Today was supposed to be the crest of the worst heat wave to hit Los Angeles this year.
It doesn’t seem so bad in Pico-Robertson.
I walked to the bank this morning at 9 and it did feel a bit warm.
Now I’ve just come back from a pleasant stroll to the library. Again, a bit warm. I’d say the upper 80s. But that’s it.
I don’t have air conditioning where I live. I have a fan but I’m not using it. I might put it on tonight. I find the hum and the breeze comforting and it helps me sleep.
Read MoreAugust 18, 2011
Dear Community Members,
As the summer comes to a close and we prepare to begin the new year of 5772/2011-2012, we would like to inform you of an exciting new program that will be coming to our community. A joint committee of volunteers, represented by members of Beth Jacob Congregation, B’nai David Judea, Young Israel of Century City, and YULA Girls School
has been working under our auspices to bring a Yoetzet Halacha to work in our community on a part-time basis.
For those who may not be familiar with this position, Nishmat, an Orthodox Jewish institution of higher Torah learning for women, based in Jerusalem, established the Keren Ariel Women’s Halachic Institute in1997 to train Yoatzot Halacha, or Women Halachic Consultants. Women preparing to become Yoatzot Halacha are chosen for their
extensive Torah scholarship, leadership ability, and deep religious commitment, and devote two years (over 1000 hours) to intensive Talmudic and Halachic study with rabbinic authorities in Taharat Hamishpachah-laws of Niddah, Mikvah and family purity. They receive training from medical and health professionals who are experts
in modern medicine and psychology, including gynecology, infertility, women’s health, family dynamics and sexuality.
Following comprehensive examinations administered by a panel of distinguished Roshei Kollel and Poskim, graduates are certified by a panel of Orthodox Rabbis to be a resource for women with questions regarding Taharat Hamishpachah. Graduates of
this program have been working with great success in communities across Israel and in the United States to assist women who are more comfortable discussing very personal issues with another woman. As female Halachic advisors, the Yoatzot consult with Orthodox Rabbinic authorities when approached with questions which demand a posek’s discretion. For more information on Nishmat’s program, visit http://www.yoatzot.org/
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?
With that background, we are very excited to announce that Shoshana Samuels, a recent graduate of Nishmat’s program and a certified Yoetzet Halacha, will be making regular visits to our Los Angeles community throughout the upcoming year. She will present to small groups of women at the homes of our Shul members on topics related, but not limited, to general understandings of Taharat Hamishpacha, women’s health, marital intimacy, symbolism of mikvah, family planning, peri-menopause and menopause, and will also be available for individual one on one consultations.
Each of these individual events will be announced through our Shul bulletins and will be open to members of all of our Kehilot. Between visits, Shoshana will be reachable for consultation via phone and e-mail and will encourage women to reach out to her with questions related to her knowledge base. Shoshana will be living
and teaching in Teaneck, New Jersey and will serve in the official role as a Yoetzet Halacha at Congregation Rinat Yisrael. She is not only extremely intelligent, but also outgoing, friendly and very approachable. She looks forward to putting her years of study into practice as a Yoetzet Halacha in the Los Angeles community.
In the coming weeks, we will send out further details for the first Yoetzet Halacha weekend program, scheduled to take place September 16-18th. We encourage you to attend one or more of the sessions as an opportunity to meet Shoshana, and become more familiar with what a Yoetzet Halacha has to offer the members of our community.
This one-year pilot program is being funded by private donations through the American Friends of Nishmat, and additional sponsorship opportunities are available upon request. Please feel free to contact Alison Anziska at amsa140@hotmail.com[mailto:amsa140@hotmail.com]
for more information.
We look forward to continued growth together as a community, and extend to all of you our sincerest wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.
Rabbi Kalman Topp, Beth Jacob Congregation
Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky, B’nai David Judea
Rabbi Elazar Muskin, Young Israel of Century City
Rabbi Avraham Lieberman, YULA Girls School
Read MoreMany of the below options have helped me.
Are you interested in inexpensive acupuncture? YoSan (on Washington Blvd in Culver City) and Emperors College (in Santa Monica) have community clinics that charge about $40 per session.
You can get low-cost psycho-therapy from $16 on up (depending on your stated income) at the Southern California Counseling Center on Pico Blvd.
There are lots of great 12-step recovery groups in Los Angeles, including:
* Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (You set your own boundaries of the behavior you want to drop. Even mix of men and women.)
* Sex Addicts Anonymous (mainly men)
I cover real estate and refinance here:
The current cantor is old school. I think the shul is ready for someone new. I think they want more congregational singing. Most Jews I know prefer congregational singing to listening to a cantorial solo. Dennis Prager in particular is a big advocate of congregational singing.
Bath Jacob’s current cantor, Netanel Baram, is looking for a new position. I thought he was headed for Germany but that is not final and it may not work out.
Read MoreLuke Ford writes: I discuss the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Rabbs Mondays at 7:00 pm PST on my live cam and on YouTube. Facebook Fan Page.
This week we study Parashat Ekev (Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25).
Read MoreAfter more than 14 years, I need to move out of my current place Oct. 1.
Email me any tips at lukeisback@gmail.com.
I’m looking for practice students who are willing to commit to at least ten lessons. They will primarily take place in Pico-Robertson 90035 but some can be done in Santa Monica. Lessons cost $25 each. By the end of the year when I am certified as an Alexander teacher, I’ll be charging $100 per lesson.
Email me at lukeisback@gmail.com and let me know what interests you in Alexander Technique.
Read MoreEmail: With great and bursting praise to the Almighty, we formally announce the beginning of the New LINK Shul – an offshoot of the LINK Kollel.
Where will the shul be located?
In our Kollel, 1453 Robertson – corner of Saturn and Robertson. It is a beautiful space with a backyard area, two classrooms and a gorgeous sanctuary. We are in the process of beautiful renovations as well.
When does it start?
The 1st minyan begins with Shacharis on Thursday, September 1st at 6:45am. In general, Mon. and Th. mornings will be at 6:45am, Tues., Wed. and Fri. will be at 7am and Sun. at 8:15am.The 1st Shabbos minyan will begin on September 9-10th. Fri. Mincha will be 15 minutes before sundown; Shabbos mornings will start at 9am. We will have Mincha Sun. thru Th. at 2:15pm and Maariv at 9:30pm. There will also be a Mincha/ Maariv combined, beginning 15 minutes before sunset.
What are the membership costs?
Free. That’s correct. We certainly welcome and need donations, but we hope b’ezras Hashem for as long as we can, to keep the membership all free. To be a member, you must fill out a form which we will send out shortly. We will charge for seats for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. No one will be turned away for lack of funds for RH/YK – but we may sell out – so please reserve as soon as we open it up.
Will there be childcare/youth groups ?
Yes. We will have baby care on the shul premises and three childcare groups that will be staffed by energetic and responsible counselors under the supervision of experienced adults in a fantastic preschool facility that has an indoor/outdoor area
What type of shul will it be and whom do you expect to attend?
Warm and Serious. All different types of Jews – united by a desire to grow in their Judaism
Warm in that everyone will feel comfortable. Warm in that no one feels judged. Warm in that everyone will have a place for a Shabbos meal. Warm in that the mechitza allows women to see well while maintaining ideal halachic standards. Warm in that the LINK shul will have wonderful melodies and sweet singing. Warm in that the LINK shul seeks to develop community and connections.
Serious in that a shul is a place to pray to Hashem and the decorous davening will be assumed, not imposed. Serious in that the davening will not be shleppy and belabored. Serious in that you will feel like you are in a special space.
Are there any unique features to the shul?
1. Our wonderful Kollel Rabbis, Rebbitzens and their families form the nucleus of the community
2. Over Shabbos, there will be at least 8 distinct learning opportunities.
3. Every non-winter Shabbos, when feasible, we will have a women’s shiur in the Pico community. The first three shiurim will be given by Rebbitzen Batyah Brander on Yonah. Stay tuned for details
4. Every non-winter Shabbos, we will have father-son learning.
5. Approximately once a month, there will be a soulful, beautiful and extended Seudah Shlishis
6. During winter months, we will have an Oneg Shabbos 1-2 times a month
7. A serious teen minyan [for young men, 11-16] run by one of our Kollel Rabbis, to empower the youth
8. Approximately 4 beautiful Shabbatonim with outstanding and dynamic Torah personalities (including Rabbi Paysach Krohn)
Will there be shiurim during the week?
The LINK Shul is affiliated with the LINK Kollel. The Link Kollel will provide over 25 weekly shiurim (for men and women) and 50+ Chavrusa Slots. Got www.linkla.org for details
Will there be a Kiddush every week. If so, will it be a hot Kiddush?
Yes. We really hope so.
Does Pico need another shul?
We need at least as many shuls as restaurants. In truth, the Pico Robertson community is moving eastward and we seek to meet the growing demand of the vibrant Pico community.
Who will lead the minyan ?
Rabbi Asher Brander and Rabbi Eli Stern. Rabbi Brander has been the Rabbi of the Westwood Kehilla for the past 17 years, and Rebbe at YULA High School and Bnos Devorah for 21 years. He founded the LINK Kollel in 2002 . Rabbi Stern has been a shul Rabbi and an Outreach teacher for the past 24 years in 4 cities, including the last 15 in LA.
How can I help? How can I find out more?
We’ll let you know after Shabbos, in the meantime, enjoy Shabbos, and we look forward to joining your community really soon!!
Read MoreFrom Amazon.com: “This timely exposé reveals Erin Brockovich’s role in inciting public fear regarding the oil well at Beverly Hills High School. The author describes how Brockovich’s methods to link the oil well with cancer occurrences in former students were suspect and questions the veracity of Brockovich’s claims, using interviews with subject experts and studies done by the Air Quality Management District and others to disprove them. Focusing upon the Beverly Hills case, the author positions Brockovich as the poster child for what she terms “green porn,” sexy Madison Avenue slant thats misleads citizens, distorts scientific information, and neither informs nor educates the public.”
A review: This book is a quick read. Zager takes you through each step in this high stakes game of chess between two formidable opponents like Erin Brockovich vs. the City of Beverly Hills. With children’s lives and family fears as the pawn. Brockovich cleverly uses the media and unsubstantiated science to exploit fear and panic into a community for what seemed to be a sure fire sequel to her namesake movie starring Julia Roberts. In stark contrast, you have a City Government and a tenacious citizenry hell bent on finding the truth. Norma Zager flushes out the fiction from the fact and exposes the movie deals, tabloid newscasters creating sweeps week sensationalism and the dollar signs being flirted to solicit plaintiffs. She is equally hard on a City Government who decades earlier signed a long term contract allowing for an oil well to be built on school property. Zager pulls no punches until she exposes the truth.
Another review: An oil well was located on the playing field of Beverly Hills High School, installed long before the high school was built. People could smell the emissions from the well all the time (although it was determined by air quality technicians that it was safe to breathe). When legal assistant/environmental crusader Brockovich determined that a “more than average” number of BHHS alumni were dying of cancer, she commissioned an air quality test which ultimately resulted in a law suit against the oil companies, the City of Beverly Hills, and its school district. It also resulted in a movie with lots of cash flowing to Brockovich and her team.
Ms. Zager was working for the “Beverly Hills Courier” at the time and she began her own investigation. Zager came to believe Brockovich was misdirecting worried families and the media with her unfounded allegations. Brockovich refused to answer questions like “Who did the air sampling and could we have a copy of the results?”. Zager’s book presents the results of her investigation with a journalistic (just the facts, ma’am) eye, including many interviews with all the parties involved on both sides of the issue.
Norma Zager was on Dennis Prager’s radio show today.
Norma: “Parents were terrified. You struggled to afford to live in Beverly Hills to give your kids a good education and now someone is telling you that you are killing your children.”
“There are certain types of emissions that they can link to oil wells, such as benzine, that lead to higher rates of cancer but how much has to be released before they become harmful to a person’s health? You’re talking about an oil rig 165 feet up in the air? By the time these emissions fall to the ground, they’ve dissipated quite a bit so they’re intensity is not as harmful as someone breathing closing to it.”
There were many years of legal posturing until a settlement was rich.
Erin Brockovich and her trial lawyers had to pay the city of Beverly Hills almost $500,000 because they lost in summary judgment. The oil companies settled, paying out tens of millions of dollars. At the end of the day, it’s beneficial to sue because you will get money.
The Jewish Journal published Jan. 13, 2000:
A battle against an oil company ignited by a handful of Jewish mothers and grandmothers has grown into community-wide demand for more accountability and honesty from both Breitburn Energy, and city and state monitoring agencies.
Breitburn remains confounded by the demonstrations and petitions against its application to expand and modernize a drill site at the corner of Pico and Doheny, in the middle of the heavily Orthodox Pico-Robertson neighborhood.
Neighbors for a Safe Environment (NASE) is calling Breitburn to task over its proposal to increase production from 1,200 to 3,000 barrels of oil a day by moving from a schedule of 10 business days a month to 24 hours a day, year-round to perform the vital workover operations that keep the wells pumping. Breitburn has included in the expansion proposal plans to replace a diesel workover rig with an electric one; to build a 175-foot tower (about 18 stories) to enclose that derrick; to erect other structures to enclose most operations; and to raise the perimeter wall extending on Pico from Doheny to Cardiff from 12 ft to 25 ft. All these measures are meant to mitigate the noise and pollution emanating from the site.
I cover real estate, refinance and mortgages at the following blog:
Based on anecdotes from real estate agents, I’ve learned that condos that sold for $600,000 in the Pico-Robertson area in 2007 now go for about $520,000.
On the other hand, rents have not decreased. They’ve been going up steadily over the past four years as more people switch from owning a home to renting. Thus, there’s more demand for rentals and prices go up.
I’ve also noticed the odd home boarded up around the community. I assume that is because of foreclosure.
I cover real estate, refinance and mortgages at the following blog:
I discuss the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Rabbs this Monday at 12:30 pm PST on my live cam and on YouTube. Facebook Fan Page.
This week we study Parashat Va’etchannan (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11).
Kirk emails:
Is someone allowed to make a profit on shabbat even if they don’t violate the 39 malachot? In other words, if a Kosher caterer caters a kiddush, but has workers do the work while they are present supervising, is that permissible? Is it okay because they are not technically violating the malachot?If so, then a person technically can go to his office and read documents for work and have meetings as long as he/she doesn’t talk on the phone, etc.
Rabbi Rabbs responds:
Hello Kirk,Thank you for watching the show and for your excellent questions.
Many Jews work on Shabbos, but without doing malachos. For instance, shul rabbis work very hard on Shabbos. However, they are paid for their work all week, not for their Shabbos work. Another example is the chazan who sings on Shabbos or the Ba’al Koreh that reads the Sefer Torah. He is paid for his practice time during the week.
As for caterers, I can answer that with some authority, because I used to work in kashrus, and I have supervised kosher catered affairs on Shabbos. The basic rule is that I had to do some work eruv Shabbos so that I was paid for my time PRIOR to Shabbos. After that, I can work all I want to on Shabbos. The only problem was being paid for hours I worked during Shabbos.
The same principle applies to the caterers and their staffs. You pay them for preparing, not for their hours worked ON Shabbos.
As for malachos, caterers are NOT permitted to do malachos on Shabbos and neither are their staff employees. Period.
So, in the end, no malachos performed, everyone paid for their time PRIOR to Shabbos.
I hope that makes sense.
As for going to the office to read documents, that’s a bit more complicated, and I would defer that question to your local Rav. One thing that makes it more complex than catering food is that whereas all of the ovens and stoves are covered and have knobs removed so as to avoid accidentally doing any cooking on Shabbos, that might not be the case in the office where a person is accustomed to picking up a pen and writing stuff down, and writing is a melachah.
I know that we don’t do business transactions on Shabbos as a precaution of coming to write something down, and that might be a concern when going to the office, especially if the documents involve a transaction. But, again, I would advise getting a psak from your local rabbinic authority.
Also, there is the concern about doing stuff that is weekday-related, as
Read More
Shabbos is set aside as a holy day in which we don’t do weekday tasks such as read work-related documents, even if you read them at home.
I discuss the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Rabbs every Monday at 7pm PST on my live cam and on YouTube. Facebook Fan Page.
This week we study Parashat Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22).
Read MoreIt’s a big deal if you want to renovate your home in Pico-Robertson in specific or Los Angeles in general.
Because Southern California is prone to earthquakes, building codes are strict.
So you want to remodel your home? You will have to get permission from the city of Los Angeles. What does that entail? Among other things, it requires some loud smelly machine to show up with a crew of workers and to dig 50 feet below surface of your front yard and your back yard and take core samples every five feet.
With this information, the city can determine how strong of an earthquake your new building will be able to handle.
Wikipedia says: Soil liquefaction describes a phenomenon whereby a saturated soil substantially loses strength and stiffness in response to an applied stress, usually earthquake shaking or other sudden change in stress condition, causing it to behave like a liquid.
Read More