Defensive-Driving Course At MMC, June 17—18

Mercy Medical Center is hosting a two-session defensive-driving course on Tuesday, June 17, and Wednesday, June 18, 5:30—8:30 p.m. Classes will be held in the Mercy CIJ conference rooms. Class is open to all; you must preregister. Cost is $33, which includes all books and materials. At the completion of the course, primary drivers may receive a 10% discount on their car insurance or points off their license. For more information, please contact Jeanne Jaeger at 516-705-2589. v

Pugatch Twilight Open Houses Event, June 18

“Where did my Sunday go?”

How often have you looked forward to a weekend of relaxation, only to find it jam-packed with obligations? Pugatch Realty Corp. seeks to make things a little easier for their home-hunters by presenting Twilight Open Houses. Don’t worry–none of the houses are haunted. The timing is purely for your convenience. Over 20 houses will be presented in Woodmere, North Woodmere, Cedarhurst, Hewlett and Hewlett Neck, Valley Stream, Lawrence, and East Rockaway on Wednesday, June 18, 5:30—7:30 p.m. House-hunters are encouraged to visit as many houses as they like and will receive a raffle ticket for each home visited. The raffles will be drawn on June 19. Continental Home Loans Inc., Home Warranty of America, Life Clubs, Optimum, Worldwide Security Systems, and Gadget Inspection Co. are participating as well, and restaurant gift certificates are among the possible prizes. See ad on page 8 for a complete listing of homes or call 516-295-3000, visit Pugatch’s Woodmere office at 950 Broadway, or go to www.pugatch.com for more information. v

 

Miriam Borenstein
Miriam Borenstein

Miriam Borenstein Of Cedarhurst Among YUHS Honorees

Yeshiva University High Schools (YUHS) is to hold its annual dinner on Tuesday, June 17 at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Park, New York.

Samuel H. Wang Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) Faculty Honoree: Miriam Borenstein of Cedarhurst. Miriam Borenstein is the religious-programming coordinator at Central and a member of the Judaic Studies Department, as well as assistant coach of the softball team. She is a graduate of Central and YU’s Stern College for Women and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration. Borenstein initiated the alumna/senior chaburah learning program at Central in 2008 and also serves as the school’s NCSY JUMP coordinator, enabling her students to conduct outreach programs around the country.

Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) Faculty Honoree: Rabbi Gary Beitler. Rabbi Gary Beitler has taught at MTA for the past 10 years and currently serves as a 10th-grade maggid shiur, director of the madrich program, and athletic director. A graduate of Yeshiva College and RIETS, Rabbi Beitler also mentors RIETS students interested in pursuing a career in education, helping them sharpen their teaching skills.

Guests of Honor: Sheon and Rena Karol. Sheon Karol is a YUHS board member and a graduate of Yeshiva College, Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh, and Yale Law School. Sheon previously practiced law and is now a restructuring advisor and director at Deloitte. Rena, an alumna of Yale University, works in early-childhood education. The Karols are active members of the Riverdale Jewish Center, where Sheon served as an officer and is a longtime gabbai, and Rena is co-head of the chevra kadisha and treasurer of the local mikveh. Their oldest daughter is a Central graduate, their son is a junior at MTA, and their younger daughter will attend Central in the fall.

Parents of the Year: Rabbi Allen and Mrs. Alisa Schwartz. Rabbi Allen and Mrs. Alisa Schwartz and their children are all proud alumni of various YU institutions, with their youngest graduating from Central this year. For the past 26 years, Rabbi Allen and Alisa have served as rabbi and rebbetzin of Congregation Ohab Zedek on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Rabbi Schwartz is a graduate of MTA, Yeshiva College, RIETS, and the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. Since 1983, he has been teaching at YU, where he holds the Raymond J. Greenwald Chair of Jewish Studies. He has written curriculums for Jewish schools and led workshops on teaching. Alisa, an alumna of Central, gives kallah classes and mentors young new rebbetzins. She also volunteers for Emunah of America, Bikur Cholim of the West Side, and the Sisterhood of Ohab Zedek.

For dinner reservations, to place an ad in the journal, or for more information, please contact Beth Gorin, director of institutional advancement for YUHS, at 212-960-5489 or beth.gorin@yu.edu, or visit www.yu.edu/hsdinner. v

 

Rabbi Doniel Lander, Rabbi Dov Bressler, and Rabbi Bezalel Korn
Rabbi Doniel Lander, Rabbi Dov Bressler, and Rabbi Bezalel Korn

Kollel Tiferes Avos 4th Annual Breakfast

An enthusiastic group of rabbanim, roshei yeshivos, and esteemed members of the Far Rockaway and Five Towns community participated in the fourth annual breakfast of Kollel Tiferes Avos, led by Rabbi Dov Bressler. The breakfast coincided with the completion of Masechta Sanhedrin by the morning shiur, chavrusos, and chaburos and the siyum of Masechta Kesubos by the Tuesday evening shiur. Other shiurim given on Thursday evenings on machshavah regarding acharis hayamim and on Shabbos on Masechta Megilah are continuing according to their intensive pace. The actual siyum on Kesubos was ably led by Rabbi Samson, chaplain at Creedmoor Hospital and a shiur participant.

The assemblage was treated to an inspiring dvar Torah by Harav Doniel Lander, rosh yeshiva of Ohr Hachaim in Kew Gardens, Queens. He spoke about meaningfully preparing for Shavuos and the unique attachment between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. This connection parallels a wife’s attachment to her husband. The mountain placed over Am Yisrael is analogous to a chuppah and the giving of the Torah is similar to the gift a chassan presents to his kallah.

At the breakfast, two of the kollel stalwarts received special awards. Rabbi Dovid Scheiner, s’gan rosh kollel, well known for his harbotzas Torah over four decades, was the recipient of the Torah v’Avodah award for his broad presentations of shiurim on Gemara, halachah, and Aggadah.

Mr. Mordy Sittner was the recipient of the Etz Chaim Award. He spoke about attending Rabbi Bressler’s shiurim for four decades.

Rabbi Bezalel Korn, rav of Congregation Knesseth Meir, serving as master of ceremonies, adeptly moved the program with relevant introductions and concise divrei Torah.

Kollel Tiferes Avos is made up of three divisions. The first is the basic kollel whose members attend shiurim given by Rav Bressler every morning, 9:45—11:30 a.m. Kollel elyon is the second division. Its members learn by chavrusa, present original chaburos, and are led by Rav Dovid Scheiner while learning the same masechta as the basic kollel. Division three learns daf yomi with Rabbi Eli Einhorn and proceeds until 12:00 p.m. The kollel also presents shiurim on Tuesday, Thursday, and Shabbos on Gemara and machshavah. Rabbi Bressler offers a shiur klali from time to time, which brings all kollel members together.

All members of the community searching for an invigorating, stimulating, and relevant set of shiurim should call Rabbi Bressler at 718-327-8903. v

 

Rabbi Yaakov Bender with TOVA’s leadership
Rabbi Yaakov Bender with TOVA’s leadership

TOVA Tributes

On Thursday night, May 29, the TOVA mentoring program held its annual mentor appreciation dinner in honor of the 65 very special young men and women who dedicate time each week mentoring more than 110 children in our community. The children benefit from the nonjudgmental guidance and listening ear a TOVA mentor provides. Sponsored by TOVA’s President, Mr. and Mrs. Pinky Friedman, the mentors were treated to a lavish buffet dinner at Congregation Shaaray Tefila.

Many of our community’s rabbinic and lay leadership attended the event, expressing appreciation for the work that TOVA mentors do to help the youth of our community. Included amongst the attendees were Rabbi Yaakov Bender, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah; Rabbi Yaakov Reisman, mara d’asra of Agudath Israel of Long Island; and Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, menahel of Mesivta Ateres Yaakov. Also in attendance were TOVA’s founders, Mr. and Mrs. Alan and Fran Ganz and Dr. Norman Blumenthal, as well as TOVA’s first mentor, Dr. Eli Shapiro.

Awards were presented to the mentors of the year for their outstanding service and dedication. TAG graduate and future Psy.D. student Adina Slepoy received the female Mentor of the Year award and Mesivta Chaim Shlomo graduate and current Beis Medrash Heichal Dovid student Zvi Schwadel received the male Mentor of the Year award. An award was also presented to Oded and Dina Tzur for their dedicated service giving time to their mentees while still balancing the demands of a family and professional life. Oded spoke glowingly about the meaning of mentoring, appreciating the opportunity he and his wife have to give of themselves to the youth of the community. Lastly, a surprise award was presented to Yehuda Klinkowitz, clinical director of TOVA, for his 12 years of dedicated service to the TOVA program.

The highlight of the evening was the question-and-answer panel designed to explore issues of adolescent development and its impact on the mentor-mentee relationship. The panel was made up of expert mechanchim and mental health professionals: Norman Blumenthal, Ph.D.; Yehuda Klinkowitz, LMSW; Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Ph.D.; and Richard Altabe, MS Ed. The panel was moderated by TOVA’s new director of career mentoring, David English, LCSW. The panelists offered wide-ranging advice regarding the nature of the mentor—mentee relationship, emphasizing the importance of the mentor serving as a role model for the child. The theme echoed by each panelist was that TOVA mentors have an unlimited potential to impact the lives of their mentees and that the simple act of taking a child out for a pizza can be transformative.

Rabbi Yaakov Reisman closed the evening by reflecting on the comments of the panelists, also sharing some entertaining anecdotes of his youth and underscoring the importance of mentors being both the listening ear and the appropriate role model for the children of our community.

Looking out at the crowd of mentors in the audience, it was clear that the TOVA Mentoring Program has recruited the best young men and women of our community who have committed their time to serve our children in our schools.

If you are interested in becoming a TOVA mentor for the school year 2014-15, please contact the TOVA office, 516-295-0550 or apply at tovamentoring.org. v

a3]South Shore Engineers

A middle-school student at Yeshiva of South Shore typically begins his day early, arising before 7 a.m. to be on time for davening, and his school day progresses toward the final dismissal after 5 p.m. It’s a long day. So when nine boys voluntarily agree to stay at the yeshiva until 7 p.m. every Monday, it must be for something that is important and valuable to them.

Enter SET^3 (SET Cubed), a dynamic and competitive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program for eighth-graders. It was instituted at YOSS three years ago by Mr. Daniel Winkler, associate principal, through CIJE (Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education), under the guidance of team coach Mrs. Elisheva Pinsky. Recently, the YOSS team competed with eight other yeshivos from the tri-state area. The students distinguished themselves at the competition, impressing the judge with their knowledge and intelligence, as well as the complex and intriguing solution the team created to solve this year’s challenge. YOSS’s SET^3 team members include Tzvi Adler, Yekutiel Weiss, Chezky Rothman, Yehudah Jacobs, Asher Schreier, Uri Ash, Binyamin Klein, Moshe Bennett, and Yitzchok Wolnerman.

The group began meeting back in September, when they were presented with the year’s challenge and tasked with engineering an energy-efficient solution. Each year’s challenge is based on real-world events, and this one was based on the War of Independence in Israel, 1948, when Mount Zion was cut off from supplies due to the Jordanians firing into the Ben Hinnom Valley. Engineer Uriel Jefetz is credited with designing a solution: a cable car capable of transporting 250 kg of supplies and food on each trip. It was used only at night; the cables were lowered into the valley, hidden from view during daylight. The operation remained a secret until 1972.

The SET^3 team challenge was titled “The Big Busy Valley.” In a similar vein, it required teams to comply with keeping the flight path of a busy “airport” clear when it was open, while designing a delivery system that, when airport operations ceased, could efficiently move 10 kg across a “valley” from atop 30-inch “mountains” separated by up to 8 feet.

SET^3 teams are involved in learning about basic physics concepts including work, energy, torque, simple machines, gearing, and mechanical advantage. They perform two mandatory experiments, hands-on challenges, and demonstrations during the first months of the academic year. Specific work on designing a solution to the year’s challenge began in late January.

Team members often find that the skills they learned provide them with the opportunity to gain expertise in a certain area, contributing their efforts to the project, and helping other team members if necessary. YOSS team member Tzvi Adler focused his attention on gearing and spent many lunch hours tinkering with improving the torque in the lever arm he designed, a pivotal component of the machine (no pun intended).

Yekutiel Weiss was similarly intrigued by gearing and worked through many a recess period as well.

Binyamin Klein felt comfortable working on the circuits and wiring that connected four motors to the handheld switchboard that ultimately controlled the operation of the entire project.

Chezky Rothman, Yekutiel Weiss, and Uri Ash worked on various aspects of the “build,” but they can be very proud of the PowerPoint slideshow they created that was the focal point during the team’s presentation to the judges. It was replete with data tables, graphs, graphics, and photos that showed the team’s progression toward a solution.

Few can rival the math ability and comprehension of the concepts of team member Asher Schreier. Need to know how many joules were used? How much mechanical advantage created? The number-crunching silently progresses and Asher quickly recites answers.

Asher and Yehudah Jacobs displayed their problem-solving abilities by consistently thinking up solutions to problems as they arose–idea men.

Moshe Bennett worked diligently on the mandatory experiments at the beginning of the year and was instrumental, along with Yitzchok Wolnerman, a late recruit to the SET^3 team, in becoming familiar with all aspects of the machines in the project and working in areas as needed.

The YOSS team’s answer to the challenge was to build a cable-car transport system that was lowered into the “valley” when the airport was open and lifted to a height 50 inches off the floor when the “airport” closed operations. Ultimately the project was refined to carry over 1.5 kg (3+ lb.) per trip from one mountain to the other, utilizing four DC motors that drove complex gearing that provided enough torque to pulley systems, lever arms, and the cable car.

The team’s primary spokesman before the judges was Tzvi Adler, whose sustained calm and self-assured demeanor projected onto each team member as the boys one by one confidently answered the judges’ probing questions designed to ascertain if the boys actually knew the concepts behind the machine they had built. Not only did they impress the judges with their knowledge, but Mrs. Judy Lebovits, director of CIJE, commented to already kvelling team coach Mrs. Elisheva Pinsky, “You must be so proud. They did a terrific job!”

The boys indeed did an amazing job. They are walking away with skills for life in teamwork, problem-solving, dedication, and the one thing that every team member was most thrilled to safely learn to use–power tools! v

Benjamin Brafman, master of ceremonies
Benjamin Brafman, master of ceremonies

Friends Of The IDF Long Island Chapter Honors Israel’s Soldiers

More than 500 prominent supporters of the Long Island Chapter of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) from across the Five Towns and Greater South Shore area gathered for their third annual community event in Cedarhurst recently at the Sephardic Temple. The event raised over $350,000, which will go toward FIDF wellbeing and educational programs for the brave men and women of the IDF.

Benjamin Brafman, a criminal defense attorney and founder of Brafman and Associates, who served as master of ceremonies for the third year in a row, said the FIDF stands out in its unrivaled support for the soldiers.

“FIDF has recognized the different struggles faced by different soldiers, and aims to meet them all. No soldier has the same story: some carry the name of a lost loved one into battle, others the weight of their family’s financial struggles, and some pay the sacrifice of a severe wound or trauma in defense of their country. The stories of the Israeli army are many, but two things are true for all of them–the strength of our soldiers is unmatched, and FIDF will be there for them all,” he said.

The event paid a special tribute to IDF Lone Soldiers from the community. David Golombeck, a Lone Soldier originally from Lawrence who currently serves in the Netzach Yehuda Battalion, made an emotional surprise visit to see his family. The FIDF Lone Soldiers Program supports IDF soldiers with no immediate family living in Israel financially, socially, and emotionally.

The event also hosted soldiers who traveled to Long Island from Israel to share their stories with FIDF supporters. The soldiers included Major Benimin Meir, commander of draftee training in a Givati training base, and Captain Tamar Aizenman, a commander in the communications battalion 272 who gave a powerful speech about her father and grandfather who were both killed during service in a battle to protect Jerusalem.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for being a part of my circle, through your support of the IDF and especially through adopting our brigade. My role is to fight and protect the country, and you have filled the role of protecting me, and giving me, and my fellow soldiers, the ability to continue to fight. Thank you for everything you do,” said Major Meir.

The evening’s program included a ceremony to recognize the achievements of the Five Towns and Greater South Shore community. One of the main achievements of the community is their adoption of the Givati Brigade through the FIDF Adopt-A-Brigade Program, which provides funds for various wellbeing and recreational needs for the benefit of all soldiers in the brigade, including soldiers in need and Lone Soldiers. Some of the other achievements that were recognized included $100,000 raised for the Lone Soldiers who have left their country of origin to make aliyah and join the IDF, and $152,000 raised for the Spiritual Needs Program, which helps soldiers celebrate their heritage and Jewish traditions. All of the funds raised for the Spiritual Needs Program will be matched dollar for dollar.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were FIDF National Board Member Ronny Ben-Josef; IDF Liaison Officer to United States Marine Corps Lt. Col. Dado Bar Kalifa; Congressional Candidate Bruce Blakeman; Congressional Candidate Frank Scaturro; Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice; and U.S. Attorney Todd Kaminsky.

For more information about the FIDF, visit www.fidf.org.

 

Home Is Where

The Heart Is: Premier Care At Long Beach

By Rochelle Maruch Miller

That Long Beach Assisted Living has fast become the senior residence of choice is not surprising. Staffed by a team of dedicated professionals, round-the-clock care is available to seniors in a relaxed and inviting setting. Set along the beautiful boardwalk of Long Beach, the Long Beach facility has set the bar in assisted living, focusing on making every resident feel at home in a safe and secure environment. At Long Beach Assisted Living, healthcare needs are met in a comfortable and therapeutic environment. Their team members take immense pride in their work and prioritize the needs of the residents. Their schedules are consistent, thereby allowing families to get to know who is taking care of their loved ones.

This exemplary assisted living facility operates with the goal of providing quality care for seniors in a congenial, safe, and elegantly appointed environment replicating the comforts of home. Prior to making decisions regarding elder care, families experience concern and uncertainty. Every member of Long Beach’s staff of caring and compassionate professionals values these concerns. Working in tandem, they make it their duty to ease the transition for every resident. “Our mission is to afford security and care for the elderly, while encouraging the greatest level of independence,” says Maria Brownworth, director of admissions. “Our facility offers a variety of services to meet the needs of every individual.”

Indeed, Long Beach promotes friendships between residents along with the personal care and living assistance they receive.

Residents appreciate the lovely and relaxing accommodations at Long Beach, which allows them to enjoy peace of mind in their advanced age. Medicaid is available to those individuals who are unable to pay privately. Long Beach Assisted Living welcomes the senior population to an environment of luxury and security. Their professionally trained staff is always available to assist residents in any way possible. The beautiful décor and intimate lounge areas facilitate warmth and camaraderie between residents and a breathtaking ocean view is always a window or steps away.

With meticulous attention to every detail, Long Beach Assisted Living focuses on the unique needs of each resident, addressing superb healthcare, physical therapy, occupational therapy, housekeeping, as well as a rich program of activities. Residents–and their families!–laud the delicious meals, under the strict rabbinical supervision of Rabbi Chaim Wakslak, mara d’asra of Young Israel of Long Beach.

Long Beach Assisted Living is located at 274 West Broadway in Long Beach. To schedule a consultation, please call 516-897-0140. v

Shavuos At The JCCRP

The Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula’s (JCCRP) Kosher Client Choice Food Pantry ran a special Shavuos food distribution. The JCCRP arranged for special items to be distributed to accommodate clients’ needs in celebrating yom tov.

Hundreds of clients came to the pantry and chose from a wide selection of food, including meat, chicken, cheesecake, and other desirable items for the yom tov. The pantry served hundreds of local kollel families, rebbeim, morahs, seniors, and others in need.

Nathan Krasnovsky, executive director of the JCCRP, commented, “I am tremendously pleased that we serviced every client that approached us for Shavuos assistance. Our pantry is a lifeline to many in the community and I am grateful to our sponsors, American Red Cross, Brach’s, City Harvest, Food Bank, Met Council Food Network, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, and UJA Federation of NY, for always ensuring we are fully stocked. As always, I would also like to express my gratitude to the volunteers and dedicated staff that assisted with the distribution.”

The JCCRP is a proud affiliate of Met Council and a beneficiary agency of UJA Federation of NY. The JCCRP provides a range of services for any clients who need assistance in social services or resource-directing within the community. Please contact the JCCRP for further information, located at 1525 Central Avenue (entrance on Foam Place) in Far Rockaway. Call 718-327-7755 or visit www.jccrp.org. v

July 4th Focus

On The Future Weekend

With Frum Divorce’s first successful weekend, just a few months ago, being the talk of the town, and upon the urging of singles everywhere, the organization is now hosting a special weekend for frum divorced parents and singles from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6, at the Renaissance Hotel in Westchester. The weekend will feature luxurious five-star accommodations, inspirational speakers, delicious food, children’s programming, and babysitting.

Frum Divorce was formed two years ago to support Orthodox Jews going through the difficult process of divorce. Over the past two years, it has organized dozens of events, featuring speakers of great renown, such as Dr. David Pelcovitz, Dr. Edward Farber, Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Rabbi Y.Y. Rubinstein, and many others. Today it has over a thousand members, and all its events are sold out weeks in advance!

This weekend was designed as an opportunity to give people who have been through so much difficulty, heartache, and sadness the chance to spiritually rejuvenate. It is an opportunity to realize that life is not over, and a divorce is not the end but rather can be a new beginning.

The board of directors has put together an exciting first-class roster for this event:

Rabbi Y.Y. Rubinstein is one of the most sought-after speakers in the Jewish world. He regularly thrills audiences in the UK, USA, Canada, France, Belgium, Gibraltar, South Africa, and Israel.

Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis lectures across the globe and has been featured in numerous publications. Rebbetzin Jungreis has received formal recognition for her accomplishments from major religious and civic organizations in the United States and Israel.

Rabbi Yisroel Roll has lectured around the world on self-esteem enhancement, happiness, and the subconscious mind. He is the author of four books and inspires audiences with his acclaimed “Step Up 2 the Plate” workshop.

Danielle Pashko has been working in the fitness, beauty, and wellness industries for over a decade. She is a certified yoga instructor, licensed massage therapist, nutritional consultant, fashion model, thyroid-cancer survivor, and author of Smile at Your Challenges.

Modi was voted one of the top ten comedians and is sure to be the highlight of entertainment for all those attending. Don’t miss out on the laughs.

Baila Sebrow, world-renowned shadchan and Five Towns Jewish Times columnist, will be joining for the weekend.

The prerequisite for attending this event, for those who have been previously married, is having given or received a get. While FD understands that many people’s situations are complex, they need to ensure adherence to this standard.

All those involved in Frum Divorce volunteer as a mission of love and are dedicated to the fulfillment of the organization’s goal.

People who have been through a rough time need sprinklings of joy and happiness in their lives. What better way than coming to a weekend that will enable them to feel rejuvenated and return to the regular world energized and inspired. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of it. It’s a great chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy! For more information, visit www.frumdivorce.org. v

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here