Issue 241 virtual by The Jewish Link

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The Ultimate Loss

“Parents, please kiss your children. Tell them how much you love them, and how dear it is to your heart that they be living examples of our Torah.”

“Jewish Jordan” at Valley Torah H.S. Valley Torah High School hosts Tamir Goodman on their Simi Valley Shabbaton Linda O. Schlesinger

Mia Adler Ozair MA, LPCC, NCC

THE COMMUNITY LINKS is published biweekly and is distributed free to the Jewish Community of Southern California. THE COMMUNITY LINKS accepts no responsibility for typographical errors or reliability of Kashrus of any advertisers. All submissions become the property of THE COMMUNITY LINKS and may be shortened and/or edited for length and clarity. Articles published in THE COMMUNITY LINKS express the views of the individual writers and may not necessarily represent the views of THE COMMUNITY LINKS. No artwork or any part of the magazine may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without the written permission of the publisher.

Is Vitamin C 28 a Cold Fighter With winter around the corner, you are quite possibly gearing up for a few months of colds and flus. You may hear each winter that vitamin C can help ward off the common cold. But is it just hype or does it really help? Chaya L. Weiss, MS RDN CDN

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A Star Returns Smadar Morag gives coast to coast US performances for Hidabroot. Smadar’s show combines live music, personal stories and Hafrashat Challah peppered with her hilarious stand – up comedy life scenes.

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can never be extinguished; its connection with Torah and its commandments can never be destroyed. May it be G-d’s will that from this moment on, we will all only know happiness. . .” I remember reading her words and thinking how far I still have to go to reach this level of spiritual greatness—that she moves ever closer to G-d in times when most would be angry, destroyed, and turn away. And so, it is from this place that I address the reader who asked me to write about this subject of losing a child. All of the tzadikim that I mentioned above—David HaMelech, Rabbi Yochanan, Aaron HaCohen—dealt with their pain and anguish of losing children in the same way: They cleaved to G-d. Aaron HaCohen is the perfect example: After he lost his sons he ran to Ohel Moed to complain before HaShem for taking his children. When he arrived at Ohel Moed he was met by his brother Moshe coming out of Ohel Moed. The words Moshe uttered to Aaron in that moment capture the only answer: “Bikrovai Akadesh v’al p’nai kol ha’am ekaved”, meaning “You will be sanctiﬁed by those who are nearest Me thus I will be honored before the entire people.” Aaron was silent—he realized the words of HaShem were

coming through Moshe and the only way to deal with his grief was to accept G-d’s will even though it cannot be understood. Your pain is unimaginable. I wish I had some magic words to soothe you and to help carry your loss. I hope that you are well supported by family and friends and greater community. Please use any resources available to you to support you in your healing and grieving. You, and your child, are unquestionably loved. May you find the strength within, in the name of your lost child, to make this world a better place by sharing your uniqueness and fulfilling your purpose. May you find comfort in choosing to cling to HaShem’s greater plan and trust that, although tragic and monumental, your personal experience is ultimately meant to reveal Light. I think it is safe to say, on behalf of mothers and parents everywhere, that we send you so much love and may blessings surround you always.

“Parents, please kiss your children. Tell them how much you love them, and how dear it is to your heart that they be living examples of our Torah. “

Mia Adler Ozair, MA, LPCC, NCC is a licensed clinical psychotherapist and educator with a private practice in Beverly Hills, California. Mia is licensed in both California and Illinois and she can be reached through her website at www.bhcounselingcenter.com or followed on Twitter @MiaAdlerOzair.

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The Observant Jew

Kever Rechokim

RABBI JONATHAN GEWIRTZ

’m going to tell you three stories: two happy, one sad, but all with the same message. You may have heard these before, but humor me. Hear me out and see if I make you think.

1. R’ YY Rubinstein related the story of a boy who was preparing to go out with his friends on a Friday night. He put on his jeans, his leather jacket, and whatever other paraphernalia he needed to be cool. His father, a chasidishe fellow in a beckishe, came to him with a box before Shabbos. “I know where you’re going,” said his father, “and I don’t want you to go. It’s not safe.” He opened the box and pulled out a small television set. He put it down on the desk and said to his son, “What happens inside the four walls of your own room is your business, but I don’t want you going out to those dangerous places.” He walked out and closed the door. Years later, now fully observant, that boy noted his father’s unconditional love as the turning point for his return. “It didn’t matter what I did; I knew my father loved me, and that brought me back.” 2. Not too long ago, a man on a bus in Israel spent some time speaking to his seatmate, a dayan (judge) on a local Bait Din, (Rabbinical Court.) When he heard that the young fellow worked with kids in trouble, the dayan related that he had not always looked as he did that day. “When I was younger, I was a troublemaker. I was not religious, and one Shabbat we were playing soccer outside the Bait K’neset when a rabbi walked out and a ball I kicked knocked oﬀ his hat. I thought it was hysterical but he approached us. He asked me where my parents were. I told him they were dead. He brought me home, made Kiddush and gave me wine, and then his wife served me as much food as I could eat. They even gave me a bed and let me go to sleep.

When I woke up it was after Shabbat. The rabbi asked me what I liked to do. I told him I wanted to go to the cinema and see a movie. He gave me money and told me to have fun, then said, “Make sure you come back tomorrow.” I did, and every day he fed me, gave me a place to sleep, and gave me money for my activities. I truly loved him. Eventually, he started speaking to me about Torah, and bought me a pair of teﬁllin. I went to Yeshiva, excelled, got married, and now I am retiring after 25 years on the Bait Din. Don’t give up on your boys, just love them and they will surprise you. “Who was the rabbi?” asked the young man. “What do you mean was?” replied the dayan. “He is 92 years old, and his name is R’ Ovadiah Yosef!” 3. I was a bad Daddy. My daughter was walking in the darkened living room to get something and stubbed her toe on my other daughter’s book bag. She was upset at her sister for leaving it where it could trip her. Instead of comforting her, I took up the role of teacher and said, “You cannot blame her for this. Why didn’t you turn on a light? You chose to walk in the dark and it’s your own fault.” The words my daughter said next seared my heart: “You don’t even care that I got hurt.” I failed. At that moment, she needed me to care for her and empathize with her pain. She needed to know that I loved her even though she was blaming her sister because I could see through the frustration to the real girl underneath. Instead, I tried to teach her how she should act. She might do what I said on the surface, but I did not aﬀect the underlying girl, nor change her the way I wanted. The common thread in all these stories is that they were all attempts at bringing a person closer to the ideal of what they could be and separating them from improper behavior.

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The ones that succeeded were the ones that put aside the inappropriate actions and focused on unconditional love of the person. Nearly all observant Jews feel a certain sense of responsibility to bring those who are less observant closer to our ideal of a Torah Jew. The problem is that instead of Kiruv Rechokim, bringing people closer, we end up doing Kever Rechokim, burying that person in negativity and possibly stunting their spiritual growth. In essence, we’re doing the EXACT OPPOSITE of what we intended to do! The way to bring people closer to HaShem is by ﬁnding what they do right, instead of pointing out what they do wrong. If someone doesn’t keep Shabbos, throwing stones - either literal or proverbial - won’t change his or her mind. In fact, it will likely succeed in making him more steadfast in his ways. I’m reminded of an old parable my mother a”h used to use in Sunday School. The Sun and the Wind made a wager. They were trying to see which one could make a fellow take oﬀ his

coat. The wind went first, and blew until he was blue in the face, or blew in the face, or whatever, but the harder the wind assailed him, the tighter the man drew his jacket around him. Then it was the sun’s turn. He just beamed at the man and the continued warmth of the sun’s smile made the fellow peel the jacket right off. When you want to help someone come closer to HaShem, don’t be cold to him, or blow lots of air in his face, it will make him turn his back and cling more tightly to his beliefs. Instead, just love him, be kind, and when he’s ready, he’ll ask for help in taking off the jacket.

The way to bring people closer to HaShem is by ﬁnding what they do right, instead of pointing out what they do wrong.

Jonathan Gewirtz is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. He also operates JewishSpeechWriter.com, where you can order a custom-made speech for your next special occasion. Follow him on Twitter @ObservantFellow. For more information, or to sign up for the Migdal Ohr, his weekly PDF Dvar Torah in English, e-mail info@JewishSpeechWriter.com and put Publication Sponsorship or Subscribe in the subject. © 2013 by Jonathan Gewirtz. All rights reserved.

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In the Slobodka Yeshiva, nothing was as important as the study of Torah. Students who excelled in their diligence and ability were viewed in awe. But the greatest reverence was saved for the founder of the Yeshiva, Rabbi Nosson Zvi Finkel, the Alter [Sage] of Slobodka (1849-1927). With his brilliance, humility and great character, he set the tone of the entire Yeshiva. One day two students were discussing a new young man, Isaac Sher, who had just entered the Yeshiva. “Isaac is a true ilui (prodigy),” said one. “He knows the entire Shas (Talmud) and Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law), by heart.” After the other boy listened as the first extolled the intellectual virtues of Isaac Sher he added meekly, “I had a conversation with him the other day. He is truly a geshmahkeh mentch (man of character and charm).” “Geshmahkeh mentch?” questioned the first student in a scoffing tone. “Is that all you can say about him? We are talking about the greatest mind ever to step foot in this Yeshiva and all you can say

that he is a decent and kind fellow? I see you don’t appreciate a person’s true value.” With that the disgusted student began to walk away, but the towering presence of the Alter of Slobodka blocked his path. “No,” he said ﬁrmly as he motioned to the humiliated student. “That young man is correct. Reb Isaac’s greatest quality is that he is a geshmahkeh mentch.” The Alter eventually took Reb Isaac Sher as his son-in-law.

“Reb Isaac’s greatest quality is that he is a geshmahkeh mentch.”

Eliezer was emotionally impressed by the miraculous rising waters; however, he composed himself. Miracles were not the criteria needed to become Yitzchak’s wife. He knew that character transcends any miracle or genius. In ﬁnding the wife of a patriarch and mother of a nation he did not look for Rivka the miracle worker. He looked, and found, the geshmahkeh mentch. Courtesy of www.torah.org

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“Jewish Jordan” at Valley Torah High School Valley Torah High School hosts Tamir Goodman on their Simi Valley Shabbaton

rare combination of basketball and inspiration sums up the action-packed weekend at last week’s Valley Torah High School Shabbaton. Tamir Goodman, dubbed “The Jewish Jordan” by the media, captivated rebbeim and students alike with his intriguing combination of devout faith and basketball prowess on the court. Tamir was a top-ranked high school recruit from Baltimore who went on to make history as the ﬁrst Jewish basketball player to play Division I college and professional basketball while faithfully wearing a yarmulke on the court and without playing on Shabbos. The Shabbaton began on Friday with a full day of activities including archery and a high ropes course and a series of basketball clinics with Tamir. The program culminated with an exclusive clinic for the VTHS varsity team. The energy from the court carried right into Shabbos, with tremendous ruach, dancing, singing and inspiring Divrei Torah. Tamir addressed all of the high school boys multiple times and hosted a seniors-only session as well. He led the students through October 25 2013 • 323-965-1544 •

his fascinating journey, highlighting many of the opportunities he had for Kiddush Hashem and his growth in his Torah observance, while pursuing his basketball dream. The intense struggles Tamir shared as an observant Jew in a very harsh environment brought a new perspective of emunah to our students. Throughout Shabbos, Tamir was surrounded by many students clamoring to hear more firsthand inspiring insights. Since retiring from playing in 2009, Tamir has established his reputation as a sought-after motivational speaker, coach, and educator. He is also the founder and director of the non-profit Coolanu Israel, creator and CEO of Sport Strings Tzitzit, partner in the Omri Casspi Basketball Camps, author of The Jewish Jordan’s Triple Threat, and the inventor of Zone190. Tamir is a former soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces, holds a B.A. in communications, and is the father of four kids. Valley Torah is grateful to Scott and Tova Loffman and Brian and Tabitha Dror for coordinating and sponsoring Tamir’s visit.

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Israel Today

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A South American Sunset Award-Winning Hispanic TV Execs & PrimeTime Stars Visit Top Israeli Winery

s the sun set on their first full day in Israel, a top tier delegation of Latin-American TV personalities, as well as news executives, raised a toast to Israel and her award winning wine. The group, who influence tens of millions of people across North, Central & South America on a daily basis, were brought to the Holy Land by American Voices in Israel (AVI) and they visited the Galil Mountain Winery to discover just one of Israel’s little talked about gems. Amongst the personalities in the Latin-American delegation are Angelica Vale, a Mexican actress, singer and comedienne; Teresa Rodriguez, a bestselling author and the first woman to anchor a national newscast in the USA; Alida Garcia, a media & political strategist, who orchestrated large turnout of Latino voters for President Obama and Otto Padron, President and CEO of the Muruelo Media Holding ,LLC, based in Los Angeles, California. Greeted by Galil Mountain Winery CEO, Uri Tyroler who fielded questions about Israeli wine, the stars toured the unique visitors center which offers unparalleled access to the wine making facilities via a raised platform. They tasted a range of wines from the winery and were impressed by the quality and uniqueness of the wines presented.

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“Israelis love our wines and in recent years we have made even more of a push to share our pride and joy with the rest of the world,” explained Tyroler. “It gives me such pleasure to hear our visitors today talking about Israeli wine so positively and hearing their awe that such a quality product can come from such a small country.” “Conflict, war and separation are what define Israel for many of these stars,” added AVI director Irwin Katsoff, “but seeing such positive aspects of Israel and enjoying a glass of good wine can show this country in a new light.” All the visitors enjoyed their short visit to the winery but each came away with a favorite wine. For Rodriguez, it was the Galil Mountain Meron which is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot grapes and for Padron, he was taken by the Galil Mountain Yiron, an award winning blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. With 16 months of aging and a host of international awards under its belt, the Yiron was certainly a good choice for this media mogul. The week-long trip is partially sponsored by Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, David InterContinental Hotel, Inbal Jerusalem Hotel and El Al Israel Airlines.

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Vitamin C a

Cold Fighter CHAYA L. WEISS, MS RDN CDN

With winter around the corner, you are quite possibly gearing up for a few months of colds and ﬂus. You may hear each winter that vitamin C can help ward oﬀ the common cold. But is it just hype or does it really help? The results of a large number of controlled studies are mixed, resulting in confusion and some controversy.

AN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble essential nutrient found in especially high concentrations in fruits (particularly citrus), green vegetables and tomatoes. An essential nutrient is one that is required for normal bodily functioning and cannot be synthesized by the body at all, or cannot be synthesized in adequate amounts to maintain good health and must therefore be obtained from the diet. Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron, is required for rebuilding tissue, bones and blood vessels, and it plays an important role in immune function and skin integrity. Not prevalent in Western culture, a severe deficiency in vitamin C can cause a disease called scurvy, a rare but potentially fatal disease. Because our bodies do not synthesize vitamin C, we must obtain it from external sources. The recommended dietary allowance or RDA (which is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of 97%-98% of healthy individuals), for Vitamin C is 90 milligrams (mg) per day for men, and 75 mg per day for women. Individuals who smoke require 35 mg per day more vitamin C than nonsmokers do. Taken at doses above 400 mg, virtually all administered vitamin C is excreted in the urine. There is limited concern about adverse effects of supplement dosages up to 2,000 mg; at or above 2,000 mg, vitamin C may cause nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

COLD FIGHTER? In the 1970’s, the scientist Linus Pauling made the suggestion that vitamin C could successfully treat and/or prevent the common cold. Since vitamin C promotes immune health, researchers have spent decades investigating whether or not vitamin C can truly battle the common cold. Overall, the evidence to date suggests that regular intakes of vitamin C at doses of at least 200 mg/day do not reduce the incidence of the common cold in the general population. However, in people exposed to extreme physical exercise or cold environments (such as skiers in very cold conditions) or in individuals who have a borderline vitamin C status (elderly patients), such intakes may help. Vitamin C does not help if you begin taking it after the onset of a cold and it will not reduce the number of colds you get. It may, however, reduce the duration of your cold if taken regularly for prevention and may help mitigate the severity of the symptoms of your cold. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO So what’s the best way to get your daily recommended dose of vitamin C? In general, the preferred mode of intake for any vitamin or mineral is through food. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. Just eating 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables a day will provide an individual with more than 200 mg of vitamin C. Obviously, if one is unable to obtain vitamin C from foods, a supplement can make up the diﬀerence. The vitamin C content of food may be reduced by prolonged storage and by cooking because ascorbic acid is watersoluble and is destroyed by heat. Therefore, steaming or microwaving may reduce cooking losses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database Web site lists the nutrient content of many foods and provides a comprehensive list of foods containing vitamin C.

Chaya Leah Weiss, MS RD CDN completed her Masters of Science in Nutrition at Brooklyn College in New York State and is a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She is a Certiﬁed Dietitian-Nutritionist and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She can be reached via email at clnutrit@verizon.net. 28

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A Star Returns

Smadar Morag gives coast to coast US performances for Hidabroot

unny and thrilling performer Smadar Morag, former actress of the Dutch Royal Theater of Amsterdam is coming for another special Hidabroot coast to coast round of shows!– Smadar’s show combines live music, personal stories and Hafrashat Challah peppered with her hilarious stand – up comedy life scenes. Los Angeles is all excited, New York is getting ready, and even Hawaii has the date saved - so how about you? If you ask anyone in the Netherlands who Smadar Monsinos (Morag) is, everyone would know the answer! She was well respected and known as an accomplished and talented actress that performed frequently at the Royal Theater of Amsterdam, she sang, was a show host and a star of many Broadway musicals like “The Wizard of Oz“, ”Mamma Mia”, ”Glory” and “Jungle Book”. She captivated the Dutch audience hearts with her lively personality, graceful and amusing theatrical style. Her humorous and sensitive stage performances coupled with her strong and tantalizing voice won her a very wide fan base . No wonder this committed audience was stunned and disappointed when she decided after a long soul searching journey to leave the secular theater world and return to her 30

Lots of caring, endless patience and good communication can soften even the hardest of hearts. traditional Jewish heritage. Her story, just like her life is full of twists and turns. It is full of intrigue but with a good ending. Smadar was born in Israel , Her mother was a Dutch Jew, her father an Israeli. Her mother was given for adoption by her parents during the Nazi occupation of Holland in World war II. She ended up growing at a righteous gentile Dutch family’s home. When her mom grew up and discovered she was Jewish she started on a quest to ﬁnd her own identity. She ended up coming to Israel where she met Smadar’s dad. He was a secular Israeli who kept some basic Jewish traditions. They were married in a traditional religious Jewish wedding and within a short time were blessed with a little girl: Smadar. When Smadar was little, they decided to leave Israel and return to her mom’s native country - the Netherlands. Although they tried to keep the Jew-

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ish traditions, they found it challenging: “I grew up in an environment completely devoid of Jewish culture, we lived in an area that had no synagogue or a kosher store. I was raised with a general awareness of Judaism and Jewish symbols but my life was completely secular” recalls Smadar. Living in the Dutch secular non-Jewish environment aﬀected her life choices too. It became important to her to prove that she was just like everyone else there. She had big dreams and had a clear idea how to realize them. “ At Eighteen, I left home and auditioned for a music and drama school. I was pleasantly surprised when at the end of the school year I was chosen for leading parts in a few Dutch productions. I was quickly performing in Broadway style musicals, a TV series and chosen to host a children’s program... everything happened very quickly! In effect within a short period of time I was able to achieve most of my professional dreams in terms of success and career.

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Living the vibrant and bustling life in the television industry and on stage made Smadar lose the little symbolic Jewish customs she grew up with. “It was during that time that I found myself as far away from Judaism as possible, I even lost the little Jewish customs I grew up with. I make sure to remind Jews I meet these days that “No matter how far they are from their Jewish heritage, there always remains a spark.. the only question is : Who will ignite it and fuel the ﬂame?. A few times I remember myself saying: “I will never put a hair cover\I will never wear skirts \ I can never keep Sabbath and Mitzvot ..” Haa.. See now!!”, she points amused at her head covering. “A person who is passionate and has a life ideology that drives his life in a certain way that is purposeful and true to speciﬁc views --has always a chance to change his life. Despair exists only in apathetic people who do not care about anything. Everything has the same value to them: good, bad, true and false. After being romantically involved with a non-Jewish man, something changed inside of her... , “I do not know why? but suddenly I thought that maybe I should look for a “Jew”.. but a ‘normal’ one --meaning ‘ secular’ , not someone with too many religious ideas running in his head.” She soon found her husband , a Jew , a secular Israeli - just like her father. Perfect! Smadar planned to build a family home similar to the one she grew up in...Kiddush and then Television. What happened after the

wedding shocked her. Not in her most bizarre dreams did she expect her dear husband , the traditional yet secular Israeli to take matters to his own hands and repent! Be Black! Extreme! G-d forbid! Oh My? Scary!!! - “How can I convince him to take oﬀ his kippa and stop this insanity of being religious?” That was the point Smadar began her journey .. a long, slow, daily adventure to her Jewish past and present connection to her Jewish faith. Her story is personal, funny and inspiring. Her show describes her story how her personal curiosity, lots of caring, endless patience and good communication can soften even the hardest of hearts “Yes, my heart !” says Smadar with a chuckle. When I started observing the Shabbat I knew it was a ‘death sentence’ to my glowing career, which is my greatest passion in life! I knew that no producer would want to work with me.. who will want to work with an actress who keeps Shabbat, holidays, fasts? ... My husband told me not to worry!! ,G-D will help you ﬁnd the right training and kosher venues to perform at... “. These days Smadar is singing, acting and producing an entertaining show for women. The Show’s script is entirely based on the story of her fascinating spiritual road coming back to faith. Following Hidabroot’s successful and well attended event with lecturer Anat Ben-Ari we are happy to bring this November -Smadar Morag who will entertain women coast to coast with her top-notch performances.

Adam Bodenstein Licensed Tour Guide #10696

ail.com Adam Adam Bodenstein Bodenstein adamb22@gm adamb22@gmail.com (+972) 50-441-5512 October 25, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

The Menachem Institute presents

I Am Jewish Personal Reflections Inspired by the Last Words of Daniel Pearl

The world has come to know Daniel Pearlhy’d as the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in early 2002, just four months

Featuring an introduction by

after 9/11. People around the

Gil Hoffman

world, along with his pregnant wife and family, prayed for his

Chief Political Correspondent

release. Since then, he has been remembered as a symbol of hope: a man who built bridges between diverse cultures -- as a writer and a gifted musician.

Tuesday, October 29, 7:30pm 18181 Burbank Blvd. Tarzana Advance Tickets: $7.50 At the Door: $10.00 For tickets and information, please call 818.758.1818 or visit our website at www.ChabadoftheValley.com/Pearl

Featured Speaker:

Dr. Judah Pearl

Dr. Judah Pearl is the father of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearlhy’d and president of the Daniel Pearl Foundation, which he co-founded with his family in February 2002 “to continue Daniel’s life-work of dialogue and understanding and to address the root causes of his tragedy.” Under the auspices of Machon Menachem - J & S Gutnick Foundation Chabad of the Valley The Finder & Schaeffer Family Centers

October 25 2013 • 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

October 25, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

Recipe Corner SALMON WITH DIJON SAUCE This is the easiest salmon recipe, just sauce up and bake. Enjoy anytime. Don’t forget to save some extra mustard sauce. Times Prep Time : 5 min Cook Time : 15 min Ready Time : 20 min Ingredients 4 (6 oz.) salmon fillets Salt and pepper to taste 1/3 cup FRENCH’S® Dijon Mustard

Servings 4

3 tbsp. olive oil 3 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. minced garlic

Directions SEASON salmon with salt and pepper. Place into greased baking dish, skin side down. MIX remaining ingredients. Reserve 1/3 cup sauce. Spread remaining sauce over salmon pieces.

BAKE salmon at 400°F for 10 to 15 min. until salmon is cooked through. Serve with the reserved mustard sauce. Reprinted with permission from www.joyofkosher.com.

ROASTED VEGETABLE COUSCOUS I adapted this recipe from Bobby Flay’s and basically any vegetables will work. I have made it with regular zucchini and peppers and I recently made it this way. Instead of broiling large pieces of zucchini, I sauteed the baby zucchini and pea pods and added the cherry tomatoes at the end. Times Prep Time : 20 min Cook Time : 15 min Ready Time : 35 min

Servings 8

Ingredients 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup olive oil salt and pepper 1 cup baby zucchini, cut into thirds (or 1 large zucchini) 1 cup sugar snap peas, cut into thirds

12 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half 1/4 cup basil 1/4 cup parsley 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound Israeli couscous 2 cups water or stock

Directions In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard and garlic, slowly add the olive oil and whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 the marinade over the vegetables and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Heat a large deep saute pan, once hot add zucchini and sugar snap peas. Saute for 5-10 minutes until desired doneness. Remove from pan and set aside. Add the olive oil to the pan and bring over medium-high heat, 34

add the couscous and toast until lightly golden brown. Pour in the water or stock and bring to a boil then cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, until couscous is al dente and water is absorbed. Place in a large serving bowl, add the grilled vegetables, tomatoes and herbs and toss with the remaining vinaigrette. Serve at room temperature. Reprinted with permission from www joyofkoshercom

October 25 2013 • 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

PERSIMMON TART Persimmons are only in season for a short time, so grab them while you can and get cooking. This Persimmon tart is simple and easy and highlights the amazing ﬂavor of the persimmon. Times Prep Time : 5 min Cook Time : 25 min Ready Time : 30 min Ingredients 8 mini frozen pie crusts 4 persimmons, thinly sliced 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 2 tablespoons butter or margarine Date syrup, for glazing

Servings 8

Directions Place sliced persimmons onto crust. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, and dot with butter or margarine. Bake in 375˚F degree oven for 25 minutes, until persimmons are tender. Glaze with date syrup. Reprinted with permission from www.joyofkosher.com.

October 25, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

! r e d n i Rem Don’t forget to place your Channukah ads in o upcoming Channukah is #1: November 8 (deadline November 4)

#2: November 22 (deadline November 22)

Email E mail info@communit info@communitylinks.info ylinks.info or call 323-965-1544 323-9 65-154 4

Candlelighting Times Oct 25  Chayei Sarah Nov 1  Toldot Nov 8  Vayeitzei

5:48 pm 5:41 pm 4:35 pm

/&84 t #64*/&44 %*3&$503: %*/*/( (6*%& t $-"44*'*&%4 $0..6/*5: $"-&/%"3 .03& th e

NK JEWISHLIN

.com

October 25 2013 • 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

Mazzel Tov! Mazel Engagements

Weddings

Sarah Austin to David Pouraty Mitch Karpp to Megan Michaels Shloimy Kagan to Mushka Oster Faigy Fogel to Yossi Mozes Elchonon Pheterson to Esti Kleinbart Miryam Peerkowski to Chanoch Krohn Yaaaakov Younger to Devorah Rohr

We offer counseling for: Domestic Violence/Anger Management Groups Sexual Addictions Drug/Alcohol Education, Assessments & Testing

Ariella Hill and Yoni Denitz

Parenting Classes

Baby B aaby abby Boy Booy B Births B h Babyy Girl Births B h

Dr. Daanniel an and Malka Gaannjjiaann Ronit an and Kenny Rei e nhard Rabbi an and Mrs. Levi Yitzchok Chazan Yosepha aannd Mordechaaii Skolnick Aaron an and Chaaya Revere

Monitored Visitation /Child Exchange Individual/Family/Marriage Counseling Eating Disorders

Shua and Chaaya Brocha Gross Zalman Marcus an and Bassie Marcus Nikita aand nd Travis Putnam

Teen Counseling DNA/Paternity Testing Women Support Groups

S Send end yyour our M Mazel azel T Tovs ovs ttoo iinfo@communitylinks.com nfo@c o ommunitylinks.com

Sponsored Spo onsored by A Perfect Setting Gifts for all occasions!

CLASSY. CREATIVE. CONV

Dennis Brown

Non Profit Organization

MA, NCACII, SAP Executive Director

222 t 323.620.3618

October 25, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

DoubleTake

Can you spot the differences in these two pictures? Or HaChaim Academy Principal Deborah Raskin is awarded the Milken award. BJE Exec. Director Dr. Gil Graff talks to the students at Or HaChaim Academy about the value of education and Jewish tradition. Somewhere in the crowd is an unsuspecting educator about to be surprised with a Jewish Educator Award. Milken Family Foundation

Have your picture double taked! Please email your pictures to info@communitylinks.info

CHANGES KEEP SCORE

qq qq qq qq qq 1. Backpack in the front is now pink. 2. The speaker is now wearing a black kippa. 3. The boy with an Orange kippa has changed to green. 4. The speaker’s shadow is now missing. 5. There is now an extra rebbe in the back on the right. 6. The speaker is now holding an ice cream cone instead of the mic. 7. The blue sign on the wall is now missing. 8. Speaker now has his tzitzis showing. 9. One rebbe now has a black hat. 10. Boy in front - strap of backpack is now gone. 38

October 25 2013 • 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

October 25, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

CLASSIFIEDS GIFTS

Great gifts for all occasions! Invited out for a Shabbos meal? Baby gifts, Bas Mitzvah gifts, Wedding gifts, & House warming gifts. Don't put it off! Come in today and go out relieved. Call for a special appointment.

MUSIC BANDS

Music by Ariel Louk "Because a Simcha should be happy"

One man band to a full orchestra. Please call now for availability & rates!

loukmusic@sbcglobal.net

BRIS - ,hr c

MOHEL

~ Home: 323.934.9329 Cell: 323.896.5098 www.expertmohel.com

NY CAR SERVICE

3 bdrm Penthouse in PicoGrand-sized living areas, Bedrooms have huge closets, Newer wood floor in Living Rm, Dining area opens to sunny balcony and remodeled kitchen with granite counters. Short walk to places of worship, grocery, restaurants. Minutes to Beverly Hills, Century City, 10 fwy. Must see. Call Margalit 310.210.3038

Coming to New York or New Jersey? Prompt & reliable Shomer Shabbos car service available for pickups at airports, simcha halls, Lakewood, etc. Late night & early morning service available.

-1438-

DANCE A Time for Dance is kicking off our 10th season! Offering ballet, tap, gymnastics, zumba, hip hop, acting workshop for girls and women. 3 conveient studio locations. For a full schedule of classes or to register online go to www.atime4dance.com.

MUSIC BY MENDEL SIMONS 310-595-5490 LIVE@ MUSICBYMENDEL.COM NOTARY

323-997-2647

Rochel Duchman 323-938-8222 or 323-620-3618

Traditional Ritual Circumcision Rabbi Nachman B. Kreiman Certified Mohel - vjnun kvun

FOR RENT

Yosef Y. Shagalov

NOW HIRING Looking for additional income? Want a career? Work from home online. We train you. Please visit www.careerunlimited.org for more information. VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY

Shaul video & photography 323-3564102 cell: 323-9316832 Bar & Bat Mitvah, Simchas events. 3 hours --$390

October 25 2013 • 323-965-1544 •

Traveling Notary Public & Home Signing Agent. Cell:(323)934-7095 email: yys770@aol.com

Abi Notaries Public Your place/ Our place 24/6!! No appointment need it!! (Eng. Spanish-French-ItalianYiddish-Portuguese-Hebrew). 524 N. La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-930-0444 (office) 323-646-2356 (Cell/after hours)

Please call: Harry Schonfeld 917-776-6260

JEWISH GUITAR LESSONS Dynamic & Engaging Guitar Teacher! All Ages/Styles/Levels. Individual/Group Lessons at your home. B.A. Guitar Performance, M.S. Ed. Music Education. 25 years experience. Contact Yerachmiel at JewishGuitarLessons@gmail.com or call (917) 373-9613

FOR SALE Have you ever been to Lake Tahoe? Amazing DEAL! Selling week of December 7th through December 14th at the magnificent HYATT HIGH SIERRA LODGE in Incline Village (Lake Tahoe). PRIME PRIME LOCATION!!!! Price $2,500 or OBO (value $6,500). Please call or text me at (310) 498-3089.

CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER Certified Personal Trainer for Women only, individual or groups. For more info please contactSarit: 424-653-8705 or email Sarit1911@hotmail.com

LAPTOPS WANTED Used laptops wanted for a local Community Jewish boys school? Make your very important donation today by emailing: info@communitylinks.info

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

October 25, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

October 25 2013 • 323-965-1544 •

• www.thejewishlink.com • info@communitylinks.info

October 25, 2013 • 323-965-1544 • info@communitylinks.info • www.thejewishlink.com

A WINTER

G E TAWAY W I T H

KMR

DEC 23 - JAN 2, 2014

THE WERNER BROTHERS of KMR TOURS PRESENT WINTER 2014 IN PALM SPRINGS CA AT THE WESTIN MISSION HILLS RESORT AND SPA

Rabbi Shea Werner North Oak Park, MI - Scholar in Residence Three gourmet meals daily directed by

Michael Schick

WINTER 2014 WITH THE WERNER BROTHERS Visit our website for a complete list of services, activities, amenities & much more. 1-888-567-0100 or 718-778-4241 WWW.KMRTOURS.COM