It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to.

Transcription

1 For the Book of Sh'mot and the sedra of Sh'mot, this Lead Tidbit will follow the lead of the Book and Sedra names. This title also doesn't really match, but I liked it and W.C. Fields said it. Sh'mot starts with the names of Yaakov and his sons. Very soon, we add Shifra and Puah to the list of names. But now take a look at 10 remarkable p'sukim. Sh'mot 2:1-10. A man from the House of Levi (Amram) went and took (as a wife) the daughter of Levi (Yocheved). The woman (Yocheved) became pregnant and gave birth to a son (as yet unnamed)... She couldn't hide him any longer, and she put the YELED (you know who) into a basket... She (Yocheved) placed his sister (Miriam) at a distance... Par'o's daughter (only in Divrei HaYamim is she named - Bitya)... She opened the basket and say the YELED, and the NAAR was crying (no name yet)... the baby's sister (Miriam) said to Par'o's daughter, let me get a Jewish wet nurse (Yocheved)... the ALMA (Miriam) went and got the baby's mother (Yocheved)... and the woman took the child... brought him back to Par'o's daughter when he was weaned... and she (Par'o's daughter) called him (drum roll) MOSHE, for from the water he was drawn. It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to. Amram, Yocheved, Miriam, Par'o's daughter, are referred to, are discribed variously - but they are not named. Only at the end of this sequence of p'sukim are we introduced by name to the Moshe Rabeinu - whose name will be used 766 more times throughout Tanach. Amram, Yocheved, Miriam, and bat Par'o are all important in the story of Egyptian slavery, but it seems that the Torah reseved its focus on MOSHE; the others are not named - only their roles are described. Remember back to Parshat Chayei Sara - who is the main character of the sedra - Eliezer. His name does not occur at all. Eliezer's name was not the point in that sedra - his role was what is important. He is called HaEVED, the servant, 9 times and Ha-Ish, the Man, 9 times. Those were his two identities. The Torah is de-emphasizing his name. OU Israel Center TT 1304 page 4 3 SH'MOT 5779

2 Join the new OU Israel L'Ayla initiative TIMEOUT FOR TORAH a two-minute Parsha video clip for women, featuring OU Israel staff and teachers To receive the clip by WhatsApp, send a WhatsApp to Please help us spread Torah to Klal Yisrael by dedicating a shiur, a day of learning, or an event at the OU Israel Center - in honor of a simcha, for a Refu'ah Sh'leima, or in memory of a loved one. For more information, contact Chana at (02) or cspivack@ouisrael.org OU Israel Center TT 1304 page 37 3 SH'MOT 5779

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5 SCHEDULE NOTES SUNDAY '` mei MONDAY 'a mei 4 No Shabbat Shiur Dec 30th zah a"k Dec 31st zah b"k SH'MOT Dec 29th In the Ganchrow Beit Midrash... 10:00am Rabbi Jeff Bienenfeld Bava Kama - 3rd perek This shiur is in tribute to Rabbi Fred Hollander z"l Sun thru Thu 11:15am RCA DAF YOMI Rotating Magidei Shiur The Daf Yomi shiur is in tribute to Rabbi Yitzchak Botwinick z"l Su/M/W/Th 4:30pm Rabbi Hillel Ruvel Gemara Shiur Masechet GITTIN Maariv 5:30pm Please note: Regular shiurim: 25NIS members 30NIS non-mem 5NIS Life One-time shiurim and mini-series 25NIS members and Life Members 30NIS for non-members unless otherwise indicated Discounted zeiqihxk (punch cards) available at the front desk and valid for all shiurim and classes (as are Courtesy Cards) 9:00am Rabbi David Walk T'hilim 10:00am L'Ayla Mrs. Sylvie Schatz Enhancing the Shabbat 10:15am Rabbi Aharon Adler HAFTARA of the WEEK 11:15am L'Ayla Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz Wisdom for Life - Mishlei 12:00 noon Rabbi Chaim Eisen The Kuzari 2:00pm Rabbi Ephraim Sprecher Why Punish Egypt - Just Following G-d's Orders? 8:00pm Rabbi Mordechai Machlis The Book of Shmuel See pages for Video Schedule and other OU Israel Center 9:15am Mrs. Pearl Borow The Book(let) of Chavakuk 9:30am & 10:30am Mommy & Me with Jackie correjackie@gmail.com 10:30am Rabbi A. Goldscheider on Rav Kook zt"l 11:30am Rabbi Shmuel Herschler Halacha & Reason 11:30am Get Fit While You Sit Exercise with Sura Faecher 1:45pm Rebbitzen Pearl Borow Women in Tanach 2:45pm Rabbi Leff - Pirkei Avot 3:30pm Phil Chernofsky Mishna, Mitzvot & more 3:00pm Music with Jackie for children 5:20-7:20pm Pri-Hadash Writing Workshop Ruth: ; Judy: :00pm Dorot OU Intergenerational Choir Directed by Hadassah Jacob Call OU Israel Center TT 1304 page 40 3 SH'MOT 5779

6 TUESDAY 'b mei WEDNESDAY 'c mei THURSDAY 'd mei Jan 1st zah c"k 9:00am Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz Minchat Chinuch 9:15am L'Ayla Mrs. Shira Smiles Torah Tapestries 10:30am L'Ayla Mrs. Shprintzee Rappaport Kohelet 10:30am Rabbi Sholom Gold Parshat HaShavua 11:30am T'hilim Group (women) 12:15pm Rabbi Nachman Winkler History is HIS Story 1:45pm Dr. Deborah Polster Neo-Orthodoxy 3:00pm Knitting Club with Verna Dec 26th & Jan 2nd (unless otherwise indicated) 9:15am Rabbi Shmuel Goldin Rethinking the Messages of Sefer B'reishit 10:15am Rabbi Anthony Manning Contemporary Issues in Halacha and Hashkafa 11:30am Rabbi Ian Pear Law & Order 2:00pm & 3:00pm Rebbetzin Pearl Borow The Transmission of Torah via Pirkei Avot Chumash with M'forshim 7:00pm Rabbi Yonatan Kolatch Topics in Parshanut 7:00pm Rabbi Chaim Eisen The Meaning & Mission of the Chosen People 7:45 & 8:30pm L'Ayla Parsha Perspectives see page 38 top Dec 27th & Jan 3rd (unless otherwise indicated) 9:00am Rabbi Ari Kahn Parshat HaShavua No 27th YES Jan 3rd 10:10am Rabbi Baruch Taub Thursday the Rabbi gave his Drasha 11:30am Rabbi Shai Finkelstein Unlocking the Messages in Chazal 2:00pm Rabbi Ephraim Sprecher Current events in the Haftara and Parsha Thank you to Yehuda Lave for helping to make the shiur a reality 2:15pm Rabbi Shmuel Herschler Book of Melachim 8:00pm Rabbi Avrum Kowalsky Book of Daniel Dec 27th 8:00pm no charge Rabbi Zellig Pliskin THE JOY CLUB OU Israel Center TT 1304 page 41 3 SH'MOT 5779

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11 Mondays 2:45-3:30pm bet. Pearl Borow 1:45pm & Phil 3:30pm Walk through the Parsha with Rabbi David Walk A TALE OF TWO HAFTOROT The practice of reciting haftorot on Shabbat and Chag is often a bit embarrassing. There's probably no communal custom as denigrated as the haftora. A major competition exists between haftorot and sermons for which cause more people to depart shul. I remember being a 'scholar in residence' (perhaps more correctly 'entertainer in visit') at a OU Israel Center TT 1304 page 46 3 SH'MOT 5779

12 Rav Aharon Adler's Monthly English Shiur SUN, Dec 30th 8:00pm Beit Knesset Ohel Nehama 3 Chopin Street, J'lem CHUKAT HaGOY All are invited For Sale in Zayit, EFRAT YEHUDA HAMACABI St. The most beautiful 6-room garden (150m) apartment (180m) in EFRAT - spacious and very luxurious, amazing view, near shuls and parks 2,085,000NIS Meir: Zeit Shemen, EFRAT - Centrally located in the Zayit by the biggest park in the neighborhood, walking distance to the future mall and pool, 175m on 2 levels, 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, Succah balcony withview. Asking ONLY! 1,580,000NIS DOSTAI, Katamon - Gorgeous penthouse, in excellent condition. 215m, 5 bedrooms (plus a den) with private shabbat elevator and parking. 2 huge succah terraces with breathtaking views, close to Emek Refaim, the Shteiblach and the heart of Old Katamon BEIT HAKEREM - truly unique private house on a huge lot of 750m! preserved building of 300m with rights to build. An absolute one of a kind property! OLD KATAMON - For sale in the heart of Old Katamon, close to the Shteiblach, Palmach and Lamed Hey. On a quiet street, beautifully and elegantly renovated ground fl apartment with outdoor access, and in total move in condition. Spacious property of over 110m, 3 bedrooms, and 2 full baths. Strengthened against earthquakes in a newly reconstructed building. Asking 3,680,000NIS ELAZAR HAMODA I, bet. German and Greek Colonies - quaint 2 bedroom apartment currently being expanded via Tama 38, balcony, elevator. Excellent investment! Asking: 1,590,000NIS GERMAN COLONY IN ITALIAN COMPLEX, Hildesheimer - Approx 160m penthouse with 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and 3 succah balconies. 2 parking spots, storage and 4 exposures. Plus, an adjacent roof of about 170m all on one level. With building rights. The most unique deal on the market today! NACHALAT ACHIM, Even Sapir - New building, parking, storage, Shabbat elevator, succah balcony with a breathtaking view. 3 bedrooms including one en suite. Asking: $980,000 ACROSS FROM FIRST STATION, pastoral and green, lovely 150m, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms. Private entrance, breathtaking view of Har Habayit on a 40m succah terrace. PRICE REDUCTION!! Asking: ONLY 3,990,000NIS Yaniv Gabbay Elia Gabai yaniv@gabairealestate.com eliagabai@gmail.com OU Israel Center TT 1304 page 65 3 SH'MOT 5779

13 Dr. Maurice E. Joseph Jewish VIDEO Program \ NO CHARGE Check each day for start time and location \ VIDEO MON Dec 31st - 2:00pm MAIN HALL 2 hrs Gentleman's Agreement - By popular request - Film classic, considered by many to be one of best movies ever made. Gregory Peck as Christian journalist wishing to report on anti- Semitism; assumes identity of a Jew in order to experience prejudice firsthand. Is shocked by what he discovers. Nominated for 8 Oscars, winner of 3 including Best Picture. Excellent and important film, loved by our audiences. SPONSORED BY SARAH FISHMAN IN MEMORY OF HER FATHER, YECHEZKEL ELIEZER BERLIN l"f VIDEO TUE Jan 1st - 2:00pm MAIN HALL Heb/Eng subs 1¾ hrs FOOTNOTE - Rivalry between two Talmudic scholars - one esteemed, the other ignored - one the father, one the son. But the disregarded one wins the Israel Prize! Or does he? A poignant, thought-provoking ISRAELI FILM about values - and fathers and sons. Filmed in Jerusalem neighborhoods! Nominated for Best Foreign Film Oscar, winner of MANY awards. SPONSORED BY DEBBIE HAMLIN IN MEMORY OF HER BROTHER, AVRAHAM BEN WOLF (ERNIE NATHAN) l"f VIDEO WED Jan 2nd - 2:00pm MAIN HALL 1½ hrs Yid/Eng subs Yid'l Mit'n Fiddle - Classic, starring Molly Picon - A girl must leave home and wander the roads. Ekes out parnasa playing the violin - meets another fiddler, a boy, and falls in love with him. The result is comic scenes in which Ms. Picon demonstrates her superb talents. One of our most popular Yiddish films! SPONSORED BY FRANCES CHARNEY IN MEMORY OF HER PARENTS, HOWARD AND LENKA CHARNEY d"r OU Israel Center TT 1304 page 66 3 SH'MOT 5779

14 FROM p.15 because, as explained in the next parsha of Va'era "V'lo sham'u el Moshe mikotzer ru'ach ume'avoda kasha" - their impatience, born of the many years of suffering and the heavy exhausting labor imposed upon them, made it impossible to believe the words of the navi Moshe that the ge'ula was near. Additionally, I find it quite interesting that the p'sukim that follow the closing of our haftara, i.e., the opening verses of the 30th perek, condemn Israel for depending upon their alliance with Egypt for help in battling the invading Assyrian hordes rather than turning to Hashem. Despite all G-d had done for them, the people still turn to Egypt for help, "la'oz bm'oz Par'o", "to seek strength from the power of Par'o" and "lachasot b'tzel Mitzrayim", "to find shelter under Egypt's protection." The parsha starts the story of Hashem's first steps to wean Israel from their dependence on Egypt and her gods and to strengthen their belief in the One G-d and the generation of Yishayahu reject the promises of G-d's redemption and, instead, rely, once again, on the power (and gods?) of Egypt. Our history has proven to us that there is only one source of true redemption. Our challenge in every generation is to SHIUR SPONSORS Rabbi Manning's shiur (WED Dec 26) sponsored by Stanley & Donna Dalnekoff in honor of the marriage of Rabbi & Mrs. Manning's son Asher & Lia Bedarida Mazel Tov! Rabbi Manning's shiur (WED Dec 26) sponsored in memory of Jacob Berlinger Yakov ben Naftali l"f and Miriam Berlinger Miriam bat Menachem d"r by the Berlinger & Treistman Families and Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren Rabbi Breitowitz's Sunday shiur is sponsored by Mel David in gratitude to HaShem for the many blessings he has been given To sponsor a shiur or a full day of learning, call Chana (02) understand that we must do whatever we can to bring our ultimate salvation and to trust only in Hashem who will see our efforts and bring us the final ge'ula for which we yearn. Probing the Prophets, weekly insights into the Haftara, is written by Rabbi Nachman (Neil) Winkler, author of Bringing the Prophets to Life (Gefen Publ.) If you would like to sponsor a video, please call Mark at Your sponsorship of only 50å enables us to continue to provide the finest films with Jewish/Israeli content always at no charge. Thank you \ \ Gemach - Free Loan Society The Israel Center and the Old City Free Loan Association providing interest-free loans for people in financial distress (living in the J'lem area). Interviews at the Center Bring ID Tuesdays and 19-20:15 OU Israel Center TT 1304 page 67 3 SH'MOT 5779

15 The first pasuk of Sefer Sh'mot reads: "These are the names of the sons of Israel who came into Egypt with Yaakov; each man came together with his household." The Standard English translation can never convey the multi-layered quality of the original Hebrew text. In this case there is a mid-sentence change of tense which gets lost in translation: The verse begins with the present tense: "Habayim Mitzrayma", (literally: "who are coming down to Egypt"), but then switches over - in mid-sentence - to past tense: "Ish Uveito Ba'u", each of them came together with their household. Rav Baruch Epstein Z"L, the author of the Torah Temima, suggests, that the Biblical usage of the present tense, should be understood as a case of - Diber Hakatuv Bilshon Bnei Adam - the Torah speaking to us in human parlance: "This is the manner of people; they express it in the present tense instead of 'I went', 'I sat', 'I stood' And the Torah writes in the manner of human speech." In other words, the Torah writes using the historical present (which is the use of a verb phrase in the present tense to refer to an event that took place in the past) in order to make the story that much more vivid. Instead of telling a dry story about the past, we read about it in the present tense. Speaking of it as if it is transpiring in the present makes the events 'come alive' in our mind. Psychologically, we feel as if the events are happening now, Tuesday, January 1st - 7:30pm The Enemy of My Enemy is Still My Enemy: Terror, Conventional and Nuclear Threat Posed by Saudi Arabia Lecture by David Bedein Author,"Genesis of the Palestinian Authority" and "UNRWA: RoadBlock to Peace" Director Israel Resource News Agency, Center for Near East Policy Research Root and Branch Association, Ltd. Thursday, January 3rd, 8:00pm "Our Expanding Universe" by Dr. Gerald Lawrence Schroeder Author, Genesis and the Big Bang The Science of God: The Convergence of Scientific and Biblical Wisdom The Hidden Face Of God: Science Reveals the Ultimate Truth God According to God: A Physicist Proves We've Been Wrong About God All Along Program Chair: Dr. Les Glassman M.C.: Mr. Lowell Joseph Gallin Regular Israel Center Admission Fees Info: SCHEDULE UPDATES More up-to-date than pp Rabbi Taub will NOT be teaching on THU Jan 3rd (resumes Jan 10th) Shprintzee Rappaport's Tuesday class begins at 10:40am (not at 10:30am) liigl dnly d`etx dxetv `piiy oa oli` l`pzp dwax dnext oa l`kin mdxa`l dnly d`etxl 'dl dcez OU Israel Center TT 1304 page 68 3 SH'MOT 5779

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