New Jersey Jewish Standard - January 25, 2013

JS-1* JS-1*
January 25, 2013 Vol. LXXXII No. 18 $1.00

JSTANDARD.COM
2012 81
N E W J E R S E Y
JewishStandard
Steven Rothman
looks back, dreams ahead
Life after
Congress
COMMUNITY
Federation rallies for Super Sunday 8
ISRAEL
The morning after the elections 33
JS-2
2 Jewish standard JanUarY 25, 2013
NY BOARD OF RABBIS PRESENTS
David Broza
LIVE AT TEMPLE EMANU-EL OF CLOSTER
Concert to Benefit New Jersey Hurricane Sandy Victims

Sunday, Feb. 10th / 1 Adar
6:00pm Concert
VIP Reception after the Concert

Tickets
$50 each
VIP Ticket Packages
$360: 2 Tickets + Signed CD
$500: 2 Tickets + Signed CD
+ VIP Reception with Artist
$ 1,000: 2 Premiere Tickets (first 3 rows)
+ Signed CD + VIP Reception with Artist
Invited Guests
Governor Christie
Senators Lautenberg & Menendez
Congressmen Garrett, King & Pascrell
To purchase tickets
please contact
Jessica Di Paolo
at 212.983.3521
or jdipaolo@nybr.org
PUBLISHERS STATEMENT
Jewish Standard (USPS 275-700 ISN 0021-6747) is published weekly on Fridays with an additional edition every October, by the
New Jersey Jewish Media Group, 1086 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666. Periodicals postage paid at Hackensack, NJ and
additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to New Jersey Jewish Media Group, 1086 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ
07666. Subscription price is $30.00 per year. Out-of-state subscriptions are $45.00, Foreign countries subscriptions are $75.00.
The appearance of an advertisement in The Jewish Standard does not constitute a kashrut endorsement. The publishing of a paid
political advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate political party or political position by the newspaper,
the Federation or any employees.
The Jewish Standard assumes no responsibility to return unsolicited editorial or graphic materials. All rights in letters and unso-
licited editorial, and graphic material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and
subject to JEWISH STANDARDs unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in
part without written permission from the publisher. 2013
FYI
The ties that bind
Larry yudeLson
B
ehind every great father-son synagogue experience there is
a little girl.
Well, at least there is one behind the Kasha, Pizza, and
Ties program being held at the Glen Rock Jewish Center next
month.
It was when a very young Dara Tow began innocently wiping her
hands on her fathers neckties that Rabbi Neil Tow began to appreci-
ate the sensibility of his cousin, who had long made a habit of wear-
ing bow ties.
So Tow asked for and received a lesson in how to tie a bow tie.
When I tell people that its one I tied myself, their eyes get wider.
They say, How do I do that?
In fact, says Tow, the knot isnt terribly difficult. With a bow tie, its
much more about the finishing, making it look neat and well placed
and centered and tight.
The program, scheduled for February 21, is billed as an evening
for fathers to teach sons, grandfathers to teach grandsons... an
evening for men to learn both necktie and bow tie tying. With his
daughter now 5 and old enough not only to keep her hands off his
tie, but to help him select which tie to wear, Tow sports both kinds of
neckwear.
The choice of which to wear is kind of a feeling of the moment,
he said. I have never worn a bow tie to a funeral. I dont feel com-
fortable. Even my solid black doesnt feel right. For most other occa-
sions Im flexible.
Bow ties are something a little different, and fun. When you start
to wear one, people will tell their stories of how someone in their
family would wear one. It elicits a story, he said.
Part of the idea of the event is having fathers and sons do some-
thing for the first time. Im envisioning us using that as an education-
al moment to teach the Shehechiyanu prayer for learning something
new, adding something to our repertoire of skills, he said.
Tow said that even though were living in an age where dress
is getting less formal, theres still quite a need and desire to have
neckware. On an average Shabbat, close to 75 percent of the men are
wearing some sort of neckware mostly neckties. There are a few
scattered about who are not wearing ties; maybe a sweater, maybe a
collar thats open. Our community is pretty welcoming of the range
of clothing choices.
Maybe after this night well have a few more bow ties from time
to time, he said.
KEEPING THE FAITH PAGE 16
Perhaps I will return to this space some day.
Shammai Engelmayer
CANDLELIGHTING TIME: FRIDAY, jAN. 25, 4:46 P.M.
SHABBAT ENDS: SATURDAY, jAN 26, 5:49 P.M.
NOSHES ................................................................................................... 5
OPINION .............................................................................................. 16
COvER STORY....................................................................20
TORAH COMMENTARY ..................................47
ARTS & CULTURE ....................................................... 48
LIFECYCLE ....................................................................................53
CLASSIFIED .............................................................................. 54
GALLERY ......................................................................................... 56
REAL ESTATE ....................................................................... 57
Contents
FORESTRY
Life sprouts in
Carmel after fire 36
HOLIDAY
Tu Bi-shvat via
Middle-earth 52
LOCAL
Rabbi Harvey rides into town 12
LOCAL
Victory lap for area
prize writers 14
JS-3
Jewish standard JanUarY 25, 2013 3
ON THE BAR/BAT MITZVAH
SUPPLEMENT COVER:
Max Harris celebrates his bar
mitzvah at Temple Emanu-El of
Closter, November 17, 2012.
PHOTO BY HecHler PHOTOgraPHers
BAR/BAT
MITZVAH
A supplement to The Jewish Standard, Jewish Community News, and Rockland Jewish Standard WINTER 2013
JS-4
JANUARY
27
OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY
Jewish Federation
JFNNJ.ORG/SUPERSUNDAY
for more information contact Dana Garay
201-820-3937 danag@jfnnj.org
answer the call!
THE STRENGTH OF A PEOPLE. THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.
Howard Chernin | Mathew Libien
Amy Shafron
Super Sunday Chairs
GAME DAY!
THIS SUNDAY IS
Community
JS-6*
Local synagogues celebrate
Tu Bi-Shvat with song, seders, and sentiment
Lois GoLdrich
W
ith Tu Bi-Shvat beginning at sundown on
Friday, synagogues throughout the area
are preparing for the holiday in a variety
of ways. Some already have held educational events.
Teanecks Netivot Shalom, for example, sponsored a
special holiday program for children several weeks ago,
led by members of the Bnei Akiva youth movement.
Most congregations, however, are gearing up for seders,
family programs, and celebratory concerts to be held
over the holiday weekend.
A special tree
Temple Sinai of Bergen County in Tenafly has a special
weekend planned, its Cantor Nitza Shamah said, noting
that the congregation will hold a seder including not only
the traditional dried fruit and wine but poetry, songs, and
a dairy meal.
The congregation will use its own haggadah, she said,
describing it as a compilation of old and contemporary
poems that highlight our relationship to the world of
trees. These are interwoven with kabbalistc texts that
correspond to the nature of the different kind of fruits
from the Land of Israel that we traditionally eat on Tu
Bi-Shvat.
The congregation also will host Yale Universitys
Jewish a capella group, Magevet, for a musical Kabbalat
Shabbat service in honor of Shabbat Shirah, which also
falls this weekend.
Jordan Millstein, Temple Sinais rabbi, said that the
synagogue will dedicate a tree in memory of Paul Winter,
a member of our temple who was a force for social jus-
tice and helped so many in our community.
Winters grandson, Andrew Kahn, is a member of
Magavet. The Kahn family who donated the cherry
tree at the entrance to the synagogue is sponsoring the
reception after the concert.
Winters daughter, Audrey Winter Kahn, a longtime
member of the congregation, described her father as a
gentle, kind, and giving soul who fled from Germany
on the eve of Kristallnacht, returning later to fight as a
member of the U.S. Army. Settling later in Bergen County,
he became a lumber salesman.
In the speech she will deliver at the dedication, Kahn
will note how fitting this is Tu Bi-Shvat, the birthday of
the trees. My dad loved trees. He had taught himself so
much about them and, in turn, taught my brother and
me. I was the only kid in third grade who knew how to
differentiate a poplar from an oak.
Kahn said that after he retired, her father threw him-
self wholeheartedly into the service of others primarily
through the social action work at Temple Sinai. I would
come home from college to find our front hall filled with
bags of donated clothes and household goods. He was
there for people who had lost everything. He never forgot
his own roots.
Noting that with every ending there is a beginning,
Kahn pointed out that her father died 19 years ago, the
same year that Magevet was founded at Yale.
A time to learn
For some congregations, the focus of the holiday will be
on study.
It will be four cups of Torah rather than four cups of
wine, said Rabbi Lawrence Zierler, religious leader of the
Jewish Center of Teaneck.
Zierler will provide four different learning opportuni-
ties over the course of the holiday, beginning Friday night
with remarks between Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv on
unusual minhagim. During Shabbat services, he will
relate Tu Bi-Shvat to the haftarah, which speaks of the
judge Deborah. He also will explore the holiday in his
Saturday Talmud class, held before Minchah, and during
seudat shlishit, when he will look at the issue of trees in
Pirkei Avot.
Zierler said that Tu Bi-Shvat has gained much more
significance in recent years; not only with the establish-
ment of seders but also the creation of more texts to be
used during the holiday.
He is impressed, he said, by the degree to which
people can find original material. There is an interesting
struggle between what is set and accepted and the op-
portunity to break out and do something different in-
cluding readings on the environment, for example.
He noted, however, that the holiday, at least outside
of Israel, seems to come too quickly. Theres a greater
awareness in Israel, which is already spring-bound, he
said.
In addition, he said, the holiday also competes with
Shabbat Shirah.
What do you pay homage to? he asked. Theres
overstimulation when Shabbat is [also] Tu Bi-Shvat.
Zierler pointed out that Tu Bi-Shvat is one of those
places where we can show incredible creative ability.
He said that unlike past years, when the shul offered
a seder, his goal this year is to give people a grounding
in the text so that they can better appreciate the scope
of the customs. Its better than bringing them to a seder
without the framework behind it.
Education also is key at the Fair Lawn Jewish Center/
Congregation Bnai Israel.
Judy Gutin, principal of the Howard and Joshua
Herman Educational Center, the religious school at
the Fair Lawn Jewish Center, said she is planning a
Family Education Day for Sunday. The event will involve
62 first- through fifth-graders and their parents. The
theme, Gutin said, is Planting for our future; taking
care of our world.
It will be in two parts, she said, noting that she wants
to define Tu Bi-Shvat as it is presented in the Mishna, as
rosh hailanot not as a birthday, but as the head of a
year. In Hebrew, we never have the concept of a birthday
for trees.
Gutin said that teaching the children why the Mishna
called this a rosh will bring home the importance of
trees in Israel, which she called paramount to the land
and to peoples survival on the land.
Parents will attend one class session with their
children, learning together and then preparing mate-
Children pose as trees for Tu Bi-Shvat at the Fair
Lawn Jewish Center.
Last years Tu Bi-Shvat seder at the Jewish Center
of Teaneck.
Temple Sinai will host Magevet, Yales Jewish a
capella group.
Tu Bi-Shvat is one of those
places where we can show incredible
creative ability.
Rabbi Lawrence Zierler
Tu Bi-Shvat
JS-7
rial reflecting what they have learned. Each class will
be responsible for fashioning one branch of a teaching
poster featuring a large tree of five branches.
For example, fourth-graders will focus on the Torah
verse that speaks of the tree of life.
The teacher will take the verse and analyze it with the
children and parents, Gutin said, noting that the guided
discussion of symbolism inevitably will lead to a discus-
sion of the word Torah, our etz hayim what holds us
up in a community.
The 20 fourth-graders and their parents then will be
given a blank Hebrew letter to decorate. With their par-
ents help, they will put the letters together to form the
verse, which will be brought to the community tree and
uploaded on the appropriate branch.
They may also do artwork signifying what it means,
Gutin said, and each child will decorate clay planters in
which they will actually do some planting.
The event will begin with a Shacharit service led by
Rabbi Ronald Roth and Cantor Eric Wasser, she said. At
the end of the day, we will look at the full tree we created
so we can all learn from one another.
Participants will be encouraged to talk about how we
can go forward and take care of our world, Gutin said.
Were taking the concept of caring about Israel and ap-
plying it also in our own lives.
In the context of the Hebrew school, that will trans-
late into a commitment to recycle. She is hopeful that
this commitment will be reflected in the synagogue and
home as well.
Rabbi Mordechai Shain, executive director of
Lubavitch on the Palisades, said that his group is having
a huge seder on Friday night and a massive childrens
program on Saturday. He estimates that 200 people will
attend the festivities.
Shain said that every child will be given a bag contain-
ing different kinds of fruits.
They will play a game to understand what the fruits
mean and learn to do blessings on each fruit, he said.
At noon, the entire congregation will join in a fab-
rengen a gathering sharing a lunch in honor of the
holiday.
People really love it because they dont just eat the
fruit, but we explain how the seven species represent the
seven character traits of human beings, he said, reeling
off the attributes of kindness, restraint, determination,
mercy, humility, bonding, and receptivity. Each time
they eat a fruit, they feel as if theyre expressing those
characteristics.
A focus on Israel
Some congregations will use Tu Bi-Shvat to deepen con-
gregants connection to Israel.
At Congregation Beth Sholom in Teaneck, a Tu Bi-
Shvat seder will serve as the culminating event of the
shuls annual Shabbaton. (Over the weekend, Beth
Sholom members and friends will offer some 25 different
learning sessions on the theme Defining Moments in
Jewish Time.)
Estelle Epstein a cantor and bar/bat mitzvah tutor
at the synagogue said she expects about 100 people to
attend the seder, which she will lead. It will be run under
the auspices of the shuls Ayin LTzion Committee, de-
signed to heighten Israel awareness.
Participants will use readings pulled together by the
committee last year.
Now we have a standard seder, Epstein said. Its
loosely based on the kabbalistic idea of going from white
to red.
The seder begins with a cup of white wine, indicating
winter, she said. Red wine is added gradually, adding
more red, to indicate spring and planting. Participants
also will get to sample a wide range of fruits, and Epstein
will introduce a variety of folk songs and dances. The
event will include a little quiz at each table, including
questions about Israel and trees.
The organizer said she expects the event to be a suc-
cess because congregants like to come together, sing,
and celebrate their connection to Israel.
At Temple Avodat Shalom as well, The accent is on
Israel, Cantor Ronit Josephson said. We tell kids that
Israel is the only country that has more trees now than it
did when it was established. Our primary concern is to
teach them love for, and pride in, Israel.
Music is also a large part of the River Edge celebration.
Josephson said the synagogue choir will sing on
Friday night, incorporating pieces that celebrate both
Shabbat Shirah and Tu Bi-Shvat.
On Saturday, the synagogue will serve a Tu Bi-Shvat
nosh and show the movie Beaufort, which deals with
the last Israeli stronghold in Lebanon. On Sunday, reli-
gious school children and their parents will have what
the cantor called an informal seder, tasting from the
fruits we eat on Tu Bi-Shvat.
Theres a whole weekend of celebrating, she said,
predicting that attendance will be good. She noted that
when the weather is nice, the lower grades get to plant
something as well, although this year that seems unlikely.
It Takes 56 Sundays to be a CEO Someday.
See Steven Turn Sunday into Someday.
500 West 185th Street | NY, NY 10033
EMBA
OPEN HOUSE
March 3, 2013
RSVP by Feb. 25
Guest Speaker:
Charlie Harary
Weve designed our general management Sunday-only Executive MBA
to t easily into your fast-tracked life. Attend Yeshiva Universitys Sy Syms
School of Business EMBA Open House and learn more about our unique
emphasis on ethics, entrepreneurship and global market leadership.
Our students enjoy small personalized classes, outstanding faculty and
an extensive alumni network. Visit www.yu.edu/syms/emba for more
information. To register for the Open House call Margie Martin at
917.326.4839 or email mmartin4@yu.edu.
Sy Syms School of Business
JS-8
Volunteers to take the field on Super Sunday
Larry yudeLson
I
ts Super Sunday time.
The annual telethon of the Jewish
Federation of Northern New Jersey
has returned to its traditional pre-Super
Bowl Sunday time slot.
And with it, the federation has rolled
out a football theme, as volunteers
prepare to take to the field well, the
phone banks to dial for dollars.
This is the time for the Jewish
community to move forward and help
each other, said Howard Chernin, one
of the chairs of the event. Were trying to
raise that million dollars.
The federation hopes that its hundreds
of volunteers 300 already have signed
up will make a total of 15,000 calls on
Sunday, reaching out to everyone in the
federations database who hasnt already
pledged for this years annual campaign
or isnt in line to be solicited in person
rather than by phone.
Open your heart, open your wallet,
and let it all fall out, says Chernin.
Raising money is a clear goal for the
day, the federations largest one-day
fundraising event.
Another important goal perhaps
the most important is bringing in new
donors.
This is a community effort. Were all
in the room for one thing, to help that
community, Chernin said. This is a
great day because the community comes
together.
High school students, college students,
and members of the federations new
group for 20-somethings eNgageNJ
are scheduled to show up and help out
the team.
Its a day to strengthen our
community and make it more vibrant,
said David Goodman, the federations
president.
Jason Shames, the federations CEO,
emphasizes the organizations ability to
bring the community together as a team.
Soon after the last Super Sunday
held in December 2011 the federation
became the communitys focal point
as Bergen County officials convened
safety events in the wake of the string of
synagogue fire bombings.
The federation again brought in
federal homeland security grants for area
institutions.
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy,
the federation enabled its Jewish family
service agencies to feed the elderly who
lost food due to the power outage.
And through grants, the federation
created new programs such as the
iEngage series of courses, which focus on
the relationship between diaspora Jews
and Israel.
That is in addition to its ongoing work
in helping Jews in Israel and its new sister
city in the Ukraine, Lviv.
All of this happens because of our
annual campaign, Shames said. All of
us together, were stronger than we are as
individuals.
Its not too late to join
the Super Sunday team
Larry yudeLson
J
oin the telethon, give to the food
drive, and donate blood.
Unlike the teams competing in
New Orleans next week, the federations
Super Sunday team is accepting recruits
until the very last minute.
Even rookies are welcome.
Were going to train you, Howard
Chernin said. Were going to give you
the script. Well put everything together.
Theres so much excitement in the
room.
Volunteer callers can sign up for
one of four shifts, starting at 9 a.m.
Sunday morning and ending at 9
p.m. Registration is at the federations
website, jfnnj.org or you could just
show up without signing up. You wont
be turned away.
If you are coming, consider bringing
non-perishable kosher food, or such
household supplies as toiletries,
toilet paper, paper towels, soap, dish
detergent, and shampoo, for the Jewish
Family Services to distribute to their
clients.
And perhaps allow extra time before
or after your shift to drop by the blood
drive, which will be taking place from
noon until 4 p.m.
Organizers of Super Sunday hope to
arouse a competitive spirit among the
volunteers.
Well be giving out little prizes to
the people who get the most increases
in gifts, said Amy Shafron, one of the
chairs of the event.
Feel nervous about calling up
strangers and asking for money?
Dont, Shafron said.
Youre offering people the option to
put their own values into motion.
She admits that it can be a little
bit tricky when someone hangs up
or someone isnt responsive. Our
goal within the first 60 seconds is to
captivate that person and share that
passion.
Zachary Greenblatt and mom, Dr. Adrienne
Greenblatt, made calls together.
From left, Joan Krieger, Rena Klosk, Lauri Bader, and Gale S. Bindelglass. In back,
Sue Ann Levin and Tracy Zuron PHOTOs cOurTesy JFNNJ
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, for-
mer chairman of national
United Jewish Appeal,
solicits a donation.
Israeli Tzofim (Scouts), from left, Dorr Elmatad, Corale Naor, Liran Yarkoni, and
Tamar Hovav, federation shlichah.
Jason Sperber
and Sophie Porter
Photos from
Super Sunday
December 2011
JS-9
Nationally recognized.
Clinically outstanding.
Top 5
%
of Nation for Clinical Excellence
Recognized for outstanding patient outcomes
Healthgrades,
a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals

Top-ranked in the NY Metro Area
A Best Regional Hospital and high-performer in 10 clinical areas
U.S. News & World Report
Top Grade for Patient Safety
Awarded an A in a nationwide evaluation of 2600+ hospitals
The Leapfrog Group, a national leader in comparing hospitals performance of safety, quality and effciency
Excellence in Nursing
10 consecutive years of Magnet Designation, awarded to only 7
%
of U.S. hospitals
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
100
%
survival rate in Cardiac Bypass Surgery
One of only 3 hospitals in NJ with a perfect record
NJ Department of Health and Senior Services
Certifed Primary Stroke Center
Among 150 U.S. hospitals recognized for signifcantly improved outcomes
The Joint Commission and NJ Dept. of Health and Senior Services
Our commitment to quality, safety, and patient satisfaction remains our
top priority. For the complete list, visit englewoodhospital.com/awards/
JS-10
Moving back to Motor City
JFnnJs david Gad-harf leaves town, looks back
Larry yudeLson
I
f it takes a David to slay a giant Goliath, what does it
take to knock a David out of the ring?
It wasnt the financial crisis of 2008 that did in David
Gad-Harf, who is the chief operating officer at the Jewish
Federation of Northern New Jersey and the number two
staffer there since 2005.
Nor did he shirk from helping the federation reinvent
itself for a new century.
No, whats sending Gad-Harf out of northern New
Jersey and out of Jewish communal service is a six month
old boy named Jonah. He is Gad-Harfs first grandchild.
When Gad-Harf met Jonah, lightning struck.
We didnt want to be drop-in grandparents, he said.
We wanted to be part of our grandchilds life.
Jonahs father, Josh Gadharf, had been raised in Detroit,
where Gad-Harf had been the director of the Jewish com-
munity relations council for 17 years, and he and his wife,
Danielle, had just returned to the city.
Gad-Harf and his wife, Nancy, decided to follow their
only child and his family.
(A word about names in the Gad-Harf family. David and
Nancy decided to combine their last names when they
married; their son and his wife decided to keep the name
but drop the hyphen.)
He found a job in Detroit, working for the Henry Ford
Health Center, a major hospital system in Detroit, helping
the hospital system form partnerships with the private
sector.
For the first time in over 30 years, Gad-Harf will not be
working for the Jewish community.
It was special, because I felt I was serving the Jewish
community, not only in northern New Jersey, but around
the world, especially in Israel, he said.
In New Jersey, those with whom he worked at
Federation will miss him.
He will definitely be missed, said David Goldberg, the
federations president, who worked extensively with Gad-
Harf on the federations strategic planning process. Weve
had quite an adventure together.
A lot has changed in the federation since Gad-Harf
joined in 2005. There has been a name change; a move; the
departure of long-time executive Howard Charish, who
had brought Gad-Harf on board; and a year when Gad-
Harf served as interim CEO.
And then there was the twin calamity of the financial
collapse and the Bernie Madoff scandal. It hit our federa-
tion hard, as it did many other federations, Gad-Harf said.
We had to reduce our budget and reduce our staff size.
That was the painful part of the upheavals.
But even the negative parts became a spur for our or-
ganization to rethink who we were, the role that we played,
the value that we provided. It was a lead in to the transfor-
mation of Federation that has been going on for the last
several years, he said.
Gad-Harf led the strategic planning process that started
in 2009 and was adopted by the federation in 2010.
As a result, the federation is repositioning itself as an
organization that provides real value to our Jewish com-
munity, that builds collaboration among agencies and
organizations, and engages people, especially donors, in
new ways, he said.
During the last year Ive been fortunate to be leading
the way professionally in the fundraising area, helping
to introduce new strategies to raise money, to bring new
people into our system, to do so in a way that attracts
younger people. Were just starting to see the fruits of those
strategies.
One change: Weve recommitted ourselves to the
idea of fundraising missions. That was exemplified by the
recent mission to Cuba. That will continue this year with
a mission to Israel. There will be many more missions to
Israel and elsewhere we got away from that in the last
few years.
Gad-Harf recalls a mission to Israel early during his ten-
ure here as a pivotal experience.
The trip impressed him with the diversity coming from
every corner of our community.
Diversity is one of the strengths of the northern New
Jersey Jewish community, he believes.
The diverse ways that people express their Judaism,
in the whole metropolitan New York area, has been amaz-
ing to me. I gained a much deeper sense of respect for the
diversity that exists within the Jewish community. Thats
something I will always carry with me, he said.
The northern New Jersey Jewish community also has
some unique challenges, he said.
Unlike most other large city federations, our Jewish
community didnt start in an urban center. There isnt a
common memory. There arent the generations and gen-
erations that lived in the area that provides other commu-
nities with a sense of shared history and a shared future.
Also, we live in the shadow of Manhattan. So many
of the people who live here work in Manhattan and
make their donations to the UJA-Federation of New York,
because thats where they are encouraged to do so at
their places of work. Thats a problem that doesnt exist
elsewhere.
A final characteristic, not necessarily unique to north-
ern New Jersey, characterizes New Jersey as a whole. There
is a sort of balkanization, a decentralization of communi-
ties that often gets in the way of building unity. Thats very
challenging to overcome when you have people who feel
a sense of identity with their little town, but not a sense of
shared purpose with the town next door.
Im the kind of person who sees the opportunity in
every challenge. It makes the federation role all the more
important. You need something to serve as the glue that
holds together the Jewish community. The federation is
that glue. Unlike any other Jewish organizations in north-
ern New Jersey, it has the capacity to bring people from
disparate parts of the community together to discuss and
act on issues and concerns of shared interest, and then to
devise strategies to address those concerns.
The federation that I came to in 2005 has really been
significantly transformed. Its a very different federation
than the one that I knew in 2005. Ive been lucky to be part
of so many of the changes that have happened and that are
making it a more relevant, a more potent, and a more valu-
able organization for now and into the future.
I am really optimistic about Federations future. It has
visionary leaders and highly committed volunteers and
really superb staff members. Thats the recipe for success,
he said.
As for him, Im really appreciative of the wonderful op-
portunity Ive had here and the friendships and collegial
ties Ive enjoyed and will carry with me for the rest of my
life.
David Gad-Harf and his grandson, Jonah.
www.jstandard.com
JS-11
www.jchcorp.org
We Couldnt Have
Said It Better Ourselves Scan to read
more testimonials
903-905 Route 10 East, Whippany, NJ
Join Us For Our Next Open House
January 31, 2013 (5:30-7:30 p.m.)
Enjoy Light Refreshments and a
Chance to WIN a Digital Camera
RSVP 973.929.2725
Our Residents Are Our Best Advertisement
Owned and Managed by the Jewish Community
Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey
Lester Senior Housing Community
Low and Moderate Income Units Available
JS-12*
A line-drawn rabbi in the wild wild West
Kehillah Partnership for sixth graders uses art to break down barriers and connect students to Jewish ideas
Joanne Palmer
R
abbi Harvey is a long drink of
water, a stretched out black-and
white line drawing whose single
eyebrow curls across the top of his head
like a literal hairband a band of hair
and whose beard entirely obscures his
mouth and almost all of his nose. (We do
get to see an occasional flash of nostril.)
How he breathes is anyones guess
but because hes the creation of graphic
novelist and childrens book author Steven
Sheinkin, we dont really have to worry
about that.
The length of Rabbi Harveys gesta-
tion could put an elephant to shame. He
was conceived when Sheinkin, now 44,
was 10 years old, and first appeared when
Sheinkin was almost 40.
Rabbi Harvey first began to form when
Sheinkin was a Hebrew school student at
Ramat Shalom in Nanuet, New York. His
father could see that I was doing just fine
in terms of memorizing, but I wasnt get-
ting the gist of it, Sheinkin said. He wasnt
getting the joy and profundity and wisdom
of the Jewish tradition.
So my father gave me a book of Jewish
folktales, called 101 Jewish Stories, he con-
tinued. I read them and loved them, but
I didnt realize that I was learning Judaism
from them. I thought they were clever and
wise, but much later I realized that I was
so moved by the stories that Id like to do
something of my own with them.
Those stories midrashim, folk tales,
stories from Chelm, Sholom Aleichems
work form the base of the Rabbi Harvey
stories, but they have been moved from
the Middle East and eastern Europe to
the timelessly wild West, and their star is a
cross between a rebbe and a sheriff, both as
reimagined in the twenty-first century.
Rabbi Harvey and Steven Sheinkin are
going to be the headliners at the second
Kehillah Partnership sixth-grade program,
set for Sunday, January 27, at Temple
Avodat Shalom in River Edge.
The partnership, funded by the Jewish
Federation of Northern New Jersey, pri-
marily focuses on students in nine after
school Hebrew schools in the federations
catchment area, although it is open to
sixth-graders from other schools as well.
This year, it offers four Sunday programs;
this one is the second.
The first program, on December 2,
was with Julie Wohl, an artist and Jewish
Theological Seminary-trained Jewish
educator whose work includes both
Conservative and Reform versions of a
childrens siddur called Mah Tov.
At that workshop, held at the Jewish
Community Center of Paramus, the chil-
dren learned about prayer and expressed
prayer in art, Juliet Barr said. Barr, a
Bergen County Jewish educator, develops,
coordinates, and runs the program.
The art workshop was created in re-
sponse to Hebrew school principals wor-
ries about how to show them that prayer
is not memorizing, Barr said. How can we
make it vibrant?
When 159 kids showed up that Sunday
morning they first did icebreaker exercises
and then were broken into six groups. Each
group was assigned a prayer, and each
student was given a worksheet about the
prayer. Ninety-nine percent of the kids
had at least some familiarity with the
prayer, but we wanted them to hear it as
if theyd never heard it before, Barr said.
The sheets included the prayer in Hebrew,
in transliteration, and in English, as well
as some basic information on it. Barrs
background is Reform but Wohls husband,
Josh Wohl, is a Conservative rabbi, so he
checked them to make sure that all per-
spectives, including the Orthodox, were
represented. Beneath that, Wohl asked
some questions about the art.
After a discussion about the prayers,
Wohl gave the students paper, wax pastels,
and watercolors, and she taught them an
art technique called wax resist. Finally,
each student was asked to paint his or her
feeling about the prayer, approaching it as
if it were brand new. Even if youd heard
it all your life, paint it as if you hadnt, she
told the kids.
Once that was done, the students were
regrouped by their home shuls. Finally,
they were asked to cut up their art (I was
nervous about that part, Barr said. They
knew it was coming, and I knew that Julie
had done it before, but Im a mom too,
and I worried.) Then they put the pieces
together, and were given acrylic paint to
make it all cohesive.
I brought them home to my house to
dry, before I returned them to the shuls,
Barr said. I got a little emotional looking at
them. They are that good.
This Sunday, the program will be simi-
lar, in that students will be exposed both
to a creative art in this case, cartooning
and to its Jewish content, and to allow
their own hands and hearts to try it for
themselves.
There are now three Rabbi Harvey
books, and each of the 150 children reg-
istered for the workshop will have been
Steven Sheinkins Rabbi Harvey, at right, brings Yiddishkeit to the wild West.
Sixth graders made art of prayer during their workshop with Julie Wohl.
The minute you get kids out
of the classroom and show
them Jewish programming
that is exciting, that speaks
to them, they will hold onto
it for a long time.
Juliet Barr
JS-13*
given one of them to read. (The program is
not free, although it is heavily subsidized
by the federation and the schools. It costs
$75 for children who belong to one of the
participating Hebrew schools; other chil-
dren pay $100. The fees go toward materi-
als and snacks.)
The kids will start with a snack, and
while theyre having it Steve will do a
PowerPoint presentation, Barr said.
Then theyll be divided into three groups,
depending on which book they read, and
Steve will come to each group and do a
step-by-step lesson on how to cartoon.
If they want to, they can draw their own
cartoons panels, and another group will
do dramatic readings and skits based on
their book. Then Steve will put together
questions and do a giant synagogue-
versus-synagogue trivia game. One of the
rabbis will be there as a timekeeper. Well
divide the kids up so theyll meet new
kids, and its important to come back to
their temple groups.
Barr is passionate about her work,
which she sees as having more than one
objective. One is to connect Hebrew
school students to Judaism through art,
which often has a more direct line to the
heart and soul than prosaic words can of-
fer. Another is to break down some of the
barriers between members of different
Jewish streams. The Kehillah Partnership
works almost entirely with students
whose families belong to Reform or
Conservative shuls, but she would love to
welcome students from other parts of the
Jewish world as well.
I think its profound, she said of the
effects of the program. The barriers be-
tween Reform and Conservative often are
too high to chip away, but there are no
barriers here. The effort is helped along
in practical ways because all the boys
wear kippot and all the snacks are kosher.
The next Sunday program, set for
March 10, is Tzedakah Day.
It will be powerful in a different way,
Barr said. Every kid will have a dollar
put in their hand. Theyll walk around
the room, with people telling them about
different programs, and theyll have to de-
cide. Theyll hear people from Hurricane
Sandy cleanup organizations, people
representing programs that help handi-
capped children, that help disabled kids,
that train seeing eye dogs.
So where does their dollar go?
Obviously they cant tear it up and give
it to more than one place. So how do
you make that decision? We tell the kids
that theyre about to become bar or bat
mitzvah?
How are you going to decide?
The last program, scheduled for April
14, is going to be about Israel.
Our dream is to grow this program,
Barr said. Its not really about the syna-
gogues Its about the kids. Its fantastic ex-
periential programming. The minute you
get kids out of the classroom and show
them Jewish programming that is excit-
ing, that speaks to them, they will hold
onto it for a long time.
For more information, go to kehillah-
partnershipgrade6.weebly.com.
JS-14*
Local authors win prestigious award
Prouser, Korn are national Jewish Book award recipients
Lois GoLdrich
E
ach year, National Jewish Book Awards recognize
outstanding books of Jewish interest in areas
ranging from Sephardic culture to illustrated
works for children. Begun in 1950 by the Jewish Book
Council, the awards program has recognized such nota-
bles as Deborah Lipstadt, Bernard Malamud, Chaim
Potok, Philip Roth, and Elie Wiesel.
This years winners include two writers and scholars
from Bergen County.
Ora Horn Prousers Esaus Blessing: How the Bible
Embraces Those with Special Needs a winner in the
education and Jewish identity category delves into a
familiar biblical narrative to elicit new insights into both
special needs and Jewish teachings.
Rabbi Eugene Korns Jewish Theology and World
Religions, a finalist in the anthologies and collections
category explores critical issues both Jews and there-
fore Jewish thinking faces in relating to other major
religions.
Prouser, who lives in Franklin Lakes, is executive vice
president and academic dean at the Academy for Jewish
Religion. Her family is deeply involved in the religious life
of northern New Jersey.
Her husband, Rabbi Joseph Prouser, is the religious
leader of Temple Emanuel of North Jersey; her brother-
in-law, Rabbi Randall Mark, heads Congregation Shomrei
Torah in Wayne; her father, Rabbi William Horn, was the
longtime rabbi at the Summit Jewish Community Center
and now is its rabbi emeritus; and her sister, Dassy Mark,
is Hagalil USYs regional director.
Prouser trained as a Bible scholar, and for 20 years she
was an adjunct faculty member at the Jewish Theological
Seminary. She said that though she now works as an ad-
ministrator, she continues to teach Bible and to consult in
the creation of Bible curricula.
My interest has not only been in research but also in
connecting Bible with education, she said.
Calling her book a modern critical literary approach
to studying Bible, Prouser said that [Esau] is the one
who brought me to the topic. So much of the material
written about him is quite negative, looking at him as evil
and horrible the epitome of everything bad we have
ever experienced.
But, she said, what came to her out of the blue was
that Jacobs brother shows the characteristics of a person
with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Thats where the whole book started, with that little
thought, she said. Indeed, what was described in tra-
ditional teachings as negative and evil actually may be
misunderstanding a lot of beautiful, good intentions,
missing the boat a bit. If we understand him as having
special needs, he deserves empathy.
Hes quite a positive character, she continued, noting
that this is shown through his love for his family and the
beautiful things he does for his father. Tremendous bless-
ings and gifts can come through if you read the story
through the lens of special needs.
She said that she recently read an article announcing
that the Israel Defense Forces will now accept people with
ADHD into their combat units.
At the end of the article, it said that the IDF has long
sought out [people with ADHD] for intelligence work
because of the creative way they have of thinking and
putting things together. Its a perfect example of how
something can be looked at as a deficit or a gift.
Prouser suggested that traditional texts go out of their
way to emphasize the good qualities of those deemed to
be good guys, while they have piled on so much negative
on those not chosen.
She pointed out as well that the whole field of dis-
abilities studies is not that old. It hasnt been that long
that weve asked what it means to approach a text through
disability studies. Its the same as with feminist studies.
While women always were in the Bible, often they were not
seen, and only recently have we asked the question, What
does it mean to approach these stories through the lens of
feminist studies?
The author said she is very gratified by responses to the
book, both from people in the disabilities community and
from traditional biblical scholars and educators even
from readers who may disagree with her conclusions.
They feel appreciation that its a careful, methodologi-
cal biblical study, she said, stressing the importance of
not just using biblical characters to talk about something
but doing careful textual analysis.
According to the author, the book draws a number of
conclusions.
But my major conclusion is that our sacred literature
shows openness and appreciation for special needs, she
said. Its something for us to be proud of and to use as an
inspiration to do the same thing.
She also hopes that the work will encourage people to
go back to the text.
When people see themselves in the text when they
feel that their own stories are being told and appreciated
they may be more inclined to study. Ive learned that
everybody wants to see themselves in the Bible, Prouser
said.
She noted that she is very excited about winning the
award.
Im very gratified, she said. I worked on it for a long
time, and I believe in it with all my heart.
Rabbi Eugene Korn of Bergenfield, the American direc-
tor of the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and
Cooperation in Efrat and editor of Meorot: A Forum for
Modern Orthodox Discourse, has been involved in issues
relating to Jewish theology and Jewish ethics for a long
time. An expert in the area of Jewish-Christian relations,
for a time Korn also was director of interfaith affairs for the
Anti-Defamation League.
Korn and Alon Goshen-Gottstein are co-editors of
Jewish Theology and World Religions, and he wrote one
of its chapters, called Rethinking Christianity: Rabbinic
Positions and Possibilities.
My book is an attempt by Jewish thinkers to under-
stand world religions and the issue of pluralism, Korn
said. We live in a world where we are constantly interact-
ing with others with different religious views. He sug-
gested that traditional Jewish thought has lagged behind
in developing a theology that helps understand the other.
In his book, 15 Jewish scholars from around the world,
representing a number of disciplines, think seriously
about how to understand in a positive way Christianity,
Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism and the phenomenon of
the Jewish people being placed in a world where we inter-
act with others. In a sense, its an attempt to bring Jewish
religious thought into a pluralistic modernity beyond the
shtetl, he said. We live in a pluralistic world. We have to
think seriously about this.
A statement from the publisher pointed out that Jewish
thinking regarding other religions has not succeeded
in keeping pace with the contemporary realities that
regularly confront most Jews, nor has it adequately assimi-
lated the ways in which other religions have changed their
teachings about Jews and Judaism. Many Jews who grapple
with Jewish tradition in the contemporary world want to
know how Judaism sees todays non-Jewish Other in order
to affirm itself. Jewish Theology and World Religions
advances this conversation.
Korn said his chapter provides a halachic analysis of
how rabbis throughout history have looked at Christianity.
As a traditional Jew with fidelity to halachah, I need to
understand how halachah can guide me in relating to the
Christian world and Christianity, he said. Thats not at the
top of the agenda for many traditionalists, which is why
the book had to be written.
Korn pointed out that parts of the book were used by
Yeshiva University when students from the universitys
Center for the Jewish Future traveled across the country to
meet with an evangelical pastor.
YU contacted me and asked what [students] could
read in preparation for this. I gave them this chapter, he
said, calling the book an attempt to stimulate a conversa-
tion about how traditional and modern Jews can positively
interact with those believers who are not a part of our
own community.
David Nekrutman, executive director of the Center for
Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation, said
that Just like the State of Israel has a foreign ministry
to diplomatically work with nations around the world,
Judaism also needs its own ministry in dealing with other
religions that takes into account the advancements of how
faith communities look at our religion. [This book] pro-
vides a template on how we can work with others without
compromising Judaisms core theological doctrines.
Ora Horn Prouser: The Bible and special needs. Rabbi Eugene Korn: Understanding others.
JS-15*
bri efly local
Beit Orot dinner honors locals
The Beit Orot dinner honoring Yocheved and Bennett
Deutsch of Teaneck, along with Renee and Moshe
Glick of West Orange and Alyssa and Chaim Winter of
Cedarhurst, N.Y., was held on January 8 at the Crowne
Plaza in Times Square in Manhattan. Jewish radio
personality Nachum Segal served as the evenings
emcee and Naftali Bennett, the recently elected head of
Israels Bayit HaYehudi (Jewish Home) party, delivered
the keynote address via live Webcast.
Beit Orot, anchored by a hesder yeshiva, represents
the first living Jewish presence on the Mount of Olives
in more than 2,000 years. The organization is dedicated
to restoring the Jewish neighborhoods of the Mount
of Olives Ridge in historic Jerusalem and to educating
people about Jerusalems ancient and modern Jewish
history.
Shlomo Zwickler, executive director, Beit Orot, left,
is pictured with honorees Bennett and Yocheved
Deutsch and Seth Schreiber, Beit Orots board
chairman. Courtesy Beith orot
Nussmans are award winners
Rosalyn and Bruce Nussman recently received the Harry
S. Feller award at the annual meeting of the NJY Camps at
the Crystal Plaza in Livingston.
The award is presented to a New Jerseyan who
has made an outstanding contribution to the center
movement and has exhibited leadership in the Jewish
community.
Rosalyn Nussman was an educator in North Bergen
for 40 years, creating and coordinating the districts gifted
and talented programs. She co-founded the Hudson
County Coordinators of Gifted and Talented, serving as
its president for almost 30 years. She mentors educators
and is involved with the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in
Tenafly. She was a counselor in Camp Nah-Jee-Wah in
1967.
Bruce Nussman was a scholarship camper at the NJY
Camps for 10 years. He is now a member of its board,
was its president for three years, and has served on many
committees and chaired its scholarship and nominating
committees. He is a partner in Kates Nussman Rapone
Ellis and Farhi LLP, a law firm in Hackensack, and has
contributed his legal services, pro bono, to the NJY
Camps as well as other charitable organizations.
Bruce and Rosalyn Nussman are pictured with
Jonathan Drill, right, NJY Camps president.
Courtesy NJy Camps
Zinstein given
Grinspoon-Steinhardt award
The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey recently
awarded its Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence
in Jewish Education to Chana Zinstein. She joins 47
other Jewish educators from around the country who all
are community award recipients. Rabbi Shelley Kniaz,
the educational director at Temple Emanuel of Pascack
Valley where Zinstein is a third-grade teacher, nominated
her. A Jewish educator for 32 years, Zinstein also teaches
at Temple Beth El in Closter and the Rosenbaum Yeshiva
of Northern New Jersey in River Edge.
Pictured from left are Dan Kramer, president of
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley, Chana
Zinstein, and Rabbi Shelley Kniaz, Temple Emanuels
educational director. Courtesy JFNNJ
Rules for not-for-profits
A Fist-To-Five seminar, sponsored by Sax, Macy
Fromm & Co., PC in Clifton will be held at the Grove
in Cedar Grove on Wednesday, February 6, beginning
with breakfast at 8 a.m. Themed A New Playbook,
the seminar will address the changing rules on how
not-for-profits receive funding. Guest speakers include
Dawn Apgar, deputy commissioner of the New Jersey
Department of Human Services; Annette Baron,
managing director of Proposal Architect; and Robert
Davison, executive director of the Mental Health
Association of Essex County. The seminar is free and
all are welcome. Kosher meals are available with
advance notice. To register, call (973) 472-6250 or email
datkinson@smf-cpa.com.
Mesivta Sanz dinner set for Feb. 2
The gala annual dinner for the Mosdos Sanz Klausenburg
Union City community will be held on February 2 at
Mesivta Sanz, 3400 New York Ave., in Union City.
Rabbi Yakov Shmion Scher, deputy mayor of Netanya
in Israel, is the guest of honor, and Sender Landau
will receive the Kesher Shem Tov award. The Avodos
Hakodesh award will be given to Rabbis Chaim Meir
Fogel, Avrum Cohen, Yeshua Silber, Moshe Mates
Weitzner, Hershel Zieg, Meir Zev Zafir, Mordechai Spitzer,
and Yakov Yoel Scher.
The Hirschman, Abramowitz, Kaplan, and Rapfogel
families will give a memorial tribute to their parents
and grandparents, the late Rabbi Harold and Ruth
Hirschman. Rabbi Hirschman served Temple Israel
Emanuel in Union City for over 40 years.
For information, call (201) 867-8690, ext. 105, or email
dinner@mesivtasanz.com
Breast cancer survivorship
teleconference
Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization
supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish
backgrounds, facing breast cancer will present a free
national teleconference, Am I A Survivor? What You
Should Know Now About Breast Cancer Survivorship,
Tuesday, January 29, at 8 p.m. The teleconference is part
of Sharsherets National Survivorship Teleconference
Series. An audio recording and written transcript will
be posted online following the teleconference at www.
sharsheret.org.
OPEN
Local yeshiva teacher pleads guilty to child pornography charges
A 27-year-old former teacher at a modern Orthodox
yeshiva in Teaneck has pleaded guilty to child pornog-
raphy and exploitation charges, according to federal
prosecutors.
Evan Zauder, who taught sixth grade at Yeshivat
Noam, pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to
charges that he used the Internet to entice a minor to
engage in illegal sexual activity, and to receiving, dis-
tributing, and possessing child pornography.
Evan Zauders abuse and exploitation of minors was
heinous criminal conduct perpetrated on some of the
most vulnerable and powerless members of society,
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a state-
ment. This office treats the protection of children as
an extraordinarily serious responsibility, and as this
case demonstrates, we will persist in our efforts to en-
sure that those who prey on minors are found and held
accountable.
Zauder was arrested in May 2012, after the FBI, act-
ing on a tip, raided his Manhattan apartment. There
they found hundreds of graphic images and videos of
young boys on his computers. There was no evidence
that his criminal conduct involved any students at
Yeshivat Noam, according to federal authorities.
Before he came to Yeshivat Noam, Zauder had
worked as youth director at Congregation Bnai
Yeshurun in Teaneck, and as a part-time youth director
at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale in the Bronx. He
also was a Bnei Akiva summer tour counselor.
Zauder faces sentences that range from five years to
life imprisonment on the various charges. His sentenc-
ing is scheduled for May 22 in Manhattan.
Editorial
The people have spoken
A
ll of the advance doom-and-gloom public opin-
ion polls notwithstanding, the true result of
Israels election this week is a country that is
far less conservative than its government has been, and
far more desirous of progress in the areas of economic
growth, social equity, and even peace with Palestinians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with
his politically odd bedfellow, Israel Beitenus Avigdor
Lieberman, jointly held 42 seats in the just ended Knesset
session. In the Knesset about to be sworn in, the Likud-
Yisrael Beitenu list may not even make it to 32 seats.
Many pundits believe that this steep decline the
joint list was meant to increase representation, not di-
minish it was due to the rise of a more radical right-
wing party, Bayit Hayehudi, which translates as Jewish
Home. This party does not advocate a two-state solution.
Indeed, the party leader actually said in a televised in-
terview that he would advise Israeli soldiers to disobey
a direct order to vacate settlements if ordered to do so
by govrenment or court decree. He craftily insisted mo-
ments later that his remarks were misinterpreted, or that
he misspoke, but his message was very clear. Here was
a man seeking to be prime minister of the State of Israel
who was advocating that the army of the State of Israel
disobey the orders of the legitimate government.
According to the pundits and the polls, that stance
endeared him to a large size of the voting public.
According to the only poll that counts, the one on
Tuesday, it endeared him only to the more radical
elements within the ruling coaltion. If the joint Likud-
Yisrael Beiteinu ticket comes in, as predicted, with a
mere 30 to 31 seats, and Jewish Home garners the 12 the
exit polls say is its share, those 12 seats will come at the
expense of the Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu coalition. Rather
than Israel becoming more radicalized, Netanyahus
support has become more centralized; his most radical
backers have found a new voice.
The bottom line of this election is that a coalition
of all conservative right-wing parties at best will have
either the barest minimum of 61 or perhaps 62 seats
an extremely unhealthy cushion upon which to govern
Israel in the coming years. There is only one way that
Netanyahu can govern for any length of time without
having to call new elections anytime soon, or to be effec-
tive in any way in addressing the very serious problems
facing Israel. It is to eschew the more conservative ele-
ments in the Knesset, and even the religious parties for
the first time in memory, and turn to the centrists and the
moderates.
Those same exit polls show that a new party led by a
popular former TV news anchor, Yair Lapid, took 18 seats;
the Labor Party, meanwhile, under Shelly Yacimovich,
took 17. That is 35 seats between them. Add to that the
seven seats of Hatnuah, led by former Foreign Minister
Tzipi Livni, and that means that a Netanyahu-led coali-
tion of the center-left would give the new government
between 72 and 73 new seats. That is a far more work-
able arrangement, which would pave the way for serious
reforms in the economy, in housing, in education, in
religious coercion, and even in Israels electoral process.
Increasing the threshold required for a party to enter the
Knesset from two percent to perhaps four or five percent
would limit the stranglehold smaller otherwise insignifi-
cant parties have on the future of the state.
Tuesdays election gives Netanyahu a tremendous op-
portunity. He has it in his grasp to become one of Israels
most memorable, most productive, most progressive
national leaders ever. Netanyahu is a very smart politi-
cian. He must see how eroded the conservative base truly
is. He must also see the advantages available to him by
moving to the center. We pray that he has the wisdom to
do so, because he has it in his power to secure a far bet-
ter Israel for tomorrow than anyone hoped and dared to
predict until now.
As for President Barack Obama, who formally began
his second term on Sunday, it is time to reassure that if
he does in fact move to the center, he will find a friend-
lier environment within the administration than he
could possibly have with a coalition that includes Bayit
Hayehudi and its incendiary political positions.
The people of Israel have spoken, just as the people of
the United States spoke just two months ago. Both coun-
tries voted for a change from the status quo.
Now is the time for wisdom on both sides of the great
ocean. It has been said that neither country has great
leaders today of the caliber of the leaders of yesterday.
That is not true. There never were such leaders. There
only were circumstances in which good leaders became
great ones.
Good people, here in the United States and there in
the State of Israel, have before them the circumstances to
seize greatness for themselves.
For the future of our two countries, for the future of
the Jewish people and the Jewish state, for the future of
the American republic and the democracy that shines
like a beacon into the darkest corners of this planet, we
pray that our leaders choose greatness.
JS-16*
1086 Teaneck Road
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 837-8818
Fax 201-833-4959
Publisher
James L. Janoff
Associate Publisher
Marcia Garfinkle
Executive Editor
Shammai Engelmayer
Editor
Joanne Palmer
Associate Editor
Larry Yudelson
Guide/Gallery Editor
Beth Janoff Chananie
Contributing Editors
Warren Boroson
Lois Goldrich
Miriam Rinn
Correspondents
Ken Hilfman
Abigail K. Leichman
Science Correspondent
Dr. Miryam Z. Wahrman
About Our Children Editor
Heidi Mae Bratt
Advertising Director
Natalie D. Jay
Classified Director
Janice Rosen
Advertising Coordinator
Jane Carr
Account Executives
Peggy Elias
George Kroll
Karen Nathanson
Brenda Sutcliffe
International Media Placement
P.O. Box 7195 Jerusalem 91077
Tel: 02-6252933, 02-6247919
Fax: 02-6249240
Israeli Representative
Production Manager
Jerry Szubin
Graphic Artists
Deborah Herman
Bob O'Brien
Bookkeeper
Alice Trost
Credit Manager
Marion Raindorf
Receptionist
Ruth Hirsch
Jewish
Standard
jstandard.com
Founder
Morris J. Janoff (19111987)
Editor Emeritus
Meyer Pesin (19011989)
City Editor
Mort Cornin (19151984)
Editorial Consultant
Max Milians (1908-2005)
Secretary
Ceil Wolf (1914-2008)
Editor Emerita
Rebecca Kaplan Boroson
Conceding conceit
Shammai EngElmayEr
T
here comes a point in the
life of columnists who by
their nature write, and even
speak, in absolute terms, as if they
are the only ones who see the truth,
the only ones who know what is
right and what is wrong when
they must face up to that conceit
and acknowledge that arrogance.
And then to set aside the pen, at
least until they can master some humility.
The truth is, I for one do
not know the truth. I was
raised in a tradition that ac-
cepted many truths, that
allowed for a variety of opin-
ions, often contradictory, but
all for the sake of heaven.
I should have remembered that, cherished it, nur-
tured it in myself and others. I hope I do that when I
teach. I did no such thing when I wrote.
The midrash tells of the frustration felt by the sages of
blessed memory at how unresolvable were the decisions
handed down by the Schools of Shammai and Hillel.
If one said black, the other almost certainly would say
white. Which one was correct? If the Oral Law truly was
handed down at Sinai, then who spoke for the God of
Sinai?
The sages finally decided to lock the great minds of
both academies into a single room, charging them to
remain there until such time as they could produce one
law that all could follow. Three years went by, and yet
if the one said black, the other said white. Nothing had
changed.
Totally defeated, the sages looked to heaven for help.
You resolve this for us, they cried. You tell us which
one of these two speak for You? Which one of these two
teaches Your proper law?
Suddenly, a voice came from heaven: Elu velu divrei
elohim chaim. This one and this one are both the words
of the living God.
There is no one truth. There is no one path. There is
no one correct answer. To insist that there is rejects ev-
erything that Judaism ever stood for.
I led a very interesting and very varied life. I accom-
plished some good in this world. Often, over the years, I
saw myself as the Jewish Standards profile of me put it,
as something of the Lone Ranger, the man in the mask,
out to right the wrongs of society, but never quite reveal-
ing myself, perhaps not even to myself.
At the age of 23, I helped to craft groundbreaking
legislation that protected the jobs of Sabbath-observant
public employees.
After years of work, with the help of some very won-
derful people, I was part of an effort that brought about
KEEPING
THE FAITH
One religious
perspectIve on
issues of the day
Shammai Engelmayer is rabbi of the Conservative synagogue
Temple Israel Community Center in Cliffside Park and an
instructor in the UJA-Federation-sponsored Florence Melton
Adult Mini-School of the Hebrew University.
It has been said that neither country
has great leaders today of the caliber
of the leaders of yesterday. There never
were such leaders. There only were
circumstances in which good leaders
became great ones.
Op-ed
Senator Hagels divisive nomination
Dr. BEn ChouakE
N
ext week, the Senate Armed
Services Committee will
begin questioning former
Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel
during his confirmation hearing
for secretary of defense.
To put the importance of this
position into perspective, the
defense secretary is in charge of
our nations largest employer, the
Department of Defense, with some 3.5 million employ-
ees and a budget in excess of $600 billion. Outside of the
president, in terms of responsibility and decision making
powers, this is the single most important position in the
executive branch of government. It requires a person of
exceptional skill and exceptional judgment to manage
these duties.
We believe that this nomination is problematic and
should be declined. Sen. Hagels record related to his fu-
ture possible responsibilities can be accurately described
as fringe. Take for example one of the primary responsi-
bilities of the Defense Department: to prevent terrorism,
expansionism, and nuclear ambitions from Iran. The
most outstanding thing about the senators record on the
threats America and its allies face is the consistent solici-
tude he has shown toward Iran and the terrorist organi-
zations and states it funds: Hezbollah, Hamas, and Syria.
In July 2001, Sen. Hagel was in a minority of only two
senators to vote against extending the original Iran-Libya
sanctions bill, designed to deny both regimes revenues
that would assist their weapons of mass destruction
programs.
In April 2002, Hagel was one of only 10 senators to
oppose banning the import to America of Iraqi oil until
Iraq stopped compensating the families of Palestinian
suicide bombers. In November 2003, he failed to vote on
the Syria Accountability Act, which imposed sanctions
on Syria for its support of terrorism and occupation of
Lebanon. The act passed by a vote of 89 to 4.
In 2004, Hagel refused to sign a letter urging President
Bush to highlight Irans nuclear program at the G-8
summit.
In 2004, 2007, and 2008 Hagel opposed sanctions on
Iran.
In 2007, Hagel declined to support the bipartisan
Iran Counter Proliferation Act, aimed at targeting gov-
ernments and businesses that assist Irans nuclear pro-
gram. The following year, a congressional aide told the
Huffington Post that Hagel was solely responsible for
blocking an Iran sanctions bill.
His refusal to acknowledge the danger of a nuclear
armed Iran and his consistent opposition to every leg-
islative effort to contain this treat is in stark contrast to
almost every other member of the Senate. Hagel, despite
recent assurances that he would implement the admin-
istrations policy, has been so far out of the mainstream
on these issues of national security that it defies rational
thinking.
Senators by and large are an exceptionally talented
and disciplined group. So when such people say things
that can embarrass the office, or vote well out of the bell
curve, it is usually because they are unable to keep their
emotional feelings about the issue in check.
His unfortunate comments about the Jewish lobby;
his statement that I am not the senator from Israel; his
chairing the Atlantic Council, which published an article
titled Israels Apartheid Policy that equated Israel with
South Africas historic racist policy; his being one of 12
senators not to urge that Hezbollah be designated a ter-
rorist organization by the European Union, and his being
the lone senator to refuse to sign a letter condemning
anti-Semitism in Russia should give you insight into his
beliefs.
Hagel has other pet peeves. He repeatedly voted
against amendments to allow servicewomen to pay for
abortion services at military hospitals out of their own
pockets. He also opposed abortion in cases of rape and
incest because those cases are rare. He consistently vot-
ed against gay rights; three times his record earned him
a zero percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign,
the leading LGBT rights lobby. Among other things,
Hagel voted against extending basic employment non-
discrimination protections and the federal hate-crimes
law to cover gay Americans.
In 1998, after President Bill Clinton nominated a
prominent gay-rights advocate from San Francisco,
James Hormel, to be the ambassador to Luxembourg,
Hagel, then a senator, seemed to go out of his way to
malign not only Hormel he called him openly, ag-
gressively gay but gay Americans generally, with
comments that were blatantly offensive even then. His
comments suggested that the very fact of being gay
should disqualify someone from representing America
abroad.
Is this the person we wish to be in charge of national
defense and to manage the nations largest employer?
It is telling that virtually none of Hagels former col-
leagues, even in his own party, are embracing this nomi-
nation. Those senators that know him best are opposed
to it.
Most of President Obamas appointments to fill the
vacancies in his new cabinet make sense. Sen. John
Kerry, set to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of
state, is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee and has built tremendous crossroads with
his Republican neighbors across the aisle by working
hand in hand with ranking Republican Sen. Richard
Lugar on important issues. His ability to work across par-
ty lines to get legislation passed will make Kerry a strong
pick to be the nations top diplomat. Jack Lew also makes
sense as the successor to Timothy Geithner as secretary
of the treasury. Before becoming President Obamas chief
of staff, Lew was director of the Office of Management
and Budget; before that, he was successful working with
President Clinton on fiscal policy.
There are many qualified people of both parties who
would make a superb secretary of defense and further
the interests of the United States. Sen. Hagel is not one of
those people.
Dr. Ben Chouake, who lives in Englewood, is president of Nor-
pac, the nations largest political action committee dedicated to
strengthening U.S.-Israel relations.
JS-17*
the first and only criminal prosecution of a major manu-
facturer for what amounted to corporate murder. The
case involved the Ford Motor Company and its Pinto,
with its exploding gas tank, and a courageous prosecutor
in Elkhart, Indiana. The prosecutor lost, but the public
won. Ford agreed to fix the Pinto.
When evidence came forth that women were dying
because of a medical device manufactured by a major
drug company, and that the drug company knew of the
dangers, Robert J. Wagman, who was my writing partner
at the time, and I pursued it. In this case, all the credit for
resolving the problem must go to a federal judge by the
name of Miles Lord. Yet we played a role in that, especial-
ly in helping to focus attention on an insidious economic
calculation used by corporations, called the benefit-to-
risk ratio. Essentially, an estimate is made of how many
people will be harmed by a product, or killed, and how
much money would have to be expended in compensa-
tion and legal fees. If the product still would show a large
profit, the risk would be worth the benefit.
I wish I could say that the benefit-to-risk ratio was no
more, but it is still a staple of corporate planning. I can
say, however, that at the very least more consideration
today is given to potential victims than had been in the
past.
What is my point? It is not to go over history, or to pat
myself on the shoulder. Rather, it is a way of trying to ex-
plain whence comes the arrogance and the certainty of
correctness of which I am guilty. I saw a world that need-
ed changing and became convinced by a heady series of
small successes that were not even entirely my own that I
alone knew how to change it.
I forgot that Elu velu divrei elohim chaim; this one
and this one are both the words of the living God.
I was reminded of that very recently in an all too pain-
ful way.
I do believe I have things to say, I do believe I have
much to offer, but never again may I do it as if my words
themselves come from Sinai.
Over the years, in this space, I have angered people, I
have hurt them, perhaps inadvertently I even maligned
some of them. I chose to close my eyes to their truths, to
their certainties. I chose only to see the right way, which
meant my way.
I have paid a heavy price for that. In many respects, I
am a lightning rod for controversy, when what I should
be is a teacher of Torah who opens doors for others to
find their own truths.
I could apologize to all who have felt the sting of my
pen, but apologies cannot make up for the hurt that was
caused, the grief that was felt, the pain that was endured.
Solomon ben Joseph Ibn Gabirol perhaps put it best
when he wrote, As long as a word remains unspoken,
you are its master. Once you utter it [or publish it], you
are its slave.
I am a slave to my past words. I am a slave to their
arrogance and to the certainty with which I expressed
them, privately as well as publicly. Not everything I ever
wrote was wrong, not every opinion I ever held was
incorrect. But I can no longer act as though there is a
Torat Shammai and all the rest simply is mistaken
commentary.
If I can learn to write without the columnists conceit,
and if people still believe there is some value in what I
have to say, perhaps I will return to this space some day.
Allow me, meanwhile, one more public conceit: I
pray for a community that recognizes the words of that
heavenly voice and acts upon it for the good of us all.
Elu velu divrei elohim chaim. This one and this one are
both the words of the living God.
We are one. I say with no arrogance but with uncom-
promising certainty that it is time we acted like it.
Shammai Engelmayer is rabbi of the Conservative synagogue
Temple Israel Community Center in Cliffside Park and an
instructor in the UJA-Federation-sponsored Florence Melton
Adult Mini-School of the Hebrew University.
Letters
JS-18
Morsis anti-Semitism reveals more about us than him
BEn CohEn
I
ts a story that began with an eagle-eyed Jewish blog-
ger who writes under the pseudonym Challah Hu
Akbar and progressed all the way to the White House.
In the process, it has reignited the debate as to whether
Egypts Muslim Brotherhood president, Mohamed Morsi,
is really the pragmatic moderate that many believe him
to be.
On January 3, Challah Hu Akbar tweeted an item from
the Middle East Media Research Institute in which Morsi,
in a 2010 speech, uttered what is a standard Islamist
anti-Semitic slander, namely that Zionists are descended
from apes and pigs.
A little more than a week later, noticing that Morsis
statement had barely registered with the wider media,
Atlantic columnist Jeffrey Goldberg wrote a blog post
with the entirely apt headline, Egyptian President Calls
Jews Sons of Apes and Pigs; World Yawns. At Forbes
magazine, Richard Behar made an identical point, add-
ing that in the same set of remarks, Morsi had called for
a boycott of the United States whose taxpayers have
provided Egypt with billions of dollars in aid because
of its support for Israel.
Eventually, the Morsi story found its way into the New
York Times, which felt duty-bound to point out that Mr.
Morsi and other political and Brotherhood leaders typi-
cally restrict their inflammatory comments to the more
ambiguous category of Zionists.
Actually, its not ambiguous at all. Especially since the
Second World War, the word Zionist has always been
code for Jew in the capitals of the Muslim world, as
well as in the capitals of the late, unlamented communist
bloc of states. And in case there was any lingering doubt,
a subsequent Morsi item posted by MEMRI, also from
2010, showed the Muslim Brotherhood leader helpfully
urging his people not forget to nurse our children and
grandchildren on hatred towards those Zionists and
Jews.
Unusually, given the prevailing view that accusations
of anti-Semitism are a smear cooked up by the unscru-
pulous Jewish sorry, I mean Israel Lobby, condem-
nation of Morsi did follow. The New York Times published
an editorial urging President Obama to convey directly to
Morsi that such offensive comments ran counter to the
goal of peace. White House spokesman Jay Carney also
issued a statement, declaring, President Morsi should
make clear that he respects people of all faiths, and that
this type of rhetoric is not acceptable or productive in a
democratic Egypt.
Of course, no apology from the Egyptians was forth-
coming. Instead, Yasser Ali, Morsis spokesman, claimed
that his bosss comments had been taken out of context
and really were directed at Israeli aggression in Gaza.
In fact, Alis statement is far less stupid than initially ap-
pears; anti-Semites in the Arab world know that there is
a strong current of opinion in the West that regards their
fulminations against Jews as justified, if unfortunately
worded, anger towards Israel. Ali was playing to that par-
ticular gallery.
And that leads to a broader, far more important obser-
vation. In its editorial, the New York Times asked, Does
Mr. Morsi really believe what he said in 2010? Has be-
coming president made him think differently about the
need to respect and work with all people? Disgracefully,
the Times also argued, Israelis are not immune to re-
sponding in kind either (a sentence that appeared to
have been overlooked by establishment Jewish groups
like the American Jewish Committee, which rushed to
welcome the editorial). As for the White Houses Carney,
his statement categorized Morsis remarks as religious
hatred, a term that barely scratches the surface of what
is really at issue here.
For the Morsi affair tells us much more about how
anti-Semitism is understood in the West than it does
about the nature of Islamist anti-Semitism. If the Times
is to be believed, then the episode is merely a depressing
example of how both sides dehumanize each other with
nasty rhetoric. Similarly, the White House wants us to
think that Morsis offense was religious intolerance.
As Ive long argued, anti-Semitism isnt just another
form of bigotry. It is a method of explaining why the
world is as it is; incendiary rhetoric against Jews, there-
fore, isnt just an afterthought, but the natural conse-
quence of the genuinely held belief that our planet is
in the grips of a Jewish conspiracy. We have to assume
the Times would not have questioned whether the anti-
Semitic outlooks of Hitler and Stalin were genuinely held,
so why do so with Morsi?
There are two reasons. Firstly, the misguided view that
anti-Semitism is essentially a European phenomenon,
and thus an alien import into the Muslim world that
will disappear once the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is re-
solved. That reflects, secondly, an enormous ignorance
about the origins of anti-Semitism in the Muslim world
and its centrality to the Muslim Brotherhoods worldview.
In his masterpiece Terror and Liberalism, the
scholar Paul Berman quotes Sayid Qutb, the leading
theoretician of the Muslim Brotherhood, which was
formed in 1928, as writing that most evil theories which
try to destroy all values and all that is sacred to mankind
are advocated by Jews. Elsewhere in the book, Berman
painstakingly documents Qutbs frankly Hitlerian view
of the Jewish role in world history, including his repeated
assertions that Jews had conspired against Muslims from
the dawn of Islam.
These were the ideological foundations of the Muslim
Brotherhood then, and they remain firmly in place now.
Any compromise with the Jews, such as a peace treaty
with Israel, therefore would be another twist in the same
conspiracy. According to Qutb and his followers, the only
honorable path is to vanquish the Jews entirely.
These are the same beliefs of Mohamed Morsi. They
may be insidious, but they are authentically held. Asking
him to recant them, as the White House did, is like asking
Hitler to apologize for Mein Kampf.
A far more productive approach would be to integrate
the persistence of Islamist anti-Semitism into policy
analysis of our relationship with Egypt. Critically, we
need to ask whether someone who really believes that
there is a hidden Jewish conspiracy at workand that,
consequently, political relationships are camouflage for
that can be a partner in any sense of that term.
Going by their reactions to Morsis remarks, neither
this White House nor its supporters in the commentariat
are up to that task.
JNS.org
Ben Cohen is the Shillman Analyst for JNS.org. His writings on
Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics have been published
in Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, Jewish Ideas Daily,
and many other publications.
Free-will dues
Temple Beth-El, the Reform congrega-
tion in Jersey City, was pleased to see
the recognition given to free-will do-
nations programs as an alternative to
synagogue dues (Time for Jews to Lose
the Dues, January 18). In July, our con-
gregation enthusiastically instituted a
pilot program we call Terumah: Annual
Voluntary Financial Commitment. We
explain our financial needs to each
household and believe that each mem-
ber knows best his or her own capacity
to give. Whatever the gift, it is honored.
Our motto is: You know what our temple
means to you. Give until it feels good. Be
realistic. Be generous.
This change has brought in many
new members singles, couples, and
families who specifically informed
us that they had not planned to join so
quickly. It retained many members who
were unwilling to ask for dues relief. It
inspired those with greater financial
resources to increase their giving. It has
reduced the time that lay leaders de-
voted to dues collection. But the key for
us was that this approach matched the
philosophy of our synagogue to be
an open community that serves all Jews,
affiliated or not. Temple Beth-El believes
that blurring the lines between insiders
and outsiders does not dilute the value
of membership. Rather, it makes it easy
for those who are new to move into
deeper genuine involvement with the
community.
If there are congregations in Northern
New Jersey or Rockland County who
would like more information on our
Terumah program, check out www.
betheljc.org/terumah/ or give us a call.
Rabbi Debra Hachen
Kay Magilavy, President
Temple Beth-El
Jersey City
Starting another war
In response to Harry Lerners letter in the
January 18 Standard, I find it startling
that he pulls a phrase out of the papers
previous editorial on Chuck Hagel, See,
we told you so, yet proceeds as though
he hadnt read the rest of the edito-
rial. The Standards editorial goes on
to describe an editorial Senator Hagel
co-authored with others discussing the
positive values of the military option.
Yet sanctions against Iran put in place by
President Obama are the strongest ever,
more, certainly, than President Bushs
Opinions expressed in the op-ed and letters columns are not necessarily those of
The Jewish Standard. Include a day-time telephone number with your letters. The
Jewish Standard reserves the right to edit letters. Write to Letters, The Jewish
Standard, 1086 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666, or e-mail jstandardletters@gmail.
com. Hand-written letters are not acceptable.
JS-19
The Highest Quality Meat
RCBC
543 Cedar Lane Teaneck
201-801-0444
Hamburger Sliders
Includes grilled slider hamburgers, rolls, lettuce, tomato and onions
$99.99 serves 10 people
Super Chili Nachos
Includes spicy homemade chili,
fresh nacho chips, guacamole, salsa, lettuce
$99.99 serves 10-12 people
SUPER BOWL
SPECIALS
BBQ
Baby Ribs
$6.99 lb
Buffalo
Wings
$2.99 lb
Rib
Steak
$10.99 lb
READY TO SERVE
Buffalo Wings
or
Spicy Chili
$
39
99
THIS WEEKS SPECIALS
A&B
Gelte Fish
$5.49
A&B Kishka
Parve
$1.99
Lutosa
French Fries
$1.99
Serves 10
9 x 13 pan
were. And Iran is no pushover like Iraq.
Any attack by the United States on Iran
means an immediate attack on Israel.
Reasonable people like the president are
aware of this. Those in our government
representing the defense industry are
pushing for war. I have to ask Mr. Lerner
which of the presidents Iran policies
doesnt he like, the enormously damag-
ing sanctions or the fact we havent start-
ed yet another war in the Middle East?
Larry Braverman
Westwood
DNA of the
Hebrew Bible
Measurably successful nondenomina-
tional megachurches, e.g., Willow Creek
Community Church in So. Barrington,
IL, Saddleback in Lake Forest CA., and
Northpoint Church in Alpharetta, GA, to
name a few, dont have dues structures
and yet are able to raise literally millions
of dollars to fund their communities
visions and missions. And thats the key
here: Its not about programming; it is
about a God and community honoring
heart thumping, passion producing,
picture of a preferred future a clear,
crisp, concise, and compelling vision
statement that is a part of the DNA of
their churches communities. This is
what they have that most Jewish congre-
gations are sorely lacking. The concept
of stewardship that megachurches fol-
low dates as far back as our own Tanach;
to at least 2,500 to 3,000 years ago. Its
just being ignored.
That many Christians believe in and
take the teachings of our Hebrew Bible
more seriously than the vast majority of
non-Orthodox Jews makes a huge dif-
ference in the culture and DNA of their
communities.
They believe that they are command-
ed, and thus obligated. There is no such
belief for most non-Orthodox Jews. For
evolved non-Orthodox Judaism, the
idea of a theological understanding
is irrelevant or meaningless, thus the
idea of commandments has been sup-
planted by the idea of suggestions and
the concept of obligationwell, thats
typically met by a form of the question,
Who are you to tell me what to do?
Its also true that Chabad has no dues
structures and yet they too are able to
raise large sums of money. One of the
similarities of Chabad and measurably
successful megachurches is that they
both take Jewish teaching seriously.
Jordan Goodman
Wheeling, Illinois
Meaning of the
Holocaust?
It may be that the reason for the
Holocaust is beyond our understand-
ing, and that the answers are in the
heavens, meaning God only knows
what they are. But that certainly doesnt
mean that they are beyond our con-
cerns, as Rabbi Shmuley Boteach
claims (Religions most repellent idea,
January 18). Moreover to say that
only God knows the meaning of the
Holocaust is equivalent to saying that
there is a good reason why He either
allowed it or intended for it to happen,
and that therefore the Jews got what
they deserved. That is a good argu-
ment for rejecting the theistic God of
the Bible and of Jewish tradition. If
non-Jews would say the same thing we
would call them anti-Semites. Boteach,
with good reason, argues in favor of the
counter, subversive tradition in Judaism
as exemplified by Abraham and Moses
challenging God when they thought He
was unjust.
A more morally potent example,
however, is found in the Book of Job.
There God tells Job that his so called
comforters, who all tell him that he
must have done something to deserve
his unspeakable suffering, are wrong,
and that he, Job, who stuck to his guns
and proclaimed his innocence, is right.
Boteach excoriates the rabbis and
rebbes who, like the comforters, say
the Jews brought their annihilation on
themselves and that Nebuchadnezzar
and Hitler were only Gods agents.
But he is wrong in saying that melech
hamoshiach belongs to the camp that
argues with God. The plaintive cry of
the Lubavitcher rebbe that Boteach
cites (How long? How long?) is hardly
an adequate challenge to Gods moral
authority. In fact the rebbe belongs in
the same camp as the Satmar rebbe and
others who found some higher good in
the Holocaust. This is what Schneerson
said about it: It is clear that no evil de-
scends from Above, and buried within
torment and suffering is a core of exalted
spiritual good. Not all human beings are
able to perceive it, but it is very much
there. So it is not impossible for the
physical destruction of the Holocaust
to be spiritually beneficial. On the con-
trary, it is quite possible that physical af-
fliction is good for the Jewish spirit. And
Boteach says he misses the Lubavitcher
rebbe even more. More than what? The
response to Schneersons contemptible
excuse for God harmed his moral au-
thority. He never withdrew it but rather
found it more prudent to keep silent on
the subject.
Rabbi Mark W. Kiel
Woodcliff Lake
JS-20
Steven Rothman has just
moved into his offices at
Sills, Cummis & Gross, but
he already has surrounded
himself with memorabilia
from his years in politics.
PHOTO BY JerrY SzuBin
JS-21
Cover story
LIFE AFTER
CONGRESS
Former Congressman Steven Rothman
comes home to Englewood
Joanne Palmer
I
f someone who lives in
Englewood says that he
moved west, most people
think of the Pacific coast.
California sun, Seattle coffee and
fog, Oregonian earnestness each
could possibly have its appeal.
Or maybe they think Idaho, for the skiing, or Montana,
for the vistas and the privacy, or New Mexico, for the
sunlight and the art.
Theyre unlikely to think Wyckoff.
But when Steven Rothman, the former congressman
who left office and started the next chapter of his life on
January 2, says that he moved west in 1989, thats what
he means. It proves that you can try to take the boy out
of Bergen, maybe even move him to Washington, but you
can never take the Bergen out of the boy.
Even after 16 years in Washington.
Rothman was born in Englewood in 1952. His parents,
Philip Rothman, who died in November at 90, and
Muriel Fischer Rothman, were among the generation of
mainly first-generation American Jewish philanthropists
who built so many of the institutions that distinguish
the northern New Jersey Jewish community. His father
who also was a literal builder, erecting offices and
houses, including his own helped start the local
chapter of what many name-changes later became the
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, as well as the
local chapter of Israel Bonds. He was on the board of
the JCC when it was still on Tenafly Road in Englewood
and later he was on the advisory committee as it built its
building on East Clinton Avenue in Tenafly and changed
its name to the JCC on the Palisades. His mother was
the first president of the Bergen County chapter of ORT,
and she spearheaded the effort to bring the Israeli youth
symphony to the United States. (One of the youngsters
in the symphony was a teenager by the name of Yitzhak
Perlman, her son recalled.)
The Rothmans were members of Temple Sinai in
Tenafly, and the familys first trip to Israel was in 1968.
I never forgot many things about that trip, including
the burnt-out shells of Soviet tanks we saw on the Golan
Heights which had just been retaken by the Israeli
Defense Forces in the 67 war, Steve Rothman said.
The family moved from Englewood to Tenafly in time
for Rothman to go to Tenafly High School.
Running and winning
and then losing
Rothman next went to Syracuse University and then to
Washington University School of Law the school is in
Missouri, and Rothman was very far west. Once he grad-
uated, he headed back home to Englewood. Five years af-
ter his return, he ran for mayor, getting the nomination in
a contested primary and then winning the general elec-
tion. The job, which he held for two terms, paid $2,000 a
year, so Rothman also worked as an attorney, first with a
firm in Jersey City and then on his own, above the barber
shop in Depot Square, he said. In 1992 Rothman ran for
Bergen County Surrogate Court Judge, which, he said, is
the only elected judgeship in the state. In 1996, I was en-
couraged to seek Bob Torricellis open seat in Congress,
he said. (Torricelli ran for the Senate and won; his appar-
Congressman Rothman strolls in the White House portico with President Barack Obama in June.
Ive been looking forward with a
little bit of reflection on the past, but
mainly looking forward to this new
chapter in my life.
Steven Rothman
Mayor Steve Rothman in
Englewood in 1987.
JS-22
Earn Generous Life Income &
Support Israels Bright Future
In these challenging economic times, some things never
change. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, founded
in 1918 by Albert Einstein, Chaim Weizmann and
Sigmund Freud, continues to be Israels #1 institution for
comprehensive higher education and research, forging
vital advances in felds ranging from biomedicine to
environmental studies.
By establishing a Charitable Gift
Annuity through American Friends
of The Hebrew University, you can
support this world-class university
while receiving:
Secure fxed income for life
High rates of return compared to
other available investments
Income and estate tax benefts
ACT NOW in order to lock in high CGA rates.
These rates are calculated based on a single-life.
Visit www.afhu.org/CGA for more information
or contact Michelle L. Hartman, PhD at
201.399.3701 or mhartman@afhu.org
PO Box 477, Wyckoff, NJ 07481
www.afhu.org | 201.399.3701 | mhartman@afhu.org
AFHU Hebrew
UniVersity
GiFt AnnUity rAtes
AGe rAte
65 6.0%
70 6.5%
75 7.1%
80 8.0%
85 9.5%
90 11.3%
AFHU_NewCGA_5x13_hartman1.indd 1 8/21/12 4:26 PM
ently shining career ended in scandal.)
There was a three-way contest for the
Democratic nomination, which Rothman
won with 75 percent of the vote. From
there, the general election was easy.
Rothman won eight elections to
Congress, repre senting New Jerseys
ninth congressional district. His ninth
run, though, presented him with a new
set of problems. He was redistricted, and
his base was taken out from under him.
He had to decide where to run in the
fifth, where he lived (hed moved from
Wyckoff to Ridgewood to Fair Lawn), and
hed have to face a strong Republican,
Rep. Scott Garrett, in the general election
or in the newly redrawn ninth, where
his primary opponent would be his
friend Rep. Bill Pascrell.
I wanted to represent the district
that was mostly mine, geographically,
including Englewood and Tenafly, and
I also wanted to help. Id represented
Jersey City as its congressman for eight
years, until it was taken away from me
in redistricting, he said. I wanted to
represent the people of Paterson and
Passaic and help them as Id helped the
people of Jersey City, getting them a great
deal of federal aid. (Paterson and Passaic
were both in the redrawn ninth district.)
Rothman moved back to Englewood
Steve Rothmans
political ambi-
tions go at least
as far back as
1973, his junior
year, in Syracuse
University.
Rothman with
civil rights
heroine Rosa
Parks in 1983.
Robert Di Nero,
shown here with
Rothman, filmed
Falling in Love
with Meryl Streep in
Englewood in 1984.
Cover story
Rothman was a
lifeguard at the
JCC in Englewood.
and chose to take on Pascrell.
Whoops!
My friend Bill Pascrell won a
fantastic campaign, and he whooped
me, Rothman said.
His campaign delivered unprece den-
ted votes out of Paterson and Passaic,
with Bergen County not turning out in the
numbers we had hoped for.
And I got whooped.
How does it feel? In the end, the
voters who show up get to pick their
representative, Rothman said. And
while I was very disappointed that
I wouldnt have the opportunity to
continue to serve the public, I accepted
what happened. I accepted the will of
those who showed up to vote.
A new life
Rothman certainly has landed on his feet.
He is now a partner in Sills Cummis
& Gross, a law firm with offices in both
Newark and midtown Manhattan. (Its at
30 Rock, Rothman said.)
Ive been looking forward with
a little bit of reflection on the past, but
mainly looking forward to this new
chapter in my life.
My amazing children, John, who is
24, and Karen, who is 21, with whom I
am extraordinarily close, were with me
every step of the way. And while they
shared in my disappointment, they
were nonetheless openly ecstatic at the
outcome for me personally. They said,
Dad, your career has done so much for
so many people, and its allowed us to
experience things we never would have
experienced but now its a chance for
you to actually have a life! To make some
money! To go on vacations!
Rothman will concentrate on
government relations and on developing
an aerospace and defense industry
practice, which will be new for the firm.
Hes excited about working for Sills
Cummis. I wanted to work with people
who are the top of their field, who
JS-23
could help me help individuals start up
companies, establish firms, and solve
problems that are very difficult to solve,
but important.
I wanted to be on the Yankees of my
field. Thats why I joined these folks.
He has maintained his membership in
Temple Avodat Shalom in River Edge.
Partisanship, Jewishness,
and New Jersey
Looking back at his decade and a half
in Congress, Rothman talked about the
committees hed been on. Chief among
them was the appropriations commit-
tee. As I recall, the committee had ap-
proximately 65 members at the time,
only one of whom was Jewish, he said.
I immediately sought a position on the
foreign operations and state department
subcommittees, which recommended
all the foreign aid from the United States,
including to Israel. He served on other
committees and subcommittees, and
then finally I got the holy grail of subcom-
mittees for my purposes the 15-person
defense subcommittee, which recom-
mended all of the military spending for
the United States. I was the first Jewish
American ever to serve on the defense ap-
propriations subcommittee in the history
of the United States; in fact as of today Im
the only Jewish American.
He also was on the judiciary committee
when a Republican majority sought to
impeach President Clinton. I was part of
that historic but extremely unfortunate
saga.
Rothman believes that the good news
is that this president Barack Obama
is completely and thoroughly committed
Steve Rothmans
political ambi-
tions go at least
as far back as
1973, his junior
year, in Syracuse
University.
The Bergen
Record records
Rothmans move
to the House
appropriations
committee in
2001.
Robert Di Nero,
shown here with
Rothman, filmed
Falling in Love
with Meryl Streep in
Englewood in 1984.
A reporter talks
to Rothman on
the day he was
sworn in in 1997
as his children,
John and Karen,
look on.
JS-24
to Israels security and prosperity, not
only because of his own life experiences
and personal relationships and our two
nations historic connections, but even
more importantly because he and his
administration understand that Americas
vital national security is dependent on
Israels existence and Israels national
security.
The other good news is that Congress,
on the bipartisan level, reflecting the
sentiments of the vast majority of
Americans, supports the Jewish state of
Israel wholeheartedly.
The challenging news is that Israel
still lives in a sea of dictators, thugs,
terrorists, and murderers. Israel is truly
not only an island of democracy, Western
values, tolerance, and modernity in
the Middle East, it is also and now
I am going to mix my metaphors
tantamount to a nuclear super powered
aircraft carrier in what is now an even
more unsettled, unstable, and dangerous
region.
His being Jewish was an issue when
he first ran for Congress, Rothman said.
I was the first Jew elected from the ninth
district. During some of the debates for
the Democratic nomination in my first
race, one of the other gentlemen who
was seeking the nomination said at every
debate that Steve was a great mayor of
Englewood, but lets face it. Hes a Jew. A
Jew can never be elected in this district.
Ninety percent of the folks in the
district were not Jewish, and 90 percent
plus of the Democratic county committee
at that time was not Jewish. Some folks
did speak up; they said that it was dumb
or irrelevant. And then I won 75 percent
of the vote at the election. Problem
solved.
Despite the Jewish communitys
apparent belief that they constitute
a large percentage of the voters in
the ninth district, I would guess that
the percentage of Jews in the district
is approximately 10 to 12 percent,
Rothman said. And only about 2 percent
is Muslim, despite the communitys idea
that Patersons Muslim population is
huge. The district is overwhelmingly
Catholic, Rothman said. I would guess
at least 70 to 75 percent.
It was not difficult being Jewish in
Congress, though, he continued. We
often forget that were only 2 percent of
the population. Many representatives,
he said, had no great contact if any
with Jews until they got to Congress. But
Jews fit right in.
Although for many of my colleagues
in both parties, interacting with a Jew like
myself, whether it was in the gym or in
committee or on the house floor, was a
new experience. I can honestly say that
there was not a single time when I felt
uncomfortable being a Jew. There was
not a single instance when anyone said
anything about my religion, except in the
late nights, after voting.
When you finished voting, late at
night, you go out drinking. I was the only
Jew there. When guys from across the
country get together and drink, it gets
rough. My Jewish heritage came up on
occasion, when bunches of us would get
together and unwind, have dinner and
more than a few beverages. There were
some tough characters from across the
country, but take my word for it, when it
On Air Force One with President Bill Clinton; Rothman is across from Clinton, and
an aide faces actor Kevin Spacey.
Cover story
JS-25
SOLOMON
SCHECHTER
DAY S CHOOL
OF BERGEN COUNTY
Come imagine with us!
RSVP: events@ssdsbergen.org
275 McKinley Avenue, new Milford, nJ 07646
Join us for a fun-fi l led, magical adventure...
This Winter...
Sundays@Schechter...
Ideal family entertainment for
kids from 2-7 & parents of all ages
This event is open to the public and is free of charge!
Sunday, January 27th
from 10
11:30 AM
Proudly presents
SSDS Third PG ADS-2012.indd 13 1/22/13 1:41 PM
came up I responded in kind.
We had a lot of laughs, and everything was said with
great good cheer and warmth.
Rothman not only is Jewish, he is from New Jersey, a
state the rest of the country seems to think of as being
inherently funny. The Sopranos was on television
during the start of his tenure, and he went out at the
same time as Jersey Shore. Its fair to say that New
Jersey always had a reputation for having members who
could handle themselves, in every sense, whether it was
physically, intellectually, in the rough-and-tumble banter
on the floor, or at a bar, Rothman said. We always gave
better than we got, and it tickled people.
New Jersey was not alone, anyway. Every state was
stereotyped. Just about every member had his or her
nose rubbed in their states worst stereotype at one time
or another, but in 99 percent of the cases it was with great
fellowship and without an ounce of animus.
Rothman said that the idea, now in common currency,
that extreme partisanship is making it impossible for
friendships to develop across the aisle, and therefore
making it easier for each side to demonize the other, is
not true.
Its a complete misperception of whats going on
there, he said. Its not personal, its not even for the
most part partisan. It is ideological.
People come to Congress, for the most part, to do
what they think is in the best interests of the country.
Oftentimes they come armed with preconceived notions
of what ideas and principles should be followed in an
absolute manner. But and this is one of the arguments
against term limits over time members realize that
people on the other side of the argument are not evil.
They are not stupid. They love America. They have some
truth to their positions. Members also come to realize
that no one and no party, whether they are in the majority
or not, ever get their way 100 percent of the time.
Now Rothman is back in Englewood, eager to start his
new life. I love it here, he said. The love affair I had with
Englewood when I was in my early 20s never left me. I left
my heart in Englewood.
Now Im back with so many people I grew up with,
who I served in office with, who helped with Englewoods
revitalization and renaissance. I feel as if Ive come
home.
John, Karen, and Steve Rothman with George W. and
Laura Bush at a White House Christmas party.
Steve, Karen, and John Rothman with President
Barack Obama.
www.jstandard.com
JS-26
Jewish Federation
follow us!
www.jfnnj.org
Celebrate!
Rhythm and Music of Jewish Life
Sweet Tastes of Torah
A community night of study, discussion,
music, and fun!
Saturday evening, February 2 @ 6:30 pm
Snow date: February 9
Temple Emeth
1666 Windsor Road, Teaneck
Musical Havdalah @ 6:50 pm
Choose from 20+ classes
Dessert and schmoozing to follow
$
15 per person pre-registered by Jan 30
$
20 at the door
Name(s):
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone:
Cell:
Email:
Preliminary Program
online credit card registraton
www.jfnnj.org/sweetorah
Checks should be made payable to:
North Jersey Board of Rabbis
32 Franklin Place, Glen Rock, NJ 07452
Questons?
sweetastesoforah@gmail.com
201-652-1687
Presented by the North Jersey Board of Rabbis with
support from Jewish Federaton of Northern New Jersey
and local synagogues
Sweet Tastes of Torah
Facebook: Sweet Tastes of Torah
twiter.com/sweetorah
SEE WHATS NEW THIS WEEK
IN THE JEWISH STANDARD
BLOGS
jstandard.com/blogs
Jewish Democrats low key, grateful at second inauguration
Ron Kampeas
WASHINGTON The inaugural poem included a sha-
lom, and three rabbis and a cantor attended the tradi-
tional next-day inaugural blessing. But the message that
Jewish Democrats were most eager to convey during
President Obamas second inauguration on January 21
was that the long romance between the community and
the party was nowhere near over.
There was no big Jewish Obama inaugural ball this
year overall, celebrations were fewer and less ambi-
tious than in 2009 but in small discreet parties across
Washington this week, Jewish Democrats sighed with re-
lief because their candidate had been reelected and won
a substantial majority among Jewish voters.
Its easy to forget, as it already seems a long time ago,
but despite a profoundly negative campaign aimed at the
president in our community, he overwhelmingly won the
Jewish vote, David Harris, the president of the National
Jewish Democratic Council, said in an interview.
Obama scored 68 to 70 percent of the Jewish vote in
Novembers presidential contest, according to exit polls,
a slight decline from the 74 to 78 percent he won in 2008.
Throughout the Obama presidency, Republicans
have claimed that there was a growing rift between the
Democrats and what for decades has been a core and
generous constituency. They have cited in particular
Obamas tense relations with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu; according to a recent report,
Obama has said repeatedly that Israel doesnt know
what its own best interests are.
Yet Obamas Jewish ties seem as deep as ever.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), the third-ranking
Democrat in the Senate, emceed the inauguration cer-
emonies at the Capitol. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman
Schultz (D-Fla.), who has made a mantra of saying that
the Democratic Party is the natural political home
for the Jews, reassumed her position as Democratic
National Committee chair on January 22 at the commit-
tees winter meeting here. Rabbi Amy Schwartzman of
Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, Va., delivered an
invocation at the event.
A few blocks away, at the National Cathedral, four
Jewish clergy participated in the presidential inaugu-
ral prayer service: Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of
the Union for Reform Judaism; Rabbi Julie Schonfeld,
the executive vice president of the Conservative move-
ments Rabbinical Assembly; Rabbi Sharon Brous, the
founder of IKAR, a Jewish community in Los Angeles,
and Cantor Mikhail Manevich of the Washington Hebrew
Congregation, a Reform synagogue just blocks from the
cathedral.
There were some hiccups: Muslim and Jewish clerics
joined their Christian colleagues in a procession headed
by ministers bearing aloft a crucifix. Brous substantially
changed her prayer reading, which had been drafted
by the cathedral, to make it more forthright. A genteel
rebuffing of favoritism in her prepared text became a
rebuke against biases in her delivered remarks.
I wanted to make it a little Jewier, she told another
rabbi after the service.
The day before, when Obama fulfilled another time-
honored inaugural tradition with a visit to historic St.
Johns Church across the street from the White House,
Rabbi David Saperstein, who directs the Reform move-
ments Religious Action Center, and Rabbi Jack Moline,
who helms the Conservative Adas Achim synagogue in
Alexandria, Va., delivered readings.
Sixth and I, the historic synagogue in the citys down-
town, drew several hundred to a Shabbat service for
government and campaign workers. Wasserman Schultz
delivered a sermon, and although she avoided blatant
partisanship, she described Democratic policy objectives
including access to health care and a reinforced safety
net for the poor as Jewish values.
Otherwise, the Jewish profile was low key. NJDC, along
with J Street, the liberal Jewish group that had made its
hallmark the backing of Obamas Middle East policies,
hosted private parties, reflecting the overall subdued
festivities. There were only two official balls this year
instead of the 10 in 2009, and 800,000 people poured into
the capital, a million less than four years ago.
A Jewish official said that there were similarly fewer
Jewish visitors to Washington this year, which likely drove
the decision by the major Jewish groups not to repeat the
ball at the Capital Hilton. In 2009, hundreds of Jewish
Chicagoans were in Washington; this year there was not
as much interest.
Instead, many celebrants dedicated themselves to
service, in line with a call from the White House for such
projects to be timed with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The
District of Columbia Jewish Community Center drew 25
volunteers to help refurbish two apartments for people
transitioning from homelessness.
Volunteering today was meaningful because service
is very important to the president, and Martin Luther
King is important to him, said Erica Steen, the director
of community engagement for the DCJCC.
J Street brought in 75 activists from across the country
to distribute leaflets to passers-by asking them to urge
Obama to make Middle East peacemaking a priority.
Without strong U.S. leadership it wont be resolved,
said Talia Ben Amy, a 26-year-old assistant editor from
New York who was handing out literature near the
National Mall.
Eran Sharon, a law graduate from the University of
Texas at Austin who is on a fellowship with Jews United
for Justice, was helping out at a homeless kitchen after
the Sixth and I service. The second inauguration, he said,
had brought on more of a sense of relief than exultation.
Its a new opportunity to finish the policies Obama
has started, said Sharon, 29. Hopefully with less
bickering with Congress.
JTA Wire Service
JS-27
All are welcome
Physicians and Nurse Practitioners available for one-on-one Q&A
Staff will explain and demonstrate state-of-the-art imaging technology
Informational breast-health videos
Tour the facility
Refreshments and giveaways

State-Of-The-Art
Imaging
Open 6 Days/Week
Day and Evening
Appointments Available
452 Old Hook Road Suite 301 Emerson, NJ
201-262-0001 EnglewoodHospital.com
AMI offers many of the services available at Englewood Hospitals premier
Leslie Simon Breast Care and Cytodiagnosis Center as well as high-quality
body imaging, including: MRI, 64-slice CT, virtual colonoscopy, bone densitometry,
ultrasound (including vascular), and x-ray.
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, Jan 26 12:30pm - 4:30pm
Comprehensive
Breast Care Services
Same-Day
Screening & Diagnostic
Mammogram Results
Glatt Kosher Take Home Foods
Our Reputation for Quality & Kashruth Is Our Best Advertisement
ICE COLD BEER, LIQUOR & WINE
446 CEDAR LANE, TEANECK (201) 692-0192 FAX: (201) 692-3656
SUPERBOWL SUNDAY
IS COMING
RCBC
THE BEST BUFFALO
WINGS IN TEANECK
ONLY $8.99 / LB.
Including our homemade
Chipotle Mayo
THE PACKAGE
Serves 30
Deli Platter, Fried Chicken,
Buffalo Wings,Cole Slawt,
Potto Salad, Pickles,
Rye Bread & Condiments
$499.99
3-6 FOOT
HEROS
$11.95 / PERSON
SLOPPY JOES
$11.95 / PERSON
12 Person Minimum
DELI PLATTERS
$11.95 / PERSON
10 Person Minimum
SMOKEY JOES
$11.95 / PERSON
12 Person Minimum
DELI WRAPS
$12.95 / PERSON
10 Person Minimum
10 FREE
THE BEST BUFFALO WINGS
IN TEANECK!
WITH PURCHASE OF ANY DELI PLATTER
OR SANDWICH PLATTER
SUPERBOWL SUNDAY ONLY
NOT TO BE COMBINED W/ANY OTHER OFFERS
SUPERBOWL COUPON
ALL PACKAGES COME WITH
COLE SLAW, POTATO SALAD,
PICKLES, ONIONS & CONDIMENTS
Charedi Orthodox account for bulk of
Jewish population growth in New York City
Gil Shefler
M
ost of the growth of the parts of the New York
Jewish community in UJA-Federation of New
Yorks catchment area during the last decade
was in two Brooklyn neighborhoods, according to new
data from a survey first published last year.
Researchers interviewed 6,000 people living in 26 pri-
mary areas to compile information for the study, which
covered UJA-Federations catchment area.
Last week, UJA-Federation released more details from
its 2012 demographic study to show that two-thirds of
the rise in the number of Jews living in New York City
and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties occurred
in Borough Park and Williamsburg, two largely charedi
Orthodox communities.
When we examine the geographical profile and see
where cohorts of the Jewish community and their
diverse characteristics are found, we recognize both
challenges and opportunities for communal leader-
ship, said John Ruskay, UJA-Federations executive vice
president and CEO. A challenge because more people
have more needs and those needs differ from area to
area throughout the region. And an opportunity because
there are now more people to engage in Jewish life and
community.
According to the survey, the number of Jews liv-
ing in New York and its northern and eastern environs
increased by 10 percent over the past decade, to 1.54
million, cementing its status as the largest metropolitan
Jewish community in the world outside Israel.
According to the studys new data, the Jewish popula-
tion in Borough Park, home to the Bobov chasidic sect
and several other charedi communities, rose by 71 per-
cent. In Williamsburg, the seat of the Satmar chasidic
sect, the Jewish population increased by 41 percent.
The data offer a glimpse of demographic trends that
are reshaping the makeup of the worlds most important
diaspora Jewish community. The 469-page study, carried
out by a team of sociologists and claiming to be the most
comprehensive and detailed study ever conducted on
local Jewish areas, also shows significant changes else-
where in the metropolitan area.
The number of Jews living in the northern Manhattan
neighborhood of Washington Heights skyrocketed by
144 percent. The Bronx, a onetime bastion of Jewish life
that had seen a long period of decline, is rebounding. The
number of Jews living there rose from 45,100 to 53,900
in the last 10 years. More Jewish families live in a single
Manhattan neighborhood, the Upper West Side (43,900),
than in all of Cleveland, Ohio (38,300).
The study also addressed patterns of affiliation. In
Brownstone Brooklyn a large swath of Kings County
that includes such neighborhoods as Park Slope, Red
Hook, and Windsor Terrace Jewish residents reported
relatively low rates of affiliation. About half the respon-
dents in the area volunteered at charities, although not
necessarily Jewish ones.
The highest proportion of married Jewish couples
lives on Long Island, particularly in Great Neck and the
Five Towns. Residents of these suburbs on average gave
more to Jewish causes, traveled to Israel more frequently,
and felt a closer connection to the Jewish state than re-
spondents from almost any other county.
see Charedi page 28
Two chasidic men walk in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. along with Borough Park, the neighborhood accounts for
two-thirds of overall Jewish population growth in New York City and some of its suburbs, according to new
details from a 2012 study. Gedalya GottdenGer via Creative Commons
JS-28*
www.njcampfairs.com
NJ Summer Camp Fairs
Connecting great kids with great camps
Come nd
a great
summer camp!
Meet Camp Directors from all kinds of
summer camps and programs
For more info, additional NJ
camp fairs, and directions:
FREE
ADMISSION
Noon to 3 pm
Bring this ad
for a Free Gift!
One gift per family.
Limit rst
100 families.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
The Shops at Riverside,
Route 4, Hackensack
Sunday, January 27, 2013
East Hanover Ramada Inn and Conference
Center, 130 Route 10 W., East Hanover
You are cordially invited to celebrate
with SINAI Schools at our
Annual Benet Dinner
GUESTS OF HONOR
LISA & LOWELL BARON
LKavod Ul Tiferet Award
RACHEL & MICHAEL DUBE
Ohr HaChaim Award
RABBI DR. WALLACE GREENE
Poel Tzedek Award
DEBBIE & NEIL KAPLAN
Ahavat Chesed Award
SUNDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 10, 2013
Buet Dinner at 4:45 PM Program Promptly at 6:30 PM
MARRIOTT GLENPOINTE HOTEL
Teaneck, New Jersey
COUVERT: $250 per person $500 per couple
201-833-1134, ext. 105 201-837-1848
www.sinaidinner.org
The survey also provided information about the reli-
gious affiliation of the community. About 40 percent of
participants living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan
said they identified with Reform Judaism, and more than
30 percent of respondents in the Queens neighborhoods
of Flushing and Kew Gardens Hills were affiliated with
Conservative Judaism.
Last years findings had showed a general decline in
the number of those affiliated with both movements.
Ruskay said the data gathered by his organization
already had been put to use in assessing the damage
wrought by superstorm Sandy.
Since the data was assembled just a year before the
hurricane, we have a baseline that tells us about the
character of communities that live in areas affected by
the storm, he said. In the future, well be able to gauge
temporary versus long-term impact on residents by
comparing new data with this baseline.
JTA Wire Service
Charedi from page 27
Washington Post calls on Obama to
reset relations with Netanyahu
JERUSALEM - President Obama should reset his re-
lationship with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Washington
Post wrote in an editorial.
The wise U.S. policy would be to concede, and
maybe even welcome, Mr. Netanyahus reelection while
quietly urging him to construct a centrist government,
urged the editorial published on January 22, Election
Day in Israel.
The editorial presumes that Netanyahu will be elect-
ed to a third term as Israels prime minister, saying, No
scenario contemplated by political analysts foresees
anyone other than Mr. Netanyahu emerging as prime
minister from the bargaining that will follow Tuesdays
election.
The editorial points out that Netanyahu has not been
afraid to play up his his notoriously bad relations with
Obama, something that would have been political sui-
cide in previous election years. It also points out that a
recent poll showed that half of Israelis believe the coun-
trys leaders should pursue his policies even if they lead
to conflict with the United States.
The editorial conceded Obamas poor handling of
Israel, which he has not visited and where he is widely
regarded as supportive of the nations defense but un-
sympathetic to its psyche.
Bri ef
JS-29
...a
nother grea
t rea
son to join the JCC tod
a
y!
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Life your Center for
The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
is a barrier free and handicapped
accessible facility.
January 25th, 2013 Shevat 5773 | Welcome |
READERS
CHOICE
2012

1
s
t
P
l
a
c
e
-
3
Years
in
a
R
o
w
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades | 411 E. Clinton Avenue | Tenafly, New Jersey 07670 | 201.569.7900 | www.jccotp.org Find us on
facebook.com/KaplenJCCOTP
N
ew
Year, N
ew
You! at the JCC
READERS
CHOICE
2012

1
s
t
P
l
a
c
e
-
3
Years
in
a
R
o
w
201.408.1448 | join@jccotp.org | www.jccotp.org
Last chance
to join in January
& get ONE MONTH
FREE!*
Individual, family, youth & senior
membership options available.
Offer applies to a 12 month membership.
Not to be combined with other offers.
Offer open to new members only.
Restrictions apply.
No building fund or bond required.
Cutting edge strength training,
resistance, cardio & spin equipment
Free! More than 70 group exercise classes
Free! orientation & fitness assessment
Basketball, racquetball & tennis courts
Youth Fitness Center & exercise
classes for ages 6-13
CPR-trained swim instructors
& lessons for all ages
Luxurious Spa Center
Infant & Toddler Center and Nursery School
Neil Klatskin Day Camp ACA accredited
Outdoor water park & pool
Our salt-water pool is now open.
The latest trend in swimming;
better for your skin,
eyes, hair & bathing suits.
Get a free swim cap
when you join!
*Restrictions apply
JS 012513_JS 012513 1/21/13 11:59 PM Page 1
JS-30

Free and Open to the Community
Waltuch Art Gallery - 2nd floor
Norman Rosen is a retired lawyer who studied at the
Old Church Art School, the Art Center of Northern
NJ, and attended watercolor and pastel classes
taught by Paulette Cochet. Painting absorbs me in
a way that most other activities do not. I draw on
my unconscious and enjoy creating both realistic
and abstract works. I particularly love organic
shapes such as flowers, birds, fish and trees,
which permit me to combine realism and
abstraction in the same painting.
For information call Stephanie at 201.408.1411
or email scangro@jccotp.org
Monkey Mind:
A Memoir of Anxiety
Thursday
February 7
at 7:30 pm
Waltuch Art Gallery
Art in Retirement:
Right-Brained Art
of a Left-Brained
Lawyer:
Watercolor & Pastels
by Norman Rosen
On display February 1-25
MeettheArtist Reception
Sunday, February 3, 1-3 pm
James H. Grossmann
Memorial Jewish Book Month
with author
Daniel Smith
$8 members $10 non-members
Are the two most important Jewish communities in the world
destined to become increasingly estranged from
each other? Why is the relationship in crisis, and what
can be done to heal and deepen it?
What are the responsibilities of American Jews and of
Israelis to create a healthier relationship?
This program is made possible by the Adler Family Innovation Fund at Jewish
Federation of Northern New Jersey. Co-sponsored with many local synagogues
Cost: $7 JCC members/$9 general admission
For more information call Robyn at 201.408.1429
The Future of the American
Jewish-Israeli Relationship
Thursday, January 31, 7:30 pm
For more information contact Stacey at 201.408.1484
or sbudkofsky@jccotp.org.
the Rubach Family
!
Step Right Up to
Purim Carnival
with
Yossi Klein Halevi,
Senior Fellow at the
Shalom Hartman
Institute
Book sale & signing after presentations
The Purim Carnival will
open at 12 pm for
families with children
with special needs
Cotton Candy,
Popcorn & more!
Visits from some of your
favorite characters!
Train Ride,
Junior Bounce & more
for pre-schoolers!
Moon Bounce & Double
Slide for the big kids!
Fun for Everyone!
Suggested entrance donation:
$1 per person
or a non-perishable food item
to be donated to
the Center for Food Action
JS 012513_JS 012513 1/22/13 12:00 AM Page 2
Saturday, January 26 at 8:00 pm
P
r
o
g
r
a
m
in
H
e
b
r
e
w
Call Sharon Kestenbaum at 201.408.1406 or skestenbaum@jccotp.org
$20 JCC Members/ $25 Non-Members
Tickets available at the door
for info call Aya at 201.408.1427
$30.00 per person
Funds raised from this concert will help support the Stephanie I. Prezant Maccabi Fund
Songs That She Loved:
A Tribute Concert
An evening dedicated to remembering
Stephanies glowing personality and
enthusiasm for life through
Songs She Loved.
Please join us Saturday, February 9th, 8 pm
Stephanie Prezant
Live music provided by her friends and family:
Jeffrey Prezant: guitar and vocal
Jonathan Prezant: keyboard and vocal
Shlomi Pilo: keyboard and vocals Udy
Udy Kashkash: guitar and vocals
Ronen Milkay: saxophone
Arlene Gould: vocals
Uri Kleinman: bass
Gal Gershovsky: drums
Special performances by:
Nancy Follender, vocals and Diane Honig, piano
Sarah Fortinsky, vocals; Robert Prezant, drums;
Zach Prezant, bass; Erel Pilo, vocals
This audio-visual slide presentation by Milton Ohring
commemorates the Holocaust in the context of approximately
18 pieces that he created. These include sculpture in bronze
and stone, and memorials in stone and stainless steel. Inspired
by actual events, Yiddish ghetto songs, and traditional as well as
more recent Holocaust symbols, aspects of individual as well as
collective suffering are explored in these works. In suggesting
novel ways of viewing the Holocaust, he hopes to help the
viewer better remember to never forget.
Meet Robi Damelin. Born in South Africa during the Apartheid
era, Robi later lost her son, who was shot and killed by a
Palestinian sniper while serving with the Israeli Army Reserve.
When Robis attempts to speak with the Palestinian who killed
her son are rejected, she embarks on a journey back to South
Africa for answers to the questions that are haunting her.
Is it possible to forgive someone who has committed such a
horrible crime it leaves your scarred for the rest of your life?
And, if so, can the means used to resolve the conflict in
South Africa be applied to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict?
These are the fascinating questions explored in One Day
After Peace.
Panel discussion will follow film
For more information call Robyn at 201.408.1429 For more information call Robyn at 201.408.1429
Commemorating the Holocaust
in Stone & Metal
Sunday, January 27
1:30 pm
Sunday, February 10, 7 pm
$8 JCC Members, $10 Non-Members
with Professor
Milton Ohring
U.N. Holocaust
Remembrance Day
NJ Screening Premiere
One Day
After
Peace
F
r
e
e
a
n
d
O
p
e
n

t
o
t
h
e

C
o
m
m
u
n
it
y
JS 012513_JS 012513 1/22/13 12:00 AM Page 3
JS-31

Free and Open to the Community
Waltuch Art Gallery - 2nd floor
Norman Rosen is a retired lawyer who studied at the
Old Church Art School, the Art Center of Northern
NJ, and attended watercolor and pastel classes
taught by Paulette Cochet. Painting absorbs me in
a way that most other activities do not. I draw on
my unconscious and enjoy creating both realistic
and abstract works. I particularly love organic
shapes such as flowers, birds, fish and trees,
which permit me to combine realism and
abstraction in the same painting.
For information call Stephanie at 201.408.1411
or email scangro@jccotp.org
Monkey Mind:
A Memoir of Anxiety
Thursday
February 7
at 7:30 pm
Waltuch Art Gallery
Art in Retirement:
Right-Brained Art
of a Left-Brained
Lawyer:
Watercolor & Pastels
by Norman Rosen
On display February 1-25
MeettheArtist Reception
James H. Grossmann
Memorial Jewish Book Month
with author
Daniel Smith
$8 members $10 non-members
Are the two most important Jewish communities in the world
destined to become increasingly estranged from
each other? Why is the relationship in crisis, and what
can be done to heal and deepen it?
What are the responsibilities of American Jews and of
Israelis to create a healthier relationship?
This program is made possible by the Adler Family Innovation Fund at Jewish
Federation of Northern New Jersey. Co-sponsored with many local synagogues
Cost: $7 JCC members/$9 general admission
For more information call Robyn at 201.408.1429
The Future of the American
Jewish-Israeli Relationship
Thursday, January 31, 7:30 pm
For more information contact Stacey at 201.408.1484
or sbudkofsky@jccotp.org.
the Rubach Family
!
Step Right Up to
Purim Carnival
with
Yossi Klein Halevi,
Senior Fellow at the
Shalom Hartman
Institute
Book sale & signing after presentations
The Purim Carnival will
open at 12 pm for
families with children
with special needs
Cotton Candy,
Popcorn & more!
Visits from some of your
favorite characters!
Train Ride,
Junior Bounce & more
for pre-schoolers!
Moon Bounce & Double
Slide for the big kids!
Fun for Everyone!
Suggested entrance donation:
$1 per person
or a non-perishable food item
to be donated to
the Center for Food Action
JS 012513_JS 012513 1/22/13 12:00 AM Page 2
Saturday, January 26 at 8:00 pm
P
r
o
g
r
a
m
in
H
e
b
r
e
w
Call Sharon Kestenbaum at 201.408.1406 or skestenbaum@jccotp.org
$20 JCC Members/ $25 Non-Members
Tickets available at the door
for info call Aya at 201.408.1427
$30.00 per person
Funds raised from this concert will help support the Stephanie I. Prezant Maccabi Fund
Songs That She Loved:
A Tribute Concert
An evening dedicated to remembering
Stephanies glowing personality and
enthusiasm for life through
Songs She Loved.
Please join us Saturday, February 9th, 8 pm
Stephanie Prezant
Live music provided by her friends and family:
Jeffrey Prezant: guitar and vocal
Jonathan Prezant: keyboard and vocal
Shlomi Pilo: keyboard and vocals Udy
Udy Kashkash: guitar and vocals
Ronen Milkay: saxophone
Arlene Gould: vocals
Uri Kleinman: bass
Gal Gershovsky: drums
Special performances by:
Nancy Follender, vocals and Diane Honig, piano
Sarah Fortinsky, vocals; Robert Prezant, drums;
Zach Prezant, bass; Erel Pilo, vocals
This audio-visual slide presentation by Milton Ohring
commemorates the Holocaust in the context of approximately
18 pieces that he created. These include sculpture in bronze
and stone, and memorials in stone and stainless steel. Inspired
by actual events, Yiddish ghetto songs, and traditional as well as
more recent Holocaust symbols, aspects of individual as well as
collective suffering are explored in these works. In suggesting
novel ways of viewing the Holocaust, he hopes to help the
viewer better remember to never forget.
Meet Robi Damelin. Born in South Africa during the Apartheid
era, Robi later lost her son, who was shot and killed by a
Palestinian sniper while serving with the Israeli Army Reserve.
When Robis attempts to speak with the Palestinian who killed
her son are rejected, she embarks on a journey back to South
Africa for answers to the questions that are haunting her.
Is it possible to forgive someone who has committed such a
horrible crime it leaves your scarred for the rest of your life?
And, if so, can the means used to resolve the conflict in
South Africa be applied to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict?
These are the fascinating questions explored in One Day
After Peace.
Panel discussion will follow film
For more information call Robyn at 201.408.1429 For more information call Robyn at 201.408.1429
Commemorating the Holocaust
in Stone & Metal
Sunday, January 27
1:30 pm
Sunday, February 10, 7 pm
$8 JCC Members, $10 Non-Members
with Professor
Milton Ohring
U.N. Holocaust
Remembrance Day
NJ Screening Premiere
One Day
After
Peace
F
r
e
e
a
n
d
O
p
e
n

t
o
t
h
e

C
o
m
m
u
n
it
y
JS 012513_JS 012513 1/22/13 12:00 AM Page 3
JS-32
Find us on
Presents
Concert Location:
Bergen Performing Arts Center
30 North Van Brunt Street
Englewood, NJ 07631
Wednesday, January 30
at 7:30 pm
Supporting music
education in our
community!
Special Tribute to
Avi and Dr. Galit M. Sacajiu
beloved friends of the JCC Thurnauer School of Music
For ticket & info Call 201.408.1465 or email thurnauer@jccotp.org
2013 Gala Benefit Concert
Featuring
Paquito DRivera
11-time Grammy Award winner
and his ensemble
Fee for 4 sessions: $100 JCC members, $125 non-members Ask about our couples fee
Fee for 2 sessions: $60 JCC members, $75 non-members For more information call Kathy at 201.408.1454 or Esther at 201.408.1456
4 Thursdays, February 28-March 21, 10:15 am-2:15 pm
10:15 am: Coffee and Conversation 10:30 am-12 pm: First Presentation
12-1 pm: Lunch with your classmates (buy or bring your own) 1-2:15 pm: Second Presentation
JCC University features top professors and experts. Our diverse array of topics offers the
opportunity to rekindle previous passions, ignite new interests, meet new people and stay
involved in the developments that shape today s world...
February 28
Arthur Millers Willy Loman:
Relevant Then, Relevant Now
with Professor Ben Nelson
A Crash Course on Beethovens
Symphonies
with Michael Reingold
March 7
Emerging Microbial Diseases
and Their Likely Paths
with Dr. Richard Roberts
Mmmmm Chocolate! Specifically
American Artisan Chocolate
with Grace Lissauer
March 14
Comparative Religion
with Rabbi Reuven Kimmelman
Public Art - Engaging, Provocative
and Controversial
with Ayelet Aldouby
March 21
Mastermind: How to Think Like
Sherlock Holmes
with Maria Konnikova
The Psychology of Greed
with Dr. Carole Campana
JS 012513_JS 012513 1/22/13 12:00 AM Page 4
JS-33*
Likud leads, but...
the rise of Yesh atid, Jewish home bode bumpy road ahead for netanyahu
Ben SaleS
TEL AVIV His party shrunk, his opponents grew, and his
challengers multiplied.
But with the results in, it seems that Benjamin
Netanyahu survived the Knesset elections on January 22
to serve another term as prime minister.
Netanyahu faces a bumpy road ahead. His Likud par-
ty, together with the nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu, fell to 31
seats in the voting from its current representation of 42.
The biggest surprise of the election was the ascen-
dance of former TV personality Yair Lapids centrist Yesh
Atid party. Founded just a year ago, Yesh Atid won 19
seats on a platform of national service and pro-middle-
class economic reform. Likuds traditional rival, the
center-left Labor, grew to 15 from eight seats by promot-
ing progressive economic policy.
And another political newcomer, Naftali Bennett,
is likely to push Netanyahu to the right on security is-
sues. His Jewish Home party, a successor to the National
Members of Yair Lapids Yesh Atid party celebrate in Tel Aviv after hearing the exit poll results.
Yehoshua Yosef/flash90/JTa
Likud-Beitenu supporters cheer in response to exit polls MiriaM alsTer/flash90/JTa
see Likud LeAds page 34
ELECTION RESULTS:
Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu: 31
Yesh Atid: 19
Labor: 15
Shas: 11
Jewish Home: 11
United Torah Judaism: 7
Meretz: 6
Hatnua: 6
Raam-Taal: 5
Hadash: 4
Balad: 3
Kadima: 2
JS-34
Religious Party, increased its representation from three to
11 seats.
Together with the Sephardic Orthodox Shas party and
the charedi Orthodox United Torah Judaism, the right-
wing Knesset bloc will hold 60 of the Knessets 120 seats
exactly half.
Thats anything but a mandate for Netanyahu, who
campaigned on the slogan A strong prime minister, a
strong Israel. Instead of being able to lead a new coali-
tion with a large party behind him, Netanyahu will have
to negotiate with rivals and forge compromises with op-
posing camps.
Judging from the successes of Yesh Atid, Labor, and
Jewish Home, Israelis cast a resounding vote for pro-
gressive economic reform and new leaders in their
parliament.
The biggest thorn in the prime ministers side looks
to be Lapid. Unlike the fiscally conservative Netanyahu,
Lapid won support by calling for housing reform, op-
posing tax increases for the middle class, and including
charedi yeshiva students in Israels mandatory military
conscription.
But Netanyahus biggest concern may be a rival in
his own right-wing camp, Bennett, who appears to have
picked up most of the seats lost by Likud-Beiteinu.
While Netanyahu remains ambiguous on the question
of a Palestinian state he formally endorsed the idea in
a 2009 speech at Bar-Ilan University but has hardly men-
tioned it since or done much to promote it Bennett
passionately opposes the idea. Instead, Bennett, a former
high-tech entrepreneur, calls for annexing much of the
west bank.
Even within Netanyahus party, nationalists on the
Likud list who never before made it into the Knesset will
now occupy seats. Among them is Moshe Feiglin, leader
of the Jewish Leadership faction of Likud, who favors
west bank annexation and encouraging Arabs who hold
Israeli citizenship to leave Israel.
The rise of Yesh Atid and Jewish Home do offer
Netanyahu some new opportunities, too. Rather than
rely on the charedi Orthodox parties such as Shas and
United Torah Judaism for the coalition, Netanyahu could
make common cause with Yesh Atid and Jewish Home,
both of which want to draft charedi Israelis into the army
or some form of national service even though they
may disagree significantly on security matters. Lapid
talked during the campaign of his willingness to join a
Netanyahu coalition, influencing the government from
within rather than from the opposition.
So even though the charedi parties grew by two seats
Shas stayed at 11 seats and United Torah Judaism
went from five to seven, according to exit polls Lapids
willingness to provide Netanyahu with a larger chunk of
seats to build his coalition means that the charedi parties
may have lost their political leverage to keep yeshiva stu-
dents out of Israels military draft.
For its part, Labor looks destined to lead the Knessets
opposition; its chairwoman, Shelly Yachimovich, has
vowed not to join a Netanyahu coalition. Tzipi Livnis
new Hatnua party, which won just six seats, is likely to
stay in the opposition, too.
The election represented a major defeat for Livni, who
in the last election led the Kadima party to 28 seats, more
than any other party. This time, the eviscerated Kadima
scraped by with the minimum two seats.
Hatnuas poor showing also suggested how little of the
election was about negotiations with the Palestinians.
Livni made much of the issue during the campaign, but
it clearly failed to resonate with voters. Hatnuas six seats
equaled the showing of Meretz, the solidly left-wing par-
ty. By contrast, Labor, traditionally a promoter of peace
talks, barely raised the issue in the campaign. Instead it
focused on socioeconomic issues and made significant
Knesset gains.
With Election Day over, the coalition building begins:
To win another term as prime minister, Netanyahu now
must cobble together an alliance of at least 61 Knesset
members to form Israels next government. Who he
chooses and who agrees to join him will determine
a great deal about the course charted in the years to
come by the Israeli government.
JTA Wire Service
NEW YORK, NY
212-724-2222
TEANECK, NJ
184 W Englewood Ave
201-833-6000
BALTIMORE, MD
600 Reisterstown Rd
410-DOUGIES
DEAL, NJ
256 Norwood Ave
732-517-0300
GREAT NECK, NY
105 Middle Neck Rd
516-773-3684
$289
$649
$799
$1049
$60
$60
$60
$95
Likud leads from page 33
Check weekly
for recipes at
www.jstandard.com
Cooking with Beth
blog
eLeCTiON ResuLTs
Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu: 31
Yesh atid: 19
Labor: 15
shas: 11
Jewish home: 11
United torah Judaism: 7
meretz: 6
hatnua: 6
hadash: 5
raam-taal: 5
hadash: 4
Balad: 3
Kadima: 2
JS-35
The consequences of Israels vote
Uriel Heilman
A
few observations about the Israeli election results:
Right-left split changes, but not a game
changer: From an outsiders perspective, Israel
would seem to be a very politically unstable place. The big-
gest party in the previous Knesset, Kadima, crashed from
28 seats to two. The number 3 party,
Yisrael Beiteinu, hitched its wagon to the
ruling party, Likud, but their combined
list lost about a quarter of its seats, down to 31 from 42.
Meanwhile, a party that didnt exist until a few months ago,
Yesh Atid, emerged as the 120-seat Knessets second largest
with 19 seats.
Yet despite the swapping of party labels, not much has
changed in the right-left power split. Yes, the right wing
lost a little ground from 65 seats in the last Knesset to
60 seats in the new one. But within the rightists camp,
votes moved rightward from the more moderate Likud
to the Jewish Home party. Also, it would be a mistake to
lump together all the centrist and left-wing parties. The
biggest winner of the center, Yesh Atid, espouses positions
on Palestinian-related issues that in many respects are
not dissimilar to Likuds: Both favor negotiations with the
Palestinians (though skeptics say Likuds position is more
rhetorical than genuine) and retaining the large Jewish
settlement blocs in the west bank while opposing any divi-
sion of Jerusalem. Most notably, Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid
has made clear that he wants to join a coalition with Likud,
which is led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Even if centrist parties such as Yesh Atid are massed
with the leftists, they constitute a minority of fewer than 50
seats; the balance goes to the Arab parties.
New priorities: With Israelis deeply pessimistic about
the chances for imminent peace, a significant number of
voters went for parties that made socioeconomic issues,
not security, the centerpiece of their campaigns. Yesh Atid
ran a campaign about social and economic issues, and
Labor leader Shelly Yachimovich, who led the party to 15
seats, up from eight in the last Knesset, virtually ignored
security issues in her campaign. This represents a sea
change from the old days, when campaigns were all about
security. Tzipi Livnis Hatnua bucked the trend, emphasiz-
ing peace with the Palestinians. The result: six seats.
New faces: The 19th Knesset will see a plethora of new
members, with more than a quarter of the parliament oc-
cupied by first-timers, most of them from Jewish Home
and Yesh Atid. Jewish Home is led by a son of American im-
migrants to Israel, businessman-turned-politician Naftali
Bennett, and Yesh Atid is guided by Lapid, a former TV per-
sonality and the son of the late politician Yosef Tommy
Lapid.
Women: The new Knesset will have more women; Yesh
Atid leads the way with eight female representatives. The
Likud-Beiteinu list has seven, Labor has four, Meretz has
three and Jewish Home has two. Hatnua and Hadash each
has one. Among the newcomers will be the bodys first
Ethiopian-Israeli woman, Penina Tamnu-Shata of Yesh
Atid, an attorney who immigrated to Israel when she was 3
during Operation Moses.
The end of Kadima: Twice in its short history, the
Kadima leader occupied the prime ministers office. But in
just one election cycle, the party went from Israels largest
faction to just two seats. Various factors doomed Kadima:
the rise of Yesh Atid, whose socioeconomic-focused
platform and charismatic leader peeled away centrist
voters; Livnis failure to gain adherents for Kadima and
subsequent defection to her new party, Hatnua; and Shaul
Mofazs decision to join, albeit briefly, the Likud-led ruling
coalition. Its not the end of centrist politics in Israel, but
it appears to be nearly the end of the road for the party
started by Ariel Sharon as a breakaway from Likud.
Bibi weakened: Netanyahu supporters used to herald
him as Bibi, King of Israel. So did Time magazine just a few
months ago. But with the combined Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu
list falling by a quarter after what was widely panned as
a lackluster campaign, its difficult to make the case that
Netanyahus star is burning brighter. Hes almost sure to
capture the premiership again now comes the horse
trading that is Israeli coalition building but it seems it
will be more for lack of an alternative than enthusiasm for
Netanyahu.
Hello, Naftali Bennett: If there was any enthusiasm
on the right wing this time, it appeared to be for Naftali
Bennett, leader of the newly constituted Jewish Home
Party (itself a successor to the National Religious Party).
The party captured 11 seats, up from just three as the NRP
in the last Knesset. Bennett, who supports annexation
of parts of the west bank, is likely to apply pressure on
Netanyahu to shift further right on security issues.
JTA Wire Service
NEWS
ANALYSIS
Nechemya Weberman sentenced to 103 years for sexual abuse
Nechemya Weberman, an unlicensed therapist, was sen-
tenced to 103 years in prison for sexually abusing a teenage
female patient over several years.
Weberman, 54, a member of the Satmar chasidic com-
munity in Brooklyn, did not speak during the January 22
sentencing in New York State Supreme Court. He had been
sent to Rikers Island prison without bail immediately after
his conviction in December. He was found guilty on 59
counts. The encounters started in 2007, when his victim
was 12, and lasted until she was 15. She is now 18.
The girls parents sent her to Weberman for therapy at
her schools recommendation. The girl was referred for not
meeting her sects strict modesty guidelines and for asking
questions about the existence of God.
The victim reportedly gave a tearful statement in court.
I clearly remember how I would look in the mirror,
she is reported as saying. I saw a girl who didnt want to
live in her own skin, a girl whose innocence was shattered,
a girl who couldnt sleep at night because of the gruesome
invasion that had been done to her body.
The New York Daily News reported on January 19 that
a new investigation it conducted showed that Weberman
had violated at least 10 other female patients. At his trial,
prosecutors said they were aware of six other victims, four
of them married women and other two underage girls. The
Daily News reported that it identified four more women
who do not want to come forward. Webermans victims,
according to the new investigation, include four married
women, three of whom he counseled, and six unmarried
women, all of whom were Webermans clients.
According to the paper, sources close to the women
said that he used patterns of grooming and nurturing to
lure them. He showered outcast teenagers with attention,
taking them on road trips and buying them lingerie, they
said. The unlicensed counselor also cited kabbalah when
forcing his victims to have sex with him to convince them
his acts were allowed, once telling a victim, I learned kab-
balah and we were a couple in another incarnation.
The intimate acts he was performing were intended as
a form of repentance for sins committed in their previous
lifetimes, Rabbi Yakov Horowitz of Monsey, N.Y., a man in
whom other victims had confided, told the Daily News.
Five others told the newspaper that they were aware of
Webermans misconduct with clients years before he was
accused of sexual abuse, and sources said the anonymous
victim who put him on trial came forward after friends told
her Weberman was a known pervert.
JTA Wire Service
After fire, Israels
Carmel Forest rejuvenates
Ben SaleS
CARMEL FOREST, Israel The rabbis yarmulke fluttered
in the wind, his hand holding it to his head, as he recited
El Malei Rachamim, the traditional prayer for the dead.
In front of him were 50 guards from a nearby prison.
Behind him, a wall displayed the names of 44 prison ser-
vice cadets, teachers, police officers, and firefighters who
died when a bus carrying the cadets was engulfed by the
largest fire in Israels history.
The Carmel fire started on December 2, 2010, and
burned for five days, destroying 6,000 acres of northern
Israels expansive Carmel forest. In June, the govern-
ment released a harsh report criticizing the conduct of its
agencies during the fire.
But even as the country continues to mourn the fires
dead, the forest is being reborn. Trees are regenerating
on their own, new species are being planted, protection
against future fires is expanding, and hikers are return-
ing to once-charred trails. Israels fire services also have
grown.
On January 18, for the first time since the fire, families
will come to plant trees in the forest before Tu bi-Shvat,
the Jewish New Year for trees.
Today, the area burned by the fire looks like a giant
bald spot in the middle of a dense forest of pines and
oaks. Rolling hills, bare of trees, stand encircled by ver-
dant slopes where the ground is hardly visible. On the
empty hills, a few solitary trees have survived. Many of
them are black on one side and green on the other, par-
tial victims of the fire.
Closer to the ground stand rows of light brown tubes
about two feet tall, made from a plastic material that
looks like cardboard. A few leaves peek from underneath.
These are the oaks, carob trees, and Jerusalem pines
planted by the Jewish National Fund, a quasi-govern-
mental organization that helps develop Israels land and
nature and that is famous for planting trees across the
country.
Usually, a natural forest you leave to nature, said
Omri Boneh, director of Israels northern region for JNF.
But in the specific environment of the Carmel, if we
dont intervene, it will lead to a very dense forest with
JS-36*
1680 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck 201-837-3470
www.BergenVet.com
Sun 9-1 Mon, Tues, Thurs 8-8 Wed 8-2 Fri- 8-4 Sat closed
Your Other
Family Doctor
State of the Art
Technology
Extended and
Sunday Hours
Emergency Care
Drop O
Appointments
House Calls
Pet Daycare
Boarding
Accessible Parking
Outdoor Courtyard
for Patient Exercise
Special Feline Ward
Grooming Services
J
a
n
u
a
r
y

S
p
e
c
i
a
l
E
x
a
m
s

$
2
5
E
x
p
ir
e
s
1
/
3
1
/
1
3
Specializing in the
diagnosis and treatment
of all disorders of the
foot and ankle
Associate, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Assoc., American Coll. of Foot & Ankle Orthopedics & Medicine
Associate, American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine
ERIC S. ROSEN, D.P.M.
Evening Hours
Office Hours By Appointment
24 Godwin Ave., Midland Park, NJ 201-444-7999
288 Boulevard Hasbrouck Hts., NJ 201-288-3000
MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED HOUSE CAllS
ATTENTION SAAB OWNERS
We Are Bergen Countys ONLY SAAB Service & Sales Specialist!
Here To Stay
For All Your
SAAB Needs!
All Certied Pre-Owned SAABs
Are Hand Picked by Our Owner, Joe Vetere,
a Factory Trained Saab Technician since 1983
247 S. Washington Ave.
Bergeneld
201-501-8266
www.swedishconnection.org
$5 OFF
ANY OIL CHANGE
Some cars require special oil & lters for
additional charge. With this coupon. Cannot
be combined with any other offer.
$25 OFF
ANY SERVICE
OF $100 OR MORE
(Parts excluded) With this coupon. Cannot be
combined with any other offer.
Loaner
Car
Available
A view of part of the scorched area of the Carmel forest, burned in the 2010 fire, with an intact area of the for-
est in the background. Ben SaleS
Visitors at the memorial to the victims of the 2010 Carmel fire in Beit Oren, Israel.
Ben SaleS
A tree surrounded by protective casing growing in
the Carmel forest. The Jewish National Fund is plant-
ing trees in the area that had been destroyed by the
2010 Carmel fire. Ben SaleS
JS-37*
Super Bowl Party XLVII
Youve got the chairs. The drinks.
The wide screen TV.
Chicken Wings
2/honey BBQ sauce
3 dz. $27.00
Franks in Jackets
3 dz. $36.00
Steak Fries
$25.00/pan (10 pp.)
Sweet Potato Fries
$30.00/pan (10 pp.)
Cajun Fries
$30.00/pan (10 pp.)
Onion Rings
$35.00/pan (10 pp.)
Serves approx. 15
5 ft. Overstuffed Meat Hero
2 Mini Fried Chickens
$179.95 + tax
Serves approx. 20
3 ft. Grilled Vegetable Hero
Pasta Primavera Salad
$249.95 + tax
Serves approx. 35
10 racks BBQ Ribs
5 BBQ Chickens
$599.95 + tax
Serves approx. 50
Lg. Platter Crudites w/dip
6 dz. Franks in Jackets
6 dz. Fried Steak Tidbits
6 dz. Mini Potato Knishes
2 pans Cajun Fries
5 Mini Fried Chickens
Cookies
Rugelach
$949.95 + tax
All Super Bowl orders must be placed by Wednesday, January 30th
Call 201.692.1200x57
All Hero packages include: potato salad,
cole slaw, pickles, mustard,
Russian dressing, ketchup.
Overstuffed Meat Heros include: corned beef,
pastrami, turkey, roast beef, salami, bologna.
Slider Grill Bar
(Requires Heating) Serves approximately 10-12
24 Sliders w/ Buns
Premium Toppings:
Texas Chili
Sauted Mushrooms
Caramelized Onions
Classic Sides:
Golden Crispy Steak Fries
Sweet Potato Fries
Lettuce, Tomato, Onion Tray
Condiments:
Ketchup, Deli Mustard, Chipotle Aioli,
Assorted Pickles
$159.95 + tax
Premium Toppings Options:
BBQ Brisket of Beef .............................$35.00
Crispy Pastrami ...................................$35.00
The Roumanian Hero
Room Temperature - Serves approximately 10
Marinated & Grilled Sliced Roumanian
Tenderloin Steak, Topped W/Caramelized
Onions & Garlic Aioli on Crusty Hero Bread
Mixed Green Salad - Balsamic Vinaigrette
Assorted Pickles
$199.95 + tax
RageN Cajun
Chicken Po-boy Party
Room Temperature - Serves approximately 10
Two 2ft Baguette Stuffed W/Cajun Spiced
Chicken Breasts, Sliced Tomatoes, Lettuce
& Topped W/ Creamy Garlic Ranch Dressing
Bowl of Chopped Salad:
Romaine Lettuce, Avocados, Cucumbers,
Tomatoes, Onions & Pepper Medley
Focaccia Croutons
Citrus Herb Vinaigrette
$169.95 + tax
Ultimate Hot Dog Bar
(Requires Heating) Serves approximately 10-12
16 Classic Frankfurters w/ Buns
Premium Toppings:
Texas Chili
Caramelized Onions
Sauerkraut
Sweet Pickle Relish
Classic Sides:
Golden Crispy Steak Fries
Sweet Potato Fries
Condiments:
Ketchup, Deli Mustard, Assorted Pickles
$129.95 + tax
Premium Toppings Options:
BBQ Brisket of Beef .............................$35.00
Crispy Pastrami ...................................$35.00
49ers Ravens
Half
Time
New
Orleans
lower biodiversity and with great vulner-
ability to a future forest fire.
JNF sits on a committee to rehabili-
tate the forest along with Israels Nature
and Parks Authority, the Environmental
Protection Ministry, and the Agriculture
Ministry. Formed in 2011, the committee
has been able to accelerate its work after
being granted a nearly $15 million budget
last year.
The committee hopes to turn tragedy
into opportunity. Its team wants to let the
forest regenerate on its own but will in-
tervene in a few ways: thinning out the
pine regrowth to prevent future fires from
spreading quickly, introducing new tree
species, and rebuilding hiking trails.
Were changing the nature of the
character of the flora, said Guy Ayalon,
the Nature and Parks Authoritys northern
Israel director. When theyre dense, they
are a risk for a fire like the one we saw.
The authority plans to introduce more
Jerusalem pines as well as oak, almond,
olive, and carob trees. Those species
all are native to Israel, Ayalon said, and
therefore they are in better sync with the
environment. Boneh said that a wider
range of trees will attract a wider range of
wildlife to the forest.
Both men expect the rehabilitation
process to take at least 10 years. By then
the newly planted trees will have grown
tall and thick. In the meantime, Ayalon
hopes, the government will keep funding
the project.
Forest care needs to happen all the
time, and Israel needs to know how
to invest in it, he said. If you do ad-
equate prevention, fires will be rarer and
smaller.
The government, meanwhile, has in-
vested in its fire prevention capabilities,
which drew heavy criticism in the Carmel
fires wake. It has united the local fire
stations under a new national umbrella
agency and invested nearly $100 million
in fire equipment and personnel. The
funds have paid for new gear for firefight-
ers, an expanded fleet of trucks, and for
the first time a fleet of eight planes dedi-
cated to fire prevention. Each plane can
spray nearly 80,000 gallons of water.
Still, Fire and Rescue Service spokes-
man Yoram Levy said, Israel has a long
way to go. He said the goal was to be able
to respond to fires within nine minutes.
Now the average is 14.
The government has promised the ser-
vice an additional $268 million over five
years. But with Israel facing a $10 billion
budget deficit this year, Levy suspects that
may turn out to be an empty promise.
Now were talking about budget cuts,
and [members of Knesset] were saying
they want to cut us, he said. Theyre
definitely going to try.
Boneh is happy to see Israels fire ser-
vices improve, but says that in the end
preventing fires like the Carmel is nearly
impossible.
It doesnt matter what we do, he
said. On December 2 [2010], there hadnt
been significant rain, the dryness of the
soil was extreme, and there was wind. If
theres a fire, itll get to that size.
For now, though, Boneh and Ayalon
hope to rebuild the forest they saw burn
and to see it last.
Planting a tree in Israel testifies to our
roots in our homeland, Ayalon said. But
you have to make sure that the trees are
appropriate to their surroundings.
JTA Wire Service
Visitors at the memorial to the victims of the 2010 Carmel fire in Beit Oren, Israel.
Ben SaleS
Omri Boneh, the Jewish National
Funds northern Israel regional direc-
tor, in the area destroyed by the 2010
Carmel fire. Ben SaleS
Israel celebrates education gains,
but challenges remain
Ben SaleS
HOLON, Israel Just before 1 oclock on a sunny af-
ternoon, students streamed out of the Amirim Public
School and headed for home. But for their teachers, the
workday was far from over.
Some would stay late to attend faculty meetings and
prepare upcoming lessons. Others would help small
groups of students in subjects including math, science,
Hebrew, and English.
The extended hours are but one aspect of sweeping
changes the Israeli Ministry of Education instituted in
2009. The changes were in response to Israeli students
generally disappointing results in several international
achievement tests in 2006 and 2007. Israeli fourth grad-
ers had ranked 24th among some 60 countries in math,
while eighth graders came in 25th in science and 31st in
reading comprehension.
In an effort to improve performance, the education
ministry urged teachers to focus their classes on the
international tests and to develop precise lesson plans
and curriculums. The education budget was upped by
hundreds of millions of dollars $100 million more was
allocated in 2012 alone and teachers were compen-
sated for lesson planning time and teaching small-group
enrichment classes.
Im happy that we have these resources, Orly Bahat,
Amirims principal, said. We never had a situation
where, when the kids went home, we could stay here and
they would pay us. The kids got this new help.
The results have been significant, both across Israel
and at Amirim.
In 2011, Israeli fourth graders had improved to
seventh place in the math section of the Trends in
International Mathematics and Science Study test, which
is given to students in approximately 60 countries in-
cluding the United States, China, and several in Europe.
Eighth graders came in 13th on the science portion of
the test. Israelis also finished 18th in the 2011 Progress in
International Reading Literacy Study, which tested stu-
dents in about 40 countries.
At Amirim, students taking the math test moved up
from an average grade of 64 percent in 2007 to 80 percent,
placing them in the top 10 percent of Israeli schools. Its
students also moved into the top fifth of Israeli students
in Hebrew, an improvement of 10 percentile points.
We had a clear measurable goal; every teacher and
every employee knew what was expected of them, said
Dalit Shtauber, the education ministrys director-general.
We [previously] talked about process and we [moved]
to an emphasis on results at every level, from the general
staff through individual schools.
The improvement in test scores paints only a partial
picture, at best, of Israeli education. Low-income stu-
dents performed far worse than wealthier ones. Arabs
lagged behind both Israeli Jews and the international
average in math and reading. Class size in Israel, which
is about 50 percent higher than the U.S. average of 24
students, remains a cause for concern. Charedi Orthodox
students, who dont learn the countrys core curriculum,
did not take the test and thus were not factored into
Israels averages.
Shtauber says that test scores in all socioeconomic
sectors have improved since 2007, though the education
ministrys statistics show the gap in scores between rich
and poor had shrunk only slightly in that period and
have widened on the reading comprehension test.
But on the whole, the improvements have been dra-
matic. And Israeli teachers, who initially opposed the
increased demands on their time, seem to have come
around.
We know whats expected and were very precise,
said Orly Barel, a Hebrew teacher at Amirim who de-
scribed the initial reaction of her colleagues as antago-
nistic to the new requirements.
Teachers are now expected to work longer hours, and
they bemoan the size of Israeli classes, which range from
32 to 40 students. And like teachers in other countries
where standardized testing has been made a crucial part
of accountability in education, they resisted infringe-
ment on their classroom autonomy.
The teachers need to adjust themselves to the
system, said Ran Erez, who heads Israels high school
teachers union. If youre teaching one way for 20 years
and they say to do it differently, its hard.
The funding increases also have allowed schools to
hire more teachers to teach specific subjects, as opposed
to having one person teach several subjects.
Its just like when you break a leg, you go to an ortho-
pedist, not a general practitioner, Bahat said. Parents
and kids know they have expert teachers.
JTA Wire Service
JS-38*
AN UNCOMMON APPLICATION
JEWISH IDENTITY AND YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH
WORKSHOPS
Understanding Selective College Admissions
Evaluating Jewish-life on Campus
Building Your College Application
Writing a Distinctive College Essay
Financial Planning for College
The Admissions Interview
3080 Broadway, Box 32, New York, NY 10027
P: (212) 678-8832 F: (212) 280-6022
WHERE:
The Jewish Theological Seminary
3080 Broadway, (at 122
nd
St.)
New York City
WHEN:
Sunday, February 3, 2013
9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.
REGISTER BY:
Thursday, January 24, 2013 at
www.jtsa.edu. For more information,
email lcadmissions@jtsa.edu.
A COLLEGE PLANNING EVENT FOR JEWISH FAMILIES
Date: 11.19.12
Client: Jewish Theological Seminary
Contact:
Job # 2012334
Size: 6.5 x 5.0
Publication: New Jersey Jewish Standard
Insertion date:
Join university admissions and Jewish-life professionals to learn
effective strategies for translating your high school and Jewish
leadership into a sought-after college application.
2012334_JTS_uncommon_app_ads:Layout 1 11/19/12 2:09 PM Page 2
Israeli middle-schoolers have scored better on
international tests in the last few years, as systemic
changes were implemented. Maya Levin / FLash90 / JTa
JS-39*
EXTRAS BY THE PAN
Each pan Serves 10 people
Extra Three Foot Hero
(10 pple) ............................$95
French Fries .........................$50
Cajun Fries ...........................$50
Onion Rings .........................$55
Sweet Potato Fries .............$55
Buffalo Wings .....................$75
Party Bucket Chicken .........$39
Taco Platter....................... $80
Mini Burritos .....................$70
Poppers ...........................$1
DIVISIONAL PACKAGE
$255.00 Feeds Approx 20 people
2 Three Foot Hero
180 Wings
French Fries or Onion Rings
Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Pickles
SUPER BOW
L PACKAGE $75
.00 Feeds Approx 50 people
3 Three Foot Hero 20 Hot Dogs 20 Ex Burger
3 Party Buckets French Fries or Onion Rings
275 Wings 150 Chicken Nuggets
25 Corn on the Cob 10 orders Small Ribs
Assorted Mini Burritos
WILD CARD PACKAGE
Three Foot Deli Hero
110 Wings & French Fries
CONFERENCE
PACKAGE
3 Three Foot Hero 220 Wings
French Fries or Onion Rings
2 Party Bucket
120 pieces Chicken Nuggets
KOSHER EXPERIENCE is your
source for meals delivered to
your office and for catering
birthday parties, Sheva Brachot,
Kiddushim, and Bar/Bat Mitzvot.
To place your order contact Avi at
201-692-7722
or thekosherexperience@gmail.com
www.Kosherexperience.net
All packages includes paper
goods and condiments.
Please place your
Super Bowl orders by
, February
Like us on
Facebook
UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE R.C.B.C.
ktrah ,p ,uerh ,ehsc vyhja gashxj
F
ra
n
k
lin
P
rin
tin
g
7
1
8
.2
5
8
.8
5
8
8
Rancho Express
KosherExperience SuperBowl Menu:8.5x11 1/5/12 10:31 AM Page 1
0
5 4
Friday 1st
Beach Front 4-Star Resort & Spa
Featuring Our Majestic Beach Service
GLATT KOSHER SUPERVISION
World Class Fine Dining,
Daily BBQs, and Magnificent
Tea Rooms
Local Excursions, Casino, Outdoor
Movie Theater, Nightly Shows & More
Little Tykes Playground, Full Court
Basketball, Billiards, Ping Pong, Foosball...
Teen Program Led by Ari Gottlieb
Day Camp Directed by
Debbie Gold
Tiny Tots Program
Daily Kids Entertainment & Shows
Petting Zoo & Pony Rides
Water Sports Beach Extravaganza
on Chol Hamoed
Weve Doubled the Size of Our
Tea Room!
For more information:
718-969-9100
www.majesticretreats.com
w
w
w
.A
liz
a
N
u
g
ie
lD
e
s
ig
n
s
.c
o
m
Hosted by JEFF BRAVERMAN
DAVID GROSS returns as our Passover Director
RABBI MARK DRATCH heads our Scholar-in-Residence Program
Now Offering
CME Credits!
Join us for our
11th year in Florida!
Belgium acknowledges war guilt
still divided, the country nears a belated consensus on holocaust-era complicity
Cnaan Liphshiz
ANTWERP, Belgium As the sister of Belgiums most
powerful Nazi, Madeleine Cornet knew better than to
inquire about the ethnicity of the three women she hired
as housemaids in October 1942.
Cornet did not want to implicate herself any further
by hearing what she already knew. Her new hires were
Jews who managed to escape the deportations that her
brother, the Belgian politician and Nazi collaborator
Leon Degrelle, was busy organizing.
The unlikely story of Cornet and her husband, Henry,
was unearthed only a few months ago. It was among a
wave of articles in the Belgian media last year dealing
with the countrys role in the Holocaust. The sudden fo-
cus on Belgiums Holocaust history reflects the countrys
belated reckoning with its complicity in the deaths of
28,902 Belgian Jews during World War II.
In the last year, Belgium opened its first Holocaust
museum, and for the first time it acknowledged its role
in the persecution of its Jewish citizens. The acknowl-
edgment began in August, when the mayor of Antwerp
admitted the countrys Holocaust-era guilt, initiating a
string of mea culpas by his Brussels counterpart and the
leaders of several other municipalities. It culminated
with a statement from the prime minister himself.
We must have the courage to look at the truth, Prime
Minister Elio Di Rupo said. There was steady participa-
tion by the Belgian state authorities in the persecution
of Jews. He was speaking at a memorial ceremony in
Mechelen, the point from which more than one-third
of Belgiums Jewish population approximately 66,000
was sent to Auschwitz. That information comes from
Yad Vashem, Israels national Holocaust museum in
Jerusalem.
This month, a committee of the Belgian Senate en-
dorsed a watered-down version of his words, noting only
that some Belgian authorities helped deport the Jews.
The formal admissions of guilt have come late by
Western European standards. Austria acknowledged its
culpability in 1993; France and the Netherlands followed
suit two years later.
I think the delay owed in part to tensions between
Belgiums two parts, the Flemish-speaking Flanders re-
gion and the French-speaking Wallonian region, said
Guido Joris, an editor of Joods Actueel, the Antwerp-
based Jewish weekly that published the Cornets story
for the first time. These differences meant it took a long
time to arrive at a consensus.
Indeed, even such mundane decisions as building a
new university or hospital often lead to recriminations
between the distrustful representatives of the countrys
two ethnic groups, the Flemish and the Walloons, who
occupy three autonomous regions that make up a brittle
federal entity the size of Maryland.
Historian Jan Maes discovered the Cornets story,
Belgiums prime minister, Elio Di Rupo
see BElgium page 40
JS-40*
tracking down one of the housemaids, Hannah Nadel,
who now lives in Israel. Nadel recalled that visitors asso-
ciated with the Nazi movement routinely would dine at
the house, while the three Jewish women hid in the base-
ment. Nadels mother sometimes would cook gefilte fish,
which Cornet presented to her guests as oriental fish.
The bravery of couples like the Cornets was not as
uncommon in Belgium as it was in other European
countries. According to Yad Vashem, Belgium has 1,612
Righteous among the Nations, the designation applied
by the museum to non-Jews who saved Jewish lives
during the Holocaust. The figure is the third highest in
Western Europe, behind France (3,513) and Holland
(5,204) and well ahead of Germany and Italy, with 500-
some rescuers apiece.
The Cornets are not on the list, however. Nadel, 86,
never submitted their names.
We thought about it for a long time but we never did,
as we feared, at the time, it might get them into trouble
with their heavily Nazi family, she said.
Like Degrelle, hundreds of Belgians many of them
police officers were involved directly in hunting down
Jews. Not a single Belgian municipality refused the Nazi
occupiers orders to register the Jews in their jurisdic-
tions. Only one, in the Brussels region, refused to hand
out yellow stars.
These facts were documented in an 1,100-page report,
Obedient Belgium, that was released in 2007 by the
Center for Historical Research and Documentation on
War and Contemporary Society. That was five years after
the federal body started its work at the Belgian Senates
request.
The report found that the Belgian state collaborated
systematically with the Nazi occupation in hunting down
its Jews and Roma, or gypsies. On January 9, a decade
after the center launched its probe, the Senate adopted
some of its findings.
Part of the delay owed to how on the French-
speaking side, relevant documents had not been prop-
erly kept, whereas Flemish authorities archived them
meticulously, Maes said. There were concerns this dis-
parity in documentation could create a lopsided report.
And no politician was eager to add Holocaust com-
plicity to the list of tensions that already burden the rela-
tionship between Walloons and Flemish, Maes said.
There was another inconvenient truth as well.
According to Dr. Eric Picard, founder of the Brussels-
based Association for the Memory of the Shoah, about
25 percent of the Jewish population in French-speaking
Belgium was murdered, compared to 75 percent of
Flanders similarly sized Jewish community.
Historians attribute the disparity to a number of fac-
tors: the availability of escape routes to French speakers;
the close-knit nature of Antwerps more religious com-
munity; and the Aryan affinity that some Flemish non-
Jews felt toward Germany.
Picard, a fiery 54-year-old psychiatrist from Brussels,
says that while hes appreciative of the enormous, albeit
belated momentum with which Belgian officials have
addressed their countrys darkest hours, he fears some
backslide is occurring, noting the difference between Di
Rupos sweeping acknowledgement of official complicity
with the Senates more conditional language.
This, Picard says, is Holocaust revisionism. He is dis-
appointed as well by the Senates failure to enact a special
status for Holocaust survivors, as the 2007 study recom-
mends, or to offer restitution.
Eli Ringer, the honorary president of Flemish Jewrys
Forum of Jewish Organizations, nonetheless calls the re-
cent admissions of guilt important milestones and the
opening in December of Belgiums Holocaust museum
in Mechelen (or Malines, in French) a significant step.
Named the Dossin Barracks Memorial, Museum and
Documentation Centre for the Holocaust and Human
Rights, the imposing building was inaugurated by King
Albert II and is made of 25,852 bricks, representing the
25,257 Jews and 595 Roma known to have been sent to
their deaths from the nearby barracks.
There were and there are many setbacks, said Joris
of the Joods Actueel monthly. But at this late stage,
forward movement on Holocaust recognition is simply
unavoidable for our country.
JTA Wire Service
3.500
%
3.518
%
3.273
%
3.250
%
2.750
%
2.777
%
(973) 473
-
2200
Clifton Fair Lawn Garfield
Lyndhurst Wallington
Wayne Woodland Park
CliftonSavings.com
Equal Housing Lender
Equal Opportunity Lender
Its only common sense to trust someone you know...
and you know Clifton Savings.
Download a QRcode reader
to your mobile phone and scan
for more information and rates.
1. APR and terms available as of 1/10/13 and are subject to change without notice. Loans subject to credit approval. Maximum
loan-to-value ratio of 90%. Maximumloan $500,000. Loans up to $1,500,000 available at higher rates. 2. The payment per
$1000 does not include amounts for taxes and insurance premiums, if applicable. Your actual payment obligation will be higher.
We consistently offer Competitive Rates...Dont settle for less!
No-Point Mortgages
RATE
APR
1
15-YEAR FIXED
$6.79 per $1000
2
RATE
APR
1
30-YEAR FIXED
$4.49 per $1000
2
RATE
APR
1
20-YEAR FIXED
$5.67 per $1000
2
Call Toll Free to APPLY! 1-888-562-6727
Need help? Call Teudy Navarro, Loan Originator, at
Mobile: 973.602.9922 Office: 973.778.6791, Ext. 113
Email: tnavarro
@
cliftonsavings.com
Teudy will even come to your home and help with the application!
8710-Clifton-NoPtMtg-BW-6.5x9.indd 1 1/11/13 11:38 AM
Henry and madeleine Cornet in their home near
Brussels in the 1940s. Jan Maes
Belgium from page 39
JS-41*
AMSTERDAM The Birthright Israel phenomenon ar-
rived in the small Jewish community of the Netherlands
only last year. With only 250 Dutch Jewish alumni, few
here knew much about the program, which has brought
300,000 young diaspora Jews on free 10-day group trips
to the Jewish state.
And thats the way it might have remained if not for a
documentary, Make Jewish Babies, that aired in early
2012 on the Dutch Jewish Broadcasting Company. The
film, which follows the Birthright experience of three
sisters from Amsterdam, sparked a fierce debate in the
Netherlands. Some said the program inspired partici-
pants to be proud Jews; others decried it as a nationalist
propaganda exercise.
But the same year, two local groups and a philan-
thropist started planning the first all-Dutch Birthright
delegation.
The documentary demonstrates not only the Dutch
Jewish Broadcasting Companys importance to Hollands
Jews, but also what could be lost when the Dutch govern-
ment implements its plan to withdraw the $1.2 million
it provides annually to the broadcaster, known locally as
Joodse Omroep, or JO.
The threat of excluding us from public broadcasting
is terrible and shakes the communitys internal feeling of
safety in their identity, which is necessary for openness
toward other identities, said Awraham Soetendorp, the
countrys chief Reform rabbi. It will banish the commu-
nitys soul.
Dutch Jewry received its own broadcasting company
40 years ago, with the establishment of NIK Media. In
2005, the outfit became JO, and it is now the only publicly
funded Jewish broadcaster of its size in Europe, offering
70 hours of radio and 23 hours of television annually. It
also owns a website that includes news and archived pro-
grams. JOs five staffers run the operation out of a humble
studio in Hilversum, Hollands media capital, with an an-
nual budget of just $1.2 million, provided entirely by the
Dutch government.
Local Jews say JO provides a vital platform for com-
munity members to talk to one another and to Dutch
society at large, while also providing an avenue for Jews
outside Hollands major cities to stay connected to the
community.
On Dec. 6, the Dutch government announced that
it would cut the annual $18 million that it gives to nine
religious broadcasters, including JO, as part of a wider
effort to reduce the governments culture expenditures.
Each broadcaster that wishes to continue to receive pub-
lic funds must sign up 50,000 subscribers by 2016 and
reapply.
For other religious communities, this probably wont
be hard. There are more than 1 million Muslims in the
Netherlands, along with170,000 Buddhists and at least
90,000 Hindus. Each of those groups has its own broad-
casting service; Dutch Muslims have two. But Hollands
Jewish community, with 40,000 people, stands little
chance.
The governments decision therefore spells certain
demise only for JO, said Bart Wallet, a historian at the
University of Amsterdam and an expert on Dutch Jewish
history.
The singular impact of the governments decision
on the Jewish community has led, perhaps inevitably,
to public discussion of the Holocaust, in which 100,000
Dutch Jews were killed. Even among critics of subsidized
media, the argument that special dispensation should be
provided to Hollands Jews has resonated.
Israel Advocacy Program
for High School Juniors and Seniors
Stand UP for Israel
on College Campuses
Learn how to respond
to anti-Israel rhetoric and challenging situations
you may encounter on campus
Sunday, February 10
10:15 am - 12:30 pm
Maayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls
1650 Palisade Avenue, Teaneck
To register please visit www.jfnnj.org/jcrc
Free and open to all Jewish high school juniors and seniors
Light brunch will be served
For registration questions please contact
Natalya Taleysnik at 201-820-3944 or natalyat@jfnnj.org
For program information please contact
Jeffrey Salkin, New Jersey ADL Director at 973-845-2821
This program is co-sponsored by:
In partnership with*:
Bergen County Y, a JCC
Fair Lawn Jewish Center/Congregation Bnai Israel
Hillel & Center for Israel Engagement of JFNNJ
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
StandWithUs
Temple Avodat Shalom
Temple Beth Tikvah
Temple Emanu-El of Closter
Maayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls
North Jersey Board of Rabbis
Rabbinical Council of Bergen County
Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement
Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley
Temple Emeth
The Progressive Havurah of Northern NJ
*list in formation
A scene from Make Jewish Babies, a film about
Birthright Israel that was produced and aired by the
Dutch Jewish Broadcasting Company in 2012.
Jewish Broadcasting company
see DUTCH JEWS page 42
Dutch Jews fear cultural loss
Jewish broadcaster in the netherlands likely to be shuttered
Cnaan Liphshiz
JS-42*
1 on 1 Personal Training
Balance & Strength

All in the Comfort of Your Home
Call 201.937.4722
www.FitnessSeniorStyle.com
We Bring Fitness to You
Were Here To Help You
Call to Schedule Your
Personal Evaluation
TM
MS
Stroke
Parkinsons
Dementia
Fibromyalgia
Chronic
Disease
Kosher Market
67 A. East Ridgewood Ave. Paramus
201-262-0030 www.haroldskosher.com
Under
Rabbinical
Supervision
SUPER SPECIALS
Heroes - 4-5-6- ft.
$29.95/ft.
Sandwich Platters
$8.95 per person
SUPER BowL PLAttERS
Cold Cuts
Sandwiches
Sloppy Joes
Wraps
4, 5 & 6 ft. Heroes
Salad Platters
Vegetable Platters
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken Wings
Chips & Dips
Hors DOeuvres
Chili
Generally speaking, our taxes
shouldnt go to spreading religion,
but I would make one exception here,
and that is in the case of the Jews,
Prem Radhakishun, a Surinam-born
Hindustani television personality, said
recently in a prime-time television ap-
pearance. In relative terms, he said, more
Jews were murdered here than elsewhere
in Europe, and we have a moral debt to
Jews.
But for some Jewish leaders,
such appeals to Holocaust guilt are
discomforting.
I dont want to immediately go all the
way back to the Shoah, the JOs director,
Alfred Edelstein, said. The JO is impor-
tant for Jewish life here and now, for the
community and especially for people
who live in small towns, for whom it is a
way to stay connected.
Given such sensitivities, Dutch author-
ities have been reticent, unwilling to com-
ment directly on JOs fate. In a televised
discussion on December 9, the state sec-
retary for education, culture, and science,
Sander Dekker declined to comment on
any specific program or network. But
Dekker added that very specific and
complicated issues that concern very few
Dutchmen should not be the first place
that public funding goes.
Nevertheless, Edelstein remains hope-
ful that a place can be maintained for
Jewish broadcasting in the Netherlands,
perhaps by housing JO at one of the larger
broadcasting groups. Edelstein said he
will raise that possibility in a meeting with
government officials on January 16. But
Wallet is less optimistic.
I dont know which broadcaster will
want to be Santa Claus for the JO, which
only costs money and brings nothing in,
Wallet said. Im afraid all Dutch media
are feeling a serious pinch right now, and
Im not sure at all a satisfactory solution
will be worked out.
JTA Wire Service
Dutch Jews from page 41
The film sparked debate on Jewish broadcasting companys fate.
Jewish community offers to help teen
who desecrated New Zealand cemetery
SYDNEY A New Zealand teen who
pleaded guilty to desecrating a Jewish
cemetery in Auckland was offered assis-
tance by the Jewish community.
Robert Moulden, 19, who was among
the vandals who painted swastikas and
anti-Israel expletives on historic head-
stones in the Symonds St. Cemetery last
October, will be sentenced next month.
A second man, Christian Landmark,
20, appeared in the Auckland District
Court on January 22 and pleaded not
guilty to a charge of intentional damage.
He is scheduled to reappear in court in
June. Police withdrew a charge against a
third man.
Geoff Levy, chair of the New Zealand
Jewish Council, confirmed to the local
media this week that Moulden had at-
tended a restorative justice session in
which offers were made to pay for his
university fees.
Moulden lives in a hostel and has no
family support, according to a report by
Fairfax Media. During the program he
was taught about the Holocaust and at-
tended a Friday night Shabbat dinner, the
report said.
When we asked him what he wanted
to do with himself, he expressed a desire
to follow engineering if he could, Levy
told Fairfax Media. Weve given this
young man a chance to respond to the
offers, and weve appointed someone to
liaise with him to see whether he can be
helped or wants to be helped.
Others, however, within the small
Jewish community are nonplussed by the
olive branch.
Levy added, It doesnt derogate from
the need for him to pay a penalty for what
he has done, or the need to restore the
cemetery or the anger and upset we feel
as a community.
Moulden has not confirmed if he will
accept the offer. JTA Wire Service
Bri ef
JS-43
Keeping Our
Parents
Closer as
theYears
Grow Shorter
Bnai Yeshurun
Rabbi Steven Pruzansky
Wednesday January 30, 2013
7pm at Bnai Yeshurun
641 West Englewood Ave., Teaneck, NJ
PART OF OHELS INTRODUCTION TO NEW GERIATRIC
CARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN NJ
www.ohelfamily.org | 696 Palisade Avenue, Teaneck | 201-692-3972
INTRODUCTION BY
Simcha Feuerman
OHEL Director of Operations
&
PRESENT
FEATURING
SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY:
Marty Shenkman
estate planning and tax attorney will address
the ways that adult children can assist their
parents in preparing legal documents
More than a half-decade on,
Italy is still years from opening
first Holocaust museum
Ruth EllEn GRubER
ROME If all goes according to plan, a
starkly modern $30 million Holocaust
museum soon will rise on the site of
fascist dictator Benito Mussolinis Rome
residence.
The site, also the location of ancient
Jewish catacombs and now a city park,
will be home to a museum first proposed
in 2005 but held up repeatedly by finan-
cial and bureaucratic problems.
I hope construction begins this sum-
mer, Leone Paserman, the president of
the Museum of the Shoah Foundation,
said. Of course in Italy, it is always hard
to say.
The facility will be the first Holocaust
museum in Italy, which despite its war-
time alliance with Nazi Germany has a
somewhat mixed Holocaust record. The
country adopted fiercely anti-Semitic
legislation in 1938, barring Jews from
schools, dismissing them from public
positions, and outlawing intermarriage,
among other restrictions.
At the same time, the Italian military
generally declined to take part in the
murder or deportation of the countrys
Jews, and territories occupied by Italian
forces were considered relatively safe. The
first deportations to death camps came
only after Nazi Germany occupied parts
of Italy in 1943, following the surrender
of the Fascist government to Allied forces.
There are delicate situations in Rome,
including the role of Pope Pius XII, and
also prewar anti-Semitism, Paserman
said. But we have to remember that
thousands of Jews in Italy were saved in
convents and other Catholic institutions.
Romes City Council approved final
plans for the museum a year ago, but
city funding later was blocked by gov-
ernment-imposed financial restrictions
on municipal spending. The funds were
freed up in December.
Romes mayor, Gianni Alemanno, said
that the final bureaucratic approval from
local authorities was expected by the end
of January. The city is expected to issue
an international tender to construction
firms and award a contract in the spring.
It will be very important to inaugurate
this museum while there are still some
survivors alive, Alemanno said.
The new museum will be built on the
grounds of Villa Torlonia, an elegant 19th
century mansion that Mussolini used as
his residence from 1925 to 1943. Jewish
catacombs dating back to ancient times
were discovered by chance beneath the
surface of its extensive gardens in 1919.
It is surely one of the ironies of his-
tory that for nearly two decades Mussolini
resided on top of a catacomb complex
constructed by those whose descendants
being the main victims of his racial
policies were the ones he forcefully
tried to eliminate from the very fabric of
Italian society, Leonard Rutgers, a Dutch
expert on the catacombs, said.
The museum, which will cover 25,000
square feet, was designed by the archi-
tects Luca Zevi and Giorgio Tamburini.
Zevi, whose mother, Tullia, served for
years as head of the Italian Jewish com-
munity, has described the design as a
black box a huge flattened cube that
will bear the names of Italian Holocaust
victims. A permanent exhibit as well as
an archive, library, conference hall, and
facilities for research and education will
be inside.
Plans for the museums exhibition and
research facilities are being overseen by a
committee headed by Marcello Pezzetti,
one of Italys leading Holocaust scholars
and educators, who also will serve as
the museum director. Pezzetti has said
he wants the museum to insert the
Holocaust in the Italian context into the
Holocaust in the European context: By
the time that the first Italian Jews were de-
ported from Rome in October 1943, three-
quarters of East European Jews already
had been killed.
Among the main focus areas,
Paserman has said, will be a confronta-
tion with Italys uneasy history as a
fascist ally of Nazi Germany at the onset
of World War II, as well as the ambiguous
role of the Catholic church before and
during the Shoah.
Almost 70 years have passed since
the Shoah, and the survivors the wit-
nesses are passing away, Paserman
said. After 70 years, we are passing from
memory to history, and this museum will
be a place to learn history, to train teach-
ers, to educate new generations.
Holocaust education already is a fix-
ture of the Italian school system, with
classes and courses as well as special
events marking International Holocaust
Memorial Day, January 27. Each year,
hundreds of Italian students are taken to
Auschwitz on educational trips.
Even with no further delays, Paserman
said, the new museum still will not open
until 2016 or 2017. Construction alone,
he said, would take more than two years.
Further complicating matters is the fact
that while the city is footing the $30 mil-
lion bill for the museums construction,
funds for the exhibition still must be
found.
We are all hit by the financial crisis,
Paserman said. But there is great will to
get the museum built on the part of the
authorities.
JTA Wire Service
JS-44*
WE ACCEPT MASTERCARD, VISA,
AMERICAN EXPRESS, & DISCOVER
VISIT OUR ONLINE OUTDOOR STORE @ WWW.CAMPMOR.COM
CALL FOR OUR FREE CAMPING
AND CLOTHING CATALOG
1-(800)230-2151
SALE PRICES AVAILABLE IN
OUR RETAIL STORE ONLY.
SORRY, NO MAIL ORDER.
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR
TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
810 ROUTE 17 NORTH
PARAMUS, NJ 07652
PHONE (201) 445-5000
STORE HOURS: MON - FRI: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
SAT: 9:30 AM - 8:00PM. CLOSED SUNDAYS.
GEAR OUTERWEAR CLOTHING FOOTWEAR
THE NORTH FACE WOMENS
BOUNDARY TRICLIMATE
JACKET
No. 91904 list $260.00
CAMPMOR $199.98
ARCTIX MENS
SNOWSPORT
PANTS
No. 76347 list $34.99
CAMPMOR $24.98
ARCTIX WOMENS
SNOWSPORTS BIB
No. 76351 list $29.99
CAMPMOR $24.98
SPYDER MENS
SENTINEL JACKET
No. 34117 list $275.00
CAMPMOR $239.98
SALE
THE NORTH FACE
WOMENS
CABLE FISH
BEANIE
No. 91880 list $38.00
CAMPMOR $29.98
GORDINI GORE-TEX
GAUNTLET GLOVES
No. 35129 Men's
No. 35131 Women's
list $55.00
CAMPMOR $29.98
BOLL Y6 OTG
MODULATOR
SKI GOGGLES
No. 87581 list $89.99
CAMPMOR $39.97
SEIRUS
NEOFLEECE

COMBO SCARF
No. 47126 list $22.99

CAMPMOR $17.99
SALE
SALE
SALE
Ill help you at every step of the way to create the
Israel experience of your dreams! Warm, personal
service! Onnie Schiffmiller, Licensed Tour Guide
onnie@israelwithlove.net
www.israelwithlove.net Skype: onnie.schiffmiller1
ISRAEL WITH LOVE

Ill help you at every step of the way to
create the Israel experience of your
dreams! Warm, personal service!
Onnie Schiffmiller, Licensed Tour Guide
onnie@israelwithlove.net
www.israelwithlove.net Skype: onnie.schifmiller1

Tour Guiding
& Event Planning
LAW OFFICE OF JEFFREY S. LIPKIN
1000 C Lake St., Ramsey, NJ
(201) 962-3876 www.jefflipkinlaw.com
Insurance Claims General Litigation
Business Disputes Municipal Court
Real Estate Disputes Personal Injury
20 years of big frm experience
Specializing in homeowner claim problems.
Call for a free consultation.
A tale of mutual empathy
Jewish refugee scholars at historically black colleges
Michele Alperin
I
n Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, an exhibi-
tion that opened on Martin Luther King Day will
highlight a historical moment of mutual respect and
cooperation between the African American and Jewish
communities.
Although their relationship often has been tense, es-
pecially after the rise of the black power movement and
its expressions of anti-Semitism, the hiring of Jewish ref-
ugee scholars in the 1930s by historically black colleges
stands as a beacon to the potential for common ground
between the two groups.
Ivy Barsky, executive director of the National Museum
of American Jewish History, explains the museums goals
in mounting Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow, a travel-
ing exhibit created by the Museum of Jewish Heritage
A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. We wanted
through this exhibition to really look at what happens
when groups or individuals live together, understand
each other and their histories, and come from a history
of shared empathy and understanding what happens
when those relationships are shared and deep, real and
authentic, she said.
In producing this exhibit and its associated programs,
Barsky and her staff collaborated closely with the African
American Museum in Philadelphia. Patricia Wilson
Aden, its interim president and CEO, notes that the sub-
ject matter the little-known history of Jewish refugee
academics from Germany and Austria who were given
livelihood and dignity by the historically black colleges
provides an opportunity to delve into our mutual
history.
The exhibit grew out of a film that itself was motivated
by Gabrielle Simon Edgcombs book, From Swastika
to Jim Crow: Refugee Scholars at Black Colleges.
Filmmaker Steve Fischler learned of the book in a letter
to the editor of the New York Times by refugee scholar
John Herz, who referred to it during a period of overt
discord between Jews and blacks. The film that Fischler
produced with his partner Joel Sucher was first aired by
PBS in 2000.The two men actively helped to develop the
exhibit.
During the interviewing process for the film, Fischler
was particularly impressed with the mutual recognition
by scholars and their students of their shared experienc-
es of oppression. You will see some of the students talk-
ing about how, when they learned about this history of
their teachers, they felt sympatico in some ways. Having
themselves been victims of racism, they saw the scholars
being subjected to anti-Semitism and worse in Europe.
They felt they were two exploited groups that did have
something in common, and that bonded them together.
These shared experiences contributed to strong con-
nections between the Jewish refugee scholars and their
college communities, but the reciprocal nature of their
relationship was also noteworthy. It was not one-sided,
Barsky said. The colleges give these professors homes
and communities, and the professors bring their talents,
content knowledge, and incredible teaching skills.
In contrast to relationships during the civil rights
era, the black colleges in this case were the philanthro-
pists, as it were, offering the highest form of tzedakah,
a livelihood, to the refugee scholars. They are the ones
doing the helping, and in a very real way these lives were
saved, Barsky said.
As young academics, the refugee scholars did not have
the international reputations of an Einstein or an Arendt,
and they could not get jobs in the white institutions of
the Northeast. They were here during the Depression,
on tourist visas, afraid that if they didnt get jobs they
would get sent back, Fischler said.
The scholars gratitude to these colleges was so strong
that in some cases they never left, even in the face of of-
fers from prestigious institutions. Fischler recalls inter-
viewing Plato expert Ernst Manasse three months before
he died. He asked Manasse why he did not accept a job
offer from Princeton University while teaching at North
Carolina College for Negroes (which later became North
Carolina Central University). His response?
I could never do that. I could never leave.
The exhibits artifacts reflect both the activism of some
Professor Ernst Borinski teaching in the social science lab at Tougaloo College, Mississippi, ca. 1960. Borinski,
a refugee from Germany, was part of the Tougaloo community for 36 years. His students were encouraged to
think critically and question social attitudes, prejudices, and race relations.
Courtesy of Mississippi DepartMent of arChives anD history
JS-45*
Ensure a future generation of Jewish leaders
The Strength of a PeoPle. The Power of CommuniTy.
Jewish Federation
robin rochlin | legacy@jfnnj.org | 201.820.3970
Explore endowment and legacy opportunities
RCBC
Sun 10-5 Mon-Wed 10-6 Thurs 10-7
Fri 10-1hr before shabbat
384 Cedar Lane, Teaneck 201-833-0100
www.picklelicious.com
C ORPORAT E AC C OUNT S
C
H
I
P
S

D
I
P
S

P
E
N
N
Y

C
A
N
D
Y

G
I
F
T

B
A
S
K
E
T
S
G
O
U
R
M
E
T

S
P
E
C
I
A
L
T
I
E
S

P
I
C
K
L
E

O
N

A

S
T
I
C
K
PICKLES OLIVES PLATTERS
Gift
Cards
$5 OFF Pickle, Olive
or Dipping Platter*
($30 or more)
*One coupon per platter.
Exp. 3/31/13
SUPER BOWL
SPECIAL
1 QUART OF PICKLES (your choice)
1/2 PINT OLIVES (your choice)
1 PICKLE LICIOUS HOMEMADE DIP
(choice of 6 varieties of hummus,
tapenade, sundried tomato paste,
green olive paste or black olive paste)
1 ROBERT ROTHCHILD SALSA OR DIP
1 BAG OF LARGE CHIPS
$27.00 ($31.50 value)
Something fun for Purim
Shalach Manot
Packages
scholars in the civil rights move-
ment as well as their strong empa-
thy for the black experience.
Included in the exhibit is a re-
ceipt for a fine that Donald and
Lore Rasmussen had to pay for
having lunch with a black student
in a coffee shop. This is not a great
act of resistance; this is them living
their daily lives as they want to live
it, Barsky said.
Another set of artifacts includes
paintings by Victor Lowenfeld and
his student John Biggers, who went
on to become by far the greater art-
ist of the two. Barsky paraphrases
what Biggers says in the film about
his first experience creating art, in
Lowenfelds class. The professor
told us that we had a lot to com-
municate, that we were living in the
segregated South with incredible
persecution and violence, and we
had a lot of anger and a lot to say;
and Lowenfeld encouraged us to
say it through artwork.
The symbiotic relationship be-
tween the professors and their
students exemplifies the value
of strong mentoring, another take-home from this ex-
hibit. Fischler illustrates this with an anecdote by Calvin
Hernton, who eventually became a dean at Oberlin
College. His professor Fritz Pappenheim encouraged
him to apply for a Fullbright, which Hernton thought
was the most ridiculous thing in the world. But to sat-
isfy Pappenheim, he filled out the
application, and as a result he re-
ceived the Fullbright that launched
his career.
The programming around this
exhibit also is opening up pos-
sibilities for revisiting the rela-
tionship between the Jewish and
African American communities
today, through music, film, speak-
ers, and cultural programming.
People are absolutely hungry
for this type of programming,
Barsky said, citing a conversation
with Robert Jennings, president
of Lincoln University, one of two
Philadelphia-area historically black
colleges: He says his students
dont know Jews and what they per-
ceive about Jews is not good, and
our community desperately needs
to have this conversation.
The exhibit is an opportunity to
create new dialogues and advance
those that are already happen-
ing in small grassroots groups in
Philadelphia.
We might come at the exhibit
from a different perspective, but
there is common ground there that I think we all want
to explore and will all be richer for doing so, Aden said.
What we are hoping is that we will model the coopera-
tion, collaboration, and mutual respect that our commu-
nities have had and should have in the future.
JNS.org Wire Service
Donald Cunnigens Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity sweater from Tougaloo
College, ca. 19701974. Cunnigen was
a member of a black fraternity during
his time at the college in Mississippi.
Social life at a black college was
similar to student life at white colleges
and universities. ColleCtion of Dr. DonalD
Cunnigen
JS-46
Davids Dog Training
Obedience Training for Dogs
Education for Humans
201-286-9898
DavidsDogTrainingNJ@nj.rr.com
DavidsDogTrainingNJ.com
Day Spa & Salon
Full Service Hair Salon
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs . Weddings
Human Hair Wigs/Sheitels -
Style,color in Private area
20% OFF ANY
ONE SERVICE
9 S.Broad St., Ridgewood, NJ
201-794-8070 201-794-8071
Sensations
Walk-ins
welcome
Open Mon & Wed thru Sun
1245 Teaneck Rd.
Teaneck
837-8700
Tallesim Cleaned speCial shabbos Rush seRviCe
We want your business and we go the extra
mile to make you a regular customer
We offer repairs
and alterations
502A Cedar Lane, Teaneck 201-530-5046
www.teaneckgeneralstore.com
RCBC
The annual book of Palestine
how an appointments diary is helping to build a state
Linda Gradstein
JERUSALEM Every journalist has one.
So does every nonprofit institution in Israel and
the west bank. The hard-cover diaries published by
the Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of
International Affairs are a hot commodity.
The 2013 one is hot off the press right now. PASSIA
chairman Mahdi Abdul Hadi tells the Media Line that
he made the cover green because there hasnt been a
green book in a while. The 10,000 copies in print already
are being snatched up. By March, you wont be able to
get one.
Every country has an annual book you have an
annual book of Britain, France, Belgium. Where is the
annual book of Palestine? Abdul Hadi asked in an
interview in his office in east Jerusalem this week. The
book has statistics, information on land, people, history,
settlement, refugees, water all these components of
what is Palestine.
The PASSIA diary has three parts a telephone
book, a diary with a political theme, and the maps and
documents.
For journalists, it is the first part the telephone
book that is invaluable.
It has the numbers of all of the Palestinian
institutions from the presidents office to the smallest
NGO in Palestine, Abdul Hadi said. Because Palestinian
officials frequently change their cell phone numbers,
journalists say they have come to rely on the PASSIA
book.
Its one of the only few old-fashioned books I can
think of thats worth lugging around while youre out
and about reporting in the Holy Land, Mathew Bell,
a radio journalist for Public Radio Internationals The
World, said. The book has come in handy for many,
many different assignments. I just wish I could load it all
into my phone.
Bell will get his wish. Starting this year, the PASSIA
diary will be available as a downloadable app as well as
in hard copy.
Abdul Hadi admits that in the beginning some
officials did not want their phone numbers published.
But now, 25 years later, much has changed.
These days, if you are not in the book, its as if you
dont exist, he said. People are fighting to have their
names and institutions in the book.
Zoghbi Zoughbi, the director of the Wiam Center for
Conflict Resolution in Bethlehem, says the PASSIA book
is an invaluable resource.
It helps me know about different organizations and
institutions that I didnt know about before, he said.
And it helps me get my name and my organization out
there. Everybody uses it.
But PASSIA is much more than the annual diary.
It is a think tank, with just five full-time staffers, that
has published almost 2000 books and monographs
and does briefings for both Israeli and Palestinian
journalists and academics.
Were like the Brookings Institute in Washington or
Chatham House in London, Abdul Hadi said proudly.
We are independent and not affiliated with any party.
The institute is housed in a stone building in
eastern Jerusalem, which Palestinians say must be the
future capital of a Palestinian state and Israel says is
an indivisible part of Jerusalem. The location enables
Abdul Hadi to invite Israelis to participate in the
seminars although it also means that some Palestinians
are unable to attend.
Some Palestinian officials say PASSIAs location in
Jerusalem is crucial.
Jerusalem has always been the hub of Palestinian
culture and research and PASSIA is a continuation
of that old tradition, Palestinian spokeswoman
Nour Oudeh said. It is very important to have active
Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem.
Throughout the building are owls, a symbol, Abdul
Hadi says, of the cultural differences between the West
and the Arab world.
In Western culture, the owl is a symbol of wisdom
and good luck. In Arab Islamic culture its a bad omen,
he said. There are two different cultures in one symbol.
Everybody knows its an owl, but they dont know what it
means to the other. With his fluent English and courtly
manners, Abdul Hadi is as comfortable at international
conferences in Europe as he is in Jerusalem. He comes
from an aristocratic Palestinian family that traces
its roots to the 7th century. In the 1840s, his family
governed part of Palestine for the British, and in
the 1920s his uncle Awni Abdul Hadi was one of the
architects of the pan-Arab movement.
Mahdi Abdul Hadi studied law in Damascus and
then did a Ph.D. in peace studies in England. He
founded the Al-Fajr newspaper and has taught at Birzeit
University in the west bank.
These days, hes busy writing more books and articles
and hosting seminars and discussions. And each day, he
says, hes trying to help his people move forward toward
a state.
The Media Line Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
OPEN
Its one of the only few old-fashioned
books I can think of thats worth
lugging around while youre out and
about reporting in the Holy Land. The
book has come in handy for many, many
different assignments. I just wish I could
load it all into my phone.
Matthew Bell
JS-47*
Bshalach: Miracles great and small
Jewish Culture
THIS
IS
TRADI TI ON. EXPRESSI ON. REFLECTI ON.
Downtown
LOWER MANHATTAN | 646.437.4202 | WWW.MJHNYC.ORG | OPEN SUNFRI
NOW ON STAGE
ON VIEW
Public programs are made possible through a generous gift fromMrs. Lily Safra.
COMPLETE LIST OF PROGRAMS AT MJHNYC.ORG
Encounter the riveting photos
taken by Soviet photographers
during WWII. mjhnyc.org/tsje
Meet the poet who gave voice to
the Statue of Liberty.
mjhnyc.org/emma
Learn the history of the melody
that became a worldwide
theme song. mjhnyc.org/hava
Experience an inspiring sound-
scape and incomparable view
of the Statue of Liberty.
mjhnyc.org/khc/voices
Emerging Metropolis: New York
Jews in the Age of Immigration,
1840-1920
SUN | FEB 3 | 1 P.M.
Co-authors Annie Polland and Daniel Soyer talk about
their 2012 Jewish Book of the Year award-winner.
Free with suggested donation
Tickets available starting at 11 A.M. on 2/3.
Museumadmission is separate.
Im Your Man:
The Life of Leonard Cohen
WED | FEB 6 | 7 P.M.
Sylvie Simmons discusses her biography of Leonard
Cohena Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and descendent of a
Talmudic scholarwith Liel Leibovitz (Tablet Magazine).
Free with suggested donation
Tickets available starting at 4 P.M. on 2/6.
FAMILY PROGRAM
Purim Bash with
the Mama Doni Band
SUN | FEB 10 | 2 P.M.
Celebrate Purimwith the high energy Mama Doni Band and
a costume parade. Crafts from1 - 4 P.M.; free with concert
ticket. For ages 3 to 10.
$10, $7 children 10 and under;
Museum members: $7, $5 children 10 and under
Hava Nagila (The Movie) (2012, 75 min.)
WED | FEB 27 | 7 P.M.
ANYJewish FilmFestival hit, this filmfollows the songs
global journey, even inspiringthe Museum's current exhibition.
Post-screeningdiscussion with director Roberta Grossman.
$10, $7 students/seniors, $5 members
LAST CHANCE!
CLOSES FEB 24
The Most Magnicent & Luxurious Hotel in
Phoenix, AZ
Elegantly Appointed Guest Rooms & Suites
Gourmet Glatt Kosher Dining by Avi Abikzer &
Genadeen Caterers
Daily Poolside Barbeque
Lavish Tea Room
Professional Day Camp and Teen Program Under the
Direction of Jamie Gurvitch & Andi Koppelman
Discounted Rates at the Three 18-Hole
Championship Golf Courses
Three Pool Areas with Two 25 Foot Waterslides
Fabulous Chol Hamoed Entertainment
Featured Scholars in Residence
Luxurious Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa &
Fitness Center
9 Illuminated Tennis Courts for Day &
Night Play
Alan Berger Director & Host
Robyn Hartman Program Manager
Benny Amar Religious Service Coordinator
For early reservation discount or more information, please contact Alan Berger at:
1-877-PESACH4 (1-877-737-2244) OR 516-734-0840
info@passovergg.com
www.passovergrandgetaways.com
presents
Passover 2013
at
The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa
Phoenix, Arizona
JEWISH STANDARD JANUARY 25, 2013 47
RABBI RACHEL KAHN-TROSTER
W
hen I was growing up, my father would
occasionally make a recipe for Shabbat
Shira called Pharaohs Wheel. A traditional
Italian-Jewish recipe, its a pasta dish, baked in a circular
pan to resemble a wheel, and filled with nuts, sweet rai-
sins, and meat. Its a little over the top, this dish overrun
with delicacies, and not something you could eat every-
day. Unlike the flat, plain matzah of Passover, the lekhem
oni (bread of affliction) of slaves, Pharaohs Wheel is a
dish to be tasted in freedom.
Pharaohs Wheel calls to mind the highlight of this
weeks parashah, the joyous crossing of the Sea of Reeds
by the Israelites. But once on dry land, clean water and
fresh food become major concerns for the Israelites. They
cry out to Moses and Aaron: If only we had died by the
hand of God in Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat,
when we ate our fill of bread! For you have brought us
out into this wilderness to starve this whole congregation
to death. (Exodus 16:3) The culinary memories of the
Israelites seem at odds with what the diet of slaves must
have been. The harsh conditions of the desert create false
memories, a homesickness or desire for a past that never
existed, and without their basic needs met, the Israelites
faith in God waivers.
How could conditions deteriorate so soon after
the miracle of the crossing of the Sea, when Israelites
faith never seemed stronger: And when Israel saw
the wondrous power which God had wielded against
the Egyptians, the people feared God; they had faith
in God. (14:31) A midrash explains that, in fact, the
people left Egypt in hopes of experiencing God in such a
tremendous way. Miriam and the other women brought
timbrels with them as they fled Egypt because they had
faith that God would perform miracles for them and give
them cause to celebrate.
Once in the desert, it was not so obvious that God
was in their midst. Daily, the Israelites saw not miracles,
but Gods human emissary, Moses. When confronted
with humanity, rather than divinity, the faith of Israelites
withered and they complained. As former slaves,
conditioned to disappointment and hardship, they could
not imagine God outside of the big moments.
But Pharoahs Wheel is rich enough to only be eaten
once a year and seas do not part every day. The Israelites
needed tangible and constant reminders of Gods
presence, ones that answered their instinctual concerns
about basic needs. God responds to the crisis of food with
a miracle that is not large and wondrous but tangible in
the everyday world of the wanderings in the wilderness:
manna. Manna is Gods bread of freedom, renewed each
day when the sun rises: It was like coriander seed, white,
and it tasted like wafer in honey. (16:31) I remember
hearing as a child the idea that it tasted to each person
exactly like the food they most wanted, a magic that
wasnt showy to the world, but internal, unique to each
Israelite.
Manna is also the bread of trust. Each Israelite can
only gather as much mana as needed for each day, with
two portions on Shabbat. (16:29) To gather more would
show a lack of faith that God would not abandon them in
the desert, and would never allow them to starve.
This year, Im serving Pharoahs Wheel to celebrate
both Shabbat Shira and my younger daughters third
birthday. But I hope that as she grows, she learns
the lesson learned by the Israelites over 40 years of
wandering: that God is always present, even in miracles
as quiet as our everyday food.
Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster is director of North American
programs for Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights.
She lives in Teaneck with her husband and daughters.
D VAR TORAH
Arts & culture
JS-48*
Yossi minus Jagger, 10 years later
ERIC A. GOLDMAN
I
never will forget the time when I was
asked to introduce an Israeli film to a
group of women at the convention of
a national Jewish organization.
The film was Moshe Mizrahis I Love
You Rosa. At one point in the film an
actress is seen bare-breasted, although
just for a few seconds. Within moments,
I was stunned to see about 20 women
quickly leave their seats, not to return. At
the conclusion of the film program I saw
several of the women waiting outside,
and I asked them why they retreated
from the hall. They told me that they
were appalled to see nudity in an Israeli
film.
I asked them whether such nudity
would bother them if the film were
French or Italian. Certainly not, but to
see it in an Israeli movie is reprehensible,
they answered.
To be fair, that incident took place a
quarter of a century ago, but many of us
still hold Israel up to a different standard.
More than a century ago, the Zionist
thinkers dreamed of a country complete
with criminals and prostitutes, a
country that would be like any other.
Zeev Jabotinsky wrote of his desire for a
nation that lives a normal national life on
its land. Along with the special character
that makes Israel so dear to most of us, the
country indeed has achieved normalcy.
But as Israel has become am kechol
haamim, a nation like all the nations, it
has allowed for diversity and difference,
particularly over the last two decades.
Today, Tel Aviv is known as the gay mecca
of the Middle East, where one of the
worlds grandest gay pride parades takes
place each June. An American Airlines
survey published in the Gay Cities
website hailed Tel Aviv as the best city for
gay tourists in the world.
So how do we react to homosexuality
in Israel? And what about a film about a
gay man in Tel Aviv?
Amos Guttman made Nagua
(Drifting) in 1983. It was a bold
independent effort that garnered little
interest except for the fact that it was the
first Israeli film to tackle homosexuality.
Guttman, an openly gay man, was a
pioneer who went on to deal with gay or
fringe characters in his next three films,
but unfortunately he died of an AIDS-
related illness in 1993. He was 38 years
old.
The very next year, American-born
Eytan Fox would make his first film,
Song of the Siren, the story of a young
women seeking love with the first Gulf
war playing out in the background. That
sense of disorder and searching seemed
to be a central characteristic of Foxs
work; he created the fast-paced television
series Florentine about the struggles
of a group of twenty-somethings in
pre- and post-Rabin Tel Aviv. Probably
the most powerful episode had a young
man rejected by his high-powered, high-
ranking Army officer father when he
comes out to him to be gay.
That scene was inspired by the
moment when Fox told his father
Seymour Fox, a highly regarded Jewish
educator from the Hebrew University
that he was gay, something the elder Fox
was not ready to hear. The big question
when the movie came out was whether
the country was ready to listen.
This time, it wasnt a few hundred
people watching a low-budget Guttman
film at the art house. It was hundreds of
thousands of Israelis watching TV and
beginning a discussion about gays in
Israeli society.
In 2002, a year after Sandi Simcha
Dubowsky raised the subject of
homosexuality and Orthodoxy in his
groundbreaking film Trembling Before
G-d and years before Brokeback
Mountain, Fox took the giant step of
making Yossi and Jagger, a film about
two male soldiers serving in Lebanon
who fall in love with each other. To see
two men in IDF uniforms kissing on
screen was not something most Israelis
were ready to see, but the film moved
forward the discussion of inclusion in
Israel. As film scholar Robert Sklar noted,
the nature of the content and control [of
cinema] helps to shape the character and
direction of the culture.
Three years later in this country, Ang
Lees Brokeback Mountain broke all
kinds of box-office records. Millions of
viewers apparently were ready to watch
Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger kiss.
These films were pushing Israelis and
Americans to thrash out their views
on homosexuality, opinions that have
Was Israel ready for gay portrayal?
Filmmaker Eytan Fox continues to ask tough questions.
Ten years later, why is Yossi still closeted?
changed dramatically over the last
decade.
Eytan Fox ends Yossi and Jagger
with Jaggers death in a skirmish. As
Yossi grieves alone at his lovers funeral,
Jaggers parents want to know more
about their sons life, and they wonder
who might have been his girlfriend. In a
powerful moment, they go up to one of
his comrades, a woman soldier, wanting
to believe her to have been Jaggers lover.
The Yossi and Jagger relationship
would remain secret for a decade, until
Fox decided to break it wide open in
Yossi, a sequel to his previous work. It
is 10 years later, and Yossi still mourns
his loss. He has exchanged his army
uniform for hospital whites and become
a successful cardiologist, and he has
chosen his work to be his companion.
He still is closeted. Yossis co-workers,
seeing how lonely he is, frantically but
unsuccessfully try to get him to meet
women. Why is a nurse who attempts to
get close to him rebuffed?
Much has happened in Israeli society
and the question that Fox seems to be
pushing is why Yossi hasnt simply come
out as a gay man. A key moment seems to
be when Yossi accidentally meets Jaggers
mother. What has to happen to free
this talented and dedicated physician?
Why does his loss and grief have to be
contained and kept secret? These are
questions that Fox clearly is asking not
just of Yossi, but of Israeli society as a
whole.
Two years after Yossi and Jagger
Fox made Walk on Water, a brilliant
narrative study of the machismo of a
Mossad officer who is asked to search
out a former Nazi official and assassinate
him. During the course of his quest, the
officer meets the Nazis grandson and
befriends him, only to learn that this
man is gay. The macho agent, at first
homophobic, learns to accept his new
friend, but can Israeli society?
In 2006, in Foxs The Bubble, two gay
men on the periphery of Israeli life, one
an Arab from the west bank and the other
a Tel Aviv Jew who has served as a soldier
at a border checkpoint, meet and fall in
love. Is there a place for both these men
in their respective worlds? The highly
talented Eytan Fox seems continually to
ask tough questions in his films.
Ohad Knoller, who won the Best Actor
award for Yossi and Jagger at the 2003
Tribeca Film Festival, returns to his role
as Yossi and does a fine job. The always
remarkable Orly Silbersatz plays Jaggers
mother. Yossi brings us to a different
level in how we perceive Israel. Are we
ready yet to accept that Israel is a nation
with criminals, prostitutes, and yes, gays
and lesbians?
Eric Goldmans new book, The American Jew-
ish Story Through Cinema, will be published
by the University of Texas Press in April.
Calendar
JS-49*
Shabbat in Franklin Lakes Barnert Temple
offers its Shabbat Shirah/Tu Bi-Shvat
potluck seder, 7 p.m. 747 Route 208 South.
Natalie, (201) 848-1800 or ncohen1847@
barnerttemple.org.
Shabbat in Jersey City Cong. Bnai Jacob
and Temple Beth-El Friday hold their
second annual joint Shabbat/Tu Bi-Shvat
seder, at TBE, 7:30 p.m. 2419 Kennedy
Boulevard. (201) 333-4229 or office@
betheljc.org.
Shabbat in Closter Temple Beth El hosts a
Shabbat Shira spiritual service with guest
violinist, Sheryl Staples, 7:30 p.m. 221
Schraalenburgh Road. (201) 768-5112.
Shabbat in Leonia Congregation Adas
Emuno offers services, 7:30 p.m., followed
by a Tu Bi-Shvat dessert seder. 254 Broad
Ave. (201) 592-1712 or www.adasemuno.
org.
Shabbat in Wyckoff Temple Beth Rishon
offers the Shabbat of Song, 8 p.m., with
the Kol Rishon and Zemer Rishon choirs,
instrumental accompaniment by guitarists
Cantor Ilan Mamber and Mark Kantrowitz,
pianist Itay Goren, violinist Sylvia Rubin, and
percussionist Jimmy Cohen. 585 Russell
Ave. (201) 891-4466 or www.bethrishon.
org.
saturday [january 26]
Shabbat in Short Hills The Union for
Reform Judaism hosts a Shabbaton at
Congregation Bnai Jeshurun, where Jews
from the Reform movements northeast
region gather for a day of learning, prayer,
music, and food. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 1025
South Orange Ave. (973) 379-3177.
Shabbat in Teaneck The Jewish Learning
Experience offers an educational prayer
service at Congregation Beth Aaron, with a
selection of prayers, some in English, some
in Hebrew transliterations are available
including discussion and commentary.
Zvi Weissler will read from the weekly Torah
portion. 9:45 a.m. Youth groups for children.
(201) 966-4498, rabbip@jle.org, or www.jle.
org.
Latin music/dance/food in Closter Temple
Beth El of Northern Valley celebrates the
Latin Jewish connection with salsa with
vocalist Kike Cruz and the Orquestra
Royal, dancing, led by instructors from the
Anchor Dance Studio of Oradell, and (non-
kosher) Latin food, and sangria, 7 p.m. 221
Schraalenburgh Road. (201) 768-5112 or
www.tbenv.org/music.
Con Vivo Courtesy tBe
Music in Jersey City Con Vivo performs at
Temple Beth-El, 7:30 p.m., as part of the
temples Contemporary Concert series.
The trio includes pianist Denise Fillion,
oboist Karisa Werdon, and violinist Amelia
Hollander. Wine, soft drinks, and sweets, at
7. Raffle prizes. 2419 Kennedy Boulevard.
(201) 333-4229 or office@betheljc.org.
monday [january 28]
Senior program in Wayne The Chabad
Center of Passaic County continues its
Smile on Seniors program at the center with
a Tu Bi-Shvat program and brunch, 11:30
a.m. 194 Ratzer Road. (973) 694-6274 or
Chanig@optonline.net.
Current events Al Nahum leads Yesterday,
Today, and Tomorrow for the senior
group at the Jewish Community Center of
Paramus, 1:30 p.m. East 304 Midland Ave.
(201) 262-7691.
Job networking Barnert Temple in Franklin
Lakes, in partnership with Beth Rishon of
Wyckoff and Beth Haverim Shir Shalom in
Mahwah, hosts a job networking program,
6:30 p.m 747 Route 208 South. (201) 848-
1800.
wednesday [january 30]
Rabbi Arthur Weiner
History of Zionism Rabbi Arthur Weiner of
the JCC of Paramus begins a six-session
course, The History of Zionism, the Jewish
National Movement, at 3 and again at 8:15
p.m. East 304 Midland Ave. (201) 262-7691.
Jewish women in history The Wayne
YMCA continues a free series, Jewish
Women in History, led by Roni Mishpati,
Jewish Federation of Northern New
Jerseys Youth shlicha, 5 p.m. Weekly
through February 27. Sponsored by the
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.
The Metro YMCAs of the Oranges is a
partner of the YM-YWHA of North Jersey. 1
Pike Drive. (973) 595-0100.
Torah portion The JCC of Paramus holds
Drosh and Nosh, a lay-led discussion on
the weekly Torah portion, 7:30 p.m. Snacks
served. Minyan at 8. East 304 Midland Ave.
(201) 262-7691.
thursday [january 31]
Family education/social action The Kaplen
JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly offers
Bread for Hunger with baking, discussion,
and chessed activities, 6 p.m. (201) 408-
1429 or www.jccotp.org.
Mah jongg in Washington Township The
Bergen County YJCC offers a beginners
mah jongg class, 7:30 p.m., through
March 7. Jill, (201) 666-6610, ext. 5812, or
jbrown@yjcc.org.
Yossi Klein Halevi
American Jews Author/lecturer Yossi Klein
Halevi, a fellow at the Jerusalem-based
Shalom Hartman Institute, discusses The
Future of the American Jewish-Israeli
Relationship at the Kaplen JCC on the
Palisades in Tenafly, 7:30 p.m. Made
possible by a grant from the Adler Family
Innovation Fund at Jewish Federation of
Northern New Jersey to the Shalom Hartman
Institute of North America. Co-sponsored
with shuls including Temple Emanu-El
Martin Perlman & Jo-Ann Hassan Holocaust
Education Institute Endowment Fund.
Robyn, (201) 408-1429 or www.jccotp.org.
Childrens concert in Tenafly Temple Sinai
of Bergen Countys Early Childhood Center
hosts a winter concert with the Dirty Sock
Funtime Band, 3:30 p.m. 1 Engle St. (201)
568-3035.
Film/book discussion in Woodcliff Lake
Jewish Federation of Northern New
Jerseys One Book, One Community
program continues at Temple Emanuel
of the Pascack Valley, with a screening of
Korczak, 7 p.m. This years book is The
Zookeepers Wife. 87 Overlook Road. (201)
391-0801 or www.jfnnj.org/onebook.
Womens book club The Chabad Center of
Passaic County offers a discussion on Alex
Witchels memoir, All Gone, at a private
home in Wayne, 7:30 p.m. Refreshments.
Chani, (973) 694-6274 or chanig@
jewishwayne.com.
sunday [january 27]
Super Sunday Jewish Federation of
Northern New Jersey holds its annual Super
Sunday fundraising event. Howard Chernin,
Matthew Libien, and Amy Shafron are event
chairs. Sign up to make calls. (201) 820-
3937 or www.JFNNJ.org/supersunday.
Blood Drive in Franklin Lakes Barnert
Temple hosts a blood drive, 8:30 a.m.-
1:30 p.m. (201) 848-1800 or www.
redcrossblood.org/make-donation-sponsor.
Laura Hall Courtesy yMCA
Concert in Wayne The YMCA of Wayne
continues its Sundays Backstage at the Y
series with a performance by jazz vocalist
Laura Hull, 11:45 a.m. 1 Pike Drive. (973)
595-0100, ext. 257.
Camp fair The New Jersey Summer Camp
Fair is at the East Hanover Ramada Inn and
Conference Center, noon-3 p.m. 130 Route
10 West. www.njcampfairs.com.
Preschool brunch in Woodcliff Lake
The Early Childhood Program at Temple
Emanuel of the Pascack Valley holds a
Daddy and Me brunch with activities to
celebrate Tu Bi-Shvat, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. 87
Overlook Drive. (201) 391-8329.
U.N. Holocaust Remembrance Day
Sculptor Milton Ohring commemorates
the Holocaust with an audio-visual slide
presentation in the context of 18 pieces that
he created in stone and metal at the Kaplen
JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, 1:30 p.m.
Holocaust programs are sponsored by the
The New York Board of Rabbis presents David Broza live in concert at Temple
Emanu-El of Closter on Sunday, February 10, at 6 p.m. Broza, who has been
called the Israeli Bruce Springsteen, sings in Hebrew, Spanish, and English.
VIP reception follows. The concert is to benefit victims of Superstorm Sandy;
invited guests include Gov. Chris Christie, senators, and members of Congress.
The Jewish Standard is among the concerts sponsors. For tickets, call Jessica Di
Paolo at (212) 983-3521 or email her at jdipaolo@nybr.org.
Taken at last years YU Seforim Sale. Courtesy yu
JS-50*
of Closter; Congregation Beth Sholom,
Teaneck; Temple Sinai of Bergen County,
Tenafly; Jewish Center of Teaneck; Temple
Emanuel of Pascack Valley in Woodcliff
Lake; and Ahavath Torah of Englewood.
(201) 408-1426 or www.jccotp.org.
friday [february 1]
Shabbat in Teaneck Rabbi Moshe
Stepansky, an associate of Rabbi Shlomo
Carlebach, returns to the Jewish Center of
Teaneck for Shabbat Yitro. During services
at 4:55 p.m, he will discuss One People.
On Shabbat afternoon, after Minchah,
which starts at 4:45 p.m, the topic will be
Unity: from the Cosmic to the Personal.
70 Sterling Place. (201) 833-0515.
Shabbat in Paramus The Young Jewish
Families club of the Jewish Community
Center of Paramus hosts a family-friendly
service and program for young families
and children, 13 and younger, 7:30 p.m.
Oneg/playtime in the gym follow. East
304 Midland Ave. (201) 262-7691 or yjf@
jccparamus.org.
Shabbat in Teaneck Temple Emeth offers
family services, 7:30 p.m. 1666 Windsor
Road. (201) 833-1322 or www.emeth.org.
Shabbat in Closter Temple Beth El
offers Ruach Shabbat, an informal/
interactive evening with choice of Shabbat
experiences, including a healing prayer,
7:30 p.m. 221 Schraalenburgh Road. (201)
768-5112.
Shabbat in Jersey City Cong. Bnai Jacob
offers Friday Night Live! services with
Cantor Marsha Dubrow, 8 p.m. 176 West
Side Ave. (201) 435-5725 or bnaijacobjc.
org.
Shabbat in Emerson Congregation Bnai
Israel offers its casual Catskill Shabbat
service; Rabbi Debra Orenstein and Cantor
Lenny Mandel share memories, history,
and humor from summers in the Catskill
Mountains borscht belt, 7:30 p.m. 53
Palisade Ave. (201) 265-2272 or www.
bisrael.com.
saturday [february 2]
Community Torah learning Sweet Tastes
of Torah, a community night of study,
discussion, music, and fun, presented
by the North Jersey Board of Rabbis
with support from the Jewish Federation
of Northern New Jersey and local
synagogues, is at Temple Emeth in Teaneck,
6:30 p.m. Snow date February 9. (201) 652-
1687 or www.jfnnj.org/sweettorah.
Wine sale/seminar The sisterhood and
Road Scholars of Congregation Ahavath
Torah in Englewood host a pre-Passover
wine sale, with more than 200 drinks to
sample, including Scotch and kosher for
Passover liquors. Discount for purchases.
Sale begins at 8 p.m, at 8:30 there will be
a wine-pairing seminar with the executive
chef from Teanecks ETC Steakhouse.
240 Broad Ave. (201) 568-1315 or www.
ahavathtorah.org.
sunday [february 3]
Tefillin event/bone marrow drive Temple
Emanu-El of Closter participates in the
Federation of Jewish Mens Clubs World
Wide Wrap to spread the mitzvah of tefillin,
9 a.m. Breakfast served. Bone marrow
donor drive until 11:30 for Smiles for Shira,
a mother of three who needs a donor
match. 180 Piermont Road. (201) 750-9997.
Tefillin event in Fair Lawn Temple Beth
Sholom participates in the World Wide
Wrap, 9 a.m. Bagel breakfast. 40-25 Fair
Lawn Ave. (201) 797-9321.
Pre-K program in Ridgewood The
Northern New Jersey Jewish Academy, a
collaborative Hebrew school with Temple
Israel and JCC, Ridgewood; Congregation
Beth Sholom, Teaneck; Kol Haneshama,
Englewood; Temple Beth Sholom, Fair
Lawn; and Temple Emanuel of North
Jersey, Franklin Lakes, offers a free monthly
pre-K program at Temple Israel, 9:30 a.m.
475 Grove St. (201) 444-9320 or slitwin@
synagogue.org.
War veterans meet in Teaneck The
Teaneck/New Milford Post #498 Jewish
War Veterans offers a breakfast meeting
at the American Legion Building, 9:30
a.m. Prospective members welcome. 650
American Legion Drive. Past Commander
Stan Hoffman, (201) 836-0814.
Bagels/preschool class The JCC of
Paramus Young Families Club offers a
bagel and schmooze breakfast at 9:30
a.m. and the Candle Club, a monthly pre-K
holiday class with stories, music, arts and
crafts, and nut-free snacks, at 9:45. (201)
262-7733 or edudirector@jccparamus.org.
Tefillin event in Cliffside Park Temple Israel
Community Center/Congregation Heichal
Yisrael participates in the World Wide Wrap,
10 a.m. Open to all. Bagels served. 207
Edgewater Road. (201) 945-7310.
i n new york
sunday[january 27]
International Holocaust Remembrance
Day The Museum of Jewish Heritage A
Living Memorial to the Holocaust offers
The Power of Witnessing: Reflections,
Reverberations, and Traces of the
Holocaust, 2:30 p.m. Inspired by a book
edited by psychoanalysts Nancy R.
Goodman and Marilyn B. Meyers, who will
be among a panel of psychologists, artists,
and survivors who will discuss how the
trauma of the Holocaust is processed by
survivors, their children, and those who help
them heal. 36 Battery Place. (646) 437-4202
or www.mjhnyc.org.
monday [january 28]
Eleanor Antin Courtesy JM
Author reading The Jewish Museum
presents Bubbe Meises, a reading
performance with artist Eleanor Antin, 11:30
a.m. She will read from Conversations with
Stalin, her unpublished coming-of-age
memoir about growing up in a family of first
generation Jewish immigrants in New York
City. 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street. (212)
423-3337 or TheJewishMuseum.org.
wednesday [january 30]
Austrian classical music The renowned
Merlin Ensemble Vienna performs pieces by
Jewish composers, including Mendelssohn,
Schoenberg, and Zemlinsky, at the Museum
of Jewish HeritageA Living Memorial to
the Holocaust, 7 p.m. 36 Battery Place.
(646) 437-4202 or www.mjhnyc.org.
thursday [january 31]
Performative reading Poet, artist, and
cultural designer Amir Parsa responds
to the medieval manuscripts in the
current exhibition, Crossing Borders:
Manuscripts from the Bodleian Libraries,
in a performative reading at the Jewish
Museum, 6:30 p.m. 1109 Fifth Avenue
at 92nd Street. (212) 423-3337 or
TheJewishMuseum.org.
Adult ed in Emerson tackles living and dying
Congregation Bnai Israel hosts a se-
ries of adult education classes that will
examine How Jews Deal with Living
and Dying. The classes will run from
February until April, and a series of work-
shops on lifecycle events will be held on
Sunday mornings, led by Rabbi Debra
Orenstein, Cantor Lenny Mandel, and
guest speakers.
The Knockin on Heavens Door se-
ries, beginning February 10, focuses on
the customs and traditions of a Jewish
funeral and unveiling; shiva and visiting a
shiva home; and what is done just before
death, at the moment of death, and after.
On March 3, With a Little Help From
My Friends, features a panel discussion
about funeral arrangements. Barry Wien,
co-owner of Eden Memorial Chapels in
Fort Lee, will provide information about
buying plots, selecting a funeral home,
preparing for funerals, prepaying for
funerals, and out-of-state transport of
bodies. Louise Reich, a congregant who
is an estate planning and administra-
tion attorney, will focus on living wills,
health proxies, and preparing your estate.
Orenstein and Mandel will discuss organ
donation, bequests, and tzedakah.
The series continues on April 14 with
All I Have to Do is Dream, a discussion
about Jewish beliefs in the afterlife, led
by Orenstein and Mandel, and concludes
on April 21 with Leader of the Pack, a
learning session to teach people how to
lead a shiva minyan. For information, call
(201) 265-2272 or go to www.bisrael.com.
Closter shul sponsors spin-athon
The second annual Ride 2 Provide a
spin-athon sponsored by the mens club
of Temple Emanu-El in Closter is set
for Sunday, February 10. It raises funds
for food banks in Bergen County, includ-
ing the one at Jewish Family Service of
Bergen and North Hudson.
The Ride 2 Provide, held at CORE
Center of Fitness in Closter, begins at 9:45
a.m. Every rider will be given Gatorade,
healthy snacks, and a goodie bag that
includes a shirt.
Call Jeanine at (201) 750-9997 or email
her at corrubia@templeemanu-el.com.
Annual seforim sale at YU to benefit
shuls/schools affected by Superstorm
Yeshiva University will hold its annual
Seforim Sale North Afmericas largest
sale of Jewish books from February
3 to March 3 on YUs Wilf Campus in
Manhattan.
A portion of the proceeds from
this years sale will benefit victims
of Superstorm Sandy. As part of the
#Seforim4Sandy campaign, sale orga-
nizers will help replenish the depleted
library of a shul or school affected by
the storm. Based on the results of online
voting, one participating organization
will be selected to receive up to $10,000
worth of books. You can vote to pick that
organization at www.facebook.com/
seforim. The Seforim Sale website, www.
theseforimsale.com, also will provide
online registries for contributions to as-
sist other organizations that were devas-
tated by Sandy.
Last year, the sale drew more than
15,000 people from the tristate area and
grossed more than $1 million in sales.
There will be discounted prices on the
latest of more than 10,000 titles in rab-
binic and academic literature, cook-
books, and childrens books.
The sale has become a highlight of
Yeshiva Universitys year, as students,
alumni, and members of the greater
community attend to add books to their
personal libraries. People who cannot
attend the sale in person can order on-
line at the Seforim Sales website. To see a
complete list of dates and times, buy gift
certificates, look at the online catalog,
or contribute to a participating shul or
school registry, go to www.theseforim-
sale.com.
JS-51*
Join Team Sharsheret
Team Sharsheret is seeking participants
for the NYC Half-Marathon, set for
Sunday, March 17, and the Aquaphor
NYC Triathlon, scheduled for Sunday, July
14. Proceeds raised by race participants
help support Jewish women and families
facing breast or ovarian cancer. The orga-
nization will fly participants to New York
for the race if they live outside the New
York metropolitan area.
As a member of Team Sharsheret,
participants will receive race gear,
coaching, virtual training, and a
personalized fundraising page; those
in the New York metropolitan area also
are offered group runs. For information,
email athletes@sharsheret.org.
Only a Paper Doll, created from discarded clothing, 33 x 47,
by Linda Friedman Schmidt.
Franklin Lakes artist displaying works
Diaspora, a juried exhibition of contem-
porary fine art presented by the Jewish
Womens Art Network of the Womens
Caucus for Art, will be at the New Century
Gallery in New York City from February
5 to 16. Laura Kruger, the curator at the
Hebrew Union College Museum of Art,
was the juror who selected the artwork
for the exhibition and accompanying
catalog. An artists reception will be on
Saturday, February 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Linda Friedman Schmidt of Franklin
Lakes is among the artists. She was born
in a displaced persons camp in Germany,
the child of Holocaust survivors who met
in the camp. She did not start creating art
until she was 50.
For information, call (212) 367-7072 or
go to www.newcenturyartists.org.
February 12
HILARIOUS!
New York Daily News The Village Voice
The New York Times Backstage Variety
A KOSHER PICKLE
BARREL OF LAUGHS!
Five terric performers. Fiendishly madcap.
New York Daily News
YOULL LAUGH
YOUR TUCHUS OFF!
This show could run forever.
Variety
The Westside Theatre, 407 West 43rd Street
Tel echarge.com / 21 2-239-6200
www.oj tj onstage. com
OJTJ.5x7-Jewish.4C.indd 1 5/25/12 2:42 PM
Announce your events
we welcome announcements of upcoming
events. announcements are free.
accompanying photos must be high
resolution, jpg files.
not every release will be published.
Please include a daytime telephone
number and send to:
NJ Jewish Media Group
1086 Teaneck Rd.
Teaneck, NJ 07666
pr@jewishmediagroup.com
201-837-8818
Coming February 22
Wedding
Magazine
To advertise,
call 201-837-8818
Tolkien Bi-Shvat
Looking to the Middle-earth folk to save our planet
Edmon J. Rodman
LOS ANGELES What lore does Bilbo Baggins have to
share with us about Tu Bi-Shvat?
While watching The Hobbit: An Unexpected
Journey and hearing the Middle-earth characters talk-
ing about threats to the forests, more than a seed or two
of connection between the increasingly popular Jewish
holiday dedicated to trees and the fruit of J.R.R. Tolkiens
work popped out to me.
With my 3-D glasses, I watched as Bilbo, Thorin,
Gandalf and Elrond the representatives of Tolkiens
Middle-earth races mostly lived hand in hand with
the natural world. When I thought about Jewish atti-
tudes toward trees and environmentalism, I wondered
which group we should strive to emulate.
Would it be the hobbits, the dwarves, the elves, the
wizards? Or do we secretly identify with the goblin-like
orcs, who tear through the environment wherever they
go?
When I left the theater, I considered the question of
which Middle-earth group would be best to have over
for a seder on Tu Bi-Shvat, which begins this year on the
evening of January 25 and ends the next night. Not that
I was planning a role-playing party that could wait till
Purim but who would best get into the seders singing
and drinking and connections to nature?
Who loves to feast and toast more than the dwarves?
The seders four differently colored cups of wine the
change in color is meant to show the progression of
the seasons certainly would be much to their plea-
sure. And given their singing and dancing in the film,
you could almost hear the dwarves harmonizing and
stomping to a rendition of Uvshatem mayim, a song
we sang at our seder last year.
The dwarves, miners of the earth, no doubt would
identify with the songs lyric: Draw water joyously from
the wells of salvation.
Tolkien himself likened the dwarves, who were ex-
iled from their mountain home, to Jews. According to a
transcription of a 1971 BBC interview with the English
author found on Tolkienlibrary.com, he said, The
dwarves of course are quite obviously, couldnt you say
that in many ways they remind you of the Jews? Their
words are Semitic obviously, constructed to be Semitic.
And Tolkiens dwarves are stubborn and bound to
tradition. They even have beards, like the rabbis of yore.
The dwarves might be fine for a festive seder of wine
and song, but which group seemed the best protectors
of the forest?
As shown in The Lord of the Rings trilogy,
Lothlorien is the forest refuge that protects the sylvan
elves and allows them to flourish. Known as tree folk,
the elves are most protective of huge, golden mallorn
trees, and are willing to fight for them.
Because the portion of the Tu Bi-Shvat seder repre-
senting briyah, creation calls for us to commune
with nature, the elves, with their woodsy ruach, or
spirit, seem to be Middle-earths group most suited to
answer the call.
Yet the hobbits appear to be the best overall model for
living in harmony with the earth. Gardeners and farm-
ers, with the earth between their toes and their homes
built into hillsides, Bilbo and the rest of the inhabitants
of the Shire seem the most at home in nature. A giant
Party Tree even is at the center of many hobbit commu-
nity events.
Who but a hobbit chowing down on four meals a day
could be more appreciate of the fruits of the earth repre-
sented by Tu Bi-Shvat?
Hobbits even seem closest to the seders concept of
assiyah doing. Consider that from a Jewish point
of view, Bilbo Baggins, who is at the center of the film,
is tasked with repairing the world and keeping it whole.
What do the wizards have to tell us about Tu Bi-Shvat?
On our earth, the Torah places human beings as the
steward of nature. On Middle-earth that role falls to
Gandalf and the wizards in his order. Watching over the
land, they are the Fixers, the gray geschreiers and ex-
horters to action.
The wizard, Radagast the Brown, is the films best
poster boy for Tu Bi-Shvat, which is derived from the
Torah and Mishnah, and marks the Jewish New Year
for trees, Rosh Hashanah LaYanot. Drawn by a sled of
speedster rabbits and outfitted with a birds nest in his
hat, he is the first to report that evil is falling upon the
forest, changing it from Greenwood to Mirkwood. His
furry-looking hat even resembles a shtreimel.
The oddball of the film, Radagast is like our sincerely
nutty environmentalist aunt, uncle, or cousin, who has
berated us for not washing and reusing our plastic uten-
sils. Like that green relative, hes the one who can make
us squirm by painting a picture of impending environ-
mental disaster.
On todays earth, sensing the coming of our own
environmental Mirk, the Coalition on the Environment
and Jewish Life has pledged To carry to our homes,
communities, congregations and workplaces the urgent
message that air, land, water and living creatures are
endangered.
Though COEJL doesnt seem to be working with
swords or shields, or even wizards, perhaps the part of
us that identifies with The Hobbits coalition of nature-
loving Middle-earth inhabitants can see the adventure
and mitzvah of saving our earth as well.
JTA Wire Service
Edmon J. Rodman is a JTA columnist who writes on Jewish life
from Los Angeles. Contact him at edmojace@gmail.com.
In The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a film with characters that bring to mind the themes of Tu Bi-Shvat,
Bilbo Baggins discovers there is trouble brewing in the forests of Middle-earth. Courtesy Warner Bros.
Would it be the hobbits, the dwarves,
the elves, the wizards? Or do we secretly
identify with the goblin-like orcs, who
tear through the environment wherever
they go?
JS-52*
JS-53*
Lifecycle
MOHEL
Rabbi Gerald Chirnomas
TRAINED AT & CERTIFIED BY HADASSAH
HOSPITAL, JERUSALEM CERTIFIED BY
THE CHIEF RABBINATE OF JERUSALEM
(973) 334-6044
www.rabbichirnomas.com
327 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ
201-947-3336 888-700-EDEN
www.edenmemorial.com
Pre-Planning Specialists
Graveside and Chapel Services
Barry Wien - NJ Lic. No. 2885
Frank Patti, Jr. - NJ Lic. No. 4169
Arthur Musicant - NJ Lic. No. 2544
Frank Patti, Sr. Director - NJ Lic. No. 2693
. .......... .... ,....
We research gravesite availability near
family and loved ones at no cost to you.
GUTTERMAN AND MUSICANT
JEWISH FUNERAL DIRECTORS
800-522-0588
WIEN & WIEN, INC.
MEMORIAL CHAPELS
800-322-0533
402 PARK STREET, HACKENSACK, NJ 07601
ALAN L. MUSICANT, Mgr., N.J. Lic. No. 2890
MARTIN D. KASDAN, N.J. Lic. No. 4482
IRVING KLEINBERG, N.J. Lic. No. 2517
RONALD BLOOM, N.J. Lic. No. 4545
(Advance Planning Director)
GuttermanMusicantWien.com
For generations,
our families have made
family, community and tradition
our promise to you.
ALAN L. MUSICANT MARTIN D. KASDAN
201-791-0015 800-525-3834
LOUIS SUBURBAN CHAPEL, INC.
Exclusive Jewish Funeral Chapel
Sensitive to Needs of the Jewish Community for Over 50 Years
13-01 Broadway (Route 4 West) Fair Lawn, NJ
Richard Louis - Manager George Louis - Founder
NJ Lic. No. 3088 1924-1996
Serving NJ, NY, FL & Israel
Graveside services at all NJ & NY cemeteries
Prepaid funerals and all medicaid funeral benefts honored
Always within a familys fnancial means
OurFacilitiesWillAccommodate
YourFamilysNeeds
HandicapAccessibilityFromLarge
ParkingArea
Conveniently Located
W-150 Route 4 East Paramus, NJ 07652
201.843.9090 1.800.426.5869
Robert Schoems Menorah Chapel, Inc
Jewish Funeral Directors
Family Owned & managed
Generations of Lasting Service to the Jewish Community
ServingNJ, NY, FL&
ThroughoutUSA
Prepaid&PreneedPlanning
GravesideServices
Gary Schoem Manager - NJ Lic. 3811
BNAI MITZVAH
Jacob Kovar
Jacob Kovar, son of Beth and Lance Kovar
of Upper Saddle River and brother of
Alyssa and Leah, celebrated becoming a
bar mitzvah on January 19 at Temple
Emanuel of the Pascack Valley in
Woodcliff Lake.
Samuel Lebowitz
Samuel Lebowitz, son of Sandra and
Nate Lebowitz of Demarest, celebrated
becoming a bar mitzvah on January 19 at
Temple Emanu-El in Closter.
Sarah Mazie
Sarah Mazie, daughter of Tracy and Allen
Mazie of Oradell, celebrated becoming a
bat mitzvah on January 19 at Temple Beth
El in Closter.
OBITUARIES
Sonia Gold
Sonia Gold, ne Scherer, 87,
of Fort Lee, died January 19 at
Holy Name Medical Center in
Teaneck.
Born in New York City, she
was a member of Young Israel of
Fort Lee.
Predeceased by her husband,
Robert, she is survived by nieces
and nephews.
Arrangements were by Eden
Memorial Chapels, Fort Lee.
Joseph Grabczak
Joseph Grabczak, 92, of Fair
Lawn, formerly of Lynnbrook,
N.Y., died January 16.
Predeceased by his wife,
Jeannie, ne Warheit, he is sur-
vived by children, Gilda Altman
(David) of Fair Lawn, and Ellen
Myron (Benjamin) of Keyport;
and four grandchildren.
A Holocaust survivor, he or-
ganized the Survivors Group in
Cedarhurst, N.Y., 22 years ago
and was in the movie Paper
Clips. He was a cutter in the
garment industry in New York
City.
Donations can be sent to
the U.S. Holocaust Memorial
Museum, Washington.
Arrangements were by Louis
Suburban Chapel, Fair Lawn.
Rose Lippman
Rose Lippman, 92, of Fair Lawn,
died January 16. Arrangements
were by Louis Suburban Chapel,
Fair Lawn.
Larry Pismenny
Larry Pismenny of Fair Lawn
Fair Lawn.
Sidney Polay
Sidney Polay, 92, of Fair Lawn,
Fair Lawn.
Rita Strochak
Rita Frankel Strochak, ne
Toroker, 79, of Boca Raton,
Fla., formerly of Fort Lee, died
January 14 at home.
Born in the Bronx, she is
survived by children, Edmond
Frankel of Harrington Park,
Andrew Frankel of Closter, Patty
Frankel of Marlboro, Mass., and
Cathy Turner of Boca Raton; a
sister, Eleanor Tron of Spring
Lake, and six grandchildren.
Arrangements were by Eden
Memorial Chapels, Fort Lee.
Pearl Willensky
Pearl Willensky, ne Brussel, 101,
a lifelong Passaic resident, died
January 15.
Predeceased by her husband,
Murray, and a daughter, Ann
Beth, she is survived by a daugh-
ter, Ronnie Sue Ebenstein (Alan)
of Ridgewood and Manhattan;
and a granddaughter, Amy Beth
Ebenstein.
Donations can be sent to
the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements were by Louis
Suburban Chapel, Fair Lawn.
This weeks
Torah
commentary
is on page 47.
(201) 837-8818
JS-34
Classifieds
Call us.
We are waiting
for your
classifed ad!
201-837-8818
54 Jewish standard January 25, 2013
JS-54
the FAIR LAWN JeWISh CeNteR/CONGReGAtION BNAI ISRAeL
an established and thriving 500-family Conservative egalitarian congre-
gation, is seeking a
SYNAGOGUe ADMINIStRAtOR.
The Synagogue Administrator will work closely with the rabbi, cantor,
educators, front office and bookkeeper, head maintenence person and
staff, as well as the exclusive caterer and volunteer leadership to ensure
the successful day-today operation of the synagogue and maintenance
of the facility. The Synagogue Administrator will also interface with cur-
rent and prospective members, manage the budget and implement
fundraising efforts.
Please email cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:
FLJC.CB1@gmail.com
Help Wanted
201-894-4770
Tyler Antiques
Established by Bubbe in 1940!
Antiques Wanted
Top Prices Paid
Oil Paintings Silver
Bronzes Porcelain
Oriental Rugs Furniture
Marble Sculpture Jewelry
Tiffany Items Pianos
Chandeliers Bric-A-Brac
Shomer Shabbos
antiques
Sterling Associates Auctions
SEEKING CONSIGNMENT AND OUT RIGHT PURCHASES
Sculpture Paintings Porcelain Silver
Jewelry Furniture Etc.
TOP CASH PRICES PAID
201-768-1140 www.antiquenj.com
sterlingauction@optonline.net
70 Herbert Avenue, Closter, N.J. 07642
We pay cash for
Antique Furniture
Used Furniture
Oil Paintings
Bronzes Silver
Porcelain China
Modern Art
Top Dollar For Any Kind of Jewelry &
Chinese Porcelain & Ivory
Over 25 years courteous service to tri-state area
We come to you Free Appraisals
Call Us!
ANS A
201-861-7770 201-951-6224
www.ansantiques.com
Shommer
Shabbas
Family Busineess Established Over 60 Years
Essex Antiques
WE BUY OLD FURNITURE:
MAHOGANY/FRENCH/CARVED
PROMPT, COURTEOUS SERVICE
Bedroom & Dining Room Sets Pianos
Bronzes Marbles Persian, Oriental Rugs
Any Condition Paintings & Prints
Lamps Fine China Bric-A-Brac Porcelain
Old Fountain Pens Gold, Silver & Custom Jewelry
WE BUY ENTIRE CONTENTS OF HOMES & ESTATES
100 Dorigo Lane Secaucus, NJ 973-930-1118 800-318-3552
Florida Condo For rent
ALexANDeR Hotel, Miami Beach
beautiful 2 BDRM, 2 Bth on the
beach. Strictly Kosher! Low foor.
Call 516-313-2151
Cemetery plots For sale
Beth El Cemetery, Paramus, N.J.
Block 13, line 2, plots 24 & 25. Two
graves $2,000 ea or 2 for $3,000.
smergel3@gmail.com
Cemetery plots For sale
kING SOLOMON CeMeteRY
Clifton, NJ
Rebecca Section
2 plots available, value $2950,
asking $2000, negotiable,
includes transfer fees.
718-275-1470
Help Wanted

After School Sitter
(pick up at school)
Monday -Thursday
3:30 - 5:15 P.M.
Friday
1 P.M. to variable times
Position available
starting immediately
Englewood location
Call 732-991-6697
CAShIeR
Part-time/full-time
wanted in Fort Lee kosher
food store. Flexible hours.
Friday a must!
Please email resume to:
paylessglatt@gmail.com
Help Wanted
pARt tIMe RN
Part-time salaried NJ regis-
tered nurse needed for growing
Bergen County home care com-
pany. Good team and interper-
sonal skills needed. Car re-
quired. Homecare experience a
plus.
201-833-1175
College Counselling
MICKEY GILBERTS
COLLEGE CHOICE
Selection Application Essay
Interview Tour
An individualized
college search process
973-263-0421
- JUNIORS -
CALL NOW!
FREE FIRST SESSION!
tutoring
MATH TUTOR
Middle/High School Subjects
SAT ACT
Licensed NJ MathTeacher/MBA
First Session $25.00
References available
Carol Herman
201-599-9415
carolherman1@gmail.com
situations Wanted
situations Wanted
27 YeARS expeRIeNCe as a
Nurses Aide. Excellent references.
Live out/in. I have a valid drivers
license. 201-870-8372
COMpANION/NA Flexible hours;
part-time or fll-in. Medical referen-
ces upon request. 201-833-2317
situations Wanted
A CARING experienced European
woman available now to care for
elderly/sick. Live-in/Out. English
speaking. References. Drivers lics.
Call Lena 908-494-4540
CAReGIveR/hhA experienced.
Looking to care for elderly or
housekeeper. Monday-Friday.
Live-out. English speaking. Simone
973-816-5671
CARING, Reliable lady looking for
weekend Saturday & Sunday posi-
tion. Available also 12 hr shift at
night. References! Drives! 201-
741-3042
ChhA looking to care for elderly or
children. Live-in. Experienced, very
reliable, good references. Own car
w/valid lics. Speaks English. 609-
456-9637
hhA looking for position as Com-
panion. Live-in/out. Experienced!
Reliable! English speaking! Call
917-214-9227; 347-325-3275
LICS. CNA/HHA experienced in
nurturing Parkinson/MS/Dementia/
Stroke patients. Also experienced
with rehab patients. Live-out. Drive
to appointments, errands. Referen-
ces. English speaking. 201-357-
5670
pRODUCtION/SOURCING
MANAGeR
Cut & Sew Knitwear
Manage production time tables
Product dev., communicate
w/design, tech, merchandising
& sales. Source new factories.
Willing to travel. 201-921-7177
situations Wanted
DAUGHTER
FOR A DAY, LLC
LICENSED & INSURED
FOR YOUR
PROTECTION
Case Management
Handpicked
Certified Home
Health Aides
Creative
companionship
interactive,
intelligent
conversation &
social outings
Lifestyle Transitions
Assist w/shopping,
errands, Drs, etc.
Organize/process
paperwork,
bal. checkbook,
bookkeeping
Resolve medical
insurance claims
Free Consultation
RITA FINE
201-214-1777
www.daughterforaday.com
MARketING MANAGeR
Do you need a Marketing
Manager that can increase
your market share?
Award winning Business Mar-
keting Manager with an exten-
sive career in product Market-
ing, product & lifecycle manage-
ment, new product launches,
marketing strategy, team lead-
ership & development, & sales.
Seeking new position, please
call 201-444-8850, ext. 15 or
email: scgarr@yahoo.com
situations Wanted
SALeS, Marketing, BusDev
prof w/deep exp in media (pub-
lishing, flm, TV), technology, f-
nancial serv, & new media/inter-
net start-ups seeks opportun-
ties. Market research, planning,
campaign dev., communications
strategy, writing, design, prod.,
pitch dev., PR, sales, busdev,
fundraising, pitching, closing,
consulting. Fortune 55 & SME,
incl Times, Morgan Stanley,
NewsCorp, Avenues World
School, USA Israel & EU.
linkedin.cm/in/adammrosenberg
antiques
Estates Bought & Sold
Fine Furniture
Antiques
Accessories
Cash Paid
201-920-8875
T U
NICHOLAS
ANTIQUES
driving serviCe
MICHAELS CAR
SERVICE
LOWEST RATES
Airports
Manhattan/NYC
School Transportation
201-836-8148
Flooring
American Oak
Hardwood Floors
25 Years of Experience
Installation of All Types of
Carpets, Floors & Borders
Staining & Refinishing
Complete Repair Service
Quality Products
Free Estimates
Fully Insured
Oakland Rutherford
201-651-9494 201-438-7105
JS-35
Get results!
Advertise on
this page.
201-837-8818
Jewish standard January 25, 2013 55
JS-55
Call us.
We are waiting
for your
classifed ad!
201-837-8818
PARTY
PLANNER
To advertise call 201-837-8818
Car For Sale
2003 Mazda Tribute. V6 engine. Four wheel drive.
Power windows. Sun roof. New tires. Serviced every
3,000 miles. Original owner. Great condition.
Advertise & Get Results!
Call 201-837-8818 to advertise
S
O
L
D
!
Car For sale
Fuel surcharge added up to 10% Additional charge may be applied to credit card payment
Car serviCe
Residential Dumpster Specials 10 YDS 15 YDS 20 YDS
(201) 342-9333 (973) 340-7454
WE REMOVE
Pianos Furniture
Junk Appliances
Demo Work
WE CLEAN UP
Attics Basements Yards
Garages Apartments
Construction Debris
RUBBISH REMOVAL
Ricks
CLEANOUTS INC.
SENIOR CITIZENS
10% OFF!
SAME DAY
SERVICE
Cleaning & Hauling
"Quality craftsmanship at aordable prices"
Kitchens Bathrooms
Roong Siding Windows
Heating Air-Conditioning
Finished Basements Energy Conservation
Please visit customer testimonial page www.Goldman&Goldman.com
Freedom from high prices and low quality craftsmanship!
Shomer Shabbos
Fully Insured
NJ Lic #13vh04252700
Robert Goldman
Cell: 732-600-0229
O ce: 201-530-5285
Goldman & Goldman Construction
Home improvements
Bands | DJ | Dancers | Shabbat Acapella
Hottest Hits Classic Rock Israeli Klezmer
www.avimazaorchestra.com
732-342-9766
Avi Maza Orchestra
Music & Entertainment
Jewish Music with an Edge
Ari Greene 201-837-6158
AGreene@BaRockorchestra.com
www.BaRockOrchestra.com
Free
Estimates
Roof
Repairs
201-487-5050
83 FIRST STREET
HACKENSACK, NJ 07601
ROOFING SIDING GUTTERS LEADERS
HACKENSACK HACKENSACK HACKENSACK HACKENSACK HACKENSACK
R RR RROO OO OO OO OOFING FING FING FING FING
C CC CCO OO OO. .. ..
INC. INC. INC. INC. INC.
rooFing
Flooring
American Oak
Hardwood Floors
25 Years of Experience
Installation of All Types of
Carpets, Floors & Borders
Staining & Refinishing
Complete Repair Service
Quality Products
Free Estimates
Fully Insured
Oakland Rutherford
201-651-9494 201-438-7105
For sale
SeLLING household goods and
some antique French furniture; chi-
na, too. 201-461-6568
Furniture repair
FURNItURe DOCtOR
Why Buy New?
Repair The Old!
Repair Renish
Free Estimate
201-384-4526
Handyman
Your Neighbor with Tools
Home Improvements & Handyman
Shomer Shabbat Free Estimates
Over 15 Years Experience
Adam 201-675-0816 Jacob
Lic. & Ins. NJ Lic. #13VH05023300
www.yourneighborwithtools.blogspot.com
Home improvements
BEST BEST
of the
Home Repair Service
Carpentry
Decks
Locks/Doors
Basements
Bathrooms
Plumbing
Tiles/Grout
Painting
Kitchens
Electrical
Paving/Masonry
Drains/Pumps
Maintenence
Hardwood Floors
NO JOB IS TOO SMALL
24 Hour x 5 1/2 Emergency Services
Shomer Shabbat Free Estimates
1-201-530-1873
BH
General Repairs
painting/Wallpapering
AccuPro Painting, LLC
Meticulous & Professional
Commercial & Residential
Interior, Exterior,
Decks, & Garage Floors
(201) 658-3437
AccuProPainting@gmail.com
Haworth, NJ
David Polifroni
plumBing
Complete Kitchen &
Bath Remodeling
Boilers Hot Water Heaters Leaks
EMERGENCY SERVICE
Fully Licensed, Bonded and Insured
NO JOB IS TOO SMALL!
201-358-1700 Lic. #12285
APL Plumbing & Heating LLC
ruBBisH removal
CHICHELO
RUBBISH REMOVED
973-325-2713 973-228-7928
201-704-0013
Appliances
Furniture
WoodMetals
Construction
Debris
Homes Estates
Factories Contractors
Join MAZONs effort to ensure that no one goes hungry.
Help us transform how it is into how it should be.
Donate to MAZON today.
Can you imagine
the
of a constant
struggle to put
food on the table?
exhaustion
P.O. Box 894765
Los Angeles, CA 90189-4765
800.813.0557 | mazon.org
Photo licensed under Creative Commons fromfickr user [auro].
We dont blame you for feeling tired of
hearing stories about the ever-growing
number of families struggling with hunger.
JS-56*
gallery
1
Avinoam Segal-Elad, Jewish
Federation of Northern New Jerseys
shaliach, visited with youth at Temple
Beth Rishon in Wyckoff to discuss cities
and hot spots in Israel. Courtesy tBr
2
Children at The Helen Troum Nursery
School and Kindergarten at Temple
Beth Sholom in Fair Lawn are learning
about Tu Bi-Shvat and creating trees
in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
Courtesy tBs
3
Students from the Lubavitch on
the Palisades Elementary School
visited residents at the Jewish Home
at Rockleigh in honor of rosh chodesh
Shevat. First grader Becky Rich is
pictured decorating a flower pot with
JHR resident Alease Tynes in honor of
the upcoming holiday of Tu Bi-Shvat.
Courtesy LotP
4
Students at the Leah Sokoloff
Nursery School at Shomrei Torah in
Fair Lawn, including Noah Avital, Daniel
Eckman, and Yoni Bodoff, had an early
Tu Bi-Shvat celebration with fruits from
Israel. Courtesy LsNs
5
Temple Beth Tikvah in Wayne hosted
members and non-members at a Tu
Bi-Shvat seder, led by Rabbi Stephen
Wylen and Cantor Charles Romalis. The
event included foods and traditional
Israeli dance. Courtesy tBt
6
Bella Levison works on a painting
inspired by artist Jackson Pollack
at The Gerrard Berman Day School,
Solomon Schechter of North Jersey.
Students have been exploring the styles
of famous artists. Courtesy GBDs
1
5
2
6
3 4
JS-57*
REAL ESTATE & buSi nESS noTES
Allan Dorfman
Broker/Associate
201-461-6764 Eve
201-970-4118 Cell
201-585-8080 x144 Offce
Realtorallan@yahoo.com
The Colony
in ForT lee
Serving Bergen County since 1985.
1BR 1.5 Baths. Updated. $134,900
1BR 1.5 Baths. Total renovation.
$229,900
2BR 2.5 Baths. B Line (East and West).
Total renovation with laundry. $599,000
3BR 2.5 Baths. High foor renovated.
Owner says sell! $499,000
Private Movie Theater and Health Club
AMY AXELROD
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
aaxelrod@citihabitats.com
201.638.9575
(Bergen County bred, Manhattan resident)
Looking to buy, sell or rent in NYC?
all you have to do is call Amy!
(Bergen County bred, Manhattan resident)
AMY AXELROD
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
aaxelrod@citihabitats.com
201.638.9575
Looking to buy, sell or rent in NYC?
all you have to do is call Amy!
SERVING BOCA RATON,
DELRAY AND BOYNTON BEACH
AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Advantage Plus
601 S. Federal Hwy
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Elly & Ed Lepselter
(561) 826-8394
COME TO FLORIDA
Specializing in Country Club,
Active Adult & Beachside Communities
FORMER NJ
RESIDENTS
Orna Jackson, Sales Associate 201-376-1389
TENAFLY
894-1234
TM
TENAFLY STUNNING $2,295,000
Stately custom built brick colonial with slate roof on .92 East Hill acres,
foyer with spiral staircase, living room with fireplace, country kitchen with island
stove top & BBQ, family room with fireplace opens to yard
with 2 patios & babbling brook, master suite with Jacuzzi bath.
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS
568-1818
TENAFLY
894-1234
CRESSKILL
871-0800
ALPINE/CLOSTER
768-6868
RIVERVALE
666-0777
Open Houses Sunday Jan. 27
1-3 PM
602 PENN AVE $370s
Tree lined street. Close to Cedar Lane shops/buses. Mint condi-
tion colonial. LR/fplc, Formal DR, Fam Rm & Ultra Kitchen w/
sldng door to deck. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths C/A/C. Att Gar.
622 MARTENSE AVENUE $280s
Contemp Colonial. Univ Area. Open & Sunlit LR/Dining Rm. Den,
EIK. 2 Bedrooms 2 mod baths (Jacuzzi). Fin Bsmnt. Det Gar.
12-2 PM
646 CUMBERLAND AVENUE $330s
Brick Colonial. LR/fplc. Formal DR & Den. 3 Bedrooms (King
Size Master). Fin Bsmnt. Close to parks, University, & NYC
Buses
For Our Full Inventory & Directions
Visit our Website
www.RussoRealEstate.com
(201) 837-8800
READERS
CHOICE
2012
FIRST PLACE
REAL ESTATE AGENCY

JAN 27TH OPEN HOUSES
529 Churchill Rd, Tnk $1,229,000 12:00-2:00pm
16 Highgate Ter, Bgfld $619,000 1:00-3:00pm
CLOSED WEEK OF JAN 13TH
689 Northumberland Rd, Teaneck
1269 Sussex Rd, Teaneck
PREVIEW NEW LISTING IN TEANECK
1st Time Offered! Multi-Level in W Englewood w updated
windows, roof & bthrms/Kohler fixtures. Master Br/bth,
large Fam Rm on ground fl w powder rm & laundry. $586,300
Call V & N for an appointment.
FOLLOW TEAM V & N ON
FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
www.vera-nechama.com
201-692-3700
Looking to Rent or Buy
a Property in Israel?
Avoid the hassle!
Let us help you navigate the system.
Contact Debbie Bain
BainRealtors@gmail.com
Professional American Service Fully Licensed in Israel
Teaneck Chamber of Commerce
launches shopping survey
The Teaneck Chamber of Commerce has launched a sur-
vey to help understand some of the issues confronting
the towns business community.
To take part, visit www.teaneckchamber.org and click
on Surveys.
To receive additional information on the Teaneck
Chamber of Commerce, its activities, programs, mem-
bership, or to get on their e-mail list, visit the Chambers
website at http://www.teaneckchamber.org.
NVE Bank appoints
Stephen J. Buraczynski
Robert Rey, president
and chief executive of-
ficer of NVE Bank, has an-
nounced the appointment
of Stephen J. Buraczynski
to IT manager.
Buraczynski has exten-
sive experience in the
banking industry, having
held IT and security officer
positions at First Atlantic
Federal Credit Union in
Eatontown, and Allegiance
Community Bank in South
Orange.
NVE Bank, established in 1887, offers an extensive
range of personal and business products and services.
The Bank maintains 12 offices located throughout
Bergen County. For more information, call their toll-free
number 1-866-NVE-BANK (683-2265) or visit www.nve-
bank.com.
Stephen J. Buraczynski
Glaucoma update at Holy Name
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is a
disease that damages the eyes optic nerve. Left untreat-
ed, it can lead to blindness. Because early disease pro-
duces no symptoms and progresses slowly, many people
are unaware that they are affected. Learn about early de-
tection and treatment that can help preserve your vision
in a presentation by Dr. Andrew Brown at Holy Name
Medical Center, Wednesday, January 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
The event is free, but a $5 parking fee will apply. To
register call HNMCs Ask-a-Nurse at 1-877-HOLY-NAME
(1-877-465-9626) or visit www.holyname.org.
Colds and flu are not the same
If someone in your family is suffering, its important to be
able to tell the difference between a cold and the flu.
According to the physicians at ENT and Allergy
Associates, in a cold, a fever is rare and sneezing and a
stuffy nose are common, as is a hacking or wet cough. A
sore throat is commonly present, but generally not chills
or headaches.
By contrast fever is usually present in the flu, as are
chills and headaches. There is rapid onset of intense
symptoms, including a dry cough. There is almost no
sneezing and no sore throats.
ENT and Allergy Associates offers a full complement
of services, including general adult and pediatric ENT,
voice and swallowing, facial plastics and reconstructive
surgery, disorders of the inner ear and dizziness, asthma,
clinical immunology, diagnostic audiology, hearing aid
dispensing, sleep and CT services.
For more information or to make an appointment,
call 1-855-ENTA-DOC.
www.jstandard.com
SERVING BOCA RATON,
DELRAY AND BOYNTON BEACH
AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Advantage Plus
601 S. Federal Hwy
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Elly & Ed Lepselter
(561) 826-8394
COME TO FLORIDA
Specializing in Country Club,
Active Adult & Beachside Communities
FORMER NJ
RESIDENTS
Open Houses Sunday Jan. 27
1-3 PM
602 PENN AVE $370s
Tree lined street. Close to Cedar Lane shops/buses. Mint condi-
tion colonial. LR/fplc, Formal DR, Fam Rm & Ultra Kitchen w/
sldng door to deck. 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths C/A/C. Att Gar.
622 MARTENSE AVENUE $280s
Contemp Colonial. Univ Area. Open & Sunlit LR/Dining Rm. Den,
EIK. 2 Bedrooms 2 mod baths (Jacuzzi). Fin Bsmnt. Det Gar.
12-2 PM
646 CUMBERLAND AVENUE $330s
Brick Colonial. LR/fplc. Formal DR & Den. 3 Bedrooms (King
Size Master). Fin Bsmnt. Close to parks, University, & NYC
Buses
For Our Full Inventory & Directions
Visit our Website
www.RussoRealEstate.com
(201) 837-8800
READERS
CHOICE
2012
FIRST PLACE
REAL ESTATE AGENCY
JS-58*
Interest Rates Are
At An All Time Low!
Please contact us for
refnance options to reduce
the payment on your current
mortgage or for a new loan
to purchase a home.
Classic Mortgage, LLC
Serving NY, NJ & CT
25 E. Spring Valley Ave., Ste 100, Maywood, NJ
201-368-3140
www.classicmortgagellc.com
MLS #31149
Larry DeNike
President
MLO #58058
ladclassic@aol.com
Daniel M. Shlufman
Managing Director
MLO #6706
dshlufman@classicllc.com
SELLING YOUR HOME?
Call Susan Laskin Today
To Make Your Next Move A Successful One!
2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.
BergenCountyRealEstateSource.com Cell: 201-615-5353
Jewish Community Housing Corporation partners with medical center
The Jewish Community Housing Corporation of
Metropolitan New Jersey (JCHC) is collaborating with the
Geriatric Health & Disease Management Center at Saint
Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston to provide free
educational and instructional health and wellness pro-
grams to residents in three JCHC communities: Jewish
Federation Plaza in West Orange, The Village Apartments
of the Jewish Federation in South Orange, and the South
Orange Federation Bnai Brith House.
The Geriatric Health & Disease Management Center,
which opened this fall, coordinates health and social
services for the elderly and their families, and provides
consultations and comprehensive geriatric care and
education.
This partnership brings our residents vital informa-
tion and services they need to maintain optimal wellness
in their homes, with a focus on prevention and medical
management, said Harold Colton-Max, CEO of JCJS.
The wide variety of health and wellness lectures and
screenings, right where they live, gives our residents
unparalleled convenience in accessing prevention and
medical support programs, he added.
The expanded geriatric services arose through recent
collaboration between JCHC and Jewish Family Service
of MetroWest New Jersey.
Residents will enjoy free monthly lectures and pro-
grams on various health-related topics, presented by the
centers holistic nurses. These will include tips on diabe-
tes control, nutrition for seniors, dealing with changes in
gait or balance, the warning signs of stroke or heart at-
tack, and medication management. The nurses will also
give presentations and provide services that deal with
physical and emotional health issues that older adults
face such as memory loss, feelings of isolation, and de-
clining mobility.
For more information about the Jewish Community
Housing Corporation, its diverse buildings and com-
munities, and programs and housing options for area
seniors, visit www.jchcorp.org or call (973) 731-2020.
Len Pomerantz
Arms on display at Heritage Pointe
Len Pomerantz recently gave a presentation on weap-
ons of the Civil War to residents of Heritage Pointe of
Teaneck, the senior independent living community.
www.jstandard.com
Jeff@MironProperties.com www.MironProperties.com
Ruth@MironProperties.com www.MironProperties.com/NJ
Each Miron Properties office is independently owned and operated.
Contact us for your complimentary consultation
Jeffrey Schleider
Broker/Owner
Miron Properties NY
Ruth Miron-Schleider
Broker/Owner
Miron Properties NJ
TENAFLY
63 OAK STREET
Picture perfect Center Hall Col.
TENAFLY
14 LAWRENCE COURT
Exquisite E.H. Center Hall Col.
TENAFLY
11 WHITEWOOD ROAD
Sleek contemporary architecture.
TENAFLY
15 BIRCHWOOD PLACE
Stately Old Smith Village Col.
ENGLEWOOD
215 E. LINDEN AVENUE
Majestic 8 BR E.H. Col.
ENGLEWOOD $659,000
133-A E. PALISADE AVENUE
3 BR/2.5 BTH corner unit.
ENGLEWOOD $1,975,000
230 WALNUT STREET
.64 Acre. Picturesque.
212 MAPLE STREET
7 Br/5.5 Bth Construction.
S
O
L
D
!
E
X
Q
U
I
S
I
T

C
O
L
O
N
I
A
L
!
S
O
L
D
!
M
E
D
I
T
.

C
O
L
O
N
I
A
L
!
S
O
L
D
!

B
R
I
C
K

T
O
W
N
H
O
U
S
E
!
S
O
L
D
!
U
N
D
E
R

C
O
N
T
R
A
C
T
!

TEANECK
368 WINTHROP ROAD
Expanded Col. Num. amenities.
TEANECK
193 VANDELINDA AVE.
Beautiful Col. Gorgeous property.
TEANECK
1094 TRAFALGAR ST.
Charming Brick & Stone Col.
TEANECK
1624 DOVER COURT
Spectacular contemporary Col.
S
O
L
D
!
S
O
L
D
!
S
O
L
D
!
J
U
S
T

S
O
L
D
!
CROWN HEIGHTS
817 ST. JOHNS PLACE
2 BR. Central location.
CHELSEA
456 WEST 19TH STREET
1 BR Condo. Doorman bldg.
EAST VILLAGE $800,000
90 EAST 10TH STREET
1200 sq. ft. + bsmnt. Back patio.
TRIBECA $3,985,000
110 DUANE ST, #PH3S
Posh Penthouse. Prestigious loc.

L
E
A
S
E
D
!

S
O
L
D
!
C
O
M
M
E
R
C
IA
L
/
R
E
S
T
A
U
R
A
N
T
!
U
N
D
E
R
C
O
N
T
R
A
C
T
!
CHELSEA
451 WEST 22ND STREET
Prettiest block in Chelsea/TimeOut NY
WILLIAMSBURG
490 METROPOLITAN AVENUE
Commercial. 690 sq. ft. Prime block.
WEST VILLAGE $540,000
165 CHRISTOPHER ST, #LN
Doorman bldg. Steps from Pier.
DUMBO
205 WATER STREET
Brand new construction.

U
N
D
E
R

C
O
N
T
R
A
C
T
!

L
E
A
S
E
D
!

S
O
L
D
!

J
U
S
T

L
I
S
T
E
D
!
We specialize in residential and commercial rentals and sales.
We will be happy to assist you with all your real estate needs.
NJ: T: 201.266.8555 M: 201.906.6024
NY: T: 212.888.6250 M: 917.576.0776
Israeli technology perks up new Corvette
ViVa Sarah PreSS
The sleek Chevy Corvette C7 Stingray took the stage at
North Americas glitziest auto show this week to show off
its new look. Israeli cutting edge technology was used to
make the 2014 version of this iconic sports car stronger,
lighter and more superior in handling.
Plasan is a Kibbutz Sasa company better known for
its very dense plastic composite product that affords
ballistic protection without significantly adding to the
weight of the vehicle. For years, the Pentagon has looked
to Plasan to keep American soldiers safe in Afghanistan
and Iraq.
In a bid to win back some of the Corvettes glory,
General Motors turned to Plasans technology to reduce
mass while increasing strength.
Plasans handprints can be found on C7s front fend-
ers, doors, rear quarter panels, and the rear hatch panel
that were all made with the lighter-density sheet molding
compound.
There are some new components with unusual
shapes that required innovative mold tooling. We devel-
oped removable sections of the mold tools to attain de-
tailed design shapes for fine character line definition in
order to meet the stringent design studio requirements,
Gary Lownsdale, chief technology officer of Plasan
Carbon Composites, said.
The new Corvette uses aluminum and carbon fiber to
keep it lighter and faster, and it was also built to be more
fuel efficient.
Israel21c.org
JS-59
Jeff@MironProperties.com www.MironProperties.com
Ruth@MironProperties.com www.MironProperties.com/NJ
Each Miron Properties office is independently owned and operated.
Contact us for your complimentary consultation
Jeffrey Schleider
Broker/Owner
Miron Properties NY
Ruth Miron-Schleider
Broker/Owner
Miron Properties NJ
TENAFLY
63 OAK STREET
Picture perfect Center Hall Col.
TENAFLY
14 LAWRENCE COURT
Exquisite E.H. Center Hall Col.
TENAFLY
11 WHITEWOOD ROAD
Sleek contemporary architecture.
TENAFLY
15 BIRCHWOOD PLACE
Stately Old Smith Village Col.
ENGLEWOOD
215 E. LINDEN AVENUE
Majestic 8 BR E.H. Col.
ENGLEWOOD $659,000
133-A E. PALISADE AVENUE
3 BR/2.5 BTH corner unit.
230 WALNUT STREET
.64 Acre. Picturesque.
212 MAPLE STREET
7 Br/5.5 Bth Construction.
S
O
L
D
!
E
X
Q
U
I
S
I
T

C
O
L
O
N
I
A
L
!
S
O
L
D
!
M
E
D
I
T
.

C
O
L
O
N
I
A
L
!
S
O
L
D
!

B
R
I
C
K

T
O
W
N
H
O
U
S
E
!
S
O
L
D
!
U
N
D
E
R

C
O
N
T
R
A
C
T
!

TEANECK
368 WINTHROP ROAD
Expanded Col. Num. amenities.
TEANECK
193 VANDELINDA AVE.
Beautiful Col. Gorgeous property.
TEANECK
1094 TRAFALGAR ST.
Charming Brick & Stone Col.
TEANECK
1624 DOVER COURT
Spectacular contemporary Col.
S
O
L
D
!
S
O
L
D
!
S
O
L
D
!
J
U
S
T

S
O
L
D
!
CROWN HEIGHTS
817 ST. JOHNS PLACE
2 BR. Central location.
CHELSEA
456 WEST 19TH STREET
1 BR Condo. Doorman bldg.
EAST VILLAGE $800,000
90 EAST 10TH STREET
1200 sq. ft. + bsmnt. Back patio.
TRIBECA $3,985,000
110 DUANE ST, #PH3S
Posh Penthouse. Prestigious loc.

L
E
A
S
E
D
!

S
O
L
D
!
C
O
M
M
E
R
C
IA
L
/
R
E
S
T
A
U
R
A
N
T
!
U
N
D
E
R
C
O
N
T
R
A
C
T
!
CHELSEA
451 WEST 22ND STREET
Prettiest block in Chelsea/TimeOut NY
WILLIAMSBURG
490 METROPOLITAN AVENUE
Commercial. 690 sq. ft. Prime block.
WEST VILLAGE $540,000
165 CHRISTOPHER ST, #LN
Doorman bldg. Steps from Pier.
DUMBO
205 WATER STREET
Brand new construction.

U
N
D
E
R

C
O
N
T
R
A
C
T
!

L
E
A
S
E
D
!

S
O
L
D
!

J
U
S
T

L
I
S
T
E
D
!
We specialize in residential and commercial rentals and sales.
We will be happy to assist you with all your real estate needs.
NJ: T: 201.266.8555 M: 201.906.6024
NY: T: 212.888.6250 M: 917.576.0776
Israeli technology perks up new Corvette
ViVa Sarah PreSS
ers, doors, rear quarter panels, and the rear hatch panel
that were all made with the lighter-density sheet molding
compound.
There are some new components with unusual
shapes that required innovative mold tooling. We devel-
oped removable sections of the mold tools to attain de-
tailed design shapes for fine character line definition in
order to meet the stringent design studio requirements,
Gary Lownsdale, chief technology officer of Plasan
Carbon Composites, said.
The new Corvette uses aluminum and carbon fiber to
keep it lighter and faster, and it was also built to be more
fuel efficient.
Israel21c.org
JS-60
RCBC
Mashgiach Temidi / Open 7:00 am Sunday through Friday
Now closing Friday at 2:30 pm
1400 Queen Anne Rd Teaneck, NJ 201-837-8110
For your
SUPER BOWL PARTY
score a touchdown
with your friends!
*Please place all Super Bowl orders by Wednesday, January 30.
Parvefootball
cupcakes
available at
LAZY BEAN
Customized Hero
Sandwiches
Bucket of Fried Chicken
made fresh while you shop.
Choice of
Falafel, Almonds, Challah
Crumbs,Bread Crumbs,
Rice Crispy, Corn Flakes
Chicken Cutlets
Choice of Grilled, Baked,
Skewers, Shwarma
French Fries
Chicken Wings
Choice of Buffalo, BBQ,
Smoked, Spicy, Sweet &
Sour, Breaded, General Tsos,
Honey Glazed
*

New Jersey Jewish Standard - January 25, 2013

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

New Jersey Jewish Standard - January 25, 2013

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

JS-1* JS-1*

January 25, 2013 Vol. LXXXII No. 18 $1.00

a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals

Balance & Strength

No. 47126 list $22.99

You might also like