PARSHAT BESHALACH SHABBAT SHIRA Stone Chumash Page 366 January 30 February 6, Shevat 17 Shevat 5775

Transcription

1 Boca Raton Synagogue WEEKLY RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG Marah D asrah reg@brsonline.org PARSHAT BESHALACH SHABBAT SHIRA Stone Chumash Page 366 January 30 February 6, Shevat 17 Shevat 5775 RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ Associate Rabbi rpm@brsonline.org DAVID L. WOLGIN, PHD President president@brsonline.org RABBI DAVID SHABTAI, MD Rabbi, Sephardic Minyan rds@brsonline.org RABBI MORDECHAI SMOLARCIK Rabbi, BRS West rms@brsonline.org RABBI JOSH BROIDE Outreach Rabbi rjb@brsonline.org RABBI SIMMY SHABTAI Rosh Beis Medrash rss@brsonline.org RABBI KENNETH BRANDER Rabbi Emeritus rkb@brsonline.org MATTHEW HOCHERMAN Executive Director mjh@brsonline.org RABBI GERSHON EISENBERGER Youth Director rge@brsonline.org RABBI ELI ZIANS Teen Director rez@brsonline.org Candle Lighting Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBAT DAY Rabbi s Class Must a Healthy Marriage be as Difficult as Splitting the Sea? Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Shabbat Mincha Ma ariv/havdalah 5:44 pm 5:45 pm 4:30 pm 5:30 pm 6:39 pm ESTHER LUPIN, LCSW BRS/JFS Social Worker esther@brsonline.org KERRY PURCELL Editor-in-Chief of the Weekly kerry@brsonline.org FRIEND Friend us on Facebook FOLLOW Follow us SHARE 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 Moral Greatness vs. Moral Degradation Super Bowl XLIX will take place this Sunday night and it is anticipated that it will be watched by more than 113 million people who will consume 1.25 billion chicken wings. And yet, the biggest story leading up to the game is not which quarterback is better, who has a better running game, or which team has the stronger defense. Coverage of the big game has largely been overshadowed by talk of Deflate-gate, the scandal involving the New England Patriots having allegedly cheated in the AFC Championship game by deflating eleven out of twelve of the balls they provided. While the NFL has not yet completed its investigation, there is anecdotal evidence that the Patriots have once again violated the rules in an effort to gain an unfair advantage over their opponent. In 2011, their star quarterback, Tom Brady, was quoted as saying that he likes the ball deflated. A statistical analysis shows that the Patriots fumble the ball at an extremely low rate compared to all other teams and that the same players are more likely to fumble when they play for other teams than when they play for the Patriots. In his book By His Light, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein Shlit a writes: The significance of effort is very considerable in our hashkafa. This can find expression even in inherently trivial areas. For example, the world of sports is, in a certain sense, trivial; mature adults are running around trying to put a ball through a hole. Nevertheless, moral qualities can and do come into play: cooperation, teamplay, an attempt to get the maximum out of yourself, etc. The inherent effort of the person himself, or the loneliness of the long-distance runner in his isolation, are very significant moral elements There is no question that within the essentially trivial world of sports, real moral greatness and real moral degradation can be seen. Last week, another example of moral degradation in sports was displayed by a girls high school basketball coach. The Arroyo Valley High girls basketball coach was suspended for two games after he mercilessly ran up the score. He used a full-court press for the entire first half to lead his team to a advantage at halftime; his team ultimately won the game 161-2, humiliating the opponents in the process. Competitiveness is a virtue if it builds drive, ambition, and determination. In sports, and in life, there is nothing wrong with seeking to succeed, to win, or to prosper. Indeed, Chazal teach (Baba Basra 21a), kinas sofrim tarbeh chochma, competition between scholars increases wisdom. However, competitiveness is a great liability if it supersedes other values, clouds judgment, and leads to unethical and immoral behavior like cutting corners or cheating. In sports and in life, one can be competitive and at the same time show what Rav Lichtenstein calls moral greatness by being kind, considerate, honest, moral, and sportsmanlike. An epic tennis match between Raphael Nadal and Tim Smyczek took place last week at the Australian Open. For more than four hours, 27-year-old Smyczek from Milwaukee competed fiercely for every point against the 14-time Grand Slam champion Nadal. It was 6-5 Nadal in the fifth and final set. Just as Nadal served, a spectator shouted, the serve went long and was called out. As Nadal glared into the stands Smyczek motioned that he should retake the first serve, or as we would say, take a do-over. Nadal won the point and the match and the relatively unknown Smyczek won the respect of the tennis world. Following the match Smyczek said, I don t know if the guy didn t know (Nadal) was tossing the ball or not, but it clearly bothered him. You know, I thought it was the right thing to do. Smyczek is just as competitive as any other professional tennis player. However, when given the opportunity, he chose to do what he called the right thing, and in that moment showed real moral greatness. If indeed the Patriots are proven to have cheated, the NFL must punish them in a real way to demonstrate that while we encourage competitiveness, it must never lead to moral degradation. Some have argued that Deflate-gate is insignificant compared with domestic abuse, murder, steroid use, and safety, issues that the NFL has yet to deal with in meaningful ways. There is no doubt that those are critical matters the NFL must address, but it would be a mistake to dismiss or ignore cheating because it seems to pale in comparison. In truth, while murder, domestic battery and concussions are hopefully not relatable to us and

3 we are not in real danger of imitating what we see, the temptation to bend the rules to achieve success is ever present in all our lives and therefore deserves a significant response. While it may sound trite, 113 million people, many of them children, will watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. If the Patriots are guilty and nevertheless get off with a slap on the wrist or are allowed to continue their ways of unhealthy, unbridled competitiveness with impunity, the world will have learned that winning is more important than achieving moral greatness. Our Rabbis teach (Pesachim 118b) that kasha mezonosav shel adom k krias yam suf, earning a living is as difficult as the splitting of the sea. It took God s intervention to overcome the natural order and split the sea and it takes God s graciousness to allow us to succeed in earning a parnassah. There is nothing trivial about getting the job, closing the deal, making the sale, earning the bonus or getting the raise. Earning a parnassah is difficult and challenging. Being competitive, driven, and having great ambition are important and admirable factors for success. However, that competitiveness and aspiration must never lead to cutting corners, cheating or being dishonest. More than in sports, it is in our pursuit of a parnassah that real moral greatness and real moral degradation can be seen. Let s be competitive and driven, but when given the opportunity, rise to the occasion and always do the right thing. Good Shabbos, Follow the Rabbi at twitter.com/ rabbigoldberg Friend the Rabbi on facebook Efrem Goldberg Share the Rabbi s blog on Rabbi Efrem Goldberg UPDATED LIST OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS FOR TEFILOT Chagai ben Chana Ofir ben Nicole Mordechai ben Bracha Ron ben Tzipora Michael ben Natalie Eliyosef ben Chaya Yehua Dvir ben Yael Shlomo ben Chana Boaz ben Frei Ro-ee ben Iris Ohr ben Orna Yovel ben Norit Shmuel ben Rivka Niv ben Orit Dor ben Pnina Oz ben Ariella Shani ben Deganit Ro-ee ben Orly Dor ben Chagit Shai ben Lili Uri ben Rut Adi ben Irit Nir ben Irit Yagir ben Galya Adiel ben Anat Noam ben Ruti Ohad ben Arika Ro-ee ben Esther Daniel ben Ilana Yehuda ben Iris Reuven ben Lisa Omer Av ben Orit Shaul ben Ziva 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. In line with our recently published Derech Eretz Statement, we mention some examples of how we can be more sensitive toward others and create an even better community. Please hold the door for others. Try not to stand and talk in doorways where it prevents the movement of traffic. Please make an effort to return greetings and wish others a good shabbos. If you have a Mensch Message you would like us to promote, please us at office@brsonline.org Page 3 Valuing Diversity Celebrating Unity

4 SHABBAT SCHEDULE FRIDAY NIGHT Sephardic Mincha () Candle Lighting Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program SHABBAT DAY 5:40 pm 5:44 pm 5:45 pm 6:00 pm Neitz Minyan () 6:25 am Hashkama Minyan () 7:30 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 9:51 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 Must a Healthy Marriage be as Difficult as Splitting the Sea? Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Sephardic Mincha () 5:25 pm Ashkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 5:30 pm Daf Yomi (Berdugo Beit Midrash) between Mincha/Ma ariv Sh kiah 6:03 pm Ma ariv/havdalah 6:39 pm WE NEED YOUR HELP Last year BRS Sisterhood donated over $15,000 to Tomchei Shabbat and the Rabbi s Discretionary Fund. This year the need is even greater. The majority of the money raised through the BRS Sisterhood Mishloach Manot goes directly to help the needy in our community. By participating in BRS Sisterhood Mishloach Manot you can help ensure that no member of the BRS community is forgotten. Check your inbox and mailbox for order forms. SHABBAT LEARNING Tefillah Insights with Rabbi Broide (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 am Advanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama Minyan Rabbi Sacks Explanatory with Rabbi Broide (Board Room) 10:00 am Junior Congregation (Shechet Beit Midrash - Rooms 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 (Senders Library) 4:00 pm PARSHAT YITRO Sephardic Mincha () 5:45 pm Candle Lighting 5:49 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 5:50 pm Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm Ma ariv/havdalah (Shabbat) 6:43 pm DAILY MINYAN TIMES Ashkenazi Shacharit 6:25 am Rand Sanctuary Sephardic Shacharit 6:40 am Ashkenazi Shacharit 7:15 am Rand Sanctuary Sephardic Shacharit 7:55 am Ashkenazi Shacharit 8:00 am Rand Sanctuary Ashkenazi Shacharit 9:00 am Rand Sanctuary Early Ashkenazi 1:00 pm Mincha Senders Library Sephardic Mincha/Ma ariv 5:45 pm Ashkenazi Mincha/Ma ariv 5:50 pm Rand Sanctuary Late Ashkenazi Ma ariv 9:30 pm Senders Library SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 6:15 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:55 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:45 am 8:30 am 3:05 pm 5:45 pm 5:50 pm 9:30 pm Senders Library 6:25 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:55 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:45 am 8:30 am 3:40 pm 5:45 pm 5:50 pm 9:30 pm Senders Library BRS WEST (At the Hillel Day School, th Ave. (305) Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat Candle lighting Rabbi s Class Shacharit Youth Groups Kiddush follows Davening Mincha (Shabbat) Shabbat Ends/ Maariv 6:25 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:55 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:45 am 8:30 am 3:05 pm 5:45 pm Berdugo Beit Midrash 5:50 pm 9:30 pm Senders Library FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBAT DAY 6:15 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:55 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:45 am 8:30 am 3:50 pm 5:45 pm 5:50 pm 9:30 pm Senders Library 5:40 pm 5:44 pm 8:45 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 5:30 pm 6:39 pm 6:25 am 6:40 am 7:00 am 7:55 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:45 am 8:30 am Page 4 Valuing Diversity Celebrating Unity

5 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS MAZAL TOV Dr. Mark & Tilda Fisher on the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer, to Yoel Hubert of North Woodmere, NY. AND to her proud brothers, Kevin and Seth. AND grandmothers, Serina Hudson and Phyllis Fisher. Ruda Berkowitz on the birth of her great granddaughter, Lily Jo Etya. Her proud parents are Aryeh & Daniella Schwebl. And to the proud Loeffler and Tripp Cousins. KIDDUSH Hashkama Minyan Kiddush sponsored by Richard & Rosalie Fiedler in commemoration of the Yahrzeit of his beloved father, Feivish Leib ben Mordechai Wolf Shtiebel Minyan Kiddush sponsored by Yanki & Lauren Hofstatter in honor of the recent birth of their daughter, Meera Sephardic Kiddush sponsored by Rubi & Ravit Elmakies in honor of the 3rd birthday of their son, Aviv Moshe, and Eli & Shula Amselem, Shlomi & Ariele Lugassy, and Yoram Zuviv in gratitude to Hashem for the wonderful Sephardic Minyan. Veshinantam Levanecha co-sponsored by Dr. Michael & Toby Eleff in loving memory of Yechiel Michael ben Zev, beloved great grandfather of Ariana & Chaim Kassorla. AND Daniel & Liat Bensimon in honor of their children, Avigail, Orly, Adina and Haim and In appreciation for Rabbi Josh Broide for running another wonderful season of vishinantam! Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by Jewish National Fund in honor of Tu B Shevat Guest Speaker: Roni Raab, Executive Director of JNF SAVE THE DATE 25TH ANNUAL JOURNAL DINNER Mark your calendars for Monday night, March 23 as we celebrate as a community at our 25th Annual Journal Dinner honoring: Dr. Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky, Journal Honorees Linda Gordon, in honor of her 18 years of Dedicated Service to BRS Noam & Jill Kaminetzky, Keter Shem Tov Award Ad Blanks are available in the Shul lobby. For more information or to join the Tribute Committee, please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline.org. TOMCHEI SHABBAT STILL NEEDS YOU A heartfelt thanks to all you who responded to our appeal for donations for Tomchei Shabbat. With our monthly expenses being so high, the Tomchei Shabbat fund is still in need of financial support. Please help! Any donation is greatly appreciated. Please contact Linda in the shul office at linda@brsonline.org to make your donation. We ask that you consider the following sponsorships: $12,500 to sponsor 27 families on Tomchei for a month $6,000 to sponsor a family on Tomchei for a year $500 to sponsor a family on Tomchei for a month Donations of any size are greatly needed at this time. The community working together will enable us to continue to provide food for our families that are struggling financially at this time with dignity. CHIZUK/STRENGTH SUPPORT GROUP Chizuk/Strength, a support group for Jewish women struggling with infertility and pregnancy loss, meets at BRS on the first Tuesday of every month. The next meeting is Tuesday, February 3 at 8:00 pm in the BRS Board Room. For more information, contact Esther Lupin, LCSW at esther@brsonline.org or chizukmiami@yahoo.com. SUPER BOWL PARTY Join the Men s Club this Sunday, February 1 at 6:00 pm in the to watch Super Bowl XLIX. Pizza will be served and there will be a Dvar Torah at Halftime. Sponsored by the Struhl Family in memory of their dear father Bernard Struhl. Partial sponsorship by Lenny s Pizza. ZAYIN ADAR DINNER The Chevra Kadisha s Annual Zayin Adar Dinner will be held on Thursday, February 26 at 6:45 pm in the. Invitations have already been ed. If you are a Chevra member and did not receive an Evite, please contact Yvette Kaweblum at Ykaweblum@aol.com. BEIT OLAM - CEMETERY PLOTS The prices of the sections of the cemetery at Beth David Memorial Gardens in Hollywood, Florida are going to be going up as of Monday, February 16. If you are interested in purchasing plots now, the old price will be honored, which is $5,300 per plot in the new section (the old section has been sold out). This price will be going up to $6,000 per plot. For more information or to purchase cemetery plots, please contact Matthew Hocherman at (561) DAYS FOR 70 YEARS If you ordered a book they are in the Shul office to be picked up. To purchase a book and /or join the program, call the BRS office at (561) Valuing Diversity Celebrating Unity FRIDAY NIGHT Rabbi Goldberg will be davening and giving a Dvar Torah tonight at the Thornhill Mews Minyan, an affiliate of BRS. He will be davening and giving a Dvar Torah on Friday night, February 13, at BRS affiliate, the Thornhill Estates Minyan. SPECIAL TU B SHEVAT THEMED SEUDAH SHLISHIET THIS WEEK Join us this Shabbat, January 31 at 5:50 pm during Seudah Shlishiet and hear from Dr. Roni Raab, JNF South Florida Executive Director, about the critical work Jewish National Fund is doing to help improve the quality of life for all Israelis today and how they are continuing to develop and build the land for future generations. In honor of Tu B Shevat, special dried fruits and nuts will be served. MOTZEI SHABBAT KUMSITZ Bring your voices and join us this Motzei Shabbat after Avot U Banim at 8:30 pm in the for a Kumsitz for fathers and sons. Enjoy music and singing with Rabbi Josh Broide, Rabbi Schneur Kaplan, Asher Essebag, Mitch Weyuker and other talented musicians. Light refreshments will be served. MAZAL TOV TO DAF YOMI Mazal tov to those learning the Daf who will complete Mesechet Yevamot this week and make a siyum at Seudah Shlishiet next Shabbat. Now is the perfect time to join one of our three daily daf yomis as we begin Ketubot. BOYS/MENS TISCH NEXT FRIDAY NIGHT All men, young and old, are invited to join the boys of WYHS and TTB for an inspirational men s Tisch including singing and Divrei Torah at the home of Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg next Friday night, February 6 at 8:30 pm MARK YOUR CALENDAR POST-NUP PARTY Are you married? Do you have a Halachic Pre-Nuptual agreement? If you answered yes and no respectively, please join us for a Post-Nup party on Sunday night, March 8 at 7:00 pm. The Pre/Post-Nuptual agreement, the best strategy to ensure no future cases of Agunah and is sanctioned and encouraged by the RCA. For more info go to www. theprenup.org We are forming a committee now to make this a lively, social evening. Music, dancing, and hors d oevres are on the horizon. This cocktail/ wedding party is intended to be inter-generational. Men and women are invited to help on the committee and get your friends involved. Please contact shul office or Hinda Bramnick (561) TAHARAT HAMISHPACHA REFRESHER COURSE - NEW DATES A 3-Part Series with Rebbetzin Yocheved Goldberg, originally scheduled for February, will now begin in April. Save the dates so you do not miss these important classes. Tuesday night, April 21 at 8:00 pm Tuesday night, April 28 at 8:00 pm Tuesday night, May 5 at 8:00 pm Page 5

6 WEEK AT A GLANCE DAILY DAF YOMI (Sunday - Friday) with Rabbi Ben Sugerman at 7:00 am in Rooms 211/212. MISHNA BERURA YOMI (Sunday -Thursday) 15 minutes before Mincha NIGHT BEIT MIDRASH (Sunday - Thursday) community learning in the Senders Library at 8:00 pm NIGHTTIME DAF YOMI (Sunday - Thursday) with BRS Rabbinate at 8:40 pm in Rooms 104/105 MONDAY HEBREW POETRY with Hassia Yehuda will not take place this week TUESDAY PARSHA CLASS with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg will not take place this week SEFER DANIEL CLASS with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz will not take place this week PEOPLE OF THE BOOK with Rabbi Yosef Kassorla at 7:30 pm in the WEDNESDAY CUP OF JOE & KNOW with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg after 7:45 am Minyan in the Rand Sanctuary IN-DEPTH STUDY OF BOOK OF SAMUEL I with Malka Morris at 9:30 am in the CRASH COURSE IN HEBREW READING CLASS 4 with Rabbi Josh Broide at 10:00 am in the Senders Library MEN S AFTERNOON KOLLEL 3:00-5:00 pm in the KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE INNER WISDOM OF THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES (BEGINNERS) with Anne Deakter at 7:00 pm in Room 101 CRASH COURSE IN HEBREW READING CLASS 4 with Rabbi Josh Broide at 7:30 pm in the Board Room KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE INNER WISDOM OF THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES (ADVANCED) with Anne Deakter at 8:30 pm in Room 101 THURSDAY AVIGAIL ROCK with Rabbanit Avigail Rock at 9:15 am in the Board Room WEEKLY SHMOOZE at 9:45 pm in the Senders Library FAY GREENE S CLASS The next class will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 12:30 pm at the home of Faye Eisenberg, 7959 Chula Vista Circle in Montoya Estates West. It will be co-hosted by Doris Kurtzer. All women are invited to attend. RSVP to bubbesue@att.net PHOTO DIRECTORY Have you ever wondered who that person sitting next to you in Shul was, but were too embarrassed to ask their name? Well now is your chance to put a face to a name! is working on compiling a photo directory of our members and we need your help. We are asking every family to submit a digital picture that you are okay with us publishing. If you would like your children to be in the picture, great! If you feel more comfortable with just the adults, that is fine too. We need everyone to participate so we can make this project a success! Please your pictures to Jamie in the Shul office at jamie@brsonline.org. BIRTHDAYS Gaby Skocylas Dr. Daniel Rudensky Tilda Fisher ANNIVERSARIES Dr. Sid & Rhona Cohen Dan & Jamie Skoczylas NEW MEMBERS Dr. Aaron & Sarah Cohen LIFE CYCLE Helen Cohan Dr. Zorik Spektor Rosa Golish CONDOLENCES TO Revi Goldwasser and Michael and Jacob Levinrad on the passing of their beloved father and grandfather, Isaac Goldwasser. REFUAH SHLAYMAH For members of BRS Community. For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please call Linda at (561) Merv Jacobs Meir ben Sarah Moshe Applebaum Moshe Zvi ben Rachel Leah Yosef Chaim ben Faiga Stuart Silverman Yeshaya Moshe ben Nacha Sarah Nachum Gedalia ben Sara Baila Mordechai ben Malka Yerachmiel Pincus ben Malka Yonatan Chaim ben Yehudit Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Harav Gavriel Pinchas ben Devorah Zlata Helen Ijac Alta Haita bat Devorah Joan Noven Rochel Tova bat Malka Ariella Berman Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva Malka Beverly Kassirer Briendle bat Pessel Chana Guta bat Rochel Ruth Malinowitz Rivka bat Freyda Noa Maya Carmel Noa Maya bat Devora Rachel Perel bat Chaya Sara Jacquie Padow Ya akova Chava Rus bat Beyla Or Ester bat Dina Rivka Wendy Wasserstrom Zehava bat Chaya YAHRZEITS Baruch Benbenisty in memory of his mother Miriam Benbenisty, 10 Shevat Isaac Jacob in memory of his sister Hilda Cohen, 10 Shevat Judith April in memory of her mother Frances Holober, 10 Shevat Hensha Gansbourg in memory of her father Irving Stone, 10 Shevat Barry Yeckes in memory of his mother Edythe Yeckes, 10 Shevat Dr. Edna Tokayer in memory of her father Edward Scheindling, 12 Shevat Hena Aloof in memory of her brother Allen Wilder, 12 Shevat Abe Aloof in memory of his mother Dora Aloof, 13 Shevat Lothar Mayer in memory of his mother Hermine Mayer, 13 Shevat Maxine Wolgin in memory of her father Milton Ruslin, 13 Shevat Gloria Wolff in memory of her mother-in-law Molly Wolff, 13 Shevat Steven Garellek in memory of his mother Rose Garellek, 14 Shevat Elliot Lisman in memory of his mother Rachel Lisman, 14 Shevat Tamar Nawy in memory of her husband Albert Nawy, 14 Shevat Yocheved Hande in memory of her father Sol Horowitz, 15 Shevat Dr. Aaron Kaweblum in memory of his father Jankiel Kaweblum, 15 Shevat Faye Eisenberg in memory of her father Isaac Kessler, 15 Shevat E. Lawrence Perkins in memory of his father Herman Perkins, 15 Shevat Abe Wijnperle in memory of his father Nathan Wijnperle, 15 Shevat Jack Hanoka in memory of his mother-in-law Sarah Anekstein, 16 Shevat George Saks in memory of his grandmother Esther Gluck, 17 Shevat Eric Pinkis in memory of his father Robert Pinkis, 17 Shevat Martin Wasserstrom in memory of his mother Edith Wasserstrom, 17 Shevat Marilynne Mechanic in memory of her mother Fayge Weg, 17 Shevat Yakov Weiss in memory of his father Leopold Weiss, 17 Shevat Grace Rindsberg in memory of her mother Sophie Welwart, 17 Shevat Page 6 Valuing Diversity Celebrating Unity

7 BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC. BIKUR CHOLIM Bikur Cholim has been recognized by the Boca Raton Regional Hospital for the contribution that the Jewish Hospitality Room and Shabbat Suite in touching the lives of families, patients, and friends, and enhancing of the Hospital s expanded community needs. Bikur Cholim has been designated as a Golden Benefactor whose name is displayed in the hospital s lobby. PLEASE SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY ERUV The Eruv is a vital necessity to our community. It is that time of year and, once again, our funds are dangerously low, and this makes maintaining the Eruv almost impossible. In order to continue the upkeep of our Eruv, please send a donation as soon as you can. Checks should be made payable to Boca Community Eruv Inc. and sent to Boca Raton Community Eruv, Inc London Lane, Boca Raton, Fl The Eruv needs your caring support JUST DO IT!! The Eruv is being anonymously sponsored this Shabbat in honor of the Boca Raton Community Eruv. EMPTY NESTERS We are planning a Purim Seudah on March 4 at Asia. More details to follow. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CAREGIVER RESOURCES & RESPITE PROGRAM Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services has started an exciting new program for caregivers and their loved ones with memory loss. The Caregiver Resources & Respite Program runs weekly on Fridays 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Weisman Delray Community Center. Please join us at 9:00 am every Friday for a free one-hour caregiver workshop addressing varied topics and issues facing the modern day caregiver- -spouse, child, relative, or friend. There is also a low-cost respite care 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, for your loved one with memory loss and a one-hour Alzheimers Cafe. Please contact Naomi Shapiro, MSW, Program Director, for more information; (561) ; NaomiS@ ralesjfs.org. KIBBITZ & RIDE SENIOR DRIVING PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services is recruiting volunteer drivers to serve seniors in need of transportation during the week. Volunteers take seniors to buy groceries, attend personal care appointments, access medical and rehabilitative services, etc. The goal of the program is to continually support the elderly so they are able to remain in their home environment longer and enhance their overall quality of life. Days and hours are flexible and appointments are scheduled in advance. Please contact Nadine Greenberg, Volunteer Director at JFS. (561) or nadineg@ralesjfs.org. ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODOX JEWISH SCIENTISTS Join the AOJS this Presidents Day Weekend, February at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury, CT for their annual convention. You need not be a scientist to attend! Hear from some amazing speakers and enjoy Glatt Kosher gourmet catering. For reservations, contact (718) or aojsoffice@verizon.net THE TIKVAH FUND Applications for the Tikvah Fund s Institute for High School Students at Yale University are due February 2. The program is open to current high school juniors and seniors, and runs from June 21 to July 2. Tuition and all on-site expenses are fully subsidized. www. TikvahSummer.org. AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE MARCH 1-3 Please join Rabbi Goldberg and Rabbi Broide and the growing contingent of members to this year s AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. on March 1-3, You can register online at www. aipac.org/pc. If you have already registered for the conference and don t see your name on this list, or have any questions, please contact Jacki Alexander at jalexander@aipac.org or (954) We look forward to seeing you in our nation s capital in March! Sal Abady David Abady Dr. Samuel Abramovitz Claire Abramovitz Max Abramovitz Daniel Adler Jaime Alalu Adina Allswang Eli Barrocas Dr. Al Begas Evelyn Begas Benjamin Begas JB Bensmihen Maurice Bensmihen Maya Borzak Rabbi Josh Broide Eli Buzaglo Amy Buzaglo Dr. Mark Cohan Helen Cohan Todd Cohn Eliana Colman Samy Dwek Illana Cohen Dwek Daniela Dwek Elie Dwek Simcha Firestone Alan Fisher Mona Fisher Dr. Samuel Freedman Lisa Freedman Rabbi Simcha Freedman Anna Freedman Judah Friedman Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Murray Goldberg Basheva Goldberg Glen Golish Ariella Golish Rabbi Ben Gonsher Eric Gordon Sarah Gordon Avi Greenbaum Michael Greenberg Elissa Greenberg Dave Grunberg Dr. Larry Halperin Debra Halperin Katie Halperin Zev Herman Michelle Herman Dr. Bernie Kaminetsky Melanie Kaminetsky Shimmie Kaminetsky Yitzchak Kaminetsky Josh Karsh Daniel Katz Jacob Katz Chani Katz Dr. David Kay Sharona Kay Barbara Kirshner Gary Krasna Judi Krasna Michael Krasna Yaakov Kronfeld Phil Landau Jen Landau Dr. Joey Loskove Dr. Seema Loskove Dr. Pesach Louis Dr. David Makover Reena Makover Dr. Oren Masory Shoshana Masory Abigail Masory Lothar Mayer Carlyn Mayer Doug Meltzer Michael Pielet Ezra Saragossi Mitchell Shadowitz Beth Shadowitz Larry Silver Deborah Silver Dovi Teitlebaum Alan Veingrad Brooke Veingrad Jeri Veingrad Farley Weiss Valuing Diversity Celebrating Unity Page 7

8 ISRAEL UPDATE SOCIAL ACTION Tuesday, January 27, marked the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. As the world paused to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, anti-semitism and violence towards Jews is at an all time high. Threats to Israel s very existence mount, as Iran gains footholds in the Middle East in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and beyond. Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) along with nine other Democratic senators, Charles Schumer (N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Bob Casey, Jr. (Pa.), Ben Cardin (Md.), Chris Coons (Del.), Joe Manchin (W. Va.), Joe Donnelly (Ind.), and Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) have sent a letter to President Barack Obama issuing a deadline for a political framework to be reached with Iran over its nuclear program. The senators warned that if Iran fails to agree to a framework that addresses all parameters of a comprehensive agreement by March 24, they will vote in favor of legislation that levies economic pressure against Iran. The legislation, a critical test of Iranian intentions, is designed to give leverage to the U.S. negotiating team by implementing economic penalties against Iran if a final agreement is not reached by June 30. Please contact Senators Robert Menendez ( ) and Mark Kirk, R-IL ( ) to thank them for sponsoring this legislation. 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 your child or grandchild is 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, Asher Kaplan, Adam Barel, Daniella Borenstein, Yosef Brander, Stav Gare, Menachem Kaplan, Shabtai Kaplan, Jeremy Siegman, Daniel Louis, Arie Hizkiya, Albert Lupin, Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha ben Moshe Yisroel, Yehuda Strauss, Elad Shachar, Liel Reinfeld, Ron Hirschhorn, Yehoshua Strauss, Amichai Berman, Matt Firestone, Dov Lieber, Leo Loeffler Chanan Wolfson, Eitan Yitzchak ben Etel Rochel, Noam Bar Yakov, Yuchiel Shlomo Lowenstern, Amir Tsarfati, Reuben Gladstone, Zoe Gladstone, Dean Tansman, Joshua Weiss, Hannah Katz Zachary Solomon 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. Page 8 PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS 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 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. ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF) Valuing Diversity Celebrating Unity

9 BEIS MEDRASH of BRS MOTZEI SHABBAT: AVOT U BANIM LEARNING PROGRAM BRS Night Seder is proud to continue our Motzei Shabbat Avot U Banim learning program that will run throughout the winter months. This program is designed for Chavruta learning between fathers and their sons who are in 4th grade and above, and takes place in the. Following the learning, there will be donuts, pizza, and a raffle. Last week s Dvar Torah was given by Sruli Muschel, who also made a Siyum. This week s Dvar Torah will be given by Shmuel Hassan. Please note that Avot U Banim now begins at 7:30 pm and concludes at 8:30 pm. SUNDAY NIGHT: HALACHOT OF DAILY LIFE CHABURA Join Rabbi Simmy Shabtai on Sunday nights starting, February 8 at 8:00 8:45 pm in the Senders Library for group learning on the Halachot of day-to-day life (Tefillah, Brachot, Etc.). TUESDAY NIGHT: 7TH & 8TH GRADE GEMARA CHABURA Come to the Senders Library on Tuesday nights at 8:00 8:45 pm and join your 7th and 8th grade friends for guided learning in Masechet Brachot by Rabbi Simmy Shabtai. THURSDAY NIGHT: PARSHA CHABURA Join Rabbi Simmy Shabtai on Thursday nights at 8:45 9:30 pm in the Senders Library for roundtable learning and insights on the weekly Parsha. THURSDAY NIGHT: MUSSAR SCHMOOZE & BBQ WINGS Come to the Senders Library after the 9:30 pm Ma ariv to hear words of Mussar and inspiration from various rabbinic personalities from within our community. Famous BBQ wings from Chef Gersh will be served. This Thursday night, we have the privilege to hear from Rabbi Mordechai Smolarcik. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON MEN S KOLLEL Be part of our growing Afternoon Men s Kollel on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 5:00 pm in the Social Hall and learn with men of all ages and backgrounds. Classes in the following areas are given: 3:00 4:00 PM Gemara Pesachim By: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg 4:00 4:40 PM Hilchot Aveilut By: Rabbi Simmy Shabtai 4:40 5:00 PM Sefer Yona By: Rabbi Simmy Shabtai This program is free and open to the public and includes an array of refreshments. WEDNESDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY LEARNING Take part in our vibrant Wednesday Night Learning Program taking place between 8:00 and 10:00 pm in the Sephardic Beit Midrash as we are joined by Yeshiva Tiferes Torah of Boca Raton. In addition to Chavruta learning we will be having the following Chaburas take place: 8:00 8:45 pm Shulchan Aruch Chabura By: Rabbi David Shabtai, MD. 8:45 9:30 pm Mesillat Yesharim Chabura By: Rabbi Matan Wexler 8:45 9:30 pm Chassidus Chabura With our Shtiebel Minyan 8:45 9:30 pm High Level Bava Metzia Chabura By: Rabbi Shaul Opoczynski Rosh Yeshiva of Tiferes Torah of Boca Raton. Light refreshments will be served. For more information about any of the programs taking place as part of the Beit Midrash of BRS or to be set up with a Chavruta, please contact our Rosh Beis Medrash, Rabbi Simmy Shabtai at rss@brsonline.org

10 TEEN MINYAN Join us every Shabbat at 9:45 am in classrooms 104/105 followed by a delicious Kiddush and schmooze! Join us every week for your chance to win tons of prizes!! Heat tickets, Ipads, and so much more, but you have to be in it to win it!! LOOKING FOR AWESOME SUMMER PROGRAMS? Searching for an incredible and inspirational summer? Search no more! Visit ncsysummer.org for more information! Tikvah Summer Institute for High School Students at Yale University. New program designed for current juniors and seniors. Please find more information on their website at tikvahfund.org/program/high-school/overview/ THE CHABURA For Advanced Learning Guys Only Program. Join us every Shabbat 45 minutes before the main BRS Mincha at the Zians residence G.L.A.M. (Girls Learning And More) THIS Saturday Night, January 31, 7:30 9:00 pm Join us for an all GIRL S SPA NIGHT!! Hosted at the Rudensky Home located at 7679 Newport Terrace (Thornhill Estates) All middle school girls are invited for some Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, sushi and much more! NCSY SKI TRIP SHABBATON Join us February as we celebrate Shabbat in Camp Ramah Darom and SKI in North Carolina. Sign up now - spots are limited! If you would like to help sponsor or donate to our Teen Kiddush, Teen Seudah Shlishiet, or any other program, or for more information about upcoming events and activities, please contact Rabbi Eli Zians at REZ@brsonline.org or at (516) BRS YOUTH PROGRAMS RABBI EISENBERGER S MISHNA CLASS We are continuing our journey through Shisha Sidrei Mishna as we learn Masechet Sh vuot. Join us every week for an incredible learning experience. Junior Kiddush each week. 9:30 am - 10:00 am in Room 102. JUNIOR CONGREGATION Daven with your friends each and every week with Boca s new star rebbe, Rabbi Matan Wexler. Great Stories, Singing, Parsha, and special treats!!! Valuing Diversity Celebrating Unity Page 10

11 SHABBAT ACROSS Friday, March 13th Boca raton Synagogue Join hundreds of synagogues across the continent that will take part in an historic national Jewish event to celebrate what unifies all Jews... Shabbat! FRIdAy NIght LIvE At 6:00pM ShABBAt dinner At 7:00pM For more info, please contact Simone (561) Adults $25 ~ Children (under 10) $10 please make checks payable to VESHINANTAM levanecha Join all your friends for VL Season 15 on January 31, 2015 at 7:15pm Veshinantam Levanecha is sponsored by Dr. Michael & Toby Eleff in loving memory of Yechiel Michael ben Zev, beloved great grandfather of Ariana and Chaim Kassorla and co-sponsored by Daniel and Liat Bensimon in honor of their children, Avigail, Orly, Adina and Haim and In appreciation for Rabbi Josh Broide for running another wonderful season of vishinantam!

12 PAID ADVERTISEMENTS BRS MEMBER SINCE YEARS EXPERIENCE 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 Stuart A. Rubin, M.D. Board Certified: Rehab Medicine / Pain Boynton Beach Deerfield Beach Do You Remember When it did not hurt? Musculoskeletal Medicine Epidural and Joint Injections Balance and Fall Clinic Stroke and Cancer Recovery Sports Medicine EMG-Disability Acupuncture Magnificent 5 Bedroom House for Rent Sheri Strauss, DBA Located in the beautiful gated community of Palma Vista 5 minutes walking distance to BRS West synagogue; Hillel; JCC; DKJA and shopping Address: 9898 Palma Vista Way, Boca Raton, FL Starting date: March 1, 2015; Size: 4,400 square foot Gorgeous backyard and pool; 3 car garage; 3 full bath For more information call ; For pictures: / PAID ADVERTISEMENTS

13 PAID ADVERTISEMENTS We cordially invite you to join us in welcoming YONI BLIECHBARD Chief Security Officer of Hebron In support of The Jewish Community of Hebron Sunday Evening FEBRUARY :30pm 8 At the home of DR. MOSHE & SHARI HIRTH 7798 Tennyson Court Boca Hamlet Boca Raton, Florida Please come to hear the latest updates on the situation in Israel and to show your support for the brave families of Hebron! Video Presentation and Dessert Reception WELCOMING COMMITTEE (partial listing) Dr. Moshe & Shari Hirth Noam & Jill Kaminetzky Daniel and Caroline Katz Dr. Harold & Lori Landa Yaakov and Ruchie Lyons Dr. Benjamin & Diane Saketkhou Dr. Bennett & Chani Salamon Dr. Barry and Dana Schechter Harry & Marilyn Wanderer Join us! Sunday Evening FEBRUARY 8 We d love to greet you personally. However, if you cannot attend, please show your support for Hebron by visiting our website at: THE HEBRON FUND 1760 Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, NY Tel: BRS UPCOMING EVENTS BRS in conjunction with NCSY Presents Girls Learning And More Grades 6-8 JOIN US FOR AN ALL GIRLS SPA NIGHT Just Like we care for the BODY, we care for the SOUL! Saturday, January 31 7:30 9pm Hosted at the Rudensky Home 7679 Newport Terrace (Thornhill Estates) 5COST: $ For more information, contact Rabbi Eli Zians at or rez@brsonline.org

14 BRS UPCOMING EVENTS Presents in Conjunction with OU Community Services and ASK OU OUTREACH CommunitY KAshrus event sunday february 8, 2015 boca raton synagogue social hall 9:30 Am WhAt Could be Wrong With... rabbi moshe elefant COO and Executive Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kosher 10:30 Am eating out - WhAt Could be the Problem? rabbi YAAKoV luban Executive Rabbinic Coordinator, OU Kosher meet the ou experts! Q&A At the end of each session. For more information contact the Shul office at Hahn Judaic Campus 7900 Montoya Circle N. Boca Raton, Florida (561) Fax (561) office@brsonline.org Sponsored by the Harry H. Beren Foundation of New Jersey

15 BRS UPCOMING EVENTS SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE Shabbat, February 21, 2015 EDWIN BLACK NY Times best-selling investigative author 1.4 million books in print Shabbat Morning 11:15 AM International Law and Israel What You Need to Know Edwin Black is the award-winning, New York Times-bestselling international investigative author of 120 award-winning editions in 14 languages in 65 countries, as well as scores of newspaper and magazine articles in the leading publications of the United States, Europe and Israel. His work focuses on genocide and hate, corporate criminality and corruption, governmental misconduct, academic fraud, philanthropy abuse, oil addiction, alternative energy and historical investigation. His award-winning bestselling books include IBM and the Holocaust and Financing the Flames. Shabbat Afternoon 4:45 PM Financing the Flames How Tax-Exempt & Public Money Fuel a Culture of Confrontation and Terror in Israel Saturday Night 6:15 PM Answering Your Questions The New Israel Fund, Iran s Nuclear Warhead, Oil Addiction, ISIS Sponsored by Marissa and David Levenson in loving memory of the fifth yartzheit of his mother Mildred Pallas Levenson, Malka Bat Yitzchak a h Hahn Judaic Campus 7900 Montoya Circle Boca Raton, FL (561)

16