May 3, 2013

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By Malka Eisenberg Over 1000 journalists, students, and in- dividuals filled the conference room at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square this past Sunday for the Jerusalem Post sec- ond annual conference to hear former and current Israeli government ministers, mili- tary men and journalists opine on issues af- fecting the Jewish State. The audience listened attentively for most speakers but became rowdy, alterna- tively booing, heckling and cheering when former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and professor and attorney Alan M. Dershowitz spoke of what they perceived as the need for Israel to make further concessions for peace. The conference began with individual addresses followed by three consecutive panel discussions. Much of the talks fo- cused on the threats emanating from Iran, verbal threats calling for Israel’s destruc- tion, the exporting of terror from Iran, and its development of nuclear capability and the potential for a nuclear bomb. Amos Yadlin, a former head of IDF Mili- tary Intelligence Directorate, pointed out that the CIA predicted in 1948 that Israel wouldn’t last two years and, in spite of many obstacles and dire outlooks over the years, Israel has continued to grow and thrive. He warned against drawing a “red line,” stressing that it allows Israel’s “en- emies to maneuver around it and do any- thing that is not acceptable but not cross the red line.” He said Iran can have 56,000 centrifuges in Natanz and 50 tons of ura- nium but take another tack and “break out in a week.” Yadlin recounted sitting in the briefing room with astronaut Ilan Ramon in 1981 before the attack on the Osirak reac- VOL 12, NO 17 Q MAY 3, 2013 / 23 IYAR 5773 WWW.THEJEWISHSTAR.COM Bookworm: Yom Yerushalayim and Ir David Page 5 Yeshiva High School updates Pages 6 & 7 R’ Himelstein’s column on Yom Yerushalayim Page 13 R’ Etengoff on the blessings for food Page 14 THE JEWISH STAR Shabbat Candlelighting: 7:35 p.m. Shabbat ends 8:39 p.m. 72 minute zman 9:06 p.m. Parshat Behar Bechukotai. Yom Yerushalayim . Mevorchim Chodesh Sivan (Friday) PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID GARDEN CITY, NY 11530 PERMIT NO 301 Stay up to date with The Jewish Star Visit us on the web at www. thejewishstar.com Receive our weekly newsletter. Sign up at newsroom@ thejewishstar.com Like us on Facebook The Jewish Star newspaper (Long Island, NY) Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ JewishStarNY By Malka Bernstein This past Sunday, on April 28, Chabad of Five Towns held their 18th annual Lag B’Omer celebration in the Andrew J. Parise Park (formerly Cedarhurst Park). It was open to the entire community, all ages were invited and encouraged to attend. It is estimated that 800- 1,000 people participated in the festivi- ties. There was a bonfire that was carefully monitored by volunteers from the Lawrence- Cedarhurst Fire Department. There was a BBQ, but for those who preferred a light dairy snack, there was ice cream also be- ing sold. Some activities that were provided were a children’s obstacle course as well as a petting zoo and archery. This year was the first year that they had giant video games. The Amazing Skyriders Trampoline was like watching an acrobatic trampoline performer. It was a fun and entertaining evening for those who participated. What is Lag B’Omer about, and why is it celebrated? Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz from Ohr Somayach and Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explained that two major occurrenc- es took place on this day. One is that Rabbi Akiva’s students stopped dying on this day, the other is that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai re- vealed the Zohar to his students on this day, before he died. Rabbi Akiva had twenty-four thousand students who did not treat each other with the proper respect and dignity and were therefore not worthy of teaching Torah to the next generation; all 24,000 died. On the thirty-third day of the omer though, they stopped dying. According to Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, the word kavod means hon- or, but comes from the same root as heavy. It is important to realize that each person is special and should be treated properly. After We would like to call attention to and welcome Alan Jay Gerber’s new column in the Jewish Star: The Kosher Bookmark, a review of Jewish-themed essays. Recently I came across an out of print copy of “Karl Marx and the Radical Cri- tique of Judaism” [Littman Library, 1978] by Prof. Dr. Julius Carlebach, himself a victim of National Socialism and whose parents Rabbi Yosef Zvi Carlebach and Charlotte Carlebach were murdered at their hands. This book close- ly examines Marx’s absolute hatred of the Jewish people and religion, and goes into great de- tail in explaining the various meth- ods employed by Marx to justify his bigotry in terms of class warfare and economic philoso- phy. Other facets of Marx’s, as well as his latter followers’, attitudes towards Jews are given in great scholarly detail that, in historical perspective, help to ex- plain the left’s hatred for all things Jew- ish while attempting, unsuccessfully, to avoid the smear of ideological and geno- cidal anti-Semitism. This includes the World Socialism of the USSR and the Na- tional Socialism of Nazi Germany. However, the most fascinating episode presented to us by Dr. Carlebach in this work is chapter 19 entitled, “Excursus: Marx and the Jews of Jerusalem.” Much of its basic premise is to be quoted below, Photo by Monica Rzewski A bonfire was just what this cool May night needed The Kosher Bookmark: Marx and the Jews of Jerusalem Jerusalem Post Conference: Iran, BDS, recognition and energy Chabad lights up Lag B’Omer for 5Ts Continued on page 2 Alan Jay Gerber Continued on page 3 Continued on page 3

description

The Jewish Star

Transcript of May 3, 2013

Page 1: May 3, 2013

By Malka Eisenberg Over 1000 journalists, students, and in-

dividuals filled the conference room at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square this past Sunday for the Jerusalem Post sec-ond annual conference to hear former and current Israeli government ministers, mili-tary men and journalists opine on issues af-fecting the Jewish State.

The audience listened attentively for most speakers but became rowdy, alterna-tively booing, heckling and cheering when former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and professor and attorney Alan M. Dershowitz spoke of what they perceived as the need for Israel to make further concessions for peace.

The conference began with individual addresses followed by three consecutive panel discussions. Much of the talks fo-cused on the threats emanating from Iran, verbal threats calling for Israel’s destruc-tion, the exporting of terror from Iran, and its development of nuclear capability and the potential for a nuclear bomb.

Amos Yadlin, a former head of IDF Mili-tary Intelligence Directorate, pointed out that the CIA predicted in 1948 that Israel wouldn’t last two years and, in spite of many obstacles and dire outlooks over the years, Israel has continued to grow and thrive. He warned against drawing a “red line,” stressing that it allows Israel’s “en-emies to maneuver around it and do any-thing that is not acceptable but not cross the red line.” He said Iran can have 56,000 centrifuges in Natanz and 50 tons of ura-nium but take another tack and “break out in a week.” Yadlin recounted sitting in the briefing room with astronaut Ilan Ramon in 1981 before the attack on the Osirak reac-

VOL 12, NO 17 MAY 3, 2013 / 23 IYAR 5773 WWW.THEJEWISHSTAR.COM

Bookworm: Yom Yerushalayim and Ir David Page 5 Yeshiva High School updates Pages 6 & 7 R’ Himelstein’s column on Yom Yerushalayim Page 13 R’ Etengoff on the blessings for food Page 14

THE JEWISH STAR

Shabbat Candlelighting: 7:35 p.m. Shabbat ends 8:39 p.m. 72 minute zman 9:06 p.m. Parshat Behar Bechukotai. Yom Yerushalayim . Mevorchim Chodesh Sivan (Friday)

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By Malka Bernstein

This past Sunday, on April 28, Chabad of Five Towns held their 18th annual Lag B’Omer celebration in the Andrew J. Parise Park (formerly Cedarhurst Park). It was open to the entire community, all ages were invited and encouraged to attend. It is estimated that 800- 1,000 people participated in the festivi-ties. There was a bonfire that was carefully monitored by volunteers from the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department. There was a BBQ, but for those who preferred a light dairy snack, there was ice cream also be-ing sold. Some activities that were provided were a children’s obstacle course as well as a petting zoo and archery. This year was the first year that they had giant video games. The Amazing Skyriders Trampoline was like watching an acrobatic trampoline performer. It was a fun and entertaining evening for those who participated.

What is Lag B’Omer about, and why is it celebrated? Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Breitowitz from Ohr Somayach and Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller explained that two major occurrenc-es took place on this day. One is that Rabbi Akiva’s students stopped dying on this day, the other is that Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai re-vealed the Zohar to his students on this day, before he died.

Rabbi Akiva had twenty-four thousand students who did not treat each other with the proper respect and dignity and were therefore not worthy of teaching Torah to the next generation; all 24,000 died. On the thirty-third day of the omer though, they stopped dying. According to Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, the word kavod means hon-or, but comes from the same root as heavy. It is important to realize that each person is special and should be treated properly. After

We would like to call attention to and welcome Alan Jay Gerber’s new column in the Jewish Star: The Kosher Bookmark, a review of Jewish-themed essays.

Recently I came across an out of print copy of “Karl Marx and the Radical Cri-tique of Judaism” [Littman Library, 1978] by Prof. Dr. Julius Carlebach, himself a victim of National Socialism and whose parents Rabbi Yosef Zvi Carlebach and Charlotte Carlebach were murdered at their hands.

This book close-ly examines Marx’s absolute hatred of the Jewish people and religion, and goes into great de-tail in explaining the various meth-ods employed by Marx to justify his bigotry in terms of class warfare and economic philoso-phy.

Other facets of Marx’s, as well as his latter followers’, attitudes towards Jews are given in great scholarly detail that, in historical perspective, help to ex-plain the left’s hatred for all things Jew-ish while attempting, unsuccessfully, to avoid the smear of ideological and geno-cidal anti-Semitism. This includes the World Socialism of the USSR and the Na-tional Socialism of Nazi Germany.

However, the most fascinating episode presented to us by Dr. Carlebach in this work is chapter 19 entitled, “Excursus: Marx and the Jews of Jerusalem.” Much of its basic premise is to be quoted below,

Photo by Monica Rzewski

A bonfire was just what this cool May night needed

The Kosher Bookmark:

Marx and the Jews of Jerusalem

Jerusalem Post Conference:

Iran, BDS, recognition and energy

Chabad lights up Lag B’Omer for 5Ts

Continued on page 2

Alan Jay Gerber

Continued on page 3Continued on page 3

Page 2: May 3, 2013

please follow along:“Edmund Silberner [the noted historian of

Marxist anti-Semitism] noted: ‘In the whole work of Marx there is, to my knowledge, only one passage in which he speaks of a group of Jews without any derision and even with a certain friendliness.’ This passage, in an article published, without a heading, in the New York Daily Tribune of 15 April 1854, in which Marx described the plight of the Jews of Jerusalem, their poverty and misery and the hostility to which they were subjected by Moslems and Christians although, numeri-cally, they represented even then a majority of the city’s population. Silberner thought that ‘this is the only text where Marx shows any sympathy for a group of Jews’ and ac-cordingly described it as ‘an exception to the rule,’ which was without ‘deeper meaning’.”

This fascinating tidbit of historical detail is given further greater play and detail by Dr. Carlebach later on in his book. As to the motivation for Marx’s behavior and attitude here, only, in my view, speculation reigns on the part of the author and others. As far as Marx himself, I, too, can only speculate. Con-sider that Marx himself never did visit the holy land or Jerusalem. His familiarity with its Jews is based upon others’ reportage. Nev-ertheless, his regard was sympathetic and

out of character.Prof. Carlebach goes on to further explore

the ideological vagaries of Jewish self-hatred, basically finding Marx without personal fault on this narrow issue inasmuch as he never saw himself as a Jew especially since he was born and raised as a member of the Christian faith. His detestation of his family roots was of no political or religious concern to him.

A LESSON TO BE LEARNED AND APPRE-CIATED

Nevertheless, the observation made in this book of the sympathetic literary con-nect by Marx with the Jews of Jerusalem is absolutely fascinating and inexplicable. This should in some manner serve to chasten us in regard to our feelings toward the sacredness of Jerusalem. Through this attitude by Marx we should all learn to better appreciate what we now have available to us in the increasing accessibility of Jerusalem to us, something that was denied to us until just very recent-ly, and something all our adversaries wish to deny us in the near days to come. Yom Yerushalayim should serve for all of us as an opportunity to thank G-d for the miracles of 1967 and to thus learn from others foreign to our beliefs and morals to better appreciate the divine in our lives.

The Kosher Bookmark:

Marx and Jerusalem’s Jews Continued from page 1

Inside

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tor in Iraq discussing the advisability of attempting to destroy the reactor if Iraq can buy another one. “Thirty years later they still don’t have a reactor in Iraq,” said Yadlin.

Uzi Arad, former national security adviser to the prime minister, suggested “acting before the problem arises,” that “Iran’s drive to get weapons is strong” and the need for a “strong force to keep it in check.” He suggested “quietly and discretely” communicating to the Iranians “certain and emi-nent strikes against Iran, clearer communication with explicit time deadlines and pressures.”

Caroline Glick, a senior fellow for the Center for Security Policy and senior con-tributing editor for The Jerusalem Post, addressed the boycott, divest and sanc-tions (BDS) movement in the U.S. She began speaking by summing up her views on Iran, “I don’t think there is anything more to say save for bombs away!” She condemned Jews who support the BDS movement whose goal is the destruction of Israel. She said supporters of BDS ei-ther don’t like Israel and identify with the BDS movement or are ignorant fools. “Why not Venezuela, Cuba or France?” she asked. She called on Jewish students at schools that support BDS “to stand up for themselves…stand up for us.”

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael B. Oren, emphasized that, “Israel is not urging or recommend-ing any policy on Syria. If the U.S. does provide lethal aid to the rebels in Syria, (they should) vet them carefully…in Libya (the weapons) were used against Israel. Israel will not remain passive if the weapons (get) to Hizbullah.” He noted that President Obama “reiterated Israel’s right to defend it-self” on his recent trip to Israel, noting the Jewish people’s

roots going back 3000 years and their unassailable right to self-determination. Oren said that Israel is “one state, mili-tarily and economically robust, relentlessly democratic, and proudly and unabashedly pro-American.” He also quoted Obama who stated that, “Israel was not created because of the Holocaust but the existence of a strong Jewish state will insure that the Holocaust will not happen again.”

In a panel discussion, “two states for two peoples?” Dr. Yuval Steinitz, Minister of Intelligence, International Rela-tions and Strategic Affairs, cited the “greatest problem as

the consistent refusal (of the Palestinians, Ar-abs) to recognize as it is as a Jewish State” that they have to “recognize their (Israel’s) right to exist as a homeland of the Jewish people.” Steinitz noted that Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Ab-bas, president of the Palestinian Authority) won’t even mention the Jews since that would be admitting that the Jews are even a people. Steinitz further stressed the need for no precon-ditions in any negotia-tions.

Dershowitz said that he wanted Israel to be secure and “recognized as the State of the Jewish people, judged by a single standard and praised for its accomplishments.” He quoted the first Rashi (a Bibli-cal commentator) in Genesis, as to the rights of the Jews to the Land of Israel, and the Jews’ history there, and yet, to pronounced denouncing from the audience, stated that the Arabs have a claim to the land as well and put forward a plan

involving concessions.Arad countered that there must be no unilateral conces-

sions and once an agreement is reached, that should be the“end of the conflict with no further claims.” They (the Arabs)have to give something for something, he said, they shouldhalt their international activities. “If they don’t recognize Is-rael as a Jewish State, it cries out loudly that they will havefurther claims. Even if they agree they will not mean it.”

Yadlin pointed out previous negotiating errors includingunilateral agreements, leaving the Arabs a corridor for weap-

ons, such as the Philadelphi corridor. Henoted the necessity of putting a peaceplan to a vote with Israeli conditions andthe current risk of “losing the Negev andGalil to the Palestinians; we have to pro-tect our country and not (rely) on themercy of the Palestinians.”

“You can’t give up the store to thePalestinians,” retorted Glick. She saidthat it’s not just an issue of security, thatIsrael has to state the fact that it is Is-rael’s land and has to be willing to “standby your rights.” She cited the “Palestin-ian directive” of why they would “neveraccept a Jewish State.” If they “do thenthat’s giving credence to the maximalistJewish view to the 1949 mandate andthe League of Nations mandate. Theycan never give recognition….It’s notgoing to stop because we can appeasethem. It’s not going to work.” She was

involved with the agreement negotiations in 1994-1996, shesaid, and there was “not one issue they abided by, none mat-tered, they were not keeping any of the agreements, it’s alla lie.” She noted that the PA has been “indoctrinating” and“seeks the murder of men, women, and children. (You) can’tmake peace with people whose national identity is the nega-tion of your national identity.”

Rabbi Akiva lost all his students, instead of giving up to de-spair, he decided to begin again and to teach new students. He taught another five students, one of whom was Rabbi Shi-mon Bar Yochai. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai passed away on Lag B’Omer. On the day that he died, he taught the Zohar to his students. As Rabbi Breitowitz explains, that means that this then was a day of great revelation of Torah secrets that were brought into the earth, and that is a great cause for celebration. Rabbi Zalman Wolowik the Rabbi of Chabad for Five Towns, commented that “in essence on Lag B’Omer, we are celebrating the life and legacy of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yo-chai. He was a great sage of the Talmud and author of the Zohar, which infused Torah and Judaism with fire, life and zest. Therefore we strive to share this legacy with the entire community.” Rabbi Breitowitz connects these two events explain-ing that when we realize the value of each person and have our devotion to Hakodesh Baruch Hu, then we are worthy of standing at Har Sinai. We start counting the omer from Pesach, which is when we gained physical freedom. We stop counting the omer on Shavuot, which is when we received the Torah and made a commitment to listen to Hashem. By linking the two, we are admitting that freedom without the Divine Law is worthless and destructive.

Furthermore, he says that during sefirah (the counting of the days from the Omer offering in the Temple on the sec-ond day of Passover) the korban (offering, sacrifice) that is brought is with barley, which is known as animal feed. On Shavuot however, we bring a korban of wheat, which is hu-man food. As Rabbi Breitowtz says “On Pesach we go from animal freedom to human dignity and liberty.”

Lag B’Omer in Cedarhurst: Bonfires and bubblesContinued from page 1

Continued from page 1

A clown threw candies at the children.

Photos by Montica Rzewski

Bubbles were a big hit for children young and oldYitzy Schmidt helps his son Ephraim, age one and a half, with his bow and arrow.

Everyones’ eyes were fixed on the aerial show.

Jerusalem Post brings Israeli policy views to NYC

Meir Dagan, director of Mossad from 2002 to 2010. Both spoke in-dividually and participated in panel discussions.

Dr. Yuval Steinitz, intelligence, international relations and stra-tegic affairs minister in Israeli government

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Before a day begins, there are many un-knowns about what will take place. There areusually general ideas about what will happen, but some of the details about the specifics of the day are a bit vague. Last Monday, April15, 2013, began as a nice and normal day. I donot think that anybody would have predicted what would have occurred. Unfortunately,that was a day that an unpredictable and a truly terrible catastrophic calamity occurred. There was an annual marathon scheduled for those who signed up to run in it. There were runners from the local area as well as the peo-ple who traveled to participate. While some of the people traveled to participate in the run itself, others came as spectators and to give moral support to an individual who was run-ning. Near the finish line, two bombs wereplanted. Imagine, after all the training, and fi-nally seeing the finish line in sight, but insteadof running the remaining yards as anticipated,being thrown yards backwards. For those of us who were not there, it is impossible to fully comprehend the sights that they saw. One re-porter I heard said that this was their version of our 9/11 in terms of the feelings relating to be-ing attacked by a terror-ist.

The following day I went to help someone, and I heard her tell-ing a coworker that one of her best friends knows someone who was right there whenthe bombs went off. No longer was it a news story that happened to nameless people. Rather, known identities of people who were directly affected became a reality. Although I still do not personally know individuals in-volved, others do. Once a name of a friendor relative is attached, then the story all of a sudden becomes more personal. The detailsbecome more important. It is imperative that the person or people we personally know are ok. Why is that the case? I do not know if it is just me, but when I hear a story, although I can feel bad for the individuals involved who were directly affected; it is not the same level of empathy than if I am personally connectedwith an individual.

Each and every day that we open our eyes in the morning we do not know what is in store for us. It has been a long week for all those who were in Boston. Those who werewounded, I hope that they are able to have a complete recovery. As for the two broth-ers who are mostly responsible for this un-thinkable tragedy, one is dead and the other injured. Although he is only nineteen, the brother caught alive reportedly has amasseda vast amount of knowledge regarding weap-ons. Imagine what a different life he wouldhave had if he applied his mind otherwise. In addition, not only would his life be differentnow, but so would the history of the world.

We just read in the Parsha about “Ke-doshim tehiu” “And you shall be Holy.” Hope-fully we will all be able to feel that our impact in the world is a positive one. I do not thinkthat most people are going to make the newsand change the world in a dramatic way. Weare, however, constantly interacting with in-dividuals throughout the day. Let us try tomake others happy, and give them a reasonto smile.

Opinion

Thank G-d for Senator Harry Reid and Congressman Hank Johnson. Every-body knows that the sequester is the

worst thing to happen to this country since My Mother The Car was cancelled by NBC in 1966, but there are horrible things about the sequester the federal government is hiding from the people.

Last week on the Senate floor Harry Reid let slip some of those unknown effects:

“But the seques-ter could also cost this country – and human-kind – a cure for AIDS or Parkinson’s disease or cancer.”

The day after that, Congressman Johnson urged “this tea party Congress” to keep “children’s birthday parties on schedule and give industries that rely on helium the lift that they deserve. Surely those harmed by sequestration and those harmed by the

Republican failure to appoint budget confer-ees appreciate the House spending two full legislative days on this most critical issue.

At first I thought the Majority Leader and Rep Johnson were just being hyperbolic. But then, in the middle of Sunday night, I woke up screaming “HOLY COW! That’s Hor-rible!” The scream had nothing to do with Harry Reid --I had a nightmare about going to the beach and seeing Helen Thomas wear-ing a bikini.

As I recovered from that awful picture which will never be totally erased from the outer corners of my cerebral cortex, my thoughts turned to what those two members of Congress said regarding the sequester. “What if they are correct?” I thought, “OMG! What if there are other sequester disasters the public doesn’t know about?”

I must have been talking out loud because just then my wife woke up and said to me, “ You are 55! That is way too old to say O-M-G! Especially at 3 AM! You sound like a 12-year-old gir-- now let me sleep!”

Leaving the bedroom to think, I resolved to find out what else the government was

hiding about this horrible sequester.As I usually do with perplexing questions

such as this, I called my Cousin Ben, the Spy (his mother wanted him to be a doctor but he is a germ-aphobe). Ben had just gotten back from consulting with the FBI in their investigation to find out the real reason Ann Curry was booted from the Today Show.

The Government was hiding information and Ben was the perfect man for the job. When he was in college he investigated why everyone in Metropolis fell for Superman’s Clark Kent disguise-- after all the only real difference was a pair of glasses. The reason was they had only one TV Network MSNBC, which affected their brain patterns so dra-matically they believe anything they are told.

After yelling at me for waking him up in the middle of the night, Ben accepted his as-signment (he had to---summer was coming up. I have a pool in my backyard and he lives two hours from the beach).

Ben changed out of the official Spy Mas-ter Underoos he received during a previous case and left for the District of Columbia.

On Monday morning I received this email from Ben:

To JeffFrom BenSubject: Holy moly! This Sequester Thing

is going to Be Real BadJeff you were right--I broke into Harry

Reid’s office and found a memo on his desk titled, “Secret Stuff The Sequester Will Cause: At the top of the list were the Airport delays. Number two a cure for AIDS or Par-kinson’s disease or cancer; below that was no helium for birthday balloons and then...well all I can say is O-M-G! [Note: I knew I got that expression from somewhere]. Look at this list:

1.Airport Delays2.Failure to find a cure for AIDS or Par-

kinson’s disease or cancer3.There will be no helium to blow up bal-

loons for little children’s birthday parties4.More TV Shows about the Kardashians5.The Movie Battleship6.Bar Rafali will have to French Kiss

more nerds on TV7.People will believe Donald Trump was a

legitimate political future8.The Mayan Apocalypse will be further

delayed

9.The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2

10.Jimmy Fallon will replace Jay Leno11.Apple Stock Will Tank12.Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil will be

arrested for perjury by the Tea Party radicals13.AMC will announce a new version of

Celebrity Bowling14.Global Warming will be proven a hoax15.Anthony Weiner will make a politi-

cal comeback and more pictures of his “pri-vates” will be released

16.Some Conservative Blogger in NY will have a horrible dream about Helen Thomas in a bikini

Well at the very least I finally know where that gross dream came from.

There it was in black and white, sixteen horrible things that have happened or are about to happen because the United States is being forced to slow its rate of spending increase. I don’t know if the country can survive all this. Let’s face it, we are a resilient people but I am not sure we are that resil-ient.

Then I noticed Ben had written more.O-M-G, Jeff there is fine print on the bot-

tom of the page: WARNING: It is very important that all

the above horrible side effects of Sequester are blamed on the ultra-right winged ex-tremist Republican Party (even though they aren’t real).

At first I thought, my wife is right…that O-M-G stuff is annoying.

Then I realized, this sequester disaster talk is a trick! It’s all a political ruse!

What the Federal Government is hiding is the fact that nothing bad is resulting from the sequester other than Harry Reid and his Democratic colleagues making up disasters to blame on the GOP. In the end, the worst things coming from the sequester are the hy-perboles coming from the Democrats who do not want federal spending slowed down.

Jeff Dunetz is the Editor/Publisher of the political blog “The Lid” (www.jeffdunetz.com). Jeff contributes to some of the largest politi-cal sites on the internet including American Thinker, Big Government, Big Journalism, NewsReal and Pajama’s Media, and has been a guest on national radio shows including G. Gordon Liddy, Tammy Bruce and Glenn Beck.

POLITICO TO GO

Jeff Dunetz

Opinion Editorial

Boston Marathon Massacre

EXCLUSIVE: O-M-G the Government is hiding sequester horrors

THE JEWISH STARIndependent and original reporting from the Orthodox communities of Long Island and New York City

All opinions expressed are solely those of The Jewish Star’s editorial staff or contributing writers

Editor Malka Eisenberg Account Executives Helene Parsons Contributors Rabbi Avi Billet Jeff Dunetz Juda Engelmayer Rabbi Binny Freedman Alan Jay Gerber Rabbi Noam Himelstein Judy Joszef Editorial Designer Kristen Edelman Photo Editor Christina Daly

2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: 516-622-7461, Fax: 516-569-4942 E-mail: [email protected]

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IN MY VIEW

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VOICE YOUR OPINION!

E-mail letters to letters@

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Page 5: May 3, 2013

I r David, the City of David, the name of the area beyond the southern edge of Je-rusalem’s Temple Mount, is fast becom-

ing one of the most visited historic sites in Jerusalem, thus warranting discussion this

week upon the annual observance of Yom Yerushalayim.

Ir David is the original hill top upon which was estab-lished the ancient unified capital of the Jewish nation by King David over 3000 years ago.

The physical fea-tures that have at-tracted the fascina-tion of people from all over the world are the underground ar-

cheological finds, tunnels and excavations that reveal, for all the world to see, physical evidence to the antiquity of the Jewish lega-cy and presence in Jerusalem. Among these excavations include such legendary sites as Warren’s Shaft, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, the Shi-loah Pool and many others that have yet to be opened to the public.

According to Dr. Ahron Horovitz, the di-rector of the City of David Institute for Jeru-salem Studies, {Megalim] and author of two books, “City of David: The Story of Ancient Jerusalem” and its sequel, “Discovering the City of David: A Journey to the Source,” “An-cient remains that no one even thought exist-

ed are constantly emerging from the ground revealing the secrets of ancient Jerusalem. The fascinating discoveries have earned the City of David international acclaim…”

“Despite Jerusalem’s importance, the City of David, home to the great kings and proph-ets of the Bible, vanished under layers of destruction and debris. For many years, the original core of ancient Jerusalem remained unknown and might well have been lost for eternity. Then, about 150 years ago, archeolo-gists chanced upon the lost city and began to uncover its re-mains for the first time. From that moment, the City of David has not ceased to astound us.”

According to the scientific editor of these two works, Dr. Eyal Meiron, “The face of the ancient city began to appear before our amazed eyes: homes more than 5000 years old, a wa-ter tunnel from the days of the Canaanites, a towering Jebusite stone struc-ture, powerful walls and fortifications from the time of the Second Temple times, a Byz-antine hoard of gold coins, a neighborhood from the Umayyad period and homes of the inhabitants, great and small. Skilled histori-ans and archeologists find it difficult to deal with the huge amount of finds – all the more so does the lay person who stands aghast at the pace of the discoveries.”

These two works are the first books to deal in a unique, comprehensive, historical scholarship literary method with this special

project. These works are also great works of art, laying out before the reader art work, maps, both ancient and modern, and pho-tography from all sources and datings that, when taken together, give you a most com-prehensive presentment of the full story of Ir David, as up to date as the latest archeologi-cal digs.

Yom Yerushalayim celebrates the unifica-tion of the City of Jerusalem in-cluding Ir David and the adjacent village of Silwan in 1967. Previous-ly illegally occupied by Jordan, this area was annexed to Israel and has, over these many years, been exca-vated with the results proving the ancient physical presence of the Jewish people to the entire Jerusa-lem region from time immemorial.

Unfortunately, due to misplaced leftist ideological predispositions having nothing to do with most normative streams of Judaism, cer-tain groups, led by Liberal Jewish

Youth – Netzer, have found the activities of the Ir David organizations to be objectionable going much against their views of Reform Zi-onist ideology. They have unfortunately ad-vocated a boycott of tourist activities of these areas.

These ideological sentiments should spur on expanding growth in visits by foreign tourists, pilgrims, and youth groups from near and far to learn from our history, to be inspired by it and, for many, to ultimately settle once again in areas that are, by both di-vine right and historical truth, ours to live in.

Given the isolation, diplomatically, by most of the world’s nations, it behooves usto further solidify our feelings for Jerusalem by both reading and learning more about Ir David, visiting these sites when there, and to urge others to read and do the same.

FOR FURTHER STUDYAccordingly, please consider the following

that are available on line:“Visiting the Temple Mount in Our Times”

based on a shiur by HaRav Aharon Lichten-stein, 15 pages;

“Hallel On Yom Yerushalayim” by Rabbi Gil Student;

“Why Does the Chumash Not Mention Je-rusalem by Name?” by Rabbi Yitzchok Levi;

“The Rebbe’s Hallel: The Halachic Basis for Hallel on Independence Day” by Rabbi David Bar- Hayim;

“Rise From The Dust: Eretz Yisrael in Hal-achah and Hashkafah” by the martyred Tzvi Glatt, hy”d, translated by Moshe Lichtman with haskomos from Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, Rav Avraham Shapiro, zt”l, and Harav Ovadiah Yosef, shlita.

Alan Jay Gerber

The Kosher Bookworm

Yom Yerushalayim--Ir David

Photo courtesy of City of David

The entrance gate to the Ir David-City of David-archeological excavations.

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Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) High School students have been engaged in a va-riety of exciting activities these last few weeks. The junior varsity College Bowl team, with a record of 9-1, participat-ed in the Yeshiva League College Bowl championship at the Heschel School, sponsored by the Jewish Education Project. The team, represented by Captains Josh Lederer, Max Lent, and Jaimee Schwartz, and players Justin Glickman, Joanna Greenberg, Josh Hirsch, and Judah Weinerman, was a final-ist and placed third overall among twenty yeshivas. Captain Jaimee Schwartz said, “I’m so proud of my team this year and all that we accomplished together.”

HAFTR High School also hosted a debate tournament at Congregation Beth Sholom, attended by many yeshivas. The event was coordi-nated by Mrs. Ros Nierman, HAFTR High School social studies teacher and faculty advisor for the debate team. HAFTR placed second at the meet. Debate team member Sarah Fuchs said, “The debat-ers did a wonderful job at the meet, and I’m proud to be a part of the team.” Last Monday, HAFTR also hosted a Long Is-land Blood Services blood drive. Many students who were eligible to give blood donated, and felt proud to be able to say they saved three lives. “I was nervous at

first,” said donor Yael Waxman, “but once it was done I felt such a sense of pride that I could make a difference.”

This past weekend, the HAFTR Players presented two per-formances of this year’s production, The Corpse Bride. Stu-dents in the drama department worked tirelessly throughout the year on this elaborate production. The newly renovated auditorium was filled with family and friends who enjoyed the performances. Congratulations to Mrs. Jennifer Winkler, director of the drama department, and to her crew of actors, stagehands, and student directors.

HAFTR Highlights

Students active in college bowl, debate and blood drive

This week, Manhattan High School for Girls was filled to the brim with special and exciting events! Amaz-ingly enough, MHS had its first-ever blood drive. From April 29th through May 1st, eleventh and twelfth grad-ers went to the Sloan-Kettering Me-morial Hospital nearby to donate blood. Two twelfth graders, Freda Bader and Rachel Gozland, initiated and organized this event, with the help of Mrs. Mil-ka Weisz, the school nurse and administrator. Many students signed up to take part in this great mitzvah. Although we expected them to come back all tired and worn-out, they had smiles on their faces, glad that they had taken advantage of a wonderful opportunity to give to others in such a vital and meaningful way. As Freda said, “Blood isn’t something you can make, but it’s something that’s neces-sary to keep people alive, especially people with cancer. When there’s a surgery, they can use a dozen or more bags of blood.” And she added with a smile, “It’s a mitzvah that really goes from heart to heart.”

As surprising as it sounds, MHS Seniors ’13 are almost graduating! In fact, they already got their grade sweatshirts, which indicates a mark of passage in MHS. In addition, on

Monday, the seniors had a luncheon for the school to raise money for their end-of-the-year trip to Lake George that is fast approaching. Girls made and served delicious soups, salads, pastas, and desserts. The luncheon definitely filled people’s stomachs

with yummy food, as it end-ed up being a great success.

In conjunction with the Advanced Computer Graph-ics class, the Holocaust Stud-ies class created a Holocaust Memorial Quilt in memory of the kedoshim (martyrs). This work of art was presented to the students and was put on display in the front lobby. Under the direction of Ms. Rachel Licht, the students

of Holocaust Studies researched and wrote on prominent Jewish figures, such as Rabbi Zusha Friedman, Reb-betzin Elisheva Chana Carlebach, and Gisi Fleischman, as well as famous institutions, like the Telshe Yeshiva. Under the guidance of Mrs. Rachel Friedman, the ACG class designed artworks, each of which portrayed a different character or place. These pieces of art were then combined into a quilt, as a tribute to those who were murdered during the Holocaust, hav-ing sanctified Hashem’s Name.

On Tuesday, the tenth grade had a mother-daughter brunch, and the next day, the seniors followed-up

with their own brunch, both of which included student choirs and speeches given by the grade mechanchot (edu-cators).

In addition to these events, the Tzedakah Committee organized a Chinese Auction, collecting funds for Lev L’Achim, which is an organization that teaches Torah and brings a Jew-ish flavor to the lives of not yet reli-gious children. The items that were auctioned-off included prizes and teachers’ privileges, the top two priz-es being an iPad and an iPod mini.

Lastly, subsequent to the twelfth graders’ completion of their fam-ily history projects, a glass showcase was put up to display some of their heirlooms along with descriptive cap-tions. Among these antiques were a tarnished, silver menorah with a sil-ver dreidel and a 113-year-old gravy boat. In Ms. Chani Gotlieb’s Jew-ish History course, the students of the twelfth grade had to amass data about their family trees, histories, as well as anecdotes, and then compile it into a scrapbook. In addition to this assignment, they were encouraged to bring in family heirlooms to be put on display to bring their family proj-ects to life. The twelfth graders also had to prepare a story or some facts that they thought were the highlight of their projects, as well as what they learned from working on this assign-ment.

Manhattan musings

Blood drive, Holocaust quilt, charity

Over the weekend of April 19th-20th, Midreshet ShalhevetHigh School for girls gathered in Cedarhurst for their annualFive Towns Shabbaton, giving students ninth through twelfth grade a chance to spend Shabbat together as a school. The weekend began on Friday night at Ram-bam Mesivta, where all the students gath-ered to daven in the school’s shul. “One of my favorite moments about the entire Shabbaton was davening together,” said Michal Elkouby, 9th grader. After daven-ing, principal Mrs. Eisenman told Divrei Torah to the school and welcomed every-one to the exciting event. We then pro-ceeded to Rambam’s cafeteria and began our meal. We sang zmirot and heard from Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone, Regional Direc-tor of New York NCSY. Students really ap-preciated hearing him speak and it was a sentimental end to a meaningful night. On Shabbat day, stu-dents were welcomed to their different teachers’ homes to eat and talk. Students met up at different homes and it was a reallyentertaining day. “Seeing everyone really enhanced my Shab-baton experience because I spoke with people who I didn’t usu-ally speak to in school and I got to know them on a deeper level,” explained Janet Normatov, 9th grader. At the end of the day, each grade went to a different teacher’s house for Seudah Shlishit. “The food was really good and the whole grade just enjoyed being together,” stated Devora Chait, 10th grade. AfterShabbat, students all gathered at Rambam Mestiva for a fun night of activities. There was a kumzits, pizza, and a bonfire. Teachers and students sang together and made smores and had a wonderful evening. Shabbaton 2013 was a truly memorable event and I am already looking forward to the next one!

Photo courtesy HAFTR

(Left-Right) Jack Winkler, Daniel Marron, Ezra Lent, Rusell Charnoff, Max Lent, Josh Lederer, Tani Gold-stein, Josh Hirsch, Mrs. Wolf, Julia Schwartz, Jaimee Schwartz, Joanna Greenberg. College Bowl team.

Lauren Pianko

Este Stollman

Spotlight on Shalhevet

School-wideShabbaton in 5Ts

Tama Yastrab

Page 7: May 3, 2013

The screening of “Names, Not Numbers© “ at Yeshiva University High School (YUHS)for Girls in Queens, took place two days after Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). Over 250 people attended Central’s 12th grade Holocaust Memorial film documentary project--”Names, Not Numbers,” (NNN). 32 seniors interviewed and filmed 8 survivors: Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld, a participant in the Kindertransport; Professor Carla Beeber, a member of the famed Finzi-Contini family; Mrs. Fay Brandwein who fled the Brody ghet-to; Rabbi Chaim Schwartzblatt, a partisan; Mrs. Alice Bodner and Mrs. Chaya Rubin, survivors of Auschwitz; Mrs. Margot Zarny, who was hidden in a Convent and Mrs. Lyuba Abramovitch, a partisan.

NNN is a copyrighted oral history film project and curriculum created by YUHS’s Tova Fish-Rosenberg. It transforms tradition-al history lessons into a lively, interactive,

nontraditional program that involves indi-viduals who have actually lived through the history being taught. Students acquire doc-umentary filmmaking skills, interview and film eyewitnesses, and create a Holocaust documentary that will become a permanent part of the National Library of Israel, Yad Vashem and YU’s Gottesman Library.

NNN has been produced 40 times over the last decade throughout the U.S. and Canada, with more than 1500 Middle School and High School Yeshiva students interview-ing over 300 Holocaust survivors. Besides YUHSG, other schools who participated in NNN include YUHS for Boys in Manhattan, Moriah Day School in Englewood, Yeshiva Central Queens and Yeshiva Har Torah in Queens, SAR in Riverdale, HAFTR, Hillel Torah in Chicago, Emery Weiner School in Houston, Margolin Yeshiva in Memphis and Netivot Ha’Torah in Toronto.

Yeshiva University High School (Central)

Names not numbers

This past week, 94 tenth grade students from SKA went to Washington D.C. to lobby congressmen, senators and their aides to promote transparency within the United States funded organization, UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency).

UNRWA is an organization sponsored by the United Nations that aims to help Palestinian refu-gees acclimate into society and gives them social welfare and health benefits. According to the UNRWA website, about half the money UNRWA receives goes to education. However, according to many published accusations against UNRWA, the educational system is biased. Criticisms include that UNRWA fosters anti-Semitism, and teaches hatred of the U.S. and Israel. Ad-ditionally, it was reported in 2008 that Hamas stored weapons in tunnels under UNRWA schools. The U.S. has been the largest donor to UNRWA since 2011. The SKA tenth grad-

ers were lobbying that there should be trans-parency within UNRWA, to ensure that U.S.tax money is not used in espousing terrorism

in young Palestinians. A similar billwas introduced in 2009 by Congress-men Mark Kirk and Steve Rothman.Although the bill died in committee,it is still being discussed.

As part of the trip, the studentsenjoyed ice skating, indoor swim-ming, touring Washington D.C. byfoot and a bagel picnic in the warmspring air. Most important was theopportunity to influence the futureof the State of Israel through lobby-ing U.S. political leaders. Many of

the congressmen, senators and aides withwhom they met said they would try to lookinto the matter and others said they alreadywere strong supporters of the State of Israel.The trip was quite a rewarding and fun ex-perience; hopefully the trip made an impactand there will be improvements to this im-portant issue in the near future

SKA scope

SKA lobbies in D.C.

Photo courtesy of Danielle Snyder

Auschwitz survivor Alice Bodner (to right of placard) was interviewed by YUHS Seniors (L-R) Chana Setareh-Shenas of Roslyn, Limor Brody of Great Neck, Elizabeth Snyder of Cedarhurst, and Ilana Spirgel of Great Neck (2nd from right on placard) for “Names, Not Numbers” project. Mrs. Tova Fish-Rosenberg, Project Creator is at right.

Yiela Saperstein

Mrs. Sheila Leibtag, SKA faculty mem-ber, with one of SKA’s lob-bying groups and aide to Senator Ber-nie Sanders of Vermont.

Photo courtesy of SKA

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Page 9: May 3, 2013

By Richard Brodsky

I recently met Richard and Jodi Brodsky after hearing how Jodi narrowly escaped injury after completing the Boston Mara-thon just minutes ahead of the bomb that scattered the crowd of spectators and shattered the patriotic feeling Bostonians claim as part of their own special day. Says Richard, “Never again will the people of Boston be able to claim this day as their own; we are all Americans and an attack on a city especially Boston, which was at the forefront of the birth of America--I feel like we are all Bostonians.” Here is Richard’s story in his own words.

Jodi and I are both marathon runners and how we met 34 years ago has a lot to do with my Jewish upbringing. I graduated Pratt Institute in 1975 with a degree in Architec-ture. My outlook for employment was grim at best. The trade referred to me as a RAG, recent architectural graduate. Real-izing that relocating was my only option for finding a job, I moved to Tehran, Iran, and after a few months I found a job. I joke about my work assignment which was to help design the 1984 Olympic village which the Shah of Iran was vying for Tehran to be chosen to host the Olympics.

Fifteen months later, I returned home to North Woodmere and shortly after relocated to Houston. I recall my parents saying, ‘When you visit the synagogue, be sure you introduce yourself to the rabbi.’ The idea had been placed in my brain and when I did visit the Synagogue, I introduced myself. The Rabbi asked me if I would like to meet a nice Jewish girl. ‘Sure,’ I replied. He gave me Jodi’s name and three months later we were engaged; a year later we were married and liv-ing in Manhattan.

Over the years, whenever Jodi and I traveled, we always sought out the Jewish community to learn about their life in past times. Venice and Florence both have rich histories and if you’ve read the book the Warburgs, you can understand how modern-day anti-Semitism is rooted back to the 1500s and Italy.

Back to the present, I’m HIV+ since 1997 and a brain can-cer survivor since 2002. Harvard and NYC medical doctors have stated that my brain cancer had nothing to do with my

being HIV+. I’m 60 years young and six of my last seven marathons have been my fastest since my cancer diagnosis. For Jodi and me, it is never a question as to whether the glass is half full or half empty; it’s overflowing. After com-pleting the 2003 NYC Marathon, I established the Richard M. Brodsky Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) public charity in 2004. My goal is to help people living with HIV and cancer, especially children.

My Foundation has been sending me to Africa since 2004. Back then, I tried to locate a rabbi in Kenya and I was di-rected to a woman, Wanjiku, who I mistakenly thought was Jewish and she directed me to Rabbi Gershom Sizomu who as it turns out is from Uganda. Rabbi Sizomu is now the first black orthodox Rabbi from sub-Saharan Africa. Wanjiku also connected me with Dr. David Silverstein, a brilliant Ameri-can cardiologist who graduated a few years early from med school, and wanted to travel the world before settling down. An opportunity presented itself to Dr, David Silverstein while visiting Kenya and he has remained in Nairobi, Kenya for the past 50 years. Dr. Silverstein is Honorary Life Rosh Kehilla and current vice-chairman of the Nairobi Hebrew Congrega-tion, and personal physician to Arap Daniel Moi, the former President of Kenya. The two gentlemen have traveled togeth-er to Israel and there are close ties between these countries.

Both Rabbi Sizomu and Dr. David Silverstein have written me encouraging letters over the years: Rabbi Sizomu wrote, “I’m very inspired by the way you have chosen to spend your time on Earth. What you are doing are undoubtedly deeds of righteousness, loving kindness and holiness.” Dr. Silverstein wrote, “Mr. Richard Brodsky, who is HIV-positive, has been very helpful in coming forward and sharing his story with other HIV positive patients helping to remove some of the stigma of this disease in Kenya and the rest of the world.”

The Nairobi Hebrew Congregation, pictured below, was renovated 15 years ago and the interior photos barely give justice to the array of colorful biblical stories as depicted in the stained glass windows. Every year, Jodi and I visit the Synagogue, I recall back in 2010, I was the 10th and final

Five Towns marathoner runs for his life

Continued on page 14

Photo courtesy of Richard Brodsky

80 orphans were examined by Dr. Richard Sartori, a pediatrician from Garden City Pediatrics, on Novem-ber 28 and 29

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Page 10: May 3, 2013

By Anthony Rifilato

Six months after Hurricane Sandy destroyed large sections of the iconic Long Beach boardwalk, roughly 1,000 people gathered at Riverside Boulevard beach last Saturday to watch city officials break ground on a new structure, in what many described as a symbol of the city’s comeback after the storm.

The ceremony officially kicked off the reconstruction of the 2.2-mile boardwalk, and some sections in the center of the city are scheduled to be completed by July.

Officials said that the contract the city signed on April 16 with Grace Industries, the company that submitted the lowest responsible bid for the project, requires Grace to fin-ish parts of the structure, between Laurelton Boulevard and Long Beach Road, in 100 days, and to complete the entire project in 210 days.

“It couldn’t have happened on a better day,” resident Doug O’Grady said of the ceremony, for which the weather was clear and sunny. O’Grady, a trustee of the New York City Car-penters Local Union 45 who is known for his post-Sandy vol-unteer work in Long Beach, said that the project marks an im-portant milestone for the city. “They have the right company behind it,” he said, “and I think everything will go smoothly.”

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, former Sen. Alfonse D’Amato, State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg and members of the City Council spoke at the ceremony. Even musician and Long Beach resident Joan Jett showed up to show her sup-port. Council President Scott Mandel said that the turnout illustrated the city’s post-Sandy solidarity. In January, nearly 3,000 people turned out to say goodbye to the old boardwalk before it was torn down.

“Our city, unlike any other city, stands together,” Mandel

said. “We came together months ago to mourn the loss of our boardwalk. Today we come together to celebrate the rebirth of it. … The true test of a community is not just celebrating in the good times, it’s also consoling and standing shoulder to shoulder in the bad times … We shouldered the bad times. Now we’re going to celebrate our good times. Our beach will be open Memorial Day weekend. We will have our concerts three days a week. We will have our fireworks extravaganza, our arts and crafts festivals, our film festivals, our camps and recreation programs and, to boot, food trucks.”

Schumer, who biked to the ceremony from Brooklyn, called the boardwalk not only a symbol of Long Beach, but of New York. “It’s going to come back bigger, better and stron-ger than ever,” he said.

Many residents said they were looking forward to walk-ing, jogging, bicycling and other activities when the $44.2 million project is completed. “The word community is really at the core of this ceremony, and it’s going to pump the life-blood back into Long Beach,” said resident Larry Moriarty, president of the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. “There’s still devastation, so there’s going to be a lot more healing that needs to be done, but marking the time six months later is important, because we need to be able to look back at where we were to where we are now, to see that we’re doing marginally better. Some [people] aren’t back. It’s not all going to happen in a linear fashion … some business own-ers will come back, some homeowners will come back … it’s just going to take time.”

The ceremony concluded when officials placed a large city flag on a ceremonial first beam that was installed on an exposed concrete stanchion, which drew cheers from the crowd.

“You’re going to see sections of the boardwalk open throughout the summer,” City Manager Jack Schnirman said after the ceremony. “As we go throughout the summer, we’re going to see a boardwalk springing up before our eyes. It will make it a summer that everybody remembers. Everybody will remember the summer that the boardwalk was built. Every-body will remember where they were and how they watched

the construction. Everybody will get a chance to see the LongBeach flag travel throughout the boardwalk as each section is built.”

Long Beach breaks ground on new boardwalkRoughly 1,000 turn out for Riverside ceremony marking beginning of construction

Christina Daly/Herald

At the ceremony, Lara Schenck, Noah Robinson, Julianne Robinson and Allison Cohen expressed joy after officials announced that sections of the new boardwalk are expected to be completed in July.

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May 4Young Israel of Hewlett

Congregation Ahavat YisraelGuest speaker: Charlie Harary on “Tap-

ping Into Your Inner Greatness”After Musaf at 11 AM.

May 5The Circle of Life:

considering the ethical and halakhic pa-rameters of caring for aging parents. Panel discussion with questions and answers. Light refreshments. Sunday, May 5th, 10 AM to noon. Young Israel of Woodmere, 859 Pen-insula Boulevard, Woodmere.

Panelists: Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, Rabbi Dr. Richard Weiss.

For more information contact: [email protected].

Yeshiva University: Special Arbesfeld Kollel & Midreshet Yom

Rishon program this Sunday with Rabbi Dr. Jacob J Schacter and Rabbi Dr. Meir Y. So-loveichik

9:30 a.m. – Shiur #1 Standing on the Shoulders of Giants:Traditional Judaism in Eighteenth and

Nineteenth Century AmericaRabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter University Professor, Jewish Thought & History and Senior Scholar, Center for the Jewish Fu-

ture10:30 a.m. – Shiur #2 From the Talmud to Thomas Paine:The Rabbinic Impact on American Inde-

pendence Rabbi Dr. Meir Y. Soloveichik Director of the Zahava and Moshael Straus

Center for Torah and Western Thought, Ye-shiva University Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus, Furst Hall, Room 501 500 West 185th Street (on the corner of Amsterdam Ave)

Open to Men and Women • Complimen-tary Parking and Refreshments Available

No Registration Required • Parking at W. 183rd St. and Amsterdam Ave

For more informantion call: 212 960-5400 x6350 Or email: [email protected] or [email protected]

91st Annual Dinner of Agudath Israel of America

on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the Hilton New York.

For more information contact the dinner office at: 212 797-8177.

Kevin O’ Keefe’s One-Man Circus in-a- Suitcase at Kulanu

Five Towns Community Chest and friends brings the Circus to The Five Towns!

Take a break from your usual routine and come out and see Kevin O’ Keefe’s One-Man Circus in-a- Suitcase, an enthralling whim-sical celebration of the imagination sure to please the entire family.

Can you imagine an entire circus appear-ing out of a small suitcase? Kevin’s marvel-ous story about a man who wants to run away to the circus and ability to include the audience in his show makes this one unique and outstanding performance!

One critic says, “I can’t recall when I last

saw so many beaming faces lighting up!” Kevin’s “Circus Minimums” has appeared

on NBC, ABC, Fox and hundreds of stages around the world. This production is brought to you by several service agencies of your community: The Peninsula Counseling Cen-ter Children’s Services, Let all the Children Play, and The Five Towns Community Chest. On Sunday Kulanu and The Jewish Com-munity Center of the Greater Five Towns are also joining in on the fun.

Our children will enjoy the laughter thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, The Altheim Family, The Dime Bank, Gourmet Glatt, The Kellner Family, The Scharf Family, The Zisman Family, Warren Levi Karate, Roll-ing River Day Camp, The Nassau Herald and The Jewish Star.

Show times are: Sunday, May 5th at 11am and 1pm at Ku-

lanu Advanced tickets: $5 per child/ $10 per adult Tickets at the Door: $10 per child/ $15 per adult. For reservations and to purchase tickets please call 516-374-5800

All proceeds will benefit the participating service organizations serving our community.

May 6

South Nassau Hospital Offers Parent-Child Edu-cation

Classes and Support GroupsThe following classes will be held in May

2013:Monday, May 6Preparation for Breastfeeding, 7-9pm

May 829th Annual Nash Keste-nbaum Bikur Cholim din-ner

White Shul—Kneset Israel, 7 PM$36 per person

NORPAC Annual Mission to Washington

On Wednesday May 8th, dozens of buses, nearly 1000 people, converge on D.C. to have

small-group meetings with Senators, House members and their staff.

This year with the looming Iranian nucle-ar threat and need for Congressional supportfor Israel, the Mission will have a greater im-pact than ever. Sign up at NORPAC.net or call201-788-5133.

May 12Young Israel of Woodmere 53rd Anniversary Dinner

The Sands in Atlantic BeachBuffet Dinner at 6:30 PMProgram followed by dessert at 8:15 PMFor more information and reservations

call: 516 295-0950 x2

May 21Midreshet Shalhevet High School for Girls 4th An-nual Scholarship Dinner

Tuesday, May 21st, 12th of SivanTemple Hillel, 1000 Rosedale Road, North

WoodmereReception 7 PM, Dinner 7:30 PMFor more information call: 516 234-3233

or email: [email protected]

May 22Friends of the IDF Long Island Chapter

2nd Annual Five Towns and Greater South Shore Community Event

May 22, 2013The Sephardic Temple – 775 Branch Bou-

levard – Cedarhurst, NY7:00pm – Buffet Dinner8:15pm – ProgramBusiness Casual AttireTickets and Sponsorship opportunities

available at www.fidf.org/FTGSSYeshiva University High Schools (YUHS)

will present their Annual Dinner of Tributeon Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Terrace on the Park, 52-11 111th Street, Flushing Mead-ows Park, NY. This year’s honorees include Guests of Honor Louis and Naomi Tuchman, of Hillcrest, NY, and faculty honorees, LyndaSmith and Dr. Seth Taylor.

May 23The Yeshiva High School Basketball Alumni orga-nization

will hold its 2nd annual dinner at Con-gregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, New Jersey. We are honoring the memory of Mitch Merlis. Mitch attended BrooklynTalmudic Academy, Yeshiva University High School for Boys, BTA Yugars Class of 1974.

Hall Of Fame inductees will be: Irv Bader BTA, Dr. Herb Schlussel MTA, Stuart Po-loner MTA, Rabbi Avi Haar HILI, Dr. Allen Sapadin HILI, Abe Dweck Sephardic, DovWeiner Rambam, and Benjy Ritholtz HANC, For More information please contact Elliot Auerbacher at EAuerbacher@gmail,com or 201-615-0222.

Photo by xxxx

About 50 demonstrators gathered in front of The Great Neck Record’s offices on Cutter Mill Road in Great Neck, on Sunday morning, April 28, 2013, to protest what they claimed was the paper’s decades of slanted coverage and left wing pro-paganda. The Record is a weekly that covers events in Great Neck. The catalyst for the rally was what organizer Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, a Great Neck resident and Manhattan business executive, as well as the president of the Israel In-dependence Fund, called “the disgraceful false reporting” of the Anton Newspaper chain’s GN Record, and its editor, Wendy Kreitzman, of activist and blogger Pamela Geller’s appearance at the Great Neck Chabad on April 14. Wiesenfeld organized the protest with Dr. Paul Brody. “It is one thing for a news-paper to have an editorial point of view that I find abhorrent,” said Weisenfeld, “ bad enough, but perfectly American. It is not permissible to ignore reality and publish a false accounting of a widely-attended event the way the GN Record did – while photos in other publications prove the exact opposite of your statements…speak-ing of “sparse attendance” and the like.”

ON THE

CalendarSubmit your shul or organization’s events or shiurim to [email protected].

Deadline is Wednesday of the week prior to publication.

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The Torah gives three examples of “Your brother becoming impoverished.” (V’khi yamukh achikha). The first has

to do with selling family property, and how it returns to the original owners at the Jubilee year.

The second and third examples deal with a case where he cannot sustain himself and is relying on community assistance (25:35-38), or even needs to be sold into slavery to sup-port himself (25:39-42), respectively.

At the end of each of the latter little seg-ments, a similar state-ment is made:

“I am G-d your L-rd who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, [and] to be a G-d for you,” (25:38) and “This is because I brought [the Israelites] out of Egypt, and they are My slaves. They shall not be sold [in the market] as slaves.” (25:42)

The idea of being slaves to G-d instead of slaves to men, or of

G-d’s intent to “be a G-d for you” would like-ly make for a great psychoanalytical study, were we not speaking of G-d.

But the truth is, it doesn’t end there. The next section begins with a reference to the “brother becoming impoverished” (though with a different language) (25:47), and it concludes with instructions for when the Ju-bilee comes, and all slaves are freed, as G-d says, “[All this] is because the Israelites are [actually] My slaves. They are My slaves be-cause I brought them out of Egypt. I am G-d your L-rd.” (25:55)

This last summary sentence actually brings together the notions set forth by the earlier verses – Israelites are slaves to their G-d, Who is their G-d because He took them out of Egypt. The focus on Egypt is so sig-nificant, not only because it reminds us of the other times in the year when we mention Egypt (every evening Kiddush, during the Shema, and otherwise on a regular basis), as we remind ourselves of what exact moment turned a group of slaves who happened to share a common ancestor, into a nation shar-ing a destiny forever.

Most significantly, the Exodus from Egypt is mentioned in the first sentence of the Dec-alogue as well – an obvious connection on account of the next two verses in the Torah here, which happen to be the last two verses

of the parsha, whose parallel to the Deca-logue is unavoidable: “[Therefore,] do not make yourselves false gods. Do not raise up a stone idol or a sacred pillar for yourselves. Do not place a kneeling stone in your land so that you can prostrate yourselves on it. I am G-d your L-rd. Keep My Sabbaths and revere My sanctuary, I am G-d.” (26:1-2)

We can argue that it is hard to come to grips with the seeming obsession over our being G-d’s servants or slaves.

But when we look at the setup of all the different examples of the brother becoming impoverished, how we are meant to respond, and how not to lose focus of who we really are and how we should really respond, it gives us a brand new look at what the Aseret HaDibrot (Decalogue) is meant to represent for us.

Many are familiar with the notion that the first five of the statements in the Decalogue refer to one’s relationship with one’s Creator, while the last five statements refer to rela-tionships between men and fellow Man.

But in the Aseret HaDibrot, all the com-mandments between fellow Man are written in the negative. Don’t murder, don’t steal, don’t commit adultery, don’t swear falsely, don’t covet. There are no instructions for how to positively relate to fellow Man.

So perhaps here, in Parshat Behar, we have the underlying unified message: Caring for another person means picking the other person up when he is down. It also means respecting the humanity of the “other,” never blurring the lines between slaves of G-d and slaves of men, and helping a brother in his hour of need.

Remembering Egypt and of our being “slaves” to G-d both serve as grounding prin-ciples for how we live out our Jewish lives with the proper foci.

We must know who we are and what val-ues we espouse. We must continue to model what it means to look out for one another, to help others in their hour of need, and to look at positive ways to be of assistance – not just negative things to avoid, in staying out of people’s way.

And above all, remember Egypt. Remem-ber what binds us to one another. Remember what binds us to our G-d, to our Torah and to our Land. Remember that being a slave to G-d is very different from being slaves to men. Particularly nowadays, in a free society, when people choose whether to be slaves to G-d, we appreciate our commitment and dedication to a “mitzvah-focused” life which grounds us and keeps us connected to our G-d who took us out of Egypt.

Parshat Behar-Bechukotai

G-d, Egypt, and care for our fellow man

Rabbi Avi Billet

Stay up to date with The Jewish Star. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Send us an e-mail with "sign me up" in the subject line to [email protected]

Hebrew only please!

In the Knesset cellar, on the night between the 5th and 6th of June, 1967; as the paratroopers were about to begin the bloody battle for Ammunition Hill, the Israeli government met to decide: should we enter the Old City or not? There was much to lose: world opinion might turn against the Jews if damage was caused to the holy sites.... And time was running out....

June 1967 - The decision to capture the Old City

Rabbi Noam Himelstein studied in Yeshivat Har Etzion and served in the Tanks Corps of the IDF. He has taught in yeshiva high schools, post-high school women’s seminaries, and headed the Torah MiTzion Kollel in Melbourne, Australia. He currently teaches at Yeshivat Orayta in Jerusa-lem, and lives with his wife and six children in Neve Daniel, Gush Etzion.

By Rabbi Noam Himelstein

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Jewish male to enter the synagogue and then the Torah was permitted to be taken out of the ark and read. Knowing that it was me who allowed the Torah to be read brings me great solace to this day. There is more information about the his-tory of the Synagogue by visiting the Synagogue’s website, http://nairobisynagogue.org/. After visiting the Synagogue, we fly to Kisumu, Kenya, where my Foundation co-sponsors the World AIDS Marathon with the Kisumu World AIDS Mar-athon Group. In conjunction with the World AIDS Marathon, 50+ males are circumcised every year for the purpose of re-ducing the spread of AIDS. Since 2006, my Foundation has sponsored orphan dinner dances for 4,350 Kenyan orphans and since 2011, we have recruited Dr. Richard Sartori, a part-ner at Garden City Pediatrics, to travel with us and examine the orphans.

In many ways, Hashem does not seem ready to claim me. While watching Jodi nearing the Boston Marathon finish, I was undecided about whether to watch her cross the finish line and take a photo, but when I realized I left my camera in the car, I opted to meet her at the family reunion area, at least a quarter mile from the finish line. For those of you who did not see the Boston Marathon video shown of the 78 year old marathoner falling to the ground, this occurred 15’ from the finish line; not a good place for me to be watching Jodi. Similarly, when I was first diagnosed HIV+ there must have been dozens of AIDS medicine I could have taken. As it turns out, Viracept was the one my doctor prescribed. It was my wife Jodi who found the doctor. In 2006, my doctor wanted to take me off Viracept as there were more medicines that could have been taken as a single daily dose. I’m glad I stood my ground and refused to be taken off Viracept The following year, http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2007/nci-01.htm, the National Institute of Health, reported that the AIDS medicine can help cancer survivors and that Viracept was the #1 medi-cine for prolonging the lives of people living with cancer.

Some of the recent projects I have and will be involved with include the efforts of many Shomer Shabbat and other Jewish volunteers living in the Five Towns. Retrofestival.org, a group headed up by Allan (Avi) Spielman of Woodmere, organized eight bands to play music similar to the Woodstock music of the late 60s at a benefit concert for my Foundation

on April 20. Retrofestival.org assists many charities by as-sembling local musicians to perform at various clubs such as Woodmere Lanes / Backstage Nite Club. But don’t expect Allan to arrive before Shabbos ends. Similarly, there was a bass player Myron Baer, a YCQ parent and long time resident Drummer Joey Fichoff. Other Retrofest events have featured locals Elliot Schiff, Rabbi Richie Borah, Adam Schwartz, Dan Friedman and Adam Kaufman. Says Allan Spielman, “It is a Kiddish Hashem to see the participants of the frum commu-nity working with other Jews and non-Jews on such impor-tant causes.”

The Richard M. Brodsky Foundation’s next Event will be the 6th annual, June 9, 2013, 5K AIDS Cancer Run Walk in

North Woodmere Park. Local Five Towns resident Asher J.Matathias, President of the Five Towns B’nai B’rith and board member of the Richard M. Brodsky Foundation, will onceagain be giving the invocation at the Event. I can’t believe I will be running in my hometown and passing my old house as the Event is being relocated to North Woodmere from Seaford. The Event will feature entertainment by kids4kid-snyc.org, a very talented group of children performers andcomedian Lawrence Shaw, a Lawrence High School gradu-ate, class of ’70. Everyone who registers by May 24 will have their name on the back of their t-shirt. To register or to make a donation for the upcoming 5K Event, visit the website, www.5kaidscancer.com.

Five Towns marathoner runs for his life Continued from page 9

Photo courtesy of Richard Brodsky

Start of the 2012 World AIDS Marathon, Richard and Jodi Brodsky at center.

By Rabbi David Etengoff

One of the thornier, daily halachic problems is that of which bracha (blessing) to recite on a particular food. Not too surprisingly, a vast literature has been created by our poskim (halachic decisors) that contains a plethora of opinions and approaches regarding every questionable item. Bread, wine, cake, fruit, vegetables, and water – by way of illustration - all have their specific blessing to be recited before one is allowed to enjoy Hashem’s bounty. Talmud Bavli, Berachot 35a teaches us this idea in the following formulation:

Our Rabbis have taught: It is forbidden to a man to enjoy anything of this world without a benediction, and if anyone enjoys anything of this world without a bene-diction, he commits sacrilege. What is his remedy? He should consult a wise man. What will the wise man do for him? He has already committed the offence! — Said Raba: “What it means is that he should consult a wise man beforehand, so that he should teach him blessings and he should not commit sacrilege.” Rab Judah said in the name of Samuel: “To enjoy anything of this world without a benediction is like making personal use of things conse-crated to heaven (hekdash), since it says: “The earth is the L-rd’s and the fullness thereof.” (Translation, Soncino Talmud, brackets my own)

It is now quite clear that we are mandated to recite a benediction prior to eating any food, and that we need to do this in a knowledgeable and thoughtful manner. Near-ly everyone, however, encounters the following question:

“Which blessing should be recited over a food composed of clearly differentiated ingredients?” For example, what bracha does apple pie or an ice-cream cone require? In these examples, we have foods composed of two differ-ent items competing for one mandated blessing. There-fore, it is frequently unclear exactly what one ought to do. By definition, one of the foods is of secondary import (tafel) to the primary one (ikar). The question, of course, is which is which? In time honored Jewish tradition, the answer to our query is a resounding: “It depends.” The determinant in this case, according to many poskim, is subjective in nature. Whatever is of singular importance to me, whichever food is more pleasing and desirous in my eyes, will become the ikar and the other food the tafel. In such an instance, only the main food receives the bracha, while the other does not. Clearly, ikar and tafel are both essential concepts in, and constitutive elements of, this area of Halacha.

In a manner of speaking, Parashat Bechuchotai is also focused upon the concepts of ikar and tafel. The very first pasuk states: “If you follow My statutes and observe My commandments and perform them.” (Sefer Vayikra 26:3, this and all Bible and Rashi translations, The Judaica Press Complete Tanach) Rashi (1040-1105) explains this verse based upon the halachic Midrash known as the Si-fra:

If you follow My statutes: I might think that this re-fers to the fulfillment of the commandments. However, when Scripture says, “and observe My commandments,” the fulfillment of the commandments is [already] stated.

So what is the meaning of “If you follow My statutes?” It means that you must toil in the study of Torah [Torath Kohanim 26:2].

The key here is to “toil in the study of Torah.” This, then, is the meaning inherent in the expression, “If you follow My statutes.” The Midrash and Rashi are teaching us a crucial point regarding Jewish life and living: Torah must ever be our ikar, our essence – and the center of our lives. The one and only way in which Torah can achieve this status is if we are committed with our complete hearts and souls to its study. In a word, we must encoun-ter the Torah, and lovingly develop a heartfelt relation-ship with it. This requires strenuous hours of assiduous learning and study, i.e., toil. If we will devote ourselves in this manner, the Torah will become our ikar, our es-sence, and everything else in the world will be tafel to its sublime power and beauty.

With Hashem’s help, may we continue to grow in our love of, and devotion to, our holy Torah. Moreover, may it become, and always be, our ikar - the true essence of our being. V’chane yihi ratzon.

Shabbat Shalom

Parshiot Behar-Bechukotai

Focusing Upon Our Essence

VOICE YOUR OPINION! E-mail letters to

[email protected]

Page 15: May 3, 2013

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For The Jewish StarThe Jewish Star is seeking a dy- namic individual to lead our adver- tising sales efforts, manage the business affairs of the paper, and supervise the editorial staff. The Star reaches more than 10,000 Orthodox Jewish households in the Five Towns, Brooklyn and throughout Long Island. Prior sales and/or sales management experience in the media or other B to B environment is required. As publisher, you will have bottom- line responsibility for the paper. In addition to managing the sales staff, you will be responsible for handling major accounts, develop- ing marketing and promotional materials and being the public face of the Star in the community. In addition, the editor of the Star reports directly to the publisher. You should be familiar with the Orthodox communities of the Five Towns and Brooklyn and have an understanding of Torah Judaism, its traditions and culture. A car is required. The Star is owned by Richner Communications the larg- est publisher of community news- papers and shopping guides in Nassau County. Our state-of-the- art offices in Garden City offer a friendly informal environment. We offer a competitive compensation plan including salary, strong in- centives, excellent health plan and 401(k). Please send resume with cover letter and salary require- ments to careers@thejewish- star.com.

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Richner Communications, Long Island's largest publisher of community news, is looking for an innovative, strategic and business-minded individual to lead our ef-forts as we transition from traditional newspaper publishing to interactive electronic media. (Visit our main website at www.LIHerald.com.)

We need someone with an entrepreneurial mindset to help us develop a viable business model that allows us to monetize our web presence while attracting and delighting readers and advertisers with compelling content and features, coordinate our social media presence and formulate and execute our mobile strategy. You will be building our digital department from the ground up.

Qualified candidates should have the following experience/skills:

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in online/interactive/digital media

• 2+ years of management and sales experience

• Knowledge of social media, mobile and email marketing

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment

• Outstanding presentation and negotiation skills

• AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, an entrepreneurial, innovative mind set - a true self-starter, who can take new online opportunities from concept to completion with an eye on the bottom line.

Richner Communications is a family-owned publisher of 28 weekly community newspapers, shopping guides and affiliated websites. We offer a friendly, informal environment in our state-of-the-art offices in Garden City, salary, paid time off, excellent health plan and 401(k).

Qualified Candidates should email a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to [email protected].

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Five Towns Community Chest& Friends Proudly Present:

“Circus in a Suitcase”An Enthralling Whimsical Celebration of the ImaginationPlease join us as we celebrate our community with our children’s laughter.

SundayMay 5th11:00am & 1:00pm

KulanuCentral Avenue &

McGlynn PlaceCedarhurst, NY 11516

Sales: [email protected]

Credit Cards AcceptedChecks Payable to:

“Five Towns Community Chest”1004 Central Avenue

Woodmere, NY 11598

Reserve Your Seats Today and Save! Seating Is LimitedAdvance Tickets: $5.00 per child and $10.00 per adult.

Tickets at the Door: $10.00 per child and $15.00 per adult.All proceeds will benefit the participating service organizations serving our community.

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Sponsors

Sunday Honorees: Kulanu andThe Jewish Community Center of the Greater Five Towns