, DECEMBER 21, 2019 - 23, 5780 PARSHAT VAYEISHEV (Pg. 198) BIRCHAS HACHODESH

TORAH INSIGHTS FROM ELI BABICH

Jacob dwelt in the land of his father's sojourning, in the land of Canaan. These are the toldot of Jacob, Joseph at the age of seventeen was a shepherd… (Vayeshev 37:1-2).

Numerous translations are offered for the word “toldot.” Some suggest “toldot” to mean “chronicles,” these are the chronicles, the life events, of Yaakov. Another interpretation is “descendants,” these are the descendant of Yaakov, as immediately afterwards the text mentions Yaakov’s son, Yosef. Others suggest the translation “generations,” since the stories subsequently recorded in the text discuss occurrences during the lifetime of Yaakov’s children.

Based on the understanding that toldot means “generations,” the Sforno offers a fascinating interpretation. Sforno suggests that the events of Yaakov’s life actually serve as a model for what will transpire to future “generations” of the Jewish people. “The events which occurred to him when he first left his father’s house foreshadow our history during the first exile, while the events which occurred to him after he returned to his father’s home foreshadow our history during the Second Temple and our subsequent exile - and redemption at the end of time.”

According to the Sforno, Yaakov’s two departures from the Land of , one to marry and the second to join his son Yosef in Egypt, paralleled the two national exiles that the Jewish nation endured many generations later. Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch added that a thematic relationship existed between Yaakov’s travels from the and future national exiles. The events that led up to Yaakov’s second departure from the Land of Israel were unnecessary family discord and l’shon hara (slanderous speech) within the family. Yaakov’s children quarreled with one another and spoke l’shon hara against each other. Strife ensued and, due to this unnecessary family friction, Yosef was sold into slavery and the entire family descended to Egypt.

Similarly, says Rabbi Sternbuch, the (Yoma 9) stated the destruction of the Second Temple and the ensuing national exile were spurred by the sin of sinat chinam, baseless hatred, and l’shon hara. Just as Yaakov’s family ultimately departed from the Land of Israel due to unnecessary conflict, so too the Jewish people, many generations later, were forced from their land and driven into exile due to unnecessary machloket - discord. Consequently, many commentaries suggest that the way to pave a path back to the Land of Israel is with ahavat chinam, baseless love, and by striving to remove unnecessary quarreling and arguments from our lives.

ELI BABICH, RABBI JOSEPH MALOVANY, CANTOR 5 East 62nd Street ●Tel: 212.838.2122 ●www.5as.org GUEST BA’AL TEFILAH CHARLES MUHLBAUER will be leading all services this Shabbat.

Charles Muhlbauer is currently the Chazzan of the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach. Despite his experience being a Chazzan since the age of 13, davening first for of the Five Towns, then Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst, West Side Institutional of , Orach Chaim of the Upper East Side, Young Israel of Scarsdale and Ahavath of Englewood, Charles strongly believes that the Davening is only as inspiring as the congregation behind him. Therefore, as he does in Atlantic Beach, Charles empowers the congregation to partici- pate when appropriate, while also being sensitive to timing.

Kiddush Sponsorship and Mazal Tov!

The Kiddush this Shabbat is kindly sponsored by Linda & Michael Jesselson in celebration of the bris of their grandson, born to proud parents Arezoo & Sam Jesselson.

Seudah Shlishit Sponsorship

The Seudah Shlishit at FAS this Shabbat is kindly sponsored by Rose Romerovski in commemoration of the yahrzeit of her daughter, Hannah Romerovski Newman ob”m.

Mazal Tov!

Mazal tov to Arlene & Daniel Stein on the birth of a granddaughter, and to proud parents Becky & Kevin Wendum, and to proud grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Isi Wendum.

WOMEN’S SEUDAH SHLISHIT THIS SHABBAT

Please join us for a Shabbat afternoon program with good food and inspiring words. Our Women’s Seudah Shlishit is being held this Shabbat, December 21, at 3:45 PM at the home of Linda Schonfeld. The D’var Torah will be given by Laura Rabinowitz.

NEW ADULT HEBREW CLASS with RABBI ELI BABICH

Would you like to brush up on your Hebrew reading skills, and/or have a deeper understanding of Jewish prayer? Whether you are a total beginner or just need a refresher, we have the class for you!

Rabbi Eli Babich will be teaching a warm and intimate Hebrew reading class for adults in January and February. This 6-part class will also include davening instruction and explanations of the various prayers. The class will meet at Fifth Avenue on Wednesday evenings, beginning on Wednesday, January 15 at 6:00 pm. The cost for the course is $36, which will cover all textbooks and materials. Please register at www.5as.org or @5as.org.

Learning Hebrew and understanding the prayers is one of the best ways to enhance your connection to . Please join us for this special opportunity.

NEW SERIES WITH ALAN RECHTSCHAFFEN

“Why We Do What We Do: Understanding the Origin of Our Mitzvot.”

Monday, December 23, 6:30 PM at FAS.

Sushi and Wine will be provided. Please RSVP to [email protected].

WEEKLY TUESDAY NIGHT TALMUD CLASS with RESIDENT SCHOLAR RABBI DR. MICHAEL ROSENSWEIG

Rabbi Rosensweig’s Talmud class next Tuesday night, December 24, will take place at University (not at FAS). Rabbi Rosensweig is teaching Tractate Chulin.

YAHRZEITS December 21 - 27, 2019; Kislev 23 - 29, 5780

DECEMBER/KISLEV

21 23 Dr. Sami David, Brother 22 24 Mrs. Rena Shulsky-David, Grandmother 23 25 Mr. Ira Leon Rennert, Nephew 24 26 Rabbi Dr. Sol Roth, Father 25 27 Mrs. Matta Freund, Mother 25 27 Mrs. Janice Linzer, Son 26 28 Mrs. Lynn Gold, Sister 26 28 Mrs. Nizza Heyman, Father 26 28 Mr. Jacques Blinbaum, Grandfather 26 28 Ms. Linda Bernell, Grandfather 27 29 Rabbi Dr. Michael Rosensweig, Mother

FOR ERUV STATUS: 212-838-2122 x 5. For questions or comments about the Eruv please contact Rabbi Tauber at Mechon L’Hoyroa: (845) 659-8777. FIFTH AVENUE SYNAGOGUE

WINTER WONDERLAND CHANUKAH PARTY

1ST NIGHT OF CHANUKAH SUNDAY NIGHT, DECEMBER 22, AT 6:30 PM.

FEATURING A LIVE HARPIST, DINNER BUFFET & COMMUNAL MENORAH LIGHTING !

FAS Members $20; Non-Members $30.

Please RSVP at www.5as.org or email [email protected]

CO-SPONSORED BY:

Dr Walter Molofsky & Dr. Brenda Kohn; Robert Lowinger; Mark Belnick in commemoration of the yahrzeits of his father Ben Belnick ob”m, and brother Todd Belnick ob”m; FAS Men’s & Women’s Clubs.

FIFTH AVENUE SYNAGOGUE. 5 EAST 62ND STREET, NY, NY 10065. WWW.5AS.ORG. 212-838-2122 CHANUKAH NOTES

This year, Chanukah begins on Sunday evening, December 22, at which time we light the first candle. Chanukah is our thanksgiving festival. We express our gratitude Therefore, on Friday afternoon, those for the victory of our people, led by who would typically use small the Maccabees, over the Syrian Chanukah candles should place Greeks, who were determined to Shabbat candles in the menorah. Of eradicate Judaism and Jewish life, course, Shabbat candles should also be and we celebrate the rededication lit in the usual manner, immediately of the Temple. Chanukah is, after the lighting of the menorah. We accordingly, a time for rededication recommend that you arrive at the for all of us. It is appropriate that we Synagogue earlier than usual on Friday recommit ourselves to Torah and afternoon, December 27, to be present Jewish life during this season. when the Chanukah candles are lit in the main sanctuary just prior to LIGHTING OF THE CHANUKAH Mincha. On Saturday night, December CANDLES 28, in the Synagogue we first light the Please note the procedure in which Chanukah candles and then recite the candles are lit. As we face the Havdalah. At home, the order is menorah, the candles are placed reversed: first we recite Havdalah and from right to left, each night adding then we light the menorah. On the first one to those kindled the night night of Chanukah, we recite three before. Though the incremental blessings upon the menorah (l’hadlik candles of each day are added from ner, she’asa nissim, and right to left, the procedure in she’hecheyanu). Thereafter, we recite lighting the candles is to begin on two blessings (l’hadlik ner and she’asa the left and move to the right. It is nissim), on each subsequent night. At desirable that the menorah be lit at Shacharit services, we recite Hallel and nightfall. In order to fulfill the read the Torah each morning of mitzvah, one must use enough oil Chanukah. Additionally, on Shabbat (or, for those who use them, candles and Sunday, December 28 and 29, we that are large enough) so that the observe Rosh Chodesh. Please be sure lights will burn for at least thirty to join us. Chanukah concludes on minutes. Monday, December 30.

Congratulations to this week’s FAS Shabbat Family!

The Rechtschaffens are pillars of the Fifth Avenue Synagogue community, where Alan leads popular weekly classes. His current class is titled, "Why We Do What We Do," and explores the meaning behind many fundamental Jewish rituals. Miera is a physician serving the community of 9/11 survivors at NYU/Bellevue Hospital's World Trade Center Environmental Health Center. Alan, Miera, and their daughters-- Ronit (12), Evie (11), Sarah (9), and (4) are regulars on Shabbat and holidays, and the girls are a valued part of the FAS youth groups. All four girls attend Manhattan Day School. The girls are pursuing multiple interests: animals, music, math, basketball, and horseback riding are among their favorites!

DAF YOMI HASHAS at METLIFE STADIUM, NJ

Wednesday, January 1st, 2020, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Our Fifth Avenue Synagogue Group will be joining over 100,000 from across the world for the 13th Siyum HaShas, celebrating the completion of the entire Talmud, a seven and a half years’ cycle of learning the Oral Torah and its commentaries, in which each of the 2,711 pages of the Babylonian Talmud are covered in sequence.

If anyone from Fifth Avenue Synagogue wants to attend the Siyum and purchase VIP tickets with indoor access and food, please contact President Jacob Gold at [email protected] or (212) 980-0140. Tickets are tax deductible. All proceeds from this massive event go directly towards the organizers.

AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE

We are exploring the possibility of a Fifth Avenue Synagogue delegation to the AIPAC Policy Conference* in 2020 and/or 2021. The 2020 AIPAC conference will take place in Washington, D.C. from March 1 - March 3. The dates of the 2021 conference are March 7 - March 9. Please contact Rabbi Babich or Rachel Akrongold if you are interested in attending or learning more. Thank you!

*The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is a bipartisan organization of U.S. citizens committed solely to strengthening, protecting and promoting the U.S.-Israel relation- ship in ways that enhance the security of the and Israel. The AIPAC Policy Conference is the largest gathering of America’s pro-Israel community.

FAS Welcomes MORTON A. KLEIN

NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA

PLEASE JOIN US FOR FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER JANUARY 10, 2020

Mr. Klein will be introduced by Mrs. Inge Rennert, and he will speak on the topic: “The Orwellian Lies Against Israel”

Members: $80/Adult, $40/Child; Non-Members: $100/Adult, $50 Child. Kids program during the speech. Please RSVP: www.5as.org, email [email protected] or call 212-838-2122.

Morton A. Klein is National President of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), the oldest pro-Israel group in the U.S., founded in 1897. Mr. Klein is widely regarded as one of the leading Jewish activists in the United States. He is a child of Holocaust survivors, born in a displaced persons camp in Gunzberg, Germany. Klein is a published academic, having served as a lecturer at Temple University and as a biostatistician at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and the Linus Pauling Institute.

FAS SPEAKER SERIES: FIFTH AVENUE WELCOMES BENJAMIN ANTHONY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020, 7:00 PM at FAS.

Mr. Anthony will speak on the following topic: “The Battle for The Jewish Future: Europe, America, Israel.”

Benjamin Anthony is the founder and director of Our Soldiers Speak (www.oursoldiersspeak.org). This U.S. based, 501(c)(3), non-for-profit organization is the sole vehicle globally through which the IDF, the Isra- el National Police and the Israeli Ministry of Jus- tice dispatch senior ranked, active officials to select graduate schools throughout the English speaking world.

Benjamin is the lead lecturer for the organization which has reached diverse audiences at more than 450 campuses across several continents. He has lectured before students and academics at every Ivy League college and has been the keynote speaker for Israel Bonds, CAMERA, CUFI, and numerous Jewish Federations. Benjamin has also spoken at some of the most prestigious around the world. In 2013 he spoke at the plenary session of the AIPAC Convention in Washington DC. Benjamin also ar- ranges and oversees high level briefings by senior members of the Israel defense es- tablishment for elected officials, including within the US Administration, the US Senate and the USCongress, on matters relating to the state of Israel and her strategic relationship and position in the international community.

Of particular note is his service to key members of the U.S. Administration as an advi- sor on the Israel-Palestinian conflict and potential avenues toward its resolution. A Sergeant in the I.D.F. combat reserves, Benjamin is a veteran of service in: ▪ The Second Lebanon War, 2006 ▪ Operation Pillar of Defense, 2012 ▪ Operation Protective Edge, 2014.

He has served in Judea and Samaria/The West Bank and along Israel’s northern border. Benjamin is a graduate of the University of , UK.

RSVP: www.5as.org or email [email protected].

You are cordially invited to the Fifth Avenue Synagogue New Members Shabbat Dinner Friday, January 31, 2020.

Join us as we welcome renowned speaker Rabbi YY Jacobson acclaimed for his humor and inspiration.

Shabbat service at 5:00 PM. Dinner promptly at 6:00 PM. Great Kids Program!

Fifth Avenue Synagogue 5 East 62nd Street, NY, NY 10065 Kindly RSVP by Friday, January 24, 2020. For more information please email [email protected], call 212-838-2122, or register at www.5as.org.

RABBI YOSEF YITZCHAK JACOBSON

One of America’s premier Jewish scholars in Torah and Jewish mys- ticism, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak (YY) Jacobson is one of the most sought after speakers in the Jewish world today, lecturing to Jewish and non -Jewish audiences on six continents and in forty states, and serving as teacher and mentor to thousands across the globe. He is considered to be one of the most successful, passionate and mesmerizing com- municators of Judaism today, culling his ideas from the entire spec- trum of Jewish thought and making them relevant to contemporary audiences. Rabbi YY Jacobson was the first rabbi ever to be invited by the Pentagon to deliver the religious keynote to the US military Chief of Chaplains and to the National Security Agency. At the con- ference he was hailed “The Jewish Billy Graham.” Rabbi Jacobson founded and serves as dean of TheYeshiva.net, teaching, via the web, one of the largest Torah classes in the world today, with thousands of students globally. Former- ly, he served as editor-in-chief of the largest English newspaper existing today, The , and as spiritual leader of Congregation Bais Shmuel in New York. FAS YOUTH PROGRAM EVERY SHABBAT & HOLIDAY!

-Youth Groups Ages 5+ led by Yosef Itzkowitz; 4th Floor - 9:30 AM

- Junior Congregation Ages 1-4 led by Rivkah Halpert; 5th Floor - 10:30 AM SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Friday, December 20

Candle Lighting…………………………….……….….4:13 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat ……………………………..4:20 PM

Shabbat, December 21

Daf Yomi in the Library.…………………...…..……...8:00 AM Parsha Class with Rabbi Babich……………………….8:30 AM Shacharit……...... …………………….…….……….....9:00 AM K’riat HaTorah………………………….……………..9:50 AM Birchas Hachodesh…………………………………...10:40 AM Mussaf………………………………………………..10:50 AM Sermon/Announcements/Adon Olam..………………11:10 AM Jesselson Bris………………………………………...11:25 AM

Shabbat Afternoon Schedule Daf Yomi in the Library………………………….……2:55 PM Mincha/Seudah Shlishit………………………………..3:55 PM Shabbat Ends…………………………………………...5:18 PM

Sunday, December 22 - Erev Chanukah

Daf Yomi………………………….…………….……..7:15 AM Shacharit………..………………….…..……………....8:30 AM Mincha/Ma’ariv………...………….…………………..4:20 PM * Light One Chanukah Candle after Sunset.

Monday, December 23 - Thursday, December 26 - Chanukah Day 4

Daf Yomi………………………….…………….……..6:30 AM Shacharit/Hallel…...……………….…..……………....7:30 AM Mincha/Ma’ariv………...………….…………………...4:20 PM *Rabbi Rosensweig Talmud Class at on Tuesday, December 24 at 7:30 PM *Light incremental Chanukah candles each night after sunset.

Friday, December 27

Daf Yomi…………………………….………….…….6:30 AM Shacharit/Hallel……………………….….….………..7:30 AM Candle Lighting…………………………….………….4:17 PM Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat………….…………………..4:25 PM *Light Six Chanukah Candles before Shabbat.