How Shtreimels Have Changed Over the Years

Whats Going On?

Recently, while driving in Flatbush with a friend on Erev Shabbos my friend commented on two chasidishe men standing in the street. "Hey" , she said to me "are there Gerrer Chasidim in Flatbush?" . I quickly responded "what makes you think they are Gerrer?" And she began by saying that they are both wearing a 'spudek'. I immediately thought to myself about her mis-reading of their headgear and I realized why she made the mistake.

Shtreimlach have really changed over time. They are evolving and morphing into a hybrid of shtreimlach's and spudeks . To anyone not familiar with these terms let me explain. (Yes there are plenty of yeshiva educated young people today who don't know the difference between shtreimel and a spodek). Both are traditional fur hats worn by chasidishe men on Shabbos and Yom Tov. The differences between them are both physical and geographic. The shtreimel worn by men from Galicia ( southern Poland ), Hungary and Romania, were originally made of tails surrounding a cap. It was worn low on the head. The Spudek worn by men from Northern Poland, and parts of Russia was always higher and more cylindrical in shape. Both have been worn for about 400 years and both were the hat of choice for non-Jewish nobility in Eastern Europe's cold winters. But Whats Going On? If they receive respect and legitimacy as traditional, ( minhag ) and are now exclusively worn by Frum chasidishe Jews, why change them? Why have they changed so much over time? Whats Going On? I was always led to believe that we don't mess with our traditions.

The new shtreimlach of today are much taller than in the past. They are worn high on the head and are nothing like those seen even 30 years ago. No longer are they made of tails, but instead are made of mink pelts sewn smoothly and seamlessly together. Why mess with tradition? Why change a minhag? Isn't that sort of defeating the purpose of the TRADITIONAL Shabbos and Yom Tov livush?

Well, the answer may be rooted in aesthetics and in economics. Changing fashions sometimes dictates that what you are wearing is considered old fashioned. You want to look taller, sleeker, thinner and younger and yes more in tune with current styles. The new shtreimel promises to do all that but still still manages to define the wearer as a chosid. It adds height and also the cache of wearing the new improved version.

Recently in the Knesset in Israel, an animal rights advocate, ( a non- frum MK ) proposed legislative rules banning the import of animal fur from China. The Israeli law-maker claimed that since it was from China there was no control on whether the animals were abuses or treated humanely. Of course all the frum members of the Knesset immediately shouted down this proposal, claiming that shtreimels are an integral part of the 'livush' ( clothing / style) of Chasidim. Another law maker proposed making shtreimels from fake imitation fur thus cutting the cost of the shtreimlach and at the same time ensuring that no animals would be mistreated.

Needless to say, the proposal did not pass. But wait,Whats Going On? If shtreimlach can evolved and change their shape , why cant they be made of fake fur? If we can bend tradition and minhag , why cant we tweak it a bit further. Just a thought.
By the way, My father wore a homburg, my husband wears a Borsalino. Who says traditions don't change?

By Breindi Markowitz , breindi@emunahmagazine.com

A Conversation With Music Star Dovid Stein

B"H

Dovid Stein has been on the music scene for some time now, doing both a full length album produced by the famous Eli Gerstner and starring on the just released DVD “YBC Live 3” Since Dovid released his first album about a year ago, his fame skyrocketed and he has since starred in several major concert performances. Emunah Magazine invited Dovid Stein to sit down with Yosef Shidler from TheCoolJew.com in the Emunah Magazine office to talk about his professional career as a musician.

TCJ: Dovid, how did it all start, what made you get in to music to begin with?

DS: Well I guess it started back when I was a little kid. My brother and I used to go to pirchei in Torah Vodaas and they had a choir that actually had 2 live performances. We never made it past our second performance which was at an old age home. We weren’t really that good but they all clapped for us anyway. I used to choreograph dances to Miami Boys choir and have my brothers and sisters perform them with me then we’d get all dressed up and put on concerts for the family, lip synching to MBD, Avraham Fried and Miami Boys Choir

TCJ: Were you in any other choirs growing up?
DS: Not really any kid choirs maybe a camp choir. I was in the adult choir for Yerachmiel Begun and the Miami Boys Choir as well as Avraham Fried's backup choir for a bunch of his concerts. I also did Choir work on Yaakov Shwekey’s 2nd album as well as several others. I was in a marching band in 5th grade.

TCJ: Really? Where’d you march?
DS: We marched passed the Lubavitcher Rebbe ZT”L at one of the Lag B’omer Parades they have in Crown Heights. The band was actually led by Ari Halberstam Hu Yinkam Domo’ who was tragically murdered by a Lebanese terrorist on the Brooklyn bridge back in 1994

TCJ: So when did you start singing again?
DS: I didn’t actually start singing publicly again till about 7 or 8 years ago

TCJ: How did that unfold?
DS: It started one Rosh Hashana when the chazzan at the shul I was davening in lost his voice and I was voted to relief him. The chazzan decided to call it quits and I was to be back for Yom Kippur Davening. I happened to bump into an old friend and he was telling me about this voice teacher he was going to in boro park and that I might want to pop in for a few tips.

TCJ: So did you?
DS: Yes

TCJ: Do you still go to a voice teacher? I imagine you train your voice.
DS: I go to an amazing teacher in Lakewood NJ named Avraham Wheaten. He’s pretty much the best in the business. He really helped me come a long way.

TCJ: What is it that you learn from a voice teacher?
DS: Well the most important thing a voice teacher can teach you is how to sing and talk with a healthy and free voice

TCJ: Talk?
DS: Yes. I meet a lot of people who don’t use proper technique when talking which leads to a strained hoarse sounding voice. You hear it a lot with teachers. Going to a “good” voice teacher will help you deal with hoarseness, proper breathing and proper vocal projection. My teacher is actually doing an open lecture on vocal efficiency here in Brooklyn.

TCJ: Do you know when and where I’m sure there are plenty of people reading this that are interested?
DS: I’m not sure when though it should be within the next couple weeks. You can email me at dovidstein@gmail.com for more information





TCJ: When did you realize you could actually do this as a career?
DS: Well I started to sing at weddings about 7 or 8 years ago and I guess it slowly evolved into a career.

TCJ: Tell us about the YBC Live DVD?
DS: Well its actually available on DVD and a Double Audio CD sold separately. Featured is myself with a 20 piece orchestra conducted by Eli Gerstner, Yeshiva Boys Choir, Menucha and the most talented Yaakov Mordechai Gerstner for his Solo DVD Debut! There are also behind the scenes footage and all that other fun stuff you find on dvd’s!


TCJ: Tell us about your album and the success you have seen from it
DS: Well BH the album sold very well and I’ve BH been getting booked for a lot of weddings and bar mitzvahs. The real success is singing for special kids and watching their faces light up when I come to sing for them.

TCJ: Is that often?
DS: I sing quite often and for a lot of different organizations. I am BH part of a lot of these special kids lives and there is no greater satisfaction than putting a smile on their faces. I’m blessed to be a part of it.



TCJ: Do you travel for simchas?
DS: I’ve BH had a bunch of opportunities to sing at simchas abroad. From Florida to California and as far as Israel.

TCJ: Sounds exciting. What music do u listen to?
DS: (Laughs) My own of course! No seriously….My favorite singers are Yeedle, Fried and MBD I also like Yehuda Green. Of course my kids usually decide what’s played in the car.

TCJ: Your Currently very big on the wedding scene. What makes you different?
DS: Everyone is unique. BH I’m able to do something I love and make a living doing it.

TCJ: Are you working on your second album?
DS: I’m actually putting together material now!

TCJ: If I have a composition I think you might like will you listen to it?
DS: Sure! Email it to me

TCJ: When do u expect to release the album?
DS: When it’s ready! J

TCJ: If someone wants to reach you how do they do it?
DS: I can be reached via email at dovidstein@emunahmagazine.com

TCJ: Well I thank you for your time
DS: Thank you!

Whats Going On?

Have you reached for an extra blanket this winter? How about an extra sweater or warm pair of socks? If you have then you are not unlike most of the country. Freezing temperatures have beset most of the country. Some states like Florida face disastrous crop loss and financial woes which may plague it for months. States like Georgia and the Carolina's known for mild winters have seen below single digit temperatures that have left people scrambling for warm weather clothes they've never had to own.

Oklahoma's last major snowfall, 2.5 inches came in 1914. This past December 2 feet of snow fell on that state.

And if you think this is bad lets look at Europe. Large parts of Europe have been hit hard by this freeze. Spain and Portugal, usually warm destinations for cold Europeans have been cold and businesses have suffered severe losses. Especially hard hit are the British Isles with temperatures and snow rarely recorded since they started to keep records.

Whats Going On? Why the cold? Why the freeze? Aren't we supposed to be going through global warming?

Well there is another freeze. This one has nothing to do with temperature or thermostats. This freeze is about buildings and dreams. The buildings are those which both the Europeans and Americans have forced the government of Benjamin Neteneyahu to put on Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. This freeze is about the dreams of Jews who want to live in Eretz Yisroel. It is a freeze imposed by a world that cannot accept Jews living on land that Hashem promised to his people.

Whats Going On? Can there really be a connection between Obama and the EU (European Union) freezing construction in Israel and the deep freeze both the Americans and Europeans find themselves in.

Are things that simple? Perhaps you think it is implausible but lets be reminded about something else that happened 4 years ago.

(Gaza Pullout Aug 2005)

In August of 2005, the American government pressures the government of then-prime minister Ariel Sharon to "disengage" from Gaza. Approximately 8,000 Jews were forcefully removed from their homes. Homes that they had built with the support of the Israeli government. These people are still homeless, many still living in trailers without a permanent place to live. Who can forget the heart wrenching scenes of Jews climbing upon the roofs of their homes holding signs asking others to take notice and help them? Now fast forward a few weeks later. Homeless desperate people on roofs holding signs begging for help. But these were not Jews, they were the citizens of the once proud city of New Orleans and they too were begging for help as the ravages of hurricane Katrina devastated their city. Any connection? Once more another American government pressuring Jews to leave land promised by Hashem. Again a force of nature, a hurricane this time was coming back to haunt those who pressures Israel.

Whats Going On? Is there a connection? Unfortunately the Jews of Gaza are still without permanent homes. many live in trailers. What about the poor citizenry of New Orleans? Many of them are still homeless living in trailers also forgotten by their government. And what about Ariel Sharon, the architect of the disengagement. Does he have a home? He does in a hospital room. He lies in an irreversible coma. It will be 4 years soon for him. He hovers between life and death. Not yet gone but surely not really alive. He is also homeless, he has no final resting place. Whats Going On? Is it a mere coincidence? Or are there ever any coincidences? Midah K'Negged Midah. Only Hashem knows. He who promised us the land.

(Bush Sr. Vacation home in Kennebunkport, Maine damaged summer 1991)

And in case you are not yet convinced let me leave you with this final tidbit. In the summer of 1991 , When George Bush senior was attending the Madrid Conference. The Madrid Conference was to start a peace process dialogue hosted in Spain. When President Bush Sr. was returning home to his summer retreat in Kennebunkport, Maine. While en route home after successfully persuading the Israelis ( pressure is more like it ) he returned to find his summer compound in shambles. A day earlier a retrograde storm, a storm of the century, now referred to as the "Perfect Storm" had destroyed much of his vacation home. Midah K'Negged Midah. Some people wont learn. What is promised to us by Hashem will always belong to us.

Breindi Markowitz - Breindi@emunahmag.com

Catching Up With Rising Political Star: David Greenfield

Catching Up With The Running Man

Trying to catch up with a man running for office proves to be a difficult task. David Greenfield, founder of TeachNYS and executive vice president of the Sephardic Community Federation has been thrown into the local spotlight once again with the sudden resignation of popular NYC councilman Simcha Felder creating an open seat in New Yorks 44th district in a race that many agree Mr. Greenfield is the front-runner. Getting David Greenfield to sit down to a face to face interview is a very tough request for a man who spends his days securing $600 million dollars in tuition tax credits for the parents of yeshiva, bais yakov and other private school students. He's worked tirelessly getting the federal government to provide FREE tutoring to yeshiva students in over 50 schools. As well as representing the 100,000-strong Sephardic community of Brooklyn, Manhattan and New Jersey he still finds the time to campaign for his upcoming election. David can be found outside of the famous R' Landaus shul shaking hands and answering questions as he leaves the shul after davening shachris there. David is not your typical old-school candidate and promises to be accessible to the community if elected. He even set up a Twitter page at Twitter.com/TeamGreenfield to keep everyone up to date with his current activities and schedule. As editor of Emunah Magazine, i thought what better way to communicate with a man so busy but so technologically aware than with a series of emails and text messages back and forth. I wanted to show a glimpse of what the the typical day entails for a candidate whose running for elected office, community leader, full time father and family man.

8:30am: Emunah Magazine (EM) via txt message to David Greenfield: I hope its not too early in the morning for me to be writing you. Please tell our readers what your currently doing this morning and what you may have prepared for the rest of the day. Do you ever get a chance to eat breakfast with the family?

Meeting with other civic leaders

9:28am: David Greenfield (DG) via txt to Emunah Magazine: Definitely not too early for me. I've been meeting with community leaders in Bensonhurst since 8am and just finishing up now. I started my day with a 6am shachris and I did get to eat breakfast with my family at about 7am. I'm heading to Boro Park to campaign. The weather is tough but wearing 2 pairs of socks help!

12:45pm: EM via blackberry to DG: I figured i would write during lunch time so i wouldn't disturb you too much. Did you get stay warm and indoors while campaigning earlier? Anything interesting planned for this afternoon?

12:58pm: DG via blackberry to EM: Didn't get to stay too warm. Earlier i was in Boro Park outside of a shul campaigning. Then i headed back to Bensonhurst and stood on a busy corner and met a lot of voters. I got to listen to a lot of voter concerns and was able to share my vision and platform with them. Luckily I am indoors now and out of the cold for now , having a staff meeting.

12:59pm EM to DG: You have been running around since 6am mostly outside, is this a common occurrence?

1:25pm DG to EM: I do this often , sometimes I do complain about the cold from my twitter page, this past Friday I posted that it was way too cold to be out campaigning, and then pronounced that because this is a special election it called for special measures :). Follow me on Twitter.com/TeamGreenfield for my constant updates.

3:15pm DG to EM: Just finished calling some community leaders and thanking them for their support. I just ordered a lunch sandwich from Carlos and Gabby's. I was going to post that to my Twitter, but wanted to give Emunah Magazine the exclusive.

3:17pm EM to DG: Thanks for the update. What else do you have planned for today, or are you cutting it short because its a Sunday?

5:25pm DG to EM: Until now I was greeting voters on a street corner in Flatbush and now on my way to speak with a large group of our volunteers. The volunteers are really great and I owe a lot of gratitude to them. If you would like to volunteer please visit www.TeamGreenfield.com for details. Later on I will be walking around the neighborhood knocking on doors and getting voters excited for the upcoming special election. Meeting and talking to voters in their homes really gives me a chance to hear what issue is concerning them directly and what can be done to help them.

9:15pm DG to EM: Back at the office to review some of the new campaign literature. We had a great response and a lot of support from our last mailer that went out. I'll probably be here till about 11pm working with some of the staff and volunteers. I really have a great team working with me and am very confident going into the election. I'm urging all the wonderful people that I've met the last few weeks to come out and vote on March 23rd. I want to fight for affordable housing, affordable education and creating an environment where new jobs can be created. I need your help and can only get to City Hall with your help

9:22pm EM to DG: David, I want to thank you for taking time out to do this interview with me. I will make sure to follow your daily whereabouts on your Twitter page or TeamGreenfield.com

11:04pm DG to EM: Just got home. Today was a slow day, because it was a Sunday , :) Now its time for me to feed my 3 month old son. have a good night.

David Greenfield is a candidate for NYC Councilman. A special election will be held March 23rd 2010.

greeting voters

Family man

Rubashkin Responds to Letters From 6th Graders

(boys in class who wrote letters)

Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin responds from prison in letter to 6th graders.

Students in a Brooklyn,NY yeshiva have been learning about the Rubashkin family. Their teacher, Yosef Shidler discussed the ongoing court case, and the origins of the Agriprocessors meat plant. "We spoke about the tremendous amounts of tzedakka that the Rubashkin family has given" Shidler says "As well as the alleged crimes committed, all they way up to the appeals process".

(classroom photos)

In a class writing assignment, the students were asked to write letters to Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin to where he currently resides in an Iowa prison. The class was given a lesson on how to write a letter and each student was asked to write Rubashkin a personal letter. The letters were worked on in class and as homework with the parents. After the letters were completed they were mailed to the Linn County Correctional Center in Iowa.

It took quite some time but the students finally received a letter from Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin last week. In the letter he thanked the class for the extra mitzvos being done on his behalf. He said that since he isn't able to 'fabreng' with them he would write them a little divrei torah on on the coming weeks parsha. The students were very pleases with the return letter that came, and thoroughly enjoyed writing lesson. Their teacher Yosef Shidler said he hoped that other school children and would follow suit saying

"It would be amazing if Sholom Mordechai received hundreds of letters from Jewish children worldwide

Letters to Rubashkin can be sent to this address (a return address is required for It to be delivered):

Linn County Correctional Center

Inmate Shalom Rubashkin

P.O. Box 608

Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0608

( handwritten letter from Rubashkin to Class)pg1

( handwritten letter from Rubashkin to Class)pg2