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THEWEEKLY MAGAZINE SHUL

SPONSORED BY MR. & MRS. MARTIN (OBM) AND ETHEL SIROTKIN & DR. & MRS. SHMUEL AND EVELYN KATZ SHABBOS PARSHAS MISHPATIM PARSHAS SHEKALIM SHABBOS ROSH CHODESH

SHEVAT 30 - ADAR 1 FEBRUARY 12 - 13 CANDLE LIGHTING: 5:54 PM SHABBOS ENDS: 6:48 PM

The Shul - Lubavitch - An institution of The Lubavitcher , Menachem M. Schneerson (May his merit shield us) Over Thirty five 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] www.theshulpreschool.org www.cyscollege.org THE SHUL WEEKLY MAGAZINE EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK

NACHAS AT A GLANCE NACHAS AT A GLANCE CONTENTS Weekly Message: 3 Motzei Shabbos - Father and Son learning. Thoughts on the Parsha - Sholom D. Lipskar

Celebrating Shabbos: 4 - 5 Schedules, classes, articles & more... Everything you need for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience

Community Happenings: 6 -7 Sharing with your Shul Family

All Things Sephardic: 8 - 9 Schedules, classes, articles & more

Daily Study: 12 A complete guide to all classes and courses offered at The Shul

Inspiration, Insights & Ideas: 10 - 22 Bringing lessons to LIFE

Get The Picture: 23 - 28 The full scoop on all the great events around town

In a Woman’s World: 29 Issues of relevance to the Jewish woman

French Connection: 30 Reflexions sur la Paracha

Latin Link: 31 Reflexion Semanal

Networking: 32- 33 & 35 Effective Advertising

Numbers To Know: 34 Contacts at The Shul

Get The Picture: 36 The full scoop on all the great events around town THOUGHTS ON THE PARSHA FROM RABBI SHABBOS PARSHAS MISHPATIM his Shabbos we foundation of a dwelling place for G-d, and it is that experience the level of commitment that makes our offerings pleasant Tcortex of multiple to G-d. holy concepts that each add a significant Rosh Chodesh is particularly connected to the Jewish dimension to the totality People who are compared to the moon. The moon has of Shabbos! no light of its own but receives its glow as a reflection of the sun. Anthropomorphically speaking, the moon is First, the portion itself, subservient and subordinate as it receives its light. So V’eila Hamishpotim, is a is the light of the a reflection of G-d’s light, which direct continuum of the we receive when we subserviate ourselves to the revelation at Sinai which greatness and glory of Hashem. we read last week. The conclusion of this weekly All of these concepts underscore our complete devotion reading concludes the revelationary event. It is also to Hashem and His will. As we enter the month of Adar Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Adar, the 12th month of the when we begin a period of increased joy and jubilation, year which has the special distinction of “when Adar let us recognize the true happiness and peace of mind arrives, we increase our happiness” and is imbued with and soul that comes from our allegiance, dependence special good fortune as represented by its astrological and complete devotion to Almighty G-d. formation “Pisces”. We also take out a second Torah where we read the first of the “four Parshiot” – the Have a good Shabbos and a great week. Chapter of Shekalim (Exodus Ch. 30 v11-16) and Haftorah (Kings II: 11:17 – 12:17).

Whereas each of these special concepts are separate and unique, when they coincide together on a single Rabbi Sholom D.Lipskar Shabbos they integrate to create even greater holiness and energy.

Mishpatim, which literally refers to those laws which are logical, rational and part of every civilized society, was emphatically given at Sinai. Even laws which are sensible are not assured to sustain unless they are ordained by Revelation and the Divine Authority at Sinai.

The ½ shekel that each Jew had to give was used during the first year to build the foundation of the first and original House for G-d, and on the years thereafter for obligatory and other community offerings. The ½ shekel which has monetary value represents a person’s life and sustenance since the acquiring of money requires one’s full dedication of life and effort, so one’s life is in his money. Also, as one can use money to buy the necessary nutrition to sustain life, when one gives it is as if giving life itself.

It is our selfless devotion and unconditional acceptance of Divine Authority that is required to build the

3 CELEBRATING SHABBOS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN “OVER THE TOP” SHABBOS EXPERIENCE

Eruv Information

We would like to emphasize that every Erev Shabbos, individuals should call the Eruv Hotline SHABBOS SCHEDULE to make sure that the Eruv is operational. The Candle lighting 5:54 p.m. number to call is 305- 866-ERUV (3788).

Mincha / Kabalas Shabbos 5:55 p.m. The Eruv message is recorded approximately two hours prior to candle lighting. Surfside: The Eruv in Surfside now includes the walking paths along the Shacharis 1st 8:30 a.m. beach. Pushing strollers and carrying is permitted Shacharis 2nd Minyan 10:30 a.m. on the paths, but not beyond the path or onto the beach.

Mincha 5:40 p.m. Bal Harbour: The Eruv in Bal Harbour included Shabbos Ends the inner (western) walking path only. The pier at Haulover Cut is not included. / Ma’ariv & Havdalah 6:48 p.m. To pay your annual dues visit: www.miamibeacheruv.com

HALACHIC TIMES BASED ON TIMES FOR FEBRUARY 17

Alot Hashachar / Dawn 5:41 am Earliest Talit & 6:12 am Netz Hachamah / Sunrise 6:54 am (Earliest Amidah) Latest Shema 9:42 am Zman Tfillah 10:39 am Chatzot / Midday 12:34 pm Earliest Mincha 1:04 pm Plag HaMincha 5:08 pm Shekiah / Sunset 6:15 pm (Preferable latest time for Mincha) Tzeit Hakochavim / Nightfall 6:39 pm To our beloved Soldiers in the Israeli Defense (Earliest preferable Ma’ariv) Forces, courageously protecting and defending Eretz Yisroel. We pray for you and all of Times taken from www.chabad.org the soldiers safety and well being daily. Please note that during the week times may Menachem Mendel ben Chaya Leah Vary by a minute or two. Menachem Mendel ben Aurit Eden Chana bat Karine Cecile 4 PARSHA IN PICTURES Test your PARSHA knowledge. Can you tell the story using the pictures below

5 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS SHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY

BIRTHDAYS YAHRTZEITS 1 Adar Mr. Daniel Benchimol 1 Adar Yocheved bas Asher obm 1 Adar Mr. Nick Werner Mother-in-law of Mrs. Rosita Boruchin 1 Adar Ms. Vivi Rubinstein 1 Adar Simcha bas Shlomo obm 1 Adar Mr. Yehoshua Shagalov Mother of Mr. Yaacov Saidof 2 Adar Mr. Dovid Duchman 1 Adar Emma bas Sarah Yvette obm 2 Adar Mr. Isaac Lustgarten Mother of Mrs. Nicole Bouhadana 2 Adar Mrs. Jacqueline Slomianski 2 Adar Baila bas Avraham Chaim obm 2 Adar Mr. Leah Brecher Daughter of Mrs. Judy Milstein 2 Adar Mrs. Nathalie Koffler 3 Adar Shajne ben Dovid obm 2 Adar Ms. Sarah Benoliel Grandfather of Mr. Isaac Salver 3 Adar Mr. Aaron Weisman 3 Adar Malka bas Menahem obm 3 Adar Mr. Arnaud Sitbon Mother of Mr. Menahem Ivcher 3 Adar Ms. Elizabeth Liss 4 Adar Blooma bas Sheindel obm 3 Adar Mr. Gary Garson Mother of Dr. Janet Mitrani 3 Adar Mr. Harry Mamane 4 Adar Hannah bas Yitchak obm 3 Adar Ambassador Isaac Gilinski Mother of Mr. Jack Gluck 3 Adar Mr. Mendel Rivkin 4 Adar Moshe Gavriel obm 4 Adar Mrs. Diana Ben-Arie Father of Mr. Fred Shainbaum 4 Adar Mr. Scott Levine 5 Adar Osher ben Avraham Aba obm 5 Adar Mr. Ben Jacobson Brother of Mr. Sergio Gurvitsch 5 Adar Dr. Emilio Suster 5 Adar Moshe Josef ben Zvi obm 5 Adar Mr. Ira Sussman Brother of Ms. Vivian Naimer 5 Adar Mr. Moshe (Motty) Klainbaum 5 Adar Marta Tzipora bas obm 5 Adar Mr. Richard Gluck Mother of Mr. Eli Freund 5 Adar Mr. Richard Sragowicz 5 Adar Aryeh Yosef ben Shmuel Yitzchak obm 5 Adar Rabbi Shlomie Diamont Father of Mr. Berel Golomb 6 Adar Ms. Avigail Esther Wuensch 6 Adar Freda bas Eliyahu obm 6 Adar Mr. Joel Blumstein Mother of Mr. Aryeh Rubin 6 Adar Mrs. Patricia Farago 6 Adar Nussen Meir ben Alter Kasriel obm 7 Adar Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar Father of Ms. Beth F. Salzberg 7 Adar Mr. Collin Lotkin 6 Adar Aaron Yitzchak ben Arie obm 7 Adar Mr. Jack Gluck Father-in-law of Mrs. Pauline R. Kopelman 7 Adar Mr. Martin Jacobs 6 Adar Favoul obm 7 Adar Mr. Matthew Kupferman Brother of Mr. Irving Hoine 7 Adar Mrs. Miriam Lisbon 7 Adar Yitzchak ben Avraham obm Grandfather of Ms. Lydia Hasson KID’S BIRTHDAYS 7 Adar Golda bas Chaim obm 1 Adar Avrohom Moshe Camissar Grandmother of Mr. Richard Moore 1 Adar Ruthy Farkash 2 Adar Ines Avigail Berdugo 2 Adar Esther Yael Jaimovich ANNIVERSARIES 2 Adar Yonathan Shimon Portnoy Mr. & Mrs. Ronen and Anat Michael 2 Adar Menachem Mendel Saidof Mr. & Mrs. Zalmy and Chaya Medalie 4 Adar Abraham Klainbaum Mr. & Mrs. Jack and Heidi Varon 5 Adar Mendel Chudaitov Mr. & Mrs. Eran and Rebecca Tobul 5 Adar Layla Khalily Mr. & Mrs. Brian and Cara Roller 5 Adar Bella Leah Saidof 6 Adar Ariel Pinchas Perelis 6 Adar Eli Yehuda Sitbon

6 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS SHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY

ADAR LIGHT & POWER THANKS TO OUR DONORS Light & Power and Wine for Kiddush & Havdalah We sincerely thank the following members and supporters of The Shul Adar is sponsored by for donations received between2/2/21 and 2/8/21 We apologize for any errors or omissions that we may have made. Alberto Camhi, Steven Dunn, Jacob Givner, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Amram Mr. & Mrs. Fred Jove David Lichter, Alex Matz, Brian Roller, Isaac Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Azoulay Mr. & Mrs. Andres Leimdorfer Salver, Steven Schmutter, Barry Wax, Mr. & Mrs. Menahem Banon Mr. David Mr. Barak Ben Shitrit Rabbi & Rebbetzin Sholom D. David Wolf and Jeffrey Wolf Mr. Chaim Berkowitz Lipskar Mr. Zev Berman Mr. & Mrs. Collin Lotkin “Those who establish for prayer and those who come there to pray, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Bogachek Rabbi & Mrs. Yair Massri those who provide lights for illumination, wine and grape juice for kiddush Dr. Brad Kenneth Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Melohn and havdalah, food for the wayfarers and charity for the needy, and all those Mr. & Mrs. Emilio Liba Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Eliezer Nerenberg who occupy themselves faithfully with communal affairs - may The Holy One, blessed be He, give them their reward, remove them from all sicknesses, heal Rabbi & Mrs. Shlomie Diamont Mr. & Mrs. Isser New their entire body, pardon all their sins, and send blessing and success to all Mr. & Mrs. Zev Drizin Mr. Julian Ohayon their endeavors, together with all Israel their brethren; and let us say Amen.” Mr. & Mrs. Mendy Edelman Ms. Sabina Osman Mr. & Mrs. Michael Elchadif Mr. & Mrs. Edward Mr. & Mrs. Israel Elgamil Rosengarten Mr. Yossef Ezekiel Ms. Vivi Rubinstein Mrs. Dorothy Failer Mr. Robin Sanders Mr. & Mrs. Guido Fraiman Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Simon REFUAH SHLEIMAH Mr. & Mrs. Leon Franco Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Sragowicz If you have a health update on anyone listed please contact The Shul. We would like to Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gad Mr. & Mrs. Eric Stein keep the listing current and remove names of people who have recovered. Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Gilinski Ms. Edna Pena Werta MEN WOMEN Mr. & Mrs. Berel Golomb Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Wolf Yehonatan HaLevi ben Malka Leah bas Alta Miriam Chaya Mr. & Mrs. Sam Greenwald Mr. Jose Yankelevitch Eliezer ben Sarah Esther Yocheved bas Raizel Mr. & Mrs. Mendy Halberstam Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Yosef Aharon ben Beylah Bracha Meyer Eliezer ben Sarah Shima Leah bas Gittel Ms. Lydia Hasson Mr. & Mrs. Adam Ziefer Menachem Mendel ben Sara Sarah Libke bas Baile Mr. Peter Hein Yehoshua ben Tamara Chana Bayla bas Masha Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Jaimovich Isaac Gilbert ben Nelly Esther Genya Bailah bat Gietel Sura Bentzion ben Nomi Rachel Sonia Simcha bat Sultana Margalite Tzipora Pnina bas Slava Chaim Zelig Ben Eidel Feige bas Krandel Ari ben Na’ama Chaya Miriam Yehudit bat Tzvi Yitzchak ben Chaya Chava Chaim Tzvi Hirsch ben Guttel Clara bat Corina Rivka bat Shoshana Miriam bat Risha Raizel

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Mr. & Mrs. Tzvi and Mindy Ehrenfeld Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Eliezer and Chasha Mushka Lerman Ms. Chaya Li

7 8 9 DAILY WISDOM Inspiring insights on the Torah Sunday, 2 Adar Shabbos, 1 Adar How G‑d Dwells with Us Unconditional Commitment They must make Me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell [The people] responded, “We will do and we will in their midst. Exodus 25:8 learn everything that G‑d has spoken.” Exodus 24:7 Not “in its midst” but “in their midst”: G‑d told us to make a By saying “we will do” before “we will learn,” the Jewish sanctuary so He may dwell within us. There are three types people declared that they were prepared to fulfill G‑d’s of sanctuaries included in this commandment: the physical will unconditionally – accepting His commandments even Tabernacle that the built in the desert; the personal, inner before they knew what they were. It is still on the condition sanctuary that each of us must construct out of our lives and our of this commitment that G‑d continues to “give us the sphere of influence in the world; and finally, the world at large, Torah” today – i.e., revealing Himself and His will to us as which we must transform into G‑d’s home. we study the Torah and perform its commandments. In all three cases, the task is possible only because we are simply Conventional thinking may deem it irrational to commit revealing the hidden, true nature of reality. The world at large and oneself to a contract before the terms of the contract are everything in it exist only because of the Divine energy pulsing spelled out. And we can indeed connect to G‑d as He within them, so making the world into a place where Divinity is reveals Himself within creation without first committing revealed is simply a matter of removing the obstructions that hide ourselves to do whatever He wants. But the only way we this reality. Similarly, the essence of every one of us is our Divine can connect to G‑d Himself – i.e., as He is beyond creation soul, so making our lives into a Tabernacle for G‑d is nothing more and rationality – is by likewise rising above the limits of than allowing our inner essence to shine through the excess rationality. Therefore, nowadays, just as when the Torah material baggage we have accumulated during our journey was first given, the way we connect with G‑d Himself is by through life. devoting ourselves to His Torah unconditionally. Tuesday, 4 Adar How to Light up the World Monday, 3 Adar You must make a Candelabrum. Exodus 25:31 The Inner Child You must make two golden cherubim. Exodus 25:18 We are taught that Moses did not understand all of G‑d’s instructions how to make the Candelabrum, so G‑d showed him an image of a fiery Candelabrum. But even so, the Candelabrum The infant-like faces of the cherubim signified that our intrinsic was still too complicated for Moses to envision, so G‑d told him bond with G‑d is akin to the essential bond between parent to simply throw the gold into a fire and the Candelabrum would and child. Despite any fluctuations that might arise in their miraculously take form. relationship, the bond between parent and child can never be broken. The fact that the cherubim were situated above Besides the Candelabrum’s physical construction, what Moses the Tablets of the Torah and faced each other signified that by found most difficult to grasp was how such a physical object studying the Torah, we can reach the root of our Divine soul, could spread the light of Divine consciousness to the outside allowing our consciousness to merge totally with G‑d. The infant world. By showing Moses the fiery Candelabrum, G‑d affirmed faces of the cherubim also alluded to the fact that the Torah as his hesitations. He informed him that indeed, using physical we know it is a diluted, simplified version of the heavenly Torah, objects to spread Divine awareness in the world is impossible for G‑d’s infinite wisdom. G‑d contracted His infinite wisdom into a us to do on our own. He therefore told Moses to cast the gold into form we can understand and digest, much as an expert teacher the fire and that the Candelabrum would take form by itself. contracts his grasp of a subject in order to convey it to his pupils. Similarly, G‑d requires us to transform all our material pursuits and possessions into sources of Divine light, but He also knows The fact that the cherubim’s wings were spread protectively that we cannot do this on our own. All He asks is that we cast it all over the Ark alludes to the fact that the Torah-education of into the fire of our hearts – i.e., to let our love for Him permeate young children ensures the preservation and continuity of the all we do – and He will miraculously do the rest. transmission of the Torah. 10 Wednesday, 5 Adar Thursday, 6 Adar Holy Foolishness Transcending the Intellect You must make the planks for the Tabernacle out The Curtain will separate for you between the Holy of acacia wood, [placed] vertically. Exodus 26:15 and the Holy of Holies. Exodus 26:33

The Hebrew word for “acacia” (shitah) means “bending.” The The outer chamber of the Tabernacle contained three furnishings: acacia tree is called the “bending” tree because it bends to the Candelabrum, the Table of twelve loaves (both of which are the side as it grows, rather than growing straight up. The discussed in this section of the Torah), and the incense Altar Hebrew word for “foolishness” (shetut) is another form of this (which is discussed in the next section). The Holy of Holies, in word, since foolishness is an act of “bending” from the path contrast, contained only one furnishing: the Ark of the Covenant. dictated by logic. The two chambers of the Tabernacle signify the two stages of achieving Divine consciousness. In the Tabernacle’s outer chamber, Foolishness can be either holy or unholy. Unholy foolishness we begin to orient our consciousness toward Divinity by focusing is the illogical thinking that leads us to go against G‑d’s will. our intellect on G‑d. This is why there were three furnishings in Holy “foolishness” is our willingness to go beyond the strict the outer chamber; they signify the three components of the requirements of the Torah in fulfilling our Divine mission or intellect: the ability to gain insight (chochmah, in Hebrew), the in refining ourselves. ability to comprehend (binah) the meaning of that insight, and the ability to make what we comprehend relevant to our own Allegorically, then, placing the “bending” acacia planks lives (da’at). vertically means using our power to be “foolish” for holy Once we arrive at an intellectual consciousness of G‑d, we can purposes. We can thereby turn this often negative character proceed to the next level, supra-rational consciousness of Him. trait into a positive force in our lives, enabling us to reach This is the consciousness of the inner chamber and the Ark levels of dedication to G‑d and union with Him that we would contained within it. At this level, not only our intellect but our not be able to reach otherwise. entire being is engulfed in Divine consciousness.

Friday, 7 Adar Consecrating our Inner Animal You must make the [Outer] Altar. Exodus 27:1 The Outer Altar was used for offering three types of animals: cattle, sheep, and goats. The animal sacrifices we offer up in our personal, inner sanctuaries are the various facets of the “animal” side of our personalities. Our inner “cattle” are our impulses to be confrontational, to oppose the directives of the Divine side of our personalities. Our inner “sheep” are our impulses to conform, to follow the crowd in pursuit of creature comforts because we are too weak to assert our Divine nature. Our inner “goats” are our impulses to be stubborn, brazenly refusing to budge from our preconceived notions. We “slaughter” our inner animal by renouncing our animalistic orientation toward life. We “sprinkle its blood” and “place its fat” on the Altar by re-orienting our enthusiasm (warm blood) and sense of delight (fat) toward G‑dliness. We “burn up” our inner animal on the Altar by allowing the Divine side of our personality to consume our animal drives. The fact that the sacrificial Altar was situated outside the Tabernacle, in the Courtyard, teaches us that refining the animal side of our personalities is prerequisite to entering the realm of holiness and Divine consciousness, represented by the Tabernacle itself. 11 DAILY STUDY A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ALL CLASSES AND COURSES OFFERED AT THE SHUL HTTPS://ZOOM.US/ 6457054016 PASSWORD: 699576 ALL OUR CLASSES ARE HAPPENING "VIRTUALLY" PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE ZOOM APP FROM APPLE STORE OR ANDRIOD AND JOIN OUR CLASSES. UPDATED CLASS SCHEDULES ARE EMAILED OUT DAILY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

7:20 - 7:50 am 7:20 - 7:50 am 7:20 - 7:50 am 7:20 - 7:50 am 7:20 - 7:50 am CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS Derech Mitzvoisecha Derech Mitzvoisecha Derech Mitzvoisecha Derech Mitzvoisecha Derech Mitzvoisecha Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar 7:50 - 8:05 am 7:50 - 8:05 am 7:50 - 8:05 am 7:50 - 8:05 am 7:50 - 8:05 am SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS Chumash, , Chumash, Tanya, Chumash, Tanya, Chumash, Tanya, Chumash, Tanya, Rambam’s book Rambam’s book Rambam’s book Rambam’s book Rambam’s book of Mitzvos of Mitzvos of Mitzvos of Mitzvos of Mitzvos Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar 8:05 - 9:05 am 8:05 - 9:05 am 8:05 - 9:05 am 8:05 - 9:05 am 8:05 - 9:05 am DAF YOMI DAF YOMI DAF YOMI DAF YOMI DAF YOMI Tractate Shabbos Tractate Shabbos Tractate Shabbos Tractate Shabbos Tractate Shabbos Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Dov Schochet (Men) (Men) (Men) (Men) (Men) 9:05 - 9:35 am 9:05 - 9:35 am 9:35 - 10:00 am 9:05 - 9:35 am 9:05 - 9:35 am RAMBAM RAMBAM MEGILLOT RAMBAM RAMBAM One chapter a day One chapter a day Mishlei - Book of Proverbs One chapter a day One chapter a day Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein (Men & Women) 1:30 - 2:30 pm 9:35 - 10:05 10:00 - 11:30 am 11:15 am - 12:00 pm 10:30 - 11:00 am THE BOOK OF DANIEL PARSHA OF THE WEEK PARSHA OF THE WEEK PARSHA OF THE WEEK FOOD FOR THOUGHT Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Aryeh Schottenstein Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar Rabbi Shea Rubinstien Dobie Rubinstien (Men & Women) (Men & Women) (Women Only) (Men & Women) (Women Only)

8:45 - 9:45 pm 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 11:30 - 12:15 pm 12:00 - 1:00 pm 4:15 - 4:30 pm PARSHA IN SPANISH SHABBOS TANYA SENIOR TORAH ACADEMY SHABBOS INSPIRATION Rabbi Shea Rubinstein Exploring customs w/ Rabbi Sholom Lipskar Rabbi Dov Schochet Rabbi Sholom Lipskar chassidus and (Men & Women) (Men & Women) Book of Judges Rabbi Shea Rubinstien (Men & Women) (Men & Women) 12:00 - 1:00 pm 3:00 pm 2:00 pm PIRKEI AVOT TANYA IN ENGLISH PARSHA IN SPANISH Rabbi Dov Schochet Mrs. Vivian Perez Mrs. Vivian Perez (Men & Women) (Women Only) (Women Only) https://zoom.us/j/758161843 https://zoom.us/j/758161843 password 5899 Passcode 540360 2:00 pm TANYA IN SPANISH Mrs. Vivian Perez (Women Only) https://zoom.us/j/758161843 password 5899

8:00 pm PARSHA OF THE WEEK Rabbi Sholom Lipskar (Men & Women)

12 PARSHAH MESSAGES HALACHA = MOTION By Aharon Loschak

here’s a wonderful little parable I heard in my yeshivah days: Yankel,T a poor and illiterate shtetl Jew, was celebrating the wedding of his only daughter. Standing exuberantly under the chuppah about to see his daughter achieve lifelong happiness, he was distracted by a distant shout. It was the town crier running in, bearing an important letter addressed to him. Unable to read, Yankel handed the letter to the town scribe. Perusing the document, a scant look flitted across his face. He leaned over to Yankel and whispered something in his ear. “Oy vey!” Yankel cried, and fainted on the spot. What was in the letter? Yankel, I’m sorry to tell you, but your father has passed. Now, let’s think about this for a moment. Of the two, Yankel and the scribe, who better understood the Halachah to dance with joy. content of the letter? One could argue that it was We’ll start with the commonly used word It’s an emotional, visceral experience that ought the scribe, for he could read it while Yankel could for Jewish practice, halachah or halakhah, to be moving you in all different directions. not. depending which style guide you adhere to. Commonly translated as “Jewish law,” So, it’s not just “law.” Oh no, it’s far more than Why, then, did Yankel react so dramatically to the the root H-L-KH in Hebrew means “to go” that. It’s a subscription that takes over your life message while the scribe did not? or “walk,” which begs the question, why is unlike any other, jettisoning your inertia and Jewish law called “walking?” Because it was his father, not the scribe’s. setting you in perpetual motion. Some explain that it points to the idea that A Difficult Word to Translate It’s a great little rhetorical device to convey an the Jewish people “walk” with it throughout important idea: the difference between simply This sounds pretty amazing, but like most life, or in other words, it’s the way in which understanding something and actually “getting it.” things involving lofty rhetoric, the question we “go” as Jews. Others point to the verse, is: how? How do you board this elevator of And it’s the magic ingredient we need to inject into “And you shall make known to them the motion? What if you’re not at all moved by our religious lives right now. way they shall go and the deed[s] they shall what you learn, do, and hear? Are you missing do,”2 which articulates this idea of Jews the point? And if yes, well, what should you do? An Acute Case of Religious Boredom “going” along G‑d’s path. After all, who doesn’t suffer from a little bit of Let’s look at the opening verse of our parshah: “religious boredom” every once in a while? Whether Indeed, Jewish law is not merely a laundry “And these are the ordinances that you shall you’re a seasoned pro already swaying for decades, list of do’s and don’ts, as it is unfortunately set before them.” “Ordinances” is a scary word. or a novice just getting your feet wet with often caricatured. Rather, it’s a gift from Fortunately, we have alternate translations observance, there are bound to be times you’re not Above, bestowed upon us to set us in provided to us by Scripture’s lead translator—the particularly moved by what you’re doing. Sure, you motion. venerable Onkeles, who way back when, in the may go through the motions, but what do you do times of the early Roman Empire, rendered the And when I say “motion,” it’s not simply a when it just doesn’t seem to be going anywhere? entire Torah into Aramaic. Mishpat, the Hebrew linear path through life, from Sunday to word for “ordinance” that appears in our verse, Shabbat, from cradle to crypt, and from the Ask yourself: Does move me? isrendered by Onkeles (in a different verse, but Diaspora to Israel. Rather, it’s an internal the same word) as hilcheta. If the answer is “Yes! Every day, all day!” then great, sense of motion, a way of life that ought to good for you! You can stop right here. But if your move you the same way a melancholy song Our word du jour—halachah! answer is “Not always,” keep on reading. moves you to tears and the news that you won the lottery moves you (I would assume) Building on this translation, we’re going to suggest that the key to winning the halachah 13 game is found in the next words, “… that you shall set before them.” Once again, the English translation, while PARSHAS SHEKALIM accurate, fails to convey the depth and richness of the original text. The Hebrew lifneihem, “before them,” can mean multiple things, and one BUT HALF OF A WHOLE perfectly legitimate translation would be “to their It is befitting that we look back over last year and laugh at ourselves pinimyut.” a bit. By Shaul Yosef Leiter I warned you that translating pnimiyut would be difficult! That’s because it’s one of those words that dar is the last month of the Jewish year. Even though is the first month for calculating is an idea, a sort of intuitive notion that is conveyed years, is designated by the Torah as the first of the months. Thus, Tishrei is considered at a (don’t ask me to translate that!) Athe seventh month, and Adar (which immediately precedes Nisan) is the last month. Each over schnapps and herring with camaraderie and month is associated with a particular sense, and that which corresponds to the month of Adar is song. But if I must, it means “internalize”—the kind laughter. It is befitting that we look back over last year and laugh at ourselves a bit, at how much the of thing that Yankel did (and which the scribe did world’s trivialities fooled us into believing in them. Let’s try to use this last month of the months, Adar, to examine ourselves and set new standards in our relationships with G‑d and our fellow for not do) when he heard the contents of the letter. the coming year. And that’s what you must do when applying Today, it is the in each community who give us both spiritual and moral direction. In the times yourself to Torah and Judaism. You must apply of the Temple, this position was the priests’ - kohanim - who were often the spiritual leaders and yourself in a pnimiyut type of way, seeking to the judges who instructed everyone as to appropriate behavior. The Kli Yakar makes the connection connect and cross the bridge from “understanding” between this week’s portion and the end of last week’s: Last week ends with the prohibition of the to “getting it.” kohanim to ascend the altar via steps (as opposed to a ramp), so as not to reveal their nakedness. He explains that this is so the priests should not err and claim to be a “step” and intermediary between Apply, Connect, and You Will Be the people and G‑d. If they do, they reveal their nakedness, their spiritual shallowness. Continuing, Moved this portion begins, “And these are the judgments that you should put before them” (Ex. 21:1). Think of pictures of devout Jews poring over Torah. Before whom? Before the judges. The judges are reminded of the same warning the Torah gave the It could be by candlelight on a wooden table, kohanim: Jews do not have, nor need, an intermediary to G‑d. We all have an essential connection; with a lantern hiding in a cave, on the couch with we just need to be willing to use it. the family, or in a gallery lit up with LED bulbs. Whatever the setting, the story is the same. This Referring to these judgments and Jewish Law in general, the Lubavitcher Rebbe writes in his book, “From Day to Day” (“”)that there are two kinds of laws: “Some laws form life, and some is a people engaged in a labor of love, a child laws are formed from life. The laws that people make are in the latter category, and this is why in yearning not just to study, but to connect with G‑d. each country the laws are different, because the nature of each place is slightly different. G‑d’s laws, on the other hand, give us a context in which to live our lives - they form life. This is why we say that Learning and practicing halachah is not just doing the Torah is true, Torah laws are unchanged in each place, and that the Torah is eternal.” or understanding something. It’s connecting with something. On the Shabbat before the beginning of the month of Adar, an additional portion is always read, called “Shekalim”. This reading speaks about the commandment of giving a half shekel for use When you do that, it connects back with you. As in the Tabernacle and Temple. “This you should give...half a shekel...[each] person ... to atone for with any relationship, when you seek deeper your souls.” (Ex. 30:11) The reason for the commandment is to atone for the sin of worshipping connection, it’s reciprocated. So when you the Golden Calf. Idol worship caused a gulf to be created between G‑d and the Jewish people. The approach halachah with a desire to actually remedy is to replace this distance with unity. The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that in truth, G‑d and connect to the G‑d embedded within it, it reaches the Jewish people are really one entity. We are incomplete without G‑d. Alone, we are like the half back into you and shakes your core. shekel. This is the reason we were commanded to give only a half shekel. We show that we are just a half of the whole. The other half is G‑d, and together we are something complete. Giving the half And then, you’ll be moved. shekel demonstrated the Jews’ atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf - by returning to our belief in G‑d. Find something in Torah, in Judaism, that you connect with. If you like prayer, run with it. If When we understand this, we can see the inner connection between “Shekalim” and why it is read before the Adar, when takes place. The Megilla explains that the evil decree of studying the intricacies of the lunar calendar is Haman happened because the Jewish people bowed to an idol; the spiritual reason the decree was your thing, lean in, heavy. Embrace that Friday ultimately nullified was because of the merit we accrued by doing the commandment of the half night candle-lighting or the opportunity to visit shekel. Bowing to an idol is a demonstration of an apparent separation between G‑d and the Jewish the sick. Whatever it is, you must find something people. The giving of half a shekel rejects this, showing clearly that we are not separate, G‑d forbid, that you connect with on a deep, emotional level. but rather one united being. The merit of the commandment of the Half Shekel aroused the Jewish people and pushed them to maintain their Judaism even to the point of self-sacrifice. Not one Jew Connect in a way that when you hear or think about tried to escape the decree of annihilation by abandoning Judaism. They stood united waiting for it, you’re no longer the distant scribe reading the G‑d’s salvation. Because of this they merited the miracle of Purim. letter, rather you’re Yankel and it’s your own Father involved.

14 IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR SAGES SAGE OF THE WEEK - THE ROGATCHOVER GAON By YY Ben Shaul form of respect to how much he learned daily from him. One can learn so much from the midot and behavior of this giant.

When I first discovered the Tzafenat Pa’aneach, I was baffled at the difficulty of the sefer. The entire book was originally written only with sources. The author expected the reader to open every source, know where to look, figure out the connections and get to the same conclusion the Rogatchover had - a difficult task to say the least. Fortunately, Rav Menachem Mendel Kasher (Author of Torah Shelemah) came along and decoded all the sources and wrote beautiful and easy to understand footnotes on the Tzafenat Pa’aneach. If one ever feels he has acquired some knowledge of the Torah, he only needs to open this sefer for 10 minutes to know how little he really truly knows. av Yosef Rosen (1858-1936, 11 Adar tremendous depth of study, great 5696) was born in Rogatchev, understanding of concepts, unique Rav Yosef was witty and quick in all that he did into the Hasidic Chabad- family of learning ability, and quick ability to and in responding to silly or foolish questions. RRav Ephraim Fishel and Sarah. Rav Fishel was answer questions from all over the world He showed true fondness to Ba’ale Batim who a of the Tzemach Tzedek (Rav Menachem were breathtaking. Rav Yosef was known devoted time to study Torah alongside work Mendel of Lubavitch, the 3rd Rebbe). At a young for not having a tremendously large and gave them much Hizuk (strengthening) age he was viewed as an Iluy (genius). He was library of books but rather a tremendous and encouragement. sent to study with some of the greatest teachers knowledge of each and every book he did at the time, the Solovetchiks. Rav Yosef studied have. The size of a library of a man alone, In Dvinsk you had this one little city with two with Rav (Brisker), who is not a reflection of the intelligence of of the greatest geniuses of the time living side was 5 years his senior and under the guidance its owner. The hard work and devotion to by side. The Sameyach (Rav Meir Simha of Rav Yosef Dov (the Bet Halevi), his father. produces true fruits for the Kohen) who ruled together with Rav Yosef, was Upon meeting the Bet Halevi, he was asked if library owner. a genius in his own merit. He once said in half he was fluent in at least half of Shas, to which jest, why did he deserve to have the Rogatchover the young Yosef nodded. The Bet HaLevi asked On the day of the Yahrzeit of Rav together in a town with him? It’s not easy to be “Which half?” young Yosef replied “Whichever Ephraim, his son, the Rogatchover a Rav in a town with the Rogatochover next to half you like!” His study persisted further under would walk from Dvinsk to Rogatchev you. You must be extra careful to all that is said the Maharil Diskin (Rav Yehoshua Leib Diskin). to the cemetery and repeat by heart the and done. So he said, when he himself was He later embarked onto becoming the rav of entire Shas by heart until its midway young, and he was too a sharp learner, he had a Dvinsk, Latvia. Rav Yosef led the Hasidim in the point. He would later finish the saying mischievous and wild streak in him and would town alongside the Meshech Hochma (Rav Meir over the Shas on the way back home. come to the shul and as the than Rav would give Simcha Kohen from Dvinsk) who led the Litvishe a speech, he would take apart the speech and Kehillah. The two had a friendly relationship Rav Yosef authored several works prove to them that the Rav was an ignoramus and were ultimately buried near each other. under the title Tzafenat Pa’aneach and didn’t know what he was talking about. So (Revealer of Secrets) on many topics he said the Lord got even with him and when At age 18 the Rav married Rivka, daughter of including HaRambam, Perush on the he became the Rav of Dvinsk, God sent him the Rav Moshe Yehuda Gorfinkel, a Gerrer Hasid. Torah, Gemara, Shuts (Questions and Rogatchover, who could do the same with ease She sadly passed away a year later and he Answers), and others. to the Ohr Sameyach. May we all merit to be married her sister Perel and gave birth to two Rav Yosef valued and appreciated the a studiousand a matmid as the Rogatochover daughters, Rachel (wife of Rav Yisrael Aba thinking process and understanding was. Citron of Petach Tikva) and Chana (wife of Rav of HaRambam () and Abba David Goldfein). often ruled Halacha using his sefarim and the Mishne Torah. He was known The Rogatchover displayed unbelievably to have greeted verbally his teacher unique characteristics in the study and love of (HaRambam) each morning “Boker Tov the Torah. His steadfast uninterrupted learning, Ribi”, and at night “Laylva Tov Ribi” as a 15 MY ENCOUNTER WITH THE REBBE THE SHUL IS TAKING FLIGHT MR. HERZL MAKOV

uring my enlistment in the Israeli in Crown Heights, to participate Jewish nation. There was a kind of Air Force, I served as a forward air in a farbrengen in honor of the electricity in the air, although I can’t Dcontroller, a highly- specialized holiday. define exactly what caused the job which involves guiding aircraft and experience to feel so utterly unique. providing aerial defense in the event None of us was religious, but I of attack by enemy planes. During come from a traditional home We were five officers — I was the my six years of service, I participated so I was definitely happy about youngest and had just advanced in a number of important missions, this opportunity. The names to the rank of lieutenant, while the including the bombing of the Iraqi Lubavitcher Rebbe and Chabad highest-ranking among us was a nuclear reactor in 1981. weren’t foreign to the rest of lieutenant colonel. The Rebbe’s my colleagues either. Chabad’s secretaries were also in the room Four years prior to that event, the Tanks would come onto with us, and we stood around Israeli Air Force decided to improve our base from time to time, and the Rebbe’s desk. The whole Israel’s aerial defense abilities by everyone was familiar with the conversation took place in Hebrew, acquiring four E-2 Hawkeyes — the outreach work of Chabad, which although the Rebbe spoke with a all-weather, early-warning planes constantly strives to bring Jews strong accent. equipped with sophisticated radars — closer to Torah. manufactured by Northrop Grumman. To begin with, the Rebbe asked what And in order to prepare for the new When we arrived at Chabad we were doing in the United States. squadron, eleven airmen were sent Headquarters, before we even When we told him that we came for for a year of training in the US. I was entered the big hall where the training, the Rebbe wanted to hear selected to be part of this group. While farbrengen was to take place, we all about the new plane. “What are training, we lived on Long Island, were led to the Rebbe’s office. its main features?” he asked. where the Northrop Grumman factory He greeted us from behind his is located. Long Island borders the desk and, from the first moment, Our answer was relatively short, as borough of City, we felt that we were in the we didn’t want to get into technical and for Chanukah of 1977, we were presence of a great and special details, but it was clear from the invited to visit the Lubavitcher Rebbe man, an important leader of the Rebbe’s follow-up questions that 16 he was proficient in aeronautics. For on active duty and not involved take off into the air like a plane. example, when we explained that the in politics or foreign policy, the When the Rebbe spoke, I could not Hawkeye is a command-and- control Rebbe saw fit to discuss with us understand much because he used aircraft, the Rebbe asked how high it his views on this subject. Yiddish, but it was also clear to me flies. When we answered that it can fly that the Rebbe saw every single at 30,000 feet, the Rebbe asked about At the end of the encounter, the person in the audience. When he its color. Low-flying military planes Rebbe gave each of us two one- scanned the crowd with his eyes, are painted in camouflage, so enemy dollar bills, which he instructed it seemed that he was looking right planes that are flying above will have us to donate to charity, and he at each one of us, at every soul who a hard time identifying them against blessed us to continue to serve was present. the colors of the ground below. But the Jewish people safely and the Hawkeye was painted in blue-gray effectively. At the conclusion, we were left hues — an “aerial superiority scheme” with a lasting impression that — so that it can be hidden against the Right after the meeting with the the Rebbe was a person who was colors of the sky. Rebbe, we went downstairs to deeply concerned about the Jewish the big hall, which was packed people wherever they may dwell. Then the Rebbe went on to speak to with people. We were squeezed For me, personally, this was a very us about other timely matters, and so tight by the crowd that we had important encounter with a giant of he expressed his firm opinion that no to turn our heads sideways to the Jewish nation, and I left feeling part of the can be given see the Rebbe, who sitting upon both inspired and uplifted. away. At that time the peace talks a raised platform. were already beginning between Israel and Egypt, in advance of the Camp I remember the great excitement David summit which would take place that swept the room when in September of 1978. The Rebbe the Rebbe came in. As the explained that the Land of Israel was singing began, which the Rebbe given to the Jewish people by G-d for encouraged with his hand, a very safekeeping, and therefore, “it isn’t strong spirit of camaraderie filled ours to give it away” — those were the air, and it seemed to me that, his words. Although we were soldiers at any moment, the hall might

THE FIRST LAWS THE TORAH DEALS WITH, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, ARE THE LAWS PROTECTING A JEWISH SERVANT.

BECAUSE THE FIRST THING A JEW MUST KNOW TO FULFILL TORAH IS THAT IT IS HIS MISSION IN LIFE, HIS ENTIRE LIFE.

WE ARE ALL SERVANTS OF THE INFINITE LIGHT, THE CHANNELS BY WHICH IT ENTERS THE UNIVERSE.

17 STORIES WITH SOUL IT ONCE HAPPENED

n the olden days, the Jews of Germany were would be knowledgeable in Torah, yet known for their highly organized social “progressive” enough to keep up with and community structure. Being chosen current fashions and trends. Ifor a post in one of these communities was a badge of honor, as it signified having been When Rabbi Refael appeared before approved by several screening committees. the selection committee they were And once a candidate was selected, his impressed by his obvious scholarship authority and influence over communal life and wisdom. His personal views and was considerable. beliefs, however, remained unknown. The board decided that the best person The selection process for religious leaders to judge Rabbi Refael’s character would was equally stringent. Being the Rabbi of a be Moses Mendelssohn himself. German Jewish community was a prestigious position, and there was much competition. Rabbi Refael was told only that if he wished to conclude the appointment Torah with an uncovered head!” With Rabbi Refael Cohen, the Rav of Pinsk, was process as quickly as possible, he that, he turned on his heels and left. one of the leading Torah authorities of must travel to Berlin to meet with one his generation. At the age of ten he had of the greatest Jewish thinkers of all Before he got back to Hamburg, however, been accepted into the famous of time, Rabbi Moses Mendelssohn. If a letter arrived from Moses Mendelssohn the “She’agat Aryeh,” and at 19 he already he received his recommendation, the apprising the board of his findings: “I headed the yeshiva. Before Pinsk, he had position of Rabbi was his. did not have time to assess the character served as Rav in Posna and Minsk. It was of the Lithuanian Rabbi,” he wrote, “for therefore not surprising when he was asked Rabbi Refael, in his naïveté, assumed as soon as he saw me he called me a to serve as Rabbi of Hamburg, one of the that he was going to meet a Torah sage, heretic and stormed out. Why? Because most important Jewish communities in and set off for Berlin. In the meantime, my head was uncovered as I was looking Germany. The Rabbi set off for Hamburg to the board sent an urgent letter to into a Bible. He refused to accept any meet with its leaders and begin the official Moses Mendelssohn explaining the recommendation from me, and declared process of appointment. situation and asking him to assess that he’d rather be a beggar than need the moral fiber of the Lithuanian my approval.” By that time, the winds of the Enlightenment Rabbi. Was he truly qualified to be had already begun to blow across Germany. Rav of the “progressive” community of The members of the board assumed The stated aim of its proponents was the Hamburg? that Moses Mendelssohn was telling “modernization” of Judaism, while retaining them that Rabbi Refael was obviously its age-old traditions. In fact, however, its Rabbi Refael walked into Moses unqualified for the position. But no! The underlying goal was the removal of all Mendelssohn’s home and saw the end of the letter contained a surprise: “I barriers separating Jew and non-Jew, and “Torah sage” sitting at his desk with therefore recommend that you appoint the ultimate assimilation of the Jewish his head uncovered, rifling though a him as Rav, for he is a man of truth. I am people into the family of nations. Rabbi . He was so astonished sure that such a person would never be Refael, who hailed from the “backwaters” that he was momentarily speechless. anything less than completely impartial, of Lithuania, had never met any Maskilim, In addition to his shock, he also felt as even if a sword were suspended over his as they were called, and the whole idea was if he had been deliberately deceived throat...” foreign to him. and misled. In the end Rabbi Refael was appointed Moses Mendelssohn was one of the main When Mendelssohn looked up and as Rav of Hamburg, and served in that proponents of the Enlightenment then greeted his visitor with “Shalom,” capacity for many years. Throughout living in Berlin. To many German Jews, Rabbi Refael responded with a quote his life he continued to be a staunch he was a visionary whose opinions and from Isaiah, “ ‘There is no peace, says opponent of the Enlightenment “Weltanschauung” greatly influenced their the L-rd.’ How could they have sent me and of Mendelssohn himself, whose own. Among those who regarded him in this to a heretic?” he thundered. “I would recommendation secured his job in the light were several of the community leaders rather be reduced to begging than first place. of Hamburg, who were now in charge of have to obtain the recommendation of appointing a Rabbi. Their ideal candidate someone who sits and learns our holy 18 TEFILLIN FOUND HIDDEN UNDER GHETTO BUILDING by Adam Ross

Last week in Warsaw, a crate of tefillin have begun to demolish buildings and those in contact with the Aryan (phylacteries), prayer books and inside the Warsaw Ghetto to turn side of the city used as some kind of weapons were found under a building them into residential buildings in a station or meeting point.” that was once part of the ghetto. process of urban renewal. Bringing the Tefillin to Israel Rabbi Avraham Krieger, the founder “Following one such demolition, “We have people on the ground who of the Holocaust research institute construction workers discovered are always looking for items like Shem Olam brought the incredible find an entrance to a bunker dug in these which can shed light on the to Israel. “Despite the horrors and the preparation for the 1943 Warsaw Jewish spirit of resistance during cruel reality in which they lived,” he Ghetto uprising. The discovery of the war,” Rabbi Krieger explained. told Aish.com, “the Jews in the ghetto 20 phylacteries concentrated in Polish government officials in continued to observe the customs and one place testifies to the Jewish Warsaw have accused Shem Olam tradition they grew up with.” lifestyle they maintained in the of smuggling the items to Israel. ghetto,” Rabbi Krieger explained. The Nazis created the Ghetto in “The large number of phylacteries “On a walk around antique stores in November 1940, forcing around points to the underground prayers Warsaw, you will see Torah scrolls 400,000 Jews in the city and surrounding they succeeded in holding inside and all kinds of Jewish artifacts; areas into a space measuring just 2.5% the bunker, underground and locals who find such items will of the city. From the summer of 1942 under the Nazis’ noses.” happily try and sell them for a few deportations began to the death camp dollars. It is a double standard for of Treblinka where the vast majority of The bunkers were found under a the Polish government to criticize Warsaw’s Jews were murdered. building at the edge of the ghetto the acquisition of artifacts like these which had an escape route to the when there is little done to stop Hidden Bunkers Aryan side of the city. “There were locals making money from them.” From January 1943, the Jews began several bunkers that connected He added, “There has also been an organizing themselves into a fighting to each other,” Rabbi Krieger effort to destroy and hide artifacts force that held the German army at bay explained. “It is our assumption that can testify to the horrors of for a month before most of the ghetto that this place functioned as a Warsaw’s past.” was razed to the ground. passageway which connected the two worlds. Our historians posit Rabbi Krieger declined to discuss In recent years, Polish authorities that this is a place that fighters how the tefillin were acquired and 19 brought to Israel. “There were Jews, for whom tefillin was and still is a reminder wearing tefillin was a way of of the holiness and spirituality that 20 sets of tefillin were discovered life, as natural and essential as the Jewish people aspire to; wearing along with prayer books and weapons, getting dressed, eating, drinking tefillin showed they were the courtesy Shem Olam and breathing, and those who opposite of untermen.” perhaps had not been observant Shem Olam in practice, but for whom it was an Now in Israel, the tefillin are being The son of survivors from active form of resistance. housed at Shem Olam’s archive near who endured ghettos and Auschwitz, , but Rabbi Krieger says he Rabbi Krieger founded Shem Olam in “The Nazis wanted to reduce the wants to harness their inspiration 1997 to record and educate about the Jews in the ghetto to subhuman, for future generations. Jewish spirit during the Holocaust. in their language untermen. When Jurgen Stroop, the Nazi Officer “We have a project called From “The way Jews responded to tasked with destroying the uprising Childhood to Adulthood, in which we crisis demonstrates their great took charge, he commanded to invite young Israeli schoolchildren tremendous might and fortitude; treat the Jews as vermin, so that to learn about the lives of Jews learning about a nation from its most the only thing they cared about their own age during the Shoah. We difficult moments, and shines a light was food. Eventually he assumed would like to give young Israelis a on who they are. What was found in they would capitulate.” chance to wear these tefillin even this bunker certainly attests to the just for a few seconds – to connect spirit of the Jews who were using it. Rabbi Krieger added, “Putting on them to this symbol of powerful inspiration and strength.”

JEWS, SINCE ABRAHAM, SAW THEMSELVES AS SERVANTS OF A TRANSCENDENT G‑D. BUT IN A NEW WORLD, SERVITUDE AND SELF-DISCIPLINE DIDN’T GO OVER SO WELL. THE REBBE WROTE THAT HE HAD PONDERED THIS PROBLEM AT LENGTH: HOW CAN WE COMMUNICATE TO CHILDREN TODAY THE DEDICATION AND RESPONSIBILITY THAT COMES ALONG WITH BEING A JEW? SO THE REBBE CREATED —LITERALLY, AN ARMY. HE GAVE THE CHILDREN A SENSE OF PRIDE, AS THEY ROSE IN RANK IN THIS ARMY, AND TOLD THEM THAT THEY WERE ON A SPECIAL MISSION TO DEFEAT EVIL, MODEL GOODNESS, AND MAKE THIS WORLD A DIVINE HOME FOR ITS MAKER, THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. AT PUBLIC GATHERINGS, THE CHILDREN NOW CROWDED AROUND THE REBBE’S CHAIR, EVEN SITTING UNDER THE TABLE AT HIS FEET. AT ONE POINT, A CERTAIN ELDER ATTEMPTED TO CHASE THEM AWAY. THE REBBE ADMONISHED HIM, “YOU ARE A CIVILIAN AND THEY ARE OFFICERS, AND YOU WANT TO CHASE THEM AWAY?!” THAT IS EDUCATION. THAT IS WISDOM.

20 21 22 23 24 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 25 FRENCH CONNECTION REFLEXIONS SUR LA PARACHA Vivre avec la paracha Un esclave pour six ans de matière inanimée que nous connaissons qui t’ai fait sortir d’Égypte » et devint notre aujourd’hui. Maître, Il nous sortit de l’asservissement de nos Notre paracha enseigne qu’un Juif peut être vendu maîtres précédents en Égypte et assura notre comme esclave pour six ans, mais le premier jour L’épicentre liberté contre toute autre forme d’esclavage futur. de la septième année, il est automatiquement Ces deux phénomènes, l’augmentation de la taille et totalement libéré. Cette loi évoque l’image et la transformation de la substance, étaient Malheureusement, cette sécurité fut de courte d’une transformation spontanée d’un carrosse intimement liés. La métamorphose progressive durée. Quarante jours plus tard, le peuple en citrouille au douzième coup de minuit. de la substance séminale, de l’intangible au juif s’engagea dans le péché du Veau d’Or et Blague à part, pourquoi le commencement de tangible, affaiblit sa dimension spirituelle tout abandonna ainsi son statut protégé. Il est vrai la septième année produit-il automatiquement en renforçant sa dimension matérielle. Cette que la nation juive fut pardonnée pour cette l’affranchissement ? domination matérielle eut pour conséquence faute, mais, même après le pardon, la promesse le développement de son espace physique, de sécurité ne fut jamais réitérée. Pourquoi temporiser ? déclenchant ainsi un accroissement phénoménal. Une autre question : si l’asservissement d’un Juif Vol et esclavage est autorisé, la Torah devrait laisser à son maître Situé au centre d’un univers élargi, et représentant La liberté de l’esclavage dépendrait désormais du potentiel la latitude de négocier l’échéance une conscience spirituelle élevée, le point de comportement individuel. Ceux qui commettaient de sa libération selon ses propres termes. Et si genèse est réellement l’épicentre de l’univers. des fautes pourraient être vendus comme l’esclavage d’un Juif est interdit, il devrait l’être esclaves. Quand un Juif était convaincu de vol À partir de cet épicentre, l’univers se développe complètement. Quel intérêt y a-t-il à temporiser ? et ne pouvait rembourser ses victimes, la cour en six directions matérielles, le nord, le sud, procurait les fonds nécessaires en vendant le Chabbat, le premier dans la pensée ? l’est, l’ouest, le haut et le bas. Le développement voleur coupable comme esclave. D.ieu créa le monde en six jours et le septième spirituel de sa conscience peut aussi être tracé à jour, Il se reposa. Le septième jour est décrit travers six dimensions différentes.5 Les six jours L’acte de voler est une atteinte portée au premier comme « le dernier dans la création, le premier de la Création font allusion à ces six dimensions commandement. Les mots : « [Je suis l’Éternel dans la pensée ». Comme dans toutes les pièces dans du développement. Le septième jour ton D.ieu] qui t’ai sorti d’Égypte » indiquent que de théâtre, la pensée originelle de l’auteur se représente le retour à l’état séminal de notre D.ieu est partie prenante et intervient dans les dévoile dans la dernière scène. Mais que cela genèse. affaires du monde. Un voleur, qui rode dans la signifie-t-il concernant le Chabbat et la création ? nuit et guette pour être sûr que personne ne le Six jours et Chabbat voit, ignore ouvertement la présence de D.ieu et Les origines physiques et La Torah stipule que pendant six jours nous Sa connaissance de tous nos actes. accomplissons notre travail, mais le septième spirituelles jour est consacré à D.ieu. Le travail physique est Le récit que livre la Genèse de la Création est Répudier le Maître divin rend le voleur vulnérable possible en s’engageant dans la matérialité de à la subjugation des maîtres mortels. C’est la étonnamment comparable à une perspective notre univers créé, mais la consécration à D.ieu scientifique. Nos commentateurs classiques raison pour laquelle un voleur juif peut être n’est possible qu’en retournant à la conscience de vendu comme esclave. enseignent que la genèse de la Création fut un notre Créateur. point infinitésimal qui fut délibérément agrandi Toutefois, cette servitude ne peut durer que six par D.ieu jusqu’à atteindre la taille galactique Le jour du Chabbat, nous aspirons à retourner à ans. La septième année constituant une sorte notre univers. notre épicentre, à l’expérience originelle de notre de Chabbat. Elle représente un retour collectif existence. Chabbat, est un retour à notre genèse. à la conscience que D.ieu est notre Créateur et Les Sages mystiques considéraient ce point Il se peut que Chabbat soit décrit comme le à l’acceptation de D.ieu comme notre Maître. À primordial comme une substance extrêmement dernier jour de la Création, survenant à la fin de ce stade, même le voleur revient à son point de raffinée, plus spirituelle que tangible. La matière la semaine. Mais il est le premier dans la pensée. d’origine, au point séminal de son existence, à physique de notre univers évolua à partir de cette Il constitue un retour au début du scénario. substance primaire à travers une série d’étapes de l’épicentre de l’expérience religieuse. développements progressifs ordonnés par D.ieu L’esclave de D.ieu dans le cours de la Création. Quand le soleil se couche à la fin de la sixième Par définition, le Juif est un esclave. Au Sinaï, année, le voleur ferme le chapitre de sa faute. Il Les mystiques expliquent ensuite que cette D.ieu fit entrer chaque membre de notre peuple n’est donc pas surprenant que le soleil se lève substance rare était dotée d’une âme et d’une dans Son service. Dans le premier des Dix le lendemain sur une année qui déclenche une intelligence. Elle se percevait elle-même Commandements, Il se déclara notre Maître et émancipation automatique. comme produite par la force créatrice divine et dans le second, Il nous interdit de nous soumettre possédait une conscience aiguë de son Créateur. à tout autre maître que Lui. En progressant de son état d’énergie spirituelle Le Midrach nous enseigne que lorsque D.ieu vers celui de matière physique, elle perdit peu à prononça les mots : « Je suis l’Éternel ton D.ieu peu sa conscience ésotérique et aboutit à l’état

26 LATIN LINK REFLEXION SEMANAL Parasha de la Semana Leyes de Robo Todos conocemos el Mandamiento de No Robaras, ¿Pero, estamos seguros de no profanarlo? Por Eliezer Wenger

stá prohibido robar, tanto de un niño como de un adulto, judío o gentil, y aun de un Eindividuo que le ha causado dolor. La prohibición se aplica aun a un objeto de valor mínimo, menos de una peruta1. Sin embargo está técnicamente permitido tomar un objeto cuyo valor es tan ínfimo que el propietario no se preocuparía si es tomado, como una astilla de madera de un atado de leña para usarla de mondadientes. Sin embargo, lo ideal es evitarlo a menos que uno tenga autorización expresa del propietario2.

Robar está prohibido aun si uno no tiene intención de guardar el objeto. Por ejemplo, está prohibido tomar temporariamente un buena calificación. Esto no sólo es considerado propiedad de la compañía, debe formularse la objeto simplemente para irritar al propietario o “gueneivat daat” (fraude) sino que es considerado siguiente pregunta: Si el empleador estuviera para enseñarle una lección acerca de no dejar un verdadero robo, pues eventualmente será presente en ese momento, ¿evitaría él el su dinero u objetos en lugares no seguros. Del contratado por sus “buenas” calificaciones, usar el objeto o continuaría haciéndolo sin mismo modo no está permitido robar para y si el empleador hubiera sabido que esas preocuparse? Si evitaría el uso o se sentiría hacerle una broma a un amigo3. calificaciones no hubieran sido reales no lo incomodo por ello en presencia del empleador, habría contratado. Por lo tanto está robando ese uso debe ser evitado aun cuando el Si el abrigo o las botas de una persona son dinero de un futuro empleador6. empleador no está presente. cambiados por error en un salón de fiestas o en otro lugar público, está prohibido que la víctima Rabí Ieshaiahu Horowitz escribió “Uno debe Un trabajador no debe tomarse tiempo para orar del cambio use la vestimenta cambiada o que repetir ideas de Torá en nombre de la persona sin permiso. La plegaria debe ser hecha en su la guarde como suya. Si el propietario viene a que originalmente las dijo, pues el robo de tales propio tiempo. Si hay un acuerdo expreso con reclamarla, debe devolverla, aun si la suya se ideas es peor que el robo de dinero. El alma el empleador sobre este tema, o si existe una perdió4. Para evitar este problema, muchos del judío y la Torá son uno, por lo tanto robar costumbre prevaleciente en ese campo o trabajo lugares públicos, tales como sinagogas, colocan ideas de Torá es equivalente a dañar el alma. en esa localidad de que los empleados oren en un cartel que dice que al colgar los abrigos en Cuan grande es el pecado de uno que repite el tiempo de la compañía, está permitido8. ese lugar, los propietarios están de acuerdo en una explicación de un versículo, o alguna otra que si su vestimenta es cambiada por error, la cosa que ha oído y no menciona el nombre de la En el mismo sentido, está prohibido para una otra persona tiene permiso de usarla. persona que originalmente lo dijo o lo escribió”7 persona que tiene dos trabajos hacer el trabajo de uno mientras está en el otro, Por ejemplo, Está prohibido comprar bienes robados. Si Un empleado no debe usar la propiedad de su un maestro que tiene un trabajo de oficina por se sabe que un vendedor es un ladrón que empleador o la firma de su empleador para sus la tarde para un empleador diferente no debe vende bienes robados, está prohibido adquirir propósitos personales. Por lo tanto debe evitar tener una charla con los padres de un alumno cualquier cosa de él. Del mismo modo está el usar el teléfono de la compañía, la copiadora, mientras está en el segundo trabajo. prohibido tener placer de bienes robados, otras máquinas, el auto, etc., a menos que esté aun sin adquirirlos, como ser cabalgar en un seguro que el empleador permite tal uso. El Tampoco está permitido tomarse largas pausas caballo robado o entrar a una casa robada para hecho de que muchos otros empleados de la para el café y similares, más de las normas protegerse del calor. Esto se aplica aun si los compañía violan esta regla no es relevante; esto establecidas. propietarios han abandonado toda esperanza no constituye una “costumbre prevaleciente” de recuperar alguna vez el objeto robado5. que un empleador está obligado a respetar.

Está prohibido robar exámenes antes que Si un empleado no está seguro si el empleador sean dados para revisarlos y obtener una permite el uso de un objeto en particular de 27 IN A WOMAN’S WORLD ISSUES OF RELEVANCE TO THE JEWISH WOMAN

Women’s Mikvah: Please call Mrs. Devorah Failer for an appointment: 305-866 1492 or 305-323-2410 Please Note: Shabbos & Yom Tov visits must be Prepaid

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

COOKIE DOUGH HAMANTASCHEN 2. Remove the dough from the fridge. If it feels too hard to roll out, let it stand at room temperature until malleable, but not too soft. BY JAMIE GELLER ¼ inch thick. 3. Flour a clean work surface. Divide the dough into two pieces and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. INGREDIENTS 4. Cut rounds of dough with the edge of a drinking glass or circle cookie 1 stick plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine, cutter, dipped in flour. Repeat rolling and rounding with remaining scraps softened of dough. ½ cup sugar 5. Place a dollop of jam on each round. Pick up the sides and pinch them 1 large egg together to form a triangle, leaving the jelly center exposed. 3 tablespoons orange juice 6. Line a few baking trays with parchment paper. 1 teaspoon vanilla 7. Place the hamantaschen about 1 inch apart. Bake until golden brown, ¼ teaspoon salt about 12 minutes. About 2¾ cups all-purpose flour Assorted jams or fruit butters, or quick homemade filling TIPS To make a quick homemade filling, mix eight ounces of date spread with ½ PREPARATION cup of coarsely chopped nuts and zest of one lemon. To make the dough: 1. Beat the butter or margarine until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. 2. Beat in the egg. 3. Blend in the juice, vanilla and salt. 4. Stir in enough of the flour to make a soft dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 1 hour.

To fill and make the hamantaschen: 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

28 PLEASE READ ONLY NETWORKING AFTER SHABBOS EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING

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29 NUMBERS TO KNOW

CONTACTS AT THE SHUL 305.868.1411 Rabbi Rabbi Sholom Lipskar [email protected] Ext 311 Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar [email protected] 305.992.8363 Associate Rabbi Rabbi Zalman Lipskar [email protected] Ext 345 Rabbi’s Executive Assistant / CYS Ms. Lydia Hasson [email protected] Ext 311 JLAC / Adult Ed/ Singles Rabbi Shea Rubinstein [email protected] Ext 342 CYS College / Kolel Rabbi Dov Schochet [email protected] 305.790.8294 Youth Director / Hebrew School Rabbi Shaykee Farkash [email protected] Ext 329 Pre-School Director Mrs. Chana Lipskar [email protected] Ext 325 Accounting Mrs. Geri Kelly [email protected] Ext 341 Controller Mrs. Janice Barney [email protected] Ext 318 Events / Office Manager Ms. Milena Liascovitz [email protected] Ext 328 Director of Events and Marketing Mrs. Devorah Leah Andrusier [email protected] Ext 313 Operations / Maintenance Rabbi Shlomi Katan [email protected] Ext 319 Reception Mrs. Mindy Natoli [email protected] Ext 0 Sephardic Minyan Rabbi Yair Massri [email protected] 917.982.6165 Hashkama Minyan Mr. Lazer Milstein 305.349.3040 Editor Mrs. Aurit Katan [email protected] 786.382.9006 Mashgiach Mr. Mordechai Olesky [email protected] 786.262.9115 Mikvah Mrs. Devorah Failer [email protected] 305.323.2410

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sidney Feltenstein - Chairman Alberto Kamhazi Simon Falic Shmuel Katz M.D. Matias Garfunkel Leo Kryss Ambassador Isaac Gilinski Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Jaime Gilinski Lazer Milstein Max Gilinski Michael Perez Saul Gilinski Ryan Shapiro Sam Greenberg Claudio Stivelman Abel Holtz Morris Tabacinic Mike Izak BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jacob Givner - President Anita Givner Steven M. Dunn - Vice President Sam Greenwald EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE David Wolf - Vice President Sharon Hakmon Joey Givner - Chair Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Mitchell Feldman - VP Oversight Ben Jacobson Devorah Leah Andrusier Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar - VP Development Albert Lichy Janice Barney Lazer Milstein Eric P. Stein - Treasurer Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Joel Baum Orit Osman Joel Baum - Financial Treasurer Alexander Matz Steven Dunn Brian Roller Dovid Duchman - Secretary Ezzy Rappaport Velvel Freedman - Associate Secretary Elliott Rimon Maurice Egozi Ryan Shapiro Carolyn Baumel Yaacov Saidof Henry Eichler Marc Sheridan Max Benoliel Seth Salver Mitchell Feldman Daniel Sragowicz Betzalel Camissar Alex Tauber Daniel Gielchinsky Cynthia Stein Barry Cohen Jordan Wachtel Evelyn Katz Eric P. Stein Boruch Duchman Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar Michael Tabacinic Henry Eichler 30 PLEASE READ ONLY NETWORKING AFTER SHABBOS EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENTS BY ANY RABBIS OR THE SHUL. THE SHUL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY AD SUBMITTED.

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy, condominium units to residents of any jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. This offering is made only by the prospectus for the condominium and no statement should be relied upon if not made in the prospectus.