je magazine issue #13

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Jewish Entertainmaent Magazine

Yossi Zweig, Ozer Babad

L.Z.

Meir Rosenberg

Racheli Shoshani

Baruch Stern

Sameach Music Podcast, Suki and

Ding, ESE Marketing, Shmulie

Eckstein, Shloimie Weissman, Yossi

Tepper, Chasidi News, Golding

Design, Nochi Krohn, Stan Weiss,

Nathan Ivgi, Shlager.net

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table OF contentsS E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 7

COPYRIGHT © 2007 - Jewish Entertainment Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Jewish Entertainment Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions.Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and other submitted material must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. We reserve the right to print all lettersin part or in full unless specifically requested otherwise. No articles, photographs, artwork, or other material in this magazine may be reproduced in any manner whatso-ever, without prior written permission of the publisher. Jewish Entertainment Magazine will not be responsible for any typographical errors or advertisersʼ claims.

uring

Nafshenu

singers

56 Music Notes

8 The Insider

16 Internationally Speaking

20 Wine Listings

14 Upgrading the Voice in Your Head

10 New Releases

60 Singers & Bands

25 Reflections on Great Leaders

31 Pic of the Month

28 The Art and Soul of Music Making

40 Travel-On Airline Miles...

39 Artists Bio

44 Restaurant Spotlight-Canada

50 Recipe Corner

53 Kashrus-Home on the Range

54 Artist Rewind-part 3

9 A Nafshenu Wedding

64 Backstage Pass

Michoel Pruzansky

The Art andSoul of MusicMakingpage 28

Travel Section

On AirlineMiles...page 40

New Section

Wine Listingspage 20

Community Spotlight

The Mekimi-Cheer UpSquadpage 53

A NafshenuWeddingpage 9

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JE MAGAZINE

1163 47th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11219

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www.thejemagazine.com

ear Readers,

Welcome back to another packed issue.Summer is over and the Yomim Noraim arealmost here. What better way to get ready forthem than some Yom Tov food Suzie Fishbeinstyle?

We would like to announce thatbeginning with this issue we will be having a wine section in the publication. Herewe will point out just a few of the many wines that are constantly coming to themarketplace. As you may notice, some of the wines may not be brand new but areon our list of wines worth mentioning. We would like to thank Chateau De Vin forproviding us with the information for this section.

Another new column we will be having will be written by the Star K. This monththey will answer some interesting questions that come up during various times ofthe year. In addition they tackle some questions regarding Shemitta and how iteffects us here in the United States as well as questions on Rosh Hashana.

Reflections on Great Leaders is another new addition to our publication. It willfeature various Rabbonim and tzaddikim from today back to the Rishonim whohave impacted our generation.

Michoel "PRUZ" Pruzansky's new release has been the most talked about album inthe last 2 years. The album is being produced by Yitzi Bald who only produces the'best' and this album definitely falls into that cat,egory. Read about how the twomet, chose songs, and what makes a Yitzy Bald production.

Artscroll's new release is Reb Zelig Pliskin's Conversations with Yourself. It is apractical guide to greater happiness and self-empowerment. Read all about it aswell as get a preview of one of the chapters.

Learn how to maximize your points while traveling. When is it more worth it touse points and when is it better to pay cash? All this can be found in our travelsection.

"Rewind" is back with Part 3. Make sure to read each and every detail. Check outthe BIO section, where we feature the Israeli superstar Itsik Orlev.

Dining this month features places around Canada. Be sure to check them out whenyou are in the neighborhood. There will be many changes coming to ourpublication. We are not only music publication. We will be featuring differentaspects that we feel will interest the community. e.g. wine, books, kashrus... If youhave any suggestions then please feel free to email or mail us your suggestions.

We are please to let the public know that we have finally launched the websitewww.thejemagazine.com . It has the latest and greatest in Jewish music and more.A new restaurant opening up? A new wine released? A new book? All of this canbe found in our news section. New music coming out and you don't know what tobuy? Just listen to some samples on our Mp3 player. While you're there, vote forthe TOP 10 songs.

Of course there is so much more, so prop up your feet, get a glass of water andrelax while you read the rest of the publication. Have a Shana Tova, a happy andhealthy year and next year in Yerushalayim.

Yossi Zweig

dFor thousands upon thousands of suffering families in

Eretz Israel, of widows and orphans, whom the GedoleiHaDor shlita personally care for and see to their welfare

To be blessed with health, happiness, prosperity, shidduchim,children, nachas, and great success in all your endeavors

Donations may be sent to the following Rabbanim Shlita:

Rabbi Aaron Schechter 1248 E.12 Brooklyn N.Y. 11230 Rabbi Reuven Feinstein Shlita, 131 Bloomingdale Rd Staten Island N.Y. 10309 6 JE Jewish Entertainment

Aaron Applebaum Yanky Goldenthal Yossi, Bayles Avner Levy, Tzvi, Silberstein Jonathan Rimberg

Nafshenu Orchestra requests the honor of

your presence at what promises to be the

“wedding of the year” – and you don’t have to

R.S.V.P to attend! It’s an eagerly anticipated

event – the August 6th release of Nafshenu’s

latest album that has been generating much

excitement and enthusiasm, and with good

reason! This is a celebration infused with joy and

excitement. Just bring your dancing shoes and be

prepared to experience a high-level of energy and

ruach that is sure to set your spirit soaring!

Nafshenu Orchestra, under the leadership of

Aaron Appelbaum and Jonathan Rimberg, has

created yet another musical masterpiece, “A

Heimishe Wedding” by Nafshenu Orchestra.

Produced by Aaron Appelbaum, the album is

representative of an actual Nafshenu wedding.

Aaron says with pride, “Our goal was to

produce an album that would give a good

representation of what we do at a live wedding. The

songs that are most requested and that have

become main stream and part of our repertoire is

what you will hear at ‘A Heimishe Wedding’. The

album features Nafshenu Orchestra’s singers and

musicians. These are not studio performers who

have been hired to perform

on the album. They are, in

fact, the real deal!”

As a note of appreciation,

Aaron comments, “A very

special thanks to all the

vocalists who did an

outstanding job on this

album; Yossi Bayles, Tzvi

Silberstein, Yankey

Goldenthal, Avner Levy, and

Jonathan Rimberg. I’m very

proud of every aspect of this

album. Its quality and

professional caliber are a

reflection of the collaborative

efforts of every individual

who devoted time and effort to create a polished

product.”

“I find that the young adults who are getting

married today are more discerning and particular

in their playlists,” says Aaron. “They know exactly

what they want -- music that is high energy and

exciting. You’ll find the same high-octane energy

and excitement pulsating throughout our newest

release, as you will feel at every Nafshenu

wedding, customized to our clients’ unique tastes

and needs.”

The album features outstanding musical

arrangements by Shloimy Zeiger and beautiful

vocal arrangements by Jonathan Rimberg. On this

album, Nafshenu features a variety of songs and

medley’s

requested by

chassanim and kallahs from

across the spectrum of the community.You will

hear beautiful performances by all of Nafshenu’s

charismatic vocalists.Tzvi Silverstein’s invigorating

and exciting voice is sure to get any crowd up on

their feet to a dancing frenzy; while Yossi Bayles is

a powerful and dynamic vocalist whose energy is

contagious. As a pianist and vocalist, Yankey

Goldenthal brings class and refinement to every

Nafshenu performance. Sit back and enjoy

listening to a chupah medley performed by

Jonathan Rimberg, or get up and dance to Avner

Levy’s unique Middle Eastern style to ‘Habibi’ and

‘Balbili.’

Nafshenu Orchestra of NY, under the

leadership of Aaron Appelbaum and Jonathan

Rimberg, has been performing weddings, Bar/Bat

Mitzvahs, dinners, corporate events, and concerts

all over the world. Acclaimed as

the most prestigious and well-

known Jewish orchestra in the

United States and Canada,

Nafshenu’s sterling reputation

was created by specializing in

musical versatility and

performing all styles of Jewish

and contemporary music.

Providing their clients with

unparalleled personalized

service is Nafshenu’s hallmark,

earning them a highly satisfied

client base, many of whom are

multi-generational. Working in

tandem to create beautiful and

seamless celebrations, the

orchestra is a well-managed team of professional

musicians who are committed to client satisfaction.

The happy newlyweds, their parents, and

guests continue to relive a Nafshenu Orchestra

simcha months after the last Mitzvah Tantz. This is a

credit to Aaron and Jonathan’s unsurpassed

service. Every Nafshenu wedding is a singular

sensation, a one-of-a-kind, extraordinary simcha.

From far and near, the testimonials are indicative of

their clients’ heartfelt appreciation of Nafshenu’s

signature service. Consider the following excerpt

of a lengthy rave review, representative of the

plethora of similar “thank-you’s” that are received

regularly by Nafshenu Orchestra.

“ …From the day we met, to the night of the

wedding, every experience we had with

Nafshenu, and especially with Aaron &

Jonathan, has been nothing short of

professional, fun, and just plain amazing!

Our guests ranged from Yeshivish to Modern

Israeli to secular. Our goal was to have something

for everyone and to make everyone feel

comfortable; more importantly, we wanted “Ruach”

throughout the night -- an energy like no one

(including ourselves!) will ever forget!… You guys

gave such a fun performance and made sure that

everything was seamless to our guests (and

us!).You guys played everything from traditional

Jewish dance music to Yiddish to Israeli music to

Mizrachi to Classic Rock to every other kind of

traditional wedding favorites! We highly

recommend you -- you are a class act!”

And the appreciation is mutual. Says Aaron, “I

would be remiss if I would not mention our very

special friends throughout the Metropolitan area,

who are integral to Nafshenu’s success.

Nafshenu is comprised of the most talented

musicians in the tri-state area, but it is our clients

who have made us the premier Jewish orchestra. It

is an honor that we take seriously. Nafshenu takes

pride in being musically versatile in all styles of

music. No matter if you are Chassidish, Yeshivish,

Modern, or Israeli, we have the music that will

speak to you and your crowd.”

A Heimishe Wedding will be available at Jewish

music and Judaica stores on August 6th. To preview

tracks from this musical gem, please visit Nafshenu’s

website at www.nafshenu.com. For bookings,

concert, and additional information, please call us at

516.371.6660 and experience the musical magic

of Nafshenu Orchestra.

Featuring the Nafshenu

singers

“From the day we

met, to the night of

the wedding, every

experience we had

with Nafshenu...has

been nothing short of

professional, fun, and

just plain amazing! “

by Rochelle Maruch Miller

GABAY 2 After the tremendous success of his debut album “Legabay”, Dovid Gabay is back

at it again. Under the Production of Avi Newmark Gabay’s second album is well underway.

The album features compositions by Jewish music’s elite. Yossi Green, Yitzy Waldner, Boruch

Levine, Avi Kula, and Elimelech Blumestein. Joining in on Gabay 2 as arrangers are Yisroel

Lamm, Leib Yaacov Rigler, Avremi Gourarie, and Yonatan Razel. Here are some pictures of

Gabay’s recent trip to Israel where he recorded his rhythm and a 24-piece String section

using musicians from none other than the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. Stay Tuned for future

updates...

DOVID STEIN is Recording Vocals for his debut album @ EG Studios in Brooklyn. The albumwhich is being produced by Eli Gerstner features hit songs from Eli Gerstner, Chaim Bloch &Yitzi Waldner. The album is due out in November.

ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2007 THE ANNUAL CHABAD TELETHON WILL TAKE PLACE. Thetelethon can be watched on the following TV channels: Los Angeles: KCAL Channel 9, SanDiego: KUSI Channel 9, San Francisco: KTSF Channel 26, Las Vegas: KVMY Channel 12, NewYork/New Jersey/Connecticut: WLNY Channel 55. This year’s telethon will includeperformances by Gad Elbaz, Mordechai Ben David, Matisyahu, Avraham Fried, Yeshiva BoysChoir and 8th Day.

GAD ELBAZ is working on his latest album called “Ben Hatipot” which in English means“Between the Drops”. On this CD, Gad asks Hashem to help him walk between the raindropsand through all barriers presented to him in both Judaism and everyday life all the whilestaying true to Hashem’s will. The CD will be ready for release September 1st. Gad is alsoworking on a new show with a new band to go on tour in Israel, Europe and the U.S. startingin September. Internationally renowned songwriter and producer, Rudy Perez is collectingand writing new songs for Gad to be released early next year. Gad is working on a hugeshow for Sukkot on Sunday, September 30th in Heychal-Hatarbut, Tel Aviv. The show willinclude guest performances,

We were thrilled to learn that the much anticipated debut album of BENNY AMAR is nowentering its final stages of production. After being given the privilege to hear some samplesall that we can say is WOW! This record it truly something special. Benny, renowned for theenergy and charisma which he brings to the stage has captured these attributes in therecording. The album will be in stores this season, and is destined to become a hit. Forupdates email: [email protected].

The greatly anticipated debut album of the latest in Jewish music - PHP - is making its way toall Judaica stores very soon! A little about the band, PHP was started by 4 guys from FarRockaway who met in Sha’ar Yoshuv and formed a band together playing for various kiruvevents *i.e. Aish in NYC and NJ as well as other events for Kiruv organizations in CT andCalifornia. They won Battle of the Bands Landers college back to back years. Recently theyplayed a large concert with Nochi Krohn and are currently finishing their album before theybegin playing live again. This incredibly uplifting and spiritual album features entirely originalcompositions that blend together all genres of music into one. Superb musicianship isdisplayed by PHP’s four members, along with some surprise musical guests. This exceptionallytalented group unites to create a brilliant masterpiece that cannot be paralleled byanything else in the Jewish music world, and already has an anxious population excitedlyawaiting its debut release. So get ready for a sound that will revitalize and rejuvenate yourmusical senses! We can’t wait! You should see it in stores in about 2 months, not by Sukkos butsome time after.

After being approached by numerous producers in the music industry, YOSEF CHAIM BLOCH,the talented composer & singer whose songs we enjoyed on Shwekey, Gabay, Williger &dozens of albums over the last decade, is coming out with his debut album! This project is atruly unique project. It is filled with the emotion that can only be found in a singer/writerrelationship setting. This kind of album is long overdue in the Jewish Music Industry. The albumconsists of many rock, freilach & hora style songs arranged like Jewish music has never seento date, with a liveliness that is sure to get his young fans really excited. The kumzitz nigunimbring back the feeling & style of R’ Shlomo Carlebach. Just an all around mix of hit songs.There is guaranteed to be something for everybody. Stay tuned for details!!

The new album will be called ”REB ASHER & SONS“. The title track is “Keytzad Merakdim”(How do we dance?) and will force you off your seat and into a dancing mood. The mix hasfinally been completed by Ilya Lishinsky. The sound is just fantastic; every song is catchy andsingable. Besides featuring Reb Asher & his sons’ vocals, the album also boasts of fantasticarrangements done by them as well. The music and choir was done by “the rising star inJewish Music” Nochi Krohn. The album also features a child soloist Moshe Blisko of MBC fameand Eli Lichtestein of “Vien Childrens Choir”. Look for the album to be released aroundSuccos time.

by Yossi Zweig

8 JE Jewish Entertainment

10 JE Jewish Entertainment JE Jewish Entertainment 11

Available from ArtScroll at www.artscroll.com, 800-637-6724 or at your local Hebrew bookseller

New from

By Sara Rigler,

author of the

best-selling

Holy Woman

L ike those in Holy Woman, the stories in this volume both fascinate and inspire. Its wisdom is gleaned from: a paralyzed educator who

writes books with his eye movements; a mother of 14 children who feeds 200 guests every Shabbos; 75 orphans in Calcutta; a Nobel Prize

winner; a Jerusalem Kabbalist; and from a colorful cast of other characters whom the author has encountered in her epic spiritual journey.

In more than 50 selections, SARA YOHEVED RIGLER shares with the reader her ever-fresh wonder and love for the transformative power

of Judaism. One of the most masterful writers in the Jewish world, she keeps the reader glued to the page. And from the page, she catapults

the reader upward.

Includes more

on the

“HOLY WOMAN”

B O O K R E V I E W

s children, we learned how tospeak respectfully to authorityfigures. We learned to say “please”and “thank you” at the dinnertable. We learned to prefacerequests with “May I? We learned

to give verbal respect to rebbes, to our teachers,to law enforcement officers, and even to thepostman. But did anyone ever teach us how tospeak respectfully to ourselves?

In preparing this review, I unofficiallypolled a number of my friends and familymembers: “Growing up, did anyone ever teachyou how to manage your inner self-talk?” Theanswer was an unimpressive and unanimous“no.” In fact, the very notionof self-talk, as detailed in aremarkable book by RabbiZelig Pliskin, was as foreignto my survey group aslearning Klingon as a secondlanguage.

My informal surveyraised another seriousquestion: How is it that thereis no definitive preparation,no measurable skill set, for usto engage in the longestrunning and most personaldialogue of our lives? Surelywe all “speak” to ourselves.But most of us have beenclueless about how we speakto ourselves – until now.

Rabbi Pliskin’s Conversations with Yourselfis a user’s guide for maintaining healthythinking and constructive self-talk. Theprinciples he sets forth are clear, relevant,simple, universal, and effective. In other words,they really work!

Every conscious person has an internalriver of thought. But for most of us on theplanet, our inner streams of consciousness arepolluted with cycling repetitions of worry, self-doubt, internal criticism, and negative images.As any environmentalist will confirm, if ariver’s headwaters are toxic, everythingdownstream will be contaminated.

Conversations with Yourself is a revolution inpersonal spiritual ecology. It offers welcomerelief to all who yearn for a quiet, unclutteredmind, for a mind that works with you, notagainst you. Mastering self-talk is a major keyto realizing this lofty goal.

While Rabbi Pliskin’s approach is novel, thenotion of a positive internal dialogue is notnew. It was understood by our great sages. Themedieval scholar Rabbi David Kimchi (theRadak) commented on the Biblical term hagah,oftentranslated ascontemplate.We find a

familiarexample inthe passukfrom Joshua1:8: lo yamush sefer haTorah hazeh mi’pichav’hagitah bo yomam va’laylah (this Book of theTorah shall not depart from your mouth; ratheryou shall contemplate it day and night…).TheHebrew verb hagah, says Rabbi Kimchi,corresponds to the cooing of a dove or thegrowling of a lion, both of which are constantlyrepeated actions. Every day many of us utter aphrase from Sefer Tehillim, the Book of Psalms(19:15), to improve our internal, repetitiousself-talk, yet we might not even know that’s

what we’re asking from Hashem when we say,“Yihyu l’ratzon imrey fi v’hegyonn libilifanecha Hashem Tzuri v’Go’ali – may theexpressions of my mouth and the thoughts ofmy heart find favor before You, Hashem, myRock and my Redeemer.”

Using the wise and caring guidance setforth in Conversations with Yourself, we can allsignificantly upgrade our self-talk. For many,the effects can be immediate, positive, andlong-lasting.

I admit to an initially jadedattitude when I first picked upthe unpublished manuscriptto review Rabbi Pliskin’s latestwork. I expected, as oftenhappens with self-helpauthors, a book of recycledthemes already extant in hisprevious books. But this ever-effervescent writer surprisedme with yet anotherrefreshingly original book. Iwas hooked the moment Iread the Introduction’s lucidunifying premise whichinfuses the book’s 91 short,energetic chapters: “Thequality of your life is thequality of your ongoing self-talk. This one idea is thefoundation of how youexperience your presentmoments.”

It’s my personal hope thateveryone who opens this bookwill merit completing it so as

to enter into a transformed conversationbetween the sometimes disparate personas of“me, myself, and I.” Rabbi Pliskin has identifiedone of the most widespread problems we facetoday, one that is eminently curable – and notnecessarily by a trained professional in thiscase, but by the person who knows your innerlandscape better than anyone else – you!

Ariella Marcus is a media producer in NewYork. [email protected]

A Review of RabbiZelig Pliskin’sConversations withYourself: A practicalguide for greaterhappiness, self-development andself-empowerment.ArtScroll MesorahPublications, 376pp, Brooklyn NY,August 2007.

One of the most important and valuable concepts about our mindsand thoughts is that you become what you think about. Try it out. Sayto yourself, “I become what I think about.” What thoughts came to yourmind when you said this to yourself? You just engaged in self-talk. Thisidea has the potential to be highly empowering. It means that bygaining greater mastery over your thoughts, you gain greater masteryover your life. It means that by mastering your thoughts, you will beable to make and reach important goals.

wWhen you consistently think about being happy andjoyful in your life, you will become happier and morejoyful.

wWhen you consistently think about being kinderand more compassionate, you will become kinderand more compassionate.

wWhen you consistently think about being moreconfident and courageous, you will become moreconfident and courageous.

wWhen you consistently think about being calm andserene, you will become calmer and more serene.

wWhen you consistently think about being morepatient and persistent, you will become more patientand persistent.

wWhen you consistently think about interactingharmoniously with others, you will find yourselfspeaking and acting in ways that create greaterharmony.

wWhen you consistently think about beingappreciative and grateful, you will find yourselfbeing more appreciative and grateful.

wWhen you consistently think about your mostimportant goals in life and what you need to do toreach them, you will find yourself accomplishing andachieving more.

wWhen you consistently think about being moreelevated and spiritual, you will become that way.

Some people who truly want to improve and grow make a bigmistake: They keep thinking about what they don’t want. Someonewho keeps thinking, “I hate to be sad and upset,” is still thinking aboutbeing sad and upset. Someone who keeps thinking, “I don’t want to beso selfish,” is thinking about being selfish. People who keep thinkingabout how difficult some people are will find themselves acting theirworst with those “difficult” people.

Those who keep thinking about their worries and their fears willfind themselves worrying more and being more fearful. Those whokeep thinking about disliking their anger are thinking about becomingangry. Those who keep thinking about their limitations and blocks areactually thinking about exactly the things they don’t want to keep inmind.

In his classic legal work, Yad Hachazakah, in the section calledHilchos Daios, Ch. 1, the Rambam (Maimonides, 1135–1204) tells usthe way to develop positive character traits: Take action in ways thatare consistent with those positive traits. The way to overcome anegative trait is to go to the opposite extreme for a while, in ways thatexpress the positive traits that you want. After consistently acting in thepositive extreme, then you can come to a more balanced way of being.

What happens when you take positive actions? You think aboutwhat you need to say and do to master those positive traits. You’re notjust thinking about it in a light and halfhearted way, you are takingaction. Your thoughts and your actions together create you.

This has worked for the greatest people because they applied thetremendous wisdom of the Rambam. This will also work for you whenyou apply it.

What do you want to be like? What positive traits and patterns doyou really want to master?

Upgradingthe Voice in Your Head

By Arielle Marcus

A

EXCERPTS from “Conversations with Yourself”:A practical guide to greater happiness,

self-developmentand self-empowerment.

Chapter 3, by Rabbi Zelig PliskinArtScroll Mesorah Publications, Brooklyn NY, August 2007. Used by permission.

You Become What You Think About


Well, it’s been a while sincewe last spoke about what’shappening in the land ofmilk and honey, but I haveto start off as usual with aMAZAL TOV TO ITZIKESHEL ON HIS MARRIAGE.

Looks like he’s been very busy lately, with weddingpreparations, and working on his new albumsimultaneously. Best of luck to you Itzik! L’ShanaHabah Brit Mila!

Another Itzik is also very worthspeaking about here, but thistime I’m talking about ITZIKORLEV. Orlev’s upcomingalbum “Mitgahageha” is justabout ready to hit the storeshelves. This album is muchdifferent from his previousalbum, being that in fact it was

recorded at international standards. Yoram ItzchakVazana took on production of this album. Orlev isaiming towards the American crown with this album,and it’s even possible to pick up a free sample CD atyour local music shop. Itzik is sure that after listeningto a sample, you’ll run out to buy the album. Thealbum is slated for release Sukkos time.

GAD ELBAZ who has reachedinternational stardom, is also releasinghis album in the coming days. Actually,Elbaz recorded two different albums.He also performed at the amphitheater

in Bat-Yam last week, and is scheduledto hold a mega-concert after therelease of his album. Some of you mayremember the concert he held a fewyears back where a whopping 10,000fans showed up to see Gad perform onstage.

On the subject of concertsMIAMI BOYS CHOIR alsoperformed here recently andshow was just excellent, as usual.

AVRAHAM FRIED & YAAKOVSHWEKEY also held a mega-concert at Teddy Stadiumwhere an amazing 15,000Jewish music fans showed upto see the two perform on

stage together.

YISHAI LAPIDOT also releasing hisdebut solo album to music stores thisweek. Yishai is best known as thelead singer of his group Oif Simches.He’s also known as a well-accomplished song writer, whowrote hits for many. This album is

going to have a different sound than what we’re usedto. Some Yiddish, English, Hebrew, French, and somerap can be heard on this album.


Winter JE Full Pg Ad.qxd 8/14/2007 3:36 PM Page 1

JE: Isn’t it kind of ridiculous to name a musicalbum “Pruzbul”? What’s the idea? Michoel Pruzansky [MP]: Let’s see[laughs]… I’m going to let Yitzy start withthat one. Yitzy Bald [YB]: Alright—butyou’re answering the next question![laughs] There’s a famous Gemara aboutHillel Hazaken. See, in his time, chessedhad stopped being done because theway a loan works is that it expires after

seven years. Now, what happened?People stopped giving loans ‘cause theyknew that after seven years, they’d losetheir money. Loaning money, helpinganother Yid, is one of the biggest mitzvos.But people stopped doing this chessed.So Hillel established the Pruzbul of Beis Din,which was not canceled after sevenyears, in the Shmittah year. If not for thePruzbul, chessed would have been lostfrom Klal Yisroel. So part of the songPruzbul goes, “Hillel metaken haolam impruzbul”—the theme of the song, and thealbum, is to do chessed.

JE: Well, let’s give the title track a listen.[Yitzy Bald plays Pruzbul]

JE: Wow! This song really pounds.YB: There’s a lot of technical detail in thestyles you’re hearing.

JE: I can tell—but the message is quite, um, stimulating.Almost makes me want to get up and dance.YB: That’s the idea. The message is agevaldike message.

JE: How long has the album taken to produce? MP: Three years.

JE: Why so long?MP: Because anything good takes time.Yitzy and I put our heart and soul into thisalbum—we spent thousands of hours,months just choosing songs. All thearrangements were custom made, andthen, when we had ten songs, all the

arrangements had to be made to our liking.We changed many ideas many times. Wechose our intros, endings, shtick, which iswhy it’s a superior product. YB: Like all good albums, we came up withbetter songs. We would pick songs andthen dump them for even better songs.We worked on every detail, every note,every instrument; we really left no stoneunturned.

JE: When did it start?MP: I actually met Yitzy at a Bar Mitzvahwhere he was performing as a one-manband. Then we started talking shop, wentto his studio in his house, stayed up half thenight and decided to do an album.

JE: What was the hardest part of production? MP: Picking songs. We would work on atune for months and then decide not to useit. But we ended up with five songs by Yitzy,one from Yossi Green, two by Yitzy Waldnerincluding a brand-new English song, onesong by Yochanan Shapiro, and even onefrom Dov Shurin. YB: It took a long time to prepare the songs.I think composers and singers need toremember that when people buy analbum, they want ten good songs, not oneor two. That’s why we’re really excited.

JE: Well, let’s hearanother one ofthose great songs.You pick one.YB: Okay, let’s play Hu Yevaser.[Plays song]

JE: That’s quite a choir!YB: That’s [noted choirmaster] Mo Kiss’choir.

JE: That’s something else. I don’t know if I’veheard that style on a Jewish album before.YB: He’s very talented.

JE: Are they on other songs?YB: Let’s listen to Taaseh Mitzvah. That’s theother theme song of the album.[Plays song]

JE: This is fairly Israeli in style… what was that?YB: That was Mo’s chevra again.

JE: Very creative.MP: There’s a lot of chiddush going on here,but it’s not an unsingable melody. All thepieces come together at the end with avocal-only ending.

JE: Besides the album, what have you been doingin the interim?MP: Well, I’ve been very, very busy doingconcerts and weddings all over thecountry: LA, Houston, Cleveland, Toronto,and the NY metro area, and, of course,

THE ART AND SOULOF MUSIC-MAKING

Michoel Pruzansky and Yitzy Bald talk shop —and teach JE what album-production takes

By Sender Gottenstark

IIT'S BEEN THREE YEARS SINCE MICHOEL PRUZANSKY'S DEBUT ALBUM ASHRECHAhit the market--and three years that many have been wondering when the next one's coming.But after considerable exercising of our staff's considerable people-chasing skills, JE was able tosit down with Michoel and producer Yitzy Bald for a fun, folksy interview that takes you behindthe scenes (don't you hate that cliché?) of the creation of Pruzbul, the curiously-named newPruzansky album that'll be appearing on shelves around Rosh Hashanah time--as well as whatit's like to make an album. Trust me: You had no idea.

“Yitzy and I put our heart and soul into this album...

All the arrangements were custom made”

NEW RELEASE


recording the album has been taking upthe majority of my time. YB: Let me just add that there’s a lot of hypeabout this album. I think Michoel’s beenspreading his wings; people are gettingpsyched up.

JE: How so? YB: We’ve been leaking out the name for awhile, so the aura, the mystique, is intriguingpeople. Also, I haven’t worked on a large-scale album for a while, so people aregetting curious. There has been a lot ofhype because we kept it very secretive andhave been putting out a lot of interestingmessages.

JE: How is this album different than your firstalbum? MP: I would say the custom-made parts. It’sfresh and it’s got a lot of innovative ideas. YB: In this album Michoel was not limitedand was able to be himself, to let go andshow vocal expressiveness. This is Michoelat his best.MP: Every nuance of every song was

preplanned and thought out through andthrough. Many singers outsource theirmusic and sing to whatever the arrangergives them. With this album, we did ithowever we felt best. YB: Well, you know, in any profession,professionalism grows. My keyboardplaying has changed drastically over theyears, as has my arranging style. As far asMichoel is concerned, the more one useshis voice, the more one knows what to dowith it… there’s no question that as time hasgone on, just like wine ripens with age,Michoel has ripened, his emotions havemuch more expressiveness now.

JE: Give me an example of that.MP: How about You’re Watching Me?

JE: Let’s hear it.[Yitzy Bald plays song]YB [speaking between stanzas]: Do youknow the story?

JE: Fill me in.

MP: Let me tell you. There was a man whowas saved from the [suicide bombing atthe] Sbarro restaurant [in Jerusalem] by astranger, and much later, the stranger washaving surgery. So the man traveled to beat his bedside in the hospital to showhakoras hatov. And that saved him from9/11.

JE: You mean he worked in the Towers?YB: Exactly. If not for the guy saving himand him going to show thanks, he might notbe here.

JE: That’s an amazing story. Hashem really doeswatch us.

JE: Which song would you say is the mostmusically creative? MP: Well, it depends on what kind of songyou’re talking about. My favorite fast songis Ta’aseh Mitzvah.YB: Look, we worked so hard on the wholealbum; I just can’t answer that question. Ilove every song. But to answer yourquestion, there are very pleasant surprises in

Yitzy Waldner’s Chavivin; creatively themost challenging, Ta’aseh Mitzvah andPruzbul—the bass lines, the harmonies…when we were recording we quadrupledthe brass section to give it a marching bandfeel. We went through every song with[noted arranger/ studio technician/musician] Larry Gates while we wereworking on the final mixes.

JE: If someone’s never heard of Pruzansky, whyshould he listen this time, and if he’s heard thefirst album, why should he listen to the second?YB: You have to base an album on its ownmerit. This one is so unique! There aresome very interesting things going on in thealbum, and people know what’s good—they’ll hear this album and they’ll hear thatthis is unique. The concept of the album[i.e. Pruzbul] also sells—people want toknow what it’s about, and I’ll be explainingit more in the insert of the album.

JE: With so many albums coming out, what doyou guys bring to the table? MP: People are tired of the same music. Ihear from so many people, “Come up withsomething new, something fresh, andsomething geshmak, something easy tosing.”

JE: Do you think you’ve got that here? YB: [chuckles] Are you kidding? Absolutely!

JE: Alright, now I’m going to pick one… howabout Shteig? YB: Sounds good to me! [Plays song] This isa Yeshivishe hora.

JE: Sounds like a straightforward, middle-of-the-road hora to me! I like it. You weren’t kiddingbefore when you said Michoel has ripened. He

sounds very good here.MP: Thanks!

JE: What does this album do for listeners? YB: Let me be bold! It’s got a totallydifferent direction that’ll get even morepeople listening to Jewish music. There’ssuch color, such dynamics, such energy. MP: I would say that it is upbeat, it has asong for everybody—if you like fast andupbeat, this album certainly has it, if you likeslow and hartzig, yeshivah horahs, or rocksongs, it has it. Also, since there’s one fullEnglish song and two Hebrew songs withEnglish in it, it will connect to people, sinceEnglish is the first language for manypeople.

JE: We hear you’re working on a video for thealbum. What can you tell us about it? YB: Well, it’s on the song Ta’aseh Mitzvah,that if you do a mitzvah you’re koneh OlamHaba.MP: It’s going to be a fun video thatconveys that message. It’s going to be shotspontaneously at landmark locations right

here in Boro Parkand Flatbush.

JE: Any memorablestory from the studiowork?

YB: I don’t think Michoel was exposed to somany keyboards in one studio in his life! Ihave a very well-equipped home studioand a lot of interesting sounds and thingscame out of it. We learned a lot on thego. Also, we had a fun time trying to workaround the baby’s talking schedule comingfrom upstairs—just when things would quietdown and we’d start recording, it wouldstart all over again. MP: Yeah, but if you listen to Chavivin, you’llhear how we managed to put that to gooduse. Also, kudos to Mrs. Bald for alwayshaving supper ready for us. But mainly, itwas a pleasure working with Yitzy. If youspend so many nights working withsomebody, you really get to know him, andit was just a pleasure working with him.

JE: Alright, since you’ve mentioned Chavivintwice already, you’ll have to play it for us.[Yitzy Bald plays Chavivin]

JE: What’s this—a bunch of kids?!MP: “Chavivin Yisroel shenikri’u banimlamakom”—that’s the theme here.

JE: Touching… that explains this child solo.Stirring melody. Almost kumzitz-style… whoa,that’s some sax!YB: That’s Mark Fineberg for you.[Song ends]

JE: Awww… that’s so sweet! Very original.

JE: Do you guys see yourself doing another albumtogether? YB and MP [together]: Absolutely! YB: Only this time it won’t be three years.

For more information on Michoel Pruzansky,visit www.PRUZ.com or call 1-866-for-PRUZ.

“People are tired of the same music...come up with something new”


MILEAGE 101-What exactly are “miles”?

Simply put whether you get them from your bank for using the card for transactions or from an airline

for using their airline for transportation mileage is in a word an “incentive”. As in every dollar you

buy/every mile you fly gets you a “mile”. Then you “bank” those miles, until you build up enough miles

(zechusim?) to earn an upgrade, a free ticket, a free night at a hotel etc…

Not surprisingly an airline sponsored credit card only allows you to focus on one specific airline (though

many have “reciprocity” arrangements with other airlines that enable you to “transfer” your miles—though

nowhere near as easy as transferring funds from savings to checking (or vice versa)

If that particular airline controls the majority of the destination routes from your area to destinations you

actually can see yourself going to, it will give you convenience and efficiency and it will be extremely

economical. Hey, the airline’s keeping a customer—and customer loyalty is the backbone of the travel business

(or any service business for that matter). So as long as you play by their rules—in terms of dates, seat

allocations and choice of shirt colors permissible to wear while flying (yes, the last one’s a joke—for now,

anyway), “loyalty miles” used with the issuing carrier tend to give you the most “bang for the buck”.

So let’s say you need more flexibility? Or let’s say the nature of your travel doesn’t always allow you the

luxury of sticking with one carrier?

Enter the bank card miles which are more like the “mohn” (the stuff hamentashen gave the Jews in the

midbar, not the stuff that fills Hamantaschen which we pronounce “moohn”. Bankcard (usually fancy word for

credit card) lets you build your miles/points for use in travel—and often most retailers that accept the card.

Again, what you actually can use it for at those retailers often requires reading the kind of fine print that

accompanies toy shipments from China (or should). At first glance they offer more “freedom” but as a wise man

once said “freedom comes at a price—though in terms of getting something usable the minimum amount of

miles in the “bank” with bank cards is usually less than airline miles. But these fine minimums are “protected”

by some very fine print.

Case in point, membership and annual fees can vary greatly for different types of cards. Most major credit

card companies offer standard, gold, and platinum air miles credit cards. Keep in mind that the better the

option, the higher the fees. Gold and platinum cards offer high credit limits but membership and annual fees

are also higher and these add up quickly.

Most major credit card companies offer introductory air miles cards with 0 % interest. Why? Because they

want your credit card business. If interest rates are of concern for you (think the current mortgage and

banking debacle before you answer this), an air miles card should not be the card you choose because interest

rates tend to be very high. Many air miles credit cards have a minimum number of miles that have to

accumulate before you receive a free or discounted trip. Be sure to read the fine print and then read it again

and again so you understand all of the stipulations.

If you travel frequently for business or pleasure, air miles cards can be very beneficial. With these types

of cards, you use your credit card to purchase all necessary goods and services. In return, you accumulate

rewards in the form of points and then you redeem them for air miles. You then use the air miles to get free

or discounted trips to the destination of your choice. As an added incentive, airline credit cards often offer

bonus air miles at “selected” stores, or on specific travel destinations. Usually, both airline and bank sponsored

cards give bonus air miles when you sign with their company.

There are some disadvantages to having an air

miles card. Usually these cards, as mentioned earlier,

have much higher interest rates than standard cards,

which can add up quickly if you don’t pay the entire

balance off each month (and if you could, would you

really need a card?). Another disadvantage is that these

cards are often used for unnecessary purchases in order

to accumulate points to be exchanged for air miles. As

with all credit cards, air miles credit cards have to be

used responsibly in order for the cardholder to reap the

benefits.

After carefully analyzing the buying/flying/usage

patterns of our business/commercial and personal

customers, the one thing we found is that there is no

easy answer—the closest we came to actually offering

usable advice was “the more you know, the more you

go”.

So regardless, choose every means available to you

to fully educate yourself as to the services and benefits

–both potential and readily available. Then make sure

your travel professional has this info in their system.

We actually had our client software reconfigured to

automatically when ever possible put our customers on

airlines where they have “mileage arrangements” and

to use the “right card” to do so. When feasible we also

will keep our customers updated as to specials and

promotions—as in “take that flight to Hong Kong one

day early so you can still take advantage of the double

mileage program that will expire at midnight of the day

you’re leaving on”. Stuff like that, even if our clients

can’t change their itinerary, they still appreciate

knowing we’ve got their back even if on the surface it

seems like we could be “hurting” ourselves.

And make no mistake; those miles DO add up in

fact when you stockpile enough of them, the sky is the

limit literally. But don’t take my word for it ask Alan

Watts, a business man from the UK who was able to use

his 2,000,000 miles for a space flight a ticket aboard a

2009 Virgin Galactic space flight.

Apparently Mr. Watts said he flew to and from the

United States on Virgin Atlantic flights more than 40

times in the past six years, which earned him enough

miles to take the trip into space with Virgin’s “Space

Wing” “consumer space shuttle” that will be “lifting off”

in a few years.

The trip cost him 2 million frequent flier miles,

compared to the 90,000 miles required for a first-class

flight from London to New York. So much for space

being the “final frontier” and the one “small step for

man one giant leap for mankind” stuff—now it’s just

another incentive to use your credit card.

AIR MILES VS. CASH BACK?

Does it pay? (For you, notthe card issuer!)

More and more companies offer “cash back”

related incentives—meaning a percentage

of your monthly charges comes back to you

as a “rebate”. To understand the pros and cons of this,

vs. air miles lets analyze the “numbers”.

Air miles credit cards generally grant one air mile per

dollar of spending. Cash-back credit cards generally

award at least $0.01 per dollar of spending (1%), and

sometimes up to $0.05 (5%) on certain purchases. So

the key question is: How much is an air mile worth?

The answer is “it depends on what you’ll use it for”.

Example; you can easily find a return coach ticket for

the busy JFK-LAX flight for about $250. Purchasing that

ticket for about 25,000 air miles means that each air

mile is worth less than a penny (0.88 cents, to be exact).

In contrast, if you use 90,000 air miles to purchase a

business class ticket to Europe that would normally cost

$6,000, you’re getting over 6 cents of value for each air

mile.

If you think there’s a pattern to this you’re right.

Air miles are worth more when used to purchase

business and first class tickets on pricey flights. This is

also true for upgrades from coach to business or first

class—especially on international routes with limited

competition.

But if you think the value of air miles is determined

entirely by the actual cost of the tickets you’re purchase

with them. Free flights or upgrades are worth less to

you than the ticket price. This is the “hook”. Even if you

cash in your air miles for a flight that would have cost

$6,000, it’s not worth that to you if you never would

have chosen to buy that ticket with cash.

A “free” coach ticket is a great bonus, but if you

wouldn’t have made the trip at all had you been paying

cash, it’s actually worth less to you than the advertised

ticket price—I know its tough turning down a freebie

but you see what we mean.

Now combine that with using air miles to get a

business class ticket, and calculate the value of the

ticket by doing as follows; find the cheapest coach

ticket, and then add what you’d be willing to pay cash-

wise for an upgrade to business class. Chances are it’s

far less than the advertised price of the business class

ticket (no matter what the “mileage carriers ‘math’”

tries to tell you.

Though there are also other reasons why the

value of an air mile is actually way less than

suggested by simply dividing the cost of an

expensive ticket by the number of air miles it “costs”:

1. Most air miles go unclaimed for years. Industry

estimates on this vary. Some estimate that 75% of air

miles are never redeemed, while others estimate that

50% of air miles go unclaimed for at least 5 years.

Either way, a reward is valueless if you don’t use it.

Even if you do finally use your air miles, all the time

they sit unused they fail to deliver value to you—I mean

it’s not like you’re getting interest on them. In contrast,

cash-back is usable immediately to increase your

savings, expenditure or debt repayment.

2. Booking fees can reduce the value of the air miles.

Airlines aren’t stupid (though you could never tell that

from their in-flight meals and entertainment). The look

to squeeze as much revenue as possible from as many

places as possible—hence, the fees, as in fees for

booking tickets using your air miles rewards. Those fees

reduce the value of the air miles, as you end up paying

more for your flights or upgrades than you expected

than just “swapping miles”.

3. Restrictions (“the stuff that lives in the fine print”)

can seriously reduce the value of the air miles. (a) Air

miles programs often have severe date and route

restrictions. (b) Air miles aren’t usually usable for child

fares. Remember that you’ll only want to use air miles

for leisure trips, not as a business expense. Well, if your

leisure trip includes traveling with children, booking

the tickets becomes almost as tough as traveling with

the kids may be.

You have to book the adult tickets with air miles, and

then try to book adjacent seats on the same flight

through some other booking service. Not easy. (c) Many

budget airlines, such as Jet Blue, don’t accept air miles,

and instead have their own frequent flier programs or

no program at all. The budget airlines tend to be the

most efficient airlines, and they’re gaining market

share. So you might find that the most convenient flight

for you doesn’t accept your air miles.

4. Air miles lose value as fares get cheaper. In general

the price of air travel is steadily declining, or as

Continental Airlines (former) CEO Gordon Bethune

said: “As the low-cost carriers continue to expand, I

think you’ll see continuous ‘evolutions’ (corporate term

for price drops) of the fare structure”. Translation: the

low cost carriers are driving down ticket prices for

everyone. Continental, for example, cut the price of

flexible coach and first-class tickets to stimulate more

business travel. That means that air miles are becoming

less valuable each year as the price of air tickets falls.

5. Air miles rewards can lock you into a credit card for

longer than you would have chosen. The time it takes to

ONE WOULD THINK THAT WITH TODAY’S CUT THROAT

prices, competition from everyone from

actually airlines to on-line travel sites to

(rumor has it) Wal-Mart and the plethora of

other “incentives” that have put everyone

except for the bagel store in the “travel”

business, the very LAST thing a travel

professional would do a column about would

be mileage.

And while many of my esteemed

counterparts have chosen to deal with

mileage the same way the government

apparently deals with the deficit (not much

to do about it, so ignore it— until it gets

brought up then “pooh pooh” it with a

dismissive wave of your hand), we at TC

whenever possible will show our clients

how/when/where to use their hard earned

miles for maximum “effect”.

…As in upgrades on seats

…Upgrades on rooms at hotels

…Free admission to tourist attractions,

…Free gifts and magazine subscriptions etc

The problem we’ve found is that while we

worked very hard to train our staff in the

REALITIES of what you can and can’t do –and

with which miles. We’re up against multi

million dollar marketing machines courtesy of

airlines, credit card companies etc.—all of

whom make it very clear that all that stands

between you and your dream

vacation/private yacht/multi-million dollar

coop etc, is your “bank” (industry talk for

stockpile) of miles.

If you read the brochures or see/hear the

ads these magic miles can be used at your

whim for a range of goods and services that

would otherwise only be available to a select

few whose incomes are of the level where

they don’t need miles to get what they want.

Then you get to the “fine print”. That’s where

the “make-up comes off”.

That’s where you learn words like

“blackout dates”, “limits”, “reciprocity

programs”, conversion rates (and formulas

that would almost confuse the calculus

professors that wrote them…etc.).

Suddenly you realize that your precious

“mileage”—the miles that you worked so

hard accruing by carrying/using one credit

card (despite a huge interest rate and no

grace period), the miles that had you

calculating the absolute longest most

convoluted travel itinerary possible to take

advantage of double and triple mileage

promotions has about all usable value of

Monopoly money—less actually, because

you can at least use that to build some

houses and hotels.

Having seen the frustration these

revelations have been causing our clients, I

felt it was time to do a column that would

enable folks to “check the mileage”—as in

perform an “educated evaluation” of their

program—or the countless programs that

frequently assault them via email, direct mail

and other media venues.

Myth, Mishugas,

Masterful Opportunity...

Or All The Aboveby Joeseph Leifer / CEO Travelers Choice

ONAIRLINE MILES:

JE Jewish Entertainment 41

build up a balance of air

miles large enough to use can

tie you to a single credit card

for a long period, preventing

you from switching to a

credit card that offers better

rewards. In other words your

interest in using it may be

hampered by the interest rate

you’re paying for the

“privilege”.

6. Booking a ticket with air

miles is often less convenient

and more time consuming

than booking online—yes even when your travel

professional is like us and has invested considerable

time and effort to make the process as seamless as

possible. Travel websites have improved the ticket-

booking experience to the point where you can find,

When you take all these factors into account, the value

of an air mile is likely worth less than a penny to most

people, and possibly considerably less. True, major U.S.

airlines sell up to 15,000 air miles to members of their

frequent flier programs for between 2.5 and 2.75 cents.

But remember that if you are purchasing air miles in

that way, you probably want to use them immediately.

And the purchase probably allows you to use a block of

accumulated air miles that would otherwise be useless

to you. So the cost to the airlines of selling “top up” air

miles is far higher than the cost of giving them as

general rewards.

For these reasons, credit cards that provide air

miles rewards are generally a lousy deal for

most people—unless of course you’re in the

select few who travels internationally for personal

leisure without children and would normally choose to

pay for a business class ticket—if that describes you to

a “T”, then an air miles credit card could be your best

option. But just to make “double sure” here’s some

guidelines, we advise our customers what to look for

when deciding on a “mileage” based relationship with a

card issuer or airline:

u See if the card allows you to earn miles on both

new charges and balance transfers.

u Note the mileage you receive for each dollar spent:

Most offer one mile for every dollar; some offer two

miles for every dollar spent on airline ticket purchases

from the partner airline.

u Read the fine print for any exclusions, restrictions,

or blackout dates.

u Verify the number of miles that can be earned per

year.

u Confirm how long mileage credits are available

before they expire.

u Check out the interest rate to see if it’s a teaser; if

so, find out the true interest rate and when it kicks in.

For more on the ramifications of “teaser interest rates”

check the financial/business section of your friendly

neighborhood Hamodia/Hamodia daily and read about

the current mortgage crisis—a good portion of which

emanated from all the poor innocents who bought

dream homes beyond their means with “teaser rates”

that made the homes affordable. Then when the teaser

rates “evolve” into the “real rate”, the buyer was

presented with a monthly mortgage fee sometimes

TWICE as much as the original one. This resulted in

making their dream homes unaffordable nightmares…

u Make sure you choose a credit card affiliated with

the airline(s) on which you prefer to travel. If that VISA

Ultra Triple Platinum with triple mileage and free shoe

shines doesn’t transfer reward miles to El AL and you’re

a “Matmid” level passenger, the whole thing may need

rethinking.

u Compare overall costs and your potential spending

habits with mileage versus non-mileage cards—ensure

you won’t come out ahead by getting your tickets from

us. Our account people will give you the “pros and

cons” of each scenario to make sure you’re getting the

best value possible.

u Beware that severe penalties for late payments on

mileage cards, ranging from late fees to not crediting

air miles can quickly dilute any “savings”.

u Be sure to pay off balances each month—

consumers tend to charge more on mileage cards than

with a regular credit card—which is why the card

companies promote them so heavily—hey ok so you’re

carrying a $5000 balance at 19.8% interest…but do

you know that all those charges will get you a free

upgrade on the next time you can afford to fly

somewhere? (Which thanks to the 19.8% interest, may

be in quite a few years!)

u Check that the grace period (when interest, fees,

etc are charged from) is at least 20 days—with all the

perks of a mileage card, sometimes issuers shorten

grace periods to try and recoup expenses.

MILES FOR MONEY: GoodBuy? Or Good Bye!

Aside from being able to “buy” miles—a

procedure only “worth it” if you’re a few

“short” of your goal, there’s a way to earn miles

even if you pay for all your transactions in cold hard

cash and have sworn off credit—but not the idea of

earning free air travel. Debit mileage cards are

beginning to sprout up for those with the discipline to

spend only what they earn.

Continental Airlines has partnered with Chase

Manhattan Bank to launch a debit card that credits

mileage with each debit charge deducted from the

customer’s Chase checking account. This card charges

a $30 annual fee and credits one Continental One Pass

mile for every $2 spent using the card.

Who knows? This new trend may combine the best of

both worlds—allowing disciplined spenders with their

feet on the ground to finally reach the clouds.

HIGH RATES, HIGH FEES:

As mentioned earlier, nobody’s giving you

something for nothing—the perks of free

airline travel do not come without a price.

Most mileage credit cards come with annual fees

upwards of $100 or more, and skyrocketing interest

rates currently top off at about 19%.

However, fierce competition among both airlines

and credit card issuers has resulted in partnerships

with the “firepower” to offer great deals to consumers.

A Consumer Reports Travel Letter a while back

named the Miles One card (issued by Capital One Bank

in Richmond, Virginia) as its best pick for mileage

perks. But the aforementioned banking issue may in all

likelihood change a lot of that, as lenders look to tie

down anything possible so they can “recoup” the

massive hit they took in their mortgage business. For

now, the chart above compares Miles One with some of

the other popular mileage credit cards on the market

today.

SO WHAT DO WE THINK?

Would we like all our clients to buy their

travel and vacation packages from us for

full fare and never mention mileage, on

line comparisons etc?

Yes. But we’d also like to offer our clients

reasonable room and travel rates in Israel during peak

seasons, luggage that’s first off the carousel and for that

matter world peace.

Fact is we can’t (we CAN sometimes come close on the

first three “wishes” and are davening for the fourth) but

the fact is the benefits of mileage is as much a part of

our industry as aisle vs. window seats.

What we can do—and have done is make the

process of using miles as seamless as possible.

Whenever a client is ABLE to intelligently use (not

waste) their miles for free flights, or upgrades we’ll

work with them to make it happen—as long as they

understand the “BIG PICTURE” –we’ll make sure they

get “full mileage from their mileage.”

In closing I’d just like to wish all of Klal Yisroel a

truly first class 5768 and thank everyone who has

helped make Travelers’ Choice the first choice for great

full service travel. Here’s hoping that before 5769 is

out, Moshiach will be booking our “flights” out of galus.

Considering how long we’ve been waiting I’m

confident he’ll have all the mileage he needs!

Yossi Leifer is the CEO of Traveler's Choice; a full

service travel agency based in N.Y. which

specializes in all kinds of business and personal

travel.

MILEA GE PL USFIRST

USA

Platinum

United and o thers

25,000

18.90 %

variable

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DELTA SK Y

MILESAMEX

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Delta and othe rs

25,000

18.74 %

variable

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AADV ANTA GE

CITI BANK

Platinum

American and ot hers

25,000

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ariable

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MILES ONE CA PITAL

ONE

Platinum

All major airlines

18,000

9.9%

fixed

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CARD TYPE

AIRLINES

MINIMU M MILES FOR FREE FLIGHT

APR

ANNUAL FEE


Gladstone’s Wine Bar & Grill l 398 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON M5N1A2 l 416-487-9500 l Supervision: COR l www.Gladstones.ca

Located in the heart of mid-town Toronto, Gladstone’s Wine Bar & Grill has seta new standard in dining elegance. They offer two levels of sophisticatedhospitality, but only one level of service...exceptional. The modern decor is

highlighted by a 30 foot ceiling with a Scarlett O’hara staircase and Hollywood steps. On the main floor,enjoy fine dining, in their spacious yet intimate setting and savour one of their signature cuts of BlackAngus Beef, aged for 21 days and charbroiled to your liking. Join them for a pre-theatre apertif andpasta or late night coffee and dessert on the mezzanine. Linger over drinks by the fireplace in their cozylounge or make yourself comfortable at their spectacular bar to enjoy fine wines, cocktails and lightfare.

It was only a couple of years ago when owner Raphy Amar saw there was a high demand for anupscale kosher restaurant that was not your “typical” kosher establishment. At Gladstone’s Wine Bar &Grill, Mid-town Toronto meets New York, California and the Orient in a fusion of innovative menuofferings created by world class culinary talents, led by talented and local born chef, Steven Stanchieri.House specialties include Sushi pizza with fresh Salmon tartar and an apple wine dressing, Thai CornishHen with soy glaze on a rice cake and Sea Bass topped with baked Smoked Salmon in a white winelemon garlic. Just divine! Specially designed desserts are created by their resident pastry chef.

Gladstone’s Wine Bar & Grill is also the setting of one of the city’s most exclusive private eventvenues. Offering complete on-site Glatt kosher catering as well as a full range of in-house eventplanning services, let the Gladstone’s team bring to life the event of your dreams. The mezzanine level isavailable during regular operating hours for groups of up to 80 for dinner or 125 guests for cocktails. Abeautifully appointed private dining room is also available for groups of up to 45 guests.

King Solomon’s Table l 3705 Chesswood Drive, North York (Toronto), ONM3J 2P6 l 416-630-1666 l Supervision: COR lwww.KingSolomonsTable.com

The city of Toronto, no doubt, has a large Jewish population. But little over a decadeago when there was a special occasion to be made, the area residents were limited in

their fine dining choices. That all changed when owner Joe Elmaleh opened King Solomon’s Table in1993. The elegant and spacious restaurant can hold up to 300 people and is presently serving asToronto’s largest full service glatt kosher restaurant.

While the restaurant gets many large groups for parties, it caters to business men and women,young families and couples. In addition, since the dining room is large and affords much privacy it isideal for shidduch dates. In fact, Joe remembers that on one night, there were four different dates in thefour corners of the room. He is also proud of the fact that customers come back and celebrate theirhappiest occasions here. When they first opened, they hosted a bris and just recently the boy celebratedhis Bar Mitzvah at the restaurant. They are all looking forward to his wedding there too.

King Solomon’s Table is also quite unique when it comes to their menus. The restaurant offers twolarge a la carte menus of Continental and Chinese selections which include a number of delectableappetizers, soups and mains. However, they also offer a 22-item “All-You-Can-Eat” Dinner Buffet everynight of the week for only $20. This is an unbelievable concept in the kosher industry. Everybody loves abuffet and it’s always frustrating when you can only go on a certain night. Here at King Solomon’s, youhave the best of both worlds. Joe doesn’t want his guests to leave hungry. He wants them to get theirmoney’s worth and feel satisfied. No wonder, the restaurant is called King Solomon’s Table - they offer afeast fit for a king.

Joe advises that one can enjoy the exclusive use of the King Solomon’s premises on Saturdayevenings or Sunday lunchtime. For all your simchas, King Solomon’s is proud to offer you exquisite,creative catering. For your convenience, they also offer catering services at selected banquet facilities inthe Greater Toronto area.

By Elan Kornblum, Publisher of Great Kosher Restaurants Magazine

It’s always a great time to head up North to visit our Canadian neighbors.From upstate NY, it’s less than 7 hours to Toronto and only 5 ½ hours to Montreal.

While you’re there, here are some of my top restaurant picks:

TORONTO

WINE BAR & GRILL

GLADSTONE’S

Marky’s Restaurant l 280 Wilson Avenue, Toronto, ON M3H 1S8 l 416-638-1081 lSupervision: COR l www.MarkysKosher.com

Marky’s Restaurant and Deli is a kosher institution. They have the distinct honor and well-deserved privilege ofbeing the longest running glatt kosher restaurant, not only in Canada, but of the entire North America. For over37 years, Marky’s has been the location everyone has trusted for consistency, efficient service and most of allMarky’s-World-Famous food.

With a casual and relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant is well lit and decorated with large framed paintings.Owner Erez Karp is all about customer service There is nothing that he won’t do for his customers or his staff.Some of the loyal staff have been there for over two decades. He also takes pride in the restaurant’s family-

oriented and friendly approach. Even in the late night hours, the restaurant is open for their customers.One cannot come to Marky’s without sampling their all natural, no-msg, real-Chicken Soup. Served in a huge bowl, with

gigantic matzoh balls - it’s the city’s best. The hearty Minestrone Soup which is full of vegetables, is also a winner. There areplenty of deli meats - the corned beef is juicy and with a kaiser roll, it doesn’t fall apart. You sure don’t need ketchup, since thiscorned beef speaks for itself. There are a number entrees for beef lovers in addition to several Italian and Oriental dishes. Butmake sure to get their tomato-flavored, thick kishka - it comes with a fantastic gravy. For alternatives, the restaurant also offersfresh salads and fish. Their prices are reasonable and the portions are generous.

Marky’s delivers to area and airport hotels, since many people stop over in Toronto on their way from California to Israel-they’ll even provide real china. The restaurant can also fulfill all your catering needs in your home or office as well as arrangefor your party to be held downstairs in their party or at your off premise location.

Milk N’ Honey (Tor.) l 3457 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M6A 2C5 l 416-789-7651 lSupervision: COR l www.milknhoneyCA.com

Milk ‘N Honey is a cute restaurant and a fan favorite amongst its loyal customers. Owned by MosheZombeck, the restaurant has a colorful decor, featuring painted murals along the walls. Comfortablechairs, cushioned booths and blue tabletops add to the light and casual mood.

The restaurant features an array of dairy and vegetarian dishes, perfect for lunch or a light, yet,fulfilling dinner. For starters, the Mushroom Barley Soup or the French Onion Soup offer robust and

filling choices. One can pick from any number of salads and dressings, with an old-time favorite, Caesar salad leading the way.Their healthy sandwiches and wraps are also popular items. However, if you’re not from around the area, then you must try thePanzarotti - it’s incredible. The calzone-like, pizza-in-a-pocket, is oversized and fun to eat. Just be careful when you first get itbecause that delectable filling inside the pocket can be very hot.

There are plenty of pasta and fish entrees, most of which come with a house soup. Speaking of soup, the restaurant alsooffers a very nice cold strawberry-Cherry Soup that is extremely refreshing on a warm Toronto day. Also be sure to inquireabout their daily fish and pasta specials. The fresh grilled salmon, lightly marinated in a honey mustard sauce, happens to bedelicious and will literally melt in your mouth. And speaking of melting in your mouth, desserts are their specialty with thehomemade cheesecake a must.

Milk ‘N Honey also provides catering with many platters, such as scoop, fruit and cheese and Smoked Fish platters. Anycombination of platters is always available. Salads, finger foods and hot trays are offered as well.

Exodus Restaurant l 5395 Queen-Mary Road, Montreal, QC H3X 1V1 l 514-483-6610 l

Supervision: Montreal Kosher l www.ExodusRestaurant.com

Montreal is a beautiful city with a rich culture and French flair. One would not believe that it’sonly a six hour drive from New York City. While there are many great attractions when visitingMontreal, one of them would have to be dining out at Exodus Restaurant. Located in thepopular and busy section of Queen Mary Road and Decarie Blvd, it is one of the finest glatt

kosher restaurants in all of Montreal. Hand-made paintings on mustard color walls, comfortable cushioned boothsand chairs and lit candles, all make for a classy ambiance.

Owner Laurence Perez took over the restaurant last year and has added many fine touches. For one thing, sheis very proud of her service - the attentive and friendly staff makes the customers feel quite welcomed. She hasalso added sushi to an already deliciously flavored Moroccan and Middle Eastern menu.

Upon sitting, steaming hot pita is brought to your table. The Mixed Salad is very fresh with an assortment ofEggplant, Israeli salad, Tabouli, Babaganoush, Tehina and Hummus. For the mains, the Mixed Grill, a fantasticcombination of steak, kufta, sausage and chicken breast is highly advisable. House specialties include Merguez andCouscous. For dessert, Chocolate Mousse or their Tiramisu is perfect with mint tea served with an authenticMoroccan kettle. They have outside dining on their front patio which makes for a very exciting and enjoyablemeal. The restaurant also specializes in Sheva Brachot and other social and private events. With rave reviews from their customers from around the world, Exodus is certainly a great find in a great city.

Yakimono l 4210 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H4A 3K3 l 514-484-1515 l Supervision:Montreal Kosher l www.yakimono.ca

Located in a trendy area of Montreal and conveniently located near the Decarie Metro Bus terminal,Yakimono is a non-dairy, non-meat restaurant that gives you the opportunity to stop by anytime of theday- everything here is parve. Owner Moshe Emergui named the restaurant Yakimono for 2 reasons.The word can be translated from Japanese with “Yaki” meaning “raise” and “ono” meaning “richness” as

to describe the level of quality and flavor of his dishes but also because it has a spiritual meaning. The first two letters in thename is one of G-d’s names and “kimono” is the authentic Japanese clothing, thus Moshe wanted G-d to be with him in thisJapanese adventure of his.

This culinary adventure began in January 2006 when Moshe saw that there was a need for specialized sushi in the Montrealarea. While the young crowd already has taken to the Japanese delicacy, many more mature have gave been coming in. Therestaurant is authentic and relaxed, with mellow music playing in the background and waitresses dressed in Japanese kimonos.

For appetizers, the Kani Salad of avocado, cucumber, tempura flakes and spicy sauce is a very tasty combination as are theircrunchy spring rolls, dipped in a sweet and sour orange flavored sauce. Besides being able to customize any sushi roll you desire,there are plenty of mainstream fish entrees to choose from, although made with a Japanese influence. Salmon and Tuna Teriyakiare offered as are a number of stir-fried vegetable dishes. There are even vegetable nuggets with French Fries for the kids.

But if you’ve come to Yakimono, it’s highly recommended that you treat your taste buds to any of their two dozen sushi rollsor if you are with a group, a sushi boat might be in order. For dessert, Moshe has been working hard in creating some uniquehomemade dessert items. Fried chocolate sticks with tofu ice cream topped with caramel and raspberry sauce is quite interesting..

The Great Kosher Restaurants Magazine: 2007 International Edition is available in all Barnes & Noble and Jewish bookstores throughout the United Statesand Canada for only $4.00 For more information about the magazine, call 718-336-4201 or visit www.GreatKosherRestaurants.com

MONTREAL


ven more shocking is the contrastbetween the current atmosphere ofgaiety and the former gloom thatpervaded the room and itsinhabitants just minutes ago. This isyet another Mekimi success story-ascenario that repeats itself multipletimes every day in major hospitalwards across the New York area, in

New Jersey and in London, England.Mekimi was founded four years ago, when

a few young patients explained to their volunteerdriver how depressed they were from the hospitalenvironment. No “kosher” entertainment wasavailable to Jewish patients, and long days weremade longer due to boredom and the somberhospital atmosphere. As he listened to the patients,this volunteer driver was inspired to act-to fill thegreat void that existed. He decided to start a projectwhich expanded into a full-spectrum organization.

Mekimi came to life, and with itmultitudes of hospital patients received a new leaseon life as well.

Mekimi’s mission is to bring happinessand cheer to sick children, adolescents, and youngadults. In its early stages, the organization openedup Jewish video libraries in five New York hospitals,including NYU and Columbia. They advertised thenew service in newspapers, and Jewish patientsbegan taking advantage of the library.

Eventually, the project expanded toinclude live entertainment. A volunteer who hadperformed with a noted superstar singer for a veryill little girl later found out that on her deathbed, shehad commented that “the best time I had in mywhole life, was when ———- came and performedfor me”!

Word of mouth spread like wildfire, andvolunteers of every talent and bent began comingforward to contribute to the cause. Musicians,clowns, magicians, singers, jugglers, comedians, andballoon artists are just a few of the 350 volunteerswhich comprise Mekimi’s dedicated staff. Somevolunteers do creative crafts projects with patients;others teach electronics or bring their interestinghobbies to display. One volunteer, a graphic artist,takes pictures of patients and does interesting thingswith the photographs. Volunteers visit the hospitalsdaily, performing, schmoozing, joking with, anddistracting patients with undiluted zest and goodcheer.

For many, the laughter offered by Mekimiis actually life-saving. In numerous cases, patientswho refused to eat due to their severe depressionmade a complete turnaround after a Mekimi visit. Atwelve-year-old recently diagnosed with cancerwas thrown into a depressed state; his parents wereshocked and exuberant when they heard thelaughter coming from his room-it was the first timehe had so much as smiled in five days!

Mekimi now boasts nine libraries in ninehospitals, with a combined total of over 100,000DVDs to lend out. Available DVDs include ChofetzChaim Heritage Foundation videos, school plays,choirs, Torah shiurim, and virtually every genreimaginable. The organization’s halachic authority isR’ Michel Steinmetz, Dayan of Skver and Mekimioperates under the umbrella of the noted MishkanYecheskel chesed organization.

In addition to their work in hospitals,Mekimi also organizes and hosts special events forthe chronically ill, treating patients to exciting trips,Shabbatons, and barbecues. A recent introduction issimcha broadcasting-a video hookup in thepatient’s own room enables them to share in asimcha that they would otherwise have missed.

Although the organization operates onsuch a large scale, all volunteers contribute theirtime on a sideline basis-even the directors.

There is no payroll in Mekimi and“although, it being a proud member of the eminentMishkan Yechezkel, the umbrella organization ofcommunity services underwritten by the prominentphilanthropist, Mr. Yechezkel Shrage Kauftheil andbeing funded by it largely,” all funds are obtainedthrough fundraising-vital in meeting a $1.6 millionoperating budget. Donors often choose to sponsorspecial projects in memory of loved ones or as azechus for a particular cause. Mekimi’s latest plan isto expand into Eretz Yisrael, where no doubt a hostof entertainers will be more than happy to answerthe call.

In the gloomy world of illness and disease,Mekimi is a shining and much-needed ray ofsunshine.

You can get involved with an organizationlike Mekimi very easily. Do you have a talent toshare? A hobby or craft? An interesting profession?If not, you can volunteer to drive entertainers to andfrom hospitals or help out with sponsorships or inother ways. If there are no Mekimi services in yourarea, consider volunteering at a local hospital onyour own initiative.

Anyone can tell a joke, and it only takes aminute to make a sick person smile but a littlehappiness goes a long way!

Mekimi Headquarters at 5313 New Utrecht Ave inBrooklyn, Tel: (866) MEKIMI-1 (635-4641) W:www.mekimi.org e-mail: [email protected].

EPeals of laughter ring out into the hallway,

joyously melding with the music that pours outof the room. A chasunah? A birthday party?

No. It’s a hospital room.

clowns/jugglers

magicians

dvd players

shabbatons

dvds48 JE Jewish Entertainment

mexicottiStatus: MeatPrep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 35 minutesYield: 6 servings

ingredient list12 manicotti pasta tubes, uncooked

16 ounces store-bought salsa

1(26-ounce) jar favorite marinara sauce

1jalapeno pepper, minced, divided

11/2 pounds ground beef

1/2cup crushed tortilla chips

1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1/2 large green bell pepper, seeded andfinely chopped

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 small onion, halved and very thinlysliced

nondairy sour cream, such as Tofuttibrand, for garnish

lime slices, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Spray an 8- by 10-inch bakingpan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water forhalf the recommended time on the box. Rinse, drain, cover,and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, combine the salsa, marinara sauce, and halfthe minced jalapeٌo pepper. Set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, crushedtortilla chips, cilantro, green bell pepper, garlic, salt, blackpepper, and remaining half of the minced jalapeٌo pepper.Add 2?3 cup of the prepared salsa mixture. Use your handsto thoroughly mix and knead the mixture together.

5. With a small spoon, fill the manicotti tubes with the meatmixture; do not overstuff or they will split. Lay the stuffedmanicotti into the prepared pan. Mix the onion slices intothe remaining sauce. Ladle the sauce over the manicotti.

6. Bake for 35 minutes, uncovered. Serve 2 Mexicotti perplate with a dollop of nondairy sour cream and a lime slice.

7. Manicotti is an Italian dish of meat- or cheese-stuffedpasta tubes. This version introduces Mexican flavors.Prepare the meat mixture while the pasta is cooking. Youwant to undercook the pasta so that it is pliable but doesn’tsplit when you stuff and bake it.

8. Wear gloves when cutting the jalapeٌo pepper to keepthe capsaicin off your skin, and discard the seeds and ribs.Don’t touch eyes or other sensitive areas until your glovesare discarded and your hands are completely clean.

moo shuStatus: Meat

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

ingredient list1 tablespoon canola oil

11/2 pounds top of the rib, filet split, or Londonbroil, very thinly sliced against the grain

6 ounces shiitake mushrooms caps, thinly sliced

3 scallions, sliced thinly on a diagonal, whiteand pale green parts only

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons roasted or toasted sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

bottled hoisin sauce, such as Joyce Chen brand

6 large flour tortillas

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Cover 2–3 large cookie sheets withparchment paper. Set aside.

2. Cut each dough ball in half. Knead and work each halfinto a flattened round, like a mini pizza crust, about 7 inchesin diameter. Place each round onto the prepared cookiesheets.

3. Brush each crust with olive oil. Sprinkle each with coarsesea salt and pepper. Divide the garlic evenly over the crusts.Use your fingers to spread the minced garlic evenly.

4. Place the cookie sheets into the oven and bake the crustsfor 20 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, place the balsamic into a microwave-safe

dish. Microwave for 45–60 seconds. The smell will bepungent and the vinegar will boil and steam. Reducing thevinegar results in a much richer flavor.

6. Whisk the oil into the reduced vinegar. Add the oregano.Set aside.

7. Shred the lettuces and toss them together. Thinly slice thetomatoes.

8. When the crusts are done, remove them from the oven.Place some of the lettuce mix on each crust, leaving anarrow rim. Scatter tomato slices in the center of each crust.

9. Whisk the dressing again and drizzle each pizza with thevinaigrette.

My sister Karen loves good food as much as I do, and she ispretty health conscious. On a recent visit she ordered in from her local pizza store and surprised mewith a fabulous find that inspired this recipe — a saladpizza.

The pizza dough that I like comes in plastic bags in thefreezer section of my supermarket. I always keep a few ballson hand for last minute make-your-own pizza nights or forthis, a really colorful, flavorful, healthier alternative. Somestores, like Trader Joe’s, sell fresh dough balls in therefrigerator section in similar plastic bags, or you canpurchase them from your local pizza store.

tri coloresalad pizzaStatus: Parve



Yield: 6 servings

ingredient list3 (1-pound) balls pizza dough

extra-virgin olive oil

coarse sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

6 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar,such as the Bartenura Special Reserve

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 large handfuls arugula

2 large handfuls radicchio

2 large handfuls red leaf lettuce

plum tomatoes, thinly sliced

1. Preheat oven to 400F and line acookie sheet with parchment paper.Allow the puff pastry to stand at roomtemperature for 15 minutes so that itstretches easily.

2. Gently open each sheet of puff pastry.

3. Lightly brush beaten egg over thesurface of each sheet.

4. Lightly brush Dijon mustard over thesurface of each sheet.

5. Cut each puff pastry sheet lengthwiseinto 3 equal pieces, using the folds asguidelines.

6. Place a sausage in the center of eachpiece. Wrap the pastry around eachsausage. Pinch the ends closed and trimas necessary.

7. Place the sausages on the preparedcookie sheet.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the

pastry is puffed and golden and servewith yellow mustard.

When I was in HAFTR HighSchool, a group of my friends and Iworked as hostesses for the catererwhose hall was right next door to ourschool. My favorite part of the job wasserving hors d’oeuvres. I was continuallyamazed that no matter how manyfabulous and exotic appetizers werepassed around, the basket that got themost attention was filled with thefranks-in-blankets. They alwaysdisappeared immediately. This recipe isa spicy, more contemporary version, butjust as simple to make. * The puff pastrycan be filled and rolled up to 1 day inadvance and refrigerated, or frozen upto 2 weeks in advance. Thaw and bakeas directed. You can serve a wholesausage as an appetizer portion, or slicethem up and arrange them on a platteras hors d’oeuvres.

sausageen croûteStatus: Meat



Yield: 6 servings

ingredient list1 (17.5-ounce) box frozenpuff-pastr dough

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

6 brown-and-serve sausages,such as 999 brand fully-cooked Italian or BeefSausage

yellow mustard

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over mediumheat. Add the slices of steak and mushrooms and searthem for 3 minutes. Turn them over and sear on theother side. Do this in batches, if necessary, to avoidcrowding the pan. Add the scallions; sauté for 3 minutesuntil shiny.

2. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger,and cayenne pepper. Add this mixture to the skillet.

3. Add the beaten eggs and mix, stirring quickly untilpartially set. Remove from heat.

4. Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave for 10seconds to soften them. You can also do this in the oven;just spritz with a tiny bit of water, wrap in foil, andbake for 5–6 minutes until warm.

5. Spread each tortilla with hoisin sauce. Fill each withthe moo shu mixture. Fold each tortilla in half and thenfold into quarters.

6. Usually wrapped in a thin, delicate Mandarinpancake, my quick and easy version of Moo Shu wrapsthe filling in warmed flour tortillas, making thepreparation a snap.

* This recipe can be made with sliced chicken breast aswell, or, for a vegetarian spin, substitute raw coleslawmix for the protein. This dish is perfect for a packedlunch, since it is easy to transport. Think of all the funyou can have just saying Moo Shu...

DELICIOUS, INTERNATIONAL, AND SO EASY TO MAKE! Take your taste buds around the world with these great tasting recipes

from Susie Fishbein's latest sensational cookbook,Kosher By Design Short On Time!


BUT FIRST, FOR THOSE READERS WHO ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH STAR-K, LET MEbegin by introducing our not-for-profit kosher certification agency. With itscorporate office based in Baltimore, Star-K operates satellite offices in Israel, China,Australia, India, and, closer to home, in New York, New Jersey, Phoenix, andCalifornia. All kashrus related matters are the sole responsibility of our RabbinicAdministrator, Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, shlita.

Star-K mashgichim can be found around the world supervising the “catch of theday” in Fiji Island waters, date production in Pakistan, raisin production in Iran, grapejuice production in South Africa, pomegranate juice production in Azerbaijan, thedistillation of slivovitz in Croatia, the processing of cocoa in Belgium, themanufacturing of food chemicals and herbal extracts in China, the slaughter of cattlein Argentina and poultry in Israel. Parisian wines, Vietnamese spices, Grecian andTurkish pickled products, and Moroccan olive oil, Indian oleoresins, and Russianparchment paper also bear the familiar Star-K logo.

Star-K certifies 45,638 products, in over one thousand six hundred locations, inforty-eight states and fifty-four countries around the world. Since a large percentageof these companies manufacture food chemicals and other basic ingredients used byfood companies, there is a good chance that some of what you ate today containedflavors, acidulants, artificial sweeteners, or seasonings certified by Star-K.

Star-K’s website, www.star-k.org, keeps you informedabout kosher products, consumer alerts, Comments andQuestions, and FAQs. Current and archival editions ofKashrus Kurrents, featuring articles about kashrus andother mitzvos, are also made available on this website, asare educational programs on Shmitta 5768. The picture ofthe cutesy cow standing with a child drinking a cup of milkon Star-K’s homepage says it all: “Discover the World ofKosher…It’s not just about milk and meat.” More than justa clever take on kashrus, it depicts the uniqueness of theStar-K.

THESE ARE JUST SOME OF STAR-K’S UNIQUE PROGRAMS:

Star-K’s online interactive Virtual Kosher University allowskosher novices to learn the basics from Star-K’s expert Kashrus Administrators—whether they live in Calabasas, California, or Caracas, Venezuela! Regardless of one’sschedule, the world of kosher is now open as never before, at one’s own pace, in thecomfort of one’s own home. Visit www.kosherclasses.org. Its Telekosher ConferenceSeries answers unique and unusual questions about Kosher, live from the listeningaudience.

Star-K’s intensive annual Kashrus Training Seminar, held in Baltimore’s Star-Koffices during the summer, allows rabbonim, kashrus administrators, and aspiringsmicha students who are considering careers in rabbonis, kiruv, and kashrus, theopportunity to expand their hands-on knowledge of kashrus. To apply, call the Star-K office, 410-484-4110, for an application, or download it from Star-K Online,www.star-k.org.

Star-K’s annual Passover Directory, includes two popular guides in one: ThePassover Medicines & Cosmetics guide, prepared by Rabbi Gershon Bess, of Kollel LosAngeles, and Star-K’s Comprehensive Information & Product Guide. The 2008Passover Directory will be available for purchase after Purim at Jewish bookstoresthroughout the U.S.

As a public service to kosher consumers, Star-K’s research on kashrus and othermitzvahs is made available through various media. Star-K’s Kosher Hot Line, (410)484-4110, operates Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, and Friday, 9

a.m. to 4 p.m., in the summer, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the winter. With world renownedexpertise, running the gamut from pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements to“Sabbath mode appliances”, it responds to hundreds of telephone inquiries posed bypeople living throughout the U. S., and as far away as England, Israel, South America,South Africa, and Australia.

NOW, BACK TO OUR COLUMN…

Rosh Hashana is right around the corner. At Star-K, it brings to mind things like thekashrus of honey, bug checking, Shmitta 5768, and cooking on Yom tov. Star-K’sKosher Hot Line routinely receives questions about these topics and more, from kosherconsumers around the world.Q. DOES HONEY NEED A HECHSHER (KOSHER SYMBOL)?

A. Even though a bee is a non-kosher species and honey is derived from a bee, all100% pure honey is permissible, whether it is from Montana, North Dakota, or anystate or country.

Q. WHICH ROSH HASHANA “SIMANIM” FRUITS AND VEGETABLES HAVE TO BECHECKED FOR BUGS AND HOW DOES ONE CHECK THEM?

A. Cabbage (sometimes used as an alternative to leeks), black eyed peas, and datesrequire checking. To check cabbage pull the leaves apart, rinse each leaf thoroughly,and visually check for signs of infestation. If it is clean, you can use it.

Black eyed peas, like all beans, may harbor wormswhen stored improperly or for a prolonged time. Tocheck, soak them; if any beans float to the surface,discard them. Rinse off the remainder and use.

Dates can hide worms inside of them, which arevery thin and hair-like. To check, slice the datelengthwise and visually inspect.

Q. DO I HAVE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUTSHMITTA 5768, IF I LIVE IN AMERICA?

A. Under normal circumstances produce of Sheviisshould not be exported. It is for this reason that

Israeli fresh produce and Israeli manufactured goods must clearly state that they areShmitta free. Many authorities permit the export of esrogim for Succos. Whenproducts come to foreign markets from the land of Israel, one should look for a reliablekosher certification.

Q. I HAVE ALWAYS COOKED ON A GAS STOVE AND RECENTLY MOVED INTO ANAPARTMENT THAT HAS AN ELECTRIC OVEN AND STOVETOP. WHAT DO I HAVE TOKNOW ABOUT COOKING WITH IT ON YOM TOV, SO I DO NOT TRANSGRESSHALACHA?

A. Turning on your electric cook top or oven on Yom tov is forbidden, since thatcreates a new flame and may also initiate a light or icon on a control panel. Therefore,the oven and burners must be turned on prior to Yom tov. If you cannot tell for sureif there is electric current running to the element when you want to adjust thetemperature upward, it may be initiating the flow of electricity, which is prohibited.To circumvent this prohibition, an electrician can install an indicator light which isattached to the actual flow of electricity to the burner, allowing you to raise thetemperature when the light is on. Similarly, lowering the oven heat setting would beproblematic for the same two reasons. When you are allowed to lower it, it may onlybe done for the benefit of the food, so it will remain warm and not burn. You may notturn off the burner completely, however, unless the indicator light is off, indicatingthat power is no longer flowing. If you do shut it off then, it cannot be turned on againfor that Yom tov.

HOME ON THE KOSHER RANGEBy Margie Pensak

“all 100%pure honey ispermissible”

Welcome to Star-K Kosher Certification’s new monthly column, “Home on the Kosher Range”. Hopefully, it willenlighten you so you can be better informed when making your kashrus decisions. Remember, the only thing

that’s obvious about making kashrus decisions is, that what appears to be the obvious is not always the correctdecision. We invite you to submit your kashrus questions to be answered by Star-K rabbis, for possible

publication. You may e-mail them to: [email protected].

JE Jewish Entertainment 53

Part

3by Y.S. Haber

question; “What is causing our quality of life to gofrom vibrant to virtually vanish?

In my opinion, it was (and still is) the growingnumber of entities whose agendas are apparentlybased on optimizing every usable millimeter ofland—regardless of the strain it puts on roads,utilities, police, fire and via those our collectivequality of life

About the only upside to this fiasco is the“entertainment value” in the rationales given byall the groups/organizations seeking to not somuch “break” the law as “rise” above it...wayabove it. Case in point, how can any “Semicha”(Rabbinical Ordination) programs claim (with astraight face) that their program takes longer thanbecoming a board certified neurosurgeon? Don’task me, but the folks in a certain group claimtheirs is a 15 year program (and a non profit oneat that). My friend who recently finished hisboard certification in neurosurgery only had togive up 12 years of his life—and that wasincluding college!

Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing againstqualified Rabbonim. Look at the world around us,the issue with “kids at risk” etc. that has invadedmost all Jewish communities. Our world needs,desperately needs, more rabbis—especially oneswith 15 years (3-4 timesthe norm) of trainingwhich will clearly makethem more than capableto handle—if notprevent, any situation.This group with its 15year program is clearlyproducing the “NavySEALS” of Rabbinicleaders—let’s ascertainwhat the 15 yearcurriculum is comprisedof, so we can get theseguys out into the field—either to help with theirown community’s needs, or to get involved inhelping other communities in need.

But I digress, because this letter is about irony—asin the pros and cons of Wal-Mart—not the prosand cons who turned Rockland into anenvironment that all but laid out a welcome matfor it. And now that good old fashioned“mainstream” American capitalism wants to takeadvantage of the “for sale” sign we’ve put on our“collective conscience”, the same group(s) fightingfor the good of the goose (their goose) aresuddenly crying “foul” in regard to the entry ofan unaffiliated “gander”. How’s THAT forentertaining irony?

So am I for the Wal-Mart Super Center?

No—just like I’m not for the Semicha “SuperCenters” that seem to be popping up all over thearea—and for pretty much the same reason(s). Itwould add more congestion, stress, etc. to an areawhere we’ve already done a darn good job ofadding all the above all on our own (take a drivedown route 306 towards route 59 and see what Imean—10 lanes of humanity living over 1 laneof roadway (on most mornings the area resemblesa giant wall to wall parking lot for school busesand minivans—pity the poor Hatzoloh memberthat has a call anywhere on 306 between 8 and

9:30 am. For that matter, pity the poor personwho made that call. The only upside to this is thatthe sale of home defibrillators will probablyskyrocket as people won’t want to risk their liveson Hatzoloh being trapped behind 9 school buses,3 mini buses, and 7 mini vans.

Actually, I’m not a fan of the Wal-Mart for otherreasons as well. Fact is, most of Wal-Mart’severyday low prices come at the expense ofeveryday lower quality of goods and services. Itscommon knowledge most major brands will cutwhatever corners are needed to get their brandsonto Wal-Mart’s hallowed shelves. I mean haveyou tried shopping there lately? The only thinglower than the prices is the level of customerservice (and in some categories the quality aswell).

Small wonder Wal-Mart is looking to reinventthemselves to provide a more positive (read“Target-like”) shopping experience—a move that Ican guarantee you has NOTHING to do withcompeting with our local retailers.

That combined with the fact it’s virtuallyimpossible for them to offer a retail environmentwith the unique selection of everything fromapparel to appetizing required by our community,means (in my opinion anyway) that we’ll now be

looking for (fighting for)parking in two malls (atleast).

On the other hand—andI’ll say it again—, I can’thelp but be entertained bythe delightful irony—namely how those whosought to alter the rules forpersonal or “communal”gain are now getting theirjust desserts (as well asentrees, appetizers and allelse)

When down zoning parcels of land met theircollective agendas—anyone with the temerity tochallenge them was labeled as everything from“anti Semitic” to “anti democratic” (had thishappened during the Cold War era they probablywould’ve been labeled as “Communist as well)

Now when a Wal-Mart Super center—with theretail “firepower” to challenge the rather sizeableinvestments made by local grocers (A.K.A.Heimish “Super centers”) looms on the horizon,the same folks who saw no problem with makingzoning laws vanish faster than Bush’s cabinetappointees, are suddenly professing to be “victims”of the very disregard for quality of life that theycreated

Fact is all of Rockland’s resident’s are victims—and have been for the last 10 or so years whenvillage “planners” and political figures beganbasing their zoning cues on sardine cans—not thecapabilities of the fragile infrastructure whosedemise went from impending to imminent.

There’s a saying in Yiddish (which also probablyhas its parallels in every language on the planet)that goes “The way you make your bed—that’show you’ll sleep”.

With precious few exceptions e.g.; the Mayor and

Trustees of Wesley Hills who will stand up toanyone seeking to circumvent the rules that gotmany of us to move here in the first place,Rockland’s “movers and shakers” have shown theyhave no problem “moving” whatever it takes toget what they want where they want it—nomatter who, what or where they have to “shake”in the process.

Speaking of exceptions, one has to give kudos tothe Skver community as well. Rather than choosethe infinitely easier—though obviously moreintrusive path of expanding New Square in thegeneral existing area. They purchased a rathersizeable piece of acreage in upstate NY to beginconstruction of a “New” New Square. Would ithave been easier logistically to expand theirRockland County base? Definitely. But thatexpansion would probably have come at theexpense/potential discomfort of parts/members ofthe Rockland community not affiliated with Skver.So rather than cause potential discomfort theychose the added expense—financial—andlogistical, of “starting from scratch” in upstate NY.

Personally, I prefer that kind of “everyday highmentchlichkeit” to whatever is professed aseveryday low prices by Walmart

Anyway, so now that the “every day low pricedmade in China” shoe is on the other foot, I haveone thing to say, enjoy your Wal-Mart guys,because when you think about it, all Wal-Mart isREALLY doing is “fast tracking” the process youalready started.

P.S.: And regarding that narishkeit of Wal-Martbecoming a “hangout”—have you ever seen theMonroe/Woodbury Super center? Can’t thecommunity “Spin Doctors” come up with a better“Cause Celebre” than equating Wal-Mart with apool hall, Woodbourne, or late night Shwarmajoint?

I mean they’ve (Wal-Mart) capitulated on themagazines—(which is admirable), but are youreally worried about the “undesirable elements”attracted to a 24 hour “cradle to grave” retailer?

Speaking of which, the last time I heardcomments about “undesirable elements” waswhen a guy named Goebbles (or was itHimmler?) was handling the PR for a maniacalformer housepainter.

…And the fact that that’s now become the“mantra” of members of our community is anirony as well—only this irony is disturbing…notentertaining.

YS HABER is usually much happier about thebucolic life he and his family have been inenjoying in Monsey for almost two decades. Butas the recent NY Times story did generate a fairamount of questions from a fair amount of hisnon Jewish (or Jewish but unaffiliated) friendsand clients—he found himself in the position ofactually having to form a cohesive opinion—andonce he started thinking it through, he keptfixating on how darn ironic the whole thing was.YS promises that next month’s Rewind will“Rewind” back to its normal (for him anyway)format. He hopes you enjoyed this little sojournfrom the typical and asks that you please let himknow regardless via [email protected].

“SO AM I FOR THE WAL-MART SUPER CENTER?

NO—JUST LIKE I’M NOTFOR THE SEMICHA “SUPERCENTERS” THAT SEEM TOBE POPPING UP ALL OVER

THE AREA”

DEAR ALL,Hope you all had a nicesummer (though after acertain point in life,summer’s just like winterbut warmer and withlonger Shabbos afternoonnaps.).

Anyway, as with my preceding “Rewind”column—I want to start by thanking all thosewho took the time to offer the thoughts andfeedback regarding Jewish Music Classicsthat “Shoulda, and Coulda…but didn’t”.

Particular thanks goes to “Mr. K”—whoactually reminded me about a few of myfavorite albums –“Kivinu”—the Rabbis SonsReunion Album, Rockiah (“shticky” nameaside) ahead of its time and Mimamakimwhich featured Avrumy Flamm and RavShmuel Brazil—one of the few composers leftthat still writes real, 100% authenticnigunim.

Thanks also to the person who mentionedAvraham Rosenblum’s V’Hosheynu—a gemof an album which if memory servespreceded his “Bar Yochai” & Kedem projects.

There were also numerous other references–some so obscure I’m still researchingthem—thanks again to Sheya Mendlowitz,Dovid Nulman, Yossi Leifer and the“Smithsonian of Jewish Music:” BentzyKaminetzky—for their help in compiling thelatest rewind contenders –though you won’tbe seeing them this month because in anutshell, I found the summer is NOT the besttime to be tracking down producers andperformers (mainly because they’re allworking producing and performing).

So here I am at deadline with lots of “holes”that need filling—and I’m faced with threeoptions;

Start from scratch—go back to my vaults andpull out the next group of contenders—possible but problematic as it will still meangetting background information from peoplewho may not be as accessible as I’d needthem to beSkip this month—Good ideas, except that thepublishers of this publication work long andhard on putting together a quality read for

15,000+ readers throughout North America& Canada (based on my emails I’ll attest tothat). If I leave them in a lurch, what doesthat says about the regard I have for theirefforts? (besides it’s much easier to get paidfor writing when you actually have writtensomething

Go 180 degrees in my thinking—andapproach. Meaning, JEM stands for JewishEntertainment Magazine, and whilst 99.9%of Jewish Entertainment is music centric, whynot pick a topic that while not music issomething I find entertaining? A topic“ripped from today’s headlines” (well if youlive in Monsey or read the NY Times). A topicthat’s entertaining because of its almostdelightful irony—O Henry (a fiction writerwho was an “icon of irony”). Ok, the topicmay make more waves than my previouscolumns—but those of you who approach itwith an open mind –and a sense of humor,will have to agree that you can’t help butfind the irony that inspired it entertainingand since it centers around Monsey’s Jewishcommunity, it fulfills the Jewish part aswell—in other words Jewish andEntertaining—hence a perfect fit for thispublication.

And before any of you fly off the handle andget upset with how I can have the temerity tobe entertained by “irony” (as irony usuallyindicates someone else’s discomfort), myapologies in advance. Though let me add, I’verun this by a number of people and UNLESSyou have an agenda where you stand toseriously gain/lose by the situation, you’llhave no choice but to agree that the situationis ironically entertaining.

OK, WITH THAT PREAMBLE BEHIND ME,I’LL NOW LET YOU IN ON THE SCENARIOINSPIRING THIS MONTH’S COLUMN

As you’ve probably heard –Monsey isscheduled/destined to get a Wal-Mart “SuperCenter”. Super Center (also called “cradle tograve” stores—because one can literallypurchase EVERYTHING from food to apparelto furniture to well you name it there).

For reasons you can either immediatelyunderstand –or not begin to fathom, this haspolarized the Monsey community to levelsnot seen since the heyday of the Boro ParkEruv issue—where the community was sopolarized, children wishing people “GoodShabbos” were blatantly ignored becausetheir families obviously :”held” of the Eruv (Iknow this because the child, was my son, and

because he thought the person had not heardhim, he persevered in trying to wish thisperson a “Good Shabbos” at which point thisperson informed him that he HAD in factheard him, but chose to ignore him becausemy son was clearly flouting the ban on theEruv.

FYI: My son was also 12 at the time, tryexplaining this to a 12 year old –about theONLY upside of this was it gave us an excuseto stay home for Shabbos more often (not thatthe denizens of Boro Park need my presenceor miss me or anything, but well you know).It made it MUCH easier to explain to mychildren why they SHOULDN’T talk tostrangers—note; that’s not “talk” as inwishing a “Good Shabbos”, but talk as in“engaging in conversation”.

OK before I digress onto yet another tangent,let’s get down to the “entertainment”.

So as we live in Monsey and I work in amedia related industry, the NY Times articlethat ran regarding the impending arrival ofWal-Mart, inspired a media-related contactto ask me what I thought of the whole“brouhaha”.

Which got me thinking; what DID I think ofit? Did I think of it? Did it matter? CouldANYONE stop the world’s largest retaileronce they have a site in their crosshairs? Andwhy bother? What’s wrong with “Everydaylow prices” that had so many people up inarms—and had me so ambivalent (if youhaven’t noticed yet, I’m one of thoseannoying types with an opinion or three oneverything) –and here’s an issue soapparently massive it made it to the Times,yet I’m basically responding with “whatever”

That’s when the irony hit me— thiscommunity isn’t being victimized by the folksin Bentonville (Wal-Mart’s HQ). Aucontraire—we brought it (the impendingarrival of Wal-Mart) on ourselves, byallowing down zoning and other quality oflife rules to be circumvented by “specialinterest” groups—which in the process,clearly communicated to larger entities(with their own “special interests” ) that wewere “for sale” (for votes, tax breaks, etc).

As any qualified civil engineer or plannerwill tell you, the Rockland (the New YorkState County that Monsey’s located in)infrastructure can barely sustain the“growth” that we presently have beenblessed with. Which brings to mind the


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Yeedle has just returned from a whirlwind two and a half week tour in Israel. Upon

landing in Ben Gurion, on July 29th, he was whisked through security to perform at

the chasunah of the daughter of the noted R' Motta Frank. Many American guests

flew in to partake in this momentous occasion.

On Tuesday July 31st, Yeedle & Avraham Fried had the privilege of entertaining

the very special children of Ezer Mitziyon. "Charged with emotion" is how Yeedle

describes the aura of the camp in Netanya. Amir Cohen's band was in top form as

Yeedle sang and danced with gusto. In reflection, Yeedle says he is still so moved from

that memorable night. " It was one of the most fulfilling shows of my career."

Hired by "Nofim Plus" an elite kosher vacation company for a string of shows,

Yeedle traveled to Zichron Yaakov to a hotel there. Shai Barak, Danny Zamir and

Shlomo Deshet were amongst the musicians, dear friends of Yeedle's, who jammed

with him. The ambience was superb as Yeedle had fun with his friends. The musical

group then accompanied him to Yishuv Ohr Haganuz, near Miron, to Camp Oitzrot

Hatorah run by R' Meir Fadida, for what Yeedle assumed would be a late-night

kumzitz. Arriving at 2am at the camp the teens bombarded Yeedle's car and danced

and rocked for hours. In the wee hours of the morning they unwinded with a

heartfelt kumzitz. What a night!

On August 2nd Yeedle traveled to Natzrat Ellit, a neighborhood not too far from

Teveriya. Nofim Plus coordinated a retreat in the Plaza Hotel. The Greidi Band who

accompanied Yeedle around the world, most recently in Argentina and London, are

so dynamic. Having toured together, The Greidi bunch and Yeedle make an

unusually explosive team. After his own repetoire, Yeedle did a full Carlebach set

which was exceptionally well-received. The audience spent most of the night on

their feet.

The next two days Yeedle could be found confined within the studios of Gal-Kol

and United Zohar Melodies in Bnei Brak and Ramat Gan. The string sections on a

number of songs for Yeedle's upcoming album were being recorded. Eli Laufer,

Mona Rosenblum and Aron Razel wrote the arrangements for their respective

compositions.

Shabbos in Miron was

soulful and stirring. On Motzei Shabbos

Yeedle performed there at three venues. Two simchos and a

boys camp. The atmosphere of Miron was stimulating and enhanced all performances.

The events garnered rave reviews.

On Sunday, August 5th a collection of camps gathered at the camp Bnei Torah,

the summer program of Rabbi Ezrachi's Ateret Yeshiva. Having performed there a

number of times in the past, Yeedle, a favorite entertainer was asked to return. The

combination of Yeshivish and Mizrachi yeshiva boys lend itself to a vivacious

audience. This energetic group was entertained by a brilliant fireworks display as a

backdrop to Yeedle and Aron Razel's performances. Ruvi Banet's band was

professional and spirited. Yeedle and Aron surprised the fans with a debut

performance of the possible-title-song, which Aron wrote, off Yeedle's new album.

The evening culminated with Yeedle's Shiru Lamelech sung in kumzitz-on the

ground-with the hundreds of bachurim. Rarely is such a professional setting

available in a camp. It was a night to be remembered.

On August 6 & 7 Yeedle was back in the studio with Aron Razel. It was there that

Yeedle encountered his first challenge. An unbelievable song was composed a few

weeks ago in Yeedle's home, on the beach, with Aron Razel. MBD's studio just down

the block was the quickly seized venue for a demo recording. Now, in Eretz Yisrael,

Razel wrote a mind-blowing arrangement. The title track Lev Achad is now

challenged for its position! Ashrecha is a mega-hit. All who have heard it say that

they just can't stop singing it.

Manny, Dudi and Ofer of Nofim Plus had Yeedle back in Natzrat Ellit with the

famed Greidi Band. Once more, Yeedle delighted his fans with a passionate and

charismatic performance.

Over the next few days, Yeedle partook in several rare kumzitz's at the home of

his dear family friend Mayer Gurvitz, in Savyon. MBD, Dedi, Aron Razel, Hillel Paley

and his brothers were amongst those who came to participate in these piano and

song gatherings. The Gurvitz's are a musical family. Yossi composed and played the

piano for a number of songs on Shloimie Gertner's hit album, Nissim. A seldom

occurence finds Dedi at the piano singing together with MBD & Yeedle. The Paley

brothers, in an extraordinary night took turns at the piano while the superstars sang

and harmonized.

On his final day in Israel Yeedle performed at an undisclosed private event.

Although bound by a gag order, he describes it as an unparalleled function in Jewish

Simcha History. What a wrap-up to a host of outstanding musical performances.

Heading to the airport in serious traffic, Yeedle missed his return flight home. He

was especially frustrated because he had a meeting scheduled for that flight.

Standing at the ticketing counter Yeedle heard the distinct laugh of Lipa " Dee hust

oich farpast deh flight?! - You also missed the flight?!" They had planned to work on

Yiddish lyrics for Yeedle's album on the plane. Lo & behold they did. On the next

flight! Yeedle becomes teary-eyed every time he sings these awe-inspiring &

heartwearming lyrics to his song now titled " Keshoshana Bein Hachochim." It is a

most beautiful mashal, a parable about Klal Yisrael. This song is set to go down as a

Yiddish classic in history. It is reminiscent of hits of the past. Clear Hashagacha

Pratis foreshadows the success of the song.

After arriving at Newark's International Airport, Yeedle headed directly upstate

to perform for some more eager fans. Fans, you are welcome to cast your vote for the

title of Yeedle's new album - Ashrecha or Lev Achad. Email your opinion to

[email protected].

These picturess were from the E and S Tour with Peysach Krohn to eastern Europe,with Shua Kessin as the

entertainment from july 31. till aug. 9. There were about 170 people,they went through, Lithuania, Belarus, and

Poland,visiting places like,Ponevezh-, Telz, Kelm, Kovno, Slobodka, Trakia(castle), Vilna, Radin, Minsk, Volozhin, Mir,

Warsaw, Ger, Crakow, Auschwitz (camp), birkenau(camp),Lublin, Majdonek(camp), Lancut, Lajensk, Yeshivas like

Telz, Radin, Mir, Slobodka, Volozhin, Ponevezh-, and going to kevorim of the Vilna Gaon ,R' Chaim Ozer, Ger

Tzeddek, Sfas Emes, Chiddushei Harrim, R' Yitchok Elchonon Spector, Chofetz Chaim, R' Chaim Volozhin, R'

Yeruchim Levovits, Remah, Bach, Tosefos Yom Tov, Chozeh of Lublin, and the Marshal.

Here are some pix from the JCCRP concert on READS LN. in far rockaway featuring the NKB and PHP (an upcoming great band. album due out real soon). It was an outdoor

event sponsored by the Jewish Community Counsel of the Rockaway Peninsula. It had about 1000 people on there feet, as you can see, for almost 2 hours. Great solid show!!

Accompanied by the Neginah Orchestra Yaakov Shwekey along Srully Williger, Yehoshua Zeitlen and Michoel Pruzansky

entertained the crowd that gathered at the Monticello Raceway, as has become custom on Motzoai Shabbos Nachamu. Special

guest was Rabbi Baruch Levine. The event was organized and produced by Ozer Babad of Xclusive Productions.

Photos by: www.crownheights.info

Shua Kessin in Europe: E and S Tour with Peysach Krohn

Yeedle Werdyger - Israel Tour

At a rest stop singing with some guys Giving a kumzitz in a hotel in Vilna

Singing in the stolen camp for boys

from Belarus with alot of them

In a Kovno shul singing

Nochi Krohn Band & PHP

Motzoai Shabbos Nachamu Concert in the Monticello Raceway

Yaakov Shwekey

Michoel Pruzansky & Yehoshua Zeitlen Srully Williger


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je magazine issue #13

Documents

new addition

new york

new column

jewish entertainment

new sectionwine listingspage

interesting questions

wine section

list of wines