Calendar
Noach’s Flood commenced on the
17th of Cheshvan in the year 1656 from
creation, and ended on 27 Cheshvan of
the following year. The Torah commen-
taries explain that the Flood lasted
exactly one year, and that the 11-day dis-
crepancy in the dates represents the 11-
day difference between the solar and
lunar years.
This reflects the fact that different
components of the calendar are based
on a variety of natural cycles which do
not easily lend themselves to synchro-
nization. The month derives from the
moon’s 29.5-day orbit of the earth; the
year, from the 365-day solar cycle. The
problem is that 12 lunar months add
up to 354 days—11 days short of the
solar year.
Most calendars deal with this dis-
crepancy by simply ignoring one or the
other of the celestial timekeepers. For
example, the Gregorian Calendar
(which has attained near-universal sta-
tus) is completely solar based. Its 365
days are divided into 12 segments of 30
or 31 days, but these “months” have lost
all connection with their original asso-
ciation with the moon. There are also
calendars (such as the Muslim calen-
dar) which are exclusively lunar-based,
with months that are faithfully attuned
to the phases of the moon. Twelve such
months are regarded as a year, but
these “years” bear no relation to the
solar cycle (a given date in such a calen-
dar will, in certain years, fall in the
midst of summer and, in other years, in
the dead of winter).
The Jewish calendar is unique in
that it endeavors to reconcile the solar
and lunar time-streams. By employing
a complex 19-year cycle in which
months alternate between 29 and 30
days and years vary between 12 and 13
months, the Jewish calendar sets its
months by the moon and its years by
the sun, combining lunar time and
solar time into a single system while
preserving the integrity of each.
For the sun and the moon represent
the two sides of a dichotomy which
divides virtually every aspect of our
existence—a dichotomy whose differ-
ences we must respect and preserve
even as we incorporate them in a cohe-
sive approach to life.
Light And Darkness
On previous occasions, we have
explored various aspects of the
solar/lunar polarity: the contrast between
the surety and consistency of tradition
on the one hand, and the desire for flux,
innovation, and creativity on the other;
the male/female dynamic, which imbues
us with the passion to give and bestow
on the one hand, and the capacity to
accept and receive on the other. On this
occasion, we shall dwell on another
aspect of this cosmic duality: the twin-
ship of spirit and matter.
The spiritual and the material are
often equated with light and darkness.
Indeed, a number of religions and moral
systems regard the spiritual as enlight-
ened, virtuous, and desirable, and the
physical-material side of life as belonging
to the “forces of darkness.” The Torah,
however, has a different conception of
spirituality and materiality, a conception
embodied by the solar/lunar model.
The sun is a luminous body while the
moon is a dark lump of matter. Yet both
are luminaries; both serve us as sources
of light. The difference is that the sun’s
light is self-generated, while the moon
illuminates by receiving and reflecting
the light of the sun.
Spirituality is a direct emission of
Divine light. When studying Torah, pray-
ing, or performing a mitzvah, we are in
direct contact with G-d; we are mani-
festly revealing His truth in the world.
But not every thought of man relates
directly to the Divine wisdom; not every
word we utter is a prayer; not every
deed we perform is a mitzvah. G-d creat-
ed us as material creatures, compelled
to devote a considerable part of our
time and energies to the satisfaction of
a multitude of material needs. By neces-
sity and design, much of our life is
“lunar,” comprising the nonluminous
matter of material pursuits.
Nonluminous matter, however, need
not mean an absence of light. It can be
moonlike, serving as a conduit of light.
It’s all a matter of positioning. The moon
is positioned in such a way as to convey
the light of the sun to places to which it
cannot flow directly from its source.
Placed in the proper context, the materi-
al involvements of life can serve as facili-
tators of Divine truth to places which, in
and of themselves, are not in the “direct
line” of spirituality and holiness. The pro-
ceeds of unavoidable overtime at the
workplace can be translated into addi-
tional resources for charity; the
unplanned trip to the mechanic can be
the start of a new friendship and a posi-
tive influence on a fellow man.
A Complete Year
Our lives include both a solar and a
lunar track: a course of spiritual achieve-
ment as well as a path of material
endeavor. These orbits do not run in tan-
dem; at times they clash, giving rise to
dissonance and conflict. The simple
solution would be to follow a single
route, choosing an exclusively solar or
exclusively lunar path through life. But
the Jewish calendar does not avail itself
of the simple solution.
Our calendar insists that we incorpo-
rate both systems in our time-trajectory:
that we cultivate a solar self—thoughts
and feelings, deeds and endeavors,
moments and occasions of consummate
holiness and spirituality; and that at the
same time we also develop a lunar per-
sonality—a material life which reflects
and projects our other, spiritual self.
This is also the lesson implicit in the
365-day duration of Noach’s Flood. The
deluge of material concerns which threat-
ens to overwhelm our lives can be mas-
tered and sublimated. The Flood can be
reconciled with the solar calendar and
made part of a “complete year” in which
lunar and solar time converge and the
moon receives and conveys the light of
the sun. ❖
Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe;
adapted by Yanki Tauber. Courtesy of
MeaningfulLife.com via Chabad.org. Find more
Torah articles for the whole family at
www.chabad.org/parshah.
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Building Towers Of Pride
Continued from Page 25
Hashem your G-d, who took you out of
Egypt from the house of slavery” (Devarim
9:12–15). “And you may say in your heart,
‘My strength and the might of my hand
made me all this wealth’” (Devarim 9:17).
Settled in their land, when B’nei Yisrael
did not heed these repeated admonitions,
they would face the attacks of their ene-
mies. Then they would call out to
Hashem for deliverance.
Throughout history, Jews did not cease
to show reverence to their Creator during
eras of deprivation. The Jews of the ghet-
tos in their suffering turned to Hashem.
They accepted their predicament and
their lot as they humbly beseeched
Hashem’s mercy. It was when the ghetto
walls were opened in the aftermath of
the era of enlightenment, and Jews found
success in the outside world, that they
would revel in their newfound affluence
and often forget Hashem.
How quickly, in just a few generations,
much of American Jewry amid its found
material success has forgotten the hum-
ble and pious world of their ancestors of
Eastern Europe!
In Parashas Noach, an utterly debase
society, devoid of civility, is ended—but
mankind survives. The message of the
Dor haPlagah is directed to both Israel
and the nations of the world. With suc-
cess and constantly improving technol-
ogy, man may choose to build towers
and honor himself for his glowing
achievements—or he can honor his
Creator who has given him the tools for
advancement. ❖
October 23, 2009 27

Scheinberg, a’h
Continued from Front Cover
played a crucial role in the development
of Rav Scheinberg as a Torah giant.
Rebbitzen Scheinberg willingly left the
comforts of modern American life to join
with her husband in Mirrer, Poland.
She greeted
everyone with a
unique smile that
made anyone who
met her feel as if
they were family.
While back in America, her husband
served as temporary rosh hayeshiva of
Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim. During this time,
Rebbitzen Scheinberg encouraged her
husband and his close talmidim with her
good cheer and warmth to get through
difficult periods.
She personified modesty and was
unassuming in character, never bringing
attention to herself. Rebbitzen
Scheinberg exemplified the highest Torah
ideals of warmth, love, and concern for
others. She greeted everyone with a
unique smile that made anyone who met
28 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
her feel as if they were family. Strangers
felt like grandchildren, grandchildren felt
like children.
Among her children are Rav Simcha
Scheinberg, shlita; Rebbitzen Weiner, wife
of Rav Dovid Weiner of Yeshiva Chofetz
Chaim; Rebbitzen Alpert, widow of Rav
Nissin Alpert, zt’l, the rav of the Agudah in
Far Rockaway; and Rebbitzen Altusky (wife
of Rav Altusky, the author of the acclaimed
Chiddushei Basra series on Shas).
Rebbitzen Scheinberg, a’h, was the sis-
ter of Rebbitzen Ruchomo Shain, author
of All for the Boss, a biography of their
father, Rabbi Yaakov Yoseph Herman.
Rebbitzen Scheinberg passed away
after a long illness. Her family was by her
bedside at Shaarei Tzedek hospital. She
was 96 years old. Her kevurah was at Har
HaMenuchos. ❖
Submit your photo to the
5 Towns Jewish Times!
You can upload your
digital photos and see them
printed in the weekly edition
of the 5 Towns Jewish Times
www.5tjt.com/sendphotos

Dear Esther,
I’ve been living in the Five Towns
area for the past six years. I was nervous
about moving here. I guess I’m not the
only person to feel that way. The Five
Towns has quite a reputation. And for
good reason. It can be very overwhelm-
ing. We moved here from sort of the
fringe area of Flatbush. We davened at a
little shteibel, and the people we knew
and associated with were very down to
earth and definitely simple in terms of
material needs.
He wants me to
slave to fashion. I think it’s ridiculous
how these women are so busy trying to
impress one another and the pressure
they put on themselves. I can’t under-
stand why they fall for all of this nar-
ishkeit. If you have the money to afford
the clothing, it doesn’t take any special
talent to walk into a store and buy it. I
think it just makes you a sucker! There
are so many better things to do with that
kind of money.
My husband has bought expensive
jewelry for me. He pressures me to wear
these pieces that I find absurd and almost
vulgar. The crazy thing is that he doesn’t
even like some of these people whom he
is trying so hard to impress! That’s the
real kicker.
And it gets worse. He wants me to
entertain these friends on Shabbos the
way they entertain—with enough food
for an army and hired help for the serv-
ing and cleaning. As if I’m not capable of
handling the job myself. In Brooklyn he
was happy having company over and
proud of me for serving a simple but deli-
cious meal, without having to impress.
Now it has to be the finest liquor and the
best of everything.
I feel like my husband and I are living
in two different worlds now. I don’t
understand how and why he has
changed so much and he doesn’t under-
stand why I’m not thrilled to become
“one of them.”
Is there some way for me to get
through to him or maybe I’m the one
missing something here? My husband
says that I should get with the program. I
say that he should wake up from his
fool’s paradise. What do you say?
Simple
Dear Simple,
Let’s start with a basic premise.
Marriage is not necessarily easy. When
you think about two separate individuals,
coming from distinctly different homes,
growing up with different sets of parents,
assuming values that are rarely 100%
identical, it’s easy to understand why it
takes work to find that middle ground
where everyone feels understood, rele-
vant, and comfortable.
It sounds as though you and your hus-
band were off to a very good start. I don’t
know how long you lived in Brooklyn,
but apparently it provided a safe haven
for the two of you to live peacefully and
in harmony. It didn’t present any particu-
lar temptations that nudged either you or
your husband from veering from the
lifestyle that was working for you so nice-
ly. No outside factors seemed to be rock-
ing your boat.
Women in particular have strong gut
feelings about things. I think you sensed
that moving to the Five Towns would
very likely shake things up for the two of
you. And so it has. Though your husband
thankfully has held on to his basic fine
character traits, it does sound as though
he has been sucked into the “keeping up
with the Jacobowitzes” phenomenon.
Continued on Page 30

shop where they

shop, wear the
latest outfits,
and become a
clone of the
local women.

I guess I shouldn’t complain. My hus-

band, thank G-d, has done very well in his
business. He seems to be very good at
what he does, and of course, has had a lot
of mazel. I know that particularly these
days, I should be and am very grateful.
The problem is that my husband has
changed dramatically over these past
six years. He’s still a very good guy, very
sincere and kind. But I see how he has
gotten himself caught up in all of the
materialism that goes on around us.
Whereas in Brooklyn, he never really
thought much about what he wore,
now it’s become very important to him.
Everything has to be the finest and
from a designer. He’s joined a gym and
has lost a lot of weight. Yes, he looks
great, but I feel like he’s now unbear-
ably into his looks. And that’s not the
man I married.
I suppose I could put up with all of
his new ideas. After all, he is still gener-
ous and fine. What I’m having a problem
with is the pressure that he is putting on
me. It’s becoming more and more impor-
tant to him that I buy designer clothing.
He wants me to keep up with his friend’s
wives. He wants me to shop where they
shop, wear the latest outfits, and
become a clone of the local women. He
has even suggested going shopping with
me, which really struck me as kind of
absurd! I don’t need his approval, thank
you very much.
That’s not who I am. I’m a simple girl
from a simple background. I was raised to
focus on inner beauty and not to be a
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 29
 MINDBIZ
Continued from Page 29
The fact that you haven’t been influenced
in the least and can remain objective
enough to see the silliness of this eccen-
tricity highlights your strength of charac-
ter and confidence. I would venture to
say that most people don’t have the back-
bone that you have.
Many people who worry so about
keeping up with others often suffer
from some sense of low self-esteem or
some misplaced sense of values. After
all, anyone worth identifying with and
becoming close to wouldn’t possibly be
determining your worth based on the
clothing on your back. Though I certain-
ly can understand, appreciate, and
admire those people who are drawn to
beautiful things, can afford to buy them,
and choose to express themselves
through their attire, I can’t understand
how this adds to their personal worth as
a human being. As you mentioned, beau-
ty is indeed skin deep.
Unfortunately, your husband to some
degree, has gotten caught up in this
showy parade. I don’t fault him on want-
ing to look sharp and stylish, but it
sounds like his motivation is immature
and silly. I would imagine that you’ve
tried to explain your position to him
many times, but you have a problem
because he just isn’t hearing you.
The question is whether there is
some way of compromising with him,
finding some middle ground that could
work for both of you. You don’t have to
wear designer clothing to look stylish,
attractive, and youthful. Do you think
that your husband feels that you make
no effort at all? Are you trying to make
a statement and, in doing so, purposely
going to the other extreme? In some
communities, a skirt and sweater is per-
fectly acceptable attire for Shabbos. In a
community like ours, the stakes are a
bit higher. Are you at least playing the
game to some degree? By sticking to
your guns, are you standing out or do
you blend?
If you are in fact trying to make a point
by purposely dressing down, don’t. There
are other ways to get your point across. If
you purposely serve one main on
Shabbos, rather than the four mains that
your peers are serving just to set the
record straight, maybe you can compro-
mise and serve two mains, so that your
husband feels more comfortable. I’m not
suggesting that you sell your soul. What I
am saying is that there is nothing wrong
with stepping outside your comfort zone
in an accommodating way, to show your
husband that you are sensitive to his feel-
ings, despite not agreeing with them.
Hopefully, when your husband sees
that you are trying to work with him
and give him something, he too will fol-
low your lead, and compromise as well.
Ultimately, though you are both coming
from distinctly different places in this
regard, there are still many other, more
important matters that you agree on.
Try to concentrate on all of the good
stuff that the two of you still share.
After all, as you said, all of this is just
narishkeit anyway.
Esther

Esther Mann, LMSW, is a therapist and life coach

in Lawrence. Esther can be reached at 516-314-
2295 or mindbiz44@aol.com. She works with
individuals, couples, and families.
30 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
LELOVER REBBE PASSES
AWAY ON YOM KIPPUR
BY MAAYANA MISKIN

Rabbi Shimon Natan Nata

Biderman, the Rebbe of Lelov, passed
away on the night of Yom Kippur, fol-
lowing Kol Nidrei. He was 78 and lived
in Bnei Brak.
On Sunday evening, he began the
Yom Kippur prayers in a local shul as

For the first time,

Uzi Barak (haredim.co.il)

the Rebbi did not
prepare a cup and The Lelover Rebbe, zt’l

basin for netilas Paramedics who were called to the

yadayim the
next day.
usual, but surprised his fellow worship-
pers by leaving early.
Followers of the Rebbe reported that
he then retired to his room, saying he
did not feel well. For the first time, the
Rebbi did not prepare a cup and basin
for netilas yadayim the next day.
Instead, he recited the Shema, lay down
on his bed, and fell unconscious.
home found the rebbi not breathing
and unresponsive. He was taken to
Beilinson hospital in critical condition,
and passed away shortly afterward.
Over the course of Yom Kippur,
many thousands of Bnei Brak residents
visited the main Torah learning hall of
the Lelov chassidic movement to pay
their respects.
Rabbi Biderman’s funeral began on
Monday evening in Bnei Brak, attended
by thousands. The funeral procession
proceeded to Jerusalem, where the
Rebbi was buried on Har Hazeisim.
(Arutz Sheva) ❖

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 31


The Shmuz On
The Parsha
Believing And Not Believing
R’ BEN TZION SHAFIER
“And Noach, his sons, and his wife came
with him because of the waters of the flood.”
—Bereishis 7:7
Hashem told Noach that his entire gen-
eration was wicked and would be
destroyed. Only he, his family, and certain
select animals would be saved. Hashem
then commanded Noach to build a
32 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
teivah—300 amos long, 50 amos wide,
and 30 amos high—in which they would
live for almost a year’s time.
When the flood actually began, the
pasuk says that Noach and his family
went into the Ark “because of the waters
of the flood.” Rashi observes that these
words imply that it was the water that
caused Noach to go into the teivah, not
Hashem’s command. Therefore, Rashi
says that Noach was a “ma’amin v’eino
ma’amin—one who believed and didn’t
believe.” On one hand, he believed that
Hashem would bring the flood, but on
the other, he didn’t believe it would hap-
pen. Therefore, he didn’t actually go
into the teivah until the rains forced
him in.
This Rashi becomes difficult to under-
stand when we take into account some of
the background of the event.
Noach was a tzaddik. Noach is called
an eesh tzaddik, a righteous man. Whether
he would have been called a tzaddik in
comparison to Avrohom is a point of
debate, but there is no question that in his
generation, he was considered an exem-
plary individual, so much so that Hashem
chose him to be the single person to
rebuild the human race. So how is it pos-
sible that when Hashem told him there
would be a flood, he didn’t believe it?
This question comes into sharper
relief when we view the situation in its
broader context. Many of the Rishonim
ask, “Why did Hashem ask Noach to
build the teivah? If Hashem wanted to
destroy the generation and save Noach,
there are many ways He could have done
it. Why trouble this tzaddik to draw the
plans, cut the wood, and fit together the
pieces? Hashem could have miraculously
saved him without Noach having to
become a carpenter.
Rashi answers that Hashem wanted to
give the generation one final opportunity
to do teshuvah. When Noach would work
on the teivah, people would see him and
ask, “What are you building?”
“Hashem told me He is going to destroy
the world,” he would answer. “The only
Hashem could
have
miraculously
saved him
without Noach
having to
become a
carpenter.
hope is to repent. Do teshuvah.”
For 120 years, while he was building
the teivah, Noach was on a mission to
convince his neighbors that Hashem was
going to bring a mabul and destroy the
inhabited world . . . unless they changed
their ways.
With this, the question becomes much
stronger. Here we have a man whom the
Torah calls a tzaddik, whom Hashem
spoke to directly. He was told by Hashem
Himself exactly what would happen. He
then spent year after year preaching that
very message to the people. How is it pos-
sible that he didn’t believe it himself?
The nature of man. The answer to
this question is based on understanding
the nature of man. When Hashem creat-
ed the human, He joined together two
divergent elements and fused them into
one entity. Part of me only wants to do
what is right and proper, only wishes for
that which is good, and yearns to be
close to Hashem. That part of me, the
nefesh ha’sichili, or the spiritual soul, is
untainted, pure intellect. It is the part of
me that understands exactly why I was
created.
However, there is another part of me,
a nefesh ha’bahami, or a physical soul.
This other part is also vibrant and has
needs, but its aspirations, drives, and
desires only relate to that which is phys-
ical. It only sees the here and now. In its
world, if I can’t hear it, feel it, or see it, it
doesn’t exist.
When I engage in any spiritual activity,
these two components of me are in direct
conflict. For instance, when I daven, part
of me feels a deep, inner yearning to grow
ever closer to Hashem, and part of me is
bored. Part of me is aglow because I am
connecting to my Creator, and part of me
just doesn’t care. The nefesh ha’bahami
doesn’t see Hashem, can’t relate to
Hashem, and therefore doesn’t have any
connection to anything spiritual.
As long as a person lives, there will be
a part of his essence that denies the
existence of Hashem, not because that
part is rebellious, nor because it wants
to do anything wrong, but because it is
incapable of seeing anything that isn’t
physical. The more a person grows, the
more clearly he relates to his spiritual
side, and the less the nefesh ha’bahami
clouds his vision. However, as long as I
am housed in a body, this darkness
remains a part of me.
The answer to Noach. The answer to
the question seems to be that Noach was
a real believer. He had a powerful, unwa-
vering belief that everything that Hashem
said would happen, would indeed come
true. But that was only half of him. There
was another part of Noach that didn’t see
Hashem, couldn’t relate to Him, and
couldn’t see anything beyond the here
and the now. That part denied that there
would ever be a flood.
Even an eesh tzaddik, who spent 120
years engaged in teaching that Hashem
was going to bring a flood, was still a
human, and as such, he couldn’t fully see
it happening. It wasn’t until the rain start-
ed that it became real to him, and then he
went into the teivah.
The darkness of physicality. This
concept is relevant to us because no
matter what level a person has reached,
there will always be a part of him that
denies anything spiritual. There will
always be a part of me that feels alone
in this world because it cannot see
Hashem, nor even relate to anything
that is not physical. However, there is
another full dimension of me that intu-
itively knows that Hashem is right
here, running the world, involved in
every detail of my life.
The great challenge of life is to allow
the inborn understanding of spiritual
matters to come to the fore. By working
on davening, learning Torah, and reach-
ing out to my Creator, those under-
standings become stronger and more
vivid. But a person must remember that
as long as he is human, there will be
cloudiness in his thinking, a murkiness
to all things spiritual, because they
remain hidden behind a heavy cloak of
physicality. ❖
“The Shmuz,” an engaging and motivating Torah
lecture that deals with real life issues is available
for free at www.TheShmuz.com. The Shmuz on
the Parsha, a compilation on all of Chumash is
now available for purchase either in your local
sefarim store, or at the Shmuz.com.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 33

Different By Design
BY STEVEN GENACK
The Establishment Clause of the First
Amendment of the Constitution states
that “Congress shall make no law respect-
ing an establishment of religion.” In
Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971), the
Supreme Court created a “test” to deter-
mine what kind of law would be deemed
a constitutional breach.
According to the new test, “The Lemon
Test,” the government’s action must have
a secular legislative purpose; must not
have the primary effect of either advanc-
ing or inhibiting religion; and must not
result in an “excessive government entan-
glement” with religion.
In Defending Your Life (1991), a film that
tracks the character of Al Brooks into the
next world after suffering a fatal automo-
bile accident, another “test” is created
within the fictional film noir.
Upon Brooks’s death, he is transplant-
34 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
ed into “Judgment City.” Here, he will
stand trial to determine whether he
passed the all important “test” that will
give him entrance into the next phase of
existence. Everyone in “Judgment City” is
appointed a defense attorney to try to
rebuff the prosecutorial charges.
In the trial, a few episodes of a per-
son’s life are viewed on a large screen
for the lawyers, defendant, and judges
to see. These episodes are used as evi-
dence to determine the final outcome
of the trial.
The “test” was rather simple. In each
episode, you just needed to exhibit coura-
geous behavior that was uninhibited by
the fear of failure. Non-performance of
actions based upon poor excuses secures
a ticket back to earth.
On the day before the trial, Brooks’s
attorney tells him that he is likely head-
ing back to earth. Brooks felt dejected and
regretful of his record. That night [in
Judgment City] Brooks meets a woman
(played by Meryl Streep) who already
won her trial and was scheduled to
depart to heaven the next day. Brooks
opens his heart to her and seems to forge
a strong bond with her.
The next day, after the prosecution
finished closing arguments, the tribu-
nal applied the “test of courage” and
Brooks failed. He was scheduled to
head back to earth that same day at the
exact time when Streep’s bus was going
to heaven.
As both buses gain in speed, Brooks
looks at Streep for one last time and as
the buses are about to part Brooks coura-
geously jumps out of his window into
Streep’s bus. This episode was being
watched by the court and at that moment
they were satisfied that Brooks learned
his lesson and allowed him to escort
Streep to heaven.
Within the episodes that transpired
between Noach’s building of the ark and
the formation of the Jewish nation,
courage, risk, and responsibility become
crucial. Both Noach and Avraham
engaged in activities to effectuate change;
only one did it passively and the other
boldly and aggressively.
We begin to see the character of
Noach, by means of reference to another
character in Tanach—Bezalel. This is
based on the fact that Parashas Noach has
Leon Trotsky said,
“The end may
justify the means
as long as there is
something that
justifies the end.”
153 pesukim, numerically corresponding
to the word Bezalel, the architect and
overseer of the Mishkan. The commenta-
tors point out the similarity between
Noach and Bezalel. Each created a struc-
ture for inhabitance—Noach the Ark and
Bezalel the Mishkan.
But the connection between these two
figures goes much deeper. When the
Torah introduces Bezalel, the verse says, “I
have filled him with a Heavenly spirit
with wisdom, insight, and knowledge
and with every craft (bechol melachah)
(Sh’mos 31:3). A melachah is a manifesta-
tion of something new that wasn’t there
before (as inferred by the Beis Haleivi, on
the verse in Bereishis (2:2) that “G-d fin-
ished his melachah on the seventh day,”
meaning He refrained from creating any-
thing new on the seventh day.
Therefore it may be said that Bezalel’s
creative ability and power to effectuate
change only came because G-d gave it to
him (“I have filled him with every craft”).
Minus the infusion, Bezalel was not a cre-
ative force or agent of change. He merely
was an architect by design.
Passivity seemed to be the calling of
Noach. Noach was a passive actor. His
name, Noach, implies menuchah, rest,
which was a mere continuation of the
seventh day of creation. It was a passive
existence that was more involved in the
status quo than change.
The essence of Noach is captured by
Rashi on the verse, “Noach entered the
ark because of the flood” (Bereishis 7:7).
Rashi comments that Noach was of the
small believers in G-d (mekatnei emu-
nah). Though he believed the flood
would come, he needed the waters to
rise up enough to literally push him
into the ark.
Rashi is highlighting Noach’s s indeci-
siveness. We know that he built the ark
over a 120 year period of time. (Rashi on
Bereishis 6:14). As once mentioned, 120
marks the cycle of life based on the gema-
triah of the word itself “muad” that
equals 120. Noach didn’t effectuate
change within a 120 year timeframe.
In this time period, he couldn’t sway
G-d through prayer or influence the peo-
ple to repent. As the Zohar comments,
these waters belonged to him. They were
“mei Noach” (Yeshayahu 54:9). In the final
analysis, Noach and Bezalel’s achieve-
ments were solely related to the building
of structures. One didn’t have the ability
to effectuate creative change on
his own while the other lacked
the necessary will.
However, Avraham, unlike
Bezalel, had his own creative
willpower and, unlike Noach,
acted quickly, decisively, and
boldly. Avraham’s house was a
mere means to an end. At his
house he would serve meals to
guests whom he would inspire
to give praise to the One who
created the bread. His home was
a vehicle to achieve a powerful
spiritual mission. He wasn’t con-
cerned with people’s non-belief
in G-d. On the phrase “The souls
they made in Charan” (Bereishis
12:5), Rashi cites the Midrash
that “They brought them under
the wings of the Shechinah—
Avraham converted the men,
and Sarah converted the
women—and the Torah consid-
ers it as if they made them.”
It was in Avraham’s “ohel
moed” (his tent) that G-d appears
to him, as the verse says,
“Hashem appeared to him in the
plains of Mamre while he was
sitting at the entrance of the tent
in the heart of the city” (Bereishis
18:1). Rashi notes that this was
the third day since Avraham’s
milah and though he was in
such pain, he desired to stand up
to bring in visitors. To prevent
visitors from appearing, G-d
removed the sun from its sack.
This hints to the Gemara that
says “There is no Gehinnom in
the World-to-Come. Rather, The
Holy One, Blessed is He, takes
out the sun from its pouch,
which heals the righteous and
judges the evil” (Nedarim 8b). In
this instance G-d used the sun in
a dual fashion, to keep away vis-
itors and to heal Avraham.
Leon Trotsky said, “The end
may justify the means as long as
there is something that justifies
the end.” Noach didn’t even use
the means to attempt to arrive
at an end. He exhibited passive
behavior even amidst a stormy
time. His indecisiveness and
failure to take risks was a testa-
ment to his overall ideology. He
failed to use the design of the
Ark as an inspiration to sway a
deviant population. He would
certainly not have passed the
“Brooks Test.”
Avraham, though, used his
home as a means to an end with
a strong, justifiable end.
Avrohom broke bread with peo-
ple at his home and inspired a
generation to acknowledge one
G-d. He converted the masses
because he possessed an inner
clarity and decisiveness that per-
mitted him to act aggressively
and forcefully. He would surely
have passed the “Brooks Test”
since he exhibited courageous
behavior that often put the life
of himself and his family at risk.
G-d protected him by removing
the sun from its sack which lit-
erally shone health over his
body, “since the righteous are
healed through the sun.” ❖
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 35
 Investments In Israel
One of the more popular developments these places rent for double or even more
in the global economy that has evolved in during the Sukkos and Pesach holidays
recent years has been the lively purchase and make up for any vacancy experienced
market in Israel of real estate by foreign during the rest of the year.
investors. I am not referring to corpora-
tions purchasing commercial buildings
and properties—that has been around for
a long time—but rather the fervent pur- Some buildings
chasing of apartments and homes by indi-
viduals from around the world—predomi- find themselves with
nantly from the United States, Great
Britain, France, and South Africa. few residents all year
Some of these buyers are considering
making aliyah and are purchasing a pri- long and many empty
mary residence to live in. Others are look-
ing for a second home to have in Israel apartments, causing
that they can stay in when they make
their visits. A third and growing group are a ghost-town feeling
those that purchase for investment. Part
of this group typically buys an apartment for the residents
or home in a high demand area for
tourists which they can then rent out for living there.
short (or even for some long) stays. These
apartments typically rent for a higher
amount than an apartment an Israeli
would rent at market pricing and are very This sounds wonderful on paper, and
lucrative when the investor can obtain when everything is working and the
occupancy on a consistent basis. Typically tourists are pouring in and there is high

36 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

demand, it works well. But, (there is
always a “but”) this is a very specialized
market that these investors have created
for themselves, and like any other invest-
ment, it is economy-dictated. The global
economy dictates if it will be a strong
tourist year with high demand or, as we
have right now, a recession with many of
these investors fighting for whatever
tourist renters they can glean from a lean-
er tourist travel year.
The upside of all of this, even in lean
times, is that the real estate sales market in
Israel has consistently risen over the years,
and if they tire of chasing tenants they can
still depend on the value of their invest-
ment property continuing to climb, and
they can always sell it and realize a profit.
Other investors do not even bother
renting their investment property out.
They purchase their investment with the
idea of holding it for a period of time and
then selling it for a profit as the value of
the real estate market in the investment
property’s locale rises. The direction that
the real estate market in Israel has been
going can show a return equal to much
more than one can get with any CD at a
bank today, and many savvy investors
have utilized the buying and selling of
properties as well as the buying and rental
of properties in Israel to create a nice
amount of money for themselves. Returns
on rentals have been shown to be in the
range of 8-13% in some localities—certain-
ly very attractive in these days of vanish-
ing bank interest rates—and profits from
the purchase and sale of properties are
also seeing excellent returns. Percentages
are based on the locale and the amount of
time the investor has held the property
before reselling it on a climbing real
estate market.
The downside is all the complaints
coming from Israeli residents living in
these affected areas all year long. The con-
sequence of many of these investments
has caused the real estate market to con-
sistently climb and become more expen-
sive for the average Israeli. The properties
that have been purchased have a tenden-
cy to be left empty and shuttered quite
often. Some buildings in high demand
areas where there has been high foreign
investment find themselves with few res-
idents all year long and many empty
apartments, causing a ghost-town feeling
for the residents living there.
The area most impacted with this situ-
ation seems to be sections of Jerusalem
within walking distance to the Old City
and the Kotel. This trend of rising foreign
investment with its impact on Israelis
seems to be an ongoing dilemma with
the city governments affected holding
regular discussions on ways to mitigate
its effect on everyday life while not dis-
couraging ongoing investment. So far,
this issue remains unresolved.
This phenomenon of investment in
Israel is nothing new. It was created a
long time ago by Avraham Avinu when
for a few shekalim he purchased Ma’arat
Hamachpeilah—and we know today how
valuable that investment was! ❖

Anessa Cohen lives in Cedarhurst and is a

licensed real-estate broker and a licensed N.Y.S.
mortgage broker with over 20 years of experience,
offering full-service residential and commercial
real-estate services (Anessa V Cohen Realty) and
mortgaging services (First Meridian Mortgage) in
the Five Towns and throughout the tri-state area.
She can be reached at 516-569-5007 or via her
website, www.AVCrealty.com. Readers are
encouraged to send questions or comments to
anessa.cohen@AVCrealty.com.
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 37

Free Of Charge
It’s amazing how three little words can
have such an impact on the lives of other-
wise levelheaded people. The three words
are free of charge. And the very mention
of them means that all sense of sanity
goes out the door. If something is avail-
able at no cost, people come running. To
tweak a well-known phrase, if you give it
for free they will come! And they will
come running. We’ve all witnessed this at
one time or another and I recently saw
this firsthand. But it would be more cor-
rect to say that, in the instance I refer to
here, people didn’t actually come running.
Let’s just say they came walking. And in
38 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
some cases, they came limping. The free-
bie in this case was the flu shot and many
of the folks who were anxious to take
advantage of receiving the vaccination
without charge were senior citizens.
Some were very senior at that. But once
the word was out, it didn’t matter. They
found their way to CVS and couldn’t roll
up their sleeves fast enough.
To say that the line was long is an
understatement at best. So many people
queued up that the line snaked up one
aisle and down another. What was more
important was that the line didn’t move.
At least it didn’t seem to. I had the distinct
feeling that there was a snafu some-
where. Perhaps the nurse, or whoever
who had been hired to administer the
injection, was still in training. Maybe she
was behind the pharmacy counter some-
where way in the back practicing on an
orange, which is what I was instructed to
do when I was a nursing student.
Whatever she was doing, it was taking a
very long time.
Everyone on line expressed impa-
tience in some fashion. Some heaved
heavy sighs from time to time while oth-
ers remained silent but shifted uncom-
fortably from one foot to the other every
few minutes. It was an unbearably long
wait but there was a bonus. The store
manager had instructed a worker to hand
out coupon books to us. What he proba-
bly said was, “Go give those schnooks
who are foolish enough to take advan-
tage of this free flu shot something to
keep them happy.”
The idea was for us to use the coupons
and to shop while we waited. The con-
cept made sense but there was one flaw
in the arrangement; once a person left
the line to do the shopping he would
return to an even longer line. A more sen-
sible plan would have been for people to
take numbers so that no one would lose
his turn. Taking numbers works well.
After all, if it’s good enough for a bakery it
should work just as well in a drugstore.
One would think that a flu vaccine is
every bit as important as a rye bread.
However, that didn’t happen.
Another sensible but unutilized idea
would have been to provide seats for
these people. That didn’t happen either.
It’s truly amazing how often I get this
same thought; if only I was in charge
here. But I wasn’t. So I waited along with
the other suckers.
But I have character flaws. For starters,
I’m impatient. Also, I’m occasionally a quit-
ter. So it didn’t take long for me to give up.
I wasn’t the only one. I spotted a few oth-
ers who, after throwing up their hands in
exasperation, walked out. These people
left the store sans shot! The majority stuck
it out but I wasn’t one of them. Since
patience is not one my virtues, saving a
few bucks didn’t make enough of a differ-
ence. Sure I would have loved to have
been vaccinated without charge but I
refused to stand there any longer. Twenty
minutes was more than enough for me.
I tried to make an appointment with
my personal physician, but this was a few
weeks ago and at the time he hadn’t yet
received the vaccine he had ordered. A few
days after the CVS debacle I was visiting
friends in Queens and when the conversa-
tion turned to flu shots, I was all ears.
Walgreens, I learned, was giving flu shots.
They were charging, but at that point I had
already decided that I would pay to get the
shot and know that I was protected.
Walgreens is a drugstore that I had never
patronized before but that wasn’t going to
stop me. After taking directions from my
friends, I made a detour on my way home
and stopped in at a Walgreens to avail
myself of the $24.99 privilege.
The scene there was vastly different
from the one in CVS and it was a bad
news/good news situation. BAD NEWS:
No coupons were being distributed.
GOOD NEWS: there were several chairs
available for those who were waiting.
BETTER NEWS: there wasn’t a soul on
line. I was the only one there. I suppose
that’s what happens when people have to
pay. The prevailing thought must be
“what’s the rush?”
I shelled out the $25. After all, what is
$24.99 if not $25? And I was happy to do
so. To my way of thinking, my time is
worth something, and I wasn’t going to
make a second attempt to get a freebie if
it meant standing on a long line for who
knows how long. Of course I know exact-
ly what my husband, Arnie, would say if
he was here. In fact, just as I finished
rolling up my sleeve and positioning my
upper arm to receive the injection, I
thought I did hear a little whisper.
“Hannah, exactly what is it that you have
to do that’s so important that you could-
n’t stand on a line to save $25?”
Ignoring the whisper, I got my shot,
paid the money, and left the store. As I
was walking out the door the voice said,
“I didn’t know I was married to an
heiress.” That was when I knew for cer-
tain that it was Hubby who was whisper-
ing to me. ❖
Hannah Berman lives in Woodmere and is a
licensed real-estate broker associated with
Marjorie Hausman Realty. She can be reached at
Savtahannah@aol.com or 516-902-3733.
The People Problem
BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN

The life work of Norman Borlaug, who

died shortly before Rosh Hashanah at the
age of 95, should give deep pause to those
who see humans as a threat to the planet.
Those, that is, like Dr. Borlaug’s fellow
scientist, Paul Ehrlich, whose 1968 book
The Population Bomb predicted worldwide
famine within 20 years as a result of rising
birth rates and limited resources.
Hundreds of thousands of people, Dr.
Ehrlich soberly prophesied, would starve
to death by 1988. He compared the “popu-
lation explosion”—he coined the phrase—
to the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells
in a body, and advocated the “radical sur-
gery” of compulsory birth control, in the
form of spiking the world water supply
with sterilizing chemicals.
Over ensuing years, Dr. Ehrlich’s predic-
tion was embraced by legions of scientists,
intellectuals, and population-control advo-
cates across the United States and Europe.
All the while, Dr. Borlaug, a plant scien-
tist, for decades quietly continued exper-
imenting with grain varieties, eventually
developing strains of wheat and rice that
raised food yields by as much as 600%.
That achievement revolutionized mod-
ern agriculture, allowing a country like
India, for example, whose population grew
from 500 million in the 1960s to 1.16 billion
today, to achieve food self-sufficiency.
Largely as a result of Borlaug’s “Green
Revolution,” our world today experiences
famines as, in the Wall Street Journal’s
words, “politically induced events, not true
natural disasters.”
Strangely, when it comes to the
growth of the human population, the sky,
in one way or another, seems always to
be falling. Ehrlich was the 1960s’ Chicken
Little. Today’s panicked poultry point to
the planet’s rising temperature to indict
the human race anew.
A recent London School of Economics
study, for instance, projected that
increased “family planning” would reduce
carbon dioxide emissions by 34 gigatons
over the next 40 years, inspiring a New York
Times environmental-issues weblog to pro-
pose, as a “thought experiment,” the
notion of “baby avoidance carbon credits.”
I’m not qualified to take a side in the
debate over global warming. Many scien-
tists foresee worldwide disaster if carbon
emissions are not greatly reduced; others
deny that any human effort can stave off
the inevitable; and others still consider
the entire doomsday scenario an exam-
ple of mass hysteria, contending that
global warming is either unaffected by
human activity or that it will have no dire
consequences.
But amid all the claims and—forgive
me—overheated rhetoric, it is worthwhile
to keep Norman Borlaug and his accom-
plishments in mind. To remember, that is,
that human ingenuity (assisted, surely, by
inspiration from Above) often can over-
come even seemingly intractable chal-
lenges. (We might also mull the notion
that, had The Population Bomb been pub-
lished a few decades before it was, Dr.
Borlaug’s parents might have been per-
suaded not to have him.)
Jews the world over have now begun the
yearly cycle of synagogue Torah-reading

Continued on Page 44
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 39
NYC Marathoners Running For
TeamOHEL, November 1
What started as a nucleus of a few
runners has metamorphosed into an
enthusiastic group of some 13 dedicated
runners who are running the NYC
Marathon on November 1 to help chil-
dren with disabilities and children living
in foster care or in domestic abuse shel-
40 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
ters to attend Ohel Bais Ezra’s year round
recreational camps.
From day camps to summer camps,
end-of-summer camps to winter camps,
Ohel’s camps provide an activity-
enriched, nurturing, and loving environ-
ment for campers and much needed
respite for hundreds of parents of chil-
dren with disabilities.
Above, left: TeamOHEL runner Tamar Sicklick with an Ohel Bais Ezra client.
There is very limited to no government
funding for many of Ohel’s camp pro-
grams, so initiatives such as TeamOHEL
are essential to ensure these programs
will be available to so many—especially
during these tough financial times.
TeamOHEL runners come from across
the tri-state area and beyond including
Cleveland and a father-son team from
Chicago. Tamar Sicklick, TeamOHEL’s
founding runner, hopes her run will also
“break down barriers.” As Tamar believes,
“the stigma of developmental disabilities
is still very common. While major
inroads have been made, there is still a
widespread lack of awareness and misun-
derstanding of those challenged by devel-
opmental disabilities.”
Wallace Gottlieb, who started running
marathons at 61, will be running his
fourth marathon—and his first for Ohel.
Wallace comments that “working with
and supporting children with disabilities
is an important tradition in my family.
My wife, Mary, and my daughter, Suri are
both special education teachers. I am
delighted to be able to join them in this
important cause by running for the many
children that Ohel serves day in and day
out, all year long.”
On Sunday October 25, a week before
the big race, several TeamOHEL runners
will participate in a day of fun with chil-
dren from Ohel Bais Ezra’s Sunday
Recreation Respite Program. A special
program of relay races, obstacle courses,
etc. will enrich the day for the children
and ensure a healthy dosage of further
motivation for runners—who will be in
the final straits of training before the
big day!
Hundreds of families with develop-
mentally disabled children depend on
Ohel’s year-round camps. Please support
the children and families of Ohel by
sponsoring TeamOHEL this year.
As Elly Libin, a member of TeamOHEL
says, “It’s not just about a run but support-
ing children and their lives.”
Sponsor a runner, and see the great
TeamOHEL video at www.teamohel.org.
Attractive TeamOHEL corporate spon-
sorship opportunities are still available.
For more information please call Paula
Simmonds at 718-686-3214 and by e-mail at
psimmonds@ohelfamily.org. ❖
Charity Administrators Gather To
Ensure Compliance With The Law
A legal workshop designed to help
administrators of “gemachs” (specialized
charitable funds), special shul funds, and
other charitable entities in the Orthodox
community operate smoothly in compli-
ance with pertinent state and federal
laws took place at the Spinka Hall in
Brooklyn on Wednesday, September 23.
The event, which featured prominent
attorneys and accountants, was spon-
sored by Agudath Israel of America and
drew nearly 200 participants.
Serving as moderator was Agudath
Israel’s executive vice president, Rabbi
David Zwiebel, who lauded the astound-
ing amount of chesed that is practiced in
the Jewish community. After thanking
those in attendance for taking hours
from their busy schedules during a most
busy time of year, he introduced a spe-
cial presenter, Rabbi Zalman Leib
Meisels, dayan and the son-in-law of the
Spinka Rebbe.
Rabbi Meisels echoed Rabbi Zwiebel’s
words of praise for the sheer number of
charitable funds that help so many in the
community, and delivered an eloquent
and passionate plea that all administra-
tors of such funds recognize their
responsibility to operate entirely by the
letter of the law and in compliance with
all licensing and procedural require-
(L–R): Baruch Gottesman, Abraham Roth, Avraham Moskowitz, and Moshe Silk.
Rabbi David Zwiebel.
ments. Speaking in Yiddish, he urged his
listeners to resist the temptation to cut
corners with regard to technical require-
ments of secular law and to “not take
Rabbi Zalman Leib Meisels.
such things lightly.”
The professional presenters featured
were Baruch S. Gottesman, Partner,
Gottesman Consulting, Inc.; Avraham C.
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Moskowitz, Partner, Moskowitz, Book &
Walsh, LLP; Abraham Roth, Partner, Roth
& Company LLP, Certified Public
Accountants and Consultants; and
Mitchell A. (Moshe) Silk, Partner, Allen &
Overy LLP.
Utilizing a detailed theoretical sce-
nario prepared by Mr. Silk and projected
on screens at the front of the hall, Rabbi
Zwiebel noted potential problems in the
operation of a fictional entity and asked
the panelists to comment in detail about
the propriety and wisdom of each of the
actions taken by the cast of fictional char-
acters in the scenario.
Although the program lasted a full
three hours (with a short break for
Minchah), participants were clearly all
ears, and dozens of questions were writ-
ten on cards distributed at the start of the
program and passed to the dais for a ques-
tion and answer period that followed the
main presentation.
“I didn’t know what to expect here
tonight,” said one participant. “I don’t
engage in any activity that is in any way
misleading or fraudulent, and I won-
dered if any advice provided here would
be useful to me. But all of it was. I
learned how it is not enough to be hon-
est and straight but to follow all the pro-
cedural and licensing requirements.
Following the advice I heard tonight
might well save many here from legal
problems in the future.”
Wednesday night’s workshop was an
outgrowth of a massive gathering shortly
before Tishah B’Av on the topic of hon-
esty and propriety. After that gathering,
Continued on Page 45
October 23, 2009 41
42 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 43
 People Problem
Continued from Page 39

anew. In the first portion of

Bereishis, the world is created, the
first man formed, and the former
is entrusted by G-d to the latter. To
be sure, Adam, and we, his descen-
dants, are forbidden to wantonly
destroy nature. But we are also
mandated, as per G-d’s command
to the first man and woman, to
“subjugate . . . all the land,” to press
the earth’s natural resources into
the service of the human race.
Current cultural correctness about
the environment—what the late
author Michael Crichton called
“the religion of choice for urban
atheists”—sees the earth as fragile,
and endangered by one of its
species: the human. From an
authentic Jewish perspective,
though, while the biosphere’s
complexity and beauty are
sources of powerful inspiration,
humans are no mere parts of
Creation, but its pinnacle.
Bereishis, as understood by every
authoritative commentary,
describes the world as created for
human beings to develop and use.
And to populate. Codified
Jewish law very clearly favors
human procreation. It is a theme
not ignored by the Jewish
prophets either. Yeshayahu (45:18)
declares that G-d “did not create it
[the world] for emptiness” but
rather “to be settled [by human
beings] did He form it.” The
Talmud, for its part, predicates
the Messianic era on the births of
“all the souls” destined to occupy
human bodies (Yevamot 63b). The
renowned Sefer HaChinuch con-
siders the mitzvah, or command-
ment, to procreate as “the one
that allows for [observance of] all
the mitzvos in the world, for they
are given to people, not angels.”
To be sure, were some
humanity-threatening catastro-
phe both clear and present—
and not merely distantly pre-
dicted by some—we would be
required to take steps to meet
the challenge. But forecasts of
disaster like Dr. Ehrlich’s have
come and gone countless times.
Some turned out to have been
based on error; in other cases,
looming disasters were success-
fully averted by human creativi-
ty and Divine guidance.
Is global warming a clear and
present danger or a pipe-night-
mare? Is reducing our carbon
footprints pointless or impera-
tive? I don’t claim to know. What
I do know, though, is that when
would-be parents and their
potential progeny are fingered as
threats to the planet, the truly
Jewish response is to recall that
the Creator not only presented
the world to Adam for his use but
commanded and blessed him
and Chavah, in no uncertain
terms, to be fruitful, multiply and
“fill the earth.” ❖
© 2009 Am Echad Resources. Rabbi
Shafran is director of public affairs for
Agudath Israel of America.
44 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS
Continued from Page 41
and in response to recent developments,
Agudath Israel received numerous
requests from institutions and individu-
als asking for guidance on important
legal issues affecting yeshivos, gemachs,
businesses, and individuals. The
Wednesday night workshop was the first
in a planned series to promote greater
knowledge of, and compliance with, sec-
ular law; the next is being planned for
yeshivos after the holidays and will focus
on various tax-related issues.
Rabbi Zwiebel noted the significance
of the fact that Wednesday night’s was
the first such workshop of its kind.
“Heightened scrutiny of our community,”
he said, “has made it imperative that accu-
rate information and advice be effective-
ly communicated. The larger enemy here
is not venality; it is ignorance of the law
and of technical procedures. And so the
goal is knowledge.”
The Agudath Israel leader emphasized
the important role of the Spinka Rebbe,
not only in making the Spinka Hall avail-
able for the gathering, but for his ongoing
involvement in helping design and pro-
mote the workshop. In addition, he said,
David Tauber and a group of other
gemach administrators played a major
role in the organization and execution of
the gathering.
Rabbi Zwiebel also expressed grati-
tude to Agudath Israel associate general
counsel Rabbi Mordechai Biser for his
work in putting Wednesday’s workshop
together, and gave special thanks to
Yehuda Kupfer, a young lawyer who is
currently assisting Agudath Israel in its
community services work “without
whose hard work,” he said, “the gather-
ing would not have happened.” ❖
Jewish Community Council Of
Marine Park To Host Inaugural
Legislative Breakfast, October 25
The Jewish Community Council of
Marine Park, under the executive leader-
ship of Jeff Leb and Shea Rubenstein will
be hosting their Inaugural Legislative
Breakfast on Sunday, October 25, at 9:00
a.m., at the Kingsway Jewish Center,
located at 2810 Nostrand Avenue in
Brooklyn. The legislative breakfast is an
opportunity for the community to share
its vision for our city’s and state’s future
with those assembled at the breakfast.
The rabbinic leadership of Marine
Park will be participating in the program
and will be featuring Rabbi Baruch
Pesach Mendelsohn, rav of Kehilah
Marine Park who will deliver the invoca-
tion and divrei berachah. Rabbi Chaim
Halberstam, rav of Sha’arei Zion of
Flatbush will be receiving the Rabbinical
Leadership Award.
Prominent officials that will be partic-
ipating include Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler;
Congressman Anthony Weiner; Israel
Consul General in NY Asaf Shariv; Vice
Mayor of Jerusalem Yitzchak Pindrus;
State Senators Marty Golden and Carl
Kruger; Assemblyman Alan Maisel;
Councilman Lew Fidler; Deputy
Inspector Frank Cangiarella of the 63rd
Precinct. David G. Greenfield, Director
and Counsel, TEACH NYS will serve as
Master of Ceremonies. Community
Appreciation Awards will be bestowed
upon the breakfast’s gracious corporate
sponsors MediStar, under the leadership
of Sam Greenfield, and All Care—a Home
Health Service under the leadership of
Ben Newman. The breakfast is being
coordinated by The Friedlander Group.
The Jewish Community Council of
Marine Park (JCCMP) was established to
organize the Jewish community and uti-
lize its resources for the collective
empowerment of its Jewish residents in
order to promote the vibrancy and over-
all welfare of the Marine Park communi-
ty. The council’s goal is to unify commu-
nity based institutions in order to better
address the needs of the neighborhood,
and to speak with one voice to local elect-
ed officials. Their goal is to provide a
wide range of services to improve the
lives of the residents of the greater
Marine Park community. Through its
interested citizens, organizations, and
agencies, the council works together
effectively to determine community serv-
ice needs in the Marine Park area and
advocate for them. JCCMP is committed
to address problems that detract from a
higher quality of life for its community.
However, they cannot accomplish their
objectives alone. Partnering with govern-
ment is a key ingredient to enhancing the
quality of life of vibrant and growing
communities.
Additionally, the council’s mission is to
create a strong unified voice through
increased voter registration and establish-
ing a community network to promote
local businesses for the Jewish communi-
ty that is a large, growing proportion of
the Marine Park community, with an esti-
mated base of over 1,000 families and
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
numerous shuls. A large communal pres-
ence is expected to turn out for the event.
For more information please contact
The Friedlander Group at 718-436-5555,
ext. 202. ❖
JCC Fall Events
The JCC of the Greater Five Towns has a
central location in Cedarhurst at 207
Grove Avenue and several satellite loca-
tions around the community. The central
phone number is 516-569-6733.
Ongoing Events
Cards and Friendship Group. Come
alone or bring a friend for a fun after-
noon at the JCC. Enjoy meeting new peo-
ple, good conversation, and challenging
games. Every Wednesday, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
For further information, please call Lisa
Stern (ext. 209).
Come Alive Program at Sons of Israel
in Woodmere. This program provides an
opportunity for homebound older
adults to participate in social, recre-
ational, and intellectual activities.
Kosher lunch will be provided and door-
to-door transportation is available on a
limited basis. For further information,
please call Mary Sheffield (ext. 219) or
Linda Balch (ext. 211).
Parkinson’s Support Group. The pur-
pose of this group is to bring together
Parkinsonians, spouses, and their fami-
lies in order to help them better under-
stand the nature of the condition, gain
confidence, and join in community activ-
ities. The group meets every Tuesday. For
further information, please contact Cathy
Byrne (ext. 220).
Continued on Page 46
October 23, 2009 45
AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS
Continued from Page 45
Remember When. This program is espe-
cially designed for memory enhancement
and socialization. The cost includes a full
range of therapeutic activities, morning
beverage, dessert, and a kosher lunch.
Round-trip, door-to-door, handicapped-
accessible transportation is available on a
limited basis. Registration is limited, on a
first-come, first-served basis.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) group at
Temple Hillel in North Woodmere. 1000
Rosedale Road. The goal is to offer a safe
haven where clients and family members
feel accepted for who they are. Takes
place on Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–1:00
p.m. For further information, please con-
tact Lisa Barnett (ext. 210) or Chana
Pfeifer (ext. 213).
Upcoming Events
Apples to Apples. This gourmet kosher
cooking class with Naomi Ross will take
place on Wednesday, October 21, at 10:00
a.m. The fee is $50. For further informa-
tion call ext. 222.
Disability Mentoring Day. This New
York initiative will take place on
Wednesday, October 21. For more infor-
mation, call Gayle Fremed, JCC coordina-
tor, at ext. 211.
Thanksgiving Bash for TBI members
and their families. Wednesday,
November 18, 7:00–9:00 p.m. For further
information please call ext. 210. ❖
JCCRP Annual Legislative
Breakfast, November 1
The Jewish Community Council of the
Rockaway Peninsula will hold its Annual
46 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Legislative Breakfast on Sunday,
November 1, at the Congregation Kneseth
Israel in Far Rockaway at 9:30 a.m.
Queens Borough President Helen
Marshall, Councilmember James Sanders,
Jr., and Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment’s Jill Weber will be acknowledged
for their contributions to rebuild Lanett
Playground, a playground that is much
used by the children of the community.
Sergeant Timothy Smith of the NYPD
100th Precinct will also be recognized for
his sacrifices in the line of duty.
Reservations for the breakfast and ads
for the journal can easily be made by vis-
iting www.jccrp.org/breakfast or contact-
ing Harvey Gordon at hgordon@jccrp.org
or at 718-327-7755, ext 11.
The JCCRP is a beneficiary agency of
UJA-Federation of NY and a proud affiliate
of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish
Poverty. It works to help the poor and
needy of the community. ❖
RZA Leadership Conference
Shabbaton, November 13-14
The Religious Zionists of America has
announced a historic and inspirational
weekend of thought and action—its
Leadership Conference Shabbaton in
NYC. The assemblage will take place over
Shabbos Parashas Chayei Sarah, Nov-
ember 13–14. Tefillos and seudos will be
held at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue;
guests will lodge at the San Carlos Hotel.
The theme for the weekend will be
“American Jewry & Israel at a Crossroads.”
Many pertinent topics will be discussed
including: the Peace Process, Iran, the rise
of anti-Semitism, the conversion crisis,
and more. Prominent speakers will
include: Malcolm Hoenlein, Rabbi
Hershel Schachter, Minister MK
Hershkovitz, Hank Sheinkopf, Rabbi Tzvi
Hersh Weinreb, John Podhoretz, Rabbi
Pesach Lerner, and Solly Sacks.
Space is limited at the hotel and pro-
gram venues. Interested parties are urged
to register for this historic Shabbos by
calling the RZA office at 212-465-9234.
For more than 100 years, the Religious
Zionists of America have been in the fore-
front of every component of world Jewry, in
the unique perspective of Religious
Zionism to every social, political, and cul-
tural challenge to Israel and the Jewish
people. Its motto: “The Land of Israel, for
the People of Israel, According to the Torah
of Israel” will come to life at this momen-
tous weekend featuring the leaders and
activists of American and Israeli Jewry. ❖
Rabbi Arnold and Mrs. Zipporah Marans.
Local Residents To Be Honored At
Annual AMIT Dinner, November 8
Prominent Cedarhurst residents Rabbi The Annual Dinner is being chaired by
Arnold B. and Zipporah Marans will be Ina and David Tropper of Riverdale. The
honored at the 2009 AMIT Annual co-chairs are Marion Crespi of Lawrence;
Dinner, scheduled for Sunday, November Adrianne and Avi Shapira of New York
8, at 5:00 p.m., at the Grand Hyatt New City; and Robyn and Bruce Shoulson of
York in New York City. Hundreds of mem- West Orange.
bers, friends, and supporters of AMIT Rabbi Arnold B. Marans is the spiritual
from throughout the tri-state area are leader of the Sephardic Temple in
expected to attend. All proceeds will ben- Cedarhurst. He and Zipporah have served
efit AMIT’s network of schools and pro- the Balkan Sephardic community for
grams throughout Israel, which in recent over 56 years, first in the New Lots sec-
years has grown to encompass more than tion of Brooklyn and now in Cedarhurst
20,000 students from kindergarten these past 48 years. Together they have
through junior college. been involved in the many activities of
Honorees also include Hattie and the Ladino speaking Sephardic communi-
Arthur Dubroff of West Orange, New ty: The Sephardic Home for the Aged on
York, and William and Ronnie Cropsy Avenue in Brooklyn, American
Slochowsky of New York City. and World Sephardi Federations,
Sephardic Educational Center in the old
city of Jerusalem and the famous Misgav
Ladach Hospital in Jerusalem, of which
Rabbi Marans was president of the
American Friends.
Zipporah became involved with AMIT
50 years ago, following in the footsteps of
her mother, Libby Mann, who was an
ardent member of Mizrachi Women.
Zipporah was a founding member of the
Five Towns Sabra Chapter and has coordi-
nated the Sabra Book Circle and the
Generations-in-Israel Campaign for many
years. On the national level, she has
served on the editorial board of AMIT
Magazine and as co-chair of the Mother-
in-Israel Campaign before becoming a
national vice president of AMIT. She cur-
rently serves as a member of the board of
directors. A highlight of Zipporah’s AMIT
involvement was organizing the
Sephardic Temple AMIT Chapter.
The Marans are especially devoted to
AMIT Frisch Beit Hayeled in Jerusalem
and played a major role in the establish-
ment of its Benveniste Medical Center.
This clinic, which will cover all aspects of
child care, is already under construction
and will soon be functioning. In addition,
the Marans were instrumental in helping
to establish, through a bequest, the Jack
Fink playground in memory of Rabbi
Maran’s cousin, a Holocaust survivor. This
playground at Beit Hayeled has given the
children a peaceful, modern setting for
play and exercise.
Rabbi Marans and Zipporah have five
married children, one of whom lives in
Jerusalem, and are blessed with many
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
For further information and reserva-
tions for the AMIT Annual Dinner, please
call AMIT at 212-477-4725.
AMIT educates and cares for Israel’s
youth, including the most vulnerable.
More than three quarters of AMIT students
cope with educational, psychological, eco-
nomic, and/or social risk factors. AMIT
approaches each child as an individual,
maximizing his or her potential, and
enabling its students to become vital, pro-
ductive members of Israeli society. The
AMIT schools promote religious tolerance,
service to the state and the recognition
that every child is blessed with unique tal-
ents and abilities. Founded in 1925, AMIT
operates more than 75 schools, youth vil-
lages, surrogate family residences and
other programs, constituting Israel’s only
government-recognized network of reli-
gious Jewish education incorporating aca- At Acheinu’s Hachnasas Sefer Torah/Simchas Beis Ha’shoeivah in Kiryat Sefer.
demic and technological studies. ❖
A Mutual Outpouring Of Support was accompanied by almost two hours of see how the city turned out to support
By Yonasan Klein spirited dancing and unsurpassed joy. them. This really strengthened their
For some parents, it may have been Every footstep, instead of being tiring, Yiddishkeit.”
their first Simchas Beis Hashoevah or provided more chizuk to parents who Throughout Chol Hamoed, Rav Berlin
Hachnasas Sefer Torah, but it certainly exerted themselves to attend. received 15 calls or messages from parents
won’t be their last. Ofer Cohen, whose son Adir is one of just as excited as the Cohens. “Parents
While combining two simchas is rare, the yeshiva’s 65 bachurim, came from called and said they never understood
Acheinu weaved both into a formidable Kiryat Malachi, one of Eretz Yisrael’s what a Simchas Beis Hashoevah could be
blend over Chol Hamoed Sukkos in Kiryat smaller, peripheral towns served by the until they experienced ours.”
Sefer during a riveting seven hours of growing yeshiva which opened two years Acheinu’s Yeshiva L’tzeirim, which
non-stop simcha, which began with the ago. “We were deeply moved but also opened under the direction of HaRav
Torah parade and concluded with an happy and excited by this beautiful event HaGaon Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlita,
unforgettable and rousing Simchas Beis that brought me to tears,” said Mr. Cohen. primarily serves boys graduating from
Hashoevah at Yeshivas Acheinu L’tzeirim. His enthusiasm was matched by Kiryat chinuch atzmai kiruv schools or Shas’s
The sefer Torah was dedicated by Mr. Sefer residents. “I can tell you that at least Maayan HaChinuch Hatorani system and
Shimon Courriel of France, in blessed half of Kiryat Sefer attended,” says HaRav provides critical support for talmidim
memory of his wife. The procession Michael Berlin, the rosh yeshiva. “It was making the challenging transition to
began at the home of Kiryat Sefer’s mara important for the city to see our yeshiva
d’asra, HaRav Hagaon Meir Kessler and and it was important for the students to Continued on Page 48
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 47
AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS
Continued from Page 47
yeshiva ketanah. The yeshiva l’tzeirim
assigns an avreich to each bochur who
provides chizuk for one hour each night.
The success is apparent. Speaking to
parents at the Simchas Beis Hashoevah,
HaRav Hagaon Shlomo Zalman Ullman,
shlita, rav of Bnei Brak’s Kehillas
Mishkenos Yaakov took the opportunity
to thank the parents for enrolling their
children, and at the same time, asked the
students to express hakaras hatov to their
parents for having enrolled them.
“If the streets today can be compared
to the mabul, then this yeshiva is like the
teivas Noach,” said HaRav Ullman. ❖
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez To
Speak At Emunah Benefit Dinner,
November 14
A staunch and outspoken defender of
Israel, Senator Robert Menendez, (D–NJ)
will address the guests at the upcoming
Emunah Benefit Dinner on November 14
at The Marriot at the Brooklyn Bridge. His
appearance at this event in support of
Israel’s citizens aided by Emunah, is of
particular significance during the current
precarious political climate. Israel is find-
ing itself fighting an uphill battle garner-
ing the vocal support of U.S. politicians
who are unafraid to express their outspo-
ken allegiance to the Jewish State and its
right to defend itself.
Since Israel’s birth, Emunah of America
has distinguished itself as a leader in pro-
viding critical support and excellent care
to the people of Israel. At the benefit din-
ner on November 14, friends and support-
48 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
ers of Emunah will gather to celebrate
the accomplishments of the Emunah
Organization, which this year included
the triumph of winning the prestigious
Jerusalem Education Prize.
While Emunah continues to rescue
abused and neglected children in their
five children’s residential homes, educate
thousands more through its award-win-
ning educational network, and provide
ongoing social services to families in cri-
sis and to the elderly, the challenge of car-
ing for Israel’s most vulnerable citizens
keeps growing. According to Mindy Stein,
Emunah’s national president, “The reality
facing Israel today is that the sharp rise in
the cost of living has had a devastating
effect on social service programs. This,
coupled with the devalued U.S. dollar, is
threatening Emunah’s ability to save lives
in Israel. In addition, Israel’s volatile secu-
rity situation remains a deep concern.”
The Emunah benefit dinner this year
pays tribute to influential and dynamic
people who have championed the cause
of Emunah at a time when their help was
more crucial than ever. Heddy and Mendy
Klein from Lawrence are the evening’s
Guests of Honor. Heddy Klein served
laudably as the immediate past national
president of Emunah of America, helping
to steer the organization toward expand-
ing Emunah’s lifesaving services to the
citizens in Israel. Emunah will award
Norbert Strauss, from Teaneck, NJ, with A
Tribute in Recognition of Holocaust
Victims and Survivors for his service and
work in ‘keeping the memory alive.’ Two
outstanding couples who have consis-
tently taken concrete action to bring
relief and life-changing assistance to
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez.
Israel’s children will be recognized at the
dinner; Arlene and Moshe Fox from
Brooklyn will receive the Keter Shem Tov
Award, and Diane and Dr. Ronald Strobel
from Englewood, N.J. will be presented
with the Bonei Tzion Award.
The proceeds of the Emunah Benefit
Dinner will help maintain Emunah’s vast
social service and educational network
throughout Israel. Emunah nurtures
abandoned infants, provides thousands of
children with safe and secure day care and
afterschool programs, cares for teens “at
risk,” counsels families in crisis, and
serves Israel’s senior citizens. Emunah’s
award-winning educational programs pre-
pare Israeli youth for a successful future.
The evening will be chaired by Bonnie
Eizikovitz and Fran Hirmes. For more
information and reservations, please call
Emunah at 212-564-9045 ext. 305 or visit
www.emunah.org. ❖
Shiur In Rashi And Ramban On
Sefer Bereishis
Rabbi Boruch Fogel, rosh beis midrash of
the new post-Israel beis midrash program at
Mesivta Ateres Yaakov, is giving a weekly 45-
minute shiur on Sefer Bereishis. “In the first
few weeks I plan to focus on the first perek
of Sefer Bereishis. Everyone is very familiar
with the basic themes. In the shiur, by con-
trasting Rashi and the Ramban’s commen-
taries, we gain deeper insight into the
underlying concepts such as emunah, s’char
v’onesh, and the place of man in creation.”
Each week’s shiur is a self-contained unit
and is open to men in the community. The
shiur takes place Sundays at 12:00 p.m. in
the beis midrash at 1170A William Street in
Hewlett. For past shiurim visit the mesivta’s
website, www.AteresYaakov.com. ❖
Shabbaton Spirit Fills Gorgeous
Glen Cove Mansion
The second annual Shalhevet High
School Shabbaton took place this past
Shabbos, October 16–17, at the spectacular
Glen Cove Mansion in northern Long
Island. With total participation of the 9th-
and 10th-graders who make up the student
body of Shalhevet, 36 students, as well as a
minyan of administrators and their family
members, arrived on Friday morning for a
fun-filled, inspirational weekend.
The girls enjoyed the magnificent facili-
ties including the swimming pool, fitness
center, and other sports and recreational
areas on Friday, then came dressed for
Continued on Page 52
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 49
 and higher. For cookies, take advantage of
all available shelf space by baking with
several trays at once. The fan disperses
heat throughout so you won’t have to
rotate them as often.
No matter which cooking method you
are using, with a little adjustment to the
temperature or cooking time, you’ll enjoy
A Guide To Using Convection Ovens those home-cooked dishes in no time.

Convection ovens, a tool once only
used in professional kitchens, continue
to gain popularity with home cooks. The
allure of these ovens is hard to ignore:
faster cooking times, more evenly cooked
food, and improved energy efficiency.
However, for anyone new to cooking
with convection ovens, there are adjust-
ments that need to be made to time or
temperature, and sometimes both, to get
the results you’re after. If you’re trying to
figure out how to cook correctly with
your convection oven, here is some help-
ful advice.
A conventional oven uses radiant heat
that emanates from the top and/or bot-
tom surfaces. The result is usually an
oven with hot and cold spots. What
makes a convection oven stand apart is
the internal fan that circulates hot air,
creating an evenly heated environment
for the food. The most obvious advantage
is that all your meat, produce, and baked
goods will cook faster and brown more
evenly.
In order to get the correct results when
using convection instead of conventional
ovens, you must either lower the oven’s
temperature by about 25 degrees or short-
en the cooking time by roughly a quarter.
For cookies, reduce the cooking time by
10 to 15 percent, for large roasts reduce by
up to 30 percent. Carefully monitor your
first few attempts at cooking in a convec-
tion oven and you will quickly get a sense
of how your convection oven cooks and
what further adjustments should be
made.
If the air cannot circulate over and
around the food, your convection oven
will be ineffective. Use shallow roasting
pans and rimless cookie sheets when pos-
sible because the lower sides allow hot
air to flow more freely. Try to keep a two-
inch clearance on all sides. Variables such
as initial oven temperature, quantity of
the food, desired level of doneness, and
oven model will all affect cooking time.
When roasting meat and poultry in a
convection oven, fat is rendered quickly,
sealing in precious juices and leaving a
crispy, uniformly brown skin without
constant shifting and basting. With fruits
and vegetables, the natural sugars start to
caramelize more quickly, leaving centers
that are creamy and moist, concentrated
flavors, and edges that are crisp and gold-
en.
During baking, butter or margarine
releases steam almost immediately, mak-
ing the dough rise more. That means your
baked goods will all be flakier, lighter,
Chicken Lollipops
Ingredients:
12 chicken drumettes or drumsticks,
with skin on
1+ tsp. kosher salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper
3 slices sandwich sourdough bread,
crusts trimmed, torn into pieces, or 11⁄2
cups dry bread crumbs
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
leaves
2 scallions, green and white part,
chopped
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter substitute,
melted
1/3 cup honey mustard
Hot sauce, optional
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 450°F or a convec-
tion oven to 425°F.
Stand drumettes or drumsticks on
their wide end and, holding the narrow
bone at the top, use a paring knife to
push and scrape the skin and meat down-
ward to expose the bone and make a
plump “lollipop” of chicken at the bot-
tom. Season generously with salt and
pepper and set aside.
Pulse the bread in a food processor to
make coarse bread crumbs, (or place dry
breadcrumbs in food processor). Add the
garlic, parsley, scallions, 1 teaspoon salt,
pepper to taste, and continue to pulse
until finely chopped but not a paste.
Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl
and toss with melted butter substitute.
Brush each drumette or drumstick
with some honey mustard. Then press
and roll each one in the bread crumbs to
coat. Arrange the drumettes (standing up
if you can) on a rack set over a baking
sheet. Roast until chicken is cooked and
the bread crumbs are golden brown and
crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve drumettes
hot or at room temperature with hot
sauce, if desired.
Eating quality, delicious meals is easy when all
the work is done for you. Hire a personal chef to
prepare your dinners, Shabbos meals, or small
parties. For more information, contact Take Home
Chef personal chef services by calling 516-596-
8865, writing to elke@TakeHomeChef.net, or
visiting www.TakeHomeChef.net.

50 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 51
AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS Boiangiu. The hotel provided beautiful con-
ference rooms, which were temporarily
Continued from Page 48
transformed by Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman
Shabbos to the pre-Shabbos ruach session into Beit Knesset Shalhevet and by Scott
with Shabbaton musical guest, Rabbi Ari Fagin of Traditions and his mashgiach into
At the Glen Cove Mansion Shabbaton.
52 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
a delicious kosher catering facility.
The weekend featured shiurim on the
parashah by Rabbi Friedman, Rabbi Eliach,
and Morah Feder; student workshops on
self-image by Mrs. Boiangiu, lashon ha’ra
by Mrs. Elsant, and emunah by Rabbi
Schwartz; as well as discussion groups and
role playing with Morah Schwartz and
Morah Schulman. The divrei Torah were
delivered by Shalhevet students Devora
Eisenberg, Batsheva Feldman, Shaina
Gursky, Julie Harush, Gavriella Pearl,
Zahava Schwartz, and Kayla Zeitz.
The food was great, the ruach was inspir-
ing, and, most importantly, the achdus
among the girls was amazing. Mr. Chaim
Boiangiu, Mrs. B.’s husband, who has been
going to Shabbatonim for the past 22 years
was extremely impressed. “The girls have
such beautiful middos and are so nice to
each other. The level of ruchnius and
achdus was extraordinary,” he said. “I can’t
wait for next year’s Shabbaton.” Ninth-grad-
er Dani Elman seemed to concur when she
said, “This was the best Shabbaton I’ve ever
been on!” One thing the girls could not
agree on was the best part of Shabbaton . .
. the music, the swimming, the sessions, the
bonding with teachers, the humorous yet
inspiring workshops, the dancing, the
zemiros, the Shabbos menuchah with
friends, the melaveh malkah, and more.
During seudah shelishis, a powerful
presentation by Rabbi Eliach recalling his
recent army service in Israel was fol-
lowed by heartfelt singing which ushered
out the Shabbos. Ari Boiangiu led the girls
in a moving havdalah ceremony, and
then later energized the girls with a con-
cert at the final event of the Shabbaton, a
magnificent melaveh malkah. The dinner,
the music, and the lively dancing ended
at 11:00 p.m., but the warmth and enthusi-
asm of the Shalhevet Shabbaton will long
remain with the students and staff.
Now that Shabbaton is over, Shalhevet
is preparing to welcome prospective stu-
dents and parents at its Open House which
will take place on Sunday, November 15,
10:30 a.m. For more information, contact
info@midreshetshalhevet.org. ❖
Ohel Musical Inspiration,
November 2
The Jewish concert world is abuzz with
the first-of-its kind interwoven live musi-
cal, live acting, and film extravaganza that
is Ohel’s Fifth Annual Benefit Concert at
the Alice Tully Hall on November 2.
The concert features an outstanding
lineup of talented performers, including
Lipa Shmeltzer, Abie Rotenberg, and Ohad
Moscowitz and film shot on location in
Israel and the U.S. These stars will be high-
lighting many of their favorite melodies,
as well as new and original compositions.
Attendees can also expect special musical
surprises and cameo appearances.
By purchasing your ticket today to the
Ohel and Americare Fifth Annual Benefit
Concert, you will be guaranteed a seat at
a groundbreaking original experience
that will combine the outstanding con-
cert you have come to expect every year
from Ohel with an original film and fully
integrated performance.
The evening is structured around a
timeless story brought to life on stage
and screen, with each song performed by
the singers carefully selected to mirror
each film segment’s specific theme. This
event is an entity so fresh that its format
defies a standard label. You’ll have to
experience it for yourself!
The concert is a Dove/Kol Rom
Multimedia production. Participation in
this year’s concert is a celebration of Ohel’s
four decades of service to the Jewish com-
munity. Proceeds of the concert will bene-
fit the thousands of children and families
served every day by Ohel, Bais Ezra, and the
Lifetime Care Foundation. Whether it is a
child with developmental disabilities, an
adult with mental illness, an abused or neg-
lected child, or an older adult, all find need-
ed services at Ohel’s myriad locations. At
every age and stage of life, Ohel is there for
our community.
Special sponsorships are available and
benefits include VIP seating, admission
to the pre-concert VIP reception, and
name and company recognition on the
concert website and in print and promo-
tional materials. Sponsorship opportuni-
ties are available by calling the Ohel
development office at 888-311-OHEL. For
credit card orders and more information,
call 866-OHEL-TIX or 866-643-5849. You
also can purchase tickets online by visit-
ing www.ohelfamily.org/concert. ❖
Continued on Page 53
AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS
Continued from Page 52
Koidenover Rebbe To Visit The Five
Towns, October 29
The Koidenover Rebbe, shlita, is sched-
uled to visit the Five Towns from
Thursday, October 29 to Tuesday,
November 3. The Rebbe’s past trips to our
community have left a long-lasting
impression replete with chizuk and inspi-
ration. A captivating speaker who con-
veys a message relevant to our genera-
tion, the Rebbe is much sought after for
his wise counsel and berachos. The Rebbe
has successfully revived a nearly 200-year-
old chassidus, which now consists of two
batei midrash and a yeshiva, in addition
to a multitude of chesed projects. Unique
is the Rebbe’s beis midrash on Tel Aviv’s
Dizengoff Square, which serves as a kiruv
center including a kollel and weekly
Shabbos meals.
There will be multiple opportunities
to see the Rebbe during his stay in the
Five Towns. The Rebbe will be joining
Rabbi Eytan Feiner for an inspirational
mishmar kumsitz on Thursday night,
October 29 at Rabbi Feiner’s home (1133
Sage Street in Far Rockaway). Friday night
the Rebbe will be davening at Chofetz
Chaim Torah Center, 7 Derby Avenue in
Cedarhurst at 5:45 p.m. The tish will begin
at 9:00 p.m. at the home of the Rebbe’s
gracious hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Dov Perkal,
858 Fiske Street in Woodmere. Shabbos
morning davening will be at 9:00 a.m. at
Congregation Bais Medrash HaRav (Rav
Nayman’s shul), 3 Beechwood Drive in
Lawrence. A kiddush will follow daven-
ing. Minchah and shalosh seudos will be
at 4:30 p.m. at Aish Kodesh in Woodmere.
It is sure to be an uplifting and unforget-
table Shabbos.
The Rebbe will be available for private
consultations and berachos at the White
Shul, Thursday October 29, 7:00–9:30 p.m.
He will also be available Sunday,
November 1 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Freud, 886
Oxford Road in Woodmere. For addition-
al times or information about the Rebbe’s
visit or to schedule an appointment to
meet with the Rebbe please contact
Chaim Freud at 516-851-8855 or e-mail
chaim18@tmo.blackberry.net. American
Friends of Koidenov, Inc. would like to
take this opportunity to welcome the
Rebbe, a member of its board and Nasi of
Mosdos Koidenov B’Eretz haKodesh, to
Above, (L–R): Rabbi Tzvi Flaum of the White Shul with the Koidenover Rebbe. America. ❖
Below, Rav Yakov Nayman with the Rebbe. Photos by Sender Schwartz/UMI.
RIETS Annual Dinner, October 27
In celebration of Torah excellence,
Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan
Theological Seminary will honor dedicat-
ed leaders and educators of the Jewish
community at its Annual Dinner of
Tribute on October 27 at the Grand Hyatt
in New York City.
Honorees include Dr. William and Mrs.
Debbie Schwartz, Guests of Honor; Dr.
Alvin I. Schiff, Lifetime Achievement in
Jewish Education; and Rabbi Yaakov
Neuburger, Rabbinic Leadership Award.
The dinner will also include the formal
investiture of Rabbi Kenneth Brander, the
David Mitzner Dean of YU’s Center for the
Jewish Future (CJF). RIETS will also pay
recognition to members of its 50th, 40th,
Continued on Page 54
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 53
AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS
Continued from Page 53
and 25th anniversary classes (1959, 1969,
and 1984).
A YU graduate and member of the
RIETS Board of Trustees, Dr. Schwartz is
the founding president of the Rockland
County Jewish Federation; a former vice
president of the Adolph Schreiber
David Mitzner
Hebrew Academy of Rockland; a former
member of the board of the Community
Synagogue of Monsey; and a former cam-
paign chairman of the State of Israel
Bonds Doctors Division for Rockland
County. Debbie serves as a vice president
of the Yeshiva University Women’s
Organization and is a former member of
54 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Alvin Schiff
the Board of Directors of Shaare Zedek.
An internationally recognized authori-
ty on education, Dr. Schiff, distinguished
professor of education emeritus at YU’s
Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish
Education and Administration, has been
a visiting professor at prestigious univer-
sities around the world. In 2005 he was
awarded the Israel President’s Prize for
his contribution to the enhancement of
Jewish life, for inspirational educational
leadership, influential Hebraic scholar-
ship, prolific research and writing, and
for the founding of important institu-
tions of Jewish life.
Rabbi Neuburger, spiritual leader of
Congregation Beit Avraham in
Bergenfield, N.J., serves as rosh yeshiva at
the Yeshiva Program/Mazer School of
William and Debbie Schwartz
Talmudic Studies, an undergraduate
school for Talmudic studies at YU. A
Toronto native, Rabbi Neuburger received
semichah from RIETS in 1979.
Founded in 1896, RIETS is the leading
center for education and ordination of
Orthodox rabbis in North America. To
learn more about the RIETS Annual
Dinner of Tribute, make a reservation, or
to participate in the Scroll of Honor call
212-960-0852 or e-mail rietsdinner@
yu.edu. ❖
Shalom Singles
Semi-Monthly Roundtable
Shalom Singles is designed for singles
ages 40 and over, to meet the needs of
this previously unrecognized and under-
served group within the local area. On
Rabbi Kenneth Brander
October 13, they held their first in a series
of roundtables, to be held on the second
and fourth Tuesdays of each month,
beginning at 8:00 p.m. The roundtables
are conducted in a support group interac-
tive setting at Congregation Beth Sholom
(390 Broadway in Lawrence) and are open
to all. Admission is free (although volun-
tary tax-deductible contributions of any
size are welcome, with all proceeds being
exclusively dedicated to Shalom Singles).
Memberships in Beth Sholom or Shalom
Singles are not required, nor are reserva-
tions. Each session is followed by a
dessert collation.
The roundtables are facilitated by a
panel of psychologists, social workers,
therapists, and counselors who have vol-
unteered their time and expertise. Topics
to be covered are those of interest to
adult Jewish singles aged 40 and above,
such as living as a single in a family-based
community, dating, the social world of
adult Jewish singles, dealing with
stepchildren and potential stepchildren,
developing a blended family, relation-
ships with former spouses and former in-
laws, networking, financial planning,
dealing with children of divorced cou-
ples, dealing with aging parents, develop-
ing social skills, interacting with singles
with different levels of observance, and
the singles scene.
The inaugural session was moderated
by Cyndi Stein of Woodmere. Cyndi deliv-
ered a tour de force on issues of commu-
nications skills and developing personal
and interpersonal strengths. Her highly
effective proactive style encouraged the
crowd of over 50 to fully participate and
to meet and communicate with the other
folks in attendance. There was great fun
and all in attendance learned a great deal
about themselves as well as the other
attendees. Cyndi brought along a wide
array of props including a sandbox, yo-
yos, baseball caps, dark glasses, individual
questionnaires, and self assessments, as
well as specially designed charts. These
props and Cyndi’s energy and great talent
proved to be an exciting catalyst for
many group discussions, all used with
great effect.
While it seems like a challenge for
the next session to be quite as out-
standing, Shoshana Averbach has
stepped up to take it on. On October 27,
Shoshana, a well-known social worker,
plans a participatory, proactive, and
interactive format with all participants
being actively involved. Shoshana’s
principal topic will be “Spirituality in
Relationships.” As before, it is expected
that discussion beginning with this
topic will open further discussions that
evening on further related matters of
interest to adult singles.
On November 10, the Shalom Singles
Roundtable will be moderated by noted
local psychologist Zeldie Stein (no rela-
tionship to Cyndi), whose topic will be
“Divorce is Not a Disease.”
Shalom Singles is also planning a num-
ber of other events in the very near
future. These include a Carlebach kumsitz
evening (October 25), a wine-tasting
evening, networking opportunities, a
comedy night, a Shabbaton (weekend of
December 25), and a continuation of
Shalom Singles’ occasional Saturday
Night at the Movies.
For further information, to volunteer as
a member of the panel of moderators, to
suggest a new topic, or to be included on
Shalom Singles’ mailing list, please contact
jekow77@gmail.com. Shalom Singles
events and programs are also featured in
the “Community” tab of the Beth Sholom
website at www.bethsholom.usa. ❖
Transcending Stuttering:
The Inside Story, November 8
Do you know someone who stutters?
Although stuttering affects 1 in 100 adults,
it is often misunderstood. This issue can
create challenges in understanding and
communication for people who stutter,
as well as their families.
Uri Schneider and Phil Schneider will
present their documentary, Transcending
Stuttering, which follows the lives of
seven people who stutter, as they grow
from childhood into adulthood. This
inspirational film aired on PBS and has
been viewed around the world. It sheds
light on the inner experience of people
who stutter.
The November 8 screening will be held
7:00–9:00 p.m. in Lawrence. The second
screening is scheduled for Sunday,
November 22, 7:00–9:00 p.m. in
Riverdale. Both events are open to teens
and adults who stutter, and their families.
To RSVP or for more details, e-mail events
@schneiderspeech.com.
Uri Schneider, MA CCC-SLP and Phil
Schneider, EdD CCC-SLP are partners in
Schneider Speech Pathology, specializing
in stuttering, voice, learning, and public
speaking. They have offices in Lawrence,
Kew Gardens Hills, and Riverdale. ❖
November Events At Chabad Of
The Five Towns
Chabad of the Five Towns is located at
74 Maple Avenue in Cedarhurst. To learn
more or to register for an event, call 516-
295-2478 or visit www.chabad5towns.com.
CTeens Kick Off. Girls—November 1,
Boys—November 8, 7:30 p.m. CTeens is
geared for Jewish students ages 13-15 and
harnesses the incredible potential of
teenagers with awesome trips and pro-
grams. For more information, please call
Rabbi Meir at ext. 19.
Bagel Babies Begins. November 2,
9:30–10:30 a.m. A marvelous mommy
and me program for children ages 12-36
months. Moms and children have fun
with Judaism through group play and
songs in a warm and wonderful envi-
ronment. Choose the day that works
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
best for you Monday–Thursday. Pre-reg-
istration a must.
Smile on Seniors Begins. November 3,
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. All seniors are wel-
come to join this special program meet-
ing once a week and offering exercise,
crafts, music, and discussions. A light
brunch will be served.
Children’s Rally for Chof Cheshvan.
November 3, 6:15–7:00 p.m. Celebrating
the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab. R.S.V.P.
appreciated.
Women’s Evening Class with Mrs.
Chaya Franklin. November 3, 8:30 p.m.
Explore The Creation in a Kabbalistic
view.
JLI- Soul Quest with Rabbi Wolowik.
November 4, 8:15–9:30 p.m. A six week
adult education course that explores the
journey through life, death, and beyond.
Fee: $99 per person (textbook included).
Pre–registration required. To learn more,
visit www.chabad5towns/jli.
Farbrengen for Men. November 7, after
morning services. Celebrating the birth-
day of the Rebbe Rashab.
Mother Daughter Melaveh Malkah for
girls in grades K-3. November 7, 8:00
p.m. Share a special evening with your
daughter in an exciting atmosphere.
Fun games, special projects, and a deli-
cious pizza dinner are planned. Fee: $12
per person or $36 max per family.
R.S.V.P. appreciated.
Friendship Circle–Sunday Circle.
November 15, 1:00–3:00 p.m. Sunday pro-
gram for special needs children. For more
information, please call Batsheva at ext. 13
or e-mail Batsheva@chabad5towns.com.
Continued on Page 56
October 23, 2009 55
AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS
Continued from Page 55
Women’s Circle: Yoga Dance. November
16, 8:15 p.m. An uplifting experience for
mind, body, and soul. You will leave feel-
ing both exhilarated and relaxed.
Coordination not required. Will take
place at the home of Mrs. Natalia
Thalheim, 354 Island Avenue in
Woodmere.
Farbrengen for Men: Rosh Chodesh
Kislev. November 17, 8:15 p.m. Celebrating
the Lubavitcher Rebbe, ob’m and his
miraculous recovery from the 1977 heart
attack.
Birthday Shabbos for children celebrat-
ing their Jewish birthday in the Hebrew
month of Kislev. November 21, after
morning services. Family and friends join
in celebrating the special day with birth-
day cake and activities.
Father–Son Melavah Malkah for boys
in grades K-3. November 21, 8:00 p.m.
Share a special evening with your son in
an exciting atmosphere. Fun games, spe-
cial projects, and a delicious pizza dinner
are planned. Fee: $12 per person or $36
max per family. R.S.V.P. appreciated
Friendship Circle Father and Child
Bowl-Along. November 22, 6:30 p.m.
Please call Batsheva for more informa-
tion and to register. Pre registration is
required.
Friendship Circle–Sunday Circle,
November 29, 1:00–3:00 p.m. Sunday pro-
gram for our special needs children.
Farbrengen for men: the 14th of Kislev.
November 30, 8:15 p.m. In honor of the
wedding anniversary of the Lubavitcher
Rebbe, ob’m. ❖
56 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Li’refuah Sheleimah
Congregation Beth Shalom has issued
a Tehillim request for Rav Raphael ben
Chaya Miriam Esther Yutla, who has been
admitted into the ICU. ❖
State And Local Officials Join Hikind
In Denouncing American Express’s
Involvement With Notorious
Holocaust-Denier David Irving
NYS Assemblyman Dov Hikind of
Brooklyn, a child of Holocaust survivors,
is leading the charge among his col-
leagues to force American Express to
rescind the merchant agreement of
notorious Holocaust denier David
Irving, who has commenced a United
States book tour to promote his new
hate-filled tome entitled, Banged Up:
Survival as a Political Prisoner in 21st
Century Europe. “The notion that a well-
regarded financial entity like American
Express conducts business with some-
one of Irving’s ilk is absolutely astound-
ing to me,” remarked Hikind.
To express their outrage, Hikind and
a dozen elected officials, including
Senate Democratic Conference Leader
John L. Sampson, wrote to AMEX
Chairman and CEO Kenneth I. Chenault
saying, “By processing charges for tick-
ets to Mr. Irving’s United States, hate-
filled speaking tour, as well as for his
publications, your company is sanction-
ing his repugnant message.”
The letter continues, “According to
your own merchant reference guide,
‘American Express has built a brand that
is synonymous with trust, integrity, secu-
rity, quality, and customer service. We
work diligently to uphold our reputation
and restrict merchants from engaging in
activities that would harm our business
or brand.’ Surely, Mr. Irving’s actions con-
stitute a breach of the merchant agree-
ment. My undersigned colleagues and I
strongly urge you to rescind Mr. Irving’s
merchant agreement.”
Previously, Irving has claimed that
people pretend to be Holocaust sur-
vivors because, “there’s money involved
and they can get a good compensation
cash payment out of it.” Some of his
other rabid and factually perverse com-
ments include, “It [the Holocaust] is
something like a religion . . . The
Intellectual Adventure is that we are
reversing this entire trend within the
space of one generation—that in a few
years time, no one will believe this par-
ticular legend anymore . . . Yes, hun-
dreds of thousands of people were
killed, but there were no factories of
death. All that is a blood libel against
the German people.”
In response to Irving’s outrageous
statements, Hikind remarked, “It is my
sincere hope that American Express will
do the right thing in this regard, and
take swift and decisive action to revoke
Mr. Irving’s privileges to bring us one
step closer to putting Mr. Irving out of
business.”
The following elected officials lent
their names to the letter sent to AMEX
Chairman Chenault: Assemblymembers
Peter Abbate, Michael Benjamin, Vivian
Cook, Rory Lancman, Nick Perry;
Senators Eric Adams, Carl Kruger, John
Sampson, and Diane Savino;
Councilmembers Mathieu Eugene,
Michael Nelson, and Kendall Stewart. ❖
Agudah News
Security Appropriations Bill
Approved By Congress. A recent vote in
the U.S. Senate, on the heels of one last
week in the House of Representatives,
the FY 2010 Homeland Security
Appropriations bill has been passed by
Congress. The bill includes an appropri-
ation of $19 million for the Nonprofit
Security Grant Program.
The program provides assistance to
nonprofit institutions at high risk of
terrorist attack for the enhancement of
their physical security—through meas-
ures like video surveillance equipment,
alarmed and reinforced doors and win-
dows, security barriers, metal detec-
tors, locks, gates, fences, and personnel
security training.
A number of national and local
Jewish groups—acting as a coalition
under the leadership of the United
Jewish Communities—worked together
to advocate for the funding. Jewish
institutions—including community
centers, schools, places of worship,
charitable organizations, and social
service agencies—have in the past com-
prised a sizable percentage of such
funds’ recipients.
“Threats—and actual incidents—
aimed at Jewish targets in the United
States and around the world,” said
Agudath Israel of America Washington
office director and counsel Rabbi Abba
Cohen, “point to the particular vulnera-
bility of our community and the need for
these funds to bolster security.” A mem-
ber of the coalition, Rabbi Cohen was
active in promoting the creation of the
program, and in subsequent appropria-
tions and proposed enhance-
ments.
The Agudath Israel represen-
tative noted that this year’s
appropriation was a particularly
important accomplishment, as
opponents of the program have
been successful in steadily
reducing funding over the past
few years. While the approved
allocation is still less than the
original funding, it increases last
year’s allocation by $4 million.
“Unfortunately, we have seen
setbacks in the program’s fund-
ing,” Rabbi Cohen noted. “But
we are hopeful that today’s vote
signals a turnabout in the for-
tunes of the security funds
appropriation, a return to a
keener recognition of the
importance of helping institu-
tions protect themselves from
the tragically ever-present threat
of terrorism.”
The Agudah representative
cited two factors that, he main-
tains, contributed to this year’s
success: the number of domes-
tic and foreign threats and inci-
dents of terror directed at high-
risk targets this past year; and
the priority afforded the pro-
gram by President Obama. “This
was,” explains Rabbi Cohen,
“the first time the security funds
appropriation was included in a
President’s budget request. That
says much, and it said much to
Congress too.”
Sukkos Travelers’ Religious
Items Spared Destruction.
Observant Jewish air travelers
before and during the recent
Sukkos holiday generally had
no problems navigating airports
or boarding planes with their
“four species” of plants and fruit
used throughout the seven days
of Sukkos. As was widely report-
ed, the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS)’s
Transportation Safety Admini-
stration was informed by
Agudath Israel of America’s
Washington office a number of
years ago about the nature and
use of the Jewish ritual items,
and was persuaded that they
posed no security concerns.
But what observant travelers
from Canada to the United
States may not have known was
the work done by the Agudah
D.C. office’s director and counsel
Rabbi Abba Cohen to help
ensure that the “four species”
they carried were not confiscat-
ed as a threat to agriculture and
public health.
As a result of that work, short-
ly before Sukkos began, an offi-
cial memorandum was sent—as
in each of the past 10 years since
Rabbi Cohen first raised the
issue—by DHS’s Customs and
Border Protection agency to
U.S.-Canadian border officials,
setting forth procedures for han-
dling and inspecting the reli-
gious items.
The concern is the inadver-

Continued on Page 58
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 57
AROUND THE FIVE TOWNS
Continued from Page 57
tent spread of the Mediterranean fruit fly
and other destructive pests into this coun-
try. Canadian regulation is more lenient
than that of the U.S., as the cold climate
there is not hospitable to the insects.
“In the late 1990s, we began to receive
numerous phone calls from observant
Jews entering the U.S. who were not
allowed to retain possession of their
“four species,” said Rabbi Cohen. “Some
travelers saw their precious religious
items destroyed—which, as one might
imagine, deeply disturbed them.”
Rabbi Cohen points out that issues of
health and safety were at stake, which the
border officials understandably took very
seriously. But they were often unaware of
the holiday, he explains, and uninformed
as to the appropriate agricultural inspec-
tion procedures. Consequently, those
responsible for ensuring the safety of
American agriculture and health some-
times summarily confiscated and even
destroyed one or more of the holiday
species.
As a result of the Agudath Israel repre-
sentative’s intervention back then, offi-
cials are now provided the information
they need to do their jobs properly and
determine if a particular plant needs to
be prevented from arriving in the U.S.
While inspection can still turn up indica-
tions of infestation, with species denied
entry, with better-informed officials, it is
not a common occurrence.
After Agudath Israel raised the issue
with the DHS, steps were taken to better
inform the observant Jewish community
58 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
north of the border. Rabbi Saul Emanuel,
executive director of the Vaad Ha’ir of
Montreal, worked with Rabbi Cohen and
DHS officials and has provided travelers
with information they need to know to
successfully bring their religious articles
across the border.
“Isolated incidents continue,” Rabbi
Cohen notes cautiously, “and need to be
addressed.” But, he adds, both authorities
charged with airport and aircraft security
and those whose bailiwick is health and
safety alike, have been responsive to our
overtures and suggestions. “Over the
years, we have made much progress on
both fronts.”
One paragraph in the DHS memo well
communicates the agency’s sensitivity to
observant Jewish travelers.
“The esrog,” it reads, “is a lemon-like
fruit that has special significance during
the Jewish religious festival of thanks-
giving celebrated in the autumn. The
fruit must be handled with extreme
care. If damaged, the fruit loses its sig-
nificance and no longer has value in the
religious festival of thanksgiving.
Therefore, allow the passenger to open
the container, unwrap the esrog, present
it for inspection, rewrap and re-box the
esrog in the inspection area.”
Agudath Israel Declares Support for
Hate Crimes Bill. As the United States
Senate considers “hate crimes” legisla-
tion as part of the Defense Author-
ization Act, the provisions will have the
support of Agudath Israel of America—
the first time the national Orthodox
Jewish organization has supported such
legislation.
The hate crimes provision would,
among other things, impose new crimi-
nal penalties for causing willful, hate-
related bodily injury to members of spec-
ified groups. The measure has already
cleared the House, and enjoys the Obama
Administration’s support.
Now it enjoys Agudath Israel’s too. In
a letter to the defense bill’s sponsors,
the group’s Washington Director and
Counsel, Rabbi Abba Cohen, writes that
the problem of hate crimes is “personal
and all-too-familiar” to the Jewish com-
munity. He continues, “It is no secret
that Jews have often been, and contin-
ue to be, the victims of violence and
intimidation.”
“Orthodox Jews, in particular,” the let-
ter notes, “because their mode of dress
makes them so identifiable and because
their living in clustered communities
makes them so visible, are often an easy
and preferred target of anti-Semites.”
The bill, which relates specifically to
bodily injury, also includes several
changes to existing law that will make it
easier for the federal government to pros-
ecute hate crimes. Limited federal juris-
diction and overly restrictive conditions
have tied prosecutors’ hands—so much
so, Rabbi Cohen observes, “that, since the
original law’s enactment in 1968, there
have never been more than 10 indict-
ments in any one year.”
Rabbi Cohen points out that during
the 1991 Crown Heights riots, limitations
in the law at the time stymied the feder-
al prosecution of Lemrick Nelson, who
stabbed Yankel Rosenbaum, a rabbinical
student who died of his wounds.
Sections of the current bill are directed
specifically at those limitations, and
will make it easier for federal authori-
ties to intervene and effectively prose-
cute violent hate crimes like Mr.
Rosenbaum’s murder.
Agudath Israel has objected to similar
proposals in the past in part because of
the group’s concern that those, like mem-
bers of the organization’s constituency,
with deep-seated beliefs about what con-
stitutes moral behavior, might be cast—
or even prosecuted—as criminals for
their religious beliefs or expressions of
the same.
The legislation, Rabbi Cohen
explains, goes far in alleviating these
concerns, directly addressing the issues
of religious belief, expression and asso-
ciation in four specifically-targeted pro-
visions. Each preserves a religious
adherent’s constitutional right to the
free exercise of religion and makes clear
that the legislation cannot be construed
to infringe, prohibit, diminish, or bur-
den that right. Of particular importance
is the bill’s inclusion of a provision that
no one can be prosecuted solely
because he or she maintains a certain
religious belief or identifies with a cer-
tain religious denomination.
The Agudath Israel letter, taking note
of those provisions, states: “These provi-
sions provide vital reassurance that
mere religious belief, expression or
association . . . would not give rise to an
independent “hate crime” prosecution
. . . [and] that clergy and other religious
functionaries will have the ability to
exercise their precious constitutional
right to preach and teach denomina-
tional doctrine as they see fit—freely
and openly . . .” ❖
Unholy Alliance:
Norway And Obama
B Y E LYA K I M H A E T Z N I
Did Barack Obama’s identification
with the Arab world contribute to the
decision to award him the Nobel
Prize? At least one thing is certain: if
his policies towards Israel were less
laden with animosity, he would not
have received the prize. It is the
Norway-Obama combination that has
led me to this conclusion.
Norway is the proof that the presence
of Jews is not a necessary condition for
the existence of anti-Semitism. The num-
ber of Jews there has never been higher
than 2,000, yet Norway has developed an
obsessive “anti-Israelism,” the current syn-
onym for the evil anti-Semitism of old.
For what reason? What wrong did the
Jews and Israel do to far off Norway? Why
is it only the “sufferings” of the
Palestinians that evoke heartfelt sympa-
thy in Norway, with minimal humanitari-
an feelings left for the genocide taking
place in Cambodia, Darfur, the Congo, and
Rwanda? What about the suffering of
other Muslims, non Palestinians, at the
hands of their brother Muslims and the
trampling of human rights in the entire
Arab Middle East? Why do none of the
above much interest them as long as there
are no Israelis—i.e., Jews—involved?
There were no Jews in Spain for 500
years and there are very few there today.
The Inquisition is gone and the church
has lost its strength. Yet the Spain of
Moratinus and Solana is extremely active
with regard to the Israel-Arab conflict,
and its position is invariably anti Israel.
Why should this be?
Everyone knows that Socialism
sprung from Jewish roots, Karl Marx
and others, and that in the early
Communist Party Secretariat meetings
one could easily find a minyan for
Jewish prayers. Yet it only took one gen-
eration to eliminate Jews from any
positions of leadership and to prepare
to exile them to Siberia. Why is that?
Why, of the many languages spoken in
Is love for the Palestinians just a way
to camouflage Jew hatred?
Obama cannot give the answer
because he is part of the question.
the USSR, were only Hebrew banned
and Yiddish suppressed?
The part that Jews played in the slave
trade was the smallest of all those
involved in it. It is the Arabs that played
a central role—and they still do. Yet
there are Afro Americans in the U.S. who
persist in searching for the Jews’—not
the Arabs’—responsibility for slave trad-
ing. There is an ongoing phenomenon
of conversion to Islam in the U.S., most-
ly by Afro Americans. Those who con-
vert to Islam are seen as considering
Christianity a “white man’s” religion.
Islam serves to express their protest at
this supposed fact. So why are they anti
Jews? After all, Jews marched side by
side with them during the battle for
Black civil rights.
It was none other than Barack Obama
himself who mused, during an interview
with Jeffrey Goldberg, that “One of the
frustrations . . . is the loss of what I con-
sider the natural affinity between the
Afro-American and Jewish communities,
an affinity that was understood in depth
by the Black and Jewish leaders in the
early days of the civil rights movement.
There has since been a distancing—for
many reasons, that it is not possible to
enter into at this moment . . .”
What are these reasons? Why did
Condoleezza Rice identify heart and
soul with the Palestinians while even
her body language evidenced her dis-
like for us? Why do leaders of the
“Nation of Islam” such as Louis
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Farrakhan feel such animosity towards
Israel and personalities such as Jesse
Jackson turn their backs on us? Do they
find in the Arab experience a mirror
image of the discriminatory practices to
which they are subjected in American
society, while glittering Jewish success
stories staring at them from every cor-
ner despite anti-Jewish discrimination
evoke only jealousy?
Is the Collective Jew now “Israel”? Is
love for the Palestinians just a way to
camouflage Jew hatred? Obama cannot
give the answer because he is part of
the question. In fact, he is the perfect
example of it.
Afro Americans who turned to Islam
found the anti-Israel virus flourishing
there. When Barack Hussein Obama, a
Christian raised and educated in a
Muslim environment, gave his Cairo
speech, he placed himself at the head of
this phenomenon. From now on, all
those who wish “to return Israel to its
natural size,” to keep her from being
strong, proud, and victorious in the
Promised Land, the setting in which her
glorious past unfolded—racist gentiles
and trendy Jewish leftists, men of the
church and total atheists—all see
Obama as their champion, as the only
person who is capable of bringing the
Jews of Israel to their knees.
And if such is the case, is it surpris-
ing that the Norwegians and Obama
found each other? What does it matter
if the man has no past accomplish-
ments, after all the prize was awarded
to him on account of the future, in
exchange for what he is expected to
do . . . (Arutz Sheva) ❖
October 23, 2009 59
 Report:
Hebrew U. Sold Land
For Arab Homes In
Eastern Jerusalem
B Y T Z V I B E N G E D A LYA H U

Hebrew University sold 24 acres of

land to Arabs to build homes in eastern
Jerusalem, nationalist activist Aryeh King
said. He also said that an appeal to U.S.
President Barack Obama to block
American funding for Jews to build in
eastern Jerusalem will backfire on Arabs
if they succeed.
The sale of the university land is “a
disgrace to Hebrew University and to the
State of Israel,” stated King, who is in the
forefront of efforts to return Jews to
eastern Jerusalem, where many build-
ings are owned by Jews who were
expelled during the British Mandate and
where hundreds fled during the War of
Independence in 1948.
He said that if the Arab world suc-
ceeds in convincing U.S. President
Barack Obama to prohibit non-profit
organizations from raising money for
reclaiming Jewish homes in eastern
Jerusalem, the Arabs “are the ones who
will have to worry.”
He explained that groups, ranging
from the American government’s USAID
project to non-profit organizations in
Saudi Arabia, are using tax-deductible
donations and American tax money to try
to “Islamize” eastern Jerusalem.
USAID gave millions of dollars to Arabs
in an attempt to build illegal homes for
Arabs at Shdema, next to Bethlehem and
located immediately south of Jerusalem.
Israeli activists, headed by Nadia Matar,
have succeeded in maintaining a Jewish
presence in the area to stop the project.
“There are Saudi Arabian non-profits
that work in Jerusalem to Islamize the
State of Israel.” he added. “Money also
arrives from Arabs for building in Yafo
(Jaffa),” adjacent to Tel Aviv.
King has asked National Union
Knesset Member Aryeh Eldad to intro-
duce a bill that would prohibit Arabs
“from having it both ways” concerning
building. Most Arab countries as well as
the Palestinian Authority prohibit Arabs
from selling property to Jews. King wants
a law that would prohibit the same Arabs
from buying land or buildings from Jews.
“Just like you and I cannot buy a house
in Syria or Egypt, it is impossible to
understand why Arabs from those coun-
tries should be allowed to buy houses in
Israel,” King declared.
He also suggested to Jews in the
Diaspora that it would be a lot more
effective for them to buy homes in east-
ern Jerusalem for themselves and their
children and grandchildren instead of
contributing money for purchases by oth-
ers. (Arutz Sheva) ❖

You can now upload

your display ad directly
to www.5tjt/com/ad
60 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

Letter To My Turkish Friends
B Y P R O F. E F R A I M I N B A R
For years I have been active in Israeli-
Turkish relations, traveling often to that
beautiful country, writing about it, and
establishing strong friendships there. The
Begin-Sadat (BESA) Center for Strategic
Studies, which I direct, pioneered Israeli-
Turkish academic dialogues and through
symposia and lectures, educated Israelis
about the nature and the strategic impor-
tance of Turkey. Over the years, BESA wel-
comed Turkish academics, journalists,
and political and religious leaders. I
believe that the Israeli-Turkish strategic
partnership is of utmost importance and
value to both countries, and to the West.
As result of being a philo-Turk, some
Israelis have even called me, “Mr. Turkey.”
As a true friend of that country, today I
am greatly concerned. The Turkey I have
learned to admire seems, unfortunately,
to be sliding in the wrong direction.
In contrast to many in the West who
were suspicious of the Islamic credentials
of the ruling AKP party, I welcomed the
ascendance of the AKP in Turkish politics.
I argued that traditional Kemalist secular-
ism needed a religious corrective to help
Turkey find a delicate synthesis between
rich religious tradition and modernity. I
believed that an AKP-led Turkey had the
potential to become a true model of mod-
erate Islam for the Islamic world; a world
that is grappling, mostly unsuccessfully,
with the challenges of modernity.
Looking today at AKP foreign and domes-
tic policies I am tentatively coming to the
unpleasant conclusion that I was wrong.
Turkey under the AKP is increasingly
succumbing to Islamic impulses; relegat-
ing its political and cultural links to the
West to a secondary priority. For example,
Turkey welcomed the despicable President
of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, for a formal visit in August
2008. No Western country has issued such
an invitation to the Iranian leader.
Moreover, in contrast to its Western
allies, Ankara announced recently that it
will not join any sanction efforts aimed
at preventing Iran from going nuclear.
Similarly, Turkey has deviated from
the Western consensus by inviting
Sudan’s President, Omer Hassan al-Bashir,
who was charged with war crimes and
genocide in Darfur. Befriending such
international pariahs, Ankara’s moral
stature is deeply hurt.
Turkey’s defense of Hamas, a terrorist
organization, also indicates that Turkey
has sacrificed its moral compass for a
very primitive Muslim brotherhood. Even
pro-Western Arab states supported Israel’s
struggle against Hamas. The Turkish pre-
miere’s vehement and deeply insulting
denunciation of Israel during Operation
Cast Lead also grated heavily on my ears.
We cannot simply chalk up his criticism
to cynical domestic public opinion needs.
At home, traditional Ottoman and
Turkish tolerance is gradually being
replaced by pressure to conform to
Muslim mores and by intimidation to
comply with government policies.
Several friends in the business communi-
ty confessed that sipping a glass of raki
(the Turkish equivalent of ouzo or arak) in
public could hurt ones chances of receiv-
ing government contracts.
A sensational trial of former officers,
government officials, journalists, busi-
nessmen, and academics, accused of plot-
Befriending such
international
pariahs, Ankara’s
moral stature is
deeply hurt.
ting against the AKP government (known
as the Ergenekon affair), continues to
occupy Turkish attention since 2007, and
seems to play a role in intimidation of
political opponents too.
Similarly, the recent exorbitant fine of
$2.5 billion imposed by the tax authori-
ties on the Dogan Media Group, which
dared to adopt a critical attitude toward
some government-sponsored activities,
smacks of an attack on the freedom of
press. Colleagues in academic institu-
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
tions speak openly about leaving the
country if the situation gets worse.
The AKP-led government is still play-
ing mostly by the democratic rules of the
game. It garnered only 35 percent of the
popular vote and it could be replaced if
the fragmented Kemalist camp organizes
and nominates a decent political leader.
Such a scenario is unlikely, however, in
the immediate future, despite decline in
support for the AKP in the March 2009
municipal elections.
The current negative tendencies in
Turkish domestic politics and foreign pol-
icy orientation push it away from the
West. Does Turkey really want to become
more similar to Middle East countries? It
is the job of my Turkish friends of all
political hues to put a stop to this.
Turkey is amidst the throes of an iden-
tity crisis, trying to find a successful
accommodation between its Muslim
roots and the challenges of the 21st centu-
ry. It is at an historic crossroads. Hopefully
it is not too late to choose the right path,
despite the many signs that Turkey is slip-
ping into Islamist retrogression.
I sympathize with my many Turkish
friends (secular, traditional, and religious)
who are fully aware of the dangerous
waters their government is navigating.
Hopefully, Turkish democracy is strong
enough to choose the progress and prosper-
ity that only a Western anchor can grant.
The “loss” of Turkey to Islamism would be
a great strategic blow to Israel and the West.
But first and foremost it would be a tragedy
for the Turks. (Arutz Sheva) ❖
The author is a professor in political studies at
Bar-Ilan University and the director of its Begin-
Sadat (BESA) Center for Strategic Studies.
October 23, 2009 61

Between Samoa And Samaria…
BY GERALD A. HONIGMAN
Recently, tragedy struck Samoa in the
South Pacific in the form of a tidal wave.
American Samoa is an unincorporated
state southeast of independent Samoa. As
reports came in, I couldn’t help but pon-
der the irony inherent in the use of the
expression American Samoa.
The Polynesian peoples living on those
islands and others as well didn’t ask to be
converted, conquered, given offers they
couldn’t refuse, and so forth. Yet the
French, Germans, and Americans wound
up dividing the islands among them-
selves.
The U.S. Navy secured Deeds of
Cession of Tutuila in 1900 and of Manu‘a
in 1904. The last sovereign ruler of Manu‘a
was forced to sign that Deed of Cession
following a series of U.S. Naval trials in
Pago Pago, Ta‘u, and aboard a U.S. Navy
warship.
Samoa is many thousands of miles
away from America, Americans have no
historical ties to the land, but—in the
name of national interests—eastern
Samoa became American territory as a
result of the Tripartite Convention divid-
ing the archipelago in 1899.
Now consider Samaria. Samaria and
the area known as Judea make up what is
often termed the “West Bank,” i.e. that of
the Jordan River. The latter name did not
exist until the early 20th century, when
after the defeat of the centuries old
Ottoman Turkish Empire in World War I,
62 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
the British and the French divided up
much of the region’s spoils.
In 1922, to reward Hashemite Arab
allies in the Arabian Peninsula, the British
chopped off almost 80% of the original
Mandate of Palestine that they had
received on April 25, 1920 for the purpose
of allowing a Jewish Homeland and hand-
ed it over to the Hashemites.
Since all of this land reward consisted
of Palestine across (east of) the Jordan
River, the East Bank became known as
While America took over land
thousands of miles away for its own
interests, it claims that no Jew may
live in Judea or Samaria.
the Emirate of Transjordan. Thus arose
the name “West Bank”—formerly known
for thousands of years as Judea and
Samaria—located on the opposite shore.
When Transjordan illegally seized the
non-apportioned territory of the
Mandate on the “West Bank” in 1948
(where Jews, Arabs, and others were legal-
ly allowed to live), when it joined other
attacking Arab states to try to nip a
reborn Israel in the bud, it further empha-
sized this designation to distinguish its
newly conquered territory from the origi-
nal 1922 Emirate.
Jews lived and owned property in
Judea and Samaria for thousands of years.
Massacres by Arabs in the 1920s and 1930s
took their tolls as did previous ups and
downs of Jewish history under various
imperial conquerors which succeeded
each other since the fall of Judea to Rome
some 2,000 years earlier. However, as
soon as Transjordan seized Judea and
Samaria, it declared that no Jew could live
there. Places such as Hebron, Beth-El,
Shilo, Bethlehem, Shechem, and so forth
are known to the world via the Hebrew
Bible. Most Arabs came into the area after
their own imperial conquests in the 7th
century C.E. They ruled, first out of
Damascus and then out of Bagdad, for a
few centuries and were then conquered
themselves by the next of Judea’s imperi-
al settlers and colonizers.
After 1949, when Transjordan seized
the “West Bank,” while no Jews were
allowed in the territories, Arabs poured
into them from all over. To further its
Judenrein policies, Transjordan—now
holding both banks of the River—
renamed itself Jordan and proceeded to
destroy dozens of synagogues, cemeter-
ies, and so forth in adjacent Jerusalem
and elsewhere dating back numerous
centuries and showing the Jews’ continu-
ous connections to the land.
The current American Administration
insists that no Jews should be allowed to
live in Judea or Samaria as well. It also
demands that Israel abandon what UNSC
Resolution 242 promised it after the June
’67 War—secure, defensible borders
instead of the previous ’49 armistice lines
which made it virtually invisible on a
world map.
While America took over land thou-
sands of miles away for its own interests,
it claims that no Jew may live in Judea or
Samaria. Does America act that way?
When President Noriega was toppled
in Panama, thousands of miles away, was
it because he was a drug dealer? Did the
Panama Canal, perhaps, have something
to do with it?
Only Jews worry about being fair when
they’re fighting for their very lives against
enemies who won’t grant them any peace
except the peace of the grave—regardless
of the size Israel shrinks itself to. The rest
of the world couldn’t care less.
Let us think about what’s needed for
survival for a change…not thousands of
miles away from home, but right on
Israel’s front porch and backyard.
If Judea must be Judenrein, then every
Arab in Israel should be sent packing. Israel
must be made Arabrein. Half of the latter
are just waiting—like vultures—to pounce
anyway . . . given the right moment.
It is truly time for equal treatment
here. What’s good for Jews must be good
for Arabs.
Forget land for peace. It’s a bad joke—
part of the Arabs’ openly-admitted
destruction-in-phases plan since 1967.
Look at a map of the region. Is the prob-
lem really a lack of Arab land in compari-
son to Israel?
Peace for peace . . . Period.
No recognition of a Jewish State of
Israel?
Look at what came after Israel’s total
withdrawal from Gaza years ago to see
what a total Israeli withdrawal from the
“West Bank” will mean for Jerusalem, Tel
Aviv, Haifa, Ben-Gurion Airport . . .
Then no recognizing a 22nd state for
Arabs—and their second, not first, one in
“Palestine.”
Unlike Samoa to America, Judea and
Samaria are literally a stone’s throw away
from Israel’s heartland, are an integral
part of Jewish history, and are positioned
to allow a hostile army entering from the
east to cut Israel in half.
Finally, and this can’t be repeated too
often . . .
Look at what came after Israel’s total
withdrawal from Gaza years ago to see
what a total Israeli withdrawal from the
“West Bank” will mean for Jerusalem, Tel
Aviv, Haifa, Ben-Gurion Airport, the
Knesset, and so forth once Israel has been
forced back to the ’49 armistice lines—
not borders—imposed on it by the
United Nations and which made it a mere
9–16 miles wide at its strategic waist,
where most of its population, industry,
and so forth are located.
And the next time you hear
Washington insisting upon a Jew-free
Judea and Samaria, please give a long, hard
thought to American Samoa. (Arutz Sheva) ❖
Mr. Honigman’s new book makes its Washington
debut at Professors Fuad Ajami and Bernard
Lewis’s ASMEA Conference this month.

Noach was a
righteous man,
perfect in his
generation
(Bereishis 6:9)
Among our sages, there are
those who interpret this as
being in praise of Noach: If
he was righteous in his gen-
eration then certainly he
would have been even more
righteous if he would have
been in a generation of
righteous people. And there
are those who interpret
this as a condemnation: in
relation to his generation
he was righteous, but had
he been in Avraham’s gen-
eration, he wouldn’t have
been regarded as anything.
(Rashi)

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 63

 Record Number
Of Visitors To
Western Wall
BY HANA LEVI JULIAN

A record number of people—1.5 mil-

lion visitors—came to the Western Wall
during the Hebrew month of Tishrei,
according to figures from the Western
Wall Heritage Foundation and the Israel
Police.
The rabbi of the Kotel, Rabbi Shmuel
Rabinovitz, commented that “these fig-
ures are evidence that the Western Wall is
the spiritual home for Jews from all
around the world, regardless of their
background.”
The Western Wall is the last standing
remnant of the Second Temple in
Jerusalem, and became a place of Jewish
prayer following the Roman destruction
in 70 CE. The area was badly damaged
while occupied by Jordan, from 1948 to
1967, but was cleaned up and carefully
renovated after it was restored to Israel in
the 1967 Six-Day War.
It is customary for Jews to visit the
Wall upon arriving in Israel for the first
time, or as soon after arrival as possible.
Visitors to the site, considered to be the
holiest Jewish site on earth, traditionally
include all heads of state who come to
the State of Israel.
For those who are unable to make the
trip to Jerusalem, it is still possible to
carry out the tradition of placing one’s
prayers in a note between the cracks of
the Wall, thanks to the Twitter age.
The Twitter Western Wall service prints
outs prayers sent through the Internet by
“tweets” to a special account, and places
them in the Wall. Prayers can be posted to
the Twitter group at twitter.com/theKotel.
Alternatively, private prayers can also be
sent by e-mail to
tweetyourprayers@gmail.com. (Arutz Sheva) ❖

And G-d said to

Noach: “The end
of all flesh is come
before Me, for the
earth is filled with
violence through
them”
(Bereishis 6:13)
Why was the generation of
the Flood utterly destroyed,
but not the generation of
the Tower? Because the
generation of the Flood
were consumed by robbery
and violence, while amongst
the generation of the
Tower, love prevailed.
(Midrash Rabbah)

64 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

5TJT Puzzle Page: Jewish Best Picture Winners?
BY YONI GLATT

Across ing for a Daf Yomi class? 26. String instrument

1. Legend 56. Type of brush 27. Vehicles in some Spielberg
5. Steam 57. Shop flicks
10. Worms, e.g. 58. Where Israel is 28. Dude
14. Equine female 60. Author Frank 29. Chairs
15. Steaming 61. Calmer 30. Ocean’s co-star
16. Singing range 62. Platform shoes and Ferbies 32. Zest
17. ___ bargain 63. Char 33. Kind of organic compound
18. Egyptian water wheel 64. Proves (archaic) 34. Civil wrongs, in law
19. Bruce and Robert 65. Elephant protuberance 35. Impertinent speech
20. Best Picture about a dumb 38. Consumed
slob? Down 40. Cut
23. Era 1. Small demon 41. Players of a bent string instru-
24. Slang a girl 2. Baby bison ment
25. Former students 3. Classic cookie 42. Givers
29. Matzah variety 4. Close 43. Blessing follower
31. Best Picture about an aristo- 5. Common condiment ingredi- 44. Rogers title
cratic grandpa? ent 46. Greek god who probably had
33. Riders of 27-Down 6. Got up a bad back
36. Metal of a superhero 7. Segment 47. Oscar film for Geoffrey Rush
37. Dine 8. Lex Luthor’s sidekick 48. Tropical plant genus
38. Type of buffalo 9. Responded 49. Pitched
39. Moines go-with 10. Voting box 51. Where America’s Zion can be
40. Best picture about a Kosher 11. Eskimo language found Solution on Page 77.
butcher (et. al.)? 12. Things 52. City with a Great Synagogue
44. Tears viciously 13. Objective for Joshua and 53. Mustached president
45. Fuses ores Caleb (2 words) 54. Asher’s uncle Unscramble the circled clues to find a
46. Stat for Stockton 21. Indian princess 55. Does away with Best Picture winner about Lenny Solomon.
49. Squared fly? 22. Like the Cohen Gadol 59. Inquire
50. Best Picture about one look- 25. Surrounded by

Your Event… Simply Spectacular

Carefully selected ingredients,

Immaculate presentation,
Attention to all details.
This is what separates us
from the rest.
lk

N E W S TA R
fine catered events
lk
T: 516 791.0100 T: 718 891.8100

C E R T I F I E D A N D E N D O R S E D B Y T H E K E H I L A H K A S H R U S

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 65

66 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 67
68 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Your Ad Could
Be Here.

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 69

 SERVICES
PROVIDED
Exercise. One-on-one training with cer-
tified personal trainer. Your place /my
studio. $35/ 60 min. Years of experience.
Available references. Special attention
to bone density loss. Ruchi S.
917-847-3888
Photography - Small Event Specialist
Bar/Bat Mitzva - Bris - Yeshiva/Shul
Functions - Family Portraits
Reasonable prices - Quality Work - Fast
Turnaround.
Call Eli - 516-319-7709
The Computer Place
Computer Consultants, Technical
Support, Network, Internet Solutions.
Call 866-583-2443
Menadvim— Furniture and Appliances.
Like new to Donate and Receive. Call
718-MEN-ADVIm (718-636-2384) We
deliver.
Nehora Tours Travel. Not a gimmick.
Best rates ever, best service JFK
NY/Newark NJ to Ben Gurion all credit
cards accepted best deal all airlines.
EliS@nehoratours.com
“Used or Abused” Before you buy a used
car, come in for a free frame (structural)
check. Precision Auto Body 691 Burnside
Ave, Lawrence. 516-371-1137. Friends
don’t let friends drive junk!
Study with Steve. One-on-one tutoring.
SAT Math prep, regents, high school
and elementary math, high school
physics. Call 516-371-5522
Boro Park Ladies’ and Children’s coat
Gemach. Donate or receive. Excellent
condition only. 718-972-3211. Woodmere
drop off available.
Are you looking for really good skin
care products?
Why not try an all natural, botanical
based skin care solution!
Try it risk free!
For inquiries and consultation— Sarah:
516-239-0969, uralskincare123@gmail.com
G'Mach Chasdei Yisroel — Lending
money to people in Klei Kodesh & for
Klei Kodesh purposes. In the Far
Rockaway-Five Towns area. Please call
917-822-9910 for more info. Or email
shaimag@gmail.com. In Memory of
R' Yisroel Ben Binyamin, a"h.
New Table and Chair Gemach for
short-term simchas. 740 Mador Ct., Far
Rockaway. Call 718-471-0368
Babysitter service available in my
Cedarhurst home on daily basis.
Reasonable rates. Many referrals avail-
able. Please call Orit 516-295-7894
Trained baby nurses available $465/
week. 24 hours, 6 days. Call Chani
732-276-7874
70 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
SERVICES
PROVIDED
After school program available. Story
time, activities, and lots of fun.
Homework option. Mon.- Thurs. 2:30-7.
Fri. 12-2:30. $6/hour. Call Vered
718-846-7736
Simchas Naava
Share your simcha flowers! Be
m’sameach other simchas! Donate your
fresh flower arrangements! We will
match your simcha date with
simchas following yours or deliver them
to nursing home residents.
To donate or obtain flower
arrangements call 516-239-6066
In memory of a special friend, Naava Wassner Katlowitz
HK Ilanas Agency — Provide you
with screened, Experienced Nanny,
Housekeepers, Aids, Companion to the
Elderly. 21 years in the Industry.
Licensed and bonded. 718-575-1700,
212-967-5797
Experienced Bar Mitzvah tutor avail-
able. Nusach Ashkenaz & Sefard.
References available upon request.
Reasonable rates. Flexible hours.
Please call Dovid 718-327-1308,
516-469-0962
Shomer Shabbos. Cheapest Rates ever
from Ben Gurion to Jerusalem day or
night 180 Shekel four passengers + four
suitcases included. Call 050-6341-234
Speak to Shaul.
Limudei Kodesh tutor available. Works
well with special ed children.
Call 212-203-3794
Advance your guitar skills.
Experienced in all genres with a pas-
sion for hard rock/and metal training.
Advanced rhythm, soloing and jam ses-
sions. Patient and attentive. Adaptable
lesson-plans to fit all playing levels. 45
min session $65.
Call Victor at 917-561-8486
HELP WANTED
Meadow Park Rehabilitation and
Health Care Center — A Glatt Kosher
facility in the heart of Queens Seeking
Culinary Service Manager To super-
vise, cook and improve upon our food
and dining experience. Prior culinary
experience required. Excellent salary
and benefits. E-mail resume to
arudner@mprcare.com,
Fax: 718-591-0400 att: Akiva R.
FT/PT general help wanted for I&D
Glatt West Hempstead minimart/ butch-
er shop. Shomer Shabbos. Need valid
driver’s license. 516-903-9405, David
 HELP WANTED
Psychiatrist in Lawrence is seeking an
office manager. Duties include return-
ing phone calls, scheduling appoint-
ments, obtaining authorizations... Must
be resourceful, have medical office
experience, and computer savvy. 25 hrs/
wk M/W/Th 9-4 and T/F from home.
Send resume: howbort@optonline.net,
fax: 516-374-4207
FT counterperson wanted for I&D Glatt
Brooklyn butcher/fish market. Shomer
Shabbos. Call 718-339-6229, David
BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITY
Long Island caterer seeks investing
managing partner. Experienced in on
and off premises upscale kosher cater-
ing. Fax resume 212-243-9810
Restaurant for Sale — Brand new
restaurant, turn key operation. Must
see! Mint condition. Great opportunity.
13 years remaining on lease. Ideal loca-
tion opposite Cedarhurst train station.
Call Harvey 516-524-2829
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
Lawrence/ Far Rockaway Co-op —
New to market. Jr. 4, spacious, light
and bright, doorman/ elevator building.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $239K
5 Towns Home Realty 516-569-5710
Cedarhurst: 1st Show
1st FLR, FDR, 2BR. 2BTHS Terrace.
Views of Gdns, W/D
Lo maint, Grt. loca’n, Walk all . . $319K
5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710
Lawrence: OURS ONLY!!
BRICK, C/H COL, Stately BRICK, w/old
world charm, Hi ceilings, 6Br, 4.5
BTHS, Kosher Eik, Lg. FDR, Library,
Fin. Bsmt., Lg Prop., WALK ALL.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $995K
5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710
Hewlett — Col. MIC, 4br, 2bth, 2fpl, full
deck, wood flr, Lg. den. Walk to all.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $729K
5 TOWN HOMES 516-322-3555
West Lawrence/ Far Rockaway — By
Appt
5 BR Contemporary Col, vaulted ceil-
ings, skylights, fpl and more . . . $800’s
Dramatic 4 BR split col on beautiful
property Location!
New to market legal 2 family+ base-
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
Far Rockaway: 2 Family. All NU,
3 over 1 Bdrm, 3 full baths. Great
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599K
Call 516-322-3555
Far Rockaway: 2 Fam. All NU
3 over 3 Br. 4Fbth, Dr, Full bsmt
All features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $779K
Call 516-263-6417
Lawrence — NU 2 Mkt. Col., Brk.,
Large property, near ALL, 5Br, 3.5Bth,
Den, full bsmt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.9M
Call 516-322-3555
Lawrence — Wonderful c/h col. house
on the nicest cul-de-sac there is. Brand
new kitchen, finished basement. Asking
$875K Call 516-902-0936
Valley Stream: Nu 2 Mkt. Brick ranch,
great condition, quiet street. Nu EIK,
LR, Den, Lg Prop . . . . . . . . . . . $409K
For Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,500
5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710
Lawrence — Large house on deep prop-
erty. 5BR, 4 bths, high ceilings, LR, DR,
office/ den, hardwood floors throughout,
prime location, low taxes, close to all
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $789K
Lawrence — Bank owned property.
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
Far Rockaway: Coop, 3Br, 1Bth
Lr/Dr, Walk to All . . . . . . . . . . . $179K
Call 516-322-3555
COMMERCIAL REAL
ESTATE FOR SALE
Beautiful 12 family apt. building, in the
heart of Far Rockaway, stable tenancy,
income producing. Call
Weissman Realty Group 516-791-6100
COMMERCIAL REAL
ESTATE FOR RENT
Far Rockaway — 2 Huge Office Spaces.
6,000 and 2,500 Sq Ft. 2nd Floor. Near
Subway & LIRR. Build to Suit. Can be
divided. Owner 917-359-9776
Far Rockaway commercial space.
Brand new construction. Ideally suited
for medical professional offices or com-
munity facility. High ceilings. Very
bright and airy. Many amenities, ocean
views, reasonable rent. Call Weissman
Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100

FOR SALE ment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $629K Brick col, convenient location, great

Woodmere Jan Kalman Rlty
Open Houses, Oct.25th
511 Allen Rd (2-4) Renov 4BR, 2Bth.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $535K
1034 Dartmouth Ln (12-1:30) Exp H/R.
Renov in & out! 6BR, 4Bth. . . . . $925K
581 Hungry Hbr (2:30-4) N.Wdm. 5BR,
4Bth H/R w/lg extension. All renov.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $749K
JanKalman.com 516-569-5651
Your Real Estate,
Service, or
Help Wanted Ad
B13th — semi attached col. . . . . $275K
Open House Sunday 11-1 p.m.
146 B 9 and 156 B9 condos new con-
struction for sale or rent
1250 B12th St — 3 BR, 2 bths By Appt
Cedarhurst — for Rent 4/5 BR homes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,600
Woodsburgh — 72 Willow Rd. Eruv
Milky Forst Properties, Inc. 516-239-0306
Old Woodmere — for sale by owner.
Col. 5 BR, 3 full bths, 2 half bths, c/ac,
finished basement, walk to all, MIC.
$825K 917-662-7384
Law : Hi Ranch. Must see, 4br, 2.5bth,
fam rm, CAC, 2 car garage, large
prop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $800sK
value. Rockville Centre — 3,500 sq ft, fully
Weissman Realty Group 516-791-6100 wired for Web, partitioned, will divide.
Call 516-322-3555
Woodmere Open House 10/25 12-2
6000 sq. ft on Central Ave. can be
1025 Dartmouth Lane 4br hi-ranch $575K
divided. Excellent location. Lower
Woodmere — Mint 3br ranch. . . $469K
Level. Parking. Owner: 917-417-5725
Woodsburgh — Near Broadway. Classic
mint 5br colonial. Top-of-the-line. Cedarhurst: Office rental: Executive 2
Lo taxes Private showing . . . . . $1.7M Bths, Fully Web wired, 1,250 sq. ft.,
Lawrence — 5BR, 3.5bth colonial. Lrge CAC. 5TGR 516-322-3555
rooms. Lo Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . $800Ks
Prime location on Central Ave. Approx.
Smolinsky Properties Inc 516-295-4444
1,200 sq. ft. 3 offices, conference room,
5 Town Homes 516-569-5712 secretary area, 2 private bathrooms.
Elevator bldg. Call 917-417-5725
Cedarhurst: NU 2 Mkt. Lg LR, DR,
EIK, Den, 5BR, 3bth, Skilits, Cabana,
Lg prop, IGPool, Walk to all . . . $659K

Here Ced : Nu2Mkt, 2Fam, 3br/3br, 2fpl,

Marlboro, NJ — Young, frum, beautiful
FOR RENT
deck, all new, grt loc, full bsmt $795K
Every Thursday Cedarhurst: CH col., new quality neighborhood, half hour from NYC. 4
BR, 2.5 bths, finished basement, beauti-
construction. 7 bedroom, 4.5 bths, den,
100,000 readers LR, DR, oversized gourmet, granite ful lot, ig pool . . . . . . . $455K buy/rent
Century Village, Boca Raton —
look forward to EIK, huge FDR, 9' ceiling, finished 732-367-0600 ext. 11
furnished 2 BR, 2 full bths, LR, DR,
enclosed porch, kitchen, close to tem-
what’s happening basement prime location.
ples, second floor. Minimum of 4 months.
Asking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.25M Woodmere — Open House 10/25 1-2:30
in the 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 949 Carol Avenue 518-438-8003
5 Towns by reading 5BR, 3.5bths, oversized property.
Far Rockaway — Lg. Hse Rental: 4br,
The Five Towns Woodmere/Cedarhurst Oppty! xcellent location. Near all . . . . . $539K
12,000 sq. ft. approx. 90’x150’, Colonial, Co-op Woodmere — Spacious 1BR apt. 2bth, bsmt., hi-ceilings, NU bths, W\D.
Jewish Times. 17 rooms, full bsmt. with hi ceilings, Move in condition. Call 516-322-3555
clean 2 car garage plus storage, 6 space Under market value . . . . . . . . . $125K
Madison Area — Immaculate 3 bed-
Deadline is Monday parking, 2 family, professional use, Dalia Fritz Realty 516-374-4411
room duplex, Large LR, DR, EIK Move-
at 5:00 p.m. accountant, Esq., medical and/or educa-
in condition!! Front/back porches
tional and religious uses. Grand colonial Woodmere, Woodsburg, co-op
Hardwood floors $2,200 (optional base-
1 Week ............$35 with charm and great possibilities. The Mayfair — Open House 10/25, 12-3
ment) 917-371-7982 lv mssg
Available at once . . . $875K Negotiable Grand 3 BR, 3 bth, huge LR/pillars, sep-
2 Weeks..........$60 Owner 516-322-3555 arate large DR, den, EIK, renovated.
North Wdm. — house rental. Hi-ranch
Qualified only. Reduced . . . . . . . $490K
4 Weeks ........$100 Open House 10/25 516-295-7776, agent co-op
in MIC. 4 br, CAC, den, on quiet street.
Woodmere — 520 Edward Ave. 1:30-3. 5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710
Weekly Ads of up to
First show. Easy living. 3 BR, 2 bth Far Rockaway — 2 houses New to mar-
25 words ranch, large main-level den, must see. ket! Brand new construction. Lawrence — Coop Rental. 1BR. 1NU
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $559K Detached 1 family house, 3 BR, 2.5 bths, Bth, LR, DR, EIK. . . . . . . . . . . $1,300
Call: 516-569-0502 Co-ops for sale: beautiful kosher kitchen, private drive- 5Town Homes ** 516-569-5710

Fax: 516-977-0608 Cedarhurst — First floor. 2 BR, new
granite EIK, terrace. . . . . . . . . $245K
Or E-mail ads to: Woodmere — First floor. 2 BR, 2 new
bth, near all. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $192.5K
5TJTads@gmail.com Woodmere — The Mayfair 2 BR, 1 bth,
Include payment info. large rooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $275K
Sue Schachter Realty 516-295-1860
way, full basement, porch +2 balconies,
convenient location. Priced to sell. . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $479K
2 family 3/3, 4.5 bths, beautiful kosher
Classified Ads are
kitchens, parking, full basement. Only Continued on the Next Page.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599K
Weissman Realty 516-791-6100
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 71
CLASSIFIED ADS
Continued from Page 71
FOR RENT
Bayswater — Beautiful sunny
Apartment For Rent. 5 big rooms, 3 BR,
New house, Large Dining/LR, EIK,
Laundry Room. 2 Baths, Frum Block,
MIC, Reasonable price. 347-234-5599
Cedarhurst — NU House, CH Col., LR,
FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR., 3BTHS.
Bsmt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,200
5 TOWN HOMES
516-569-5710
Reads Lane — Short Term: Immediate-
June 30. Spacious comfortable corner
home. 4 BR, 3 bth, EIK, LR, DR, high
ceilings, huge backyard. 718-637-1471
Cedarhurst — Garden apt. Nu 2 Mkt.
2BR. 2Bth, Mint, 1st Flr, heat & prk
incld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,500
5Town Homes 516-569-5710
Far Rockaway/West Lawrence —
Studio apt for rent. Private house, good
location, near Shor Yoshuv, synagogues,
yeshivos, and public transportation.
Good for office.
718-337-5753 or 347-461-6034
Miami Beach, FL — Tower 41. Ocean
view, 1 BR apt, 2 bths, updated kitchen,
terrace, restaurant, shul, health club,
parking, furnished. Avilable now.
Seasonal. 917-407-4169
72 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FOR RENT
Lawrence Office sublet. 750 square
feet. medical or commercial.
290 Central Ave. in Lawrence.
Dr. Feibusch 516-375-8894
Alexander Hotel, Miami Beach By
owner Two bedroom/two bathroom new
kitchen, plasma TVs, Magnificent view
of ocean/ bay. Available for Winter
Break, etc.
zach8855@aol.com or 718-930-6800
Far Rockaway — 1, 2, and 3 BR apart-
ments. Some balconies. New kitchens,
lots of closets, 24 hr doorman, security
cameras. Close to White Shul, Shor
Yoshuv and train. Call Sherri
516-297-7995
Far Rockaway — On beach. Brand new
building, 1 & 2 BR available. Granite
kitchens, balconies with water views,
Shabbos elevator, w/d hookup, parking.
No renter’s fee!
Far Rockaway — Beautiful 2 bedroom
apt, 2nd floor, recently updated, conven-
ient location, available immediately
Asking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,350
Weissman Realty Group, LLC 516-791-6100
Far Rockaway — apt for rent. 3 BR,
new construction. Near all. New appli-
ances. First floor . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,525
Call 516-445-4048 ask for Barry
Bayswater — 1 BR, w/d, frum neigh-
bors, private entrance, great kitchen
private backyard. 516-374-3635
FOR RENT LOST AND FOUND
Far Rockaway — 1 BR apt for rent. Found child’s Ugg boot in Gourmet
Good condition. Elevator building. Glatt parking lot on 10/19. 516-650-6005
Cornega and Neilson. Includes heat and
hot water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $975
Call 718-692-2525 ext. 211
MISCELLANEOUS
Cedarhurst — Nu House CH Col. LR,
FDR, Kosher EIK, Den, 4BR, 3BTHS.
Bsmt. For Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,500 Ocean Corp. Houston, Texas. Train for
5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 New Career. Underwater Welder,
Commercial Diver, NDT/Weld Inspector.
Florida — Sunny Isles Beach Job placement and financial aid for
Winston Towers, 2br 2bth, ocean and
those who qualify, 1-800-321-0298
bay views, new, kosher kitchen, pool &
sundeck, health club. Young Israel 1/2
block. Call 347-776-1918
Deadline for
Lawrence — 18 Berkley Place
Center hall col., 4 BR, 3 bths, stunning Advertising
cul-de-sac, best location . . $4K monthly
Call Irene 516-652-7099 in the
Cedarhurst — All new, bright 3 BR, 1.5
bths, ground floor apt in 2-family house, Classifieds for
LR, FDR, EIK/ w new appliances, new
carpet, w/d included, yard and parking. Next Week is
Walk all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,250
5 TOWN HOMES 516-569-5710 Tuesday,
Cedarhurst — House Rental LR/FDR,
den, 3br, 2.5bth, Fin. Bsmt . . . . . $2,300
October 27
Call 516-322-3555
5:00 P.M.
Far Rockaway — Large One Bedroom
Apartment for rent. Beautiful elevator Call
bldg. Nice tenancy. Great location at
Neilson and Cornaga, near Shor Yoshuv,
transportation, and shopping.
516-569-0502
Asking $1,100. Call 718-692-2525 ext. 180
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 73
U.S. and Jewish Leaders Meet to Discuss Tensions
Between Obama and Netanyahu Administrations
BY RON KAMPEAS
With the major knots that bedeviled
U.S.–Israel ties this summer largely
behind them, U.S., Israeli, and American
Jewish leaders say the relationship
between the two countries is much
improved. But with some misapprehen-
sion and mistrust persisting, all sides
appear to agree that things could bear
further improvement.
Among the thorniest issues: a mutual
perception between the Obama and
Netanyahu administrations that each
side is playing the other using leaks.
The differences are broad enough that
Israeli and American Jewish organization-
al officials met last week at a retreat in
Glen Cove, N.Y., for a private discussion of
“the Israeli public’s low approval rating of
Barack Obama” under the aegis of the
74 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Jewish People Policy Planning Institute, a
think tank affiliated with the Jewish
Agency for Israel.
Netanyahu’s staff gave the White House a
heads-up on the plan to give a green light
to 455 new housing units.
Dan Shapiro, who runs Israel issues at
the White House’s National Security
Council, addressed the group and lis-
tened to the concerns of an array of
Jewish organizational leaders, Israeli
diplomats, and opinion shapers.
The consensus: Obama should reach
out to Israel.
“President Obama should visit Israel
and cultivate a relationship with the
American Jewish community” was the
headline of the institute’s news release
summarizing the retreat.
Avinoam Bar-Yosef, the institute’s
director, said the issue of trust was key to
the discussion. “The Obama administra-
tion is trying to promote a series of
things, and they need a counterpart
which is trusting them,” Bar-Yosef said.
“Trust was built and a serious dialogue
has been started, but there is not yet a
solution on everything. There is much
more room for improvement.”
Obama administration officials attrib-
uted several problems of miscommunica-
tion in the early months to the fact that
both Israel and Washington had new
administrations getting their respective
acts together, with each side too busy to
maintain the necessary frequency of
communication.
That led to harmful leaks, particularly
related to the U.S. insistence that Israel
freeze settlement construction in the
West Bank. Following a barrage of leaks
coming from Jerusalem on the subject, a
reportedly furious U.S. Secretary of State
Hillary Rodham Clinton finally made the
dispute public.
And prior to Israel’s announcement in
early September that it would build 455
new units in Jewish settlements in the
West Bank, U.S. officials told reporters
that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
needed to understand how his relation-
ship with Obama depended on whether
the Israeli leader understood that he
faced a “pivotal” moment in history.
Netanyahu’s advisers chafed at this as
high handed and arrogant.
Insiders now insist that relations are
smoother. Shapiro and Uzi Arad,
Netanyahu’s top national security adviser,
talk all the time. Yitzhak Molcho, another
Netanyahu adviser, and Mike Herzog,
Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s top advis-
er, visit Washington at least twice a
month to meet with top officials at the
Pentagon and the State Department.
Within the Obama administration is a
sense that the disagreement in
September over settlement construction
exemplifies, if anything, how the rela-
tionship has improved: Netanyahu’s staff
gave the White House a heads-up on the
plan to give a green light to 455 new hous-
ing units, and the White House had time
to prepare a tough response that helped it
save face in the Arab world.
In some areas, U.S.-Israel ties have
grown closer. Speaking earlier this month
at a conference at the conservative
Hudson Institute on the subject of
“Challenges to the Special Relationship,”
Michael Oren, the Israeli envoy to
Washington, noted the intensity of U.S.-
Israeli coordination on combating the
U.N. Human Rights Council’s Goldstone
report, which accused Israel of war
crimes during last winter’s war in Gaza
with Hamas.
Oren said the sides also agree on the
need to isolate Iran as long as it appears
to be pursuing nuclear weapons, and on
the pace of applying sanctions on the
Islamic Republic. He also said defense
Continued on Page 78
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 75
76 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
Solution To This Week’s 5TJT Puzzle:
Jewish Best Picture Winners?

Puzzle appears on page 65.

Answer to scramble: “Shlocky”

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 77


Leaders Discuss Tensions
Continued from Page 74
cooperation was closer than ever and
that the Obama administration was
redressing a decline in recent years of
Israel’s qualitative military edge in the
Middle East.
The Obama and Netanyahu adminis-
trations even have arrived at an agree-
ment on freezing settlements, according
to Oren. The freeze would not include
Jerusalem and would account for some
“natural growth” in West Bank settle-
ment blocs Israel plans to keep in a final-
status agreement.
The real problem is with the
Palestinians, Oren said, who continue to
insist on a total settlement freeze, and
not between the United States and Israel.
But many members of the pro-Israel
community remain upset at the Obama
administration for its focus on Jewish set-
tlements in the West Bank. They say this
focus makes settlements appear to be the
obstacle to peace while giving the
Palestinians and Arab states a pass on
making concessions.
78 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
The Palestinians have rejected U.S.
pressure to accommodate a partial
freeze, and Arab nations have yet to
announce the symbolic gestures Obama
was hoping to secure for Israel as a
reward for a freeze.
According to U.S. administration
insiders, a number of Arab nations were
ready to announce concessions—such
Many members of the pro-Israel
community remain upset at the Obama
administration for its focus on Jewish
settlements in the West Bank.
as allowing Israeli civilian aircraft over-
flight rights and expanding business ties
with Israel—but withdrew them after
the Netanyahu government announced
the new construction in the West Bank
in September.
Obama administration officials say
they understand that settlements are
not the sine qua non of advancing the
peace process, but they wonder why
Israel does not address settlement issues
even while the Obama administration
presses the Palestinians and the Arabs
for concessions.
It hasn’t helped the Obama-
Netanyahu relationship that the U.S.
administration continues to lavish
attention on J Street, a lobbying and
political action committee that
describes itself as “pro-peace, pro-Israel.”
The group has upset many U.S. Jews
with its positions on Israel; the Israeli
government has kept it at arm’s length.
James Jones, Obama’s national security
adviser, is speaking this month to J Street
and the American Task Force on
Palestine, a group that lobbies for U.S.
action to promote the creation of a
Palestinian state. (Jones also will address
the American Israel Public Affairs
Committee, Israel’s stalwart advocate in
Washington, at AIPAC’s annual national
summit in San Diego.)
Additionally, last weekend’s annual
Washington Institute for Near East
Policy Weinberg retreat, usually a venue
for high-minded exchanges between
Israeli and U.S. officials, lacked any
Obama administration officials. Adm.
Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, withdrew at the last
moment, apparently because of the bur-
geoning crisis in Afghanistan.
Mullen’s cancellation was too late to
compensate with a commensurate speak-
er, and in the absence of an Obama
administration official, speaker after
speaker faulted the administration in its
dealings with Israel, the Arabs, and Iran.
In Israel, a consensus is emerging that
Obama needs to pay more attention to
Israel.
Ofir Pines Paz, a Labor Party Knesset
member who otherwise opposes the
Netanyahu government’s policies, this
month told a pro-Obama group, the New
American Foundation, that the president
needed to reach out to Israel.
“It’s something that should be tackled,”
he said. “Maybe not by a speech, but not
by hesitation. He shouldn’t give up on
Israeli public opinion.”
Oren said as much to the Hudson
Institute, referring to Obama’s single-digit
approval ratings in the Jewish state.
“We have to get this number up,” he
said. Establishing trust in the U.S. admin-
istration among Israelis “is a sine qua non
of the peace process.” (JTA) ❖
For the next issue,
deadline for reserving
ad space is
Monday,
October 26
at 5:00 P.M.
All graphics for ads
must be in by
Tuesday,
October 27
at 5:00 P.M.
Call
516-984-0079
5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES October 23, 2009 79
80 October 23, 2009 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES