Yeshiva World News

A federal prosecutor warned Wednesday that if a judge releases Sholom Rubashkin from jail, the former Agriprocessors executive could quickly flee to Israel.

“The risk of flight here is acute, it’s too great,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Deegan said in court.

But Rubashkin’s lawyer said his client is tightly tied to his family and the community of Postville, where he ran the packing plant for years. The lawyer, Baruch Weiss, added that Israel has a strong extradition agreement with the United States. Even if he somehow could get to Israel after surrendering his U.S. passport, Weiss said, Rubashkin surely would be sent back. “With these sorts of charges, he will not find a home in Israel, and he knows that.”

Rubashkin was arrested Friday on new charges. He had been free on bond after being charged last month with conspiring to hire undocumented workers. Weiss asked Magistrate Judge Jon Scoles to release Rubashkin after increasing the bond to $2 million and ordering him to stay in his house or in the homes of friends or relatives in Iowa or elsewhere. He said dozens of friends and relatives were willing to put up their homes as collateral for the bond.

Scoles said he would consider the matter and make a written ruling, probably on Thursday. Rubashkin was returned to jail, at least for the night.

(Source: Des Moines Register)

Just a few years ago, it would have seemed impossible to bring together distinguished dayanim from throughout the world to explore issues regarding universally accepted conversions in intermarriage in the 21st century. Yet on Sunday, November 2nd, in downtown Philadelphia, the Eternal Jewish Family once again reached beyond any barriers of this challenge and convened some of the greatest dayanim and rabbanim of our times.

The esteemed group travelled from numerous cities around the world to Philadelphia’s downtown Marriott Hotel. Present were such notable dignitaries as Harav Shmuel Kaminetzky,  Rosh Yeshiva of Philadelphia, member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah; Dayan Chanoch Ehrentrau, Rosh Beis Din of London; Harav Binyomin Weiss, lead dayan of the beis din of Montreal; Harav Reuven Feinstein, shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Staten Island and chairman of the EJF halachic committee; Harav Betzalel Tuvia Wettenstein, the Belzer Dayan; Harav  Dovid Olewsky, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivas Ger of Brooklyn; Harav Eliyahu Levine, Rosh Kollel of Lakewood; and Harav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, the Rosh Yeshiva of South Fallsburg.

The conference was also honored with the presence of Harav Avrohom Sherman, head of the Bais Din Hagadol in Jerusalem, who communicated the brocho of Maran Harav Eliyashiv for his participation. Also from Israel came Harav Shlomo Pappenheim of the Eida Hachareidis and Harav Eliyahu Eisherik, lead dayan of the beis din of Tel Aviv and author of Toras Haribis. Harav Eisherik is also the emissary of the Gerrer Rebbe in all areas of geirus and concerns regarding botei din.

Together these spiritual giants delved into such topics as the standards of legitimate botei din, family and marital issues, the importance of determining a successful conversion candidate, and numerous other vital issues. The presence of the gedolei Torah, as well as the scope and breadth of their lectures and discussions, gave testimony to the Torah world’s recognition of the important accomplishments of Eternal Jewish Family.

The dayanim shared their experiences with conversions in intermarriage, leading to a yeshiva-like atmosphere as the distinguished participants exchanged divrei Torah. The consensus was clear that relaxation of conversion standards only leads to complex issues in the arenas of marriage, children’s chinuch, and integration into communities. The dayanim concurred that sincere conversion candidates must make commitments to live within communities that have the infrastructure of shuls, yeshivos, mikvaos and kosher food. Harav Leib Tropper, Chairman of the EJF Rabbinic Committee, outlined some of the recent successes of EJF in working with the growing network of botei din that subscribe to the standards of  the gedolei haposkim who guide EJF’s policies.

An intriguing dimension to this revolutionary gathering was that, simultaneously in the same location, another EJF seminar was being held exclusively for the mentors of female candidates for conversion. Travelling from Oregon, Texas, Arizona, California, Maryland, and New York, the women received inspiration from an esteemed group of rabbanim who, while addressing their questions and concerns, also defined their challenging role as mentors of conversion candidates. More than this, the rabbanim conveyed heartfelt brachos that encouraged the participants to continue to be exemplary role models for other women who are on their way to conversion or already integrating into a community after the conversion process.

(Rochel Weinstein – Lubicom)

The days leading up to November 4, not to mention the hours of election day itself, were hectic ones for Betzalel Wolff.  The coordinator of Agudath Israel of America’s Voter Registration and Get Out the Vote campaign, he was fielding constant – sometimes concurrent – calls from constituents in need of information or assistance in casting their votes.

The voter registration / GOTV initiative had been on full speed for many long months; last week, though, it went into overdrive.  Over the course of the project, it helped register over 8,000 citizens in Orthodox communities in the United States.  Although the main focus of the campaign was in the New York / New Jersey area, the effort spanned the entire country with the support of Agudath Israel’s eight regional offices across the United States.

In addition, the Agudath Israel voter registration efforts went international as well, targeting US citizens living abroad. Most notably, the American Citizens Gemach (a division of the Government Affairs Office of Agudath Israel of America) directed by Rabbi Aharon Spetner, and other organizations in Eretz Yisroel, successfully registered 10,000 Americans living and studying in the Holy Land, providing them the ability to vote via absentee ballot.
 
The message that Agudath Israel successfully promoted was that one’s vote, in fact, counts.  While there has never been a national election that came down to a single vote, and while voting in “non-battleground” state may seem an exercise in futility, the fact remains that choosing to vote is an inherently meaningful act – a fact that has been noted loudly and clearly by Gedolim.

Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, for instance, wrote in 5745 (1984) that “A fundamental principle of Judaism is hakaras hatov – recognizing benefits afforded us and giving expression to our appreciation. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system that guards the freedoms we enjoy.”

A second practical reason for voting, which was expressed by Rav Yaakov Kaminetzky, zt”l, is that politicians closely scrutinize the voting numbers in every district. Their policies, decisions and willingness to help our communities are very much based on their findings. That we vote demonstrates to our governmental representatives that our community cares about issues and should not be ignored.

More recently, a letter from contemporary Gedolim in Eretz Yisroel, including Rav Eliyashiv, shlit”a, was publicized about the importance of voting in the American elections. There was also a new kol koreh issued by a number of respected rabbonim in Brooklyn urging Jews to register and vote.

Agudath Israel worked hard to spread the message.  Using advertisements, letters to unregistered voters, raffle campaigns in schools, the assistance of local rabbonim, and good, old-fashioned knocking-on-doors, Agudath Israel workers and volunteers made sure the word got out.

And Mr. Wolff fielded thousands of phone calls from around the world.  They posed questions about voter registration and eligibility, made requests for voter registration cards, sought information on polling locations, and described problems at the polls.  The Agudath Israel representative carefully listened to each call and offered whatever material or assistance was necessary.  He recalls that callers were unusually appreciative of the help they received.  “Most of the calls,” he says, “ended with some variation of ‘Thank you so much. You are providing a wonderful service for our community!’”  Most gratifying of all, though, to Mr. Wolff, is that he helped play a role in opening eyes to the importance partaking in our country’s elections. The proof to that is the success of the registration drive as well as an unprecedented number of Orthodox Jews going to the polls on Election Day even in “non-battleground” states.

He also expressed his deep appreciation to “all the rabbonim, yeshiva and Bais Yaakov principals and administrators who assisted us in this campaign.”

Still on the job even after the elections are over, Mr. Wolff can’t help but add helpfully that “people who want to vote next year can still obtain a voter registration card by calling Agudath Israel at (212) 797-9000.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan B. Mintz announced today that the City of New York has adopted a new, tougher inspection procedure for home heating oil delivery trucks in its annual inspection of their meters to help ensure that homeowners are not overcharged for heating oil this winter.  The Mayor and Commissioner Mintz also announced that the Department of Consumer Affairs has suspended more than 60 oil trucks this year, taking them off the road until they meet these standards. With the economy on the decline, today’s announcement is part of a series of initiatives announced by the Bloomberg Administration to help more New Yorkers stretch their paychecks further and weather the storm.

“Home heating oil prices typically rise in the winter months when demand is highest, and this winter, with the economy in decline, more families will struggle to pay their heating bills,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “While no City, even one as big as ours, can control the global factors that determine the price of oil, we can help homeowners stretch their paychecks by making sure they are getting every drop of oil they pay for.”

The Department conducts inspections on every heating oil delivery truck operating in New York City at its test station in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and at truck refueling terminals throughout the City. To ensure New Yorkers are receiving the home heating oil they pay for, the Department of Consumer Affairs inspects more than 1,000 home heating oil delivery trucks every year. Inspectors first test the oil truck meters for accuracy. In addition, inspections now replace the old split compartment test with the new product depletion test, which more accurately measures the amount of air that passes through the trucks’ pipes.  This new regulation lowered the allowable amount of air that can pass when oil is being dispensed, from a maximum of 264 cubic inches to 137 cubic inches ensuring that consumers are receiving the amount of oil they purchased.

Trucks are inspected to make sure their meters accurately register how much oil they pump. After the inspection, the Department places an official seal on the meter that prevents delivery trucks from modifying their meters and shortchanging customers. An up-to-date inspection sticker is also placed on the back of the truck in a more visible location indicating to customers that the truck has recently passed inspection and has an accurate meter. Consumer Affairs checks oil trucks for faulty air eliminator devices that show a greater amount of oil was dispensed than actually received by the customer. Inaccurate meters are condemned immediately and must be repaired and retested by the Department before the trucks can operate legally.

Consumer Affairs also conducts surprise inspections of oil trucks. Inspectors on routine patrol pull over trucks delivering home heating oil and check whether they have completed their annual inspection and that the City’s seal is still intact. The average price of home heating oil in New York City this week is $3.15 per gallon compared to $3.42 the same time last year and $2.66 in 2006.

The Mayor also reminded homeowners to take the necessary steps to ensure they get the full value for their purchase:

*Always use a reputable supplier. Call 311 to check a retailer’s history with the Department of Consumer Affairs.

*Get a written contract that spells out key terms. Always get a written contract that includes costs, delivery schedule, gallons promised, services provided, and any other details that have been agreed upon.  Make sure the salesperson or manager of the oil distributor signs the contract before payment.

*Before signing a contract, check for any price-changing clauses. Be sure to check how firmly your agreement locks you in if the price of oil decreases or increases, and for any other hidden costs, fees or minimum purchasing requirements that may appear in the contract. If you don’t like what you see, either renegotiate or look for a different distributor.

*Check the back of the delivery truck for an up-to-date official DCA seal. The official Department of Consumer Affairs seal certifies that the truck has been inspected and is ready to dispense fuel. If the sticker is over one year old, contact Consumer Affairs by calling 311 and visiting www.nyc.gov.

*Keep your receipt and check for necessary information. The law requires retailers to provide a receipt to customers showing exactly how much oil was received and how much was paid per unit of oil. The fuel gauge in your home can also give you a rough estimate of how much oil you have received.

*Winterize your home. Save energy and get the most for your money this winter by repairing broken doors and windows and checking radiator air valves. Visit the Department of Housing Preservation & Development’s website found on www.nyc.gov for more energy-saving tips. In addition, the Department of Buildings licenses oil burner installers. Call 311 to check whether your installer is licensed.

(Eli Gefen – YWN Queens Ops’ Desk)

Governor David A. Paterson today announced the renaming of the Triborough Bridge as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge. He was joined in Astoria Park by members of the Kennedy family, First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Bill Clinton, Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Lee Sander and numerous other dignitaries to celebrate Robert F. Kennedy’s contributions and service to the State of New York.

Governor Paterson signed this program bill into law this past summer, forty years after Kennedy’s historic presidential campaign. Kennedy represented the State of New York in the United States Senate with great distinction from 1965 until 1968. He led an inspirational race, defined by a commitment to equality and passion for service, until his untimely death. Throughout his career, Kennedy worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Americans, fight poverty and advance the civil rights movement.

“It is an honor to join the Kennedy family today to celebrate their beloved father, uncle, brother and husband – a man who served the people of our State and nation with distinction,” said Governor Paterson. “Robert F. Kennedy was a champion of social justice and human rights and his spirit is kept alive by his family’s continued commitment to those causes. I am particularly pleased to have had the opportunity to sign this bill into law, making possible the renaming of the Triborough Bridge as the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, which is a fitting tribute to the man and his legacy.”

“In addition, I am also pleased to announce that in collaboration with the RFK Center, educators from the New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT) and the New York State Education Department, public school students in the fourth, eighth and twelfth grades will benefit from a new addition to their curriculum, a set of RFK Lesson Plans, titled ‘Speak Up, Speak Out: Robert F. Kennedy, Champion of Social Justice,’” added Governor Paterson. “This will ensure that future generations of New Yorkers continue to learn about Robert F. Kennedy’s commitment to helping others.”

The Triborough Bridge is located on Interstate 278 and is operated by the State of New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority. Opened in 1936, the facility now consists of three bridges, a viaduct, and 14 miles of approach roads connecting Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. The bridge serves as a well traveled connection for those heading to destinations in New York City, Long Island and Upstate New York.

(Dov Gordon – YWN NYC)