Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat. Rabbi s Shabbat Class Is a Parent s Job Ever Done? Why Don t We Say Baruch She petarani for Girls? Rabbi Efrem Goldberg

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1 Boca Raton Synagogue WEEKLY PARSHAT VAYECHI January 6 - January 13, Tevet - 18 Tevet 5772 This week s Weekly is generously sponsored by the BRS Staff in honor of Atara Goldberg becoming a Bat Mitzvah. RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG Marah D asrah RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ Assistant Rabbi MAKKOT MADNESS THIS SUNDAY!! DANIEL J. KATZ President RABBI JOSH BROIDE Outreach Rabbi RABBI URI PILICHOWSKI Teen Rabbi RABBI MORDECHAI SMOLARCIK Rabbi, BRS West RABBI KENNETH BRANDER Rabbi Emeritus MATTHEW HOCHERMAN Synagogue Administrator ALIZA PILICHOWSKI Youth Director Candle Lighting 5:25 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:30 pm Rabbi s Shabbat Class 4:15 pm Is a Parent s Job Ever Done? Why Don t We Say Baruch She petarani for Girls? Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Shabbat Mincha 5:15 pm Ma ariv / Havadalah 6:22 pm GET CONNECTED FRIEND. FOLLOW. SHARE. Friend us on Facebook Boca Raton Synagogue 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 In the last few months in our community, a number of pregnant women have tragically lost their babies. Despite all the aches, pains and discomfort, pregnancy is a time of great hope, optimism and incredible excitement about the future life that will emerge and the unknown of who he or she can and will become. Therefore, when pregnancy is unexpectantly and shockingly halted and with it the dream of a new child, the pain is acute and the grief very real. The Blessing of a Healthy Child Just this week, I had the unenviable task of burying a stillbirth. Few things are as disconcerting and traumatic as placing a tiny coffin in the ground and saying goodbye to a Neshama (soul) whose parents never even got to say Hello. Many women who endure such an episode begin to wonder what was the point of all the nausea, pain and discomfort when it didn t even result in the birth of a healthy baby? Though it provides little comfort, please know that there is a great value to having been the conduit to bring a perfect Neshama down to this world and having it return to its source completely unblemished, pure and indeed angelic. In fact, we actually bestow a name upon a stillborn child and in the case of a boy give him a bris. The commentators explain that the reason is that this child will be restored to life at the time of techiyas ha meisim (the resurrection of the dead) in the Messianic era and we want them to be identifiable to their parents and family. Though this baby never lived to breathe even one breath, their Neshama is very real and one day they will meet their parents who will be overjoyed to welcome them to the family. I share this with you not to bring you down, depress you or to create a crisis of faith. Quite the contrary, I share it as a stark reminder of how incredibly blessed, fortunate and privileged we are when a pregnancy goes smoothly resulting in the birth of a healthy child. When we contemplate the miracle of conception, gestation and birth, we cannot help but feel that the default is that something should go wrong and in truth, the anomaly is when things go right. My friend s father is the head of the neonatal intensive care unit in a prominent hospital in the New York Area. He was once hosting a group of Physicians and gave them a tour of the NICU. They were amazingly impressed when they saw the significantly premature babies who were being sustained through remarkable technology and medicine. They remarked to my friend s father that these babies were in fact miracles. Without pausing, my friend s father told them, No, these are not the miracles. These are the result of our advancement in science, follow me and I will show you the miracles. He proceeded to take them to the regular nursery, pointed to the cribs filled with robust, healthy babies and said, my dear Colleagues, these, the ones that come out perfectly when statistically so many things could go wrong, these are the miracles. In this week s parsha, Ya akov gives each of his sons a beracha (blessing). We emulate him every single Friday night in one of the most moving and precious customs that we have, that unfortunately goes so widely unappreciated. We place our hands on the heads of our children and while we bless them we are to realize that they are in fact a blessing to us. I came home from that private, informal burial and I couldn t help but hug each of my children a little tighter. I implore you to never take for granted, not for one moment, how fortunate you are if for you everything went right and you are the parent of a healthy child. Learn from Yaakov, pay attention when you bless your kids on Friday night and never forget how blessed you truly are. Follow the Rabbi s at twitter.com/rabbigoldberg BRS OUTREACH REVOLUTION Share One Shabbos - with SOS III on February 10th!! What started out as a simple idea at Boca Raton Synagogue has now grown much larger than we ever could have imagined. Jewish communities around the country have copied the Share One Shabbos model and versions of the program are popping up everywhere. This year we are hosting SOS 3 on Friday night, February 10th and now is the time to sign up. SOS 3 is so easy to participate in and we hope that you will make the commitment and sign up this week. We are not asking you to do anything that you wouldn t already be doing to prepare for Shabbat, just ask a friend or a co-worker who doesn t normally celebrate Shabbat to join you for the experience. I know that there are members of our community that think they don t know anyone that s not observant, but I can tell you from my personal experience and from the experiences of so many in our community that I can guarantee you that if you keep your eyes open and start listening to the people that you bump into, you will find that many times you are being bageled. They know that you are Jewish and they want YOU to know that they are Jewish as well. They are opening the door for you and want YOU to engage them. What better way is there than a simple Shabbat invitation. You can do it and I need you to commit to do it now. Please don t wait for the last minute, because you will be scrambling to find someone and it might not happen. Our goal is to have 250 families sign up and you can be the first to help make that goal a reality. Inspire yourself to inspire others Rabbi Josh Broide Outreach Rabbi PARSHA SUMMARY Yoseph s Promise; Yoseph visits Yaakov on his deathbed and promises that he would bury him in Canaan rather than in Egypt. Yaakov Blesses Ephrayim and Menasheh. Yaakov told Yoseph that Ephrayim and Menasheh would be counted among Yaakov s own sons and would each head a Tribe. The Blessings of Yaakov. Yaakov called each of his sons to his bedside, blessed them, prophesized about each Tribe s future, and described each Tribe s special attributes and characteristics. Yaakov Dies and Is Buried. After instructing his sons to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah, Yaakov went to his bed and returned to his people. Yoseph, along with his brothers, returned to Canaan to bury Yaakov. Yoseph Reassures His Brothers. On the return trip to Egypt, Yoseph reassured them that he would not seek revenge. Yoseph Dies. Yoseph died at 110. Rabbi Efrem Goldberg HALACHIK QUESTION OF THE WEEK Q: Is it permissible to add hot water from an urn or a kettle to a pot of cholent during Shabbat? A: Yes, assuming the cholent is fully cooked, but it should not be added while in the crock pot or while on the fire. The pot/insert should be removed with the intent to return it, the water added, and the pot/insert returned while still hot. Please submit your question of the week on any topic to reg@brsonline.org Page 2

3 SHABBAT SCHEDULE FRIDAY NIGHT Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:25 pm Candle Lighting 5:25 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 5:30 pm Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm SHABBAT DAY Neitz Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) Hashkama Minyan (Social Hall) Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) Ashkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) Shacharit: Chazzan Shimon Craimer Sermon: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Mussaf: Chazzan Shimon Craimer Shtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash - 2nd floor) Teen Minyan (Shechet Beit Midrash - 2nd floor) Sof Zman Kriat Shema Lome Family Explanatory Service (WYHS Library) Youth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) Ashkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) Sh kiah Ma ariv/havdalah SHABBAT LEARNING 6:25 am 7:25 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 9:45 am 9:48 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 5:10 pm 5:15 pm 5:44 pm 6:22 pm Sichot of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 8:30 am Tefilah Insights (Rand Sanctuary) 8:40 am Teachings of the Ba al Shem Tov (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:00 am Parshat Hashuva 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 YOUTH GROUPS END AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MAIN MINYAN Sephardic Roundtable (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 11:00 am Beit Midrash Program (Senders Library) 3:45 pm Rabbi s Class (Rand Sanctuary) 4:15 pm Is a Parent s Job Ever Done? Why Don t We Say Baruch She petarani for Girls? Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Daf Yomi between Mincha/Maariv PARSHAT SHEMOT JANUARY 13TH & 14TH Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:30 pm Candle Lighting 5:30 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 5:35 pm Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm Maariv/Havdalah (Shabbat) 6:26 pm LIFE CYCLE WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY Shimon Craimer, Chazzan in Residence Family & Friends here in honor of the Goldberg Simcha Elizabeth Loeffler Sonia Lieberman Family & Friends here in honor of the Loeffler Simcha. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS David & Donna Kinberg Mark & Rina Kotok BIRTHDAYS Benjamin Ferber Chani Kaminetsky Shoshana Stadlan ANNIVERSARIES Dana & Michael Petrover Issy & Riwella Bruk Rabbi Shmuel Jarashow Shmuel Tzvi ben Shayna Leonard Siegal Moshe ben Sarah Marvin Wolfe Moshe Eliya ben Chana Chayim Zvi ben Heny Dvorah Nachum Gershon ben Kayle Israel Aaron ben Baila Golda Zoli Bernstein Azriel Ha Cohen ben Ruchel Binyamin Zev Ha cohen ben Sharrone Rivka Cantor Lazar Wax Eliezer ben Sara Golda Zvi ben Devorah Fraida Sol Feldman Shlomo Dov ben Chana Reuven ben Shaindle Malka Rabbi Moshe Mintz Moshe Avraham ben Chaya Rabbi Mordechai Cohen Harav Mordechai ben Miryam Evan Ferber Yehuda Marcus crefuah SHLAYMAHd For members of BRS Community. For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please see Tehillim Circle Esther bat Batsheva Helen Ijac Alta Haita bat Devorah Zahava bat Malka Rivka Leah bat Sima Pearl Elsa Ruth bat Giula Feigel bat Sima Avigile Malka bat Chana Yehudis Ruth Sherman Rochel bat Batsheva Sandy Strauss Sara Leah bat Gittel Ashlee Lyons Arielle bat Chaya Ruth (Rut) bat Yehudith Zissel Yehudis bat Masha Joan Noven Rochel Tova bat Malka Sue Lowenkron Miriam bat Tova Golda Beverly Kassirer Briendle bat Pessel Brocha Masha Shayna bat Sasha Raiza DAILY MINYANIM Daf Yomi (Sunday - Friday) 7:00 am Sunday (Social Hall) 6:25, 7:15, 8:00, 9:00 am Monday & Thursday (Social Hall) 6:15, 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) 6:35 & 8:00 am MINCHA/MA ARIV Early Mincha (Sunday) 1:00 pm Sephardic Minyan (Sunday - Thursday) (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:25 pm Ashkenazi Minyan (Sunday - Thursday) (Social Hall) 5:30 pm Late Maariv 9:30 pm THE WEINBAUM YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL MINCHA SCHEDULE Monday - 3:20 pm / Tuesday - 3:05 pm BRS WEST (At the Hillel Day School, th Ave. (305) ) Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Note NEW time) Candle Lighting Shacharit (Shabbat) NEW - Youth Groups Children Mishnayot Class Mincha (Shabbat) Maariv/Havdalah/Shabbat ends NEW - Sunday Morning Minyan 5:00 pm 5:25 pm 9:30 am 10:30 am 4:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:22 pm 7:45 am YAHRZEITS Ms. Sarah Strauss in memory of her mother Mr. Abe Aloof in memory of his mother-in-law Mrs. Hena Aloof in memory of her mother Mrs. Diane Geffen in memory of her husband Mrs. Estelle Bari in memory of her brother Mrs. Joyce Hacker in memory of her father Rabbi Nathan Zemel in memory of his mother Mr. Nathan Gross in memory of his father Mrs. Renee Rosenberg in memory of her mother Mrs. Wendy Wasserstrom in memory of her mother Mrs. Ann Vernikoff in memory of her mother Rabbi Joseph Rischall in memory of his father Mrs. Harriet Yukolis in memory of her father Dr. Larry Charme in memory of his mother Mrs. Sydelle Tannenbaum in memory of her mother Mr. Robert Cirulnick in memory of his grandmother Mrs. Helen Cohan in memory of her father Mr. Ira Berger in memory of his father Mrs. Stacia Konstam in memory of her father Mr. Morton Zemel in memory of his mother Mrs. Helene Amar in memory of her father Mrs. Bonnie Weinreb in memory of her father Mrs. Marcia Feldman in memory of her father Mrs. Susan Berkowitz in memory of her mother Mrs. Judy Gelbart in memory of her brother Mr. Yehuda Hoffman in memory of his father Mrs. Devora Goldwasser in memory of her father Mrs. Sylvia Pruzansky in memory of her mother Gertrude Lesser, 11 Tevet Tonia Wilder, 11 Tevet Tonia Wilder, 11 Tevet Cantor Moshe Geffen, 12 Tevet Cantor Moshe Geffen, 12 Tevet Saul Lehman, 12 Tevet Lena Zemel, 12 Tevet Sid Gross, 13 Tevet Rose Kissel, 13 Tevet Irene Margolis, 13 Tevet Bessie Reidman, 13 Tevet Max Rischall, 13 Tevet Joseph Wieder, 13 Tevet Claire Charm, 14 Tevet Helen Greenfield, 14 Tevet Florence Hanish, 14 Tevet Jacob Mager, 14 Tevet Alex Berger, 15 Tevet Bernard Shapiro, 15 Tevet Rena Zemel, 15 Tevet Prosper Messod Amar, 16 Tevet Jack Riesel, 16 Tevet Irving Konick, 17 Tevet Ceil Schlesinger, 17 Tevet Harvey Guttman, 18 Tevet Simon Hoffman, 18 Tevet Jacob Saltzman, 18 Tevet Lillian Schneider, 18 Tevet Page 3

4 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) ULPAN IVRIT has begun on Mondays at 5:15 pm, with Mrs. Leah Friedman. Please call Aliza in the Shul office if you would like to attend. RABBI MOSKOWITZ S Tuesday Morning class at Hillel 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 S Contemporary Halacha class will begin a 5 part series on The Laws of Traveling to Israel and will take place on Wednesday, January 11 at 10:15 am and on Thursday, January 12 at 8:30 am. His topic this week will be Is there a Mitzvah to Visit Israel? RABBANIT AVIGAIL ROCK weekly classes will be on Thursday mornings, 9:30-10:30 am in the Board Room. Registration can be done in the Shul office or myspenny613@aol.com. PARSHAT HA SHAVUA Rabbi Efrem Goldberg s class will continue on Wednesday, January 11, at 11:00 am in the Social Hall. RABBI ZVI YEHUDA weekly Parshat Hashavua class will take place this Shabbat, January 7 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. AVIAGAIL ROCK RETURNS a week of women s learning with 9 engaging classes monday, january 16 sunday, january 22 MONDAY, JANUARY 16 8:00 pm - Hebrew Dates vs. The English Calendar: Halachik Issues. At the Saketkhou home, Larkspur Trail, Thornhill Green. Open To Men And Women TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 12:15 pm - Lunch And Learn Abarvanel 8:00 pm - The Book of Amos Part 1 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 12:15 pm - Lunch And Learn A Chavruta with Rashi: What Rashi Has to Say and Why. FREE OF CHARGE. OPEN TO MEN AND WOMEN THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 9:30 am - The Book of Amos Part 2 8:00 pm - Likrat Shabbat: Understanding Zemirot Shabbat FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 9:30 am - The Book of Amos Part 3 SHABBAT, JANUARY 21 King David: Tehillim on the Run (One hour before Mincha) FREE OF CHARGE. Open To Men And Women SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 9:30 am - The Book of Amos Part 4 All classes will take place at and are open to women only, unless otherwise noted. Only $100 for all 7 classes or $15 for each class. To register in advance, contact Aliza in the shul office at (561) Sponsorship opportunities are available. To sponsor a class, please contact the shul office at (561) WEDNESDAY LINE-UP THIS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 9:15 10:15 am in the Board Room Malka Morris - In depth study of Sefer Yehoshua 10:15 11:00 am in the Social Hall Rabbi Philip Moskowitz - Jet Jew Part Deux: Is there a Mitzvah to Visit Israel? 11:00 am 12:00 pm in the Social Hall Rabbi Efrem Goldberg - Parashat Ha Shavua It is a text-based study on the Parasha of the week. Please bring a Mikra ot Gedolot. Every week, an MP3 of the class will be available on our website, 12:15-1:15 pm Mrs. Basheva Goldberg Fairleigh Dickinson University B tzelem Elokim: - In the Image of G-d: Spiritual Resistance During the Holocaust. DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS LUNCH & LEARN SERIES SERIES FEE AND REGISTRATION The classes are open to the entire community and FREE of charge. Bring your own lunch or order through us for a small fee. To order food, contact the Shul office at (561) or ; office@brsonline.org TIME & LOCATION The Distinguished Scholars Series takes place at Boca Raton Synagogue on Wednesdays from 12:15-1:15 pm. UPCOMING LECTURES January 18 Dr. Avigail Rock Visiting Scholar, Israel Abarbanel and the Spanish Inquisition - The Man, The Era, and The Commentary TANACH B SHANA 2.0 UPCOMING CLASSES January 10 Yirmiyahu Rabbi Philip Moskowitz, January 17 Yechezkel Dr. Avigail Rock, Visiting Scholar AIPAC PARTNERSHIP WEEKEND NEXT SHABBAT With Dr. Daniel Gordis, Next Shabbat, January 14th. Dr. Daniel Gordis is Senior Vice President of the Shalem Center, where he is also a senior fellow. The author of numerous books on Jewish thought and currents in Israel, Dr. Gordis was the founding dean of the Ziegler Rabbinical School at the University of Judaism, the first rabbinical college on the West Coast of the United States. Dr. Gordis joined Shalem in 2007 after spending nine years as vice president of the Mandel Foundation in Israel and director of its Leadership Institute. Since moving to Israel in 1998, Dr. Gordis has written and lectured throughout the world on Israeli society and the challenges facing the Jewish state. Page 4

5 NEW GROUP FOR BA ALEI TESHUVA We have started a group for Ba alei Teshuva looking to learn more practical know how of living Jewishly and to find camaraderie on the struggles of becoming observant. For more information or to join, please contact Rabbi Goldberg at reg@brsonline.org MONDAY MORNING HEALTH AND WELLNESS BREAKFAST SEMINARS Doctors from our community will have the opportunity to present on health and wellness issues on Monday mornings at 10:00 am. Breakfast will be served. If you are a doctor and would like to reserve a Monday, please contact Matthew at mjh@brsonline.org This Monday, January 9, from am in the BRS Social Hall Why Taking Supplements and Vitamins are Usually a Waste of Money and May Even be Harmful. Before taking extra pills, know exactly why you need them and what they will do for you. A startling and lively discussion based on scientifically validated information with Dr. Steven Charlap, MDPrevent Preventive Medicine and Learning Centers. GOOD WISHES AND THANKS FROM THE ISRAELI EMBASSY The following handwritten note was received by Rabbi Goldberg from Noam Katz, Minister of Public Diplomacy at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. Dear Rabbi Goldberg, Wishing you and the Congregation of a warm Chag Chanukah Sameach and a happy New Year. We wish to thank you for your continued support. Special thanks to the Social Action Committee for their significant efforts to ensure Israel s security in a time of great uncertainty. As Jews of Israel and the Diaspora stand together and strive for a future of peace, we value your friendship greatly. This should be a year of happiness, fulfillment,and peace for us and for all of Israel. JET JEW - PART DEUX A 5 Part Series on The Laws of Traveling to Israel with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz January 11 & 12 Is there a Mitzvah to Visit Israel? January 18 & 19 Putting Notes in the Kotel: Voodoo or Vital January 25 & 26 Why and How Do We Tear Clothes at the Kotel February 1 & 2 Can a Kohen Fly to Israel? February 8 & 9 Keeping 2nd Day of Yom Tov in Israel All classes will be given both on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 am in the Social Hall and Thursday mornings at 8:30 am in the Board Room. 36 HOURS IN NEW YORK CITY The BRS Men s Club invites you to join the BRS Rabbis for an incredible 36 hours in NY filled with Torah learning, great food, good friends and lots of fun. February 13-14, Trip includes a visit to the Holocaust Museum, dinner at the Kosher Food and Wine Festival, learning at Yeshiva University, a private Shiur with YU Roshei Yeshiva, elite access to the YU Seforim Sale, sports and more! Please contact Eric Pinkis for reservations, further details and cost for the trip. epinkis@hotmail.com (561) WINTER KOLLEL NCSY Winter Kollel for 11th & 12th grade young men from New York will be hosted by BRS this year from January 22 to January 28. The program consists of five hours of daily learning over Yeshiva Week vacation with sports activities and programming throughout the day. The young men will be supervised and taught by four Yeshiva University students. We are in need of hospitality for 24 young men for the week. All of their meals are being provided. If you are able to host two - four (2-4) of these young men for the week, please contact Linda at (561) or linda@brsonline.org. Your hospitality is most appreciated. O.R.B. KASHRUS UPDATE - JANUARY 2012 Please see flyer in the lobbies. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS MAZAL TOV Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg on their daughter, Atara, becoming a Bat Mitzvah. AND to her proud sisters, Rachelli, Leora, Tamar, Estee and Temima. AND grandparents, Murray & Basheva Goldberg and Dr. Robert & Judy Bruckstein, and great-grandparents Arnold and Edith Goldsmith Dr. Michael & Sharona Loeffler on the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Elana, to Matthew Grauer. AND to her proud siblings, Tamara and Leo. AND grandmothers, Elizabeth Loeffler, Sonia Lieberman and Ruda Berkowitz. Rabbi Yisroel and Judy Finman on the birth of their granddaughter. Proud parents are Rabbi Elisha and Bracha Finman of Far Rockaway KIDDUSH Main Minyan Kiddush Sponsored by The BRS Sisterhood through their generous donation to the Kiddush Club in honor of the Honorees of this years Journal, Ido & Gila Stern, Cantor Lazar & Ida Wax, and Warren & Robin Struhl. AND in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Atara Goldberg Hashkama Minyan Kiddush Sponsored by Dr. Michael Petrover in honor of his loving wife, Dana, on their 22nd Wedding Anniversary. Shtiebel Kiddush Sponsored by Charles & Raquel Trachtenberg in commemoration of the Yahrzeit of his father, Max Trachtenberg Seudah Shlishiet Sponsored by Ira & Irene Berger, Dr. Mark & Helen Cohan, Joel & Fay Green, Wally & Sylvia Pruzansky, Martin & Wendy Wasserstrom and Dr. Neal & Bonnie Weinreb. Veshinantam Levanecha is sponsored by Gila and Ido Stern Guest Speaker: Miriam Perez SEUDAH SHLISHIET THIS WEEK We will be having a joint Seudah Shlishiet this week in the Sephardic Beit Midrash for Askenazim and Sephardim. The Sephardic Minyan will Daven Mincha at 5:10 pm in the Berdugo Beit Midrash. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. CHAZAN IN RESIDENCE: SHIMON CRAIMER This Shabbat, Chazan Shimon Craimer will be our Chazan in Residence. He will be Davening Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday night, as well as Shacharit & Mussaf on Shabbat Day in the Rand Sanctuary. Shimon Craimer is a graduate of London s Trinity College of Music, and served as Cantor of Edgware United Synagogue. He currently serves at Ba al Tefillah of the Riverdale Jewish Center. RABBI SHMUEL RABINOVICI Rabbi Rabinovici will be joining us this weekend. He will be giving a Chabura Friday night in honor of the Goldberg Bat Mitzvah. It will take place in the Kiddush Room at BRS at 9:00 pm. He will continue his Shiurim in Maseches Sanhedrin on Sunday morning at 8:00 am. VESHINANTAM LEVANECHA This Saturday night at 7:15 pm. The program enables parents to spend quality time with their children engaging in Torah study. Following the learning, all of the children sing together with a live band and participate in a raffle for great prizes while enjoying snacks and refreshments. ATARA GOLDBERG BAT MITZVAH We are looking forward to celebrating Atara s Bat Mitzvah with the whole community (adults only) this Motzei Shabbat at 8:30 pm. If you can, please walk to Shul since the BRS parking lot will be crowded. Thank you! Rabbi Efrem and Yocheved Goldberg MAKKOT MADDNESS Calling all scientists and junior Talmidei Chachamim with inquisitive minds: Join Mad Science and your friends on Sunday, January 8 at 10:00 am for a morning of an exploration of our journey through the Midbar and the amazing miracles that HaShem performed. We will also have hands-on Bnot Sheirut led activities. THE SOFER COMETH... Rabbi Shmuel Rosenfeld, will be coming from Israel to for a visit to South Florida from January 24 through January 29. If you need Mezzuot or Tefillin checked, or you are looking to purchase Mezuzot, Tefilin, Megillah, etc. you can him directly at ravstam@yahoo.com. Page 5

6 SISTERHOOD Save the date: A New Twist On Challah - an event for women of all ages- Brought to you by BRS Sisterhood and Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services on Sunday, February 5 at 10:00 am. More details to follow. SHOMREI OLAM We will focus on energy issues over the next few weeks of winter. The US economy is based on fossil-fuel energy: 70% of our oil is purchased from foreign nations. US currently derives electricity from: 22% natural gas; 50% coal; 20% nuclear; 8% renewable. In April 2008 alone, US imported 170 million barrels of oil. In 2008, US paid more than $700 billion to import oil, mostly from hostile nations. Conserve energy. Shomrei Olam seeks to educate the community about environmental issues relevant to our daily lives. For more info, contact Dr.Orah Moshe at rein@ scientist.com. EMPTY NESTERS Sunday, January 15 Euro Fusion & Bar - after the show - $18 per person. Your payment needs to be made to the Shul. Friday, February 17 dinner - $30 per person. Your payment needs to be made to the Shul. Sunday, February 26 Hard Rock Casino - $15 per person for the bus. You get $15 for free play and $5 for snack. Reservations can only be made with Rita Rubin (561) Save the Date Thursday, March 8 Purim Seudah. For more information, please contact Sylvia Broide (561) BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC. MEN S CLUB Join the Men s Club for Paintball at Extreme Rage in Hollywood on Sunday, January 8 at 9:00 am. Parents and Children (over 13) are invited as are all adults. Please reserve at brspaintball@gmail.com. See the flyer in the lobby for more details! BIKUR CHOLIM Bikur Cholim invites couples who are interested in visiting patients in a hospital setting on Sundays. Training provided. Call Stan at (561) SOCIAL ACTION Kudos to those whose letters in support of Israel were printed recently in the Sun-Sentinel. The writing campaign is an important tool in our efforts to combat media bias and to respond to unfair criticism of Israel. Stay informed about the issues and keep the letters coming. Those whose letters have been printed thus far are Abe Aloof, Rhoda Azar, Sara Brudnoy, Anna Freedman, Dr. Sam Freedman, Carol Kahn, and Molly and Rabbi Leonard Small. The social action committee meets the second Wednesday of every month. The January meeting will be held this Wednesday evening, January 11th at 7:30 pm in Room 101. 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) YOUNG BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS The Young Business Professionals (YBP) is a new initiative for young members of our community ages 25-35, who are looking to grow in their professional and business skills, and for a chance to participate in community leadership opportunities. For more information and registration, please contact Gil Stein at Gil@Herculesroofing.com. A statement of fact is insufficient and often not even necessary to persuade someone of your point of view. Seth Godin 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, 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm (last appointment is at 9:00 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 everyday, 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. regularly. 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. 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, Timna Krasna, Asher Kaplan, Brandon Gelbart, Jeremy Siegman, Menachem Kaplan, Noam Ivri (Makover), Evan Pelz, Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha Ben Moshe Yisroel 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 6

7 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. Yehudah & Michal Marcus To Join the Pillar Society or for more information, Please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline.org or (561) ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT MONDAY, MARCH 19 BOCA RATON RESORT & CLUB BOCA CLUB BLVD BOCA RATON, FL Registration/ light lunch at 11:00 am Shotgun at 12:30 pm Golf/Dinner - $180. Many sponsorship opportunities available, for more information, please call Matthew Hocherman at (561) or via at mjh@brsonline.org PRESENTING SPONSOR - $10,000 Company Name incorporated into the name of the event Eight Reservations for Golf AWARD DINNER SPONSOR - $5,000 Six Reservations for Golf GOLF SHIRT SPONSOR - $3,600 Four Reservations for Golf HAT SPONSOR - $3,600 Four Reservations for Golf BAG SPONSOR - $3,600 Four Reservations for Golf BEVERAGE CART SPONSOR - $2,500 Two Reservations for Golf on Beverage Cart TOWEL SPONSOR - $2,500 Two Reservations for Golf on Towel Cart LUNCH SPONSOR $2,500 Two Reservations for Golf CIGAR SPONSOR $2,500 Two Reservations for Golf GOLF BALL SPONSOR $2,500 Two Reservations for Golf CONTESTS/OTHER SPONSORSHIPS Two Reservations for Golf Hole in One - $1,800 Closest to the Pin - $1,800 Longest Drive - $1,800 Putting Contest - $1,800 TEE SPONSOR (18) - $1,250 One Reservation for Golf Page 7

8 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS NEFESH B NEFESH ALIYAH SEMINARS Please join Nefesh B Nefesh and officials from Israel s Ministry of Health on Tuesday, January 10, for two special Aliyah seminars. One seminar is for medical professionals and students. They will have an opportunity to hear from experts and to learn about licensing and certification, job trends, and career opportunities in Israel. The other seminar will provide general information regarding employment in Israel, communities, education, healthcare, taxes, and more! For detailed information and to register, please go to or call ALIYAH CHILDREN S CLOTHING Hillel Day School and Torah Academy are joining forces to initiate a clothing campaign. If you would like to donate children s clothing, which is in good condition, you may deliver items in bags marked with appropriate gender and size to either Hillel or Torah Academy. If you are in need of gently worn children s clothing, please contact one of the following individuals: Laura Cohen: lauracohen95@aol.com, or (561) Stephanie Gross: stephfune@optonline.net, or (561) , Naomi Shapiro: nshap75@ yahoo.com, or (201) , Nurse Robin Noble: robinn@hilleldayschool. org or (561) RUN WITH TEAM YACHAD Run with Team Yachad in the ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon. The event is taking place on Sunday, January 29. If you commit to raise $1,500 for Yachad, you will receive many great perks! For more information or to join Team Yachad, visit or call (212) PROTECTIVE GEAR FOR ISRAELI SOLDIERS Provide the soldiers with winter package - protective gear and essential garments that help the soldiers continue to defend Israel. Each package is $50, and we want to provide for as many soldiers as possible. You can give more or even less than $50. Anything you donate will be used to buy warm clothing for the soldiers. We want everyone to give whatever they can to provide for this extremely worthwhile cause. Here is a link where people can sign up and directly donate the money. org/warmwinter/ SPECIAL BOOK SIGNING BY DR. CHAIM Y. BOTWINICK The Boca Raton Jewish Experience proudly invites you to a Special Book Signing by Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick, President and CEO of CAJE and author of: THINK EXCELLENCE Harnessing your Power to Succeed Beyond Greatness. Wednesday, January 11 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm at, Hahn Judaic Campus, 7900 Montoya Circle N., Boca Raton, FL FLORIDA S JEWISH RADIO SHOW IS... As of last Sunday, January 1, Florida s Jewish radio show, Shalom South Florida moved to WSBR-740-AM, and online at com. You can listen to the show live every Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30 am. BRS OUTREACH REVOLUTION FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE 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. After each program, participants are encouraged to attend an enjoyable Friday night meal with a family in the Boca Raton Synagogue community. EXPLANATORY EXPERIENCE Begins Saturday morning at 10:00 am and runs for 45 minutes. The program uses the Artscroll Transliterated Siddur to understand the meaning and relevance of the prayers. Meets in the WYHS Library at. Time for your questions. BRJE BEGINNER CLASSES AT BRS MONDAY NIGHT - 12/26/11 Crash Course in Hebrew Reading I TUESDAY NIGHT - 12/27/11 Crash Course in Basic Judaism Part III TUESDAY NIGHT - 1/3/12 Kabbalah Part II - 7 Consecutive Weeks WEDNESDAY NIGHT - 12/28/11 Partners in Torah WEDNESDAY NIGHT - 1/11/12 Kabbalah Part I -7 Consecutive Weeks THURSDAY NIGHT - 12/29/11 Crash Course in Jewish History KABBALAH Join us as we expand our understanding of the inner workings of the Universe so that we may continue to perfect our ability to connect to the endless and abundant life giving force of the Creator. The Course will touch on the following topics; The Sefirot Mitzvot Jewish holidays and Shabbat Reincarnation Death and fear Love and giving; intimacy and relationships as a tool for development and growth Physical health as a reflection of the soul s path Success and livliehood Coping with depression, frustration and despair PARTNERS IN TORAH Study one-on-one with a private teacher and explore any topic you want - Jewish Philosophy, mysticism, holidays, prayers and Hebrew - at your own pace. Please contact Rabbi Broide if you would like to be a partner. TJJ THE JERUSALEM JOURNEY If you know anyone that has teenagers in public high schools, they are eligible to join Rabbi Broide for another amazing trip to Israel this summer! Please visit or contact Rabbi Broide (561) for more information. JEWISH PRIDE RADIO Check out the latest shows and interviews at We are now on itunes and Stitcher, please help spread the word!! Inspire yourself to inspire others... Page 8

9 BRS TEENS TEEN MINYAN WELCOMES RABBI NAHUM ZAK BACK Rabbi Nahum Zak of NCSY fame and BRS s former Teen Director, is back at BRS s Teen Minyan this week. Rabbi Zak led Teen Minyan last year and brought the minyan to great success, encouraging more and more teenagers to attend Teen Minyan. This year, Rabbi Zak has been working exclusively with NCSY & JSU, creating and developing more and more clubs and bringing more Jewish teens to love Torah and Mitzvot. BRS teens are always invited to attend Rabbi Zak s Latte and Learning Thursday nights 7:30 pm at Starbucks. Please talk to Rabbi Zak after Davening today to learn more about the programs he and NCSY have to offer. SHABBAT ONEG WITH RABBI DANIEL GORDIS Rabbi Daniel Gordis, Scholar in Residence for Boca Raton Synagogue s AIPAC Shabbat, on January 13-14, will be hosting an invitation-only Oneg on Friday night. The hosts for evening are generous people and have opened their home for a select group of teenagers to hear from Rabbi Gordis and the great work he does for AIPAC. Space is limited, but if you d like to attend, please Rabbi Pilichowski at rup@ brsonline.org THE FIRST ANNUAL SOUTH FLORIDA PRO- ISRAEL TEEN ADVOCACY SHABBATON FEBRUARY 3-4. February 3-4 will see an incredible Shabbaton in South Florida. Copying a model created in Southern California last year, BRS will have the privilege of hosting the first annual South Florida Pro-Israel teen advocacy Shabbaton. Partnering with AIPAC s Early Engagement Department, NCSY, Hillel Community Day School, Hebrew Academy and WYHS this Shabbaton looks to be an incredible experience for all teenagers in grade Eric Gallagher, AIPAC s director of early engagement, Jeremy Horelick, AIPAC s South Florida deputy director, NCSY staff, and Rabbi Uri Pilichowski, will all offer sessions that will encourage and inspire greater connection between teenagers and Israel advocacy. For more information please Rabbi Pilichowski at rup@brsonline.org and to register please go to BRS YOUTH MAKKOT MADNESS Calling all scientists and junior Talmidei Chachamim with inquisitive minds: Join Mad Science and your friends on THIS Sunday, January 8 at 10:00 am for a morning of an exploration of our journey through the Midbar and the amazing miracles that HaShem performed. We will also have hands-on Bnot Sheirut led activities. 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. SHABBAT AFTERNOON LEARNING LINE-UP Next Shabbat at 3:45 pm, we will have Pirkei Avot learning for boys and girls in grades 3-5 with the Bnot Sheirut and the Pilichowskis. Join us for interactive Pirkei Avot games and source learning. ADOPT A BUBBIE & ZADIE - POSTPONED We are looking to pair up some Baalei Chesed middle school children with some of the master (senior) members of our community. If you are interested in volunteering, please be in touch with Shira Levitt, Netanya Meyerowitz, Avigayil Pilichowski, Yaakov Kaskel, or Jason Mizrahi at brschesed@gmail.com. Mothers and daughters preparing for their Bat Mitzvahs at the Shalshelet Bat Mitzvah program led by Yocheved Goldberg, taught by Rina Lanner and Michal Schochet. NCSY UPDATE Hahn Weekend of Adventure on January 13. Participate with 47 NCSY clubs, as we gather for the NCSY Jewish Culture Club Shabbaton in NMB. Shabbaton for non-yeshiva day school students, with a Sunday trip to Orlando Theme Parks. Contact SteinbergK@ncsy.org for more information SAVE THE DATE! NCSY Winter Regional is February 17! Stay tuned for more details! Our 2011 Annual Dreidel Campaign is winding down! Visit our ilight Facebook page or Southern.ncsy.org website to read more of all the activities going on near you. Page 9

10 HEAVEN CAN WAIT Conversations with Dr. Steven Charlap Why Vitamins and Supplements are Usually a Waste of Money and May Even be Harmful. Before taking extra pills, know exactly why you need them and what they will do for you. A startling and lively discussion based on scientifically validated information. Monday, January 9th from am in the BRS Social Hall. Sha arei Bina presents Annie 15% OFF Catering Service This night, 6:30 pm, at Le Club at Century Village, Deerfield Beach, Tickets $10, $18, $36, $54 Call or office@shaareibina.org for reservations. 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 Expires 3/31/12 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 Call Superior Care Physical Therapy, Inc for an appointment. Business card size ads Only $50 a week or $180 for a month. Full and Half page Ad s are also available. For more information, please contact Kerry at kerry@brsonline.org or (561) Sponsor the BRS Weekly in honor of a special Simcha, or in memory of a loved one. The cost is only $54. Call Kerry in the Shul office (561) Just do it!!!

11 JOURNAL DINNER 2012 Cantor Lazar & Ida Wax Ido & Gila Stern Warren & Robin Struhl SPECIAL THANK YOU TO: Rachel & Chanoch Harow, Linda & Ted Struhl, Ann & Stuart Wax, Co-Chairs, 22nd Annual Dinner Leslie & Sal Abady, Stephanie & Josh Stern, Donna & Benjamin Tripp Co-Chairs, Tribute Committee Faye & Murray Eisenberg, Tova Hocherman, Alice & Bernard Struhl, Co-Chairs, Journal Committee

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