Community Magazine March 2014

LETTERS MISHNAH BERURAH TIFERET Thank you for the update on the amazing work of the Mishnah Berurah Tiferet. I especially enjoyed reading about the importance of the laws contained in the Orah Haim section of the Shulhan Aruch . At times it seems that many of us mainly focus on the laws between man and his fellow man ( ben adam lahavero ) and tend to ignore the importance of the ritual laws and practices. It was very enlightening to learn how imperative it is not only to observe, but to continue to learn about our ritual practices of the holidays, Shabbat, and tefillot , especially in today’s “modern” era. D. Tawil SMOKING ALTERNATIVES I found the article about the dangers of smoking hookah and e-cigarettes quite interesting. While I agree with the dangers of hookah, especially since it is usually a gateway to even deadlier habits, I do not believe that e-cigarettes are as dangerous as the article portrayed. I was a regular cigarette smoker for over 12 years, from the time I was 21 until nearly 34. The day I started vaping e-cigarettes was the last time I ever picked up a real cigarette. I have not lit up a smoke in almost sixmonths now, and probably won’t ever pick one up again. So for those who are against e-cigs because they think this is a gateway to real cigarettes – I totally disagree. I certainly don’t promote that ANYONE should start using e-cigarettes. I do agree that it does need more regulation, but outright banning it or calling it unsafe is a joke, to put it mildly. I tried to quit smoking regular cigarettes countless times, but – like most smokers – I was unable to kick the habit. That is, until I tried vaping e-cigarettes. Take this advice from an ex-smoker: this is the ONLY way I could finally get off smoking real cigarettes. Now, I don’t even crave them! Like I said, someone who does not smoke should not try e-cigarettes. But they are safer and healthier than the real thing. In just six months’ time, my health has drastically improved. I can breathe better, I’m able to play ball without tiring so quickly, and I’m living a much healthier lifestyle – something that I never dreamed I would be saying six months ago. Avi S. “MIRACLE KOLLEL” FOR THE DEAF Last month, while I was in Israel, I made a visit to the kollel that was featured in last month’s issue (Kollel Ma’aseh Nissim, the kollel for the deaf), and I must say it was one of the highlights of my trip. I came away so inspired by the students and their thirst for learning. Hazak ubaruch to Rabbi Yosef Tolidano for opening the world of Torah to these specially gifted students. After witnessing firsthand this “miraculous” kollel, I learned that “sensory challenged” means that one must exert more than a tremendous effort in order to achieve the level of a person learning in the hearing-world. May Hashem help the kollel continue to flourish and be an inspiration and a kiddush Hashem . People should definitely add this kollel to their itinerary when visiting Israel. Morris B. ASPIRATIONS AND INSPIRATION It was refreshing to read such a positive article about working women in our community. Unfortunately, there are some people that still have this stereotypical notion that observant women are considered second-class citizens and are relegated to the kitchen. Of course, this perception is utterly false. Jewish women have always worked, whether as shopkeepers, teachers, or professionals, whether in Israel, Europe, or in America. Work and religious life are not mutually exclusive. Working can be an important part of a rich life. A Jewish woman’s priorities will always be her husband and kids, but that does not mean that she cannot have a successful and professional career. Alice C . CORRECTION: In the “Destination Weddings” article in the January 2014 issue, there was a quote that mistakenly named Chief Rabbi Shaul Kassin as being one of the notable community rabbis that have taken part in a destination wedding. It should have said Rabbi Sammy Kassin. We apologize for the error. TELL US WHAT YOU REALLY THINK! WRITE US A LETTER MOBILE: Scan the Quick Response (QR) code here with your tablet, smart phone or other mobile device. EMAIL: letters@Community M .com WEB: www. Community M .com FAX: 718-504-4246 POST: Community Magazine 1616 Ocean Pkwy Brooklyn, NY 11223 Letters submitted become the property of Community Magazine and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Letters may be edited and revised for length, style and grammar before publication. All submissions are considered for publication unless otherwise requested. Preferential consideration is given to brief comments and insights that relate directly to published content. Anonymous letters are generally not reviewed or considered for publication. 12 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE