PARSHAT TOLDOT November 16 - November 23, Kislev - 9 Kislev Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:15 pm GET CONNECTED FRIEND FOLLOW SHARE

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1 Boca Raton Synagogue WEEKLY PARSHAT TOLDOT November 16 - November 23, Kislev - 9 Kislev 5773 RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG Marah D asrah RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ Assistant Rabbi DAVID WOLGIN, PhD President RABBI JOSH BROIDE Outreach Rabbi RABBI URI PILICHOWSKI Teen Rabbi FRIDAY NIGHT Candle Lighting 5:12 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:15 pm SHABBAT DAY Rabbi s Class 4:00 pm Be Among the People of the Book: Introduction to a Communal Year of Study Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Shabbat Mincha Ma ariv/havdalah 5:00 pm 6:07 pm RABBI MORDECHAI SMOLARCIK Rabbi, BRS West RABBI KENNETH BRANDER Rabbi Emeritus MATTHEW HOCHERMAN Synagogue Administrator ALIZA PILICHOWSKI Youth Director KERRY PURCELL Editor-in-Chief of the Weekly FRIEND FOLLOW SHARE Friend us on Facebook Boca Raton Synagogue GET CONNECTED Follow us @MatthewJHoch 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 One of the most inspiring possessions I own sits in my office at Shul. I received it in 2006 when I went with a group of BRS members to Israel to volunteer in the North in the wake of the second Lebanon war. On that mission, we toured Sderot and saw firsthand the damage and destruction left by kassam rockets and the metal pellets that were packed therein. Eli Moyal, then mayor of Sderot, described to us what it means to have 15 seconds to find cover when a warning siren is sounded. Your Role in Israel s Latest War We asked him how the people of his city, and the South in Israel in general, have persevered? For years, the parents of Sderot have had to send their children to school not knowing if their sons and daughters will come home. Every time they leave their houses, residents of Sderot must be cognizant and aware of the closest bomb shelter in case a siren goes off. We asked the mayor, how have they found the strength and capacity to endure such a lifestyle? At that moment, the Mayor handed me a metal tulip. As I accepted it, he explained that the flower was made out of the shrapnel of a kassam rocket that landed in Sderot. He explained that the flower was emblematic of the challenge they face. The people of Israel turn the remains of a rocket into a flower, while their enemies would transform a flower into a murderous weapon if they could. Indeed, the small plaque on the flower states, Sderot Tulip: From the destruction of kassams, a symbol of peace. The plain truth is that our people, and the people of Israel, have sought peace throughout our history. Our tradition teaches that shalom, peace, is the greatest blessing. Kaddish, the amidah, and the Talmud itself all end with a prayer for shalom. The Jewish people s faith in the prospect and possibility of living in peace has propelled us to survive persecution, hatred, and anti- Semitism throughout the millennia. Whenever Israel has met an authentic partner in peace, she has made the concessions necessary to sign and maintain a peace treaty. It is therefore particularly painful, as always, to watch the world s reaction to Israel s effort to defend her citizens against incessant and unrelenting rocket attacks. Yes, many have stood up for Israel, including President Obama who took a critically important public position on this conflict. The White House released a statement saying: The President reiterated to Prime Minister Netanyahu the United States support for Israel s right to selfdefense in light of the barrage of rocket attacks being launched from Gaza against Israeli civilians. The two agreed that Hamas needs to stop its attacks on Israel to allow the situation to de-escalate. Thanks in large part to AIPAC s action alert, a resolution passed the Senate supporting Israel s inherent right to act in self-defense to protect its citizens against acts of terrorism. I encourage you to take a moment to write letters to Senators throughout the country to thank them. You can do so easily by visiting But for many in the media, the reporting on Israel is neither fair nor balanced. Perhaps nobody has been more slanted in their reporting than the New York Times. On Friday morning s cover, the headline states Israel and Hamas Step Up Air Attacks in Gaza Clash, thereby creating a moral equivalence between the Hamas rockets and Israel s attempt at self-defense. Even more disturbing are the two large pictures immediately underneath. One is of the corpse and funeral of Ahmed al-jabari, the leader of the military arm of Hamas who was responsible for Gilad Shalit s capture as well as countless terrorist attacks and rocket launches. Underneath is the picture of the funeral for Mirah Scharf, the pregnant Chabad Rebbetzin serving in New Delhi who was visiting Israel to commemorate the yahrzeit of the murdered Holtzbergs when a Hamas rocket hit the apartment she was in and killed her. Placing that headline above the two pictures is tantamount to portraying a parallel between pictures of the funeral of Osama Bin Laden immediately next to one of an innocent victim killed in the Twin Towers. In an article on Thursday describing events, the Times wrote, Hamas mostly adhered to an informal cease-fire with Israel after the war since Mostly adhered? Hamas has fired 1,345 rockets into Israel during that period. They wrote, The abrupt escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hamas, the militant organization regarded by Israel as a terrorist group. Regarded by Israel? Our own US State Department has declared Hamas a terrorist group. Most egregiously, in their initial report on the targeted assassination of Ahmed al-jabari, the Times waited until the sixth paragraph to mention the barrage of rockets that have been raining down on Israel. When Israel needs to defend herself, she must fight minimally two wars simultaneously. There is the war to defeat her sworn enemies and then there is the war to win public opinion and portray reality accurately. Arguably, nobody in the world is better trained and more prepared to fight the first type of war than the Israeli army. As we watch from afar, we must accept the fact that there is nothing we can do to intercept rockets or eliminate terrorists. However, there is much we can do to triumph on the second front and perhaps nobody can do it as well as we can. We must hold the media accountable to report what is unfolding accurately. I implore you to write letters to the editor of local and national newspapers. Take to social media to get out the accurate story of what is occurring in our beloved Homeland. We must keep the pressure on our elected officials to continue to publicly show support for Israel and her right to defend herself. Thank them when they do and place pressure on them if they don t. Sign up for AIPAC s action alerts to learn exactly what you can do when you are needed most. If Israel is to triumph in all aspects of this latest conflict the IDF must do its job and we must do ours. But we must not neglect one more partner in this battle. The name Israel has chosen for this operation is being translated as Operation Pillar of Defense. However, its official Hebrew name is so much more significant - Operation Amud Anan, Pillar of Clouds. The reference, of course, is to the Biblical account of the Clouds of Glory that protected the Jews from any harm from above as we traveled throughout the desert on our way to the Promised Land. Thousands of years ago we had no choice but to rely on the protection provided by the miraculous clouds of glory. Today, we have merited another kind of miracle in the form of the young men and women of the incredibly powerful Israeli army. We have begun the month of Kislev that contains the holiday of Chanuka. Years ago, a battle raged in Israel of the few against the many. As we look out at the countries that surround Israel and those that are biased against her throughout the world, we are reminded that yet again we number the few against the many. May Hashem protect His country and His people and give them the resolve and tenacity to persevere. May the people of Sderot smell the flowers of peace and no longer have to fashion the tulips of kassams. Shabbat Shalom, Follow the Rabbi at twitter.com/ rabbigoldberg Friend the Rabbi on facebook Efrem Goldberg Share the Rabbi s blog on Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Page 2

3 HALACHIC QUESTION OF THE WEEK Q: Can I try on clothing to decide if I am going to buy it if it hasn t been checked for shatnez? If I own a suit from a particular company and it tested negative for shatnez, do I need to test a new suit from the same company? A: Shatnez is the Torah prohibition to wear a garment that contains both wool and linen. Trying on clothing without having it tested is permissible as long as the label does not explicitly state it contains both wool and linen. However, once a garment is purchased, it should not be worn until it is checked. Every garment that is subject to potential shatnez needs to be checked and one cannot rely on other tested items from the same brand. Please submit your question of the week on any topic to Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at reg@brsonline.org PARSHA QUESTIONS QUESTIONS - TOLDOT 1. Why was it important that Yitzchak look like Avraham? 2. Why does the Torah stress that Rivka was Betuel s daughter and Lavan s sister? 3. Who gave Yaakov his name? 4. How did Esav deceive his father? 5. Why are lentils a food for mourners? 6. Why was Yitzchak not permitted to go to Egypt? 7. Why did Yitzchak lose his sight? (three reasons) 8. Why did Esav leave his special garments with Rivka? 9. When will Esav be freed from subjugation to Yaakov? 10. What inspired Esav to marry the daughter of Yishmael? ANSWERS - TOLDOT 1. 25:19 - So everyone would agree that Avraham was indeed his father :20 - To praise her, that even though her family was evil, she was righteous :26 God :27 - Esav deceived Yitzchak by asking questions that suggested that he was very strict in Mitzvah observance :30 - They are round like a wheel and mourning is like a revolving wheel that eventually touches everyone :2 - Through the Akeida, he had attained the status of a Korban and was forbidden to leave Eretz Canaan :1 - a) From the smoke of the incense offered by Esavs wives to their idols; b) From the angels tears which fell into Yitzchaks eyes at the time of the Akeida; c) In order for Yaakov to receive the blessings :15 - He suspected that his wives might steal them :40 - When the Jewish People transgress the Torah :7 - Seeing that his father despised his current wives, he resolved to take a wife from his father s family. Questions and Answers are courtesy of Ohr Somayach. PARSHA SUMMARY TOLDOT Yaakov and Esav are Born. After 20 childless years of marriage, Rivka and Yitzchak were blessed by Hashem with twin sons, Yaakov and Esav. Esav Sells His Birthright To Yaakov. Returning hungry and tired from a day of hunting, Esav noticed that Yaakov was cooking some red lentils. Esav said to Yaakov give me quickly some of that red stuff to eat for I am tired. Yaakov answered sell me, in turn, your privileges as first born. Esav agreed. He swore to Yaakov that he would give him first-born rights, in return for which Yaakov gave Esav some bread and lentils. Yitzchak and Rivka Travel to Gerar. Fleeing a famine, Yitzchak and Rivka temporarily moved to Gerar. Hashem appeared to Yitzchak, promising to uphold His promises to Abraham. While staying in the valley of Gerar, Yaakov dug his father s old water wells. Yitzchak s Blessing. Yaakov was old and blind, and felt that the time had come for him to bless his eldest son. He, therefore, requested Esav to hunt and prepare the game he captured. After partaking of the meal, Yitzchak would bless him. Rivka, overhearing their conversation, dressed Yaakov in Esav s clothing and covered his hands and neck with goat skin to make them feel as hairy as Esav s, and sent him to Yitzchak bearing a tasty dish of young goat s meat and bread which she made. Yaakov s voice aroused Yitzchak s suspicions, but they were allayed when he felt Yaakov s hairy hands which Yitzchak was sure belonged to Esav. Yitzchak blessed Yaakov. No sooner had Yaakov left, when Esav returned and discovered what had happened. Yitzchak didn t revoke his blessing to Yaakov; rather, he blessed Esav as well. Yaakov Leaves Home. Esav, angry at Yaakov s ruse, plotted to kill him as soon as Yitzchak died. To prevent this, Rivka instructed him to go stay with her brother Lavan in Charan. BRS OUTREACH REVOLUTION - WHAT EXACTLY IS THE BOCA RATON JEWISH EXPERIENCE? REALLY EXCITING NEWS GET INVOLVED BEFORE IT S TOO LATE! The word has finally begun to spread throughout the community that the Boca Raton Jewish Experience (BRJE) is an independent nonprofit organization and is doing unbelievable work in reaching out to less affiliated Jews in our community. It is time now to launch our ONE AND ONLY fundraising campaign of the year. There are only a few weeks left, since the campaign will end at the end of the year, so timing is critical. I love nothing more than to engage, inspire and teach unaffiliated Jews and then connect them with all of the great programs and organizations in our Jewish community. You might also know that I m not a fundraiser and that asking for your financial support is very difficult for me, but in order to keep this amazing program going, I m asking everyone I know to consider making a gift to the BRJE over the next few weeks. The BRJE has been in business now for almost two years and during that time, we haven t run ANY fundraisers. In order to maximize my time in the field and make sure that every dollar goes to great use, I want to spend as little time as possible fundraising and as much time as possible doing what I do best, inspiring Jews in our community. I especially want to thank everyone (see page 8 for the list to date) who has already made a donation or a pledge to the BRJE. We are now reaching out to everyone to help support this unique and inspirational local program. All gifts are welcome and much appreciated. Gifts of $1,000 or more will be listed as members and supporters of the BRJE Founders Society. Cumulative pledges of $5,000 or more (with at least $1,000 received by year end) will add you to the BRJE Founders Circle. Each name that is added to the Founders Circle list by the end of the year will earn BRJE an additional $1,000 in a one-time challenge grant that I have been able to secure. So please step up! Make a pledge! The BRJE accepts checks made out to BRJE and sent to Boca Raton Jewish Experience: 7900 Montoya Circle N., Boca Raton FL If you would like to pay by credit card, whether one time or monthly, please call me or go to Once again I can t thank you enough for helping launch and sustain this incredible outreach program and thank you for partnering with me on this incredible journey. Inspire yourself to inspire others.. Rabbi Josh Broide, Founder Page 3

4 SHABBAT SCHEDULE FRIDAY NIGHT Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) Candle Lighting Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program SHABBAT DAY 5:12 pm 5:12 pm 5:15 pm 6:00 pm Neitz Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:55 am Hashkama Minyan (Social Hall) 7:25 am Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 8:30 am Ashkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) 9:00 am Sermon: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Sof Zman Kriat Shema 9:23 am Shtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:30 am Teen Minyan (Berdugo Beit Midrash - Room 104 & 105) 9:45 am Youth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) 10:00 am Rabbi s Class 4:00 pm Be Among the People of the Book: Introduction to a Communal Year of Study Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 4:55 pm Ashkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 5:00 pm Sh kiah 5:29 pm Ma ariv/havdalah 6:07 pm SHABBAT LEARNING Tefillah Insights with Rabbi Josh Broide (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 am Sichot of the Lubavitcher Rebbe with Rabbi Levine (Shtiebel Biet Mid) 8:30 am Teachings of the Ba al Shem Tov (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:00 am Parashat Ha Shavua with Rabbi Zvi Yehuda (Board Room) 9:15 am Advanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama Minyan Junior Congregation (Shechet Beit Midrash - Room 205 & 206) 10:00 am Youth Groups (Drop-off begins at 10:00 am) 10:30 am Sephardic Roundtable (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 11:00 am Daf Yomi between Mincha Ma ariv Father & Son Learning (Senders Library) 4:00 pm PARASHAT VAYEITZEI Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:10 pm Candle Lighting 5:10 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 5:15 pm Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm Maariv/Havdalah (Shabbat) 6:05 pm Page 4 DAILY MINYANIM ASHKENAZI SHACHARIT Daf Yomi (Sunday - Friday) 7:00 am Sunday (Rand Sanctuary) 6:25, 7:15, 8:00 & 9:00 am Monday (Rand Sanctuary) 6:15, 7:00 & 8:00 am Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (Social Hall) 6:25, 7:00 & 8:00 am Thursday (Social Hall) (Thanksgiving) 6:15, 7:00, 8:00 & 9:00 am Monday - Friday (Including Thursday) (Senders Library) 7:45 am SEPHARDIC SHACHARIT Shacharit (Sunday - Friday) 6:05 & 8:00 am MINCHA/MA ARIV Early Mincha (Sunday & Thursday) NEW TIME 1:00 pm Mishna Berura Yomi (Sunday - Thursday) 5:00 pm Sephardic Minyan (Sunday - Thursday) (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:10 pm Ashkenazi Minyan (Sunday - Thursday) (Social Hall) 5:15 pm Daf Yomi (Sunday - Thursday) (Social Hall) 8:40-9:30 pm Late Ma ariv (Sunday - Thursday) 9:30 pm THE WEINBAUM YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL MINCHA SCHEDULE Mon 3:20 pm - Tues 3:05 pm - Wed 3:15 pm BRS WEST (At the Hillel Day School, th Ave. (305) Candle Lighting 5:12 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Note NEW time) 5:15 pm Shacharit (Shabbat) 9:30 am Youth Groups 10:30 am Mincha (Shabbat) 4:30 pm Maariv 6:06 pm Sunday Morning Minyan 8:00 am Breakfast follows davening sponsored by the Seligman family in memory of HaRav David ben Yechezkel HY D. May his neshama have an aliyah. BIRTHDAYS Zachary Griff Aaron Ferber Carmi Stadlan Tova Hocherman Temimah Pilichowski ANNIVERSARY Merv & Eliane Jacob LIFE CYCLE Noah Matilsky Raily Galbut Annette Shachter Moshe Moskowitz WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY Participants from the Yachad Shabbaton Howard and Helen Feintuch Family & Friends here in honor of the Foonberg Simcha CONDOLENCES TO Israel Margolies on the passing of his beloved brother, Rabbi Morris Margolies. Asaf Bahar on the passing of his beloved mother, Rivka bat Masuda. REFUAH SHLAYMAH For members of BRS Community. For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please see Tehillim Circle Rabbi Shmuel Jarashow Helen Ijac Shmuel Tzvi ben Shayna Alta Haita bat Devorah Cantor Lazar Wax Ruth Sherman Eliezer ben Sara Golda Rochel bat Batsheva Sol Feldman Joan Noven Shlomo Dov ben Chana Rochel Tova bat Malka Abraham Katzman Beverly Kassirer Abraham Yehoshua Ha Cohen ben Chaia Briendle bat Pessel Bernard Struhl Ariella Berman Binyamin Eliyahu ben Chikah Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva Malka Merv Jacobs Lian Sae Bloom Meir ben Sarah Leah Sura bat Machla Feigela Robert Strauss Beverly Kellman Chayim ben Tzippora Baila Rus bat Sarah Coby Greenfield Coby Yechiel ben Chana Sarah Spencer Cohen Zalman Meyer ben Sarah YAHRZEITS Mr. Glen Golish in memory of his grandfather Mr. Allen Girnun in memory of his father Mr. Maish Girnun in memory of his father Mr. Michael Stall in memory of his grandmother Mrs. Joan Noven in memory of her father Mrs. Martha Griner in memory of her father Mr. Benzion Cohen in memory of his father Mr. George Saks in memory of his uncle Ms. Frona Klotzman in memory of her husband Mr. Bernard Struhl in memory of his mother Rabbi Josh Broide in memory of his father Mrs. Sylvia Broide in memory of her husband Dr. Mark Cohan in memory of his father Mr. Eric Stein in memory of his father Mr. Solomon Wolff in memory of his granddaughter Mrs. Gloria Wolff in memory of her granddaughter Mrs. Sylvia Pruzansky in memory her father Mr. Alexander Skoczylas in memory of his father Mrs. Esther Abrams in memory of her father Mrs. Charlotte Albert in memory of her father Larry Donsky, 2 Kislev Israel Girnun, 2 Kislev Israel Girnun, 2 Kislev Anna Levi, 2 Kislev Samuel Yochelson, 2 Kislev Dr. Roberto Arevalo, 3 Kislev Yeheskel Cohen, 3 Kislev Emanuel Gluck, 3 Kislev Martin Klotzman, 4 Kislev Anne Struhl, 5 Kislev Arnold Broide, 6 Kislev Arnold Broide, 6 Kislev Herman Cohan, 6 Kislev Allen Stein, 6 Kislev Amalya Wolff, 6 Kislev Amalya Wolff, 6 Kislev Hyman Schneider, 7 Kislev Abraham Skoczylas, 7 Kislev Solomon Barash, 8 Kislev Henry Glickman, 9 Kislev

5 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS MAZAL TOV Dr. Ephraim Foonberg and Cathy Feinberg on their son Moshe, becoming a Bar Mitzvah. AND to his proud brothers, David and Avinoam. Dr. Sydney & Joanie Abramson on their son, Daniel, becoming a Bar Mitzvah. AND to his proud siblings, Penina and Moshe, Shoshana, Dina and Oded, and Jonah. AND grandparents, Bill & Lois Shubert. Dr. Sydney & Joanie Abramson on the birth of their grandson. His proud parents are Dina and Oded Tzur. Yaakov & Ruchie Lyons on the marriage of their daughter, Yael, to Moshe Jungries. David & Susan Antine on the birth of their great grandson. Proud parents are Yehuda & Chani Roberts of Queens, NY. KIDDUSH Friday Night Live Kiddush sponsored by Sylvia Broide in commemoration of the 10th Yahrzeit of her beloved husband, Arnold. Hashkama Minyan Kiddush sponsored by The Hashkama Minyan Kiddush Fund Sephardic Minyan Kiddush sponsored by Dr. Ephraim, David & Avinoam Foonberg in honor of Moshe becoming a Bar Mitzvah. Sephardic Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by Jacob Hadar in memory of his beloved mother, Sulika bat Ester. Teen Minyan Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by the Kays in loving memory of Sharona s father, Arieh Michael ben Chanan and Liese. Seudah Shlishiet co-sponsored by Rabbi Josh & Simone Broide, Sylvia Broide, Dr. Mark & Helan Cohan, Shaya & Gila Griner, George & Stephanie Saks, Alex & Sara Skoczylas, and Yachad. Guest Speaker: Yachad Members BOCA RATON JEWISH ACADEMY Boca Raton Jewish Academy, a new after school program for children currently not in Jewish Day Schools, began classes two weeks ago. It is not to late to join. For more information, please call Rabbi Josh or Simone Broide at (561) or them at Simonebroide@yahoo.com. BRS FILM SERIES I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SIMON WIESENTHAL Next Saturday night, November 24 at BRS. The cost is $5.00 per person. Tickets available at the door. FOLLOW ME: THE YONI NETANYAHU STORY Thursday night, November 29 at 7:00 pm. Hosted at Temple Beth-El of Boca Raton, 333 SW 4th Ave, Boca Raton, FL This event is co-sponsored by BRS and Beth El. General Admission is $25. To RSVP please contact Joanne Kabel at (561) Tickets also available at the door. WOMEN S ROSH CHODESH LECTURE Please join us for the Women s Rosh Chodesh Inspirational Lecture Series, whose theme this year is Going Against the Tide. CHANGE OF DATE AND LOCATION We are excited to have back the dynamic Mrs. Leah Rosen. Next Sunday Night, November 25 at 8:00 pm at the home of: Lauren Bakst, Larkspur Trail in Thornhill Green. KOSHER SUPERMARKET WALK Next Monday, November 26 with Rabbi Pesach Weitz. Learn Kosher shopping the best way, at the supermarket. Tour Winn- Dixie with Rabbi Pesach Weitz, Rabbinic Administrator of the ORB, and get answers to all your product questions. Registration required. Call (561) There will be another walk held on February 18, MACHZOR DRIVE We are in need of Machzorim for the High Holidays for the Shul. If you are interested in donating a Machzor in memory or in honor of someone, please contact Linda in the Shul office at linda@brsonline. org. We ask that you specify either Rosh Hoshanah or Yom Kippur when sponsoring a Machzor. The cost for each Machzor is $50; if you donate six or more you will receive a 10% discount. Thank you for your participation in this Machzor Drive. RABBI SHMUEL RABINOVICI Rabbi Rabinovici is here this Shabbat. He will be giving a Chabura Friday Night at the home of Dr. Avraham & Elana Belizon, 7478 Dublin Dr. in Thornhill Estates at 8:30 pm. He will be giving a Chabura Shabbat morning after the Hashkamah Minyan and will continue his Shiur on Kiddushin Sunday morning at 8:00 am. EMERGENCY SECURITY BRIEFING: ISRAEL UNDER FIRE Representative Louie Gohmert, US Congressman proudly serving Texas s first district, will speak at this Sunday evening, November 18th, at 7:30 pm in the Social Hall. The congressman s topic is Emergency Security Briefing: Israel Under Fire. Representative Gohmert is a staunch supporter of Israel and will offer his assessment of the current situation in the face of Operation Pillar of Defense. PEOPLE OF THE BOOK - BEGINS THIS WEEK To register for the BRS People of the Book course, or to find out more information, please contact Simone at (561) or simone@brsonline. org. The course fee is $75 for members and $100 for non-members. Nobody is turned away due to lack of funds. People of the Book classes take place at on Tuesday evenings November 20 March 19 at 8:00 9:30 pm in the Social Hall. This Tuesday, November 20 Introduction and Midrash Halacha with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR LUNCH SERIES BEGINS THIS WEEK This series is completely free of charge and open to the public. The Distinguished Scholars Series takes place at on Wednesdays 12:00-1:00 pm beginning November 21. A small lunch will be provided free of charge to participants. Please consider sponsoring lunch one week in memory of a loved one s Yahrzeit, in honor of a family celebration, or in appreciation to a friend. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Shul office at (561) or at simone@brsonline.org. This Wednesday, November 21 with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Ayin Hara: Force to be Reckoned With or Figment of Our Imagination? SHUL OFFICE The Shul office with be closed Thursday and Friday, November 22 & 23 in observance of Thanksgiving. WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN THE DESERT? In-depth study of Bamidbar via satellite with Rabbanit Avigail Rock begins Thursday, November 29 at 9:30 am in the Board Room. Classes are open to both men and women and space is limited. Cost is $100 for semester, To sign up or for more details, call Simone in the Shul office or Penny Pearlman at (561) Page 5

6 REGISTER TODAY!!! BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE SEMINAR IN MODERN ISRAELI HISTORY 6 AMAZING DAYS! Shabbat, December 1 Thursday, December 6 at with Moshe Ben Baruch. Each class will be given both in the morning and evening, and each class will be preceded by a short film series. Registration $25 for members, $36 for non members. To register for this incredible opportunity or to find out more information, please contact Simone at or simone@brsonline.org. Nobody will be turned away due to lack of funds. Course Highlights Join this intensive, one week seminar that will review the history of modern Israel from the inception of Zionism to the present. We will study the ideological formations and Zionist nationbuilding (to 1949), the problems and successes of sovereignty (to 1979), and the quest for identity and normalization (to the present). This unique seminar is geared to both those with a deep understanding of Israeli history and those just beginning their learning. Shabbat December 1st Sunday December 2nd Monday December 3rd Tuesday December 4th Wednesday December 5th Thursday December 6th 9:00am Speak up for Israel Creation of a State Crossing the Line Israel in the Media Israel and the West: Shared Values 9:30am 7:30pm The Decisive Battle Over the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967 (Rabbi's Class 4-5pm Free) The City of Tzfat and The War of 1948 Speak up for Israel Ben Gurion is Not Just an Airport: Leadership in Crisis Creation of a State Palmach: Its Creation, Its Role and Its Politics Crossing the Line The Fascinating History of Gamla The Biblical and Modern Borders of Israel (Lunch & Learn 12-1pm Free) Israel in the Media The Exciting Story of Masada Israel and the West: Shared Values 8:00pm Israel Inside The City of Tzfat and The War of 1948 Ben Gurion is Not Just an Airport: Leadership in Crisis Palmach: Its Creation, Its Role and Its Politics The Fascinating History of Gamla The Exciting Story of Masada Moshe Ben Baruch lives in Israel and has worked for many years as an educator both in Israel and abroad. He holds a B.A in Bible and History and a Masters degree in Israel Studies from Bar- Ilan University. He has served as a paratrooper and captain in the Israel Defense Forces and gives entertaining, engaging, and inspirational tours of Israel. Moshe most recently served as the tour guide for a trip that Rabbi Goldberg led. Sponsored in loving memory of Joseph Silverman Hahn Judaic Campus 7900 Montoya Circle Boca Raton, Florida (561) Page 6

7 NEW HEBREW POETRY CLASS AT BRS This class, led by Hassiya Yehuda, will explore Hebrew poetry from the enlightenment through modern and contemporary Israeli works. All texts will be studied both in Hebrew and English translation. First class wil be on Monday night, December 17 at 7:30 pm in the BRS Board Room. For more information, please contact Hassiya Yehuda at (561) or Toby Albert at (561) WEEK AT A GLANCE DAILY DAF YOMI (Sunday - Friday) with Rabbi Ben Sugerman at 7:00 am in Room RABBINIC MIND with Rabbi Zvi Yehuda at 7:45 am am in the Board Room HALACHA YOMI with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg 15 minutes before Mincha NIGHT BEIT MIDRASH community learning in the Senders Library at 8:00 pm NIGHTTIME DAF YOMI (Monday - Thursday) with BRS Rabbinate at 8:40 pm in the Board Room MONDAY HEBREW READING with Rabbi Josh Broide at 7:30 pm in Room 101 ZUMBA CLASS (for women) 8:00 pm in room 205/206. TUESDAY CAFFEINE FOR THE SOUL with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz at 8:20 am at Hillel Day School PARSHAT HA SHAVUA with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 9:00 am in the Social Hall THE HAFTORA CLUB with Rabbi Philp Moskowitz at 10:00 11:00 am in Social Hall LUNCH N LEARN with Rabbi Josh Broide at 12 noon at Asia BASIC JUDAISM with Rabbi Josh Broide at 7:30 pm in Room 101 PEOPLE OF THE BOOK with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 8:00 pm in the Social Hall WEDNESDAY IN-DEPTH STUDY OF SEFER YEHOSHUA with Malka Morris will NOT be held this week. DISTINGUISHED SCHOLOR LUNCH N LEARN SERIES with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 12 noon in the Social Hall LUNCH N LEARN with Rabbi Josh Broide at 12 noon at Euro KABBALAH LEVEL 1: THE INNER WISDOM OF THE TORAH with Shoshana (Anne) Deakter at 7:30 pm in Room 102 THURSDAY JUDAISM A-Z with Rabbi Josh Broide will NOT be held this week. SATELLITE LECTURES with Rabbi Yissocher Frand at 9:00 pm in the Board Room ADULT EDUCATION SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE - NOVEMBER 30 SGT. BENJAMIN ANTHONY Join us next Shabbat, November 30 to hear Sgt. Benjamin Anthony (IDF Res.). Sgt Benjamin is a veteran and combat reservist in the Israel Defense Forces. Sgt. Anthony is the founder of Our Soldiers Speak- a not-for-profitnon-governmental organization that brings the proud truth of Israel s soldiers from the front lines of combat to the campuses, audiences, and communities of the English-speaking world. A graduate of the University of Manchester, UK, Sgt. Anthony convenes lectures for the pro, anti, and undecided elements of both student and professional bodies. BEGINNERS BRIDGE CLASS Begins next Thursday, November 29 from 9:30-11:00 am in the Social Hall. Cost is $6 per person. For more information, please call Lois Lightman at (561) UPCOMING CLASSES PEOPLE OF THE BOOK People of the Book classes take place at on Tuesday evenings November 20 March 19, 8:00 9:30 pm in the Social Hall. Next Tuesday, November 27 Midrash Aggada with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz December 4 Mishna/Tosefta with Rabbi Mordechai Smolarcik DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR LUNCH SERIES Wednesday, November 28 Mr. Scott Brockman Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach What We Talk About When We Talk About Young People Wednesday, December 5 Mr. Moshe ben Baruch Guest Lecturer, Israel The Biblical and Modern Borders of Israel COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS PARENT-CHILD LEARNING EVENT Hillel Day School of Boca Raton invites the community to attend a free parentchild learning event on Sunday, November 18 at 10:00 am in the Loewenstern Cafetorium. The program, Thanksgiving: 365 Days of the Year, is geared for parents and their 1-8 grade children. A light breakfast will be served. This free community event is co-sponsored by the Kohelet Foundation and is part of the Global Day of Learning. CAMP MOSHAVA OPEN HOUSE Camp Moshava of Wild Rose, WI is now open for registration and will hold an informational meeting for returning and prospective campers and their parents. The meeting will take place on Monday November 19th at 7:00 pm at the home of Ranana and David Berger, Thornhill Green, Hollyhock Trail, Boca Raton, FL Come meet with Josh Zwelling, Camp Director, to hear about camp s exciting new programs for summer Don t miss out on special incentives including our six weeks of camp for the price of four! For more information, call the camp office at x11. We hope to see you there! Page 7

8 Boca Raton Jewish Experience BRJE FOUNDERS CIRCLE* Daniel & Dr. Liora Adler JB & Lisa Bensmihen Dr. Brian & Dr. Sharon Ferber Sylvia Broide Martin & Ileana Flics Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky Daniel & Caroline Katz Elliot & Naomi Katz Rosa Polen Eric & Loren Stein Dr. Benji & Donna Tripp BRJE FOUNDERS SOCIETY* Pamela & Prosper Abitbol Dr. Jaime Alalu Steven & Dr. Rebecca Berkley Arnold & Hinda Bramnick Roger & Lisa Gladstone Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg Ronald & Rivka Gross Stanley & Ana Haar Lynn Hahn Rabbi Tsvi & Shaindle Kilstein *LISt IN FORmatION Philip & Jennifer Landau Dr. Steven & Gina Lemberg Irwin & Natalie Levine David & Joyce Muller Simon Portnoy Michael & Jill Rose Dr. Barry & Dana Schechter Reid & Naomi Shapiro Larry & Deborah Silver Dr. Norman & Estelle Wald Michael & Risa Zimmerman For more information about the BRJE or if you would like to join our Founders Circle / Society, please contact Rabbi Josh Broide (561) or joshbroide@yahoo.com PILLAR SOCIETY THE PILLAR SOCIETY CAMPAIGN IS NOW UNDERWAY launched the Pillar Society four years ago to enable our synagogue to continue to offer the highest possible educational, religious, and social programming to our community. Your support of the Pillar Society will enable BRS to continue to offer these outstanding programs and services to our community and beyond. In these difficult economic times, when many of our members are struggling to even pay basic dues to the synagogue, your help is more critical than ever. PILLAR SOCIETY EMERALD Lynn Hahn Daniel & Caroline Katz PLATINUM Stanley & Ana Haar Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky Martin & Ileana Flics Lothar & Carlyn Mayer Michael & Jill Rose Larry & Deborah Silver ENHANCED GOLD Dr. Albert & Evelyn Begas Joseph & Lisa Bensmihen Steven Berkeley & Dr. Rebecca Stern Howard & Bonnie Block Dr. Meyer & Laura Cohen Mark & Tilda Fisher Dr. Ben & Cara Freedman Michael & Barbara Frenkel Drs. Charles & Simone Griff Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg Glen & Rosa Golish Dr. Mervin & Elaine Jacobs Dr. David & Sharona Kay Rabbi Tsvi & Shaindle Kilstein Drs. Joseph & Seema Loskove Stephen & Linda Melcer David & Joyce Muller Robert & Penny Pearlman Dr. Daniel & Rachel Rudensky Zorik & Ellen Spektor Teddy & Linda Struhl Michael & Risa Zimmerman Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous GOLD Dr. Steven & Yael Charlap Leo & Heni Ehrlich Nachman & Jaime Feig Hensha Gansbourg Gary & Judi Krasna Lenoff Family Dr. Michael & Dana Petrover Dr. Harold & Donna Richter Mike Senders Page 8 SILVER Dr. Avraham & Elana Belizon Dr. Hillel & Chayi Cohen Dr. Chanoch & Rachel Harow Dr. Yehuda & Michal Marcus List in formation Pillar Society information brochures with additional information are available in the lobby. Please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline.org or (561)

9 SISTERHOOD Sisterhood Welcomes Each and Every Tot. Thank you to Gila Stern and Rachel Harow for assembling and delivering our sweet treats to the newest BRS members. Mazel Tov to all the families with new additions. May we only share Smachot. 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 CHESED If you are in need or would like to volunteer for our Chesed Committee, please contact Michal Marcus at (917) Many volunteer opportunities are available, including helping new moms, rides to doctors, and meals for the bereaved. BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC. SOCIAL ACTION Defying threatened retaliation by the US and Israel, The Palestinian Authority is planning to ask the UN General Assembly this month for recognition as an observer state. The US does not have veto power in the GA, and the authority is likely to achieve a simple majority if a vote is taken. This would give the PA the right over its airspace and territorial waters now under Israeli control, making interception of smuggled arms difficult and ending the Israeli naval blockade. It would also allow the PA to press charges against Israelis before the International Criminal Court. Congress has threatened to cut off $500 million in security and economic aid to the PA if it becomes an observer state. It is imperative that there be no wavering on the part of Congress and the Obama administration in responding to this development. Write or call elected officials to express your concern. President Barack Obama (202) Senator Bill Nelson (202) Senator Marco Rubio (202) Congressman Ted Deutch (202) BIKUR CHOLIM Bikur Cholim would like to recruit couples who would enjoy visiting patients together at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. This opportunity requires a commitment of one day per week for approximately two hours. Training will be provided. Call Stan at (561) only caring and committed couples apply please. EMPTY NESTERS First exciting event of this year!!! Save the Date: Sunday, December 16 at 2:00 pm, to see Auntie Mame at Sugar Sand Park. ONLY 27 spots available. Book your spot now only $17 per ticket. For more information, call Simone at (561) MAIMONIDES SOCIETY Change of Date: Monday, December 17 at 8:00 pm. Jewish Medical Ethics at BRS. DNR: Resuscitating the Resuscitation Controversy. Can we withhold and/or withdraw? A Talmudic review and topic overview. Instructor: Ari Ciment MD, FCCP Pulmonary/Critical attending and Associate Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center and Nova Southeastern Medical School. Cost: Physician $10, Non-Physician $5, Medical student FREE WOMEN S MIKVAH The hours for the Women s Mikvah are Sunday through Thursday, 7:30 pm to 10:00 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. Yearly membership remains at $100 per family. It is now possible to sponsor the Eruv for a particular Shabbat for $360. Donations can now also be made through our website or by contacting Chani Salamon at (561) for more information. Please help, as we ALL benefit from the Eruv. The Eruv is something we all rely on and often take for granted. If you have not yet contributed, please consider doing so in order to ensure that the Eruv can be checked and maintained. The Eruv is sponsored this Shabbat by Michele and Gil Lichtshein and Judy and Stan Weizer in honor of Irving Falik s 93rd birthday. MEN S CLUB 5th Annual BRS Hodu Bowl. It will take place on Thursday, November 22 at 9:00 am at Veteran s Park (off of Palmetto Park Road between Lyons and 441). There is still time to sign up! The cost is $240 per team or $35 per individual without a team. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Eric Pinkis at epinkis@hotmail.com. PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS Aba Chonah ben Hava Chana - Alan Gross American Jew Alan Gross has been wrongly held in a Cuban prison since December Since that time, Alan s physical and emotional state has deteriorated. He has lost over one hundred pounds and has suffered partial paralysis. Join us to call upon the Cuban government and the international community for the immediate release of Alan on humanitarian grounds. For more information and to get involved, visit Yehonatan ben Malka - Jonathan Pollard Jonathan Pollard has been imprisoned in the United States since While working as an American civilian intelligence analyst, Pollard has admitted to passing classified information to Israel. Although even his most ardent supporters agree that he was in the wrong and guilty, the nature and length of his imprisonment is disproportionate and unparalleled. Join a multitude of prominent politicians, officials from the national intelligence world and the legal world who have called for Pollard s sentence to be commuted. For more information and to sign a petition, visit ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF) 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, Orelia Elkaim, Menachem Kaplan, Shabtai Kaplan, Jeremy Siegman, Noam Ivri (Makover), Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha ben Moshe Yisroel, Yehuda Strauss, Liel Reinfeld, Amichai Berman, Matt Firestone, 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 9

10 BRS 7 th & 8 th grade girls making posters for the Alan Gross Rally. JUNIOR CONGREGATION Make sure to come on time this week to JuCo. The fun begins every Shabbat at 10:00 am. Get ready for amazing Davening, Parsha, guest speakers, games, talent, and of course great prizes. KIDS HASHKAMA CHABURA Rabbi Gershon Eisenberger, Boca s new star Rebbe, will be conducting a post Hashkama Minyan Chabura for boys at 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! -BRS KIDS & TEENS- FREE ALAN GROSS West Plam Beach, FL - Freeing a captive is one of the greatest Mitzvot in the Torah. It takes precedence over all other expenditures, including Torah study. Alan Gross is a case of the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Trying to help the Cuban Jewish community, Gross was seen as an opportunity for the Cuban government to extort the American government. Languishing in jail, Gross Seudah Shlishit for High School Boys High School boys are invited to a weekly Seduah Shlishit in the Boca Raton Synagogue board room. Besides a scrumptious Seudah Shlishit the boys enjoy a program where songs are sung and Divrei Torah are shared. A guest speaker comes every week to deliver an inspiring and informative message. The boys also discuss their own Torah learning of the week and present their ideas to their friends. You don t want to miss this special opportunity. Seudah Shlishit starts Shabbat afternoon right after Mincha. is getting sicker and sicker. This past Sunday, there was a rally to free Gross at a concert given by the Cuban Philharmonic Orchestra. Our teens attended and made over thirty signs for the rally. Our teens understood the importance of ensuring the freedom for Mr. Gross and were willing to take the time and effort to play their part in helping out. BRAND NEW!! Sixth Grade Girls Seudah Shlishit Announcing a brand new Seudah Shlishit for sixth grade girls. Reviving the famous NBA (No Boys Allowed) program, once a month sixth grade girls will gather at a local home to enjoy great food but even better ruach. Great songs, amazing and inspirational stories will be shared. The first Seudah Shlishit will be at the Kaminetzky s 7947 Chula Vista Crescent in West Montoya Estates on Nov. 17 at 5:00 PM. Celebrating Our Teens by Rabbi Uri Pilichowski This week, We Celebrate Our teens and their families initiation As a Teen Rabbi in one of America s biggest Orthodox Shuls, I spend plenty of time trying to plan quality programming for the over 350 (!) teen members of the. Whether I m planning a teen Minyan Kiddush, a teen Shiur or a Seudah Shlishit, the most successful programs are programs initiated by teens and their families. When teens and their families are already invested in the program, getting other teens to attend and participate in an enthusiastic manner. It is the rare person, teen, or parent, who sees a need for programming and is willing to take the time, effort, and energy necessary to plan and execute a great event for teens. A perfect example of this great synergy between the Shul, parents, and teens are the two Seudah Shlishits planned for teens this Shabbat. The first is the weekly Seudah Shlishit that David and Daniel Feldan run each. The second is a brand new Seudah Shlishit with sixth grade girls. This Seudah Shlishit was a mother daughter Kaminetzky idea through and through. It is these types of programs that are our most successful teen programs. I welcome and invite parents to help plan and execute winning programs for our teens. This week, I celebrate the families and teens who initiate and execute teen programs. Page 10

11 KING DAVID CATERING Brisim Bar Mitzvahs Weddings Dinners Any Simcha Any Occasion KING DAVID HALL AT TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL 201 S. Military Trail Deerfield Beach, FL (561) Michael Selig has returned from Israel Superior Care Physical Therapy is now open for the Winter season (November April). Michael is accepting all Medicare Patients for: *Balance Training & Fall Prevention * Gait Training *Strengthening & Conditioning * Post-operative Rehabilitation *Treatment of Back, Neck, Shoulder, Ankle, Knee Pain & Injury NOW OPEN!! FOR ALL YOUR PARTY NEEDS Call Superior Care Physical Therapy, Inc for an appointment. BRIS BAR/BAT MITZVAH BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES MEETINGS/ BANQUETS OR ANY FAMILY SIMCHA CAMINO CENTER 7600 W. CAMINO REAL BOCA RATON, FL THE PLACE TO BE THANKSGIVING DAY!!! TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY MENU AVAILABLE CALL FOR YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW RALLY LAST SUNDAY TO FREE ALAN GROSS

12 THANKSGIVING DAY CHESED OPPORTUNITY We are excited to invite you to an incredible Chesed opportunity! This Thanksgiving, as we enjoy our families and are Modeh to Hashem, we will also show our thanks to our firefighters. Join one of our delegations to deliver a Thanksgiving feast to our local fire stations. We are grateful to Rabbi Josh & Simone Broide, Dr. Dov & Tammy Pickholtz, and the BRS Sisterhood for spearheading this project. If you are interested in being involved in this project, please be in touch with Aliza@brsonline.org We are looking for volunteers to: 1. Write thank you cards 2. Cook something for the feasts 3. Sponsor the cost of the turkeys Thank you again for your chesed and spirit of Hakarat Hatov! YOUTH DEPARTMENT Station 55 on Boca Del Mar Food and card drop off at the Pickholtz home, 7964 Little Lane in Boca Patio Village between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm Meeting at station at 2:00 pm SISTERHOOD Station 56 on Boca Point Food and card drop off at the Stein home, 7697 E San Mateo Drive in Montoya Estates East between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm Meeting at station at 3:00 pm BRJE Station 57 on Lyons, North of Palmetto Meeting at station at 11:00 am THANK YOU COFFEE WITH YOUR RABBIS Are you interested in gaining new insights into the Parsha? Have you always wondered why we read the Haftorah and what lessons it can teach us? Then join Rabbi Goldberg and Rabbi Moskowitz on Tuesday mornings for a great morning of engaging learning, delicious coffee, and good friends. EVENT DETAILS Tuesdays in the BRS Social Hall 9:00-10:00 am Parsha Insights with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg 10:00-11:00 am The Haftorah Club with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz