Sister Congregation Debuts

                                                                                        ב"ה              

                                                 LONG ISLAND LODGE No. 1353, B'NAI B'RITH                                                  

   P.O. BOX 51, WOODMERE, NY 11598-0051
516-374-2958                          Mobile: 369-5799       

                                               http://www.bnaibrith.org/         AsherJmat@Aol.com

18 Shevat 5772                                                                                                                                         February 11, 2011

                                         New Orthodox Minyan Adds to Seasonal Optimism

               

Mitosis is a well-known scientific process during which a cell divides to produce two others, identical but differing in size. Similarly, the Jewish community of the Five Towns has witnessed a mushrooming of smaller learning and prayer groups that were once part of gargantuan units. Moreover, it is a special zahut, merit, in one's life to have added the mitzvah of having played a role in establishing a new congregation. Thus, it was not a total surprise to learn that several friends in North Woodmere, aged 40-something, and older, organized an Orthodox quorum, meeting at the Shalhevet High School premises located within the Conservative Temple Hillel (1000 Rosedale Road); a wonderful collaboration of, by, and for Jews that begs emulation in editorial offices.

Thus, this Shabbat Parasha Yitro, amid snow flurries and the expectation of spring, days after celebrating Tu B'Shvat, the New Year of Trees, a new sap in the religious firmament took effect with worship commencing precisely at 9:00 AM. Entering the makeshift sanctuary, soon filled to capacity, as was the women's section, I was quickly enveloped in the warmth of well-known dynamic leaders: Scott Goldberg (former District 14 school board candidate, of Metropolitan Refunds, 516-889-6664 x 111); the highly-respected Harold Feldman (aliyah Shlishi); Rabbi Nahum Marcus (Trustee of District 15 school board, who intoned the Torah portion with accuracy, rapidity, and verve); Eliot Jacobowitz (chanting the prophetic piece in the Haftara); Ira Lillien, of AAPCO Paper & Plastic Corporation, 516-608-9200); Dr. Shaya Speiser (leading the morning chants), among several more volunteers, all public-spirited. My evident pleasure to be with them was further enhanced when I was called Revee, fourth, to the Torah, and, later to recite the communal Kiddush!

If the aim of this inaugural exercise was to demonstrate a "minyan which hopes to be a respectful, warm, inspirational, and spiritually uplifting option for individuals and families, and a valuable asset to all those in the community," success in all these dimensions have been achieved! Divisive forces in our community, particularly the increasingly sectarian and partisan local press, would do well to reflect on the multi-messages contained in a post-liturgical D'var Torah, word of the Law, competently explicated by the aforementioned Eliot Jacobowitz, a lay leader extraordinaire, who encouraged other congregants to take turns presenting future comments.

It is very instructive, for example, that Yitro, born a non-Hebrew, indeed, he was a High Priest of Median, who has the rare honor of a Torah-section named for him. Famously, he is the father of Zipporah, who marries Moshe the Law-giver, a man who eventually converts, following a penetrating period of inquisitiveness, and even advises his son-in-law on administrative matters --- how to efficiently, and effectively dispense justice to his contentious tribes whom Moses leads. Foremost, it is important to value not whence one has come, but what a person has become; Yitro, already was a man of honor, possessed of derech eretz, way of the land, road, proper conduct while  a pagan; he is the more highly-regarded for stepping into his new role without shedding his basic humanity, compassion, tolerance, and diversity.

Eliot concluded with the optimistic note that today's proceedings can be viewed from the prism of football's analogy, for, this is the kickoff that will eventually culminate in the Festival of Shavuot, the giving of the 10 Commandments on the dwarf Mt. Sinai: in two weeks there is the New Moon for the Hebrew Month of Adar; fourteen days later, Purim is in the offing, followed by the Month of Nissan, during which middle comes Pesach, then, Lag B'Omer. Let us rejoice of the totality of our existence, accept each other's differences lovingly; be affirmatively inclusive in print, and actively reaching out to those outside our orbit of operation. We congratulate the newest kehilla, congregation, in our midst, happy to recommend that we join the available email list by sending our individual kudos for their collective growth and prosperity as follows: OrthodoxMinyanAtHillel@gmail.com. Shavua tov, semana buena, καλη εβδομαδα, a good week!

Sincerely, and with fraternal affection,                                                                                                    

Asher                                                                                   

Prof. Asher J. Matathias, President

*Nice! S.S., Woodmere, NY

**Thank you. Gary F., Teaneck, NJ

*I couldn't agree with the analysis of Yitro. Do you think that by advising Moses on the delegation of responsibility Yotro was thinking about how Moses would be able to give more time to his daughter and grandchildren? J.N., Cedarhurst, NY             

**Asher, I am so glad we spoke this past week and that you joined us for, what will hopefully be, the beginning of a Minyan that will benefit many people and Temple Hillel. I am going to do my best to see you for the Observance of Holocaust of Greek Jewry by the Greek Consul-General. I will speak with you during the week prior to Wednesday. Thank you again for joining us. Scott Goldberg, North Woodmere, NY

*So the fact that the intent of the founders of this Minyan's is to destroy Congregation Ohr Torah doesn't bother you? C.M., North Woodmere

**How wonderful that Temple Hillel made it possible. Alu V'hatzlichu. Dr. M.D., Woodmere, NY

Adult Jewish Education Opens Hearts and Minds

                                                                                                ב"ה                                 

12 Tevet 5772                                                                                                                       January 7, 2012

                                                Spiritually Soaring at Shiur's Siyum

Shiur (Hebrew: שעור‎, pronounced "shee-ur", pl. shiurim, שעורים) is a lesson on any Torah topic and, for years, meeting weekly at the home of Drs. Mark and Naomi Ramer, and for an extensive period under the guidance of Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz (related to the distinguished Rabbi Benjamin Kamenetzky, via  marriage to his daughter Shoshana), more than a score men and women, at various levels of ritualistic observance, but all eager to taste the fruit of the Tree of Life, have more knowledge and insight into Gemara, Mishnah, halakha, Tanakh.

Spiritual leader of Congregation Anshei Chessed in Hewlett, Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz also holds Monday shiurim at his home, while some of our number, congregants of Atlantic Beach Jewish Center, on a rotating basis have volunteered to host their Rabbi E. Samuel Klibanoff's Wednesday evenings as the Shabbat's Parasha, portion, is analyzed. When the definitive study is published of how the Five Towns eventually evolved and raised from its malaise to become the all-embracing community, especially welcoming all Jews, it will be through the tenacious efforts of rabbis like our teacher, whose countenance and learning naturally commend our attention and respect as we seek to improve our souls. Emblematic of the graciousness and accepting mien that characterizes Rabbi Lefkowitz, he enthusiastically states: "We invite all men or women of all levels of Jewish knowledge and religiosity to join with us.  If someone would like to be included in the Shiur please Email me at rsl@lifetech.org."

And so, persevering to complete the final passages of the Book of Joshua, Rabbi Lefkowitz energetically crossed the finish line, discussing the deaths of both the successor of Moses, an archetype of the statesman-general, mentioning the demise of Eleazar, Aaron the High Priest's son, and the re-internment of Joseph's remains in Shechem. We recall that upon his death as a viceroy of Egypt, Joseph had entreated his brothers, extracting from them their solemn vow to take his bones to a final resting place in the soon-to-be-reached, after a 40-year sojourn in the desert, Promised Land!

The conclusion of remarks is followed by the Rabbis' Kaddish, extolling and  affirming Almighty's glory, recited with the emotion one attains when a special milestone is achieved, truly a cause for celebration, making it a siyum (Hebrew: סיום‎) (“completion”). This evening, nearly an intergenerational crowd of 70 did so in style, enjoying a sumptuous seudat mitzvah prepared by Abe Fuchs of New Star Caterers, and served in the grand ballroom of Congregation Ohr Torah, 410 Hungry Harbor Road, North Woodmere, NY.

Blessed are we to be among those whose lives are enhanced through an ever-growing Jewish adult continuing education program; and may we have the zahut, merit, to come together for other grand occasions, for Torah, for Hupa, and for Maasim Tovim. Amen. Hazak U'Varuch! 

Sincerely, and with fraternal affection,

                Asher

Prof. Asher J. Matathias

312 Longacre Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598-2530

516-374-2958 Mobile: 369-5799 AsherJmat@Aol.com 

*Beautifully done! Mazel tov. Love, Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, Congregation Anshei Chessed, Hewlett, NY

**Kudos! R' M.K., Hewlett, NY
*Glad you like my cousins. I.J.K., North Woodmere, NY

**Thank you., G.F., Teaneck, NJ

*How wonderful to hear classes such as these will restore the People Israel. Anytime Jews gather to hear words of Torah, I believe the Mashiach is closer. Thank you so much for sharing! You are wonderful! Fondly, Marcia H-E., Lawrence, NY

Joshua and Hebrews crossing Jordan River]

Tim Dolan Rises in Hierarchy

                                                                                    ב"ה                                                                                 

12 Tevet 5772                                                                                                                               January 7, 2012                            

                                  Vatican Decision Widely Welcomed And Applauded

                Shabbat Parasha Vayechi had Anna and me, along with our Sara's family --- husband Lee-Lev and daughter Jacqueline-Hannah --- joined a sparse group attending services at the Sephardic Temple. The venue has long been associated with our family, and in its glory days Anna presided over the Sisterhood for eight years, still a record, which might have been augmented had she not decided to step down!

                Apart from the worship highlight of having our dear friend Aaron Zacharia recited the Bendicho Su Nombre, upon the opening of the Ark, and our son-in-law's ascent to the teva, pulpit, to read the blessings prior and after hearing his Torah segment read, it was the positive remarks of Rabbi Arnold B. Marans on the imminent elevation of New York City's Catholic Archbishop Timothy Dolan to Cardinal, in a Vatican ceremony, on February 18. He is among 22 proposed new Cardinals, but, with Archbishop Edwin O'Brien, the only other American.

                Cardinals constitute the privileged class of the Pope's advisers who are called upon to enter a secret conclave to deliberate and fill the highest office in Catholicism whenever a vacancy occurs. Most are of advanced age, but Dolan, 61, is among 18 of newly-appointed leaders under the age of 80. While no American has ever been selected for the papacy, the privilege seemed to be reserved for Italian-born candidates, bending to the reality of changed demographics, and in an effort to make the Church fall in line with its universal appeal, a Pole (John Paul II) and a German, the current Benedict XVI, have served to good effect --- the former, for being a transformative prelate, more so than the latter.

                However, relations of Popes and Jews have always been fraught, with a subliminal anti-Semitism, not as overt as found traditionally in the Eastern Orthodox Rite, which has markedly ebbed since the historic Vatican Councils of the 1960's  absolving Jews of the pernicious charge of deicide, the crucifixion of Jesus; eventually ceasing the proselytizing of Jews as errant brothers, and references to the "perfidis Judaeis", the "unfaithful Jews" on Good Friday were excised. The benefits of reconciliation are self-evident in the superior relations between Catholics and Jews, alas, a level yet to be achieved between the Greek Orthodox and world Jewry, for such reforms in the former remain wanting. (Islam is also late to begin the process to embrace necessary and desirable overdue changes.)

After all, the Byzantine Empire, of which the Greek Orthodox Church provided the spiritual undergirding, grew historically isolated, intolerant, and oppressive, unable to experience the West's Reformation and Counter Reformation, albeit much of it bloody. Living in our glorious American republic, we need to be cognizant, that this polity represents the evolving distillation of ideas from such torrential waves as the Renaissance and Enlightenment culminating in the epochal Glorious Revolution of 1688.

But I am diverting. The celebration of good relations between Catholics and Jews, even to the extend that Bishop William Murphy of the Archdiocese of Rockville Centre, NY, sending warm Rosh HaShana, Jewish New Year, greetings to area rabbis, addressing them as brothers, has not always been a given, nor has a tension-free existence been achieved. The question of whether to canonize Pope Pius XII a saint, having served during World War II and while the Holocaust was being prosecuted festers. Sometimes identified as Hitler's Pope, for affecting cooperation, some would say collaboration with the Third Reich, one Gary Krupp, resident of Long Beach, and founder of The Pave the Way Foundation to promote interfaith harmony through mutual respect, demurs as he asserts that efforts were exerted by Pope Pius XII to "save Jews from Nazi tyranny."

                This pope's inability or unwillingness to raise his voice during the direst period in our People's history was dramatically presented by playwright Rolf Hochhuth in his controversial work, The Deputy, suggesting that political interests and religious prejudices converged to make the saving of Jewish lives a secondary manner. These thoughts cascaded through my mind, as I heard the rabbi weave a more positive working partnership that awaits this soon-to-be-elevated churchman. Aware that Archbishop Dolan is well-known, and appreciated, in the Jewish community --- he has participated in programs with Rabbi Arthur Schneier of the Park East Synagogue --- I join the growing throng to wish him G-d's speed, and may the coming years be ever-fruitful, and in every respect satisfactory. Amen.

Sincerely, and with fraternal affection,                                                                               

Asher                                                                                                                                                 

Prof. Asher J. Matathias                                                                                                        

312

Longacre Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598-2530

                                                                  

516-374-2958 Mobile: 369-5799 AsherJmat@Aol.com

*Thank you for sending me this. I appreciate your erudite pieces for their beautiful use of language and their deep analysis of current events. I am enjoying the professional service of your son in law, Brad Herman. He really does a wonderful job of educating the children in my new school, Shaare Torah Boys HS. Secondly I wanted wish you a mazal tov on the honor your daughter received this past mozei Shabbat at the JEP dinner. JEP is an important organization in our community and your support of its work is most gratefully appreciated by all. May Hashem continue to bless your wonderful family! All the best! Richard Altabe, Far Rockaway, NY                                                                                                    
**D. B. Asher gracias!!! Azak U Baruch!!! Emilio S., Mexico City, Mexico            
**Amen, Asher. However, I don't share your warm feeling for the pedophile protector from Boston. P.K., Baldwin, NY

        

Our Daughter Joy's Triumph

Excerpts from B'B' Lodge Bulletin, January---February, 2012

Bibi Snubs The New York Times

                                                                                                ב"ה                                                        

22 Kislev 5772                                                                                                                                            December 18, 2011 

                                                  

                                                         Missed Opportunity to Inform and Educate    

    

                Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu's senior adviser, Ton Dermer, wrote to the New York Times, to explain why his boss "respectfully decline" to submit an op-ed piece. That's too, bad, as a general proposition, for key news maker missed the opportunity to explain his position to a discriminating and discerning audience, including Washington policy makers. More distressing, is a stream of consciousness thoughtlessness which both undermines the efficacy of the prime minister's position(s), even as it regurgitates discredited bromides, the usual platitudes voiced by incurious persons. It's a classic case of cutting the nose to spite the face. 

                Belittling the generally-accepted notion, the Times is intentionally framed as the much quoted "paper of record," along the official charges that, when it comes to Israel, the op-ed page has failed to adopt the late Senator Moynihan's admonition not to invent their own facts in order to conform to a preconceived opinion. Specifically, it referred to Palestinian President Abbas who, in his General Assembly speech promoting formal recognition of his yet unborn nation by the United Nations, was not taken to task for infuriatingly asserting the incendiary slander that in 1947 "Zionist forces expelled Palestinian Arabs to ensure a decisive Jewish majority in the future State of Israel ... " 

                Of course, as any simpleton, and anti-Semite knows, Resolution 181, the quintessential two-state solution plan, was overwhelmingly endorsed by the world body on November 29, months before modern Israel was proclaimed, with the additional application of martial might, May 14, 1948! There were thirteen nations voting against simultaneous birth of Jewish and Palestinian nations, including my native Greece, which earlier in the decade had seen 87% of its Jews gassed and cremated in Auschwitz. Joining Hellas were, Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen, in the main a group which included some of the most repressive regimes extant.

In recent months, it has been my sacred obligation to join the grassroots effort to have Greece reverse that unfortunate vote, then the only European country to do so. Please write to, Ambassador Vassillis Kaskarelis, Greek Embassy, 2217 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, demanding that such action is both historically required, and as a tangible demonstration of the recent amity forged between Greece and Israel on the economic, diplomatic, and military spheres.

Disagreeing with The NY Times has also been my occasional pastime, but never would I forego responding to their interpreted outrages, nor the mostly enjoyable daily morning routine, prior to joining the minyan, quorum, for worship, going to the computer to access the opinion pieces in http://www.nytimes.com/. Thus, my instruction to Ron Dermer, the aforementioned adviser (how did he become senior with such thin skin?), is to recall the decision not to offer Bibi's view in a column to the still greatest publication in the world, for the loss is too extensive to contemplate! After all, The New Times is not The Five Towns Jewish Times, operating under an editor-publisher, villain par excellence, who cannot fathom the depth of his perfidy in dividing our local Jewish community.

               

                Finally, I am gratified that, while the string of issues on which Rabbi Heshie Billet and I see differently grows, I commend him for having the courage to present them to his Young Israel of Woodmere congregants, as the "Dear Sasha" letter from Natanyahu's office to the New York Times, explaining his declination, and reported erev Shabbat by the Jerusalem Post staff. Noting the strong bipartisan support that Israel enjoys in the United States, the State's prime minister's comments could only have further advanced our America's perennial, justifiable, enthusiasm and esteem. We, keen lovers of Zion, pray that such a strategic blunder not be repeated. Shavua tov, veHag Hanukkah sameach!

                Sincerely, and with fraternal affection,

                                Asher

                Prof. Asher J. Matathias

               

312 Longacre Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598-2530

                516-374-2958 Mobile: 369-5799 AsherJmat@Aol.com

*Asher, Respectfully, your note is not up to your usual standards of excellence in communication; too many subjects in too few paragraphs to do any of them justice. On the main (?) point, as to whether or not Prime Minister Netanyahu should have replied substantively to the NY Times request for an Op Ed piece, sometimes I think it is more courageous to hold your water and wait for a more appropriate time and/or venue. In my opinion, the Times has become terribly slanted against Israel and against the Netanyahu Administration in particular. I do not want to debate the merits of that view, I provide it only to say that the Prime Minister MIGHT HAVE VALID CAUSE to hold his words and wait for a more appropriate time and venue. These days and years have become as dangerous for Israel as the early 1930s were for European Jewry.  Israel's leader holding his own - and not volunteering an Op Ed piece to the NY Times - is certainly understandable to me. David, LAW OFFICES OF D.D.C., Jericho, NY Asher, You are a gentleman and a scholar. I only comment on your writings because I know you will take my comments in stride. Thank you. David 

**Thank you. G.F., Teaneck, NJ

*Whewww! M.D., New York, NY

**Asher, Kol ha kovot. Happy Chanukah to U and the family. Paul and Sue K., Bayside, NY

*This is not good for Israel. The Palestinians have created armies of sympathizers, legions of apologists, and one of the best-crafted public relations and media strategies ever-created. Their propaganda ministry makes the Nazis look like amateurs. Netanyahu must figure that whatever he says will be negated and brutally criticized. He should hire the best public relations people to push Israel's policy positions and interests. He underestimates the power of propaganda. The Israeli attitude was best expressed by a former pilot who bombed the Egyptian planes in 1967. He said, "we don’t talk, we act; ein brera." We are the only ones we can count on." His dismissal of world opinion is not in Israel's best interest and Netanyahu should know this. J.N., Cedarhurst, NY

**Asher, Enough is enough. Ron Dermer is not an ideologue. He is objective enough to understand that it would not make a difference having Bibi's voice in The New York Times. As Zionists, we've tried numerous times to sway the esteemed newspaper, through letters to the editor, story pitches, subscription cancellation threats, and the newspaper remains hostile towards Israel. At this point, writing a letter or op-ed to NY Times is a waste of time. Kadinsky (S.), Garden City, NY

*Hi, Asher. Hope you are well. What is the one thing that The New York Times, Pat Buchannan, and Islamic terrorists have in common? They always have something bad to say about Israel! Keep up the great writing! Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year to you and yours! Bro. H.A.M., Norwich, NY

Truth Hurts When It's Not

                                                                                                            ב"ה            

13 Kislev 5772                                                                                                                  December 9, 2011

                                  With America Our Anchor We Are Already Home

                Two disparate newspapers arrived simultaneously, but light years different in content and quality: New York The Jewish Week, a substantive publication which delves into issues of our metropolitan community fairly, balanced, and unafraid, and the recently introduced The South Shore Standard, decidedly of a conservative religio-political bent --- how could it be otherwise, when in the clutches of minority financial interest by the notorious editor-publisher of the hopelessly compromised Five Towns Jewish Times?

                The highlight of the latter publication was the well-deservedly spotlight placed on Lawrence District's School Five's Sixth Annual Literacy Night --- an attempt to have young readers establish lifetime connections to reading --- and the fluffy piece on District 15's veteran educator, now in a newly-created post of Superintendent for Community and Students Affairs, and a friend, Patrick Pizzarelli. (Lawrence HS's Golden Tornadoes won the Nassau County Conference III Championship with a 63-34 victory over the Plainedge Red Devils.)

                However, it was The Jewish Week that gripped our attention with three front-page stories: the too-often troubling approach of religious tribunals in handling child sex abuse allegations; the ill-starred and justly withdrawn campaign, pitched to American Jews, asking them to "Come Home" to Israel; and, the first-ever organized UJA-Federation outreach to welcome the inter-married into our fold. Each topic is entitled to extensive discussion, but this writer will limit comment to the middle topic.

                $300,000 were invested by Jerusalem to woo American Jews to settle in Israel, on the grounds that their continued existence in the New World is problematic, where identity with Zion, and Judaism are concerned, lessening our commitment to both, through assimilation and intermarriage. Of course, and ironically, those forces obtain even in the … Jewish homeland! However, I was intrigued by the lead, The Truth Hurts, letter to the editor, by one signed simply Heshie Billet, Woodmere, L.I., but assuming him to be the spiritual leader of our neighborhood Young Israel.

                In his jeremiad, the rabbi takes issue with those objecting to the series of ads --- so overly highlighting the negatives of living in America, instead of affirming the advantages of life in Israel --- identifying too darkly with "the tragic realities of a large segment of secular American Jewry." It is this perceived "truth" that "hurts," regretting, finally, that the Israelis succumbed and yielded to "heavy-handed tactics of some U.S. Jewish leaders."

                Let it be said, for our family, that, in 1956 we arrived to the blessed shores of America, survivors of both the Holocaust, and the ravages of earthquakes in Greece. In time, we gained not only material succor, but learned to live the glory of  committed Judaism --- replete with intense love for Zionism, begun decades ago, while stuffing drachmas into the JNF's (Jewish National Fund) azure tin boxes. Now, Anna and I revel in passing our ennobling Jewish legacy to a fourth generation! An additional note has it that, after WW II, my father Jacob's, z"l, plan was to move his young family to Israel, to join his then single brother Moshe, living in Holon. The agreed-upon signal from the latter, that pre-State conditions made immigration desirable, never came. Instead, it was the United States which opened its golden gates to welcome us.

                Identity with Israel and our faith is genuine, deep, and not subject to guilt-fraught coercive promotions; we even have a sabra (Israel-born) son-in-law, further buttressing our bi-national ties, as do so many of our coreligionists! Quite obviously, this is yet another instance where a respected religious leader has deeply erred, for he has ventured beyond his area of expertise, as did the early David Ben-Gurion. This rabbi, too, can gain the prime minister's insight to be more tolerant of the plethora of legitimate motives that inform decision-making. Then, with less prejudgment and more compassion, we can even be ready to join in making the obscurantist editor of the grossly misnamed 5T Jewish Times a mensch.     

                Sincerely, and with fraternal affection,

                        Asher

            Prof. Asher J. Matathias 

               

312 Longacre Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598-2530

                516-374-2958 Mobile: 369-5799 AsherJmat@Aol.com                   

*This was very interesting. You should write pieces on all three topics in the third paragraph. They're all important issues. Jonathan C., Los Angeles, CA

**Thank you. G.F., Teaneck, NJ

*Asher, Well written, but the advertisements that you're writing about were not directed to American Jews, but Israelis who moved to America. It showed that they would always be Jews, but their children were iffy.

A.Y., Oradell, NJ

***Dear Asher, … You have a most lovely daughter!!! I enjoyed meeting her last night! You know that "Jewish" newspaper is really not with it. I have Chassidic mishpacha --- they are Klausenberg Chassidim. I attend most of their weddings and I keep up with some of them.  One young woman, whom I call often, to see how she's doing, always says to me, when I mention that although I go to shul each Shabbat, I'm not observant-Conservative, and certainly not shomer Shabbat.  They always respond that I'm Jewish just like them and that I'm one of the most Jewish of people they know, because of my "Jewish heart" for Jewish causes, my children's upbringing, etc. And they're Chassidim. … because we're all JEWS! (Even those of us foolish enough to support Israel's destroyers, without mentioning any names.)  Again, to quote the song (I'll just change the name from Brown to Mattathias) "Mr. Mattathias, you have a lovely daughter." Linda J., North Woodmere, NY

*I have always been a proud Jew who strongly identifies with Israel. I believe that I belong in Israel even though I have loyalty to America as well. Many times, I have been at odds with myself over what thing to do is. With both our daughters married to Israelis, the day may come when we will make Aliyah. My family on both sides has been in America for 100 years. Most of my cousin's children are married out and their parents have accepted this fact, albeit with disappointment. We purposely did not send our daughters to sleep away colleges, because we thought that intermarriage would very possibly result. J.N., Cedarhurst, NY

**WELL DONE ASHER --- SHERMAN R., Valley Stream, NY

*Try the Jewish Star, it's much better.
Editor/Publisher The Lid Contributor to: American Thinker,  Big Government,Big Hollywood, Big Journalism, Big Peace, and NewsReal Blog

In a message dated 12/10/2011 6:45:11 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, AsherJmat@aol.com writes:   

**

Breaking News Alert

Dec. 2, 2011 Netanyahu pulls ad campaign for Israeli expats in US

NEW YORK (JTA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is canceling an ad campaign aimed at luring Israeli expatriates home that some American Jews have found offensive.  >> Full story Look for additional updates at JTA.org.