WEEKLY. SHEMINI ATZERET/SIMCHAT TORAH PARSHAT BEREISHIT October 15 October Tishrei 30 Tishrei Synagogue. Boca Raton

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1 Boca Raton Synagogue WEEKLY SHEMINI ATZERET/SIMCHAT TORAH PARSHAT BEREISHIT October 15 October Tishrei 30 Tishrei 5775 RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG Marah D asrah reg@brsonline.org RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ Associate Rabbi rpm@brsonline.org DAVID L. WOLGIN, PHD President president@brsonline.org RABBI DAVID SHABTAI, MD Rabbi, Sephardic Minyan rds@brsonline.org Mazel Tov to our 5775 Simchat Torah Chattanim and their families: RABBI MORDECHAI SMOLARCIK Rabbi, BRS West rms@brsonline.org RABBI JOSH BROIDE Outreach Rabbi rjb@brsonline.org RABBI SIMMY SHABTAI Rosh Beit Midrash rss@brsonline.org RABBI KENNETH BRANDER Rabbi Emeritus rkb@brsonline.org MATTHEW HOCHERMAN Executive Director mjh@brsonline.org RABBI GERSHON EISENBERGER Youth Director rge@brsonline.org RABBI ELI ZIANS Teen Director rez@brsonline.org MONTHLY GALA KIDDUSH THIS SIMCHAT TORAH! Chattan Kol Ha Ne arim - Jeffrey Silkin Chattan Torah Rabbi Josh Flug Chattan Bereishit - Josh Herschberg Chattan Maftir - Michael Perez ESTHER LUPIN, LCSW BRS/JFS Social Worker esther@brsonline.org KERRY PURCELL Editor-in-Chief of the Weekly kerry@brsonline.org FRIEND Friend us on Facebook FOLLOW Follow us SHARE 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 This past Sunday of Chol HaMoed, owing to the great generosity of the Kohlhagen family, our community had the distinct honor of welcoming two Sifrei Torah into our collection. While all Torah scrolls are sacred and worthy of our love and affection, the extraordinary story of one of these Sifrei Torah in particular makes me look forward with added excitement to dancing with it on Simchas Torah in just a few days from now. The Incredible Story of BRS s New 600-Year-Old Torah While most modern Sifrei Torah have 42 lines per column, this very large scroll has 67 lines. It was written in Spain and has been carbon-dated to over 600 years placing it prior to the Spanish Inquisition. From Spain it was moved to Horinghausen, Germany, where it resided for decades. It was later moved to Kassel, Germany, before our member Steven Kolhagen s great, great, great-grandfather Marcus brought it to his hometown of Korbach, Germany. When Hitler rose to power, Steven s grandfather, Arthur, prepared to leave Germany and removed the klaf of the Torah from its atzei chaim. Only by hiding the klaf in a mattress was he able to smuggle it to the United States where it found a home in a Shul in Washington Heights. In the late 1950s thirteen families, including the Kohlhagens, formed the first orthodox Shul in Teaneck, NJ, Congregation Bnai Yeshurun something I personally appreciate: I grew up davening in Bnai Yeshurun and celebrated my Bar Mitzvah and Aufruf there where they used this Torah until That year, Arthur suffered a heart attack and was unable to walk the long distance from his home in Bergenfield to Bnai Yeshurun. With the direct assistance of the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt l, Arthur opened a new Shul in his home that grew to become Congregation Beth Abraham, which now boasts many hundreds of families. The Kohlhagen family now lives in Florida and we are incredibly proud and honored to be the latest stop on the remarkable journey of this Torah. As we sang and danced the Torah from their home to BRS, I couldn t help but think that this Torah, in many ways, embodies the very story of our people. It came into being many years ago, but almost since its inception has been on the run, fleeing from persecution and oppression. Yet, while the Inquisitors and Nazis, yemach shemam v zichram, are relics of history, this Torah has not only survived, but it continues to teach, inform, inspire, and uplift as much now as the day it was completed. One can only imagine what this Torah has witnessed and experienced, the stories it could tell, and the places it has been. It has touched lives in Spain, Germany, New York, New Jersey, and now Florida. Over the last six-hundred years, countless have received Aliyos from it, many Bar Mitzvah boys celebrated coming of age with it, others marked their Aufruf with Maftir from it, communities danced with it, and it is still strong, beautiful, kosher, and stands ready for whomever will be called up next to it. The simple truth about this six-century-old Torah, like all Torah scrolls, is that more than we have lifted and carried the Torah, the Torah has lifted and carried us. That sense of lift is what we recognize, celebrate, and strive for on Simchas Torah as we affectionately and lovingly dance for hours with all of our Sifrei Torah, new and old, Ashkenazi, Sefardic and Nusach Ari, simple and ornate alike. The history of our Sifrei Torah must inform, inspire, and strengthen our future commitment to them and all that they represent. In his Pachad Yitzchak (Sukkos #57), Rav Hutner quotes a story from the first Gerrer Rebbe, the great Chiddushei Ha Rim. Once year on Simchas Torah, the Chiddushei Ha Rim was observing two of his followers, both great Torah scholars, dancing fervently and enthusiastically. The Rebbe turned to the person next to him and predicted which of the two would tire first, and so it was. When asked how he knew, the Rebbe explained that the one student was dancing in celebration of all the Torah he had learned the previous year while the other student directed his energy to dance in anticipation and excitement for the Torah he would learn in the coming year. What we have already learned, said the Rebbe, is finite, complete and has limits. What we can yet learn, though, is not defined and therefore our strength for it is greater. Our Sifrei Torah have illustrious histories, but it is up to us to give them meaningful and distinguished futures. As we eagerly anticipate Simchas Torah, it is worthwhile to hear the story of a remarkable hachnasas Sefer Torah that Rabbi Paysach Krohn described: A number of years ago in Flatbush, New York, a very private, soft-spoken gentleman, who always sat near the back of the shul, told his rav that he wanted to donate a Sefer Torah to the congregation. The gentleman, Mr. Shimshon Blau (a pseudonym), told the rabbi that he had commissioned a sofer to write the Sefer Torah for him and now the job was nearly complete. The rabbi was incredulous. Mr. Blau was not known to have substantial funds and the cost of a new Sefer Torah was more than $30,000. The rabbi spoke to the sofer and learned that Mr. Blau had indeed been paying small sums of money over the years and recently had made the last payment. The Sefer Torah would be finished in a few days. On Shabbos the rabbi announced the good news to his congregants and everyone went over to Mr. Blau to wish him mazel tov and thank him for his generous gift to the shul. Plans were made for the Hachnasas Sefer Torah, the public dedication and welcoming ceremony. A few weeks later on a bright Sunday afternoon, the community gathered at Mr. Blau s home and escorted him as he carried the Sefer Torah from his home to the street where he walked under a chupah to bring the Torah to the shul. Dancing and singing accompanied those who took turns carrying the Torah, and a special meal was tendered in the shul in honor of the occasion. A few days later, a neighbor asked Mr. Blau if there was a particular reason he decided to have the Sefer Torah written. At first he was hesitant to talk about it, but eventually he relented and told his heartbreaking story. When I called Mr. Blau to hear the story directly from him, he said, Rabbi, please don t make me tell the story again. I haven t slept a full night in the last fifty-five years. I wasn t going to press the issue, but then, of his own volition, he began reliving the episode. It is one of the most moving stories I have ever heard. People literally gasp when they first hear it. It is hard not to be moved to tears. Page 2

3 Shimshon Blau was only 16 years old when the Nazis took him, his parents, and his sisters from Lodz, their hometown in Poland, to one of the notorious concentration camps. Shortly after their arrival the parents were separated from the children and Shimshon never heard from them again. He was placed in a slave labor barracks and suffered humiliation and heartache every day. One night as he was lying in bed, a Nazi soldier came in to check on the prisoners. He walked from bed to bed and then he saw Shimshon. Suddenly he lunged at Shimshon s feet, grabbed his leather boots and yelled, Those boots are now mine. Shimshon was shocked. The leather boots had been given to him by his parents shortly before the family had been captured by the Nazis. Shimshon treasured them because they were his last connection to his beloved parents. He had no pictures, no letters, no memento that he could hold onto in a private moment for strength and rejuvenation. The gift of the boots had become a precious memory. Shimshon cried uncontrollably. This cruel act by the Nazi was the axe that severed the last tangible bond with his parents. It was devastating. Shimshon cried for hours. Eventually he fell asleep. The next morning he went out of his barracks barefoot and found the soldier who had taken his boots. In desperation he ran over to him and begged, Please give me a pair of shoes. I have nothing to wear on my feet. I ll freeze to death. He did not dare to antagonize the soldier by asking for his own boots back. Much to Shimshon s surprise, the soldier told him. Wait here, I ll be back in five minutes with some shoes for you. Shimshon shuddered in the cold as he waited for the soldier to return. In a few minutes the Nazi came back with a pair of shoes and gave them to the startled but grateful teenager. Shimshon went back to his barracks and sat on his bed to put on his new shoes. He looked them over carefully. They were made of wood, but he knew he would have to wear them regardless of what they were made of or how uncomfortable they would be. As he was about to put his foot into the shoe, he looked into its instep and gasped. The instep was a piece of parchment from a Sefer Torah! Shimshon froze in terror. How could the Nazis be so heartless? How could he step down on the words that the Creator Himself had told Moses to write for all generations? But he knew he had no choice. There was nothing else to wear on his feet and it was either these shoes or frostbite and death. Hesitant with guilt, he put them on uneasily. Now, years later, Shimshon said, With every step I took, I felt I was trampling on the Creator s Sefer Torah. I swore to myself then that if I ever got out of the camps alive, no matter how rich or poor I was, someday I would have a Sefer Torah written and give back to the Creator the honor that I took from Him by trampling on His Torah. That s why I gave the shul a Sefer Torah. Rabbi Krohn concludes: In his sincerity, Shimshon felt he was trampling on the Creator s Torah. Who could blame him? But what about us? We must ask ourselves, Are we in any way trampling on the Creator s Torah? Do we, unwillingly and sometimes even willingly, violate basic precepts of His Torah, which is in essence trampling on His words? Shimshon Blau surely rectified his misdeed. We should do no less. Chag Sameach, Follow the Rabbi at twitter.com/ rabbigoldberg Friend the Rabbi on facebook Efrem Goldberg Share the Rabbi s blog on Rabbi Efrem Goldberg BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE DERECH ERETZ STATEMENT In the spirit of our mission Valuing Diversity and Celebrating Unity, we believe that a community is built on the collective engagement of individuals representing differing perspectives, whether religious, political, or social. As is an environment where all of its members and visitors need to feel valued and welcomed, members are required to comport themselves in a manner which reflects mutual respect and a sense of inclusiveness. In our Synagogue, we value debate about pressing issues. This is consistent with the American democratic tradition. Our sages saw the value of arguments conducted L Shem Shamayim, for the sake of heaven, believing that great minds who engage in respectful debate will arrive at better solutions. They valued and welcomed alternate views, as do we. Derech Eretz, good and proper conduct, and mutually respectful dialogue are core values of the Synagogue community. These create a safe place for inspiration and spiritual growth, the central purpose of the Synagogue. It is a violation of Jewish law and ethics to use harsh language (vitriol) to demonize or to marginalize people with whom one may disagree. Uncivil expression reflects negatively on our Synagogue as well as on the individuals who engage in such behavior. expects its members to act and to speak with kindness and sensitivity to others. It is only in this fashion that a strong, vibrant, and harmonious community can be created and maintained. Adherence to this policy is a requirement for membership in good standing at the. In line with our recently published Derech Eretz Statement, we mention some examples of how we can be more sensitive towards others and create an even better community. BRS does not allow members to claim a Makom Kavuah. If you wish to sit in a specific location, come early. One must never ask another person, whether a member or especially a guest, to get up and move. Children will be asked not to enter the Rand Sanctuary to collect candy during the Rabbi s Shabbat morning Derasha. Please instruct your children and teach them to cooperate. If you have a Mensch Message you would like us to promote, please us at office@brsonline.org Page 3

4 Page 4 HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE HOSHANA RABBAH EREV SHEMINI ATZERET WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 Sephardic Minyan () 6:30 pm Candle Lighting with She hechiyanu 6:34 pm Mincha/Ma ariv (Rand Sanctuary) 6:35 pm SHEMINI ATZERET - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 Neitz Minyan () 6:35 am Hashkama Minyan () 7:25 am Sephardic Minyan () 9:00 am Main Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) 9:00 am Shtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash - 2nd floor) 9:30 am Teen Minyan (Berdugo Beit Midrash) 9:45 am Sof Zman Kriat Shema 10:12 am Sermon: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Yizkor (Rand Sanctuary) Approximately 10:30 am Youth Tefillah Groups 10:30 am Daf Yomi 5:35 pm Rabbi s Class (Rand Sanctuary) DAILY MINYAN TIMES Sephardic Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit Sephardic Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit Ashkenazi Shacharit SHABBAT SCHEDULE SHABBAT DAY Neitz Minyan () 6:35 am Hashkama Minyan () 7:25 am Sephardic Minyan () 9:00 am Ashkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) 9:00 am Sermon: Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Shtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:30 am Teen Minyan (Berdugo Beit Midrash) 9:45 am Youth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) 10:00 am Sof Zman Kriat Shema 10:13 am Early Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 3:00 pm Rabbi s Class 5:20 pm Spare the Rod or Flip the Switch? Has the Jewish View of Spanking Changed Over Time? Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Sephardic Mincha () 6:15 pm Ashkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 6:20 pm Daf Yomi (Berdugo Beit Midrash) between Mincha/Ma ariv Sh kiah 6:49 pm Ma ariv/havdalah 7:25 pm SHABBAT LEARNING Tefillah Insights with Rabbi Josh Broide (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 am Advanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama Minyan Junior Congregation (Shechet Beit Midrash - Rooms 205 & 206) 10:00 am Youth Groups (Drop-off begins at 10:00 am) 10:30 am Sephardic Roundtable () 11:00 am Father & Son Learning (Senders Library) 5:00 pm PARSHAT NOACH Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program Sephardic Mincha () Candle Lighting Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat () Ma ariv/havdalah (Shabbat) SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 5:30 am 6:25 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:15 am 8:00 am 9:00 am Early Ashkenazi 2:00 pm Mincha Sephardic Mincha/Ma ariv 6:25 pm Ashkenazi Mincha/Ma ariv 6:30 pm Late Ashkenazi Ma ariv 9:30 pm Senders Library 5:30 am 6:25 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:45 am 8:30 am 3:05 pm 6:25 pm 6:30 pm 9:30 pm Senders Library 5:35 pm Does History Repeat Itself? An Introduction to Sefer Bereishit Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Sephardic Mincha () 6:30 pm Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 6:35 pm Kiddy Hakafot () 6:50-7:20 pm Sephardic Ma ariv/hakafot 7:15 pm Ma ariv/hakafot 7:20 pm After the first two Hakafot, we will divide into: Simcha Hakafot in the and Hakafot in the Rand Sanctuary Candle Lighting with She hechiyanu not before and No Yom Tov Preparation Prior To 7:26 pm SIMCHAT TORAH - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 Ashkenazi Shacharit (Rand Sanctuary) 8:00 am Sephardic Shacharit () 8:30 am Hakafot () 8:50-10:00 am Aliyot 10:00 am SIMCHAT TORAH READING ASSIGNMENTS Hashkama Minyan: Room 205 & 206 Sephardic Minyan: Three stations in the Main Minyan: Six stations in the Rand Sanctuary Shtiebel Minyan: Outside of WYHS entrance Teen Minyan: Room 102 Kiddush available for women (Room 106) 10:00 am Hakafot for Women (Berdugo Beit Midrash) 10:00-10:30 am Ice Pops & Youth Magic Show (Sukkah) 10:00 am Meat Gala Kiddush for Adults () 10:15-11:00 am Women s Shiur (Shechet Beit Midrash ) 10:30-11:15 am Women and Torah Study: Obligations and Opportunities Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Chattanim & Mussaf 11:15 am SHARP Chattan Kol Ha Nearim - Jeffrey Silkin Chattan Torah Rabbi Josh Flug Chattan Bereishit - Josh Herschberg Chattan Maftir - Michael Perez Daf Yomi Friday Night Live Sephardic Mincha Candle Lighting (no later than) Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 5:35 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 6:32 pm 6:35 pm 5:30 am 6:25 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:45 am 8:30 am 3:40 pm 6:25 pm 6:30 pm 9:30 pm Senders Library 5:30 am 6:25 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:45 am 8:30 am 3:05 pm 6:25 pm 6:30 pm 9:30 pm Senders Library 5:30 am 6:25 am Berdugo Beit Midrash 7:45 am 8:30 am 3:50 pm 6:25 pm 6:30 pm 9:30 pm Senders Library 6:00 pm 6:25 pm 6:26 pm 6:30 pm 7:19 pm BRS WEST (At the Hillel Day School, th Ave. (305) Candle lighting Mincha Shacharit Youth Groups Kiddush follows Davening Mincha (Shabbat) Shabbat Ends/ Maariv FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBAT DAY 6:32 pm 6:35 pm 9:30 am 10:30 am 6:20 pm 7:19 pm FRIDAY ROSH CHODESH 5:30 am 6:15 am Berdugo Beit Midrash Rand Sanctuary 7:45 am 8:30 am

5 MAZAL TOV Josh & Yael Geller on the birth of their son. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS KIDDUSH Hashkama Minyan Kiddush on Shemini Atzeret sponsored by Gil & Lysee Stein and Hercules Roofing in honor of Tefilat Geshem Hashkama Minyan Kiddush on Friday & Shabbat sponsored by the Hashkama Minyan Kiddush Fund Shtiebel Minyan Kiddush on Simchat Torah sponsored by Chaim & Leah Rosen in memory of his beloved grandfather, Chaim Shlomoh ben Yaacov Yehudah Leib Daf Yomi Seudah Shlishiet Sponsored by Yocheved Hande in commemoration of the 1st Yahrzeit of her beloved mother, Lillian Beckenstein Horowitz Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by Dr. Jaime Alalu, Adam & Dena Ballew, Yocheved Hande, Yaakov Kronfeld and Stan & Joy Smith Guest Speaker: Yaakov Jacknis MAIN MINYAN GALA KIDDUSH IS SPONSORED BY Dr. David & Maxine Wolgin in honor of his birthday Michael & Esty Lupin in honor of the miracle of Michael waking up from his coma four years ago on Simchat Torah. Our Executive Chef & Sous Chef Sponsors (Listed on page 6) GUEST SPEAKER This Monday night, October 20 at 7:30 pm. Rabbi Moshe Taragin will speak on A Summer of Jewish History and Kiddush Hashem. His presentation will feature a twenty minute video interview of his son who was a close friend of the three israeli teenagers murdered this summer and features interviews with several soldiers who fought in this summer s war. The video contains a powerful description of the moral challenges soldiers faced in Gaza and how it increased their faith. Rav Moshe Taragin has been a Rav at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Gush Etzion since In addition, Rabbi Taragin currently teaches at the Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women of Yeshivat Har Etzion in Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion. Co-Sponsored by and Weinbaum Yeshiva High School SHALSHELET BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM BRS is proud to present its 10th annual Shalshelet Bat Mitzvah program! Please join us for a 10-week series of classes about women throughout Jewish history. This program is for Bat Mitzvah age girls and their mothers, and is taught by Mrs. Michal Schochet and Mrs. Rina Lanner. The first class will be held on Sunday, November 9. Please Reb. Yocheved Goldberg at goldbergmom@gmail.com to register and for more information. PEOPLE OF THE BOOK III NEW YEAR. NEW TOPICS. NEW OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN! There are two options for registration: Option #1 Sign up for all four sections (12 classes in all) for one lump sum of $75 for BRS members and $100 for non-members. Option #2 Sign up for individual sections (3 classes each) and, if you choose, register for other sections as you go along. $25 per section for BRS members, $35 per section for non-members. The cost covers weekly classes, source materials, refreshments, and make-up recordings. To register for the BRS People of the Book course please visit or contact Jamie at or jamie@brsonline.org. Register by November 1 to receive a 10% discount. Nobody is turned away due to lack of funds. HASHKAMA MINYAN START TIME UPDATE Starting Shabbat Parshat Noach, October 25. Hashakama Minyan will begin at 7:30 am. HELP SUPPORT THE IDF! Register for the Ping Pong for Israel tournament scheduled for November 23, 9:00 am to noon at BRS. Separate divisions for kids and adults. Contact Ari Cohen for more information (561) or aricohen1@yahoo.com FRIDAY NIGHT ONEG Joshua & Yael Geller invite the entire community to an Oneg this Friday night, October 17, at 9:00 pm in honor of the birth of their son at the of home Jason & Nechamah Zangre, 7839 San Marcos Place in Montoya Estates West. MAZEL TOV TO OUR SIMCHAT TORAH CHATTANIM Chattan Kol Ha Ne arim - Jeffrey Silkin Chattan Torah Rabbi Josh Flug Chattan Bereishit - Josh Herschberg Chattan Maftir - Michael Perez SAFETY MESSAGE This is a period in which we spend a great deal of time outdoors. Please make sure your pool and its immediate vicinity are safe. As we sit outdoors, we especially encourage those with young children to be vigilant in their supervision. SIMCHAT TORAH GUIDELINES In order to create the appropriate atmosphere in the Shul, and to protect our children on Simchat Torah, we ask for full cooperation from adults: 1. Zero tolerance for alcohol on the Hahn Judaic Campus on Simchat Torah Night 2. Alcohol is restricted on Simchat Torah Day to designated areas which will be under supervision. ALIYAHS FOR UNDER BAR MITZVAH All boys from 9 years old and up are invited to receive Aliyot on Simchat Torah morning at the Teen Minyan reading, provided that they have been taught the proper way to receive an Aliyah. SIMCHAT TORAH CANDY BAGS Join us on the front lawn after Kol Hane arim on Friday, October 17 to pick up your delicious candy bag! We greatly thank BRS Sisterhood for generously sponsoring the over 1,000 candy bags. KOL HA NE ARIM TALLIT It is with great pride and excitement that we once again unroll our Kol Ha Ne arim Tallit for Simchat Torah. The tallit is made of over 50 taleitim!! It is the size of a half basketball court. It can hold 700 children comfortably beneath it. We would like to especially thank our co-sponsors Dr. Robert and Judith Bruckstein and Dr. Merv and Elaine Jacobs, for allowing us to make this project a reality. There are still two sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline. org May our tallit and community continue to grow! KOL HA NE ARIM TALLIT VOLUNTEERS We are only days away from unrolling our gigantic beautiful Kol Ha Ne arim Tallit. We are in need of a team of at least 40 strong men to volunteer on Simchat Torah morning in order to setup, hold, and put away the Tallit. If you are interested in being part of this team, please come to the front of the Rand Sanctuary at 11:10 am on Simchat Torah morning for the big event. Page 5

6 MAIN MINYAN GALA KIDDUSH SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Gala Kiddush is now in its second year and we need your help to make sure they continue! This year, on Simchat Torah, every person who receives an Aliyah from the Main Minyan reading stations will receive a pledge card asking for contributions toward the Gala Kiddush Fund. These cards will then be turned into Donny Cohen who will be stationed at the Kiddush in the Social Hall. In order for the Kiddushim to continue, we need everyone s support. The Gala Kiddushim for this year are tentatively scheduled as follows: October 17, 2014 (Simchat Torah) February 21, 2015 November 29, 2014 March 14, 2015 December 27, 2014 April 18, 2015 January 24, 2015 May 16, 2015 June 13, 2015 (Graduation Kiddush) We are very grateful to our Executive Chef Sponsors who contributed $1,000 for the year and our Sous Chef Sponsors for contributing $500 for the year. These sponsorships are what makes the Gala Kiddush possible. EXECUTIVE CHEF Dr. Albert & Evelyn Begas Donny & Dr. Freyda Cohen Martin & Ileana Flics Avi & Dr. Laura Greenbaum Drs. Jeffrey & Naomi Gross Dr. Kermit & Natalie Halperin Dr. Larry & Debra Halperin Yanki & Lauren Hofstatter Philip & Jennifer Landau Michael & Esther Lupin SOUS CHEF Joseph Bensmihen Dr. Hillel & Chayi Cohen Leo & Heni Ehrlich Yaakov Kronfeld Dr. David & Reena Makover Dr. David Markowitz & Dr. Sara Levine Martin & Sara Schandelson Evan & Orly Shapiro Dr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor Anonymous SPONSORSHIP LEVELS Executive Chef Sponsor $1,000 Sous Chef Sponsor $500 Bar Mitzvah / Aufruf $360 Bat Mitzvah / New Baby / Engagement $250 Birthday / Anniversary $100 Grandchild / Other Occasion $100 Sponsorships are announced from the pulpit on Shabbat morning of the Kiddush and listed in the Weekly. If you would like to sponsor on any level in this coming year, please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline.org or our Kiddush Club chairs, Donny Cohen and Avi Greenbaum. BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC. 1ST ANNUAL BRS JUNIOR HODU BOWL JUNIOR Hodu Bowl is for boys 1st through 8th Grades. Cost is $10 and will be run concurrently with the Men s Hodu Bowl on Thursday, November 27 at 9:00 am at Veteran s Park. 7TH ANNUAL BRS HODU BOWL Save the date for the 7th Annual BRS Hodu Bowl. It will take place on Thursday, November 27 at 9:00 am at Veteran s Park (off of Palmetto Park Road between Lyons and 441). The cost is $240 per team or $35 per individual without a team. If you are interested in signing up, or for available sponsorship opportunities, please contact Eric Pinkis at epinkis@hotmail.com. Enjoy for BOTH events, Free T-Shirts, Light Breakfast, Pizza and Refreshments for participants and their families. Bounce Houses for all ages, Park Playground and Sporting Activities for Children. Men s Trophies for First and Second Place Teams. BIKUR CHOLIM Hospital tip..*when there are two patients in a room, it s important to realize that the other person whom you are not visiting is also sick. Say hello, and wish them well - it only takes a few seconds and makes a world of difference to them. It will surely be a Kiddush Hashem! It is also a Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim. Remember, many patients never have any visitors. EMPTY NESTERS We are planning a show at Sugar Sand Park on Sunday afternoon February 1 followed by dinner at Asia. The cost of the show is $24. Your payment is your reservation. Payment must be received by December 25. Price of dinner to follow. Please contact Rita Rubin (561) or Sylvia Broide (561) with any questions. HAND WASHING The Maimonides Society would like to remind everyone to frequently wash their hands. Also, please remember to use the readily available Purell hand washing lotions that can be found around the campus. THE PILLAR SOCIETY CAMPAIGN IS NOW UNDERWAY PILLAR SOCIETY EMERALD Daniel & Caroline Katz Paul S. & Lynn H. Pariser PLATINUM Leo & Heni Ehrlich Martin & Ileana Flics Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky Lothar & Carlyn Mayer Dr. William & Debbie Rand Michael & Jill Rose Larry & Deborah Silver Harry & Marilyn Wanderer GOLD Daniel & Dr. Liora Adler Dr. Albert & Evelyn Begas Howard & Bonnie Block Dr. Steve & Yael Charlap Drs. Eli and Orlie Cohen Dr. Meyer & Laura Cohen Donny & Dr. Freyda Cohen Nachman & Jamie Feig Dr. Mark & Tilda Fisher Dr. Ben & Cara Freedman Michael & Barbara Frenkel Hensha Gansbourg Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg Murray & Basheva Goldberg Glen & Rosa Golish Drs. Charles & Simone Griff Stanley & Ana Haar Dr. Larry & Debra Halperin Dr. Chanoch & Rachel Harow Ben & Hanna Henschel Dr. Moshe & Shari Hirth Yanki & Lauren Hofstatter Dr. Mervin & Elaine Jacobs Dr. David & Sharona Kay Gary & Judi Krasna Yaakov Kronfeld Drs. Joseph & Seema Loskove Stephen & Linda Melcer Bob & Penny Pearlman Dr. Michael & Dana Petrover Dr. Daniel & Rachel Rudensky Mike Senders Dr. Leor & Gabriela Skoczylas Dr. Zorik & Ellen Spektor Teddy & Linda Struhl Dr. Jonathan & Suri Winograd Drs. Allen & Amy Wolnerman - NEW Michael & Risa Zimmerman Anonymous Anonymous SAPPHIRE Dr. Mark & Helen Cohan Rabbi Simcha & Anna Freedman Elaine Trachtenberg Dr. Neal & Bonnie Weinreb Anonymous SILVER Dr. Avraham & Elana Belizon Evan & Orly Shapiro Dr. Josh & Stephanie Stern Dr. Ashi & Chava Weisstuch Anonymous List in formation NEW PILLAR SOCIETY CATEGORY We have added a new $4,000 Pillar Society level this year called Sapphire. This is for BRS Members that at least one spouse is 70 years old or over. The Sapphire Level members will receive all of the same benefits of the Silver Level as well as a Half Page Ad in the Annual Journal. Pillar Society information brochures with additional information are available in the lobby. To join the Pillar Society for 2014/2015 please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline.org or (561) Page 6

7 Page 7 WEEK AT A GLANCE DAILY DAF YOMI (Sunday - Friday) with Rabbi Ben Sugerman at in Rooms MISHNA BERURA YOMI (Sunday - Tuesday) 15 minutes before Mincha NIGHT BEIT MIDRASH (Sunday - Tuesday) community learning in the Senders Library at 8:00 pm NIGHTTIME DAF YOMI (Sunday - Tuesday) with BRS Rabbinate at 8:40 pm in the Room 104/105 TUESDAY PARSHAH CLASS with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg at 9:30 am in the HAFTORAH TORAH CLASS with Rabbi Philip Moskowitz at 10:30 am in the WEDNESDAY CUP OF JOE & KNOW with Rabbi Efrem Goldberg after 7:45 am Minyan in the IN-DEPTH STUDY OF BOOK OF SAMUEL I with Malka Morris will resume November 5 KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE INNER WISDOM OF THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES (BEGINNERS) with Anne Deakter at 7:00 pm at Room 101 KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE INNER WISDOM OF THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES (ADVANCED) with Anne Deakter at 8:30 pm at Room 101 The Wisdom of Kabbalah is the practical guidebook on how to live a life of enduring fulfillment, purpose, love and abundance. Join us on a journey of sublime discovery on how a wisdom thousands of years old is; user friendly, relevant, applicable and practical for today s life. Free your potential, think outside of the box and learn how to connect to the source of fulfillment in all areas of your life as you transform into the person you were destined to be. THURSDAY SATELLITE LECTURES with Rabbi Yissocher Frand at 9:00 pm in the Board Room WEEKLY SHMOOZE will take place at 9:45 pm in the Senders Library FAY GREENE S CLASS First class of the new season will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 12:30 pm at the home of: Heni and Leo Ehrlich, 7846 Tennyson Court in Boca Hamlet. The topic will be Souls in the Rain and a light lunch will be served. Everyone is invited to attend. Please RSVP to Sue Lowenkron, bubbesue@att.net COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS DELIVER MORE THAN MEALS... DELIVER SMILES All it takes is once a week on Friday mornings, or at least once a month.. The JFS Meals on Wheels Program provides nutritionally balanced prepared meals to enable seniors to age in place safely for as long as possible. Kosher meals are prepared by clients of JARC, and are frozen to be ready for Friday deliveries. Volunteers pick up meals before 9:00 am, and deliver to 5-8 households in the Boca Raton and Delray Beach areas. Maps and instructions are provided to each driver and the meals are picked up on the Jewish Federation campus in Boca Raton. JFS can reim-burse your mileage at a designated rate from the meal pick up site to the homes on your delivery route. For more information, please contact the JFS Volunteer department today at (561) LIFE CYCLE BIRTHDAYS Bernie Kaminetsky Gila Griner Shai Goldberg David Wolgin Shayna Moskowitz Hannah Baum Maurice Bensmihen ANNIVERSARIES Matthew & Tova Hocherman TEHILLIM CIRCLE Friday night, October 24, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, please rotate to the next 3 Psalms. ROSH CHODESH CHESHVAN Will be celebrated next Friday & Shabbat, October 24 & 25 CONDOLENCES TO Mrs. Anna Cohen on the passing of her beloved mother, Ethel Wasserman. Roger Kurland on the passing of his beloved mother, Lillian Kurland REFUAH SHLAYMAH For members of BRS Community. For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please call Linda at (561) Rabbi Shmuel Jarashow Shmuel Tzvi ben Shayna Merv Jacobs Meir ben Sarah Moshe Applebaum Moshe Zvi ben Rachel Leah Yosef Chaim ben Faiga Bob Silver Reuvan Lieb ben Miriam Stuart Silverman Yeshaya Moshe ben Nacha Sarah Ira Berger Yisroel ben Hinda Gittel Nachum Gedalia ben Sara Baila Jacob Kazinec Yaakov Tzvi ben Leah Mordechai ben Malka YAHRZEITS Joel Clayman in memory of his father Dr. Jack Azar in memory of his mother Dr. Bob Dolgow in memory of his father Georgina Rice in memory of her father Avi Tansman in memory of his uncle Barbara Frenkel in memory of her mother Rabbi Josh Broide in memory of his grandmother Sylvia Broide in memory of her mother Jack Hanoka in memory of his grandfather Jeffrey Gerstin in memory of his father Warren Factor in memory of his father Dr. Jaime Alalu in memory of his brother Dena Ballew in memory of her father Natalie Halperin in memory of her mother Yocheved Hande in memory of her mother Liz Karsh in memory of her mother Chana Waldman in memory of her father Yaakov Kronfeld in memory of his mother Debra Halperin in memory of her father Goldie Lieber in memory of her father Pamela Silverman in memory of her mother Marissa Levenson in memory of her mother Sara Goldberg in memory of her mother Ellen Averbook in memory of her sister David Lieber in memory of his mother Irving Falik in memory of his aunt Irwin Tannenbaum in memory of his mother Dr. William Albert in memory of his father Susan Garellek in memory of her sister Steve Rantz in memory of his uncle Joy Smith in memory of her mother Lynn H. Pariser in memory of her first husband Henry Schwartz in memory of his father Dr. Irving Weigensberg in memory of his father Helen Ijac Alta Haita bat Devorah Joan Noven Rochel Tova bat Malka Ariella Berman Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva Malka Beverly Kassirer Briendle bat Pessel Chana Guta bat Rochel Ruth Malinowitz Rivka bat Freyda Noa Maya Carmel Noa Maya bat Devora Rachel Perel bat Chaya Sara Jacquie Padow Ya akova Chava Rus bat Beyla William Clayman, 21 Tishrei Rena Azar Cohen, 22 Tishrei Edward Dolgow, 22 Tishrei Michael Lewis, 22 Tishrei Victor Wolkowicz, 22 Tishrei Ruth Delman, 23 Tishrei Yetta Katz, 23 Tishrei Yetta Katz, 23 Tishrei Marco Penso, 23 Tishrei Harry Gerstin 23 Tishrei Anthony Factor, 23 Tishrei Leon Alalu, 25 Tishrei Sheldon White, 25 Tishrei Frances Mager, 25 Tishrei Lillian Horowitz, 25 Tishrei Esther Shemesh, 25 Tishrei Yerachmiel Gelman, 26 Tishrei Yetta Kronfeld, 26 Tishrei Isadore Moore, 26 Tishrei Jacob Spielberg, 26 Tishrei Ilene Tauman, 26 Tishrei Lana Goldberg, 27 Tishrei Lana Goldberg, 27 Tishrei Lana Goldberg, 27 Tishrei Beckie Lieber, 27 Tishrei Polly Thier, 27 Tishrei Gertrude Tannenbaum, 28 Tishrei Harry Albert, 28 Tishrei Jennifer Piltz, 28 Tishrei Morris Rantz, 28 Tishrei Sylvia Berger, 29 Tishrei Jerome Hahn, 29 Tishrei Izzy Schwartz, 29 Tishrei Abraham Weigensberg, 30 Tishrei

8 ISRAEL UPDATE SOCIAL ACTION In response to urgent pleas from the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the US government, and other countries, Israel is sending more than a million shekels worth of medical equipment, as well as expert personnel to fight the spread of the African Ebola epidemic that has claimed 3,400 lives since March. Israel will exercise its experience in emergency preparedness in countries that border on those already struck with the epidemic to prevent Ebola from spreading further into Africa. Within the next two weeks, three mobile emergency Ebola treatment units, equipped to handle the first cases that may be discovered will be sent to the three countries deemed at highest risk of infection. Each 10-bed unit will be accompanied by an Israeli team including technicians to construct them and train local personnel how to run them, and a doctor and a nurse under the auspices of the Health Ministry. They will train their African counterparts to educate at-risk populations on how to prevent the spread of the disease. Please join us at the next meeting of the Social Action Committee, Wednesday night, October 22 at 7:30 pm in the Board Room. PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS ALAN GROSS Alan Gross has been in prison for over 1400 days. Now you are able to write to him via his website 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 JONATHAN POLLARD Your letters - the only ray of light in Jonathan s dreary cell. Write to him today: Jonathan Pollard # , c/o FCI Butner, P.O. Box 1000, Butner, North Carolina, U.S.A 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 WARREN WEINSTEIN The 72-year-old Weinstein, Yisrael Yitzchak ben Hannah Faygel, was a consultant for the US Agency for International Development in Pakistan when terrorists broke into his home in 2011 and dragged him away. Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-zawahiri has since claimed to be holding him. Weinstein made news in a just-released video in which he pleads for President Obama to help. No Jew should ever feel abandoned or forgotten. Please add him to your prayers. ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES (IDF) PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS OF IDF SOLDIERS The Emek Learning Center in Baka has a program that offers support to IDF Soldiers without families in Israel. If your child or grandchild is in the IDF and would like the center to reach out to them, please send Linda their name and contact information and it will be forwarded to the center. If you want to learn more about the center, the website is emeklearningcenter.com. Linda can be reached at linda@brsonline.org or by calling (561) Please have in mind children and grandchildren of members of our community currently serving in the IDF: Amiel Abir, Asher Kaplan, Adam Barel, Daniella Borenstein, Yosef Brander, Stav Gare, Menachem Kaplan, Shabtai Kaplan, Jeremy Siegman, Daniel Louis, Arie Hizkiya, Albert Lupin, Daniel Makover, Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha ben Moshe Yisroel, Yehuda Strauss, Elad Shachar, Liel Reinfeld, Ron Hirschhorn, Yehoshua Strauss, Amichai Berman, Matt Firestone, Dov Lieber, Chanan Wolfson, Isaac Marco Romano, Eitan Yitzchak ben Etel Rochel, Yuchiel Shlomo Lowenstern, Amir Tsarfati, Reuben Gladstone, Joshua Weiss 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 8

9 BRS OUTREACH Participants in the free Hebrew Reading Crash Course will learn to read Hebrew in six weekly sessions. Designed for Jews with little or no background in Hebrew, it concentrates on teaching the Hebrew alphabet and reading skills. Each participant will receive a free copy of the National Jewish Outreach Program s (NJOP) Reishith Binah Hebrew primer. Day & Time: Wednesday at 10:00am - 11:00am Dates: 11/5/2014, 11/12/2014, 11/19/2014, 11/26/2014, 12/3/2014 MARCH OF THE LIVING April 12 - April 26, 2015 Choose from the following two options: STUDENT TRIP - This trip is for 11th & 12th Graders. The cost is $5,725 plus the cost of domestic airfare to NY. KABBALAH & SPIRITUALITY: THE INNER WISDOM OF THE 5 BOOKS OF MOSES Beginners course starting Wednesday October 22, 7:00pm for 7 consecutive weeks(free) Location: - Hahn Judaic Campus ALL WELCOME! The Wisdom of Kabbalah is the practical guidebook on how to live a life of enduring fulfillment, purpose, love and abundance. Join us on a journey of sublime discovery on how a wisdom thousands of years old is; user friendly, relevant, applicable and practical for today s life. Free your potential, think outside of the box and learn how to connect to the source of fulfillment in all areas of your life as you transform into the person you were destined to be. No student is refused because of financial challenges. Generous financial assistance is available for students. ADULT 5 STAR TRIP The cost is $7,500 plus the cost of domestic airfare to NY SPACE IS LIMITED APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED NOW! Please call (561) or MOL@bocafed.org. For applications, go to our wessite at Designed specifically for the novice worshiper, these free explanatory prayer services are conducted in both Hebrew and English, and provides a comfortable non-judgmental venue for those with little synagogue experience to participate in traditional synagogue services. Discussions, questions, and curiosities are encouraged in this unorthodox, traditional service, which has been praised for its widespread appeal and congenial approach to synagogue education.

10 Upcoming Teen Events Boca Shabbaton NCSY Summer Programs October Over Rosh Hashana the Teen Open house! October 27, #TheShabbosProject Minyan held an auction This Past Week 8-9pm. Hosted where we sold off by all Lisa the Bensmihen, Verano aliyot. The Teen Minyan Wayover (Boca raised 750Hamlet) Hours of learning, record Torah Simchat Toraha Extravaganza! breaking Join usnumber! Thursday Night & Don t miss this Ultra JSU Weekend November Open to all high school age students not attending yeshiva day school Huge success andteens a great Friday, as our march, shout out to our inspiring dance, and sing around BRS local teens! leading hakafot! TeenSHABBATON!! Minyan BOCA Join October Everyus Shabbat, 9: am as we Followed Shabbat by Kiddushlike never celebrate before! BEST. SUMMER.EVER BRS Sign up while there are still spots available! Go to summer.ncsy.org NCSYers are here to Latte & Learning YOUTH PROGRAMS help with your Sukkah! Tuesday Nights KIDS HAKAFOT October 5&6 8-9 BRS Thursday, October 16 at 6:50 pm bring your friends and get your flags. Come rejoice with the Torah as we sing and dance in celebration of completing all of the Parshiot in the entire Torah. SIMCHAT TORAH MAGIC SHOW AND ICE POPS Do not miss this years amazing magic show!!! Friday, October 17 at 10:00 am in the Sukkah. PARSHAT NOACH ANIMAL SHOW Join your animal and human friends Sunday, October 26. For a FREE Animal show followed by incredible Parshat Noach activities. Pizza dinner will be available for sale. 5TH GRADE SEUDAH SHLISHIET Calling all fifth grade girls! We re getting ready for a great year of monthly meetings. Come to the first program on Shabbat, November 1st one hour before Havdalah. Contact Sarato Schandelson (561) Teen or Seudat, Jackie Lome If you would like to help sponosr or donate our Teen Kiddush, Shalosh or any other program or for more (561) for location information. information about upcoming events and activities, please contact Rabbi Eli Zians at REZ@brsonline.org or at Page 10 Wishing Everyone a Shabbat Shalom

11 ter Bo r Pediatric and Adolescent a M l Cen De ca U D J n 36! 5 e p o r Officaeys a yea d Y. Aaron Kaweblum, M.D. F.A.A.P Board Certified Certified Mohel (Since 1980) Robert Relkin, M.D. F.A.A.P 6909 S.W. 18th St. Suite 202 Boca Raton, FL Board Certified Only B oca pr a care othat takes ctice f hosp patien italized ts. (561) Fax (561) thannual Golf Tournament Mega Raffle & Deluxe BBQ Featuring Dr. B. s Rib Shack Monday, October 27, 2014 Do You Remember When it did not hurt? at Boca Lago Country Club For golf reservations, raffle tickets and sponsorship opportunities visit us online at Stuart A. Rubin, M.D. Board Certified: Rehab Medicine / Pain Boynton Beach Or call Deerfield Beach Musculoskeletal Medicine Epidural and Joint Injections Balance and Fall Clinic Stroke and Cancer Recovery Sports Medicine EMG-Disability Acupuncture

12 A Weekend TO Remember Thanksgiving Weekend, November with Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Weekend Sponsors The Tripp Family in honor of Rabbi Sidney and Jewel Shoham and Marcia Tripp. In Memory of Leon Aryeh Leib Tripp Z L Weekend Chair Anonymous Host Committee (in formation) Donny & Dr. Freyda Cohen Chaim & Rebecca Elkoby Dr. David & Sharona Kay Drs. Joey & Seema Loskove Dr. David & Reena Makover To become a Weekend Chair ($2,500) or to join the Host Committee ($1,000) and receive an invitation to an exclusive and intimate Friday night dinner and lecture with Lord and Lady Sacks, please contact the shul office at (561) or Jamie at jamie@brsonline.org Also featuring Chazzan Shimon Craimer!