The Shul

B”H

weekly magazine

Weekly Magazine Sponsored By Mr. & Mrs. Martin (OBM) and Ethel Sirotkin and Dr. & Mrs. Shmuel and Evelyn Katz A Home of The Lubavitcher Rebbe, May His Merit Shield Us A House of Torah, Prayer And Acts of Goodness

Shabbos Parshas Bo

Shvat 5 - 6 January 15 -16

Candle Lighting: 5:33 pm Shabbos Ends: 6:28 pm

Yud Shvat Wednesday - January 20 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]

The Shul Weekly Magazine Everything you need for every day of the week

Contents

Nachas At A Glance

Weekly Message

3

Celebrating Shabbos

4-5

Thoughts on the Parsha from Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Schedules, classes, articles and more... Everything you need for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience

Community Happenings

6-7

Sharing with your Shul Family

A Time to Pray

Check out all the davening schedules and locations throughout the week

8

Inspiration, Insights & Ideas

9-14

Get The Picture

15-20

Bringing Torah lessons to LIFE

The full scoop on all the great events around town

In a woman’s world

Issues of relevance to the Jewish woman

The ABC’s of Aleph

21

22-23

Serving Jews in institutional and limited environments.

French Connection Latin Link Networking

Effective Advertising

Numbers To Know

Contacts at The Shul

Daily Study

A complete guide to all classes and courses offered at The Shul

Get The Picture

The full scoop on all the great events around town

24

25

26-28

29

30

31-32

Quotable Quote There are two ways to get warm on a cold winter day: a)

own warmth but does not generate any heat or warm anyone else. Thus chassidim would say: “Don’t be a tzaddik in a fur coat!”

Thoughts on the Parsha from Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Shabbos Parshas Bo

4) The Rebbe Maharash (fourth Rebbe) who traveled to Paris to encounter a young Jew who had strayed from Jewishness and influence him to repent and return. He succeeded in his vital mission; 5) The Rebbe Rashab (fifth Rebbe) who personally endangered himself to travel to Petersburg to plead to the government on behalf of the Jewish Community; and 6) the previous Rebbe who devoted so much of his time and effort to help fellow Jews.

T

his coming week on the 10th of Shevat, Chassidim the world over, together with the entire Jewish Community, will commemorate the Hilula/ Yahrtzeit of the previous Rebbe and the 66th anniversary of the 7th beloved Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s (May His Merit Shield Us) ascension to the leadership of Chabad/Lubavitch and world Jewry.

The Rebbe’s personal commitment to every single Jew, young, old, male, female, sick, poor, learned or ignorant is legendary. This is what is demanded of us. To love each other selflessly and completely and that will bring our final redemption with Moshiach.

One of the formal acts that designates a Rebbe’s accepting the awesome responsibility that accompanies that sacred office is the reciting of a Maamor – a Torah treatise consisting of the most profound concepts of Kabalah/Chassidut that is attributed as revealed directly from Sinai.

Have a great Shabbos, a good week.

On the 10th of Shevat 5711 -1951, the Rebbe initiated his leadership by transmitting his first Maamor. Based on the final Maamor of the previous Rebbe explaining the verse “I have come into my garden, my sister bride, (Song of Songs), this Maamor expounds the most pristine, transcendent aspects of G-dliness, infinity, creation, purpose and the soul.

Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar

Unfailing Love Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson

Scholars of great erudition study diligently to comprehend the depths of the content of this beyond intellectually brilliant thesis. Towards the end of this Maamor, the Rebbe relates a series of stories that are generally not included in this type of intellectually challenging analysis of esoteric concepts. These events are an illustrative response to the question – What does a Rebbe demand of us?

No matter how strongly you pull someone onto the right track with ropes of love, you can’t take away free will. They may always turn their back and run away. Love can fail, and we must know that it can fail. For if love was always reciprocated, there would never be unconditional love.

The answer is “to love our fellow Jew” as represented by 1) the Alter Rebbe (Founder of Chabad/Lubavitch and author of the famed Tanya and Code of Jewish Law) who interrupted his holy prayer on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, to personally prepare a fire and cook warm broth for a birth-mother living in a hovel with no one to care for her; 2) The Miteller Rebbe (Second Chabad Leader) whose health was negatively affected by his skin contracting and bristling with pain when a young person lamented about his youthful transgressions; 3) The Tzemach Tzedek (Third Rebbe) who early in the morning before prayers, sought out a needy person to give him some money enabling him to purchase his livelihood in the market place;

But you have done your part, you have shown love. And what is the reward of the mitzvah of love? gains another window to shine into this world. In other words, everything that really matters. 3

Celebrating Shabbos with our Youth Everything you need for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience

Torah Quiz Morah Malkie’s Tot Shabbat

Yakira Leah’s Aleph Wonder Girls

Ages: 1 - 3 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Ages: 4 - 6 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Montessori classrooom 2

Classrooom 2

Questions Bechoros? (Shemos Rabbah, Mechilta) Eiruvin, Shulchan Aruch - Orach Chaim) 3. Which Rabbi never walked four Amos (cubits) without his

Itty’s Pre Tween Girls

Rochelle’s Tween Girls

Grades: 2nd - 5th

Grades: 6th - 8th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Last Week’s Answers: 1. All houses of idol worship turned bloody. If one sat down in one, his clothing became stained with blood. In the future, HaShem will humiliate all idols with their worshippers. (Shemos Rabbah 9:11) 2. When the lions, tigers, bears and other wild animals attacked the Egyptians, they could not escape into trees or on the rooftops. Even dangerous birds participated in this plague to give the

Classrooom 1

3. Six Prophets are mentioned in Parashas Vaeira: Moshe, Aharon, Pinchas (who is Eliyahu), and Korach’s three sons, Asir, Elkana, and Aviyasof. (Rabbeinu Bachya) Mendel’s Junior Boys

Sholom’s Hebrew School

Ages: 4 - 8

Grades: 4th - 8th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Prizes kindly sponsored by the Goldczer Family in loving Memory of Aryeh Leib ben Zev Volf obm

Montessori 3

Shaykee’s Davening With Dad Grades: 7th - 8th 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Classroom 1

Yosef’s Teen Boys

Debbie’s Teen Girls Grades: 9th - 12th

Grades: 9th - 12th

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Teen Girls Room

Haime Library 4

Mishnayos Ba’al Peh After Mincha Montessori 3 GREAT PRIZES!!! Prizes kindly sponsored by the Goldczer family in loving memory of Aryeh Leib ben Zev Volf Obm

Celebrating Shabbos

Everything you need for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience Kiddush This Week:

Shabbos Schedule Candle lighting Mincha / Kabbalas Shabbos Shabbos Day Hashkama Minyan Tanya / Hayom Yom Shacharis (Morning Services) Children’s Programs Upstairs Minyan 30 Minutes of Tanya: Classroom #1 With Mrs. Vivian Perez (for Women) Kiddush Daf Yomi Men’s Shiur Women’s Shiur Shalosh Seudos for Boys Mincha Shabbat Ends / Arvit & Havdalah Weekly Video of The Rebbe

Kiddush this week is available for sponsorship.

5:33 p.m. 5:35 p.m. 7:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. +/- 12:00 p.m. After Davening 12:00 p.m. 4:35 p.m. 4:35 p.m. 4:35 p.m. 4:35 p.m. 5:20 p.m. 6:28 p.m.

Shalosh Seudos This Week:

Shalosh Seudos this week is available for sponsorship

the caterer for this week’s kiddush and Shalosh seudos is Food Art

kiddushim at The Shul

Sephardic Minyan Friday Evening Mincha / Kabbalat Shabbat

5:20 p.m.

Shabbat Day Shacharit Mincha Shabbat Ends

9:00 a.m. 5:20 p.m. 6:28 p.m.

Please 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

Jan 16, 30

Shalosh Seudos Jan 16, 23,30

If you wish to become a sponsor, please speak with Stacy at 305-868-1411 ext 313 or email [email protected]

Candle Lighting Mincha

5:38 p.m. 5:40 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 5

Community Happenings Sharing with your Shul Family

Birthdays

Yahrtzeits

Shevat 6 Dr. Leonardo Blachar Shevat 6 Mr. David Muhlrad Shevat 6 Mr. Sam Herman Shevat 6 Mr. Shlomo Azari Shevat 7 Mrs. Ingrid Dorfman Shevat 7 Mrs. Julia Bsiri Shevat 7 Ms. Brianna Diener Shevat 8 Mr. Alexander Ponte Shevat 8 Mrs. Allison R. Gutfreund Shevat 8 Mrs. Elana Saka Shevat 8 Mrs. Rochel Leah Schwartz Shevat 8 Rabbi Yossi Stern Shevat 9 Mr. David Cytrynbaum Shevat 9 Mr. Hernan J. Gleizer Shevat 9 Mr. Jorge Woldenberg Shevat 9 Ms. Katie Werner Shevat 10 Mr. Aaron Jacob Mondshine Shevat 10 Mr. Chaim S. Stauber Shevat 10 Mr. Michael Davit Shevat 10 Mrs. Nicole Kavana Shevat 10 Ms. Esther Lilly Moore Shevat 10 Ms. Leah Stark Shevat 11 Mr. Aaron Knight Shevat 11 Mr. Monroe Milstein Shevat 11 Mr. Sam Greenwald Shevat 11 Rabbi Mordechai Halperin Shevat 12 Mr. Chaim Lerman Shevat 12 Mrs. Linda Laulicht

Shevat 6 Shevat 6 Shevat 7 Shevat 7 Shevat 9 Shevat 9 Shevat 10 Shevat 10 Shevat 11 Shevat 11 Shevat 12 Shevat 12

Devorah bas Rubin obm Mother of Mrs. Zohara Weiss Dovid ben Moshe obm Father of Mr. Lenny Wolfe Reuven ben Chunya obm Brother of Mrs. Miriam Basha Arber Devorah bas Zev obm Wife of Mr. Elias Sussman Mother of Mr. Ira Sussman and Mr. Joel Sussman Reb Eliezer ben Meir obm Father of Mr. Menachem Koegel Nissim ben Zvi obm Father of Ms. Patricia Cohen and Mr. William Lustgarten Itzchak Melech Hacohen ben David Mordechay obm Brother of Mr. Barry Cohen Moshe Menachem ben Baruch obm Father of Dr. Bracha Reich Chava bas Shlomo obm Sister of Mrs. Dana Werner Fruma bas Shmuel Mordechai obm Mother of Dr. Bracha Reich Yitzchak ben Frejah obm Father of Mrs. Perla Edderai David ben Yosef obm Husband of Mrs. Orit Cohen, Father of Mrs. Ravit Feldman and Mrs. Meital Eber

Mazal Tov

Kid’s Birthdays Shevat 6 Gavriel Bramy Shevat 7 Tanya Colodner Shevat 7 Pessi Goldie Lerman

Mazal Tov to Dr. & Mrs. Shmuel and Evelyn Katz on the engagement of their son Dr. James Jacob (JJ) to Chantal Low. May the wedding be in an auspicious time

Shevat 8 Menachem Mendel Katan Shevat 8 Anna Afriat Shevat 8 Malka Schwartz Shevat 9 Sophie Hamburger Shevat 9 Ben Greisman Shevat 9 Elias Salama Shevat 10 Shana Cohen Shevat 10 Yosef Meir Gorin Shevat 11 Ita Henia Andrusier

Mazal Tov to Drs. Raul & Janet Mitrani on the engagement of their daughter Lindsey. May the wedding be in an auspicious time and may the young couple

Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe and Bluma Schneider on the birth of a grandson, born to their children Rabbi Tzvi and Pearl (nee Schneider) Rimler of Crown Heights. May they see him raised to Torah, Chupah and Ma’asim Tovim and may they have much nachas from him.

Anniversaries Mr. & Mrs. Max and Ruthy Benoliel Mr. & Mrs. Meir and Batya Cosiol Mr. & Mrs. Alberto and Marlene Colonomos Mr. & Mrs. Nathan and Chaya Litchkowski Mr. & Mrs. Azriel and Chana Wasserman Mr. & Mrs. Martin and Golda Jacobs Mr. Eduardo Sucher Rozen & Mrs. Milena Liascovitz Mr. & Mrs. Harvey and Ann Finkel

Welcome to New Members Dr. & Mrs. Joshua Furman

6

Community Happenings Sharing with your Shul Family

Shvat Light & Power

Thanks To Our Donors

Light & Power and Wine for Kiddush & Havdalah for the month of Shevat is Kindly Sponsored by

We sincerely thank the following members and supporters of The Shul for donations recieved between 01/05/15 and 01/11/16 We apologize for any errors or omissions that we may have made.

Mr. Jacky Koenig In honor of his dear wife, Aviva and their children Abraham Baruch, Adela Margalit, Elke Baz and Eliyahu David.

Mr. Gabriel Ammar Mrs. Estela Berry Mr. Alberto Chocron Mr. Arnold Lewis Cohen Rabbi & Mrs. Shlomo Diamont Mr. Samuel Dror Mrs. Perla Gilinski Mr. & Mrs. Isere Halberthal Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Kern Mr. & Mrs. Harry Mamane Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Mamane Mr. & Mrs. Yehuda Marrus Drs. Raul & Janet Mitrani Mr. & Mrs. Temuri Nanikashvili Mr. Mordechai Olesky Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Penson Mr. & Mrs. George Rohr

“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.”

Refuah Shleimah

If 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.

MEN Shmuel ben Sarah Perl Yosef ben Edwina Avrohom ben Feigel Mordechai David ben Esther Raizel Yedidya Chaim Raphael ben Elana Yehuda ben Chaya Sara Shimon Yitzchak ben Leah Rochel Roi ben Orly Chaim Tzvi Hirsch ben Guttel

WOMEN Shifra bat Chaya Leah Yehudit bat Chana Gittel Ilana bas Shaina Rochel Chava bas Elka Menucha Chaya bas Rachel Zilpah bas Sara Elana bas Susana Fayge bas Chaya Miriam Leah bas Helen

Mr. Andrew Roth Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Salver Dr. & Mrs. Michael Salzhauer Dr. & Dr. Stephen Robert Scheinman Mr. Ryan Shear Mr. & Mrs. Jaime Slomianski Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Sragowicz Steven S. Ashear Foundation Mrs. Esther Vlosky Mr. & Mrs. Adam Weinberg Mr. & Mrs. Paul Weintraub Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wexler Mr. & Mrs. Jorge Woldenberg Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Wolf Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Wolf Mr. & Mrs. Avrom Chaim Zelmanovitch

The Shul Parking Garage In 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.

• • • • • •

Community Notice Board: If you have a new or slightly used Shaitel that you would like to donate to The Shul Sisterhood Please Contact Mrs. Devorah Failer 305.323.2410

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.

Child Enrichment Center The Shul’s Child Enrichment Center has opened our wait list for the 2016-2017 Academic Year. To be added to the wait list please visit

If you are not in a legal spot YOU WILL BE TOWED

Please Note

Contact us at (305) 868-1411 to schedule a tour of our program and facility.

The North side parking lot and The Shul garage are closed on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Please do not open the barriers.

*Please note that adding your name to this list does not guarantee a space in our program. 7

A Time to Pray

Davening schedules and locations throughout the week Daily Learning Schedule at The Shul 6:20 -6:50 am 7:45 am 8:45 am (approx) 10:15 - 11:00 am

Derech Mitzvosecha Daf Yomi Halacha Maamorim

Foundational Chassidic Discourse

Sephardic Custom Maamor of the Rebbe

Shacharis Minyanim (mon - Fri) Main Minyan 6:50 7:30 9:00 Sephardic Minyan 8:00

R’ Zalman Lipskar R’ Dov Schochet R’ Shimshon Tzubeli R’ Shea Rubinstein

Sunday Shacharis Minyanim Main Minyan 8:00 am 9:00 am Sephardic Minyan 9:00 am

Daily Chumash & Tanya after every Minyan Sunday Mincha /Maariv Minyanim

mincha / Maariv Minyanim (mon - Thurs) Main Minyan

2:00 pm Early Mincha

Sephardic Minyan

5:40 pm

10:00 pm

5:40 pm

Following

Main Minyan Late Maariv

5:40 pm 10:00 pm

Evening Kolel Schedule - Monday and Thursday 8:45 -9:30 pm Mon & Thurs

8:45 - 10:00 pm

Halachic Times Based on times for January 20 Alot Hashachar / Dawn

5:57 am

Netz Hachamah / Sunrise (Earliest Amidah) Latest Shema

7:08 am

Evening Community Kolel

Chavrusah

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. Jonathan ben Aliza Sher Michael Shmuel ben Eliezer Eliyahu Amir Herzel ben Dvora Dorry

9:49 am

Chatzot / Midday 12:31 pm Earliest Mincha 12:58 pm Plag HaMincha 4:47 pm Shekiah / Sunset 5:55 pm (preferable latest time for Mincha) Tzeit Hakochavim / Nightfall 6:24 pm (Earliest preferable Ma’ariv) Times taken from www.chabad.org Please note that during the week times may vary by a minute or two.

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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Inspiration, Insights & Ideas Bringing Torah lessons to LIFE!

Hayom Yom In 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. Friday - Shvat 5

before davening; so she davened very early, then ate breakfast. When her father-in-law, the Tzemach Tzedek, learned of this he said to her: “A Jew must be healthy and strong. The Torah says about mitzvot, ‘Live in them,’ meaning bring vitality into the mitzvot. To be able to infuse mitzvot with vitality, one must be strong and joyful.” Then he concluded: “You should not be without food. Better to eat for the sake of davening rather than to daven for the sake of eating;” he then blessed her with long life. [She was born in 5593 (1833) and passed away on Sh’vat 10, 5674 (1914)].

One must recite words of Torah copiously, saying Tehillim or verbally reviewing Mishna whenever and wherever possible, in order to bolster the existence of Creation, to be saved from chibut hakever and kaf hakela, and to merit all the highest revelations.

Shabbos - Shvat 6 My father wrote that he heard in the name of the Alter Rebbe that all rabbinic authors until and including the Taz and Shach, composed their works with ruach hakodesh, the Divine Spirit. An individual’s ruach hakodesh, as explained by Korban Ha’eida in Tractate Sh’kalim (Talmud Yerushalmi), end of ch. 3, means that the mysteries of Torah are revealed to him. This comes from the aspect of chochma in its prerevelation state.

Sunday - Shvat 7 When the Alter Rebbe was nine he studied geometry and astronomy. At ten he composed a years old, it happened that he lectured publicly on Rambam’s laws of kidush hachodesh. The preeminent Torah-scholars who were present at that time in the study-hall were utterly overwhelmed.

Monday - Shvat 8 In these days especially, when by G-d’s kindness we stand at the threshold of redemption, we must make every conceivable effort to strengthen every facet of our religion. Mitzvot must be observed b’hidur, with “beauty,” beyond minimal requirements. Customs must be kept

scrupulously, nothing compromised. It is a Mitzva and duty of every Rabbi in Israel to inform his congregation that the current tribulations and agonies are the “birth-pangs of Mashiach.” G-d is demanding that we return to Torah and mitzvot, that we not hinder the imminent coming of our righteous Mashiach.

Tuesday - Shvat 9 When my father concluded the entire Talmud for the third time he said a maamar on the subject of the meaning of a hadran. During the year of mourning for his mother, my father concluded the entire Mishna at the end of eleven months, and the entire Talmud at her Yahrzeit.

Wednesday - Shvat 10 When my grandmother, Rebbetzin Rivka, was eighteen (in 5611, 1851) she fell ill and the physician ordered her to eat immediately upon awakening. She, however, did not wish to eat 9

My father told this teaching of the Tzemach Tzedek to someone at yechidus, adding: “And this must be done with joy.”

Thursday - Shvat 11 The routine of the day begins with saying modeh ani (Siddur Tehilat HaShem p. 6, “I acknowledge before You, living and eternal King etc...”). This is said before the morning laving of the hands, even while the hands are “impure.” The reason is a Jew’s “I acknowledge.” He might lack one thing or another, but his modeh ani remains intact.

Friday - Shvat 12 Intellect and excitement are two separate worlds. Intellect - a world cold and settled; excitement - a world seething and impetuous. Man’s avoda is to combine them, unite them. The impetuousness then becomes transformed into a longing, and the intellect into the guide in a life of avoda and action.

Inspiration, Insights & Ideas Bringing Torah lessons to LIFE!

T

Yud Shvat

his letter was addressed to “Anash, the students, the temimim, and all those who share closeness with Chassidus and chassidim in all places. G-d bless you all.” B”H, Rosh Chodesh Shvat, 5711, Brooklyn, N.Y. Greetings and blessings, In anticipation of the great and holy day, the tenth of Shvat, the hillula of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, I would like to inspire [you] with regard to [the study of] the maamar which he prepared for publication on the day of his passing, the maamar entitled Basi LeGani, Yud Shvat, 5710. You will certainly study it on the night and day of his hillula. To quote our Nasi in his letters (Kuntres 34 and Kuntres 365): This day is uniquely suited to bond oneself with the Tree of Life. Every member of the chassidic brotherhood can be found worthy to have the merit of my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, obm, shine upon him and all the members of his household. the paths of the tzaddikim, the foundations of the world, our fathers, the saintly Rebbeim, , [and this will enable us] to be delivered with regard to children, health, and abundant sustenance. Anash and the students, the temimim, rouse yourselves and come to the courtyards of G-d — the synagogues and the houses of study — to prayer and to the public [Torah] study sessions. Hold farbrengens with brotherly love to strengthen Torah study by supporting the students of Torah and those who are involved in the service of G-d. Anash, the students, the temimim, and all those who participate in the paths of the chassidim and Chassidus:all of you, stand prepared, you, your wives, your sons, and your daughters, to receive G-d’s blessings — the outpouring of life, plentiful sustenance, and satisfaction from your descendants — that G-d will pour out to you and to us through the arousal of abundant mercies from the source of true mercy and kindness, [following a motif similar to that implied by the hymn] Machnisei Rachamim, which my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe, obm, whose hillula is being celebrated, will arouse. May you be blessed with children, health, and abundant sustenance. Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Yud Shvat - Time for Renewal

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

Y

ud Shvat (the tenth of the Hebrew month of Shvat) is the anniversary of the passing of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. On the day of the passing of a righteous man, “all his effort... for which he toiled throughout his lifetime... becomes revealed and radiates downward.” As such, it is a time to focus on the spiritual message of the Previous Rebbe’s life, and his unbounded commitment to preserve and advance Jewish practice. For Chassidim

today, however, the primary

the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, accepted the reigns of leadership of the movement. 48 years ago, at the gathering celebrating his acceptance of this position, the Rebbe stated clearly: “Chabad always put the emphasis on individual initiative, not on relying on the Rebbeim.... I will help, indeed, help as much as I can... but of what avail will it be to provide texts to study, sing Chassidic melodies, and to toast LeChaim if there will no effort and initiative on your part.” At that same gathering, the Rebbe clearly outlined his goals for our generation: “We are at the close of the period when the approaching footsteps of Mashiach can be heard. Our task is to complete the process of drawing down the Divine presence... so that it can rest in our lowly world.” On that same occasion, the Rebbe explained that although Moses could have constructed the Sanctuary which accompanied the Jews in the desert entirely alone, he refrained from doing so in order to enable the entire Jewish people to participate in this endeavor. Similarly, the Rebbe continued, the Rebbeim of the previous generations did not want the campaign to bring Mashiach to be their private undertaking, but rather an effort shared by the Jewish people as a whole, and by each individual Jew. The Rebbe taught us to take responsibility for our lives and to direct our efforts to the ultimate good, the coming of the Redemption. Even now, we can although he is no longer with us in a physical sense, he is not removed. But the lesson of the Rebbe’s life is not what he can do, but what each one of us can do. Each one of us has a part to play in making the Redemption a reality. The anniversary of the Rebbe’s acceptance of leadership is a time to renew our commitment to this mission and take the initiative. 10

Parsha Messages Midnight

Based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. III, pp. 864-868

T

upon the Egyptians was the Plague of the Firstborn, which Moshe indicated would take place at midnight. To shield themselves from this plague, Jews were to sprinkle blood from the Paschal offering and from milah, circumcision, on their doorposts. Why did Moshe indicate when this plague would take place? He didn’t do so for any of the other plagues. Also, why was it necessary for the Jewish though they didn’t have to take precautions against the previous nine? The purpose of the last plague was not only to have the Egyptians become aware of G-d’s might, but also to rain personal destruction upon them. At such a time, it was possible for the Attribute of Justice to declare: “How are they [the Jews] different from them [the Egyptians],” for there were Jews in Egypt who were mired in idolatry. It was thus conceivable that some of the Jewish people would also suffer dire consequences. In order to remove any possible complaint about at precisely midnight, so that it emanated from a level at which logic (and the complaint of the Attribute of Justice) had no standing. the night is symbolic of and related to severity, and thus, during this part of the night, it becomes increasingly dark. The second part of the night is symbolic of and related to kindness, for which reason the darkness lessens. The moment of midnight unites the two opposites, kindness and severity, since, at that time, there descends an illumination of G-dliness that wholly transcends the natural order. For only something entirely higher than two opposites can unite them. there was a manifestation of the essential love that G-d has for the Jewish people - a love that transcends all logic and reason. Because of this love, when the Attribute of Justice asks: “How

Inspiration, Insights & Ideas Bringing Torah lessons to LIFE!

are they different from them,” G-d responds that, whatever their state, the Jewish people are His children. And the love of a father for his children cannot be affected by any logical complaint.

Door to Holiness By Moshe Bryski

blood on the door? And for that matter, why the door? Why not the window, the stoop or the rooftop?

But this gives rise to the following question: Since G-d’s love for the Jewish people was made manifest at the stroke of midnight, why was it necessary for them to mark their doorposts?

Let us take a moment here to analyze the concept -- the symbolism -- of a door. The door creates privacy, in addition to providing shelter and protection. The door is what separates the public person from the private person, the external self from the internal self. In the privacy of one’s home is where all of the facades and inhibitions tend to fall away, allowing the best (and sometimes the worst) of what a person has to offer to come to the surface.

come about through the spiritual service of the Jewish people, even this transcendent degree of Divine love had to be drawn down through their service. For although this love is always whole and complete, in order for it to manifest itself below and be received in an inward manner, there had to be a degree of service consonant with that which was being revealed. This is why the sign on the Jewish houses consisted of the blood of circumcision and of the Passover offering, as both indicate a level of service that transcends logic: The bond between a Jew and G-d achieved through circumcision is above logic, as we see from the fact that the mitzvah takes place while a child is utterly incapable of understanding the deed.

street addresses to locate his mark.

S

o what’s with the blood on the doors?

up to the liberation of Israel from slavery in ancient Egypt. On that fateful night, G-d dealt

By way of example, some people can be very patient on the outside -- all smiles and cheerful when in public, and yet, when they come home, it’s moody-broody time; no patience for the kids, no tolerance for the spouse, not a smile anywhere in sight. On the other hand, some people can be very quiet, withdrawn, reserved and uptight when in public, but barrels of fun own homes. The door is where that transition

Bringing the Paschal offering in Egypt was

-- precipitating total Egyptian surrender.

tends to take place.

logic, for the lambs used for the offering were worshipped by the Egyptians. Nevertheless, the Jewish people took the lambs, kept them for four days, and declared that they were going to

“They [the Israelites] shall take some of its

Our Judaism asks of us: What sort of doors do you have? What transpires on the inside of those doors? Is there a spirit of sanctity and holiness on the other side of that threshold? Are there Jewish books on the shelves? Are there kosher products in the cupboard and in the fridge? Are the Shabbat and Jewish holidays celebrated therein with joy, meaning and depth? Are words of Torah shared? Are prayers recited? Only you and the Almighty truly know the answers to those questions.

This manner of service above and beyond the level of understanding elicited a similar response from G-d - the revelation of His limitless love for the Jewish people. Thus, our Sages say that it was “in the merit of their faith [in the coming redemption] that our ancestors were redeemed from Egypt.” For faith too transcends the bounds of logic.

on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses.... When I see the blood I shall pass over you; there shall not be a plague of destruction upon you when I strike in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:7-13). Did G-d need a sign on the door in order to know which home was inhabited by Israelites?A simple question: Did G-d really need a sign on the door in order to know which home was inhabited by Israelites and which not? Well, the suggestion goes, perhaps G-d didn’t need any extra demarcation, but you know, with it being such a busy night and all, perhaps the Malach Hamavet (Angel of Death) needed that extra marker while making his sweep through the neighborhood. But let’s be real about this. This is not some scene out of a Hollywood movie where the wrong guy is taken out at the wrong time. Surely the real Angel of Death doesn’t use painted 11

Our Judaism asks of us: What sort of doors do you have? There is a great deal of discussion about how Jews ought not shy away from behaving as Jews on the outside (as well there should be), but sometimes it behooves us to address the issue of not being lax with our Judaism on the inside -- where it really counts. The Talmud tells us that “there was a great custom in Jerusalem” that whenever a family sat down to a meal, they would tack a cloth on to the door of their home. This served as a sign to all strangers and passersby that it was mealtime

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and that anyone who was hungry or so desired was welcome to walk on in and partake with them.

Halacha of The Week By Rabbi Dov Schochet

What is posted on our proverbial doors? Do we have a symbolic “welcome mat” at the door, or is it more like a “do not disturb” sign? Do we welcome the opportunity to be hospitable and benevolent to those in need of comfort,

so precise that even if one mistakenly picked up

speaking) slam those doors in the faces of rabbis or needy individuals who seek entry to the sincerity of our hearts? One of the most beautiful and enduring of all biblical precepts is that of the mezuzah, which is posted on the right doorpost of a Jewish home. Jewish home; a home where holiness, modesty, decency and goodness are a way of life -- even (if not especially) behind closed doors. The mezuzah represents G-d’s presence in the home as well as His protection over all who reside therein. It is not merely a nice Jewish ornament. Indeed, if we only appreciate the mezuzah for its facade -- its external appearance -- rather than its internal spiritual meaning and we’re not too overly concerned about whether the scroll contained therein has been scribed in accordance with the Torah’s instructions in that regard, then we’re missing what it is that a Jewish door is all about. A Jewish door is where the facade is supposed to end and where truth and authenticity are supposed to begin. It’s not what the mezuzah case looks like that’s most important; it’s what’s inside that really matters. What is the true essence of the matter?

we do not pass over an opportunity to do a in a way that they will generally come across the

I

n this week’s portion we have 2 of the four paragraphs where the Torah mentions the

sign on your hand and a remembrance between your eyes”. These four paragraphs where the Torah discusses the sign are actually the portion Rashbam, the grandson of Rashi and a commentator to the Torah, explains that while in a literal sense there is a simple message the Torah is teaching. Just as something written on one’s heart and worn around one’s neck is not forgotten, so must the memory of the Exodus and our relationship with Hashem be constantly on our minds and hearts. to wear them throughout the day, the custom is to wear them only during the Shachrit prayer. thoughts must be pure while they are worn. As

marking their doorposts with the blood of the

the fact that G-d commands us to wear these portions which include the unity of G-d, Exodus and they are placed opposite the heart and above the brain to show the ultimate power of G-d and our commitment to accept His will.

between the elbow and shoulder, facing the heart. However, this is only in the case that the person writes with their right hand. A person on their right arm. (As this can be a complex question, one should ask their personal Rabbi in cases that they use both their right and left hands.) One should be careful that the knot of

centered between one’s eyes. The knot of the of one’s neck. separate Mitzvot, one can make one blessing for both. There are some communites which make a unique blessing for each but that is not Chabad custom. However if one spoke between putting

on to the actual prayer. This is also the reason

door marker. It was their testimony that they were truly ready to leave Egypt. They were devoted -- inside and out -- to G-d and to Moses,

second blessing.

While generally one can perform a Mitzva they are exempt from (as women are from

While there are varying customs regarding

was why their homes were truly untouchable by the Angel of Death. For the blood on the

requirements while wearing them, those that are exempt do not wear them.

before the prayer of U’Va L’Tzion.

After garbing oneself with a Talit, we then put was that separates Jew from Egyptian. It’s all in the door.

For various reasons, we are careful to put the authorities, the daily blessing that Hashem adorns us with glory is a reference to the

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represent the mind and the soul must control and weaken our physical and material pursuits. Our physical engagements must be subjugated to our divine mission.

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Stories With Soul It Once Happened by Dudu Fisher

I

t was the winter night of 5 Shevat 5692/1932. A Jewish woman by the name of Fraida Gisha was in her ninth month of pregnancy in Riga, Latvia. A serious problem arose and the doctors recommended ending the pregnancy to save the woman’s life. The woman said to the doctors: “Wait, don’t do anything.” And to her sister standing next to her she said, “Leah, go and pray for me in shul.” Leah walked to the shul in the middle of the night. She entered and approached the holy ark. There she poured out her heart to G-d. She prayed and cried. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and saw an older woman. “Why are you crying?” asked the woman. Leah told her about her sister in the hospital. “Come with me,” said the woman. She took her to the home of the (previous) Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneersohn. Leah wrote a note, said her sister was ill and the doctors were concerned and even wanted to end the pregnancy. The Rebbe’s faithful secretary, Rabbi Yechezkel Feigin, gave the note to the Rebbe. Five minutes later he came out of the Rebbe’s room and gave Leah a letter with a response for her sister: “G-d should help you so that all will be well and so that you give birth to a healthy, live child.” With trembling hands, Leah took this letter and returned to the hospital. As she walked in, all the doctors came running to her and exclaimed: We have no idea what happened here but an hour after you left, your sister went into a normal labor and a girl was born.’ That was my mother. This baby girl was my mother. We have the original note in a safe but everyone in the family, including me, of course, have a photocopy of the letter with them. When I travel the world, the letter is always in my pocket. Anybody in the family who gives birth takes the letter with her to the hospital. For many years I was a cantor, just like my grandfather wanted me to be. One day, I was traveling in London and I saw the musical Les Miserables. As I sat there, I thought, I can do that. When the musical arrived in Israel,I went to audition

and was given the lead role of Jean Valjean. During the performance, the British producer Cameron Mackintosh came over to me and said: “Dudu, after perform on Broadway.” I was thrilled. I couldn’t believe it. I, Dudu Fisher of Petach Tikva, Israel, would appear on Broadway? But I told him I didn’t think that will be possible. He asked me why not and I explained that I am a religious Jew and I do not work on Friday night and Saturday.

Recently In The News strengthen me all the time.

From Auschwitz to Israel, the Saga of a Long-Lost MiniTorah How a journalist made a priceless personal discovery

A few months later I got a phone call from him, telling me triumphantly that he had managed to arrange that all the performances would take place only on weekdays. Two months passed and there was another call from Mackintosh. This time, he had bad news. “Dudu,” he said, “there’s a problem. All the professional organizations are against me and are unwilling to them all and as of now, I am not winning.” I was so very disappointed. My mother suggested that I go to the Rebbe. serious problems of health, livelihood, and children. I should go to talk to the Rebbe about Broadway?” But my mother urged me and I went. I thought I would need to explain my entire situation to the Rebbe but to my surprise, he immediately understood the issue. He looked straight at me and said: “Hold strong with Yiddishkeit (Torah and its The Rebbe’s look was so powerful. I looked at the Rebbe’s eyes and felt calm. I felt certain that stand strong on my principles and not perform on Shabbat. Two months later I got a phone call from on my behalf, and I could perform on Broadway without compromising on Sabbath observance. It was a miracle; until I got this job without Shabbat and Jewish holiday performances, there was no such thing. And afterward, until today, there has been nothing like it. I auditioned for many other shows and always, the moment it came to Shabbat observance, it fell through. It’s not an easy test. But those words of the Rebbe, “Hold strong with Yiddishkeit,” continue to 13

By Shlomo Rizel hen Israeli journalist Yaakov Maor was sent to Vienna 40 years ago to

W

newly founded European Economic Union, he couldn’t have guessed that the trip would result in a priceless discovery with deep personal

Maor—then in his 20s—visited the Mizrachi Synagogue daily for prayers. He piqued the interest of the rabbi, who asked him to speak to the congregation about Israel. So he spoke about life there—about the country’s natural beauty and about the Yom Kippur War, which had recently ended. He also spoke about a group of idealistic young families who were re-establishing ancient Jewish towns on the West Bank of the Jordan River. The synagogue’s president became excited about building communities on the ruins of cities that had been razed at the time of the destruction of the Second Temple, and expressed his desire to out how Vienna Jewish community could assist them in strengthening the new settlements. The answer: Torah scrolls. “Elon Moreh and Ofrah were using Torah scrolls temporarily loaned to them by synagogues in Jerusalem, which needed them back,” Maor relates from his home in Moshav Hemed. “Unless they owned their own Torah scrolls, the settlements would fall apart since proper prayer services could not be held without them.”

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The synagogue president spoke with several friends in Vienna’s Jewish community. They wanted to help, too; soon, Maor found himself in a large cellar in which hundreds of Torah scrolls were stored. Small Jewish communities that once dotted the European countryside, which collapsed when their members died or emigrated, had given their Torah scrolls and other holy books to Vienna’s larger community. Over the years, hundreds of Torah scrolls had been amassed in a room below a local synagogue. After selecting the ones he would take back to Israel, Maor turned to leave. One of his escorts stopped him, telling him about a Torah scroll written on deerskin that he should see. (Normally, Torah scrolls are written on parchment made from cowhide.) A Torah written on deerskin is acquire enough animal skin to create parchment for an entire Torah scroll. Maor remembered that his maternal grandfather—after whom he’d been named, Rabbi Yaakov Meir Hellman of Munkatch, Hungary (presently in western Ukraine near Slovakia)—had once owned a Torah scroll written on deerskin that had been passed down in his family for generations until it was lost in Auschwitz. He was curious to see what such a Torah scroll looked like. When it was brought to him, he noted its unusually small size. “My mother, the daughter of Rabbi Yaakov Meir, told me that her father’s grandfather was a wealthy Jewish merchant who traveled a lot,” he recalled. “So he bought a tiny Torah scroll, specially written on thin deerskin, to take with him on his travels. The chances that it was the same scroll were minute, but once I saw how small it was—as small as the scroll my grandfather carried—I decided to take a closer look. “The man responsible for the collection had no idea how the Torah scroll got there or what its history was, but he let me look for clues to its identity to see if it belonged to my grandfather. I told the people around me that our family always said that the atzei chaim (the two dowels around which the Torah scroll is wound) weren’t made of wood, as is usual, but of copper, and so the ends of the Torah scroll had been damaged by rust, which made the rabbis in Auschwitz question whether or not it was kosher. When we rolled the scroll to its ends, where it was

“This childhood friend—now family—told his adopted daughters that their father sewed a secret pocket in his coat, which he made from the sleeve of a different coat, and in which he hid his Torah scroll, taking it with him wherever he went. When he got to Auschwitz, he was told to remove all his clothing. One of the prisoners tasked with collecting the stolen clothing for the Nazis was a Jew from Munkatch. Describing the coat and the time it was taken from him, he begged the man to take the Torah scroll from its hiding place. attached to the dowels, we were shocked to see the rust damage.”

‘The Hand of G-d’

Maor’s breath stopped when he realized that the scroll in his hands might be his family’s lost Torah. He asked permission to look for another sign. “As far as my family knows, my grandfather was murdered on the week that the portions of Tazria and Metzora are read. So I asked to open the scroll to those portions. Who knew if we “Large blood stains were found on those Torah portions. It was a sign that the Torah scroll had been open in exactly that place when my grandfather was killed by the Nazis. It was eerie. I still get goosebumps when I talk about it,” he said, showing me the hair standing up on his arms as his voice shakes with emotion, as if he were witnessing the discovery just then. “It was the hand of G-d that guided me there calmed down, we went above ground, where there was a yeshivah, and I recited Kaddish in memory of my grandfather.” How did he know about the scroll, and about his grandfather’s death? “Grandfather had a childhood friend who was with him in Auschwitz. The two were exiled together from ghetto to ghetto, and from concentration camp to concentration camp. He survived the war. He tried to emigrate to Palestine, but the British caught him and sent him to Cyprus, where he married the sister-inlaw of his late friend, my grandfather, Yaakov Meir.” The couple adopted Yaakov Meir’s three orphan daughters, one of whom became Yaakov’s mother. 14

“The Torah was returned to him three days later. The camp’s Jews studied it, and secretly read from it on Shabbat and holidays. Yaakov Meir managed to survive the horrors of Auschwitz, but was shot by a Nazi soldier on the death march to Germany in the last weeks of the war. “Grandfather’s blood, sprayed on his beloved Torah when he was killed, bore silent witness to his death, but it also bore witness to his regular reading from his Torah and his living with it throughout that terrible time,” recounted Maor. Years later, his blood was carefully sponged from the scroll by Zaka volunteers and buried in Jerusalem.

Eternal Proof of Faith

Maor was granted permission to take the scroll with him to Israel. Every year, on the holiday of Simchat Torah, he takes it from the ark he had built for it and dances with it. As far as he’s concerned, returning his grandfather’s Torah to his mother—and his emotional telling of the story to each of his many grandchildren—is the greatest and sweetest vengeance possible against the Nazis. The Maor family had a new cover made for the Torah scroll; on it, they embroidered, in large gold letters: “You shall live by these words: And it was when the ark travelled [to] Munkatch, Auschwitz, Vienna, Ramat Gan, Kedumim, Hemed.” The scroll will continue to accompany the Maor family from generation to generation. Even though the scroll is not kosher for Torah of its journeys—it remains “eternal proof that we pass on, from generation to generation, our traditions, faith, connection to and love for the Torah, and knowledge of G-d’s Divine intervention in our lives.”

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Shacharis 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM

Chabad of South Orlando is offering deeply discounted park tickets to Orlando’s Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Mincha & Maariv 5:45 PM and 8:00 PM

Purchase online at www.JewishOrlando.com/tickets

Shabbos Friday Night: 5:40 PM Shabbos Morning: 9:30 AM

KOSHER FOOD

at Chabad of South Orlando 7347 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando FL 32819

World Famous Chicago Milt’s BBQ from Chicago In Orlando from Jan. 16 -Feb. 3

at 7347 W. Sand Lake Road. (773) 661-6384 www.JewishOrlando.com/kosher

SHABBOS DINNERS

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4797 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Suite A Kissimmee, FL 34746 407-354-1296 www.KosherGourmet.Biz

For a memorable Shabbat experience be sure to make your reservation today! www.JewishOrlando.com/dinners

Zayde’s Kosher Kitchen at Rosen Plaza Hotel Daily Prepared Meals and Shabbos Meals

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at the 9700 International Dr. Orlando, FL 32819 407.996.1704 www.JewishOrlando.com/kosher

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Kashrus Alert: Kosher Grill Orlando is no longer under recognized hashgocha

Serving Orlando for 17 years

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Saturday, January 23 During Shabbat Services Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin, Internationally renowned educator, speaker and author attained rabbinical ordination at Yeshiva University from his mentor, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, and his Ph.D. from New York University. Rabbi Riskin founded and serves as Chancellor of Ohr Torah Stone, a network of educational institutions based upon the synthesis of Torah values with contemporary living and tikkun olam. In 1983, Rabbi Riskin left a thriving career as spiritual leader of Manhattan’s Lincoln Square Synagogue to make aliya and become the founding Chief Rabbi of Efrat, Israel, where he lives today with his wife Vicky, children and 17 grandchildren.

Saturday, January 31 During Shabbat Services Dovid Efune, is the editor in chief of The Algemeiner newspaper, a major international online destination for Jewish, Israel and Middle East related news. Under his leadership, The Algemeiner has achieved #1 ranking on the Technorati 'World Authority' index and was referred to as "the fastest growing Jewish newspaper in America" by CNBC. The publication hosts over 850 bloggers. Efune has two rabbinic degrees and a Masters in Hebrew Letters.

Saturday, Feb. 13 During Shabbat Services and Shalosh Seudos Alan Kadish, M.D. President and Chief Executive Officer of Touro, the largest Jewish-sponsored educational institution in the United States. Dr. Kadish distinguished himself as a prominent cardiologist, dedicated teacher and researcher, and experienced administrator.

Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20 Military Shabbaton (by reservation ) Aleph Institute (A DOD recognized Military Chaplain Ecclesiastical Endorsing Agency) Annual Jewish Military Training Course and Sabbath with our Troops.

Friday, February 26 Shabbat Dinner (by reservation only) Danny Danon was a Member of Knesset from 2009 until 2015. He served as Deputy Speaker of the 18th Knesset, as Chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and among others as a member of the Labor, Welfare and Health Committee, House, Constitution, Law and Justice, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Education, Culture, and Sports Committee, and Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs. He also served as Deputy Minister of Defense. In 2015 he was appointed Israel Ambassador to the United Nations.

Saturday, March 5 During Shabbat Services Gideon Sa'ar, former Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset for the political party Likud between 2003 and 2014. He also held the posts of Minister of the Interior and Education Minister. After serving in the IDF, he studied political science at Tel Aviv University and then law. In the 2003 elections he won a seat in the Knesset on Likud's list, and was appointed Likud Parliamentary Group Chairman. In December 2008 Sa'ar won the Likud primaries for its list going into the 2009 elections, giving him second place on the Likud list after leader Binyamin Netanyahu. In September 2014, Sa'ar announced his resignation from his post and remained a member of the Likud.

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R E T S I G E R O T E C N A

LAST CH

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In A Woman’s World

Issues of relevance to the Jewish Woman Weekly Classes

Women’s Mikvah:

Monday Women’s Study Group Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar At the home of :Please call The Shul for details.

Please call Mrs. Devorah Failer for an appointment: 305-866 1492 or 305-323-2410

8:00 - 10:00 pm

Tuesday

Please Note: Shabbos & Yom Tov visits must be Prepaid

Prayer Class Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 1111 Kane Concourse Suite 618

9:15 - 10:15 am

Tanya Class In Spanish Mrs. Vivian Perez 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

2:00 - 2:30 pm

Torah Portion In Spanish Mrs Vivian Perez 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

2:30 - 3:45 pm

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!

Wednesday Morning Torah Class Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 10:00 - 11:00 am The weekly portion - Women’s Perspective Haime Library Tanya Class in English Mrs. Vivian Perez 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

1:00 - 3:00 pm

If you would like to be a part of The Shul Sisterhood, please call 305. 868.1411

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The Aleph Institute

Serving Jews in institutional and limited environments

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The Aleph Institute

Serving Jews in institutional and limited environments

To contribute to The Aleph Institute’s programs, or to volunteer your time, please call 305.864.5553 www.alephinstitute.org 23

French Connection Reflexions sur la Paracha

Pourquoi D.ieu n’a pas délégué

Vivre avec la paracha

Fallait-il qu’Il fasse tout Lui-même? Par Elisha Greenbaum

J

e me souviens des Séders de mon enfance. Des tables sur tréteaux et des chaises pliantes serpentant le long des murs leur, les miettes de matsa constellant les tapis, des odeurs merveilleuses qui s’échappaient de la cuisine et, nous autres, une bande de gamins renversant du jus de raisin sous l’effet de l’excitation. La famille grandissant, le lieu et le menu ont changé, des sous-groupes restaient dans leurs belles-familles un des deux soirs et, chaque année, il y avait quelques cousins venus de l’autre bout du pays ou de l’étranger. Cependant, malgré tous les changements, il y avait une constante : en tête de table, l’objet de toute notre attention et resplendissant dans son long kitel blanc, était assis mon grandpère, « Zeidé ». C’était Zeidé qui dirigeait le Seder chaque année et toute la famille chantait avec lui sur les airs familiers. Il marquait toujours une pause aux mêmes endroits de la liturgie pour intercaler de profonds commentaires du texte et répétait des précieux enseignements de son père. Encore maintenant, des années après sa mort, et après quelques 15 ans à participer à d’autres Séders, j’entends encore dans mon esprit sa voix mélodieuse chanter les airs de mon enfance. Il y en avait un que j’ai toujours apprécié pour sa simplicité et l’émotion qu’il dégageait. La Haggadah cite un verset de l’Exodus et le commente : Je parcourrai le pays d’Égypte et Je frapperai tout premier-né et Je ferai justice de toutes les divinités de l’Égypte, moi, D.ieu. Les sages relèvent l’emploi répété de la première personne par D.ieu et expliquent que D.ieu était en train de promettre qu’Il ferait tout cela Lui-même : Je les sauverai et n’enverrai pas un ange. Ce sera Moi, et non un séraphin. Moi, et non un messager. Je ferai tout Moi-même.

Toutefois, il est clair que sauver le monde doit être une action collective. Je me satisfais parfaitement de ma petite part de gloire. Personne ne m’en voudra si j’attends d’être rejoint par d’autres avant de faire un pas en avant. » Mais ce n’est pas la leçon que nous apprenons de D.ieu. Il a tout fait Lui-même sans attendre que des anges ou d’autres protagonistes jouent leur rôle. Quand vous voyez quelqu’un qui attend d’être sauvé, ne restez pas en arrière avec la foule des spectateurs. Joignezvous aux efforts de secours. Les personnes en danger n’ont pas le temps d’attendre que vous ayez terminé d’ergoter sur la chaîne de commandement ; elles attendent que vous les sauviez.

Mon Zeidé chantait le refrain à sa manière inimitable, insistant sur le point et le contrepoint du texte. Toute la famille reprenait en chœur ce passage qui a toujours été l’un de mes moments préférés du Seder. Cette semaine, j’ai découvert un enseignement du Rabbi sur ces mots. Le Rabbi s’interrogeait sur la raison pour laquelle D.ieu a tant insisté sur le fait de tout faire Lui-même. Pourquoi n’at-Il pas laissé quelque chose à faire aux anges ? Il n’y a rien de mal à déléguer, alors pourquoi fallait-il absolument relever que D.ieu a agi seul ?

Si nous voyons un problème, il nous revient de lui apporter une solution. Si nous apprenons que quelqu’un subit un tort, nous devons nous battre pour lui. Sa cause est notre cause, ses besoins sont notre responsabilité. Nous n’attendons pas que d’autres nous relayent. Nous acceptons avec reconnaissance notre mission de sauver le monde et de forger l’avenir.

Dans un commentaire qui résume assez bien la philosophie de vie de mon Zeidé et décrit son constant souci des autres, le Rabbi a expliqué que D.ieu nous enseigne ici ce qu’il faut faire face à des personnes en détresse. De temps en temps nous croisons des gens qui ont besoin de notre aide et il est de notre devoir de répondre à leur appel. Cela peut parfois être pénible, voire éprouvant, mais pour sauver un autre Juif, à « descendre en Égypte », à quitter notre position de confort et de facilité pour s’engager dans un bourbier parsemé d’embûches et de dangers. Aucun Il serait tellement facile de se détendre et de laisser le gros du travail aux autres. « Évidemment que je remplirai mon rôle. J’entends bien participer à l’effort commun. 24

Classes

Thursdays at 12.00 in the Haime Library Classes alternate between the following teachers: Dr. Hanna Barouk Rabbi Amar Rabbi Frankforter Rabbi Gansburg FOR WOMEN ONLY

Latin Link

Reflexion Semanal Un rayo de luz

Parasha de la Semana

Por Yossy Goldman

R

ecientemente ha habido algunos grandes cortes de electricidad en vastas franjas de los Estados Unidos. Aun recuerdo el ensayo que escribí en la escuela secundaria acerca del gran apagón de los años 60. En Johannesburgo, donde ahora vivo, experimentamos fallas en la electricidad localizadas en forma más que frecuente. A veces eso hace que no podamos disfrutar un cholent caliente en la tarde de Shabat. Todos esos apagones son sólo inconvenientes menores, cuando los comparamos con el Gran Apagón en Egipto antes del Éxodo. La novena plaga fue Tinieblas y por el relato bíblico, parece hacer que los cortes de electricidad actuales sean insignificantes. “Hubo profundas tinieblas en toda la tierra de Egipto durante tres días. Ningún hombre podía ver a su hermano, ni ninguna persona podía siquiera levantarse de su lugar durante tres días. Y para los Hijos de Israel hubo luz en todas sus moradas” (Éxodo 10:22-23). De acuerdo con los comentaristas, no fue simplemente una ausencia de luz sino una niebla tangible que empeoraba con el tiempo. Los primeros tres días no podían ver. Los siguientes tres días no podían ni siquiera moverse. Pero, milagrosamente, calle abajo, en el vecindario judío de Goshen ¡había luz! Este versículo “Y para los Hijos de Israel hubo luz en todas sus moradas” hizo que el santo Rabí Israel de Ruzhin diera la siguiente hermosa explicación homilética: “Todo judío es un rayo de luz. Sólo depende de sus ‘moradas’”. El entorno en el cual a veces se encuentra el judío arroja una sombra sobre la espiritualidad y luz que innatamente posee. De ninguna manera, sin embargo, no disminuye de la luz Divina dentro de cada judío. No todo entorno conduce hacia la luz. A veces un judío puede ser afectado negativamente por su entorno. Pero intrínsecamente, todo judío es un rayo de luz. ¿Cree en Di-s? No es suficiente. Debe creer también en los judíos. Ni siquiera ser cínico acerca de los judíos cínicos. Se que no siempre es fácil, aun para aquellos de nosotros que

No estaba seguro que debía hacer con él. ¿Debía ofrecerle un sidur (libro de plegarias) o no? ¿Lo consideraría una provocación y se disgustaría? En mi inseguridad, decidí no hacer nada. Posteriormente, cuando miré a mi alrededor, él no estaba a la vista. Al día siguiente su sobrino confirmó mis sospechas. Estaba disgustado por no haber sido invitado a unirse a las plegarias. “¿No soy también un judío?” Le preguntó. Estaba justificadamente herido e hice esfuerzos especiales en las semanas siguientes para apaciguarlo, asegurándole que realmente creía que era un judío como yo.

filosóficamente, nos identificamos con este concepto. A menudo debo discutir con los miembros del minian de mi sinagoga sobre este tema. Un individuo viene a decir Kadish tras perder a un ser querido, y los asistentes habituales de la sinagoga a veces tienen sus pequeñas apuestas privadas: ¿Seguirá adelante y recitará el Kadish todo el año o desaparecerá después del período de duelo inicial? Algunos de los individuos son cínicos, de acuerdo a experiencias pasadas. Ellos citan el viejo adagio judío: “El malaj hamavet (ángel de la muerte) alimenta las sinagogas”. A menudo debo desempeñar no sólo el rol de defensor de la fe, sino de defensor del rebaño. Nunca perder las esperanzas con ningún judío, siempre les digo. En verdad, muchas veces me vi. gratamente sorprendido cuando un judío de quien la sinagoga creía que era completamente extraño se convirtió en uno de nuestros asistentes regulares. Admito que también hay veces que tengo que recordarme a mi mismo no convertirme en un cínico y aferrarme a mis propias creencias ideológicas. Un incidente particular, hace algunos años, permanece en mi mente. Fuimos invitados por amigos para ver un nuevo documental dramático sobre el Holocausto. Era una producción larga y éramos bastantes pocas personas. Decidimos tener un intervalo. La interrupción también nos dio la oportunidad de orar minjá (las plegarias de la tarde). Entre los invitados estaba un tío de nuestro anfitrión, un conocido y exitoso comerciante en diamantes también conocido por25ser un ateo declarado.

Aprendí una importante lección de este episodio. Nunca dar por perdido a ningún judío. Nunca ser cínicos acerca de los cínicos. Todo judío es un rayo de luz. Todo lo que necesitamos es hacer el entorno un poco más conducente, y la luz inherente brillará.

Clases y Eventos

Porcion Semenal Rabbi Shea Rubinstein Lunes 8:45 pm - 9:45 pm

(Para Mujeras) Sra. Vivian Perez Martes 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm 198 Park Dr. Bal Harbour Por favor llamar al 305.213.3202 Kolel Espanol Rabbi Shlomi Halsband Miercoles 8:30 - 10:00 pm Domingo 8:30 - 10:00 pm Sra. Vivian Perez Jueves 11:00 am -12:30 pm Chabad of Aventura 21001 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura

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Cosmetic & Family Dentistry A state-of-the-art office with carINGANDattentive service satisfying all yOURDENTALNEEDS INCLUDING

$ENTAL)MPLANTSs)NVISALIGNs#OSMETIC6ENEERS 4EETH7HITENINGs0EDIATRIC$ENTISTRY Key Biscayne Office Tel: (305) 361-2096 |www.KeyBiscayneSmiles.com #RANDON"OULEVARDs+EY"ISCAYNE &, Bay Harbor Office Tel: (305) 615-5722| www.BayHarborDentist ry.com +ANE#ONCOURSEs"AY(ARBOR)SLANDS &, 27

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Numbers to know Contacts at The Shul 305.868.1411

Shul Gaboim Mr. Andrew Roth Mr. David Portnoy Rabbi Henry Eichler Mr. Ettai Einhorn Mr. David Ben-Arie Mr. Seth Salver

Rabbi Associate Rabbi Rabbi’s Executive Assistant Rebbetzin JLAC / Adult Ed/ Singles CYS College / Kolel Accounting Controller

Rabbi Sholom Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Ms. Lydia Hasson Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar Rabbi Shea Rubinstein Rabbi Dov Schochet Mrs. Geri Kelly Mrs. Janice Barney

Ext 315 Ext 345 Ext 311 305.992.8363 Ext 342 305.790.8294 Ext 341 Ext 318

Youth Director / Dinner Youth Director Operations / Maintenance Marketing / Online / Web Reception / Accounts Payable Mikvah Pre-School Sephardic Minyan Hebrew School / Editor Hashkama Minyan Mashgiach

Mrs Devorah Leah Andrusier Rabbi Shaykee Farkash Mr. Shlomi Katan Mr. Jay Spok Mrs. Mindy Natoli Mrs. Devorah Failer Chana or Esti Chazan Shimshon Tzubeli Mrs. Aurit Katan Mr. Lazer Milstein Mr. Mordechai Olesky

Ext 329 Ext 329 Ext 319 Ext 339 Ext 0 305.323.2410 Ext 325 305.790.4634 786.382.9006 305.349.3040 786.262.9115

Board of Trustees Ambassador Isaac Gilinski - Chairman Abel Holtz Simon Falic Mike Izak Sidney Feltenstein Alberto Kamhazi Matias Garfunkel Shmuel Katz M.D. Jaime Gilinski Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Max Gilinski Lazer Milstein Saul Gilinski Michael Perez Sam Greenberg Claudio Stivelman Morris Tabacinic

Foundation Trustees Albert Pollans - President Jaime Gilinski David Lichter Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Monroe Milstein - Treasurer

Executive Committee Mitchell Feldman - Chair Janice Barney Joel Baum CPA Steven M. Dunn Maurice Egozi Bruce Gelb Daniel Gielchinsky

Evelyn Katz David Lichter Rabbi Sholom Dovber Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Ryan Shapiro Marc Sheridan Eric P. Stein

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Board of Directors David Lichter Mitch Feldman - President Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar Eric Stein - Vice President Rabbi Sholom Dovber Lipskar Joel Baum, CPA - Treasurer Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Devorah Leah Andrusier Orit Osman Carolyn Baumel Yaakov Saidof Max Benoliel David Schottenstein Jose Biton Daniel Shapiro Eli Dominitz Ryan Shapiro Maurice Egozi Daniel Sragowicz Henry Eichler Cynthia Stein Daniel Gielchinsky Jose Yankelevitch Jacob J. Givner Gregory Levine

Daily Study

A complete guide to all classes and courses offered at The Shul Derech Mitzvosecha

Rabbi Zalman Lipskar

6:20 - 6:50 am

D a i l y

Daf Yomi

Rabbi Dov Schochet

7:45 - 8:45 am

Chok L’Yisrael - Sephardic Custom

Reb Shimshon Tzubeli

8:45 am

Chassisdic Discourses of The Rebbe

Rabbi Shea Rubinstein

10:15 - 11:00 am

Community Kollel (Men) (Monday & Thursday)

Shul Rabbis and Kolel

8:00 - 9:30 pm

S u n

Daf Yomi (Men)

Rabbi Dov Schochet

Tanya - Sichos

Rabbi Shlomo Haltzband

In Depth Chumash Study

Rabbi Dov Schochet

Insights to our daily prayers (Spanish)

Rabbi Shea Rubinstein

8:45 - 9:45 pm

Women’s Study Group At the home of: Please call The Shul for details

Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar

8:15 - 10:00 pm

Senior Jewish History

Rabbi Shalom Katz

Senior Torah Academy Pirkei Avos Tanya Class in Spanish (Women)

Rabbi Dov Schochet Mrs. Vivian Perez, 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

2:00 - 2:30 pm

Torah Portion Class in Spanish (Women)

Mrs. Vivian Perez, 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

2:30 - 3:45 pm

Morning Torah Class (Women) - Weekly Parsha

Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar

10:00 - 11:30 am

W e d

In Depth Tanya Class ( Men & Women)

Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar

STARTING THIS WEEK11:30 am -12:30 pm

Tanya Class in English

Mrs. Vivian Perez, 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Spanish Kolel - Chassidus

Rabbi Shlomo Halsband

8:00 - 10:00 pm

t h u r s

Parsha (Men and Women)

Rabbi Shea Rubinstein

11:15 - 12:00 am

Senior Torah Academy for Men & Women (Main Sanctuary) Book of Judges - Years 2780 -2835 Tanya In Spanish (Women)

Rabbi Dov Schochet

m o n

T u e s

9:00 am 8:00 - 10:00 pm 1:30 pm

11:00 am - 12:00 pm 12:00 - 1: pm

Mrs. Vivian Perez (Chabad of Aventura, 21001 Biscayne Blvd)

ALL CLASSES LOCATED AT THE SHUL UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.

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12:00 - 1:00 pm 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

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DEADLINE FOR JOURNAL ADS IS FRIDAY JANUARY 22ND

B"H

The Community Is Invited To A

In Honor Of

The yahrtzeit of the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880–1950), of righteous memory. It is also the day when, in 1951, the seventh Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994), of righteous memory, formally accepted the leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch.

Wednesday, January 20th 8PM For Men & Women. Refreshments will be served. 9540 Collins Ave. Surfside FL | 305.868.1411