MAY & SAMUEL RUDIN LECTURE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 8:00PM LECTURE BY MOSAB HASSAN YOUSEF

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1 The Jewish Center S H A B B A T B U L L E T I N November 15, 2014 PARSHAT CHAYE SARAH 22 Cheshvan 5775 Erev Shabbat 4:22PM Candle Lighting 4:30PM Minchah, Carlebach-Davening followed by a hot kiddush Shabbat Across The Jewish Center (for those who preregistered) Shabbat 7:45AM Hashkama Minyan 8:30AM Rabbi Israel Silverstein Mishnayot Class with Rabbi Dovid Zirkind 9:00AM Shacharit and sermon by Rabbi Daniel Fridman, Shemittah 5775: Is the Land Truly at Rest? 9:12AM Sof Zman Kriat Shema 9:15AM Hashkama Shiur with Rabbi Daniel Fridman, Rambam's View on Divine Providence 9:30AM Young Leadership (5 th floor) 10:00AM Youth Groups, 2-year-olds: lower level; 3-4-year-olds: lower level; 5-6-year-olds: lower level; 2 nd -3 rd graders: 7 th floor, 4 th -6 th graders: 7 th floor 11:15AM Youth Department Mishnayot Class with Rabbi Daniel Fridman, Sanhedrin 12:10PM Early Minchah Young Leadership Kiddush (5 th floor) With thanks to our Kiddush Sponsors: Young Leadership Kiddush, Menashe Shapiro Young Leadership Kiddush, Tzachie Puder, in memory of his grandfather, Yitzchak Bruch 3:00PM Bikkur Cholim and Bikkur in the Home. Meet at the Westmont, 730 Columbus Avenue 3:45PM Parent-Child Learning with Rabbi Daniel Fridman, Why Rivkah? (Grades 1-3 are welcome) 4:15PM Minchah, Shabbat afternoon groups Israel Friedman Daf Yomi 39 Melachot with Rabbi Dovid Zirkind Seudah Shlishit Speaker: Amy Koplow, The Jewish Poor in NYC and Chesed Shel Emet (from the Hebrew Free Burial Society) Seudah Shlishit Youth Speaker: Charlie Laifer, Manhattan Day School, 6 th grade With Thanks to our Seudah Shlishit Sponsors: Hebrew Free Burial Association in honor of Amy Koplow s seudah shlishit speech 5:21PM Shabbat concludes Youth Department trip to Bounce (see page 3 for more information) DAILY SERVICES Sun., November 16 Shacharit 8:30AM Daf Yomi 7:45AM Minchah 4:25PM Mon., Nov Thur., Nov. 20 Shacharit 7/8AM Daf Yomi 7:45AM Minchah 4:25PM Fri., November 21 Shacharit 7/8AM Daf Yomi 7:45AM Candle Lighting 4:16PM Minchah 4:20PM Women's Tehillim Group - Mon., November 24 at 7:15PM. (1 st floor) Contact Joyce Weitz for more info at PUBLIC LECTURE SHABBAT, NOVEMBER 22 ND AT 11:00AM RABBI YOSIE LEVINE A Revolutionary Prayer: The Story Behind the First Hebrew Prayer for a Democratic Government PUBLIC LECTURE SHABBAT, DECEMBER 6 TH AT 11:00AM YOSSI SIEGEL Israel s Water Story: Lessons for a Water-Stressed World TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 ND AT 8:00PM SCREENING OF THE GREEN PRINCE This real-life thriller tells the story of Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of a founding leader in the Palestinian organization, Hamas, who becomes a spy for Israel. The film focuses on the complex relationship with his handler. The Green Prince is a gripping account of terror, betrayal, and unthinkable choices, along with a friendship that defies all boundaries. Registration: Seating is limited. Please register on our website before seats are sold out. Cost in advance: $10 members, $15 non-members; Sponsor: $200, includes 2 tickets, sponsorship listing and 1 VIP pass to a private reception with Mosab Hassan Yousef on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00PM; Patron: $360, includes 2 tickets, sponsorship listing and 2 VIP passes to a private reception with Mosab Hassan Yousef on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00PM. MAY & SAMUEL RUDIN LECTURE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 8:00PM LECTURE BY MOSAB HASSAN YOUSEF See page 2 for more information and his complete bio. The event is free and open to the public. Advance reservations required. Registration is open to JC members only through Friday, November 14. Registration opens to the community after Shabbat. Please visit for more information. COMMUNITY SCHOLAR SHABBAT, DECEMBER 13 TH AT 11:00AM DR. ERICA BROWN Chanukah and Heroism: Who Are Today's Jewish Heroes? NOVEMBER IS MEMBERSHIP MONTH AT THE JC THE JEWISH CENTER IT S WHERE YOU BELONG Become a member by November 30 th and save 20% on the annual membership fee. Apply for membership online at or pick up an application in the lobby. The Jewish Center - The Modern Orthodox Center for Jewish Life and Learning

2 REFLECTIONS ON MONDAY NIGHT S EVENT: A CONVERSATION WITH RABBI MORDECHAI WILLIG, DR. JOSHUA KLEIN AND RACHEL TUCHMAN, CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES ON FERTILITY: FREEZING EGGS AND THE FUTURE OF THE JEWISH FAMILY BAT MTIZVAH PROGRAM Motzei Shabbat, December 6, 13, 20, January 3, 10, 24, and February 7 at 6:30PM (4th floor) A six week course for Bnot Mitzvah, and those about to become Bnot Mitzvah, on the Torah values of Jewish womanhood. Topics covered, through the lens of Biblical Jewish heroines, will include familial leadership, prayer, kindness, personal modesty, loyalty, courage and fearlessness. The course will conclude with presentations by all the student participants at a family gathering at the shul. Co-taught by Rabbi Daniel & Chaya Fridman. This past Monday night The Jewish Center was privileged to host a panel discussion on the subject of egg freezing and fertility in the Jewish community. Respected professionals from three different disciplines presented; Dr. Joshua Klein on the science of fertility treatments, LMHC Rachel Tuchman on the pyscho-social implications of the process and Rabbi Mordechai Willig addressed issues of halacha and ethics. This cutting edge topic highlights the crucial balance we strive to create, imbuing our engagement of the modern world with To see pictures from the event please visit our Facebook page: The Jewish Center a sense of tradition and spirit. To listen to a recording of the lecture, please visit our website. MAY & SAMUEL RUDIN LECTURE FEATURING MOSAB HASSAN YOUSEF TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 AT 8:00PM SON OF HAMAS: FROM A TERRORIST HOME TO ISRAELI SPY Mosab Hassan Yousef was born in Ramallah, son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, the founder and leader of the terrorist organization Hamas. As his father's eldest son, he was seen as his heir apparent and became an important part of the Hamas organization. Yousef was held by Shin Bet agents in During that interrogation he accepted the offer to become an Israeli informant. From that point forward he was regarded as Israel s most reliable source on Hamas activities; credited with the saving countless lives and assisting in the arrest of the region s most dangerous terrorists. In 2008, Yousef left the Middle East for California. He has since written an autobiography entitled Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices. His story was brought to life in the recent documentary, The Green Prince. Registration: The event is free and open to the public. Advance reservations required. Registration is only open to JC members through Friday, November 14. Registration opens to the community after Shabbat. Please visit for more information. JEWISH CENTER UNIVERSITY FALL SEMESTER FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CONTACT RABBI DOVID ZIRKIND AT DZIRKIND@JEWISHCENTER.ORG. DAILY (except Shabbat) Israel Friedman Daf Yomi, 7:45AM MONDAY A Talmudic Study of the Shema with Rabbi Dovid Zirkind, 8:00PM WEDNESDAY Advanced Talmud Chabura with Rabbi Daniel Fridman, 7:45AM Women of the Bible with Rabbi Yosie Levine, 11:00AM TUESDAY Advanced Talmud Chabura with Rabbi Daniel Fridman, 7:45AM Words from the Wise - The Book of Proverbs with Rabbi Daniel Fridman, 8:00PM Nosh and Drash with Dr. Adena Berkowitz, 10:15-11:30AM The Next Level with Rabbi Mark Wildes, 8:00PM Heroines Sadye and Henry Bayer Chumash Class with Rabbi Yosie Levine, 7:00PM THURSDAY Innovation & Conservation: Ancient Judaism & Christianity with Rabbi Ari Lamm, 8:15PM SHABBAT Rabbi Israel Silverstein Mishnayot Class with Rabbi Yosie Levine, 8:30AM Ramban on the Weekly Parsha with Rabbi Daniel Fridman, 9:15AM Youth Department Mishnayot Class with Rabbi Daniel Fridman Israel Friedman Daf Yomi with rotating JCU Faculty, 1 hour before Minchah Parent-Child Learning with Rabbi Daniel Fridman 39 Melachot (through December 27) with Rabbi Dovid Zirkind JC Online - Become a fan for the latest news and events. Facebook.com/TheJewishCenterNY

3 UPCOMING EVENTS ANNUAL CLOTHING DRIVE Sunday, November 16 from 10:30AM - 1:30PM Even if you've already worn them, or just don't want to, your clothes can perform good deeds by being donated to our annual clothing drive. Clothes will be donated to Good Will and the UWS Gemach. The Gemach is requesting that people donate: women s plus size clothing, children's casual and Shabbat clothing, and children's shoes that are new or gently used. For more information and to get involved as a volunteer, please eliane@jewishcenter.org. BOOK CLUB MEETING Sunday, November 16 at 7:30PM at the home of Dinah & Andy Mendes (262 Central Park West) Our theme for The JC Book Club this year is Holy Land: Spotlight on Israel. Each meeting is led by a discussant and is followed by refreshments and socializing. We begin with My Promised Land, Ari Shavit s complex and lyrical narrative history of Zionism and the state of Israel. Professor Jerome Chanes will be the discussant. All are welcome to join the book club. If you have any questions, please Dinah at bookclub@jewishcenter.org. ADVANCED LEADERSHIP PRIVATE TOUR AT THE JEWISH MUSEUM: HELENA RUBINSTEIN: BEAUTY IS POWER Monday, November 24 at 11:15AM This is the first museum exhibition to focus on the cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubinstein ( ). Rubinstein as businesswoman and arts patron helped break down the status quo of taste by blurring the boundaries among commerce, art, fashion, beauty, and design. Join us for a private tour. The tour will cost $20. Please register on our website. PRIVATE TOUR OF LETTERS TO AFAR: BY PÉTER FORGÁCS, MUSIC BY THE KLEZMATICS AT THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK Wednesday, December 10 at 11:00AM Join Rabbi Levine for a private tour of this exhibit, which is an immersive video art installation based on home movies made by New York City s Jewish immigrants who traveled back to visit Poland during the 1920s and 30s. The films document poignant family reunions and everyday life in small towns in the years before the Second World War, capturing a culture on the brink. Tickets cost $20 members; $22 non-members. For more information and to register, contact Batsheva at batsheva@jewishcenter.org. BOUNCE! Saturday Night, November 15, departs from The JC at 6:30PM, return at 10:00PM Join the Youth Department for a trip to Bounce!, the exciting indoor sports complex where kids of all ages can jump and flip around on their interconnected trampoline floors, play trampoline dodgeball, and dunk on their slam dunk lanes! Cost for children: $30 and cost for adults: $10. Volunteer drivers are needed. For more information, contact Yitz at yitz@jewishcenter.org. FAMILY MINYAN Friday, November 21 This minyan is designed for children ages 3-9, with all siblings welcome. We will daven Minchah together with the entire shul, and then proceed to the auditorium for Kabbalat Shabbat, with Ma'ariv to follow. The minyan will feature singing and dancing for children, along with special Divrei Torah. TEEN MINYAN & HOT KIDDUSH Shabbat, November 22 There will be an oneg Friday night, and a lunch YOUTH DEPARTMENT after the Minyan. More details to follow. The minyan will be organized in partnership with Torah Academy of Bergen County. Please contact dfridman@jewishcenter.org with questions. THANKGIVING FIREHOUSE VISIT Thursday, November 27 Families and children are welcome to take a tour of our local firehouse. Bring a thank-you card and treats for our brave firefighters. Meet at the firehouse on 83rd St. and Amsterdam Ave. PRE-CHANUKAH FAMILY DINNER Shabbat, December 5 Enjoy dinner and spend time with old friends while making new ones. Plus: Tot Shabbat, relay races and games with Roll Joel and Super Soccer Stars! Registration is open on our website. SAVE THE DATE: 5 TH ANNUAL TEEN VS. CLERGY BASKETBALL GAME Saturday night, December 13 More information to follow. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS MAZAL TOV Rebecca Pine & Saul Lubetski on the occasion of Mia's upcoming Bat Mitzvah THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS Thank you to Steve Hirsch and Gilda Chodosh who are our ushers this Shabbat. THANK YOU TO CSS We would like to once again thank CSS and our dedicated CSS members for providing the security for our synagogue this week. JC TRIP: PESACH 2015 IN ISRAEL The Jewish Center is organizing an extraordinary journey to Israel this Spring. We will be staying at the beautiful Inbal Hotel in the heart of Jerusalem, where we have a block of rooms at a very good rate. The trip will be 10 days/nights and will include daily breakfast and six Shabbat/Yom Tov meals. There is no better way to express your solidarity with Israel than to be there. eliane@jewishcenter.org if you are interested in joining the trip. If you have questions, you can contact our tour operator: Joey Freudmann, or joey@netvision.net.il. YOUTH SPEAKERS AT SEUDAH SHLISHIT We love having our youth speak during Seudah Shlishit. If your child would like to share a Dvar Torah, please contact Rabbi Fridman at dfridman@jewishcenter.org. MISSED THE SEUDAH SHLISHIT WITH OUR CHATTANIM? Visit The JC homepage to read the speeches. SHABBAT MEVARCHIM KIDDUSH ON SHABBAT, NOVEMBER 22 Welcome the new month of Kislev by celebrating a special occasion or commemorating a loved one. To sponsor the Kiddush, please visit our website or call x100. MANHATTAN JEWISH EXPERIENCE BLOOD DRIVE AND MITZVAH FAIR Sunday, November 16 from 10:00AM-12:00PM at MJE (11 th floor) To sponsor Kiddush or Seudah Shlishit or a JC event, please contact Aaron at aaron@jewishcenter.org

4 The first, and archetypal, instance of hesped in the Torah is the one which Abraham delivered upon losing Sarah, his life part- ויבא אברהם לספוד לשרה ner. The Torah relates Avraham came to eulogize Sarah, and ולבכתה to cry over her [passing]. The dichotomy presented in the Torah, that of eulogy and crying, interrelationship, and their complex הספד ובכייה certainly requires careful analysis, beyond the scope of these few paragraphs. It is important to recognize that it was far from circumstantial that Avraham is the innovator of the practice of eulogy in the Torah. After all, it was Avraham who first understood the full implications of tzelem Elokim, that the world was not merely the carefully designed handiwork of an Almighty Creator, but that this same Creator endowed human beings with His very own image. As such, Avraham s תתן אמת ליעקב chesed, lifetime commitment to was not primarily a reflection of a חסד לאברהם personal proclivity, nor a happenstance of personality, but a deeply held theological conviction. Since the Creator endowed mankind withhis very own image, interpersonal relations had to be governed by the highest possible standard of ethical and moral conduct. It is, in my opinion, clear that Abraham did not perceive his caring for wayfarers and guests as requiring him to suspend his rendezvous with the Divine. Welcoming guests is greater than receiving the Divine presence would be an absurdity, and possibly, an obscenity, for someone who JC DELEGATION AT THE AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE MARCH 1-3, 2015 The AIPAC Policy Conference is the pro-israel community's preeminent annual gathering. The event attracts more than 6000 community and student activists from all 50 states, and more than half of the Senate, a third of the House of Representatives and countless Israeli and American policymakers and thought leaders. Over three jam-packed days, Policy Conference participants choose from hundreds of informative sessions and participate in the pro-israel community's largest and most important advocacy day. The JC is proud to be sending a delegation to this conference. Tickets cost $399 per person. Questions? Please contact Eliane at eliane@jewishcenter.org or call x110. Please visit our website to purchase your tickets TICKETS REMAINING In the Image of the Divine Rabbi Daniel Fridman, Resident Scholar felt a tension between the activities. For Avraham, the former was a logical extension of the latter. Thus, It was Abraham s lifetime commitment to the ethos of tzelem Elokim that enabled him to innovate the eulogy. For, how could Abraham, the man who recognized the unique, inimitable divine quality in each person, not have reacted with a fully articulated appreciation of the tzelem Elokim which he lost when the soul of his life partner ascended to the World to Come? It would have been inconceivable for someone of Avraham s orientation to have missed such a spiritual opportunity. R. Akiva said, Precious is mankind for he has been created in the image of God. Every time we interact with a person, Jew or gentile, we must be aware that there is something of a divine revelation, an encounter with nothing less than צלם אלוקים that is transpiring, even as, in our collective spiritual malaise, we so often fail to sense this ambient sanctity. The expression of tzelem Elokim in each person is, by very definition, unique, but always reflects God s own grandeur and glory. As such, we need not wait for someone s passing, nor should we, to attempt to fully appreciate the unique Divine features that he or she reflects. How true, in this context, Ben Zoma s mantra rings, wise is the man who learns from all men, who has the spiritual vision to see what really is right in front of him. Clergy & Staff Yosie Levine Rabbi Dovid Zirkind Assistant Rabbi Chaim David Berson Cantor Daniel Fridman Resident Scholar Rabbi Ari Lamm William Fischman Resident Scholar Aaron Strum Executive Director Eliane Glassman Director of Programming and Communications Yitzchak Sprung Youth Director OFFICERS Avi Schwartz President Andrew Borodach First Andrew Kaplan Mark Segall Rose Lynn Sherr Michael Jacobs Assistant Yaron Kinar Treasurer Len Berman Assistant Treasurer Miri Lipsky Secretary Phone Numbers Lisa Septimus Yoetzet Halacha Chevra Kadisha UWS Mikvah Hatzalah Eruv Status

5 SCREENING OF THE GREEN PRINCE Tuesday, December 2 at 8:00PM ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY This real-life thriller tells the story of Mosab Hassan Yousef, son of a founding leader in the Palestinian organization, Hamas, who becomes a spy for Israel. The film focuses on the complex relationship with his handler. The Green Prince is a gripping account of terror, betrayal, and unthinkable choices, along with a friendship that defies all boundaries. This film is rated PG-13. REGISTRATION: Please purchase your tickets on our website COST IN ADVANCE: $10 members, $15 non-members; Sponsor: $200, includes 2 tickets, sponsorship listing and 1 VIP pass to a private reception with Mosab Hassan Yousef on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00PM; Patron: $360, includes 2 tickets, sponsorship listing and 2 VIP passes to a private reception with Mosab Hassan Yousef on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00PM. QUESTIONS? If you have questions, please eliane@jewishcenter.org. MOSAB HASSAN YOUSEF WILL BE SPEAKING AT THE JEWISH CENTER The Jewish Center is proud to host Mosab Hassan Yousef on Tuesday, December 9. For more information about the lecture and to register, please visit our website. THE JEWISH CENTER 131 West 86th Street New York, NY

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