The Shul weekly magazine Weekly Magazine Sponsored By Mr. & Mrs. Martin (OBM) and Ethel Sirotkin and Dr. & Mrs. Shmuel and Evelyn Katz Over irty Years of Serving the Communities of Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Indian Creek and Surfside 9540 Collins Avenue, Surfside, Fl 33154 Tel: 305.868.1411 Fax: 305.861.2426 www.eShul.org Email: info@eShul.org B”H A Home of The Lubavitcher Rebbe, May His Merit Shield Us A House of Torah, Prayer And Acts of Goodness Shabbos Chol Hamoed Tishrei 19 - 20 October 2 -3 Candle Lighting: 6:48 pm Shabbos Ends: 7:39 pm SHEMINI ATZERES SIMCHAS TORAH Tishrei 22 - 23 October 21 - 23 Candle Lighting 1st Night: 6:46 pm Candle Lighting 2nd Night: After 7:37 pm (From Existing Flame Yom Tov Ends: 7:36 pm HOSHANA RABBA Tishrei 21 October 3 - 4
Transcript
The Shulweekly magazine
Weekly Magazine Sponsored By Mr. & Mrs. Martin (OBM) and Ethel Sirotkinand Dr. & Mrs. Shmuel and Evelyn Katz
Over Thirty Years of Serving the Communities of Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Indian Creek and Surfside 9540 Collins Avenue, Surfside, Fl 33154 Tel: 305.868.1411 Fax: 305.861.2426 www.TheShul.org Email: [email protected]
B”H
A Home of The Lubavitcher Rebbe,May His Merit Shield Us
A House of Torah, Prayer And Acts of Goodness
Shabbos Chol HamoedTishrei 19 - 20
October 2 -3Candle Lighting: 6:48 pm
Shabbos Ends: 7:39 pm
SHEMINI ATZERES SIMCHAS TORAHTishrei 22 - 23
October 21 - 23Candle Lighting 1st Night: 6:46 pm
Candle Lighting 2nd Night: After 7:37 pm (From Existing Flame
Yom Tov Ends: 7:36 pm
HOSHANA RABBATishrei 21
October 3 - 4
Weekly MessageThoughts on the Parsha from Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar
Celebrating ShabbosSchedules, classes, articles and more... Everything youneed for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience
The Month Of TishreiEverything you need to know for the High Holidays
Community HappeningsSharing with your Shul Family
A Time to PrayCheck out all the davening schedules and locationsthroughout the week
Inspiration, Insights & IdeasBringing Torah lessons to LIFE
Get The PictureThe full scoop on all the great events around town
The ABC’s of AlephServing Jews in institutional and limited environments.
French Connection�5HˊH[LRQV�VXU�OD�3DUDFKD
Latin Link5HˊH[LRQ�6HPDQDO
In a woman’s worldIssues of relevance to the Jewish woman
NetworkingEffective Advertising
Numbers To KnowContacts at The Shul
Daily StudyA complete guide to all classes and courses offered atThe Shul
Community NachasA peek at recent happenings
Get The PictureThe full scoop on all the great events around town
The Shul Weekly MagazineEverything you need for every day of the week
Contents
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4-5
32
31
30
29
20-28
13-19
10-11
6-9
37
38
Nachas At A Glance
I learned seven things from the thief: 1) What he does,
he keeps to himself. 2) He is willing to take risks to attain
his goal. 3) He does not distinguish between ‘major’ and
‘minor’ things, but takes equally exacting care of each and
every detail. 4) He invests great effort in what he does. 5)
+H�LV�VZLIW�����+H�LV�DOZD\V�RSWLPLVWLF�����,I�DW�ˉUVW�KH�IDLOV��he is back time and again for another try.
“The season of our happiness” is the name given to this Holiday of Jubilation, gratitude and
victory.
We are happy that our crops have been harvested successfully or are about to be, and that we are together with our loved ones, family and community in an all-encompassing experience of unity and love, as our Torah says, “All the Jewish People are worthy to dwell
in one Sukkah” which will actualize with the coming of Moshiach.
That unity and joy is particularly underscored this year which is the “Year of Hakhel”, when all men, women and children from every walk of life and every level of piety congregate together as “one community” on the second day of Sukkot to learn, hear and be inspired by the King’s recitation of the Torah. Though we do not have the Temple nor a formal King today, we still commemorate and re-experience that bonding unity that was accompanied by great jubilation and celebration.
We are grateful for G-d’s constant providence and protection as He spread the Clouds of Glory around us when we traversed the harsh and bellicose desert environment on our way from Egyptian enslavement to our eternal place of habitation in the Holy Land. So too does G-d watch over us throughout the long night of exile, to bring us to this day ready and prepared to welcome Moshiach.
And we are victorious as we carry the Esrog and Lulav with pride and security proclaiming, like a victorious army returning from a winning battle, “We have won”. We have overcome the prosecutorial adversaries when on Rosh Hashanah we coronated Hashem as King and Yom Kippur when we connected most essentially to our Father in Heaven, and have succeeded in achieving a virtuous and blessed verdict for a great year with health and peace of mind and soul from our Father, King, Judge, Creator and Master in Heaven.
Consequently, after the serious introspective Days of Awe we can and should now celebrate and party.
Yes, there is a cloud that has veiled our world with shadows of darkness and challenges but as one little boy (8 year old) once
came over to me as the Ark was open during Neilah and said with excitement in his pure little voice “Rabbi, there is a beautiful rainbow outside. Does that mean that G-d has forgiven us and that everything this year will be beautiful?” “Of course,” I replied, as his beautiful, simple faith brought a tear to my eye. You cannot have the beautiful colors of a Rainbow unless there were clouds to create its background.
“Think good and it will be good”“Lets celebrate – the times of our joy”
Rabbi Sholom Lipskar
Thoughts on the Parsha from Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar
To Our Dear Community Members, Baruch Hashem. We want to always
maintain contact with you! When you celebrate one of life’s passages or any joyful event, we would like to be aware so we can
wish you a mazel tov. When you confront an unsettling time of sadness, we wish to offer our help. The
Shul organizes meals (for families with newborns and for shiva homes), visits to hospital patients, and offers multi-faceted community activities.
We care about you and want to know what’s going on in the lives of our Shul family members.
Please share your news with us!Call Stacy at The Shul
305-868-1411 ext. 313
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Yosef’sTeen Boys
Grades: 9th - 12th
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Haime Library
Shaykee’sDavening With Dad
Grades: 7th - 8th
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Classroom 1
Sholom’sHebrew School
Grades: 4th - 8th
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mendel’sJunior Boys
Ages: 4 - 8
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Montessori 3
Rochelle’sTween Girls
Grades: 6th - 8th
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Itty’sPre Tween Girls
Grades: 2nd - 5th
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Classrooom 1
Yakira Leah’sAleph Wonder Girls
Ages: 4 - 610:00 am - 12:00 pm
Classrooom 2
Celebrating Shabbos with our YouthEverything you need for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience
Morah Malkie’s Tot Shabbat
Ages: 1 - 311:00 am - 12:00 pm
Montessori classrooom 2
Debbie’sTeen Girls
Grades: 9th - 12th
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Teen Girls Room
Torah Quiz
Mishnayos Ba’al Peh After Mincha Montessori 3
GREAT PRIZES!!!Prizes kindly sponsored by the
Goldczer family in loving memory ofAryeh Leib ben Zev Volf Obm
Questions:1. Why do we walk around the Bimah when we say Hoshanos?
2. Why do some have the custom of eating foods that are rolledon Simchas Torah?
Answers for Last Week:1. Parshas Ha’azinu is written as a ‘Shira’ (a Song), so that it can beremembered more easily.
2. The reason why we don’t dwell in a Sukkah during the month of Nissan - when we actually came out of Egypt, but rather we do in Tishrei, is because it will be clear to all that we are doing it for the sake of the Mitzvahs and not just for pleasure. For the month of Nissan is in the beginning of the summer season, and that is the time when people spend time outdoors and pitch tents etc. So HaShem gave us this Mitzvah during a colder/rainy season, where no one will suspect that we are spending time outdoors because we want to... - rather we are only doing it because HaShem told us to.
3. Sukkos is called Z’man Simchoseinu because that is the time of the ingathering of the harvest - which brings joy.
Prizes kindly sponsored by the Goldczer Family in loving Memory of
Aryeh Leib ben Zev Volf obm
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Kiddush This Week: Kiddush this week is sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Alex and Olga Rovt
and son’s in memory of their mother, Leah bas Avraham obm and in honor of Shimon Baruch and Tzvi Dov to long life
from Munkach.
Shalosh Seudos This Week:Shalosh Seudos this week is available for sponsorship
kiddushim at The ShulPlease help us to provide our weekly Shabbos Kiddush and Shalosh Seudos by becoming a sponsor. Or join the Kiddush Bank by becoming a Partner ($770 annually ) or Patron ($360 anually)
The following dates are available for sponsorship:
Kiddush Shalosh Seudos Please see page 7 for High Holiday Kiddush
sponsorship opportunities
If you wish to become a sponsor, please speak with Stacyat 305-868-1411 ext 313 or email [email protected]
Candle Lighting 6:41 p.m.Mincha 6:45 p.m.
Eruv Information We would like to emphasize that every Erev Shabbos, individuals should call the Eruv Hotline to make sure
that the Eruv is operational. The number to call is 305- 866-ERUV (3788). The Eruv message is recorded approximately two hours prior to candle lighting. Surfside:
The Eruv in Surfside now includes the walking paths along the beach. Pushing strollers and carrying is permitted on the paths, but not beyond the path or onto the beach.
Bal Harbour: The Eruv in Bal Harbour included the inner (western) walking path only. The pier at Haulover Cut is not included.
To pay your annual dues visit: www.miamibeacheruv.com
the caterer for this week’s kiddush and Shalosh seudos is
Food Art
Celebrating Shabbos Everything you need for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience
Shabbat Chol HamoedShabbos, October 3Hashkama/Minyan 7:15 AMSephardic Minyan 8:00 AMMorning Services 9:00 AMUpstairs Minyan 10:30 AMKiddush in the Sukkah 12:00 PMShabbos Community Shiur 5:40 PMSephardic Mincha 6:20 PMMincha 6:20 PMShalosh Seudos 6:50 PMMa’ariv and Havdalah 7:39 PM
Hoshanah RabbahSunday, October 4Melava Malka - Refreshments 12:00 AMRecite Book of Tehillim 1:05 AMSephardic Shacharis & Hoshanot 6:20 AMMorning Services 9:00 AMWith Seder Hoshanos
Shemini Atzeres EveSunday, Night October 4Candle lighting 6:46 PMEvening Service 6:45 PM Followed by Kiddush & HakafosAdditional Kiddush following Hakofos
Shemini Atzeres DayMonday, October 5Hashkama Minyan 7:15 AMSephardic Minyan 8:00 AMMorning Services 9:00 AMwith blessing for the rainUpstairs Minyan 10:30 AMYizkor Memorial Services (Approx.) 11:05 AM
Simchas Torah EveMonday, October 5Mincha & Evening Services 6:50 PMFollowed by Kiddush & Hakafos/LJKW�&DQGOHV������������������������������$IWHU������30��IURP�H[LVWLQJ�ˊDPH�Kids Hakafos 8:30 PMDancing on Collins Ave Aprox. 10:30 PMAdditional Kiddush following Hakofos
Simchas Torah DayTuesday, October 6Hashkama Minyan 7:15 AMSephardic Minyan 8:00 AMMorning Services 9:00 AMKiddush & Hakafos 10:30 AM(Everyone has an Aliyah/Choson Torah/Choson Bereishis)Grand Simchas Torah Kiddush 2:00 PMMincha followed by farbrengen 6:26 PMSephardic Mincha 6:35 PMHavdalah & Evening Services 7:36 PM
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THE MONTH OF TISHREIEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE HIGH HOLIDAYS
TISHREI KIDDUSH FUND
Thank You To Our Amazing & Generous Sponsors For Making This Yom Tov So Special!!
Dates Event Type Amount Sponsor
Oct. 3 Chol Hamoed Sukkos Kiddush
Dr. & Mrs. Alex and Olga Rovt and son’s in memory of their mother, Leah bas Avraham obm and in honor of Shimon Baruch and Tzvi Dov to long life from Munkach
Oct. 3 Chol Hamoed Sukkos Shalosh Seudos $500
Oct. 4 Eve of Shemini Atzeret Hakafot Kiddush
David & Stephanie Schwartz in honor of Rabbi & Rebbitzen Lipskar and family and all the Rabbis and families for making the holidays so festive for the community
Oct. 4 Shemini Atzeret After Hakafot Kiddush �Sponsored by the Upstairs Minyan
Oct. 5 Shemini Atzeret Day Kiddush
Mr. & Mrs. Victor and Alla Weingarten in loving memory of Irene and Jacob Weingarten z”l and all those who perished in the Holocaust from Munkach and the Carpathian Region.
Oct. 5 Eve of Simchat Torah Hakafot Kiddush Mr. Arnold Lewis Cohen IHO The Shul’s Prestigious Gabbaim
Oct. 5 Simchas Torah Night Kids' Kiddush Mr. & Mrs. Ighal Goldfarb Sponsored in honor of �Estie Goldfarb
with love from Mom and Dad
Oct. 5 Simchas Torah After Hakafot Kiddush
Dr. & Mrs. Alex and Olga Rovt and son’s in memory of their mother, Leah bas Avraham obm and in honor of Shimon Baruch and Tzvi Dov to long life from Munkach
Oct. 6 Simchas Torah Hakafot Kiddush Aaron and Meira Gewirtz in honor of their son, Isachar Dov’s birthday
Oct. 6 Simchas Torah Day Grand Kiddush Mr. Arnold Lewis Cohen - IMO Mother, Sarah Ann z"l
Oct. 10 Shabbos Bereishis Kiddush $2,800
Oct. 10 Shabbos Mevarchim Farbrengen Ezzy and Malka Rappaport IHO their son MM's 1st Birthday!
Oct. 10 Shabbos Mevarchim Women's Farbrengen Sarah Libke Caplin in honor of her belated 70h birthday
Oct. 10 Shabbos Bereishis End of Tishrei Farbrengen $1,800
Please help us close the remaining 20,000 dollar Tishrei Kiddush Fund deficit!
Tishrei 20 Mr. Joel GreenblattTishrei 20 Mr. Andrew DubrofskyTishrei 21 Mr. Sender LermanTishrei 22 Ms. Felissa Hadas ElfenbeinTishrei 22 Mr. Avi JaffeTishrei 22 Mr. Morris Stevan LeibowitzTishrei 22 Mrs. Barbara F. MusikarTishrei 22 Mrs. Dita MuhlradTishrei 22 Ms. Caren SredniTishrei 23 Ms. Sara Rivka NovetskyTishrei 24 Mr. Richard PlanetTishrei 24 Mrs. Bella BenloloTishrei 24 Mrs. Bessie BedzowTishrei 24 Ms. Alissa BenishaiTishrei 25 Ms. Jenna GalbutTishrei 25 Mr. Michael BenloloTishrei 25 Mr. Moti DerechinskyTishrei 25 Rabbi Henry EichlerTishrei 25 Rabbi Zalman LipskarTishrei 26 Mr. David CohenTishrei 26 Mr. Alan MarcusTishrei 26 Mr. Shmuel LevinskyTishrei 26 Mr. Terence Speyer
Community HappeningsSharing with your Shul Family
Birthdays
Kid’s Birthdays
YahrtzeitsTishrei 20 Aidel bas Yisroel obm Mother of Mr. Abel Holtz Tishrei 20 Moshe Ber obm Father of Mr. Brent Levison Tishrei 21 Eliezer ben Moshe Yosef obm Father of Mrs. Mina Sragowicz Tishrei 21 Gabriel obm Father of Mr. Robert J. MazliachTishrei 22 Rachamim obm Father of Mr. Menny AntianTishrei 22 Yirmiyahu ben Yakob obm Father of Mr. Jakob Dreyfuss Tishrei 24 Eliezer ben Avraham obm Father of Mrs. Simone BercuTishrei 24 Yechiel Michal haCohen obm Father of Mrs. Susan Gluck Tishrei 24 Liba bas Tzvi Hersh obm Mother of Mrs. Golda Jacobs Tishrei 24 Eli Shahaf obm Brother-in-law of Mr. Gideon AzariTishrei 25 Moshe ben Yaakov obm Father of Mr. Allen Berry Tishrei 25 Mackluf ben Yitzchak obm Husband of Mrs. Luisa Edderai Father of Dr. Jean Jacques Edderai Tishrei 25 David ben Mordechai obm Grandfather of Mrs. Ruthy Ginsburg Tishrei 25 Devorie Neuwirth obm Wife of Dr. Zev Neuwirth Tishrei 25 Yehoshua ben Isaac obm Brother of Mrs. Fanny Selesky Tishrei 26 Chaye Sarah bas Meir obm Mother of Ms. Rita Grossman
AnniversariesMr. & Mrs. Sidney and Lisa FeltensteinDr. & Mrs. Alexander and Valeria PoltorakMr. & Mrs. Shmuel and Batsheva LevyDr. & Mrs. Kenneth and Rhoda Israel
CondolencesOur heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. & Mrs. Mamane on the passing of their beloved sister Simha Wolkowicz obm. May her dear soul be bound with the Eternal Bond of Life and may the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Mazal TovMazal Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Alberto and Corinne Camhi on the bar mitzvah of their son Jacky. May they continue to raise him to Torah, Chupah and Ma’asim Tovim and have much nachas from him.
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Community HappeningsSharing with your Shul Family
Thanks To Our Donors
Refuah ShleimahIf you have a health update on anyone listed please contact The Shul. We would like to keep
the listing current and remove names of people who have recovered.
MENMordechai David ben Esther RaizelYedidya Chaim Raphael ben ElanaYehuda ben Chaya SaraShimon Yitzchak ben Leah RochelRoi ben OrlyTzvi Hirsch Chaim ben GuttelNathan Tzvi ben Sarah Rivka KashiytaEitan Alexander ben Rashi DinaAlon ben Orly (Israeli soldier wounded on Syrian border)Alter Yisroel Boruch ben DevoraMoshe Chaim ben ClaraHanoko ben EstrellaAharon ben ReginaYehudah ben YochevedAvraham ben RivkahItamar Yerachmiel ben MichalMenachem Mendel ben SaraAvraham Aharon ben RivkahChaim Yisroel ben Chana TzirelYitzchak ben PeninaYosef ben YitzchakAsher ben Rivka Devorah HacohenShmuel Yitzchak ben Chaya EstherRephael Moshe ben SaraShlomo ben ZahavaDonnie el ben Sara HenyaYosef ben MarySamuel ben Rebeka
WOMENZilpah bat SaraElana bat SusanaFayge bat ChayaMiriam Leah bat HelenFrumer Ruchel bat Chaya SarahRivka Geulah bat Henna RikelSarah bat ZiselFeige bat HaiaGittel bat Sarah6RˉD�EDW�/HDKNeidy bat AlizaMiriam Yehudit bat ChavaFreda bat MiriamDalya bat PeninaLeah bat DinaFayge Rachel bat KraindelChaya Yaffa bat RachelTzipporah bat FrumaMindel Chai bat SaraSarah bat Golda RochelAnat bat SimchaChava bat MazalMazal bat LatifaPenina bat ChayaSarit bat GenyaSimcha bat EstherChava bat BrulaRina Haya bat Yocheved
Tishrei Light & PowerWe sincerely thank the following members and supporters of The Shul
for donations recieved between 09/22/15 and 09/28/15We apologize for any errors or omissions that we may have made.
Light & Power and Wine for Kiddush & Havdalah for
the month of Tishrei is Kindly Sponsored by
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel and Diana Sragowiczin honor of our Rabbi,
Rabbi Sholom Lipskar and his Rebbetzin, Chani Lipskar, and the entire community for making The Shul Over the Top, Mit Gezunt und Menucha “Those who establish Synagogues for prayer and those who come there to pray, those who provide lights for illumination, wine for kiddush and havdalah, food
for the wayfarers and charity for the needy, and all those who occupy themselves faithfully with communal affairs - may The Holy One, blessed be He, give them their
reward, remove them from all sicknesses, heal their entire body, pardon all their sins, and send blessing and success to all their endeavors, together with all Israel
their brethren; and let us say Amen.”
The Shul Parking GarageIn response to numerous incidents in our garage and with the safety of our children, members and staff foremost in mind, we insist on TOTAL compliance with the following rules in the garage.
• You must always park in a legal spot• Do not park in handicap parking• Do not park along the perimeter of the garage• Do not double park• Do not take up more than one space• Do not block another vehicle
There is additional parking in the lots North and South of The Shul.When cars park illegally, you take an already challenging situation in the garage and turn it into a near impossible and dangerous situation. You create more havoc, less visibility and more aggravation which itself contributes to the likelihood of an accident, G-d forbid.
If you are not in a legal spotYOU WILL BE TOWED
THANK YOU!!
Thank you to the Ainsworth family for sponsoring the Simchas Torah youth
programs in honor of their son Yossi’s birthday
The ladies Shabbos Mevorchim Farbrengen on October 10th is in honor
of Sarah Libke Caplin’s 70th birthday.
Please join us
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A Time to PrayDavening schedules and locations throughout the week
Evening Kolel Schedule - Monday and Thursday 8:45 -9:30 pm
Times taken from www.chabad.orgPlease note that during the week times may vary by a minute or two.
To our beloved Soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces, courageously protecting and defending Eretz Yisroel.
We pray for you and all of the soldiers safety and well being daily.
Michael Shmuel ben Eliezer EliyahuAmir Herzel ben Dvora Dorry
If anyone would like to send us the name of a soldier in the IDF we would love to add them.
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Friday - Tishrei 20One who is lowly and crass does not sense his own crassness and lowliness.
Shabbos - Tishrei 212XU�ˉUVW�IDWKHU��$YUDKDP��DV�D�UHVXOW�RI�KLV�DYRGD�ZLWK�VHOI�VDFULˉFH�WR�PDNH�*�G��� WKH�RQH�*�G���widely known among all mankind, merited to bequeath to his descendants (to the end of all generations) pure faith in G-d and His Torah. Hence, every Jewish man and woman has the power and fortitude to offer his life for the holy Torah.
Sunday - Tishrei 22Chassidic doctrine demands that before reproving another, one must pare his own ȢˉQJHUQDLOV�ȣ�LQ�RUGHU�QRW�WR�JDVK�WKH�RWKHU��Ȣ7KH\��WKH� IRUFHV� RI� HYLO�� VHL]H� E\� WKH� ˉQJHUQDLOVȣ��every stab is k’lipa and sitra achra. After the “nails” are pared there must be “laving the hands,” as explained in Chassidus - calling forth intellect into emotion.
0RQGD\���7LVKUHL����When R. Moshe, son of the Alter Rebbe, was between eight and eleven years old, he was studying the passage in Gittin 67a lauding the virtues of the sages. There R. Shimon bar Yochai said, “Learn my midot.” R. Moshe was in doubt about the meaning of that last word, since there is Rashi’s interpretation, “my teachings,” and the simple meaning, “traits of character.”
At that moment the Alter Rebbe came in and said, in the chant he habitually used: “The Torah JLYHQ� XV� LV� DOO� ˉQH� FKDUDFWHU�WUDLWV�� (YHQ� WKH�punishments there, are in truth acts of kindness and goodness. The two interpretations are RQH��DQG� LQWHUGHSHQGHQW��7KHUH�FDQ�EH�QR�ˉQH�character-traits without Torah; there can be no 7RUDK�ZLWKRXW�ˉQH�FKDUDFWHU�ȣ
Exactly the same incident happened to the Tzemach Tzedek, when he was between eight and eleven.
Tuesday - Tishrei 24There was a time when every brief saying one heard was regarded as a “Torah” (teaching, guidance), and everything one saw was perceived as an instruction in his avoda and conduct.
Wednesday - Tishrei 25The Alter Rebbe related: When I was in Mezritch I heard from my Rebbe, the Maggid, in the name of the Baal Shem Tov: The seventh month �7LVKUHL��� ˉUVW� RI� WKH� PRQWKV� RI� WKH� \HDU�� LV�blessed by G-d Himself, on Shabbat mevarchim - last Shabbat in the month of Elul. With this power Israel blesses the other months eleven times a year.
It is written, Atem nitzavim hayom, “You stand this day.” This day refers to Rosh Hashana which is the day of Judgment (as it is written, “The day came,” which Targum renders, the day of the great judgment came). Yet you remain standing ˉUPO\�XSULJKW��QLW]DYLP���PHDQLQJ���\RX�ZLOO�EH�vindicated in judgment.
On the Shabbat preceding Rosh Hashana, the last Shabbat in Elul, we read the parsha of Atem nitzavim, which is G-d’s blessing on the Shabbat-of-blessing the seventh month (Shabbat mevarchim). That seventh month (Tishrei) is itself sated - and in turn satiates all Israel - with an abundance of good for the duration of the (coming) year.”
Thursday - Tishrei 26The procedure of “kashering” meat for eating - by purging it of forbidden blood - is: Soaking, salting and rinsing. These concepts in avoda: “Soaking” - immersing oneself in the Rebbe’s words; “salting” - yechidus; “rinsing” - chassidic song (niggun).
Friday - Tishrei 27From the holy teachings of the Alter Rebbe: “Israel, one nation on the earth.” The nation of Israel, even in the earthly world, is bound up with the one G-d. G-d transforms the spiritual into something material; Israel transforms the material into something spiritual.
Hayom YomIn the winter of 1942, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Y. Schneersohn, of righteous memory, gave his son- in-law, the future Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, the task of compiling an anthology of Chasidic aphorisms and customs arranged according to the days of the year.
The calendar was entitled Hayom Yom. In describing this work Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak wrote: …”A book that is small in format…but bursting with pearls and diamonds of
choicest quality.” “A splendid palace of Chasidism.” True to these words, Hayom Yom has become a beloved classic work and a source of daily spiritual sustenance.
Inspiration, Insights & IdeasBringing Torah lessons to LIFE!
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Shehecheyanu for TorahBased on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XIX, pp. 371-378.
The second day of Shemini Atzeres is known as Simchas Torah, “Rejoicing with the Torah.” The Rama explains that this day is
so named “because it is a time when we rejoice and feast in honor of the conclusion of the Torah” - on Simchas Torah we complete the entire Torah E\�UHDGLQJ�WKH�ˉQDO�SRUWLRQ�RI�%HUDFKDK�
Thus the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that the blessing of “Shehecheyanu” recited on Simchas Torah applies not only to the holiday itself, but also to the joy of concluding the Torah.
This, however, must be understood: The joy of Simchas Torah is related to the “conclusion of the Torah,” but the blessing of “Shehecheyanu” is invariably recited over something new. How does the Shehecheyanu blessing over something new apply to the “conclusion of the Torah”?
The text of the “Shehecheyanu” blessing reads: “Shehecheyanu - You have granted us life; v’kiyemanu - and granted us existence; v’higiyanu - and enabled us to reach; lizman hazeh - this occasion.”
In general, when one thanks another, he ˉUVW� WKDQNV� KLP� IRU� WKRVH� WKLQJV� WKDW� DUH� RI�OHVVHU� VLJQLˉFDQFH� DQG� WKHQ� IRU� PDWWHUV� RI�greater import. Accordingly, the order of the “Shehecheyanu” blessing should have been UHYHUVHG�� ˉUVW� WKDQNLQJ� *�G� IRU� RXU� H[LVWHQFH��and then for imbuing that existence with life.
When a person recites the “Shehecheyanu” blessing, thanking G-d for granting him existence and life and enabling him to “reach this occasion,” he may well ask himself: Was the quality of his life up until now truly such that it is appropriate to thank G-d with “Shehecheyanu”? 3RVVLEO\��WKH�PDMRULW\�RI�KLV�OLIH�ZDV�ˉOOHG�ZLWK�pain, providing him with little incentive to thank G-d for granting him existence and life and enabling him to “reach this occasion.”
The “Shehecheyanu” blessing therefore begins by thanking G-d for granting life: Just as being alive means that all parts of the person are equally vitally alive, so, too, “Shehecheyanu” relates to that vital aspect of life that encompasses all parts of man equally. For this transcendent quality of life - no matter what
the particulars of his life may be - the person is obligated to thank G-d.
Without Torah, however, it is impossible for an individual to say that his life is full of things that lead him to offer G-d thanks; even if he enjoys mostly good times, he still cannot consider himself to be vitally alive, as most of a person’s time is occupied with food, drink and sleep, earning a living, and other material matters necessary for physical survival.
A Jew, however, is inextricably bound to the “Torah of life,” and is therefore able to imbue all that he does with life; even while engaged in mundane affairs he cleaves to G-d by remembering that “All your actions should be for the sake of Heaven,” and “In all your ways shall you know Him.”
The result? “And you who cleave to the L-rd your G-d are entirely alive,” every moment of every day. Thus a person can and must thank G-d for granting him life and enabling him to reach this occasion.
However, according to this explanation of “life,” the original question remains: What causes a person to thank G-d for “existence”; having been granted life, mere existence seems to require a far fainter degree of thanks.
Life need not necessarily be that of a soul within a body. Quite the contrary, the soul as it exists above, unencumbered by a body and constantly cleaving to G-d, is considered to be much more “alive.”
We therefore give G-d additional thanks for the descent of the soul within the body; that the body, which in and of itself can only be said to exist (for it lacks all spiritual sensitivity), is thus imbued with the true life of soulful and spiritual vitality. As a result of having been so imbued, we are then grateful not only for the soul (life), but for the body (existence) as well.
When a Jew lives a Torah life throughout the year, both he and Torah are imbued with a much greater degree of Divine illumination during Simchas Torah; it is a new and loftier Jew and Torah, as it were. Jews therefore rejoice with the Torah and recite the blessing of “Shehecheyanu” for their new degree of “life” and “existence.”
Souls in the RainBy Yosef Y. Jacobson
If G-d is “perfect,” as Judaism says, what prompted Him to create the universe? What YRLG�ZDV�+H�VHHNLQJ�WR�ˉOO"
The answer provided in Jewish Mysticism is that G-d desired marriage. Marriage necessitates the existence of someone distinct from yourself with whom to share your life, a union of husband and wife. G-d chose humanity as His bride.
What a marriage this has been--a roller coaster of romance, affection, quarrels and estrangement. In every generation, many counselors advocated a divorce while others proclaimed the Groom dead. Yet, the relationship has endured because both partners intrinsically know that they belong together. When all veils are removed, man manifestly yearns for union with G-d.
According to the Kabbalah, the High Holiday season is the annual experience of the cosmic PDWULPRQ\�EHWZHHQ�*�G�DQG�KXPDQLW\��7KH�ˉYH�key spiritual moments of the season parallel the basic phases of a conventional courtship and union. The holidays invite us to journey through this process again and rejuvenate the relationship.
The CourtshipThe Hebrew month of Elul precedes the High Holidays. This month is described in Chassidic teachings as a time when “the King goes out WR� WKH� ˉHOG� WR�PHHW�ZLWK�+LV� SHRSOH�� JUHHWLQJ�
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Parshah & Sukkos Messages
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them with kindness and tenderness, displaying a joyous face to all.” We, in turn, “open our hearts to G-d.”
This time provides us with an opportunity to get to know G-d.
The Groom ProposesThe world goes haywire, says Master Kabbalist Rabbi Issac Luriah. “During the night of Rosh Hashanah,” he writes, “the consciousness animating the universe becomes frail and weak.” The great Jewish mystics would, in fact, feel physically weak during the night of Rosh Hashanah.
All of existence was brought into being for the sake of this proposed marriage. If we refuse Him, then it was all in vain. The entire cosmos awaits our decision.
The Bride CommitsOn the morning of Rosh Hashanah, a piercing sound rises from the Earth: the cry of the shofar. It is a simple cry, expressing man’s yearning to connect with the Divine.
We have decided. Our answer is yes.
The WeddingThe wedding day arrives: Yom Kippur. A day described in the Kabbalah as “the time of oneness” in which cosmic bride and groom forge a bond for eternity.
In the Jewish tradition, bride and groom fast on their wedding day. On the day we unite with G-d, we abstain from food or drink as well. The Talmud teaches that upon marriage, all the sins of the groom and bride are forgiven.
That’s why this day is called Yom Kippur, “the day of atonement.”
The marriage ceremony begins with the stirring melody of Kol Nidre, in which we remove the power from vows and addictions that tie us down. During these profound moments, we attempt to free ourselves from compulsive behavior and negative habits and let go of resentment, animosity, anger, fear and envy.
The traditional Jewish marriage ceremony culminates with the bride and groom entering a secluded room (cheder yichud in Hebrew) to spend time alone with each other. Yom Kippur culminates with the Ne’ilah, or closure prayer, so called because as the sun of Yom Kippur sets, the gates of heaven close--with us inside.
During Ne’ilah, every soul is alone with G-d.
The CelebrationWhen the bride and groom exit their private room, the party begins. From Yom Kippur we leap into the seven-day festival of Sukkot, described in the Torah as “the time of our Joy.”
7KHVH�GD\V�DUH�ˉOOHG�ZLWK�IHDVWLQJ�DQG�HFVWDWLF�happiness, celebrating the union between G-d and His people.
UnionThe wedding feast is over. The guests and relatives have returned home. In a consummation of the relationship, bride and groom experience LQWLPDF\� IRU� WKH� ˉUVW� WLPH�� WKHLU� OLYHV� PHOGHG�together as a husband and wife.
Hence, following the seven days of Sukkot, we reach the zenith of the High Holiday season: Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, described in the Kabbalah as the “time of intimacy with the Divine.” During these two charged days the joy reaches its peak, as G-d and His people merge into a seamless whole. A Divine seed is planted in each of our hearts.
That’s why we recite special prayers for rain on the festival of Shemini Atzeret. What is rain? In the midst of intimacy between heaven and earth, procreative drops from heaven are absorbed, fertilized and nurtured by mother-earth, which in time will give birth to its botanical children.
The Ordinary MonthThe honeymoon comes to an end and the excitement begins to fade. Now the marriage becomes about caring for each other and demonstrating trust and loyalty as we work through the daily grind of life.
Out of the twelve months in the Jewish calendar, the only one lacking a single festive day immediately follows the High Holiday season. The Hebrew month of Cheshvan is the time to build a genuine relationship with our marriage Partner in our everyday lives. This is the time to discover the joy born out of a continous relationship with G-d.
Friday Night, Tishrei 19, October 2 Candlelighting time is 6:48 p.m. Only the Brocho “L’hadlik Ner shel Shabbos Kodesh” is said.
Maariv: Maariv begins with “Mizmor L’Dovid” and continues as on every Friday night. (In Boey V’shalom we say “B’simcha,” not “B’rina.”)
Shabbos Morning: The complete Hallel is said. There are no Hoshanos on Shabbos. The Musaf is that of Shalosh Regolim with Shabbos and Chol Hamoed insertions are added.
Since the Lulav and Esrog are not used on Shabbos, they are therefore Muktzah and may not be moved during Shabbos.
Havdalah is made in the Succah. The Havdalah is the same as every Motzei Shabbos. B’somim and candle are used. We conclude the Havdalah with the Brocho “LeShev BaSuccah.”
Succah: Women are not obligated to sit in the Succah.
Although only bread or cake (min. of 2 oz.) must be eaten in the
Succah, it is proper that nothing (even water) should be eaten or drunk outside of the Succah. The Brocho LeShev BaSuccah is made only on bread or cake and even then, only when eating a minimum of 2 oz.
(If one is eating only cake, it is preferable to remain in the Succah a little longer).
If one leaves the Succah with no intention of returning within an hour or two, he must say the Brocho “LeShev BaSuccah” again, regardless of when he returns. The same applies if a person returns to the Succah after one or two hours; he must recite the Brocho again. If one should go from one Succah to another, the Brocho is recited
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Halacha of The WeekBy Rabbi Y Shusterman
14
again and again.
If one forgets to say the Brocho “LeShev Ba¬Succah,” and one remembers in the course of the meal, he may still make it afterwards—as long as he remains in the Succah for a little while.
Minhagei Chabad: We do not decorate the Succah; nor do we sleep in the Succah. Our Succah has four walls and we use a great amount of S’chach.
Hoshana Rabba, Motzei Shabbos & Sunday 7LVKUHL�����2FW�����On the night of Hoshana Rabba it is customary to stay up the whole night. We read the entire book of D’vorim from a Chumash. After 1:06 a.m. (Halachic Midnight), the whole Tehillim is recited with a minyan.
Shacharis: Through Hallel, the davening is the same as the rest of Chol HaMoed. Before Hallel, however, we remove the two upper rings binding the Lulav leaving only the three bottom rings.
Following Hallel, all Sifrei Torah are removed from the Aron Kodesh and held by individuals at the Bimah. All the Hoshanos are then recited.
As on previous days, the Chazan begins to say (out loud) starting from the alphabetical phrases beginning with the letters “Samech” or “Ayin,” at which time the word “Hoshano” is added before and after each phrase. When reciting the previous phrases, “Hoshano” is said only before each one. The Bimah is encircled starting from the letter Samech or Ayin. Since all the Hoshanas are recited, the Bimah will be encircled 7 times.
At the conclusion of the Hoshanos, the Sifrei Torah are returned to the Aron Kodesh, and the Chazan recites Kadish Tiskabel. We then take the 5 Arovos branches (Hoshanos), hit them on the ground 5 times, and recite the Yehi Rotzon.
Davening then continues the same as the previous days of Chol HaMoed.
After reciting Hamotzi on Hoshona Rabba, we dip the bread into honey.
Shemini Atzeres Sunday Night & MondayTishrei 22 ~ October 4-5Candle Lighting Time is 6:46 p.m.The candles should be lit in the Succah. Thefollowing two Brochos are recited: “L’Hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov” and “Shehechiyonu.”Maariv of Yom Tov followed by Hakofos.
KiddushThe Kiddush should be performed in the following order:1. Borei P’ri Hagofen2. Birkas Kiddush for Yom Tov3. Shehechiyonu
Minhagei ChabadThroughout Shemini Atzeres we eat everything in the Succah, just as the previous days of Succos. However, we do not recite the Brocho Leshev BaSuccah.
Shacharis of Yom Tov followed by completeHallel. Two Sefrei Torah are read from.
Following Maftir, Yizkor is recited.
Prior to Musaf, the Shammas announces thatwe begin to say “Mashiv Horuach Umorid Hageshem” in the second Brocho of the Amida.
7KH� &KD]DQ� UHFLWHV� WKH� 7HˉOD� RI� *HVKHP�during his repetition of Musaf.
If one forgot to say Mashiv Horuach UmoridHaTal, as long as he said “Morid HaTal,” he need not repeat the Shmoneh Esrei.One who heard the “Mashiv Horuach” announcement before davening Shacharis, must say Mashiv Horuach when he davens
Shacharis, unless he will be davening with another minyan.
No preparations may be done for the second day before 7:37 p.m.
Simchas TorahMonday night and Tuesday 7LVKUHL����a�2FWREHU����Candle Lighting time is not before 7:37 p.m.
Dancing With FeetBased on letters and talks of the Rebbe,
Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
On Simchat Torah, we dance with our feet, not with our heads.
We are celebrating the Torah, and the Torah is something we study with our heads. But we dance with our feet, not
with our heads.
If we would dance with our heads, each one would dance a different dance, each in a different space, some with friends but not with others, some
as lonesome souls.
One head is higher, one is lower, one is here on earth, the other in the clouds or beyond, and some minds know only
their own space that no one else can know.
But we dance with our feet, and all our feet are here on the same earth—none higher and none lower. So now we can all dance as one, with one heart, as a
single being.
Now there is no loneliness, only joy.
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Simchat Torah of a Cantonist
Simchat Torah in the “Soldiers’ Synagogue” of the town S. in old Russia was a wonderful sight. There was true and
genuine rejoicing with the Torah in that little synagogue, where most of the members were one-time cantonists.
The most impressive sight was when at the height of the rejoicing, one of the old soldiers, while dancing with a Scroll of the Torah in his arms, would puff his shirt open, disclosing deep scars on his chest and shoulders, and would sing, “Torah, Torah, I love thee.” After the hakafot we, the youngsters in the little synagogue, would surround him and beg him to tell us all about those scars. Spellbound we listened to his tale though we had heard it so many times before. This is what he related:
“I was a little boy of eight when the terrible order came to my father, Rabbi Shlomo, his memory be blessed, to hand over twenty boys from our town for the Czar’s army. There was a great outcry in our small town. To all those parents who had any boys of my age, my parents included, it meant a day of judgment. If all the children in town would have died of a plague on one day, the tragedy would not have been as great as it was now.
“In my father’s house were gathered all the leading members of our community. Some of the wealthier members offered large sums to the community chest if their sons were spared. But my father would have none of it. He demanded that all children be treated alike, and that the recruiting should be done by casting lots.
“Young though I was, I realized how terrible the tragedy was, and lying in my bedroom pretending to be asleep, I heard many a raised and excited voice in the adjoining room, where the meeting was taking place.
“’And what about your Dovidel?’ I shivered when I heard my name mentioned.
“’Of course he will be no exception,’ I heard my father’s grave reply. The meeting continued almost all night, but I had fallen asleep before it ended.
“When I awoke in the morning I found my mother sitting at my bedside, her eyes red from weeping and from lack of sleep. She embraced me as soon as I opened my eyes, and I felt two hot tears burning on my cheek. No words were necessary. I knew I was to be one of those boys who would be sent away from home, perhaps never to see my parents again.
“’Don’t cry mother,’ I said, ‘I will come back.’
“’What I am worried about, Dovidel,’ my mother said, ‘is whether you will come back a Jew.’
“’Mother, I will always be a Jew,’ I said resolutely.
“The scene was repeated again as I sat on my father’s knee in his little study. He spoke to me for a long time. There were no tears in his eyes, but I knew his heart was breaking.
“Father did not live long after. About a week before the boys had to be delivered, he died.
“A few days later, two strangers came to town. They said they came to buy cattle from the surrounding farmers. Rumors spread that they were kidnappers. People whispered that they had been bribed by the wealthy families to OHDYH� WKHLU� FKLOGUHQ� DORQH� DQG� WR� IXOˉOO� WKH�quota by kidnapping the boys of the poor families. My father’s plan was not heeded.
“The day the kidnappers came, our town seemed to have lost all its boys. Mother hid me in the cellar. Then the kidnappers came to our house. I heard rude voices, a faint tussle, then a gasp and a thud, as if a lifeless body had fallen WR�WKH�ˊRRU��,�FRXOG�QRW�VWD\�LQ�P\�KLGLQJ�SODFH��I climbed up the steps leading to the trap-door and cried, ‘Mother, are you alright? Let me out!’
Ȣ7KH�QH[W�PRPHQW�ˉUP�KDQGV�JUDEEHG�PH�DQG�I was taken away. I saw my mother lying on WKH�ˊRRU��,�IRXJKW�GHVSHUDWHO\��EXW�LW�ZDV�WR�QR�avail. I could only cry, ‘You brutes, you killed my mother.’
“’Your mother will be alright,’ they said. ‘Now you be a good boy or you will be sorry.’
“We boys were led away in two wagons. We were roped together, with the end of the rope tied to the wagon. The whole town turned out to see us off, and my mother was there too. I will never forget that parting. An armed guard surrounded our wagons and held the people at bay. But suddenly my mother tore forward and managed to throw me a little package. ‘Don’t forget your Bar Mitzvah,’ were her parting ZRUGV��,W�ZDV�D�SDLU�RI�WHˉOOLQ�DQG�D�OLWWOH�SUD\HU�book, but my Bar Mitzvah was so far off....
“Well, I will not tell you what I went through in the next three years of my ‘training.’ It was not a military training, but a systematic preparation for conversion, with endless beatings and tortures whenever we refused to go with our heads uncovered, or to kiss the cross; and we always refused.
“During these years I came to be regarded as the ‘chief’ of our group. Being the son of a rabbi and having learned a great deal more than the others, they all looked up to me for guidance and encouragement. I knew that if I should show the slightest weakness, the spirit of the boys would be broken by the cruel and horrible ‘training’ we were getting.
“Somehow, the sergeant who was in charge of our group got wind of it. From that time on he concentrated all the ‘heavy artillery’ on little me. I was to be the example for the other boys by renouncing my faith.
“Well they did not have an easy time of it, and the deep scars that you can see will tell you that I had no easy time of it either.
Ȣ2QH�GD\��DIWHU�D�WHUULˉF�EHDWLQJ��,�ZDV�EURXJKW�before the sergeant. A priest was present and he tried to appear very friendly and concerned. A long talk followed and whenever one of them stopped to catch his breath, the other one took over. I was told of a bright future, of a brilliant career in the military academy, of the dashing uniform of a general, and the honor and power of a governor; but if I refused, I would die miserably, never seeing my mother again.
“On and on they talked, but I was hardly able to follow all they said. I was only aware of an
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Stories With Soul
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acute pain all over my body, and an agonizing thirst. I asked for a drink of water.
Ȣ7KH�VHUJHDQW�ˉOOHG�D�JODVV�RI�VSDUNOLQJ�ZDWHU��and as I reached for it he held it back.
“’Please give me the water, I will give you an answer in three days,’ I said desperately.
“The sergeant and the priest exchanged glances, and then I was allowed to drink the water.
“The next three days were the worst that I had ever had. I lay on my bunk with all my body aching, but worse still was my mental agony. Could I hold out much longer? Should I give in? And then, I thought of my charges, the other boys of my group, and of my parents, and I shook my head and cried, No, no, no!’ And so it was, yes and no, all the time.
“Finally, came the last night before the fateful day. I was visited by the sergeant. ‘You are ORRNLQJ� ˉQH�� P\� ER\��:RQȠW� LW� EH� D� JUHDW� GD\�tomorrow?’
“’It sure will,’ I replied. He went away greatly elated, feeling quite certain that the morrow would be a day of triumph for him, a day of promotion, when the general would pat him on his back and say, ‘Well done, Ivan,’ and the priest would bless him with eternal life for having ‘saved a soul.’
“That night I had a strange dream. I was back in my little town at the bank of our stream, where I dived in for a swim. Suddenly, I felt a terrible cramp and I was unable to swim any longer. I became frightened and gasped for breath. I wanted to shout for help but could make no sound. I was drowning... Then I saw a straw ˊRDWLQJ�QHDUE\�� DQG� LQ� GHVSHUDWLRQ� ,� JUDEEHG�for it. Suddenly the straw turned into a mighty golden chain, the farther end of which was ˉUPO\�DQG�VHFXUHO\�IDVWHQHG�WR�D�WUHH�JURZLQJ�on the river’s brink. As I caught the end of the chain nearest to me, I saw that it consisted of many links growing bigger and bigger the further removed they were from me. Then I saw golden words engraved in the links and when
I looked closer I could read, ‘Abraham, Isaac, Jacob,’ on the biggest and remotest three links, followed by many other names so familiar to me from the Bible. When I looked at my own link I saw my own name engraved on it, and it was securely held by my father’s link.
“For a moment I felt secure and happy, but then to my great horror I saw that my link was slowly breaking apart. One more minute and it would completely break away from the chain, and I would be drowned....
“’No, no! I cried. ‘Don’t break!’ I woke up with a start and my little heart was pounding away. I lay crying the rest of the night.
Ȣ7KH� ELJ� PHVV�KDOO� ZDV� ˉOOHG� WR� FDSDFLW\�� $W�the dais sat many military men and among them my own sergeant and the priest. In the hall sat many young Jewish recruits from my own group, as well as from other nearby units. An elaborate affair was planned for my ‘conversion.’
“When I was led up to the dais and was ceremoniously asked to declare my willingness to become a Christian, I did not answer immediately. I turned around, deliberately gazing at my fellow-Jewish recruits, at the walls adorned with various swords and sabers, and through the window into the blue sky.
“They became impatient at the head table and prompted me again to tell them of my willingness to embrace their faith.
“Then I walked up to the wall and took down a small hatchet. Returning to the table I placed WKUHH�̄ QJHUV�RQ�LW��FDUHIXOO\�DYRLGLQJ�WKH�PLGGOH�one around which I hoped to wind the straps RI�WHˉOOLQ�RQH�GD\��DQG�EHIRUH�DQ\RQH�UHDOL]HG�what I was about to do, I lifted the hatchet and brought it down with all my strength upon my ˉQJHUV�
“’There is your answer for the three days!’ I said, waving my bloody hand in their faces. The next moment I fainted…”
Here the old cantonist paused and looked with pride at his left hand where the tips of three ˉQJHUV�ZHUH�PLVVLQJ��+H�WROG�XV�QR�PRUH��EXW�we knew that it was this very aged soldier who
brought about the repeal of the Czar’s cruel decree. For the story of the young boy’s heroism and devotion to his faith was the talk of the whole imperial court. When Czar Nicholas heard of it, he knew that so long as there were boys like this David among his Jewish subjects, all his decrees were doomed to failure.
We looked admiringly upon the aged cantonist, but hero worship was something he could not stand. He jumped up from his place and went dancing and singing:
“The Torah is our only choice,
On Simchat Torah rejoice! Rejoice!”
Hugged by a HutBased on letters and talks of the Rebbe,
Rabbi M. M. Schneerson
A sukkah is an embrace. You sit inside and G-d is hugging you. All
of you, from head to toe.
Whatever you do inside your sukkah—sip a beer, chat with a friend, answer your e-mail, or just sleep soundly—all is transformed into a mitzvah, a secure and timeless connection
ZLWK�WKH�,QˉQLWH�
And then, when you leave the sukkah to enter the world, you
carry that hug with you.
All of life can become an embrace. $�KXJ�ZLWK�WKH�,QˉQLWH�
17
Get the PictureThe full scoop on all the great events and classes around town
teen code club
every other Tuesday
8p at The Shul
starting Oct 20.15
JOIN TCC& BUILDCOOL STUFFW/FRIENDS
bring ur laptop
85 bucks for the9 class cohort
The Shul & Google bring you our first TCC cohort: Music
Edition. In this cohort, you will create your own digital
music and sounds! Use the computer to design your
own music, create your own instruments and music
videos, and learn how technology is used in the music
industry!
No previous computer experience is necessary. Have
your friends join too! The Shul's Teen Code Club is social,
fun and awesome! Dinner will be served at each class.
For more info & to sign up TheShul.org/Code or email [email protected]
MUSICEDITION
18
Get the PictureThe full scoop on all the great events and classes around town
19
Get the PictureThe full scoop on all the great events and classes around town
20
Get the PictureThe full scoop on all the great events and classes around town
�
Are you looking for a way to use your medical training to connect with Israel and make a huge positive impact?
The Emergency Volunteers Project (EVP) brings together American Medical Personnel and their Israeli counterparts to exchange training methods and techniques.
These cross-trained Medical Volunteers will then be eligible to serve on EVP Medical Teams and deploy to Israel in times of need. Become a volunteer to save lives in Israel!
Top Three Reasons to Register for your nearest EVP Medical Training
Il y a deux sortes de gens : ceux qui voient la tragédie et ceux qui voient l’opportunité.
Si leur maison s’envole en fumée, les premiers méditeront sur la beauté du foyer désormais disparu ; les seconds penseront au foyer encore plus beau qu’il leur est donné de construire.
Remplacer les tables briséesEn approchant de Sim’hat Torah, le point culminant des fêtes du mois de Tichri, nous repensons à cette saison de fêtes qui s’achève. En réalité, cette saison débute le 17 Tamouz, le jour qui marque le début de la destruction de l’ancien Temple juif à Jérusalem.
En ce jour, nous pleurons la gloire perdue de notre passé et aspirons à la restauration de notre Saint Temple. Conscients que nos ancêtres furent exilés à cause de leurs fautes, nous nous efforçons, à partir de ce jour, d’améliorer notre comportement.
Le 17 Tamouz marque également le jour où Moïse détruisit les premières Tables de la Loi. Redescendant du mont Sinaï, Moïse eut la douleur de voir son peuple danser autour d’un veau d’or. En déduisant qu’ils n’étaient plus dignes de leur mandat divin, il jeta les Tables à terre. Le péché du veau d’or fut le début d’une longue dérive qui culmina avec la seconde tragédie commémorée en ce jour : la destruction du Temple.
Ayant ces deux événements à l’esprit, nous entamons en ce jour une période de repentance qui dure jusqu’à Roch Hachana, le premier jour de la nouvelle année. En ce jour, D.ieu juge la création et nous l’implorons de nous juger favorablement.
Notre sort reste suspendu jusqu’à Yom Kippour, le jour qui entra dans l’histoire comme étant le jour de l’expiation. En ce jour, D.ieu pardonna à nos ancêtres la faute du veau d’or et consentit à donner à Moïse de nouvelles Tables. C’est également en ce jour qu’Il nous pardonne.
Le cercle se referme. Ce que nous avons commencé le jour où les Tables furent brisées s’achève le jour où elles furent remplacées. Ce qui a débuté comme un élan de repentir s’achève avec une totale expiation. Ce dénouement positif est une cause de célébration, et nous nous réjouissons
effectivement : nous entamons la fête de Souccot, toute de festivités et de réjouissances.
Un revirement soudainTraversant en dansant la fête, nous nous délectons de notre piété retrouvée et jouissons de notre statut de peuple vertueux de D.ieu. De fait, ces fêtes culminent leur dernier jour avec une célébration de D.ieu et de la Torah. Nous nous réjouissons avec D.ieu et D.ieu se réjouit avec nous. Nous célébrons avec la Torah, et la Torah célèbre avec nous, le peuple qui l’a choisie.
Il est approprié que de lire la dernière section de la Torah en ce jour. Les versets résonnent des louanges de Moïse et de son peuple. Une ode à notre nation, à sa force et à son esprit. Une ode à Moïse, à sa prophétie et à son rôle de chef du peuple.
/HV�GHUQLHUV�PRWV�VRQW�ˉQDOHPHQW�HQWRQQ«V� ��m�Cette puissance imposante que Moïse accomplit DX[�\HX[�GH�WRXW�,VUDO�}��'HXW«URQRPH���������m�ȟ+D]DN���}�G«FODURQV�QRXV�DORUV��m�1RXV�VRPPHV�renforcés ».
Attendez. Juste un instant. Quels étaient ces derniers mots ? De quelle puissance imposante s’agit-il, que Moïse accomplit à nos yeux ? Nos sages enseignent qu’il s’agit de la puissance avec laquelle Moïse fracassa les Tables de la Loi.1
Comment ? Encore cela ? Mais je pensais que c’était derrière nous ! C’était le début de notre cheminement. Nous étions censés être au sommet ! Sommes-nous en train de revenir en arrière ?
La raison du péchéCeci enseigne que la Torah est sur la ligne du second groupe. Celui qui voit dans la tragédie un potentiel positif et dans le pécheur un repenti en puissance.
Le Talmud enseigne que nos ancêtres furent obligés, par une force divine, d’adorer le veau d’or. Après avoir reçu les Dix Commandements, ils étaient dans un tel état de piété qu’ils n’auraient jamais trahi D.ieu s’Il ne les y avait pas contraints. ,O�ˉW�FHOD�SRXU�G«PRQWUHU�OH�SRXYRLU�GX�UHSHQWLU�
C’est pour que nous ne désespérions pas de notre capacité à nous repentir, ouvrant ainsi une brèche dans notre relation avec D.ieu, que le péché du Veau d’Or fut ainsi orchestré, car il révèle la puissance du repentir. Le repentir nous a ramenés du seuil même de l’idolâtrie. Non seulement a-t-il réparé notre lien avec D.ieu, mais il l’a rendu plus fort que jamais.
De même qu’une corde est la plus solide là où elle a été rompue puis nouée de nouveau, une relation est plus forte lorsqu’elle fut brisée par une trahison, puis renouée. Le processus du repentir commença pour nos ancêtres au moment où Moïse jeta les Tables. La Torah ne considère pas cela comme un moment d’échec, mais comme le moment où débuta la guérison.
Sim’hat TorahÀ l’apogée de notre célébration, quand nous sommes le plus sûrs de notre propre piété, le pouvoir du repentir nous est rappelé. Pour que nous ne fautions plus, il nous est rappelé de ne jamais désespérer.
Le péché ferme une porte, mais en ouvre une autre. Il ferme la porte à la piété, mais ouvre la porte au repentir. Ce dernier est plus puissant que la première. Plutôt que de percevoir nos péchés comme des obstacles, nous sommes encouragés à les considérer comme des occasions de nous repentir.
La danse circulaireC’est la raison pour laquelle nous dansons en cercles à Sim’hat Torah. L’érudit et l’ignorant, le pieux et le méchant, tous dans un même cercle. 8Q�FHUFOH�QȠD�QL�G«EXW��QL�ˉQ��QL�KDXW��QL�EDV��'DQV�un cercle, tous sont égaux.
En ce jour, il nous est rappelé que l’ignorant et le méchant ne sont pas des pécheurs, mais de repentis potentiels. Ce n’est pas une question de m�VL�}��PDLV�SOXW¶W�GH�m�TXDQG�"�}��&H�MRXU�O¢��LOV�QH�rejoindront pas les rangs des érudits et des pieux. Ils les surpasseront.
French ConnectionReflexions sur la Paracha
Vivre avec la paracha
23
Amor, matrimonios y HakafotPor Yanki Tauber
No es común que los hombres se sienten en el café para hablar de sus matrimonios. Es por eso que una conversación particular
entre tres hombres quedó grabada en mi mente – discutíamos a cerca de las alegrías de la vida conyugal:
- “Amo a mi esposa” - dijo Berl – “es por eso que hago todo lo que me pide. Ella me dice:- Berl, por favor, sacá la basura, entonces yo enseguida la saco”
Todos estuvimos de acuerdo en que Berl realmente ama a su esposa.
Para no ser menos, agregué: - “también yo hago todo lo que mi esposa me pide. Es más, ella ni siquiera tiene que decirme lo que desea. ¡Basta con que diga: “Uf! ¡El olor de ésta basura está apestando la cocina”!’ para que yo comprenda que ella quiere que la saque... y eso es lo que hago, por supuesto!
Todos estuvieron de acuerdo en que mi amor era aun más grande que el de Berl.
3HUR� ˉQDOPHQWH� OOHJDPRV� D� OD� FRQFOXVLµQ� GH�que la unión de Shmerl era la más cariñosa de todos. La esposa de Shmerl no tiene que pedir que su marido haga las cosas. Ella incluso no tiene que utilizar indirectas. – “Me despierto por la mañana” – explica Shmerl, “y ya sé que ella quiere que saque la basura. Que seque los platos o guarde la vajilla... O que le compre una joya! Ella ni siquiera tiene que mencionar el anillo que su prima Sara recibió para su cumpleaños... Yo siempre sé lo que ella quiere y siempre lo hago.”
El mes de Tishrei esta repleto de mitzvot – lleno de oportunidades para cumplir con la voluntad de Di-s. Por más de tres semanas, nuestros días se llenan de plegarias, arrepentimientos, ayuno, banquetes y bailes, construimos una sucá, adquirimos las “cuatro especies” o paquete de
hoshanot, y decenas de preceptos, costumbres y otras observancias.
/DV�REVHUYDQFLDV�GH�7LVKUHL�VH�SXHGHQ�FODVLˉFDU�en tres categorías generales. Estan los “preceptos bíblicos” que se ordenan explícitamente en la Torá, tal como hacer sonar el shofar en Rosh HaShanah, el ayuno en Iom Kipur o comer en la sucá en Sucot. Hay también un número de “mitzvot rabínicas” – preceptos instituidos por los profetas y los sabios con la autoridad concedida a ellos por la Topra. Por ejemplo, los cinco servicios del rezo llevados a cabo en Iom Kippur y el tomar las cuatro especies en todos ORV�G¯DV�GH�6XFRW���\D�TXH�OD�OH\�ELEOLFD�VH�UHˉHUH�solo al primer día).
Finalmente, el mes de Tishrei tiene mucho el minhagim o “costumbres” por ejemplo comer una manzana sumergida en miel la primera noche de Rosh HaShanah o realizar las kaparot en las tempranas horas de la mañana el día anterior a Iom Kippur. Los minhagim no son designados por mandato de la ley bíblica o rabínica, sino por la fuerza de la costumbre: éstas son cosas en las que los judíos nos hemos iniciado como manera de realzar nuestro servicio hacia Nuestro Creador.
Lo más asombroso, el clímax del mes de Tishrei - el punto en el cual la celebración de nuestro enlace con Di-s logra el mismo pináculo de la alegría - es durante las hakafot de Simjat Tora, cuando tomamos los rollos de la Tora en nuestros brazos y danzamos con ellos alrededor de la mesa de la lectura en la sinagoga - una práctica que no es ni un precepto bíblico ni rabínico, es “simplemente” un costumbre.
Con nuestra observancia de los minhaguim expresamos la profundidad de nuestro amor por Di-s. Los mandamientos bíblicos se pueden comparar a los deseos explícitamente expresados entre dos personas casadas. Las mitzvot rabínicas, las cuales Di-s no nos mandó directamente, y sin embargo constituyen la expresión de la Voluntad Divina, se asemejan a las peticiones implicitas entre los esposos. Pero los minhaguim representan esas áreas en las cuales intuitivamente detectamos cómo podemos causarle placer a Di-s. Y en estos se establece nuestra alegría más grande.
La Boda del Hermano
Se cuenta que una persona sencilla sintió plena alegría sobre todo una vez en Simjá Torá…
Le preguntaron: “¿Por qué usted está tan alegre y feliz en Simjá Torá? Usted aprendió mucha Torá durante el año?” Él contestó, “Cuándo mi hermano casa a su hija, podría yo no participar en su regocijo?”
Ésta es la respuesta de una simple persona, según su limitado conocimiento. Sin embargo, es toda la verdad. Simjá Torá no es “La boda de un hermano,” la alegría de otro, sino la alegría personal de cada judío. No se deriva de la sabiduría de la Torá que hay una distinción entre un judío y otro; la alegría proviene de la ascencia de la Torá, que es igualmente pertinente a cada judío.
Si nosotros estuviéramos celebrando Simjá Torá a través del aprendizaje, la distinción entre un estudioso de la Torá y una persona simple se subrayaría; sin embargo, bailando juntos, el más grande de los grandes y el más simple de los simples son iguales.
Es más, para la persona simple la alegría es más pura que para el estudioso de la Torá, es probable que la alegría del estudioso de la Torá sea “adulterada por” la alegría de entender la Torá, que no es el caso de la persona simple.
Más aún, si nosotros estuviéramos alegrándonos con la Torá, aprendiendo y analisándola, la alegría se limitaría según el grado de la comprensión; sin embargo, cuando nosotros nos regocijamos con el ser de la Torá, este regocijo no tiene ningún límite.
Latin LinkReflexion Semanal
Parasha de la Semana
Clases y Eventos
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In A Woman’s WorldIssues of relevance to the Jewish Woman
Women’s Mikvah:Please call Mrs. Devorah Failer for an
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Please Note: Shabbos & Yom Tov visits must be Prepaid
Weekly ClassesMondayWomen’s Study Group Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 8:00 - 10:00 pmAt the home of : No classes - Simchat Torah
TuesdayPrayer Class Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 9:15 - 10:15 am1111 Kane Concourse Suite 618
Tanya Class In Spanish Mrs. Vivian Perez 2:00 - 2:30 pm198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village
Torah Portion In Spanish Mrs Vivian Perez 2:30 - 3:45 pm198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village WednesdayMorning Torah Class Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 10:00 - 11:00 amThe weekly portion - Women’s PerspectiveHaime Library
Tanya Class in English Mrs. Vivian Perez 1:00 - 3:00 pm198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village
The Shul Sisterhood
Who we are...The Shul Sisterhood organizes all of The Shul’s programming and classes geared toward women in the community. Our objective is to bring women of all ages and backgrounds together to learn, laugh, experience, and rejuvenate their mind,
body and soul. Meet new friends,relax and get inspired!
If you would like to be a part of The Shul Sisterhood,
please call 305. 868.1411
Sweet Baked ChickenBy Naomi Muller
Ingredients
������OE��FKLFNHQV��FXW�LQWR�HLJKWKV2 eggs, beaten2 Tbsp. water1 cup whole wheat matzo meal1 tsp. salt1/8 tsp. pepper1/2 tsp. garlic powder1/2 cup light tasting olive oil1/2 cup hot water1/4 cup unsweetened apple butter
Cooking Corner
DirectionsRemove chicken skin. Trim pieces of all excess fat and pat dry. In a shallow bowl, combine eggs and water. Beat well. In another shallow bowl, combine matzo meal, salt, pepper and garlic. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then roll in matzo meal.
Fry chicken in oil over medium heat until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken to an un-greased Dutch oven or covered roasting pan.
In a small bowl combine hot water, apple butter and orange juice. Pour over chicken and cover. Bake in preheated ���� GHJUHH� RYHQ� IRU� ��� PLQXWHV� RU� XQWLO� WHQGHU�� %DVWH�occasionally.
Bay Harbor : 2 beds, 2 baths unfurnished unit is a PH $2,200/ M yearly rental only
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Roman Shades, Roller Shades, Motorized Shades, Wood Blinds, Curtains and Draperies
WHOM DO WE THANK FOR IRON DOME?
Thank the Technion. As recently seen, Israel’s Iron Dome can intercept and destroy missiles – and save lives. In terms of capabilities, speed and accuracy, there is no system like it anywhere in the world. It was developed at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, whose CEO says, “We couldn’t have done it without Technion graduates…some 80 percent of our engineering force are Technion graduates.” Q And there are many more breakthroughs at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. As one of the world’s leading universities in science, technology and medicine, the Technion is a major source of innovation. The brainpower of its graduates helps drive the Israeli economy and contributes to the health and security of people in Israel and around the world. Q The American Technion Society consists of thousands of people in the United States who support the Technion. Please join us and help make the next generation of Technion breakthroughs possible. For more information, visit www.ats.org/IronDome or call 305.707.4633.
For more information, contact ATS Greater Miami Chapter Director Reyna Susi at 305.707.4633 or [email protected], or visit www.ats.org.
SOLD
UNDER CONTRACT
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NetworkingEffective Advertising
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28
NetworkingEffective Advertising
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PAID ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENTS BY ANY RABBIS OR THE SHUL. THE SHUL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REGECT ANY AD SUBMITTED.
