The Joyof a

jer sey
$4.95
Summer 2008
E WLINKS
I S H SPIRIT
TORAH
A n Am erican Jewi sh Spi ri t Magazi n e
The Joy of a
Jewish Wedding
2
a letter from
michael levin
Strengthening Jewish identity is the noble and vital task that drives Torah
Links. By educating thousands of Jews about their heritage Torah Links
assures them a glorious future. As Torah Links grows, apathy and assimilation
are diminished, replaced by optimism and hope.
For me, one of the greatest living Jewish heroes is Natan Sharansky, who I
have had the wonderful privilege of meeting several times. In his latest book,
Defending Identity, the courageous refusenik- turned- statesman discusses
that which gave him the wherewithal to stand up to the Soviet tormentors
who constantly threatened him with death by firing squad.
“Only by embracing who I am, by connecting to my own people….could I
I am therefore excited to announce that on April 8 of this year Torah Links
entered a new era as it inaugurated its Board of Trustees in the boardroom
of Cammeby’s International, in New York City. Twelve accomplished and
passionate Jewish leaders from diverse backgrounds have joined together
united by their commitment to a strong Jewish identity. The synergetic
power of perspectives and talents coming from the worlds of Medicine, Law,
Business and Education will surely yield unparalleled achievement.
Together with my fellow co-chairman, Mordy Schron, and our newly
established board, I look forward to many more innovative Torah Links
programs, expansion into new areas, and connecting thousands more Jews to
their people. I invite you all to join the Torah Links movement.
help others…..My strong Jewish identity gave me both the inner freedom
and strength to help others… The opposite is true as well. If the Jews’ strong
identity ensured their survival, the collapse of that identity would spell their
Sincerely
Michael Levin
Summer 2008 | www.ajspirit.com
demise.”
Torah Links Inaugural Board of Trustees Meeting, April 8, 2008, Cammeby’s International, New York
Tora h L in ks C e n t e r s
Eastern Monmouth County
1806 Route 35 South
Ocean, NJ 07712
732-663-0662
mlichtenstein@torahlinks.org
Western Monmouth County
23 Kilmer Drive , Suite A, Bldg 1
Morganville, NJ 07751
732-617-7117
info@monmouthtorahlinks.org
Middlesex County
4 Cornwall Dr. Suite 100A
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
732-613-1613
mdlsx@torahlinks.org
Cherry Hill
304-D Kresson Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
856-216-0333
yserebrowski@torahlinks.org
Central Office
418 Seventh Street        
Lakewood, NJ 08701
732-367-0600 888-374-2870
mail@torahlinks.org
www.onlinelinks.org
Board of Trustees
Michael Levin
Mordy Schron
Co- Chairmen
Aaron Birnbaum
Warren Gleicher
Fred Gross
Morris Kaplan
Aaron Kotler
Andy Neff
Stephen Oster
Steve Reich
Chaim Silberberg
Pictured on cover:
Jennifer and Daniel Naim under their Chuppah
November 10, 2007
Diplomat Hotel, Hollywood, FL
Bridal designer: Samy Gicherman Couture, Aventura, FL
Photo Credits: Tony Amato and Enrique Canizales
www.amatocanizalez.net
summer 2008 | www.ajspirit.com
Aaron Wolfson
Founder
Just Say Shema Essay
6
Winning Entry by David Newman, Marlboro, NJ
I have been thinking about the Shema a lot lately, and
adds up. What could I do? I thought to myself, the
I’ve come to the realization that the Shema is the most
Shema is pretty easy and short. If I just say the opening
important, fundamental prayer of them all. Without
statement, that would be more than I have done in the
our declaration that the Lord is G-d, the Lord is One,
past. It only takes a few seconds. There could be no
would any other prayer have meaning?
excuse other than forgetting. So my action plan would
be to recite the Shema daily. I am proud to say that that
The Shema impacted me at two very different times in
my daily recital of the Shema continues to this day.
my life. Unlike my children’s enjoyable and educational
Torah with G-d’s approval. It almost seems that Moses
took all of his experience and knowledge and “vacuum
experience with the Monmouth Torah Links Hebrew
I must admit, when I chose the Shema, I did not think
School, my Hebrew School experience was not all that
about what it
fun. There was however, one very memorable moment.
said. It was more
The paragraphs following the opening of the Shema
One day I needed to make up a writing assignment.
that the prayer
give specific instructions about ways to show your
As I wrote, the class was taught the first paragraph of
jumped out and
dedication to G-d such as having mezuzahs and putting
the Shema. The power of the Shema broke through the
said, “I am so
on tefilin. But before any of this, we are instructed
clutter and made itself at home in my mind. A week
easy and quick
to teach these things to our children. This is most
or so later I had to take a test and write the meaning
to say. Choose
important, because if we don’t teach our children
of the first paragraph. Without studying or reading, I
me.” Thinking now, what is a better choice: attending
or get them instruction, being Jewish has very little
got an “A” on the test. It may have been the only “A” I
a service once every few months or saying the Shema
meaning. So how do we teach our children? Start
ever got in Hebrew School. I never dreamed that event
once or twice a day? It would have to be saying
simple. Do you have a baby or young child that you
would be remembered some 30+ years later. But we are
the Shema because a daily connection with G-d and
sing to at bedtime? It only takes a few seconds nightly
talking about the Shema, the strongest prayer I know.
ourselves is clearly the better choice. The frequency
to sing the Shema. That will work the Shema into your
packed” it into the strongest prayer possible.
childrens’ hearts and minds. As the child grows, slowly
explain the Shema’s meaning. Other ways can also
Summer 2008 | www.ajspirit.com
“I must admit, when I chose the Shema, I did not think
about what it said. It was more that the prayer jumped out
and said, “I am so easy and quick to say. Choose me”.
include pointing out all the mezuzahs in your home
and explain why they are there. If possible, show them
tefilin and talit and how the Shema directs us to use
them. Now it is very heart-warming to see my oldest
daughter say the Shema before breakfast and my
youngest saying it before bedtime and placing a Shema
The Shema struck again a few years ago. I was at
gives more chance to other thoughts about G-d which
services for Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kipper. There was
can lead to other observances. I would say the Shema
a sermon given by one of my 3 favorite MTL Rabbis.
is a gateway prayer. It leads to everything. Once you
Let me dream. The ultimate place for me to recite the
I was actually listening to every word. It was about
put G-d at the top, everything else has a purpose and
ancient Shema would be in front of the holiest place I
doing just a little bit more to become closer to G-d. Add
works out. The prayer is further strengthened by its
know, the Western Wall. This combination would bring
a prayer here, add a blessing there, attend a service
source. It’s a legacy of Moses. As he was coming to
me as close to G-d as I could imagine.
that you don’t normally attend. Doing a little at a time
the end of his life, the Shema was written into the
sticker on her calendar.
Bernie Platt:
50
Mayor of Cherry Hill,
Bernie to all.
The name Platt is instantly recognizable in South
Jersey, where the Honorable Bernie Platt has
served for many years as the beloved Mayor of
Cherry Hill. Bernie, as he prefers to be called, is
a visionary leader dedicated to the well-being of
all his constituents. He has a special place in his
heart for his Jewish community, and champions
its many worthy causes.
Torah Links Jewish Spirit Magazine recently had
the privilege to travel down memory lane with the
Mayor, as he described how the son of a Russian
immigrant rose to become the Mayor of one of the
premier townships on the East Coast.
Summer 2008 | www.ajspirit.com
Bernie Platt was born and raised in West
Chester, Pennsylvania, which had a small Jewish
community. From the time he could walk, Bernie
worked in the family store, helping his parents
make ends meet. Upon his father’s untimely
passing, seventeen-year-old Bernie had to give up
his dream of becoming a veterinarian and instead
assumed the responsibility of running the family
store.
One day, two of his mother’s friends asked him,
“Bernard, what are you going to do after you close
your business? We think’st you’d make a fine
mortician!” Bernie and his mother laughed, “It was
the farthest thing from my mind,” Bernie recalls.
He began thinking about the career change,
though. A generous gift from a cousin helped cover
the cost of tuition for his first semester of college.
Thereafter, he worked nights and summers to put
himself through school. Upon graduation, Bernie
got his first job as a licensed, funeral director in a
Jewish funeral home in Philadelphia.
In 1962, Bernie met his wife Judy. Judy’s mother
operated a candy store on Marshall Street in
Philadelphia. Marshall Street resembled the
famous Hester Street of the Lower East Side,
with its immigrant vendors peddling their wares
from pushcarts. Their courtship culminated with
a marriage proposal over a 100 lb. bag of peanuts
grew Bernie saw the need to build his own funeral
home. He found a suitable property, ironically
called Coffin’s Corner, for sale. In September of
1982, on son Harry’s birthday, Platt Memorial
Chapels had their own home. Today, the Chapel is
known as one of the premiere full-service funeral
homes in the South Jersey area.
Besides having a busy and successful business
career, Bernie has always had a strong sense of
civic duty. In 1976, he was elected to the Cherry
“I have always felt that you can always put your hand
in your pocket and give money to everybody…but public
service is the highest level of giving back to community…”
in front of the counter in Judy’s mother’s candy
store! To his great delight she accepted and they
were married soon thereafter. A few years after
the birth of their second child, the Platt’s moved
their young family to Cherry Hill. While Bernie
still worked in Philadelphia he had the desire
to set out and establish his own funeral home.
In 1977, Bernie made arrangements to share
space with another local funeral director and
Platt Memorial Chapels was opened. Earning a
living was a family business: everyone pitched
in. During the day Bernie worked at the funeral
home and on the side, he sold caskets. He was
also just beginning his first term as an elected
official in Cherry Hill. Judy worked from home
selling funeral dresses. Over time as the business
Hill Township Council. He served as Deputy Mayor
from 1976 – 1979 and in 1979, was elected to his
first term as Mayor. Thus, Bernie began a long
career of public service.
Fast forward to 2008…Mayor Bernie Platt has
established a distinguished reputation for public
service and has become an iconic personality in
the Cherry Hill community. He has served multiple
terms as Councilman, Deputy Mayor, and Mayor
of Cherry Hill, and as a member of the Camden
County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He has
been president of a number of civic, charitable
and community organizations. He is also an active
member of a number of local synagogues.
Bernie is most proud of his family: Alison, Harry (a committeeman and former
mayor in neighboring Voorhees Township), Sheryl, and Rena. The Platts also
have eight grandchildren. Bernie and Harry were America’s first father and
son mayors to serve in adjoining towns.
Mayor Platt recently sat down with Torah Links Jewish Spirit to discuss the
vital connections between his political life and his Jewish heritage.
TLJS: What motivated you to get involved in politics?
New Jersey’s
Finest Jewish
Rehabilitation
Center
Mayor Bernie Platt: Since the age of 14, I was intrigued by politics. The first
campaign I worked for was Harry Truman’s run for President. I have always
felt that you can always put your hand in your pocket and give money to
everybody and anybody, but public service is the highest level of giving back
to community and that’s what I decided to do. The community was good to
us, and I wanted to give back. Being in a leadership position has given me the
ability to that. My greatest satisfaction in life comes from helping people.
TLJS: How does it feel to be called Mr. Mayor?
• IV Therapy Certified Nurses
TLJS: How does it feel to be a
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Jewish Mayor?
Mayor Bernie Platt: I feel fortunate
that I have had the ability to help
Marshall Street , Philadelphia circa 1940
the Jewish community. There are
numerous causes that I favor very deeply and I am grateful that I have the
means to contribute towards their success. I was involved in establishing
the Eruv as well as the Holocaust Memorial. I have been involved with the
Federation and many of the Synagogues as well.
TLJS: Is there any particular initiative that you feel could help the
Jewish community?
Mayor Bernie Platt: I am very concerned about Jewish education and worried
that future generations of Jews will not be as committed as we are to Jewish
education. We have to stem the tide of Jewish intermarriage amongst the
Jewish people, and the way to do that is through Jewish education. I have
two grandsons in Day School and two granddaughters who have graduated,
so I have an acute idea of the cost of Day School in this day and age. We have
➲ continued ON page 55
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summer 2008 | www.ajspirit.com
Mayor Bernie Platt: In a town like Cherry Hill everyone can be close to
the Mayor and I enjoy that personal touch. I always tell everyone to call
me Bernie. Titles come and go; you can never rely on a title, because
today everyone can love you and
tomorrow they’ll hate you. As long
as everyone knows me as Bernie,
I’m happy.
Happy
Birthday
Israel
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Top Entries of the Just Say Shema Artwork Contest
We thank all the Torah Links Hebrew School children for their beautiful submissions. Congratulations to the winning entries!
Naomi Shvedov MTL
David Haber MTL
Brandon Blomer MTL
Gary Zimmerman Eastern Monmouth Hebrew School
Courtney Ostrowick MTL
➲ continued FROM page 51
to provide for the future generation; there are so
many children who’d love to attend Day School
but whose parents can’t afford it. I recently came
across an article that described the initiative that
the Jewish community in Chicago has undertaken
in order to ensure that no child will be denied a
Jewish education. Operation Jewish Education –
The 5% Mandate; through which 5% of your will
can endow our children’s future. I think we should
start a similar project in Cherry Hill. We can build
all the bricks and mortar that we want, but we
can’t build the minds if we don’t teach!
Aviv Khavich JEPY
Sammy Drake MTL
TLJS: Were you religious growing up?
TLJS: Do you have a message for the
Mayor Bernie Platt: Although my grandfather
was a teacher in the town of Rogachev in the
Ukraine, sadly I did not have the benefit of a
religious upbringing. We didn’t observe Shabbat,
keep kosher or attend synagogue. I didn’t have a
Bar Mitzvah until I was 33 years old! My wife Judy
came from an observant home. I started becoming
observant when I dated her. My wonderful wife is
behind all my religious commitments and Jewish
education. My uncle in Wilmington always told
me,” I thank G-d you found her!”
Jewish community?
Mayor Bernie Platt: Education, education,
education. We have to uphold Jewish values;
they’re the guarantee of our future. The only way
to do that is by teaching it.
The Jewish community of Cherry Hill is in good
hands, thanks to the Platt family tradition of
service and dedication to the needs of others.
Bolstered by Mayor Platt’s support and leadership,
the Jewish community looks forward to many
successful years in Cherry Hill.
summer 2008 | www.ajspirit.com
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