March 23 - March 30, Adar - 7 Nisan 5772

Transcription

1 Boca Raton Synagogue WeEkly PARSHAT VAYIKRA PARSHAT HA CHODESH March 23 - March 30, Adar - 7 Nisan 5772 RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG Marah D asrah RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ Assistant Rabbi DANIEL J. KATZ President RABBI JOSH BROIDE Outreach Rabbi RABBI URI PILICHOWSKI Teen Rabbi Rabbi Mordechai Smolarcik Rabbi, BRS West SCHEDULE Plag Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat Earliest Candle Lighting Candle Lighting Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 6:05 pm 6:18 pm 7:15 pm 7:20 pm Shabbat Class 6:05 pm Use It or Lose It: Some Thoughts on the Exercise of Free Will Dr. Karen Bacon Shabbat Mincha 7:05 pm Ma ariv / Havadalah 8:09 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 FOLLOW SHARE Friend us on Facebook Boca Raton Synagogue Follow us @MatthewJHoch Hahn Judaic Campus 7900 Montoya Circle N. Boca Raton, Florida (561) fax (561) office@brsonline.org Check out Jewish Pride Films for our latest videos

2 From the rabbi s Desk The countdown to Pesach has officially begun complete with its angst, anxiety, stress, and exhaustion. Tragically, many people associate Pesach with backbreaking work, exorbitant expenses, endless preparation, and bread deprivation. It is not unusual to hear moans, groans, and krechts coming from both men and women when mentioning the upcoming holiday. Most describe themselves as rolling into Pesach like a shmatta, unable to enjoy the festive atmosphere, meaningful Sedarim, or even quality time with friends and family. The Seder Should Have Bitter Herbs NOT Bitter Follow the Rabbi at twitter.com/ rabbigoldberg But this is not the way the Torah or our Rabbis intended it. I would argue that the bulk of the stress, aches, and pains that result from Pesach preparation are self-induced and utterly unnecessary. True, there is a high cost of matzah, wine and Kosher for Pesach groceries that cannot be avoided and are challenging, particularly during these difficult economic times. However, the labor intensive house preparations, and extensive and arguably overly complicated menus and recipes, can all be avoided. For some reason, Pesach has gotten away from us with the purely voluntary but now becoming mandated standards, and what should be the primary goals becoming almost entirely neglected and dismissed. Undoubtedly, Halacha demands that we seek and destroy all chametz in our possession. Definitions of chametz, seek, and in our possession are all very clear and require a preparation of a home that should take only a few hours total. Areas and places where chametz is never brought don t need to be cleaned or checked. Areas, places, and appliances that will not be accessed or used, need not be cleaned or checked; they simply need to be put away and sealed. And, any food that is not categorized as edible (a dog would not eat it) is not considered chametz. At some point in recent Jewish history, Pesach preparation was substituted with spring cleaning. If one is moving a refrigerator, oven, or any other heavy appliance, they are spring cleaning, not preparing for Pesach. If one is climbing on a ladder to clean a ceiling fan, taking a toothpick to a toaster or food processor, scrubbing grout with a toothbrush, emptying and wiping all People dressers, closets, linen pantries, crawl spaces, or shaking out books that haven t been opened in years, they are spring cleaning, not preparing for Pesach. Halacha demands that we go room to room confirming there is no chametz that is larger than 30 grams and edible. This, in my opinion, can be accomplished in a few hours at most in most homes. This substitution of spring cleaning instead of Pesach preparation has come at a great cost and I fear will hurt our community deeply in the future. Rather than enter Pesach excited, enthusiastic, and energized to spend time with family and share Divrei Torah at our Sedarim, we are increasingly becoming resentful, negative, and toxic about being observant. Rather than happy people eating bitter herbs to celebrate freedom, we are becoming bitter people exchanging our freedom for unnecessary burdens in anticipation of Pesach. Pesach, more than any other holiday or time of year, is designed to communicate our values, priorities and lifestyles to the next generation. Pesach, and the days leading up to it, should leave our children with sights, smells, flavors, traditions, and experiences they will draw from and seek to emulate in their own homes, for the rest of their lives. Bedikas Chametz, complete with its hide and seek nature, should be fun, exciting, and adventurous. Instead, for many it has become a chore that we unburden ourselves from as quickly as possible. Burning chametz, rolling matzah balls by hand, chopping charoses, grinding marror, setting the regal Seder table, re-enacting the Pesach story at our Seders, welcoming visiting family, are among the activities that can be carried out with joy, enthusiasm, nostalgia, and meaning. Depleting ourselves of energy and joy by engaging in spring cleaning rather than Pesach preparation is not only depriving us of the simcha, joy, we are capable of feeling, but it is indelibly impressing on our children negative memories and associations that will likely haunt them. As we enter the final countdown to Pesach this year, I beg you to ask yourself the question - which sounds will ring in your children s ears in the future when they think back to Pesach in their home? Will it be moans, groans, bitterness, and complaints or will they remember the joyous sounds of an energized family eagerly preparing for a meaningful Yom Tov? The answer is up to us. Let s all decide to make Pesach the greatest and most memorable experience of our year. Friend the Rabbi on facebook Efrem Goldberg Share the Rabbi s blog on Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg brs Outreach Revolution With Pesach just around the corner, everyone is preparing their homes for the incredible Jewish holiday. It often takes days if not weeks to clean the house, purchase all of the Kosher food, and prepare for all of the meals that will take place. With everything that goes into preparing for Pesach, there is no doubt that the moment we all look forward to is the Seder night. It s a special opportunity for many of us to sit around the table with family and friends and re-enact our journey from slavery to freedom. Now I want you to please consider the following. You have taken so much time to prepare for the Seder, you have so much food that has already been made, and you even went out of your way to set up a chair and setting for Eliyahu, someone that might or might not show up this year. Why not just set one more space for someone that will be there to see how you run your amazing Seder? I need you to go over to the people that you work with or the people that you know will not be having a Seder this year, and please invite them to yours. It doesn t cost you more money, because you ve already prepared and I promise that your Seder will only be enhanced by YOUR special guest. Inspire yourself to inspire others Josh Page 2

3 Halachik Question of the Week Q: May quinoa be used on Pesach? Is it considered Kitniyot? A: The status of quinoa is debated, but we follow the position of the CRC and others that it is not Kitniyot and may be consumed on Pesach. It was recently discovered that many farmers cover their quinoa with barley and/ or oats to keep birds from eating it while it dries. Others use sacks that previously held barley and/or oats. Therefore, one should only use quinoa from a source that is confirmed to be pure quinoa. Kosher for Pesach quinoa can be purchased at ORB facilities including Kosher Marketplace. Please submit your question of the week on any topic to Rabbi Goldberg at reg@brsonline.org parsha q & a Questions 1. Who does the word eilav in verse 1:1 exclude? 2. Where was the Olah slaughtered? 3. What procedure of an animal-offering can a non-kohen perform? 4. Besides the fire the Kohanim bring on the altar, where else did the fire come from? 5. Why are animal innards offered on the altar, while bird innards are not? 6. Why does the Torah describe both the animal and bird offerings as a satisfying aroma? 7. When does the Torah permit bringing a leavened bread offering? 8. Who is obligated to bring a Chatat? 9. Where were the remains of the bull burnt while in the wilderness? Where were they burnt during the time of the Beit Hamikdash? 10. What is the minimum value of a Korban Asham? 1. Who does the word eilav in verse 1:1 exclude? 1:1 - Aharon. 2. Where was the Olah slaughtered? 1:5 - In the Mishkan Courtyard (Azarah). 3. What procedure of an animal-offering can a non-kohen perform? 1:5 - Ritual slaughter. 4. Besides the fire the Kohanim bring on the altar, where else did the fire come from? 1:7 - It descended from Heaven. 5. Why are animal innards offered on the altar, while bird innards are not? 1:16 - An animal s food is provided by its owner, so its innards are Kosher. Birds, however, eat food that they scavenge, so their innards are tainted with theft. 6. Why does the Torah describe both the animal and bird offerings as a satisfying aroma? 1:17 - To indicate that the size of the offering is irrelevant, provided your heart is directed toward G-d. 7. When does the Torah permit bringing a leavened bread offering? 2:12 - On Shavuot. 8. Who is obligated to bring a Chatat? 4:2 - One who accidentally transgresses a negative commandment whose willing violation carries the Karet (excision) penalty. 9. Where were the remains of the bull burnt while in the wilderness? Where were they burnt during the time of the Beit Hamikdash? 4:12 - a. Outside the three camps. b. Outside Jerusalem. 10. What is the minimum value of a Korban Asham? 5:15 - Two shekalim. Questions and Answers are courtesy of Ohr Somayach. Vayikra A. Olah: This was consumed entirely by the fire on the Altar. B. Mincha: An offering of flour usually brought by a person of modest means. C. Sh lomim: A means of expressing thanks to Hashem on joyous occasions. D. Chatat: An atonement for certain sins committed unintentionally by an individual (e.g., eating Chometz on Pesach, doing a Malacha on Shabbat). E. Korban Oleh V Yored: A special type of sin offering (which varied according to the sinner s wealth) for: (1) swearing falsely that he hadn t seen or heard evidence necessary for testimony; (2) entering the Sanctuary, or eating Kodshim while Tamei (unclean); and (3) failing to fulfill a vow. F. Asham: Offered as part of the penitence required for certain improper acts (e.g., retaining another s property by swearing falsely). (In each case, the wrongdoer was required to restore the property plus an additional 20% to its rightful owner before he could offer this sacrifice and receive Divine forgiveness.) Page 3

4 shabbat schedule Friday Night Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program Plag Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Social Hall) Earliest Candle Lighting Candle Lighting Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) Carlebach Minayn (Social Hall) Shabbat Day Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Note NEW time) Candle Lighting Shacharit (Shabbat) Youth Groups Mishnayot Class for Children Mincha (Shabbat) Maariv/Havdalah/Shabbat ends Sunday Morning Minyan Page 4 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:05 pm 6:18 pm 7:15 pm 7:20 pm after Mincha Neitz Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:30 am Hashkama Minyan (Social Hall) 7:25 am Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 9:00 am Ashkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) 9:00 am Shacharit: Rabbi Yaakov Drang Sermon: Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Mussaf: Chaim Silberman Shtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash - 2nd floor) 9:30 am Teen Minyan (Shechet Beit Midrash - 2nd floor) 9:45 am Lome Family Explanatory Service (WYHS Library) 10:00 am Youth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) 10:00 am Sof Zman Kriat Shema 10:23 am Early Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 4:00 pm Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 7:00 pm Ashkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 7:05 pm Sh kiah 7:34 pm Ma ariv/havdalah 8:09 pm Shabbat learning Sichot of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 8:30 am Tefillah Insights (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 am Teachings of the Ba al Shem Tov (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:00 am Parshat Ha shuva with Rabbi Zvi Yehuda (Board Room) 9:15 am Advanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama Minyan Junior Congregation (Berdugo Beit Midrash - Room 104 & 105) 10:00 am Youth Groups (Drop-off begins at 10:00 am) 10:00 am Sephardic Roundtable (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 11:00 am Beit Midrash Program (Senders Library) 5:45 pm Shabbat Class (Rand Sanctuary) 6:05 pm Use It or Lose It: Some Thoughts on the Exercise of Free Will Dr. Karen Bacon Daf Yomi between Mincha/Maariv PARSHAT tzav - MARCH shabbat hagadol Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm Plag Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 6:05 pm Earliest Candle Lighting 6:20 pm Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 7:15 pm Candle Lighting 7:18 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 7:20 pm Maariv/Havdalah (Shabbat) 8:12 pm daily minyanim Daf Yomi (Sunday - Friday) 7:00 am Sunday (Social Hall) 6:25, 7:15, 8:00, 9:00 am Monday and Thursday (Social Hall) 6:20, 7:00 & 8:00 am Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (Social Hall) 6:25, 7:00 & 8:00 am Monday through Friday (Senders Library) 7:45 am SEPHARDIC SHACHARIT Shacharit (Sunday - Friday) 6:50 & 8:00 am MINCHA/MA ARIV Early Mincha (Sunday) 2:00 pm Sephardic Minyan (Sunday - Thursday) (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 7:15 pm Ashkenazi Minyan (Sunday - Thursday) (Social Hall) 7:20 pm Late Maariv 9:30 pm the weinbaum yeshiva high school mincha schedule Mon: 3:20 pm - Tues: 3:05 pm - Wed: 4:00 pm- Thurs- 3:20 pm BRS WEST (At the Hillel Day School, th Ave. (305) :00 pm 7:15 pm 9:30 am 10:30 am 5:15 pm 6:00 pm 8:09 pm BIRTHDAYS 7:45 am Life cycle Shira Wolkowicz Emily Firestone Noah Firestone Rebecca Fisher Akiva Stadlan Estee Goldberg Evan Pelz Bruce Nimhauser Simcha Firestone Amanda Hoffman Lilly Stern Judith Siegel Anniversary David & Ranana Berger welcome to the community Dr. Karen Bacon Four students from Yeshiva Univesity who are spending the weekend in Boca with our youth and teens. appreciation Carolynn Jarashow extends a heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Goldberg, Rabbi Moskowitz, Yvette Kaweblum, Phil Zimmerman, Rick Adelman, the Chevra Kadisha, the Chesed Committee, and dear friends from the community for their outpouring of love and support shown to her and her family during their time of bereavement. REFUAH SHLAYMAH For members of BRS Community. For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please see Tehillim Circle Helen Ijac Alta Haita bat Devorah Ruth Sherman Rochel bat Batsheva Sandy Strauss Sara Leah bat Gittel Joan Noven Rochel Tova bat Malka Beverly Kassirer Briendle bat Pessel Irene Berger Chaya Pesa bat Sora Esther Ariella Berman Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva Malka Lian Sae Bloom Lian Sae Bat Makhla Feigala Rabbi Shmuel Jarashow Shmuel Tzvi ben Shayna Zoli Bernstein Azriel Ha Cohen ben Ruchel Cantor Lazar Wax Eliezer ben Sara Golda Sol Feldman Shlomo Dov ben Chana Rabbi Moshe Mintz Moshe Avraham ben Chaya Abraham Katzman Abraham Yehoshua Ha Cohen ben Chaia Bernard Struhl Binyamin Eliyahu ben Chikah yahrzeits Dr. Jaimy Bensimon in memory of his father Raphael Bansimon, 29 Adar Mrs. Sheryl Strauss in memory of her father Philip Shapiro, 29 Adar Dr. Ephraim Foonberg in memory if his father David Foonberg, 1 Nisan Rabbi Sidney Goldstein in memory of his father Herman Goldstein, 1 Nisan Mr. Stanley Smith in memory of his father Meyer Smith, 1 Nisan Mrs. Florence Kahn in memory of her father Harry Stark, 1 Nisan Mr. Martin Wasserstrom in memory of his father Harry Wasserstrom,1 Nisan Mr. Jerry Kaminetzky in memory of his mother Zehuva Kaminetzky, 2 Nisan Mrs. Frances Band in memory of her mother Sarah Shulman, 2 Nisan Mrs. Marion Roth in memory of her mother Anna Weiss, 2 Nisan Mrs. Esther Ohayon in memory of her father Miguel Benadiba, 3 Nisan Rabbi Josh Broide in memory of his grandfather Benjamin Broide, 3 Nisan Mr. Michael Kazinec in memory of his brother Barry Kazinec, 3 Nisan Mr. Wayne Pollack in memory of his father Hymen Pollack, 3 Nisan Dr. Sidney Abramson in memory of his father Ben Abramson, 4 Nisan Mr. Jeffrey Klein in memory of his father Eugene Klein, 5 Nisan Mr. Salomon Maikhor in memory of his sister Esther Maikhor, 5 Nisan Mrs. Rosalind Mordkofsky in memory of her father Sidney Spiesel, 5 Nisan Mrs. Grace Halpert in memory of her father Jeruhem Milwer, 6 Nisan Mrs. Sue Andron in memory of her father Walter Ivanyi, 7 Nisan TEHILLIM CIRCLE Friday night, March 23, Rosh Chodesh Nisan, please rotate to the next 3 Psalms. Rosh Chodesh nisan Will be celebrated this Shabbat, March 24.

5 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Mazal Tov Alex & Sara Skoczylas on the birth of their granddaughter, Miriam Devora. AND to proud great grandma Frania Skoczylas. Parents are Motty & Sharrone Glick and siblings Shmuli, Avi, Binyamin. Gloria & Sol Wolff on their twin granddaughters, Tehilla & Ayelet Wolff becoming Bat Mitzvah in Beit Shemesh, Israel. Parents are Jay and Renana Wolff and siblings are Gavriella, Hodaya, Avi Chaim, & Shira. Sol & Marcia Feldman on their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Jeffrey L. Klein on being honored by the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County for 25 years of dedicated service as their Chief Executive Officer. Gene & Georgina Rice on his son, Dr. Alan Rice, being appointed Professor of Pediatrics at Mercer University School of Pediatrics and his daughter, Dr. Yael Rice, on her Doctorate in Islamic Art History from the University of Pennsylvania. Tanach B Shana Class To all those who are completing the study of Tanach this week with our Tanach B shana course! kiddush Hashkama Minyan Kiddush sponsored by The Hashkama Minyan Kiddush Fund. Sephardic Minyan Kiddush sponsored by the Lopez Family in honor of Samuel s first Aliyah and to thank Hashem, the Rabbi s, the Nadav family, and the community for all of the support that they received during the last 6 years. Seudah Shlishiet co-sponsored by, Rick & Sue Andron, Rabbi Josh & Simone Broide, Jerry & Gigi Kaminetzky, Jeffrey & Carla Klein, Wayne & Norma Pollack, Martin & Wendy Wasserstrom, and Stuart & Enny Wax Guest Speaker: Dr. Karen Bacon pesach announcements Pre-Pesach workshop If you missed Rabbi Goldberg s Pre-Pesach workshop, you can listen to it on our website It is on the front page as our featured Podcast. pesach Seder If you can host a family for either Seder, or you are in need of a Seder to attend, contact Linda at (561) or linda@brsonline.org. Community Kashering for Pesach Will take place on the Federation Campus on this Sunday, March 25, 9:00 am through 12:00 noon. Matzah BRS will NOT be selling Matzah this year. It can be purchased at Amazing Savings, Boca Judiaca/Aspaclaria, Holyland Judaica, and Kosher Market Place. THE SELLING OF CHAMETZ Rabbi Goldberg and Rabbi Moskowitz will be available to arrange the selling of Chametz at the following times. Unless otherwise noted, Rabbi Goldberg will sell Chametz in his office and Rabbi Moskowitz will sell Chametz in the main shul office. Sunday through Thursday immediately following Mincha/Maariv for 20 minutes (Social Hall) Sunday, March 25 8:30 am 9:30 am Rabbi Moskowitz Monday, March 26 8:00 pm 9:00 pm Rabbi Goldberg Wednesday, March 28 9:00 am 10:00 am Rabbi Goldberg Thursday, March 29 8:00 pm 9:00 pm Rabbi Moskowitz Sunday, April 1 8:30 am 9:30 am Rabbi Goldberg 8:00 pm 9:00 pm Rabbi Moskowitz Wednesday, April 4 9:00 am 10:00 am Rabbi Moskowitz 8:00 pm 9:30 pm Rabbi Goldberg Pesach Seders at brs - space is limited First Night Seder, Friday, April 6, at 8:35 pm. Experience an inspirational and interactive Beginners Seder led by Rabbi Josh & Simone Broide and family. Second Night Seder, Saturday, April 7 at 8:40 pm. Enjoy a traditional Seder led by Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg & family. The price for each Seder is $75 per person and $35 for children 5-15 years old, Young Children, 5 and under, are free. There is a maximum of 100 people at each Seder. Please call the office for more information and to RSVP for this special experience. this Shabbat, March 24 dr. Karen Bacon, dean, stern college For Women Afternoon Lecture: Use It or Lose It: Some Thoughts on the Exercise of Free Will Seudah Shlishit: A Day in the Life of Stern College Shabbat Afternoon Dessert at 4:00 pm at the home of Veronica and Isaac Mizrahi, Hollyhock Trail, in Thornhill Green. Dean Bacon will lead a discussion with four men and women from Yeshiva University about the contemporary relevancy of Modern Orthodoxy and the challenges of growing religiously inspired and engaged. The Dr. Monique C. Katz Dean, Stem College for Women, Dr. Karen Bacon, a recognized leader in academic affairs, is a respected scientist, teacher, and educational administrator who has served since 1977 as Dean of Stem College for Women (SCW)--the University s undergraduate division of liberal arts and sciences for women. Rabbi shmuel Rabinovici Rabbi Rabinovici will be joining us this Shabbat. He will be giving a Chabura Friday night at 9:30 pm at the home of Rabbi Adam & Shira Englander,22385 Dorado Drive, in Captiva. He will be continuing his shiurim on Maseches Sanhedrin at 8:00 am Sunday morning. WOMEN S ROSH CHODESH lecture This Sunday Evening, March 25, at 8:00 pm Rebbetzin Haddasah Smolarcik Overcoming the Personal Mitzraims in our Lives. Hosted by Dori Zaghi, 7538 Chester Terrace in Thornill Estate CHEVRA KADISHA SEMINAR Are you interested in becoming involved with the Chevra Kadisha? Please join us for an exciting seminar with Rabbi Kalman Baumann this Monday, March 26, at 7:30 pm at BRS. Rabbi Baumann will cover essential techniques, preventing problems, and approaches to enhancing the Kavod HaMais (the dignity of the departed). All levels of experience are invited. RSVP Yvette Kaweblum at (561) or ykaweblum@aol.com. Young Business Professionals The next Young Business Professionals get together will be this Tuesday, March 27 at 8:00 pm at Asia. For more information, see page 9 PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN AIPAC REUNION Policy Conference Reunion & Happy Hour. Tuesday, March 27 7:30 p.m. Euro Fusion Restaurant, 6877 SW 18th St Boca Raton. Pizza and sushi will be served. First drink free. RSVP by Monday, March 26, by contacting Lee Lebovich or Sheri Zvi at (954) LLebovich@aipac.org Szvi@aipac.org This program is for those who attended the 2012 AIPAC Policy Conference. We hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you! Page 5

6 pillar society The 2011/2012 Pillar Society Campaign is underway Three years ago, launched the Pillar Society for those members that wish to help our synagogue continue to offer the highest possible level of educational, religious, and social programming to our community. This year we have added a Silver level for members ages 36 and under. We are fortunate in our community to have a number of members who give above and beyond, year after year. We thank you for your past generosity and appeal to you and others to become members of Pillar Society to be the leaders of Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chasadim in our community. Pillar Society provides a backbone to our community, and your commitment enables the Shul to provide for the needs of all our members, regardless of ability to pay. May you and your family be truly blessed in the coming year. EMERALD Lynn Hahn Daniel & Caroline Katz PLATINUM Steven & Yael Charlap Martin & Ileana Flics Stanley & Ana Haar Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky Michael & Jill Rose ENHANCED GOLD Dr. Albert & Evelyn Begas Joseph & Lisa Bensmihen Brian & Sharon Ferber Mark & Tilda Fisher Dr. Ben & Cara Freedman Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg Glen & Rosa Golish Charles and Simone Griff Dr. Merv & Elaine Jacobs Rabbi Tsvi & Shaindle Kilstein Stephen & Linda Melcer David & Joyce Muller Bruce & Cindy Nimhauser Robert & Penny Pearlman Michael & Dana Petrover Dr. Daniel & Rachel Rudensky Michael & Amy Schiffman Reid & Naomi Shapiro Zorik & Ellen Spektor Warren & Robin Struhl Ted & Linda Struhl Michael & Risa Zimmerman GOLD Nachman & Jaime Feig Michael & Barbara Frenkel Hensha Gansbourg David & Sharona Kay Michele & Steven Lenoff Michael & Sharona Loeffler Mike Senders SILVER Avraham & Elana Belizon Benjamin & Elizabeth Berman Dr. Hillel & Chayi Cohen Dr. Yehudah & Michal Marcus To Join the Pillar Society or for more information, Please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline.org or (561) Things to do right in your backyard Hey Batters! What a perfect activity for rain or shine. Hit-A- Double s indoor batting cages provide you the tools necessary to hit one out of the park. A great activity for all athletes. Hit a Double Batting Cages 395 NE Spanish River Blvd. Boca Raton, FL (561) Mon-Fri 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sat-Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM If you know of fun things to do in our backyard, please contact Aliza in the Shul office at Aliza@brsonline.org. Search the puzzle below for the words from our sedra! P P C N B M G B G V A Y I K R A H S E D O H C D H H A Z T A M I H N H S O R X I D B H C A S E P E M N A S S I N Z N R O R R A M VAYIKRA NISSAN MATZAH PESACH MARROR ROSH CHODESH Interesting facts about Eretz Yisrael Beit Shemesh is a very well-known city in Eretz Yisrael. It was started by the Canaanites, who named the city. After the Plishtim stole the Aron from the Jews, and the Jews got it back, the first stop it took was in Beit Shemesh. During the 1948 Independence War, Beit Shemesh was an important point of battle between the Egyptian army and the new Israeli army. It changed hands many times but was won by the Israelis. At first, very few people were religious in Beit Shemesh, but today over 60% of the families observe Torah and Mitzvot. Page 6

7 ADULT Education Class updates SICHOT OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE is given every Shabbat morning at 8:30 am by Rabbi Samuel Levine in the Shtiebel Beit Midrash. Teachings of the ba al shem tov Every Shabbat in the Shtiebel Beit Midrash, given by Bentzion Meltzer at 9:00 am. Zumba class for women will take place this Monday & Wednesday. For more information, please call (561) Rabbi Moskowitz s Tuesday morning class at 8:15-9:15 am class, at Hillel Day School will take place this week. make time for learning Every Wednesday evening 8:00-9:30 pm, for Beit Midrash learning. To find a Chavruta, please contact Rabbi Dr. Brian Galbut. Rabbi Moskowitz will be giving his Contemporary Halacha class on A Halachik Guide to the Seder Night this Wednesday at 10:15 am in the Social Hall and Thursday at 8:30 am in his office. RABBANIT AVIGAIL ROCK weekly classes are on Pesach Break and will continue after Pesach. PARSHAT HA SHAVUA Rabbi Efrem Goldberg s class will be held this week on Wednesday at 11:00 am in the Social Hall. Rabbi Zvi Yehuda weekly Parshat Ha shavua class will take place this Shabbat at 9:15 am in the Board Room. Daf Yomi class with Rabbi Ben Sugerman can be listened to any time of the day by visiting Mishna Berura Yomi Every day, 15 minutes prior to Mincha, there will be a brief class studying that day s portion of the Mishna Berura. wednesday line-up this Wednesday, march 28 9:15 10:15 am in the Board Room Malka Morris - In-depth study of Sefer Yehoshua tanach B shana 2.0 Upcoming Classes March 27 - Divrei Hayamim - Season Finale Rabbi Efrem Goldberg 10:15 11:00 am in the Social Hall Rabbi Philip Moskowitz - A Halachik Guide to the Seder Night 11:00 am 12:00 pm in the Social Hall Rabbi Efrem Goldberg - Parshat Ha Shavua It is a text-based study on the Parsha of the week. Please bring a Mikra ot Gedolot. Every week, an MP3 of the class will be available on our website, ADULT EDUCATION CPR Class On April 24, BRS will offer an opportunity for everyone to attend an American Heart Association Heart Saver class. After completing this class, you will become certified in basic CPR, first aid, and the Heimlich Maneuver. Learning these skills are crucial for anyone who has or cares for children, the elderly, or simply wants to be educated and prepared. Join us on Tuesday evening April 24, 7:00-10:00 pm. Cost is $25 person for the class and a certification card. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, contact the Shul office by April 19. For questions, please contact Arielle Moskowitz at rel612@ aol.com Shabbat Hagadol Derasha for Teens Rabbi Uri Pilichowski Dessert Reception Mincha shabbat, march 31 shabbat hagadol 5:45 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm community connections Don t Drink the Water The Weinbaum Yeshiva High School drama department presents Woody Allen s comedy Don t Drink the Water. Playing for one night only. Wednesday, March 28 at 7:30 pm at the Crest Theatre, Old School Square in Delray Beach. The performance is open to Men and Women. Tickets are $25 for reserved seating, $18 adult, $10 student/child. For tickets or more information, mmp@ wyhs.net or call Shabbat Hagadol Derasha Did Hillel Invent the Sandwich: Korech and the Art of Compromise. Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Child care will be provided 6:45 pm Page 7

8 Boca raton synagogue Annual Golf Tournament was a great success BRS Outreach Revolution FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT 6:00 PM Friday Night Live begins at 6:00 pm and lasts 45 minutes. Each session includes a story, an inspirational message, singing, personal prayers, a Kiddush, and social time. EXPLANATORY SERVICE AT 10:00 AM Join Rabbi Josh Broide for the all NEW Explanatory Service taking place Shabbat morning in the WYHS Library on the Second Floor of the Jacobs & Rubin Youth & Senior Center. This program is perfect for anyone in the community that is looking to understand the Shacharit service and will help you make relevant connections to your life. save-the-date and join us next year april 22, 2013 Thank You The Golf Committee... Carmi Gross, Chairman Donny Cohen Glen Golish Matthew Hocherman The Executive Board The Board of Directors The BRS Office Staff... Linda Gordon, Kerry Purcell, & Aliza Pilichowski Our Prize Donors... Aspaclaria Dell Golish Financial Group Massage Envy Popcorn Zone Publix The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes Winn-Dixxe Yogurt Rendezvous Our Volunteers... Sam Bloom Joanna Kristall Benjy Nadler Allen Wolnerman Page 8

9 shomrei olam CONSERVE ENERGY: Every action matters. Become more aware of your energy use. Pull the Plug: Many appliances draw energy even when switched off (stereos, appliances) or when chargers remain plugged in (cell phone, computers). Unplug appliances or use a power strip to cut all power. Turn off lights, fans, electronics, cars, Use off-peak times: Charge at night when demand is less; use timers. For more info on Shomrei Olam, contact Dr. Orah Moshe at rein@scientist. com. Bikur Cholim You are invited! Next time that you are at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital, visit the new Jewish Hospitality Suite & Shabbat Room. See what all the excitement is about. Nourish your body and spirit. For more information, please contact Stan Smith at (561) Social Action Since Friday, March 9, 2012, a barrage of long-distance rockets has reached Israeli towns from Gaza. Over 230 rockets have been fired at Israeli civilians. These attacks should be universally condemned, but the mainstream media has almost completely ignored Israel s plight. In response to this, Unity Coalition for Israel has posted an urgent action alert that can be accessed at their website (israelunitycoalition.org). Stand in solidarity with Israelis by signing your name to a letter which will go to President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu condemning the rocket attacks. Copies of the letter will be sent to Secretary Clinton and other leading officials in Congress. About 300 people signed our petition asking President Obama to rescind cuts to joint U.S.-Israel missile defense programs included in his latest budget proposal. musical chevra The Musical Chevra meets monthly to listen and enjoy classical and popular music. For details, please contact Moshe Leib or Ruth Stuart at Ruthandmlstuart@gmail.com Chesed The Boca Raton Simcha Gemach is up and running. Please contact us if you are making a Simcha and are in need of centerpieces or vases, etc. for your Simcha. Also, we welcome any gently used or new table centerpieces, tablecloths, etc. that could be contributed to this worthy cause. We would like to be able to provide all members of our community with the accessories to make their Simchas elegant and special. All proceeds from this Gemach will be donated to Tzedakah. Please contact, Baila Kaplan at (917) or Michal Marcus at (917) BRS AUXILIARIES, etc. Israel defense forces (IDF) Young Business Professionals The next Young Business Professionals get together will be this Tuesday, March 27 at 8:00 pm at Asia. We will have the opportunity to hear from Daniel Katz, president of the Boca Raton Synagogue and Hillel Day School. Please contact Gil Stein for more information at Gil@HerculesRoofing.com. When your vocation becomes your vacation, there is no such thing as hard work. - Jimmy Smith maimonides society The Caring Doctors Project aims to pair medically uninsured people of South Palm Beach County with doctors who have agreed to care for them free of charge. Created by Jewish Family Services and sponsored by Project Access of the Palm Beach County Medical Society and the BRS Maimonides Society, it offers participating doctors sovereign immunity for their work. WOMEN S MIKVAH The hours for the Women s Mikvah are Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm (last appointment is at 9:30 pm). For Friday and Yom Tov appointments, please call three days in advance. On Saturday and Fast Days, open an hour after Havadalah, for only 1 hour thereafter. In order to better assist you every day, appointments are strongly advised. Please call (561) BOCA RATON COMMUNITY ERUV The Boca Raton Community Eruv is in need of funds. It is now possible to sponsor the Eruv for a particular Shabbat for $360. Donations can now also be made through our website or please contact 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. ALERT... Due to a change made by FPL, the three communities of Boca Pointe that are WEST of Powerline Road and SOUTH of SW 18th St., THE PALMS - VALENCIA - ENCANTADA are no longer in the Eruv. All Boca Pointe communities that are NORTH of SW 18th St. remain in the Eruv. As of this coming Shabbat, all Boca Pointe Communities SOUTH of SW 18th are not inside the Eruv. If you have any questions, please call the Shul office at (561) Birthday Ma aser program Teach your children true Chesed by encouraging them to participate in an amazing program called Birthday Ma'aser. When your child has a birthday party, he/she can choose one or more presents that he/she wishes to donate to a needy child. On each scheduled Shabbat, Rabbi Goldberg will be calling up to the Bima the children who participated in this program and they will receive a special certificate for doing this huge Mitzvah. All gifts that are collected will be donated to JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options). For any questions or drop-offs, please contact Leah Gildin (917) or drop-offs are welcome at the Shul office. Please have in mind children and grandchildren of members of our community currently serving in the IDF: Amiel Abir, Julian Gordon, Ben Weiss, Asher Kaplan, Brandon Gelbart, Orelia Elkaim, Menachem Kaplan, Jeremy Siegman, Noam Ivri (Makover), Evan Pelz, Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha Ben Moshe Yisroel, Yehuda Strauss, 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 Majdi Halabi Page 9

10 brs teens Celebrating Our Teens At the, we are blessed to have the finest teenagers in the world. They are involved in every kind of activity known to mankind. We have teens in bands, sports, math clubs, Yachad, March for Life, Bikur Cholim, Torah study that occurs both inside and outside of school, and of course Israel advocacy. They pray on a regular basis and are challenged in forming a relationship with their Creator. They are involved in great youth organizations like Bnei Akiva and NCSY, and some aren t only our future leaders, but our present ones as well. While the focus of our youth groups Shabbat morning is generally the programs and the little kids, one cannot be anything but awed by the dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm shown by our BRS group leaders. If we take a step back and look at how well our teenagers are doing, we must offer proper thanks to Hashem. We need to give proper recognition to our schools and teachers for educating our children so well. Each school in our community is home to so many of our children, and they have each done so well by our children. Supplementing our children s education, and offering so much positive reinforcement is NCSY, led by its great staff. We are blessed that there are so many portals of entry for our teenagers to grow. What should truly excite us about our teens is how much we can expect from them in the future. They will be increasing their extracurricular activities, learning more in school, and growing as people. It is amazing to watch their development. Special Program this Shabbat This Shabbat, we are honored to host four All Stars who have come to teach and inspire our teenagers. Margot Reinstein, Chaya Miriam Nimchinsky, Ben Pomper and Ely Shestack are all students at YU who have come to to invigorate our teenagers. They visited local schools on Friday and lit a fire among our teens. This Shabbat is an introductory Shabbat, and one that we hope will be the first of many. Tomorrow our all stars will lead a Torah discussion after teen minyan and we hope parents will send their teens to check it out, and teens will want to participate in this new adventure at BRS. Look forward to more great news! Addressing Your Concerns As evidenced by the flood of phone calls, the torrent of s and the countless private conversations our members had with both our Rabbinic and professional staff, many people were troubled by the Cholent incident of two weeks past. While the sense of relief over our teenagers healthy response was palpable, it is with gusto that it can be announced that, not only was there Cholent last, Shabbat but it was full of potatoes and meat. Thank you to the Kays for their sponsorship, generosity, and patience. brs youth KIDS HASHKAMA CHABURA Rabbi Gershon Eisenberger, Boca s new star Rebbe, will be conducting a post Hashkama Minyan Chabura for boys. We will be beginning a new Masechet this Shabbat. This is a great time to join! The Chabura will begin this week at about 9:30 am in Room 102 in the Jacobs and Rubin Youth and Senior Center. Make sure to come on time for the special kids Kiddush! GEMARA FOR BEGINNERS WITH RABBI YAAKOV DRANG Rabbi Yaakov Drang will be giving a Shiur for beginners in Gemara Brachot between Mincha and Maariv on Shabbat afternoon for boys in grades 5-7. JUNIOR CONGREGATION Make sure to come on time this week to Junior Congregation (JuCo)! JuCo begins every Shabbat morning at 10:00 am. Get ready for amazing Davening, Parsha, guest speakers, games, talent, and of course great prizes. NPA No Parents Allowed Sunday, April 1-10:00 am 1:00 pm Children join us at Shul for Pesach arts & crafts, moon bounces, movie, and lunch. Parents enjoy a quiet and productive day of cleaning and Pesach preparations. Cost - $5 per child, immediate family limit $20. Kids program for Pesach For my Bat Mitzvah, I have decided to try to raise money for people who are less fortunate than me. I have always enjoyed children so I have chosen to coordinate a kids program with my friends with the BRS pre-pesach kids program on April 1. This will accomplish two goals - Parents of the children that we will watch will be able to prepare for Pesach, AND my friends and I will be able to raise much needed funds for Tomchei Shabbat. So, please send your children and I m sure they will have a great time! Page 10

11 KING DAVID CATERING Offering Passover Meal 10 for $ Call Shula at (561) KING DAVID HALL AT TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL 201 S. Military Trail Deerfield Beach, FL (954) * Age Management Medicine * HCG Weight Loss Program * Bio-Identical Hormones Merna Matilsky, MD Matilsky and Morris Medical Associates 2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 245 Boca Raton, FL Ph: Fax: $14.95 Oil Change & Tire Rotation. $99.95 Any 2 Flushes Brake, Coolant or Power Steering Call Hank or Jacob at Music Teacher Always dreamed of studying voice and davening well? Do your children want to Sing, Play Piano & Write Songs? Patient, encouraging and experienced instruction David M. Presler (347) M.S. Music Ed., Queens College; Doctoral Studies, Y.U. Kosher For Passover Cakes are arriving from Israel. Come in and check out our exciting selection Beracasa Way (561)

12 1st Place Gross (60) Matt Barnes Mark Holzhausen Kevin Probel Eric BRS Annual Golf Tournament And the Winners are... 2nd Place Gross (62) Jason Lyons Don Renaud Paul Scarpelli Yves Leroux 1st Place Net (56.6) Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Donny Cohen Eric Pinkis Aaron Levitt 2nd Place Net (58) Rob Levy Jarrett Levy Harvey Geller Craig Perna Putting Contest - Larry Melcer Longest Drive - Matt Barnes Closet to the pin - Paul Scarpelli Closet to the line - Art Snow