B”H

THEWEEKLY MAGAZINE SHUL SPONSORED BY MR. & MRS. MARTIN (OBM) AND ETHEL SIROTKIN & DR. & MRS. SHMUEL AND EVELYN KATZ

SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYETZEI KISLEV 8- 9 DECEMBER 6 - 7 CANDLE LIGHTING: 5:11 PM SHABBOS ENDS: 6:06 PM

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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.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

VIOLINS OF HOPE - HONORING THE SIX MILLION JEWS WHO PERISHED Weekly Message: 3 Thoughts on the Parsha - Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar WITH POWERFUL TRADITIONAL COMPOSITIONS PLAYED BY LEADING PREMIER MUSICIANS. 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 Inspiration, Insights & Ideas: 8 - 19 Bringing Torah lessons to LIFE A Time to Pray: 20 Check out all the davening schedules and locations throughout the week In a Woman’s World 21 Issues of relevance to the Jewish woman SMICHA STUDENTS FROM AROUND MIAMI STUDY FOR THEIR Get The Picture 22 -29 RABBINICAL ORDINATION AT THE SHUL The full scoop on all the great events around town

French Connection 30 Reflexions sur la Paracha Latin Link 31 Reflexion Semanal Networking 32 Efective Advertising

Numbers To Know 33 Contacts at The Shul Daily Study 34 A complete guide to all classes and courses ofered at The Shul

Get The Picture 35 - 36 The full scoop on all the great events JLI - WORRIER TO WARRIOR WITH RABBI DOV SCHOCHET around town

QUOTABLE QUOTE

When you see the donkey of your enemy collapsing under its load, and are inclined to desist from helping him, you shall surely help along with him.

– Exodus 23:5 THOUGHTS ON THE PARSHA FROM RABBI SHOLOM LIPSKAR SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYETZE

his week’s Torah challenges: – challenges of a materialistic, hedonistic portion begins the world to the proper development of the Jewish holy soul; first real exile/ challenges in the simple sustenance of our being, to make galut of the Jewish a living; challenges of relationships; and challenges of the TPeople. Yaakov, the third of various inclinations that try to seduce us by the animalistic our Patriarchs who is also nature of our physicality. Then come the geographic named Israel, Father of the physical exiles i.e. Egypt, Rome, etc. Tribes, and the Patriarch who is the direct ancestor of the As we read the events of Jacob’s life and the daunting tests Family of Israel, is forced to that he confronted in the sojourn of his life’s experience, leave his home, his father’s we recognize that it is only in this difficult space that we environment, the holy place achieve our highest level aspirations and the goals that are where he is raised, and to run set for us by Almighty G-d. for his life. The destination, though also with family, is It is in the house of Laban that the Tribes of Israel are born. fraught with real danger, even to the extent of his life and It is in the environment of Laban that Jacob amasses an his family being threatened. Laban’s environment to some enormous amount of wealth. It is in this seeming descent degree was not much better than the environment of Eisav into exile that G-d promises Jacob the Holy Land and actually who had vowed to kill Jacob. As we read in the Haggadah puts all of Israel under his head so that he can be assured of Passover, Laban wanted to uproot the entire Family of that one day it will be the habitation of his children. It is at Israel. Laban’s place was spiritually corrupted, morally and the outset of this treacherous journey that Jacob dreams ethically degenerate, and filled with idol worship. about the special ladder that stands from earth to heaven, allowing the Jew to connect the lowliest experience to the Jacob sets out on this path with nothing but a staff in his loftiest ideals, to literally be a bridge between heaven and hand. Eliphas, at the direction of his father Eisav, chased earth, which is the special function of the Jew. down Jacob and vowed to kill him. Only by giving up everything that he had and explaining to Eliphas that one It is in this environment where Jacob realizes and recognizes who has nothing is considered as if one is dead, did Eliphas that G-d’s angelic forces protect him throughout his ordeals then allow him to stay alive, literally purchasing his life. and that angels accompany him at all times enabling him to realize his potential. It is in this physical world that the soul As Jacob sets out on this path of exile, about which he later achieves its ultimate objective and reaches an even higher says to Pharaoh, “the years of my life were few and very level than prior to coming into this world. difficult”, he prays to Almighty G-d, asking him to guard over him and to take care of all of his needs. Almighty As we look around us and realize a world faced with all kinds G-d promises that He will never forsake Jacob and He will of difficulties and serious matters that may seem to inhibit always be with him. our growth and movement and at times are like barriers that we have no way of overcoming, we can ultimately This entire episode that we begin to read, and which achieve, through our difficulties, success in a manner that eventually culminates in the exile of Egypt when the Jewish we would never have hoped or planned for. It is through the People were afflicted by Pharaoh, is the story of our exiles darkness that we see a light much brighter than the light throughout history. we had prior to the darkness. It is through exile that we experience the highest levels of our upcoming redemption. The first exile is the descent of the soul into the physical body. The soul, connected to Almighty G-d in a pristine holy Wishing you a great Shabbos and a good week. state of transcendence and ecstatic spiritual experience, is forced by Almighty G-d to come down into this physical world and to be dressed in a physical body, otherwise referenced in the Zohar and the Tanya as the “skin of Rabbi S Lipskar the snake”. There the soul is constantly met by arduous

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

PARSHA IN PICTURES

Test your Parsha knowledge. Can you tell the story of the parsha using the pictures below

Morah Malkie’s Tanya Andrusier Sara Fraida Katan Menashe New Chaya Mushaka Tot Shabbat Tot Shabbat 2 Pre Tween Girls Pre-Tween Boys Lipskar Aleph Wonder Girls Ages: 0 - 3 Pre1 - K Grades: 4 - 5 Grades: 5 - 6 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Grades: 1 - 3 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Back of Women’s Back of Women’s Section section Montessori 1 Haime Library Montessori 2

Kaylee Andrusier Zalmen Rosenfeld Chayale Lipskar Mendel Shur Teen Girls Davening With Dad Tween Girls Teen Boys Youth Boys Grades: 9th - 10th Grades: 1 - 4 Grades: 7th - 8th Grades: 6 - 8 Grades: 9th - 12th 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 10:30 am - 12:00 pm 10:30 am - 12:00 pm 10:30 am - 12:00 pm 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Montessori 3 Teen Girls Room Montessori 3 Back Offce Sephardic Shul

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

KIDDUSH THIS WEEK: SHABBOS SCHEDULE Kiddush this week is sponsored by Reb Aryeh Leib in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Candle lighting 5:11 p.m. Shloimy Rubinstein. Mincha / Kabbalas Shabbos 5:15 p.m. SHALOSH SEUDOS THIS WEEK: Shabbos Day Hashkama Minyan 7:15 a.m. Shalosh Seudos this week is available for Tanya / Hayom Yom 8:50 a.m. sponsorship. Shacharis (Morning Services) 9:00 a.m. Children’s Programs 10:00 a.m. Upstairs Minyan 10:30 a.m. Kiddush 12:00 p.m. Daf Yomi 4:00 p.m. The caterer for this week’s Kiddush and Men’s Shiur 4:00 p.m. Shalosh Seudos is Food Art Women’s Shiur 4:00 p.m. Shalosh Seudos for Boys 4:00 p.m. Mincha 5:00 p.m. The following dates are available for sponsorship: Shabbos Ends / Ma’ariv & Havdalah 6:06 p.m. Weekly Video of The Rebbe Kiddush Shalosh Seudos Dec 14, 21, 28 Dec 7, 14, 21, 28 Sephardic Minyan Friday Evening If you wish to become a sponsor, please speak with Milena Mincha / Kabbalat Shabbat 5:10 p.m. at 305-868-1411 ext 328 or email [email protected] Shabbat Day Shacharit 9:00 a.m. Mincha 5:00 p.m. Shabbos Ends / Ma’ariv & Havdalah 6:06 p.m. KIDDUSHIM AT THE SHUL Please help us to provide our weekly Shabbos Kiddush and Shalosh Seudos by becoming a sponsor. Or join the Kiddush Bank by becoming a Partner ($770 annually ) or Patron ($360 anually)

Next Week: Shabbos Parshas Vayishlach Candle Lighting 5:13 p.m.

Mincha 5:15 p.m.

WEEKLY DAVENING SCHEDULE ON PAGE 30 Eruv Information We would like to emphasize that every Erev Shabbos, individuals should call the Eruv Hotline to make sure that the Eruv is operational. The number to call is 305- 866-ERUV (3788). The Eruv message is recorded approximately two hours prior to candle lighting. Surfside: The Eruv in Surfside now includes the walking paths along the beach. Pushing strollers and carrying is permitted on the paths, but not beyond the path or onto the beach. Bal Harbour: The Eruv in Bal Harbour included the inner (western) walking path only. The pier at Haulover Cut is not included.

To pay your annual dues visit: www.miamibeacheruv.com

5 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS SHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY

BIRTHDAYS KID’S BIRTHDAYS 9 Kislev Mrs. Devorah Leah Andrusier 9 Kislev Chana Necha Diamont 9 Kislev Dr. Bernard Baumel 9 Kislev Yona Amelie Groisman 9 Kislev Ms. Tehila Moore 9 Kislev Chaya Necha Schottenstein 9 Kislev Ms. Vicki Rachel Moteles 10 Kislev Eva Blumstein 9 Kislev Mrs. Cynthia Stein 10 Kislev Nina Schottenstein 10 Kislev Mr. Arie Abraham 11 Kislev Batya Braindyl Tevardovitz 10 Kislev Ms. Tziporah Gheblikian 12 Kislev Chasha Rivka Danzinger 10 Kislev Mrs. Nechama Faigie Stern 13 Kislev David Saka 11 Kislev Mr. Jonathan Attias 15 Kislev Musya Schochet 11 Kislev Mr. Arthur M. Gellman 11 Kislev Ms. Lauren Kaufman ANNIVERSARIES 11 Kislev Mr. Yosie Lipskar 11 Kislev Mr. Richard Moore Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Arielle Rosenberg 11 Kislev Mrs. Dinah Shapiro 11 Kislev Ms. Natalie Speyer 11 Kislev Ms. Miriam Lea Sussman YAHRTZEITS 12 Kislev Mr. Jimmy Mitrani 9 Kislev Bezalel Binyamin ben Eliezer Pesach obm 12 Kislev Mr. Bentzy Shemtov Son of Mr. & Mrs. Lazer Milstein 13 Kislev Ms. Emily Klimberg 9 Kislev Sholom Aharon Levitin obm 13 Kislev Mr. Tom Rosen Father of Mr. Eli Levitin 14 Kislev Mr. Avi Yonah Cohen 9 Kislev Ita bas Aron obm 14 Kislev Mr. Brandon Cohen Mother of Mrs. Cipora Fraiman 14 Kislev Mr. Gabriel Gilinski 9 Kislev Chaya bas Mordecai obm 14 Kislev Ms. Perla Gilinski Mother-in-law of Mrs. Ethel Meril Sirotkin 14 Kislev Ms. Maya Rubin 9 Kislev Rachel bas Baruch obm Mother of Mrs. Chana Weinbaum 15 Kislev Mrs. Soriya Daniella Cohen 10 Kislev Golda bas Binyamin Yosef obm 15 Kislev Mrs. Rivky Duchman Aunt of Mr. Harold Tripp 15 Kislev Ms. Lesley Spodek 11 Kislev Abraham Getzler obm Grandfather of Mr. Andrew Septimus 11 Kislev Yehuda ben Shlomo obm Brother of Mrs. Dana Werner 11 Kislev Hanania bar Mazaltov Bouhadana obm MAZAL TOV Brother of Mr. Isaie Bouhadana Mazal Tov to Mr. & Mrs.Jordon and Michelle Wachtel on the 11 Kislev Moshe Nysen Eltes obm birth of a daughter. May they raise her to Torah, Chupah and Son of Ms. Vivian Naimer Ma’asim Tovim and have much nachas from her. 12 Kislev Nachum ben Yaakov obm Father of Mr. Brian Lotkin 12 Kislev Nosson Berel ben Mordechai obm Mazal Tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Shea and Dobie Rubenstein on Son of Mr. Martin Sirotkin obm the Bar Mitzvah of their son Shloimy. May they continue to 12 Kislev Chasia obm raise him to Torah, Chupah and Ma’asim Tovim and have Mother of Mr. Shmuel Levinsky much nachas from him. 13 Kislev Frida obm Mother of Mr. Michael Mordechai Smulevich Mazal Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Danny and Gaby Shapiro on the birth 13 Kislev Zvi Hersh obm of a son. May they raise him to Torah, Chupah and Ma’asim Father of Mrs. Cecilia Knoll Tovim and have much nachas from him. Mazal tov also to the 13 Kislev Chana Hinda bas Mayer obm grandparents, Mrs. Janie Shapiro and Mr. & Mrs. Mandy and Mother of Mr. Isaac Sredni Pam Yachad. 14 Kislev Miriam bas Pinchas obm Mother of Mr. Michael Weiss Sister of Mr. Avrom Chaim Zelmanovitch Mazal Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Oded and Diana Ben Arie on the birth 15 Kislev Yaakov ben Abraham Chaim obm of a grandson born to their children, Aliza and Yehuda Husband of Mrs. Chana Weinbaum Beilin. Mazal Tov also to the Great grandmother, Mrs. Rosita 15 Kislev Osher ben Harav Mordechai Tabac obm Boruchin. May they see him raised to Torah, Chupah and Father of Mr. Leon Jakobs Ma’asim Tovim and have much nachas from him.

6 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS SHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY

KISLEV LIGHT & POWER THANKS TO OUR DONORS Light & Power and Wine for Kiddush & We sincerely thank the following members and supporters of The Shul Havdalah for the month of Kislev is Kindly for donations received between 11/26/19 and 12/02/19 We apologize for any errors or omissions that we may have made. Sponsored by Mr. Gabriel Ammar Mr. & Mrs. Isser New Mr. & Mrs. Matis & Ronit Blisko Mr. & Mrs. Yankie Andrusier Mr. & Mrs. Jack Osman Mr. & Mrs. Nadav Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Ben-Chetrit Ostrowiak In honor of the Bar mitzvah of our Mr. & Mrs. Isaie Bouhadana Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Perelis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Elchadif Mr. & Mrs. Shlomo Peretz son Shmulie Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Englard Mr. Ari Propis Mr. & Mrs. Judah J. Epstein Mr. & Mrs. Edward and our daughters Mr. Morris Gad Rosengarten Shana, Goldie and Malkie Mr. Daniel Gielchinsky Mr. Andrew Roth Mr. & Mrs. Jacob J. Givner Rabbi & Mrs. Dovi Scheiner We are so proud of all of you! Mr. & Mrs. Diego Goldfarb Mr. & Mrs. Mark Schnapp Mr. Berel Golomb Mr. & Mrs. Shea Schneider Mr. & Mrs. Levi Green Mr. & Mrs. David “Those who establish Synagogues for prayer and those who come there to pray, those who provide lights for illumination, wine and grape juice for kiddush Mr. & Mrs. Sam Greenwald Schottenstein and havdalah, food for the wayfarers and charity for the needy, and all those who Mr. & Mrs. Salomon Mr. Jeremy Schwalbe occupy themselves faithfully with communal affairs - may The Holy One, blessed be He, give them their reward, remove them from all sicknesses, heal their entire Grosfeld Mr. & Mrs. Fred Shainbaum body, pardon all their sins, and send blessing and success to all their endeavors, together with all Israel their brethren; and let us say Amen.” Mr. & Ms. Morris J. Kaplan Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Shapiro Mr. Farag Katri Mr. & Mrs. Bentzy Shemtov Mr. & Mrs. Menachem Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Wachtel REFUAH SHLEIMAH Kurant Mr. Jack Waksal If you have a health update on anyone listed please contact The Shul. We would like to keep the listing current and remove names of people who have recovered. Mrs. Pola Lekach Mr. & Mrs. Ezzy Wasserman Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Mr. & Mrs. Moises MEN WOMEN Shlomo Lerman Wertheimer Yehonatan HaLevi ben Malka Esther Yocheved bas Raizel Eliezer ben Sarah Bracha Mr. Nussan Levinsky Mr. Joseph Werzberger Aharon ben Beylah Shima Leah bas Gittel Mr. & Mrs. Brian Lotkin Rabbi & Mrs. Aryeh Meyer Eliezer ben Sarah Sarah Libke bas Baile Mr. Martin Lustgarten Wuensch Menachem Mendel ben Sara Chana Bayla bas Masha Mr. & Mrs. Asher Mamane Ms. Belinda Zaret Yehoshua ben Tamara Rina Chaya Miriam bas Isaac Gilbert ben Nelly Leah Bracha Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Matz Mr. & Mrs. Sergio Zelcer Esther Genya Baila bas Gisela Mr. & Mrs. Eliezer Mr. & Mrs. Adam Ziefer Bentzion ben Nomi Rachel Malka Tziril bas Devorah Nerenberg Margalite Dina Eber Avraham ben Fruma Sonia Simcha bat Sultana Esther Tzipora Pnina bas Slava Shlomo Yaakov ben Chaya Feige bas Krandel CONDOLENCES Sarah Rochel Tziporah Pnina bas Slava Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ana & Michael Saruski Chaim Zelig Ben Eidel Chaya Miriam Yehudit bat Ari ben Na’ama Chava Judy & Craig Blinderman and Sara & Rick Schermer on the Tzvi Yitzchak ben Chaya Clara bat Corina passing of their beloved father, Jose Morel, obm. May his Aryeh Leib ben Sura Henya Rivka bat Shoshana dear soul be bound with the Eternal Bond of Life. May the Rafael Maya ben Sol Miriam bat Risha Raizel family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Aaron ben Tamar Dana Ella bas Devorah Jerusalem. Raphael Moshe ben Hinde Miriam Chana bas Shoshana Meyer Yankev ben Chaya Ilana bas Shaina Rochel Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mrs. Brocha Reich on Etel Chava bas Elka Menucha the passing of her dear husband R’ Tzvi Yitzchak (Herschel) Alexander ben Esther Chaya bas Rachel Reich obm. May his dear soul be bound with the Eternal Bond Raizel Fayge bas Chaya of Life. May the family be comforted among the mourners Rafael Moshe ben Sarah Miriam Leah bas Helen Moshe ben Zoila of Zion and Jerusalem. Chaim Tzvi Hirsch ben Guttel 7 DAILY WISDOM Inspiring insights on the Torah Monday, 11 Kislev Shabbat, 9 Kislev Elevating the Material World Respect for Boundaries [The angel said to Jacob,] “No longer will it be [Laban said to Jacob,] “I will not cross over to you said that your name is Jacob, but Israel.” Genesis beyond this mound, and you will not cross over to me 32:29 beyond this mound and this monument.” Genesis 31:52 As opposed to a solid wall, a mound is a collection of The name “Israel” did not replace Jacob’s original unconnected stones, signifying that the separation name but complemented it. It expressed a new, loftier between Laban and Jacob would not be absolute. status that he was now granted. Whereas “Jacob” Spiritually, this means that Jacob was not erecting had to struggle with Esau to secure Isaac’s blessings, an impenetrable barrier between himself and the these blessings were now granted to “Israel” openly realm of Laban. He would continue to enter Laban’s by Esau’s guardian angel. realm for the “business” of harnessing the sparks of holiness that reside there, but he would do so while Jacob’s two names represent the two ways in which remaining detached from the negative influences of we interact with the world. Sometimes the material Laban’s philosophy of life. world or our own materialistic tendencies can get in the way of our Divine consciousness or mission in Similarly, the conceptual “mound” that we must erect life; we must then, like “Jacob,” struggle to reveal the to distinguish between ourselves and the mundane Divinity that underlies the material world. At other world around us must be left semi-permeable. times, the world can be used as a means to enhance Although we must cross that mound in order to Divine consciousness or fulfill our Divine mission; at conduct our business of sanctifying the material such times, our challenge, like “Israel,” is to use these world, we at the same time must remain immune to opportunities both to bring the world to a higher level its negative aspects. of Divine consciousness and to promote our own spiritual growth.

Sunday, 10 Kislev Tuesday, 12 Kislev Selfless Prayer The Rectification of Esau [Jacob began his prayer], “I am no longer worthy, due [Jacob] prostrated himself seven times as he approached to all the acts of kindness and trustworthiness that his brother. Genesis 33:3 You have done for me, Your servant.” Genesis 32:11 Jacob acknowledged those qualities of Esau’s that were superior to his own, and understood that in order to bring the Although Jacob was certainly aware of his many world to its ultimate destiny, it was necessary to combine merits, he was also able to rise above natural Esau’s strengths with his own. At the same time, Jacob human shortsightedness and realize how infinitely understood that he – and not Esau – would have to be the indebted we are all to G-d. With this perspective, one to oversee this synthesis in order for it to work. Due to his Jacob humbly assumed that his merits were faithful devotion to the study of the Torah, Jacob was the one insufficient to deserve G-d’s protection. Therefore, who possessed the breadth of vision and knowledge of G-d’s he petitioned G-d to save him and his family not will necessary to harness the raw, untamed power of Esau. on account of his own merits – although he was Jacob hoped that he could impress Esau enough to submit indeed worthy – but out of His pure kindness. to his leadership if he would appease him with a lavish gift, acknowledging his superior strengths, and inform him that Following Jacob’s example, whenever we ask he had proven himself capable of raising a righteous family, something of G-d, we too should appeal solely outwitting the crafty Laban, and amassing a sizeable fortune. to His kindness and compassion. If we ask for assistance based on our worthiness – and we all When it became clear that Esau was not ready to cooperate, certainly possess many merits – G-d’s response Jacob understood that harnessing Esau’s strengths would will be limited to the extent of our worthiness. be a long and difficult process. This union of Esau’s superior But when we humbly disregard our worthiness, strength and Jacob’s wisdom will be the defining characteristic demonstrating that we, like Jacob, have risen of the Messianic future, and is therefore the key to ushering above our natural shortsightedness, G-d will it in. Indeed, our undying devotion to the Torah and its respond with blessings that transcend the natural commandments ever since Jacob’s time has largely refined the order. power of Esau, and we are now at the threshold of the final, Messianic Redemption. 8 Wednesday, 13 Kislev Friday, 15 Kislev Maintaining Focus The Power of Altruism [Jacob said to Esau,] “Let my master please go on Rachel died and was buried on the road leading ahead of [me,] his servant . . . [and wait there] until I to Efrat. Efrat is also known as Bethlehem. reach [you,] my master, at Sei’ir.” Genesis 33:14 Genesis 35:19 Jacob alludes here to Esau’s future transformation in We are taught that Rachel chose to be buried in the Messianic Era – “until I reach my master [Esau] Bethlehem, rather than in Hebron with the other at Sei’ir.” Jacob’s approach to Esau teaches us how to patriarchs and matriarchs. She foresaw that the neutralize the potential hostility of the “Esaus” we Jewish people would pass by Bethlehem many encounter during our exile: centuries later when they were driven out of the Land of Israel following the destruction of the first If we fall prey to the external comforts of exile and feel Temple. At that time, after the patriarchs tried but subservient to the rulership of “Esau,” our attitude failed to appease G-d, Rachel argued that just as she becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy – our exile starts to had not been jealous of her sister Leah when she truly rules us. To neutralize Esau’s power, we must see became Jacob’s wife, G-d should not be “jealous” of past the façade of exile to its inner purpose, which is to the idols the Jews had worshipped. G-d accepted her enable us to prepare the world for the Messianic Era. argument, and proclaimed: “Because of you, Rachel, I At that time, “Esau” will be subdued and transformed. will return the Jewish people to their homeland.” By viewing the long adventure of exile as a journey toward Sei’ir, focusing on our ultimate goal, “Esau” is It is Rachel’s self-sacrifice and devotion that evoke rendered harmless even during the exile. G-d’s promise to redeem us, despite our misdeeds and shortcomings.

Thursday, 14 Kislev Modest Exposure Dinah went out to observe the girls of the region. Genesis 34:1 Dinah’s intention was to convince the women of Shechem to adopt the righteous ways of Jacob’s family. Although it appears that she was hardly successful, her efforts were not entirely in vain. Although having the residents of Shechem circumcise themselves was partly a ruse to weaken them, their assent indicated that they agreed to be spiritually refined to a certain degree. Their circumcision refined their society somewhat, including the women. And indeed, the women and children were taken captive, most of them becoming servants in Jacob’s household and thereby absorbing Jacob’s values and morals.

Dinah’s behavior teaches us that women who are blessed with unique talents that enable them to influence others should utilize those talents not just to build their home and family; they should also use them to draw the hearts of their fellow women to the Torah and its ways of goodness and kindness.

9 PARSHA MESSAGES SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYETZE ENCOUNTERING G-D By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

t is one of the great visions of the Torah. He re-digs his father’s wells. Isaac’s Therefore Jacob was exempt from Jacob, alone at night, fleeing from the is the quiet heroism of continuity. He prayer, and offered up his entreaty not wrath of Esau, lies down to rest, and sees is a link in the chain of the covenant. as an obligation but as a voluntary act – Inot a nightmare of fear but an epiphany: He joins one generation to the next. and so it remained. He introduces nothing new into He came to a certain place [vayifga the life of faith, but his life has its The third is that there is a tradition bamakom] and stopped for the night own nobility. Isaac is steadfastness, that, as Jacob was travelling, “the sun because the sun had set. Taking one of the loyalty, the determination to set suddenly” – not at its normal time. stones there, he put it under his head and continue. Jacob represents night. Jacob had intended to say the afternoon lay down to sleep. He had a dream. He saw He is the man of fear and flight, the prayer, but found, to his surprise, that a ladder resting on the earth, with its top man who wrestles with G-d, with night had fallen. Arvit did not become reaching heaven. G-d’s angels were going others and with himself. Jacob is an obligation, since Jacob had not up and down on it. There above it stood one who knows the darkness of this meant to say an evening prayer at all. God . . . world. There is, however, a more profound Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “G-d There is, however, a difficulty with explanation. A different linguistic is truly in this place, but I did not know it.” the idea that Jacob introduced the construction is used for each of the He was afraid and said, “How awesome evening prayer. In a famous episode three occasions that the sages saw is this place! This is none other than the in the Talmud, Rabbi Joshua takes as the basis of prayer. Abraham “rose house of G-d; this is the gate of heaven.” the view that, unlike shacharit early in the morning to the place where (28:11-17) or minchah, the evening prayer he had stood before G-d” (19:27). Isaac is not obligatory (though, as the “went out to meditate [lasuach] in the On the basis of this passage the sages said commentators note, it has become field towards evening” (24:63). Jacob that “Jacob instituted the evening prayer.” obligatory through the acceptance “met, encountered, came across” G-d The inference is based on the word vayifga of generations of Jews). Why, if it [vayifga bamakom]. These are different which can mean not only, “he came to, was instituted by Jacob, was it not kinds of religious experience. encountered, happened upon” but also “he held to carry the same obligation as prayed, entreated, pleaded” as in Jeremiah Abraham initiated the quest for G-d. He the prayers of Abraham and Isaac? 7:16, “Neither lift up cry nor prayer for was a creative religious personality – Tradition offers three answers. them nor make intercession to Me [ve-al the father of all those who set out on tifga bi].” The first is that the view that arvit is a journey of the spirit to an unknown non-obligatory according to those destination, armed only with the trust The sages also understood the word who hold that our daily prayers are that those who seek, find. Abraham bamakom, “the place” to mean “G-d” based, not on the patriarchs but on sought G-d before G-d sought him. (the “place” of the universe). Thus Jacob the sacrifices that were offered in completed the cycle of daily prayers. Isaac’s prayer is described as a sichah, the Temple. There was a morning Abraham instituted shacharit, the morning literally, a conversation or dialogue. and afternoon offering but no prayer, Isaac minchah, the afternoon There are two parties to a dialogue – evening sacrifice. The two views prayer, and Jacob arvit, the prayer of one who speaks and one who listens, differ precisely on this, that for nighttimes. and having listened, responds. Isaac those who trace prayer to sacrifice, represents the religious experience as This is a striking idea. Though each of the the evening prayer is voluntary, conversation between the word of G-d weekday prayers is identical in wording, whereas for those who base it on and the word of mankind. each bears the character of one of the the patriarchs, it is obligatory. patriarchs. Abraham represents morning. Jacob’s prayer is very different. He The second is that there is a law He is the initiator, the one who introduced does not initiate it. His thoughts are that those on a journey (and for a new religious consciousness to the world. elsewhere – on Esau from whom he three days thereafter) are exempt With him a day begins. Isaac represents is escaping, and on Laban to whom he from prayer. In the days when afternoon. There is nothing new about is travelling. Into this troubled mind journeys were hazardous – when Isaac – no major transition from darkness comes a vision of G-d and the angels travellers were in constant fear to light or light to darkness. Many of the and a stairway connecting earth and of attack by raiders – it was incidents in Isaac’s life recapitulate those heaven. He has done nothing to prepare impossible to concentrate. Prayer of his father. Famine forces him, as it did for it. It is unexpected. Jacob literally requires concentration (kavanah). Abraham, to go to the land of the Philistines. “encounters” G-d as we can sometimes 10 encounter a familiar face among a crowd of strangers. This is a meeting CAN G-D BE STOLEN? brought about by G-d, not man. That is By Levi Avtzon why Jacob’s prayer could not be made the basis of a regular obligation. None If there is a single sentence in the Torah that resonates with me, it’s one of us knows when the presence of G-d said by a most deceitful character who also happened to be the uncle and will suddenly intrude into our lives. father-in-law of our patriarch Jacob. There is an element of the religious life that is beyond conscious control. After working in his father-in-law’s shepherding business for 20 years, It comes out of nowhere, when we Jacob decided to leave Charan (Iraq) and bring his large family to join his are least expecting it. If Abraham parents in the Holy Land. He consulted with his wives and made plans to represents our journey towards G-d, leave clandestinely to avoid familial drama and financial wrangling. and Isaac our dialogue with God, Jacob signifies G-d’s encounter with us – Just before leaving, Jacob’s beloved wife Rachel, who desperately wanted unplanned, unscheduled, unexpected; her pagan dad to move closer to the monotheistic beliefs that she and the vision, the voice, the call we can her family had come to cherish, decided to do some forceful outreach: She never know in advance but which leaves stole his idols with plans to dispose of them later on. us transformed. As for Jacob so for us, it feels as if we are waking from a sleep Through his network of confederates, Laban found out about their and realising as if for the first time that departure and quickly caught up to the slow-traveling caravan. The “G-d was in this place and I did not following morning (after a dream where G-d warned him not to mistreat know it.” The place has not changed, but his son-in-law) Laban confronted Jacob face to face. Laban presented his we have. Such an experience can never grievance, and Jacob had the opportunity to present his case. be made the subject of an obligation. It is not something we do. It is something While presenting his side of the story, Laban accuses Jacob, “And now that that happens to us. Vayfiga bamakom you’ve chosen to leave because you miss you father’s home, why did you means that, thinking of other things, steal my gods?” we find that we have walked into the presence of G-d. Unaware of Rachel’s act, Jacob denies it forcefully. Such experiences take place, literally or metaphorically, at night. They happen Can you steal a god? What a strange concept. when we are alone, afraid, vulnerable, close to despair. It is then that, when The very fact that one can steal an idol shows the pettiness of ascribing we least expect it, we can find our lives supernatural powers to figures of stone and metal. How can a deity fit into flooded by the radiance of the divine. a box? Suddenly, with a certainty that is unmistakable, we know that we are not Indeed, the Midrash tells us that when Jacob’s children heard their alone, that G-d is there and has been all grandfather’s accusation, they were pained and said, “We are embarrassed along but that we were too preoccupied and ashamed by this grandfather who claims that his gods were stolen.” by our own concerns to notice Him. That is how Jacob found G-d – not by his Let’s take this story and make it personal: Have we deified things which own efforts, like Abraham; not through can fit on a camel or be stolen from us? Money, fame, power, pleasure, continuous dialogue, like Isaac; but in superficial aspirations? the midst of fear and isolation. Jacob, in flight, trips and falls – and finds he has We all worship something. The question is whether the object of our fallen into the waiting arms of G-d. No adulation is Jacob’s version of G-d or Laban’s. one who has had this experience, ever forgets it. “Now I know that You were with me all the time but I was looking Can the principles we hold dear be stolen? Can true morality be snatched elsewhere.” from a person? That was Jacob’s prayer. There are Historically, one of the greatest prides of the Jewish people has been that no times when we speak and times when matter what our haters did to us, no matter how many of our possessions we are spoken to. Prayer is not always were stolen, no matter how much blood was spilled, they could never take predictable, a matter of fixed times and away our G-d. No Nazi or crusader could confiscate or kill Him. That is the daily obligation. It is also an openness, miracle of Jewish history. Our Jewishness is unstealable. a vulnerability. G-d can take us by surprise, waking us from our sleep, Laban telling Jacob about his stolen god is a moment of true historical irony. catching us as we fall. There was Jacob, traveling with his Jewish family to the Holy Land to build

11 LOVE OR CHILDREN? mother of Israel, buried on the By Yakov Nagen way to Ephrath so that when her children go into exile she can pray ne theme in Vayeitzei for them (Genesis Rabbah 82:10): is couplehood. Jacob’s relationships with Rachel So says the L-rd: A voice is heard Oand Leah differ fundamentally in Ramah, lamentation, and from one another. Rachel is bitter weeping, Rachel weeping Jacob’s beloved; Leah the mother for her children; she refuses to of his children. The tragedy of be comforted for her children, the story is that each wife wants because they are not. So says what her sister has; Rachel yearns the L-rd: Refrain your voice from for children, while Leah pines for weeping and your eyes from tears; Jacob’s love: “And when Rachel saw for your work shall be rewarded, a nation of monotheists who would go that she bore Jacob no children, says the L-rd; and they shall come through three millennia of expulsions Rachel envied her sister; and she back from the land of the enemy. and thefts and still have their G-d in said to Jacob, ‘Give me children, or And there is hope for your future, their hearts. And there was Laban, else I die’” (Genesis 30:1). But even says the L-rd; and the children who was worried about the god in his when Rachel gives birth to a son, shall return to their own border. pocket. she does not feel fulfilled. Instead, (Jeremiah 31:14–16) as Joseph’s name signifies, she can But, in a sense, the infinite Creator can only gaze into the future, hoping Self-Actualization be stolen. for a second son: “And she called Through Couplehood his name Joseph, saying, ‘The L-rd The twin expressions of We all know people who have lost add to me another son’” (Genesis couplehood – the loving their interest in G-d and Judaism. 30:24). The fulfillment of that wish relationship and the child-rearing Someone (or something) is stealing comes at the price of her life: “And partnership – highlight two human their (connection to) G-d. it came to pass, as her soul was aspects that relate to the essence departing – for she died – that she of the connection between a man That is unnatural. We are “believers called his name Ben-oni” (Genesis and a woman. The first Creation children of believers.” Faith is in 35:18). story describes a relationship our DNA. And yet, in so many of our whose purpose is procreation: “Be brothers and sisters, that faith isn’t Leah’s story is a mirror image fruitful, and multiply, and replenish surfacing. And the question we must of Rachel’s, a fact evident in the the earth” (Genesis 1:28), while ask ourselves is, why? Why is G-d names she gives her own children: the second portrays the intimate being stolen? What well-intentioned relationship as a value in itself: “It mistakes are we making that are And Leah conceived and bore is not good that the man should pushing our siblings away? a son, and she called his name be alone…and [he] shall cleave Reuben, for she said, “Because the to his wife, and they shall be one The good news is that G-d can never L-rd has looked upon my affliction; flesh” (Genesis 2:18, 24). truly be stolen, and Judaism will never for now my husband will love me.” disappear. It can only go into hiding. …And she conceived again and The stories of Rachel and Leah We can help it come back into the light. bore a son, and said, “Now this are a testament to the tragedy time will my husband be joined inherent in relationships that only Every child, teen, or adult whose to me, because I have borne him contain one of the two elements. Judaism shines brightly is a win that three sons.” Therefore his name This explains the blessing given deserves celebration. And every child, was called Levi…. And Leah said, to Ruth and Boaz by the crowd teen, or adult whose connection is “G-d has endowed me with a good at their wedding: “May the Lord waiting to be ignited is a call for the dowry; now will my husband dwell make the woman that is coming rest of us to do what we can to reveal with me, because I have borne into your house like Rachel and the light within. him six sons.” And she called his like Leah, both of whom built name Zebulun. (Genesis 29:32, 34; the house of Israel” (Ruth 4:11). This is the pivotal challenge of 30:20) The community wishes upon our time: To reveal the beautiful the couple a relationship that connection between Jacob’s G-d and Ultimately, Rachel and Leah attain combines both aspects. As my Jacob’s children. only in death the things they yearn students have pointed out to me, for in life: Leah is buried alongside the blessing is indeed fulfilled in Jacob in the Cave of the Patriarchs, Ruth: she is loved by Boaz and her while Rachel is considered the offspring includes King David (her 12 THE MITTELER REBBE

he 9th of Kislev (which this year falls out on Shabbat) is the birthday and yartzeit of the Mitteler Rebbe, TRabbi Dov Ber of Lubavitch. Although he was only 54 years old at the time of his passing, it is considered auspicious when a righteous person passes away on his (Hebrew) birthday, in fulfillment great-grandson). A relationship partners know that, as a couple, of the verse “The number of your days I encompassing both elements “we are one,” but sometimes will fulfill.” As is known, Moses was 120 generates a state of oneness, each partner mistakenly thinks, when he passed away on his birthday, in which each element deepens “that one is me.” Just as ego about which our Sages commented: the other and fuses with it: on can form a barrier between “The Holy One, Blessed Be He, fills up one hand, the outward-facing, the individual and G-d, a false the years of the righteous from day to creative life partnership – birthing model of couplehood can drive day.” When a righteous person departs and raising children – generates a wedge between two partners this world on the same day he was born, a profound intimacy between the in a relationship. The capacity it emphasizes that his service of G-d partners; on the other, just as to maintain a relationship that was “full” and complete on the material children enrich the love between is supportive, respectful, and as well as the spiritual plane. the partners, so the parents’ love conducive to growth depends on contributes to their children. There recognition of the fact that, as a The following day, the 10th of Kislev, is no greater gift for a child than couple, “we are two.” If I am to is also celebrated in Chabad circles, to grow up with parents who love grow in the relationship, I must as it marks the date in 1826 when the each other. accept and learn my partner’s Mitteler Rebbe was released from prison. language and visit their inner Accused of illegally channelling funds Couplehood: world, thus building our “one” out to the Holy Land, the Mitteler Rebbe Traveling an Inner World of the meeting of our two worlds. refuted all the charges against him Aspirations for a life of meaning Schleifer teaches us that in order (proving that all monies went directly are challenged more than anything to create a common space that to the poor) and demonstrated that the else by the difficulty of maintaining facilitates a true encounter, both documents used to implicate him had a loving, growing relationship. We partners must learn to diminish been forged. Indeed, the Mitteler Rebbe all long for a relationship in which themselves and recognize the so impressed the authorities that the we can experience our love as a existence of the other: another informer who had slandered him was power that unites us as one flesh, whose purpose is not to serve told to “stop barking like a dog.” as one vision. Love is the key to go or enlighten me; another who beyond ourselves. The yearning, in exists independently; another It is said that on the Shabbat afternoon a romantic relationship, is for two who is whole. A couple that when word came that the Rebbe to become one. Physical intimacy experiences such a complete would be freed, he was in the midst fulfills one aspect of the yearning; relationship, where ego does of delivering a Chasidic discourse on a second is actualized through not come between the partners, the verse “You are One.” (The Mitteler having and raising children. Yet, can transpose that model to the Rebbe was permitted to deliver Chasidic many couples are plagued by the relationship with G-d. When we discourses to 50 of his Chasidim twice feeling that they are emotionally make room, the focus is no longer a week even while imprisoned as his incapable of attaining the on us alone or on G-d alone, but doctor had informed the authorities that significant intimacy that they rather on the meeting between this was literally what kept him alive.) aspire to. us; we open ourselves fully to the recognition that “surely the May the Mitteler Rebbe’s holiday of Hedy Schleifer, a couples’ therapist L-rd is in this place, and I knew.” redemption lead to the ultimate holiday and expert in the Imago method, of Redemption of the entire Jewish highlights a misconception people, with the immediate revelation underlying the power struggles of our Righteous Moshiach. that prevent couples from deepening their relationships: both 13 4 POWERFUL INSIGHTS FROM THE REBBE ON PARSHAS VAYETZEI

Sheep This week’s Torah reading, Vayeitzei, is glutted with sheep: Laban’s sheep and Jacob’s sheep; white sheep, and dark sheep. Jacob arrives in Haran, and the first sight to greet him is that of several flocks of sheep congregated around a sealed well; the second is his future wife, Rachel—the name is Hebrew for “sheep”—shepherding her father’s sheep. Soon Jacob is a shepherd himself, caring for sheep, receiving his wages in sheep, breeding sheep with special markings, dreaming of sheep, amassing a fortune in sheep, and finally leading his flocks back to the Holy Land where he will present his brother Esau with a huge gift comprised largely of . . . sheep.

“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine, he who Descent for the Purpose of Accent shepherds [me] among the roses” (Song of Songs 2:16). In the 28th chapter of Genesis, the Torah recounts The voice of this verse, explains the Midrash Rabbah, Jacob’s departure from the Holy Land, where he had is that of the community of Israel, speaking of her spent the first half of his life immersed in the “tents relationship with G-d. “He is my shepherd, as it is written of learning,” and his journey to Haran. In Haran, Jacob (Psalms 80:1), ‘Shepherd of Israel, hearken’; and I am His worked for twenty years in the employ of his conniving sheep, as it is written (Ezekiel 34:31), ‘And you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture’” (Midrash Rabbah on this verse). uncle, Laban, in the midst of a corrupt and debased society. Throughout it all, Jacob remained true to G-d and The sheep’s dominant trait is its docility and obedience. The man, serving Laban honestly, he prospered materially, child obeys his father, but does so out of an appreciation amassing considerable wealth. In Haran, Jacob also of his father’s greatness; the sheep does not obey for any married and fathered eleven of the twelve sons who reason—it is simply obedient by nature. were to yield the twelve tribes of Israel. Being a Jew means studying the divine wisdom (revealed to Jacob’s journey to Haran is the story of every soul’s us in His Torah), developing a passionate love and reverent descent to earth. The soul, too, leaves a spiritual idyll awe for G-d, and teaching His wisdom and implementing behind—an existence steeped in divine awareness and His will in an oft-times hostile world—all of which knowledge—to struggle in the employ of a “Laban” in a require the optimal application of our mental, emotional Haran environment. For the material state is a nefarious and assertive powers. But the foundation of it all, the deceiver, accentuating the corporeal and obscuring the base from which all these derive and upon which they are all predicated, is our simple commitment to G-d—a G-dly, confusing the soul’s priorities and perpetually commitment that transcends reason and emotion. threatening its virtue. But every soul is empowered, as a child of Jacob, to make this a “descent for the purpose of ascent,” to emerge from the Haran of material earth with its integrity intact and its memory true.

Indeed, not only does it return with its spiritual powers galvanized by the challenge, it is also a “wealthier” soul, having learned to exploit the forces and resources of the physical world to further its spiritual ends. Most significantly, in its spiritual state the soul is perfect but childless; only as a physical being on physical earth can it fulfill the divine mitzvot, which are the soul’s progeny and its link to the infinite and the eternal. 14 4 POWERFUL INSIGHTS FROM THE REBBE ON PARSHAS VAYETZEI

Physical Objects The Torah portion of Vayeitzei details Yaakov’s 20-year stay in Laban’s house. During this time he was involved in tending Lavan’s sheep, as Yaakov himself testified: “With all my might I served.”

Still, it was specifically during this period that he enjoyed his greatest successes, moreover, it was expressly with Laban that Yaakov merited to father the Jewish tribes, establishing the House of Israel.

How was it that Yaakov attained such spiritual success not during a time of concentrated Torah study, but while a laborer in Laban’s household? Prayer in the Evening This week’s Torah reading describes how our Patriarch Jacob, The purpose of the spiritual service of the Jewish fleeing his brother Esau, left his home and went to Haran. It was people in general is to purify and refine this physical a lonely journey. As night fell, he “encountered the place.” Our world. This is accomplished through studying Sages interpret the word vayifga, translated as “encountered,” Torah and performing mitzvos with physical as a reference to prayer. There Jacob stopped to pray. In danger objects, doing all things “for the sake of Heaven,” and lacking personal resources, he entreated G-d and asked and thereby sanctifying the physical world so that for His assistance. With this prayer, he instituted the obligation it becomes a fit vessel for G-d’s sanctity. At the of evening prayers each night. Abraham had instituted the conclusion of this service — with the arrival of morning prayers; Isaac, those of the afternoon. And with this Moshiach — the entire world shall be a “dwelling prayer, Jacob established the obligation to pray at night. place” for G-d. There is a great difference between praying during the day and This also explains why, throughout Jewish history, praying at night. During the day, the sun is shining. The light most Jews have been primarily engaged in earning and brightness of the physical setting is representative of its a living rather than in Torah study: Transforming spiritual backdrop. Day refers to times and situations where the world into a dwelling place for G-dliness is G-dliness is apparent. That’s when Abraham and Isaac prayed. accomplished primarily by interacting with it and making it holy. Jacob, by contrast, prayed at night, metaphorically, when G-dliness is hidden and one must combat darkness. This is also why Yaakov’s spiritual and material success, and his founding of the House of Israel, The difference reflects the spiritual mission that the patriarchs was accomplished in the house of Laban in Haran carried out. Abraham and Isaac were concerned primarily with — a place that evoked “Divine wrath” — and drawing down holiness and spreading G-dly light. They were during a time when he could not concentrate on associated with “the day”; they lived in a setting of holiness and Torah study. For the “dwelling place” is established their divine service involved amplifying and spreading that light. by descending into the lowest of levels and Jacob, by contrast, went down to Haran, a place whose very transforming even them into holiness. name indicates that it aroused G-d’s fury and wrath.

This goal cannot be achieved through man’s efforts alone. For according to nature, darkness is in direct opposition to light, light does not brook darkness, nor darkness light. How can darkness be transformed into light? By tapping an infinite G-dly power that knows no limitations, a source of energy above both light and darkness. Therefore, when night falls and Jacob confronts his mission, he reaches to G-d in prayer, asking Him for assistance in transforming darkness into light. 15 HALACHA OF THE WEEK BY RABBI DOV SCHOCHET

Saying Thanks Ashkenaz authorities argue that any wait until the person is fully healed, hen Leah’s fourth son is time one emerges from a dangerous or as healed as they can get, and then born, she calls him Yehuda, situation, it calls for this blessing. make the blessing. proclaiming “Now I must Today when travel has changed and When we make this blessing, it is Wthank Hashem”. Rashi explains that many of the concerns of travelling proper to say it in front of a Minyan of prophetically she knew there would through a desert etc no longer apply which two of the members are Torah be four wives and 12 sons. On average there is some debate when the scholars. this is the reason we make each wife would bear 3 sons, and now blessing should be made. One of the the blessing following the reading of that she had her fourth, more than reasons desert travel was considered the Torah for then these conditions are expected, she felt a duty to say thank dangerous was the likelihood of getting usually met. We are also supposed to you. This is a lesson in gratitude, when lost or ambushed, when one travels make the blessing by the third day from we expect something it is hard to be by train or there is a main road both when the person became obligated. At grateful. However, when we recognize of those concerns are ameliorated. times these priorities can be in conflict, that what we are receiving is a gift Similarly, when one is traveling through if a person returns from a journey from Hashem, we become “Yehudim”, a river or small sea, or even in the ocean Monday afternoon the third day will naturally thankful for the kindness but next to the shore and not actually be Wednesday, but the first available bestowed on us. traversing it, there is an argument to be Torah reading will be Thursday. Many While in a general sense saying made that the blessing is not required have the custom in this case to wait thanks is integral to being Jewish, we for there is no serious danger. for the Torah reading even though are called Yehudim which means to three days will have passed, however With air travel there are many customs. the Alter Rebbe holds that making the acknowledge with gratitude, there are Some make the blessing every time also times when thanks are specifically blessing in the first three days takes they travel by air even if they are not priority. called for. Besides for our daily Modeh crossing an ocean etc., others argue Ani and Modim, there are certain that traveling through the air is not A woman is also obligated to make this events that happen that require us to like travelling on the ground and the blessing but the requirement to make make a special thanksgiving blessing blessing is never required. The general it in front of a Minyan is problematic, to Hashem, the Birkat Hagomel, the custom is to make the blessing when for it could be considered immodest. blessing recognizing the kindness flying over an ocean. Some explain Some have the custom that a Minyan Hashem bestows upon us. that this custom is supported by comes to the woman’s house and In the times of the Temple when one certain comments we find in early she makes the blessing in front of experienced an event that called sources regarding the requirement of them. Alternatively, she can make the for thanksgiving, they would bring this blessing when traveling by boat. blessing from the Ezrat Nashim as a sacrifice called the Todah, the When traveling by boat it is explained long as ten men can hear her. (If her thanksgiving offering. Today we cannot that because in one moment the boat husband has to make the blessing, he bring sacrifices we therefore make a can sink, the person is in danger, the can make it for both of them, otherwise blessing in its place. It is still appropriate same would obviously apply to a plane. someone not obligated in the blessing for the person to study the portion of Similarly, some explain that we make cannot make it for someone who is.) the Torah that discusses this sacrifice the blessing when travelling by boat The general custom is that a woman in accordance with the teaching of the because we are travelling in a place not does not make this blessing, but after sages that one who studies the laws of meant to be inhabited by humans, the childbirth or other such events they go a specific sacrifice it is as if they have same would apply to air travel as well. to Shul and respond to Barchu which is brought it. equivalent to the praising of Hashem of If a person is making multiple stops the HaGomel blessing. The Talmud says there are four that in their journey, they only make the must say thanks, based on verses in blessing when reaching their final The recognition of thanks is critical to Psalms, one who crosses a sea safely, destination. who we are. By saying thank you as we go through life, we are sensitive to the one who crosses a desert safely, one When a person recovers from an who is released from prison and one fact that life isn’t just random events, illness there is a debate when is the but the hand of Hashem is present. who recovers from an illness. There is a appropriate time to make the blessing. general debate between the Sephardic Living with this truth makes us more Some argue that as soon as the person appreciative and gives us the proper and Ashkenaz authorities if this is not bedridden and is no longer in a blessing is limited to these four events frame of reference necessary in the critical state, even if they have some fulfilling of our purpose in this world. or these are just general categories lingering effects, they can make the of people who must give thanks. The blessing. However, the custom is to

16 STORIES WITH SOUL

Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch (1773-1827)

Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch was born in Liozna, White Russia, in 1773, on the 9th of Kislev. His father was the founder of Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. Rabbi DovBer assumed the leadership of Chabad upon his father’s passing in 1812. In 1813 he settled in the town of Lubavitch, which was to serve as the movement’s headquarters for the next 102 years. In 1826 he was arrested on charges that his teachings threatened the imperial authority of the Czar, but was subsequently exonerated. The day of his release—10 Kislev on the Jewish calendar—is celebrated by the Chabad Chassidic community as a “festival of liberation.” Among the students and scholars of Chabad Chassidism, Rabbi DovBer is known for his unique style of “broadening rivers”—his teachings are the intellectual rivers to his father’s wellspring, lending breadth and depth to the principles set down by Rabbi Schneur Zalman.

Yechidut the Rebbe pouring out his soul, weeping fervent prayer and address. and saying chapters of Psalms from From the writings of Rabbi Yosef Rabbi Pinchas of Shklov, who had Yitzchak of Lubavitch the depths of his holy heart. Some of them fainted in distress. No one had an accompanied the Rebbe on this journey, uring one of his journeys, Rabbi inkling as to what might have caused was among the distinguished Chassidim DovBer of Lubavitch stopped at an the Rebbe, in the middle of an ordinary yet in the time of the Rebbe’s father, inn near the city of Smargon. It was weekday, to interrupt the yechidut and Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. A few Dsummer, the weather was pleasant, and to be moved to such heart-wrenching days later, Rabbi Pinchas asked the the Rebbe decided to stay for a week. prayers. Soon the distressing news Rebbe what it had all been about. seeped out to the anxious crowd, which When Rabbi DovBer’s decision became A great sadness descended upon the broke up into groups and began to Rebbe. Then he said: “When a chassid known, many people from the Smargon tearfully recite Psalms. area converged at the inn, wishing to be enters into yechidut, he reveals to me received by the Rebbe and to consult When the Rebbe finished reciting the inner maladies of his soul, each on with him. The Rebbe began to receive Psalms, he began to prepare for the his own level, and seeks my assistance each one in turn, in a private audience afternoon minchah prayers. But he was to cure his spiritual ills. To help him, I known as yechidut. so weakened from his earlier efforts must first find the same failing—be it that he was forced to first rest in bed in the most subtle of forms—within my A few days later, while hundreds of for over an hour to recover his strength. own self, and strive to correct it. For it people still crowded the courtyard Then he prayed minchah in the manner is not possible to direct someone else in waiting to be received, the Rebbe that is customary during the Ten Days of cleansing and perfecting his character suddenly stopped the yechidut and Repentance. unless one has himself experienced the locked his door. same problem and undergone the same After minchah the Rebbe came out to process of self-refinement. His chassidim assumed that the many the courtyard, seated himself on the visitors of the past few days had tired platform which had been prepared for “On that day,” continued the Rebbe, the Rebbe, and that he had taken a him, and delivered a lengthy discourse “someone came to me with a problem. short break to recoup his strength. But on the verse, “Wall of the daughter of I was horrified to hear to what depths after half an hour the Rebbe’s secretary, Zion, let flow a tear as a stream.” The he had fallen, G-d forbid. Try as I might, Reb Zalman, emerged from the Rebbe’s Rebbe spoke of how tears cleanse the I could not find within myself anything room extremely distressed, his eyes soul of harmful words and thoughts, even remotely resembling what he told red from weeping, and whispered a and expounded on the merit of saying me. But Divine Providence had sent this few words into the ears of the leading words of Torah and Psalms. The man to me, so I knew that somewhere, chassidim who had accompanied the discourse greatly moved the audience, somehow, there was something in me Rebbe on his journey. These chassidim and reverberated throughout the that could relate to his situation. became greatly alarmed, their faces Chabad chassidic community. Years “And then it occurred to me that it turning red and white and red again, and later, chassidim remembered that day. a wave of horror spread through the must be something embedded so deep crowd. All were at a loss as to what had The next day the Rebbe was very weak within me that it was way beyond my happened. and confined to his bed, but on the conscious reach. The thought shook me day after he resumed the yechidut. to the very core of my soul, and moved An hour or two later, several of the Still, no one knew what had so greatly me to repent and return to G-d from the elder chassidim entered the house and distressed the Rebbe and caused his depths of my heart.” listened at the Rebbe’s door. They heard 17 RECENTLY IN THE NEWS ORPHANED IN MUMBAI, MOSHE HOLTZBERG CELEBRATES HIS BAR MITZVAH FAMILY AND FRIENDS GATHERED IN ISRAEL ON SUNDAY NIGHT FOR A GALA AFFAIR

oshe Holtzberg, who was orphaned in the Mumbai Chabad center massacre that Mtook the lives of his parents 11 years ago this week, was called to the Torah for the first time in his hometown of Afula, Israel, on Shabbat and celebrated his bar mitzvah on Sunday evening at a gala affair in Kfar Chabad, surrounded by friends and family, including the grandparents who raised him and the nanny who saved his life.

During the celebration, Moshe delivered the classic Chassidic discourse recited at Chabad bar mitzvahs, flanked by his grandfathers, mostly private, but made a public who along with Moshe were then request for pictures and stories of the On the occasion of the bar mitzvah, hoisted onto the shoulders of many children who were named for India’s Prime Minister Narendra members of the cheering crowd. “Gabi” and “Rivky” in the aftermath of Modi sent a letter of congratulations, Smiling ear to ear, Moshe also danced their demise, and planned to present saying: “As you make this important to the musical performance of Simche a bound volume to Moshe, containing transition and cross a significant Friedman and was serenaded soulfully what they receive, as a bar mitzvah landmark in the journey of life, the by entertainers Motty Steinmetz, gift. “The organizers really appreciate courage of [nanny] Sandra [Samuel] Ishay Ribo and Avraham Fried. participants’ cooperation and wish and prayers of the people of India nachas [‘pleasure’] and only joy to all,” will continue to bless you for a Later in the evening, a stirring video the family said in a statement. long, healthy and successful life.” In was played showing Moshe at the addition, he received congratulatory gravesites of his parents on the Moshe has grown up with more notes from Netanyahu and from U.S. Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, voicing visibility than most boys his age due President Donald Trump. a pledge to them to walk in their to the widely publicized deaths of his footsteps. parents in the line of duty and the The Life of a Young Chabad dramatic story of his own rescue. Chassid The couple, Chabad-Lubavitch A two-day siege of the center was In other ways, Moshe has led the emissaries Rabbi Gavriel and Rivka witnessed via international cable life of a typical youngster within the Holtzberg, were murdered along with broadcasts and television. Chabad Chassidic movement in Israel. four of their guests at the Nariman His days are spent learning Torah, (Chabad) House they directed in After the tragedy, Moshe moved Talmud, halachah and Chassidic texts, terrorist attacks that swept through to Israel to live with his maternal particularly the teachings of the Rebbe, Mumbai beginning Nov. 26, 2008. grandparents, Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, More than 170 people in all were Yehudit Rosenberg of Afula, who were of righteous memory, and regularly killed in the widely publicized attacks joined at the celebration by the bar takes part in his yeshivah’s mivtzoim that spanned several locations in the mitzvah boy’s paternal grandparents, programs, going out with classmates city. The bullet-ridden and otherwise Rabbi Nachman and Freida Holtzberg to inspire and enable others to do thoroughly ravaged multi-story of New York. mitzvahs, like putting on tefillin. Chabad institution was refurbished and then reopened in 2014 by He was in the limelight again last Like his peers, Moshe diligently Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries Rabbi January when he traveled to Mumbai immersed himself in preparations for Israel and Chaya Kozlovsky in their for the first time since the terrorist his bar mitzvah over the past year. predecessors’ memory. attacks, accompanied by Israeli Prime As per Chabad tradition, the addition Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to help of a Chassidic discourse is learned, Relatives were keeping the festivities unveil a memorial exhibit honoring often memorized and then presented the Holtzbergs. at the bar mitzvah. First recited by 18 MIRACLE MINYAN IN OMAHA by Ashira Weiss – Lubavitch.com

Hey Rabbi, getting ready for takeoff at Newark. Found four other Jewish guys on board. Think we can get a minyan?” At 4:00 A.M. last Monday, Moshe Rosenblatt pressed send on the text, turned his phone off and settled in for “the three-hour flight to Omaha, Nebraska. When Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Chabad representative to Nebraska, saw this Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneerson, request, he sent out messages to his community members. Weekday services the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, at his at Chabad of Omaha are slated for 7:00 A.M. In addition to notifying community own bar mitzvah in the 1870s, the members of a time-change to allow for the travellers’ arrival, the rabbi wanted mystical treatise among other points to make sure another four guys would show up to make up the requisite ten. talks about how G-d himself in a figurative sense does mitzvahs in Rosenblatt, in the mourning year for his mother who passed away a few months response to every mitzvah performed ago, tries to pray with a minyan daily so he can recite Kaddish in her memory. by a Jew akin to putting on tefillin. It For Kaddish to be recited a quorum of ten adult Jewish men must be present. includes the idea that while inside the This sometimes proves difficult when the New Jersey-based CEO of Sienna tefillin of a Jew the oneness of G-d Healthcare travels, as he often does, to oversee the senior homes his company is declared through inclusion of the owns. Shema prayer, the so-called tefillin But by 9:00 A.M. that morning, in Omaha, Nebraska, there were twenty guys of G-d declares the oneness of the assembled, including the five travelers from New Jersey. Jewish nation. One of them was Ben, a former marine who was raised Christian and only His classmates from the Torah school recently discovered that his maternal grandmother is a Holocaust survivor, and in Migdal HaEmek, where Moshe thereby his Jewish identity, it was his first time participating in a minyan. He was studies, traveled in a specially hired called to the Torah and the crowd celebrated his impromptu bar mitzvah. bus on Sunday to attend the bar mitzvah party, said Rabbi Asi Harel, a Local resident Jim saw the text from Rabbi Katzman, “You’re a godsend,” he father of one of the boys. “It took place messaged the rabbi. “Today is my mother’s yahrzeit.” in Kfar Chabad in the big banquet hall A young Jewish Costa Rican musician was travelling through town with his because everything, rightly so, they band members on their way from Denver to Minneapolis. He looked up Chabad do for Moshe is big,” he told Chabad. before arriving and had spent Sunday night at the Chabad House. He delayed org. his onward journey so he could take part in the minyan, a rare treat while he is on the road. More festivities were planned for Monday afternoon at the Western A spread of refreshments was set out, and following the service the group Wall plaza with live music, dancing sat down to toast the bar mitzvah and this group of unique individuals who and further celebration. gathered to form an improvised minyan in a city in mid-America. “This service is but one realization of the Rebbe’s oft-quoted “and you will be gathered one by It appears that in his studies and one,” from Isaiah,” said Rabbi Katzman. his general demeanor, despite his traumatic beginnings, Moshe Jake* arrived for his 10:00 A.M. meeting with the rabbi to find the Chabad House takes after his father, a two-time abuzz with the energy of the event that was just winding down. Jake a leader elementary-school champion at and activist in the Omaha community says this dedication to the individual is memorizing sections of the Mishna one of the things he particularly appreciates about Chabad. and second-place winner of an As he recently shared with Rabbi Katzman, “Your focus is not just on the general international talmudic competition needs of us as a community, but on the unique experience of each individual.” held in Jerusalem during his high school years.

“I don’t know him that well, but I see in shul that he is a very well-behaved and well-educated child,” said Rabbi Eliav Benattar, who co-directs Chabad on Campus in the Jezreel Valley with his wife, Devorah, and lives in Afula. “You can see that he inherited a lot from his parents, who should be remembered with a blessing.” 19 20 21 How can I? HOW CAN I? ב״ה ?How Can I

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28 29 A TIME TO PRAY DAVENING SCHEDULES AND LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

DAILY LEARNING SCHEDULE AT THE SHUL 6:20 -6:50 am The Rebbe’s Maamorim Chassidic Discourse R’ Zalman Lipskar 7:45 am Daf Yomi R’ Dov Schochet 8:45 am (approx) Halacha Sephardic Custom R’ Shimshon Tzubeli 10:15 - 11:00 am Maamorim Maamor of the Rebbe R’ Shea Rubinstein

SHACHARIS MINYANIM (MON - FRI) SUNDAY SHACHARIS MINYANIM Main Minyan 6:50 7:30 9:00 Main Minyan 8:00 am 9:00 am Sephardic Minyan 8:00 Sephardic Minyan 9:00 am

DAILY CHUMASH & TANYA AFTER EVERY MINYAN SUNDAY MINCHA / MINCHA / MAARIV MINYANIM (MON - THURS) MAARIV MINYANIM Main Minyan 2:00 pm Early Mincha 5:15 pm 10:00 pm Sephardic Minyan 5:15 pm Following Main Minyan 5:15 pm

EVENING KOLEL SCHEDULE - MONDAY AND THURSDAY 8:45 -9:30 PM Mon & Thurs 8:45 - 10:00 pm Evening Community Kolel Chavrusah To our beloved Soldiers in the Israeli Defense HALACHIC TIMES Forces, courageously protecting and defending BASED ON TIMES FOR DECEMBER 11 Eretz Yisroel. We pray for you and all of the soldiers safety and well being daily.

Alot Hashachar / Dawn 5:40 am Menachem Mendel ben Chaya Leah Earliest Talit & Tefllin 6:12 am Daniella Malka bat Natanya Netz Hachamah / Sunrise 6:57 am Menachem Mendel ben Aurit (Earliest Amidah) Eden Chana bat Karine Cecile Benyamin Aharon ben Jeniya Gila Rut Latest Shema 9:33 am Zman Tfllah 10:26 am Chatzot / Midday 12:13 pm Earliest Mincha 12:41 pm Plag HaMincha 4:28 pm Shekiah / Sunset 5:30 pm (Preferable latest time for Mincha) Tzeit Hakochavim / Nightfall 5:56 pm (Earliest preferable Ma’ariv)

Times taken from www.chabad.org Please note that during the week times may Vary by a minute or two. If anyone would like to send us the name of a soldier in the IDF we would love to add them. 30 IN A WOMAN’S WORLD ISSUES OF RELEVANCE TO THE JEWISH WOMAN

WEEKLY CLASSES Women’s Mikvah: Monday Please call Mrs. Devorah Failer for an Women’s Study Group Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 8:30 - 10:00 pm At the home of : Mrs. Evy Eichler appointment: 305-866 1492 or 146 Camden Drive Bal Harbour 305-323-2410 Please Note: Shabbos & Yom Tov visits must be Prepaid Tuesday Prayer Class Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 9:15 - 10:15 am 1111 Kane Concourse Suite 618 The Shul Sisterhood Tanya Class In Spanish Mrs. Vivian Perez 10:45 am -12:00 pm

198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village Who we are... Wednesday The Shul Sisterhood organizes all of The Shul’s programming Morning Torah Class Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 10:00 - 11:00 am and classes geared toward women in the community. Our The weekly portion - Women’s Perspective objective is to bring women of all ages and backgrounds Haime Library together to learn, laugh, experience, and rejuvenate their mind, Tanya Class in English Mrs. Vivian Perez 1:15 - 3:00 pm body and soul. Meet new friends, 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village relax and get inspired! Thursday If you would like to be a part of The Shul Sisterhood, Women’s Tanya Class – Spanish – Mrs. Vivian Perez please call 305. 868.1411 Call Vivian for details – 305.213.3202

CARROT AND APPLE LATKES By Jaime Geller PREPARATION

1. In a large bowl, combine carrots, apples, lemon INGREDIENTS juice, matzo meal, egg, ginger, and salt. Stir well to 4 carrots (about 2 cups), peeled and shredded combine. 2 Granny Smith apples (about 1 cup), unpeeled and 2. In a large skillet, heat canola or grape seed oil shredded over medium-high heat. Scoop ¼-cup of batter and Juice of ½ lemon carefully place in oil. Flatten to about ½-inch thick with a spatula. Repeat to form 4 more latkes in the ½ cup matzo meal pan, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook 4 to 1 egg 6 minutes on one side. Flip and cook 4 to 6 minutes more or until golden brown on both sides. ½ teaspoon ground dried ginger

½ teaspoon kosher salt 3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet; 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil repeat with remaining batter.

31 FRENCH CONNECTION REFLEXIONS SUR LA PARACHA Vivre avec la paracha Garder l’équilibre avec D.ieu. En revanche, la Savoir faire un choix promesse qu’il avait faite à Rachel par Tali Loewenthal de l’épouser était, à son égard, une promesse absolue, l’expression d’un a relation entre une personne engagement de portée et de sens donnée et les autres membres universels. de la société exige souvent un Ltalent particulier : savoir garder Quand Jacob découvrit qu’il avait été l’équilibre. Il y a mes besoins et berné et avait épousé Léa, il avait ceux des autres. Il y a des exigences l’option de se maintenir dans son personnelles et des impératifs exigence personnelle, aux dépens universels. Cet aspect des choses d’un principe universel. Il aurait pu est soulevé dans la discussion que dire à Rachel : « Je suis désolé, je ne mènent nos Sages à propos d’un peux pas tenir ma promesse parce aspect étonnant de la paracha de que, à présent, il m’est interdit de cette semaine. t’épouser... » Toutefois, il décida de faire abstraction de sa rigueur La paracha relate les mariages de personnelle pour pouvoir accomplir Jacob aux deux filles de son oncle sa promesse. Laban. Jacob proposa de travailler Juif d’épouser deux sœurs. Comment pour Laban sans rémunération fut-il possible que Jacob se prêtât à De cette décision, explique le Rabbi, pendant sept années. Alors il un acte interdit par la Torah ? L’on nous devons tirer des enseignements épouserait Rachel, la fille la plus peut répondre, bien sûr, que la Torah sur la manière d’agir dans notre jeune. Quand, finalement, arriva le n’avait pas encore été donnée. La loi génération. Dans certains cas, nos jour du mariage, Laban le trompa particulière interdisant à un homme exigences personnelles peuvent et lui donna à la place sa fille aînée, d’épouser deux sœurs n’avait pas nous détourner de la nécessité Léa. Quand Jacob découvrit ce qui encore été révélée au Mont Sinaï et universelle de faire du bien à autrui. s’était passé et s’en plaignit, Laban ne s’appliquait donc pas à Jacob. On pourrait, par exemple, préférer avança comme excuse que la fille la étudier le Talmud avec un érudit plus âgée devait se marier avant la Le problème que pose cette plutôt que d’enseigner le Aleph-Beth plus jeune. explication est que, selon nos Sages, à un Juif analphabète. Qu’est-ce qui Abraham, Isaac et Jacob observaient est plus important, plus essentiel ? Que devait faire Jacob ? Laban concrètement toutes les lois de suggéra qu’après la semaine de la Torah, qu’ils connaissaient par Il est des circonstances où une festivité à l’occasion du mariage de intuition spirituelle.1 Dans ce cas, action courageuse est nécessaire Léa, l’on organiserait une seconde comment Jacob put-il épouser deux pour garder l’équilibre dans nos cérémonie au cours de laquelle sœurs ? responsabilités et répondre aux Jacob épouserait Rachel. Puis il besoins profonds d’autrui. Et c’est travaillerait sept nouvelles années Une réponse qu’apporte le Rabbi par ce sens d’équilibre et de priorité pour s’acquitter de la seconde de Loubavitch à cette question que nous suivons réellement dot. Ce fut accepté. Jacob avait nous aide à comprendre la question l’exemple de Jacob. maintenant épousé ses célèbres de l’équilibre dans la vie. Le Rabbi femmes, Rachel et Léa, les mères explique que l’observance des lois du Peuple Juif. de la Torah par Jacob était quelque chose qu’il avait personnellement Cependant, nos Sages ont soulevé choisi de s’imposer à lui-même, un problème. La Torah interdit à un comme expression de sa proximité 32 LATIN LINK REFLEXION SEMANAL Parasha de la Semana ¿Qué tan Piadoso debo ser? Iaacov se enamoró de Rajel, la más deseable—con tal de que involucre Por Yanki Tauber joven de las dos hijas de su tío sacrificio sólo de su parte. Pero si su Labán. Labán acuerda darle a Rajel conducta piadosa también impone La enseñanza en esto es que algo en matrimonio a cambio de siete privaciones y sufrimiento en otros, santo también puede apestar. años de trabajo. Iaacov mantiene debe preguntarse entonces: ¿qué Usted podría realmente ser un tipo su parte del pacto, pero Labán lo derecho tengo de aspirar a un piadoso, pero si la gente tapa sus engaña: la novia bajo el velo dada mérito espiritual mayor a expensas narices que cuando usted camina a Iaacov es la hermana mayor de del otro? cerca, algo está haciendo mal... Rajel, Leá, y Iaacov sólo lo descubre a la mañana siguiente. Labán accede No casarse con Rajel, después Según la ley de la Torá, el primogénito en permitirle casarse con Rajel; de que ella esperó siete años en de un animal kosher doméstico debe también, a cambio de otros siete la promesa de una vida juntos, traerse como ofrenda al Templo años de pastorear sus rebaños. le habría causado insulto y una Santo en Jerusalén. Incluso cuando herida dolorosa. (Divorciarse de las condiciones no lo permiten (como Tener más de una esposa era práctica Lea tampoco hubiera resuelto el es el caso desde hace 1900 años, común en los tiempos bíblicos, y problema—la prohibición de la desde la destrucción del Templo) permitido bajo la ley judía, hasta que Torá de casarse con dos hermanas el animal del primogénito retiene una ordenanza rabínica lo prohibiera también aplica si fuera hermana de su status sagrado y está prohibido hace aproximadamente mil años. la ex-esposa). Aun cuando Iaacov comerlo o hacer uso de él en ninguna Pero la Torá prohíbe expresamente no estaba obligado a obedecer la forma. En los villorrios judíos de casarse con dos hermanas. Aún prohibición bíblica de casarse con Europa criar ganado o cabras era cuando se ordenaron las leyes de la dos hermanas, no tenía ningún una práctica común, estos animales Torá oficialmente al pueblo judío en derecho de aceptar para él una serie corrían sueltos, metiéndose en el Monte Sinaí muchos años después de valores si fuera a expensas de todos lados y haciendo estragos en de los matrimonios de Iaacov, el otro ser humano. general. Como no podían lavarse ni Talmud nos dice que Abraham, esquilarse, su hedor era realmente Isaac y Iaacov ya observaban los ¿Qué tan piadoso debería ser? Tan insoportable. preceptos de la Torá incluso antes piadoso como pueda. Con tal de que de que se decretara en Sinaí. sea sólo usted quién esté pagando La enseñanza en esto es que algo ¿Entonces, por qué Iaacov se casó el precio. santo también puede apestar. con dos hermanas, contrariamente Usted podría realmente ser un tipo al código de conducta de la Torá? piadoso, pero si la gente tapa sus narices que cuando usted camina Esta pregunta se la hacen muchos cerca, algo está haciendo mal. En comentaristas de la Torá, y se Clases y Eventos palabras de uno de los grandes dan explicaciones interesantes Clases en Espanol sabios de la historia judía, Rabino e innovadoras. El Rebe de Porcion Semanal Judá HaNasi: “¿Cuál es el camino Lubavitch discute algunas de Rabbi Shea Rubinstein Lunes 8:45 pm - 9:45 pm correcto que una persona debe estas explicaciones, alza algunas elegir? Lo que es armonioso para objeciones legales a cada una Tanya( Women) Mrs. Vivian Perez él y armonioso para su compañero de ellas, y explica profunda y Martes 10:45 am - 12:00pm también.” simplemente: Iaacov se casó a Rajel 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village porque le había prometido que lo Jueves 11:00 - 12:00 En el capítulo 29 del Génesis haría. Call Vivian for details - 305.213.3202 nosotros leemos de los matrimonios Analisis de distintos temas basados en la Perasha de Iaacov con Lea y Rajel. Rabbi Shlomi Halsband Conducirse con una conducta Miercoles 8:30 - 10:00 pm moral, explica el Rebe, es noble y Domingo 8:30 - 10:00 pm 33 PLEASE READ ONLY NETWORKING AFTER SHABBOS EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING

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36 NUMBERS TO KNOW

CONTACTS AT THE SHUL 305.868.1411 Rabbi Rabbi Sholom Lipskar Ext 311 Associate Rabbi Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Ext 345 Rabbi’s Executive Assistant / CYS Ms. Lydia Hasson Ext 311 Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 305.992.8363 JLAC / Adult Ed/ Singles Rabbi Shea Rubinstein Ext 342 CYS College / Kolel Rabbi Dov Schochet 305.790.8294 Accounting Mrs. Geri Kelly Ext 341 Controller Mrs. Janice Barney Ext 318 Events / Offce Manager Ms. Milena Liascovitz Ext 328 Director of Events and Marketing Mrs. Devorah Leah Andrusier Ext 313 Youth Director Rabbi Shaykee Farkash Ext 329 SHUL GABOIM Operations / Maintenance Rabbi Shlomi Katan Ext 319 Reception Mrs. Mindy Natoli Ext 0 Mr. Andrew Roth Mikvah Mrs. Devorah Failer 305.323.2410 Mr. David Portnoy Pre-School Director Mrs. Chana Lipskar Ext 325 Rabbi Henry Eichler Sephardic Minyan Chazan Shimshon Tzubeli 305.865.4205 Mr. Ettai Einhorn Hebrew School / Editor Mrs. Aurit Katan 786.382.9006 Mr. David Ben-Arie Hashkama Minyan Mr. Lazer Milstein 305.349.3040 Mr. Seth Salver Mashgiach Mr. Mordechai Olesky 786.262.9115

BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOUNDATION TRUSTEES Sidney Feltenstein - Chairman Mike Izak Albert Pollans - President Michael Blisko Alberto Kamhazi Jaime Gilinski Simon Falic Shmuel Katz M.D. David Lichter Matias Garfunkel Leo Kryss Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Ambassador Isaac Gilinski Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Monroe Milstein - Treasurer Jaime Gilinski Lazer Milstein Max Gilinski Michael Perez BOARD OF DIRECTORS Saul Gilinski Ryan Shapiro Steven M. Dunn - President Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Sam Greenberg Claudio Stivelman Mitchell Feldman - Vice President Alexander Matz Abel Holtz Morris Tabacinic Rabbi Zalman Lipskar VP Development Lazer Milstein Eric P. Stein - Treasurer Ezzy Rappaport EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Joel Baum - Financial Treasurer Eliott Rimon Steven M. Dunn - Chair Evelyn Katz Dovid Duchman - Secretary Brian Roller Carolyn Baumel Seth Salver Devorah Leah Andrusier Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar Max Benoliel Ryan Shapiro Janice Barney Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar Boruch Duchman Michael Tabacinic Joel Baum Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Velvel Freedman David Wolf Maurice Egozi Orit Osman Eli Freund Henry Eichler Marc Sheridan Bruce Gelb Mitchell Feldman Daniel Sragowicz Ighal Goldfarb Daniel Gielchinsky Cynthia Stein Sam Greenwald Jacob J. Givner Eric P. Stein Jerrod M. Levine 37 DAILY STUDY A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ALL CLASSES AND COURSES OFFERED AT THE SHUL

DAILY CLASSES SUNDAY MONDAY

The Rebbes’ Maamorim 6:20 - 6:50 am Daf Yomi 9:00 am In Depth Chumash 1:30 pm PHL 101 PHL-301 PHL-501 Rabbi Z. Lipskar TXT 220 Rabbi Dov Schochet TXT-110 Rabbi Dov Schochet (Men Only) (Men Only) (Men and Women) Daf Yomi 7:45 - 8:45 am TXT-220 Rabbi Dov Schochet (Men Only) Tanya - Sichos 8:00 - 10:00 pm Insights to our Torah Portion Chok L’Yisrael - Sephardic 8:45 am PHL-322 Rabbi Shlomo Haltzband (Spanish) 8:45 - 9:45 pm Reb Shimshon Tzubeli (Men Only) PHL-120 Rabbi Shea Rubinstien (Men and Women) Chassisdic Discourses 10:15 - 11:00 am Women’s Study Group 8:30 - 10:00 pm PHL-322 PHL-510 Rabbi Shea Rubinstien TXT-110 Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar (Men Only) Community Kollel (Men) 8:00 - 9:30 pm At the home of: Mrs. Evy Eichler (Monday & Thursday) LAW-154 146 Camden Drive Bal Harbour (Men Only)

WEDNESDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY Megillot - Men and Women 8:45 -9:30am TXT 121 Studies in the fve Megillot Rabbi Dov Schochet Parsha (Men & Women) Purposeful Prayer 11:00am - 12:00 pm 11:15 am - 12:00 pm TXT-101 - Rabbi Shea Rubinstein Women’s Torah Class 10:00 - 11:30 am TXT-501 Rabbi Shea Rubinstien (Men and Women) TXT-110 Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar Tanya Class In Spanish ( Women) Chassidic Discourses (Men & Women) Senior Torah Academy (Men & Women) 10:45 am - 12:00pm 11:30 - 12:30 pm 12:00 - 1:00 pm PHL-120 Mrs. Vivian Perez PHL-320 PHL-501 Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar TXT-120 Rabbi Dov Schochet or Rabbi Zalman Lipskar 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village (Main Sanctuary) Book of Judges - Years 2780 -2835 Tanya Class - English 1:15 - 3:00 pm Senior Torah Academy 12:00 - 1:00 pm PHL-120 Mrs. Vivian Perez Women’s Tanya Class (Spanish) Pirkei Avot ETH-101 Rabbi Dov Schochet 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village 11:00 am - 12:00 pm PHL-320 Mrs. Vivian Perez (Men and Women) Spanish Kolel - Chassidus 8:00 - 10:00 pm PHL-301 Rabbi Shlomo Haltzband - (Men only) Call Vivian for details - 305.213.3202

NUMERIC CODES INDICATE ALL CLASSES LOCATED CYS COLLEGE COURSES AT THE SHUL VISIT WWW.CYSCOLLEGE.ORG UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

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