Chabad Times newspaper, May 2002

i" on Chabad Times May 2002/Sivan 5762 Published by Chabad of Southern Nevada Vol. X No. 4 We've Come A Long Way Dear World, Obviously, the whole world isn't going to read this Jewish paper, but let's discuss why you are so disturbed and upset these days. You've always been upset with me. These days you're complaining a lot about "power" and "occupation," but if it's not one thing, it's another. We weren't born yesterday, and this has been going on for quite some time. While you seem to have a rather short memory, we have a very long history behind us. The Crusaders were so upset with me that they slaughtered multitudes on their way to the Holy Land. I also upset Chmielnicki's Cossacks who massacred tens of thousands in 1648- 49. I upset the Church into issuing oppressive edicts, bulls and Inquisitions, and I also upset the Church's archenemy, Martin Luther, who called for burning synagogues with the Jews within. The rationale for all those horrors was that my unique lifestyle upset and irritated you. It was all my fault. Your constant outbursts actually pushed me recently to go back home from where I was evicted 1,900 years ago by the Romans, who apparently were also upset. You were so happy to see I was actually moving away, that you approved it. Yet you're still upset, even after I left your ghettoes to find myself a little peace in my own place. You find it difficult to make peace with a strong and proud Israel. You just couldn't digest our miraculous 6 Day War victory, and our surviving the Yom Kippur War. Thank G-d we What's Inside? The Rebbe Calls for Action . . .2 Groundbreaking 3 Family Ties 4 Cosmic Marriage 5 Chabad News 6-7 Seven Reasons 9 Women &Torah 10 The Torah Letters 11 Shavuot Laws & Customs . . .12 In Love with Torah 13 Hello - Anybody Home? . . . .14 Humility 15 Beyond the Book 16 Jewish Journeys 17 Tropical Rum Cake 18 Southwest Secrets 19 lived through those crises, and G-d willing, we'll live through the Oslo Deception, too. You seem to be very upset about the lands of 1967, the supposed sole obstacle to peace. (But you were not at all upset between 1948 and 1967 when Egypt and Jordan occupied those very areas, and did not establish a Palestinians State in those territories). Let's look back. In 1920, 1921 and 1929, there were no '67 territories to disturb the peace. Indeed, there was no Jewish State to upset anybody! Yet, the upset Palestinians killed defense-less Jews in Jerusalem, Jaffa and Safed, slaughtering 67 one fine day in 1929 in Hebron. Why did Arab rioters kill 510 Jewish men, women and children in 1936-39? Was it Arab rage over Israeli aggression in '67? And when you proposed the 1947 Partition Plan for a "Palestinian State" alongside a tiny Israel and the Arabs went to war killing 10,000 Jews -was that a result of the "67 aggression"? We drew universal condemnation when we destroyed Saddam's nuclear reactor in 1982. If you only knew then what you know now! Now, some of your European Holocaust perpetrators and abettors have suddenly established themselves as the arbiters of wrong and right. The Arab propaganda machine is well oiled. They rant and rave and con-stantly criticize every move I make, so I can't defend myself from unrelenting attack. After the Holocaust, we vowed "Never again!" Exactly what part of that don't you understand? Before 1967, when the Arabs had all the territories they now demand- it was the same hate, the same war cry of "itbach-al-yahud" massacre. Just like today. The same people, the same goal - to destroy Israel. What they failed to do then, they try again today - why can't we stop them? Where in the world were you dur-ing the Holocaust when babies were thrown into ovens? You stood by pas-sively in 1948 as seven states ganged up to kill Israel at birth. You stood by This issue takes you to... in 1967 as Nasser incited mobs in every Arab capital to drive us into the sea. W h i l e Israeli soldiers do everything to minimize loss of life, even at their own risk, these maniacs add iron nails to the explosives to m a x i m i z e human pain and suffering. Why in the world don't you rush to protest when suicides bomb Jews? How do you let hypo-critical racist regimes accuse us of racism? How dare you pontifi-cate that we turn the other cheek? Your double standard and inves-tigative teams are a sham. Shame on you! It seems that even the good guys didn't fully appreciate the gravity of terrorism until it hit home on 9/11. Do I feel lonely? No, I feel unique and special! I am concerned, but I don't despair. Truth will prevail. We "History of My People" Serigraph byAri Gradus. More on the artist on page 2 haven't lost our vision, as we look for-ward to a bright future and the ulti-mate peace of Redemption. Despite all our problems, we still think the world of you, and pray for the day when "the world will be filled with the Knowledge of G-d as the waters fill the sea." Yours truly, Israel United We Stand When the Torah was given 3314 years ago, the Talmud relates that the Jews camped at the foot of Mount Sinai "like one per-son, with one heart." Our common enemy is division and infighting among ourselves. Today, circumstances are such that we are not as polarized between right and left as two years ago. At this critical time we all share concern and express solidarity with our brethren in Israel and around the world. We will prevail through unity and AhavatYisrael. With best wishes for a happy and inspiring Shavouth holiday, Rabbi Shea Hartig, Rabbi Yisroel Schanowitz, Rabbi Mendy Harlig Dtstrmitton: Dtrect mttM 5 mm a year to over 3,000 ftmm tn Lk vrgns, NV Chabad of Southern Nevada 1261 South Arville St. Las Vegas, NV 89102 (702) 259-0770 ivrvzv.chabadlv.org NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 447 LAS VEGAS, NV ?2002 Jewish Holiday Consumer. Contents may not be copied without written permission of publisher. 9 The Rebbe Calls for Action Gleaned from the Lubavitcher Rebbe's teachings in view of the current challenges Throughout history, through peace and quiet and in violence and turbu-lence, the Jewish people always looked to the Torah for guidance and inspira-tion. In our own times, the Rebbe's leader-ship through the crises of the Six Day War, The Yom Kippur War , The Gulf War and difficult times between, provid-ed guidance and direction, confidence and strength to Jews in Israel and throughout the world. It is not enough for Israel to enjoy military advantage. Military power and prowess alone can sometimes even be counterproductive. We must learn to complement physical strength with our spiritual attachment to G-d, the ultimate Superpower, and seek His blessings for victory and peace. The Rebbe often quoted the words of Maimonides that the world's fate hangs in balance between good and bad, and every person has the ability through his Mitzvah action to save the entire World. The positive power of a Mitzvah per-formed by a Jew anywhere in the world transcends all boundaries, and its spiri-tual achievement will benefit all of us, showing physical results even in our material world. Rather than pessimism and the resigned and self doubting "What's to do?" heard in times of difficulty and dilemma, the Rebbe instructed us exact-ly "What to Do!" to improve the current situation. CHILDREN TOGETHER On the Eve of Shavuot, 1973 (four months before the Yom Kippur War), the Rebbe issued a call for intensified efforts that each Jewish child receive a Torah education during the upcoming summer vacation. "From the mouth of babies and infants You have established to strength-en Israel's defenses, peace and security, "the Rebbe addressed a letter to every Jewish boy and girl, requesting that they increase their Torah study and giving of charity. In his letter, the Rebbe added that the children's united efforts will help "stay that enemy who brought upon us those catastrophes, and who continues to intend harming our nation until this very day..." (15 Tammuz, 1973) The Rebbe then issued an urgent directive right after Rosh Hashanah to gather tens of thousands of children dur-ing the days of Selichot in every place, especially at the Western Wall, to recite certain verses from the Torah and Psalms and to give charity. (18 Elul 1973) INCREASING TORAH AND MITZVOS The Rebbe said: "Since every Jew, including small children, have received the entire Torah as an inheritance, then certainly the verse, "As Iron and copper are your door bolts" also pertains to them. Children's Mitzvos and good deeds raise the level of security in Israel, so that it should be strong and solid as "iron and copper door bolts." When all Jews, including small chil-dren, learn Torah and do mitzvos, this raises the level of security of "iron and copper are your door bolts" for the entire Jewish people. Israel becomes sealed with locks and bolts of iron and copper, so "the enemies are unable to enter." G-d gathers all the Torah and Mitzvos ("iron and copper") that are per-formed into a special "supply-house" specifically for this purpose (as done in an army), which G-d dis-tributes to each place as necessary. No mat-ter where Jews may be located, they will enjoy the strong secu-rity of "door bolts of iron and copper." TEFILUN, SEFER TORAH AND TZEDAKAH It is vital that we constantly remember that "the Guardian of Israel Neither slum-bers nor sleeps." When we intensify our Jewish activi-ties, especially the Tefillin Campaign, about which is said, "All nations of the world will see that the Name of G-d is called upon you and they will fear you," it will strengthen the hand of the Jews in Israel. The same applies to the Torah Scroll campaign, that each of us sponsor and acquire a letter in a Torah scroll, and to the giving of Tzedakah charity which brings the Redemption closer. Practically speaking: Every person should increase giving of charity, a por-tion of which should be for the sake of the Jews of the Land of Israel, and especially for the sake of the soldiers of the IDF, who work with self-sacrifice to safeguard and protect the Land of Israel and its resi-dents. In the merit of Tzedakah given for their sake, their safety is certainly increased by the "the Guardian of Israel." JEWISH LOVE AND UNITY Peace and harmony begin with the "great basic rule of the Torah: Love your neighbor as yourself." Love of a fellow Jew should extend even to a Jew on the other side of the world -even to someone we have never seen. And when you have an opportunity to do someone a favor, materially or spir-itually, do it freely and with a joyful heart. When there is harmony among Jews, there will be more peace and har-mony in the entire world, especially in the land of Israel. IDF soldiers putting on teffilin on the front lines When the entire Jewish people exist and live in harmony: Jewish love and unity, which simply constitutes "Shleimus ha'am" the Jewish people complete as a whole; Secondly, "Shleimus haTorah," when everyone is permeated with Torah and mitzvos, then the facilitation of "Shleimus haAretz" the land of Israel complete, is expedited. This will help facilitate and insure the integrity of the Land of Israel to such a degree, that no one will be able to infringe upon even the smallest part. This tranquility refers not only on a spiritual level, but also applies to our physical existence. This is because Israel is "the land upon which the eyes of G-d are fixed, from the beginning of the year until the end of the year." Every moment of every day throughout the year, one can see that the Land of Israel is satu-rated with G-dliness, so that even the non- Jewish world will clearly see this. They will therefore not only refrain from harming Israel, but on the contrary, they will help protect it from undesirable cir-cumstances. JOY AMID DISTRESS The Rebbe discussed the need to increase the level of joy, "to the greatest possible extent. By increasing the level of joy, one nullifies all that is undesirable." Why is there now such emphasis on joy in service of G-d? This is because our g e n e r a - tions have suffered from an e x t r a measure of nega-tive influences, the effects of darkness of the exile, etc. In order to nullify and counteract all the negativity, we must increase our level of joy in the Torah and Mitzvos. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS When Abraham first entered the Land of Canaan, G-d promised him, "I will give this land to your descendants." At that time the Land of Israel became the eternal heritage of the Jewish people, their land for all time. Even during the years of our exile, Eretz Yisrael remains our land, as we recite three times each day: "Gather us together from the four corners of the earth to our land." G-d gave the land to the Children of Israel, so that they may dwell there freely, even prior to the Final Redemption, in true contentment and security. In this context, we will merit to enter and inherit the land, with the full and complete redemption by our right-eous Moshiach. The safety of Jewish life and the holi-ness of Israel are at the core of every Jewish soul. The Three Sanctities are intertwined: the People, the Land, and the Torah When the holiness of the Jewish peo-ple and the holiness of Eretz Yisrael are associated with the holiness of Torah, it confirma our connection with G-d, for "the threefold cord is not easily severed" [Ecclesiastes 4:12.]. A Retreat for the I A Return for the S T'DJ tody ioul Jtfachor 1I in the ban a About Our Cover Artist An Gradus was born in a small village in Israel. He lias been painting since he was young, winning his first art award iit Tel Aviv at the age of 12. After 3 years of serv-ice in the IDF, lie came to the US where he completed his degree at New York University. Included in Who's Who lit American Art, Ari lives and paints both in Israel and the US. He has been featured on several TV programs and has received numerous awards for his vibrant and often spiri-tual works. More information on the artist can be found at: www.arigradus.com ? YeshivaCation - classes for women of all ages, beginners and intermediate ? LIFT (Living Inspiration For Teens) - for high school girls ? Womens Kollel - advanced classes in Chassidus and Halacha ? Mens Kollel - morning classes ? Shabbaton Weekends - exploring Relationships, Parenting, Moshiach, Prayer... ? Day camp - for the kids while mom studies Our 60-room facility in Tannersville, NY features swimming pools, large recreation area including volleyball, tennis courts, playground, bocci ball, a deck and a gazebo, newly renovated shul, ample library, comfortable reading room and three kosher meals daily. 718-735-0030 ?> www.machonchana.org ? machonc@aol.com Summer phone number (518) 589-7700 GROUNDBREAKING AT CHABAD OF SUMMERLIN "Where Every Jew Is A Member" L - R: Dr. Bernie Lang, Dr. David Jaget, Bruce Knight, Rabbi Yisroel Schanowitz, Director of Chabad of Summerlin, Dr. Lee Bernstein, Howard Perlman, the Architect of the new building, Noam Schwartz. L - R: Rabbis Dovid Gold, Avraham Granat, Mendy Harlig, Yisroel Schanowitz, Shea Harlig, Amir Odents, Yehoshua Segall L - R: Teri Knight, Laura Jaget, Charlotte Bernstein and Rachel Schwartz Dr. Kevin Bernstein providing the music for the celebration Students from Chabad's Desert Torah Academy childrens clwir performing at the groundbreaking L - R: Fran Jaffe, Herb Jaffe, Rabbi Yisroel Schanowitz, Director of Chabad of Summerlin, Valerie Borochoff and John Borochoff, Neill and Lanie Boris Students from Chabad's Desert Torah Acua^y chMrens choir performing at the groundbreaking If you would like to make a building dedication that will be permanently recognized on a lJta;rators Plaque, please contact Chabad of Summerlin/Desert Shore at: 702-242-0015 v family Ties by Jay Litvin "What kind of a G-d wouldn't want a son to be with his mother on a Jewish holiday?" my moth-er asked, exasperated when I said we are not allowed to drive to her on the holiday. "For 36 years you didn't care about Shavuot. Now you care, but you can't bring your children to visit their grandmother?" I knew I was in trouble. "I'm glad you decided to live Jewishly," she con-tinued. "But do you have to be so religious that you can't eat in your own mother's house?" I brought the complaint to Rabbi Samuels of Milwaukee who introduced me Jewish observance. The Torah," he explained "represents the truth, and sometimes people don't want to hear the truth. But if you trust the truth, -it will eventually lead you to where you want to go, though you may never know just how you got there." My mother didn't buy it. Neither did my sisters. Looking back, I'm not sure I did, either. Maintaining family ties is often painful for a baal teshuva [returnee to to observant Judaism]. Religious obser-vance can sometimes strain relationships with those you most love, often at the worst of times: weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and family gatherings. The strain continued through my parents' final years. My family and I dis-agreed over the level of medical care to administer. The debate between "quality of life" and Jewish law was intense. My father passed away after a long illness. But heroic measures gave my mother six additional wonderful years. We usually avoided such disagree-ments, choosing not to discuss spiritual matters. In my first years of Torah obser-vance, I was somewhat provocative, pro-jecting an "I've found the truth and you haven't" arrogance. I thought that my new community of religious friends could supplant my family, but I found this was wrong. I only have one set of parents, and two sisters. No one can replace them. My wife and I invest a great energy in creating a Torah-observant family. I envi-sion down the road my dining table filled with children and grandchildren. The table stretches forward through gen-erations. Rabbis and scholars, business-men and teachers, mothers and fathers all embracing the Torah. Though they embrace a Torah of truth and not senti-mentality, my vision is very sentimental. I am very grateful for the life my wife and I are forging. But no matter how wonderful my fan-tasy, it does not replace my love for my parents and sisters, or ease the pain when we are distant. So whenever we can, my sisters and I try to share our lives. On my last visit to the U.S., my sisters and I visited our parents in the cemetery. It was very intimate. My sister brought rose petals fresh from her daughter's wedding and spread them over the grass under which lie our father and mother. I placed a stone I brought from Safed. One sister read a beautiful piece about how you lose sight of a boat as it crosses the horizon, yet the boat still exists. You can't see it, but you know that others on the opposite side wait to wel-come those on board. I brought a book of Psalms, from which I had intended to read one chapter. I read haltingly in Hebrew, my sisters in English. When we finished, one sister said, "Let's read another chapter." This continued for a half-hour, as we said a dozen. Later, at lunch, my older sister told us she recently joined a synagogue for the first time. "I want to learn more about Judaism," she said. "Do you think I'm too old to start?" My other sister told us that she attends classes with an Orthodox rabbi, while her husband studies with the same rabbi at a "lunch and learn" several times a week. They were not planning to "become Orthodox," but enjoyed the depth of the learning. I was pleased to hear this, but they meant less to me than the simple pleas-ure we shared at the restaurant and the closeness we felt at the gravesite. It was intimacy I sought, not religious conflu-ence. I basked in our family unity and marveled at my parents' ability to keep us together, even in death. On the ride from the restaurant, we all agreed that the visit to the cemetery was "just perfect." I was returning to Israel in a couple of hours, and when we said good-bye, we each said "I love you" to the others. I felt the presence of the other three who came to join us in this moment of parting, the three who creat-ed the bonds that continue to hold us together. As we kissed good-bye, I felt we had been joined by my mother and father, who I knew were smiling; and that all of us were surrounded and enveloped by G-d- Whose mystery and benevolence unceasingly unfolds in the most unex-pected ways. "But if you trust the truth-which means if you trust in G-d-it and He will eventually lead you to where you want to go, though you may never know just how you got there." Reprinted ivith permission from The Jewish Homemaker I am extremely pleased with the outstanding selection and central placement of Kosher food at Raley's. Raley's has done an exemplary job in providing Kashrut to the Jewish community of Las Vegas. ^ Rabbi Shea Harlig, Director Chabad of Southern Nevada Join Us For Kosher Awareness Day! Sunday, May 19 Noon - 4 p.m. / Lake Mead & Rampart in Summerlin ^ ^ Tour The Store With Rabbi E. Eidlitz Noon-2 p.m. & 2-4 p.m. Learn new shopping tips *?you walk the aisles of the Raley's, which features Las Vegas' first frW' kosher fish section and nearly 250 other kosher items. 1?afew's i p e r m a r k e t s & DR ^CENTE ~ ,t m "Tilms prodm ore ink has been spilt over the subject of Love than any other. More songs sung, poems written and produced. Why the unquench-able thirst? What is it about the love between man and woman that inspires endless fascination bordering on obsession? Many regard the attraction between the sexes as a primal impulse, a biological instinct or an emotional need. Judaism, however, views the attraction between a man and a woman as a sacred search deeply imbedded in the cosmic makeup of the universe. The spiritual mystery of the union between man and woman is alluded to in the name given to the festival of Shavuot. In the Talmud, Shavuot is referred to as "The Wedding Day." What Wedding occurred on this day? 13v J Simon Jacobson At Mount Sinai G-d gave us the gift of the Torah - a blueprint to spiritualize the physical world. Shavuot is thus a marriage between G-d and Israel, between heaven and earth. The use of the term marriage in relation to the giving of the Torah sug-gests a parallel to physical marriage. The Giving of the Torah was an awe-some Divine experience. What does this unique spiritual encounter between man and G-d have to do with the corporeal marriage between a man and woman? Let us explore some par-allels between the divine and the human models of marriage. U N C O N D I T I O N A L ACCEPTANCE The midrash relates that before G-d gave the Torah to Israel, He said: "Accept Me - and then accept My rules." In a marriage relationship, it is essential to accept and embrace your partner as they are in essence, before addressing individual needs. Marriage is not only a contract to fulfill duties: "I will look after the kids and cook the meals if you take out the garbage and pay the bills" Marriage is not merely a composite of details. Marriage is about embracing another soul in your life. There are two kinds of love: selfish and selfless love. Selfish love is condi-tional - you love on condition that your needs are met, and when your partner falls short of serving your needs, you are tempted to search else-where. With conditional love, we see our partners as an extension of our-selves and feel that it is our responsi-bility to correct or change them. Although we constantly learn from each other, the role of a spouse is not that of an authority or a teacher, but that of an equal. The Torah tells us that marriage begins with unconditional love and acceptance of the entire per-son - first "accept Me" and the details will follow. PARTNERSHIP At Mount Sinai, G-d initiated a reciprocal relationship, a partnership with mankind. When G-d descended onto Mount Sinai, Moses responded by ascending the mountain. Judaism teaches that the relationship between man and G-d is not an immature reliance or passive dependence on Heaven. We believe that G-d's blessing is present in all that we do, but it is incumbent on us to utilize the tools and resources to fashion a vessel to contain the blessing. The give and take of a dynamic rela-tionship between husband and wife necessitates a mature sense of self. Ascending the mountain symbolizes the confidence that you matter, that you have a vital role to play in the world. V I S I O N G-d shared a vision with us at Mount Sinai, a blueprint of how to bring sanctity and spirituality into the world. An ingredient most lacking in marriages today is a shared spiritual vision. People often marry because of physical, intellectual, emotional and psychological compatibility, but don't take into consideration spiritual com-patibility. Spiritual compatibility entails not just a shared desire to build a family, it also involves a spiritual vision of how you, as a couple and a family, will impact the world. How you envision your unique contribution to others; how you intend to build something greater than both of you. Shavuot, the Wedding Day, inspires us to view marriage not just as a union between two persons, but as the mar-riage between heaven and earth, between G-d and man. When we har-ness the mystical power of love and mar-riage, recognizing it as a manifestation of the divine union, our marriages will become a microcosm of a cosmic mar-riage. This unity will penetrate through the physical and spiritual dimensions shining a light for eternity. Chabad's Services & Programs Chabad of Southern Nevada The Shul, 1254 Vista Dr. 259-0770 Shacharit Daily Surday Mir.rhah Daily Maariv Daily 7:00 am 8:00 am 15 minutes before sunset 9:00 pm The Chabad Center, 1261 S. Arvllle 259-0770 Friday Evening Sunset Shabbat Morning 10:00 am Minchah/Maariv 15 minutes before sunset Chabad of Summerlin Adult Education*Burial SocietyCrisis Counseling*Daily Minyonim? Desert Torah Academy Day School*Early Childhood*Family Holiday Programs*Gan Israel Day Camp ?Hebrew School*Jewish Super Phone*Kosher Supervision & Service*Lecture Series*Mikvah 'Model Matzah BakeryMommy & Me*N'Shei Chabad*One on One Rabbinical Study Prison & Hospital Visitation*Public Menorah Lighting ?Religious Studies?Shabbatons*Shofar FactoryTeen Groups*Torah Tots Preschool ?Visits to Retirement Homes*Weekly Torah E-Mail'Youth Groups 1261 S. Arville ? Las Vegas, NV 89102 Phone: 259-0770 ? FAX 877-4700 www.chabadlv.org ? E-mail: chabadlv@aol.com 2620 Regatta Drive,#117 243-3623 Shacharit Daily 6:45 am Sunday 8:30 am Friday evening Sunset Shabbat morning 10:00 pm Chabad of Green Valley Wigwam & Pec o> area 617-0770 Friday evenings Sunset Shabbat Morning 10:00 am Sunday Morning S:30am Mikvah ? 259-0770 #8 ADULT EDUCATION Nightly 8:00 - 9:00 The Chabad Center 1261 S. Arville Street Locations: Chabad of Summerlin 2620 Regatta Drive, # 117 Chabad of Green Valley 10870 S. Eastern. #104 Join us for a Your local Chabad House is hosting a special celebration for the Festival of Shavuot, which commemorates our receiv-ing of the Torah. We will read the Ten Commandments and have an Ice Cream Reception, following the Jewish custom of eating dairy on this day. Don't miss this special occasion! For more info, PLEASE CALL 259.0770 When this is S i p l a c k i n g , ! unhealthy co-dependence aris-es, where part-ners rely on each other to compen-sate for their own lacking. L Marriage part-ners should look to each other to complement who they are, so that together they can create a powerful partnership. Friday May 17 Services begin at 10:00 am Reading of the Ten Commandments at 11:00 am followed by an Ice Cream Party Super Games Fantastic Prizes Delicious Ice Cream GAN ISRAEL SUMMER DAY CAMP JUST AROUND THE CORNER The administration of Chabad's Camp Gan Israel is once again plan-ning a full array of innovative pro-grams to be implemented this coming summer for the 150 campers that par-ticipate annually, according to Mrs. Dina Harlig, co-Director of the sum-mer camp. Registration for the 2002 summer season at Camp Gan Israel is progress-ing at a rapid pace. Applications are coming in from parents from all over the Valley who want to secure a safe place and warm, fun, environment. This summer, many diversified invigorating activities, both physical and spiritual, will be offered to the campers. Campers will participate in swimming, arts and crafts, music, bak-ing, sports, chaperoned field trips and special events. Shabbos activities, including challah-baking, model Shabbatons, and learning always stim-ulate spiritual joy in the campers. Activity specialists have been secured for this summer's activities, announced Rabbi Mendy Harlig, co- Director of Camp Gan Israel. "We are constantly hard at work innovating new attractive programs for our chil-dren. We feel that bringing new proj-ects each summer to camp is a most definite attraction for the children," said Rabbi Mendy. Camp Gan Israel is part of the largest network of Jewish camping in the world. It is unique in that a full staff of counselors and assistants are (spiritually) for children that which a regular school cannot do all year long. We therefore do our best to offer the children a modern camp with tradi-tional Jewish ideals." Camp Gan Israel campers are imbued with a deep sense of pride in their heritage and a profound love for the land of Israel. Weekend Shabbatons, stories, contests, Challah baking, Israel and Chassidic dances are some of the Judaic experi-ences to which the beauty, values and traditions of the holy Torah are brought liter-ally to light. Group discus-sions and educational pro-grams on individualized lev-els enable the children to dis-cover Judaism in an exciting manner. The summer camp season will begin Monday, June 24th and run through Friday, August 2nd, 2002 from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm for children ages 3 - 1 2 years. The cost, which includes the field trips, is $125.00 per week or $700.00 for the entire summer. Partial schol-arships are available. The camp is located at our Chabad Center, 1261 S. Arville St. For a brochure or more information, call 259-0777. CHABAD'S DESERT TORAH ACADEMY Registration for the 2002-2003 school year is booming at Chabad's Desert Torah Academy. Virtually all the students that are enrolled this year are planning to return and many new parents have visited to find out about Desert Torah Academy's educational program. Parents who have not yet registered for the coming year should do so as some classes do fill up. which clearly shows how unjust the Palestinian claims are to Israel. The letter also described at length how poorly all the Arab nations have treat-ed Israel and the Palestinians. Ofir Dahan was then called up and led the school in reading Chapter 20 of Tehillim. Following Ofir, Desert Torah Academy was honored to hear from Moshe Ram. Mr. Ram, who was a Colonel in the Israeli army, described the heroic struggle of immigrants when they first came to the land of Israel. He especially described the events surrounding the boat Exodus. The assembly concluded with Rabbi Segall leading the school with two joy-ous songs. L-R: Sara Gruner, Rachel Gershin, Alyson Lelkowitz Our teachers had a special anti bullying workshop, which was pre-sented to the teachers by Mrs. Karen Treanor. Mrs. Treanor is a psycholo-gist in the Clark County School District and presents her workshops throughout the city. The Desert Torah Academy staff learned much about why people bully and how to prevent it. More importantly, Mrs. Treanor has agreed to return to our school to help train our staff in how to implement an ongoing anti-bullying program. Kriah Scan has begun at Desert Torah Academy. The Kriah Scan pro-gram allows each teacher to evaluate a child's ability to read Hebrew and to pinpoint exactly why a child might be having difficulty reading Hebrew. We hope to use the program to vastly selected from Chabad World Headquarters in New Yor