Saturday, December 05, 2009
Where Prosperity Breeds Proximity
MANY blocks in Midwood, with its rows of orderly detached homes and private driveways, give the feeling of a carefully planned suburb — a serene surprise after turning off a thoroughfare like Coney Island Avenue or Ocean Parkway.
But closer inspection reveals that the landscape has, in fact, been altered: on virtually every block, at least one or two homes have been significantly expanded — built up, built out, even built down.
The larger homes blend in as best they can with their smaller neighbors, but their oversized shadows are hard to miss: they are evidence of the wealth and the larger families that a thriving Orthodox Jewish population has brought to Midwood in recent years.
“Midwood has always been Jewish, but it wasn’t always Orthodox,” said David Maryl, a broker at Jacob Gold Realty. “Now for every family that’s moving out, it’s an Orthodox family moving in.”
Brooklyn’s Community Board 14, which covers the eastern half of Midwood, fields several home expansion requests each month from the area, said Alvin M. Berk, the board’s chairman.
He said the board first noted the steady trickle of requests about eight years ago and now handles about 30 a year. “This seems to be a fairly high rate of building expansion,” he said. “But there’s generally no opposition — maybe just some concerns about a proposed enlargement reducing a neighbor’s light and air.” But applicants often make concessions to ease those concerns, he added.
Rather than building a larger home, Bill and Diana Spiegel bought one. They’ve moved about a mile east. “We love the area,” Mr. Spiegel said.
They walk more than a mile each way to attend the synagogue in their old area, because “we have a little separation anxiety,” he said. But on their way, they probably pass more than a dozen synagogues; they will probably switch to one nearby once the weather turns cold. “It seems like there’s a real sense of community here, and they welcome you,” Mr. Spiegel said.
Brokers say that Orthodox families first moved into Midwood about 25 years ago as they were priced out of Borough Park, a better established Orthodox neighborhood to the west. Nowadays, Midwood is “very sought after, because people want to be near family and friends, a yeshiva or a synagogue affiliation,” said Sora David, a broker with Eisberg Lenz Real Estate. Being within walking distance of a synagogue is critical for those who observe Orthodox Jewish laws forbidding driving and other activities on the Sabbath.
There are dozens of synagogues and many yeshivas scattered throughout Midwood. Some Hasidic synagogues, known as shtibls, are in single-family homes where the rabbi might live upstairs and the congregation might meet on the first floor.
Mr. Berk says synagogues are allowed as of right in any residential zone. But many of them have growing congregations that eventually require more space. He said that the community board had fielded and helped approve many applications for variances to turn houses into larger synagogues.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/realestate/06livi.html
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But closer inspection reveals that the landscape has, in fact, been altered: on virtually every block, at least one or two homes have been significantly expanded — built up, built out, even built down.
The larger homes blend in as best they can with their smaller neighbors, but their oversized shadows are hard to miss: they are evidence of the wealth and the larger families that a thriving Orthodox Jewish population has brought to Midwood in recent years.
“Midwood has always been Jewish, but it wasn’t always Orthodox,” said David Maryl, a broker at Jacob Gold Realty. “Now for every family that’s moving out, it’s an Orthodox family moving in.”
Brooklyn’s Community Board 14, which covers the eastern half of Midwood, fields several home expansion requests each month from the area, said Alvin M. Berk, the board’s chairman.
He said the board first noted the steady trickle of requests about eight years ago and now handles about 30 a year. “This seems to be a fairly high rate of building expansion,” he said. “But there’s generally no opposition — maybe just some concerns about a proposed enlargement reducing a neighbor’s light and air.” But applicants often make concessions to ease those concerns, he added.
Rather than building a larger home, Bill and Diana Spiegel bought one. They’ve moved about a mile east. “We love the area,” Mr. Spiegel said.
They walk more than a mile each way to attend the synagogue in their old area, because “we have a little separation anxiety,” he said. But on their way, they probably pass more than a dozen synagogues; they will probably switch to one nearby once the weather turns cold. “It seems like there’s a real sense of community here, and they welcome you,” Mr. Spiegel said.
Brokers say that Orthodox families first moved into Midwood about 25 years ago as they were priced out of Borough Park, a better established Orthodox neighborhood to the west. Nowadays, Midwood is “very sought after, because people want to be near family and friends, a yeshiva or a synagogue affiliation,” said Sora David, a broker with Eisberg Lenz Real Estate. Being within walking distance of a synagogue is critical for those who observe Orthodox Jewish laws forbidding driving and other activities on the Sabbath.
There are dozens of synagogues and many yeshivas scattered throughout Midwood. Some Hasidic synagogues, known as shtibls, are in single-family homes where the rabbi might live upstairs and the congregation might meet on the first floor.
Mr. Berk says synagogues are allowed as of right in any residential zone. But many of them have growing congregations that eventually require more space. He said that the community board had fielded and helped approve many applications for variances to turn houses into larger synagogues.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/realestate/06livi.html
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Friday, December 04, 2009
Read the new Chaptzem article in the Country Yossi Family Magazine
Make sure to pick up your free copy of the Country Yossi Family Magazine and read the brand new original article 'Chanukah Present Problems' written by Chaptzem, the only Heimishe blogger to make the transition from cyberspace to print.
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Assemblyman Dov Hikind meets with Civil Court Judge Noach Dear
Assemblyman Dov Hikind and Civil Court Judge Noach Dear meet to discuss legislative issues.
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Thursday, December 03, 2009
Senator Sampson and State Senate Pass Budget Deficit Package, Saving Yeshivas from Midyear Cuts
State Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson was critical in the recent passage of a budget deficit reduction package, preventing millions of dollars in midyear school cuts, with direct impact to yeshivas across New York State.
Following numerous outreach to local legislators and advocates, including Assemblyman Dov Hikind and local Jewish leaders, on the devastating impact of the budget deficit package (DRP) proposed by Governor Paterson, the legislature was able to pass a plan that would protect school children, seniors and taxpayers.
The legislation passed by the Senate closes nearly $3 billion of the state’s budget gap and puts New York back on sound fiscal footing.
“Through my years of working closely with the Jewish community, I understand that affordability and sustainability of yeshivas throughout the state has become one of the biggest issues facing Jewish families today and I am proud to have delivered a budget plan that included no midyear school cuts,” said Senator Sampson. “Passing a fiscally sound budget that would not place an extra burden on New Yorkers was essential and while the process took longer than any of us would have liked, the result was worth the wait.”
Following weeks of bipartisan negotiations, the Senate achieved its goal of balancing the budget without any new taxes or fees of any kind. The Senate successfully fought to:
· Cut education spending without imposing midyear school cuts –to both public and parochial schools--that would have taken money out of classrooms and potentially raised property taxes for working families;
· Reduce health care spending without loss of approximately $750 million in federal funding for medical services; and
· Prevent the loss of over 12,000 jobs from cuts to vital services.
By working with the Governor and Assembly to find alternative cuts, the Senate successfully turned back a number of proposals that would have cost the state hundreds of millions in lost federal funding, established new taxes, and left nursing homes without the funding they needed to continue vital services for the elderly.
“We passed a budget plan that balanced the budget on our values and not on the backs of working families across the state,” said Senator Sampson. “This package will put New York in the right direction, by reducing wasteful spending and cutting with care, as we look to address the upcoming budget.”
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Following numerous outreach to local legislators and advocates, including Assemblyman Dov Hikind and local Jewish leaders, on the devastating impact of the budget deficit package (DRP) proposed by Governor Paterson, the legislature was able to pass a plan that would protect school children, seniors and taxpayers.
The legislation passed by the Senate closes nearly $3 billion of the state’s budget gap and puts New York back on sound fiscal footing.
“Through my years of working closely with the Jewish community, I understand that affordability and sustainability of yeshivas throughout the state has become one of the biggest issues facing Jewish families today and I am proud to have delivered a budget plan that included no midyear school cuts,” said Senator Sampson. “Passing a fiscally sound budget that would not place an extra burden on New Yorkers was essential and while the process took longer than any of us would have liked, the result was worth the wait.”
Following weeks of bipartisan negotiations, the Senate achieved its goal of balancing the budget without any new taxes or fees of any kind. The Senate successfully fought to:
· Cut education spending without imposing midyear school cuts –to both public and parochial schools--that would have taken money out of classrooms and potentially raised property taxes for working families;
· Reduce health care spending without loss of approximately $750 million in federal funding for medical services; and
· Prevent the loss of over 12,000 jobs from cuts to vital services.
By working with the Governor and Assembly to find alternative cuts, the Senate successfully turned back a number of proposals that would have cost the state hundreds of millions in lost federal funding, established new taxes, and left nursing homes without the funding they needed to continue vital services for the elderly.
“We passed a budget plan that balanced the budget on our values and not on the backs of working families across the state,” said Senator Sampson. “This package will put New York in the right direction, by reducing wasteful spending and cutting with care, as we look to address the upcoming budget.”
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East Ramapo rehires fired lawyer
The East Ramapo school board on Wednesday night announced that longtime district lawyer Steve Fromson would continue to work on behalf of the district.
The board also is going to hire a special counsel to deal with the state commissioner of education's action about whether to reverse the original, controversial vote to hire Albert D'Agostino.
The firm — Feerick, Lynch and MacCartney of South Nyack — will be contracted for 15 days until the next board meeting on Dec. 16.
The hiring of D'Agostino ”is on hold for the next two weeks,“ school board President Nathan Rothschild announced, adding ”this special counsel will advise us through the process until we are able to sort this all out.“
The night before, the school board voted 8-1 to hire the law firm of Kuntz, Spagnuolo and Murphy.
The Bedford Village-based firm was to counsel the district in the aftermath of hiring of D'Agostino, who, through a 5-3 vote, was hired to replace Fromson.
Kuntz, Spagnuolo and Murphy backed out before Wednesday night's meeting and was replaced by Dennis Lynch of Feerick, Lynch and MacCartney.[0xa0]
Fromson had been abruptly let go after serving as East Ramapo counsel for the past 33 years.
Trustee Aron Wieder apologized to the public and tried to answer some of the unanswered questions from the Nov. 18 meeting.
”Change we can believe in comes with bold and daring actions that can be controversial,“ Wieder said.
The board's action Wednesday night followed a tumultuous public sesson in which about 40 people spoke and board members met in executive session for more than two hours.
More than 400 people crowded inside the East Ramapo administration building gymnasium Wednesday night, while about 150 others listened from the halls.
Parents, students and residents addressed the board on issues ranging from the privatization of East Ramapo transportation to the contentious hiring of Long Island-based D'Agostino.
The lawyer has been embroiled in a controversy over more than a half-million dollars in state pension payments.
The five members who voted in favor of hiring D'Agostino had not provided an amended budget. D'Agostino would charge $130 an hour more than Fromson.
He also would charge for transportation to and from his offices on Long Island.
Several members from the Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish communities have expressed that D'Agostino's expertise would be worth the additional monies.
The five-member bloc that voted in favor of D'Agostino's hiring represent the Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish communities in the district, most of whom send their children to yeshivas, or private religious schools.
http://www.lohud.com/article/2009912030404
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The board also is going to hire a special counsel to deal with the state commissioner of education's action about whether to reverse the original, controversial vote to hire Albert D'Agostino.
The firm — Feerick, Lynch and MacCartney of South Nyack — will be contracted for 15 days until the next board meeting on Dec. 16.
The hiring of D'Agostino ”is on hold for the next two weeks,“ school board President Nathan Rothschild announced, adding ”this special counsel will advise us through the process until we are able to sort this all out.“
The night before, the school board voted 8-1 to hire the law firm of Kuntz, Spagnuolo and Murphy.
The Bedford Village-based firm was to counsel the district in the aftermath of hiring of D'Agostino, who, through a 5-3 vote, was hired to replace Fromson.
Kuntz, Spagnuolo and Murphy backed out before Wednesday night's meeting and was replaced by Dennis Lynch of Feerick, Lynch and MacCartney.[0xa0]
Fromson had been abruptly let go after serving as East Ramapo counsel for the past 33 years.
Trustee Aron Wieder apologized to the public and tried to answer some of the unanswered questions from the Nov. 18 meeting.
”Change we can believe in comes with bold and daring actions that can be controversial,“ Wieder said.
The board's action Wednesday night followed a tumultuous public sesson in which about 40 people spoke and board members met in executive session for more than two hours.
More than 400 people crowded inside the East Ramapo administration building gymnasium Wednesday night, while about 150 others listened from the halls.
Parents, students and residents addressed the board on issues ranging from the privatization of East Ramapo transportation to the contentious hiring of Long Island-based D'Agostino.
The lawyer has been embroiled in a controversy over more than a half-million dollars in state pension payments.
The five members who voted in favor of hiring D'Agostino had not provided an amended budget. D'Agostino would charge $130 an hour more than Fromson.
He also would charge for transportation to and from his offices on Long Island.
Several members from the Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish communities have expressed that D'Agostino's expertise would be worth the additional monies.
The five-member bloc that voted in favor of D'Agostino's hiring represent the Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish communities in the district, most of whom send their children to yeshivas, or private religious schools.
http://www.lohud.com/article/2009912030404
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Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Jewish group drops lawsuit over kosher symbol
A group of orthodox Jews has withdrawn a federal lawsuit alleging a northwest Indiana convenience store chain illegally used a trademark for kosher food.
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America filed a motion Monday to dismiss its complaint against Luke Oil Co. Inc. in U.S. District Court in Hammond. Court documents say the two sides reached a settlement.
The Jewish group had alleged that Luke Oil used the kosher trademark - a U inside a circle - as part of its logo. An attorney for the group says people rely on the symbol to determine which food is prepared according to Jewish dietary law.
Luke Oil attorney John Senica says the resemblance was unintentional. He says Luke Oil has agreed to modify its logo without admitting any liability.
http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp?S=11604296
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The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America filed a motion Monday to dismiss its complaint against Luke Oil Co. Inc. in U.S. District Court in Hammond. Court documents say the two sides reached a settlement.
The Jewish group had alleged that Luke Oil used the kosher trademark - a U inside a circle - as part of its logo. An attorney for the group says people rely on the symbol to determine which food is prepared according to Jewish dietary law.
Luke Oil attorney John Senica says the resemblance was unintentional. He says Luke Oil has agreed to modify its logo without admitting any liability.
http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp?S=11604296
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E. Ramapo board meets to hire interim firm
The East Ramapo school district met Tuesday night to vote on hiring Kuntz, Spagnuolo and Murphy, a law firm based in Bedford Village, to counsel the district in the aftermath of the hiring of a controversial attorney.
All school board members but Mimi Calhoun voted to hire the law firm as advisers at a rate of $175 an hour at least through Wednesday night's meeting.
”We want to make a factual, law decision,“ board President Nathan Rothschild said.
”I feel like having the firm represent us through the process will keep this about the law,“ he said. ”There will be no gray area.“
The eight-minute meeting came after a nearly hourlong executive session that was closed to the roughly 350 people who showed up. The public will be able to address the board Wednesday night.
During its regularly scheduled meeting Nov. 18, the school board voted 5-3 to hire Albert D'Agostino, a lawyer embroiled in a controversy over more than a half-million dollars in state pension payments.
Although Rothschild asked for the meeting to be rescheduled because he couldn't be there, his request was denied, and Trustee Aron Wieder led the voting process.
Excerpts of the debate over D'Agostino's hiring were uploaded to YouTube after the meeting.
On Monday, Steven White of Spring Valley filed a petition to the state commissioner of education requesting the reversal of the decision to hire D'Agostino.
The tension on the school board is rooted in the varied cultural and religious communities that make up East Ramapo.
The five-member bloc that voted in favor of the hiring represent the Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish communities, most of whom send their children to yeshivas, or private religious schools.
”I think the five board members are trying to fend us off for another day,“ said Mariel Pina, who graduated from Ramapo High School in 2003. ”We are all outraged, but hopefully they will make a change.“
http://www.lohud.com/article/2009912020366
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All school board members but Mimi Calhoun voted to hire the law firm as advisers at a rate of $175 an hour at least through Wednesday night's meeting.
”We want to make a factual, law decision,“ board President Nathan Rothschild said.
”I feel like having the firm represent us through the process will keep this about the law,“ he said. ”There will be no gray area.“
The eight-minute meeting came after a nearly hourlong executive session that was closed to the roughly 350 people who showed up. The public will be able to address the board Wednesday night.
During its regularly scheduled meeting Nov. 18, the school board voted 5-3 to hire Albert D'Agostino, a lawyer embroiled in a controversy over more than a half-million dollars in state pension payments.
Although Rothschild asked for the meeting to be rescheduled because he couldn't be there, his request was denied, and Trustee Aron Wieder led the voting process.
Excerpts of the debate over D'Agostino's hiring were uploaded to YouTube after the meeting.
On Monday, Steven White of Spring Valley filed a petition to the state commissioner of education requesting the reversal of the decision to hire D'Agostino.
The tension on the school board is rooted in the varied cultural and religious communities that make up East Ramapo.
The five-member bloc that voted in favor of the hiring represent the Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish communities, most of whom send their children to yeshivas, or private religious schools.
”I think the five board members are trying to fend us off for another day,“ said Mariel Pina, who graduated from Ramapo High School in 2003. ”We are all outraged, but hopefully they will make a change.“
http://www.lohud.com/article/2009912020366
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DOT Sandblasts 14 Blocks of Bike Lane Off Bedford Avenue
As reported by Gothamist, DOT is removing a 14-block stretch of the Bedford Avenue bike lane between Flushing Avenue and Division Street in Hasidic Williamsburg. Workers were seen sandblasting this morning, taking away a safer cycling connection to central Williamsburg that had been in place since 2007. The northbound bike lane now ends abruptly at Flushing, with space that once belonged to bikes already converted to left-turn lanes and the like.
http://www.streetsblog.org/2009/12/01/dot-sandblasts-14-blocks-of-bike-lane-off-bedford-avenue/
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Tuesday, December 01, 2009
140 registered voters not full-time residents
Sullivan County sheriff's deputies have determined that roughly 140 people who registered to vote in Bethel during the last election don't live there full time.
The Board of Elections asked deputies to investigate after a citizen group challenged numerous registrations from Hasidic residents, who stay in the bungalow colonies during the summer.
Deputies checked nine locations where people registered addresses and found only one person who seemed to live there year-round. Other places were padlocked and the electricity and water were shut off, Undersheriff Eric Chaboty said.
"They didn't live there full time," Chaboty said. "The rest is up to the Board of Elections to determine. We just gave them the information. They have to determine now if it follows their criteria."
Hasidic groups commenced a registration drive in the summer after the United Talmudical Academy became embroiled with town officials over the construction of a shul on Schultz Road. Roughly 95 people who were on the challenged list voted in the last election. Those ballots were set aside and now won't be opened because they will not affect the outcome of the town race.
However, the question of whether the newly registered voters can vote in future elections is still an issue the Board of Elections commissioners must rule on.
Roughly 155 registrations have been challenged on the basis of residency.
Both sides have indicated they plan to press the issue, and it might ultimately be thrown into Supreme Court later this winter.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091201/COMM/912010312/-1/NEWS
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The Board of Elections asked deputies to investigate after a citizen group challenged numerous registrations from Hasidic residents, who stay in the bungalow colonies during the summer.
Deputies checked nine locations where people registered addresses and found only one person who seemed to live there year-round. Other places were padlocked and the electricity and water were shut off, Undersheriff Eric Chaboty said.
"They didn't live there full time," Chaboty said. "The rest is up to the Board of Elections to determine. We just gave them the information. They have to determine now if it follows their criteria."
Hasidic groups commenced a registration drive in the summer after the United Talmudical Academy became embroiled with town officials over the construction of a shul on Schultz Road. Roughly 95 people who were on the challenged list voted in the last election. Those ballots were set aside and now won't be opened because they will not affect the outcome of the town race.
However, the question of whether the newly registered voters can vote in future elections is still an issue the Board of Elections commissioners must rule on.
Roughly 155 registrations have been challenged on the basis of residency.
Both sides have indicated they plan to press the issue, and it might ultimately be thrown into Supreme Court later this winter.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091201/COMM/912010312/-1/NEWS
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Monday, November 30, 2009
A citizen's patrol informed by faith
At 10 p.m. on a Monday in Northwest Baltimore, more than 20 Orthodox Jewish men are packed into a two-room apartment with a couch and maps of the nearby synagogues, eating kosher chili and discussing how to respond to the next neighborhood emergency.
Those gathered here are members of Shomrim, Hebrew for "watchers," and they make up a round-the-clock citizens patrol, complete with matching jackets, radios and a hot-line number that area residents know as well as 911. Members have intervened in suicide attempts, divided the neighborhood into quadrants and fanned out to look for missing people, thwarted bicycle thefts and saturated areas hit by burglaries to report suspicious people to police.
"They're an invaluable service to the district," said Maj. Johnny Delgado, commander of Baltimore's Northwest District. "There's not a day that goes by that we're not in contact about something."
Here's how serious Shomrim members are: Last year they brought a playbook to an informal game of flag football with a group of district police officers and won, 40-13. This year's rematch, a fundraiser at Northwestern High School earlier this month, raised $21,000 for the Police Department's mounted unit and was attended by Mayor Sheila Dixon and Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III.
The group, which counts among its members a lawyer, an auto mechanic, a pharmacist, a jeweler, a psychologist, a salesman, a roofer and an accountant, started in late 2005 after a rash of burglaries in the city's Orthodox community around Upper Park Heights and Greenspring. Several men, including business owners, decided to start patrolling the streets in the early morning hours.
"We had guys out from midnight to 4 pretty much every night, with the concept that anybody out on the street between then is a possible suspect or victim," said Ron Rosenbluth, one of the founding members and owner of Tov Pizza, a kosher pizza place on Reisterstown Road. "And we got lucky in the first couple days to catch one of the burglars."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-md.ci.shomrim30nov30,0,5766382.story
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Those gathered here are members of Shomrim, Hebrew for "watchers," and they make up a round-the-clock citizens patrol, complete with matching jackets, radios and a hot-line number that area residents know as well as 911. Members have intervened in suicide attempts, divided the neighborhood into quadrants and fanned out to look for missing people, thwarted bicycle thefts and saturated areas hit by burglaries to report suspicious people to police.
"They're an invaluable service to the district," said Maj. Johnny Delgado, commander of Baltimore's Northwest District. "There's not a day that goes by that we're not in contact about something."
Here's how serious Shomrim members are: Last year they brought a playbook to an informal game of flag football with a group of district police officers and won, 40-13. This year's rematch, a fundraiser at Northwestern High School earlier this month, raised $21,000 for the Police Department's mounted unit and was attended by Mayor Sheila Dixon and Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III.
The group, which counts among its members a lawyer, an auto mechanic, a pharmacist, a jeweler, a psychologist, a salesman, a roofer and an accountant, started in late 2005 after a rash of burglaries in the city's Orthodox community around Upper Park Heights and Greenspring. Several men, including business owners, decided to start patrolling the streets in the early morning hours.
"We had guys out from midnight to 4 pretty much every night, with the concept that anybody out on the street between then is a possible suspect or victim," said Ron Rosenbluth, one of the founding members and owner of Tov Pizza, a kosher pizza place on Reisterstown Road. "And we got lucky in the first couple days to catch one of the burglars."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-md.ci.shomrim30nov30,0,5766382.story
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Sunday, November 29, 2009
Refuah Health Center in New Square awarded grant to expand
One of four federally funded health clinics in Rockland has been awarded a state grant to help double its space as the number of patients using its services continues to grow.
The expansion comes as Refuah Health Center , which was founded to serve the Hasidic residents of New Square, makes an effort to reach out to nearby communities such as Spring Valley that have large numbers of residents who do not have access to health care.
”We want the community to know that our services are available to everyone,“ said Corinna Manini, a physician who serves as medical director to the clinic. ”Reaching out to the community is a very high priority for us.“
Refuah, which means ”recovery“ in Hebrew, was founded more than 20 years ago, primarily to serve New Square, an exclusively Hasidic Jewish village in Ramapo.
In the past six years, the patients it serves has more than doubled, according to a grant application filed by the center with the New York state Department of Health.
There were 51,690 patient visits in 2002. By 2006, that number increased 112 percent to 109,524 visits, according to state records.
”Refuah is currently functioning at near-maximum capacity,“ the center wrote in an application to the state Department of Health seeking approval for its expansion plan.
The center is in the process of constructing a five-story building next to its current location on North Main Street.
Refuah estimated the cost of the new building will be $4.7 million. Much of that will be paid for with a combination of grants.
The center has been awarded a $1.45 million grant from the HEAL NY program to expand primary care at its New Square location and is asking for permission from the state Department of Health to use those funds to help pay for the new building.
HEAL NY, or Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers, is a state program designed to make health care more efficient. It seeks to emphasize primary and preventive care in community settings rather than costlier hospital care.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091129/NEWS03/911290378/-1/newsfront/Refuah-Health-Center-in-New-Square-awarded-grant-to-expand
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The expansion comes as Refuah Health Center , which was founded to serve the Hasidic residents of New Square, makes an effort to reach out to nearby communities such as Spring Valley that have large numbers of residents who do not have access to health care.
”We want the community to know that our services are available to everyone,“ said Corinna Manini, a physician who serves as medical director to the clinic. ”Reaching out to the community is a very high priority for us.“
Refuah, which means ”recovery“ in Hebrew, was founded more than 20 years ago, primarily to serve New Square, an exclusively Hasidic Jewish village in Ramapo.
In the past six years, the patients it serves has more than doubled, according to a grant application filed by the center with the New York state Department of Health.
There were 51,690 patient visits in 2002. By 2006, that number increased 112 percent to 109,524 visits, according to state records.
”Refuah is currently functioning at near-maximum capacity,“ the center wrote in an application to the state Department of Health seeking approval for its expansion plan.
The center is in the process of constructing a five-story building next to its current location on North Main Street.
Refuah estimated the cost of the new building will be $4.7 million. Much of that will be paid for with a combination of grants.
The center has been awarded a $1.45 million grant from the HEAL NY program to expand primary care at its New Square location and is asking for permission from the state Department of Health to use those funds to help pay for the new building.
HEAL NY, or Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers, is a state program designed to make health care more efficient. It seeks to emphasize primary and preventive care in community settings rather than costlier hospital care.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091129/NEWS03/911290378/-1/newsfront/Refuah-Health-Center-in-New-Square-awarded-grant-to-expand
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Saturday, November 28, 2009
Pictures of the opening of the new Masbia in Flatbush
Friday, November 27, 2009
Eight nights of apps: iPhone programs put Chanukah in the palm of your hand
On the road during Chanukah and feel the need to light candles? There’s an app for that.
Lost all your dreidels and want to play a quick game? There’s an app for that.
Need to know how many days you have left to buy Chanukah presents? There’s an app for that, too.
Chanukah-themed applications have been a presence in Apple’s iTunes App Store almost since its inception, and with the holiday beginning Dec. 11, a number of new applications have cropped up to help iPhone and iPod Touch users meld technology with the ancient holiday.
When Apple debuted the App Store in July 2008, it contained 500 applications (known as apps) that could be downloaded and installed on an iPhone or iPod Touch. Earlier this month, the company announced that it had just surpassed 100,000 apps and 2 billion downloads.
Jewish developers have pounced on the ability to bring a little Yiddishkeit to the handheld devices, and today there are dozens of Jewish-themed apps available at the store.
Some of them are obvious: Siddur, iTalmud, Hebrew Date. An app called Mikvah shows users the nearest mikvah and provides a checklist of pre-mikvah preparations. The Los Angeles–based Kabbalah Centre International sells the Dialing God app, featuring kabbalistic meditations and blessings.
Then there are the more offbeat apps. ParveOMeter counts down the waiting time between eating dairy and meat; iCharity allows one to deposit virtual coins into a virtual tzedakah box; and if you’re wondering whether mahi-mahi is OK to eat, download Kosher Fish.
And then there are the holiday-based apps: Megillas Esther for Purim, several Omer-counting apps and numerous Passover apps, including haggadahs and a game called Find the Matzah.
But when it comes to Jewish holidays, Chanukah has a clear monopoly on the App Store. From iDreidel to DaysTo Hanukkah to Mobile Menorah, there’s an app for everything you might need for the holiday — except maybe one that makes latkes.
“All the kids in my family are always grabbing at my iPhone, so I figured they should play a Jewish game,” said Jeff Howard, creator of a Chanukah-themed app called Super Dreidel.
http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/40647/eight-nights-of-apps-iphone-programs-put-chanukah-in-the-palm-of-your-hand/
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Thursday, November 26, 2009
Bethel voting results unchanged
The challenged voters in Bethel were not plentiful enough to make a difference in the outcome of the race for councilperson in Bethel.
About 90 ballots of challenged voters were set aside and remain unopened. But the other absentee ballots, more than 200 of them, were opened November 19, and slightly widened the gap between councilperson Denise Frangipane and her rival, Benji Freihling. Her lead stands at about 130 votes. Thus, there are not enough challenged votes to change the election.
On November 16, lawyer Gerald Orseck went before Judge Frank LaBuda and asked him to dismiss the challenges to the vote because the voters were informed of the challenges a day later than they should have been. But now that the point is moot, Orseck has withdrawn the motion.
However, that does not mean there is an end to the matter. It must still be determined whether the Hasidic voters who listed buildings in bungalow colonies as their local addresses will be allowed to remain as registered voters in the town.
Lawmaker David Sager, who challenged the voter registrations and who founded the group Voters for Election Integrity (VEI), said that the group plans to move ahead with the challenges. He said, “It’s been our contention all along that we weren’t challenging a simple election, we’re challenging the process and asking what are the requirements of a valid voter in a community.”
VEI’s position has been that bungalow colonies, which are unheated and uninhabited for much of the year, do not qualify as addresses for voting purposes under state law which requires “fixed, permanent and principle residences.”
Faith Kaplan, a Sullivan County Board of Elections commissioner, said that the board would be making a determination some time in the future, but has not set a date.
Frangipane said of the election results in an email, “This was a long and, at times, difficult election. I am glad to be through the process. The voters of Bethel have spoken and I am looking forward to continuing to work on their behalf. I now have four years to work with the board and the community to move forward on the issues and ideas for which I was elected.”
Freihling said he was thankful for the support he got from residents, and he would be working hard in the future to further the interests of the town and its businesses. He also said it was very possible he would be running for political office in the future.
http://www.riverreporter.com/issues/09-11-26/news-bethel.html
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About 90 ballots of challenged voters were set aside and remain unopened. But the other absentee ballots, more than 200 of them, were opened November 19, and slightly widened the gap between councilperson Denise Frangipane and her rival, Benji Freihling. Her lead stands at about 130 votes. Thus, there are not enough challenged votes to change the election.
On November 16, lawyer Gerald Orseck went before Judge Frank LaBuda and asked him to dismiss the challenges to the vote because the voters were informed of the challenges a day later than they should have been. But now that the point is moot, Orseck has withdrawn the motion.
However, that does not mean there is an end to the matter. It must still be determined whether the Hasidic voters who listed buildings in bungalow colonies as their local addresses will be allowed to remain as registered voters in the town.
Lawmaker David Sager, who challenged the voter registrations and who founded the group Voters for Election Integrity (VEI), said that the group plans to move ahead with the challenges. He said, “It’s been our contention all along that we weren’t challenging a simple election, we’re challenging the process and asking what are the requirements of a valid voter in a community.”
VEI’s position has been that bungalow colonies, which are unheated and uninhabited for much of the year, do not qualify as addresses for voting purposes under state law which requires “fixed, permanent and principle residences.”
Faith Kaplan, a Sullivan County Board of Elections commissioner, said that the board would be making a determination some time in the future, but has not set a date.
Frangipane said of the election results in an email, “This was a long and, at times, difficult election. I am glad to be through the process. The voters of Bethel have spoken and I am looking forward to continuing to work on their behalf. I now have four years to work with the board and the community to move forward on the issues and ideas for which I was elected.”
Freihling said he was thankful for the support he got from residents, and he would be working hard in the future to further the interests of the town and its businesses. He also said it was very possible he would be running for political office in the future.
http://www.riverreporter.com/issues/09-11-26/news-bethel.html
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Board hiring 'a declaration of war'
A lawyer embroiled in a controversy over more than a half-million dollars in state pension payments has been hired by a bloc of the East Ramapo Board of Education, sending the already-divided community into turmoil.
“This is a declaration of war,” said the district’s deputy superintendent, Joe Farmer, at last week’s school board meeting.
The five men who approved employing Albert D’Agostino offered no reasons for their vote, which came in the early hours while the school board president, Nathan Rothschild, was away. Rothschild did ask the board to reschedule the vote for a special meeting, but it went forward anyway.
There has long been an undercurrent of tension between the public and private religious school communities in East Ramapo. The Hasidic Jewish community, which largely sends its children to private yeshivas, has clamored for years for lower school taxes. In recent years, more and more Hasidic Jews have joined the school board, with four now holding seats on the nine-member board.
There are— public schools in the East Ramapo Central School District, which is the largest district in Rockland County. The district’s budget of $293 million does not account for a new, more expensive lawyer, Schools Superintendent Ira Oustatcher said.
D’Agostino would charge $250 an hour, a rate about twice that of the former lawyer, Stephen Fromson. Because D’Agostino would commute from Long Island, he has also asked for $125 an hour for transportation.
Oustatcher estimated that D’Agostino would cost the district $600,000 to $1.36 million over the school year, as opposed to Fromson, who charged as little as $350,000.
“I think we’ve betrayed the public trust,” said one board member, Mimi Calhoun. “I think we’ve betrayed an attorney who has served us in a stellar capacity for 33 years. He’s just been the backbone of this district and has been very wise in his guidance.”
http://www.lohud.com/article/2009911260410
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“This is a declaration of war,” said the district’s deputy superintendent, Joe Farmer, at last week’s school board meeting.
The five men who approved employing Albert D’Agostino offered no reasons for their vote, which came in the early hours while the school board president, Nathan Rothschild, was away. Rothschild did ask the board to reschedule the vote for a special meeting, but it went forward anyway.
There has long been an undercurrent of tension between the public and private religious school communities in East Ramapo. The Hasidic Jewish community, which largely sends its children to private yeshivas, has clamored for years for lower school taxes. In recent years, more and more Hasidic Jews have joined the school board, with four now holding seats on the nine-member board.
There are— public schools in the East Ramapo Central School District, which is the largest district in Rockland County. The district’s budget of $293 million does not account for a new, more expensive lawyer, Schools Superintendent Ira Oustatcher said.
D’Agostino would charge $250 an hour, a rate about twice that of the former lawyer, Stephen Fromson. Because D’Agostino would commute from Long Island, he has also asked for $125 an hour for transportation.
Oustatcher estimated that D’Agostino would cost the district $600,000 to $1.36 million over the school year, as opposed to Fromson, who charged as little as $350,000.
“I think we’ve betrayed the public trust,” said one board member, Mimi Calhoun. “I think we’ve betrayed an attorney who has served us in a stellar capacity for 33 years. He’s just been the backbone of this district and has been very wise in his guidance.”
http://www.lohud.com/article/2009911260410
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Hassidim Orthodox Jews portrayed in Stamford Hill photographic exhibition
A photographic exhibition giving a rare insight into the rituals of the Orthodox Jewish community is on display in Stamford Hill.
The self-contained Hassidim community is something of a mystery, even to other London Jews, and documentary photographer Andrew Aitchison puts it down to building relationships and gaining their trust that he was able to photograph them over the course of five years.
The photos can be seen at Madame Lillie's Gallery, 10 Cazenove Road in Stamford Hill, from Friday to Sunday from noon to 6pm.
http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/content/hackney/gazette/news/story.aspx?brand=HKYGOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshkyg&itemid=WeED25%20Nov%202009%2010%3A54%3A05%3A170
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The self-contained Hassidim community is something of a mystery, even to other London Jews, and documentary photographer Andrew Aitchison puts it down to building relationships and gaining their trust that he was able to photograph them over the course of five years.
The photos can be seen at Madame Lillie's Gallery, 10 Cazenove Road in Stamford Hill, from Friday to Sunday from noon to 6pm.
http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/content/hackney/gazette/news/story.aspx?brand=HKYGOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newshkyg&itemid=WeED25%20Nov%202009%2010%3A54%3A05%3A170
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
East Ramapo board makes bad decision on attorney
I just watched a YouTube video of last week’s East Ramapo Board of Education meeting. (Go to www.youtube.com/polanve to view video of the Nov.' meeting.) At the meeting, the school board decided to replace its longtime attorneys to hire a Long Island lawyer, Albert D’Agostino, who is under investigation by the New York attorney general.
The current attorneys charge the district $120 per hour, with no transportation surcharge. The new attorney will charge the district $250 per hour, with a $125 per hour transportation charge. Since the office of the attorney in question is in Valley Stream, that means a minimum of an hour to an hour and a half travel time each way, making the minimum cost of a one-hour consultation $500. Aren’t there qualified attorneys who work out of Rockland?
But it gets worse.
Three members of the East Ramapo school board indicated that they had not been notified in advance that the proposed attorney was coming to be interviewed, and therefore were unprepared with questions. No other prospective candidates were interviewed, nor were the current attorneys informed that the school board was contemplating changes. The current attorneys, therefore, were given no chance to propose changes to the way they conduct business to bring them into line with the board’s expectations. Nathan Rothschild, the president of the school board, wasn’t present at the meeting, but Superintendent Ira Oustatcher said Rothschild had sent a letter requesting the attorney matter be tabled until the next meeting, when it could be the only item on the agenda.
Several school board members repeatedly asked what the bottom line cost would be, and how the increase could possibly be paid for. The board member pushing for a vote, Aron Weider, who chaired the meeting, said he could not provide exact figures.
The actions undertaken at the Nov.' meeting should be reviewed by the New York State Department of Education.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091124/OPINION/911240305/1076/OPINION01/East%20Ramapo%20board%20makes%20bad%20decision%20on%20attorney
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The current attorneys charge the district $120 per hour, with no transportation surcharge. The new attorney will charge the district $250 per hour, with a $125 per hour transportation charge. Since the office of the attorney in question is in Valley Stream, that means a minimum of an hour to an hour and a half travel time each way, making the minimum cost of a one-hour consultation $500. Aren’t there qualified attorneys who work out of Rockland?
But it gets worse.
Three members of the East Ramapo school board indicated that they had not been notified in advance that the proposed attorney was coming to be interviewed, and therefore were unprepared with questions. No other prospective candidates were interviewed, nor were the current attorneys informed that the school board was contemplating changes. The current attorneys, therefore, were given no chance to propose changes to the way they conduct business to bring them into line with the board’s expectations. Nathan Rothschild, the president of the school board, wasn’t present at the meeting, but Superintendent Ira Oustatcher said Rothschild had sent a letter requesting the attorney matter be tabled until the next meeting, when it could be the only item on the agenda.
Several school board members repeatedly asked what the bottom line cost would be, and how the increase could possibly be paid for. The board member pushing for a vote, Aron Weider, who chaired the meeting, said he could not provide exact figures.
The actions undertaken at the Nov.' meeting should be reviewed by the New York State Department of Education.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091124/OPINION/911240305/1076/OPINION01/East%20Ramapo%20board%20makes%20bad%20decision%20on%20attorney
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Monday, November 23, 2009
East Ramapo request for election change languishes with state
Shavuot celebrates the day Jews believe God gave the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai. This year, it coincides with the annual school budget voting date.
In July, the East Ramapo Central School District sent a change-of-date request to the state commissioner of education, asking that the election be moved up one week, from May 18 to May 11.
In a community that is largely composed of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews, twice the amount of children attend private and religious schools as opposed to public. And although the polls would be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 18, observant Jews would be unable to vote after sundown, cutting nearly three hours off their polling time.
More than four months have passed since the request was filed. Tom Dunn, a spokesman for the Education Department, said Education Commissioner David Steiner is looking into the matter. He couldn’t provide any specifics as to when it might be resolved.
"I don’t see this as a big deal," East Ramapo Superintendent of Schools Ira Oustatcher said of the request. "We will be curtailed by one week."
Even though East Ramapo is the sole petitioner to change the election date, the commissioner’s decision could affect the whole state — roughly 750 districts, according to Sandy Cokeley, the director of community relations for the Pearl River school district.
"This will result in many districts having to make a lot of adjustments," Cokeley said.
Dunn could not confirm whether or not the commissioner’s ruling would affect the entire state.
If statewide, however, the dates for school board candidate nominating petitions, property-tax report card, and the budget hearings, mailings and notices would all have to be moved up in order to vote by May 11.
"The date is the same everywhere in the state," said Steve White, an East Ramapo parent and frequent critic of the school board. "They have a calendar that no one really understands and every year they make a big stink about it."
If the request is denied by Steiner, a portion of East Ramapo voters would be unable to go to the polls.
"Two-thirds of the district are religious Orthodox Jews that will be observing the holiday," Oustatcher said. "We would like an alternative and we asked for it."
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091123/NEWS03/911230346/-1/SPORTS/East-Ramapo-request-for-election-change-languishes-with-state
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In July, the East Ramapo Central School District sent a change-of-date request to the state commissioner of education, asking that the election be moved up one week, from May 18 to May 11.
In a community that is largely composed of Orthodox and Hasidic Jews, twice the amount of children attend private and religious schools as opposed to public. And although the polls would be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 18, observant Jews would be unable to vote after sundown, cutting nearly three hours off their polling time.
More than four months have passed since the request was filed. Tom Dunn, a spokesman for the Education Department, said Education Commissioner David Steiner is looking into the matter. He couldn’t provide any specifics as to when it might be resolved.
"I don’t see this as a big deal," East Ramapo Superintendent of Schools Ira Oustatcher said of the request. "We will be curtailed by one week."
Even though East Ramapo is the sole petitioner to change the election date, the commissioner’s decision could affect the whole state — roughly 750 districts, according to Sandy Cokeley, the director of community relations for the Pearl River school district.
"This will result in many districts having to make a lot of adjustments," Cokeley said.
Dunn could not confirm whether or not the commissioner’s ruling would affect the entire state.
If statewide, however, the dates for school board candidate nominating petitions, property-tax report card, and the budget hearings, mailings and notices would all have to be moved up in order to vote by May 11.
"The date is the same everywhere in the state," said Steve White, an East Ramapo parent and frequent critic of the school board. "They have a calendar that no one really understands and every year they make a big stink about it."
If the request is denied by Steiner, a portion of East Ramapo voters would be unable to go to the polls.
"Two-thirds of the district are religious Orthodox Jews that will be observing the holiday," Oustatcher said. "We would like an alternative and we asked for it."
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091123/NEWS03/911230346/-1/SPORTS/East-Ramapo-request-for-election-change-languishes-with-state
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Sunday, November 22, 2009
Pictures of trailer smashing into underpass in Flatbush
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Seaside Heights man sentenced to 25 years for bias robberies
A 43-year-old Seaside Heights man who admitted driving much younger men to violently rob Orthodox Jews was sentenced this morning to 25 years in prison for his role in the crimes.
Before he was sentenced, Jose Diaz Jr. of Franklin Boulevard professed to have no advance knowledge that violence was going to be imparted during the crimes.
But First Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ronald F. DeLigny said Diaz was almost twice as old as the two men he transported to the crimes, and he did that "knowing full well" the victims of the robberies were likely to be injured.
"I didn't know who was getting hurt," he told Superior Court Judge James Den Uyl. "I knew about a robbery, but hurting somebody, no, I don't think so. I don't hate nobody."
Diaz pleaded guilty on Sept. 21 to conspiracy to commit robbery and bias intimidation in connection with an incident on May 25, 2008 in Lakewood in which David Davidovish, then 38 and visiting from Israel, was attacked with a baseball bat and robbed of several hundred dollars and a laptop computer. Authorities said a codefendant, Devon Hardy, 20, of Lakewood smashed the windshield of Davidovish's car with a baseball bat as the victim was parked in the lot of a convenience store on Route 9.
Diaz also pleaded guilty to robbery and bias intimidation in connection with an incident on July 8, 2008 in Lakewood in which a rabbi, Jack Goldbaum, then 41, of Lakewood was accosted in front of his home.
Diaz has admitted that he drove Hardy and Timothy Swift, 19, of Toms River to that robbery, knowing that Hardy was armed with a knife. Goldbaum was punched and stabbed four times, and his wallet stolen.
Authorities said Orthodox Jews were targeted because they were unlikely to resist the robberies.
Den Uyl ordered that 15 years of Diaz's 25-year sentence be subject to the state's No Early Release Act, which requires that 85 percent of the term be served before he can be considered for release on parole.
Den Uyl on Oct. 9 sentenced Hardy to 30 years in prison for the two robberies, and Swift to 10 years in prison for the robbery he participated in. Both must serve 85 percent of their prison terms before they can be considered for release on parole.
http://www.app.com/article/20091120/NEWS/91120061/Seaside-Heights-man-sentenced-to-25-years-for-bias-robberies
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Before he was sentenced, Jose Diaz Jr. of Franklin Boulevard professed to have no advance knowledge that violence was going to be imparted during the crimes.
But First Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Ronald F. DeLigny said Diaz was almost twice as old as the two men he transported to the crimes, and he did that "knowing full well" the victims of the robberies were likely to be injured.
"I didn't know who was getting hurt," he told Superior Court Judge James Den Uyl. "I knew about a robbery, but hurting somebody, no, I don't think so. I don't hate nobody."
Diaz pleaded guilty on Sept. 21 to conspiracy to commit robbery and bias intimidation in connection with an incident on May 25, 2008 in Lakewood in which David Davidovish, then 38 and visiting from Israel, was attacked with a baseball bat and robbed of several hundred dollars and a laptop computer. Authorities said a codefendant, Devon Hardy, 20, of Lakewood smashed the windshield of Davidovish's car with a baseball bat as the victim was parked in the lot of a convenience store on Route 9.
Diaz also pleaded guilty to robbery and bias intimidation in connection with an incident on July 8, 2008 in Lakewood in which a rabbi, Jack Goldbaum, then 41, of Lakewood was accosted in front of his home.
Diaz has admitted that he drove Hardy and Timothy Swift, 19, of Toms River to that robbery, knowing that Hardy was armed with a knife. Goldbaum was punched and stabbed four times, and his wallet stolen.
Authorities said Orthodox Jews were targeted because they were unlikely to resist the robberies.
Den Uyl ordered that 15 years of Diaz's 25-year sentence be subject to the state's No Early Release Act, which requires that 85 percent of the term be served before he can be considered for release on parole.
Den Uyl on Oct. 9 sentenced Hardy to 30 years in prison for the two robberies, and Swift to 10 years in prison for the robbery he participated in. Both must serve 85 percent of their prison terms before they can be considered for release on parole.
http://www.app.com/article/20091120/NEWS/91120061/Seaside-Heights-man-sentenced-to-25-years-for-bias-robberies
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Friday, November 20, 2009
Hasidic voting issues linger in Town of Bethel elections
While absentee ballots in Bethel won't change outcomes in town races, the issue of whether newly registered Hasidic residents from several bungalow colonies will be allowed to vote in future elections will linger into the winter.
Incumbent Councilwoman Denise Frangipane picked up a few votes over Benjamin Friehling for a seat on the Town Council, the only race in doubt.
Frangipane, a Democrat, and Republican incumbent Richard Crumley will take the two seats. Supervisor Dan Sturm also easily won in his race against former Supervisor Harold Russell.
While Frangipane held a sizable lead over Friehling, there was a possibility her race would be thrown into state Supreme Court next week.
That's because some 89 ballots from newly registered Hasidic voters from the bungalow colonies were challenge and have not yet been counted.
After other absentees were counted, Frangipane unofficially held a 126-vote lead, meaning that the 89 challenged ballots can't affect the race. The Board of Elections will review each challenged ballot to determine if they should be counted.
It is likely, however, the issue will wind up in court this winter. Hasidic groups began a voter drive this summer after the town and the Brooklyn-based United Talmudical Academy went to court over the rapid construction of a shul on Schultz Road.
"We challenged the validity of the registrations," Legislator David Sager said.
He vowed to press on until the law is clarified to determine if the new registrations meet the residency requirement.
"We are not just challenging the votes of a certain election. This has long-term implications."
Moshe Goldberger, who newly switched his registration from a Brooklyn address, drove up to watch the opening.
He owns a piece of land in Bethel, and a mobile home on Route 17B.
"The only reason I was challenged is because I am Hasidic," Goldberger said. "I proved to the Board of Elections there was a house there."
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091120/NEWS/911200355
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Incumbent Councilwoman Denise Frangipane picked up a few votes over Benjamin Friehling for a seat on the Town Council, the only race in doubt.
Frangipane, a Democrat, and Republican incumbent Richard Crumley will take the two seats. Supervisor Dan Sturm also easily won in his race against former Supervisor Harold Russell.
While Frangipane held a sizable lead over Friehling, there was a possibility her race would be thrown into state Supreme Court next week.
That's because some 89 ballots from newly registered Hasidic voters from the bungalow colonies were challenge and have not yet been counted.
After other absentees were counted, Frangipane unofficially held a 126-vote lead, meaning that the 89 challenged ballots can't affect the race. The Board of Elections will review each challenged ballot to determine if they should be counted.
It is likely, however, the issue will wind up in court this winter. Hasidic groups began a voter drive this summer after the town and the Brooklyn-based United Talmudical Academy went to court over the rapid construction of a shul on Schultz Road.
"We challenged the validity of the registrations," Legislator David Sager said.
He vowed to press on until the law is clarified to determine if the new registrations meet the residency requirement.
"We are not just challenging the votes of a certain election. This has long-term implications."
Moshe Goldberger, who newly switched his registration from a Brooklyn address, drove up to watch the opening.
He owns a piece of land in Bethel, and a mobile home on Route 17B.
"The only reason I was challenged is because I am Hasidic," Goldberger said. "I proved to the Board of Elections there was a house there."
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091120/NEWS/911200355
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Lakewood development plan heads to Trenton
The town's development footprint for the next 20 years heads to Trenton to seek the state's blessing after the township committee adopted the controversial measure Thursday with some minor amendments.
Following a series of public input forums that culminated last month with a divided crowd of more than 500 people, committee members voted unanimously to accept a smart growth plan that includes dense commercial centers and double the housing stock in the next two decades.
"Just because we don't pass a plan doesn't mean construction will stop," Committeeman Steven Langert said. "What we need to do is find a way to control it."
Opposition lay mostly with seniors and preservationists who insisted the town did not have the infrastructure or public support to welcome an expected 230,000-person population by 2030.
"That Route 9 is going to be the same problem all the way down if you keep building and building," Joe Kirsch, 76, said of the congested north-south artery through town.
Town planners emphasized that improving Route 9 was the plan's number one priority. Other minor changes and clarifications included altering circulation and parking following concerns from Georgian Court University.
The town's largest population segment, Orthodox Jews, have largely praised the development direction that will accommodate the growing demand from yeshiva students and families to move here. Lakewood has moved from the 20th to the eighth largest municipality in the state in under a decade.
The plan will now be submitted to the State Planning Commission, whose backing is crucial. If the plan gets state endorsement it will be incorporated into the town's master plan, a process that could take more than two years.
"Not to go forward with this and stagnate this again will put us behind the eight ball," Mayor Robert Singer said.
http://www.app.com/article/20091119/NEWS/911190365/1070/NEWS02/Lakewood+development+plan+heads+to+Trenton
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Following a series of public input forums that culminated last month with a divided crowd of more than 500 people, committee members voted unanimously to accept a smart growth plan that includes dense commercial centers and double the housing stock in the next two decades.
"Just because we don't pass a plan doesn't mean construction will stop," Committeeman Steven Langert said. "What we need to do is find a way to control it."
Opposition lay mostly with seniors and preservationists who insisted the town did not have the infrastructure or public support to welcome an expected 230,000-person population by 2030.
"That Route 9 is going to be the same problem all the way down if you keep building and building," Joe Kirsch, 76, said of the congested north-south artery through town.
Town planners emphasized that improving Route 9 was the plan's number one priority. Other minor changes and clarifications included altering circulation and parking following concerns from Georgian Court University.
The town's largest population segment, Orthodox Jews, have largely praised the development direction that will accommodate the growing demand from yeshiva students and families to move here. Lakewood has moved from the 20th to the eighth largest municipality in the state in under a decade.
The plan will now be submitted to the State Planning Commission, whose backing is crucial. If the plan gets state endorsement it will be incorporated into the town's master plan, a process that could take more than two years.
"Not to go forward with this and stagnate this again will put us behind the eight ball," Mayor Robert Singer said.
http://www.app.com/article/20091119/NEWS/911190365/1070/NEWS02/Lakewood+development+plan+heads+to+Trenton
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
State gives new owners of Postville plant $600,000 in aid
The new owners of the former AgriProcessors in Postville received $600,000 in state assistance, plus tax credits, Thursday for a $15 million proposal to update and modernize the Kosher beef and poultry meatpacking plant.
Agri Star Meat & Poultry, owned by Canadian Hershey Friedman, says it will remodel the plant and introduce a new line of oven-baked beef and chicken, state documents show. The company plans to retain 168 jobs and create 140 jobs. Employees will earn at least $11.65 an hour, records show.
The Iowa Economic Development Board agreed to provide the company with $600,000 in loans and grants, plus an estimated $941,652 in tax credits, based on the company’s capital investment in the plant.
The board said incentives are contingent on Agri Star having an approved environmental plan in place and complying with federal immigration laws. In 2008, the plant was the subject of a federal raid that resulted in the arrest of hundreds of immigrant workers who were in the country illegally.
Criminal charges were filed against most of the workers and the plant’s former owner, Sholom Rubashkin, who was convicted of 86 federal financial fraud charges last week.
Board member Robert Riley said the plant is important to the northeast Iowa community and state. The company said will process about 500 cattle each day. “The cattle processing capacity is essential for Iowa,” said Riley.
The company also received $145,000 in local tax abatements over five years and $50,000 in state job-training assistance.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200991119016
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B&H Photo Sued for Talmudic Discrimination Against Women
B&H Photo Video, the famously well-stocked, reasonably-priced, and knowledgeable-staffed midtown store, employs a large number of orthodox Jews on the floor and in management, but plaintiffs in a lawsuit say they're not so good about hiring and promoting women. Naskinsha Cushnie and three other female job-seekers claim discrimination. Cushnie says she was told she couldn't move from cashier to sales clerk because Jewish law forbids it...
The ladies' lawyer, Richard Ancowitz, cites not only civil but religious law: "I have consulted with leading authorities, and it is quite clear that there are no tenets of Jewish law that require the sales force to be male-only."
B&H strongly denies the charges ("B&H has a policy of not discriminating against employees and applicants"). In 2007 the retailer settled a discrimination suit brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging underpayment and underpromotion of Hispanic employees, for $4.3 million.
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/11/bh_photo_sued_f.php
1 comments
The ladies' lawyer, Richard Ancowitz, cites not only civil but religious law: "I have consulted with leading authorities, and it is quite clear that there are no tenets of Jewish law that require the sales force to be male-only."
B&H strongly denies the charges ("B&H has a policy of not discriminating against employees and applicants"). In 2007 the retailer settled a discrimination suit brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging underpayment and underpromotion of Hispanic employees, for $4.3 million.
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/11/bh_photo_sued_f.php
1 comments
Kosher soup kitchens to open in NYC
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hasidic voter challenge put on hold
Lawyers agreed Tuesday to postpone a hearing on whether to allow some 90 Hasidic residents to vote in the Town of Bethel.
While residents packed the courtroom, lawyer Gerald Orseck and County Attorney Sam Yasgur said they had reached an agreement whereby the question would be put off until the absentee ballots are counted. The Board of Elections will open about 300 ballots on Thursday.
Both sides have agreed to drop the case if the absentee ballots do not change the outcome of any of the races.
Orseck had asked Judge Frank LaBuda to dismiss challenges to 95 new registrations on a technicality.
County Legislator Dave Sager challenged the registrations after Hasidic groups this summer commenced a voter registration drive while in a dispute over the construction of a shul on Schultz Road.
If outcomes do change, all the parties will be back in court before LaBuda.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091118/NEWS/911180339
0 comments
While residents packed the courtroom, lawyer Gerald Orseck and County Attorney Sam Yasgur said they had reached an agreement whereby the question would be put off until the absentee ballots are counted. The Board of Elections will open about 300 ballots on Thursday.
Both sides have agreed to drop the case if the absentee ballots do not change the outcome of any of the races.
Orseck had asked Judge Frank LaBuda to dismiss challenges to 95 new registrations on a technicality.
County Legislator Dave Sager challenged the registrations after Hasidic groups this summer commenced a voter registration drive while in a dispute over the construction of a shul on Schultz Road.
If outcomes do change, all the parties will be back in court before LaBuda.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091118/NEWS/911180339
0 comments
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
3 kosher soup kitchens to open in NYC
Three kosher soup kitchens are opening in New York City in the coming weeks.
The're called Masbia (MAHZ'-bee-uh) - which means "satiate" in Hebrew.
They'll be located in the Midwood and Williamsburg neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and the Rego Park area of Queens. There's already a "Masbia" in Brooklyn's Borough Park neighborhood.
The Midwood location once housed an upscale restaurant.
Organizers say that even as soup kitchens they'll offer Orthodox Jews with a fine dining experience complete with five-course dinners and waiter service. Dividers will provide privacy.
Jewish leaders say they've seen increases in hunger and poverty in their communities.
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11519214
0 comments
The're called Masbia (MAHZ'-bee-uh) - which means "satiate" in Hebrew.
They'll be located in the Midwood and Williamsburg neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and the Rego Park area of Queens. There's already a "Masbia" in Brooklyn's Borough Park neighborhood.
The Midwood location once housed an upscale restaurant.
Organizers say that even as soup kitchens they'll offer Orthodox Jews with a fine dining experience complete with five-course dinners and waiter service. Dividers will provide privacy.
Jewish leaders say they've seen increases in hunger and poverty in their communities.
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11519214
0 comments
5 Minute Parking Grace Period to Be Vetoed by Bloomberg
Today the City Council is expected to pass two laws that would give motorists more wiggle room when fighting parking tickets. The first bill would create a five-minute grace period for drivers for certain no parking zones, such as alternate side parking regulations and expired Muni-Meters. (The bill does not include regular coin-operated, single-space meters, seen failing here.) A second piece of legislation would require the DOT to post notices of new and changed parking restrictions in affected neighborhoods and online up to one week in advance. (Last October, Orthodox Jews in Williamsburg were outraged when the DOT wrote tickets for over 90 vehicles that were violating new parking regulations—on a Saturday.)
But Mayor Bloomberg has vowed to veto the grace period bill, telling reporters today, "I will veto that. I think it’s a very misguided piece of legislation. A five-minute grace period is only going to lead to chaos and enormous increases in the number of contested tickets, and in argument. Whose watch are you going to use?" And Transportation Alternatives director Paul Steely White says, "I fail to see how the hands of a wristwatch—no two of which seem to read the same time in this town—are a fairer judge than a clearly expired parking meter. This is irresponsible pandering that will lead to more arguments at the curbside, and a profusion of illegal parking."
According to an extensive analysis conducted by the Times last year, almost 300,000 alternate side violations were issued within five minutes of the rule taking effect in 2007. Of those, nearly 28,000 tickets were issued exactly on the hour that the rule went into effect. In a statement, Council Member Simcha Felder, one of the bills' sponsors, said, "Anyone with common sense and decency understands the need for a five-minute grace period to eliminate ‘gotcha’ tickets."
http://gothamist.com/2009/11/16/parking_meter_grace_period_to_be_ve.php
0 comments
But Mayor Bloomberg has vowed to veto the grace period bill, telling reporters today, "I will veto that. I think it’s a very misguided piece of legislation. A five-minute grace period is only going to lead to chaos and enormous increases in the number of contested tickets, and in argument. Whose watch are you going to use?" And Transportation Alternatives director Paul Steely White says, "I fail to see how the hands of a wristwatch—no two of which seem to read the same time in this town—are a fairer judge than a clearly expired parking meter. This is irresponsible pandering that will lead to more arguments at the curbside, and a profusion of illegal parking."
According to an extensive analysis conducted by the Times last year, almost 300,000 alternate side violations were issued within five minutes of the rule taking effect in 2007. Of those, nearly 28,000 tickets were issued exactly on the hour that the rule went into effect. In a statement, Council Member Simcha Felder, one of the bills' sponsors, said, "Anyone with common sense and decency understands the need for a five-minute grace period to eliminate ‘gotcha’ tickets."
http://gothamist.com/2009/11/16/parking_meter_grace_period_to_be_ve.php
0 comments
Out of the Inbox - In memoriam of Motty
Sent in by a Chaptzem reader
What exactly happened to Motty Borger during the last few seconds of his life I will never know.
One thing I do know is that Motty loved people. He loved everyone around him and was a good friend who you could always count on for a quick sharp one-liner or a good hearty laugh.
I spent a lot of time with Motty throughout the years, he was there for me in my time of need, fully and completely without hesitation and without the expectation of reciprocation.
Motty was a true friend and I now miss him dearly.
There are many things that I do not know, but I know one thing for sure. I want to remember Motty exactly the way he was on his wedding day, happy, joyful and full of hope, looking eagerly into the future to his whole life ahead of him.
May we learn from Motty and follow in his footsteps and may we all be better friends one to another like Motty was.
4 comments
Monday, November 16, 2009
Fewer Hasidim Backed Mayor, Study Finds
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was getting an earful. “He created this crisis so that he can take credit for fixing it and get our votes in exchange,” one commenter wrote on a Brooklyn blog, Vos Iz Neias, Yiddish for “What is News.” Someone else remarked, “I got to my store I got 2 tickets from the Sanitation police. I sure deserved it Bloomie. I will NOT vote for you.”
The writers were reacting to the news late last month that Mr. Bloomberg would restore money for an after-school voucher program that is popular among Orthodox Jewish families. But some scorned the move as blatant political expediency days before the election.
Without question, Mr. Bloomberg was eager to woo the city’s Hasidic Jewish voters. He met behind closed doors with influential rabbis, courted their congregations, and gave an eight-page interview to an Orthodox magazine, describing the challenge of growing up Jewish in an Irish and Italian neighborhood.
Still, his share of the vote fell sharply in Brooklyn’s largest Hasidic enclaves on Nov. 3, and the decline was one of the sharpest among any group of voters.
“We didn’t vote as Hasidim. We voted as New Yorkers,” said Mendy Hecht, 36, a Lubavitcher in Crown Heights, who pulled the lever for the mayor’s Democratic opponent, Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr. “My vote was a vote of protest against Bloomberg.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/nyregion/16orthodox.html
2 comments
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Suicide groom twist
A Brooklyn newlywed who jumped to his death from a hotel balcony the night after his wedding was tormented by memories of being sexually molested as a Jewish student, sources say.
After joyfully singing and dancing at their lavish celebration in Williamsburg on Nov. 3, Motty Borger, 24, bared his secret anguish to his bride, Mali Gutman, the next day -- and the revelation caused a strain, a source close to the family told The Post.
"That entire day he discussed it with her. He told her the story of his life, how he felt so awful and he couldn't go near her," the source said. The couple had met just last July, after a matchmaker set them up.
"When he got married, he realized he couldn't face up to it, and he told his wife that he needed help."
The stunned bride responded, "So, why did you marry me?"
Borger reportedly answered, "You are absolutely right. It was not right of me to get married."
At 6:45 a.m., while Mali slept, Borger climbed a railing outside their seventh-floor room at Avenue Plaza Hotel and leaped, police say. He died hours later at a hospital.
Friends insist that Borger -- described as fun-loving, smiling and cheerful -- wouldn't take his own life.
"I know Motty, and I know he didn't jump. It was an accident," one said. The rabbi who spoke at his funeral called reports of suicide "wickedness."
A security video at the hotel shows him looking "agitated" in an elevator with his wife, cops said.
The city Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide. The NYPD is investigating the sex-abuse allegations, said a police official.
A source familiar with the tragedy said Borger had confided in close relatives that he was molested while a teen attending a yeshiva, possibly by a rabbi, but they never went to police.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/suicide_groom_twist_pa15C1Z5nGPyHIYj18xCNI
16 comments
After joyfully singing and dancing at their lavish celebration in Williamsburg on Nov. 3, Motty Borger, 24, bared his secret anguish to his bride, Mali Gutman, the next day -- and the revelation caused a strain, a source close to the family told The Post.
"That entire day he discussed it with her. He told her the story of his life, how he felt so awful and he couldn't go near her," the source said. The couple had met just last July, after a matchmaker set them up.
"When he got married, he realized he couldn't face up to it, and he told his wife that he needed help."
The stunned bride responded, "So, why did you marry me?"
Borger reportedly answered, "You are absolutely right. It was not right of me to get married."
At 6:45 a.m., while Mali slept, Borger climbed a railing outside their seventh-floor room at Avenue Plaza Hotel and leaped, police say. He died hours later at a hospital.
Friends insist that Borger -- described as fun-loving, smiling and cheerful -- wouldn't take his own life.
"I know Motty, and I know he didn't jump. It was an accident," one said. The rabbi who spoke at his funeral called reports of suicide "wickedness."
A security video at the hotel shows him looking "agitated" in an elevator with his wife, cops said.
The city Medical Examiner ruled his death a suicide. The NYPD is investigating the sex-abuse allegations, said a police official.
A source familiar with the tragedy said Borger had confided in close relatives that he was molested while a teen attending a yeshiva, possibly by a rabbi, but they never went to police.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/suicide_groom_twist_pa15C1Z5nGPyHIYj18xCNI
16 comments
Hasidic group, Bethel hit upon settlement
A Hasidic group has reached a settlement with the Town of Bethel in an ongoing dispute over a shul, whereby it will pay the town $20,000 for road improvements, submit new plans and consent to further inspections.
Bethel has agreed to grant the United Talmudical Academy a six-month temporary certificate of occupancy for the shul and community building on Schultz Road, and allow the group to proceed with the final phase of construction.
UTA sued the town this summer after the town attempted to prevent the group from using the shul and to stop work on it.
While UTA obtained a court order that temporarily allowed it to use the building, the lawsuit has lingered.
Attorneys will go before a judge later this month to put the settlement on the record.
"The case is over," said the UTA's lawyer, Henri Shawn. "In reality, the lawyers stepped out of the picture and allowed the parties to meet. Apparently they have met and they have reached an agreement, which has resulted in the town giving the UTA a new temporary certificate of occupancy, which have conditions agreed to it."
The temporary certificate spells out nine conditions the UTA must meet before the town will grant a final certificate.
Within four months, UTA will have to pay Bethel $20,000, which will be put into escrow until the final certificate is granted and then used to improve Schultz Road. UTA will also have to make payments for an additional three years to maintain the road. The amount of these payments will be worked out later, but must be a minimum of $1,000 each year.
UTA will also have to submit a modified building plan with electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans, obtain an operating permit and consent to a final inspection. UTA must also do landscaping and street lighting and improve the parking lot.
Supervisor Dan Sturm said he is optimistic the case will soon be over.
"It is close," he said.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091115/NEWS/911150328/-1/news
0 comments
Bethel has agreed to grant the United Talmudical Academy a six-month temporary certificate of occupancy for the shul and community building on Schultz Road, and allow the group to proceed with the final phase of construction.
UTA sued the town this summer after the town attempted to prevent the group from using the shul and to stop work on it.
While UTA obtained a court order that temporarily allowed it to use the building, the lawsuit has lingered.
Attorneys will go before a judge later this month to put the settlement on the record.
"The case is over," said the UTA's lawyer, Henri Shawn. "In reality, the lawyers stepped out of the picture and allowed the parties to meet. Apparently they have met and they have reached an agreement, which has resulted in the town giving the UTA a new temporary certificate of occupancy, which have conditions agreed to it."
The temporary certificate spells out nine conditions the UTA must meet before the town will grant a final certificate.
Within four months, UTA will have to pay Bethel $20,000, which will be put into escrow until the final certificate is granted and then used to improve Schultz Road. UTA will also have to make payments for an additional three years to maintain the road. The amount of these payments will be worked out later, but must be a minimum of $1,000 each year.
UTA will also have to submit a modified building plan with electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans, obtain an operating permit and consent to a final inspection. UTA must also do landscaping and street lighting and improve the parking lot.
Supervisor Dan Sturm said he is optimistic the case will soon be over.
"It is close," he said.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091115/NEWS/911150328/-1/news
0 comments
Details emerge from Weiss plane crash
A preliminary report concerning a fatal plane crash last month offers some new details about the crash, but does not include a cause.
The Oct. 25 crash killed pilot Chaim Weiss, 58, of Spring Valley, N.Y. He was the lone passenger aboard the four-seat, Cessna 172 that crashed into a remote, wooded area of Whipstock Hill after several attempts to land at the William H. Morse state airport.
Witnesses saw approach
Investigators have been puzzled as to why Weiss was in the area to begin with, and the report offers no explanation. Police said Weiss told family members he was going for a short flight in the area when he took off from the Greenwood Lake Airport in West Milford, N.J., less than two hours before the crash. A flight plan was not required and none was filed.
The preliminary report prepared by the National Transportation Safety Board this month said witnesses reported the plane making two approaches to Runway 13, one of two runways at the small airport on Bennington’s west end. Each approach was followed by a "go-around" about 20 feet above ground level.
The plane was seen at a low altitude and in level flight with the engine running normally before the sound of impact, which was followed by silence, according to the report.
The plane was found the following morning at an elevation of about 1,080 feet, according to the report. The body of the plane was found about half a nautical mile from the approach end of Runway 13. A nautical mile is approximately equal to 1.15 miles.
Witnesses told investigators the plane was making a right-hand pattern for the approach. According to the report, the published pattern for Runway 13 requires a left-hand pattern. The airport’s other runway is suitable for right-hand patterns because of Whipstock Hill, which is just south of the airport.
According to the report, the wreckage path was about 143 feet in length. The fuselage was inverted and the left wing was severed and found lodged about 35 feet above ground in a tree. The right wing remained attached to the fuselage. Both of the plane’s fuel tanks were ruptured and investigators found no measurable fuel remaining. About 1.5 ounces of residual fuel was recovered from fuel lines.
Investigators removed the engine from the plane’s fuselage for examination at a nearby workshop. They found both propeller blades were bent, but engine components appeared to have been in working order.
Weiss held a private pilot certificate, issued in 2005, with single-engine land privileges, according to the report. His logbook contained records indicating Weiss had recorded about 174 hours of flight time. Weiss had logged 11.2 hours in the previous year, including 2.4 hours of nighttime flying, prior to the crash. It had been dark for about 45 minutes when Weiss crashed.
The report states Weiss had a total of 14.5 hours of night flight time logged, and his last recorded night flight prior to the crash was Sept. 21 when he logged four night landings. The logbook did not give any indication that he had previously flown patterns or landings at the Bennington airport.
Local police and other rescue personnel began searching on foot for the crash site shortly after receiving several 911 calls. The New York State Police searched from the air with a helicopter. The search was eventually postponed until the following morning, when local residents found the plane.
Weiss was a psychologist with the Kiryas Joel School District in Orange County, N.Y., according to reports. Kiryas Joel Village is a community of mostly Hasidic Jews within the town of Monroe, N.Y.
A final report is not expected to be completed for 12 to 18 months. The report may include a cause for the crash, and could revise what is contained in the preliminary report, according to the NTSB.
http://www.benningtonbanner.com/ci_13785171
0 comments
The Oct. 25 crash killed pilot Chaim Weiss, 58, of Spring Valley, N.Y. He was the lone passenger aboard the four-seat, Cessna 172 that crashed into a remote, wooded area of Whipstock Hill after several attempts to land at the William H. Morse state airport.
Witnesses saw approach
Investigators have been puzzled as to why Weiss was in the area to begin with, and the report offers no explanation. Police said Weiss told family members he was going for a short flight in the area when he took off from the Greenwood Lake Airport in West Milford, N.J., less than two hours before the crash. A flight plan was not required and none was filed.
The preliminary report prepared by the National Transportation Safety Board this month said witnesses reported the plane making two approaches to Runway 13, one of two runways at the small airport on Bennington’s west end. Each approach was followed by a "go-around" about 20 feet above ground level.
The plane was seen at a low altitude and in level flight with the engine running normally before the sound of impact, which was followed by silence, according to the report.
The plane was found the following morning at an elevation of about 1,080 feet, according to the report. The body of the plane was found about half a nautical mile from the approach end of Runway 13. A nautical mile is approximately equal to 1.15 miles.
Witnesses told investigators the plane was making a right-hand pattern for the approach. According to the report, the published pattern for Runway 13 requires a left-hand pattern. The airport’s other runway is suitable for right-hand patterns because of Whipstock Hill, which is just south of the airport.
According to the report, the wreckage path was about 143 feet in length. The fuselage was inverted and the left wing was severed and found lodged about 35 feet above ground in a tree. The right wing remained attached to the fuselage. Both of the plane’s fuel tanks were ruptured and investigators found no measurable fuel remaining. About 1.5 ounces of residual fuel was recovered from fuel lines.
Investigators removed the engine from the plane’s fuselage for examination at a nearby workshop. They found both propeller blades were bent, but engine components appeared to have been in working order.
Weiss held a private pilot certificate, issued in 2005, with single-engine land privileges, according to the report. His logbook contained records indicating Weiss had recorded about 174 hours of flight time. Weiss had logged 11.2 hours in the previous year, including 2.4 hours of nighttime flying, prior to the crash. It had been dark for about 45 minutes when Weiss crashed.
The report states Weiss had a total of 14.5 hours of night flight time logged, and his last recorded night flight prior to the crash was Sept. 21 when he logged four night landings. The logbook did not give any indication that he had previously flown patterns or landings at the Bennington airport.
Local police and other rescue personnel began searching on foot for the crash site shortly after receiving several 911 calls. The New York State Police searched from the air with a helicopter. The search was eventually postponed until the following morning, when local residents found the plane.
Weiss was a psychologist with the Kiryas Joel School District in Orange County, N.Y., according to reports. Kiryas Joel Village is a community of mostly Hasidic Jews within the town of Monroe, N.Y.
A final report is not expected to be completed for 12 to 18 months. The report may include a cause for the crash, and could revise what is contained in the preliminary report, according to the NTSB.
http://www.benningtonbanner.com/ci_13785171
0 comments
Saturday, November 14, 2009
School board pres. accused
The president of a Long Island school board, who is also has a primary position in a chain of nursing home, has been accused of taking a $50 million bribe from the nation's largest pharmacy.
Murray Forman was first elected to the board of the Lawrence School District in 2005. With the accusations against him, Forman now facing a federal civil matter. Forman has denied the allegations, and said that the government's case lacked merit.
This is not the first time that Forman has been associated with a case.
Earlier this year, parents of students in the Lawrence school district filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against members of the board, stating that the board does not offer enough support to its students, and favors students of a certain religion. The board is composed of seven Orthodox Jews, six of whom educate their own children outside of the Lawrence school district.
That case has since been dismissed.
http://www.examiner.com/x-27388-Long-Island-Crime-Examiner~y2009m11d13-School-board-pres-accused
0 comments
Murray Forman was first elected to the board of the Lawrence School District in 2005. With the accusations against him, Forman now facing a federal civil matter. Forman has denied the allegations, and said that the government's case lacked merit.
This is not the first time that Forman has been associated with a case.
Earlier this year, parents of students in the Lawrence school district filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against members of the board, stating that the board does not offer enough support to its students, and favors students of a certain religion. The board is composed of seven Orthodox Jews, six of whom educate their own children outside of the Lawrence school district.
That case has since been dismissed.
http://www.examiner.com/x-27388-Long-Island-Crime-Examiner~y2009m11d13-School-board-pres-accused
0 comments
Singer Matisyahu in sync with Olympic spirit
Matisyahu, whose music merges Hasidic Judaism with reggae beats, hip-hop and rock, is lending his voice to NBC's promotion of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The network has chosen his uplifting anthem "One Day" as the theme song for its "Countdown to Vancouver" promotional campaign.
"One Day" is the lead single from Matisyahu's third album, "Light," which Epic released in August. He describes the song as being about "unity and coming together for one common cause; about putting aside all differences and issues to connect in some way."
The spot premiered November 3, ran November 4 on all of NBC's affiliated cable networks, including Bravo, Oxygen, MSNBC and USA, and will air on NBC through February. It features Vancouver contenders Apolo Ohno (speed skating), Lindsey Vonn (alpine skiing), Shaun White (snowboarding), Gretchen Bleiler (snowboarding) and Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto (figure skating) describing what the Olympics means to athletes and spectators alike. The Winter Games take place February 12-28.
"When you see what those athletes go through and being the background for that," Matisyahu said, "it pulls on the heartstrings."
For the week ended November 8, "One Day" experienced a 13 percent increase in download sales -- its first weekly increase since the beginning of October. To date, the song has sold 117,000 downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan. In keeping with his cross-genre style, Matisyahu said fans can expect a new version of "One Day" featuring Akon to premiere in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, Matisyahu is touring in support of "Light," working with Kenneth Cole on the "One Day for Change" viral campaign on Twitter and participating in a Charity Folks online auction -- the prize being a Brooklyn bike ride with the recording artist. Matisyahu is also finalizing details for his fourth annual Festival of Light in New York during Hanukkah, which begins December 11.
http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE5AC5NZ20091113
0 comments
The network has chosen his uplifting anthem "One Day" as the theme song for its "Countdown to Vancouver" promotional campaign.
"One Day" is the lead single from Matisyahu's third album, "Light," which Epic released in August. He describes the song as being about "unity and coming together for one common cause; about putting aside all differences and issues to connect in some way."
The spot premiered November 3, ran November 4 on all of NBC's affiliated cable networks, including Bravo, Oxygen, MSNBC and USA, and will air on NBC through February. It features Vancouver contenders Apolo Ohno (speed skating), Lindsey Vonn (alpine skiing), Shaun White (snowboarding), Gretchen Bleiler (snowboarding) and Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto (figure skating) describing what the Olympics means to athletes and spectators alike. The Winter Games take place February 12-28.
"When you see what those athletes go through and being the background for that," Matisyahu said, "it pulls on the heartstrings."
For the week ended November 8, "One Day" experienced a 13 percent increase in download sales -- its first weekly increase since the beginning of October. To date, the song has sold 117,000 downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan. In keeping with his cross-genre style, Matisyahu said fans can expect a new version of "One Day" featuring Akon to premiere in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, Matisyahu is touring in support of "Light," working with Kenneth Cole on the "One Day for Change" viral campaign on Twitter and participating in a Charity Folks online auction -- the prize being a Brooklyn bike ride with the recording artist. Matisyahu is also finalizing details for his fourth annual Festival of Light in New York during Hanukkah, which begins December 11.
http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE5AC5NZ20091113
0 comments
Friday, November 13, 2009
Illegal Dumping at Homowack Causing Headaches
This past summer's drama involving the old Homowack Lodge has had a new wrinkle added to it. Several weeks ago, a mysterious trailer loaded with demolition debris was abandoned in the main parking area across the road from the old resort. The trailer, which is essentially a dumpster on wheels, was left there after it had been filled with debris, apparently from the demolition of a building near the post office on the lower part of Phillipsport Road.
Mamakating Supervisor Robert Fiore said he was made aware of the truck's existence during a recent inspection of the facility.
"We found out about it several weeks ago," Fiore said.
Fiore went on to say that he had discussed the issue with Town Building Inspector Mary Grass, and was told by her that the owner of the truck actually had a permit to haul debris from the demolition of the building; Grass, according to Fiore, said that the parking of the truck at that location was a 'temporary measure' and that it would only be there for a few days. The owner of the truck, however, appears to have overstayed his welcome, as the trailer has now been there for at least four weeks. Additionally, the trailer's legs, which are typically extended at the time a trailer is uncoupled from its rig, have since broken through the parking lot's asphalt. The front end of the trailer now sits partially on the ground (see photo), and, as a result, will likely require a crane or other piece of heavy-lifting equipment to remove.
The trailer was first discovered when town officials, along with a representative from the NY Department of State, were surveying the facility. According to Fiore, the official told him that the state was already aware of the situation, and that the owner of the truck was already under investigation by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office. How the state official knew this remains unclear. However, the truck did at one time have Maine license plates, which were apparently confiscated by either the state police or the NY Department of Environmental Conservation. Pieces of heavy equipment also have various identification numbers on the chassis, which would allow police or other officials to trace the owner.
The presence of the trailer is also attracting other illegal dumpers, apparently, as there is now an assortment of old household items — including an old futon frame — laying on the ground nearby. Fiore used the term "attractive nuisance" to describe the trailer's presence. He said that he was worried that the condition of the old resort could attract even more illegal dumping.
"Attractive nuisances have to be removed," Fiore said.
It remains unclear at this point whether the town will initiate the trailer's removal, or whether the current owners of the Homowack — a Hasidic congregation from New Square in Rockland County —would be responsible for the removal. Earlier this year, the group had been engaged in a dispute with town and state officials over the existence of an illegal summer camp at the old resort.
http://www.shawangunkjournal.com/2009/11/12/news/0911123.html
0 comments
Mamakating Supervisor Robert Fiore said he was made aware of the truck's existence during a recent inspection of the facility.
"We found out about it several weeks ago," Fiore said.
Fiore went on to say that he had discussed the issue with Town Building Inspector Mary Grass, and was told by her that the owner of the truck actually had a permit to haul debris from the demolition of the building; Grass, according to Fiore, said that the parking of the truck at that location was a 'temporary measure' and that it would only be there for a few days. The owner of the truck, however, appears to have overstayed his welcome, as the trailer has now been there for at least four weeks. Additionally, the trailer's legs, which are typically extended at the time a trailer is uncoupled from its rig, have since broken through the parking lot's asphalt. The front end of the trailer now sits partially on the ground (see photo), and, as a result, will likely require a crane or other piece of heavy-lifting equipment to remove.
The trailer was first discovered when town officials, along with a representative from the NY Department of State, were surveying the facility. According to Fiore, the official told him that the state was already aware of the situation, and that the owner of the truck was already under investigation by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office. How the state official knew this remains unclear. However, the truck did at one time have Maine license plates, which were apparently confiscated by either the state police or the NY Department of Environmental Conservation. Pieces of heavy equipment also have various identification numbers on the chassis, which would allow police or other officials to trace the owner.
The presence of the trailer is also attracting other illegal dumpers, apparently, as there is now an assortment of old household items — including an old futon frame — laying on the ground nearby. Fiore used the term "attractive nuisance" to describe the trailer's presence. He said that he was worried that the condition of the old resort could attract even more illegal dumping.
"Attractive nuisances have to be removed," Fiore said.
It remains unclear at this point whether the town will initiate the trailer's removal, or whether the current owners of the Homowack — a Hasidic congregation from New Square in Rockland County —would be responsible for the removal. Earlier this year, the group had been engaged in a dispute with town and state officials over the existence of an illegal summer camp at the old resort.
http://www.shawangunkjournal.com/2009/11/12/news/0911123.html
0 comments
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Leave Our Beards Alone, Say Orthodox Jews
Can't a dude wear a beard? That all-important question is at the heart of a complaint three Orthodox Jews are bringing against the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Department.
The three men, who don't shave in accordance with their religious beliefs, said the Department is preventing them from riding on calls because they're unable to wear specialized safety masks with their beards. The beards can't be worn with the breathing masks, since it reduces the seal of the masks.
They've filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that this violates their religious rights. They contend that there are alternate masks available, but that the Fire Department isn't accommodating their requests. They also allege that their membership in a different rescue agency that's mainly made up of other Orthodox Jews is one of the reasons they were prevented from going on calls with the Pikesville Fire Department.
We know what some of you are saying: "Just shave the damn beard." Others are likely thinking, "If they want to participate, they have to follow the rules."
That's a valid argument, but the men claim that there's no real reason for them to have to wear the masks. They serve as medics, not firefighters. Since they're not entering burning buildings or putting themselves in overly dangerous situations, there's little need for a breathing apparatus, they say.
Furthermore, they allege that they've been suspended for not wearing masks that the Fire Department doesn't even own. The three men are claiming that the Fire Department only raised the issue because they were planning on purchasing the masks at some far-off date.
For now, the complaint is moving forward.
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Leave-Our-Beards-Alone-Say-Orthodox-Jews-69786752.html
3 comments
The three men, who don't shave in accordance with their religious beliefs, said the Department is preventing them from riding on calls because they're unable to wear specialized safety masks with their beards. The beards can't be worn with the breathing masks, since it reduces the seal of the masks.
They've filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that this violates their religious rights. They contend that there are alternate masks available, but that the Fire Department isn't accommodating their requests. They also allege that their membership in a different rescue agency that's mainly made up of other Orthodox Jews is one of the reasons they were prevented from going on calls with the Pikesville Fire Department.
We know what some of you are saying: "Just shave the damn beard." Others are likely thinking, "If they want to participate, they have to follow the rules."
That's a valid argument, but the men claim that there's no real reason for them to have to wear the masks. They serve as medics, not firefighters. Since they're not entering burning buildings or putting themselves in overly dangerous situations, there's little need for a breathing apparatus, they say.
Furthermore, they allege that they've been suspended for not wearing masks that the Fire Department doesn't even own. The three men are claiming that the Fire Department only raised the issue because they were planning on purchasing the masks at some far-off date.
For now, the complaint is moving forward.
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/Leave-Our-Beards-Alone-Say-Orthodox-Jews-69786752.html
3 comments
Ruffled feathers
New Square needs to stop dragging its heels on holding a public hearing on controversial plans to site a kosher chicken processing plant in town. The proposal, for which a dearth of information has been made public, has stirred anger and nervousness in neighboring residential communities. A public hearing might allay some of those concerns; even if not, neighbors are entitled to get answers to their many questions.
The processing plant may, as supporters have described, be a state-of-the-art facility that will have minimal impacts on its neighbors. It may increase jobs. It may be a worthwhile investment, as deemed by the Empire State Development office, which has awarded a $1.62 million Restore New York grant to the venture.
If that truly is the case, though, New Square’s leaders and the plant’s prospective operator, Adir Poultry Processing Plant, should be eager to share the substantiating information. Unfortunately, that has not been the case as scheduled public hearings have twice been postponed. Officials have said Adir needs more time to gather environmental impact information for the plant.
New Square Deputy Mayor Israel Spitzer, spokesman for the Hasidic municipality, said he has had discussions with those opposed to the plant, but these have been private affairs, not public meetings. He recounts speaking with one activist, who he said came around to the view that the plan was no detriment. Spitzer, however, declined to identify the activist.
"I think it was very wrong for the neighbors to not reach out with the village and try to arrange a meeting with village officials and get the facts straight before rushing into demonstrations and protests," Spitzer said.
Perhaps, but wishing for such restraint is futile where, as here, obfuscation has been the rule.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091112/OPINION/911120317/1015/OPINION01/Ruffled-feathers
0 comments
The processing plant may, as supporters have described, be a state-of-the-art facility that will have minimal impacts on its neighbors. It may increase jobs. It may be a worthwhile investment, as deemed by the Empire State Development office, which has awarded a $1.62 million Restore New York grant to the venture.
If that truly is the case, though, New Square’s leaders and the plant’s prospective operator, Adir Poultry Processing Plant, should be eager to share the substantiating information. Unfortunately, that has not been the case as scheduled public hearings have twice been postponed. Officials have said Adir needs more time to gather environmental impact information for the plant.
New Square Deputy Mayor Israel Spitzer, spokesman for the Hasidic municipality, said he has had discussions with those opposed to the plant, but these have been private affairs, not public meetings. He recounts speaking with one activist, who he said came around to the view that the plan was no detriment. Spitzer, however, declined to identify the activist.
"I think it was very wrong for the neighbors to not reach out with the village and try to arrange a meeting with village officials and get the facts straight before rushing into demonstrations and protests," Spitzer said.
Perhaps, but wishing for such restraint is futile where, as here, obfuscation has been the rule.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091112/OPINION/911120317/1015/OPINION01/Ruffled-feathers
0 comments
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Orthodox Jews flock to SD, support leader on trial
In the musty conference room of a South Dakota hotel, Sholom Rubashkin helps a disheveled man in a hooded sweat shirt wrap black bands around his left arm and head. Attached to each is a black box containing inscriptions from the Torah.
"It's on your arm close to your heart, on your head close to your thoughts," Rubashkin, a leader in the Orthodox Jewish community, tells Robert Graham in a thick Brooklyn accent. Graham nods.
For the 50-year-old Rubashkin, and the dozens of Orthodox Jewish men who arrive almost daily from across the country to support him, such spiritual guidance is partly why God led him to his federal trial in Sioux Falls.
The former manager of Iowa kosher slaughterhouse Agriprocessors Inc. is accused of defrauding a St. Louis bank and, if convicted, could spend the rest of his life in prison. But for now, he's spreading his spiritual message to people like Graham, a South Dakota Jewish man who was only remotely familiar with the broadest outlines of his religion's traditions.
That devotion and respect for the Rubashkin family is what draws the men to support a fellow member of their Hasidim, a branch of Judaism that translates to "the pious." Its members are easily identifiable in long black coats, fedoras and beards. They know Rubashkin more as the former teacher at an Atlanta Jewish school explaining his faith to young pupils.
"They have a solemn faith it's going to go the way it should," said Graham, a bus driver from Sioux Falls. "Even if it comes back guilty, they would say that's what God wanted."
While they pray in the hotel conference room, a jury of seven women and five men discuss in a courthouse five blocks away whether Rubashkin is guilty of 91 counts including bank, wire and mail fraud. They carry a combined maximum prison sentence of more than 1,000 years.
Rubashkin also will face a second federal trial on 72 immigration charges.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5impfJWbG5fmzCzpp6tXUlHeDJntQD9BT8RGO0
3 comments
"It's on your arm close to your heart, on your head close to your thoughts," Rubashkin, a leader in the Orthodox Jewish community, tells Robert Graham in a thick Brooklyn accent. Graham nods.
For the 50-year-old Rubashkin, and the dozens of Orthodox Jewish men who arrive almost daily from across the country to support him, such spiritual guidance is partly why God led him to his federal trial in Sioux Falls.
The former manager of Iowa kosher slaughterhouse Agriprocessors Inc. is accused of defrauding a St. Louis bank and, if convicted, could spend the rest of his life in prison. But for now, he's spreading his spiritual message to people like Graham, a South Dakota Jewish man who was only remotely familiar with the broadest outlines of his religion's traditions.
That devotion and respect for the Rubashkin family is what draws the men to support a fellow member of their Hasidim, a branch of Judaism that translates to "the pious." Its members are easily identifiable in long black coats, fedoras and beards. They know Rubashkin more as the former teacher at an Atlanta Jewish school explaining his faith to young pupils.
"They have a solemn faith it's going to go the way it should," said Graham, a bus driver from Sioux Falls. "Even if it comes back guilty, they would say that's what God wanted."
While they pray in the hotel conference room, a jury of seven women and five men discuss in a courthouse five blocks away whether Rubashkin is guilty of 91 counts including bank, wire and mail fraud. They carry a combined maximum prison sentence of more than 1,000 years.
Rubashkin also will face a second federal trial on 72 immigration charges.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5impfJWbG5fmzCzpp6tXUlHeDJntQD9BT8RGO0
3 comments
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
An East Village Synagogue Gets a Jazzy Rabbi
At first glance, the term “jazz rabbi” might seem incongruous, but the recent installation of Greg Wall, a well-known jazz musician, as the rabbi at the Sixth Street Community Synagogue, a modern Orthodox congregation in the East Village, shows that the porkpie and the yarmulke are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
In an Oct. 31 concert to mark the start of his tenure as senior rabbi, Rabbi Wall brought his blend of the sacred and the avant-garde to the sanctuary of the 70-year-old building, which was originally a Lutheran church. Several weeks earlier, Rabbi Wall had stood in the same spot giving a sermon on Yom Kippur, but at Sixth Street, this night was different from all other nights.
“I doubt these walls have ever heard music like this,” said Seth Glass, who recently joined the synagogue and played guitar in the concert.
More than 100 people, many of them senior citizens, attended the concert, despite a heavy rain and the distractions of Halloween in the streets. Accompanied by nearly 20 musicians from several continents, Rabbi Wall played in a variety of styles, including straight-ahead jazz, klezmer and African drumming.
“Two of my greatest passions come together with this job, where I don’t have to choose if I’m a musician or a student of our religion,” Rabbi Wall, who was also celebrating his 50th birthday, told the congregation. “I still can’t quite make a living as a rabbi, though, so I need to have something to fall back on — like being a jazz musician.”
Earlier that night, Rabbi Wall, dressed in a black suit and draped in a tallis, or Jewish prayer shawl, finished the week’s prayers and left to prepare for the concert. Minutes later, he returned to the sanctuary in a loose-fitting maroon paisley shirt and a decorative, arabesqued yarmulke. But the change in outfit didn’t mean he had abandoned his rabbinical duties for the night.
“If you start talking about spirituality during a show, then you’re seen as a fanatic, but if you’re a rabbi, they cut you some slack,” he said. “It’s like James Bond getting his license to kill. I get a license to talk about spirituality.”
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/an-east-village-synagogue-gets-a-jazzy-rabbi/
1 comments
In an Oct. 31 concert to mark the start of his tenure as senior rabbi, Rabbi Wall brought his blend of the sacred and the avant-garde to the sanctuary of the 70-year-old building, which was originally a Lutheran church. Several weeks earlier, Rabbi Wall had stood in the same spot giving a sermon on Yom Kippur, but at Sixth Street, this night was different from all other nights.
“I doubt these walls have ever heard music like this,” said Seth Glass, who recently joined the synagogue and played guitar in the concert.
More than 100 people, many of them senior citizens, attended the concert, despite a heavy rain and the distractions of Halloween in the streets. Accompanied by nearly 20 musicians from several continents, Rabbi Wall played in a variety of styles, including straight-ahead jazz, klezmer and African drumming.
“Two of my greatest passions come together with this job, where I don’t have to choose if I’m a musician or a student of our religion,” Rabbi Wall, who was also celebrating his 50th birthday, told the congregation. “I still can’t quite make a living as a rabbi, though, so I need to have something to fall back on — like being a jazz musician.”
Earlier that night, Rabbi Wall, dressed in a black suit and draped in a tallis, or Jewish prayer shawl, finished the week’s prayers and left to prepare for the concert. Minutes later, he returned to the sanctuary in a loose-fitting maroon paisley shirt and a decorative, arabesqued yarmulke. But the change in outfit didn’t mean he had abandoned his rabbinical duties for the night.
“If you start talking about spirituality during a show, then you’re seen as a fanatic, but if you’re a rabbi, they cut you some slack,” he said. “It’s like James Bond getting his license to kill. I get a license to talk about spirituality.”
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/an-east-village-synagogue-gets-a-jazzy-rabbi/
1 comments
Monday, November 09, 2009
Pictures and video of opening of new Masbia free Kosher soup kitchen in Williamsburg
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Rubashkin draws a loyal following
Sholom Rubashkin awakens early in his downtown Sioux Falls motel, prays at 6:45 a.m., chats with his lawyers and heads four blocks south for the legal fight of his life.
Behind him, in a wood-paneled federal courtroom, throngs of Orthodox Jews with beards and skullcaps gather to watch his trial.
The unusual scene has repeated itself for almost a month now, as Agriprocessors Inc.'s former vice president stands trial on 91 financial fraud charges.
Supporters have come to Sioux Falls, S.D. - a quiet Midwestern city of about 142,400, with one synagogue listed in its phone book - from Australia, England, New York and other Midwestern cities. The stream of well-wishers has filled hotel rooms and turned heads on the street.
The supporters mostly keep to themselves, praying every morning and watching Monday Night Football and the World Series at night. Many have brought their own kosher food from New York, Minneapolis and other locales to adhere to their strict religious diet.
"It is a sacrifice," said Shmuel Raices, a rabbinical student from New York. "This is a very busy time for me. But you know what? Sholom would do this for me in a second."
Rubashkin's son, Getzel, 25, said his father has earned the support through years of charity work and other good deeds. The Orthodox Jewish community has followed the case closely, he said.
"All these people feel that supporting him is worth the trip to Sioux Falls," the younger Rubashkin said. "My father is loved and respected by many people, only a minute percentage of which have been physically able to attend the trial."
Prosecutors say Rubashkin's support in the Orthodox Jewish community and his charity work are irrelevant in the eyes of the law.
Rubashkin, 50, is charged with 91 financial crimes, including bank, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and ignoring an order to pay livestock providers in the time required by law. He faces a maximum 1,280-year prison sentence if convicted of all counts. Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Monday.
He also allegedly conspired to hire and harbor illegal immigrant workers at Agriprocessors. A second federal trial for Rubashkin on 72 immigration charges is set to begin in Sioux Falls in December. He has pleaded not guilty.
Rubashkin critics blame the high-profile meat man for creating conditions in Postville, Ia., that made it a ripe target for law enforcement. Federal immigration agents raided Agriprocessors in May 2008 in a crackdown that exposed the alleged fraud but destabilized the local economy.
The raid, code-named "Operation Cedar Valley Junction," was based on evidence and tips collected over two years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C.J. Williams objected to extensive references to Rubashkin's religion or charity work Thursday, before the former slaughterhouse executive testified. Defense lawyers countered that some references were needed to explain Rubashkin's appearance and his behavior at Agriprocessors.
"In a court of law, everyone is equal," Williams said Thursday. "Frankly, what Mr. Rubashkin does for charity doesn't matter."
Some supporters expressed anger at what they view as an unfair crackdown on Rubashkin and the plant he managed for years. Orthodox Jewish supporters point to the industry practice of hiring immigrant workers and ask why Agriprocessors was targeted.
"This is a witch hunt," said David Moskovitz, an Orthodox Jew from Chicago. "And you can quote me."
The supporters range in age from teenagers to men with white beards hanging over their chests. They squeeze into rows of wooden courtroom benches, muttering prayers and listening to testimony. Some sway back and forth - "shuckling" in Yiddish - while reading psalms.
At one point during testimony, U.S. District Judge Linda Reade admonished one supporter for sleeping in the courtroom. Reade warned the group again Thursday when a few spoke out loud during Rubashkin's turn on the witness stand.
Rubashkin has embraced supporters during down time at the courthouse. One well-wisher from Chicago was talking to a reporter from The Des Moines Register during a break last week when Rubashkin walked up, patted the man's back, grinned, and looked at the reporter.
"This is a good man," Rubashkin said, then turned and walked off.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091108/NEWS/911080338/-1/BUSINESS04
1 comments
Behind him, in a wood-paneled federal courtroom, throngs of Orthodox Jews with beards and skullcaps gather to watch his trial.
The unusual scene has repeated itself for almost a month now, as Agriprocessors Inc.'s former vice president stands trial on 91 financial fraud charges.
Supporters have come to Sioux Falls, S.D. - a quiet Midwestern city of about 142,400, with one synagogue listed in its phone book - from Australia, England, New York and other Midwestern cities. The stream of well-wishers has filled hotel rooms and turned heads on the street.
The supporters mostly keep to themselves, praying every morning and watching Monday Night Football and the World Series at night. Many have brought their own kosher food from New York, Minneapolis and other locales to adhere to their strict religious diet.
"It is a sacrifice," said Shmuel Raices, a rabbinical student from New York. "This is a very busy time for me. But you know what? Sholom would do this for me in a second."
Rubashkin's son, Getzel, 25, said his father has earned the support through years of charity work and other good deeds. The Orthodox Jewish community has followed the case closely, he said.
"All these people feel that supporting him is worth the trip to Sioux Falls," the younger Rubashkin said. "My father is loved and respected by many people, only a minute percentage of which have been physically able to attend the trial."
Prosecutors say Rubashkin's support in the Orthodox Jewish community and his charity work are irrelevant in the eyes of the law.
Rubashkin, 50, is charged with 91 financial crimes, including bank, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and ignoring an order to pay livestock providers in the time required by law. He faces a maximum 1,280-year prison sentence if convicted of all counts. Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Monday.
He also allegedly conspired to hire and harbor illegal immigrant workers at Agriprocessors. A second federal trial for Rubashkin on 72 immigration charges is set to begin in Sioux Falls in December. He has pleaded not guilty.
Rubashkin critics blame the high-profile meat man for creating conditions in Postville, Ia., that made it a ripe target for law enforcement. Federal immigration agents raided Agriprocessors in May 2008 in a crackdown that exposed the alleged fraud but destabilized the local economy.
The raid, code-named "Operation Cedar Valley Junction," was based on evidence and tips collected over two years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C.J. Williams objected to extensive references to Rubashkin's religion or charity work Thursday, before the former slaughterhouse executive testified. Defense lawyers countered that some references were needed to explain Rubashkin's appearance and his behavior at Agriprocessors.
"In a court of law, everyone is equal," Williams said Thursday. "Frankly, what Mr. Rubashkin does for charity doesn't matter."
Some supporters expressed anger at what they view as an unfair crackdown on Rubashkin and the plant he managed for years. Orthodox Jewish supporters point to the industry practice of hiring immigrant workers and ask why Agriprocessors was targeted.
"This is a witch hunt," said David Moskovitz, an Orthodox Jew from Chicago. "And you can quote me."
The supporters range in age from teenagers to men with white beards hanging over their chests. They squeeze into rows of wooden courtroom benches, muttering prayers and listening to testimony. Some sway back and forth - "shuckling" in Yiddish - while reading psalms.
At one point during testimony, U.S. District Judge Linda Reade admonished one supporter for sleeping in the courtroom. Reade warned the group again Thursday when a few spoke out loud during Rubashkin's turn on the witness stand.
Rubashkin has embraced supporters during down time at the courthouse. One well-wisher from Chicago was talking to a reporter from The Des Moines Register during a break last week when Rubashkin walked up, patted the man's back, grinned, and looked at the reporter.
"This is a good man," Rubashkin said, then turned and walked off.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20091108/NEWS/911080338/-1/BUSINESS04
1 comments
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Hot Dog Swindler Sentenced To 15 Years
A kosher meat salesman who admitted to swindling investors out of nearly $2.5 million has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Arnold Zaler, 60, was sentenced Friday after admitting to a Denver stadium hot dog sales scheme in which he forged food orders to make it seem he was selling more than he was. Zaler was indicted in early 2008 but fled to Israel when he was released on bond.
Zaler was returned to Colorado after being nabbed at the Atlanta airport in February. Zaler apologized to his victims in court Friday and said that he has a mental illness and was trying to be "a big shot."
http://cbs4denver.com/local/Convicted.Swindler.Flees.2.1298754.html
0 comments
Arnold Zaler, 60, was sentenced Friday after admitting to a Denver stadium hot dog sales scheme in which he forged food orders to make it seem he was selling more than he was. Zaler was indicted in early 2008 but fled to Israel when he was released on bond.
Zaler was returned to Colorado after being nabbed at the Atlanta airport in February. Zaler apologized to his victims in court Friday and said that he has a mental illness and was trying to be "a big shot."
http://cbs4denver.com/local/Convicted.Swindler.Flees.2.1298754.html
0 comments
Friday, November 06, 2009
Groom death plunge
A newlywed groom on his honeymoon yesterday plunged to his death from a Brooklyn hotel in an apparent suicide -- as his bride slept, unaware of the tragedy, sources said.
Motty Borger, 24, died at Lutheran Medical Center after the seven-story plunge from The Avenue Plaza Hotel in Borough Park -- just two days after marrying his love, Mali, in a lavish ceremony, according two sources.
Borger's bride was sleeping in the room when her husband, who worked with his videographer dad, opened a window, stepped onto the balcony and jumped at 6:45 a.m.
Mali didn't know what had happened until she was awakened by the hotel concierge.
Friends were shocked at the young man's death, saying there was no sign at Borger's wedding in Williamsburg on Tuesday that he'd try to end his life.
"He sang, he danced, he was the happiest kid on the planet," said a friend who was at the wedding among 500 pals and loved ones.
"The guy was super energetic," said another reveler.
The couple shared a meal of boiled salmon Wednesday night in a postwedding celebration and seemed to be in good spirits.
"They were both happy," said a waiter.
"They were laughing, talking about what they should order."
Detectives were poring over security video, including a clip that shows an agitated Borger in an elevator with his wife.
A police source described Borger as "emotionally disturbed."
The apparent suicide stunned family members who just 48 hours earlier were celebrating the young couple's union.
"The guy was so full of life," a friend said. "He was so happy to marry her."
Friends said they couldn't believe Borger would want to kill himself or that there could have been any marital strife.
"She's a nice, sweet girl," a friend said of the bride. "They have money, so that wasn't a problem."
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/groom_death_plunge_BdMlFI3bOCBQ44OgaD82QN
12 comments
Motty Borger, 24, died at Lutheran Medical Center after the seven-story plunge from The Avenue Plaza Hotel in Borough Park -- just two days after marrying his love, Mali, in a lavish ceremony, according two sources.
Borger's bride was sleeping in the room when her husband, who worked with his videographer dad, opened a window, stepped onto the balcony and jumped at 6:45 a.m.
Mali didn't know what had happened until she was awakened by the hotel concierge.
Friends were shocked at the young man's death, saying there was no sign at Borger's wedding in Williamsburg on Tuesday that he'd try to end his life.
"He sang, he danced, he was the happiest kid on the planet," said a friend who was at the wedding among 500 pals and loved ones.
"The guy was super energetic," said another reveler.
The couple shared a meal of boiled salmon Wednesday night in a postwedding celebration and seemed to be in good spirits.
"They were both happy," said a waiter.
"They were laughing, talking about what they should order."
Detectives were poring over security video, including a clip that shows an agitated Borger in an elevator with his wife.
A police source described Borger as "emotionally disturbed."
The apparent suicide stunned family members who just 48 hours earlier were celebrating the young couple's union.
"The guy was so full of life," a friend said. "He was so happy to marry her."
Friends said they couldn't believe Borger would want to kill himself or that there could have been any marital strife.
"She's a nice, sweet girl," a friend said of the bride. "They have money, so that wasn't a problem."
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/groom_death_plunge_BdMlFI3bOCBQ44OgaD82QN
12 comments
Bethel voter drive unlikely to change election results
A much-ballyhooed registration drive from Hasidic groups in the Town of Bethel might have spurred a surge in absentee ballots, but is not expected to change the outcome of Tuesday's races.
The Sullivan County Board of Elections received 262 absentee ballots to date from Bethel voters, and eight affidavits. Hasidic groups began a voter drive this summer after the town and the United Talmudical Academy, a Hasidic organization based in Brooklyn, went to court over the rapid construction of a shul on Schultz Road.
There are more absentee ballots than usual from Bethel, but not hugely so. In 2007, the Board of Elections issued 228 absentee ballots and got back 202, said Election Commissioner Faith Kaplan.
A group led by Legislator Dave Sager has challenged 152 new registrations, claiming the seasonal residents do not qualify to vote in town. Most switched this summer from addresses in Brooklyn, and stay in bungalow colonies that are open only in the summer. Sager says his organization will take the challenge to court if necessary.
"This is something that is going to present itself every year and there needs (to be) a clear determination with regard to election law," Sager said.
It won't be clear, however, how many of this year's absentee ballots came from the voter drive until the ballots are opened tentatively on Nov. 17.
Supervisor Daniel Sturm holds a 180-vote lead over former Supervisor Harold Russell. And while Russell hasn't conceded, Sturm says he's not worried.
"With the machine count there, I am statistically in good shape," he said.
Incumbent board members Richard Crumley and Denise Frangipane hold 154- and 97-vote leads, respectively, over Benjamin Friehling. The top vote-getters win the two seats.
Sturm believes he and other incumbents were targets of the drive, but it might have helped them in the end by activating Bethel's other community groups.
"Maybe people were more cognizant about the importance of voting," Sturm said.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091106/NEWS/911060352
0 comments
The Sullivan County Board of Elections received 262 absentee ballots to date from Bethel voters, and eight affidavits. Hasidic groups began a voter drive this summer after the town and the United Talmudical Academy, a Hasidic organization based in Brooklyn, went to court over the rapid construction of a shul on Schultz Road.
There are more absentee ballots than usual from Bethel, but not hugely so. In 2007, the Board of Elections issued 228 absentee ballots and got back 202, said Election Commissioner Faith Kaplan.
A group led by Legislator Dave Sager has challenged 152 new registrations, claiming the seasonal residents do not qualify to vote in town. Most switched this summer from addresses in Brooklyn, and stay in bungalow colonies that are open only in the summer. Sager says his organization will take the challenge to court if necessary.
"This is something that is going to present itself every year and there needs (to be) a clear determination with regard to election law," Sager said.
It won't be clear, however, how many of this year's absentee ballots came from the voter drive until the ballots are opened tentatively on Nov. 17.
Supervisor Daniel Sturm holds a 180-vote lead over former Supervisor Harold Russell. And while Russell hasn't conceded, Sturm says he's not worried.
"With the machine count there, I am statistically in good shape," he said.
Incumbent board members Richard Crumley and Denise Frangipane hold 154- and 97-vote leads, respectively, over Benjamin Friehling. The top vote-getters win the two seats.
Sturm believes he and other incumbents were targets of the drive, but it might have helped them in the end by activating Bethel's other community groups.
"Maybe people were more cognizant about the importance of voting," Sturm said.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091106/NEWS/911060352
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Thursday, November 05, 2009
State promises to fix FDR Drive-Brooklyn Bridge ramp
Possibly the worst thing about living in Brooklyn — the debilitating traffic congestion on the Brooklyn Bridge’s entrance ramp from the southbound FDR Drive — may be getting just a little bit better.
The state Department of Transportation announced this week that it will make cosmetic changes to the frustrating exit ramp from the FDR onto the fabled span — initially paint and new signage, but, eventually, a wideing of the ramp to two lanes so it can better handle the traffic.
“That’s the five-year project,” said state Sen. Daniel Squadron (D–Brooklyn Heights), who said he was pleased that the long-term plan will widen a ramp that sometimes backs up as far as the Manhattan Bridge, encouraging [expletive deleted] drivers to cut in at the last minute.
That ramp — which officially bears the name of Ari Halberstam, the 14-year-old Hasidic boy who was killed when a gunman opened fire on the roadway in 1994 — is “nothing short of infuriating,” Squadron added in the understatement of the year.
For now, the first-term lawmaker got a commitment from state DOT to make immediate superficial improvements, including new paint on all lane markers, making them easier to read and clearer about when the merge is approaching; two repetitions of the words “EXIT ONLY,” to discourage cutting; and replacing the current sign that reads, “Bklyn-Battery Tunnel” with a new sign that reads, “Exit 1 / Battery Pk / Staten Is Ferry.”
“It will be clearer for people and for the police to do enforcement,” Squadron said.
When reminded that catching cheaters at that entrance ramp would be as easy as handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500, Squadron pointed out that the current lane markers aren’t as clear as they could be.
“There is one point where it says ‘Do not cross solid line,’ but it’s not solid at that point,” he said. “We all know that the long-term solution is a two-lane exit — and that’s going to happen.”
There isn’t a Brooklyn driver who hasn’t been caught in traffic at that ramp, though at least one motorist said Squadron’s “powder and paint” won’t help the problem.
“When it’s a two-lane exit, fine,” said driver Jen Frayne. “But they’ve put down paint before. People still cut in, penalizing those of us who play by the rules. The only way to stop it is to put a cop on the ramp all day long.”
That said, there is some recent research that suggests that late mergers do not, in fact, slow down traffic, despite other drivers’ frustration.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/state_promises_to_fix_fdr_drive_mLwEoREH1EA1GrKyU67tKN
1 comments
The state Department of Transportation announced this week that it will make cosmetic changes to the frustrating exit ramp from the FDR onto the fabled span — initially paint and new signage, but, eventually, a wideing of the ramp to two lanes so it can better handle the traffic.
“That’s the five-year project,” said state Sen. Daniel Squadron (D–Brooklyn Heights), who said he was pleased that the long-term plan will widen a ramp that sometimes backs up as far as the Manhattan Bridge, encouraging [expletive deleted] drivers to cut in at the last minute.
That ramp — which officially bears the name of Ari Halberstam, the 14-year-old Hasidic boy who was killed when a gunman opened fire on the roadway in 1994 — is “nothing short of infuriating,” Squadron added in the understatement of the year.
For now, the first-term lawmaker got a commitment from state DOT to make immediate superficial improvements, including new paint on all lane markers, making them easier to read and clearer about when the merge is approaching; two repetitions of the words “EXIT ONLY,” to discourage cutting; and replacing the current sign that reads, “Bklyn-Battery Tunnel” with a new sign that reads, “Exit 1 / Battery Pk / Staten Is Ferry.”
“It will be clearer for people and for the police to do enforcement,” Squadron said.
When reminded that catching cheaters at that entrance ramp would be as easy as handing out speeding tickets at the Indy 500, Squadron pointed out that the current lane markers aren’t as clear as they could be.
“There is one point where it says ‘Do not cross solid line,’ but it’s not solid at that point,” he said. “We all know that the long-term solution is a two-lane exit — and that’s going to happen.”
There isn’t a Brooklyn driver who hasn’t been caught in traffic at that ramp, though at least one motorist said Squadron’s “powder and paint” won’t help the problem.
“When it’s a two-lane exit, fine,” said driver Jen Frayne. “But they’ve put down paint before. People still cut in, penalizing those of us who play by the rules. The only way to stop it is to put a cop on the ramp all day long.”
That said, there is some recent research that suggests that late mergers do not, in fact, slow down traffic, despite other drivers’ frustration.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/state_promises_to_fix_fdr_drive_mLwEoREH1EA1GrKyU67tKN
1 comments
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Democrats win Board seats in Monroe
Two longtime Republican incumbents lost their Town Board seats, thanks to the changing loyalties of powerful voting blocs in the Hasidic Village of Kiryas Joel.
Councilmen Don Weeks and Peter Martin lost to Democratic challengers Gerard McQuade and Richard Colon.
Cards giving voting instructions within Kiryas Joel before the election suggested the outcome even before the results came in.
The powerful main voting bloc, which has historically supported incumbents on the Town Board, threw its support behind Weeks, but not Martin, who has served 20 years as a councilman. It also supported Supervisor Sandy Leonard, who beat challenger Gary Defilippis, the former Harriman police chief, to retain her seat.
Weeks had been on the board for 32 years and had the endorsement of the major Hasidic voting bloc, but not that of the less powerful dissident group in the village, which threw its support behind the Democratic challengers.
Martin said Tuesday he believed that Harley Doles, the lone Democrat on the Town Board, had a hand in changing the loyalties of Kiryas Joel voters. Doles has had an especially rocky relationship with his board colleagues since last week, when Councilman Jim Rogers allegedly attacked him during a board meeting.
Doles is married to town justice candidate Maria Vazquez-Doles, who also won her race with the endorsement of Kiryas Joel voters.
“Harley Doles is the Karl Rove of Monroe politics,” Martin said, “and he has chastised the incumbent Republicans for benefiting from a bloc vote, while the whole time he’s been over there trying to get that bloc vote on his side; and from the sound of things, it looks like he’s accomplished that.”
Monroe voters approved a proposal to raise the Monroe Free Library’s budget by $69,855 to $1.7 million. The additional revenue will go toward more DVDs and audio-visual offerings, as well as a fund to expand the current building.
Kannon, Murray take Chester
In other elections, longtime incumbent Democrat Cindy Smith lost her seat on the Chester Town Board to Republican Matthew Kannon. Republican incumbent Jerry Murray kept his seat on the board.
And in Blooming Grove, Republicans Kathy Wells-Calhoun and Michael Jahn, won board seats, beating out two Democratic and two Conservative challengers.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091104/NEWS/911049987
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Councilmen Don Weeks and Peter Martin lost to Democratic challengers Gerard McQuade and Richard Colon.
Cards giving voting instructions within Kiryas Joel before the election suggested the outcome even before the results came in.
The powerful main voting bloc, which has historically supported incumbents on the Town Board, threw its support behind Weeks, but not Martin, who has served 20 years as a councilman. It also supported Supervisor Sandy Leonard, who beat challenger Gary Defilippis, the former Harriman police chief, to retain her seat.
Weeks had been on the board for 32 years and had the endorsement of the major Hasidic voting bloc, but not that of the less powerful dissident group in the village, which threw its support behind the Democratic challengers.
Martin said Tuesday he believed that Harley Doles, the lone Democrat on the Town Board, had a hand in changing the loyalties of Kiryas Joel voters. Doles has had an especially rocky relationship with his board colleagues since last week, when Councilman Jim Rogers allegedly attacked him during a board meeting.
Doles is married to town justice candidate Maria Vazquez-Doles, who also won her race with the endorsement of Kiryas Joel voters.
“Harley Doles is the Karl Rove of Monroe politics,” Martin said, “and he has chastised the incumbent Republicans for benefiting from a bloc vote, while the whole time he’s been over there trying to get that bloc vote on his side; and from the sound of things, it looks like he’s accomplished that.”
Monroe voters approved a proposal to raise the Monroe Free Library’s budget by $69,855 to $1.7 million. The additional revenue will go toward more DVDs and audio-visual offerings, as well as a fund to expand the current building.
Kannon, Murray take Chester
In other elections, longtime incumbent Democrat Cindy Smith lost her seat on the Chester Town Board to Republican Matthew Kannon. Republican incumbent Jerry Murray kept his seat on the board.
And in Blooming Grove, Republicans Kathy Wells-Calhoun and Michael Jahn, won board seats, beating out two Democratic and two Conservative challengers.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091104/NEWS/911049987
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Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Yeshiva row over Messiah goes to court
What began as a brawl in a Brooklyn yeshiva dorm over a revered rabbi has left six members of a Jewish patrol group facing gang assault charges in a state Supreme Court trial that started Monday.
The fight - over whether the late Rabbi Menachem Schneerson is an emissary of God - also led to broken bones, a $150 million lawsuit and a battle between two rival patrol groups.
"I'm going to call the Messiah as my first witness," defense lawyer Tedd Blecher quipped after the trial's first day.
With six defense lawyers objecting at once, a kibitzing crowd and the first witness having trouble telling six bearded defendants apart, the trial veered close to farce.
The defendants, members of the Shomrim watch group, face 15 years - and prosecutors were serious when they told Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Albert Tomei of possible witness tampering just before opening statements. The six defendants were called to a Yeshiva dorm on Eastern Parkway to break up a fight between four members of the Messianic group and others on Dec. 29, 2007.
"It seems that the defendants had one goal and that was not to mediate," Assistant District Attorney David Weiss told jurors. "It was to beat up a bunch of yeshiva students."
Defense lawyers said the case was instigated by an attorney affiliated with Shomrim's rival guard group who also filed the lawsuit.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/11/03/2009-11-03_yeshiva_row_over_messiah_goes_to_court.html
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The fight - over whether the late Rabbi Menachem Schneerson is an emissary of God - also led to broken bones, a $150 million lawsuit and a battle between two rival patrol groups.
"I'm going to call the Messiah as my first witness," defense lawyer Tedd Blecher quipped after the trial's first day.
With six defense lawyers objecting at once, a kibitzing crowd and the first witness having trouble telling six bearded defendants apart, the trial veered close to farce.
The defendants, members of the Shomrim watch group, face 15 years - and prosecutors were serious when they told Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Albert Tomei of possible witness tampering just before opening statements. The six defendants were called to a Yeshiva dorm on Eastern Parkway to break up a fight between four members of the Messianic group and others on Dec. 29, 2007.
"It seems that the defendants had one goal and that was not to mediate," Assistant District Attorney David Weiss told jurors. "It was to beat up a bunch of yeshiva students."
Defense lawyers said the case was instigated by an attorney affiliated with Shomrim's rival guard group who also filed the lawsuit.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/11/03/2009-11-03_yeshiva_row_over_messiah_goes_to_court.html
0 comments
Monday, November 02, 2009
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Bill goes radio silent vs. slur
Bill Thompson yesterday failed to challenge an anti-Semitic statement by a caller on a radio show who slammed Mayor Bloomberg as caring only about "the Jewish people of his persuasion."
The Democratic mayoral hopeful was appearing as a guest on KISS-FM's "Open Line" during the final 48 hours before tomorrow's general election when a caller who identified himself as "Carl from Harlem" greeted him and said, "I believe that you will be a good mayor . . . you are for the people, for all the people."
He went on to say Bloomberg is "divisional . . . He just thinks about helping the rich, the rich contractors, and the Jewish people of his persuasion, and I think that it's time for that type of thinking and that type of people to be moved out of office."
The host thanked Carl before moving on to two other callers. Thompson replied to a policy question but never referred back to the earlier call.
Thompson later told The Post that he would have denounced Carl had he stayed on the line and said, "I didn't hear the full comment that the guy had . . . If you go back and look, everyone ignored him. I think they basically just kind of cut him off."
Thompson's campaign issued a statement from the candidate, saying, "I received a lot of calls from New Yorkers today, and I did not hear anyone say anything anti-Semitic.
"Obviously, if I had, I would have immediately denounced it or any other statement offensive towards any New Yorkers."
The Post reported this summer that Thompson was similarly silent when the host of a campaign-sponsored small-business roundtable referred to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn as a "whore."
Two weeks ago, Thompson and other Democrats blasted comments former Mayor Rudy Giuliani made to a group of Hasidic Jews about the city's crime rate before he took office. Many viewed them as racially coded.
Sources close to Thompson privately noted yesterday that Bloomberg never repudiated his predecessor's remarks.
Meanwhile, Thompson rallied with Sen. Charles Schumer and state Sen. Malcolm Smith in Queens, while Bloomberg rode along part of the New York City Marathon route in the city's parade car with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Later, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Midtown, Bloomberg joined a crowd of 500 in a standing ovation for controversial activist and Independence Party leader Lenora Fulani at a get-out-the-vote rally.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/bill_goes_radio_silent_vs_slur_Fahoae2fy9AUh7LCz3ZirN
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The Democratic mayoral hopeful was appearing as a guest on KISS-FM's "Open Line" during the final 48 hours before tomorrow's general election when a caller who identified himself as "Carl from Harlem" greeted him and said, "I believe that you will be a good mayor . . . you are for the people, for all the people."
He went on to say Bloomberg is "divisional . . . He just thinks about helping the rich, the rich contractors, and the Jewish people of his persuasion, and I think that it's time for that type of thinking and that type of people to be moved out of office."
The host thanked Carl before moving on to two other callers. Thompson replied to a policy question but never referred back to the earlier call.
Thompson later told The Post that he would have denounced Carl had he stayed on the line and said, "I didn't hear the full comment that the guy had . . . If you go back and look, everyone ignored him. I think they basically just kind of cut him off."
Thompson's campaign issued a statement from the candidate, saying, "I received a lot of calls from New Yorkers today, and I did not hear anyone say anything anti-Semitic.
"Obviously, if I had, I would have immediately denounced it or any other statement offensive towards any New Yorkers."
The Post reported this summer that Thompson was similarly silent when the host of a campaign-sponsored small-business roundtable referred to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn as a "whore."
Two weeks ago, Thompson and other Democrats blasted comments former Mayor Rudy Giuliani made to a group of Hasidic Jews about the city's crime rate before he took office. Many viewed them as racially coded.
Sources close to Thompson privately noted yesterday that Bloomberg never repudiated his predecessor's remarks.
Meanwhile, Thompson rallied with Sen. Charles Schumer and state Sen. Malcolm Smith in Queens, while Bloomberg rode along part of the New York City Marathon route in the city's parade car with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Later, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Midtown, Bloomberg joined a crowd of 500 in a standing ovation for controversial activist and Independence Party leader Lenora Fulani at a get-out-the-vote rally.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/bill_goes_radio_silent_vs_slur_Fahoae2fy9AUh7LCz3ZirN
0 comments
Sunday, November 01, 2009
State Department evacuated Yemenite Jews
The U.S. State Department has secretly brought about 60 Yemenite Jews to the United States since July, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Another 100 are likely to come to the United States in the coming month, the newspaper reported over the weekend.
There were about 350 Jews in Yemen before the operation, according to the report. In addition to the Yemenite Jews who will come to the United States, about 120 want to move to Israel and another up to 30 want to stay in Yemen. Some of the Jews who want to leave are having difficulty selling off their homes and other assets.
The immigrants to the United States are being resettled in Monsey, N.Y., which has a large concentration of Jews from Yemen, by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. Jewish Federations of North America pledged $750,000 toward their resettlement.
The State Department had to pressure the Yemenite government to issue the emigrants exit permits and passports; the Yemenite government had preferred to move the Jews to a safe haven in the capital, the Journal reported. Several families missed the two flights offered to them by the U.S., the Journal reported.
The evacuation followed a year in which the Jewish community was subjected to increasing harassment and violence. In December 2008, a Yemenite Jew was killed by a Muslim man who ordered Jews to convert or be killed. The killer was been sentenced to death.
http://jta.org/news/article/2009/11/01/1008860/report-state-department-evacuated-yemenite-jews
1 comments
Another 100 are likely to come to the United States in the coming month, the newspaper reported over the weekend.
There were about 350 Jews in Yemen before the operation, according to the report. In addition to the Yemenite Jews who will come to the United States, about 120 want to move to Israel and another up to 30 want to stay in Yemen. Some of the Jews who want to leave are having difficulty selling off their homes and other assets.
The immigrants to the United States are being resettled in Monsey, N.Y., which has a large concentration of Jews from Yemen, by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. Jewish Federations of North America pledged $750,000 toward their resettlement.
The State Department had to pressure the Yemenite government to issue the emigrants exit permits and passports; the Yemenite government had preferred to move the Jews to a safe haven in the capital, the Journal reported. Several families missed the two flights offered to them by the U.S., the Journal reported.
The evacuation followed a year in which the Jewish community was subjected to increasing harassment and violence. In December 2008, a Yemenite Jew was killed by a Muslim man who ordered Jews to convert or be killed. The killer was been sentenced to death.
http://jta.org/news/article/2009/11/01/1008860/report-state-department-evacuated-yemenite-jews
1 comments
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Remember to Change Your Clocks Tonight
Remember to change your clocks back an hour tonight: a majority of Hoosiers will gain an hour when daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
A Milwaukee man has an idea about what to do with the hour you’ll gain this weekend when daylight saving time ends.
L. Maxwell McKissick says it’s a great excuse to donate 60 minutes of volunteer work to a local charity. He says if every American pitched in, communities and nonprofits would get 300 million-plus hours of assistance.
Federal law specifies that daylight saving time applies from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday of November in areas that don’t exempt themselves.
That means most Americans lose an hour when they spring forward in March, and gain it back eight months later.
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1160328
0 comments
A Milwaukee man has an idea about what to do with the hour you’ll gain this weekend when daylight saving time ends.
L. Maxwell McKissick says it’s a great excuse to donate 60 minutes of volunteer work to a local charity. He says if every American pitched in, communities and nonprofits would get 300 million-plus hours of assistance.
Federal law specifies that daylight saving time applies from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday of November in areas that don’t exempt themselves.
That means most Americans lose an hour when they spring forward in March, and gain it back eight months later.
http://www.wibc.com/news/Story.aspx?ID=1160328
0 comments
Friday, October 30, 2009
Read the new Chaptzem article in the Country Yossi Family Magazine
Make sure to pick up your free copy of the Country Yossi Family Magazine and read the brand new original article 'Boro-Park - Land of Gold' written by Chaptzem, the only Heimishe blogger to make the transition from cyberspace to print.
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Ritual bath to honor couple murdered in Mumbai terror attack
A ritual bath, steeped in symbols of Judaic faith, will remind those who immerse and pray in its waters of a young rabbi and his wife killed in a terrorist attack in India a year ago.
On the tiled walls of its mikvah, a deep, warm-water bath that promises spiritual purity to Jewish women, the Lubavitch Center in Pikesville will hang a marble plaque that reads, "May their merit be a blessing for all those who immerse in these waters."
At 11 a.m. Sunday, in a public ceremony, the center will rededicate its Mikvah Mei Menachem in homage to Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg. The rabbi's sister, Rikal Kaler, belongs to the congregation.
"This wall of remembrance is a message of life, survival and hope, all of which the mikvah symbolizes," said Rochelle Kaplan, center director. "It is most appropriate to remember the Holtzberg couple at this facility, because their life exemplified purity, self-sacrifice and the very best of humanity."
As members of Chabad Lubavitch, an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic sect dedicated to outreach around the globe, the Holtzbergs founded Nariman House, a synagogue and cultural center for Israeli tourists and the small Jewish community in Mumbai. Terrorists infiltrated the center during a siege of the city last year, and the Holtzbergs were among the hostages found killed after Indian commando units stormed the center. Their toddler son was rescued and lives with his grandparents in Israel.
"Although their light was extinguished, they will continue to shine through the life of their son and through the use of mikvah, which represents rebirth," Kaplan said.
Donations in the couple's memory helped refurbish the mikvah with beige and aqua ceramic tiles on the walls, stained-glass windows depicting Biblical women and water images, and soft lighting to the bath that opened at the center in 2003 and typically serves about 50 women a month.
In the corner of the center that houses the mikvah, Kaplan has created a welcoming space that visitors can tour Sunday.
"We want people to walk through and absorb the atmosphere and the message, as we rededicate this place," she said.
The entry hall is lined with memorial plaques and donated artwork, including a painting by Israeli students and a portrait of a couple at their wedding. Michoel Muchnik, a New York artist, used blues, greens and earth tones to fashion wall hangings, one of a water jug and the other of a blessings cup. Silk plants and roses line the sides of the deep pool, where a lone woman would fully immerse herself and intone a blessing, while serene music trills softly in the background.
"This mikvah will make us take a moment to think about what these young people meant," Kaplan said. "They were sparks of light in the world and they died doing what they loved."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-md.co.mikvahoct30,0,103915.story
0 comments
On the tiled walls of its mikvah, a deep, warm-water bath that promises spiritual purity to Jewish women, the Lubavitch Center in Pikesville will hang a marble plaque that reads, "May their merit be a blessing for all those who immerse in these waters."
At 11 a.m. Sunday, in a public ceremony, the center will rededicate its Mikvah Mei Menachem in homage to Rabbi Gabi and Rivky Holtzberg. The rabbi's sister, Rikal Kaler, belongs to the congregation.
"This wall of remembrance is a message of life, survival and hope, all of which the mikvah symbolizes," said Rochelle Kaplan, center director. "It is most appropriate to remember the Holtzberg couple at this facility, because their life exemplified purity, self-sacrifice and the very best of humanity."
As members of Chabad Lubavitch, an ultra-Orthodox Hasidic sect dedicated to outreach around the globe, the Holtzbergs founded Nariman House, a synagogue and cultural center for Israeli tourists and the small Jewish community in Mumbai. Terrorists infiltrated the center during a siege of the city last year, and the Holtzbergs were among the hostages found killed after Indian commando units stormed the center. Their toddler son was rescued and lives with his grandparents in Israel.
"Although their light was extinguished, they will continue to shine through the life of their son and through the use of mikvah, which represents rebirth," Kaplan said.
Donations in the couple's memory helped refurbish the mikvah with beige and aqua ceramic tiles on the walls, stained-glass windows depicting Biblical women and water images, and soft lighting to the bath that opened at the center in 2003 and typically serves about 50 women a month.
In the corner of the center that houses the mikvah, Kaplan has created a welcoming space that visitors can tour Sunday.
"We want people to walk through and absorb the atmosphere and the message, as we rededicate this place," she said.
The entry hall is lined with memorial plaques and donated artwork, including a painting by Israeli students and a portrait of a couple at their wedding. Michoel Muchnik, a New York artist, used blues, greens and earth tones to fashion wall hangings, one of a water jug and the other of a blessings cup. Silk plants and roses line the sides of the deep pool, where a lone woman would fully immerse herself and intone a blessing, while serene music trills softly in the background.
"This mikvah will make us take a moment to think about what these young people meant," Kaplan said. "They were sparks of light in the world and they died doing what they loved."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-md.co.mikvahoct30,0,103915.story
0 comments
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Footsteps uses controversial term for their ad
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Call for Pidyon Shevuyim as Criminal Case against Shomrim Goes to Trial
Sent in by a Chaptzem reader
One calamity after another has befallen the community at large. Young lives have been taken from us, Jews are facing prosecution, and others already sit in prison.
Most Crown Heights residents wave their hands dismissively when the case against six Shomrim members is brought up. “It’s just politics,” they say. Despite the fact that these are fellow Jews, the young men standing trial on Wednesday are also the volunteers who altruistically aid the community daily, in countless ways. It would be commendable of the community to now actively take a stand for fellow Jews and give support to those who have been on-call 24/7 to serve others.
It is no longer merely politics. The case, which until now many have been dismissive of, has reached and crossed the threshold of trial by jury. Six Shomrim volunteers are facing years of real jail time if convicted.
“This is no longer politics,” says Aron Hershkop, a Shomrim coordinator. “This is now a Pidyon Shvuim matter, and we need the community’s help.”
In a prepared statement, Shomrim said that while serving the community for more than a decade, they requested no monetary contributions, yet with the trial just one day away, they are now looking to the community for support.
A statement by Shomrim:
For over 15 years, Shomrim, under its current leadership, has been gladly helping the Crown Heights community - from assisting a crime victim in filing a police report, to helping someone with a flat tire - without ever once asking for anything in return.
Unfortunately, the situation has changed and six of our volunteers are facing serious criminal charges stemming from an incident in which they were called for assistance.
Each of the six volunteers has a lawyer and the costs of going to trial are too great for them to be able to individually bear. Tens of thousands of dollars have already been spent, and with the trail just one day away, we ask for the community we so generously help to return that kindness and help us cover our costs.
Court will be reconvening Wednesday, where jury selection will begin, followed by the trial, in which the District Attorney will be presenting their case to the court in hopes of securing a conviction.
For those who would like to attend the trial proceedings and show support, you are welcome to. The trial is taking place at 320 Jay Street which is the New York State Supreme Court on the second floor in the Ceremonial 1 court room, starting at 10:00am on Wednesday October 28th.
Contributions can be mailed to Shomrim office at:
537 East New York Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Or you can call the Shomrim hotline (718) 774-3333 after 6:00pm and we will send a member to pick up your contribution.
4 comments
One calamity after another has befallen the community at large. Young lives have been taken from us, Jews are facing prosecution, and others already sit in prison.
Most Crown Heights residents wave their hands dismissively when the case against six Shomrim members is brought up. “It’s just politics,” they say. Despite the fact that these are fellow Jews, the young men standing trial on Wednesday are also the volunteers who altruistically aid the community daily, in countless ways. It would be commendable of the community to now actively take a stand for fellow Jews and give support to those who have been on-call 24/7 to serve others.
It is no longer merely politics. The case, which until now many have been dismissive of, has reached and crossed the threshold of trial by jury. Six Shomrim volunteers are facing years of real jail time if convicted.
“This is no longer politics,” says Aron Hershkop, a Shomrim coordinator. “This is now a Pidyon Shvuim matter, and we need the community’s help.”
In a prepared statement, Shomrim said that while serving the community for more than a decade, they requested no monetary contributions, yet with the trial just one day away, they are now looking to the community for support.
A statement by Shomrim:
For over 15 years, Shomrim, under its current leadership, has been gladly helping the Crown Heights community - from assisting a crime victim in filing a police report, to helping someone with a flat tire - without ever once asking for anything in return.
Unfortunately, the situation has changed and six of our volunteers are facing serious criminal charges stemming from an incident in which they were called for assistance.
Each of the six volunteers has a lawyer and the costs of going to trial are too great for them to be able to individually bear. Tens of thousands of dollars have already been spent, and with the trail just one day away, we ask for the community we so generously help to return that kindness and help us cover our costs.
Court will be reconvening Wednesday, where jury selection will begin, followed by the trial, in which the District Attorney will be presenting their case to the court in hopes of securing a conviction.
For those who would like to attend the trial proceedings and show support, you are welcome to. The trial is taking place at 320 Jay Street which is the New York State Supreme Court on the second floor in the Ceremonial 1 court room, starting at 10:00am on Wednesday October 28th.
Contributions can be mailed to Shomrim office at:
537 East New York Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
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Slaughterhouse company cancels New Square hearing
A public hearing that would have drawn a crowd of angry neighbors opposed to a proposed poultry slaughterhouse was canceled indefinitely on Tuesday.
In calling off the Nov. 10 hearing, Adir Poultry Inc. wants more time to gather information on the environmental impact of the 26,250-square-foot plant to process kosher poultry.
The decision comes as opponents plan another protest march along Route 45 near the proposed site at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
The delay of the public hearing brought support from opponents of the facility on 1 acre near a much smaller plant and across from Rovitz Place off Route 45.
Adir needs to provide studies on the plant's impact on the air, traffic and overall environmental concerns, opponents and Adir's lawyer said Tuesday.
Opponents want information on how many chickens will be slaughtered daily as well as how much water will be used and how many workers and trucks will be involved.
"At this point they are not ready for a public hearing," said Adir's attorney, Ira Emmanuel. "Questions being asked by residents, the village of New Hempstead and the county of Rockland are all legitimate questions. We need to be able to respond to those questions."
Emmanuel, who was hired by Adir last week, informed New Square Village Clerk David Breuer of the company's decision in a letter dated Tuesday.
Deputy Mayor Israel Spitzer referred all comments to Emmanuel.
New Square Board of Trustees members must address a variety of environmental and site-planning issues mandated by law before approving what amounts to a slaughterhouse serving the Hasidic Jewish community.
New Square rezoned the area well over a year ago to allow industrial use at what's called Heritage Park.
The Rockland County Planning Board has opposed construction of the slaughterhouse, saying in its nonbinding decision that the plant would be an "incompatible industrial use that should not be permitted alongside residential properties."
New Hempstead Mayor Lawrence Dessau and neighbor Althea Mundy said Tuesday that Adir's delay made sense and the operator should take its time before seeking another public hearing date.
Opponents think New Square officials would have quietly approved the slaughterhouse if not for the public outcry shining a spotlight on the plans.
They argue the plant has an impact on people's health and property values not only in the nearby communities but countywide.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091028/NEWS03/910280389/-1/newsfront/Slaughterhouse-company-cancels-New-Square-hearing
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In calling off the Nov. 10 hearing, Adir Poultry Inc. wants more time to gather information on the environmental impact of the 26,250-square-foot plant to process kosher poultry.
The decision comes as opponents plan another protest march along Route 45 near the proposed site at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
The delay of the public hearing brought support from opponents of the facility on 1 acre near a much smaller plant and across from Rovitz Place off Route 45.
Adir needs to provide studies on the plant's impact on the air, traffic and overall environmental concerns, opponents and Adir's lawyer said Tuesday.
Opponents want information on how many chickens will be slaughtered daily as well as how much water will be used and how many workers and trucks will be involved.
"At this point they are not ready for a public hearing," said Adir's attorney, Ira Emmanuel. "Questions being asked by residents, the village of New Hempstead and the county of Rockland are all legitimate questions. We need to be able to respond to those questions."
Emmanuel, who was hired by Adir last week, informed New Square Village Clerk David Breuer of the company's decision in a letter dated Tuesday.
Deputy Mayor Israel Spitzer referred all comments to Emmanuel.
New Square Board of Trustees members must address a variety of environmental and site-planning issues mandated by law before approving what amounts to a slaughterhouse serving the Hasidic Jewish community.
New Square rezoned the area well over a year ago to allow industrial use at what's called Heritage Park.
The Rockland County Planning Board has opposed construction of the slaughterhouse, saying in its nonbinding decision that the plant would be an "incompatible industrial use that should not be permitted alongside residential properties."
New Hempstead Mayor Lawrence Dessau and neighbor Althea Mundy said Tuesday that Adir's delay made sense and the operator should take its time before seeking another public hearing date.
Opponents think New Square officials would have quietly approved the slaughterhouse if not for the public outcry shining a spotlight on the plans.
They argue the plant has an impact on people's health and property values not only in the nearby communities but countywide.
http://www.lohud.com/article/20091028/NEWS03/910280389/-1/newsfront/Slaughterhouse-company-cancels-New-Square-hearing
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Pilot found in plane's wreckage
A psychiatrist with the Kiryas Joel School District in Orange County died when the small plane he was piloting crashed Sunday night near a Vermont airport.
The body of Chaim Weiss, 58, of Spring Valley, Rockland County, was removed from the site about 12:45 p.m. Monday, according to Bennington Police Chief Richard Gauthier.
The four-seat Cessna 172 crashed about a mile and a half west of the William H. Morse State Airport.
Weiss was a prominent psychiatrist and worked for the Kiryas Joel Village Union Free School District in Monroe, Orange County, officials there confirmed.
The school's superintendent was not immediately available for comment.
Kiryas Joel is a village in the town of Monroe in which the majority of residents are Hasidic Jews who strictly observe the Torah and its commandments.
Weiss told his family Sunday that he was going for a short flight, Gauthier said. The family said they did not know why Weiss would have flown to Vermont.
Reached at home, Weiss' family refused to comment to a reporter.
The pilot's errors include taking the wrong approach to the airport, in the dark and turning the wrong way, sending the plane into the mountain, Gauthier said.
''We have to also check to see if he had some medical issue,'' Gauthier said. An autopsy is planned.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration Web site, Weiss received his pilot's license in 2005.
The FAA will leave the plane in the woods for several days as the investigation continues.
Guy Rouelle, lead investigator for the Vermont Transportation Authority, said witnesses on Sunday night reported a loud crash. No one else was aboard the plane, he said.
The plane is owned by Sky Training of West Milford, N.J. A woman who answered the phone at Sky Training did not identify herself and referred all questions to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The crash was on Whipstock Mountain in an area of dense vegetation below the summit, said Joe Hayes, chief of the Bennington Rural Fire Department.
The plane is near an area known as Guitar Patch for the distinctive pine tree-filled feature that looks like a guitar on the side of the mountain, according to a neighbor.
Roland Smith, who heard the crash from his nearby property, said he was able to reach the plane Monday morning. He said it was wrapped around a tree on state land and that the pilot was dead.
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=857399&category=REGION
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The body of Chaim Weiss, 58, of Spring Valley, Rockland County, was removed from the site about 12:45 p.m. Monday, according to Bennington Police Chief Richard Gauthier.
The four-seat Cessna 172 crashed about a mile and a half west of the William H. Morse State Airport.
Weiss was a prominent psychiatrist and worked for the Kiryas Joel Village Union Free School District in Monroe, Orange County, officials there confirmed.
The school's superintendent was not immediately available for comment.
Kiryas Joel is a village in the town of Monroe in which the majority of residents are Hasidic Jews who strictly observe the Torah and its commandments.
Weiss told his family Sunday that he was going for a short flight, Gauthier said. The family said they did not know why Weiss would have flown to Vermont.
Reached at home, Weiss' family refused to comment to a reporter.
The pilot's errors include taking the wrong approach to the airport, in the dark and turning the wrong way, sending the plane into the mountain, Gauthier said.
''We have to also check to see if he had some medical issue,'' Gauthier said. An autopsy is planned.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration Web site, Weiss received his pilot's license in 2005.
The FAA will leave the plane in the woods for several days as the investigation continues.
Guy Rouelle, lead investigator for the Vermont Transportation Authority, said witnesses on Sunday night reported a loud crash. No one else was aboard the plane, he said.
The plane is owned by Sky Training of West Milford, N.J. A woman who answered the phone at Sky Training did not identify herself and referred all questions to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The crash was on Whipstock Mountain in an area of dense vegetation below the summit, said Joe Hayes, chief of the Bennington Rural Fire Department.
The plane is near an area known as Guitar Patch for the distinctive pine tree-filled feature that looks like a guitar on the side of the mountain, according to a neighbor.
Roland Smith, who heard the crash from his nearby property, said he was able to reach the plane Monday morning. He said it was wrapped around a tree on state land and that the pilot was dead.
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=857399&category=REGION
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Monday, October 26, 2009
JCC of Marine Park Hosts Inaugural Legislative Breakfast to Standing-Room Only Crowd
(L-R) David Greenfield - Master of Ceremonies, Yossi Sharf - Treasurer of the JCCMP, Councilman Lew Fidler, Jeff Leb - Chairman of the JCCMP, Shea Rubenstein - Executive Vice President of the JCCMP, Shua Gelbstein - President of the JCCMP
(L-R) David Greenfield - Master of Ceremonies, Shua Gelbstein - President of the JCCMP, Rabbi Zvi Elimelech Rokeach, Brooklyn Borough Presidnet Marty Markowitz, Jeff Leb - Chairman of the JCCMP, Shea Rubenstein - Executive Vice President of the JCCMP, Yossi Sharf - Treasurer of the JCCMP, Avi Spitzer - Secretary of the JCCMP
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NY Republican apologizes for Silver joke
New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver isn't commenting on a Republican who said the orthodox Jewish lawmaker might be an anti-Christ.
Erie County Executive Chris Collins, who's considering a run for governor, says he made the "poor joke" at a Republican dinner in Buffalo. He soon after issued an apology to Silver, the powerful Democrat from Manhattan, and called him directly. The New York Daily News first reported the remark.
Collins was reportedly joking about the astrologer Nostradamus' prediction the world would be visited by three anti-Christs. Collins said many believe the first were Napoleon and Adolf Hitler, and he was pretty sure the third is Silver.
Collins says Monday he was referring to Albany's notorious three-men-in-a-room negotiations among governors and legislative leaders.
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11386179
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Erie County Executive Chris Collins, who's considering a run for governor, says he made the "poor joke" at a Republican dinner in Buffalo. He soon after issued an apology to Silver, the powerful Democrat from Manhattan, and called him directly. The New York Daily News first reported the remark.
Collins was reportedly joking about the astrologer Nostradamus' prediction the world would be visited by three anti-Christs. Collins said many believe the first were Napoleon and Adolf Hitler, and he was pretty sure the third is Silver.
Collins says Monday he was referring to Albany's notorious three-men-in-a-room negotiations among governors and legislative leaders.
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11386179
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Jews Who Survived World War Two Have More Cancer
A new study shows Israeli Jews who survived World War Two in Europe have a higher risk for getting cancer than other Jews.
The study's researchers say the finding could stem from the hardships endured by victims of the Holocaust, where the German Nazi regime systematically persecuted and murdered about six-million Jews.
Those hardships included being subjected to severe starvation and mental stress as well as exposure to cold and infectious agents.
The study indicated Jews who spent World War Two in Europe were at least 17-percent more likely to develop colorectal, breast and lung cancers.
The cancer risk was greatest among the war's youngest Jewish survivors, those born between 1940 and 1945.
This suggests the traumas they endured as children during the Holocaust may have raised their risk of getting cancer by altering their growth and hormone patterns.
http://mystateline.com/content/fulltext/?cid=110772
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The study's researchers say the finding could stem from the hardships endured by victims of the Holocaust, where the German Nazi regime systematically persecuted and murdered about six-million Jews.
Those hardships included being subjected to severe starvation and mental stress as well as exposure to cold and infectious agents.
The study indicated Jews who spent World War Two in Europe were at least 17-percent more likely to develop colorectal, breast and lung cancers.
The cancer risk was greatest among the war's youngest Jewish survivors, those born between 1940 and 1945.
This suggests the traumas they endured as children during the Holocaust may have raised their risk of getting cancer by altering their growth and hormone patterns.
http://mystateline.com/content/fulltext/?cid=110772
0 comments
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Video and picture of Dov Hikind radio show with Bill Thompson
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Wurtsboro supervisor Fiore facing tough race
In a town known for voting out its supervisors, incumbent Democrat Bob Fiore is facing a stiff challenge after one term in office.
Republican Harold Baird, 53, a sales and service manager from Bloomingburg, secured the key Conservative endorsement in the southern Sullivan County town.
His pitch to the voters is to help small businesses, mom and pop stores, and wants to make it easier for homeowners to deal with the building department. He is also a volunteer fireman and Bloomingburg fire commissioner, who led a team to Biloxi, Miss. after Hurricane Katrina.
Fiore, 62, a retired supervisor in the New York State Department of Corrections, took over two years ago while the town faced a financial crisis and a damning audit by the state Comptroller's office.
Fiore, who also will run on the Independence and Working Families lines, touts improvements in financial tracking and record keeping and cost cutting moves, implementing a four-day week at Town Hall while expanding working hours.
Fiore and the town were criticized by residents this summer when a Hasidic girls camp opened in the former Homowack, which had fallen dangerously into disrepair. While residents accused the town of moving slowly to close the resort, Fiore said his administration was the first to take code violations seriously.
"Previous administrations have swept it under the table," Fiore said. "We dealt with it in a legal way, we let due process prevail and the Homowack was eventually vacated and has been placarded."
The hot-button issue remains the prospect of a Yukiguni Maitake mushroom plant opening on Route 209.
While Fiore has taken no sides on this project, Baird believes the company will be helpful for employment and the tax base.
"I think they proved themselves," he said. "To my knowledge, when they build it, it will benefit the economy of Mamakating."
Fiore said that the town is working on developing shovel-ready sites to attract eco-friendly business.
"Progress is being made, perhaps not at the speed that I or the public would desire, but it is moving forward," Fiore said.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091024/COMM/910240313/-1/NEWS
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Republican Harold Baird, 53, a sales and service manager from Bloomingburg, secured the key Conservative endorsement in the southern Sullivan County town.
His pitch to the voters is to help small businesses, mom and pop stores, and wants to make it easier for homeowners to deal with the building department. He is also a volunteer fireman and Bloomingburg fire commissioner, who led a team to Biloxi, Miss. after Hurricane Katrina.
Fiore, 62, a retired supervisor in the New York State Department of Corrections, took over two years ago while the town faced a financial crisis and a damning audit by the state Comptroller's office.
Fiore, who also will run on the Independence and Working Families lines, touts improvements in financial tracking and record keeping and cost cutting moves, implementing a four-day week at Town Hall while expanding working hours.
Fiore and the town were criticized by residents this summer when a Hasidic girls camp opened in the former Homowack, which had fallen dangerously into disrepair. While residents accused the town of moving slowly to close the resort, Fiore said his administration was the first to take code violations seriously.
"Previous administrations have swept it under the table," Fiore said. "We dealt with it in a legal way, we let due process prevail and the Homowack was eventually vacated and has been placarded."
The hot-button issue remains the prospect of a Yukiguni Maitake mushroom plant opening on Route 209.
While Fiore has taken no sides on this project, Baird believes the company will be helpful for employment and the tax base.
"I think they proved themselves," he said. "To my knowledge, when they build it, it will benefit the economy of Mamakating."
Fiore said that the town is working on developing shovel-ready sites to attract eco-friendly business.
"Progress is being made, perhaps not at the speed that I or the public would desire, but it is moving forward," Fiore said.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091024/COMM/910240313/-1/NEWS
0 comments
Wurtsboro supervisor Fiore facing tough race
In a town known for voting out its supervisors, incumbent Democrat Bob Fiore is facing a stiff challenge after one term in office.
Republican Harold Baird, 53, a sales and service manager from Bloomingburg, secured the key Conservative endorsement in the southern Sullivan County town.
His pitch to the voters is to help small businesses, mom and pop stores, and wants to make it easier for homeowners to deal with the building department. He is also a volunteer fireman and Bloomingburg fire commissioner, who led a team to Biloxi, Miss. after Hurricane Katrina.
Fiore, 62, a retired supervisor in the New York State Department of Corrections, took over two years ago while the town faced a financial crisis and a damning audit by the state Comptroller's office.
Fiore, who also will run on the Independence and Working Families lines, touts improvements in financial tracking and record keeping and cost cutting moves, implementing a four-day week at Town Hall while expanding working hours.
Fiore and the town were criticized by residents this summer when a Hasidic girls camp opened in the former Homowack, which had fallen dangerously into disrepair. While residents accused the town of moving slowly to close the resort, Fiore said his administration was the first to take code violations seriously.
"Previous administrations have swept it under the table," Fiore said. "We dealt with it in a legal way, we let due process prevail and the Homowack was eventually vacated and has been placarded."
The hot-button issue remains the prospect of a Yukiguni Maitake mushroom plant opening on Route 209.
While Fiore has taken no sides on this project, Baird believes the company will be helpful for employment and the tax base.
"I think they proved themselves," he said. "To my knowledge, when they build it, it will benefit the economy of Mamakating."
Fiore said that the town is working on developing shovel-ready sites to attract eco-friendly business.
"Progress is being made, perhaps not at the speed that I or the public would desire, but it is moving forward," Fiore said.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091024/COMM/910240313/-1/NEWS
0 comments
Republican Harold Baird, 53, a sales and service manager from Bloomingburg, secured the key Conservative endorsement in the southern Sullivan County town.
His pitch to the voters is to help small businesses, mom and pop stores, and wants to make it easier for homeowners to deal with the building department. He is also a volunteer fireman and Bloomingburg fire commissioner, who led a team to Biloxi, Miss. after Hurricane Katrina.
Fiore, 62, a retired supervisor in the New York State Department of Corrections, took over two years ago while the town faced a financial crisis and a damning audit by the state Comptroller's office.
Fiore, who also will run on the Independence and Working Families lines, touts improvements in financial tracking and record keeping and cost cutting moves, implementing a four-day week at Town Hall while expanding working hours.
Fiore and the town were criticized by residents this summer when a Hasidic girls camp opened in the former Homowack, which had fallen dangerously into disrepair. While residents accused the town of moving slowly to close the resort, Fiore said his administration was the first to take code violations seriously.
"Previous administrations have swept it under the table," Fiore said. "We dealt with it in a legal way, we let due process prevail and the Homowack was eventually vacated and has been placarded."
The hot-button issue remains the prospect of a Yukiguni Maitake mushroom plant opening on Route 209.
While Fiore has taken no sides on this project, Baird believes the company will be helpful for employment and the tax base.
"I think they proved themselves," he said. "To my knowledge, when they build it, it will benefit the economy of Mamakating."
Fiore said that the town is working on developing shovel-ready sites to attract eco-friendly business.
"Progress is being made, perhaps not at the speed that I or the public would desire, but it is moving forward," Fiore said.
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091024/COMM/910240313/-1/NEWS
0 comments
Friday, October 23, 2009
Bloomberg looks to shore up Orthodox votes
Mayor Bloomberg made an unannounced visit to the Brooklyn offices of the English-language Orthodox Jewish paper Hamodia this morning, popping in with full retinue for an hour-plus interview with the influential paper's editorial board. (Photo courtesy of Hamodia's Hillel Engel.)
Hamodia interviewed Thompson weeks ago, and though it has not made an endorsement yet, it found itself the center of anti-Bloomberg sentiment after former Mayor Rudy Giuliani made his racially-charged remarks last weekend to an Orthodox crowd.
It comes as Controller William Thompson appears to be making surprising headway in Brooklyn's often-fractious Orthodox community, with yesterday's endorsement from Assemblyman Dov Hikind merely showing to outsiders what has been simmering below the surface for months. The Brawl first heard rumblings last spring that Orthodox voters might not be as friendly to a two-term Jewish mayor as you might think, because they pay the same property taxes and water bills as everyone else.
As our blog sister Liz has noted, yesterday was also the day when Bloomberg made an unscheduled stop in Borough Park to announce he was restoring child care vouchers primarily aimed at Orthodox families. He was accompanied there, and again today, by Orthodox Councilman Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn), who seems to have patched things up with Bloomberg after their earlier falling-out over earmarks for Orthodox groups.
That's Felder, directly to the right of Bloomberg in the picture above. He told the Brawl after the meeting that concerns about Orthodox Jews not showing up to support him Nov. 3 are overblown:
"More conservative neighborhoods, whether here or in Staten Island, are more focused on security and safety -- especially after the events of Sept. 11 -- and will come out en masse for Mayor Bloomberg."
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/brawlforthehall/
0 comments
From Craig's List: The Child You Almost Killed Today Could Have Been Yours! (Boro Park)
Sent in by a Chaptzem reader
I was driving westbound on 17th Avenue this morning, through the usual morning traffic, mainly caused by the abundance of school buses at that time, when an eastbound bus stopped in front of me to pick up his precious cargo. He stopped the bus, activated the flashing lights and deployed the flip-out stop signs. Since it was alternate-side-parking this morning on that side of the street, there was a long stretch of space to the right of the bus with no cars parked.
I saw a mother and child start walking down their stoop walking towards the bus. What a great day the child must have been looking forward to. A half a day of school, with a shabbos party to boot.
How flabbergasted was I to see that a car driving behind the bus squeezed himself into the right side of the bus, and slowly inched his way forward on the right side of the bus, savoring the view of all the stop signs and flashing lights before him, then proceeding to pass the bus, ON THE RIGHT SIDE, narrowly missing the unwary mother and child.
The street was clogged with cars in both directions. Many of the drivers, including myself were in a hurry to get to our destinations. We accept the morning traffic as a reality we have to contend with. Nevertheless, we all froze in our places when we saw the bus stop and announce to the world that it was in the process of its noble mission of ferrying precious children to school. I my lifetime I have seen cars pass buses on the left side from time to time. Perhaps a little cautiously and perhaps they were engrossed in their driving along and didn't notice the bus. That is bad enough. But this guy deliberately proceeded to squeeze his way into the right lane created by a row of vacant parking spaces, took note of the myriad of flashing lights around him, and proceeded with malice to recklessly endanger the life of innocents. People go to jail for such things.
Witnessing this scene I lost it, and swung my car into the oncoming lane and blocked the way of this would be assassin, and gave him a piece of my mind. His only reaction was to show contempt for my gall in delaying him from getting to his destination. After all, the whole world does revolve around him.
As he squirmed himself past my roadblock like a rat scurrying into a hole, I managed to snap a picture of the rear of his car. If this message ever does get to him, I only hope that the little drama from this morning will evoke in him a small dose of common decency. If that happens this all would have been worth it.
BTW, a shout out to all my fellow commuters who cheered me on this morning. It appears that decent people are still the majority in our society.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/vnn/1434083830.html
16 comments
I was driving westbound on 17th Avenue this morning, through the usual morning traffic, mainly caused by the abundance of school buses at that time, when an eastbound bus stopped in front of me to pick up his precious cargo. He stopped the bus, activated the flashing lights and deployed the flip-out stop signs. Since it was alternate-side-parking this morning on that side of the street, there was a long stretch of space to the right of the bus with no cars parked.
I saw a mother and child start walking down their stoop walking towards the bus. What a great day the child must have been looking forward to. A half a day of school, with a shabbos party to boot.
How flabbergasted was I to see that a car driving behind the bus squeezed himself into the right side of the bus, and slowly inched his way forward on the right side of the bus, savoring the view of all the stop signs and flashing lights before him, then proceeding to pass the bus, ON THE RIGHT SIDE, narrowly missing the unwary mother and child.
The street was clogged with cars in both directions. Many of the drivers, including myself were in a hurry to get to our destinations. We accept the morning traffic as a reality we have to contend with. Nevertheless, we all froze in our places when we saw the bus stop and announce to the world that it was in the process of its noble mission of ferrying precious children to school. I my lifetime I have seen cars pass buses on the left side from time to time. Perhaps a little cautiously and perhaps they were engrossed in their driving along and didn't notice the bus. That is bad enough. But this guy deliberately proceeded to squeeze his way into the right lane created by a row of vacant parking spaces, took note of the myriad of flashing lights around him, and proceeded with malice to recklessly endanger the life of innocents. People go to jail for such things.
Witnessing this scene I lost it, and swung my car into the oncoming lane and blocked the way of this would be assassin, and gave him a piece of my mind. His only reaction was to show contempt for my gall in delaying him from getting to his destination. After all, the whole world does revolve around him.
As he squirmed himself past my roadblock like a rat scurrying into a hole, I managed to snap a picture of the rear of his car. If this message ever does get to him, I only hope that the little drama from this morning will evoke in him a small dose of common decency. If that happens this all would have been worth it.
BTW, a shout out to all my fellow commuters who cheered me on this morning. It appears that decent people are still the majority in our society.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/vnn/1434083830.html
16 comments
In Boro Park, Bloomberg Grapples With Apathy
After an intense lobbying campaign, Michael Bloomberg restored $8 million of what was a $16 million program providing Priority 7 vouchers in Boro Park for free after-school care for children in the neighborhood at a yeshiva of their choice.
But Michael Fragin, who led the mayor’s outreach efforts in Boro Park during the 2005 campaign, said there concern remains that the funding could again be eliminated next year, when the election is over and the city faces a $5 billion deficit.
Fragin said that while Bill Thompson was unlikely to pick up many votes in the neighborhood, the real question for the Bloomberg campaign is voter apathy in an area that proved a treasure trove of votes for the mayor in his last two campaigns.
“It’s more of a question of whether they will vote at all,” Fragin said.
At a meeting Thursday with community leaders and 100 local principals, Bloomberg promised to fully restore the additional $8 million in funding by next December, according to a source with knowledge of the meeting.
The perceived unrest helped prompt Rudy Giuliani’s controversial appearance last Sunday before the Jewish Community Council.
Ezra Friedlander, president of the consulting firm The Friedlander Group, organized the speech for Bloomberg, and said it was intended to remind voters that about the reduction in crime over Bloomberg’s tenure.
Friedlander said this record would trump any unrest over more parochial issues.
“Even Moses couldn’t satisfy all of the Jews,” he said. “Why would we think the mayor would be able to?”
One indication of the unrest has been pro-Thompson coverage in the most influential newspaper in the neighborhood, Hamodia, which also has refused the Bloomberg campaign’s entreaties in search of an endorsement, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.
Meanwhile, Thompson received the endorsement Thursday of Assembly Member Dov Hikind, the longest serving political leader in Boro Park.
Hikind, who endorsed Bloomberg in 2005, said he struggled with the decision, but that his longstanding close relationship with Thompson ultimately led him to endorse the comptroller.
Skeptical observers also note, however, that Hikind’s brother, Pinchus, draws an $112,000 salary working for Thompson in the comptroller’s office.
Some political observers say that as the neighborhood has grown more socially conservative in recent years, Hikind’s endorsement has lost some of its value, since he at times has backed socially liberal candidates.
During the recent Democratic Council primary to replace Bill de Blasio, for instance, Hikind’s candidate, Brad Lander, got 14 percent of the vote in the area, while the more socially conservative John Heyer got 74 percent.
Hikind, however, said he would continue support who he believes in the best candidate, regardless of political expediency. He added that this also held true in the mayoral race.
“Thompson is behind in the polls, and the odds are for Bloomberg,” he said. “I try my very best to do the right thing, regardless.”
http://www.cityhallnews.com/newyork/article-972-in-boro-park-bloomberg-grapples-with-apathy.html
0 comments
But Michael Fragin, who led the mayor’s outreach efforts in Boro Park during the 2005 campaign, said there concern remains that the funding could again be eliminated next year, when the election is over and the city faces a $5 billion deficit.
Fragin said that while Bill Thompson was unlikely to pick up many votes in the neighborhood, the real question for the Bloomberg campaign is voter apathy in an area that proved a treasure trove of votes for the mayor in his last two campaigns.
“It’s more of a question of whether they will vote at all,” Fragin said.
At a meeting Thursday with community leaders and 100 local principals, Bloomberg promised to fully restore the additional $8 million in funding by next December, according to a source with knowledge of the meeting.
The perceived unrest helped prompt Rudy Giuliani’s controversial appearance last Sunday before the Jewish Community Council.
Ezra Friedlander, president of the consulting firm The Friedlander Group, organized the speech for Bloomberg, and said it was intended to remind voters that about the reduction in crime over Bloomberg’s tenure.
Friedlander said this record would trump any unrest over more parochial issues.
“Even Moses couldn’t satisfy all of the Jews,” he said. “Why would we think the mayor would be able to?”
One indication of the unrest has been pro-Thompson coverage in the most influential newspaper in the neighborhood, Hamodia, which also has refused the Bloomberg campaign’s entreaties in search of an endorsement, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.
Meanwhile, Thompson received the endorsement Thursday of Assembly Member Dov Hikind, the longest serving political leader in Boro Park.
Hikind, who endorsed Bloomberg in 2005, said he struggled with the decision, but that his longstanding close relationship with Thompson ultimately led him to endorse the comptroller.
Skeptical observers also note, however, that Hikind’s brother, Pinchus, draws an $112,000 salary working for Thompson in the comptroller’s office.
Some political observers say that as the neighborhood has grown more socially conservative in recent years, Hikind’s endorsement has lost some of its value, since he at times has backed socially liberal candidates.
During the recent Democratic Council primary to replace Bill de Blasio, for instance, Hikind’s candidate, Brad Lander, got 14 percent of the vote in the area, while the more socially conservative John Heyer got 74 percent.
Hikind, however, said he would continue support who he believes in the best candidate, regardless of political expediency. He added that this also held true in the mayoral race.
“Thompson is behind in the polls, and the odds are for Bloomberg,” he said. “I try my very best to do the right thing, regardless.”
http://www.cityhallnews.com/newyork/article-972-in-boro-park-bloomberg-grapples-with-apathy.html
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Group challenges voter registration surge in bungalow area
Petitions challenging more than 150 new voter registrations in the Town of Bethel were presented to the Sullivan County Board of Elections Thursday afternoon, by County Legislator Dave Sager, who says a surge in registrations appears to be tied to part-time residents of bungalow colonies.
The surge, he maintains, seems to coincide with efforts to establish the United Talmudical Academy in Bethel. Sager produced a copy of the state Department of Health permit, stating that the UTA may use the bungalow colony “as a temporary residence”.
Sager, speaking in his capacity as a the spokesman and a founding member of the group Voters for Election Integrity, said this is only about meeting the legal requirements for permanent residency for purposes of voting in Sullivan County, and not about who the people are.
“Although New York case law states that a person may choose only one voting address from among multiple principal homes, that voting residence is valid only if the voter maintains ‘legitimate, significant and continuing attachments to his or her residence’.”
Clearly, Sager contends, bungalows occupied for at most three months out of the year, do not qualify.
Republican Election Commissioner Rodney Gaebel said he could not comment in depth on the petition.
“What we need to do is we need to look over what’s presented to us and make a rational decision as to how it should be handled.”
While he was reluctant to pass any early judgment, Gaebel said it’s hard to question Sager’s key point.
“To consider them permanent residents would be a stretch.”
http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2009/October09/23/Bethel_reg_chal-23Oct09.html
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The surge, he maintains, seems to coincide with efforts to establish the United Talmudical Academy in Bethel. Sager produced a copy of the state Department of Health permit, stating that the UTA may use the bungalow colony “as a temporary residence”.
Sager, speaking in his capacity as a the spokesman and a founding member of the group Voters for Election Integrity, said this is only about meeting the legal requirements for permanent residency for purposes of voting in Sullivan County, and not about who the people are.
“Although New York case law states that a person may choose only one voting address from among multiple principal homes, that voting residence is valid only if the voter maintains ‘legitimate, significant and continuing attachments to his or her residence’.”
Clearly, Sager contends, bungalows occupied for at most three months out of the year, do not qualify.
Republican Election Commissioner Rodney Gaebel said he could not comment in depth on the petition.
“What we need to do is we need to look over what’s presented to us and make a rational decision as to how it should be handled.”
While he was reluctant to pass any early judgment, Gaebel said it’s hard to question Sager’s key point.
“To consider them permanent residents would be a stretch.”
http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/2009/October09/23/Bethel_reg_chal-23Oct09.html
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Thursday, October 22, 2009
Pictures from Dov Hikind rally endorsing Bill Thompson for mayor
Assemblyman Dov Hikind will be endorsing City Comptroller Bill Thompson for mayor
WHERE: Outside of Amnon’s Kosher Pizza
4814 13th Avenue
Borough Park, Brooklyn
WHEN: TODAY
October 22, 2009
10:30 AM
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4814 13th Avenue
Borough Park, Brooklyn
WHEN: TODAY
October 22, 2009
10:30 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
One on One With Matisyahu
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
New Jersey Corruption Witness Dwek Pleads Guilty
Solomon Dwek, a real estate developer who worked as an undercover federal informant to build cases against 44 people in a crackdown on New Jersey political corruption, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering.
Dwek, 37, arrested in 2006 on a bank fraud charge, posed as a developer and titling company owner looking for business in the schools, court records show. He pleaded guilty today in federal court in Newark.
U.S. District Judge Jose Linares continued Dwek’s release on $10 million bond pending a scheduled Feb. 9 sentencing.
The bank fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The money laundering charge could bring him 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors are recommending he serve between 105 months and 135 months, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said in a statement.
Dwek admitted he and Joseph Kohen, of Deal, New Jersey, attempted to defraud PNC Bank of more than $50 million and laundered $22.8 million through other banks, Fishman said. Kohen pleaded guilty to bank fraud March 21, 2007.
Dwek deposited into a PNC account for his firm SEM Realty Associates LLC in April 2006 a $25 million check on an inactive account he controlled. After an employee at the Eatontown, New Jersey, branch told him the account was closed with a zero balance, he falsely said “corporate” would transfer money into the account to cover the check.
The following day he phoned in four fraudulent wire transfers to other banks totaling $22.8 million, Fishman said. Also that day he attempted to deposit another $25 million check into the account at a bank in Asbury Park. The bank didn’t honor or deposit the check, Fishman said.
Michael Himmel, Dwek’s attorney, declined to comment as he left the federal courthouse in Newark.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a0kGPRq4Wn68
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Dwek, 37, arrested in 2006 on a bank fraud charge, posed as a developer and titling company owner looking for business in the schools, court records show. He pleaded guilty today in federal court in Newark.
U.S. District Judge Jose Linares continued Dwek’s release on $10 million bond pending a scheduled Feb. 9 sentencing.
The bank fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The money laundering charge could bring him 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors are recommending he serve between 105 months and 135 months, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman said in a statement.
Dwek admitted he and Joseph Kohen, of Deal, New Jersey, attempted to defraud PNC Bank of more than $50 million and laundered $22.8 million through other banks, Fishman said. Kohen pleaded guilty to bank fraud March 21, 2007.
Dwek deposited into a PNC account for his firm SEM Realty Associates LLC in April 2006 a $25 million check on an inactive account he controlled. After an employee at the Eatontown, New Jersey, branch told him the account was closed with a zero balance, he falsely said “corporate” would transfer money into the account to cover the check.
The following day he phoned in four fraudulent wire transfers to other banks totaling $22.8 million, Fishman said. Also that day he attempted to deposit another $25 million check into the account at a bank in Asbury Park. The bank didn’t honor or deposit the check, Fishman said.
Michael Himmel, Dwek’s attorney, declined to comment as he left the federal courthouse in Newark.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a0kGPRq4Wn68
1 comments
Luke Oil clears up trademark flap
A group of orthodox Jews says Luke Oil gas stations have stopped illegally using the kosher trademark, but the group is still pressing forward with a lawsuit, according to a motion filed Monday.
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America had filed a lawsuit against Luke Oil Co. after the group said the company was using the kosher mark, a U inside a circle, next to the company name inside stores and on products.
The group holds the copyright for the mark and is in charge of determining which foods receive the kosher mark, meaning they have been properly prepared according to Jewish dietary law. Some Jews and other groups use the mark to determine what food is kosher.
According to pictures filed with the lawsuit, the mark could be seen above a wall of packaged snack food and on a cup used for fountain drinks, which an attorney for the Jewish group said could mislead people to think those food products are kosher.
The group had filed for a preliminary injunction preventing Luke from using the mark as part of the lawsuit.
However, court documents said Luke Oil has proven the company has taken off the certified mark from its stores. Those same documents say the lawsuit is pending, though.
No reason was given for continuing.
http://www.post-trib.com/news/1834042,luke1020.article
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Boss-backed Broadway Triangle rezoning advances
The city’s contentious plan to allow residential development inside the largely commercial “Broadway Triangle” was rubber-stamped by the City Planning Commission on Monday, as commissioners said that the project’s ends — affordable housing — justified the sometimes ugly means that were involved in drafting the plan.
The commission voted 11-1 for the rezoning — which promises 1,851 new apartments, 850 of them pegged at below-market rates — despite months of protests over the city’s decision to grant development rights to two politically connected groups. Commissioners said the urgent need for affordable housing trumped complaints from a coalition of 40 community groups that claimed that the community’s voice was not heard in the rush to give control to the two non-profits.
“Affordable housing is an ongoing need in this city [that] I need to support,” said commission Vice Chairman Kenneth Knuckles.
Other commissioners said the rezoning would also encourage the construction of contextual low-rise buildings, create open space and boost local economic development in a dour area bounded by Broadway, Flushing and Union avenues.
Opponents say they were snubbed by the city when no-bid contracts went to the United Jewish Organization and the Ridgewood-Bushwick Senior Citizens Council, two groups tied to the borough’s Democratic Party boss, Assemblyman Vito Lopez (D–Bushwick).
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/42/32_42_wy_broadway_triangle_moves_ahead.html
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The commission voted 11-1 for the rezoning — which promises 1,851 new apartments, 850 of them pegged at below-market rates — despite months of protests over the city’s decision to grant development rights to two politically connected groups. Commissioners said the urgent need for affordable housing trumped complaints from a coalition of 40 community groups that claimed that the community’s voice was not heard in the rush to give control to the two non-profits.
“Affordable housing is an ongoing need in this city [that] I need to support,” said commission Vice Chairman Kenneth Knuckles.
Other commissioners said the rezoning would also encourage the construction of contextual low-rise buildings, create open space and boost local economic development in a dour area bounded by Broadway, Flushing and Union avenues.
Opponents say they were snubbed by the city when no-bid contracts went to the United Jewish Organization and the Ridgewood-Bushwick Senior Citizens Council, two groups tied to the borough’s Democratic Party boss, Assemblyman Vito Lopez (D–Bushwick).
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/42/32_42_wy_broadway_triangle_moves_ahead.html
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Monday, October 19, 2009
MAYOR BLOOMBERG JOINED BY RUDY GIULIANI; CONGRESSMAN JERRY NADLER PAY TRIBUTE TO HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS AT LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
The Jewish Community Council of Boro Park under the leadership of Rabbi Yechiel Kaufman, Executive Director and Mr. Yussi Rieder, Chairman; hosted their 7th Annual Legislative breakfast on Sunday morning, October 18, at Khal Chasidim, located at 4820 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, in honor of the Shearith Hapleitah-Holocaust Survivors. This special event coordinated by the acclaimed public relations firm, The Friedlander Group, honored NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg who was introduced by a ringing Councilman Simcha Felder. Surprise Guest Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani wooed the crowed with his presence and strong words of support for Mayor Bloomberg. William Rapfogel, CEO of Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty served as Breakfast Chair. The general theme of the breakfast was articulated by Assemblyman Dov Hikind who paid tribute to the Holocaust Survivors for recreating the cultural landscape of Boro Park with a vibrant Jewish presence, blending the warmth and charitable practices of the past with the contemporary community. The gathering also focused on the uniqueness of Boro Park and its bright future of continued growth and ongoing transformation.
This event is always a valuable outlet for the survivors whose daily personal challenges as senior citizens are compounded by the horrific memories they have been forced to carry throughout the years. It is widely believed that this annual BPJCC event serves as an important stimulation for those participating, allowing them to reconnect with old friends and forge new relationships that add immeasurable companionship and pleasure to their lives.
The program honored the distinguished elected officials for their commitment to the Boro Park community: Congressman Jerry Nadler; State Senators Carl Kruger, Kevin Parker and Diane Savino; Boro President Marty Markowitz; Brad Lander was welcomed as the Democratic Nominee of the 39th NYC Council District. Gregory J. Schneider, Executive Vice President, Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany known as the Claims Conference received the Hakoras HaTov Community Appreciation Award in recognition for leadership and support of various Holocaust survivors related projects. A special message was heard from Jonathan Zalisky, of Health Plus, corporate sponsors of the breakfast. Special Recognition was given to Holocaust survivors Hersh Leib Klein and Peshea Friedman.
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Sunday, October 18, 2009
At Knicks Exhibition, Rabbi Intervenes When Maccabi Coach Won’t Leave
So a basketball coach, an N.B.A. referee and a rabbi walk onto the court at Madison Square Garden locked in an argument.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one.
The coach has just been ejected from the game after being called for his second technical foul but refuses to leave the floor. And while the referee, the rabbi and a group of officials in dark suits try to persuade the coach to go to the locker room, the players start an impromptu half-court shooting contest.
The punch line is that this actually happened — during the third quarter of the Knicks’ preseason game against Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv on Sunday.
With the Knicks well on their way to a 106-91 blowout, Al Harrington was whistled for a charge and began complaining to the referee. Maccabi Coach Pini Gershon took issue with Harrington’s behavior, then proceeded to do the same thing. The referee did not care for Gershon’s comments and gave him the technical.
Gershon remained in front of his team’s bench, not far from where the former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert was sitting. It was as if Gershon were preparing to call the next play and put in a couple of substitutes. For a few moments, it seemed as if no one knew what to do with him, until a clutch of league representatives scurried over.
“He wouldn’t leave,” said Scott Jaffer, an N.B.A. security official who spoke with Gershon on the court. “I tried to talk him out of it. They wanted to stop the game.”
Sometime during the 10-minute discussion in front of the visitors’ bench, Rabbi Yitzchak Dovid Grossman, with a long white beard, a black hat and a black coat, crossed the court from his seat to intervene.
Grossman is the founder and the president of Migdal Ohr, a center for orphans and abused and underprivileged children in Israel that benefited from the proceeds from Sunday’s game. And he saw it as his duty to moderate.
Not knowing that two technical fouls result in an automatic ejection, he attempted to persuade the referee to change his call and allow Gershon to stay.
“But he says that this is the law, that he must leave,” Grossman said, referring to the referee in broken English.
“What can I do? I tried. I tried to make peace.”
It was at that point that Gershon tried apologizing for his outburst, with Grossman behind him.
“This is not a regular game,” Grossman said he told the officials. “In a game for friendship, you forgive.”
Gershon declined to comment after the game, even though he could have freely criticized the officials without fear of retribution from the league.
“He’s a big person in European basketball, and he probably felt like he was being disrespected,” said Maccabi center Maciej Lampe, a 2003 Knicks draft pick.
While Gershon argued on one side of the court, the Knicks seemed mostly confused on the other. They stood around their bench waiting. So Nate Robinson decided to find out if basketball was going to resume and worked his way into the argument.
“I was over there just trying to figure out what was up,” said Robinson, who added that the coach and the rabbi “started speaking a different language,” which was Hebrew.
“It threw me off,” Robinson said. “I needed a translator.”
In the stands, a vocal majority of yellow-clad Maccabi fans among the 14,602 inside the Garden began chanting emphatically. All afternoon, they had made it feel like a home game for Maccabi — much the way the fans did when Maccabi last played at the Garden two years ago in front of 18,000 fans. They waved Israeli flags, belted soccer-style songs and even booed Knicks Coach Mike D’Antoni.
When Gershon ultimately left, storming down the tunnel, the fans became even louder. Neither their efforts, nor the rabbi’s, had saved his place on the sideline.
“Sometimes, somebody makes a mistake,” Grossman said.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/sports/basketball/19knicks.html
1 comments
High-powered circumcision draws pols
For being only eight days old, little Joshua Zev Greenfield showed the kind of political clout at his circumcision that would be the envy of many a power broker.
It didn’t hurt that Joshua’s father, David Greenfield, executive vice president of the Sephardic Community Federation, is one of the most respected and well-liked people in both Brooklyn’s Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish communities.
Among those in attendance at the bris on Ocean Parkway was Mayor Bloomberg’s campaign manager Bradley Tusk, Borough President Marty Markowitz, U.S. Rep. Michael McMahon, Assemblymembers Alan Maisel, Alec Brook-Krasny, Dov Hikind and Karim Camara, City Councilmembers Vincent Gentile and Leroy Comrie, longtime District Leader Bernie Catcher, Branford Communications President Ernest Lendler, Carl Kruger’s chief of staff, Jason Koppel and his wife, Batya Storch, who is on maternity leave from U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner’s office.
As for the bris, it came off with compassion, and many commented on the mohel’s fine job. Afterward, all in attendance feasted on excellent pastries, salad and fruit.
http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2009/10/15/bay_news/news/bay_news_newskqhrxgo10142009.txt
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It didn’t hurt that Joshua’s father, David Greenfield, executive vice president of the Sephardic Community Federation, is one of the most respected and well-liked people in both Brooklyn’s Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewish communities.
Among those in attendance at the bris on Ocean Parkway was Mayor Bloomberg’s campaign manager Bradley Tusk, Borough President Marty Markowitz, U.S. Rep. Michael McMahon, Assemblymembers Alan Maisel, Alec Brook-Krasny, Dov Hikind and Karim Camara, City Councilmembers Vincent Gentile and Leroy Comrie, longtime District Leader Bernie Catcher, Branford Communications President Ernest Lendler, Carl Kruger’s chief of staff, Jason Koppel and his wife, Batya Storch, who is on maternity leave from U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner’s office.
As for the bris, it came off with compassion, and many commented on the mohel’s fine job. Afterward, all in attendance feasted on excellent pastries, salad and fruit.
http://www.yournabe.com/articles/2009/10/15/bay_news/news/bay_news_newskqhrxgo10142009.txt
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Saturday, October 17, 2009
Yarmulka-wearing political strategist David G. Greenfield, Esq. on the political panel of national news program
Con accused in scamming work release program company
Old habits apparently die hard.
A former World Trade Center currency trader convicted of conning his clients out of $110 million is now accused of scamming the company that gave him a job as part of his work release program.
The owners of the Ahava ambulette service in Brooklyn said they gave Gary Farber an office job in 2007 so he could "start a new life" and he repaid them by starting a competing company that used the Ahava's ambulettes on the sly, according to their civil suit.
They said Farber even named his company Akiva, which is similar to Ahava's name. Farber, also known as Gary Farberov, was president of First Equity Enterprises, which was headquartered in the World Trade Center, and was a trading arm of Evergreen International Spot Trading. He was convicted in 2001.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/10/16/2009-10-16_con_accused_in_scamming_.html
0 comments
A former World Trade Center currency trader convicted of conning his clients out of $110 million is now accused of scamming the company that gave him a job as part of his work release program.
The owners of the Ahava ambulette service in Brooklyn said they gave Gary Farber an office job in 2007 so he could "start a new life" and he repaid them by starting a competing company that used the Ahava's ambulettes on the sly, according to their civil suit.
They said Farber even named his company Akiva, which is similar to Ahava's name. Farber, also known as Gary Farberov, was president of First Equity Enterprises, which was headquartered in the World Trade Center, and was a trading arm of Evergreen International Spot Trading. He was convicted in 2001.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2009/10/16/2009-10-16_con_accused_in_scamming_.html
0 comments
Friday, October 16, 2009
Gottlieb Restaurant in Williamsburg named top ten Deli by Daily News
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Orthodox 'shielding sex abusers'
A New York State Supreme Court judge has criticised the Orthodox community for shielding perpetrators of sexual abuse while persecuting victims.
Judge Gustin Reichbach lamented the community’s “circle-the-wagons attitude” as he sentenced Yona Weinberg, a barmitzvah tutor and social worker from Brooklyn, to 13 months in jail for molesting two boys.
At the sentencing earlier this month, the courtroom was filled with Weinberg’s supporters. Almost 100 members of the Orthodox community wrote letters to the judge defending him.
Judge Reichbach lamented that no letters displayed “any concern or even any acknowledgement for these young victims which, frankly, I find shameful”. Rather, the community “seeks to blame, indeed punish, victims who seek justice from... civil society”.
Sexual abuse has become a highly contentious issue in the US Orthodox community following a string of cases involving well-known teachers and rabbis. Over the past year, 26 strictly Orthodox men have been arrested in Brooklyn in child sexual abuse cases; eight have been convicted and 18 await trial.
The strictly Orthodox are statistically no more likely to experience sexual abuse than any other group. But the problem is often exacerbated because there is pressure on victims not to go to the police, due to a suspicion of secular society and a fear of bringing shame on the community. In some cases, parents worry that revealing abuse might harm chances of a shidduch. Meanwhile, some community leaders prefer to act solely through a beth din.
However, the timing of Judge Reichbach’s comments may be ironic, as some see signs that the taboo against reporting sexual abuse is beginning to fade. NY state Assemblyman Dov Hikind became involved in the issue 15 months ago. He says many people in the community have overcome the stigma associated with abuse and are openly discussing it.
“There has been an improvement, no question about it,” says Mr Hikind. “The fact that people are acting is a huge accomplishment, but we have an even longer way to go.”
This year, more than 40 minors have agreed to testify about abuse in court.
David Zwiebel, executive vice president of the Charedi group Agudath Israel of America, told the New York Times this week that “A broad consensus has emerged that many of these issues are beyond the ability of the community to handle internally.”
In the past, victims who have spoken out have faced ostracism, as well as verbal and physical threats.
One victim, Shua Finkelstein, died of an overdose at the beginning of this year. His parents later discovered a letter he had written criticising the community for not confronting abuse, which they published online. Soon afterwards, their New Jersey home was damaged in a suspected arson attack.
Yona Weinberg joins a list of recent high-profile court cases involving Orthodox Jews. Last year, Rabbi Yehuda Kolko, a teacher at Yeshiva Torah Temimah in Brooklyn, struck a plea deal with the Brooklyn district attorney. To campaigners’ dismay, Kolko pleaded guilty to two counts of child endangerment, ducking a jail sentence and avoiding registration as a sex offender.
Meanwhile, Rabbi Avrohom Reichman, a principal at the United Talmudic Academy in Williamsburg, is currently the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by Joel Engleman, who claims he was molested during the 1990s.
Rabbi Avrohom Mondrowitz, who fled to Israel from New York in 1984 to avoid prosecution for sexual abuse, continues to fight extradition.
Mark Weiss, who says he was abused by Mondrowitz in the late 1970s, blames community leaders for the support shown to Weinberg and others like him. Mr Weiss says that “otherwise good, warmhearted, caring people are suddenly reprogrammed to defy all logic”, when they are told that they must defend the community from a chilul hashem — disgracing god’s name — by standing up for the accused.
“It’s a disgrace that our community has to get chastised by someone like Judge Reichbach, but he’s 100 per cent right,” he added. “This is about the Orthodox leadership’s control over people.”
http://www.thejc.com/news/world-news/21038/orthodox-shielding-sex-abusers
2 comments
Judge Gustin Reichbach lamented the community’s “circle-the-wagons attitude” as he sentenced Yona Weinberg, a barmitzvah tutor and social worker from Brooklyn, to 13 months in jail for molesting two boys.
At the sentencing earlier this month, the courtroom was filled with Weinberg’s supporters. Almost 100 members of the Orthodox community wrote letters to the judge defending him.
Judge Reichbach lamented that no letters displayed “any concern or even any acknowledgement for these young victims which, frankly, I find shameful”. Rather, the community “seeks to blame, indeed punish, victims who seek justice from... civil society”.
Sexual abuse has become a highly contentious issue in the US Orthodox community following a string of cases involving well-known teachers and rabbis. Over the past year, 26 strictly Orthodox men have been arrested in Brooklyn in child sexual abuse cases; eight have been convicted and 18 await trial.
The strictly Orthodox are statistically no more likely to experience sexual abuse than any other group. But the problem is often exacerbated because there is pressure on victims not to go to the police, due to a suspicion of secular society and a fear of bringing shame on the community. In some cases, parents worry that revealing abuse might harm chances of a shidduch. Meanwhile, some community leaders prefer to act solely through a beth din.
However, the timing of Judge Reichbach’s comments may be ironic, as some see signs that the taboo against reporting sexual abuse is beginning to fade. NY state Assemblyman Dov Hikind became involved in the issue 15 months ago. He says many people in the community have overcome the stigma associated with abuse and are openly discussing it.
“There has been an improvement, no question about it,” says Mr Hikind. “The fact that people are acting is a huge accomplishment, but we have an even longer way to go.”
This year, more than 40 minors have agreed to testify about abuse in court.
David Zwiebel, executive vice president of the Charedi group Agudath Israel of America, told the New York Times this week that “A broad consensus has emerged that many of these issues are beyond the ability of the community to handle internally.”
In the past, victims who have spoken out have faced ostracism, as well as verbal and physical threats.
One victim, Shua Finkelstein, died of an overdose at the beginning of this year. His parents later discovered a letter he had written criticising the community for not confronting abuse, which they published online. Soon afterwards, their New Jersey home was damaged in a suspected arson attack.
Yona Weinberg joins a list of recent high-profile court cases involving Orthodox Jews. Last year, Rabbi Yehuda Kolko, a teacher at Yeshiva Torah Temimah in Brooklyn, struck a plea deal with the Brooklyn district attorney. To campaigners’ dismay, Kolko pleaded guilty to two counts of child endangerment, ducking a jail sentence and avoiding registration as a sex offender.
Meanwhile, Rabbi Avrohom Reichman, a principal at the United Talmudic Academy in Williamsburg, is currently the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by Joel Engleman, who claims he was molested during the 1990s.
Rabbi Avrohom Mondrowitz, who fled to Israel from New York in 1984 to avoid prosecution for sexual abuse, continues to fight extradition.
Mark Weiss, who says he was abused by Mondrowitz in the late 1970s, blames community leaders for the support shown to Weinberg and others like him. Mr Weiss says that “otherwise good, warmhearted, caring people are suddenly reprogrammed to defy all logic”, when they are told that they must defend the community from a chilul hashem — disgracing god’s name — by standing up for the accused.
“It’s a disgrace that our community has to get chastised by someone like Judge Reichbach, but he’s 100 per cent right,” he added. “This is about the Orthodox leadership’s control over people.”
http://www.thejc.com/news/world-news/21038/orthodox-shielding-sex-abusers
2 comments
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Candidates spar over Bethel shul, building records
The rematch in the Town of Bethel between Supervisor Daniel Sturm and former Supervisor Harold Russell is getting nasty.
While Sturm says he spent two years cleaning up Russell's mistakes, Russell is circulating a flier that slams Sturm for everything from his business skills to "poor decision making and lack of oversight."
Bethel is the home to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the gated community of Chapin Estates and many seasonal homes and developments, while still considered a rural small town where it is hard to ignore a person for long. Sturm says Russell hasn't spoken to him for two years since the night he won the election. "He's very bitter about it."
Russell, 61, a Republican, is a longtime dairy farmer who served as supervisor in 2006 and 2007. Sturm, 46, a Democrat who also holds the Conservative line, calls himself a full-time supervisor in the $47,249 job. Sturm also is paid $2,662 a year as the town's budget officer.
Led by Sturm, the town passed comprehensive zoning and new subdivision laws. The town did away with one-acre zoning, which was unpopular with preservation groups. But the outcome of the election could be determined by voters reaction to the events surrounding the construction of a shul on Schultz Road.
The town attempted to stop the United Talmudical Academy, a Brooklyn-based Hasidic group, from using the building this summer. The town claims the project should have gone to the Planning Board for review and the UTA broke several codes. Seasonal residents have initiated a voter registration drive, which could create a bloc vote against the incumbents.
Russell says that Sturm should have been on top of the project.
"He made the statement he was unaware of it being built," Russell said. "I mean, come on? Unaware? I am sure when they had the groundbreaking he was at it."
Sturm said when attorneys and engineers told him there was a problem, he ordered a stop work order and initiated an investigation into past building projects. The town's longtime building inspector resigned after a review of several projects.
"There were at least five other projects completed without proper Planning Board oversight during Mr. Russell's term," Sturm said. "I've got one, but he's got five. We learned about it, we identified it, and we make sure it doesn't happen again. We stood up to a very powerful group, and I stand by our decisions."
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091014/NEWS/910140351
0 comments
While Sturm says he spent two years cleaning up Russell's mistakes, Russell is circulating a flier that slams Sturm for everything from his business skills to "poor decision making and lack of oversight."
Bethel is the home to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the gated community of Chapin Estates and many seasonal homes and developments, while still considered a rural small town where it is hard to ignore a person for long. Sturm says Russell hasn't spoken to him for two years since the night he won the election. "He's very bitter about it."
Russell, 61, a Republican, is a longtime dairy farmer who served as supervisor in 2006 and 2007. Sturm, 46, a Democrat who also holds the Conservative line, calls himself a full-time supervisor in the $47,249 job. Sturm also is paid $2,662 a year as the town's budget officer.
Led by Sturm, the town passed comprehensive zoning and new subdivision laws. The town did away with one-acre zoning, which was unpopular with preservation groups. But the outcome of the election could be determined by voters reaction to the events surrounding the construction of a shul on Schultz Road.
The town attempted to stop the United Talmudical Academy, a Brooklyn-based Hasidic group, from using the building this summer. The town claims the project should have gone to the Planning Board for review and the UTA broke several codes. Seasonal residents have initiated a voter registration drive, which could create a bloc vote against the incumbents.
Russell says that Sturm should have been on top of the project.
"He made the statement he was unaware of it being built," Russell said. "I mean, come on? Unaware? I am sure when they had the groundbreaking he was at it."
Sturm said when attorneys and engineers told him there was a problem, he ordered a stop work order and initiated an investigation into past building projects. The town's longtime building inspector resigned after a review of several projects.
"There were at least five other projects completed without proper Planning Board oversight during Mr. Russell's term," Sturm said. "I've got one, but he's got five. We learned about it, we identified it, and we make sure it doesn't happen again. We stood up to a very powerful group, and I stand by our decisions."
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091014/NEWS/910140351
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Orthodox Jews Relying More on Legal Prosecution of Sex Abuse
For decades, prosecutors in Brooklyn routinely pursued child molesters from every major ethnic and religious segment of the borough’s diverse population. Except one.
Of some 700 child sexual abuse cases brought in an average year, few involved members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community — about 180,000 followers of Hasidic and other sects who make up the largest such cluster outside Israel. Some years, there were one or two arrests, or none.
But in the past year, there have been 26. District Attorney Charles J. Hynes has brought charges against a variety of men — yeshiva teachers, rabbis, camp counselors, merchants and relatives of children. Eight have been convicted; 18 await trial.
If the sudden spike in prosecutions is startling, even more surprising is the apparent reason: ultra-Orthodox Jews, long forbidden to inform on one another without permission from the rabbis who lead them, are going to the police and prosecutors on their own.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews, who refer to themselves as the “haredim,” meaning those who fear God, reject modern secular culture and for centuries have kept strict control over what they consider internal affairs. For centuries, allegations and disputes involving children, marriage and business have been decided by rabbinical courts called beth dins, which conduct their own inquiries and do not report their findings to the secular authorities, even when they judge someone guilty of a crime. Taboos codified centuries ago during times of anti-Semitism discourage community members from informing on other Jews; violations can result in ostracism.
Now, a growing number of haredi Jews in Brooklyn say they do not think they can get justice from the rabbinical courts, which in several high-profile cases have exonerated people who were later criminally convicted of child abuse. And although some advocates for victims contend that the district attorney has been too accommodating of the rabbinical hierarchy — a charge Mr. Hynes denies — families are increasingly turning to his office for help.
Prosecutors say that since last year there have been 40 minors prepared to testify in court about abuse. And Mr. Hynes’s office has been asked for advice by prosecutors with jurisdictions that include other large haredi enclaves in the Northeast.
”What we have witnessed in the past year is completely unprecedented,” said Rhonnie Jaus, chief of the Brooklyn district attorney’s sex crimes bureau. “This would be inconceivable just a few years ago.”
Children in haredi families are no more or less likely to suffer sexual abuse than others, according to several recent studies. But Ben Hirsch, founder of Survivors for Justice, a New York group whose members include ultra-Orthodox Jews molested as children in communities nationwide, said the clandestine handling of molestation cases had kept leaders from dealing with the problem and made it easier for predators to operate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/nyregion/14abuse.html?hp
2 comments
Of some 700 child sexual abuse cases brought in an average year, few involved members of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community — about 180,000 followers of Hasidic and other sects who make up the largest such cluster outside Israel. Some years, there were one or two arrests, or none.
But in the past year, there have been 26. District Attorney Charles J. Hynes has brought charges against a variety of men — yeshiva teachers, rabbis, camp counselors, merchants and relatives of children. Eight have been convicted; 18 await trial.
If the sudden spike in prosecutions is startling, even more surprising is the apparent reason: ultra-Orthodox Jews, long forbidden to inform on one another without permission from the rabbis who lead them, are going to the police and prosecutors on their own.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews, who refer to themselves as the “haredim,” meaning those who fear God, reject modern secular culture and for centuries have kept strict control over what they consider internal affairs. For centuries, allegations and disputes involving children, marriage and business have been decided by rabbinical courts called beth dins, which conduct their own inquiries and do not report their findings to the secular authorities, even when they judge someone guilty of a crime. Taboos codified centuries ago during times of anti-Semitism discourage community members from informing on other Jews; violations can result in ostracism.
Now, a growing number of haredi Jews in Brooklyn say they do not think they can get justice from the rabbinical courts, which in several high-profile cases have exonerated people who were later criminally convicted of child abuse. And although some advocates for victims contend that the district attorney has been too accommodating of the rabbinical hierarchy — a charge Mr. Hynes denies — families are increasingly turning to his office for help.
Prosecutors say that since last year there have been 40 minors prepared to testify in court about abuse. And Mr. Hynes’s office has been asked for advice by prosecutors with jurisdictions that include other large haredi enclaves in the Northeast.
”What we have witnessed in the past year is completely unprecedented,” said Rhonnie Jaus, chief of the Brooklyn district attorney’s sex crimes bureau. “This would be inconceivable just a few years ago.”
Children in haredi families are no more or less likely to suffer sexual abuse than others, according to several recent studies. But Ben Hirsch, founder of Survivors for Justice, a New York group whose members include ultra-Orthodox Jews molested as children in communities nationwide, said the clandestine handling of molestation cases had kept leaders from dealing with the problem and made it easier for predators to operate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/14/nyregion/14abuse.html?hp
2 comments
Ezra Friedlander Hosts Brad Lander In His Sukkah
Sitting left to right- Yeruchim Silber, MJHS; Yitzchok Fleischer, Bobov; Brad Lander; Avrume Fischman; Dr. David Moskovits, Endowment for Democracy
Standing Left to right- Shlome Steinmetz, Yad Efraim; Shloime Reichberg, Mekimi; Yoel Leifer, Yad Ephraim; Akiva Kizelnik, Yad Efraim; Moshe Steinmetz, Yad Efraim; Pesach Greenberg, Yad Efraim; Yanky Daskal, Shomrim; Rabbi Berish Freilich, NYS Police; Ezra Friedlander, The Friedlander Group; Sam Stober, CB 12; Yussie Rieder, Boro Park JCC
1 comments
Monday, October 12, 2009
The best deal in Jewish Music
Shlock Rock lets you buy their brand new album 'No Limits' for any price YOU want to pay.
That's right! You make the price and then download the album. Want it for a buck, you got it. If you buy it for $15 or more you get the actual CD shipped to your door as well.
Album download page
From LifeOfRubin
1 comments
Rabbi Schor says: Bocherem with text-capable phones are not wanted
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Vizhnitz rabbi warns followers: We won't teach children who have Internet at home
Ultra-Orthodox Web sites continue to spring up on the Internet and surveys have found that increasing numbers of ultra-Orthodox Israelis are installing home Internet connections despite rabbinical opposition in the Haredi sector. Two annual sermons by leading Haredi rabbis on Saturday were dedicated to the subject of the Internet.
In one sermon, followers of the Vizhnitz Hasidic movement in Israel and abroad, were told if they installed an Internet connection, which was called "an instrument of impurity" in the sermon, into their homes they would not be entitled to have their children educated in Hasidic institutions.
As in the past, the sermons sparked a lively debate on Haredi Web sites. The remarks are also expected to find their way to the front pages of the ultra-Orthodox press today.
"Boys and girls whose homes have the instrument of impurity called the Internet cannot receive a Vizhnitz education in any shape or form," leading Vizhnitz rabbi Yisroel Hager told followers Saturday in Bnei Brak.
According to one of the thousands in attendance for the annual sermon marking the end of the holiday season, Hager added that insider connections will not matter in this regard.
"Every day," he said, "I hear stories about young people, both boys and girls, who have gone downhill via this horrible instrument to the edge of the abyss. This epidemic must be stopped."
The sermon, which was delivered in Yiddish, is considered the annual address to followers of the Vizhnitz movement. Hager is one of two sons of the leader of the movement, Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua Hager, who is ill.
Followers of another major Hasidic movement, the Belz Hasidim, heard the head of their movement, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, speak out against the Internet in his sermon in Jerusalem on Saturday, as he had already done in the past. In his remarks Saturday he called the Internet a "great danger", but he tempered his comments by adding, according to the ultra-Orthodox Web site haredim.co.il, that anyone who needs the Internet can use a filtered service referred to as the kosher Internet.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1120408.html
4 comments
In one sermon, followers of the Vizhnitz Hasidic movement in Israel and abroad, were told if they installed an Internet connection, which was called "an instrument of impurity" in the sermon, into their homes they would not be entitled to have their children educated in Hasidic institutions.
As in the past, the sermons sparked a lively debate on Haredi Web sites. The remarks are also expected to find their way to the front pages of the ultra-Orthodox press today.
"Boys and girls whose homes have the instrument of impurity called the Internet cannot receive a Vizhnitz education in any shape or form," leading Vizhnitz rabbi Yisroel Hager told followers Saturday in Bnei Brak.
According to one of the thousands in attendance for the annual sermon marking the end of the holiday season, Hager added that insider connections will not matter in this regard.
"Every day," he said, "I hear stories about young people, both boys and girls, who have gone downhill via this horrible instrument to the edge of the abyss. This epidemic must be stopped."
The sermon, which was delivered in Yiddish, is considered the annual address to followers of the Vizhnitz movement. Hager is one of two sons of the leader of the movement, Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua Hager, who is ill.
Followers of another major Hasidic movement, the Belz Hasidim, heard the head of their movement, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, speak out against the Internet in his sermon in Jerusalem on Saturday, as he had already done in the past. In his remarks Saturday he called the Internet a "great danger", but he tempered his comments by adding, according to the ultra-Orthodox Web site haredim.co.il, that anyone who needs the Internet can use a filtered service referred to as the kosher Internet.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1120408.html
4 comments
Show your support for Sholom Rubashkin - Bus leaving to the courthouse in South Dakota
Sent in by a Chaptzem reader
To show support for our friend Shalom Mordechai Haleivi ben Rivka Rubashkin we are organizing a bus to travel to Sioux City, South Dakota, to be there for the opening of his trial.
We are chartering a bus in order to accommodate the people who want to came to be machazeik our dear friend and to demonstrate support for him as he is forced to undergo this trial to prove his innocence in the face of the charges which have leveled against him.
This presents the many supporters of Shalom Mordechai to help him in a physical way and demonstrate our support to the world which will be carefully watching this trail.
No reservation needed JUST COME, but its suggested to contact us to reserve call us at 917-750-9813, or email us at hirschelg@gmail.com.
The bus will be leaving from 770 Eastern Pkwy, in Crown Heights on Monday, October 12th ( cof daled Tishrei) at 9:00am and will be coming back to Crown Heights on the 15th of October ( cof zayin Tishrei.)
There will be sleeping accommodations overnight at a motel. We will be present at the trial as it beings on Tuesday at 9 am. The bus coming back will be leaving between 5 and 6 pm on Wednesday in order to arrive in New York the same the time the next day.
Please do what you can in order to be able to join us and remember to continue your tefillos on behalf of Shalom Mordechai Haleivi ben Rivka and the entire Rubashkin family.
Don't forget your saving a life by this rare mitzva. Good Yom Tov!
Concerned Yidden
4 comments
To show support for our friend Shalom Mordechai Haleivi ben Rivka Rubashkin we are organizing a bus to travel to Sioux City, South Dakota, to be there for the opening of his trial.
We are chartering a bus in order to accommodate the people who want to came to be machazeik our dear friend and to demonstrate support for him as he is forced to undergo this trial to prove his innocence in the face of the charges which have leveled against him.
This presents the many supporters of Shalom Mordechai to help him in a physical way and demonstrate our support to the world which will be carefully watching this trail.
No reservation needed JUST COME, but its suggested to contact us to reserve call us at 917-750-9813, or email us at hirschelg@gmail.com.
The bus will be leaving from 770 Eastern Pkwy, in Crown Heights on Monday, October 12th ( cof daled Tishrei) at 9:00am and will be coming back to Crown Heights on the 15th of October ( cof zayin Tishrei.)
There will be sleeping accommodations overnight at a motel. We will be present at the trial as it beings on Tuesday at 9 am. The bus coming back will be leaving between 5 and 6 pm on Wednesday in order to arrive in New York the same the time the next day.
Please do what you can in order to be able to join us and remember to continue your tefillos on behalf of Shalom Mordechai Haleivi ben Rivka and the entire Rubashkin family.
Don't forget your saving a life by this rare mitzva. Good Yom Tov!
Concerned Yidden
4 comments
Friday, October 09, 2009
Labels not kosher at Luke Oil
Contrary to its logo, Luke Oil Co. is not kosher, according to a lawsuit filed by a group of Orthodox Jews.
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Hammond after the regional gas station company failed to remove the trademark from its logo indicating food is kosher, David Butler, the group's lawyer, said.
Pictures included in the lawsuit show the trademark, a U in a circle, appearing next to the word "Luke" in various parts of the Luke convenience stores, including above a wall of food and on a cup for fountain drinks.
Some Jews and others with similar dietary concerns rely on the trademark to determine what food is kosher, meaning properly prepared according to Jewish dietary law, according to the lawsuit.
The symbol has also been trademarked, which means it can't be used without permission from the orthodox group.
Butler said a customer noticed the use of the trademark and reported it to the group in August.
Letters were sent to Luke, and although officials responded, they have yet to remove the trademark, he said.
It's important for the group to keep control of the trademark so that people who use it to make sure they don't break with Jewish law don't eat something that actually isn't kosher, he said.
"It's clearly not (kosher) here, and I don't know how or why Luke Oil decided to start using the patented mark in its new branding activity," Butler said.
Todd Collins, vice president of Luke Oil, said the company was working with the orthodox group and was close to resolving the issue.
"We've reached an agreement, and we're working toward straightening everything out with them," Collins said.
However, Butler said as far as he knows, the issue has not been resolved nor is in the process of being resolved.
http://www.post-trib.com/news/1814890,lukeoil1009.article
0 comments
The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Hammond after the regional gas station company failed to remove the trademark from its logo indicating food is kosher, David Butler, the group's lawyer, said.
Pictures included in the lawsuit show the trademark, a U in a circle, appearing next to the word "Luke" in various parts of the Luke convenience stores, including above a wall of food and on a cup for fountain drinks.
Some Jews and others with similar dietary concerns rely on the trademark to determine what food is kosher, meaning properly prepared according to Jewish dietary law, according to the lawsuit.
The symbol has also been trademarked, which means it can't be used without permission from the orthodox group.
Butler said a customer noticed the use of the trademark and reported it to the group in August.
Letters were sent to Luke, and although officials responded, they have yet to remove the trademark, he said.
It's important for the group to keep control of the trademark so that people who use it to make sure they don't break with Jewish law don't eat something that actually isn't kosher, he said.
"It's clearly not (kosher) here, and I don't know how or why Luke Oil decided to start using the patented mark in its new branding activity," Butler said.
Todd Collins, vice president of Luke Oil, said the company was working with the orthodox group and was close to resolving the issue.
"We've reached an agreement, and we're working toward straightening everything out with them," Collins said.
However, Butler said as far as he knows, the issue has not been resolved nor is in the process of being resolved.
http://www.post-trib.com/news/1814890,lukeoil1009.article
0 comments
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Governor Paterson at Dov Hikind's office in Boro-Park
Close to 100 Boro-Park community leaders crowd Dov Hikind’s office to greet Governor Paterson.
0 comments
0 comments
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
NYC Mayoral candidate Bill Thompson meets with Jewish leaders
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Mekimi performs at Simchas Beis HaShoeva at Haym Solomon nursing home
