B”H

THEWEEKLY MAGAZINE SHUL

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

SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYEIRA CHESHVAN 19-20 NOVEMBER 6 - 7 CANDLE LIGHTING: 5:17 PM SHABBOS ENDS: 6:10 PM

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 NACHAS AT A GLANCE CONTENTS THE SHUL YOUTH DEPARTMENT IS BACK IN ACTION WITH Weekly Message: 3 MINYANIM BEFORE SCHOOL, TEEN LEARNING, YOUTH PROGRAMS Thoughts on the Parsha - Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar AND PRIZES! 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

A Time to Pray: 8 Check out all the davening schedules and locations throughout the week

Daily Study: 9 A complete guide to all classes and courses ofered at The Shul

Inspiration, Insights & Ideas: 10 - 20 Bringing Torah lessons to LIFE

Get The Picture 21 - 22 The full scoop on all the great events around town

In a Woman’s World 23 Issues of relevance to the Jewish woman

French Connection 24 Reflexions sur la Paracha

Latin Link 25 Reflexion Semanal

Numbers To Know 26 Contacts at The Shul

Get The Picture 27 - 28 The full scoop on all the great events around town THOUGHTS ON THE PARSHA FROM RABBI SHOLOM LIPSKAR SHABBOS PARSHAS VAYEIRA

n this week’s Torah authority, represented by the miracles at Isaac’s birth and portion, we read about the his being circumcised at the age of eight days, that are the birth of Isaac and his being fundamental critical factors that make us who we are and Ibrought into the covenant of how we must perceive ourselves and our relationship with Abraham at the age of eight the world. days. He is literally the first Jew circumcised in the right It is only our dynamic relationship with Hashem Himself time, with the distinction of that guarantees our resilience and persistence to always go being the absolute firstborn beyond any challenge that comes our way in an over the top Jewish person. manner.

His mother is 90 years old When the world in its natural state is going through the kind and his father is 100 years of chaotic havoc that is so obvious, we are able to retain old and there are multiple miracles attributed to his birth. our feet on the ground yet reach up into the transcendent Sarah had already passed her menopause, many years levels and remain tethered and able to face the most violent beyond the time of being able to bear a child, and her entire raging storms that may come our way. womb structure was miraculously reconstructed. More-so to crediblize the fact that this was her child, counteracting It is not wishful thinking but a cursory look into our long the gossip that she had taken a child from the street and history tells us how many times we have accomplished that considered it her own, many of the noblewomen who continuing, supernatural, miraculous presence within the gave birth to children at that time brought their infants and confines of a natural world. Sarah nursed them, proving the complete function of her procreation abilities. Have a great week and a wonderful Shabbos.

Also, on the day of Isaac’s birth many heretofore barren women were able to conceive, many people who were ill became healthy and other miracles took place, bringing much joy to the environment. Rabbi Sholom Lipskar

Why was it necessary for the first Jewish child to be born in an unnatural, miraculous fashion when he could’ve been born in a normal way? Why also is the first introduction of a Jewish child to formally enter into the faith of Abraham the act of circumcision that is so beyond rationality and completely contrary to any objective perspective of how loving parents welcome their child into this world?

The clear lesson and message to us is the fact that we Jewish people are a miracle. We come into this world as a miracle, continue to flourish as a miracle, sustain ourselves against all odds and defy the natural patterns of social anthropology and historical continuity.

As we see the first Jew being born it is clear that it is only Divine intervention and commitment to that Divine

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

Eruv Information

SHABBOS SCHEDULE We would like to emphasize that every Erev Shabbos, individuals should call the Eruv Hotline Candle lighting 5:17 p.m. to make sure that the Eruv is operational. The number to call is 305- 866-ERUV (3788). Mincha / Kabalas Shabbos 5:20 p.m. The Eruv message is recorded approximately two hours prior to candle lighting. Surfside: Shacharis 1st Minyan 8:30 a.m. The Eruv in Surfside now includes the walking Shacharis 2nd Minyan 10:30 a.m. paths along the beach. Pushing strollers and carrying is permitted on the paths, but not beyond the path or onto the beach. Mincha 6:00 p.m. Shabbos Ends Bal Harbour: The Eruv in Bal Harbour included the inner (western) walking path only. The pier / Ma’ariv & Havdalah 6:10 p.m. at Haulover Cut is not included.

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

HALACHIC TIMES BASED ON TIMES FOR NOVEMBER 11

Alot Hashachar / Dawn 5:21 am Earliest Talit & Tefllin 5:53 am Netz Hachamah / Sunrise 6:36 am (Earliest Amidah) Latest Shema 9:18 am Zman Tfllah 10:13 am Chatzot / Midday 12:03 pm Earliest Mincha 12:33 pm Plag HaMincha 4:28 pm Shekiah / Sunset 5:33 pm (Preferable latest time for Mincha) Tzeit Hakochavim / Nightfall 5:57 pm To our beloved Soldiers in the Israeli Defense (Earliest preferable Ma’ariv) Forces, courageously protecting and defending Eretz Yisroel. We pray for you and all of Times taken from www.chabad.org the soldiers safety and well being daily. Please note that during the week times may Menachem Mendel ben Chaya Leah Vary by a minute or two. Menachem Mendel ben Aurit Eden Chana bat Karine Cecile 4 PARSHA IN PICTURES

Test your PARSHA knowledge. Can you tell the story using the pictures below

5 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS SHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY

BIRTHDAYS YAHRTZEITS 20 Cheshvan Mr. Yosef Falic 20 Cheshvan Raizel bas Avraham Yaakov obm 20 Cheshvan Mr. Gabriel Knight Mother of Mrs. Shelley Rindner 20 Cheshvan Mr. Jonathan Ariel Segal 21 Cheshvan Abraham Getzler obm 20 Cheshvan Mrs. Sari Weinberg Grandfather of Mr. Andrew Septimus 21 Cheshvan Mr. Daniel Attias 21 Cheshvan Yitzchok Nutta ben Avraham obm 21 Cheshvan Ms. Kelsey Dunn Father of Mr. Richard Moore 21 Cheshvan Mrs. Fanny Selesky 21 Cheshvan Moishe Gershon ben Abraham Iser Ha Levy obm Father of Mrs. Perla Gilinski 21 Cheshvan Mrs. Rosita Zelcer 22 Cheshvan Mordechai ben Yacov obm 22 Cheshvan Mr. Isaac Gilbert Franco Father of Mr. Jack Gluck 22 Cheshvan Mr. Nathan Kaplan 23 Cheshvan Faiga bas Lewis obm 22 Cheshvan Ms. Jessica Rachel Lichter Great Aunt of Dr. Fran Glicksman 22 Cheshvan Mr. Jerry Sher 23 Cheshvan Dina bas Moshe obm 23 Cheshvan Mrs. Bella Brenner Grand-mother of Mrs. Eliana Gilinski 23 Cheshvan Mrs. Chana Lipskar 23 Cheshvan Yaakov Shlomo ben Mordechai Menachem obm 23 Cheshvan Mrs. Shterna Sarah Mangami Father of Mr. Harvey Finkel 23 Cheshvan Rabbi Ezzy Rappaport 23 Cheshvan Mordechai ben Moshe obm 24 Cheshvan Mrs. Susan Gluck Husband of Mrs. Ethel Meril Sirotkin 24 Cheshvan Mr. Jacob Kamhazi 23 Cheshvan Yule bas Benjamin obm 24 Cheshvan Mrs. Evelyn Katz Grandmother of Mr. Claudio Stivelman 24 Cheshvan Moishe ben Gersh Leib obm 24 Cheshvan Dr. Scott Segal Father of Mr. Gregory Finger 25 Cheshvan Mr. Leon Falic 24 Cheshvan Yechiel ben Yisroel obm 25 Cheshvan Mrs. Ofelia Hersman Father of Mr. Abel Holtz 25 Cheshvan Mrs. Milena Liascovitz 25 Cheshvan Abraham ben Yermiyahu obm 26 Cheshvan Ms. Stephanie Cohen Father of Mr. Samuel I. Burstyn 26 Cheshvan Ms. Carly Sheridan 25 Cheshvan Tzion ben Moshe obm Great-uncle of Mr. Moshe Levi KID’S BIRTHDAYS 25 Cheshvan Frima Leah bas Reb Meir obm 20 Cheshvan Isaac Benichou Mother of Mrs. Cecilia Knoll 20 Cheshvan Isaac Sholom Wertheimer 25 Cheshvan Isaac Berdugo obm 24 Cheshvan Aryeh Leib Nissim Schvetz Father of Mrs. Fortuna Mamane 24 Cheshvan Menachem Mendel Schvetz 26 Cheshvan Shamai ben Yakov obm 24 Cheshvan Yehoshua Shneur Zalman Schvetz Son-in-law of Mrs. Sulamita Simkovicius 26 Cheshvan Meir Shmuel obm 25 Cheshvan Shlomo Mizrachi Father of Mr. Bernard Werner 25 Cheshvan Binyamin Ness 25 Cheshvan Eytan Yeshua Sitbon 25 Cheshvan Alexandra Sragowicz ANNIVERSARIES 26 Cheshvan Dov Ber Boymelgreen Mr. & Mrs. Moshe (Motty) and Jenny Klainbaum Mr. & Mrs. Emilio Liba and Ora Cohen MAZAL TOV Mr. & Mrs. Samuel and Rivka Ostrowiak Mazal Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Shlomy and Grunie Diamont on the Bar Mr. & Mrs. Ben and Marissa Jacobson Mitzvah of their son Mendel. May they continue to raise him to Torah, Chupah and Maasim Tovim and have much nachas from him.

TZALA A H H HATZALAH EMERGENCY 305.919.4900

S O DA UTH FLORI 6 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS SHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY

CHESHVAN LIGHT & POWER THANKS TO OUR DONORS Light & Power and Wine for Kiddush & Havdalah We sincerely thank the following members and supporters of The Shul for the month of Cheshvan is Kindly Sponsored for donations received between 10/27/20 and 11/02/20 in honor of We apologize for any errors or omissions that we may have made. The birthday of My Aishes Chayil Mr. & Mrs. Yankie Andrusier Rabbi & Rebbetzin Sholom D. Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Attias Lipskar Eda Schottenstein. Mr. Zakai Ben Chaim Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Liss Mr. Barak Ben Shitrit Mr. & Mrs. Asher Mamane Mr. & Mrs. Nadav Ben-Chetrit Rabbi & Mrs. Yair Massri With love, David B Schottenstein Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Benchimol Mr. & Mrs. Marc Mendelsohn Mr. Chase Berger Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Mizraji Ms. Jewel Bertman Mr. & Mrs. Shlamie Mochkin “Those who establish Synagogues for prayer and those who come there to pray, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Blisko Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan More those who provide lights for illumination, wine and grape juice for kiddush Mr. & Mrs. Isaie Bouhadana Ms. Sabina Osman Ms. Marilyn Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Shlomo Peretz and havdalah, food for the wayfarers and charity for the needy, and all those Ms. Morri Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Shabtai Plutno who occupy themselves faithfully with communal affairs - may The Holy One, Rabbi & Mrs. Shlomie Mr. Ari Propis blessed be He, give them their reward, remove them from all sicknesses, heal Diamont Mr. & Mrs. Edward Mr. & Mrs. Dovid Duchman Rosengarten their entire body, pardon all their sins, and send blessing and success to all Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Egozi Ms. Vivi Rubinstein their endeavors, together with all Israel their brethren; and let us say Amen.” Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Englard Ms. Esty Scheiner Mrs. Dorothy Failer Ms. Meryl H. Schneider REFUAH SHLEIMAH Mr. Daniel Gielchinsky Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe If you have a health update on anyone listed please contact The Shul. We would like to Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Gilinski Schneider keep the listing current and remove names of people who have recovered. Mr. & Mrs. Dan Goldfarb Mr. & Mrs. David Schwartz Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Hazan Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Shechtel MEN WOMEN Mr. & Mrs. Abel Holtz Dr. & Dr. Jesse Viner Yehonatan HaLevi ben Malka Esther Yocheved bas Raizel Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Kavana Ms. Edna Pena Werta Eliezer ben Sarah Bracha Mr. Hillary Kleinman Ms. Belinda Zaret & Ms. Liv- Aharon ben Beylah Shima Leah bas Gittel Mr. & Mrs. Menachem Kurant Tiferet De Vitton Meyer Eliezer ben Sarah Sarah Libke bas Baile Mr. David Lekach Mr. & Mrs. Adam Ziefer Menachem Mendel ben Sara Chana Bayla bas Masha Yehoshua ben Tamara Rina Chaya Miriam bas Leah Isaac Gilbert ben Nelly Esther Bracha Bentzion ben Nomi Rachel Genya Bailah bat Giete Sura Margalite Sonia Simcha bat Sultana COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD Shlomo Yaakov ben Chaya Tzipora Pnina bas Slava Sarah Rochel Feige bas Krandel We would like to remind you of the importance and Chaim Zelig Ben Eidel Chaya Miriam Yehudit bat mandatory requirement to wear a mask while in The Ari ben Na’ama Chava Shul, including while praying. It is essential for the Tzvi Yitzchak ben Chaya Clara bat Corina safety and health of all to keep your mask on at all Chaim Tzvi Hirsch ben Guttel Rivka bat Shoshana times, properly covering your mouth and nose. Miriam bat Risha Raizel This rule will be vigorously enforced so please comply and respect The Shul rules and guidelines. The safety WELCOME NEW MEMBERS of our community depends on you, so please adhere to all conditions and directives. Mr. & Mrs. Aaron and Caroline Weisman Mr. & Mrs. David and Daphna Klar Thank you for your co-operation. It is a pleasure to have you with us in Shul . Thanks to everyone complying with our safety standards we are able to enjoy praying together regularly. Rabbi Lipskar

7 ALL THINGS SEPHARDIC SHABBAT WEEKDAY SCHEDULE SCHEDULE

FRIDAY NIGHT, NOV 6 EVERY DAY: DAF YOMI (TALMUD) @7AM & CHOCK • MINCHA/ARVIT: 5:10 PM LE'ISRAEL AFTER SHACHARIT.

• CANDLE LIGHTING: 5:17 PM MONDAY: TEENS & HEBREW CLASS • SHKIAH (SUNSET): 5:35 PM TUESDAY: TOMER DEVORAH LEARNING WEDNESDAY: PIRKEI AVOT IN SPANISH THURSDAY: SHABBAT, NOV 7 INSIGHTS ON THE PARASHA • SHACHARIT: 9:00 AM MINCHA FOLLOWED BY ARVIT @5:25 PM • NETZ HACHAMA: 6:33 AM • ZMAN KERIAT SHEMA: 9:18 AM WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU DAILY AS • CLASS BY RABBI MASSRI: 5:45 PM PART OF OUR MINYANIM AND CLASSES. • MINCHA/ARVIT: 5:15 PM Mazal Tov • SHKIAH (SUNSET): 5:35 PM Mazal Tov to Issac Benichou on his Bar Mitzvah this Shabbat! • SHABBAT ENDS: 6:11 PM Mazal Tov to the parents Mr. David & Mrs. Carol Benichou • RABENU TAM: 6:47 PM May he continue to be a source of nachat to the entire family. May we continue to share in many more S’machot!!!

MESSAGE FROM RABBI MASSRI

“Looking up, he saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw Understandably then, his receiving an extraordinary G-dly revelation, them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them...” (Genesis 18:2) was even higher. Since hospitality is greater than Rabbi Shimon’s simple spiritual existence, Rabbi Shimon, in chronicling hospitality and In this week’s parasha we see that Abraham interrupts receiving a extraordinary G-dly revelation, wrote that these are of equal magnitude. revelation from G-d, in order to welcome and host three desert wayfarers. Whereas the Talmud and Maimonides speak of our much simpler level of The Talmud (Shabbat 127a) says: “From this, we learn that hosting guests receiving G-d’s Presence, and this is not as great as hospitality. is greater than receiving G-d’s Presence”. Maimonides brings it to Halacha and writes “This is the law which our patriarch Abraham established, and Therefore, Maimonides cites the Scripture of Abraham’s physical the path of kindness which he followed; feeding wayfarers food and drink hospitality, carried out instead of receiving G- dly revelation, to prove that, and accompanying them. Indeed, hosting guests is greater than receiving generally speaking, hospitality is greater than receiving G-d’s Presence. G-d’s Presence, as it states [Genesis 18:2] ‘Abraham saw three men...’.” The And, also, to prove the concurrence of Rashbi – spiritual hospitality question is that Maimonides himself writes that the Mitzvot we do today equal in comparison with a lofty revelation, with the Talmud – physical are solely to fulfll the Commandments G-d gave us through Moshe at hospitality compared with, and assessed to be greater than, a simpler Mt.Sinai. For instance, hospitality is part of the Commandment to “Love level of revelation. We are commanded by G-d, through Moshe at Mt. Sinai, your fellow man as yourself.” If so, then why does Maimonides, here, to be hospitable. To be able to actually be hospitable to such a degree seemingly attribute our performing hospitality to Abraham? that communication with G-d seems lesser, we need Abraham’s spiritual empowerment. This, he imparted to us, out of immense loving-kindness, a Rashbi says “Meritorious is he who receives guests wholeheartedly; it character trait recognizable, also, in his outstanding hospitality. is as if he is receiving G-d’s Presence”. How do we understand this, so as not to contradict the Talmud and Maimonides who say that “hosting May we all be zoche to host guests and to receive G-d’s Presence! guests is greater than receiving G-d’s Presence”? Rashbi stood constantly on the level of receiving G-d’s Presence; this was his normal existence. Shabbat Shalom Umevorach!!! 8 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 - 7:59 am 7:20 - 7:59 am 7:20 - 7:59 am 7:20 - 7:59 am 7:20 - 7:59 am CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS CHASSIDUS Heichaltzu Heichaltzu Heichaltzu Heichaltzu Heichaltzu Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Rabbi Zalman Lipskar 8:00 - 8:15 am 8:00 - 8:15 am 8:00 - 8:15 am 8:00 - 8:15 am 8:00 - 8:15 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 8:30 - 9:30 am 8:30 - 9:30 am 8:30 - 9:30 am 8:30 - 9:30 am 8:30 - 9:30 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) 9:30 - 10:00 am 9:30 - 10:00 am 9:35 - 10:00 am 9:30 - 10:00 am 9:30 - 10:00 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 10:05 - 10:30 am 10:00 - 11:00 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)

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

8:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 - 8:30 pm PARSHA OF THE WEEK JEWS OF INDIA PARSHA OF THE WEEK Rabbi Sholom Lipskar Dr. Nathan Katz Rabbi Zalman Lipskar (Men & Women) Zoom: 87968544830 (Men & Women) password 171692

9 DAILY WISDOM Inspiring insights on the Torah

Shabbos, 20 Cheshvan Sunday, 21 Cheshvan Tests Jewish Destiny [G-d] said [to Abraham], “Please Take your son, [Abraham said to the Hittites,] “Allow me [to buy] a burial your only one, the one you love, Isaac, and go ground among you.” Genesis 23:4 to the land of Moriah. Take him up there as an ascent-offering, on one of the mountains that I The Machpeilah Cave is the burial site of Adam and Eve, will designate to you.” Genesis 22:2 the first human beings; as such, it originally belonged to all humanity. In purchasing it, Abraham articulated G-d’s The primary aspect of this test was not the self- intention that the mission originally given to humanity as a sacrifice it entailed but the challenge it posed to whole now be passed on to the Jewish people. By accepting Abraham’s implicit faith in G-d: G-d had promised this task, the Jewish people were fundamentally separating Abraham that Isaac would be the one to perpetuate themselves from the rest of humanity and assuming the his legacy; now G-d was commanding Abraham to role of its mentors. It is our challenge to recognize this sacrifice Isaac, in seeming contradiction to His very destiny today, as well. own word. Yet Abraham unquestioningly carried out G-d’s command. G-d tests us in order to bring our hidden soul-powers to the fore. In fact, life in general is such a test. Before it descended into this world, the soul related to G-d within the limits of reason; the soul never experienced a love for Him that transcends reason. But once the soul is encased in a physical body, which is by nature antagonistic to spirituality, it must summon its innermost strength to remain faithful Tuesday, 23 Cheshvan to G-d despite life’s daily trials and tribulations. With this newfound strength, the soul comes to Benevolence understand and appreciate G-d in a much more [Eliezer prayed,] “Let it be that the maiden to whom I will profound and intimate way than it ever could have say, ‘Please tilt your pitcher so that I may drink,’ and she before descending into this world. replies, ‘Drink, and I will also give water to your camels,’ will be the one whom You have designated for Your servant Isaac.” Genesis 24:14

Since G-d lacks nothing, generosity is the primary way in which He relates to the world. For the same reason, generosity is Monday, 22 Cheshvan the natural hallmark of people who feel closely connected to G-d. In contrast, the hallmark of evil is selfishness. No matter G-d’s Estranged Wives how much an evil person possesses, he remains unsatisfied, [Abraham told Eliezer,] “You must go to my land, so he seeks only to take and never to give. to my family, and take a wife for my son, Isaac.” Genesis 24:4 Eliezer therefore sought a woman for Isaac who would display kindness. When Rebecca went beyond fulfilling The prophets often describe the relationship between Eliezer’s specific request by offering to also water his camels, G-d and the Jewish people as that of husband and he understood that she was a G-dly person and thus a fitting wife. In this sense, we are all entrusted with a mission match for the son of Abraham. comparable to the one that Abraham gave Eliezer – to go out and find those souls that have drifted away and By demonstrating kindness to others, we too are “matched” bring them back to G-d, their “husband.” with the most worthy partners – whether soul-mates, friends, business partners, or callings in life.

10 Wednesday, 24 Cheshvan Thursday, 25 Cheshvan

G-d Spares Nothing Lighting Up the World [Eliezer said to Rebecca’s family,] “My Eliezer set out with Rebecca back to Canaan to meet Isaac. master’s wife Sarah bore my master a son After Isaac and Rebecca married, Rebecca assumed Sarah’s after she had grown old, and he gave [his place as the family matriarch. Genesis 24:67 son, Isaac,] all that he owned.” Genesis 24:36 Although Abraham lit the Sabbath candles after Sarah’s passing (for he observed all the Torah’s commandments), his candles did braham was willing to give up his entire fortune not remain lit throughout the week, as Sarah’s had. But when in order to ensure that Isaac marry Rebecca. So, Rebecca began kindling the Sabbath lights, her candles continued too, G-d is willing to give up “all His bounty” to to burn miraculously the whole week. help each and every one of us fulfill our mission of bringing about the “marriage” of the physical This demonstrates the unique ability of Jewish women and girls – and the spiritual dimensions of reality by who are all “daughters” of Sarah and Rebecca – to influence the transforming the world into G-d’s home through spiritual character of the home, illuminating it with the holiness our good deeds. of the Sabbath throughout the ensuing mundane week. Although the illumination provided by their candles might be physically visible for only a limited time, their spiritual illumination continues throughout the entire week.

Friday, 26 Cheshvan Being a Positive Influence [Abraham] planted an orchard [and opened an inn] in Beersheba. There he proclaimed the name of G-d. Genesis 21:33

Abraham’s inn was the first public institution devoted to the dissemination of the belief in monotheism and to the ethical behavior that follows from this belief. By establishing a public institution that challenged the world’s hallowed tenets, Abraham promoted the awareness of monotheism even among people who never actually visited his inn. As its renown spread, Abraham’s inn wielded increasingly profound and broad influence.

Likewise today, the very existence of synagogues and institutions of Torah study exert great positive influence upon a city simply by the mere virtue of their presence, over and above the intrinsic value of the study and prayer that take place within their walls.

11 PARSHAH MESSAGES A HISTORY OF LOVE Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe - Courtesy of MeaningfulLife.com

an, by nature, is a selfish creature. Even Each of these individuals was considered G-d told Noah that “the end of all flesh has in his relationships with others he tends the most righteous of his generation. come before Me, for the earth is filled with to focus primarily on himself or, at most, Thus, their lives can be seen to reflect violence,” and that He therefore intends to Mon his self-colored perception of his fellow. four stages in the spiritual development “bring a deluge of water upon the earth, to “Love” is the endeavor to transcend this intrinsic of humanity—four stages in the destroy all flesh” and start anew with Noah selfishness and truly relate to one’s fellow, to movement from an instinctive selfhood and his family. Noah is instructed to build be sensitive to and devoted to his or her needs toward the complete abnegation of self an ark so that they could survive the Flood. as an individual distinct from oneself and one’s and self-interest in relating to others. Our Our sages relate that Noah worked on the own stake in the relationship. examination of this process will also shed ark’s construction a full one hundred and light on the acceptance/nonacceptance twenty years; all this time, he called out to And yet, when the Torah speaks of the mitzvah dilemma inherent in the love relationship. his generation to mend its ways and avoid (divine commandment) to “love your fellow as catastrophe. yourself,” it does so in the context of man’s duty The first of these four outstanding to influence, and even change, the behavior and individuals was Enoch, a great-great- However, the Zohar criticizes Noah for the nature of his fellow man. In Leviticus 19 (verses great-great-grandson of Adam, who fact that, despite his efforts, he did not pray 18–19), the Torah commands: was born in the year 622 from creation for the salvation of his generation, unlike (3139 BCE). By his time, humanity had Abraham and Moses, who pleaded with Do not hate your brother in your heart; abandoned the one G-d of their fathers, G-d to spare the wicked. This implies that, repeatedly rebuke your fellow, and do not and had succumbed to idolatry and pagan ultimately, it did not matter to Noah what attribute sin to him. Do not take revenge, or perversity. Only Enoch still “walked with became of them. Had he truly cared, he harbor hatred toward your people, and love your G-d.” would not have sufficed with doing his best fellow as yourself; I am G-d. to bring them to repent, but would have But Enoch’s righteousness was wholly implored the Almighty to repeal His decree of As the commentaries explain, there are two selfish: he was preoccupied only with possible reactions a person can have toward a destruction—just as one who is personally the refinement and perfection of his own threatened would never say, “Well, I did my fellow who has wronged him, or whom he sees spiritual self. The Midrash even relates behaving in a morally deficient manner: 1) he best to save myself” and leave it at that, but that for many years he disassociated would beseech G-d to help him. can despise him in his heart, regarding him as himself from his corrupt generation and a “sinner,” and perhaps even persecute him for secluded himself in a cave. In other words, Noah’s involvement with his “sins”; 2) he can rebuke him in an effort to others was limited to his sense of what convince him of the folly of his ways and seek to Not only did Enoch fail to have a lasting he ought to do for them, as opposed influence him to change them. The path of love, impact on his society, but he was to a true concern for their wellbeing. says the Torah, is not to to “hate your brother in ultimately in danger of being influenced His “self” had sufficiently broadened to your heart,” but to “repeatedly rebuke” him and by their corrupt behavior. This is why include the imperative to act for the sake seek to better him. Enoch died at the “tender young age” of of another, recognizing that the lack of a 365 (compared with the 800- to 900- Obviously, the desire to influence is consistent “social conscience” is a defect in one’s own year lifespans of his contemporaries): character; but he fell short of transcending with the idea of love. No one would stand by “G-d took him to Himself” before his as a loved one suffers hunger or is threatened the self to care for others beyond the time, lest the only righteous man of the consideration of his own righteousness. by violence; no less so, if one sees someone generation also be lost. he loves suffering from spiritual malnutrition This also explains a curious aspect of Noah’s or moral blindness, he will make every effort For such is the relationship of an efforts to reach out to his generation. to reach out to him, to enlighten him, to offer individual with his environment: there is When the Flood came, Noah and his family guidance and assistance. But this aspect of no sustained equilibrium. Where there is entered the ark—alone. His 120-year loving behavior carries an inherent paradox. On contact there is a flow, in one direction campaign yielded not a single baal teshuvah the one hand, the endeavor to influence and or the other; one either influences his (repentant)! Perhaps public relations was change implies a departure from self and a society or is influenced by it. never Noah’s strong point, but how are we concern with the wellbeing of the other. On the to explain the fact that, in all this time, he The 120-Year Failure other hand, it implies a seemingly selfish view of failed to win over a single individual? the other: a rejection of the other as he is, and a Several generations later, we encounter desire to impose upon him one’s own perception another righteous man in a corrupt But in order to influence others, one’s of what is good for him. generation: Noah, builder of the ark and motives must be pure; in the words of our regenerator of humanity after the Flood. sages, “Words that come from the heart Four Biblical Prototypes enter the heart.” Deep down, a person will An exploration of the history of humanity, as In Noah, we find the first stirrings of always sense whether you truly have his recounted in the Torah, reveals four figures who a departure from self to improve and interests at heart, or whether you’re filling personified four different points of reference on rehabilitate one’s fallen fellow. In the a need of your own by seeking to change the relationship between self and fellow. year 1536 from creation (2225 BCE) him. If your work to enlighten your fellow 12 stems from a desire to “do the right thing”— No Strings Attached was utterly selfless. His was an unconditional to observe the mitzvot to “love your fellow But even Abraham’s love is still not the love, one that is unassuming of what they as yourself” and “rebuke your fellow”—but ultimate. It took another four centuries ought to be or what they are on a deeper, yet without really caring about the result, your for the epitome of selfless devotion to unrealized level. He loved them as they were, call will be met with scant response. The echo one’s fellow to emerge, in the person of and did everything in his power to satisfy their of personal motive, be it the most laudable Moses. needs, both material and spiritual. of personal motives, will be sensed, if only subconsciously, by the object of your efforts, Abraham’s virtue over Noah was When Moses pleaded with G-d on behalf of and will ultimately put him off. that his objective in relating to others the worshippers of the Golden Calf, he did not lay not in realizing the potential of say, “Forgive them because they will repent,” The Departure from Self his social self (as was the case with or “Forgive them for they carry great potential,” Ten generations later was born an individual Noah), but in achieving the desired only, “Forgive them. And if You won’t, erase me who raised the concept of man’s devotion to result: to transform their behavior and from Your Torah.” Either You accept the sinner the welfare of his neighbor to new and selfless character, bringing to light their good as he is, or put together a nation and a Torah heights. This man was Abraham, the first Jew. and perfect essence. But therein also without me. lies the limitation of Abraham’s love: Abraham, too, faced a corrupt and pagan world; ultimately, Abraham’s kindness had The difference between Moses and his indeed, his title, “the Hebrew,” is associated an ulterior motive. True, it was not a predecessors is also reflected in the extent of with the fact that “the entire world stood on personal motive; true, it was a motive their influence on their fellows. Enoch, with one side, and he stood on the other.” After that spells the recipient’s ultimate good, his wholly self-directed righteousness, had coming to recognize the Creator, he devoted and is consistent with the recipient’s no influence, and was himself susceptible to his life to bringing the belief and ethos of a one true self; but it was an ulterior motive influence. Noah—who extended himself to G-d to his generation. Wherever he went, he nonetheless. his fellows, but only because he recognized “caused G-d’s name to be known in the world.” that concern for one’s fellow is an integral part Abraham also concerned himself with the Our sages describe how Abraham’s of a perfect self—was not influenceable, but more mundane needs of his fellows, offering hospitality was but a means to achieve did not influence. Abraham’s teaching and his tent as an open house of refreshment and his goal of converting his guests to instruction, free of such personal bias, was lodging for all desert wayfarers, regardless of a belief in G-d. The same is true of embraced by multitudes of followers; but since spiritual station. Abraham’s valiant prayer on behalf of even Abraham’s efforts fell short of the pure the Sodomites. He beseeched G-d to definition of selflessness, his influence was The selflessness of Abraham’s concern for spare them because of the righteous correspondingly limited. Today, we have no his fellow is demonstrated by his daring in their midst—as long as righteous traceable heirs to Abraham’s disciples. (What, intervention on behalf of the five sinful cities individuals remain in a city, there is hope indeed, ever became of the “souls they had of the Sodom valley. G-d had decided to for the wicked as well. On a deeper made in Charan”?) But the effects of Moses’ destroy these cities for their wicked ways. level, he was referring to the “righteous utterly selfless love are eternal: his guidance Abraham petitioned G-d on their behalf, one” within the wicked person, his and leadership of his people yielded a nation using the strongest terms to demand of G-d inner potential for good; spare them, whose endurance and unbroken continuity, to that he spare these cities for the sake of the Abraham was saying, because perhaps this very day, defies all laws of history. few righteous individuals they might contain. the good in them will triumph yet. As “It behooves You not to do such a thing,” he soon as he became aware that the “Outreach” Redefined challenged G-d, “to slay the righteous with wicked of Sodom were beyond hope, In order to truly influence a fellow, we must the wicked . . . Shall the judge of the universe he ceased his prayers. devote ourselves to him or her without regard not act justly?!” Abraham put his own spiritual to whether he or she will be influenced or integrity at risk for the sake of the most corrupt Such love and concern—for the sake not. He is a fellow human being who needs of sinners; he was prepared to incur G-d’s of the potential good that one sees your help. So help him. If she lacks something wrath upon himself, giving precedence to their in another—is a love that is tainted, material, help her. If she is spiritually lost, help physical lives over his own relationship with however minutely, with selfishness: her. Many can see the point of influencing a the Almighty. one is relating to one’s fellow not as fellow Jew to do a good deed, a mitzvah—to one’s fellow sees himself, but with put on tefillin, to perform a single act of charity, And because people sensed that he had their an eye to one’s own vision of him. to avoid a moral transgression—if this leads own good—and only their own good—at This allows for a reaction on his part to a greater involvement, and ultimately, heart, they responded. When Abraham and (expressed, unexpressed, or even a complete transformation. But when Sarah left Charan for the Holy Land, they were unconscious) that “you don’t care for confronted with a “lost case,” they feel it’s a joined by the “souls which they had made in me as I am, only for what you wish to waste of time. Why bother? Charan”—the community of men and women make of me. So you don’t really care who had rallied to their cause. Sixty-five years about me at all.” True, one’s only desire Why bother? Because you care about him, later, he was able to say to his servant Eliezer: is to reveal the other’s essential self; not only about what he ought to be, what “When G-d summoned me from the house of but this is a deeper, still unrealized, self. he will be, or what you see in him. He lacks my father, He was G-d of the heavens but not One’s love fails to address the other as something now, and you are privileged to be of the earth: the inhabitants of the earth did not he now expressly is, focusing instead of assistance. If you care for him because you recognize Him, and His name was not referred on one’s knowledge of what he latently expect to influence him, then chances are he to in the land. But now that I have made His is, and on what he can and ought to won’t respond. But if you care for him whether name familiar in the mouths of His creatures, make of himself. he responds or not, then he will respond. He is G-d in both heaven and earth.” In contrast, Moses’ love for his people 13 5 POWERFUL INSIGHTS FROM THE REBBE ON PARSHAS VAYEIRA

The Power of Self-Sacrifice

The Torah reading concludes with the story of the binding of Isaac, showing Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Throughout the Bible and our prayers, this demonstration of faith is mentioned repeatedly as one of the merits of our people. The commentaries ask, however, why Abraham’s fulfillment of G-d’s command is given this degree of importance. There are, countless examples of martyrdom throughout our people’s history. Men and women were willing - and actually did - sacrifice their lives and those of their children for the sake of our Jewish heritage.

One of the explanations given is that Abraham’s nature was characterized by love and kindness. These feelings dominated his character, therefore for him to perform an act that required him to overcome these feelings of love was doubly difficult.

Another interpretation underscores Abraham’s mission in the world at large. For years, he had preached to people Thirst for Torah of the need to worship G-d in one’s heart and to scorn the pagan practices of human sacrifice. To sacrifice his son would make him the laughingstock of all his neighbors and Parshas Vayeira begins by telling us that G-d appeared to render meaningless all of his years of effort. Nevertheless, Abraham while Abraham was “sitting at the entrance of he proceeded without hesitation. his tent, in the heat of the day.” Abraham’s full-hearted commitment endows us with a Why was he sitting there? To look for guests. Abraham wealth of spiritual resources. We too can overcome our natural tendencies, rise above them in G-d’s service and dedicated himself to deeds of kindness, feeding hungry commit ourselves to Him with eagerness and desire. And wayfarers in an effort to heighten their awareness of G-d. we all have the power to put behind us all thoughts of our reputation, and dedicate ourselves to fulfilling His command “Days are coming, [when people will be] hungry - but not without hesitation or doubt. for bread, thirsty - but not for water, but to hear the word of G-d.” And there must be people like Abraham ready to provide for them.

At times, this thirst may be consciously felt, and in other instances, a person may be unaware of his own thirst. But this lack of awareness does not change the reality. At the core of every man lies a soul that was created in the image of G-d. And every being seeks to express its fundamental identity. Therefore, when we emulate Abraham’s example and extend ourselves to these individuals, we will discover a readiness to respond that reflects their inner G-dly nature.

14 5 POWERFUL INSIGHTS FROM THE REBBE ON PARSHAS VAYEIRA

The Importance of Hospitality

The Torah portion of Vayeira begins by relating that G-d appeared to Abraham at the entrance of his tent. But when Abraham observed three strangers standing nearby, he got up, asked G-d to wait, and ran to greet the strangers and offer them hospitality.

Thus, for the sake of hospitality to strangers, Abraham left G-d waiting. Indeed, our Sages glean from Abraham’s conduct that “Hospitality to wayfarers is even greater than receiving the Divine Presence.” Such hospitable behavior has become an integral part of Jewish conduct — another example of the abovementioned pattern described by our Rabbis. Yet Abraham himself had no such commandment. What led him to feel that it was proper to forsake G-d for the sake of strangers?

Kindness toward others can be motivated by either magnanimity or humility.

Abraham’s Circumcision An example of kindness that results from humility is the charity exhibited by Abraham, who said of himself: Vayeira relates how G-d appeared to Abraham after “I am mere earth and ashes.” Because he felt himself his circumcision. Abraham’s circumcision had a unique to be less significant than all others, he felt it natural significance, taking place when he was ninety nine years to extend kindness and honor to all. old. Because Abraham’s kindness and hospitality stemmed from humility and self-effacement, he not Even when a Jew is ninety-nine, and not merely in only placed his physical life in jeopardy by battling calendrical years, but in uninterrupted years of service mighty kings to save the lives of others, but was even prepared to put his spiritual life in jeopardy — (for when the Torah describes Abraham as “advanced in something much more important to him than his days,” the Zohar comments that this means that each physical life. This superior brand of kindness is what day was complete in its service), he is still bound to motivated Abraham to leave G-d waiting while he circumcise himself, meaning, spiritually, to remove the went to greet passing strangers. “foreskin” of the world, that surface of selfish pleasures which conceals its true nature as the Divine creation.

For it is written in Pirkei Avot, “When a man is one hundred, it is as if he were already dead and passed away and removed from the world.” In other words, at such a point, in age or in spirit, when the world no longer masks the Divine, a man has achieved the inner meaning of circumcision. But before this, even by one year or one degree of holiness, the task remains unfulfilled.

15 CHOF CHESHVAN - THE REBBE RASHAB DISSEMINATION OF TORAH

he twentieth day of the month of MarCheshvan marks the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab, fifth leader Tof Chabad. The great emphasis he laid on disseminating Torah, exemplified by the founding of the Yeshivah Tomchei Temimim, teaches the vital importance of spreading Torah to all Jews.

The twentieth day of the month of MarCheshvan marks the birthday of the Rebbe Rashab, the fifth Rebbe of Chabad (born in 5621-1860). The Previous Rebbe revealed that a birthday is an auspicious time and holds a place of distinction in Jewish life. In previous generations only a few unique individuals knew this; now it has been made known to all Jews.

Everything has its proper time It is common experience that a subject in Torah may be revealed only at a later date. Even in regard to the written Torah we find some matters which were revealed after the Giving of the Torah; and certainly in regard to the oral Law, many new concepts such a lesson should be associated were unknown until propounded by with a special quality of the Rebbe All the above, however, concerned students of the Torah at a later date. Rashab, something on which he laid and affected only those students who greater emphasis than did the earlier lived in the vicinity. The real spreading The reason for this is that everything has Rebbeim. of Torah began with the founding of its proper time. If something has not been Tomchei Temimim, the purpose of revealed, it means that as yet no obligation The Rebbe Rashab was distinguished which was to attract students from all is attached to it. When the proper time by his dissemination of Torah, and over. And although in the times of the comes for it to be made known, it then not only the revealed aspect of Alter Rebbe people traveled to other becomes obligatory. Torah. He founded the Yeshivah places to spread Torah and Judaism, it Tomchei Temimim so that students was not the same type of dissemination We find this concept in respect to Torah in should learn “G-d’s Torah, the as achieved through the founding of general. The Midrash states that “Adam revealed Torah and the hidden Torah, Tomchei Temimim. However, it could was worthy that the Torah be given as a whole.” It should be “one Torah.” be said that the founding of Tomchei through him.” Yet it was only given twenty Temimim was indeed the aim of the six generations later, because “He has Dissemination of Torah to all earlier Rebbeim — but was actually made everything beautiful in its time.” regions implemented by the Rebbe Rashab. So, too, concerning the idea of a birthday. The preceding Rebbeim also devoted There was a period when its concept was themselves to the goal of spreading The directive from the birthday of the unknown; and when the time came for it to Torah. The Alter Rebbe had three Rebbe Rashab, then, concerns the be known, the Previous Rebbe revealed it “classes” where both the revealed dissemination of Torah. It is an eternal to all Jews. Of course, everything in Torah, and hidden realms of Torah were lesson, valid for all times and for all even new concepts propounded by later studied. The Tzemach Tzedek used Jews, for “we will walk in his paths students, “was given to Moshe from Sinai.” to send young men to different forevermore.” But when these matters are revealed places to learn under the supervision depends on their proper time. of Chabad teachers. Likewise, we Further lessons may be derived from find that there were young men the connection between the twentieth Everything can and must provide a who studied in Lubavitch where the of MarCheshvan, and Chanukah and directive in service to G-d; consequently, Rebbe Maharash lived. Indeed, this Shabbos. we must derive a lesson from the birthday system continued in the early years of the Rebbe Rashab. Understandably, of the Rebbe Rashab’s leadership. 16 Oil symbolizes the Esoteric The idea of Shabbos goes further not, nor could he take off the shoe The principal reason for establishing the — “then you shall delight in the already on. Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai festival of Chanukah was the miracle of the L-rd” and “you shall call the Shabbos told him that the cause was the good oil, and “oil” alludes to and symbolizes the ‘delight.’” It may be that a Jew news he had just received, for “good hidden part of Torah. This is the connection will devote himself completely to tidings make the bone fat.” If delightful to the twentieth of MarCheshvan, the Torah study only out of acceptance tidings can affect even physical bone, birthday of the Rebbe Rashab who of the yoke of heaven; and while delight certainly adds dimensions to founded Tomchei Temimim, the purpose of acceptance of the yoke of heaven the work of spreading Torah. which was the study of the revealed Torah is “the beginning of service and its together with the hidden, as “one Torah.” core and root,” one also must take But a Jew may think that all of the delight in Torah study. Our Sages above has no relevance to him, for, as The concept of Shabbos is that “then you say, “A person should always learn the Talmud states, “A person desires shall delight in the L-rd,” “you shall call the that part of Torah which is his heart’s a measure of his own to nine of his Shabbos ‘delight,’” and “all your work is desire,” for in addition to the general neighbor’s,” indicating that a person has done.” This is associated with Torah study, obligation to learn Torah, a person delight in something that is specifically for our Sages state that “the Torah was is also obligated to try and succeed his, something that he personally has given only to the eaters of the manna.” in his Torah study. And success worked on. Torah was spread through The eaters of the manna had no material depends on one studying with all the efforts of the Rebbe Rashab and worries, for all their needs were taken care one’s abilities, including having a the Previous Rebbe. What delight then of: bread from heaven (manna); water from desire for and delight in the subject. can he have in spreading Torah, when it the well of Miriam; and clothing that was was the Rebbe Rashab’s initiative? protected by the clouds of glory. Since they Spreading Torah with had no worries about material needs, they Enthusiasm The answer is “You shall call Shabbos could learn Torah properly. This, then, is the lesson from the ‘delight.’” Although Shabbos of itself is twentieth of MarCheshvan and the concept of delight, a Jew, through The lesson from this is that to study Torah Shabbos: the dissemination of his service, can add to the delight of properly, a Jew must be on the level of the Torah must be with delight and Shabbos — and therefore it becomes “eaters of the manna,” not allowing material enthusiasm. When this is so, the “a measure of his own.” Every Jew can worries to distract him from learning Torah spreading of Torah receives added follow in the footsteps of the Rebbe properly. Similarly, on Shabbos, “all your dimensions, as can be seen from a Rashab, and every Jew can, and must, work is done” — meaning G-d takes care narrative in the Talmud. The Roman disseminate Torah. of the work — and a Jew therefore has general Vespasian was putting on no material worries on Shabbos and can his shoes when he heard that he had devote himself completely to Torah study. been made emperor. When he tried to put on the second shoe he could

Abraham passed ten tests in his lifetime. But why did G-d need to test him? Doesn’t G-d know what is in a man’s heart?

But when G-d challenges you, the challenge itself lifts you higher, much higher, to a place you could never reach on your own. It reveals entirely hidden capacities, granting you access to powers you never imagined you had.

When G-d throws you a challenge, don’t say, “I cannot pass this test. It’s beyond me.” It may be true that you were never capable. But thanks to this challenge, now you are.

17 MY ENCOUNTER WITH THE REBBE MITZVAH FIRST, PARTY LATER RABBI NOCHUM COHEN Ganim, a poor neighborhood in southwest be sent on some sort of mission. But that y father was one of the founders Jerusalem. There I gave classes on Ben Ish was not what the Rebbe had in mind. of the Tiferet Yisrael yeshivah Chai, the writings of a famed Baghdadi in Jerusalem, which functioned sage, at the Shevet Achim synagogue. “Many Moroccan Jews make a mistake,” Munder the leadership of the Rebbe of he said. “Although a Jewish boy must Boyan, a branch of the Ruzhin chasidic The Rebbe approved. “That’s what I start putting on tefillin from his thirteenth dynasty. And I was one of its first students. meant,” he said. “Why didn’t you say that birthday, they wait until the Bar Mitzvah in the first place?” party. Please tell them in my name that During my years in that yeshivah, I became the mitzvah of tefillin must begin at age very connected to the Boyaner Rebbe He wasn’t so interested in how I occupied thirteen. The celebration can be later on.” and, in 1969, I decided to visit him in New myself as a private person, but how I was York. To get there, I joined a charter flight using my G-d-given talents to make a I told the Rebbe that I had never heard of of Chabad chasidim who were traveling difference in the lives of others. this, but the Rebbe reminded me that I to the Lubavitcher Rebbe just before the Then the conversation turned to the had promised to do as he asked. High Holidays, and as member of their different Jewish communities — group, I was invited to meet with their Ashkenazi and Sephardi — with the Indeed, the matter came up as soon as I Rebbe. I accepted that invitation and so Rebbe specifically mentioning the returned to Israel. I went to spend Shabbat did a friend of mine. Lithuanian, Moroccan, Yemenite, and at the Shevet Achim synagogue, and when Iraqi. “You need to understand the nature I entered, the gabbai in charge approached My friend went in first. Afterwards, he of each community,” he advised me, “so me with: “Rabbi, it’s so nice that you came, told me that the Rebbe asked him for his that you can effectively respond to their especially because we have a double Bar name, and after he answered “Barzel,” the needs.” Mitzvah of two brothers, and we need Rebbe remarked, “Barzel? Twelve years someone to give a speech.” ago, someone by the name of Barzel The Rebbe also advised me not to attempt visited me. Are you related?” to alter their versions of the prayer service. “A double Bar Mitzvah?” I asked. “Are they twins?” Indeed, his uncle, Rabbi Ezra Barzel, had “Each community should pray according visited the Rebbe in the past. When my to its ways. They have very fine roots. “No, one boy is already fourteen, and the friend later told his uncle what the Rebbe Each one has its customs, and you must other is turning thirteen.” had said, the man was shocked. “In the understand their traditions to know how “Tell me, has the fourteen-year-old begun twelve years that have gone by since I to relate to them.” putting on tefillin?” visited the Rebbe I hadn’t written him, spoken to him, or seen him. So how did he That was the gist of the conversation. “There hasn’t been a party for him yet. remember me after all these years, during At the time, I didn’t understand why the How can he put on tefillin?” which he must have met thousands of Rebbe chose to speak with me about the other people?” different Jewish communities. But, in later I banged my hand on the lectern. “I have years, it became clear that the Rebbe was a message from the Lubavitcher Rebbe!” When I entered the Rebbe’s study, I felt guiding me for the work that was in store I announced. “A boy must put on tefillin very emotional and I could hardly utter for me. from the age of thirteen, no matter when a word. But when the Rebbe began the party takes place.” speaking to me, I felt more at ease. There came a time when I was involved in the building of a yeshivah in Migdal People were surprised to hear this. They He asked me who I was and what I was HaEmek, a development town in northern simply had no idea. It turned out that doing New York, and when he heard that Israel then populated largely by Jews who much of this community was under the I was visiting the Boyaner Rebbe, he fled Muslim countries. Although I was the impression that the obligation of keeping requested that I convey his regards. principal of the school, my job didn’t end mitzvot began with the celebration — no Then he asked, “And what do you do?” with the students. I made sure to build matter when it was held — and not, as I answered that the first half of the day I relationships with their parents. Through Jewish law demands, from the age of Bar study at the Ruzhiner yeshivah and the each student, I gained a connection to his Mitzvah. But they thanked me for pointing second half at the Mir yeshivah. family. With each family, I saw just how this out to them. important it was for me to understand Hearing this, the Rebbe gave me a stern their unique community in order to know The Rebbe gave me that insight and look. “I wasn’t asking what you are doing how to engage its members. more. When he asked me, “What are in your private life,” he said. “I want to you accomplishing?” it was clear that know what you are accomplishing.” At the end of the audience, the Rebbe said, he believed that I needed to be active in “I want to ask you to do me a personal helping others. This lit a fire under me, and I answered that — on behalf of the Mir favor. Will you do it?” to this day, it motivates me to continue to yeshivah which encouraged its students teach Torah wherever I can. to teach — I traveled every evening to Ir “Of course,” I answered, fully expecting to 18 STORIES WITH SOUL

aying the “foundation stone” help and the Ruzhiner pleaded with cannot properly judge my case. I for the Tzemach Tzedek’s shul the tax collector. Once more the rent demand to be judged by a court of [Rabbi Menachem Mendel, the was forgiven, but to no avail. The tax people who once lived on earth and Lthird Lubavitcher Rebbe] was cause collector found himself again in the are familiar with such matters,” he for great joy and celebration. The same position, paying the poritz the said. Chasidim set up rows of tables and monthly rent from his own pocket. He benches and made a farbrengen, had stretched as far as he could go A heavenly court was quickly or gathering, in honor of the happy and he decided that he had no choice convened, consisting of the BaCh event. When the Tzemach Tzedek but to actually evict his impoverished (Rabbi Yoel Sirkis, great Polish arrived he turned to his followers with tenant. scholar; 1561-1640) and the Beit a question: “Which would you prefer? Yosef (Rabbi Yosef Karo, codifier of Would you like to hear a Chasidic The familiar scene played itself out a the Shulchan Aruch; 1488-1575). discourse or would you prefer that third time, as the innkeeper traveled After hearing both sides of the case, I tell you a story?” The Chasidim all to Ruzhin and the Ruzhiner called they too found him culpable. chose to hear the story. for Reb Yaakov the tax collector. This The Tzemach Tzedek began: time, however, the Ruzhiner was “The only reason I was found guilty unable to get him to budge. is because these two Tzadikim have There was once a man by the name of been absent from the physical world Reb Yaakov, who was a Chasid of the “I’ve done all that is humanly possible,” for such a long time that they forgot holy Ruzhiner Rebbe (Rabbi Yisrael he answered the Ruzhiner’s pleas. “I what money is,” Reb Yaakov insisted Friedman of Ruzhin, great- grandson forgave him his debts not once, but in his own defense. “I demand that of the Maggid of Mezritch). twice. More than this I’m not willing my case be judged by people who to concede. It’s my money that’s at this moment inhabit the physical Reb Yaakov was an innkeeper who involved here, not the Rebbe’s!” he realm!” leased an inn from a Jewish tax stormed. collector, also named Reb Yaakov. The Tzemach Tzedek paused at this This Reb Yaakov was a very honest The hapless tenant and his family point in the story. “What do you think?” and G-d fearing man, who, in turn, were evicted. he asked the group of Chasidim who rented the inn from its true owner, were listening attentively. the poritz, who owned all the local It was not until many years later, properties and rented them out to when Reb Yaakov the tax collector No one dared open his mouth. The various individuals. The innkeeper passed away and his soul ascended Rebbe’s question was met with a was a very poor man and had not on high to the World of Truth, that protracted silence. been able to pay his rent for a very his moment of reckoning came. The long time. After a long period of prosecuting angels insisted that Reb “I believe that Reb Yaakov is correct,” grace, the tax collector sent notice to Yaakov be found guilty for evicting a continued the Tzemach Tzedek. “What Reb Yaakov that he would be evicted poor Jewish man and his family from do you think?” is he did not come up with the money. their home and preventing him from Reb Yaakov went to his rebbe, the earning a living, however meager. The Rebbe then pronounced: holy Ruzhiner, for advice. “Gerecht, gerecht, gerecht (not guilty, “What did I do that was so terrible!” not guilty, not guilty).” The Ruzhiner begged the tax collector answered Reb Yaakov in his own to have pity on the poor innkeeper defense. “How many times did I Those present then realized that the and his hungry children, and to free waive all his debts and allow him to Tzemach Tzedek had just vindicated him from his formidable debt. Being take as long as he wanted to pay the Reb Yaakov the tax collector up in a straight and honest individual, the rent? Not only that, but I lowered the heaven and decided the case in his tax collector agreed. He not only amount several times as well. What favor. waived the money he owed , but even else could I have possibly done? Was lowered the future rent, stipulating I supposed to throw away all my own only that he pay on time in the future, money for his sake?” he complained. as he too had bills to pay. “Furthermore,” he testified, “What do Unfortunately things continued to you know about money? You angels go badly and the innkeeper received have no conception of money and another eviction notice. Again the cannot understand its value to those innkeeper ran to the Ruzhiner for of us down below. You therefore 19 STRANGER ON A TRAIN

arcel Sternberger, a photographer, was a creature of habit. He used to take Mthe 9:09 Long Island Railroad to Woodside every morning. But on the morning of January 10, 1948, he didn’t do it. He decided to go and visit a sickly friend who was dying. He wanted to pay him a visit because he knew he wouldn’t be around that much longer. As a result, Marcel hopped on a different train – a train that he had never ridden before. this story. The more he listened, the husband’s name is?” As he got on another man got up more familiar the account sounded to hurriedly to leave. This left a vacant him. He asked, “What is your wife’s Rather shocked, the lady answered, seat which Marcel managed to get. name?” “My husband’s name is Bela Paskin.” Sitting next to him was a man who was reading a Hungarian newspaper. The stranger said, “My wife’s name “Can you tell me a little more about Marcel Sternberger, being of is Maria. My last name is Paskin. It’s him?” Hungarian decent himself, eventually Maria Paskin.” struck up a conversation with the Again, the two stories were identical. fellow. He asked the stranger what Sternberger took out his wallet and Sternberger said, “Just a moment, I he was doing in New York City. The found a dog-eared piece of paper. think you’re about to witness one of man replied that he was in the city As he looked down he saw the the greatest miracles you will ever looking for his wife. name Maria Paskin with a telephone see.” Then, as Marcel held on to the number. He had met the lady at a receiver, he called Bela Paskin into “What do you mean, you’re looking party some time back. She had shared the booth and he said, “Would you for your wife?” with him the same story that he had please speak to this person?” just heard. For some reason, he made The stranger then said, “Well, my a note of her name and number. In about 10 seconds or so Bela’s wife and I used to live in Dubreken expression changed. His look was in Hungary. During the war, I was Marcel then said, “Look, I want to do beyond description. He then started taken away and made to work in the something for you now. What is your to scream as the tears profusely Ukraine burying the German dead. In name?” poured down his creeks, “It’s Maria! time I managed to escape and run It’s Maria! It’s Maria!” back to freedom. When I returned He said, “My name is Bela Paskin.” home, I found that my wife had also Marcel Sternberger took him away been taken away by the Nazis. One “Bela, get off with me at the next from the telephone and hailed a taxi. of the neighbors said they thought station.” He was going to go with his new she had been taken to Auschwitz and friend to be a part of the moment therefore she would have been killed As they got off of the train, Marcel when he decided that the occasion in the gas ovens.” went over to a phone and called the was too sacred for him to witness. So number on the dog-eared piece of he put Bela Paskin into the cab, paid Someone else told him that they paper. After many, many, rings a the taxi driver, told him where to take thought that the Americans had feeble voice answered the phone. him, and sent him on to the reunion arrived in time to save some of the Marcel asked if he was speaking to of his dreams. prisoners and had taken some of Maria Paskin and she said that he them to America. His wife might was. He then went on to say, “Maria, have been among those that were my name is Marcel Sternberger. We rescued. He said, “By a long shot, I’m met some weeks ago.” hoping my wife is here.” She said that remembered him. He Marcel Sternberger kept listening to said, “Can you tell me what your 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 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 305-323-2410 PLEASE CHECK 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 USING THE ZOOM APP / ONLINE and classes geared toward women in the community. Our objective is to bring women of all ages and backgrounds DURING THIS TIME. 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

HOMEMADE JACHNUN and smooth. Cover with a towel and set aside for 1 hour. by Tiktok Test Kitchen Lightly oil a large container or glass casserole. Oil your hands and coat the dough with a thin layer of oil. INGREDIENTS 8 cups all-purpose four Separate the dough into 10 balls. Roll each one into a tight ball ¼ cup sugar and place in oiled container. Cover with a towel and let rest 5 ½ teaspoon baking powder minutes. 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon kosher salt Preheat oven to 225℉. Line a deep pot with parchment paper 2½ cups warm water and lightly oil. 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for coating For each ball generously coat with oil and fatten as thin as ½ cup butter or ghee or olive oil, plus more as needed possible with the palm of your hands.

Spread butter, ghee or olive oil over top. Then beginning folding PREPARATION and rolling. Place four, sugar, baking powder, honey, and salt in a large bowl. Fold the left side over towards the center and then the right side. From the narrow edge slowly roll up the dough into a Add water and stir until the dough is shaggy and the water has tight cylinder. Place in prepared pot in a single layer, top with been absorbed. parchment then add the second layer on top, across in a crosshatch pattern, repeat with a third layer. Top with parchment Knead the dough in the bowl for 2 minutes. and layer of raw eggs.

Set the dough aside at room temperature to rest for 5 minutes. Cover and seal pot tightly. Place in oven and bake for 12 hours. The next morning remove from oven and serve with eggs, Stretch and fold the dough a few times until the dough feels nice pickles and tomato dip.

27 FRENCH CONNECTION REFLEXIONS SUR LA PARACHA Vivre avec la paracha Le mythe de la charité comme le « banquier » de D.ieu, celui qui a le Pas de ça chez nous! privilège d’avoir été choisi par D.ieu pour par Yanki Tauber dispenser aux autres les ressources de Sa création. es Juifs ne croient pas en la charité. D.ieu aurait pu partager de façon égale toutes les Ne vous laissez pas abuser par leur richesses de Son monde entre tous ses habitants. Lphilanthropie légendaire, le nombre incroyable Mais alors, le monde n’aurait été rien de plus de leurs organisations sociales et humanitaires qu’une manifestation du pouvoir créateur de D. ou par leur invention de la boîte de charité, du ieu, aussi prévisible qu’un jeu vidéo et aussi mechoula’h et de l’Appel Unifé. Dites-le vous statique qu’une œuvre d’art dans un musée. D.ieu bien : les Juifs ne pratiquent pas la charité et ce voulait un monde dynamique, un monde dans concept est virtuellement inexistant dans la lequel l’homme, lui aussi, est créateur et nourricier. tradition juive. Un monde dont le contrôle a été remis, dans une certaine mesure, à des êtres qui ont la possibilité Au lieu de la charité, le Juif fait la Tsédaka, ce qui de remplir ou bien de manquer à leur rôle. serve dans mon travail. Mais mes jours et mes signife la « droiture » et la « justice ». Quand un nuits sont occupés par la prière, l’étude, Juif aide par son argent, son temps ou ses Aussi, la loi juive requiert-elle que chaque l’enseignement de la Torah et le temps que je ressources les nécessiteux, il n’est pas en train individu donne la Tsédaka, même si lui-même ne passe à donner des conseils à ceux qui me d’être bienveillant, généreux ou « charitable ». Il vit que grâce à la Tsédaka qu’il reçoit des autres. sollicitent. Je n’ai pas le temps de m’occuper de fait ce qui est droit et juste. Si le but de la Tsédaka n’était que de rectifer la gérer tout cet argent. C’est ainsi que ces sommes distribution inégale des richesses entre les riches On raconte l’histoire d’un riche ‘hassid qui reçut ont été placées entre les mains d’un certain et les pauvres, cette loi n’aurait aucun sens. La un jour une lettre de son Rabbi, Rabbi Avraham nombre de « banquiers », des gens qui se donnent Tsédaka toutefois, est bien plus que cela : c’est Yehochoua Héschel de Apt, lui demandant de comme devoir de soutenir mon travail. Quand tu l’opportunité qui est donnée à chacun de devenir donner 200 roubles pour sauver un homme as échoué dans ton rôle, mon compte avec toi a « un partenaire de D.ieu dans la création ». menacé d’une ruine fnancière. Mais cette lettre été transféré à un autre « banquier ». arrivait à un moment où les affaires étaient Donner la Tsédaka est, par-dessus tout, un geste Dans notre monde si manifestement – et parfois particulièrement diffciles et contenait une qui rend humble. Devant nous, se tient un être violemment – partagé entre la prospérité et la requête pour une somme très importante. Après humain moins fortuné que nous. Nous savons que pauvreté, il existe deux points de vue généraux un moment de réfexion, le ‘hassid décida de ne D.ieu aurait pu très facilement lui donner tout ce sur la richesse et la propriété. pas répondre à la demande du Rabbi. dont il a besoin, au lieu de faire en sorte qu’il a) Qu’il s’agit des possessions légitimes de ceux vienne à nous pour que nous subvenions à ses Peu de temps après, la fortune du ‘hassid qui les ont gagnées ou héritées. S’ils choisissent besoins. Voici une personne qui souffre de la commença à décliner. Une aventure fnancière de partager même une petite quantité de leurs pauvreté pour pouvoir nous donner à nous rencontra un échec retentissant, puis une autre et biens, c’est considéré comme un acte noble et l’occasion d’accomplir un acte divin ! bientôt, il avait tout perdu. digne de louanges. - Rabbi ! s’écria-t-il lorsqu’il eut obtenu une De la même manière, si la Providence divine nous b) Que la répartition inégale des ressources de la entrevue avec son Rabbi. Je sais pourquoi tout place en position de recevoir un don charitable, terre parmi ses habitants est un scandale. cela m’est arrivé. Mais en quoi mon péché était-il nous ne devons pas en être démoralisés. Car nous Posséder plus que sa part est une injustice voire si terrible pour mériter une telle punition ? Et est- savons que D.ieu aurait pu tout aussi bien un crime. Donner aux nécessiteux n’est pas une « ce juste de punir sans avertir ? Si vous m’aviez dit pourvoir Lui-même à tous nos besoins, et que bonne action », mais la rectifcation d’un tort. combien il était important de donner ces 200 notre obligation de recourir à une aide humaine existe seulement pour donner à l’autre la roubles, j’aurais obéi à la lettre à vos instructions La tradition juive rejette ces deux perspectives. possibilité la volonté divine. Notre « bienfaiteur » ! Selon la loi de la Torah, donner aux nécessiteux nous donne de l’argent ou une autre ressource, est une mitsva – un commandement et une - Mais tu n’as pas du tout été puni, répliqua le mais nous lui donnons quelque chose de bien bonne action. Cela signife d’un côté que ce n’est Rabbi. plus important : l’occasion de devenir le partenaire pas un acte arbitraire, mais un devoir et une de D.ieu dans la création. - Que voulez-vous dire ? Toute ma richesse m’a obligation. Mais de l’autre côté, c’est une bonne action, un acte méritoire pour celui qui reconnaît été enlevée ! Selon les paroles de nos Sages : « Bien plus que son devoir et accomplit son obligation. - Rien de ce qui t’appartenait ne t’a été enlevé, dit le riche fait pour le pauvre, le pauvre accomplit pour le riche. » le Rabbi. Vois-tu, quand mon âme est descendue Le Juif croit dans le fait que la richesse matérielle sur terre, un certain nombre de ressources n’est pas un crime, mais une bénédiction de D.ieu. matérielles me furent attribuées pour que je m’en Celui qui a été béni de la sorte doit se considérer 28 LATIN LINK REFLEXION SEMANAL Parasha de la Semana Creyendo nuevamente Por Yosef Lewis

aminando por los senderos de un Auschwitz esterilizado por el tiempo Cpasado desde los horrores perpetrados aquí, comencé a dudar de la humanidad y de su Creador. Miré el exuberante verde de un árbol reflejado en un charco, combatiendo el hecho obvio de que los árboles no pueden ser verdes aquí, y que el agua no puede reflejarlos. Este es el infierno en la tierra. Sin embargo, aunque soy conciente de esto, no siento pena por el asesinato sin sentido de millones de mis hermanos. Sólo un vacío, la nada de una cabeza que no está pensando. Me siento suspendido en un mundo que no puedo comprender.

Primero arribé a Auschwitz-Birkenau, donde rayados azules y blancos eran ubicados en darás a luz un niño”. Sara, comprensiblemente al menos 1.100.000 judíos fueron muertos un enorme horno de aire caliente para matar descreída, se ríe ante la perspectiva de dar durante el Holocausto. Un extenso campo a los piojos ocultos en las costuras. Un cartel alguna vez a luz, dudando de que un cuerpo con chimeneas rojas desnudas. Sólo quedan afuera del edificio dice “Desinfección”. arruinado por el tiempo y la edad pueda restos de las barracas, porque los prisioneros concebir. las desmontaron como leña, desesperados Frente a la cámara de gas, un lento video por calentarse en el invierno después en blanco y negro de mi bisabuelo —Yaakov Sin embargo, a pesar de no estar dispuesta de la liberación. Un grupo de visitantes Shimon Leibowitz —comienza a rodar en a creer lo increíble, Sara finalmente da a luz camina indiferente a la santidad de este mi cabeza. Él se vuelve para una última un hermoso niño, Isaac. suelo, y escucho risas y conversaciones mirada hacia un cielo que nunca más será casuales cuando pasan. Otra joven pareja luminoso. Las aberturas del Zyklon B en los Ahora, mirando hacia atrás, recuerdo el está parada abrazándose apasionadamente, techos de las cámaras de gas se burlan de momento, un momento, de prístina claridad aparentemente desconociendo el millón mí, permitiendo que la luz del sol brille en en Auschwitz que me permitió, nuevamente, de últimos adioses pronunciados sólo unos paredes que han sido rascadas y arañadas creer. Estaba parado ante un enorme libro metros más adelante. por manos que trataban de seguir vivas. de visitantes, sus amarillentas páginas llamándome a escribir un pensamiento. Llegué a Auschwitz propiamente dicho. Aun después de dejar Auschwitz, la La entrada a Auschwitz: la vi mil veces, destrucción permaneció en mi mente, Escribí: “Ustedes son recordados. Ustedes en mil fotos y videos. Arroja una pesada, arrojando una sombra de duda que me han sobrevivido. Sus muertes fueron en amenazadora sombra, sobre las vías del tren, dejó congelado. Meses después estaba vano, pero sus vidas no. He vuelto a este vías que se dirigen derecho hacia la boca estudiando el Capítulo 18 de Génesis y se lugar para declarar que nosotros, la Familia de la bestia. Camino a lo largo de la vía del me ocurrió un pensamiento. Lezerowitz, estamos vivos”. tren, mi cabeza resonando con la descripción de Elie Wiesel describiendo a los malvados Encontramos a Abraham sentado afuera Fue el momento en que finalmente derramé y babeantes perros mordiendo a un de su tienda, recuperándose de su reciente una lágrima, ya no dubitativo o indiferente. El tembloroso niño que acaba de desembarcar circuncisión. A pesar del ardiente sol, milagro del nacimiento de Isaac, el milagro tras un viaje infernal. tres figuras se aproximaron a su tienda. de mi existencia. A simple vista, nada es tan Dolorido por la operación, pero indomable imposible como parece. Entro a un edificio bajo, de apariencia inocua, como siempre, Abraham corre a darles la como lo son la mayoría de las construcciones bienvenida. Un banquete de asombrosas en Auschwitz. Casi parece invitador en este proporciones comienza —un toro por caluroso día. El piso está cubierto con una huésped es degollado. Desenmascarándose plataforma de vidrio que evita que toquen como ángeles cumpliendo una misión, uno el piso desnudo. Aquí los prisioneros eran bendice a Sara, la esposa de Abraham. El despiojados y afeitados. Sus uniformes ángel dice “En esta época, el próximo año 29 NUMBERS TO KNOW

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

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