MIZRACHI MATTERS. SHABBAT PARASHAT TAZRIA / PARASHAT HACHODESH (Vol 8, No 30) Friday, 28 March (26 Adar II)

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1 MIZRACHI MATTERS בס"ד SHABBAT PARASHAT TAZRIA / PARASHAT HACHODESH (Vol 8, No 30) To sponsor the newsletter please call Friday, 28 March (26 Adar II) the Mizrachi office on EARLY SHABBAT Minchah at 5:50pm 2 Candle Lighting BETWEEN 6:10pm 6:15pm LATER SHABBAT Minchah at 7:10pm 1 Candle Lighting NO LATER THAN 7:02pm 1. Beit Yehuda 2. Beit HaRoeh 3. Beit Midrash 4. Bnei Akiva 5. Elsternwick 6. Midrashah 7. Rabbi s Home 8. Goldberger Hall 9. Nachalat David Z manim TUESDAY SHABBAT SUNDAY MONDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 APRIL 29 MARCH 30 MARCH 31 MARCH 2 APRIL 3 APRIL 4 APRIL ROSH CHODESH 27 ADAR II 28 ADAR II 29 ADAR II 2 NISSAN 3 NISSAN 4 NISSAN NISSAN Shacharit 7:30am 1 8:00am 1 6:25am 1 6:30am 1 6:30am 1 6:25am 1 6:30am 1 9:30am 1-4 9:00am 3 7:25am 1 7:20am 1 7:30am 1 7:25am 1 7:30am 1 Dawn 6:19am 6:20am 6:21am 6:22am 6:23am 6:23am 6:24am Tallit & Tefillin 6:40am 6:40am 6:41am 6:42am 6:43am 6:44am 6:45am Sunrise 7:31am 7:32am 7:33am 7:34am 7:35am 7:35am 7:36am Sh ma (גר"א) 10.28am 10:28am 10:28am 10:29am 10:29am 10:29am 10:30am Earliest Mincha 1:55pm 1:54pm 1:54pm 1:54pm 1:54pm 1:53pm 1:53pm Minchah followed by Ma ariv 6:55pm 1, 3 7:00pm 1 7:00pm 1 7:00pm 1 7:00pm 1 7:00pm 1 EARLY SHABBAT Plag Mincha: 5:45pm 2 Candles: 6:00-6:05pm LATER SHABBAT Mincha: 7:00pm 1 Candles: 6:52pm Sunset 7:19pm 7:17pm 7:16pm 7:14pm 7:13pm 7:11pm 7:10pm Night 7:59pm 7:57pm 7:58pm 7:56pm 7:55pm 7:53pm 7:52pm SECOND MA ARIV 9:30pm 3 9:30pm 3 9:30pm 3 9:30pm 3 9:30pm 3 Shiurim Mishnah Yomit Events R Bert Mond 8:45am 3 R Leor Broh 9:00am 2 Rabbi James Kennard 9:30am 6 Drashot R Yaakov Sprung 1 Topic: The Eyes of Freedom R Leor Broh 2 R Dudi Winkler 3 R Chezy Deren 9 Natan Sharansky 1 after Mussaf followed by a Kiddush in the Goldberger Hall ע"ה Rina Pushett Emunah Shiur R Dudi Winkler 5:00pm 1 Rabbi Sprung s Parashat HaShavua Shiur 6:00pm Topic: Parental Parity Daf Yomi 8:45am 3 R Dudi Winkler Sefer HaKuzari 8:45am 6 Rabbi James Kennard for year olds The Transformative Power of Jewish Learning 7.15pm 3 Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel Are You Israel Inspired? Believing in Jewish Destiny in an era of doubt and cynicism 8.30pm 2 Daf Yomi 9:45pm 3 Daf Yomi 8:15am 3 R Dudi Winkler (for women) 9:30am 6 R Dudi Winkler Practical Halachah in the 21 st Century 8:30pm 2 Not this week R Dovid Segal Gemara B iyun 8:30pm 2 R Chezy Deren Contemporary Halacha 7/93 Hotham Street 8:30pm Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel Tanach like you've Never Imagined- The Book of Ezra and the Biblical Blueprint for the Jewish Future 8.30pm 3 Michal Kaufman (Lewis house) 9:00pm Daf Yomi 9:45pm 3 Daf Yomi 8:15am 3 R Yaakov Sprung Chumash Shiur for women 10:00am 6 R Dudi Winkler - Chabura Gemara for uni students (for women) 7:30pm 6 R Dudi Winkler Rav Kook Shiur 8:30pm 6 Topic: Shmita Daf Yomi 9:45pm 3 Daf Yomi 8:15am 3 Weekly Parashah Shiur for ladies & girls 7 Morrice Street Caulfield 11:00am R Chaim Tzvi Groner R Yaakov Sprung Gemara B iyun 6:30pm 6 R Yaakov Sprung Masechet Brachot 8:00pm 6 Chani Winkler (for women) 8:15pm 2 Travelling Up North with Our Sages Daf Yomi 9:45pm 3 Daf Yomi 8:15am 3 R Dudi Winkler Gemara Shiur 8:00pm 3 R Yaakov Sprung Shiur for men 8:30pm 7 Chani Winkler Chabura for uni students (for women) 8:30pm 6 R Dudi Winkler Parashat HaShavua in easy Hebrew 8:45pm 3 Chillen Cholent 9:45pm 6 Daf Yomi 9:45pm 3 Daf Yomi 8:15am 3 Menachot 5:8-9 Menachot 6:1-2 Menachot 6:3-4 Menachot 6:5-6 Menachot 6:7-7:1 Menachot 7:2-3 Menachot 7:4-5 6:45pm 1 Between Minchah and Between Minchah and Between Minchah and Between Minchah and Between Minchah and Ma ariv 1 Ma ariv 1 Ma ariv 1 Ma ariv 1 Ma ariv 1 6:50pm1 Bar Mitzvah Doron Adler - Hash Children s Tefillah Groups 10:15am 11:30am Gan Shabbat 10:15am 11:30am Bnei Akiva 5:30pm Seudah Shlishit: Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel (see flyer) The Holy Bagel 9:00am 3 Consecration of the tombstone of the late Maurie Isman z l will take place at 10:30am Springvale Limmud - Bnei Akiva s Learning Program 6:00pm 3 Pre Pesach Tupperware Party 8:00pm 8 Molad for Nissan 3:54am (and 9 chalakim) The Great Stories of our Great Leaders for children in Years 2-3 & Years 4-5 5:15pm 3 Leil Limmud in memory of the late Miriam White 9:30pm 3 Yahrtzeits Yarhrzeits commemorated in Adar I Moshe Gilbert (Mother) Abe Winter & Adele Winter (Father) Milton Levine (Father) Rita Broner (Mother) Zev Brykman (Mother) Sylvia Cher (Father) Noam and Yossi White (Mother)

2 MIZRACHI S VIRTUAL NOTICEBOARD Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel will be speaking this Friday night in the later minyan between Mincha and Maariv in Beit Yehuda. All Beit Haroeh, Bnei Akiva, Bogrim and Nachalat David members are welcome to join us. We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Leighton & Ashleigh Pyke (nee Duzenman) on the birth of their daughter Granddaughter to Ruth & Robert Epstein (Melb) Suzanne & Stan Duzenman (Melb) Tim Pyke & Maya Vogel (Melb) Great granddaughter to Sonia Brodman (Melb) *** We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Doron Adler on the occasion of his Bar Mitzvah Mazal Tov to the parents Pnina & Danny Adler and the grandparents Ezra & Dvora Tepper Marilyn Adler and Jerry Adler *** We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Limor Katz and Jason Bloom on their upcoming marriage Mazal Tov to the parents Esther & Murray Meltzer Evelyn & Dani Katz Sharon & Peter Bloom Mazel tov to the grand-parents Rachel Katz and Janette & Gus Arya We wish Happy Birthday to the following members who celebrate their birthday during the coming week: Ian Ludski (Wednesday) Yoni Garfield (Wednesday) Jerrold Lichtig (Thursday) Beverley Lichtig (Friday)

3 ב ס "ד N EWSLETTER FOR THE ELSTERNWICK JEWISH COMMUNITY 29 March Adar Parshat Tazria Contact numbers Rabbi Rabbi Chaim Cowen cowen.chaim@gmail.com Shabbat times Candle Lighting this week Candle Lighting time if attending Kabbalat Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat this week Pre-Shacharit Shiur Shacharit Rabbi s Shabbat Shiur: The mad Pesach marathon: Part 2 Mincha at Shabbat ends at Candle Lighting next week Candle Lighting next week if attending Kabbalat Shabbat Kabbalat Shabbat next week 7.02 pm 6.10 pm 6.30 pm 9.00 am 9.30 am 6.00 pm 6.45 pm 8.01 pm 6.52 pm 6.00 pm 6.30 pm Co-Chairman Mark Kras imkras@gmail.com Co-Chairman Robbie Wyner robert@foodsinternational.com.au Gabbai Elan Jacobs elanjacobs@hotmail.com Secretary Sally-Ann Jaye ejc@mizrachi.com.au Haphtarah requests Dennis Max classact@werple.net.au Contributions to this Newsletter (please) Sally-Ann ejc@mizrachi.com.au The Rabbi s Shabbat Shiurim The early shiur (9.00am, before Shacharit) - come join the Rabbi for cake, coffee and an exploration of the mystical parsha Birthdays this week David Kras turns 16 on 3 April Consecration Consecration for Maurie Isman a h will be tomorrow, Sunday 30 March at 10.30am, Browns Road Springvale Compartment 13, Row I, Grave 28 Rosh Chodesh We bless the new moon for Nissan on Monday 31 March at 3:54 (9 chalakim) AM. Rosh Chodesh will be celebrated Tuesday 1 March EJC Seder EJC s Inaugural Second Seder will be on Tuesday15 April contact ejc@mizrachi.com.au for information. Book now. In shule this week Jordan Simai will be leading Kabbalat Shabbat, Rabbi Cowen will be leading Shacharit, Sam Laser will be saying the Haftorah, and Daniel Lowinger will be leading Mussaf. Kiddush this Shabbat You are all invited to the kiddush, which will be sponsored by EJC.

4 Torah Matters 28 March Adar II 5774 Renewal Parashat HaChodesh This month shall be for you the head of the months, it shall be the first for you of the months of the year. The Sforno famously explains that the timing of this mitzvah is appropriate. The Jewish people were making a transition from slaves to free people and with that they became masters of their own time. They were no longer answerable to the previous masters and they could now choose how to spend their time. The Midrashim however add that it this point Bnei Yisrael were given the power of chidush. As Chazal teach, while it is true that there is nothing new under the sun, above it, above the natural order, there is and Bnei Yisrael were given access. The Ohr Gedalyahu explains that the lunar cycle is indicative of the power of renewal. As we say in the birkat he lavana, that [Bnei Yisrael] will be renewed like [the moon]. The Talmidei Rabbeinu Yona question the association, given that the lunar cycle is a predictable natural phenomenon that follows fixed laws. They answer that the reason why the berakha is recited is because to the eye of man, for the human experience, it appears like the moon is being renewed. To explain the Ohr Gedalyahu cites the Maharal who discusses the seasonal association of the Jewish festivals. He explains that that which we see in the natural world reflects the goings-on in the higher spiritual dimensions. The cyclical natural phenomena are the effects of upper spiritual influences albeit clothed in natural law. The reason for this is much like the Gemara (Shabbat 10b) that explains that if one gives a child a gift, he needs to inform the mother. The Gemara continues that in absence of the parent, he should mark the child thereby prompting the mother inquire so the incident will be revealed. The mark is not the gift. Similarly the natural phenomena reflect the spiritual ones making us aware of their occurrence. Consequently the visible appearance of the moon s renewal makes us aware of the spiritual force that is present on Rosh Chodesh. The Ohr Gedalyahu explains that when hearing Parshat HaChodesh, the time when Bnei Yisrael were given this unique power, we can certainly merit this spiritual force and renew our commit in our avodat Hashem. Hearing alone however is not enough. Bnei Yisrael heard it from Moshe Rabbeinu yet four-fifths of the people were subsequently lost (see Ramban). A level of preparation, of effort, of purification is necessary much like Parashat Para preceding Parashat HaChodesh. Yet with sincere effort and the power of the day, we can renew our commitment in preparing for the festival of freedom ahead.

5 Torah Matters 28 March Adar II 5774 Renewal Parashat HaChodesh This month shall be for you the head of the months, it shall be the first for you of the months of the year. The Sforno famously explains that the timing of this mitzvah is appropriate. The Jewish people were making a transition from slaves to free people and with that they became masters of their own time. They were no longer answerable to the previous masters and they could now choose how to spend their time. The Midrashim however add that it this point Bnei Yisrael were given the power of chidush. As Chazal teach, while it is true that there is nothing new under the sun, above it, above the natural order, there is and Bnei Yisrael were given access. The Ohr Gedalyahu explains that the lunar cycle is indicative of the power of renewal. As we say in the birkat he lavana, that [Bnei Yisrael] will be renewed like [the moon]. The Talmidei Rabbeinu Yona question the association, given that the lunar cycle is a predictable natural phenomenon that follows fixed laws. They answer that the reason why the berakha is recited is because to the eye of man, for the human experience, it appears like the moon is being renewed. To explain the Ohr Gedalyahu cites the Maharal who discusses the seasonal association of the Jewish festivals. He explains that that which we see in the natural world reflects the goings-on in the higher spiritual dimensions. The cyclical natural phenomena are the effects of upper spiritual influences albeit clothed in natural law. The reason for this is much like the Gemara (Shabbat 10b) that explains that if one gives a child a gift, he needs to inform the mother. The Gemara continues that in absence of the parent, he should mark the child thereby prompting the mother inquire so the incident will be revealed. The mark is not the gift. Similarly the natural phenomena reflect the spiritual ones making us aware of their occurrence. Consequently the visible appearance of the moon s renewal makes us aware of the spiritual force that is present on Rosh Chodesh. The Ohr Gedalyahu explains that when hearing Parshat HaChodesh, the time when Bnei Yisrael were given this unique power, we can certainly merit this spiritual force and renew our commit in our avodat Hashem. Hearing alone however is not enough. Bnei Yisrael heard it from Moshe Rabbeinu yet four-fifths of the people were subsequently lost (see Ramban). A level of preparation, of effort, of purification is necessary much like Parashat Para preceding Parashat HaChodesh. Yet with sincere effort and the power of the day, we can renew our commitment in preparing for the festival of freedom ahead.

6 A very sad day at Mizrachi. We fence things that we cherish, we safeguard people that we want to protect and we create boundaries so that our children see that there are limitations. We were greatly saddened on Monday to arrive at the Crèche and Kinder and discover that equipment meant for the youngest members of our family had been smashed, broken and destroyed in simple acts that show a lack of respect and care. We can see on the CCTV cameras, children breaking open the new crèche playground gate, climbing over the fence and teenagers using equipment meant for 24 month babes. This is a call for help, a call for parents to have conversations with children. We, the Mizrachi family have built the kinder and the crèche as a labour of love. The equipment is your equipment, the new play areas are yours to cherish and nurture. They are not meant for Shabbat use as a play area for children. The Kinder / Crèche playground has been designed for babies of 15 months to toddlers of 4. Please convey this to your children. Share with them that we need to be responsible, climbing fences to access locked areas is neither a moral activity nor a safe one. Please take an active role in ensuring that our children and our beautiful new facilities are safe. David Fisher Head of Administration

7 UPDATE RE BUILDING WORKS You are invited to participate and Take a Seat! Dear members The Eastern end of our new plaza/forecourt has been opened and is in use as well as the new Main Canopy entrance. I ve been very pleased with the amount of feedback (both positive and constructive) I have been receiving and was very excited to see our younger generations making extensive use of the facilities which we have now provided. Kindergarten parents now have somewhere beautiful to wait. By removing the old hedges, we have activated approximately 2500 square feet of land that was previously unavailable to us. Immediate focus has now moved to completing the paving directly in front of the shule, and in 2 weeks time, this should be completed, allowing the Plaza/Forecourt to be opened (for the first time ever) into one continuous stretch of bluestone from East to West along balaclava Road. Dedication of seats is progressing nicely with about 40% of seats already reserved/purchased. Members interested in purchasing a perpetual dedication will be treated on a first in best dressed basis, and prices vary based on location of the seat or the bench in the campus.

8 Seat $6,750 - $6,750 DEDICATED SEAT Bench $4,900 5,250 Wall Bench $2,000

9 Inquiries for purchase can be made with Rae in the office. Any members wanting to discuss the purchase of more than one seat OR a donation of a Larger amount or a more significant zone of sponsorship should also contact Rae or contact me directly. Lastly, as always I am available to answer your questions and I welcome your feedback on any aspect of this project. Later in the year, we will be turning our focus to the redevelopment of the area around Jim s Shed into a multipurpose area which will incorporate the renewed Yael Bloch Succah. I will be seeking financial support for this area and encourage members to come forward with ideas and contributions in order for us to further retrieve areas on our campus which have been severely underutilized for decades. Shabbat Shalom Nathan Cher - Mizrachi Building Chairman (nathan@cher.net.au, )

10 What s New for Pesach in 2014? It s that time of the year when everyone is out in force preparing for Pesach. At Kosher Australia, this is our equivalent of the secular Silly Season aside from the special supervision tasks required for Pesach, there is a flurry of Kosher catered events, and most Kosher consumers remember that they need to renew their subscriptions for the current Kosher Australia Food Guide so we have visitors galore at our offices. The second most asked question we receive from consumers is what s new for Pesach this year? Actually, quite a bit. We brief our Kosher auditors to always keep an eye out for Pesach possibilities when checking factories during the year. The consequence is an expanded list of products that while not formally certified for Pesach are suitable for use on Pesach as there are negligible or no concerns of contamination with Chometz or Kitniyos. As a result, we were able to approve such products as Royal Nut Spreads and part of the Pana Chocolate range. To assist consumers, our staff spend hours rechecking soda water and still waters, the former to ensure that carbonation used is not from beer fermentation (which is used in industry in Australia). Approved ranges include Schweppes, Mount Franklin, Kirks and Coles. One area which some consumers find amusing is our list of approved and non-kosher pet foods. Since when do our pets need to keep kosher? The problem is that chometz on Pesach is not merely prohibited to be consumed, but one cannot have any benefit including feeding Fido. In addition, while animals are not restricted from non-kosher meat, foods that contain mixtures of kosher meats and dairy are prohibited year round. Another potential source of mirth is dishwashing liquids. We check a number of manufacturers the Astoria brand is actually KLP (Kosher Le Pesach) and have included products from the Earth Organics range and PZ Cussons. The varieties of Earth Organics that we list are ethanol free as the company uses wheat derived ethanol in other products. Each year, all products in the Pesach guide are rechecked, include baby products, medicines, butters, milks, dried fruits, nuts, deodorants and even paper goods. The Guide is rounded off by Rabbi Gutnick s excellent guide to Kashering for Pesach, instructions for people who will be travelling pre-yom Tov and a brief rundown of the halachos of Pesach. I would like to thank all those who helped in the preparation including overseas and local authorities who provided us with valuable information. A GENTLE REMINDER For all Mizrachi members who have yet to do so, the new Kosher Australia Food Guide is available but we need you to send through your details so that we can update our records. Thanks to help from YY Digital, we also have a fantastic app for Android and iphone users that links into our website. Go on you can do it!

11 What s on at the Beit Midrash/Midrasha Megillat Esther The Characters Behind the Curtain A week before Purim the Beit Midrash hosted a leil limmud for the community discussing the minor characters behind the story of the megillah and the impact they made. Rabbi James Kennard Shira Wenig, Michal Kaufman and Rav Dudi Winkler introduced a new perspective of reading the story of the megillah through the eyes of Bigtan and Teresh, Heggai, Hatach and Charvonah. The Beit Midrash was packed and it was a fantastic eventing enjoyed by all who attended. Pre Purim Kids Carnival On Taanit Esther the Hesder Bachurim and Bnot Sheirut held a fantastic pre purim event for kids. The kids made their own ra ashan, mask and oznei haman. There was face painting, fun games and they threw wet sponges on Eitan who was acting as Haman. There was a great turnout with over 100 kids ranging from ages 4-12.

12 What s on at the Beit Midrash/Midrasha Oneg Shabbat at the Winklers On the Friday night before Purim, the Winkler family hosted an inspiring oneg Shabbat for current and previous Bnei Madrichim at their home. With over 60 people in attendance, songs were sung and diveri torah were shared until 1am. We are looking forward to more uplifting events like this one. New Chaburot for Female Uni Students For the past month there have been two new Chaburot for female uni students in the Beit Midarsh. Every Tuesday at 7.30pm Rav Dudi gives a Gemarah Chaburah on the third perek of Sanhedrin, learning the Sugiah in depth and looking for practical contemporary applications. Every Thursday at 8.15pm, Chani Winkler coordinates a Chaburah given by a different participant each week on topics of their choice. Occasionally, Chani or a guest speaker will lead the Chaburah. We look Shiur Klali with Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein This past Wednesday night Rav Yehoshua Grunstein gave a shiur klali in the Beit Midrash on the topic of Daven your age - why can t we? Rav Grunstein introduced the problem within reality of people who come to davening with the purpose of fulfilling their obligation to be there, without actually focusing on and being uplifted by the davening itself. He offered three different strategies of how to deal with this problem. It was an interesting evening with a nice turnout.

13 PURIM AT BNEI Purim this year was most definitely a Chag Sameach! Megilla reading as well as the Madrich seuda had an incredible atmosphere and this years Mishloach Manot drive was a hit! Thanks to the many chanichim that came to help, all the madrichim, sponsors and a special thankyou to Ella Joel for running such an amazing and efficient event. PURIM AT NACHALAT DAVID Nachalat David s Purim in Persia function had a fantastic atmosphere with many creative and colourful costumes. Special thanks to Aron Gross for reading the megillah, to Nikki and Josh Kohn for hosting and the organising committee for putting together such an enjoyable night.

14 RABBI SPRUNG S ANNUAL MESIBAT PURIM

15 Religious Zionist Organisations of Australia Conference in Perth Rav Dudi Winkler Over the last weekend, our team of Hesder Bachurim, Bnot Sheirut, Rav Dudi and Chani Winkler, Danny Lamm, Tuvia and Adina Cannon, Romy Spicer and Asher Parkes, participated in the RZOA conference held in Perth. Guest speaker Rabbi Jeremy Gimpel addressed the audience sharing ideas from world Mizrachi as well as divrei chizuk. Together with lay leadership from Sydney and Perth, as well as representatives of Torah Miztion, Roshei Kollelim, Bnei Akiva merakzim and school representatives, various matters were discussed, including: Encouraging our youth to make Aliyah vs encouraging them to stay in Australia and contribute to their own communities Issues regarding recruiting shlichim for all positions in our communities, such as Bnei Akiva, Kollel Torah Mitzion etc. Natalie Taylor and Yoni Bahat, who came as representatives of Torah Mitzion and Bnei Akiva Olami, introduced themselves and discussed these issues from within their roles in this field in Israel. Job descriptions of the various shlichim in the communities Needs and man power issues of the various communities Workshops for the banim and banot providing tools to deal with challenges in their shlichut People within the various positions gave their perspective of their role, brainstorming new ideas with each other with the possibility of changing things for the better Discussions about the cooperation between schools and how to best utilise the resources for the various tochniot in each school Bogrim - A challenge in itself. The various communities shared different attitudes and ideas of how to attract the post Bnei Akiva madrichim, and what communal positions they can fill Kiruv - can we reach those who have left the communities and try to reconnect them and how can we create a social network that will provide them with a connection to Jewish life and values Whilst the conference was very intense, it was extremely beneficial to all those who attended. We are happy to relay the discussion points and outcomes with anyone that could not attend. The next conference will be held at the end of

16 Mizrachi Organisation THE EUGEN YAACOV WEISS MIZRACHI CENTRE 81 Balaclava Road, Caulfield North, Victoria 3161, Australia Telephone: (03) Fax: (03) ª"æÆ MARA D ATRA Rabbi Yaakov Sprung PRESIDENT Ian Waller SC CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Daniel Solomon Adar II 5774 March 2014 MAOT CHITTIN APPEAL * * * * * * * * * * MIZRACHI SYNAGOGUES Beit Yehuda Beit HaRoeh Beit Midrash Bogrim Minyan Nachalat David * * * * * * * * * * BEIT MIDRASH NAFTALI HERC Kollel Torah MiTzion Midreshet Ohr HaMizrachi * * * * * * * * * * ELSTERNWICK JEWISH COMMUNITY Faye Rockman Synagogue * * * * * * * * * * LEIBLER YAVNEH COLLEGE The Joseph & Stera Gutnick School of Jewish Studies A.S. Leibler Secondary School Leopold & Isabella Abrahamovits Yavneh Primary School Abeles Liberman Early Learning Centre * * * * * * * * * * KOSHER AUSTRALIA P/L * * * * * * * * * * MIZRACHI CHARITY FUND MIZRACHI SICK VISITING SOCIETY BNEI AKIVA YOUTH MOVEMENT EMUNAH WOMEN S MOVEMENT * * * * * * * * * * MIZRACHI NOMINEES PTY. LTD. ABN Dear Friends Thank you for the valuable contribution you made to the Mizrachi Charity Fund last year. Your generous contribution ensured that together, we were able to gift over $120,000 to the most vulnerable in our community. Some of these recipients are our children s friends. Their family suddenly found itself struggling due to sudden unemployment, illness or a brave but daunting escape from a violent marriage. Other recipients live on the fringes of our community, both metaphorically or in actuality. They may struggle with mental or physical illness that requires expensive medical assistance. Sometimes that recipient is a loving full-time carer, thus unable to work. Your thoughtfulness allowed us to render timely and often ongoing assistance in the form of food vouchers, rent & utility payments, car registrations, medication, interest free loans or just food for a Yom Tov. Increasingly, we receive referrals from Jewish Care, and other communal charity organisations and rather than work independently, we often work together to complement the assistance we can offer every genuine cry of help. Many within our community rely on our ongoing support. Please give generously to our Maot Chittin Appeal. Wishing you a Pesach Kasher V sameach. Sincerely Yvonne Korbl The Land of Israel for the People of Israel according to the Torah of Israel łøø œł œ Ø łøø łøø ıł

17 Mizrachi Organisation THE EUGEN YAACOV WEISS MIZRACHI CENTRE 81 Balaclava Road, Caulfield, Victoria 3161, Australia Telephone: (03) , Fax: (03) , MIZRACHI CHARITY FUNDS MAOT CHITTEN APPEAL 5774 A. Fund Type: Please tick only one of the following two boxes q I do NOT require a tax-deductible receipt (these funds are used for interest-free loans and for cash that is made available to needy people anonymously.) q I do require a tax-deductible receipt B. Payment Type: Please tick only one of the following three boxes q Cash for $ is enclosed. Please hand this directly* to a staff member in the office 81 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North. q Cheque for $ is enclosed. Cheques should be made payable to Mizrachi Charity Fund. Please hand this directly* to a staff member in the office 81 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North q Please charge my credit card $ Credit Card Type: q Mastercard q Visa q AMEX Credit card No: Expiry Date: Name on Card: / Signed: Date: Please hand this directly* to a staff member in the office 81 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North or post to The Mizrachi Charity Fund, 81 Balaclava Rd, Caulfield North or fax to or ring details through on C. Your Details: Please Print Clearly Name: Address: Suburb: Postcode: Phone: address: *The Mizrachi Charity Fund takes no responsibility for any payment left while the office is unattended The Land of Israel for the People of Israel, according to the Torah of Israel łøø œł œ Ø łøø łøø ı ł

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19 Naftali Herc s xc at Arnold Bloch k z Memorial Lecture Series presents a lecture by Rabbi James Kennard The Transformative Power of Jewish Learning featuring: the Haggadah s insights on learning and learners 7.15pm Sunday 30 March (Years 11 and 12 and ages 18-20s) Venue Beit Midrash, Mizrachi 81 Balaclava Road, North Caulfield Enquiries Beit Midrash 2012 Some of the Regular Shiurim on offer at the Beit Midrash, Mizrachi (all welcome) Supported by Kuzari: Rav Dudi Winkler, 8.40am Sundays Shiur for women: Rav Dudi Winkler, 9.30am Mondays Practical Halachah: Rav Dudi Winkler, 8.30pm Mondays Chumash shiur for women: Rabbi Yaakov Sprung, 10am Tuesdays Rav Kook: Rav Dudi Winkler, 8.30pm Tuesdays Masechet Brachot: Rabbi Yaakov Sprung, 8.30pm Wednesdays Shiur for women: Chani Winkler, 8.15pm Wednesdays Gemarah Shiur: Rav Dudi Winkler, 8pm Thursdays Uni students (women): Chani Winkler, 8.30pm Thursdays Parsha in Simple Hebrew: Rav Dudi Winkler, 8.45pm Thursdays One on one or small group learning with Hesder boys (topic or text of your choice) FiSHeR GRapHiCS

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22 SALE OF CHAMETZ 5774/2014 HARAV YAAKOV SPRUNG MARA D ATRA MIZRACHI The Torah prohibits us from owning any chametz during the festival of Pesach. In principle a person has the option of consuming all his chametz before Pesach, giving it away, destroying it or renouncing ownership over it. In practice it is often not possible to dispose of all chametz before Pesach, nor can a person be relied upon to genuinely renounce ownership of a significant amount of chametz. Moreover, a person might even have chametz in his possession of which he is unaware. Therefore the practice of Selling the chametz began nearly two thousand years ago during the time of the Mishnah. To ensure that all the legal requirements of a contract of sale are satisfied, it is customary to make one s Rabbi his agent for selling his chametz to a non-jew. It should be noted that chametz remaining in one's possession during Pesach is prohibited for use afterwards. Please Complete both sides of this form and personally present it to Rabbi Sprung*** for the Halachic transaction to be valid, ensuring that no chametz remains in your possession over Pesach. The Chametz that I possess includes the following: 1. NAME & ADDRESSES INCLUDED IN THIS SALE 1. NAME I authorise Rabbi Sprung to sell all Chametz located anywhere in my possession at the noted addresses. 2. HOME (S) OFFICE (S) TYPE OF CHAMETZ Groceries Liquors Beer Cereals Flour Pasta & Noodle products Medicines Toiletries Cleansers Pet Food Insects & Rodents Traps 3. EXACT LOCATION KITCHEN Cabinets Freezer Dishwasher Refrigerator Meat Dairy BEDROOM CLOSET Boxes Shelves LIVING ROOM Cabinets Liquor Bar DINING ROOM Buffet Hutch Sideboard FAMILY ROOM Cabinet Liquor Bar Bookshelves DEN Buffet Liquor Bar Cabinet Bookshelves BATHROOM (S) Cabinets Medicine cabinets Vanity Units BAR PANTRY GARAGE Shelves Freezer Boxes Refrigerator DECK BARBECUE CAR(S) LAUNDRY 4. TIMES FOR KINYAN *** The Rabbi has set aside the following times for selling Chametz in his office at Mizrachi and asks that you please conform to this schedule: Sunday 6 April (6 Nissan) am pm Wednesday 9 April (9 Nissan) pm Thursday 10 April (10 Nissan)... 7:00 8:00pm Sunday 13 April (13 Nissan) :30am Monday 14 April (14 Nissan) am

23 5. VALUE OF CHAMETZ Approximate value of the chametz (overleaf) to be sold $ 6. PLEASE COMPLETE IF YOU WILL BE AWAY FOR PESACH The keys to my addresses can be found with: Name Phone Address 7. POWER OF ATTORNEY I, the undersigned, fully empower and permit Rabbi Yaakov Sprung to act in my place and stead and on my behalf sell all CHAMETZ as defined by Torah and Rabbinic law, (including doubtful Chametz, mixtures of Chametz and inedible Chametz of the sort which tends to adhere to the inner surface of pots pans and cooking utensils) possessed by me (knowingly or unknowingly). The sale will take place as of Monday morning 14 April 2014 by 11.00am. Rabbi Sprung has full right to sell the Chametz utilizing all transactions including the leasing of a small area in listed addresses as mentioned in the general contract used by Rabbi Sprung to effect the sale of Chametz. Rabbi Sprung is granted full power and authority to appoint a proxy to facilitate this as well. The above granted conforms to all Torah and Rabbinical laws, as well as those of Australia. And to this do I hereby affix my signature on this the day of 2014/5774. SIGNATURE NAME (Block letters)

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26 Tazria-Hachodesh 5774 Issue Adar II 5774, March 29, 2014 שבת מציון Shabbat MiTzion Mazal Tov to Arik Speaker, Director of LILMOD, and his wife Efrat on the birth of their daughter The Parasha that makes my skin itch Rav Yona Simmons - Former Rosh Kollel in Warsaw, Poland, IT consultant for Novilis. Teaches shiurim in Modiin Kenes Shlichim Perth, Australia בס ד Parashat Tazria is mainly concerned with a spiritual/physical illness called Tzaraat. As well as the spiritual implications (being unable to attend temple services until one is healed), Tzaraat is considered a social disease, and requires a form of quarantine, or isolation. The Metzora one afflicted with Tzaraat is required to live away from his family and community. Since Tzaraat involves white skin colouring, people often have described it as leprosy, a virus which has some similar symptoms. Rav Shimshon Rafael Hirsch speaks at length on this weeks parasha to explain why Tzaraat is definitely NOT leprosy. Why does the Torah need to dedicate chapters to this particular illness, as opposed to others? Furthermore, the Talmud indicates that Tzaraat is not relevant today, when we don't have a temple. It is not entirely clear whether this means that the illness does not manifest in the absence of the temple, or if we simply are not obligated to check for it. The previous Parshiyot deal heavily with the Korbanot animal and meal offerings in the temple. In the absence of the temple, people struggle to understand the relevance of these rules, but in general don't question why they are in the Torah. Similarly, while people recognise that we are spared the money and effort of bringing animals, flour, wine and oil to the temple, we also sometimes feel that we are missing something by not being able to perform the mitzvot of the Korbanot. When Tzaraat is brought in to the picture, not having the temple doesn't seem so bad. A person is now freed from the trauma and embarrassment of being outed as a Metzora. The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim ben Aaron Luntschitz ) tries to explain the true purpose of Tzaraat: (Vayikra 13:2). He notes that there are many opinions as to the nature of Tzaraat, but that it is clearly related to the Etymology of the word Metzora relating to the body expelling something bad. He continues that the Rabbis of the Midrash (Vayikra Rabba 17:3) and the Talmud (Archin 16b) bring many different lists of reasons for what causes Tzaraat, and even though some of them are potentially unhealthy practices, most of them are unsavoury character traits. However, the Kli Yakar surmises that only three of these causes are clearly identified in the Tanach. The most obvious one is Lashon Hara evil speech. This is hinted in a number of places, most obviously by the verses which warn one to be careful of Tzaraat, and then immediately warn us to remember what happened to Miriam (who was afflicted with Tzaraat after speaking wrongly about her brother Moshe). The lesson is that when we respect people properly, we do not feel the need to say hurtful things, even if they are true. The second cause is arrogance and ego, the feeling that others are beneath you. This is pointed out in the story of Na aman (the regular Haftora for Parashat Tazria). He was a very successful, famous, non Jewish General in the Army of Aram. He sought out the Prophet Elisha to heal his Tzaraat, and reacted rudely when Elisha suggested a simple remedy (dip in the river Jordan seven times). When his servants convince him to try, Na aman is miraculously cured, and seeks out Elisha to apologise. The understanding is that Na aman could not Shabbat Times Jerusalem Begin 18:20 End 19:32

27 Tazria 5774 Page 2 be cured of his physical illness, until he fixed his character flaws, and stopped looking down on others. The third cause is stinginess and greed. This is connected with the Haftora of the following week, Metzora, which tells the story of four Metzoraim, men afflicted with Tzaraat, who are forced to live outside the city, away from everybody. War and siege cause a famine, and with no one willing to give them food from the city, they prepare to turn themselves over to the enemy in an act of desperation. They find that the enemy camp has been abandoned and is full of food and riches. After they sit to eat, they suddenly feel sorry for their Israeli brethren, and instead of hoarding all the food and treasure, go to the city to invite everybody to come and share in the spoils. In doing this they cured themselves of greed and jealousy, by seeing the greater need of others, above their own petty desires. The Sfat Emet (the second Rebbe of Gur) describes how Tzaraat is actually beneficial to the sufferer. Even though they suffer the illness, the end result is beneficial. The implications are that Tzaraat serves a positive purpose, to help cure bad character traits, and personality flaws. As such, we can see that just בס ד as it is more difficult to do Teshuva and get close to Hashem without the temple, similarly, it is more difficult to refine our characteristics and personality without the laws of tzaraat. The other aspect of this Shabbat Parashat Hachodesh, seems to simply be a call to redemption, but in practice it is more than that. The Jews are commanded that in order to make it out of Egypt, they all have to eat a lamb. If someone is unable to afford a lamb, they should find a neighbour or a friend to pool their resources. Alternately, one can invite someone needy to come and eat with them. It is not enough to just share or give the food, rather we must actually eat together. We see that the message of Parashat Tazria - Hachodesh is a social message, that in order to deserve redemption, and to merit living in the land of Israel, we have to see the importance of all of our fellow Jews, feel good about sharing our blessings with them, and then celebrate with them (rather than speaking behind their backs). We don't have Tzaraat today, nor do we have a temple to sacrifice a lamb for Seder night, but we have the need and challenge to be respectful, social and proper. For more information about shiurim in Modi in and around Israel please contact - kivipivi@yahoo.com.au The winning photos from the Purim Chavruta photo contest on facebook: The winner: Rav Meir Maimon and Mordechai Heller Second place: Idan Wolkinson and Noam Haber

28 Tazria 5774 Page 3 Bs d ISRAtag Arik Speaker Park Mini Israel is a miniature park located near the Latrun Fortress in the Ayalon Valley, just off the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. Created in 2002, the park contains approximately 385 models of known and important locations from all over the country. Make a donation to Torah MiTzion for one year ( Hora at Keva ) and receive a gift: The entire park is built in the form of a Star of David with each side containing an exhibit representing a distinct area of the country. All models, with only a few exceptions are in the ratio of 1:25. An interesting fact is that all the miniature vegetation is actually real and not artificial. Hundreds of bonsai trees are spread all over the park. The miniature models presented in the park are of architectural, historical, archaeological, religious or social importance. Amongst the models you can find thousands of tiny figures of "Israeli" characters with an average height of 7 cm. The park hosts approximately 200,000 visitors annually, roughly a quarter of them foreign tourists. The park is the brainchild of developer Eitan Gazit, who conceived the idea following a visit to the famous miniature park in the Netherlands. Today it is possible to view the entire park using Google Street View. But we still recommend a real visit. For 54 NIS/month receive a fleece jacket with TMT s new branding (choice of black, navy or red). For 100 NIS/month receive a Hakol Baseder Haggadah including activity pack to engage the whole family this year at the Seder. [The Haggadah may be purchased for 150 NIS including delivery] To donate/place your order: shabbatmitzion@torahmitzion.org phone: Yishar Koach to Celia Nattel, the first to have provided the correct answer If you would like to advertise in Shabbat MiTzion contact: Ph shabbatmitzion@torahmitzion.org WorldTorahMiTzion Where was this photo taken? Please send answers to arik@torahmitzion.org The answer, further information about this location as well as the name of the first person to recognize this site will be published in next week s edition. Torah MiTzion was established in 1995 with the goal of strengthening Jewish communities around the globe and infusing them with the love for Torah, the Jewish People and the State of Israel. Over the past eighteen years Torah MiTzion's shlichim have inspired and enriched their host communities through a wide range of formal and informal educational programs.