Community Magazine May 2013

Community Chest Mezuzah Torching Incidents Councilman David G. Greenfield offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the torching of a dozen mezuzahs in Williamsburg the week of April 8. The first incident occurred Monday, April 8 when 11 mezuzahs were burned off doorposts of apartments inside the Taylor Houses. The incident is currently being investigated by the NYPD as a hate crime. The second incident occurred Tuesday, April 9, when a mezuzah at 130 Clymer Street was also torched. It is not known at this time if the same person is responsible for committing this hateful act at both locations. In response to the crimes, Councilman Greenfield is offering a reward in hopes of encouraging any witnesses to come forward with information that can help bring the perpetrator to justice. “I was saddened to hear about yet another anti-Semitic incident here in New York City, where we expect tolerance of others and freedom to worship in peace,” said Councilman Greenfield. “It was especially upsetting that yesterday’s incidents occurred on Holocaust Remembrance Day, and were clearly intended to spread hatred and fear across the community. These cowardly acts will not be tolerated. I urge anyone with any information to immediately come forward and help bring this sick and hateful individual to justice.” Police arrested Rubin Ublies for questioning on Wednesday, April 10, the New York Daily News reported. Democrat City Council Candidate Chaim Deutsch Stands with NY’s Bravest in Wake of Devastating Synagogue Fire A ceremony was held on Wednesday April 17 th at the Misaskim Headquarters in Brooklyn to honor the NY Fire Department’s brave work during a fire at the home and synagogue of Rabbi Chanoch Ashkenazi earlier this month. Chaim Deutsch, Democrat City Council candidate for the 48 th district, attended the event to pay tribute to NY’s bravest. The fire, which happened on April 4 th , destroyed the synagogue located on East 27th Street between Avenue J and K. Though the building was virtually destroyed, several Torah Scrolls were saved by the FDNY. After fighting off heavy flames and intense heat, the firefighters entered the smoldering building to extinguish the fire. Miraculously the fire fighters saved the synagogue’s four Torahs that were recovered unscathed. The synagogue was home to the community’s orthodox Jews for nearly 40 years. Losing the building has dealt an emotional blow to the community, but they are immensely grateful for the work of the fire department. Chaim Deutsch said, “The FDNY risk their lives each and every day for all New Yorker’s and I praise them for the courageous work they do on our behalf. We must continue to advocate and fight the administration against any future fire house closures.” Mesila Welcomes Rabbi Max Anteby As Its New CEO The Mesila organization has announced the recent appointment of new CEO Rabbi Max Anteby. The organization, which was founded in 1998 for the purpose of assisting families achieve financial self- sufficiency and break the cycle of debt and dependency, has long sought an individual of both sufficient business caliber and Torah leadership to fulfill this role. “It seems that it has been worth the wait,” says Mesila Chairman Rabbi Shmuli Margulies. Rabbi Anteby’s business experience includes some 30 years of leadership in the apparel industry. His numerous not-for-profit pursuits include curriculum development and teaching with such deservedly well-known programs as Agudath Israel’s Business Leadership Training program and Aish HaTorah’s Discovery seminars for over 15 years. Rabbi Anteby has also authored several books, including a collection of best practices for Jewish fundraising. Rabbi Anteby’s extensive leadership background in both the business and Torah worlds promises enormous strides forward for the organization. “Today there is a tremendous need for Jewish families to learn how to manage finances, stay out of debt, and care for their businesses, and there is no other organization that I know of like Mesila providing the materials and services to meet that need,” comments the new CEO. Rabbi Anteby emphasizes Mesila’s unique ability to package information in the diverse languages and cultures of Jewish communities around the world. “As Jews we are sensitive to Torah values, and Mesila shares that sensitivity. Moreover, Mesila has always been very careful to tailor their work to those of various levels of affiliation as well as various historical communities, whether in more modern circles or the chareidi communities of Israel and the U.S.” Most importantly, concludes the new CEO, “Mesila shows that living a true Torah life brings tremendous benefit even in today’s modern society.” For more information about Mesila, please contact info@mesila.org . (L-R) Chaim Deutsch and Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassan iYAR - SiVAN 5773 MAY 2013 101