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1 January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2 The Hanukkah Miracle That Didn’t Happen By: Marion Stone On the Friday of Hanukkah, a few people gathered on a hillside south of Reut, at a place that will become part of the South Buchman residential area, and sadly lit four Hanukkah candles. They were lit among the destroyed ruins of a magnificent Hasmonean olive press, fort and mikveh which, until only a few days previously, had stood in peace and isolation for 2000 years, until 21st century man found it and mercilessly swept it away with heavy machinery. The huge olive press had an equally huge oil collection and storage area, and a fort had been built above it on the hillside to guard the olive press. Adjacent to this, a fine mikveh with well preserved steps leading down and even plaster on the walls will be filled in and buried under a road to be named Esther Hamalka. By the fact that there was a mikveh on the site, it can be assumed that this olive oil was special, and fastidiously pure, and it is thought that here oil may have been made for use in the Temple. If so, it may be that the oil made for the re-dedication after the Maccabean uprising was actually made here. It was truly an awesome find that should have been preserved. This Hasmonean site had been released by the Antiquities Authority for development, and despite all Continued on page 13 Serving the English speaking community of Modiin and the surrounding neighborhoods January 2005 Tevet/Shevat 5765 Volume 2 Issue 2 In and Around the City By: Alex Weinreb Budget We are reaching the end of the fiscal year and for the first time we are preparing a united budget for Maccabim, Reut and Modiin. The amount of money allocated to education will be increased to 50% of the budget. Environmental Consultants Starting next week, two new consultants will be working for the city. Environmental consultant, Chaya Yogev, will be educating teachers on how to teach the children on the importance of environmental issues such as recycling and becoming a green school. The program will be for kindergarten through 12 th grade. She will be working with Dr. Dalia Doron on the implementation. In addition, the city has hired environmental engineer, Mosy Boton, to check that all the factories and stores in the city are being built according to the environmental restrictions that were okayed for each factory and store. He will, for example, make sure that a garage/mechanic will ensure that emissions will be directed away from the population. Mobile Cafeteria I’m coming out with a tender for a mobile cafeteria in City Hall (such as the “Coffee-Time” cafeterias in Continued on page 4 Shum, Pilpel v’Shemen Zayit Get ready for Tu B’Shevat Fresh spices, nuts and dried fruit Gourmet products from around the world Plus all our American products… • Mandarin oranges • Drakes Cakes • Dr. Pepper • • Frozen Pie Crusts • and much more Kosher under the supervision of Chevel Modiin; daily mashgiach Located in the Shilat shopping center (next to Home Center) 08-976-3888 5% discount with this ad

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Fresh spices, nuts and dried fruit Gourmet products from around the world This Hasmonean site had been released by the Antiquities Authority for development, and despite all Continued on page 13 Environmental Consultants We are reaching the end of the fiscal year and for the first time we are preparing a united budget for Maccabim, Reut and Modiin. The amount of money allocated to education will be increased to 50% of the budget. Located in the Shilat shopping center (next to Home Center) 1

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1January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

The Hanukkah Miracle That Didn’t HappenBy: Marion Stone

On the Friday of Hanukkah, a few people gathered on a hillside south of Reut, at a place that will become part of the South Buchman residential area, and sadly lit four Hanukkah candles. They were lit among the destroyed ruins of a magnificent Hasmonean olive press, fort and mikveh which, until only a few days previously, had stood in peace and isolation for 2000 years, until 21st century man found it and mercilessly swept it away with heavy machinery.

The huge olive press had an equally huge oil collection and storage area, and a fort had been built above it on the hillside to guard the olive press. Adjacent to this, a fine mikveh with well preserved steps leading down and even plaster on the walls will be filled in and buried under a road to be named Esther Hamalka.

By the fact that there was a mikveh on the site, it can be assumed that this olive oil was special, and fastidiously pure, and it is thought that here oil may have been made for use in the Temple. If so, it may be that the oil made for the re-dedication after the Maccabean uprising was actually made here. It was truly an awesome find that should have been preserved.

This Hasmonean site had been released by the Antiquities Authority for development, and despite all

Continued on page 13

Serving the English speaking community of Modiin and the surrounding neighborhoods

January 2005Tevet/Shevat 5765Volume 2Issue 2

In and Around the CityBy: Alex Weinreb

BudgetWe are reaching the end of the fiscal year and for

the first time we are preparing a united budget for Maccabim, Reut and Modiin. The amount of money allocated to education will be increased to 50% of the budget.

Environmental ConsultantsStarting next week, two new consultants will be

working for the city. Environmental consultant, Chaya Yogev, will be educating teachers on how to teach the children on the importance of environmental issues such as recycling and becoming a green school. The program will be for kindergarten through 12th grade. She will be working with Dr. Dalia Doron on the implementation.

In addition, the city has hired environmental engineer, Mosy Boton, to check that all the factories and stores in the city are being built according to the environmental restrictions that were okayed for each factory and store. He will, for example, make sure that a garage/mechanic will ensure that emissions will be directed away from the population.

Mobile CafeteriaI’m coming out with a tender for a mobile cafeteria

in City Hall (such as the “Coffee-Time” cafeterias inContinued on page 4

Shum, Pilpel v’Shemen ZayitGet ready for Tu B’ShevatFresh spices, nuts and dried fruitGourmet products from around the worldPlus all our American products…• Mandarin oranges • Drakes Cakes • Dr. Pepper •• Frozen Pie Crusts • and much moreKosher under the supervision of Chevel Modiin; daily mashgiach

Located in the Shilat shopping center (next to Home Center)

08-976-3888

5% di

scoun

t with

this a

d

2To Advertise n 052-6404-414 n 052-3868-768 n [email protected] n www.modiinfo.com

3January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

Letter to the Editor

Having My SayBy: Elliott Cahan

Last month’s ModiInfo contained a very enlightening and insightful interview with Modiin Mayor Moshe Spector. Clearly, Mayor Spector is a man who has a passion for Modiin and is the city’s biggest cheerleader. Mayor Spector continues to make the case that one of the keys not only to the future of Israel, but Modiin as well, is the need for continued immigration by the Anglo Community. One can only be impressed by the efforts that Mayor Spector has made to personally champion this cause and ensure that the needs of olim are met.

However, I was surprised that such a seasoned politician missed an opportunity to address the needs of one of his key constituencies, the religious community. The Mayor points out that the religious population continues to grow and now compromises

20 percent of the total population. A large percentage of olim to Modiin are religious. I would also suspect that the religious community is also the fastest growing as well. Therefore, when the question of overcrowded synagogues was posed to him, the Mayor failed to acknowledge that it was even a problem. In fact, he repeated what he has now said in a number of different venues, that there is no money for synagogues and that the city encourages synagogues to raise money privately and will assist in helping to secure land. Mayor Spector went on to say that he came from a religious background and his “grandfather had helped to build a synagogue in Petach Tikvah”. When it was pointed out to him that his comments might be considered a hostile gesture by some of the religious community, he commented that he had received 90 percent of the religious vote in the last election and that “was a pretty good sign”. Ironically, there was another article in the very same issue by Deputy Mayor, Michael Harlap, about the lack of synagogues in Modiin. Do these guys talk to each other?

Clearly, every city has limited resources. Modiin is a city that despite tremendous population growth is still hampered by a low tax base and a deficit of at least 100 million dollars. This is not Mayor Spector’s fault. However, he has chosen to proceed with the construction of a cultural center that will cost 23 million NIS. The new library has not opened due

Continued on page 11

Dear Readers,As you know, ModiInfo features a number of

regularly appearing columns from members of our community. Alex Weinreb, Deputy Mayor, writes In and Around the City, Sammy Fejbush writes the Consumer Corner and Aryeh Bak writes Happenings on the Hill. Every month we include a recipe contribution as well as a personal story for the Why We Live in Israel article. This month features a letter to the editor and a new column by Jolie Schokkette called Mother-to-Mother (Jolie was the feature of an article last month on fascinating people).

ModiInfo encourages contributions. Please feel free to write to any of our columnists, as they are eager to hear from the readers and address your questions. You are also welcome to send in recipes, letters to the editor and Why We Live in Israel experiences. We encourage everyone to be a part of this community publication and look forward to hearing from you.

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.

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3January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

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Mother-to-MotherA Time to Give and a Time to ReceiveBy: Jolie Schockett

The first step to being a nurturing mother is nurturing the mother! Your mental, physical and spiritual state are of supreme importance. Feeling good about yourself directly affects you and the little ones in your care. Therefore, make time for the things you enjoy. A mother who makes time for herself is happier, healthier and calmer – and better equipped to deal with children. Making time for yourself is an invaluable investment, not only for you but also for your family. Find an activity, set a time, write it down and stick to it. Organizing properly at home to allow your chosen activities is necessary so you’ll have full, stress-free enjoyment, and in order to maintain your commitment to it.

It you’re new in Modiin, you may have missed the pamphlets of courses offered by the Matnas and Cathedra. So, here’s a suggested list of activities offered close to home. Modiin’s Matnas offers something for everyone. Women’s exercise classes are at the Ironi Sports Center and the Shimshoni Sports Center. The instructors are Wingate graduates led by Atara Dafni, a well-known figure in fitness throughout Israel. Weekly classes include yoga, aerobics, step aerobics, body

sculpting, Pilates (stomach and back exercises) and for the exotic - belly dancing. Each course is 180 NIS per month. For a trial, call Atara at 054-651-5251.

Israeli circle simcha dancing is given Wednesday evenings at the Moadon Hanoar on Emek Dotan. Beginners classes are from 20:00-21:00, and the advanced classes are from 21:00 to the wee hours. Bring your teen daughter and you’ve got a great mother-daughter night out. Other fitness courses include exercise for pregnant and postpartum women, cycling, karate, and more. For details, call the Matnas at 08-970-2210. Ilana Lin, an excellent licensed trainer, gives lessons in her home. Call 08-971-6883 or 052-378-6063.

To satisfy your creative side, the Matnas offers painting, sculpturing, drawing, creative writing, gardening, home decorating, and mosaic making. For those of you who have yet to polish up on your Hebrew, fluent Hebrew is not necessary for most of the above mentioned.

The Cathedra offers a wide range of courses from computers to cooking. You can also work towards your BA or MA at their open university. Looking for a job change? Learn to open your own business or become a photographer, project manager, secretary or licensed accountant. Self-improvement classes include self-awareness, memory improvement, temper control, improving relationships, and weight watchers.

Continued on page 8

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5January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

Around the City, Continued from page 1

hospitals and universities). The objective is to provide the citizens with food and beverage while they’re waiting on line to be served. And in addition, to provide city workers a place to buy food in-house. The city will establish the prices and the menu (all kosher) which will include soup, salads, sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks. It will be open during City Hall hours. It will also be available during shows that are played at City Hall in the afternoons and evenings. If the pilot is successful then we will introduce it to schools as well.

ArchæologyThere are eight schools within the city that are

learning archeology. I’ve provided full-funding to these schools that wished to participate in the program. I approached the Antiquities Authority, the Environmental Ministry, Yad Ben Tzvi Institution plus others to donate books to our new city library which opens in a month. The Antiquities Authority was the first to respond in donating hundreds of books. This will enable students to enjoy the conveniences of our local library rather than having to leave town to use university libraries for the materials.

Safe TiyulimI have put out a tender for the restoration of the

ancient synagogue in Um-el-Umdan. I am also putting together a survey of all areas that people hike through in the city, such as Barphilia, Haruva, and Givat Sher. We want to cover all the open cisterns (just like what was done in the past on Titura Hill) to make them safe places for a tiyul. There will be signs clearly marking the areas.

Electromagnetic EmissionDr. Alexander Lapa and I have just finished five

spot-checks for electromagnetic emission in homes. All of the checks came back under the minimum amount. All those who were checked received copies of the report. These were all sponsored by the Environmental Committee.

Other InformationI have ordered signs to post in the parks against

dogs relieving themselves, against kablanim leaving materials behind and rules for holding birthday parties in the park.

I met with an engineer and seven different entrepreneurs who are looking to invest money possibly in Modiin. This would provide jobs, as well as recreation and facilities.

This week I sat with architects to design several bike paths in existing neighborhoods.

Question: Why is it taking so long to build Route 431?

Answer: There are three parties involved with building the road, the Ministry of Housing, Sole Bonei,

Continued on page 9

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5January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

Modiin StatisticsPopulation

Current population 60,000

Predicted population (fourth largest city) 250,000

Number of olim 5,000

Young families (parents age 24-44) 90%

Predicted size 50,000 sq km

Number of housing units built simultaneously per year 4,000

Number of housing units sold annually 2,000

Predicted size of business district 1,300,000 sq km

Predicted number of employees 35,000

EducationTotal number of students in 1996 500

Total number of students in 2004-5 16,275

System comprised of:

126 kindergartens with 3,675 children (21 of which are state-religious)

17 primary schools with 7,100 students (3 of which are state-religious)

7 secondary schools with 5,500 students (2 of which are state-religious)

Religious AffiliationDati population 20%

Number of Chief Rabbis 2

Rav Dovid Lau (Ashkenaz)

Rav Eliyahu Elcharar (Sefard)

Conservative Movement (Services held) 2

Reform Movement (Services held) 1

Number of mikvehs 2

Other StatisticsNumber of residents involved in voluntary

organizations 3,000

Number of youth movements 4

Number of sports facilities 3 (an additional two under construction)

Number of shopping centers 11

Number of culture halls being planned 6

All buildings facing main streets must have Even Yerushalmi (i.e. Emek HaHula)

The following information is obtained from the City of Modiin.

The Modiin Municipalilty provides the inhabitants with a wide range of services. To this end, the municipality operates six departments, each in charge of the various branches and offices under its jurisdiction.

Department of EducationDepartment head – Meir Shimoni

The Department of Education deals with all subjects related to formal and non-formal education in the city of Modiin, to students of all ages. This department is in charge of the city’s psychological service, as well as culture and events.

Department of Finance and Municipality TreasurerDepartment head – Shuli Cohen

Within the Department of Finance are the Municipality Treasurer, the Collection Department, the Computation Department, accountancy and more.

Department of WelfareDepartment head – Dalia Katzir

The Welfare Department includes the Welfare and Absorption Departments, the Public Counseling Service, public health, senior citizens activities in Modi’in and more.

Department of ServicesDepartment head – Yaacov Cohen

This department is in charge of security in Modi’in, of the Department for Public Services, the archives, municipal warehouses and more.

The Shefa Department – LandscapeDepartment head – Shlomo Atar

The department deals with all aspects of landscape – maintenance of the city and its buildings, gardening around the city and environment and more.

Department of EngineeringDepartment head – Municipal Engineer, Rami Ziv

This department is in charge of all aspects of city planning and development, construction, building permits, construction supervision and more.

Public Services CenterIn order to cut bureaucracy and improve service

for the people of Modiin, the Public Services Center was established to coordinate and provide a variety of services for the public.

The Economic CompanyModiin has an Economic Company which carries

out development and infrastructure work throughout the city. The company also finds entrepreneurs to carry out projects around the city. The profits from the Economic Company’s project are reinvested in the development of the city of Modiin.

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7January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

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7January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

Happenings on the HillThe U.S. Embassy – What’s the Deal?By: Aryeh Bak

Background

On October 23, 1995, both houses of the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly voted to adopt the Jerusalem Embassy Act. The House of Representatives approved the bill by a count of 374-37 with the Senate then voting the bill into law with an even more impressive 93-5 tally.

The Act includes the following statements:

• Each sovereign nation, under international law and custom, may designate its own capital.

• Since 1950, the city of Jerusalem has been the capital of the State of Israel.

• The city of Jerusalem is the spiritual center of Judaism.

• In 1990, the Congress unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 106, which declares that the Congress “strongly believes that Jerusalem must remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected”.

• The United States maintains its embassy in the functioning capital of every country except in the case of our democratic friend and strategic ally, the State of Israel.

Finally, the Act states that the U.S. Embassy must be relocated from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999. The Act further states that fully 50% of all money used to maintain U.S. buildings abroad may not be spent if the Embassy has not been opened in Jerusalem, though it does allow the President to waive this 50% spending restriction for six month periods if the President feels that it is necessary to do so to protect the national security interests of the United States.

The President (Clinton and then Bush) has invoked the waiver in each successive six-month period since 1999, despite the following campaign promise from

Continued on page 12

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9January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

Mother to Mother, Continued from page 3

Need a spiritual boost? Take healing through Rambam, prophets, parsha or biblical personalities through the Midrash. Energize with Reiki or get in balance with Feng Sheui. Can’t get away this winter? Take a journey to the Far East through lectures, slides, a light and sound show, and music. Explore Israeli culture through lectures and trips. A course is also available in Ladino and Yiddish culture. Berlitz offers Spanish and Arabic.

Women’s morning on alternative Tuesdays include topics such as the power of the word, infant resuscitation, nutrition, women’s life cycle, shiatsu, and home decorating. All for 20 NIS per session, coffee included. Also offered is a course on pregnancy, birth

and nursing. For further information, please call 08-971-4299/9238.

Remember, while the children are growing and developing, so are you. Make time for you today! You’ll sparkle and all will be warmed by your radiance.

Jolie Schockett is a graduate of Stern College where she studied psychology, biology and journalism. She and her husband, Howie, fulfilled their dream of making Aliya 11 years ago. They’ve been residents of Modiin for two years and have 12 biological children. They’ve fostered 13 children along the way and have worked extensively with social workers and psychologists on their behalf. Please send questions as well as suggestions for topics for this column to [email protected].

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9January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

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Around the City, Continued from page 4

and Maatz – who is charge of connecting the last few meters of the road. Maatz, a government company, was recently privatized and the workers went on strike. As a result, the road has been delayed.

Question: Will the train be delayed due to the recent discovery of the Hasmonian city near Route 1 and Kfar Daniel?

Answer: Yes. The Hasmonian city will be preserved and the train will run under it. This will use more funding and will also take longer to build.

Question: Why was the ancient site in South Buchman destroyed?

Answer: It was NOT supposed to have been destroyed. We had an agreement in writing with the Antiquities Authority which they broke. The Antiquities Authority did not deem the site as a top priority and did not want to have to compensate the kablanim and those who already purchased homes in the area. I had approached the other members of City Hall to see if we could find the money, we could not at this time. However – and this is the most important part – we had agreed with the Antiquities Authority that they would take the all the relics and store them for us until we were able to restore the site. Building a road on top of the site would in fact preserve it. Had I known that it would be destroyed, I would have never even entered discussion on the subject.

I am demanding from the Ministry of Education our own archeological consultant and then we will have the authority to decide what’s important and not be dependent on the Antiquities Authority. It will also relieve the pressure from the different kablanim building in the areas.

Question: Why isn’t there enough parking in Modiin Center?

Answer: There are 110 parking spaces in the back and most of the shopkeepers and their employees park there, in turn taking up the spaces meant for customers. There is a parking lot further up on Tzeelon Street with 125 places to park where the shopkeepers and employees should be using thus freeing up the spaces at the center for customers. A transportation consultant is checking on the possibility of temporarily turning the park behind the Modiin Center parking lot into an additional 240 spaces.

Question: When will a hospital be built in Modiin?

Answer: There must be a minimal population of 80,000 and Modiin has 60,000 to date.

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

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11January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

Why We Live in Israel …By: Ilana Cohen

If you had asked me 20 years ago when I was a teenager in the tiny Jewish community of Canberra (the capital city), Australia, if I thought that I would make Aliyah, I doubt that the answer would have been ’Yes’. Few of my friends were Jewish and none of them lived here so it was never an assumed thing. It seems that fate had a hand in the way that life plays itself out as several weeks after I moved to Sydney, I met my (Israeli) husband and we eventually ended up here.

After spending the first year in Holon (not recommended) we moved to Modiin in 1997. In the seven years since then, I have found out what living in Israel is all about. Israel is the only place in the world where I can be me. I spent all of my childhood being ‘the Jewish girl’ – a life that involved explaining myself all the time – why I needed those particular days off, why I wouldn’t eat that, etc. Here in Israel, I just fit in. In Israel (and particularly in Modiin) I can be exactly who I want to be.

So if the question is: ‘Why did I make Aliyah?’, the answer would be that I married an Israeli. But to answer the question, “Why we live in Israel”, I’ll answer with another question, “Would I want to live anywhere else”? No. This is ‘Home’ in every sense and I am here to stay. I hope my children will realize one day how lucky they are.

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11January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

Letter to Editor, Continued from page 2

to the fact that it will cost 600,000 NIS to bring the building up to the fire code. On the very first night of Hanukkah, we marched to an ancient synagogue of the Maccabees. Synagogues have served as our “cultural centers” throughout the long history of the Jewish people. Mayor Spector was given the chance to address an issue that is important to a large segment of Modiin’s population. He could have done a much better job of acknowledging the problem and pledging his support to alleviate the problem. Instead, he chose a different route which certainly can be interpreted as being offensive. The mayor should remember that a “for” him might have been a vote against his opponent and certainly not a vote of support. A politician should not rest on the laurels of their last election, certainly not in a city that is in the state of flux like Modiin.

Finally, whether or not Mayor Spector’s grandfather helped build a synagogue in Petach Tikva is immaterial to our situation in Modiin today. I doubt that there was anyone here who voted for his grandfather. Today, Modiin is a crucial point in its continued growth and its ability to attract religious people to live here. Many potential olim are deciding now on what city they will choose to settle in. Over the last three years 27 families have moved here through Nefesh B’ Nefesh. There is a chance that that number might double in this coming year alone. However, we will not move forward and into the future if our mayor does not recognize the “facts on the ground” and support the religious community in both his words and actions.

Activities of the MonthMonthly shiur given by Mrs. Shira Smiles.

This month will be held on Monday, January 10 at 8:15 pm at 85 Nahar HaYarden. If you would like to sponsor or co-sponsor a shiur, please e-mail Debbie Goldfischer at [email protected].

Monday nights from 8:55-10:00 pm: Men’s gemara shiur given by Rabbi Gideon Weizman. For venue information, please call: 08-970-3299.

Wednesday nights from 8:30-9:30 pm: Women’s shiur given by Rabbi Gideon Weizman on Marriage: Themes in the Jewish Life Cycle. Voluntary donation of 15 NIS. 97/1 Rechov Yehuda, Lightstone Family. For details, please call Suzanne Lightstone: 975-2416.

Tuesday nights, parsha shiur given by Rabbi Efraim Hodos. 9:00 pm Maariv followed by the shiur. 40 Rechov Yosef.

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13January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

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On the Hill, Continued from page 7

President Bush:

“‘Something will happen when I’m president,’ Bush told a Jewish lobbying group a year ago. ‘As soon as I take office I will begin the process of moving the U.S. Ambassador to the city Israel has chosen as its capital.’ The Bush campaign in October slammed Vice President Al Gore for backsliding on the move.”

-June 13th, 2000 “In The Loop” column in the Washington Post

ImpactThe impact on us is large. Specifically at a time

when “land for peace” negotiations are proceeding at such a brisk pace it is crucial that our strongest ally declare steadfastly that Jerusalem is a united city and the capital of Israel. The U.S. has continually refused to do so in any way other than verbally. This is dangerous as the Palestinians continue to claim that Al-Quds (Jerusalem) is their own capital. In late November “moderate” Mahmoud Abbas, likely upcoming President of the Palestinian Authority, vowed to pursue Yasser Arafat’s goals of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Recent EventsUnfortunately, again, on Wednesday, December 15,

President George W. Bush used his waiver to continue to defer the implementation of the Jerusalem Embassy Act.

In more positive news, Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), one of the leading Republican Senators (and perhaps Israel’s strongest friend in the Senate), highlighted the Jerusalem Embassy Act as a personal goal of his. While receiving the Zionist Organization of America’s Defender of Zion award, Brownback pledged to “work hard in the coming year” to bring about the fulfillment of the Jerusalem Embassy Act.

Aryeh Bak is an actuary living in Modiin and is active in AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee). For questions or comments feel free to contact him at [email protected].

Hebrew house-related termsAdrichal – architectAliyat gag – atticArnona – municipal/property taxBalatot – stone floor tilesBidoud – insulationBikoret – inspection (specifically of your electric work)Biton – concreteBiyouv – sewageBniyah – constructionCeramica – ceramic wall or color tilesChabalot – acts of sabotage against your homeChad-mishpachti – single familyChafirot – digging/excavationsChalon – windowCharsina – porcelain wall tilesChashmal – electricityChashmalai – electricianCheder – roomCheder atoum – sealed roomChol – sandChorim – holesChoutim – wires

… to be continued

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13January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

Hanukkah Miracle, Continued from page 1

efforts to reverse their decision, they stubbornly and mercilessly went ahead and flattened it the day before Hanukkah.

To the west remains a Chalcolithic site which includes some sort of public building and an area of stones with recesses (in Hebrew - Saflulim) that were carved into them some 6000 years ago, around 2500 in number. Also many olive stones were found there, probably wild, not of the type we see today, and these are being investigated. It is thought that this was an area where olive oil was made by a very primitive method. Its size indicates a labor intensive area that probably produced a large amount of oil.

The Chalcolithic site has not yet had its fate sealed, but plans show houses standing over it, on a road named after a Hasmonean princess. We wonder why it is permissible to destroy the genuine evidence, the real thing, and then build a modern street of houses in its place.

The Society for Preservation of Sites and Landscape

of Modiin proposed an alternative plan to divert the road and reposition the houses so that the two sites could have been preserved in parks. If kept in suitable parkland, the site would have been made available for all visitors - be they tourists or schoolchildren - to see and learn more about our ancestors’ way of life.

Our hard work to ensure the preservation of the Maccabean Heritage, and our Jewish Heritage, did not succeed and much to our dismay, our children will not benefit from it.

Marion moved to Modiin in 1996, and soon discovered that there had been a lot of destruction of archaeological remains to make way for building, and there were ongoing dangers with every new project that began. The Society for Preservation of Sites and Landscape in Modiin had recently managed to save the Titura Hill from a building project that would spoil its beauty and character. Over the years, other historic evidence has come to light and she strongly believes that it should be saved.

Advertising Deadline for February issue, January 12

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15January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

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January 12, 2005

Dear President Bush and Senator KerryBy: Daniella Zack, 6th Grade

Kids Corner

Dear Mr. President George W. Bush,

I want to congratulate you on your

tremendous victory against me in

the presidential election. The truth

is that I didn’t want the job – my

mother made me do it. Actually, it

would have been divine to sit in the

Oval Office for a couple of days.

Mazel Tov,

Senator John Kerry

Dear Senator John Kerry,

Thank you for your sincere wishes for my next four years in office. I’m sorry you are such a disappointment to your mother. I invite you to join me and my staff for a cup of coffee in the Oval Office any time you want – but not today, I’m busy counting my votes.

My best wishes,President (again) George W. Bush

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15January 2005 n Tevet/Shevat 5765 n Volume 2, Issue 2

Recipe Corner

Candle Lighting

Creole Lime ChickenBy: Chani Turk

Looking for a change from the weekly cholent? Or you just want a head start on dinner? Here’s a recipe to keep your bones warm in the winter while keeping your palate happy too.

Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. creole seasoning (I use Lawry’s seasoned salt)

1- 6.5 lb whole chicken

4 cloves garlic, smashed

1 lime, quartered

1 small bunch cilantro

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 large jalapeno chili, quartered

Directions: Rub 2 tsp. seasoning in chicken cavity. Stuff with 2 lime quarters, garlic, chili and cilantro. Tie legs and

tuck wings under. Rub skin with oil. Sprinkle with remaining seasoning. Place in a crock-pot. Squeeze juice from remaining lime over chicken. Cover.

Cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-4.5 hours. It is very yummy and tender, but a bit spicy - use less or a milder chili pepper to make it less spicy.

It serves well with couscous.

December 31/19 TevetParshat ShemotCandle lighting 16:26Shabbat ends 17:26

January 7/26 TevetParshat VayerahShabbat MevarchinCandle lighting 16:31Shabbat ends 17:31

January 14/4 ShevatParshat BoCandle lighting 16:37Shabbat ends 17:37

January 21/11 ShevatParshat BeshalachCandle lighting 16:43Shabbat ends 17:43

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