Welcome to Beth Jacob Congregation

Transcription

1 Welcome to Beth Jacob Congregation Shabbat Parah, March 17-18, 2017; 20 Adar, 5777 Parashat Ki Tisa pg. 484, Maftir pg. 838, Haftorah pg Hashkama Minyan 7:10am Schoenfeld Beit Midrash Chumash Shiur 8:00am Eisenstat Beit Midrash Benny s Minyan 8:30am Eisenstat Beit Midrash Main Service 9:00am Shapell Sanctuary Young Professionals 9:15am Bayer Hall Jr. Congregation 9 am Schoenfeld BM; Teen Minyan 9:30am Ives Mincha 6:25 pm Seudah 6:45 pm Havdallah:7:46 pm THIS SHABBAT Chumash Shiur this Shabbat morning 8 am, given by Rabbi Topp DRASHA jay sanderson President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of LA Pre-Mincha Shiur w/rabbi Posy Topic: Unlocking the Siddur 6:10pm On The Bima Marc Rohatiner, Alan Jacobs, Albert Praw, Jay Sanderson The Sylvia and David Kellerman Beit Medrash Program Shacharit & Mussaf Cantor Wollheim Ba al Koreh Jay Braun KoreI aliyot Featuring 5 mornings of Torah each week. All Classes in Session Mondays with Rabbi Topp 11:00 am-remarkable Talmudic Passages 12:00 pm-parshat Hashavua: A Fresh Look Tuesdays with Chazan Arik 11:00 am Hidden Women in the Bible Wednesdays with Rabbi Posy 10:30 am - Great Jewish Thinkers of the Last Millennium Thursdays with Rabbi Yisroel Gordon 11:00 am The Weekly Ramban Shabbat with Rabbi Topp 8:00 am Chumash Shiur Neil Silverstein SHABBAT: Thank you to all of our Shabbat sponsors in honor of the Beth Jacob Jewish Federation Partnership Kiddush: In Jacob s Garden. Sponsored by Alan Jacobs and Lisa and Benjamin Nissanoff in memory of their beloved wife and mother, Dr. Ruth S. Jacobs, a h on her fifth Yarzeit. Seudah SHLISHIT: in Bayer Hall Mazal Tov To Yvette and Eric Edidin, on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Boaz. To Albert Praw, who is being honored at The Jewish Federation s Annual Legal Division Dinner on Thursday, March 23rd. To Sara (Kalanit) Turner, grand-daughter of Carole and Seymour Perl, who has joined the Israeli Air Force. B hatzlacha! To Carole and Seymour Perl on the Bat Mitzvah of their grand-daughter, Chani Kahn. To Carole and Seymour Perl on their daughter, Tzippi Perl-Turner receiving her doctorate in Organizational Leadership in Special Education. CONDOLENCES To the Krief family on the passing of Adam Krief, a h. To Debby Gabbai on the passing of her father, Lenny Dreyer, a h. Candle Lighting: 6:45 pm OTHER WEEKLY CLASSES Conversational Hebrew, Monday March 20, 9:45 am. In Bayer Hall. BMW-Beit Midrash for Women, Monday March 20 at 7:30pm. Women of all ages and levels are welcome. Please join our group study this week as we continue learning Sefer hachinuch or bring your own chavruta. In Ives. Gemara Shiur w/ R Nechemia Langer, Tuesday, March 21, 7 pm. In Ives. Sefer Shmuel: History, Prophecy and Monarchy w/ Rabbi Topp, Tuesday, March 21, 8pm. In Ives. Parenting & Parasha Shiur given this week by Rabbi Sufrin, Wednesday, March 22, at 9 am. In Ives. Chametz Sale forms are available in the Office. Rabbi Topp will be available to arrange the sale of your Chametz. See page 2 for hours. Thank you To Jay Braun, Daniel Kramer, Jordan Lurie, and Josh Metzger, for reading the megilla on Purim. To Madeleine Isenberg for a wonderful workshop at our Sisterhood Brunch on Tuesday. All of the attendees really enjoyed it. Thank you to our volunteers-carole, Maxine, Myra, Nelly and Shelley. WELCOME To Jay Sanderson, President of Jewish Federation of Greater LA and Julie Platt, Chair of Jewish Federation of Greater LA who will be joining us in honor of the Beth Jacob-Jewish Federation partnership. The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles identifies & addresses our community s greatest challenges & opportunities in LA, Israel, & around the world. To learn more and get involved, contact Shira at SFeinstein@JewishLA.org or Yaakov Katz Editor of the Jerusalem Post in conversation with David Suissa President of the Jewish Journal Wednesday, March 29 at 7:30pm Israel, Trump, Weapons & the Media Modern minds series generously sponsored by Anna and Bill Tenenblatt

2 Refuah Shleimah Names will remain on the list until Shabbat Mevorchim unless otherwise instructed. If you or someone you know is a choleh and you would like the name included, please call the shul office. Rivka Mishket bat Serel Bentzion ben Chaya Yehudit Shalom Refael Yitzchak ben Chana Gittel Tamar Lipke bat Gruna Sima bat Leeba Yitzchak Matana ben Masuda Yosef Shalom Halevi ben Elka Yaacov Isaac ben Chana Tzipora Chana bat Faga Bluma Tinok ben Avigail Chana Tinok ben Chava Tova Leah bat Rachel Aliza bat Leah Sara Leya bat Slata Abba Yosef ben Esther Shoshana bat Miriam Dina bat Esther Esther Miriam bat Doris Chana Gitel bat Sonia Miriam bat Sara Leah Shayna bat Chana Yitzhak ben Raizel Noam bat Rahel Yicheyel Eliyaho ben Raizel Elkah bat Sarah Eliyahu ben Mazal Avram ben Sarah Tsipporah Rachel bat Sasha Rivka Pnina Yehudit bat Leah Rachel Areivim Committee Dedicated in memory of Estelle & Sam Samson, z l Shabbat Hospitality If there s a Shabbat or Holiday meal when you could have extra guests, please Esther Braun at esthergbraun@gmail.com - Bikur Cholim Would you or someone you know appreciate a visit at the hospital or at home? Is there a need for a ride to grocery shop or have someone shop for you or them? Need a ride to a Dr s appointment? Please call the shul office at (310) or contact Adele Goldsmith at (310) , or at adelegoldsmith@gmail.com Hakamat Matzeivah for our dear member and pillar of our community, Lou Kestenbaum. Home of Peace, Sunday, March 19 at 9:30am. The Bottomless Mug Contest Send us a photo of yourself drinking from your Beth Jacob mug and the best picture will win and will be featured in our newsletter and receive a 24oz bag of coffee from Coffee Bean! Please frontdesk@bethjacob.org by Monday, March 20th. LA-Beverly Hills Community LA Jewish Community Children s Choir: our weekly rehearsals will be on Sundays at 5-6:30pm, at the Workmen s Circle, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Please contact Michelle Willner for more info at or at michellegwilner@yahoo.com. Yachad: Join team Yachad for an incredible weekend and run the Las Vegas Marathon for Inclusion & Disability Awareness. For more info visit: vegas.teamyachad.com, or teamychad@ou.org. Bnei Akiva Events: Thurs 3/18 Israel & Ice Cream for Chevraya Bet, 8pm at Thrifty s on Canon; Shabbat 3/24-26 Manhigut Midwest Regional Shabbaton. For more info, contact Eyal (310) SUMMER IS COMING! Make friends and memories for a lifetime this summer at Moshava California! Camp application and information available at or call 855-MOSHAVA. USC Family Caregiver Support Center Group: 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month from 2-3:00pm. For more info, contact Family Care Navigator, Lisa Shainberg, MSW at The Nishmat Yoetzet Hotline: Newly expanded telephone hours. For more info, please see Westwood Kehilla is currently seeking a new part-time Executive Director. resume and cover letter to director@kehilla.org. Join YULA Boys School for their historic Groundbreaking Celebration on Sunday, March 19th from 11:00am to 1:00pm. RSVP required at YULA Girls High School presents their annual Fashion Show "Eishet Chayil: Empowerment of the Jewish Woman" (for women only) on Sunday March 26th, 6-8pm at 1619 South Robertson Blvd. We will also be having a charity auction to raise money for Sharsheret which offers support for Jewish Women with breast and ovarian caner. Please call YULA for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Russell Sussman 3/17 Jonathan Samson 3/17 Elan Goldberg 3/19 Lylah Mayman 3/19 Skylar Hyman 3/20 Parker Gruenbaum 3/21 Eitan Halpert 3/21 Alexandra Spivak 3/22 If you would like to co-sponsor a Kiddush in honor of your child s birthday, please call the shul office. Davening - Next Week Shacharit: Sunday 7:00, 8:00, 9:00am Monday and Thursday: 6;15, 6:45, 7:40 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 6:15, 7:00, 7:40 am Mincha/Maariv: 6:50 pm AIPAC Beth Jacob is proud to be sending one of the largest synagogue delegations in the country to AIPAC Policy Conference March Next week, 96 of our members, together with thousands of pro-israel activists from across the world will converge upon Washington DC to advocate for, learn about, and deepen our connection with Israel. Looking forward to a great conference. Mechirat Chametz Hours: Rabbi Topp will be available in his office to arrange for the selling of your chametz at the following times: Tuesday, March, 21 7:15pm-8pm Wed., March, 22-10am-12pm Friday, March, 24 10am-11am Wed., March, 29 10:30am-12pm Thursday, March, 30 8pm-9pm Sunday, April, 2 8:30am-11:00am Tuesday April, 4 7pm- 8pm Wed., April, 5 10am-12pm Thursday, April, 6 8pm-9pm Sunday, April, 9 9:30am-10:30am In addition, Rabbi Topp will be available weeknights, Monday through Thursday after mincha-maariv for 10 minutes. SOVA for Pesach Beth Jacob is working with SOVA to collect Kosher for Pesach cans and dry goods. A barrel will be placed near the downstairs door. PLEASE DO NOT BRING GLASS. The Beth Jacob Book Club: (Change of date) Tuesday, March 28th at 7pm for a stimulating discussion of: Turbulent Souls by Stephen Dubner. Meetings are downstairs. New members welcome! For more information contact Stefanie or Harry Feld at harryfeld@verizon.net or nd Annual Matzo Ball Run/Walk!: Sun., Mar. 26th at 8am at Dockweiler Beach Los Angeles. Community invited. 5K: $36; Kids Fun Run: $25. Registration includes shirt, medal, food and games. To participate, please go to The Jewish Federation s Annual Legal Division Dinner - Honoring Albert Praw: Thurs., March 23 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. For more information, visit or contact Shira at SFeinstein@JewishLA.org, or at YULA Jewish History Lectures - Presented by Rabbi Abraham Lieberman, Converts to Judaism, Challenges, Trials, Contributions, Part II, Motzei Shabbat, March 18, 2017, 9:00pm-10:00pm at the Samson home, 329 S. Lapeer Drive, Beverly Hills, (one block north of Olympic Blvd). There are no parking restrictions at the time. For info call:

3 UPCOMING EVENTS For more details go to Federation Shabbat March 18 Shabbat Morning Speaker: Jay Sanderson President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater LA YP Conversation Over Wine and Cheese Monday, March 20 Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Topp Kashering Day Sunday, April 2, 8:30 am to 11:30 am Bring your utensils for kashering. Rabbi Topp & Rabbi Posy will be available to sell your chametz. Pesach U How and Why of Pesach Night with Rabbi Posy Wednesday, March 22, 8:30 pm Pesach Sedarim April 10 and 11 First night led by Rabbi Posy Second night led by Rabbi Topp Contact Edmond at or bhelegantevent@aol.com Pesach Cooking Class Tuesday, March 28, 7:00pm Cost $36 For more info; bethjacob.org Modern Minds with Yaakov Katz Editor of the Jerusalem Post in conversation with David Suissa of the Jewish Journal Wednesday, March 29 at 7:30 pm Exclusive Trip to Israel May 17-25, 2017 Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Reunification of Yerushalayim rabbitopp@bethjacob.org Pesach U Why the Obsession w/chametz? Thursday, March 30, 7:30 pm Rabbi David Lapin Youth Happenings Teen-Six Flags Trip March 19 at 9:00am Cost: $45 Grades 7th - 12th Spark Shabbat, March 25 Geared for parents & children ages 6-12

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5 Beth Jacob Members registered for AIPAC Policy Conference March 26-28, 2017 Susan Benyowitz Anne Goldin Karen Parver Erich Sorger Zvi Bronson Hilary Hellman Michele Poltorak Raviv Surpin Edward Czuker Melody Javidzad Leonid Pustilnikov Tanya Surpin Elissa Czuker Dmitriy Katsel Shenna Razi Howard Szabo Sarah Czuker Isabella Kest Dr. Daniel Reich Helen Szabo Elana Czuker Noah Kest Eitan Remer Mikey Szabo Eddie Delshad Wayne Klitofsky Yona Remer William Tenenblatt Jess Dolgin Lauren Klitofsky Weston Richter Anna Tenenblatt Michelle Dolgin Henry Manoucheri Denise Richter Kalman Topp Michael Drath Daniela Massachi Linda Rohatiner Rachelli Topp Natasha Drath Laurel Meisel Shelly Rosenfeld Tzippora Topp Joseph Englanoff Vic Mellon Roz Rothstein Ayelet Topp Gilat Englanoff Leon Meyers Jerry Rothstein Shelley Topp Justine Englanoff Lisa Meyers Daniel Samson Ella Weinbach Nicole Englanoff Dr. Albert Lavi Rivkie Samson Helga Weinbach Miriam Escovitz Magda Lazovsky Tamara Samson Steven Weinstock Dr. Simon Etehad Chavee Lerer Yardena Samson Shelley Weinstock Jack Fenigstein Carrol Fenigstein Enrique Mannheim Katalin Mannheim Lee Samson Allen Samson Sharon Winer Caleb Friedman Ilana Melmed Esther Hess Ramin Gabbay Shlomo Melmed Elliott Samson Jeremy Garelick Joseph Miskabi David Schlacht Samantha Garelick Gerald Naftalin Harriet Schlacht Effie Goldberg Nessa Naftalin Tali Schlacht Judith Goldberg Malka Namvar Rina Scott Cowan Mark Goldin Mitch Parver Louis Sorger

6 The Four Portions and its Finale-by Rabbi Kalman Topp During this season, we read four parshiyot that are supplementary to our weekly Torah reading on Shabbat: Shekalim, which discusses the annual contribution of the half shekel, Zachor which recalls Amalek, Parah which outlines the purifying ashes of the red heifer and Hachodesh which celebrates the month of Nissan and the laws of Pesach. Aside from each portion s specific theme, can we find an overarching theme that connects these four parshiyot? In the Haftorah for Tisha B av, we read the verses in Yirmiyahu 9:22-23 which declare: כ ה אמ ר י הו ה, אל-י ת ה ל ל ח כ ם ב ח כ מ ת ו, ו אל-י ת ה ל ל ה ג ב ור, ב ג ב ור ת ו; אל-י ת ה ל ל ע ש יר, ב ע ש ר ו כ י א ם-ב ז את י ת ה ל ל ה מ ת ה ל ל, ה ש כ ל ו י ד ע א ות י--כ י א נ י י הו ה, ע ש ה ח ס ד מ ש פ ט וצ ד ק ה ב אר ץ: כ י-ב א ל ה ח פ צ ת י, נ א ם-י הו ה Thus says G-d: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; rather let him that wants to be glorified, be praised with this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am G-d who exercises mercy, justice, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight, says G-d. Rav Aharon Soloveitchik zt l explained that these verses are the key to understanding the thematic thread between the four portions. The first expression- that a wise person should not boast because of his or her wisdom- is reflected by the portion of Parah. Even King Solomon, the wisest of human beings, openly expresses his frustration with the incomprehensibility of the red heifer. There is no compelling logical explanation as to why the heifer s ashes defile the pure and yet purify the defiled. The red heifer reminds us about the limits of our wisdom and that some things we, as mortals, will never understand; some questions for which we will never find answers. The second expression- that a strong man should not boast because of his physical might- is reflected by the portion of Zachor. Amalek had the qualitative military edge. Yet, they were defeated by the weaker Jewish army because the Jews possessed the power of faith. The third expression- that a wealthy person should not boast due to his wealth is symbolized by the portion of shekalim. With the half shekel, there was no distinction between the wealthy and the poor. For the census, the sockets and communal sacrifices- all of which were destinations of the half shekel contribution- all Jews were equal partners and not divided by economic class. Wisdom, strength and wealth are all, each in their own way, very worthwhile pursuits. Each one, however, has its limitations and requires a certain sense of perspective. Shekalim, Zachor and Parah make sure that we approach these pursuits properly. The general perspective to keep in mind is that these pursuits are not ends but rather means to a goal. That grander goal is to utilize our resources to perform mitzvoth and to develop a strong, healthy relationship with our Creator which is symbolized by the last special portion, Parshat Hachodesh. In the portion of Hachodesh from the book of Exodus, the relationship between the Jewish nation and G-d begins to develop in a significant way through the obligation of mitzvot. In fact, Hachodesh hazeh lachem, sanctifying the new moon, is the first mitzvah given to the Jewish people as a nation. Wisdom, strength and wealth are wonderful but if you and our community- really want praise, as the verse in Yirmiyahu states, let us use those talents and possessions to come to know G-d, to develop a relationship with Him and emulate his ways of mercy, generosity and social justice because in these G-d truly delights.