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SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYIKRAH NISSAN 6 - 7 MARCH 19 - 20 CANDLE LIGHTING: 7:13 PM SHABBOS ENDS: 8:06 PM

YUD ALEPH NISSAN BIRTHDAY OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE WEDNESDAY MARCH 24

The Shul - Chabad Lubavitch - An institution of The Lubavitcher Rebbe, 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 CONTENTS Weekly Message: 3 The Shul Teens, connecting, learning and having fun! Thoughts on the Parsha - Rabbi 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 Torah 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 SHOLOM LIPSKAR SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYIKRAH

his portion Even when we are occupied with the loftiest, commences the most esoteric form of Divine Service, the Tthird Book of the basic, humanitarian sensitivity towards our less Torah, Vayikrah, AKA fortunate brothers is paramount. It is the good Leviticus. The emphasis thoughts and proper intention that counts. and great majority of Even more than the physical abundance. this book addresses “Rachmonah Liba Boyee”, “Hashem desires the the various laws and heart”. observances regarding the cattle, fowl and As we approach the 11th of Nissan when we meal/flour offerings commemorate the 119th Birthday of Our brought on the Altar in Rebbe (may His merit shield us), we can look to the Tabernacle. These his example of loving every Jew regardless of offerings were sacrificed for many reasons, class, station, knowledge, wealth or piety – like including donations, pledges, expiation of he loved himself. sin and daily, Sabbath and holiday obligatory offerings. Have a good Shabbos and a great week.

Different species were offered to enable everyone, regardless of financial ability, to partake in this lofty service to Almighty G-d. Those who could not afford an ox, sheep or goat could bring a pigeon or dove, and the Rabbi S. Lipskar extremely indigent who could not even offer a bird, could offer some wheat flour.

The Torah states that the fowl offerings were burned on the Altar with their feathers (Ch. 1 v17). Rashi, who teaches the Torah to the five-year old child, immediately comments that though the smell of burning feathers is extremely foul, it indicates the fact that Hashem beautifies His Altar with the offering of the poor even though the physical smell may seem offensive.

Similarly, when stating the wheat/flour offering of the most impoverished, the Torah uses the word “when a soul brings an offering” (Ch. 2 v1). Again, Rashi explains that the term “soul” is not used with any other offering except here, to teach us that when those who have nothing, bring their meager, poor gifts to Hashem, He considers it as if they gave their Souls to Him. 3 CELEBRATING SHABBOS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN “OVER THE TOP” SHABBOS EXPERIENCE Eruv Information SHABBOS SCHEDULE We would like to emphasize that every Erev Candle lighting 7:13 p.m. Shabbos, individuals should call the Eruv Hotline Mincha / Kabalas Shabbos 7:15 p.m. to make sure that the Eruv is operational. The number to call is 305- 866-ERUV (3788).

Shacharis 1st Minyan 8:30 a.m. The Eruv message is recorded approximately two hours prior to candle lighting. Surfside: The Eruv in Shacharis 2nd Minyan 10:30 a.m. 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 Mincha Shabbos Ends 7:15 p.m. beach. / Ma’ariv & Havdalah 8:06 p.m. 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 PARSHA IN PICTURES Test your PARSHA knowledge. Can you tell the story using the pictures below

4 A TIME TO PRAY DAVENING SCHEDULES AND LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

SHACHARIS MINYANIM (MON - FRI) SUNDAY SHACHARIS MINYANIM Main Minyan 6:45 7:30 9:00 Main Minyan 8:00 am 9:00 am Sephardic Minyan 8:00 Sephardic Minyan 8:30 am

DAILY CHUMASH & TANYA AFTER EVERY MINYAN

MINCHA / MAARIV MINYANIM (MON - THURS) SUNDAY MINCHA / Main Minyan 2:00 pm Early Mincha 7:15 pm 10:00 pm MAARIV MINYANIM Sephardic Minyan 7:15 pm Following Main Minyan 7:15 pm Late Maariv 9:00 pm

HALACHIC TIMES BASED ON TIMES FOR MARCH 24

Alot Hashachar / Dawn 6:08 am Earliest Talit & Tefillin 6:39 am Netz Hachamah / Sunrise 7:20 am (Earliest Amidah) Latest Shema 10:21 am Zman Tfillah 11:23 am Chatzot / Midday 1:26 pm Earliest Mincha 1:58 pm Plag HaMincha 6:20 pm Shekiah / Sunset 7:34 pm (Preferable latest time for Mincha) Tzeit Hakochavim / Nightfall 7:57 pm (Earliest preferable Ma’ariv) To our beloved Soldiers in the Israeli Defense Times taken from www.chabad.org Forces, courageously protecting and defending Please note that during the week times may Eretz Yisroel. We pray for you and all of Vary by a minute or two. the soldiers safety and well being daily. Menachem Mendel ben Chaya Leah Menachem Mendel ben Aurit Eden Chana bat Karine Cecile

5 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS SHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY

BIRTHDAYS YAHRTZEITS 7 Nissan Mr. Gideon Azari 7 Nissan Surah Sheindel bas Yitzchak Nutta obm 7 Nissan Mr. Scott Cohn Sister of Mr. Richard Moore 7 Nissan Dr. Ronald Dozoretz 8 Nissan Eliezer ben David obm 7 Nissan Mr. David Egozi Father of Mrs. Jacqueline Slomianski 7 Nissan Mr. Avi Schottenstein 9 Nissan Chaya Rochel Leah obm 8 Nissan Ms. Olga Victoria Benacerraf Rodriguez Mother of Mr. Mayer Rivkin 8 Nissan Mrs. Rina Maimon Aunt of Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 8 Nissan Mr. Rummi Neuwirth 9 Nissan Rivka bas Moshe obm 9 Nissan Mr. Ricardo Berner Mother of Mr. Joel Baum 9 Nissan Ms. Lea Josephson 9 Nissan Shaindel Faige bas Nechemyah obm 9 Nissan Mrs. Lilla Sher Mother of Mr. Mario Cytrynbaum 9 Nissan Mr. Eric Stein 9 Nissan Simcha bas Moshe obm 9 Nissan Ms. Rachelli Tuchman Mother of Dr. Samuel Davit 10 Nissan Mrs. Adela Gottesman 10 Nissan Menucha Rochel bas Shaul obm 10 Nissan Mr. Joel Sussman Mother of Mr. Shlomie Katan 10 Nissan Ms. Samantha Wax 10 Nissan Sorah Henia bas Aryeh Leib obm 11 Nissan Mrs. Batya Belecen Cosiol Mother of Mr. Arnold Lewis Cohen 11 Nissan Mrs. Claire Loew Hausman 11 Nissan Binyamin Yosef ben Melech obm 13 Nissan Mr. Alexander Bendayan Grandfather of Mr. Harold Tripp 13 Nissan Ms. Jennifer Cytrynbaum 12 Nissan David ben Binyamin Yosef obm 13 Nissan Ms. Chein Gottlieb Uncle of Mr. Harold Tripp 12 Nissan Moshe ben Rafael obm Brother of Mr. Gideon Azari KID’S BIRTHDAYS 13 Nissan Avrom Yaakov ben Chava ha Lavi obm 7 Nissan Emmanuelle Zohara Friedman Father of Mrs. Deborah Sussman 8 Nissan Nili Mamane 13 Nissan Meir Chayim ben Mordechai HaKohen obm 8 Nissan Eric Sher Father of Rabbi Henry Eichler 9 Nissan Moshe Eliyohu Cohen 9 Nissan Solomon Seewald 9 Nissan Kayla Stern 9 Nissan Yisroel Tzvi Tevardovitz WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 11 Nissan Leah Amalia Kavana 11 Nissan Yisroel Kurant Mr. & Mrs. Chaim and Elisa Wietschner 11 Nissan Benjamin Efraim Sragowicz Mr. Alexander Mantofel 13 Nissan Carmel Plotkin Mr. & Mrs. Al and Chantal Gindi Mr. Stuart Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Eitan and Jennifer Zimerman ANNIVERSARIES CONDOLENCES Mr. & Mrs. Mendy and Sara Kurant Heartfelt Condolences to Mrs. Judith “Yita” Zisman, Chaya Mr. & Mrs. William and Susie Lustgarten Zisman, Sharon Zisman, Shragge Zisman and Elliot Zisman Mr. & Mrs. Eli and Raizy Levitin on the passing of their beloved husband and father - Rabbi Mr. & Mrs. Gary and Suzan Garson Berel Zisman - Reb Dovber ben Shraga Faivel, obm. May his dear neshama be bound with the Eternal Bond of Life and Mr. & Mrs. David and Sonya Wexler may the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

6 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS SHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY NISSAN LIGHT & POWER THANKS TO OUR DONORS We sincerely thank the following members and supporters of The Shul Light & Power and Wine for Kiddush & for donations received between 3/9/21 and 3/15/21 We apologize for any errors or omissions that we may have made. Havdalah for the month of Nissan is Mr. & Mrs. Jackie Abraham Rabbi & Mrs. Yair Massri Ms. Arielle Albergel Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mazliach Mr. Gregorio R. Altman Mindy Solomon Gallery LLC Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Amishay Dr. & Dr. Raul Mitrani AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Amram Mr. Moises Mizrahi Mr. & Mrs. Dan Arev Dr. & Mrs. Gene Moteles “Those who establish Synagogues for prayer and those who come there to pray, Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Attias Mr. & Mrs. Temuri Nanikashvili those who provide lights for illumination, wine and grape juice for kiddush Mr. & Mrs. Gideon Azari Dr. & Mrs. Zev Neuwirth and havdalah, food for the wayfarers and charity for the needy, and all those Banco Industrial Ms. Sabina Osman who occupy themselves faithfully with communal affairs - may The Holy One, Mr. & Mrs. Menahem Banon Mr. & Mrs. Michael Perez blessed be He, give them their reward, remove them from all sicknesses, heal Dr. & Mrs. Jonah Bardos Ms. Talia Pollack their entire body, pardon all their sins, and send blessing and success to all Mr. & Mrs. Doron Barnes Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Popack their endeavors, together with all Israel their brethren; and let us say Amen.” Dr. Hana Barouk Rabbi & Mrs. Mansfred M. Mr. & Mrs. Joel Baum Rechtschaffen Mr. Moshe Bazon Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Mr. & Mrs. Albert Belecen Roshanzamir Mr. & Mrs. Landon Berns Ms. Miranda Ruah Mrs. Estela Berry Ms. Penina Rybak Mr. & Mrs. Isaie Bouhadana Mr. & Mrs. Jason Saka REFUAH SHLEIMAH Mr. & Mrs. Levi Boymelgreen Mr. & Mrs. Steven Schmutter If you have a health update on anyone listed please contact The Shul. We would like to Mrs. Viviane Bregman Mr. & Mrs. Mark Schnapp keep the listing current and remove names of people who have recovered. Mr. & Mrs. Laszlo Brett Mr. & Mrs. Shea Schneider Mr. & Mrs. Eliyahu Bryski Rabbi & Mrs. Aryeh MEN WOMEN Mrs. Sarah Libke Caplin Schottenstein Mordechai ben Devorah Leah bas Alta Miriam Chaya Mrs. Aurelia Castiel Mr. & Mrs. David Yehonatan HaLevi ben Malka Esther Yocheved bas Raizel Mr. Raul Chami Schottenstein Eliezer ben Sarah Bracha Ms. Chana Chriqui Mr. & Mrs. Jorge Schvetz Aharon ben Beylah Shima Leah bas Gittel Mr. & Mrs. Barry Cohen Mr. & Mrs. David Schwartz Meyer Eliezer ben Sarah Sarah Libke bas Baile Mr. & Mrs. Danny Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Zalman Shapiro Menachem Mendel ben Sara Chana Bayla bas Masha Dr. & Mrs. Brian Dooreck Mr. Lawrence Sheftel & Mrs. Yehoshua ben Tamara Genya Bailah bat Gietel Sura Rabbi & Mrs. Henry Eichler Phyllis Franklin Isaac Gilbert ben Nelly Esther Sonia Simcha bat Sultana Mr. & Mrs. Michael Elchadif Mr. & Mrs. Bentzy Shemtov Bentzion ben Nomi Rachel Tzipora Pnina bas Slava Mr. & Mrs. Simon Falic Mr. & Mrs. Marc Sheridan Margalite Feige bas Krandel Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Feldman Mr. & Mrs. Effi Shmuel Chaim Zelig Ben Eidel Chaya Miriam Yehudit bat Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Gassner Ms. Amy Small Ari ben Na’ama Chava Mr. & Mrs. Diego Goldfarb Mr. & Mrs. Yossi Sokol Tzvi Yitzchak ben Chaya Clara bat Corina Mr. & Mrs. Abi Goldshtein Sragowicz Foundation Chaim Tzvi Hirsch ben Guttel Rivka bat Shoshana Mr. Abraham Goldwasser Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Sragowicz Miriam bat Risha Raizel Mr. & Mrs. Sam Greenwald Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Sredni Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Groisman Mr. & Mrs. Eric Stein Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Gut Ms. Suzanne Steinmetz Dr. & Mrs. Ronnie Hershman Mr. Yitzhak Stern Mr. & Mrs. Martin Jacobs Mr. Alexander Strassman Mr. & Mrs. Paul Jaimovich Mr. & Mrs. Michael Strongin Mr. Nancy Janus Mr. & Mrs. Moris Tabacinic KASHER YOUR PESACH Dr. & Mrs. Richard Koffler Mr. Joseph Tanami Mr. Solomon Kugel The Eddie & Rachelle Betesh UTENSILS Mr. & Mrs. Mendi Labkowski Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Jaime Lapidus The Samuel & Anna IN THE SHUL ALLEY Ms. Kristen Lepionka Rottenstein Charitable Trust Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Shlomo Mr. Baruch Toledano Lerman Mr. & Dr. Morris Tuchman SUNDAY MARCH 21 Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Levine VCN Corporation Mr. & Mrs. Irving Levine Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Wolf 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Mr. Shmuel Levinsky Rabbi & Mrs. Aryeh Wuensch Rabbi & Mrs. Mendel Levy Mr. & Mrs. Adam Ziefer Mr. & Mrs. William Lustgarten Mr. Jonathan Zigelboum 7 8 9 10 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 CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS CHITAS SYNOPSIS Chumash, Tanya, 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 4:30 - 4:45 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 Kabbalah (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)

11 DAILY WISDOM Inspiring insights on the Torah

Shabbos, 7 Nissan Sunday, 8 Nissan

Returning Spiritually Robbed Goods The Eternal, Inner Flame [G‑d told Moses that a sacrifice is still valid if it is [G‑d told Moses that if a robber wishes to atone placed on the Altar at night,] for the fire of the Altar for his sin by offering up a guilt-offering,] he must burn on it [throughout the night]. Leviticus 6:2 must [first] return the article that he had robbed. Leviticus 5:23 The Altar fire that was kept burning throughout the night was Spiritually, “robbed articles” are anything that we, by sinning, kindled during the day. have “robbed” from G‑d and given over to the forces of evil, whether a physical object, a moment in time, or human The Altar alludes to the Jewish heart. Even when we find ourselves potential. in situations of spiritual darkness, we must keep the Divine fire of enthusiasm for G‑d, His Torah, and His commandments, always Our task in life is to return the world’s robbed entities to burning in our hearts. their rightful owner, i.e., to reorient everything that has been given over to the cause of evil toward Divinity, beginning Tuesday, 10 Nissan with whatever we ourselves have “robbed” from G‑d through our misdeeds. This is the essence of repentance: restoring Always Being Thankful the world to its natural, Divine state. Through repentance, it If [a person] is bringing [a sacrifice] in order to give thanks . . . Leviticus 7:12 is further possible for us to reach even greater heights than we had attained before sinning. In the Messianic era, communal sacrifices will continue to be offered up, but there will no longer be personal sacrifices. The sole exception will be the thanksgiving- Monday, 9 Nissan offering. Similarly, we are taught that in the Messianic Channeling the Inner High Priest era, all forms of prayer will cease except for prayers of The priest from among [Aaron’s] sons who is anointed [as thanksgiving. high priest] must offer up [this grain-offering]. Leviticus 6:15 The purpose of personal sacrifices (other than the thanksgiving-offering) is to orient our animal soul Our inner “high priest” is the innermost aspect and core of our soul, which toward Divinity. Once the process of atonement will is permanently bound to G‑d. This aspect of our soul is that part of us that have been completed – and we will no longer have refuses to participate in any act that is a denial of our connection with G‑d. the desire to sin – these types of sacrifices will become obsolete. Only the thanksgiving-offering will remain, The classic example of something that disconnects us from G‑d is idolatry. for its function is to express our acknowledgement of But really, any violation of G‑d’s will can be considered a form of idolatry, for our dependence upon G‑d, and this will continue to be when we violate G‑d’s will we are serving something other than G‑d (whether the case. it be money, fame, pleasure, or despair). If we would only realize this fact, nothing could entice us away from fulfilling G‑d’s will – whether by dwelling Similarly, we will no longer need to pray for our needs: on unholy or depressing thoughts, by speaking unholy or insensitive words, we will not lack anything, illness and poverty will or by performing unholy or destructive actions. be matters of the past, and harmony and spiritual sensitivity will become the hallmarks of society. Prayer In this context, our personal “high-priestly” grain-offering is the meditative will consist only of giving thanks, as we continuously contemplation through which we channel the innermost core of our souls. acknowledge G‑d’s benevolence and wonders. Like the high priest’s offering, drawing upon the power of this core is necessary both in the figurative “morning,” i.e., when we feel enlightened We can hasten the Messianic era by emphasizing in our and inspired, in order to ensure that we channel our energy in accordance present lives what will be true in Messianic times. Thus, with G‑d’s will, and in the figurative “evening,” i.e., when we feel confused by placing the emphasis in our prayers on appreciating or uninspired, in order to ensure that we resist the temptation to go against G‑d’s goodness, we hasten the time when this will what we know we should be doing. indeed be our prayers’ sole focus.

12 Wednesday, 11 Nissan Thursday, 12 Nissan The Purpose of the Priest Study vs. Action Moses said to the community: “This procedure is what [Moses] brought forth the ascent-ram. G‑d commanded [me] to do.” Leviticus 8:5 Leviticus 8:18

Aaron and his son were installed into the priesthood through two The sages teach us that, in the absence of the holy types of offerings: specific sacrifices that Moses offered up on their Temple, someone who studies the laws of a given behalf every day for a full week when the Tabernacle was first erected, sacrifice is considered as if he had offered it up. But and a grain-offering that every priest was required to offer up on the if the study of the laws of a sacrifice accomplishes the first day of his service (and which the high priest was required to offer same thing as offering it up, why should we bother up twice every day). The purpose of these sacrifices was to awaken with the sacrifice itself, even when the Temple will be within Aaron and his sons the qualities that would enable them to rebuilt? act as the Jewish people’s representatives before G‑d, whether by securing atonement for their misdeeds or by raising them to higher The difference between the “virtual” sacrifice and the levels of Divine consciousness. actual one is their effect on the world. While a sacrifice “offered up” by studying its laws elevates the person, Every one of us has the inner power to not only overcome spiritual it does not elevate the world around him. Only the darkness but to transform it into light. But this inner power is not physical sacrifice, which includes all aspects of creation always readily available to us, for various reasons. We must therefore – human, animal, vegetable, and mineral – elevates seek out individuals who are steeped in the Torah and further along the world at large. the path of spiritual refinement than we are, so we can benefit from their inspiration and guidance. At the same time, we must Thus, we should always seek a practical, tangible way to also develop our inner “priest,” both in order to transform our own apply the spiritual inspiration or insight we garner, in inner darkness into light, as well as to help others do the same for order for it to affect and elevate not merely ourselves, themselves. but the entire world.

Friday, 13 Nissan The Inner Sacrificial Altar Moses took [specific parts of the slaughtered sacrifices] from the hands [of Aaron and his sons] and burned them up on the Altar. Leviticus 8:28 The procedures for the sacrifices all allude to inner, psychological processes that we must undergo in order to draw close to G‑d. (As mentioned above, the Hebrew word for “sacrifice” [korban] means “drawing close.”)

Slaughtering the animal alludes to how we slaughter – i.e., renounce – our animalistic orientation toward life. Sprinkling the blood on the Altar alludes to how we then re-orient our enthusiasm (signified by our warm blood) toward G‑dliness. Placing the fat of the slaughtered animal on the Altar alludes to how we re-orient our sense of delight (signified by fat, which results from indulging in eating foods that trigger feelings of delight in our brain) toward G‑dliness. Burning the animal by fire on the Altar alludes to the consumption of our animal nature by Divinity, meaning that our formerly animalistic drives become drives for goodness, as we transform the world into G‑d’s home.

13 PARSHAH MESSAGES BETWEEN DESTINY AND CHANCE By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

he third book of the Torah is known in English they use the words “speak” or “say” or as “Leviticus,” a word deriving from Greek and “command,” were preceded by a call (keri’ah) Latin, meaning “pertaining to the Levites.” which is a term of endearment, used by the ThisT reflects the fact that in Judaism the priests— angels when they address one another, as it descendants of Aaron—were from the tribe of Levi, is said, “And one called to the other” (vekara and that the ancient rabbinic name for the book zeh el zeh). However, to the prophets of was Torat Kohanim, “the law of the priests.” It is an the nations of the world, His appearance appropriate title. Whereas Shemot and Bamidbar is described by an expression signifying are shot through with narrative, the book between a casual encounter and uncleanness, as it them is largely about sacrifices and the rituals says, “And the L‑rd appeared to Bilaam.” associated first with the Tabernacle and later with the Temple in Jerusalem. It is, as the name Torat Baal HaTurim goes one stage further, Kohanim implies, about the priests and their commenting on the small aleph: function as guardians of the sacred. Moses was both great and humble, and By contrast, the traditional name, Vayikra, “And wanted only to write vayikar, signifying abhor them so as to destroy them completely, He called,” seems merely accidental. Vayikra just “chance,” as if the Holy One, blessed be breaking My covenant with them. I am the L‑rd happens to be the first word of the book, and He, appeared to him only in a dream, as it their G‑d. But for their sake I will remember the there is no connection between it and the subjects says of Balaam [vayikar, without an aleph]— covenant with their ancestors whom I brought with which it deals. The truth, I will argue here, is suggesting that G‑d appeared to him by out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be otherwise. There is a deep connection between the mere chance. However, G‑d told him to write their G‑d; I am the L‑rd. word vayikra and the underlying message of the the word with an aleph. Moses then said book as a whole. to Him, because of his extreme humility, The key word of the passage is the word keri. It that he would only write an aleph that was appears exactly seven times in the tochachah—a To understand this, we must note that there is smaller than the other alephs in the Torah, sure sign of significance. Here are two of them, something unusual about the way the word appears and he did indeed write it small. by way of example: in a sefer Torah. Its last letter, an aleph, is written small—almost as if it barely existed. The standard- Something of great significance is being If in spite of this you still do not listen to Me, but size letters spell out the word vayikar, meaning “He hinted at here; but before taking it further, continue to be hostile towards Me, then in My encountered, He chanced upon.” Unlike vayikra, let us turn to the end of the book. Just anger I will be hostile towards you, and I myself which refers to a call, a summons, a meeting by before the end, in the sedra of Bechukotai, will punish you seven times for your sins.6 request, vayikar suggests an accidental meeting, a there occurs one of the two most terrifying mere happening. passages in the Torah. It is known as the What does the word keri mean? I have tochachah, and it details the terrible fate translated it here as “hostile.” There are other With their sensitivity to nuance, the sages noted that will befall the Jewish people if they fail suggestions. The Targum reads it as “harden the difference between the call to Moses (vayikra to keep their covenant with G‑d: yourselves,” Rashbam as “refuse,” Ibn Ezra as el Mosheh) with which the book begins, and G‑d’s “overconfident,” Saadia as “rebellious.” appearance to the pagan prophet Balaam (vayikar I will bring such insecurity upon those of you Elokim el Bilam). This is how the midrash puts it: who survive in your enemies’ land that the However, Rambam gives it a completely sound of a driven leaf will make them flee different interpretation, and does so in a What is the difference between the prophets of from the sword. They will fall with no one halachic context: Israel and the prophets of the pagan nations of the chasing them . . . The land of your enemies world? . . . R. Hama ben Hanina said: The Holy One, will consume you. A positive scriptural command prescribes prayer blessed be He, reveals himself to the pagan nations and the sounding of the alarm with trumpets by an incomplete form of address, as it is said, “And Yet, despite the shocking nature of the whenever trouble befalls the community. For the L‑rd appeared (vayikar) to Balaam,” whereas to forewarning, the passage ends with a note when Scripture says, “Against the adversary that the prophets of Israel He appears in a complete of consolation: oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm form of address, as it is said, “And He called (vayikra) with the trumpets,” the meaning is: Cry out in to Moses.” I will remember My covenant with Jacob, prayer and sound an alarm . . . This is one of the as well as My covenant with Isaac and My paths to repentance, for when the community Rashi is more explicit: covenant with Abraham. I will remember cries out in prayer and sounds an alarm when the Land . . . Even when they are in their threatened by trouble, everyone realizes that All [G‑d’s] communications [to Moses], whether enemies’ land, I will not reject them or evil has come on them as a result of their own 14 wrongdoing . . . and that repentance will cause the trashbag of random coincidences blown on your own sensitivity. For those who look, trouble to be removed. open by the wind”—then indeed they will it will be visible. For those who listen, it can be left to chance. Being a small, vulnerable be heard. But first you have to look and If, however, the people do not cry out in prayer nation, chance will not be kind to them. listen. If you choose not to see or hear, then and do not sound an alarm, but merely say that it vayikra will become vayikar. The call will be is the way of the world for such a thing to happen We are now in a position to understand inaudible. History will seem mere chance. to them, and that their trouble is a matter of pure the remarkable proposition linking the There is nothing incoherent about such an chance, they have chosen a cruel path which will beginning of Vayikra to the end—and one idea. Those who believe it will have much to cause them to continue in their wrongdoing, and of the most profound of all spiritual truths. justify it. Indeed, says G‑d in the tochachah: if thus bring additional troubles on them. For when The difference between mikra and mikreh— you believe that history is chance, then it will Scripture says, “If you continue to be keri towards between history as G‑d’s call and history as become so. Me, then in My anger I will be keri towards you,” it one event after another with no underlying means: If, when I bring trouble upon you in order purpose or meaning—is, in the Hebrew But, in truth, it is not so. The history of the to cause you to repent, you say that the trouble is language, almost imperceptible. The words Jewish people—as even non-Jews such as purely accidental, then I will add to your trouble the sound the same. The only difference is that Pascal, Rousseau and Tolstoy eloquently anger of being-left-to-chance. the former has an aleph, while the latter stated—testifies to the presence of G‑d does not. (The significance of the aleph is in their midst. Only thus could such a Rambam understands keri to be related to the obvious: the first letter of the alphabet, the small, vulnerable, relatively powerless word mikreh, meaning “chance.” The curses, in first letter of the Ten Commandments, the “I” people survive, and still say today—after his interpretation, are not divine retribution as of G‑d.) the Holocaust—am Yisrael chai, the Jewish such. It will not be G‑d who makes Israel suffer; it people lives. will be other human beings. What will happen The letter aleph is almost inaudible. is simply that G‑d will withdraw His protection. Its appearance in a sefer Torah at the And, just as Jewish history is not mere chance, Israel will have to face the world alone, without beginning of Vayikra (the “small aleph”) so it is no mere coincidence that the first word the sheltering presence of G‑d. This, for Rambam, is almost invisible. Do not expect—the of the central book of the Torah is vayikra, is simple, inescapable measure-for-measure Torah is intimating—that the presence of “and He called.” To be a Jew is to believe that (middah keneged middah). If Israel believes in G‑d in history will always be as clear and what happens to us as a people is G‑d’s call divine providence, they will be blessed by divine unambiguous as it was during the exodus to us—to become “a kingdom of priests and providence. If they see history as mere chance— from Egypt and the division of the Red a holy nation.” what Joseph Heller, author of Catch-22, called “a Sea. For much of the time, it will depend ARE YOU A BULL OR A LAMB? the beast within us has been neutralized—and better yet, sanctified. By Yossy Goldman What exactly does this mean? The verse continues, “from the cattle or from the flock, shall you bring your offering.” An individual may behave like Not only animal-rights groups have difficulty with this week’s Parshah; “cattle,” a goring bull, trampling on everyone and everything in its way. many if not most people in our modern era have a problem with the whole He is the proverbial bull in a china closet, stomping, aggressive, bullying, concept of animal sacrifice, which is a major theme of the third book of the domineering, and utterly insensitive to people’s feelings. Torah, Leviticus. Others might be like “the flock”—the meek little lamb that timidly follows But I have no wish to enter into a rationalization of biblical morality. the crowd. He has no opinion of his own; whatever the last person he The second verse in the book lends itself to some interesting homiletic spoke to said becomes his opinion for the moment. He has no backbone, interpretation, which makes it quite clear that the Torah’s focus on sacrifice no sense of self or self-respect. He stays with the flock at all costs, lest he be is not so much on the animal on the altar as on the person who is offering labeled a “black sheep.” it: Still others might be moody and temperamental, changing colors and When a man (adam) will bring an offering from among you to G‑d, from character traits from day to day. One minute they might be like the raging the animals, from the cattle or from the flock shall you bring your offering. bull, and the next, the docile lamb. (Leviticus 1:2) So the Torah teaches us to be adam, a human being of human—indeed, Now, clearly, the language here is rather strained. In fact, most translators G‑dly—character. Be a man, not an ox; a lady, not a lamb. Be a mentsch; have edited the text to read more smoothly: “When a man among you will behave like a mature, refined person, not like a vilde chayah (wild animal). bring an offering,” clearly an improvement in the flow of the verse. Examine your own behavioral tendencies; check out your inner feelings and dispositions. Are you satisfied with yourself as a human being? Are Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, in his classic Likkutei Torah, insists however those around you happy, or do you intimidate them with your temper that the Torah’s syntax is deliberate. “When a man will bring an offering”— tantrums? Are you mature and mild-mannered, or do you suffer from road i.e., he will want to come closer to G‑d (the Hebrew word korban has in it rage? the root karav, “to come close”), then he must know that the offering must come “from you,” from the animal within you. Searching our souls and our inner psyches for unacceptable behaviors, and then doing something about it, is what we mean when we say to bring Every one of us possesses animalistic tendencies, and these must be the animal up on the altar of sacrifice. It is the animal within each of us. The consumed on the altar of G‑d. We are obliged to slay our inner animal, and true and ultimate sacrifice is the sacrificing of self. humanize ourselves by working on developing our character traits, until 15 YUD ALEPH NISSAN

The 11th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan marks the birth of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory. In honor of this milestone, we offer the articles and videos below to provide some insight into the significance of this special day.

Throughout his lifetime, the Rebbe marked his birthday by redoubling his efforts to reach out to Jews in every corner of the world. As Passover approaches, let’s heed the Rebbe’s call to gather the entire Jewish nation at the Seder table.

May this day bring blessings to us all, and may we be reunited with the Rebbe very soon with the coming of our righteous Moshiach.

Letter Sent by the Rebbe, Yud-Alef Festival is that it represents the birthday of reflected in the Korban-Pesach (Pesach Offering) Nissan, 5739 (1979) our Jewish nation; hence it directly relates about which the Jewish people in Egypt were also to every Jew, as part of the nation. Divinely commanded at the beginning of the y the Grace of G‑d Month of Geuloh, on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, as an Erev Shabbos-Kodesh In general, every person’s life is two- essential prerequisite to Yetzias Mitzraim. Shabbos Hagodol, 5739 faceted: that of an individual, and as a B member of society — the nation, country, The Korbonos (Offerings) comprise two general To the Sons and Daughters of city, community, and environment in categories: Korbonos Yochid (Individual Offerings) Our People Israel, Everywhere — which he lives. Although, at first glance, and Korbonos-Tzibbur (Collective Offerings), these two aspects of a person’s life are at i.e. offerings of individuals as individuals, G‑d bless you all! opposite ends, with conflicting interests, and offerings brought by, and in behalf of, a human life is so ordered that both aspects collective (Tzibbur) of many individuals, wherein Greeting and Blessing: — the “individual” and “social” — rule side- the individual is represented by his personal by-side in a more or less harmonious contribution to the Fund which was annually The month of Nissan, as also its central feature, coexistence; the goal, however, is to raised for this purpose. the Festival of Pesach, Chag HaMatzos, are “firsts”: achieve a state where the two aspects The month of Nissan is designated as “It shall complement each other to the degree of Now, we find that the Korban-Pesach combined be unto you the first of the months of the year,” constituting one entity. both aspects, for it was at the same time both a while Pesach is the first of all our Festivals. As Korban -Yochid and, in a sense, a KorbanTzibbur, such, it is understandable that both the month For Jews — whose way of life is mandated since it was brought by kenufia (collective of and its Festival encompass more, and more and geared to wholeness and completeness individuals). And both aspects have a distinct comprehensive, teachings than any of the other in all aspects of the everyday life — the said emphasis which is not found in other Korbonos: special days of the year, as is also emphasized strives assumes the force of an essential by the fact that many moments in Jewish life and basic imperative — As a Korban-Yochid, the Korban-Pesach was are related, and serve as “memorials” to Yetzias “individualized” and restricted to the “Menuyim” Mitzraim — the Liberation from Egyptian bondage. * * * — the specially “counted-in” participants who had united into a single entity to bring and partake One of the basic significances of the Pesach The above mentioned two aspects are also of this Korban Pesach — to the exclusion of all others, for none but the “Menuyim” had, or were 16 permitted to have, any part in it; this was not coming out of Egypt I will show you wonders” — the case with any other Korban-Yochid (such as To be able to do this, one must first break that no Jew will remain in Golus. This underscores the Peace Offering, etc.), where anyone could be through the confines of one’s own rational again that the Geuloh of Klal Yisroel is bound up invited to partake thereof. and emotional limitations, and rise above with the Geuloh of each individual Jew. all hindrances and distractions, from On the other hand, the Korban-Pesach was also, in within and without, in order to attain the * * * a sense, a Korban Tzibbur, since all the Jews had to fullest spiritual liberation: the liberation bring it at the same time and in the same manner of the very essence of the Jewish self — his May G‑d grant that, inasmuch as it is the highest (roasted on fire); with the added emphasis that “Pintele Yid,” as it is often characterized; time to prepare for the true and final Geuloh, every unlike other Korbanos-Tzibbur, where the Tzibbur this is the way that a Jew aligns himself Jew and Jewess should become involved in this was represented by proxy-emissaries, the Anshei- with his root and source, and with his preparation in the fullest measure; the first step Maamad — the Korban-Pesach was brought in fellow-Jew and all the Jewish people. being the same that was called for in connection kenufia, so that the Tzibbur was there in person, with the first Korban-Pesach, in Egypt: “Draw as also later at the eating, all having to eat of the Which is the well-known concept of “Yetzias and take” — to draw back and away from Avodoh Korban-Pesach at the set time, etc. — which was not Mitzraim” in the realm of the spirit. Zoroh (idolatry), including “Avodoh Zoroh” in its the case with any other Korban-Tzibbur. subtle aspects, namely, anything that is “Zor” — In practical terms this means that every alien to the spirit and way of Torah-Yiddishkeit, * * * Jew has been given the capacity, and is and pursuing this endeavor in regard to both expected, to rise above his narrow personal oneself and those around, and more widely, in In the Korban-Pesach itself there is yet another interests for the sake of the overriding regard to the environment, the Tzibbur; to help point which indicates the inter-connection of the interests of the community in which he every Jew that can be reached and involved in individual with the Tzibbur, in that the Korban lives and of Klal Yisroel. On their part, the the said preparation for the Geuloh, through Pesach had to be prepared whole, “with its head, Tzibbur and Klal Yisroel intervene in behalf personal commitment to Torah and Mitzvos. For its legs, and its inwards.” The difference and of each individual, so that not a single “He established testimony (the Mitzvos) in Jacob, “distance” between the head and legs, etc. is Jew should be lost, G‑d forbid, helping and gave the Torah in (and for everyone in) Israel,” obvious; yet it was required that all components each and all to free themselves from their and made these the channels through which to be prepared together and in like manner. The “Mitzraim,” in whatever form it may be. receive His blessings. And be certain of Hatzlocho symbolic inference from it is that although a And the Geuloh of the Klal is contingent in all the above because “I will remember Your Tzibbur consists of different individuals, of widely upon the Geuloh of the individual as an wonders of old (at the time of Yetzias Mitzraim) ranging levels, from that of “head” to that of “foot,” individual. and will meditate on all Your work, and talk of they nevertheless join together to constitute a Your doings.” Tzibbur and contribute, each his full share, to the * * * Tzibbur. And this profound meditation, translated into Our Sages declare that the Geuloh from the action as mentioned above, will hasten still further * * * present Golus will be in the manner of the our welcoming Moshiach Tzidkeinu, together with Geuloh from Egypt, when all Jews — “with our young and our old, with our sons and our How is unity between one individual and another, our young and our old, with our sons and daughters,” at the true and complete Geuloh. and between an individual and the collective, with our daughers” — without exception, achieved? This, too, is indicated in the name came out of Egypt, not a single Jew was With esteem and blessing for “Pesach,” one meaning of which is to “pass over,” left there; unlike other Geulos — from Hatzlocho in all above, and for more precisely to “leap over,” indicating, among Babylon, Persia, and Greek oppression — a Kosher and joyous Pesach, other things, leaping over partitions separating when some Jews remained in Golus. The Jew from Jew and individual from community, coming Geuloh through our Righteous /Signed: M. Schneerson/ until all are united and merged into the single Moshiach will be “as in the days of your organic entity that constitutes the Jewish nation.

17 HALACHA OF THE WEEK HALACHOS OF PESACH By Rabbi Dov Schochet

Thursday 12 Nissan - March 25 will make it harder to burn them. Every area create difficulties on Shabbat. The custom Usually the fast of the firstborn is on Erev that Chametz is brought into requires a careful is that all the food besides for the Challah is Pesach, the 14th of Nissan. However, as this year checking to ensure that no Chametz is there. Kosher for Passover. As stated above, all Chametz the 14th of Nissan is on Shabbat, we move the If there are small children in the house, this consumed must be done in a way that will not fast of the firstborn to Thursday, the 12th of includes every part of the home. Following the spread crumbs through the house. Nissan. The general custom is that in place of search, all the Chametz found should be put in fasting the firstborn joins a meal relating to the a secure place, along with all the Chametz that As many of the regular Erev Pesach preparations performance of a Mitzva and can eat for the rest one intends to eat on Friday and Shabbat. We cannot be done, for it will be Shabbat one should of the day. In The Shul we will be having a Siyum also say “Kol Chamira” the statement nullifying make sure to do them today. This includes in the morning. Even one who is not a firstborn any Chametz that we are unaware of and did checking the lettuce, grinding the horseradish, but has a firstborn son under Bar Mitzva should not find. When one says this paragraph, it preparing paper towel etc. for the Seder. fast on his behalf or join the meal of a Mitzva. is critical that they understand at least the One who is joining this meal in lieu of fasting general content of the words. Candle lighting is at 7:17 P.M. (it is advisable to should be particular not to simply hear the light a long lasting candle that will be available Siyum (the completion of a tractate of Talmud) One should have already enabled their Rabbi to use for Yom Tov.) but actually partake in some food. to be the agent to sell the Chametz. If they have not yet done so, make sure to do it now so The meal Friday night requires Challah, however Bedikat Chametz the Rabbi can take care of it in a timely manner one should be careful to not have any crumbs Instead of searching for chametz on the night of on Friday. spreading through the house. If one uses regular the 14th of Nissan, this year we will search on dishes, they should be careful to wash them (with the night of the 13th. The search for Chametz Friday 13th Nissan - March 26 cold water) in a way that no Chametz remains must be done with a candle and we obviously While we don’t say the Nassi today we do say behind. If one is using disposables they must cannot use one to search on Friday night, so we the concluding paragraph of the dedication be discarded in a way that they are no longer move the search a day earlier to Thursday night. “Zos Chanukas Hamizbeach”. While we are on the person’s property by 12:24 P.M. Shabbat We begin searching at 7:58 P.M. (all times are for able to eat Chametz until Shabbat morning morning. If that is not possible, one should put the 33154 zip code) or as soon as possible after. we still burn the Chametz at the regular time, them in a bag and pour bleach over them. One should not eat or engage in other activities before 12:24 P.M. We will have a place to until after searching for the Chametz. Before burn Chametz behind the Shul. One who has Shabbat 14th of Nissan - March 27 searching for the Chametz one makes the garbage cans on their own property should Shabbat services are started early for one cannot blessing “Al Biur Chametz”. If family members make sure no Chametz remains in them until eat Chametz after 11:21 A.M. The Shul will start are assisting in the search, only the head of the Shabbat morning. If there is Chametz that Shachrit at 7:15 A.M. The custom is that the household makes the Bracha and everyone else cannot be removed on time, one should pour Chazzan doesn’t delay in order to give people assisting hears it from him. bleach over it. time to go home and have the Shabbat meal. It is forbidden to eat Matza that can be used for The custom is to put out 10 pieces of wrapped When preparing for Shabbat, one should not the Seder on Erev Pesach. Chabad has a custom Chametz before the search begins. They should prepare foods that have Chametz that will not to eat any of the Charoses ingredients or not be placed in silverfoil or other materials that stick to the pot, or be hard to clean as it will Maror from now until after the second Seder 18 (Besides, obviously, for the Seder itself.) women are obligated to have their own cup as meat, Chabad custom is not to have even pot this is the first of the four cups. (One who made roast if there was no liquid in the pot. One has to finish eating Chametz by 11:21. a Shehechiyanu when lighting candles does Following the meal, all of the Chametz that not need to repeat it during Kiddush.) Tzafun: We eat the Afikomen, leaning. It is best remains must be entirely removed. Either by to eat the volume of two olives of Matza but one placing them off our property, pouring bleach Urchatz: We wash our hands for the dipping of is sufficient. For Afikomen the amount required over it, gifting it to a gentile or flushing the the vegetable in salt water, we do not make a for each “olive” is 1/6th of a Matza. After eating crumbs in the toilet. One should rinse their blessing when washing. the Afikomen we do not eat or drink anything hands, mouth well and make sure that no until tomorrow morning, besides for the last two chametz remains on the tablecloth or their Karpas: We dip a vegetable in salt water. When cups of wine. It’s best to eat this before midnight clothing. Any Chametz utensils should be swept making the blessing we should have in mind which is 1:25 A.M. clean of Chametz and then placed in an area that it should also exempt the Maror we will that we will not use on Pesach. Before 12:23 P.M. eat later, on its own and in the Korech sandwich. Beirach: We recite the Birkat Hamazon, we nullify the Chametz a second time, this time preparing the third cup of wine before we begin. including even Chametz that we are aware of. Yachatz: We break the middle Matza, putting We drink the third cup after the Birkat Hamazon, One can only say this when they have finished aside the larger half for the Afikomen later leaning on our left side. Before drinking the cup using their Chametz, eating Challah etc. and the smaller half we leave behind for the we say “Borei Pri Hagefen.” blessing over Matza. (Chabad custom is to One cannot begin preparing for the Seder on break the larger half into five pieces.) Hallel- Nirtzah: We pour the fourth cup of wine, Shabbat. complete the Hallel that we started during Magid: The children ask the four questions Magid. At the conclusion of the praises we make Like every Shabbat Hagadol we say parts and we discuss the exodus from Egypt. We a blessing over the fourth cup, drink it leaning, of the Haggada following Mincha, starting must be careful to mention and explain Pesach and then make the after blessing for wine. At from “Avadim Hayinu” until “Lchaper Al Kol (the Pesach offering), Matza and Maror. At the this point all present declare “L’Shana Ha’Baah Avonoseinu”. As it is Erev Pesach we also say the conclusion of Magid we drink the second cup BiYerushalayim!” paragraph describing the offering of the Korban of wine, leaning on our left side. Pesach, may Hashem give us the ability to bring Sunday 15th of Nissan - March 28 one in the Temple this year! Rachtza: We wash our hands for eating Matza, Prayers are the regular holiday prayers, with this time with the blessing “Al Netilat Yadayim” the inserts for Pesach. Before Mussaf the Gabai Candle lighting for Pesach is after 8:09 P.M. from Motzie: We pick up the 2 and a half Matzot and announces that we start saying “Tal” mentioning an existing flame. Before lighting candles or any make the Blessing “Hamotzie” dew in the second blessing of the Amida. If one preparations for the Seder one must say “Baruch did not yet pray the morning Amida and will not Hamavdil Bein Kodesh L’Kodesh”. Arvit starts Matza: After letting the bottom Matza fall be praying with another Minyan, they say “Tal” from Shir Hamaalos, the Amida is for the three out of our hand we make the blessing “Al even during Shachris. festivals and we add the paragraph “Vatodienu” Achilas Matza” holding the top and broken where we make Havdala in our prayers, if one middle Matza. We then eat an olive’s amount One cannot prepare for the second night seder forgot to add it there is no need to repeat the from each of them. There are many opinions until Sunday night. Amida. Following the Amida we say the entire in determining the exact amount needed, it is Hallel with a Bracha both the first and second best to eat a bit more than a quarter of a hand Candle lighting is after 8:10 P.M. fro an existing night of Pesach. Shmura Matza from each of them. If that is too flame. That is also the time we can start difficult one can have as little as 1/6th of a preparing for the second Seder. For the Seder Plate we have 3 Matzot and hand Shmura Matza. One should eat the part on top we place two cooked/ roasted foods. from each of the Matzot in under 7 minutes. The Arvit is the same as last night, just skipping (Chabad has the custom to use a cooked egg One must recline when eating the Matza. “Vtodienu” which is only said on Motzei Shabbat. and a neck bone that was roasted.) Charoses, the Following the Amida we begin counting the vegetable for the first dipping and two portions Maror: We put some wine in the Charoses Omer. Tonight we count the first night, and of Marror. One should start the Seder as soon before dipping the Maror in, after dipping the continue counting until Shavuot. If one forgot as possible so the children can partake without Maror in we shake off the Charoses and make to count at night they can count during the day falling asleep. the blessing “Al Achilas Maror” One should eat without a blessing. If one forgot to count the at least 2/3 of an ounce. We do not lean when entire day, they continue counting the rest of Kiddush: As it is Motzei Shabbat the Kiddush eating Maror. the nights without a blessing. includes the Havdala for Shabbat. The order is we first make the blessing over the wine, then Korech: We do the same with the Maror and The seder is the same as last night besides for the blessing of Kiddush for a Holiday, followed place it into the bottom Matza. We eat at least Kiddush, where it is a regular holiday Kiddush, by a blessing over a lit candle (there is no need to 1/6th of a Hand Shmura Matza, and we recline and there is no Havdala. wave the hand over it) followed by the Havdala when eating it. (the blessing concludes “Hamavdil Bein Kodesh Monday 16th of Nissan - March 29 L’Kodesh” and conclude with Shehechiyanu. Shulchan Orech: We have the Seder meal. The holiday ends at 8:10 P.M. In the Arvit prayer, When drinking the cup of wine we recline on Chabad custom is to start the meal by eating which is of a regular weekday we say Havdala, our left side. The cup we use should hold at least the egg dipped into salt water. There are and switch to “Vsein Bracha”, stop asking for 3 oz. of wine. Everyone at the table, including different customs regarding eating roasted rain in the 9th blessing. We make Havdala without a candle or besamim. 19 MY ENCOUNTER WITH THE REBBE

NEVERRABBI YAAKOV SPITEZKI SAY GOODBYE TWICE

hen I graduated high school, my parents gave me a present — a Wticket to fly from Paris to New York, where I could visit with the Rebbe.

Although my parents were religious, they were not chasidic, but I had been connected to Chabad since my early teens and they knew this present would make me very happy.

I remember that, upon entering the Rebbe’s room, I felt very cold because the air conditioning was on high, but as soon as the Rebbe looked at me with his bright blue eyes, I warmed up. He spoke to me softly, in French, and he put me totally at ease. I felt calm and serene — as if I was meeting with a loving father.

During the audience — which took place in July of 1968 — the Rebbe asked All this had an impact on my decision the violence of May 1968, when me many personal questions. He also to enroll in the Chabad yeshivah French students attempted to answered questions I asked him, both my in Israel, headed by Rabbi Schneur foment a revolution. My parents were own and those that my friends from high Zalman Gafne. But after a while, persuaded by what the Rebbe said, school wanted me to ask. In particular, my parents became concerned and they allowed me to continue in their questions concerned issues of faith. that I was not acquiring a college yeshivah. For instance, they wanted to be reassured education which would allow me that the Torah is the word of G-d and to earn a living. They knew that the After I completed my yeshivah studies, that it was given to the Jewish people on Rebbe had told one of my friends to I came to New York for a second Mount Sinai — that these things really return to college, so they decided to audience with the Rebbe. Once again, happened. visit him in New York and discuss the the issue of college came up, and once issue with him personally. again the Rebbe advised against it. He “You can tell your friends,” the Rebbe said that for part of the day I should said, “that just as we know and accept as My mother later described to me work in a field that suits my nature, historical fact that Columbus discovered everything that had happened and the other part of the day I should America, we also know that there was a during that audience. My parents work in outreach. And that is what I revelation from G-d at Mount Sinai.” told the Rebbe that I was doing well ended up doing, eventually becoming in yeshivah, but enough is enough: a Chabad emissary in Brussels. Then he recommended that we study the “We want him to come back to Paris Kuzari, the 12th century work by Yehudah and enroll in college.” The Rebbe Before I left for Belgium, the Rebbe HaLevi, in which a rabbi explains Judaism responded, “I know what college is counselled me: “Rabbi Azriel Chaikin to the king of the Khazars. “Try to read it all about, because I went to college arrived in Brussels before you, and he in Hebrew, but if that’s too complicated myself. I can tell you this: You will knows a lot of people. He will help you for you, then go to the Bibliothèque have more satisfaction from him and give you good advice.” As it turned Nationale in Paris where you’ll be able to if you leave him in yeshivah for a out, I worked in close cooperation with find a French translation.” When I returned longer period.” Rabbi Chaikin all the years that I served to Paris, I told my friends about what the as an emissary in Belgium. During that Rebbe said and they were satisfied with The Rebbe also brought up some time, I established a Chabad House his answer. problems that I might face at just in front of the Brussels University university, in particular mentioning campus, which was a big success 20 largely thanks to the efforts of my late wife, Eta Feiga, who was a gifted speaker and a stellar example to our many students. On a number of occasions, the Rebbe gave me specific and confidential directions regarding particular community matters, as well as good advice regarding my personal spiritual growth. For instance, he advised me to use Thursday night to take stock of the past week, to engage in deep self- examination — what is called cheshbon hanefesh (literally, “an accounting of the soul”).

Another time, at the end of a trip to New York for the holidays, I was about to return to France and was waiting to say good-bye to the Rebbe as he left the synagogue after afternoon prayers. Others were also waiting, and the Rebbe blessed each of them to have a safe trip, but to me he didn’t say anything. Afterwards, Rabbi Leibel Groner, his IF YOU NEED HELP PLEASE CONTACT secretary, enlightened me. He said, PROJECT YESHUAH “Yaakov, the Rebbe asked me to tell you that because earlier this morning he gave you a blessing to return safely to Paris, he did not give you another blessing just now. Rabbi Yehudah HaChassid famously said that one should not say good-bye twice.”

The Rebbe sent that message via Rabbi Groner because he wanted to make sure that I wasn’t hurt — that I understood there was a good reason why he didn’t wish me a good trip like all the other visitors. Despite all that was on his mind, the Rebbe took pains to ensure I didn’t feel bad. That’s how much he cared.

These are the encounters that I remember most vividly. I was privileged to experience the Rebbe’s greatness personally in the many ways he advised me on the road through life. He always had a reason for everything and, although he could be exacting, he was driven by one thing above all — the love of every Jew.

21 STORIES WITH SOUL if only this doctor would succeed where all abbi Yehuda ben Moshe Hakohen was the royal physicians of Portugal had failed. the personal physician of King Alfonso X “As you know, our Crown Prince, Sancho, of Castile, one of the first provinces which is always scheming and lusting for more Rabbi Yehuda examined the ill man and Rthe Spaniards had recaptured from the North power. He wants to form a political informed the king that he had a blood African Arabs in the 13th century. alliance with Portugal by making a clot on the brain. It would require delicate match between his sister, Princess Maria, surgery, but he would undertake it. Until A great friend of the Jews, the king invited and Diniz.” that time, the prince would be under them to settle in Toledo, Cordova, Seville and his care. The king agreed. All went as other cities in Spain, and had many prominent “What’s so bad about that?” asked planned, but then, on the scheduled day Jewish advisors. Yehuda. of the operation, Rabbi Yehuda received the unexpected order to leave the country Because King Alfonso appreciated the services “What are you saying? One of the without delay. It was incomprehensible, but the Jews performed for his kingdom, he conditions of the alliance is that the two Rabbi Yehuda packed and left at once. protected them and allowed them to worship Christian kingdoms join in expelling and live as they pleased. the Jews who will not convert to the He had been on the road only a few hours Christian faith!” when a carriage drew up to him and the However, like kings of other lands, Alfonso was king, himself alighted. “The priest has strongly influenced by the clergy, who were Yehuda paled and tears appeared in cooked up a nasty dish this time, but he will fanatically hostile to the Jews. Rabbi Yehuda his eyes. “The Guardian of Israel save pay for it! What do I care if you are a Jew, if was ever on guard lest the king fall under the us,” he uttered in a heartfelt prayer. The you can cure my son!” He then related what influence of the clergy. purpose of the Portuguese ambassadors had transpired. was clear, as was the cold and unfriendly One day Rabbi Yehuda came to the palace attitude of the King. The priest, being sure that this new doctor to visit the king, as he often did, only to be was a Jew, and probably the doctor of the informed that the king couldn’t see him. The Yehuda thought for a minute. “Royal King of Castile, was eager to discredit him. change in the king’s attitude towards Rabbi matchmaking takes time. In the So, he went to the king with the lie that the Yehuda was evident, and he was filled with meantime we may be able to avert the Jews had decided to kill the Crown Prince anxiety and foreboding. Heavy- hearted, he danger. Perhaps if the king finds out that with the help of this Jewish doctor, in order left the palace, but instead of returning home, Diniz is ill, he will call off the match.” to stop the proposed marriage. he went to consult with his close friend Don Yitzchak de la Maleha. “In matters of political convenience, “I admit I was swayed by the priest, but illness isn’t an impediment,” replied when I told my son, he just scoffed at the Don Yitzchak was not surprised, for he knew Don Yitzchak. “But I have a better idea, if accusation. He cried that if you were not that the king had important visitors, two G-d only grants us success, and you will permitted to treat him, he would commit ambassadors of the king of Portugal, Alfonso be the one to intercede.” suicide. You are his last hope, and he has the Third. complete confidence in your skill. I have “I will do whatever I can. But what is it?” come in person to beg your forgiveness and He didn’t know what sort of business was asked Rabbi Yehuda. ask you to treat my son.” being conducted, but he had friends in the Portuguese court from whom he could inquire. “You will travel to Lisbon and cure the Yehuda Hakohen performed the operation, The two friends agreed to meet again in three Crown Prince.” and the Almighty gave him success. The days’ time, to exchange information and decide Crown Prince recovered his health, and on a course of action. The two friends discussed the plan at Rabbi Yehuda was sent home laden with great length. gifts. Of course, his greatest reward was But before the three days passed, Yitzchak de having averted the threatened deportation la Maleha sent urgent word to his friend: “I Rabbi Yehuda packed his medical kit and of the Jews, who continued to live in Spain have learned that the Crown Prince of Portugal, secretly departed for Portugal. Word was and Portugal for the next two hundred years Diniz, is suffering from some mysterious illness to be spread in the royal court in Lisbon in relative peace and prosperity. which the Portuguese doctors were unable to about the arrival of a great physician cure. from Spain.

In the meantime, the king’s priest used the As soon as the king heard the news he opportunity to turn the king against his loyal sent for the new doctor to examine his Jewish officials. beloved son. He promised any reward, 22 JUDAISM’S FROZEN FRONTIER: ICELAND FORMALLY RECOGNIZES JUDAISM By Batya Schochet Lisker The historic move underscores Chabad’s years of activity in the Land of Fire and Ice By Mendel Super

or the first time in its millenium-long history, Iceland has formally recognized Judaism as a religion. The year-long process, Fduring which the country’s rabbi, local Jewish community members and an Icelandic attorney working and living in Iceland for the past successfully built on the impressive decades- elucidated the Jewish religion and practices for 12 years, agrees. “This is significant,” he long grassroots efforts of local community government officials, finally paid off when it tells Chabad.org. “We’re now an official members, as well as the early work of Chabad’s was approved on March 8. part of Iceland’s diverse societal fabric.” “Roving Rabbis,” dispatched to the island by Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters since 2011 to It’s a historic step for the Land of Fire and Ice, Burgos, an active participant in Jewish provide support and rabbinic guidance to the and comes as the country’s Jews prepare to join communal life in Iceland, explains remote community. their brethren the world over in celebration of that until the 20th century Iceland Passover. was a small, distant country, with little For decades, Iceland’s Jews, while active, immigration. “After World War II Jews struggled to attain formal recognition of “For Iceland to formally recognize the world’s began coming here in small numbers,” their community, which is granted by the oldest religion is in itself very significant,” he notes, “but it was always a small government to religious communities. Over says Rabbi Avi Feldman, who together with his community. Nowadays, 10 percent the years, various Jewish lay leaders attempted wife, Mushky, established Chabad-Lubavitch of the population is from abroad; it’s to get recognized, to no avail. of Iceland in 2018, and serves as the island important for the state to support this nation’s lone rabbi. diversity, and it’s nice to be a part of it.” “When we moved to Iceland, we knew that recognition was important to our community, Some 80 percent of Icelanders legally affiliate Mushky Feldman agrees: “This step gives and we were determined to make it happen,” with a religious denomination, a process that each individual a sense of belonging Rabbi Avi Feldman tells Chabad.org. “This is a happens automatically at birth and from which and a connection to Judaism in Iceland.” story decades in the making.” they can choose to opt out. They also pay a church tax (sóknargjald), which the government The Feldmans and local Jews worked Finally, their efforts have paid off with the directs to help support their registered religion, hand in hand with Páll Arnór Pálsson, a Icelandic government acknowledging the or, in the case of no religion, the University of local lawyer and Israel’s honorary consul, growing community this month. Iceland. For the first time in history, Iceland’s to see the application process through. Jews will have the choice to register as such “This is both a small step and a large stride for and direct their taxes to their own religion. “We never had an official Jewish our community,” says Mike Levin, who has lived Among other benefits, the recognition will community before,” notes Pálsson, in Iceland for more than three decades. “A small also allow Jewish marriage, baby-naming and whose family has been in Iceland ever step because not much has really changed. funeral ceremonies to be civilly recognized. since Nordic settlement began. While Our community has been slowly growing, new Theoretically, it can also provide for a land grant Jews have called the island nation home members add to a core of people, some of for the Jewish community in the future. for decades, he says “this is a historic whom have been here quite some time. A large development for Iceland.” stride because this is the first time Judaism will More than anything else, however, the be a recognised religion within Iceland.” recognition marks a coming of age for Iceland’s A Nation Gets Its First Rabbi tiny but active—and growing—community. Until 2018, Iceland’s small Jewish When the Feldmans first arrived, only 100 or community didn’t have a rabbi or so Jews were known to be living on the island, “People here are very excited by this permanent synagogue. That all changed although the rabbi and his wife were sure there development,” says Rabbi Feldman. “It’s not when the Feldmans arrived as Chabad were more. Their hunch has proven correct. just a formality; it’s a reflection of the reality for emissaries and established Chabad of Jewish life here in Iceland.” Iceland in the capital of Reykjavík. In “We meet local Jews whom we didn’t know the years since, the dynamic couple has previously every single week,” attests the rabbi, Julian Burgos, a marine biologist who’s been 23 Jews would attend Shabbat experiences programming to Iceland. hosted by Chabad in rented hotel spaces in the city center. One American Jewish In January of 2020, just before the pandemic couple even got married after meeting began, Iceland’s Jews held the country’s first over kiddush at Chabad of Iceland. Holocaust memorial to mark 75 years since the liberation of the Nazi’s Auschwitz death camp. All of that changed with the pandemic last A month later, they celebrated the completion March, but the Feldmans have used the of the community’s very first Torah scroll, altered circumstances to focus inward, with spirited dancing through the streets of deepening existing relationships and Reykjavík accompanying the scroll to its new working to connect with even more Jews home. Today, a giant Chanukah menorah goes spread across Iceland. up on Laugavegur in the city center, and as now placing Iceland’s actual Jewish population Passover approaches, the Feldmans are busy north of 300 full-time residents. While most Feldman sees the formal recognition giving out hand-baked shmurah matzah. live in Reykjavík—home to approximately two- as opening up even more new thirds of Iceland’s population of 350,000— opportunities for the community. “It will “The Jewish people of Iceland have waited they have connected with Jews in Akureyri, help Jewish life here grow and become a long time for this to happen,” says Mushky Iceland’s second-largest city (pop. 19,000), and even more active,” he says. Feldman. “The determination of the people as remote as West Fjord (pop. 7,000) and even in the community to get this done is really tinier fishing villages in between. ‘A Bright Future’ impressive. We owe a huge ‘thank you’ to Páll In the short time that they’ve been and all those who made this possible. There’s Up until the pandemic started, local Jewish living in Reykjavík, the Feldmans have a bright future for Jews under the Northern life was regularly bolstered by Iceland’s active invigorated the community with their Lights.” tourism industry, with Chabad’s Shabbat enthusiasm and charm. From regular programs attracting Jews from all walks of life. Torah classes to Shabbat services and During the busy summer season, as many as 150 womens’ events, they’ve brought the gamut of Jewish community

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MATZAH AND CHAMETZ?

THEY’RE BOTH MADE FROM FLOUR AND WATER, BOTH BAKED IN AN OVEN, AND BOTH PROVIDE NOURISHMENT.

BUT ONE STAYS FLAT AND HUMBLE, WHILE THE OTHER FILLS ITSELF WITH HOT AIR.

THAT’S WHY MATZAH IS A KEY INGREDIENT FOR LEAVING YOUR PERSONAL EGYPT:

AS LONG AS WE ARE FULL OF DELUSIONS OF SELF-IMPORTANCE, THERE’S NO WAY TO BREAK OUT AND GROW TO A NEW LEVEL.

ONCE WE MAKE OURSELVES SMALL, WE CAN FIT THROUGH ANY BARS AND FLY TO THE HIGHEST HEIGHTS.

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 IN A WOMAN’S WORLD ISSUES OF RELEVANCE TO THE JEWISH WOMAN WEEKLY CLASSES Women’s Mikvah: Please call Mrs. Devorah Failer for an appointment: 305-866 1492 or PLEASE CHECK 305-323-2410 Please Note: Shabbos & Yom Tov visits must be Prepaid OUR VIRTUAL CLASS SCHEDULE FOR ALL THE SHUL CLASSES THAT ARE The Shul Sisterhood

HAPPENING Who we are... The Shul Sisterhood organizes all of The Shul’s programming and USING THE ZOOM APP / ONLINE classes geared toward women in the community. Our objective DURING THIS TIME. 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! HTTPS://ZOOM. US/J/6457054016 If you would like to be a part of The Shul Sisterhood, please call 305. 868.1411

CHEWY IRAQI ALMOND COOKIE PREPARATION (HADJI BADA) Preheat oven to 350F. By Jaimie Geller 1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two half sheet pans with parchment INGREDIENTS paper. 2 cups finely ground almond flour 2 In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cinnamon, and salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to combine. ½ teaspoon kosher salt 3 In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites, sugar, and rose water until foamy. 2 large egg whites (Note: You’re not making a meringue.) Stir in the almond flour mixture until a smooth dough forms. 1 cup (200g) sugar 1 tablespoon rose water, plus more for rolling 4 Fill a small bowl with room-temperature water and add a few drops of rose water, then use this water to wet your hands to prevent sticking as you roll 24 whole raw almonds the dough. Roll the dough into tablespoon-size balls and place them on the prepared sheet pans, spacing them 2 inches apart and placing 12 balls on each pan. Push an almond into the center of each ball of dough.

5 Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, for about 15 minutes, until the cookies have spread out and their edges are golden. Let cool completely on the pans, then serve.

31 FRENCH CONNECTION REFLEXIONS SUR LA PARACHA Vivre avec la paracha Le véritable sacrifice et pertinent pour chacun d’entre nous, à l’animal qui est en nous. Nous ne l’annihilons toutes les époques. Dans un monde sans pas, nous l’utilisons pour nous aider à nous ervir D.ieu signifie-t-il qu’il faille Lui Temple, il nous faut nous pencher un peu rapprocher du divin, et du but essentiel sacrifier sa vie ? Est-ce devenir une plus profondément sur son enseignement pour lequel nous avons été créés. Un animal Spersonne que l’on n’est pas réellement ? pour découvrir quelle est la relation entre ne peut se comporter autrement que de la Est-ce effacer complètement sa personnalité ces sacrifices et notre vie contemporaine. façon dont D.ieu l’a créé. Les taureaux sont ? agressifs, les agneaux sont hédonistes et Il existe deux forces opposées en chacun les chèvres têtues. Mais l’animal en nous a Rien d’étonnant à ce que cela ne paraisse de nous : une force qui désire les plaisirs le choix. Nous pouvons être un « bœuf » pas attrayant : ce n’est pas seulement matériels et une force qui aspire à la odieux, ou bien nous pouvons canaliser nos erroné, c’est l’opposé absolu des principes spiritualité et à la Divinité. En termes passions dans un puissant amour pour D.ieu. fondamentaux du Judaïsme. Dans la Paracha simples, notre quête de sens notre aspiration Nous pouvons adonner à une recherche des de cette semaine, Vayikra, nous apprenons à servir D.ieu sont en conflit constant avec plaisirs digne des moutons ou trouver du l’approche essentielle de la manière dont « l’animal » qui est en nous, cette partie de plaisir à aider les autres et à vivre une vie chacun d’entre nous peut et devrait servir nous-mêmes qui préférerait s’adonner à nos pleine de sens. D.ieu. Mais plutôt que de présenter une passions égocentriques que de consacrer image idyllique d’un rêve spirituel, le livre notre temps et nos ressources à des causes Au cœur de chaque force agissante dans de Vayikra (le Lévitique) nous plonge dans plus nobles. La centralité des sacrifices notre vie – même de celles qui ont une un sujet qui suscite plus facilement la animaux dans le Temple reflète l’essence de expression négative – réside une essence confusion, voire pour certains la répugnance, notre mission divine : soumettre l’animal qui noyau qui peut être dirigée vers une cause que le sublime. est en nous à D.ieu. constructive et divine. Ce que nous « sacrifions » effectivement est l’objet de nos Dans ce livre, nous pénétrons dans le monde Lorsque nous lisons les mots qui nous désirs, les attitudes immatures ou mesquines sanglant du grand Autel du Saint Temple commandent d’apporter un sacrifice sur que nous affichons, notre ignorance et nos à Jérusalem, où les Juifs apportaient des l’Autel, « Adam ki yakriv mikem », nous faiblesses – de sorte que notre véritable sacrifices animaux pour faire expier leurs trouvons une curieuse formulation : au lieu nature puisse émerger. péchés. Quel lien possible peut-il y avoir de dire « Lorsqu’une personne d’entre vous entre ces abattages de bœufs ou de moutons apportera une offrande », la Torah dit « Devrions-nous « renoncer » à la vie pour D.ieu et le fait d’établir une relation féconde avec Lorsqu’une personne apportera une offrande ? Certainement pas ! Ça, c’est un sacrifice. D.ieu ? d’entre vous ». Ce « d’entre vous » nous Nous ne devons pas renoncer aux talents et enseigne que, en amenant un animal pour aux aptitudes que D.ieu nous a donnés, nous Le Ramban, l’un des commentateurs classiques être sacrifié sur l’Autel, nous amenons sur devons les rapprocher de leur quintessence. de la Torah, nous dit que lorsqu’une personne l’Autel notre animal intérieur. Quand vous devenez un korban, vous avez la devait apporter un korban (un sacrifice possibilité de transformer chaque aspect de animal) en offrande au Beth Hamikdache, « Nous offrir nous-mêmes, offrir l’animal qui vous-même, de devenir la meilleure personne cette personne devait considérer que ce qui est en nous, à D.ieu, est la pierre angulaire de qu’il vous est donné d’être ; une personne qui arrivait à l’animal aurait dû lui arriver à elle. tout le Judaïsme. Mais comment l’accomplir n’avance plus parmi les animaux, mais main » Puisque c’est nous qui aurions besoin d’être ? Faut-il écraser nos passions et nos dans la main avec D.ieu. purifiés de nos méfaits – une purification de plaisirs animaux et vivre une obscure vie de notre sang, de notre chair, et de notre graisse privations et de misère ? La réponse à cette – D.ieu, dans Sa grande miséricorde, nous a question réside dans la racine du mot korban. donné une alternative : nous pouvons être Bien que ce mot soit communément traduit substitués par un animal, lequel subira à par « sacrifice », son sens véritable vient de notre place ce processus. sa racine kirouv qui signifie « rapprocher ».

Mais la Torah n’est pas une leçon d’histoire Nous faisons de nous-mêmes un korban en ancienne ; chacun de ses mots est éternel « rapprochant » de D.ieu l’essence même de 32 LATIN LINK REFLEXION SEMANAL Parasha de la Semana Una Gran Pequeñez En cambio, Moisés también era consciente ¿Cómo podemos evitar los Por otro lado, explica, “Haciendo hincapié de sus cualidades superiores como el mayor en el esfuerzo de un niño da una variable profeta de la historia, quien fue el responsable posibles efectos negativos en que puede controlar... Haciendo hincapié de ser el intermediario divino que nos alabar los logros de nuestros en la inteligencia natural que tiene el niño entrego la Torá. Pero en vez de causarle un hijos? fuera de su control y que no proporciona una engreimiento, esta conciencia le causaba una Por Chana Weisberg buena receta para hacer frente a un fracaso”. plena humildad. Moisés reconoció que su Ofrecer elogios, concluyó el artículo, se ha impresionante capacidad se le otorgó como n reciente artículo de la revista Nueva convertido en una especie de problema para un don concedido por Di-s. Así, cuando Moisés York, titulado “Cómo no hablar con sus las angustias de la crianza moderna. registró en la Torá que fue llamado por Di-s, Uhijos” describe a Tomás, un superdotado escribió la palabra Vaikra con una pequeña de quinto grado que asistió a una escuela Como padres, es evidente que creen que la alef, una demostración de lo pequeño que es altamente competitiva. En su escuela se verdadera autoestima es importante para él al lado de Di-s. les dio una prueba de IQ para confirmar su nuestros niños, el desarrollo psicológico y precocidad, y sólo el uno por ciento de todos espiritual. Pero, ¿cómo podemos evitar los Adán y Moisés fueron grandes hombres, los solicitantes fue aceptado. Tomás clasificó posibles efectos negativos en alabar los conscientes de su grandeza. Sin embargo, por encima del uno por ciento. logros de nuestros hijos? en este sentido, Adán demuestra valorar su propio ego lo cual terminó en una desgracia, Desde que Tomás empezó a caminar, siempre Esta semana la lectura de la Torá, la primera mientras que en Moisés vemos que evoca más ha escuchado que era inteligente. Pero parte del tercer libro de la Torá, es llamada la humildad y grandeza. durante el transcurso escolar, esta conciencia Vaikra, que significa “llamar”. Se comienza de sí mismo no siempre se tradujo en la con la llamada de Di-s a Moisés desde el La mayor potenciación de su propia imagen confianza audaz, en el esfuerzo por el trabajo Santuario para enseñarle las leyes que él que usted puede darle a su niño, es el hacerle escolar. luego debía transmitir al pueblo judío. saber que es parte de algo mucho más grande que él mismo. Es una creación de Di-s, que en De hecho, el padre de Tomás había notado Hay una interesante anomalía en la forma en el hay grandes expectativas. No es el talento lo contrario. “Tomás no ha querido intentar que la palabra Vaikra se encuentra escrita en con el que nace lo que lo hace importante, cosas en las que no tendría éxito. Algunas la Torá. La última letra de la palabra Vaikra, sino lo que él hace de el. de las cosas llegaron muy rápidamente a él, es la letra alef, está escrita en un tamaño pero cuando no llegaban, desistía de ellas de pequeño diferenciándose de las demás. La lección de la letra alef es: Enseñe a su inmediato”. hijo de su grandeza. Muéstrele sus infinitas Por otro lado, la primera letra de la palabra posibilidades, su gran talento y su capacidad El artículo explicaba que desde 1969, de apertura en el libro de Bereshit, Crónicas, especial. con la publicación de “La Psicología de “Adán” —también la letra alef -está escrita en la Autoestima”, en la que se opinó que la un tamaño grande. Pero, al mismo tiempo, debe aclarar a su hijo autoestima es la más importante faceta de que estos son regalos que Di-s le ha dado, una persona, la creencia de que uno debe ¿Cuál es el mensaje de las pequeñas y que desea que los utilice para lograr algo hacer lo que pueda para lograr positivamente grandes alefs? ¿Y puede ser que tal vez nos mejor nuestro mundo —de un modo que él, y se ha convertido en un movimiento. quieren enseñar una lección para nosotros sólo él, pueda lograrlo. como padres en cómo ayudar a nuestros hijos “Cualquier cosa potencialmente perjudicial a obtener una ganancia positiva y productiva Ayude a su niño a experimentar su grandeza, para la autoestima de un niño se anuló”. en su propia imagen? pero al mismo tiempo deje que él sienta su pequeñez. Consciente de su responsabilidad Estudios ya realizados en los últimos diez Nuestros maestros jasidicos explican que y la importancia de sus logros personales años, encabezados por la psicóloga Carol Adán fue formado por Di-s mismo y tenia una provoca que se esfuerce para llegar a cada Dweck, han llegado a la conclusión de que semejanza a la “Imagen Divina”. Consciente vez mayores logros. una alta autoestima no mejora los grados de de sus cualidades superiores como “que carrera o logros por venir. Di-s mismo fue el artista de esta obra y la gloria de la creación, se convirtió en un ser “Cuando vemos a niños orgullosos por su orgulloso. La gran alef del nombre Adán inteligencia”, escribió la psicóloga Dweck, indica auto-importancia, su orgullo, lo que “Les decimos que este es el nombre del juego: condujo a su caída por el pecado del árbol Actúa inteligentemente, no te arriesgues, no del conocimiento. cometas errores”.

33 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 34 PLEASE READ ONLY NETWORKING AFTER SHABBOS EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING

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Tastefully furnished and fully curated by renowned Interiors by Steven G., The Altair brings it all into reach with impeccably appointed, fully furnished condominium/hotel suites on the Kane Concourse and Bay Harbor Waterway.

STUDIOS, 1 AND 2 BEDROOMS AVAILABLE FROM $299,000 - $1,299,000 CONDO/HOTEL RESIDENCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE RESIDENT OCCUPANCY

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