1 1 2 2 3 3 4-5 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8-10 8 9 10 11 12 14 Kol Beth Aaron December 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776 DECEMBER CALENDAR DECEMBER YAHRTZEIT LIST Please note that you must be logged into the website to view the yahrtzeit list. From the Rabbi: FOCUSING ON MITZVOT BEIN ADAM LE-CHAVEIRO Our celebraon of Chanukah is unique for the special emphasis that is placed on fulfilling the mitzvah of ner Chanukah in an ultra-enhanced manner, achieving that which is called a hiddur mitzvah – le-mehadrin min ha-mehadrin. Truthfully, the Talmud (Shabbos 133b) teaches us that when we perform all mitzvot, we are to strive to do so in an enhanced manner, beaufying our service of Hashem. Our sages derive this principle from the pasuk “zeh keli ve-anveihu,” which is interpreted by our rabbis as a specific direcve that we should strive to perform mitzvot in a beauful and exalted manner. The Talmud provides various examples for this; lulav, tzitzit, and Sefer Torah are but a sample of mitzvot that we are instructed to fulfill in manner that genuinely reflects a deep and sincere commitment to our avodat Hashem. The Talmud subsequently records the opinion of Abba Shaul, who offers an alternave interpretaon of that very pasuk. “Haveh domeh lo,” states Abba Shaul; we are instructed to follow and emulate the ways of ha-kadosh baruch Hu. “Just as He is compassionate and gracious, so should you be, etc.” On the surface, the Talmud is presenng us with two dissimilar interpretaons of the same pasuk; each one striking and poignant, yet unique and disnct. Rav Baruch Epstein zt”l (Torah Temimah Shemot 15:3), however, suggests that Abba Shaul is not merely offering a new alternave interpretaon. Rather, Abba Shaul is proposing a commentary on the view of the Rabbis. Just as one is to beaufy his performance of mitzvot bein adam la-Makom, one should similarly seek to enhance his fulfillment of mitzvot bein adam le-chaveiro. It is not enough for one to achieve an enhanced fulfillment of mitzvot between man and G-d. Rather, he must demand of himself the same degree of aenon and commitment when relang to his fellow man. Aſter all, how foolish one would be if he were to expend extra me, energy, and resources to enhance the quality of his lulav or tefillin, yet ignore his basic responsibility to improve upon his interpersonal relaonships with others. In fact, Rav Epstein declares that such an individual runs the risk of causing profound chillul Hashem, for people wrongly associate the deficiencies in his character with his religious identy. On the other hand, when one seeks to emulate the aributes of G-d and demonstrates loving-kindness and compassion towards others, this allows for a more ideal fulfillment of hiddur mitzvah in all of the mitzvot that he performs, bringing honor and glory to the Torah that he represents. Rav Avraham Pam zt”l discussed this maer extensively and oſten reminded his students to strike the difficult, yet essenal balance called “mishkal ha-chasidut.” Rav Pam recounted how the Chofetz Chaim refused to accept the honor of holding the city’s only set of daled minim during Hallel, out of concern that it would possibly leave others depressed and disillusioned, for not having their own set. Rav Pam himself suggests that while the mitzvah of rejoicing with a bride and groom is a loſty and (connued on page 14 INDEX From the Rabbi Beth Aaron Contacts Project THANKS 2015 Profile: Brooke & Aryeh Lewitan Beth Aaron Officers Beth Aaron News Who to Contact at Beth Aaron Weekly Shiurim Condolence Cards Tree of Life Candy Bags Memorial Plaques Movie Rentals NCSY Children’s Corner by Gavriella Hagler “You Have to Give to Get” Unscramble Word Search Banim Mitpalelim Men’s Club Kiddush Upcoming Events
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Kol Beth AaronDecember 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776
DECEMBERCALENDAR
DECEMBERYAHRTZEIT LIST
Please note that you must be logged
into the website to view the yahrtzeit list.
From the Rabbi:
FOCUSING ON MITZVOT BEIN ADAM LE-CHAVEIRO
Our celebration of Chanukah is unique for the special emphasis that is placed on fulfilling the mitzvah of ner Chanukah in an ultra-enhanced manner, achieving that which is called a hiddur mitzvah – le-mehadrin min ha-mehadrin. Truthfully, the Talmud (Shabbos 133b) teaches us that when we perform all mitzvot, we are to strive to do so in an enhanced manner, beautifying our service of Hashem. Our sages derive this principle from the pasuk “zeh keli ve-anveihu,” which is interpreted by our rabbis as a specific directive that we should strive to perform mitzvot in a beautiful and exalted manner. The Talmud provides various examples for this; lulav, tzitzit, and Sefer Torah are but a sample of mitzvot that we are instructed to fulfill in manner that genuinely reflects a deep and sincere commitment to our avodat Hashem.
The Talmud subsequently records the opinion of Abba Shaul, who offers an alternative interpretation of that very pasuk. “Haveh domeh lo,” states Abba Shaul; we are instructed to follow and emulate the ways of ha-kadosh baruch Hu. “Just as He is compassionate and gracious, so should you be, etc.” On the surface, the Talmud is presenting us with two dissimilar interpretations of the same pasuk; each one striking and poignant, yet unique and distinct. Rav Baruch Epstein zt”l (Torah Temimah Shemot 15:3), however, suggests that Abba Shaul is not merely offering a new alternative interpretation. Rather, Abba Shaul is proposing a commentary on the view of the Rabbis. Just as one is to beautify his performance of mitzvot bein adam la-Makom, one should similarly seek to enhance his fulfillment of mitzvot bein adam le-chaveiro. It is not enough for one to achieve an enhanced fulfillment of mitzvot between man and G-d. Rather, he must demand of himself the same degree of attention and commitment when relating to his fellow man. After all, how foolish one would be if he were to expend extra time, energy, and resources to enhance the quality of his lulav or tefillin, yet ignore his basic responsibility to improve upon his interpersonal relationships with others. In fact, Rav Epstein declares that such an individual runs the risk of causing profound chillul Hashem, for people wrongly associate the deficiencies in his character with his religious identity. On the other hand, when one seeks to emulate the attributes of G-d and demonstrates loving-kindness and compassion towards others, this allows for a more ideal fulfillment of hiddur mitzvah in all of the mitzvot that he performs, bringing honor and glory to the Torah that he represents.
Rav Avraham Pam zt”l discussed this matter extensively and often reminded his students to strike the difficult, yet essential balance called “mishkal ha-chasidut.” Rav Pam recounted how the Chofetz Chaim refused to accept the honor of holding the city’s only set of daled minim during Hallel, out of concern that it would possibly leave others depressed and disillusioned, for not having their own set. Rav Pam himself suggests that while the mitzvah of rejoicing with a bride and groom is a lofty and
(continued on page 14
INDEX
From the RabbiBeth Aaron ContactsProject THANKS 2015Profile: Brooke & Aryeh LewitanBeth Aaron OfficersBeth Aaron News Who to Contact at Beth AaronWeekly ShiurimCondolence CardsTree of LifeCandy BagsMemorial PlaquesMovie RentalsNCSYChildren’s Corner by Gavriella Hagler “You Have to Give to Get” Unscramble Word SearchBanim MitpalelimMen’s Club KiddushUpcoming Events
Esther Lauber & Alvin ReinsteinCarmela & Jack Rosenbaum
Miriam & Izzy SalomonSharon & Kalman Seidenfeld
Shifra & Larry ShafierGabrielle & Avi Silverberg
Yacha & Moishe SingerSariva and Jeffrey Sklar
Aliza & Kal StaimanShelley & Philip SteinBashi & Howie Tepper
Esther & Rinaldo ToporovskyAviva & Benjamin YablokTikva & Larry Yudkowitz
Marilyn & Itch ZeidelMichaelle & Abe ZerykierPhyllis & Sandy Zlotnick
Beth Aaron Project THANKS donors and their families toured the firehouse in conjunction with delivering a Thanksgiving meal to the firefighters on duty.
“We like everything about the shul” and “there’s something for everyone at CBA” was the takeaway message from a conversation with Brooke & Aryeh Lewitan.
They have been Beth Aaron members for three years, joining in December 2013. Moving from Passaic, they chose Teaneck because they were looking for a community that would shorten Aryeh’s daily commute to Westchester, as well as a place where they both would comfortably fit in.
When discussing Teaneck with a Passaic family in which both the husband and wife are originally from the Township, “the other couple immediately said that they felt Beth Aaron would be the shul that would suit both of our needs,” Brooke explained. “It’s on the smaller side (compared to Bnai Yeshurun/Roemer/Rinat), and it’s diverse. You can wear a hat or sheitel, or pants and no hair covering.”
Aryeh now serves on the shul Board, as well as on the Chevra Kadisha. Because they have two small children, they feel they are somewhat limited in what they can offer to the shul now, but both hope “to be involved more and more in the shul.” So exactly what does “we love everything” mean? Here’s a few of their highlights:• We love that Rabbi Rothwachs and Chaviva are so accessible, and always reach out and make everyone feel welcome and a part of the shul. • We love that Jason David has continued to encourage our son to attend Shabbat groups, and was finally successful over the chagim this year! • Everyone is accessible and open to hearing recommendations or observations on things going on in the shul, and it makes you feel like your voice is heard.
To summarize their positive attitude about Beth Aaron, they said that “if you’re looking for a shul where your voice can be heard and you’re welcomed with open arms, this is the place. There are young families just starting out, as well as families whose children are all grown and married.”
Aryeh works in IT Network Support for BOCES in Westchester and Rockland Counties. Brooke was in IT Support for 15 years and, after going back to work following the birth of their second child, chose to work locally in Fort Lee for Cross River Bank. There, she wears many different hats: office manager, executive assistant, and HR manager. Their son Akiva is about to turn 5 and has just begun Pre-K at Yeshivat Noam. “Akiva loves to come to shul to attend groups. He runs up to anyone he knows at CBA yelling ‘Good Shabbos, Mr. so and so,’ or ‘Good Shabbos, Mrs. so and so.’”
Their daughter Rina is about to turn 2 and goes to Kol Chaverim Preschool in Fair Lawn. Now that she has outgrown the morning nap, she accompanies her mother to shul almost every week and loves to play in the Mommy and Me room.
BETH AARON OFFICERS2015-2016
PresidentYair Mayerfeld
1st Vice PresidentIsaac Hagler
2nd Vice PresidentNeal Yaros
Vice President FinanceJosh Klavan
Vice President ProgrammingRachelle Mandelbaum
TreasurerMicah Kaufman
SecretaryMoishe B. Singer
Financial SecretaryPinny Wechter
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MAZAL TOV TO
• Esther & Mark Bauman, on the birth of two grandsons: Shmuel Yehuda, born to their children Nechama Leah & Binyomin Bauman of Lakewood, and Ezra Yehiel Michal, born to their children Dena Rivka & Mordechai Bauman of Cleveland.• Shoshana Bauman, on her engagement to Binyamin Greenbaum of Detroit. Mazal Tov also to Shoshana’s parents, Esther & Mark Bauman. • Margot & Josh Botwinick, on their marriage. Mazal Tov also to Margot’s parents, Esther Lauber & Alvin Reinstein.• Renee & Martin Brown, on the birth of their granddaughter Talia Leah, born to their children Cara & Moshe Sweet of Chicago.• Lyn & Fred Cohen, on the marriage of their daughter Penina to Chananya Rothner of Alon Shevut. • Toby & Larry Feder, on the birth of their grandson Akiva Tzvi Hirsch, born to their children Tali & Jonathan Feder. • Barbara & Kal Feinberg (former members now living in Israel), on the birth of a grandson, born to their children David & Hadassah Feinberg of Ramat Beit Shemesh. • Tiferet Fischman, on her Bat Mitzvah. Mazal Tov also to Tiferet’s parents, Aliza & Aharon Fischman. • Barbara & Norman Gildin, on the birth of a granddaughter, born to their children Leah & Eli Gildin of Teaneck.• Olya & Jack Gold, on the birth of a son. • Molly & Ari Hagler, on their marriage. Mazal Tov also to Ari’s parents, Heather & Isaac Hagler.• Aryeh Isaacs, on his engagement to Tehilla Feinberg of Montreal, Canada. Mazal Tov also to Aryeh’s parents, Reshi & Yosef Isaacs. • Marcia & Sam Kaplan, on the birth of a grandson, born to their children Sarah & Yoel Kaplan of Bridgeport, CT. • Shimon Staum, on his Bar Mitzvah. Mazal Tov also to Shimon’s parents, Tzippy & Mark Staum.• Shelley & Phil Stein, on the birth of a granddaughter, born to their children Lysee & Gil Stein of Boca Raton, FL. • Gemma & Corey Turk, on their marriage. Mazal Tov also to Gemma’s parents, Ria & Tim Levart. • Claire & Dov Zakheim, on making aliyah.• Barbara & Alan Zelenetz, on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Katie Goldberg.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS• Esther & Jerald Friedman, who live on Buckingham Road.
BETH AARON NEWS
PARNAS HAYOM DEDICATIONSDedicate a day of learning at Beth Aaron on the occasion of a yahrtzeit, in the zechut of a refuah shelaima, or in honor of a simcha, a birthday or any other occasion. Each week’s dedications are prominently displayed in the shul lobby and sent out to the membership via email. For more informa-tion, or to sign up, please go to www.bethaaron.org/parnashayom.
Parnas Hayom dedications in November were made by:
• Nurit & Gary Adler, in honor of the yahrtzeit of Gary’s mother, Cipora Adler, Feige Zippora bat Reb Gedalyahu• Reshi & Yosef Isaacs, in memory of Reshi’s father, Yaakov Yitzchak ben Chaim.• Phyllis & Sandy Zlotnick, in memory of Phyllis’s mother, Nisa Etel bat Reb Mordechai ha-Kohen.
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BETH AARON NEWS
DONATIONS TO THE RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Razel & Yosef AdlerElaine & Howard Alt
Lyn & Fred CohenRobin & Alan FeldTal & Marc Felsen
Barbara & Theodore GlueckBarbara & Shmuel Goldstein
Chaya & Daniel HagerLinda & Mark Karasick
Ria & Tim LevartDena & Nosson Rich
Miriam & Izzy SalomonDavid SchreiberSeth Schwartz
Susan & Lenny ThalerYaffa & Mordechai Ungar
DONATIONS TO THE STANLEY FISCH YOUTH FUND
• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Esther & Mark Bauman, on the birth of two grandsons• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Esther & Mark Bauman, on the engagement of Shoshana to Binyamin Greenbaum• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Renee & Martin Brown, on the birth of a granddaughter• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Lyn & Fred Cohen, on the marriage of their daughter Penina to Chananya Rothner• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Toby & Larry Feder, on the birth of a grandson• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Barbara & Kal Feinberg, on the birth of a grandson• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Marcia & Sam Kaplan, on the birth of a grandson• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Ria & Tim Levart, on the marriage of Gemma to Corey Turk• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Aliza and Aharon Fischman, on Tiferet becoming a Bat Mitzvah• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Esther Lauber & Alvin Reinstein, on the marriage of Margot to Josh Botwinick• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Tzippy & Mark Staum, on Shimon becoming a Bar Mitzvah• Mollie Fisch, in honor of Claire and Dov Zakheim, on their makng aliyah • Mollie Fisch, in honor of the yahrtzeit of her dear grandmother, Chaya Gittel bat Dov Ber (Annie G. Teller), on 25 Kislev
YAHRTZEIT DONATIONS
Beth Evans and Rivka Evans FinkDennis Friedman & Nancy Joseph-Friedman
WHO TO CONTACT AT BETH AARON There are many Beth Aaron members who ensure that our davening, learning, activities, and events all run smoothly. If you would like to become involved in or have a comment or suggestion related to a particular area, please contact the appropriate person as indicated below.
Sisterhood condolence cards are available from the office for $8 each or $50 for 10.
To order, please contact Judi at the office, [email protected], 201-836-6210.
TREE OF LIFE
The Tree of Life commemorates the birth of a child or grandchild, honors someone, or celebrates a marriage or other family simcha. Leaves on the Tree of Life are $100 each. For further information, please contact Aviva Leffel, [email protected].
NCSY
For information about NCSY events, or if you have questions, comments, or ideas, please mail Rabbi Reuven Lebovitz, [email protected]. Join us on Facebook or email us, [email protected].
MEMORIAL PLAQUES
Memorial plaques commemorate the passing of a loved one and perpetuate his or her memory. Plaques are $350 each. For further information, contact Aviva Leffel, [email protected], or Larry Kahn, [email protected].
WEEKLY SHIURIM
• Daf Yomi in Teaneck: For Daf Yomi shiurim and resources in Teaneck, go to www.teaneckshuls.org/daf/.• Daf Yomi shiur by Rabbi Rothwachs / Rabbi Daniel Feldman / Rabbi Mark Staum: Monday-Thursday evenings, at 9:45 p.m.• Tanya shiur by Rabbi Moshe Rosenberg: Tuesday evenings at 9:00 p.m.• Rabbi Rothwachs’ Sanhedrin shiur: Wednesday evenings at 8:30 p.m. • Mishmar Program: Thursday evenings from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m.• Morning Mishna Chavura: Monday, Thursday: 6:55 a.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 a.m.
SHABBAT SHIURIM• Daf Yomi: one hour and ten minutes before mincha• Women’s Learning: one hour and ten minutes before mincha
MOVIE RENTALS
The following movies are available for rent for a month at a time in exchange for making a donation to Congregation Beth Aaron.
The titles from the Ma’aleh Film School of Jerusalem, are “Newspapers and Flowers,” “Shira,” “Prague,” and “The Divide.” Trailers can be viewed at www.maale.co.il/default.asp?PageID=74&CatID=1.
Thanks to Mordy Ungar, “Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story” also is available.
To borrow the films, please contact Sandy Zlotnick, [email protected].
CANDY BAGS
Sisterhood can arrange for bags of candy for smachot at a cost of $1 per bag. Two weeks’ notice is appreciated.
To order the bags, please contact Lisa Breen, 201-966-8958.
Okay, Imma,” Baby Bracha says, slapping down a piece of paper onto the counter. “Here’s my list.”
Imma looks down at the counter, inspecting a piece of paper numbered one through eight, scribbled in big purple magic marker. “Your list for what?”
Baby Bracha leans against the table, and points to the first word on the page. “My list of Chanukah presents that I want. This one says iPod.”
Imma laughs. “What makes you think you’re getting an iPod?”
“Well… Aviel and Shira both have one and...”
“And Aviel and Shira are both a whole lot older than you,” Imma interrupts.
“Yes, well, Shayna is getting one.”
“Just because someone in your class is getting a very expensive present doesn’t mean you are, too.”
Baby Bracha begins to pout. “Fine. What about an American Girl Doll? Or those new Barbies? Or what about just a lot of candy? How about I get candy all eight nights? I think that’s fair deal.”
“What makes you think you’re getting a present for each of the eight nights? I think you only get one present. Maybe two. If you behave.”
Baby Bracha hangs her head down. “How many presents does Shira get? More ‘cuz she’s older?”
“Nope, she gets the same as you. One present, and two if she’s behaving.”
“Well, what’s she gonna get?”
Just then Shira walks into the room. “Whats up, Imma? I heard my name being called.”
“Yes, Baby Bracha wants to know what you’re going to get for Chanukah and if you have a list, too.”
Shira nods her head. “I do, in fact. I’ll be right back.”
***
A few minutes later, Shira returns, holding a piece of paper. She places it on the table next to Baby Bracha’s.
“Woah! Hers has a lot more writing on it! She wants more than I do!” Baby Bracha observes.
“No,” Shira explains. “Mine is an article. And for Chanukah this year, I want to get presents and give them away.”
Baby Bracha makes a face. “Why would you want to give your presents away?”
“Remember when you were sick last year? And you broke your leg, and you were really sad because you missed so many exciting things. Like dancing at Uncle Eli’s wedding. And remember what cheered you up?”
Baby Bracha smiles, remembering. “Yeah. Imma and Abba brought me home a Hello Kitty stuffed animal so I wouldn’t be as sad.”
“Right. So there are Jewish girls and boys who are sick and in the hospital. So I want to give them presents so they could also have a good Chanukah, and it could cheer them up. It’s nice to give people things, and to think of others, instead of always just taking.”
Baby Bracha looked confused. “Who are you going to give it to? You’re just going to walk into the hospital and hand presents to sick children?”
Shira picks up the paper. “No. There’s an organization called Chai Lifeline. And you send them the presents or money, and then they give it to all the sick kids. That way they can give every child what they would want, so it’s age-appropriate.”
Baby Bracha turns to Imma. “Ok Imma, new plan. I’m gonna give my presents to children who are sick. And maybe if I behave, I can also have some candy, too.”
As part of our ongoing effort to further the friendliness of Beth Aaron, we are happy to provide our weekly kiddushim. Kiddushim are held weekly, except when there are private events or rentals in the Social Hall. The Men’s Club is pleased to offer four options for kiddushim, both single-sponsored as well as multi-sponsored. Our standard weekly kiddush is the “Weekly Cold Kiddush.” WEEKLY KIDDUSHIM: Weekly dairy cold kiddushim with chips, cookies, and soda. Become a Mezonot sponsor for only $54 or a L’Chaim sponsor for $72. MULTI-SPONSORED KIDDUSH: Hot fleishik Kiddush with chulent, kugel, cakes and more. Multi-sponsored kiddushim are held approximately every six weeks. Sponsorships are only $200.
If you are celebrating a simcha, commemorating a yahrtzeit, or simply want to say “thank you,” consider sponsoring an upcoming kiddush. Visit our website to sponsor. If you have any questions, contact Ari Gononsky, [email protected].
Hashkama Minyan Kiddush “Society”To support the Hashkama Minyan’s monthly hot Kiddush on Shabbat Mevorchim for a third year, join the Hashkama Minyan Kiddush “Society.” The membership of $54 can be made online; please note in the “comments” section that the contribution is for the Hashkama Minyan Kiddush. Contact Ari Gononsky, [email protected], with any questions.
Lamdeinu at Congregation Beth Aaron 950 Queen Anne Road Teaneck, NJ | Rachel Friedman, Dean
FALL 2015 SEMESTER Register at lamdeinu.org
MONDAYS10:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Parshanut haMikraExplore Torah topics through the lens of midrash, medieval and modern commentaries – chavruta, shiur and interactive discussion.Rachel Friedman, For women, Tuition $220
Women’s Worlds: Surveying a wide range of halakhic, midrashic and folkloric Jewish literature, this course examines the role and inner worlds of Jewish women throughout history.Dr. Julie Goldstein, For women, Tuition $100
Oct. 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10
TUESDAYS12:15 - 2:30 PM
Talmud: Masekhet Berakhot Chapter 1Talmud for students with Hebrew text skills and some Talmud experience—chevruta/shiur.R. Daniel Fridman, For women, Tuition $220
Parashat HaShavuaAnalyze the parashah using midrash, parshanut and literary sources.R. Nati Helfgot, For men and women, Tuition $200
Oct. 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17,Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22
THURSDAY10:15 - 11:30 AM
Sefer YeshayahuAn in depth exploration of Yeshayahu’s prophecies and their contemporary relevance.Dr. Michelle Levine, For women, Tuition $200
Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19,Dec. 3, 10, 17
THURSDAY12:30 - 1:30 PM
Parashah and Haftara PointersThursday thoughts to prepare for Shabbat.R. Daniel Fridman, For men and women, Tuition $200
Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19,Dec. 3, 10, 17
WEDNESDAY10:15 - 11:45 AM
Sefer Shofetim: Creating a Moral SocietyExplore this formative biblical era using classical and literary tools and consider its messages for us today.Rachel Friedman, For men and women, Tuition $220
Drop-in rate for a class is $25. Please consider dedicating a fall shiur for a minimum contribution of $180.Celebrate Rosh Chodesh at Lamdeinu. Check lamdeinu.org for details.
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CONGREGATION BETH AARON950 Queen Anne Road Teaneck, NJ 07666
Laurence Rothwachs, Rabbi Yair Mayerfeld, President
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, December 1Deadline to drop off coats for Jewish Federation’s “GivingTuesday” Winter Coat Drive
Motzaei Shabbat, December 5, at 6:00 p.m.Parent-Child Learning
Motzaei Shabbat, December 5, at 8:00 p.m.5th Annual Trivia Panoplywww.bethaaron.org/event/panoply
Sunday, December 6First Night of Chanukah
Motzaei Shabbat, December 19, at 6:00 p.m.Parent-Child Learning
Tuesday, December 22Fast of Tenth of TevetFast begins: 6:03 a.m.Fast ends: 5:01 p.m.
Motzaei Shabbat, December 26, at 7:00 p.mSisterhood Book Club
Sunday, December 27,from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Blood DriveFor an appointment, email Josh Teplow, [email protected], with your name and phone number, as well as a time slot.
MITZVOT BEIN ADAM LE-CHAVEIRO(continued from page 1)
important mitzvah, it is improper for people to stay late at a wedding at the expense of their parents (for example) who may be babysitting for their children.
These are extraordinary examples, which demonstrate the unique sensitivity and righteousness of these individuals. Yet, they also provide us with concrete illustrations as to how one must strive for consistency and balance in his service of Hashem, not allowing his sincere desire to connect to G-d compromise his responsibilities to his family, friends and neighbors. Even (if not especially) when actively serving Hashem, one must maintain his concern and compassion for the next one.
There are countless examples that can serve to further illustrate this concept. Please consider the following “everyday” examples.
1) The halacha requires that one articulate the words of his prayers. Ideally, they should be audible enough that his ears can actually hear the words that he is saying. Nevertheless, the Mishna Berura (OC 101:6) cautions that one must be careful to avoid disturbing others standing next to him. Even as one engages in a dialogue with the Master of the World, he must remember the stranger on his left.
2) How terribly offensive it is when one embarrasses another by informing him that he is sitting in his makom kavua, asking him to get up and find another seat. One must stop and carefully consider the implications of such an action. Ironically, the obligation to daven in one’s makom kavua is learned from Avraham Avinu. It would seem highly unlikely that Avraham, the quintessential model of chesed, would approve of such prioritization. (Incidentally, it should be noted that technically a makom kavua extends daled amot, approximately 6 feet, in all directions.)
3) There is a famous account of the Chazon Ish who instructed Rav Shmuel Greineman to attend a previously scheduled appointment promptly and not keep another waiting, even though he was needed at that moment to complete a minyan. It was possible that the nine remaining men may not have been able to find a tenth to complete a minyan. The Chazon Ish nonetheless felt that there was no justification to keep another waiting.
Truthfully, one would be hard-pressed to find any chapter in Shulchan Aruch in which one may not be potentially confronted with issues of conflict within the realm of interpersonal relationships. The intricacies of halacha combined with the complexities of human temperaments and emotions demand that we approach our avodat Hashem with thoughtful foresight and extreme caution. One must continuously evaluate and seek proper halachic guidance to insure that he succeeds in maintaining the proper balance between his performance of mitzvot and the need to be mindful and considerate of the next one.
