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October 2004 n Tishrei/Cheshvan 5765 n Volume 1, Issue 91

Modiin’s Very Own StarBy: Daniella Hellerstein and Caryn Meltz

If you’ve never heard the name Ohad Moskowitz it’s not because he isn’t famous or because he doesn’t live here. Ohad is a well-known singer and entertainer in the contemporary Jewish music world living in Modiin. Before his rise to fame, Ohad had a successful career in the diamond trade in Ramat Gan. One night at a friend’s wedding, he was persuaded into taking center stage to sing a few songs. He was an instant hit, and from that point on he was motivated to pursue a professional singing career. His family and friends all insisted that he would be wasting his talent if he didn’t.

Born and raised in Belgium, Ohad is fluent not only in French but also in English, Hebrew and Yiddish. As a child, his house was full of music, and the story is that Ohad learned to sing even before he learned to walk. Ohad and his wife, Leah, also from Antwerp, knew they had to make aliyah while they were young. The couple moved to Ramat Gan. After five years there, they decided they wanted a younger community and moved to Modiin. In addition, Ohad’s sister lives here, and his parents recently made aliyah to Petach Tikva. Ohad says the Belgian community here is small, but constantly growing (like the rest of the city). According to him, living in Modiin is fantastic!!

Ohad’s professional career officially took off when he met American Jewish music producer, Yossi Green,

Continued on page 5

In and Around the CityBy: Alex Weinreb

Together with Meir Shimoni, from the education ministry, we proposed a special offer to the schools of Modiin. Any school that makes it a priority to teach students about the environment and archeology will be offered special classes in those subjects. Topics include, environmental studies, Modiin heritage, and archeological digs. These courses will be available upon request and will be fully financed by us, The Antiquities Authority and Haganah LeTeva. Several schools are already participating in this program.

We have hired heritage consultant, Naomi Drukman, on a temporary contract, to teach high school teachers and kindergarten teachers about Jewish heritage and Modiin heritage. Mrs. Drukman will write the curriculum and train teachers to educate their students about these topics. Jewish heritage studies begin with Biblical Judaism (the forefathers, etc.) and continue to the modern State. Modiin heritage begins with the first events that took place in this area (the story of Yehoshua bin Nun) and cover the time of the Maccabim until today.

I recently passed a city policy stating that Chanukah is the official holiday of the city of Modiin. We will, therefore, receive funding to hold annual festivals and celebrations celebrating “our” holiday. Special events include the lighting of a large chanukiah with

Continued on page 7

Serving the English speaking community of Modiin and the surrounding neighborhoods

October 2004Tishrei/Cheshvan 5765Volume 1Issue 9

2To Advertise n 052-6404-414 n 052-3868-768 n [email protected] n www.modiinfo.com October 2004 n Tishrei/Cheshvan 5765 n Volume 1, Issue 9

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Dear Readers,We are in the midst of one of the most joyous times of

the year, especially felt here in Israel. We hope you have been enjoying Succot celebrations, a number of which are still to come (look out for details in this issue).

We are now pleased to offer subscriptions to those interested in receiving ModiInfo in their mailboxes, in Israel and abroad. Please call or email for details. Also new, access to the Modiin English speakers phone list isavailable on our website: www.modiinfo.com. Special thanks to Debbie Goldfischer for putting together this valuable resource.

Best wishes for a Chag Sameach, Daniella Hellerstein and Caryn Meltz, 052-6404 414, 052-3868-768 [email protected]

Graphics by Ellen Perlis 08-971-6012

www.modiinfo.com

ModiInfo is an independently owned, advertiser supported publication distributed monthly to Modiin and the surrounding neighborhoods. ModiInfo welcomes all articles and ads but reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. The views expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of ModiInfo. ModiInfo is not responsible for facts or claims made by ads or authors, nor for any typographical errors. Work produced by ModiInfo is the property of ModiInfo and may not be reproduced without consent.

Partners with Parents is now offering a workshopfor parents in the Modiin area.

Bilingual Kids and Reading: Understanding& Helping the Struggling Reader

• Our Brain and the Page• Speaking ≠ Reading• Learning How to Read• Understanding What We Read

Monday mornings: 8:30-10:00 AMEight sessions beginning Monday, October 18

Cost: 550 NISCall (02) 999-4817, or email [email protected].

Partners with Parents is an educational consulting serviceproviding consultations and workshops for parents and private lessons

for students with learning disabilities and/or AD(H)D.


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By Rashi Kuhr

When we suspect that our child has a problem that may interfere with his or her learning it is important to take a proactive approach. In classes as full as the ones in Israel, it can take months before the teacher gains an understanding of each student. Next, the teacher must prioritize the available resources, both personal and school wide, that can be alloted to meet the needs.

Often the kids who exhibit behavior that is most problematic get alloted the most resources as they represent the biggest challenge to the normal functioning of the school. Our teachers and principals can not be blamed for this practice as their main priority is to ensure the best conditions for learning to the most children and a disruptive child can hamper the environment for an entire class. However, well behaved children with difficulties are in equal need of help and it is our job as parents to advocate for them.

One effective way of enlisting the help of the teacher and the school is meeting with them in person. There is nothing like personal contact to bring out understanding, cooperation, creativity, and a willingness to help. In addition to the home room teacher (mechanechet), the guidance counselor (yoestzet), can be very instrumental and should be invited. The guidance counselor represents the school and is aware of the resources that the school has

to offer. Additionally, she provides a sense of continuity as she is meant to be a fixed part of the school and will accompany the child throughout the school years.

Finally, the school principal can be extremely helpful at a meeting that aims to help your child. For one thing, the principal is the boss of the other two members and this fact should motivate them to perform at their best. Additionally, the principal has access to resources that the guidance counselor doesn't.

Asking for a meeting with the school before you are called in for one serves several important functions: Firstly, it shows that you are aware of the difficulties and that you care. Secondly, it shows that you want to work together with the school to help and are interested in establishing a cooperative relationship as opposed to an adversarial one. Finally, helping the teacher gain an understanding of your child’s needs and the support that the school may be able to give can help avoid the frustration that your child may face, even if he or she suffers in silence.

Rashi Kuhr is a licensed educational psychologist who works in schools as well as conducts psycho-educational testing and provides therapy to children and their families out of his clinic in Modiin. 08-973-1156

Negotiating the School System: Part One

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5

Ohad, Continued from page 1

in the spring of 2002. At their first get together, the two instantly clicked and put together some lyrics. This was the first of many meetings that resulted in the release of Ohad’s first album Oh!ad. According to Green, the various songs on the album emphasize the many elements of Ohad’s talented voice such as his ability to reach difficult notes, rhythm, soulfulness, sophistication, style and warmth. Green also explains that the album cover emphasizes the Oh in his name because most Americans are unfamiliar with the Biblical name Ohad (one of Shimon’s children) and very often mispronounced it. Ohad’s fame is quickly rectifying the mistake!

Today, Ohad along with David Fadida, his agent and manager, travel throughout the world performing at smachot and at concerts. Although Ohad finds it difficult to leave his family, he considers his voice a gift from G-d that must be shared with others. He uses his talent and encounters with others to spread good feelings about Israel. Ohad remarks that in America people want to hear about Israel. He says more and more people come up to him after a concert to ask him about living in Israel and what it’s like to make aliyah. A couple of words in a song can touch a person’s heart and inspire feelings of closeness to Israel and Yerushalayim. According to Ohad, if he’s made an impact on one person, that is enough. That is why he sings.

Although Ohad has no problem taking center stage at a concert or wedding, he prefers to keep to himself when not performing. When asked how a shy person

can perform in front of hundreds of people, he says, “When I get on stage, I forget about myself and just want to make people happy. As soon as I walk off, I come back to myself. I am a regular guy who likes to sing. Everything I had ever wanted in the music business has come true. I am very grateful for the gift that G-d has granted me.”

Ohad appreciates the privacy that living in Modiin offers him. Ironically, his name and face are much more recognizable abroad than they are right here in his hometown. Ohad remembers that when he first moved to Modiin he had been davening in a shul for about eight months where no one was familiar with his incredible voice. Only when a Shabbat guest saw him and pointed him out as a well-known singer was he asked to lead davening. In contrast, Ohad says that walking down the street in Bnai Brak or Geula is impossible. Although the commotion is fun at first, Ohad finds constant attention difficult.

When not performing, Ohad says he spends his time learning (although he can also be seen picking up his children from gan and school). He understands the responsibility that accompanies fame, namely, to be an example to others. When traveling, he sees himself as a shaliach of sorts – a shaliach of hasbara is how he terms it. He has the opportunity and ability to show other Jews around the world the true face of Israel, the one that we experience. Ohad’s message and his voice are resonating all over the world including Modiin.

Ohad is currently working on his second CD. Buy your copy of Oh!ad at El Hamikorot in Marlaz Center, Modiin.

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Top Ten Ways to “Test Drive” a SchoolBy: Michelle Berkowitz

Parents can make the best decision about Israeli schools for their children by visiting the schools and finding out about the school’s religious hashkafa, educational philosophy, academic program, student population, and olim support system.

The list of Top Ten Ways to “Test Drive” a school is to help teens and their families learn as much as they can about the schools. The guidelines are based on a survey of IECA members, professionals who have counseled thousands of students on school and college options and my on-going research project for the ATID (Academy of Torah Initiatives and Directives) Fellowship Program: “Anglo-Saxon Teen Olim search for the Right High School: The Place Where I Belong.” ([email protected])

I recommend that teens and their families share an active role in the preparation for the Israeli school visit. Speak with parents and peers who have made aliyah and who have gone through the same transition.

1. Learn about the school before you visit. Read materials about the school. Speak to parents of students who have graduated and currently attend the school. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask before visiting the school. Be sure to spend enough time at each school to get enough information to compare them later.

2. Evaluate the environment of the campus. Is the building too big or too small for you? Is it close enough to your home? Consider how you would get your child/teen there. How many students in a class and grade? Are there private places to talk and to study?

3. Visit the admissions/Principal’s office and participate in the information session. Ask questions that help you clarify the academic program at the school and the type of student who is most comfortable and successful there. Ask about the olim to Israeli ratio. You may choose to have a formal interview with the guidance counselor or principal. Ask how they implement their “Ani Maamin” list, educational philosophy, and social

Continued on page 10


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Alex, Continued from page 1

special guests from around the country. In addition, a symposium about the history and archeology of Modiin, lectures, contests and tiyulim, will all be open to the public. The city, considered to be the location of where the Chanukah story took place, was officially inaugurated on Chanukah of 2001.

I am starting a new program with Orna Mager, head of Modiin Cathedra (night school), and in conjunction with Bar Ilan University. We will offer an 8-week course to licensed tour guides and future lecturers. Classes will take place Thursday nights beginning November 4. After completing the course that focuses on the Modiin area, students will be offered to lead tours around Modiin. The course – which costs 300 NIS – will also be offered to the general public interested in learning and teaching about Modiin. For more information please call me at 972-6104/7.

As head of the Names Committee, I have proposed a number of names for various traffic circles (round-about or kikar) in the city. The names were chosen based on the actual location of the traffic circle and the historical events that took place there. For example, the kikar on the road that leads to Reut, called Parag

Boulevard, will be named Kikar Chativat Yistach. The Yistach Brigade was responsible for liberating the area, including Reut and Titura, in the War of Independence. After they secured the area, soldiers from the Kiryati Brigade manned the location to keep it in Israel’s hands. Therefore, the next traffic circle, where Parag Boulevard meets Reut, will be called Kikar Chativat Kiryati. The traffic circle at the entrance to Reut will be named after the operation that liberated the area, together with the Yistach Brigade, and will be called Kikar Mivtza Dani. Traffic circles will also be named according the streets they intersect, such Kikar Neviim which intersects Neviim Street. It is my hope that city council approves these proposed names.

I am publishing new and updated maps of the city that include new names of streets, areas and schools. The map will cover the areas of Modiin, Reut and Maccabim. In addition to Hebrew, maps will be printed in English, Spanish, French and Russian. Ten poster size maps will be placed in locations around the city.

If there’s a question that you would like answered, please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected].

Till next time,Alex Weinreb, Deputy Mayor of Modiin

Let your family and friends know what’s happening in Modiin. Subscriptions are available by calling 052-6404 414 or 052-3868-768,

or contact us by e-mail at [email protected].


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The Consumer CornerImproving your mortgageBy: Sammy Fejbusch

Taking out a mortgage requires making important financial decisions as described in a previous column (“Mortgage Headaches”, May 2004). It is important to be aware that the financial decisions you make related to your mortgage don’t end there. You should keep a close eye on the mortgage and check - at least once a year - if the terms of the mortgage can be improved in order to lower the various costs incurred. In that sense, a mortgage is no different from an investment portfolio that one keeps track of in order to optimize the yield over time.

The main issues to consider on an annual basis are:

1. Interest rates - Interest rates tend to fluctuate over time. Historically, fixed interest rates on mortgages have fluctuated between 5% and 8% (in “real” terms, i.e. net of inflation). Today, fixed rates hover around 5% and lower.

Homeowners who took out a mortgage in the past at a higher fixed rate should consider refinancing their mortgage at a lower rate available today and thereby potentially save tens of thousands of shekels in interest payments (despite the early repayment “penalty”).

Others who took a mortgage at a variable rate should seriously consider “locking in” a fixed rate at around 5% and enjoy a relatively low interest rate until maturity of the loan. In this case there is usually no early repayment penalty. This could also prove to save a significant amount of money over time.

The current outlook is for rising short-term interest rates both on the shekel and the dollar. Therefore, you should not rely on the low interest rates charged today on variable rate mortgages (in shekels or dollars) to subsist in the future.

Variable rates on dollar denominated mortgages linked to the “Libor” rate are already rising and rates on

shekel denominated ones (based on the “prime” rate or other benchmark) will probably rise in the near future.

2. Insurance costs - Mortgage banks require both property insurance and life insurance. In the past, both insurances used to be arranged through the mortgage banks at exorbitant rates. Today, many people take out cheaper insurance through insurance companies at much lower rates than mortgage banks would charge. It is also possible to switch the insurance coverage from the bank to an insurance company at any time after taking out a mortgage. Such a move can save, in some cases, thousands of shekels in insurance costs.

Ignoring the changing interest rate environment and insurance costs could prove very costly. Therefore, the terms of your mortgage should be reviewed at least once a year either by yourself or with professional assistance.

If you would like this column to address a specific topic or answer your questions, feel free to e-mail Sammy at: [email protected].

Sammy Fejbusch is the founder of New Insight Consulting Ltd. advising corporate and private clients on financial issues. He is a Certified Public Accountant and has an MBA in Finance from Hebrew University.

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9

Why We Live in Israel …By: Pnina Cohen, age 12

Here I am back in Israel. It was a glorious month at Camp Moshava in PA after my first year of aliyah. I really can’t believe camp is over. I had loved all of the activities at my sleep-away camp in America and I am a bit upset that I am not there right now. Nature had been one of my favorite activities. We would go into the forest and look around for a lizard or frog but there you had to be very lucky to find any. Now I think about it and chuckle. When we had gone looking in the forest, we spent hours picking up rocks and looking under leaves and usually came out with nothing. Why, I have two geckos in a tank downstairs that my father found near our back door!!!! Nature can be found right in your backyard, here. How funny it all seems!

My camp had also been very Israeli, I recall. When fluent Hebrew was spoken, my bunk would be speechless and would beg to hear more. Now I think about it and again, I chuckle. It hadn’t amused me much at all. After a year of hearing Hebrew every day, I was used to it. Perhaps there are some secret advantages about living here. Maybe I have not even found them all yet. I am so happy camp taught me that.

Absorption DepartmentEvents Schedulefor English-Speaking Olim

Modiin’s Absorption Department is pleased to invite all English-speaking Olim to the following events scheduled for October. If you wish to attend an event and require further details, please contact Rosita Berlin, the Absorption Department Director, or her assistant Rita Scharf, on 972-6198 or 970-7529.

October 4th, 7pm-9pm: We welcome everyone to join us at the Municipal Sukkah, at the corner of Emek Dotan and Emek Hahula (near the Country Center).

October 19th, 8pm: Lecture (in English) by Dr. Doron Rosen on the role of the Reform and Conservative movements in Israeli society. The lecture will be held at the Mercaz RavTehumy, Rechov Nahal Iyun at the corner of Emek Dotan (near Ironi Bet High School).

October 20th, 1pm-3pm: Join us for a guided excursion in the Modiin area. Suggested fee of 5 NIS. The tour will leave the Iriya Building, 1 Rechov Tiltan, at 1pm.

October 25th, 17:00: The Israeli chamber ensemble “Rondo” will be playing in concert at the Municipal Building, 1 Rechov Tiltan. Entrance fee of 15 NIS.

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Michelle, Continued from page 6

goals. Bring a record of your child’ grades and activities. Dress nicely, but not out of character.

4. Take the tour of the school. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions about the school’s environment from the students who presently attend. Recognize, however, that tour guides are formally representing the school and more specific questions should be addressed to the principal.

5. Check out the dorms. Find out about the various dorm options that are available and who is responsible for the students after school hours. Arrange to meet a dorm counselor and/or Em Bayit, if possible. Picture your teen living in a dorm. Are you comfortable with the people who will oversee the students and help them deal with their academic and social issues? Find out how many weekends the students will have to stay in for Shabbat.

6. Arrange for campus meetings with department heads in the subjects that interest you. Bring records that highlight your teen’s school records and extra curricular activities. Ask about opportunities based on your teen’s skills and interests. Ask about subject matter and resource availability in areas you know your teen needs support. Write down the names of any teacher or department head you meet with and send personal thank-you notes when you return home. (American style – keeping your child’s name on their lips.)

7. Sit in on classes and check out the learning atmosphere. How is the rapport between students and faculty in the classroom? Pay attention to teachers and students talking in the halls. Speak to students about their relationships with teachers and clarify the mechanechet’s role. Look for quiet places to study.

8. Look into life beyond academics. Check out the extra curricular activities. Look at bulletin boards and read some of the content to find out what the students are learning. Can you see your child/teen joining in? Can you envision your child/teen expressing themselves in this way? What announcements about special programs, projects, lecturers, and workshops are being offered in addition to the regular curriculum?

Meet the social coordinator and find out what special programs are being planned.

9. Watch student interactions. Talk with students in the school about their impressions of the school. Look at the students themselves. Do you imagine your teen feeling comfortable among the students? Find out from students and faculty members where students go after graduation. Ask students what they do in their spare time.

10. Ask about support systems to help olim chadashim. Discuss with the guidance counselor how the school offers their new olim students support in Hebrew and other subjects. Ask if subjects are divided into academic levels and which ones. Remember to ask about school support classes (Kitot tigbor) for the Bagrut exams and which megamot are offered.

WHEN ‘TEST DRIVING’ SCHOOLS REMEMBER YOU ARE YOUR TEEN’S BEST ADVOCATE!

Michelle Berkowitz based in Bet Shemesh and Jerusalem is a Madricha L’tichnun Chinuchi, experienced educational consultant. She plans junior high/high school fairs for the dati leumi/torani sector, explains the Bagrut system, works with teens and their parents in selecting a school or high school that matches teens’ individual hashkafa, talents, skills, and interests, and offers private consultations with an NBCD school intervention to help support teens in school.

Contact Michelle at [email protected] or call 02-991-9283.

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Ad deadline for the November Issue: October 12.


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Sweet Stuffed Cabbage (American) Or if you like ... Holishkes/Holipshes (derivatives of Yiddish!). Whatever you call it, eat it and enjoy!

By: Karen Fejbusch

Recipe Corner

Ingredients• 1 large white cabbage (remove outside leaves and place in freezer overnight)• 1/2 kilo minced meat• 2 or 3 cups of cooked rice (should be an equal amount of rice to meat)• Salt, pepper, sugar and 2 good squirts of ketchup• Small marrow or chicken bones (marrow gives a more meaty flavour)

Sauce:

• 2 cans crushed tomatoes• 1 onion - roughly chopped• Sugar• Salt and pepper to season• Ketchup - amount according to taste

Take the cabbage out of the freezer and separate the leaves -- they should separate quite easily. Remove the heart of the cabbage. Mix the minced meat with the salt, pepper and ketchup and then add the cooked rice. Mix well. Fill the smaller end of each leaf with the minced meat and rice mixture. Then fold in both sides of the cabbage leaf and roll it, placing the open fold facing downwards.

Place small marrow bones on the bottom of the pot. Mix all the sauce ingredients together and pour on top of the bones, adding a little water. Carefully place the stuffed cabbage leaves in the pot, keeping the open fold facing downwards. If you have any leftover cabbage leaves, slice them and add to the sauce. Each stuffed cabbage leaf should be covered by the sauce.

Cook on a medium flame between 1 1/2-2 hours (the longer it cooks, the better it tastes!)

Bon Appetit!

All compliments to Denise Feibusch!

Chag Sameach – Karen


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