WEEKLY PARSHAT MISHPATIM. Synagogue FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBAT DAY GET CONNECTED FRIEND

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1 Boca Raton Synagogue WEEKLY PARSHAT MISHPATIM Stone Chumash Page 416 January 24 - January Shevat - 30 Shevat 5774 Generously sponsored by Paul, Tammy, Zach, Rachel & Jacob Clarke in honor of Sam becoming a Bar Mitzvah. RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG Marah D asrah RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ Assistant Rabbi DAVID WOLGIN, PhD President RABBI JOSH BROIDE Outreach Rabbi RABBI URI PILICHOWSKI Teen Rabbi RABBI MORDECHAI SMOLARCIK Rabbi, BRS West FRIDAY NIGHT Candle Lighting Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat SHABBAT DAY Rabbi s Class 5:39 pm 4:30 pm Going to Pot: A Jewish Perspective on Marijuana Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Shabbat Mincha Ma ariv/havdalah 5:30 pm 6:35 pm RABBI KENNETH BRANDER Rabbi Emeritus MATTHEW HOCHERMAN Synagogue Administrator ALIZA PILICHOWSKI Youth Director KERRY PURCELL Editor-in-Chief of the Weekly GET CONNECTED Friend us on Facebook Boca Raton Synagogue Follow us FRIEND Check out Jewish Pride Films for our latest videos HAHN JUDAIC CAMPUS 7900 MONTOYA CIRCLE N. BOCA RATON, FLORIDA (561) FAX (561) OFFICE@BRSONLINE.ORG

2 FROM THE RABBI S DESK A prominent Modern Orthodox high school announced this week that girls who want to wear tefillin during davening at school would be permitted to do so. Not to be outdone, a second school quickly proclaimed that they, too, would allow it. News spread like wildfire and the headlines quickly went from, Modern Orthodox Girls Fight for the Right to Don Tefillin, to an editorial entitled, Why Women Can and Must Lay Tefillin. Avoiding Religious Hubris Predictably, the reaction has been mixed with traditionalists rejecting the change and the more progressive segment of orthodoxy celebrating the welcome change. Noticeably absent from the conversation, at least from my perspective, is an argument about the halachic merits or challenges of the decision. Instead, the reaction has been largely driven by emotion, ideology and agenda, in both directions. Many responded by wondering what s the big deal, after all didn t Rashi s daughters wear tefillin. In an excellent article in Jewish Action, Rabbi Ari Zivotofsky compellingly dispels this historical fact as a misconception and myth, though he does point out that Michal, the daughter of King Shaul, did in fact wear tefillin. Regardless, it is clearly not the prevalent custom for Orthodox women to wear tefillin and so these policy announcements represent a significant shift and change. The Shulchan Aruch (o.c. 38:3) is clear that as a time-bound mitzvah, women are exempt from tefillin. Unlike other timebound mitzvos such as sukkah, lulav and shofar, the Rama, Rav Moshe Isserless, the authority of Ashkenazic Jewry, discourages women from volunteering when it comes to tefillin and in fact says that if they choose to wear tefillin, mochin b yadam, we should object. The Gra, also known as the Vilna Gaon, goes even further and says women are outright forbidden from wearing tefillin. Their positions stem from an unusual requirement when wearing tefillin. As sacred objects similar to a mezuzah or Sefer Torah, tefillin require a high level of concentration and a pristine physical state. Maintaining those levels has been determined to be exceedingly difficult today and, therefore, though in previous generations men wore tefillin most of the day, now we wear them for a minimal amount of time. The authorities that discourage and disapprove of women wearing tefillin do so on the grounds that they are exempt and therefore, should not put themselves in a position to potentially dishonor the tefillin by losing concentration or the proper physical state. Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan advances a more mystical argument for women s exemption from tefillin. He explains that the tefillin box is called bayis, home. Kabbalah describes the tefillin as symbolic of the womb and the retzuos, the straps, as representing the umbilical cord. The tefillin bind us to God by reminding us of our obligation to create and to nurture with compassion. Men need external symbols to remind them, but women, he argues, create and nurture with their bodies and therefore don t need them. To be honest, my personal discomfort with the policy decision announced this week has less to do with strict halachic objection for which there are counterarguments, and more to do with an often neglected halachic value called mechzei k yuhara. Forget women and tefillin for a moment. If a man wanted to wear tefillin the whole day as they did in the past, would we encourage him or frown upon the practice? The Shulchan Aruch Ha Rav written by the R Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the first Lubavitcher Rebbe, says that since today the custom is not to wear tefillin other than during davening, to do so publicly is mechzei k yuhara, smacks of arrogance and hubris. There was once a student at YU who would walk through Washington Heights wearing his tallis and tefillin while going to daven. A concerned individual asked Rav Schachter to intercede and encourage the young man to stop this practice that was drawing negative attention. Rav Schachter related to us that he didn t want to embarrass the young man so he told him a story with the hope he would understand. A man once asked a prominent posek if a particular practice was mechzei k yuhara, appeared arrogant. No, said the posek, it is yuhara mamesh, it is actually arrogant. Unfortunately, the young man did not get the message. Mechzei k yuhara, refraining from unusual and radical practices even though they are otherwise virtuous, is a meta-halachic consideration in many areas. A simple search for mechzei k yuhara in the Bar-Ilan responsa project yields dozens and dozens of results in which halachic authorities throughout the ages have rejected halachickly acceptable behavior on the grounds that it is a departure from accepted practice and therefore, mechzei k yuhara, divisive and promoting superiority. Page 2

3 The mechzei k yuhara consideration doesn t judge or question motivation. Even if the man or woman is purely motivated, if the behavior is an outlier to what is customary, even when it is stricter, it is inappropriate because it smacks of religious superiority. What everyone else does is not good enough for the individual taking on a practice outside of the norms. I believe the philosophy of mechzei k yuhara is that we should embrace and excel at what we are obligated in and what is customary, rather than spiritually one-up those around us. Mechzei k yuhara teaches us that the truly pious person doesn t try to stand out in his religious fervor, creativity or scrupulousness. Quite the opposite; the truly righteous person blends in and is loyal to the local customs and norms. Mechzei k yehura means we don t seek to be creative, distinctive or unique in the way we observe halacha. We seek to fit in and conform to the traditions and customs of the community without needing to make a personal statement through our superior practice. Of course we should strive to grow in our religious experience, level of observance and commitment to Jewish values, but all within the communal religious norms and customs and not outside or above them. I was talking to a teenage girl and mentioned the new policy at these schools. Her response was, Cool, I didn t know girls can wear tefillin. I wonder what that is like, I would try that. Shouldn t we encourage our young women to embrace and excel at the laws and customs that are incumbent on them before inviting them to experiment with new spiritual experiences? Shouldn t we help them find meaning and inspiration in the traditional observant lifestyle, rather than reinforce the notion that spirituality is found in that which is radical, revolutionary or innovative? Shouldn t we be confident that our young men and women are committed to vigilantly observe halacha before granting them license to take on behaviors that their parents and grandparents didn t feel worthy to perform? Rather than discuss women wearing tefillin, we should be discussing ways to inspire our young men to maintain a commitment to never miss a day of putting on tefillin, even if they struggle to find it meaningful or uplifting. Rather than encouraging our young women to wear tefillin, we should be encouraging them to find expression and inspiration in the Torah s prescription for femininity and womanhood. Our young people don t need radical change leaving them as outliers from communal norms; they need to be taught radical commitment to halacha and tradition with fervor, enthusiasm and meaning. Follow the Rabbi at twitter.com/ rabbigoldberg Friend the Rabbi on facebook Efrem Goldberg Good Shabbos, Share the Rabbi s blog on PARSHAT MISHPATIM SUMMARY Rabbi Efrem Goldberg The Humane Treatment of Slaves: Death Penalty is imposed for: Willful murder, cursing a parent with Hashem s name, kidnaping, practicing witchcraft, bestiality, and idol sacrifice. Tort Law (1) Personal injury: (2) Property damage/theft. Treatment of strangers, widows, and orphans. A convert isn t to be wronged or insulted in any way, for the Jews were strangers in Egypt. Similar consideration must be shown to widows and orphans. Loans: Loans between Jews must be interest-free. Perversion of justice: The perversion of justice can be the greatest danger to the survival of a civilized society. Helping others: One must extend a helping hand to a fellow Jew, even if there is a rivalry between them. First fruit/born. The first fruits and produce of land and vineyards must be offered to Hashem; similarly, the firstborn of men are animals and to be dedicated to Him. Other laws: The prohibition against eating Treifeh; the Shemitta (7th) year; the complete abstention from work on Shabbat; the pilgrimage to Israel on the three Festivals; the prohibition against seething a kid in its mother s milk. Moshe goes up to Mt. Sinai: Moshe returned from the heights of Mt. Sinai and read the Book of the Covenant to the Jews, to which they instantly responded All that Hashem has spoken we will do and we will hear. Moshe, Aharon, Nadav, and Avihu, together with the 70 Elders, ascended the mountain, where they witnessed a mystical vision of the Divine Glory. After their descent, Moshe was summoned alone to receive the two tablets of stone on which Hashem had inscribed the ten Commandments. BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE DERECH ERETZ STATEMENT In the spirit of our mission Valuing Diversity and Celebrating Unity, we believe that a community is built on the collective engagement of individuals representing differing perspectives, whether religious, political, or social. As is an environment where all of its members and visitors need to feel valued and welcomed, members are required to comport themselves in a manner which reflects mutual respect and a sense of inclusiveness. In our Synagogue, we value debate about pressing issues. This is consistent with the American democratic tradition. Our sages saw the value of arguments conducted L Shem Shamayim, for the sake of heaven, believing that great minds who engage in respectful debate will arrive at better solutions. They valued and welcomed alternate views, as do we. Derech Eretz, good and proper conduct, and mutually respectful dialogue are core values of the Synagogue community. These create a safe place for inspiration and spiritual growth, the central purpose of the Synagogue. It is a violation of Jewish law and ethics to use harsh language (vitriol) to demonize or to marginalize people with whom one may disagree. Uncivil expression reflects negatively on our Synagogue as well as on the individuals who engage in such behavior. expects its members to act and to speak with kindness and sensitivity to others. It is only in this fashion that a strong, vibrant, and harmonious community can be created and maintained. Adherence to this policy is a requirement for membership in good standing at the. Page 3

4 SHABBAT SCHEDULE FRIDAY NIGHT Sephardic Minyan () 5:35 pm Candle Lighting 5:39 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sancturay) Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm SHABBAT DAY Neitz Minyan () 6:25 am Hashkama Minyan () 7:25 am Sephardic Minyan () 8:30 am Ashkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) 9:00 am Sermon: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Shtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:30 am Teen Minyan (Berdugo Beit Midrash) 9:45 am Sof Zman Kriat Shema 9:50 am Youth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) 10:00 am Early Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 3:00 pm Rabbi s Class 4:30 pm Going to Pot: A Jewish Perspective on Marijuana Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Sephardic Mincha () Ashkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) Sh kiah Daf Yomi (Berdugo Beit Midrash) Ma ariv/havdalah SHABBAT LEARNING 5:25 pm 5:30 pm 5:58 pm between Mincha/Ma ariv 6:35 pm Sichot of the Lubavitcher Rebbe with Rabbi Levine (Shtiebel Biet Mid) 8:30 am Tefillah Insights with Rabbi Josh Broide (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 am Teachings of the Ba al Shem Tov (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:00 am Parshat Hashavua with Rabbi Dr. Zvi Yehuda (Board Room) 9:15 am Advanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama Minyan Junior Congregation (Shechet Beit Midrash - Room 205 & 206) 10:00 am Youth Groups (Drop-off begins at 10:00 am) 10:30 am Sephardic Roundtable () 11:00 am Father & Son Learning () 4:00 pm PARSHAT TERUMAH ROSH CHOSDESH ADAR I Sephardic Minyan () Candle Lighting 5:44 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctary) 5:45 pm Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm Ma ariv/havdalah 6:40 pm PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS WRITE TO ALAN GROSS Alan Gross has been in prison for over 1400 days. Now you are able to write to him via his website Aba Chonah ben Hava Chana - Alan Gross American Jew Alan Gross has been wrongly held in a Cuban prison since December Since that time, Alan s physical and emotional state has deteriorated. He has lost over one hundred pounds and has suffered partial paralysis. Join us to call upon the Cuban government and the international community for the immediate release of Alan on humanitarian grounds. For more information and to get involved, visit WRITE TO JONATHAN POLLARD Your letters - the only ray of light in Jonathan s dreary cell. Write to him today: Jonathan Pollard # , c/o FCI Butner, P.O. Box 1000, Butner, North Carolina, U.S.A Yehonatan ben Malka - Jonathan Pollard. Jonathan Pollard has been imprisoned in the United States since While working as an American civilian intelligence analyst, Pollard has admitted to passing classified information to Israel. Although even his most ardent supporters agree that he was in the wrong and guilty, the nature and length of his imprisonment is disproportionate and unparalleled. Join a multitude of prominent politicians, officials from the national intelligence world, and the legal world who have called for Pollard s sentence to be commuted. For more information and to sign a petition, visit WARREN WEINSTEIN The 72-year-old Weinstein, Yisrael Yitzchak ben Hannah Faygel was a consultant for the US Agency for International Development in Pakistan when terrorists broke into his home in 2011 and dragged him away. Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-zawahiri has since claimed to be holding him. Weinstein made news in a just-released video in which he pleads for President Obama to help. No Jew should ever feel abandoned or forgotten. Please add him to your prayers. BRS WEST (At the Hillel Day School, th Ave. (305) Mincha Candle lighting Shacharit Youth Groups Kiddush follows Davening Mincha (Shabbat) Shabbat Ends/ Maariv FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBAT DAY WEEKDAYS 5:30 pm 5:39 pm 9:30 am 10:30 am 5:25 pm 6:35 pm Sunday Morning Minyan Breakfast is Sponsored by the D Var Torah Club DAILY MINYAN TIMES Ashkenazi Shacharit Sephardic Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit Sephardic Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit Early Ashkenazi Mincha Sephardic Mincha/Ma ariv Ashkenazi Mincha/Ma ariv Late Ashkenazi Ma ariv Page 4 6:25 am SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 6:40 am 7:15 am 9:00 am 1:00 pm 5:45 pm 9:30 pm 6:15 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am 3:15 pm WYHS 5:45 pm 9:30 pm 6:25 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am 3:05 pm WYHS 5:45 pm 9:30 pm 6:25 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am 3:15 pm WYHS 5:45 pm 9:30 pm 6:15 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am 3:15 pm WYHS 5:45 pm 9:30 pm FRIDAY ROSH CHODESH 6:05 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:45 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 8:30 am

5 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS MAZAL TOV Paul & Tammy Clarke on their son, Sam, becoming a Bar Mitzvah in Israel. Also, to his proud siblings, Zach, Rachel & Jacob; proud grandparents, Savta Ruth Bleiman and Zayde Gerry & Bubbe Patty Clarke. Mark & Rina Kotok on the birth of their granddaughter, Ori. Her proud parents are Adam & Dafna Kotok of Riverdale, NY. AND to her big sisters, Aviv & Lielle, grandparents, Amnon & Tsipi Israel and great grandmother, Sarah Brickman. Steve & Rena Rantz on the birth of their grandson. His proud parents are Zvi & Eliana Rantz of Linden, NJ. AND to his big brother Izzie. KIDDUSH Hashkama Minyan Kiddush sponsored by Nachman & Jaime Feig in commemoration of the Yahrzeit of his beloved mother, Rivka. Sephardic Minyan Kiddush sponsored by the Sephardic Minyan Kiddush fund. Teen Minyan Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by the Kays in loving memory of Sharona Kay s father, Arieh Michael ben Chanan and Liese. Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by Ruda Berkowitz, Dr. Issy & Riwella Bruk, Dr. Daniel & Anne Deakter, Rabbi Samuel & Miriam Fox, Samuel & Rita Rubin and Dr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor. Guest Speaker: Leora Adam, Learn and Live Veshinantam Levanecha sponsored by Avrom & Miriam Raul in memory of Chana bat Esther a h and Avraham ben Esther a h. PEOPLE OF THE BOOK IS BACK! After a two week hiatus, People of the Book is back this Tuesday night at 8:00 pm with Rabbi Yosef Kassorla. Rabbi Kassorla will be teaching about the Ben Ish Chai/Rav Ovadya Yosef. BRS BOARD MEETING The next BRS Board Meeting will be taking place this Wednesday night, January 29 at 8:00 pm in the. SUPER BOWL PARTY Join the Men s Club on Sunday, February 2 at 6:00 pm in the Social Hall to watch Super Bowl XLVIII. Pizza will be served and there will be a Dvar Torah at Halftime. Sponsored by Warren & Robin Struhl in memory of their dear father, Bernard Struhl. SPECIAL SHIUR WITH RABBI SHALOM ROSNER Monday night, February 3rd at 8:15 pm in the BRS Sephardic Beit Midrash. Rabbi Rosner gives one of most popular Daf Shiurim in the world, and is an exciting and energetic teacher. CINEMA: THE JEWISH LENS WE GUARANTEE YOU LL LAUGH; YOU LL CRY; YOU LL THINK. This one-of-a-kind course features interviews with popular Hollywood personalities, film critics, professors, and Rabbis for a unique perspective on how common film genres, cinematic themes, characters and plot lines relate to Jewish philosophy and tradition. Four consecutive Monday nights, February 3, 10, 17, 24 at 7:00 pm. All classes are free of charge. Sponsored by JerusalemU.org WOMEN S SHIUR This Shiur for women with Rabbi Goldberg will focus each session on a different Mitzvah and its deeper meaning. The next Shiur will take place Wednesday, February 5, 8:15 pm at the home of Jessica Weiss, 7633 Martinique Blvd. in Captiva. Rabbi Goldberg will speak on Kibud Av V Eim SAVE THE DATES - FEBRUARY 7-13 A week of learning with Rabbinit Dr. Avigail Rock. See the Ad on page 10 for more details. This program is generously sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Zorik Spektor in loving memory of his beloved parents, Yocheved & Natan Spektor in commemoration of their 1st Yahrzeits. LUNCHTIME LEARNING WITH THE DALINS Join Drs. David and Miriam Dalin for a four-part lunchtime learning series. February 5, 12, 19, 26. All classes will take place in the. See flyer in lobby for a full schedule Please register for this program at Light refreshments will be served. The first class will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm with Dr. David Dalin. He will speak on Baseball s Greatest Jewish Superstars: Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax. VESHINANTAM LEVANECHA THIS MOTZAI SHABBAT Veshinantam Levanecha Season XIV - This Motzai Shabbat, January 25 at 7:15 pm. Live from Boca Raton, it s Motzai Shabbat with Rabbi Broide, Big Dov, and YOUR family! Great Parent/Child Learning followed by an inspirational new Kumzits, prizes, and pizza. Please contact Simone to sponsor a week of Veshinantam Levanecha for $150 at (561) TEHILLIM CIRCLE Thursday night, January 30, Rosh Chodesh Adar I, please rotate to the next 3 Psalms. ROSH CHODESH ADAR I Will be celebrated this Friday & Saturday, January 31 & February 1 SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE NEXT SHABBAT DR. YOCHEVED DEBOW LECTURE AFTER DAVENING Judaism, Sexual Ethics, and Society: Finding our own Path. AFTERNOON CLASS What children want to know and parents don t want to talk about: Discussing sexuality with our children SEUDAH SHLISHIET Talking Tachlis -Dealing with Contemporary Challenges facing Orthodox familie Join us Shabbat, February 1 for our Scholar-In-Residence Dr. Yocheved Debow. Yocheved is the author of the recently published book, Talking About Intimacy and Sexuality: A Guide for Orthodox Jewish Parents. Dr. Debow holds a doctorate from Bar Ilan University s School of Education. Her research focuses on sexuality and intimacy education in the Modern Orthodox community. She has published the first volume of a two volume comprehensive sexuality education curriculum for Jewish schools, Life Values and Intimacy Education: Health Education for the Jewish School (grades 3-8). In addition, she has authored a Life Values and Intimacy Curriculum for Jewish High Schools which is currently in use in a number of Day Schools across North America and in Israel. Sponsored by Marissa and David Levenson in loving memory of the fourth Yahrzeit of his mother, Mildred Pallas Levenson, Malka bat Yitzhak A H HAPPY MINYAN With great excitement, we announce the new BRS Happy Minyan, beginning Friday night, February 14. Who: For those looking for singing, ruach, a warm feel and a positive energy, and perhaps a little dancing. When: Once a month on Friday night, always followed by an affordable group Shabbat dinner. Why: Because Davening should be a happy, joyful and uplifting experience. All are welcome to join. To register for the first Happy Minyan Shabbat dinner, please contact Jamie at jamie@brsonline.org The cost is $20 an adult and $10 a child under 15. Please consider adding $2 a person to help subsidize others to join. For more information or to get involved, please contact Stu Wax at m5750@mac.com or Ann Deakter at zevanne@comcast.net Page 5

6 Page 6 WEEK AT A GLANCE DAILY DAF YOMI (Sunday - Friday) with Rabbi Ben Sugerman at 7:00 am in Rooms MISHNA BERURA YOMI (Sunday - Thursday) with Stuart Silverman 15 minutes before Mincha NIGHT BEIT MIDRASH (Sunday - Thursday) community learning in the at 8:00 pm NIGHTTIME DAF YOMI (Sunday - Thursday) with BRS Rabbinate at 8:40 pm in the Board Room MONDAY MOMMY AND ME will take place at 9:30 am in the women s section of the Rand Sanctuary HEBREW POETRY CLASS with Hassia Yehuda at 9:30 am in the Board Room TUESDAY CAFFEINE FOR THE SOUL with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz at 8:30 am at Hillel Day School PARSHAT HA SHAVUA will not take place this week HAFTORAH CLASS with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz at 9:30 am in the PEOPLE OF THE BOOK with Rabbi Yosef Kassorla at 8:00 pm in the WEDNESDAY CUP OF JOE & KNOW with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg after 7:45 am Minyan in the IN-DEPTH STUDY OF BOOK OF JUDGES with Malka Morris at 9:30 am in the Board Room KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE SOUL OF THE TORAH Level 1-2 with Shoshana Deakter at 7:00 pm in Room 101 KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE SOUL OF THE TORAH Advanced with Shoshana Deakter at 8:30 pm in Room 101 THURSDAY THE BOOK OF BAMIDBAR with Rabbanit Dr. Avigail Rock at 9:30 am in the Board Room SATELLITE LECTURES with Rabbi Yissocher Frand at 9:00 pm in the Board Room WEEKLY SHMOOZE with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 9:45 pm in the FAY GREENE S CLASS Fay Greene s next class will be held Tuesday, February 4 at 12:30 pm at the home of Georgina Rice, 7420 Andora Place, Captiva. Special Guest speaker for this class: Mrs. Miryam Swerdlov, a well-known educator and lecturer from New York. Her topic will be Using the letter Alef to Move from Stress to Serenity in Six Steps. Please RSVP to bubbesue@att.net and let us know if you will be attending. Don t miss this special class and special speaker. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS THEZONE CAMP Brings exciting, popular weekly girls ChillZone program to Boca! Girls ages 9 through teens are invited to come and bring their friends for an exciting hour of projects, dancing, games, prizes, pizza, and more! Every Thursday evening at 7:00 pm at 7900 Montoya Circle, Boca Raton FL No charge just come and join the fun! FAU GIMELSTOB SYMPOSIUM IN JUDAIC STUDIES Join Florida Atlantic University in their Gimelstob Symposium in Judaic Studies as we learn about Jewish Origins: New Insights & Scholarship. The Symposium will take place Sunday & Monday, February 23 and 24 at FAU of Boca Raton. For more information or to register for this amazing event, please visit our website, YAD VASHEM DINNER - NEW DATE The American Society for Yad Vashem Inaugural Florida Tribute Dinner. Sunday, March 2, 2014 at 5:00 pm at the B nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th Street, Boca Raton, FL. Honorees: Aron Bell (Bielski) and a Tribute to the Bielski Brigade. Brenda Weil Mandel, Yad Vashem Remembrance Award. SENATOR MARCO RUBIO Keynote Speaker. For information call (561) Rabbi Shmuel Jarashow Shmuel Tzvi ben Shayna Merv Jacobs Meir ben Sarah Moshe Applebaum Moshe Zvi ben Rachel Leah Yosef Chaim ben Faiga Shlomo ben Tamara Bob Silver Reuvan Lieb ben Miriam Helen Ijac Alta Haita bat Devorah Ruth Sherman Rochel bat Batsheva Joan Noven Rochel Tova bat Malka LIFE CYCLE WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS Mr. Avrom & Miriam Raul WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY Rabbi David Eliach Avi and Shevi Putney, Aliza and Hillel ANNIVERSARIES Ben & Cara Freedman BIRTHDAYS Michael Krasna Michael Fisher David Kay Aliza Pilichowski Devorah Marcus Jonathan Rackman Yitzchak Kaminetsky REFUAH SHLAYMAH For members of BRS Community. For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please see Tehillim Circle Beverly Kassirer Briendle bat Pessel Ariella Berman Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva Malka Beverly Kellman Baila Rus bat Sarah Chana Guta bat Rochel Ruth Malinowitz Rivka bat Freyda Carolynn Jarashow Chaya bat Gussie Noa Maya Carmel Noa Maya bat Devora Rachel Jean Cohen Ita Chaya bat Yocheved Rachel YAHRZEITS Evelyn Bernstein in memory of her mother-in-law Matthew Hocherman in memory of his father Robert Marx in memory of his mother Stacia Konstam in memory of her mother Yael Toledano in memory of her grandfather Dr. Issy Bruk in memory of his mother Estelle Bari in memory of her mother Diane Geffen in memory of her mother-in-law Selma Bonchek in memory of her mother Molly Small in memory of her mother Rita Rubin in memory of her brother Dr. Zorik Spektor in memory of his mother Nachman Feig in memory of his mother Victoria Romano in memory of her mother-in-law Dr. Jerry Herbst in memory of his mother Shirley Eschwege in memory of her brother Bernard Juroviesky in memory of his mother Yvette Kaweblum in memory of her grandmother Iris Weiss in memory of her mother Dr. Daniel Deakter in memory of his father-in-law Anne Deakter in memory of her father Rachel Ouaknine in memory of her father-in-law Ruda Berkowitz in memory of her husband Avis Stein in memory of her uncle Miriam Fox in memory of her mother Bruce Schneider in memory of his father Myer Senders in memory of his wife Marilyn Weigensberg in memory of her father Estelle Bari in memory of her brother Gilda Mandel in memory of her mother Dr. Hindy Rubin in memory of her mother Rabbi Efrem Goldberg in memory of his friend Bentzion Meltzer in memory of his grandmother Dan Waldman in memory of his father Louis Benjamin in memory of his father Leslie Abady in memory of her father Chaim Silberman in memory of his father Rose Bernstein, 23 Shevat Henry Hocherman, 23 Shevat Julie Marx, 23 Shevat Fannie Shapiro, 23 Shevat Albert Abettan, 24 Shevat Taiba Bruk, 24 Shevat Bessie Geffen, 24 Shevat Bessie Geffen, 24 Shevat Miriam Goldberger, 24 Shevat Kayla Kranz, 24 Shevat Chaim Kupietzky, 24 Shevat Yocheved Spektor, 24 Shevat Rivka Feig, 25 Shevat Clara Filosof, 25 Shevat Ida Herbst, 25 Shevat Dr. Abraham Hudes, 25 Shevat Sara Juroviesky, 25 Shevat Emma Kogan, 25 Shevat Julia Mollach, 25 Shevat William Whiteman, 25 Shevat William Whiteman, 25 Shevat Joseph Abitbol, 27 Shevat Jacob Berkowitz, 27 Shevat Gerhard Goldbaum, 27 Shevat Esther Parczewski, 27 Shevat Harold Schneider, 27 Shevat Pauline Senders, 27 Shevat Dr. Max Bierman, 28 Shevat Bernard Geffen, 28 Shevat Elizabeth Reicher, 28 Shevat Erica Weitzman, 28 Shevat Moshe Klein, 29 Shevat Dora Meltzer, 29 Shevat Dov Waldman, 29 Shevat Alfred Benjamin, 30 Shevat Isaac Manopla, 30 Shevat Shmuel Silberman, 30 Shevat

7 ISRAEL UPDATE SOCIAL ACTION Complaints by Arab states led the United Nation s cultural arm, UNESCO, to cancel the opening of an exhibition in Paris organized by the Simon Wiesenthal Center along with the governments of Canada and Montenegro on the Jewish presence in the land of Israel. UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova wrote, in a letter to the Simon Wiesenthal Center, that the exhibit, titled The People, the Book, the Land 3,500 years of ties between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel, would be postponed indefinitely. She said the decision arose out of UNESCO s support for peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We have a responsibility in ensuring that current efforts in this regard are not endangered, she wrote. The cancellation followed a letter sent to Bokova on January 14 by the Arab group at UNESCO, The Arab group is deeply disturbed by the exhibition, which it condemns, said the letter by the Arab group s president, Abdullah Elmealmi. To her credit, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power urged UNESCO to rethink the decision on the exhibition. UNESCO s decision is wrong and should be reversed, she said in a statement. The United States has engaged at senior levels to urge UNESCO to allow this exhibit to proceed as soon as possible. UNESCO is supposed to be fostering discussion and interaction between civil society and member states, and organizations such as the Wiesenthal Center have a right to be heard and to contribute to UNESCO s mission, Power said.. In 2011, following UNESCO s recognition of the PA as a member, the US suspended its funding of the agency, which had been one-fifth of UNESCO s budget. Perhaps it is time for similar action. PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS OF IDF SOLDIERS The Emek Learning Center in Baka has a program that offers support to IDF Soldiers without families in Israel. If you a child or grandchild in the IDF and would like the center to reach out to them, please send Linda their name and contact information and it will be forwarded to the center. If you want to learn more about the center, the website is emeklearningcenter.com. Linda can be reached at linda@brsonline.org or by calling (561) Please have in mind children and grandchildren of members of our community currently serving in the IDF: Amiel Abir, Ben Weiss, Asher Kaplan, Adam Barel, Stav Gare, Menachem Kaplan, Shabtai Kaplan, Jeremy Siegman, Noam Ivri (Makover), Arie Hizkiya, Daniel Makover, Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha ben Moshe Yisroel, Yehuda Strauss, Elad Shachar, Liel Reinfeld, Amichai Berman, Matt Firestone, Dov Lieber, Isaac Marco Romano, Yuchiel Shlomo Lowenstern, Amir Tsarfati Reuben Gladstone and Mordechai Wolfson. If you have children or grandchildren currently serving in the IDF, please let us know their names so we can include them. Please have in mind our missing in action Israeli Soldiers EMPTY NESTER PROGRAM Please save the date for Sunday, March 16 at 4:00 pm for a Purim Seudah at Asia, only $25 per person. Please RSVP with Jamie in the Shul office at (561) no later then February 24. Any questions, please call Sylvia Broide (561) or Rita Rubin (561) BOCA RATON COMMUNITY ERUV The Boca Raton Community Eruv is in need of funds. Yearly membership remains at $100 per family. It is now possible to sponsor the Eruv for a particular Shabbat for $360. Donations can now also be made through our website or by contacting Chani Salamon at (561) for more information. Please help, as we ALL benefit from the Eruv. The Eruv is something we all rely on and often take for granted. If you have not yet contributed, please consider doing so in order to ensure that the Eruv can be checked and maintained. The eruv is generously sponsored this Shabbos by Roslyn & Toby Feinerman in memory of Toby s father Rabbi Abraham M. Feinerman. ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF) BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC. LOOKING FOR GARAGE SPACE The Chevra Kadisha of Boca Raton is looking to store their items in someone s garage. If you have a fair amount of space that you are able to lend to the Chevra Kadisha on a long term basis, and have the ability to give access to the space at any given time, please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline.org. SISTERHOOD 5TH ANNUAL JEWISH WOMEN S STUDY DAY: HOW JEWISH WOMEN LEAN IN Please join JWSD 2014 as Jewish women from the entire Boca Raton Community come together for a day of learning by women for women, on Thursday, March 27, 8:45 am - 2:00 pm, at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton. There will be two one-hour classes in the morning, followed by lunch with keynote speaker Rochelle Shoretz, founder of Sharsheret. Complimentary babysitting available by reservation only. For a full list of classes and registration visit Contacts: Hinda Bramnick (561) or Rachel Harrow (561) Page 7

8 -BRS YOUTH NEWS- Third Annual National Teen Israel Advocacy Shabbaton at The February 7-8 Featuring Israel experts, members of the AIPAC Staff and Congressman Ted Deutch! To RSVP Rabbi Pilichowski Cost: $35 NCSY EVENTS * WINTER REGIONAL MASH UP SHABBATON WHERE SUMMER MEETS WINTER Join and celebrate with teens from across South Florida for the coolest weekend yet. Enjoy the warmth and beauty of Shabbat at Camp Ramah Darom, before heading into the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina on Sunday for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing! Departure Thursday night, February 13 and returning early Monday morning, February 17. Cost is $450 - Scholarship available upon request WEEKLY AND COMING EVENTS * Shabbat Morning Youth Chabura after Hashkama minyan in room 103 with Rabbi Eisenberger. * Shabbat Morning Groups for children ages Groups take place in the classrooms every Shabbat and start at 10:00 AM *Shabbat Morning Teen Minyan each Shabbat in room , starts at 9:45 AM. * Once a month Shabbat in the Park, in the park adjacent to the Shul on Shabbat afternoons. Check the Weekly if SITP is on this week. * Nursing Home Visits for girls in 4 th -5 th grade. Every Shabbat afternoon leaving from the Pilichowski home. Check with Aliza or Gila Pilichowski for the exact time the group is leaving this Shabbat. * Once a month 5 th Grade Girls Seudat Shlishit at various homes. Stay tuned for the next great Seudat Shlishit. * Teen Seduat Shlishit, each Shabbat in the BRS board room after Mincha. Listen to various speakers and enjoy great food. * Teen Mincha takeover. Once a month teenagers take over the main BRS Ashkenaz Mincha. *Pro-Israel Advocacy classes for teens. Each Friday at 3 PM in the BRS Board room. The next BRS Teen Israel advocates meeting will be on Friday, January 11 th. * February 7-8 th National Teen Pro-Israel Advocacy Shabbaton at BRS. *Saturday Night, February 15th Glow in the Dark Night For grades 6-8 with Avi Frier. $7 per person, a pizza dinner will be served. * February 28-March 3rd Teen Policy Conference in Washington, DC. Page 8

9 ONLY 2 MORE CLASSES!! Monday, January 27th & February

10 A Week of Learning with RABBANIT DR. AVIGAIL ROCK Friday, February 7 Thursday, February 13 Generously sponsored by Dr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor in commemoration of the first Yahrzeits of his beloved parents, Yocheved & Natan Spektor. 5 Part Morning Learning Series February 7, 10, 11, 12, 13-9:30 am - 10:30 am at BRS THE STORY OF JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS: SIBLING RIVALRY OR DIVINE PROVIDENCE? (Open to men and women) SHABBAT, FEBRUARY 8 (Open to men and women) Afternoon Class at BRS Do Clothes Make the Man? The Meaning of Clothing in Tanach ALL CLASSES ARE FREE SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AT 8:00 PM (For women only) A Very Special Women s Rosh Chodesh Lecture Who is God? At the home of Ileana Flics, 7950 Tennyson Court in Boca Hamlet MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 8:00 PM (Open to men and women) Tehilim Chapter 30: A Thanksgiving Song: What s the Occasion? At the home of Dr. Yehuda & Michal Marcus, Hollyhock Trail in Thornhill Green LIVE IN PERSON! ATTEND ANY OR ALL CLASSES! PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW FOR FEBRUARY 2, 2014 ** BUCKETS OF FRIED CHICKEN** Stuart A. Rubin, M.D. Board Certified: Rehab Medicine / Pain Boynton Beach Deerfield Beach Celebrating 20 years of serving South Florida! Musculoskeletal Medicine Epidural and Joint Injections Balance and Fall Clinic Stroke and Cancer Recovery Sports Medicine EMG-Disability Acupuncture **FRIED OR GRILLED CHICKEN TENDERS** **FRIED OR GRILLED WINGS** **FRIED MUSHROOMS** **FRIED PICKLES** **COLE SLAW/POTATO SALAD** **FRENCH FRIES** **ALL CHINESE DISHES** **SUSHI** BRING HOME YOUR SUPER BOWL FEAST FROM Michael J. Bock Senior Vice President Wealth Management Senior Financial Advisor (877) Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. AD ARJ241F PM-07/2013

11 F L O R I D A S Glatt Kosher Supermarket M O R E T H A N J U S T O N E S T O P K O S H E R S H O P, A UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE P O W E R L I N E R D., B O C A R AT O N, F L CATERING BY CIRCLE CATERERS W W W. K O S H E R M A R K E T. C O M LANDSCAPER AVAILABLE Lawn Maintenance Landscaping Clean-Up Tree Service Hurricane Prep Sprinkler Repair BRS MEMBER SINCE YEARS EXPERIENCE F I N E S T Sod Installation Mulch Walks & Patios Flower Beds Shrub Designs And so much more! Many recommendations available from people living on the Circle CALL VAZQUEZ & SONS (561) ALLCPA.NET - ALLCPA@AOL.COM Tax Prep & Planning Corporate, Partnership, Individual & Trust Returns (All States) Financial Statements Business Start-up, Consulting & Incorporation QuickBooks & Payroll Services Healthcare Accounting Outsourced CFO services Complimentary Initial Consultation Looking for a Yeshiva in Israel for next year? Torah B'Golan is an American program, with English speaking Rabbeim, within a top Israeli Hesder Yeshiva. Nestled among the raw beauty of the Golan Heights, we offer a unique and maturing experience. check us out at: Torah B'Golan

12 - S PA C IS LIM E IT R E G I S E D, TER N O W!