community links #204

44
STORE OWNERS SUPERMARKETS HOTELS • MAIL/PHONE ORDERS GROCERIES INTERNET MERCHANTS WHOLESALE/RETAIL BUSINESS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS LET US SAVE YOU MONEY ON YOUR CURRENT FEES. • No Setup Charges • No Reprograming Fees • No Application Fees • Upgrades • Trade-ins Available E XISTNG B USINESSES vwwc c”ga, jop Vol. 9 Issue 204 April 6-April 20, 2012

Upload: the-jewish-link

Post on 26-Mar-2016

237 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Community Links Pesach Chol Hamoed 2012

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Community Links #204

STORE OWNERS •• SUPERMARKETS

HOTELS • MAIL/PHONE ORDERS

GROCERIES • INTERNET MERCHANTS

WHOLESALE/RETAIL BUSINESS

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

LET US SAVE YOU MONEY ON YOUR CURRENT FEES.• No Setup Charges • No Reprograming Fees

• No Application Fees • Upgrades • Trade-ins Available

EXISTNG BUSINESSES

vwwc

c”ga, jopV o l . 9 I s s u e 2 0 4A p r i l 6 - A p r i l 2 0 , 2 0 1 2

Page 2: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 2

Page 3: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 3

Page 4: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 4

MARTIN FISHMAN

& ASSOCIATES, INC.

Martin FishmanInsurance Broker

6300 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 700Los Angeles, CA 90048

TEL: 323.866.0830 • FAX: [email protected] License #0418891

Page 5: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 5

Page 6: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 6

FEATURES April 6 , 2012

Matzah & MarorWorthy

Mechutanim"Light is only fully recognized when

emerging from darkness." One canonly appreciate the importance of free-dom after he fully understands whatslavery entails. .

Rabbi Eliyahu Hoffmann

A SpiritualConnection Bill

NeededA time to reconnect to our families,

friends, and religion. We need to con-nect to friendliness and show uncon-ditional love. We also need the timefor spiritual connection.

Rabbi Eli Hecht

No Way toTreat a Veteran –Heck, No Way to Treat a Citizen

For several hours, I heard the follow-ing message in each of my 30 attemptsto reach the VA: “Your call cannot beanswered at this time. Please call backlater.”Dr. Robert Rome

1610

JewishHomeschoolingin Los Angeles

Jewish Homeschoolers began about 4years ago with about 5-7 homeschool fam-ilies. This year we have over 60 families!

Shari Rosenman

Next Advertising DeadlineApril 16, 2012

CirculationApril 20, 2012

Media Kit & Pricing323.965.1544

[email protected]

News & Press [email protected]

Virtual [email protected]

THE COMMUNITY LINKS is published bi-weekly and is distributed free tothe Jewish Community of SouthernCalifornia.

THE COMMUNITY LINKS accepts noresponsibility for typographicalerrors or reliability of Kashrus of any advertisers. All submissions become the property of THE COMMUNITY LINKS and may beshortened and/or edited for lengthand clarity. Articles published in THE COMMUNITY LINKS express theviews of the individual writers andmay not necessarily represent theviews of THE COMMUNITY LINKS. No artwork or any part of the magazine may be reprinted or otherwise duplicated without thewritten permission of the publisher.

2430

Page 7: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 7

Page 8: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 8

B”H

$10 w/ADVANCE RSVP * $12 AT THE DOORDrinks Wil l Be Served

3115 Purdue AveLOS ANGELES 90066

J U S T * F O R * L A D I E Shttp://www.facebook.com/Bul letproofStockings

Bulletproof * CHASSIDIC * ALT * ROCK * GIRL * BAND *

*RSVP @ ! ! ! Bul letproof Stockings West Coast CD Release Party in Los Angeles ! ! !

B

B ll

ll t

r f

B”Hf CHASSIDIC *

ssB

ALT * CHASSIDIC o co c

Bull

pc k i

p ROCK * ALT

pkc k i

lletp

p fn g

f BAND *GIRL *

gn gproof

f* BAND

fss

of

J U Shttp://www.facebook.com/Bul letproofStockings

RSVP @ ! ! ! Bul letproof Stockings West Coast CD Release Party in Los Angeles ! ! !*

S T F*http://www.facebook.com/Bul letproofStockings

RSVP @ ! ! ! Bul letproof Stockings West Coast CD Release Party in Los Angeles ! ! !

O R *http://www.facebook.com/Bul letproofStockings

RSVP @ ! ! ! Bul letproof Stockings West Coast CD Release Party in Los Angeles ! ! !

L A D Ihttp://www.facebook.com/Bul letproofStockings

RSVP @ ! ! ! Bul letproof Stockings West Coast CD Release Party in Los Angeles ! ! !

I E Shttp://www.facebook.com/Bul letproofStockings

RSVP @ ! ! ! Bul letproof Stockings West Coast CD Release Party in Los Angeles ! ! !

Page 9: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 9

Page 10: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 10

Survey after survey tells us about the negative impressionsof the government that citizens have in the United States.They don’t like Congress. For the best part of the last twodecades, the majority doesn’t like the Presidency. Citizenshave negative views of Washington. In California, they don’tcare for Sacramento. And with indictments for fraud andabuse by local politicians in a variety of cities and governmen-tal agencies, most don’t seem to trust local government now.

Let me provide a personal example of why the publicmay be turning more and more against the government.

As I have written in the past, I am a veteran of theUnited States Navy, having served as an officer with the Ma-rine Corps and other military units for nine years. I was seek-ing to refinance my house with a VA loan, one of the benefitsof having been a veteran. I am very much appreciative of thebenefits that I have received as a veteran. That is not theproblem. The problem occurred when I tried to use thesebenefits.

I had a question as to what was required for the VAloan. My loan advisor at the bank advised me to call the VA.

I called the VA number listed in the phone directory.For several hours, I heard the following message in each ofmy 30 attempts to reach the VA: “Your call cannot be an-swered at this time. Please call back later.” I went on the In-ternet to see what information was available online regardingmy question. The website did not fully answer my question.

After wasting the better part of a day trying to reach the VAby phone and by the Net, and still lacking the answers Ineeded, I called our Congressman. I asked the aide for alter-native ways of reaching the VA. I was given a contact numberin the San Fernando Valley, a local number, as contrasted withthe 1-800 regional number I had been calling. Over a six-hourperiod, I called the number close to 100 times (thanks to theredial button). The number was busy for 6 straight hours.After six hours, I called the Congressman back to see if therewere any other ways to reach the VA. The aide gave me a spe-cial public relations person at the VA who is called by the Con-gressman when all other attempts fail. The Congressional aidealso told me that there is a feature on the VA website for get-ting answers by email.

I next called the special number given to me. I left an answer

By Robert J. Rome, PhD.

No Way to Treat a Veteran –Heck, No Way to Treat a Citizen

Page 11: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 11

on the voice mail (after hours of busysignals or messages to call back later, itwas a pleasure to even leave a mes-sage). However, as I write this articlenow three full weeks after my message,I have yet to receive a call back.

With no one to talk to on the phone,I wrote an email to the VA, using theirspecial “ask a question” section. Sur-prise, surprise! The next morning Ireceived an answer. I was given a listof the steps needed to complete theloan. I then supplied the informationto our bank exactly as instructed by theemail. The loan company then for-warded the information to the VA.The VA is supposed to respond tosuch letters within five business days.11 business days later, after the rateguarantee on my loan had expired, Ireceived a response. My letter was in-adequate. It did not include a formthat is to be completed by the real es-tate agent involved in the sale of thehome. This was a refinance and therewas no agent or sale. I wrote back theVA specialist who had sent me theemail. He told me that the agent formis not required for a refinance. I con-tacted my loan officer who then con-tacted the regional VA office. Theyresponded that the agent form is re-quired in all cases like my loan.

There we stand. The national VAtold me one thing by email. The re-gional VA said another.

How does one ever get the VA serv-ices which they are promised as vet-eran’s benefits?

How can someone like (or even re-spect) a government that treats its cit-izens in this manner? I did get the earand assistance of my Congressman’sstaff, but for what purpose as the num-bers and website advice given did notpan out.

We’ve heard disturbing stories in re-cent months of federal officials sup-plying guns to Mexican drug lords.We’ve heard of police in Fullerton fir-

ing on and killing an unarmed man.We’ve heard of the entire group ofelected officials in the city of Bell tak-ing salary and benefit packages in ex-cess of up to million dollars or more.We’ve read about the staff of the LosAngeles Memorial Coliseum takingmillions in what amount to bribeswhile the Coliseum was posting a debteach year. There have been other sim-ilar front page stories of corruption inour government at all levels. Both De-mocrats and Republicans are guilty.And the guilty actions take place at alllevels of government, including local,state, and federal.

And if that is not enough, PresidentObama and the other candidates cometo town for fundraising only, never tomeet the common folk. And with thelimos and Secret Service vans drivingthrough town to get the candidates tofundraising dinners, during rush hour,streets are closed and traffic is backedup in every direction.

You have no direct access to manyof the agencies which supposedlyserve us. It is not only the VA whereyou get busy signals and lousy answers.It seems that the individual citizen isfar removed from the governmentwhich serves us.

We cannot reach our officials. Yet,in this election season, we get calledeach night directly by PresidentObama’s campaign, the campaigns ofeach Republican candidate, and a myr-iad of candidates for office and theircampaign committees or supporters.We are important to each of thesegroups when they want our campaigncontributions, but we often don’t hearfrom them except during campaignseason.

We can’t reach them, but they canreach us.

Against the backdrop of the seemingfailings and failed leadership of ourelected officials, we hold up the exam-ples of the classic, historical leaders of

Newborns - up to age 19 & Pregnant Women

NO COST MEDI-CAL, AIMNo Copay, No Share of Cost

Or

HEALTHY FAMILIES!!!

Offer: Premium Monthly Costs,Are As Low As

$4 per child & up to a maximum of $51 per family

Choice of: Blue Cross • Blue Shield KaiserHealth Net •Community Health Plan • etc.

INCLUDES; Health, Dental, Vision, Hospital, Medicine, Mental Health, etc.

Eligibility based on: (Income + Age + Family Size)

Does not count eligibility such as: (savings or cars, family property)

A U.S. CITIZEN, NATIONAL OR ELIGIBLE ALIEN. REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS OR DATE OR

DATE OF ENTRY, A CHILD OR PREGNANT WOMAN CAN

QUALIFY FOR SOME OF MEDI-CAL.

For Free Assistance in English, Hebrew, Farsi, Spanish,

please call Certified Assistant:

SHIRIN (310) 247-8800

WE HAVE APPLICATIONS & WE WILL COMPLETE IT

s�xc

Page 12: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 12

our Jewish people, the Rabbis of the Sanhedrin in ancient Is-rael. Each of these Rabbis had a profession both before be-coming part of the Sanhedrin, and for many, even afterward.They were shoemakers, farmers, carpenters, and in the caseof one noted Rabbi, a Roman gladiator. With only a coupleexceptions, they were from the people and of the people,commoners who excelled in the Rabbinic and legislative arenabecause of their talents and skills, not their money or posi-tion. In one of the most famous episodes described in theTalmud, the position of the wealthiest Rabbi was rejectedwhen he continued to oppose the opposing position of themajority. Even though his position may have been technicallycorrect (the Gemara notes that G-d Himself weighed in a re-sponse in favor of Rabbi Eliezer’s position), his continuedopposition to the majority stance violated a key provision indeciding Torah law, namely “you must incline after the ma-jority.” As Rabbi Eliezer continued to oppose the majority’sposition, he was eventually removed from the body.

It is far different with our representatives. I have a million-aire Councilman, a millionaire Congressman, two millionaireSenators, etc. The government has become dysfunctional asthe common “everyday man and woman” concerns are farfrom the concerns of these elected officials. They hold din-ners where individuals pay $35,000 a plate in an economywhere the rest of us debate whether we can afford to takeout a pizza on Saturday evening.

I am told that there is a TV show where the boss goes un-dercover as an employee to work as a common worker in thecompany. The executive of a fast food chain takes a job as ashort-order cook in one of the restaurants in the chain, asjust one example. The executive soon realizes the sometimesunfair working conditions of his employees. He hears sug-

gestions from the workers as to how to improve the restau-rant. It is a telling experience.

On TV, there is an ad for Domino’s Pizza where a new itemon the menu nationally is the product of the creativity of onestore manager in a small town in Ohio. This manager created“parmesan bread sticks,” now one of the most popular itemson the Domino’s menu, I am told. His idea has positivelyimpacted the bottom line of the huge chain nationally.

If our elected officials had to actually contact the VA, orthe IRS, or the Planning Department, or the Board of Psy-chology, they would see the problems the common peopleface. They would observe that an agency where phones arebusy for six straight hours and into the next business day re-quires either more phones or more people answering thephones. If they were to observe that there are local or re-gional requirements actually in opposition to the national reg-ulations, they would seek clarification and changes. IfPresident Obama had to wait his turn in traffic, he would re-alize that maybe he should plan fundraisers at sites where hecould take a helicopter rather than blocking traffic for mil-lions with his limo and entourage.

Our government has become largely dysfunctional. Nowonder few trust the government anymore. I don’t have allthe answers, but someone has to start asking the questions.We just don’t see any longer “a government of the people,by the people, and for the people,” as described by Lincoln.

These are the issues that need to be addressed during thiselection season. The policies of government are important,but the very functionality of the system needs to be ad-dressed. •

Robert J. Rome, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in clinical practice in Encino, California. He can be reached at [email protected].

Let us turn your occasion into a majestic event!

Majestic Glatt Catering

18038 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA, 91316 · 818.294.8225 · [email protected]

by Maziar (Maor)

Catering for all occasions: weddings, engagements, brits, bar & bat mitzvahs

M G C

tajestic GlaatM

or)aziarMMa

teringtt Caat

Page 13: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 13

Page 14: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 14

Page 15: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 15

323-383-3352

[email protected] | www.aquabe.netP.O.BOX 741359 Los Angeles CA 90004

Swim SchoolAQUABEL.L.C

Orli DamariAQUABE Founder

Dear community,

HAPPY PASSOVER!Aquabe Swim School is now opening its summer2012 Registration. Initiate a call and reserve yourprivate swim lessons for: May, June, July and August.

Page 16: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 16

by Rabbi Eliyahu Hoffmann

5419 W. Pico Blvd.Los Angeles, CA

323-954-1414

920 S. La Brea Ave.Los Angeles, CA

323-932-9666

Yo r a m , Av i v & A m i r C o h e n

As much as we are toldthat Purim is a Yom Tovof opposites - "ve-na-hapoch-hu," the PesachSeder has more than it'sown share of opposites.It can be confusing: Arewe commemorating ourfreedom and the Exodusfrom Egypt and slavery,or are we rememberingthe bitterness of ouryears as slaves under thecruel rule of thePharaohs of Egypt. Werecline, to demonstrate

we are free. Yet we dip our food in salt-water to remind our-selves of the tears of our slavery. We drink the "Arba Kosos- four cups" of wine, which represent the "four languagesof redemption," but we eat charoses to commemorate themortar bricks we were forced to make. Maror reminds usof the bitter times we spent in Egypt, yet we recline todemonstrate our liberty.

The explanation, however, is obvious. As our Sages put it,"Light is only fully recognized when emerging from dark-ness." One can only appreciate the importance of freedomafter he fully understands what slavery entails. To truly praiseHashem for taking us out of Egypt, we must first learnabout slavery, and even perform physical symbols to bringhome to us how bitter it actually was.

Matzah and maror can also be seen as "opposites," as thefollowing story illustrates.

One Seder night, the holy Rebbe R' Yissachar Dov of Belzwas walking through the alleyways of his town Belz. As hepassed by the house of a simple yet G-d-fearing Jew, hestopped by the window to listen in on his Seder. He over-heard the Jew saying the section of the Haggadah which es-tablishes the correct time to remember the Exodus:

"One might think that the obligation to discuss the Exo-dus commences with the first day of the month of Nissan...therefore the Torah adds (Shemos 13:8), 'It is because ofthis that Hashem did so for me when I went out of Egypt,"[the pronoun this implies something tangible, leading us toconclude that] I have commanded you [to discuss the Exo-dus] only when matzah and maror are lying before you [atthe Seder]."

MATZAH AND MAROR -Worthy Mechutanim

Page 17: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 17

The simple Jew, it seems, was not verylearned. Instead of saying, "I have com-manded you only when matzah andmaror lie (munachim) before you," hesaid, "I have commanded you onlywhen matzah and maror aremechutanim (i.e. relatives through mar-riage) before you." It was all his disci-ples could do not to break out laughing.Yet to their surprise, R' Yissachar Dovtook his blunder quite seriously. Afterpondering the simple Jew's words for amoment, he remarked, "Indeed, matzahand maror are mechutanim!" Seeing hisdisciples' amazement, he related the fol-lowing story.

Reb Zelig was a rich and importantJew who's daughter's time had come tomarry. Her father searched far and widefor a young man worthy to take hisdaughter's hand in marriage, yet itseemed that every boy he met just didn'tsuit the bill.

One day, while travelling on business,he came across a young man sitting andlearning in beis ha-midrash. At first, R'Zelig was put off by the boy's shoddyclothes and impoverished appearance.The more they spoke, however, themore impressed he became. "Thisyoung man is a diamond in the rough,"he thought to himself. R' Zelig wastedno time, and immediately arranged a

shidduch, with a date for the weddingto be arranged later.

So excited was R' Zelig by his chassanthat he began to become paranoid lestsomeone else "discover" him and stealfrom him his catch. He sent an urgenttelegram to the young chassan. "Comeright away," it said, "the wedding musttake place immediately! Do not worryabout clothing or wedding expenses, Iwill take care of everything."

Alarmed, the chassan promptly gath-ered his meagre possessions, and trav-elled to the city of the kallah. When hearrived, he was whisked off to the tailorto have a new suit made for the chas-sunah. The tailor was instructed savethe chassan's old torn suit for the fatherof the kallah, who was footing the bill.Then, not even taking the time to pre-pare a lavish wedding banquet, as wouldnormally befit a man such as R' Zelig, ahasty chassunah took place.

In later years, when R' Zelig's son-in-law disagreed with him, or refused totake his advice, R' Zelig would go to hiscloset and remove the old, tatteredclothing his son-in-law had worn beforemarrying his daughter. "You forget," hewould say, "that I'm the one who madeyou what you are today. Look at yourregal clothing - this is what you used towear!"

Not to be outdone, R' Zelig's son-in-law had his own trick up his sleeve. Hehad put aside a stale piece of breadfrom the hastily prepared leftoverswhich had been served at his chassunahmeal, saving it for just such an occasion.Taking it out, he would say, "Ah, butyou too forget just how anxious youwere to have me as your son-in-law.Why, you didn't even take the time toprepare a normal meal - you just could-n't wait!"

"So, you see," said the Belzer Rebbe,"they were mechutanim worthy of oneanother."

"The same discussion," concluded theRebbe, "takes place between the Jewishnation and Hashem on the Seder night.Hashem, so to speak, takes out themaror, showing it to us. 'You see,' Hetells us, 'this is how bitter your lives werebefore I took you out of Mitzrayim.Without Me, you would still be there!'But, not to be had, we too have what tosay. We take out the unleavened matzosbefore Hashem, as if to say to him, 'Ah,but remember the rush You were in tohave us as your nation. Why, you could-n't even wait until our bread had timeto bake!' Indeed, matzah and maror arethe finest of mechutanim."

Page 18: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 18

Turkey

Turkey Breast

Brisket

Chicken

Prime Rib

Roast Beef

Short Ribs

French Roast

Beef Ribs

Duck

HAPPY & KOSHER PASSOVERFresh and Clean Beef, Veal, Lamb, Poultry

and Deli all available for Passover

WE cook per YOUR order:

Sunday 8am-1pmMonday-Thursday 7am-5:30pm

Friday 7am-3pm

We will be open late the week before Passover

Now carrying line of Wise Organic Poultry

Doheny Glatt Kosher Meat9213 West Pico Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90035

Tel: 310.276.8442 Fax: [email protected]

Special: Tilapia Fish for $3.49/lbPickle Corned Beef Plate Pastrami

Page 19: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 19

Page 20: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 20

Page 21: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 21

Page 22: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 22

Full line of glatt kosher meats

Ventura KosherGlatt Kosher Meats

Under the strict supervision of the Rabbinical Council of California

Mashgiach on premises

$5 OFF with $50 purchase

Not to be combined with any other coupon or specials.

Coupon expires April 30, 2012

$10 OFF with $100 purchase

Not to be combined with any other coupon or specials.

Coupon expires April 30, 2012

DAILY DELIVERY

TO THE CITY!

c"qa

Extensive selection of groceriesWines, Chicken, Dairy, Groceries, Cheeses & More

Gourmet take-out

t

oupon Can

with $50 pur

2, 2010 3Apriles rxpieoupon . oupon or specialsy other can

ombined with o be cot tNchasewith $50 pur

$5 OFF

eoupon Cy other can

ot tNwith $100 pur

2, 2010 3Apriles rxpie. oupon or specialsy other c

ombined with o be cot tchase00 pur $10

$10

!T

Mashgiach on premises

KRabbinical Council of Cal

p nooniiossiiisvvirrveerppeuupssutcctiicrrittrsstehhetthreerddenndUUn

eerhhesoKKoarrauurttunnteenV

r Mashgiach on premises

liforniaf e hhetthfoofn

reaer

Page 23: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 23

A

ABBA

S

f

NOW

Agnngiinrrieertteaatccaennefiiinffin

OW NEPO ROFemroffo((f

ABBAottoteetmmerrmuuroouggo|g

P HCASE &iaFnottalGALylre

Sniintaateea|oggootto

C LOH H MA)xx)affarrfi

DEOM

eniDmaH

ro

ylwenruonimaffahtiwdeomuomorffrredr

oldetavoneryneirffrdnaylimattemruogru

Csihtnoitacoyecalprosdnunemtuoeka

lohCruoy

.u

323

deSetelpmoC

.7730.658323

ogotred uo

.7730

!yttylaicepsru

LN921

B

KCCR O

S REMOH

REHSO

S SOBBAH

L.N921 A

FAX 56.323:

A B AER

4801.85

Try Our DeliciousYapsig!

Page 24: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 24

LA Jewish Homeschoolers began about 4years ago with about 5-7 homeschoolfamilies. This year we have over 60 fam-

ilies and, based on the inquiries to date, we expect tohave several more families joining us next year. Weare families on the entire spectrum of Judaism, fromunaffiliated to Orthodox. We are lawyers, actors,artists, musicians, computer geeks, scientists, Hebrewteachers, dentists, writers, rabbis, doctors, and justplain loving parents. We homeschool for a variety ofreasons. Some of us homeschool because the Jewishday schools are just too expensive, or are too expen-sive for what they offer. Some of us homeschool be-cause the Jewish day schools aren't well-equipped tohandle the diversity of Jewish children -- special needs,gifted, out of the box, kids with dysgraphia, kids with anxiety,creative kids, kids who don't want to be overly immersed inpopular culture, etc. Some of us homeschool because thelong hours of day school prevent our children from experi-encing a full childhood. Some of us homeschool becausewe don't like the bullying that occurs in so many schoolstoday. Some of us homeschool because the public schoolsdon't teach Judaic subjects and/or don't have enough otherJewish students withwhom to socialize.Some of us home-school because weknow our children better than anyone else and can help themfind exactly what they need to maximize their potential. Andthe list goes on.

I personally decided to homeschool my family for a com-bination of reasons. It's been a tremendous journey for mywhole family. One of my favorite benefits of homeschoolingis that my family decides what our schedule will be, not theschools. I love traveling when the opportunity arises. In-deed, as I write this, I'm in Tampa, Florida with my son, hav-ing just spent the afternoon at the Tampa History Center.And tomorrow we're flying to New York for some more vis-its with family and exploration of NY's culture and history.Some of the many benefits that my children have receivedfrom homeschooling are gaining more confidence, develop-ing better communications skills, developing better socialskills, knowing who they truly are deep down inside, improv-ing on weaker academic areas, improving our family dynam-ics, spending more time playing music and forming bands,working with mentors in areas of passion, and reading more

classics and writing more creatively.

People tell me they could never homeschool their own chil-dren because they don't have the patience or the skills. That'sprobably not accurate. I have the patience of a flea (as myfamily likes to remind me) and it works. And the only skillyou need to homeschool your children is the desire to helpthem identify what they need to succeed and how they canget it. Some people are afraid to homeschool because theythink their children won't be able to get back into the school

system if they changetheir minds. That'snot been my experi-ence. My daughter

homeschooled for 3 years and then decided to check out highschool in 10th grade. So this year she is attending ShalhevetHigh School, doing well academically and socially, and enjoy-ing the experience. Some people also worry that they won'tbe able to get their children into good colleges if they home-school. That's just not true either. In our small group, wehave former homeschoolers attending UCLA and ColumbiaUniversity.

Have you ever wondered whether homeschooling might beright for your family? Are you curious about this growingphenomenon in the Jewish community? If so, come to ahomeschool information night, learn a little more, meet someof us and bring your questions. For information contact meat [email protected]. For information about thehomeschool information night being held in the Valley onApril 24, contact Beth Braunstein at [email protected]. The meetings are a free service to our community.I hope to see some of you there. •

Shari Rosenman

Jewish Homeschooling in LA

Page 25: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 25

Special events location

including parties,

birthdays, weddings, bris,

Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

Come for a consultation

with our professional team

before your next events!

(Up to 120 people)

Attractive prices

Shabbos take-out;

cakes, challah,

salads and food

[email protected]

Sunday-Thursday:11 am-10 pm

Friday:11 am-4 pm

Closed on ShabbosMotzei Shabbos-open from 7 pm

NEW!Now Serving Hooka

EVERY DAY LUNCH MENU

Starting at $9.95 (from 11-3)

EVERY MOTZEI SHABBOS

LIVE MUSICNo Cover Charge

A Kosher Israeli RestaurantFamily atmosphere and reasonable prices

Quality in-house baked goods!!

An assortment of menu options at reasonable prices

818.762.1900 12519 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village(Corner of Whitsett & Burbank)

Page 26: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 26

Page 27: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 27

Page 28: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 28

Page 29: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 29

Page 30: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 30

On Friday-Shabbos night, Jewish people worldwide will jointogether in celebrating the holiday of Passover. A highlight ofthe celebration is a festive meal called a Seder. The holidaycommemorates the Exodus of Jews from slavery in the landof Egypt over 3300 years ago. On this evening families gathertogether and observe the holiday by reciting the story of Jewishenslavement and redemption, from a book called, The Hagad-dah. The meal is replete with many symbols. The wine repre-sents wealth and happiness. The bitter herbs, called marror,represent the bitterness of slavery and the unleavened bread,matzah, represents unleavened bread baked hurriedly by Jewsbefore their departure from Egypt. After the Exodus the Jew-ish nation wandered forty years in the desert culminating withthe arrival in the land of Canaan, currently called Israel.

In the Haggadah, “The Bible speaks of four sons, the wise,the wicked, the simple, and the one unable to ask a proper ques-tion.

The late Lubavitcher Rebbe, world Chassidic leader, RabbiMenachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994) instructed Jews to

have everyone at the Seder. He statedthat there is a fifth son and that is the lostone, a child estranged from his nobleroots, who needs to be addressed. Thatchild, too, must be encouraged, broughtto the Pesach Seder and made to feelconnected..

I have made the following observation.We live in the most technologically con-nected generation with mobile phones,wi-fi, lap tops, I-phones, and podcasts.Internet connections are reaching almostanywhere in the world. Yet remarkably,there are times we do not connect withour family members who live in our ownhomes or communities. So many live ina world of total disconnect.

What is needed, I believe, is a time toreconnect to our families, friends, and re-ligion. We need to connect to friendli-

ness and show unconditional love. We also need the time forspiritual connection.

Our great country has been debating passage of a health bill.The President feels strongly that everybody needs to be coveredby health insurance. On that note I think we need to pass a“connection bill,” making sure that everybody is connected.After all, friends and families that spend time together arehealthier when connected. They extend friendship and carefor one another. It’s like health benefits, insuring a healthierpeople.

So let’s all take a lesson from Passover, by making sure thatwe all have a place at the table. No one should be shunned orforgotten. Then we will have a transparent and healthy nation.

A happy Passover to all.•

Rabbi Eli Hecht is vice–president of the Rabbinical Al-liance of America and past–president of the RabbinicalCouncil of California. He is the director of Chabad ofSouth Bay in Lomita, CA which houses a synagogue, dayschool, nursery school and chaplaincy programs.

Rabbi Eli Hecht

A Health Care Bill Passed – A Spiritual Connection Bill Needed

Dr. Sidney Yadidi, DCDoctor of Chiropractic

Complimentary Initial ConsultationNeck pain, Headaches, Disc Herniations, Sport Injuries, Cold Laser Therapy,

Back Pain, Auto Accidents, Sciatica, Spinal Decompression,Therapeutic Massages, Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel, Physiotherapy

Most PPO Insurances AcceptedTel: 310.289.9770292 So. La Cienega Blvd., Suite 101, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Email: [email protected] FREE 2-HOUR PARKING

Page 31: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 31

We offer counseling for:

Domestic Violence/AngerManagement Groups

Sexual Addictions

Drug/Alcohol Education, Assessments & Testing

Parenting Classes

Monitored Visitation/Child Exchange

Individual/Family/Marriage Counseling

Eating Disorders

Teen Counseling

DNA/Paternity Testing

Women Support Groups

Dennis Brown

MA, NCACII, SAPExecutive Director

Non Profit Organization

Page 32: Community Links #204

balanceyour

life

Free Wellness Evaluation

Health · Wellness · Nutrition Coaching by Yulia

Yoga

Prenatal Yoga

Mat Pilates

Childrens’ Yoga Birthday Party

Private, Couple, and Group Available

Your Home

or my studio in LA area

[email protected]/yulia www.yogastopstudios.com

323.377.0707

F

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 32

Full Sofer Services on Site

Mezuzah and Tefillin Checking

Repair of Tefillin Batim

Torah Scroll Checking & Repair

Same Day Service Often Available

Fine Silver Judaica

House Calls by Appointment

New Mezuzos & Tefillin (Sefardi, Ashkenazi & Chabad)

PIANO LESSON BY LIDIA SABZANOV

Experienced Piano teacher At your home or mine, beginners to advance.

Learn to play with intelligence and develop musical skills.

310.289.5039 310.926.7761

Page 33: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 33

General & Cosmetic DentistryCrowns • Bridges • Implants • Veneers

• Bleaching •Free Consultation for Lumineers

L U M I S M I L EBY LUMINEERS

Ask now for your complimentary Digital Smile Makeover.

We’ll have it ready before you leave!

818-981-039416055 Ventura Blvd. Suite 1001

Encino, CA 91436-2621

Get yourperfect smile...

...today.

100% Wool Sports Jackets100% Wool Suits - Made in Italy100% Wool Pants100% Cotton Shirts100% Silk Designer TiesLeather Belts & more...

First Quality Men’s Clothes at Half the Price ofDepartment Stores

Boys Suits at Discounted Prices from size 8-20Regular & Husky

100% Wool Super 100

*Regular Department Store PricePESACH BLOWOUT SALE!!! 35%-55% Off*

WE NOW CARRY!Calvin Klein • Ralph Lauren • Michael Kors • Joseph Abboud • DKNY

10%offwith minimum

Seven PieceDry Cleaning

$7.50Special

Alterations Pants Hem

exp. 4/30/12pre paid - cash onlyValid with coupon

exp. 4/30/12pre paid - cash onlyValid with coupon

Page 34: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 34

Directions

IngredientsPesach Chocolate Chip Cookies

EngagementsYosef Shlomo Goldberg To Dassie Cohen

Avigayil Spigelman to David Salomon Chava Feigen to Binyomin Braun

Shira Davidi to Yosef ShaliyehsabouRuchi Dear to Ephraim Sternberg

Sarala Leventhal to Moshe Zev RottenbergGitty Benjamin to Yisroel Guy

Rachel Adison to Samuel Schwartz Baila Klein to Nachman Hiller

Ariela Batya Tzion to Avigdor Omri Kessler Aliza Vishniavsky to Yitzy Greenbaum

Noi Hershkovich to Dovie MeshchaninovBracha Illulian to Mendel Tevel

Breindy Schor to Avrohom YankelewitzYael Caklor to Doniel Kahn

Chani Halpern to Shmuli BraunKate Berman to Mendy RaskinChava Bekhor to Moshe MinskyAdina Klein to Tuvia KorobkinZisi Reznick to Ariel HausmanSara Frend to Daneal Scheer

Chana Frankel to Dovid LedermanMarraige

Rivi Potash to Shimon New

Baby BoyIlanit & Mordy Gluckowsky

Bent Tzion Yachzel and Rivka YachzelMunish and Rikki Weiss

Mendel and Sara GottliebBaby Girl

Tali & Seth MerewitzDanielle & Dr. Ryan Spivak

Seth & Tali (Rosenthal) MerewitzJacob and Shoshana PolevoyDanielle & Dr. Ryan Spivak Alyssa and Donny Wiesel

Editor’s Note: We would like to wish Mazel Tov to Menachem and GoldeGoldberg on the engagement of their son Yosef Shlomo Goldberg To Dassie

Cohen. Last week’s announcment was a missprint.

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup oil

• 2 packets, about 2 T. vanilla sugar

• 3¼ cups / 400 grams very finely ground almonds(almost flour consistency)

• 1 cup potato starch

• 1¼ cups / 10 oz. chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F

2. Cream together the sugar, eggs, and oil. Add in the vanilla, almonds,

potato starch, and chocolate chips and mix well.

3. Freeze the batter for 10 minutes to make it easier to form the

cookies. It will be oily, but this is normal.

4. Make small balls out of the batter using your hands or a mini ice

cream scooper. Place them on a parchment-baking paper- lined tray.

DO NOT flatten the cookies at all. They spread a lot in the baking

process. The size cookie you see featured here was done with a

mini-ice cream scooper and look how big they got.

5. Bake them for 12 minutes, until they are lightly browned and

crinkled. Let them cool a bit on the paper and then remove them.

These do freeze well! Yields: Approximately 45 cookies

`téxÄ gÉä4Send us your mazel tovs to [email protected]

Sponsored by

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012First night of pesach

Light Candles at: 7:00 pm•••

SHABBOS, APRIL 7, 2012Second night of Pesach

Light Candles after: 7:57 pm

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012Eve of Seventh Day of Pesach

Light Candles at: 7:05 pm•••

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2012Eve of Eighth Day of Pesach

Light Candles at: 7:06 pm

Page 35: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 35

CALL NOW

FOR OUR NEXT

PARENT TOUR!

Page 36: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 36

STORE OWNERS • SUPERMARKETS

HOTELS • MAIL/PHONE ORDERS

GROCERIES • INTERNET MERCHANTS

WHOLESALE/RETAIL BUSINESS

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

If we cannot reduce yourCREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEES

we will pay you$200

LET US SAVE YOU MONEY ON YOUR CURRENT FEES.• No Setup Charges • No Reprograming Fees

• No Application Fees • Upgrades • Trade-ins Available

EXISTNG BUSINESSES

Page 37: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 37

Page 38: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 38

DoubleTakeCan you spot the differences in these two pictures?

10

1. World image is missing from the logo on the banner. 2. the words SIYUM and MIDWEST were switched.

3. The poster in the back. 4. Bottle missing from the table. 5. Extra bottle on the table. 6. Boy missing in

the back. 7. The color of the tie in the from chaged from black to purple. 8. Wording missing from podium

logo. 9. One of the boys are missing a tie. 10. Pipe missing in the back.

qqqqqqqqqq

OVER 500 BOYS FROM13 CITIES THROUGHOUTAMERICA ENJOYING A

WONDERFUL RUACHFILLED WEEKEND AT THEPIRCHEI MIDWEST SIYUM

HAMISHNAYOS INCHICAGO AT

TELSHE YESHIVA

Please email us your event pictures to

[email protected]

CHANGES KEEP SCORE

Page 39: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 39

Realtor | DRE#01489848r | DtoReal RE#01489848r | D

Receive Community Links & our weekly updatesdirectly to your inbox!

Subscribe today at [email protected]

Page 40: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 40

COMMUNITY LINKS

NEXT ISSUE:April 20

Deadline: April 16

Page 41: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 41

CLASSIFIEDS

BEAUTY

WORKSHOPS/CLASSES

WORKSHOPS/CLASSES

NOTARYDRESS MAKER

BANDS

GIFTS

ParentingWith WisdomWhat do I dowhen mychild (fill inyour least ac-ceptable be-h a v i o r ) ?Take the best

parenting class in town tolearn how to deal with mis-behavior, discouragementand poor school perform-ance. In addition, acquire allthe skills necessary to raiseconfident, independent, andresponsible children. Appro-priate for ages 0-5, 6-11, andteens. Individual or groupsessions. Affordable. CallIrine Schweitzer, LCSW formore information, www.parentingbyirine.com

@ 818 754-4501. -1548-

A Perfect Setting

Great gifts for all occa-sions- invited out for aShabbos meal? Babygifts...Bas Mitzvahg i f t s . . . We d d i n ggifts...House warminggifts...Don't put it off.Come in today and goout relieved. Call for aspecial appointment323-938-8222 or323-620-3618ask for Rochel

-692-

Robin Schultz

Ackerman will help you eliminate unwanted hair! Doctor

referred over 10 years inthe community. Reason-

able rates, Flexible hoursopen Sundays by appt.Call anytime for an appt.

-1540-

TRAVELING NOTARY Yosef Y. Shagalov: Traveling Notary Public & Home Signing Agent. Cell:(323)934-7095email: [email protected]

Recession-Proof Careers

Are you unemployed and col-

lecting unemployment benefits?

In just 8 months we will train

you in a recession-proof career,

and help you find an exciting

job in: Pharmacy Technician,

Medical Assistant, Medical Office

Management, Accounting, Ad-

ministrative Assistant, Business

Management, Computer Graph-

ics, Computer Aided Design. LA

ORT is Non-Profit organization.

Financial Aid, Scholarship and

Transportation assistance are

available. Call 323-966-5444

and ask for Flora.

www.LAORT.edu

800.998.2678

Music by Ariel Louk One man band to a full orchestra

Contact now for availability & rates

323-997-2647 [email protected]

Your place/ Our place Noappointment need it!! (Eng.Spanish-French-Italian-Yid-dish-Portuguese-Hebrew) .24/6 524 N. La Brea Ave LosAngeles, CA 90036 323-930-0444 (office) 323-646-2356(Cell x after hours) #209

Abi Notaries Public

"BECAUSE A SIMCHASHOULD BE HAPPY"

BABYSITTER AVAILABLE

BABY NURSE

CAREER

TRAINING

Orthodox woman availableto watch your children fulltime or part-time hours, atyour location. Excellent ref-erences. 323-651-9389#1750

Career TrainingPlease see our ad

on page 29Los Angeles ORTTechnical Institute.

800-998- 2678

BRIS - ,hrcTraditional

Ritual CircumcisionRabbi

Nachman B. Kreiman

Certified Mohel

vjnun kvunHome: 323.934.9329

Cell: 323.896.5098www.expertmohel.com

#1751

Wedding dresses Forsale& For Rent. Custom

Designs, & Alterations, Sewing Classes Also

Available.Please Call

323-933-5960 or 323-348-8786

-298-

Baby nurse (newborn carespecialist)Postpartum,Doula,and Night Nanny. Greatexperience, awesome feesstarting @$20. Certification,insurance ,trust line, TB.Please call 310-985-4151or email [email protected]. or visit web-site www.babee.com.Shalom GIGI.Roni

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL CALIFORNIA JEWISH

Tehachapi Torah Center/Kern Kehilla. Suited for Families,Individuals, and existing Torah Organizations. Healthy, Serene,Affordable, Child Friendly.'Twice the Home for Half the Money'.Priced from: $75,000 for a 3 bed 2 bath starter home. 125k-475kfor very nice, larger, & high end homes. Lease: House $900,Shares $450. Apartments $650.'Learn More' http://pearmancta.com/kerncountykehilla.htm

or contact: Roger M. at [email protected]: 310-948-5137

Babysitting available for ba-bies up to 1 yr old by expe-rienced baby nurse, nightnurses also available fornewborns. Please call (323)851-9207 worked for manyyears with families in thecommunity referencesavailable upon request

Babysitting available for ba-bies up to 1 yr old by expe-rienced baby nurse . Nightnurses also available fornewborns please call (323)851-9207. Worked formany years with families inthe community. Referencesavailable upon request.

A Time for Dance

A TIME FOR DANCt! Offering acting, singing,classical ballet, tap, gym-nastics, jazz, hip hop,mommy and me and more!Ages 2- adult. ConvenientPico/Robertson, Labreaand North Hollywoodlocations. Join the fun!!

(323) 404-0827 www.atime4dance.com

DiscountRealty

www.DiscountRealty.com

1% Listing broker

Commission

I pay buyer's

closing cost

no fee loans

[email protected]

Ruben # 01098186

888-360-3337

#1737

DISCOUNT REALTY

LOANSwww.adiscountMortgage.com

No up front fees

[email protected]

30 years Fixed no fees

3.75% APR

15 years Fixed no fees

3.25% APR

Ruben nmls314133

888-360-3337

LOWEST MORTGAGE RATES

MUSIC BYMENDEL SIMONS

310-595-5490 LIVE@

MUSICBYMENDEL.COM

-1438-

Page 42: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 42

Page 43: Community Links #204

April 6, 2012 • 323-965-1544 • [email protected] 43

Page 44: Community Links #204

Touro College Los Angeles is accredited by the Accredi�ng Commission for Senior Colleges and Universi�es of the Western Associa�on of Schools and Colleges: 985 Atlan�c Ave. #100, CA 94501; Tel. 510-748-9001.

Touro College Los Angeles is an Equal Opportunity Ins�tu�on.”

Spend Your Summer at Touro College Los Angeles

Now Accep�ng Applica�on for the 2012 Summer & Fall Semesters

Summer Session I: June 18th – July 19th

Summer Session II: July 23rd - August 22nd

• Physics • Economics • History • Speech• Anatomy & Physiology • Precalculus • College Math

• Leadership • English • Finance(classes subject to enrollment)

For more information Please call:

323‐822‐9700 x 85155 or email: [email protected]

1317 N. Crescent Heights Blvd. West Hollywood, CAwww.touro.edu/losangeles • email: [email protected]