Boca Raton Synagogue WEEKLY PARSHAT VAYEIRA November 2 - November 9, 2012 17 Cheshvan - 24 Cheshvan 5773 RABBI EFREM GOLDBERG Marah D asrah RABBI PHILIP MOSKOWITZ Assistant Rabbi DAVID WOLGIN, PhD President FRIDAY NIGHT Candle Lighting Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 6:19 pm 6:20 pm SHABBAT DAY Rabbi s Class 5:05 pm The Presidents of the United States and the Jews: From Abraham Lincoln to Barack Obama Dr. David Dalin Shabbat Mincha 6:05 pm Ma ariv/havdalah 7:13 pm 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 KERRY PURCELL Editor-in-Chief of the Weekly FRIEND FOLLOW SHARE Friend us on Facebook Boca Raton Synagogue GET CONNECTED Follow us on Twitter @RabbiGoldberg @RabbiPhilip @Broide @RabbiPillows @MatthewJHoch HAHN JUDAIC CAMPUS 7900 MONTOYA CIRCLE N. BOCA RATON, FLORIDA 33433-4912 (561) 394-0394 FAX (561) 394-0180 WWW.BRSONLINE.ORG OFFICE@BRSONLINE.ORG Check out Jewish Pride Films for our latest videos
FROM THE RABBI S DESK Why YOUR Vote Matters After what feels like forever, it is finally almost over. Few people are more excited for November 7th, and the ability to move past this election, than I. This election has created an incredibly divisive atmosphere. There are even friends and family members who support different candidates and positions that are no longer talking. This election season has been filled with negativity, personal attacks, and name calling on all sides, and in almost all races, from national to local. Our mailboxes, inboxes, televisions, and radios have been inundated with ads like never before. Despite having mentioned no candidates names from the pulpit over the course of this whole election, I have been personally attacked numerous times by people on both sides accusing me of endorsing the other candidate, to the point that I was told just this week by someone that he doesn t feel I can be his Rabbi any longer. Yes, it is finally almost over, but there is one thing that we must all do first we must go out and vote. Now, you might be thinking that is somewhat obvious, and indeed, it may be to you. But believe it or not, it is not as obvious to too many people who remain indifferent, passive, and apathetic, and who stay home on Election Day. Allow me to share a few reasons about why it is critically important for YOU to vote on Tuesday: 1. Your Vote Matters In the year 2000, President George W. Bush was elected by only 537 votes, many of which were cast in our very district. Put another way, the number of people who go the 9:00 am Minyan on Shabbos morning at BRS decided a Presidential election. That same year a Connecticut congressman won by 21 votes and a Representative from Vermont was elected by a margin of 1. Vote for whomever you see fit, but vote because it matters, particularly here in South Florida. 2. Amendments Matter We sit around Shabbos tables debating issues from our view on health care to abortion laws to the tuition crisis and the potential to redirect tax dollars to private school education. On Tuesday we will have an opportunity to not only voice our opinion, but to shape policies and laws. Each of the issues I just mentioned will be on the ballot as one of the following 11 amendments (list taken from Sun-Sentinel) on Tuesday. Research them, understand them, take a position on them, and participate in the process of deciding them. a. Health-care services b. Veterans disabled from combat c. State government revenue limitation d. Property-tax limitations e. State courts f. Abortion funding and rights g. Religious freedom h. Homestead exemption for spouses of military veteran or first responders i. Personal property tax exemption j. Homestead exemption for seniors k. Appoint student body president to board governors of the university system 3. Gratitude Matters On October 3, 1984, Rav Moshe Feinstein z tl, the undisputed Halachic authority of America at the time, wrote a responsa on his stationary and fixed it with his signature regarding the obligation to vote. It says as follows: On reaching the shores of the United States, Jews found a safe haven. The rights guaranteed by the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights have allowed us the freedom to practice our religion without interference and to live in this republic in safety. A fundamental principle of Judaism is hakaras ha tov recognizing benefits afforded us and giving expression to our appreciation. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which guards the freedoms we enjoy. The most fundamental responsibility incumbent on each individual is to register and to vote. Therefore, I urge all members of the Jewish community to fulfill their obligations by registering as soon as possible, and by voting. By this, we can express our appreciation and contribute to the continued security of our community. Rav Moshe sees voting as a halachic and moral imperative. To stay home is not just to forfeit an incredible right and privilege. It is an act of ungratefulness and thanklessness. To sit out an election doesn t just damage the system and hurt the candidates. It hurts the one who fails to express his or her gratitude and freedom. To put it simply there is much at stake in this election, as there is in all elections. Florida is deciding on Supreme Court justices. Local candidates have different views on issues that affect us, such as school choice. National candidates have different views on issues that matter deeply to us such as health care, the economy, foreign policy, and a nuclear Iran. One of the most basic and yet greatest gifts and blessings God has bestowed upon us is our bechirah chofshis, our freewill and ability to choose. Choose candidates whose positions and opinions you share. Nobody can or should tell you how to vote, or for whom. But we can and must all tell one another to go out and vote, because it matters. Shabbat Shalom, Follow the Rabbi at twitter.com/ rabbigoldberg Friend the Rabbi on facebook Efrem Goldberg Share the Rabbi s blog on www.brsonline.org Page 2
HALACHIC QUESTION OF THE WEEK Q: I would like to perform the mitzvah of taking challah in the merit of someone having a speedy recovery. Does it matter which day of the week I make the challah? Can I have a few sick people in mind and do it in all of their merit? A: We have a strong Torah tradition for doing mitzvos in the merit of others. Essentially, we communicate to Hashem that the sick person has inspired the performance of mitzvos and that should be cause for Hashem to reconsider their illness and circumstances. One mitzvah many do in the merit of others is taking challah. When making dough with 2.6 pounds of flour or more, one removes a nominal amount without a beracha and burns it in the oven. If making 4.95 pounds of flour or more, a beracha is recited when taking the challah. I have heard directly from Rav Dovid Cohen and Rav Herschel Schachter that there is no basis in Torah or halacha for limiting when this mitzvah can be performed in the merit of others or how many people one can perform it on behalf of. Please submit your question of the week on any topic to at reg@brsonline.org Dearest BRS family, LETTER FROM THE GREENFIELDS Keri and I want to thank you for saving our son. My wife and I lived the worst nightmare any parent could ever imagine. Namely, going to sleep with a beautiful healthy baby and waking up with that same child being unresponsive and within a hairbreadth of leaving this world. For the past ten (10) days, little Coby battled for his life. To the amazement of all of the medical staff on Coby s case, Coby Yechiel has made a miraculous recovery. My wife and I witnessed a literal Techiyat HaMetim. Although the team of specialists never found out the cause of the illness that threatened to take our son away, my wife and I know EXACTLY what brought about his miraculous cure; the prayers and extra mitzvot that the BRS community undertook on behalf of Coby Yechiel. My wife and I believe with all of our being that with so many people praying for Coby, G-d chose this moment to demonstrate to all of us the incredible power of prayer. Your united communal prayers literally moved heaven and earth and gave our son a second chance at life. The concern, compassion and outpouring of support by the entire BRS community has been overwhelming and humbling. Our entire family will forever be grateful for the life that you have given our son. In the merit of saving our son, may G-d bless each and every one of you and and the entire community of Israel. With our deepest love and gratitude, Steven and Keri Greenfield BRS OUTREACH REVOLUTION We are so excited to announce that the Jewish Academy will hold its first classes this coming Sunday, November 4th. The Jewish Academy is a new Hebrew school program geared for children who are currently not attending Jewish Day Schools. For now it will take place Sunday mornings and Tuesday afternoons. We will be beginning with davening at 8:30 am Sunday morning and then split into three groups. There will be two groups for elementary school aged children and one for highschool aged children. There will be two back to back 45 minute sessions. On Tuesday nights there will be two back to back classes beginning at 5 pm for 45 minutes each. Over the course of the weeks we plan to learn about Tefila, Shabbos, Parsha Hashavua, Jewish Holidays, Jewish Values, customs, Mitzvot and Middot. Rabbi Broide will be teaching the older division and Rabbi Hochman will be teaching the younger division. Each of these Rabbi s are well trained and highly experienced with teaching Jewish studies. They each plan to engage the kids with interactive programs, hands on projects, and thought provoking conversations. If you are interested in further information, feel free to contact Rabbi Josh or Simone Broide for any further details at 561-702-3864 or 561-929-4568. We look forward to a wonderful year at the Jewish Academy. PARSHA SUMMARY VAYEIRA Avraham Is Visited By Three Angels; The Promise of Yitzchak. Three days after his Bris, three angels appeared. Abraham ran to welcome them and show them hospitality. One of the angels told Abraham that Sarah would give birth to a son in a year. Avraham Intercedes On Behalf of S Dome and Amorah. Before the destruction of S dome and Amorah, Hashem forewarned Avraham. Avraham prayed on the people s behalf. The Angels Arrive in S Dome.. The angels were invited by Lot to stay with him and his family. When word got out, the townspeople gathered around Lot s house and tried to harm the angels. Lot and his Family Leave S Dome; The Cities Are Destroyed. The angels told Lot of Hashem s plan and instructed him to leave with his family. Hashem then destroyed the cities of S dome, Amorah and the entire surrounding plains. When Lot s wife disobeyed the angels warning and looked back, Hashem turned her into a pillar of salt. Avraham and Sarah Travel to Gerar. Abraham and Sarah traveled to Gerar, where Avraham again instructed Sarah to say that she was his sister. Yitzchak is born; Hagar & Yishmael are sent away. As promised, Yitzchak was born to Avraham and Sarah one year later. Avraham circumcised Yitzchak when he was 8-days old. As Yitzchak was growing up, Sarah feared Yishmael s negative influence and urged Avraham to send him and Hagar away. The Akeidah. As the tenth test of his loyalty to Hashem, Hashem instructed Abraham to sacrifice Yitzchak. Abraham found a ram and sacrificed it instead. Inspire yourself to inspire others Josh Page 3
SHABBAT SCHEDULE FRIDAY NIGHT Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program Candle Lighting Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) Special Carlebach Minyan (Social Hall) SHABBAT DAY 6:00 pm 6:19 pm 6:20 pm 6:20 pm after Mincha Neitz Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:45 am Hashkama Minyan (Social Hall) 7:25 am Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 9:00 am Ashkenazi Minyan (Rand Sanctuary) 9:00 am Mussaf: Dani Hiller Remarks after Davening: Dr. David Dalin Shtiebel Minyan (Shtiebel Biet Midrash) 9:30 am Teen Minyan (Berdugo Beit Midrash - Room 104 & 105) 9:45 am Youth Tefillah Groups (Jacobs and Rubin Youth & Senior Center) 10:00 am Sof Zman Kriat Shema 10:17 am Rabbi s Class 5:05 pm The Presidents of the United States and the Jews: From Abraham Lincoln to Barack Obama Dr. David Dalin Sephardic Mincha (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 6:00 pm Ashkenazi Mincha (Rand Sanctuary) 6:05 pm Sh kiah 6:36 pm Ma ariv/havdalah 7:13 pm SHABBAT LEARNING Tefillah Insights with Rabbi Josh Broide (Rand Sanctuary) 8:30 am Sichot of the Lubavitcher Rebbe with Rabbi Levine (Shtiebel Biet Mid) 8:30 am Teachings of the Ba al Shem Tov (Shtiebel Beit Midrash) 9:00 am Parashat Ha Shavua with Rabbi Zvi Yehuda (Board Room) 9:15 am Advanced Gemara Chabura 15 minutes after Hashkama Minyan Junior Congregation (Shechet Beit Midrash - Room 205 & 206) 10:00 am Youth Groups (Drop-off begins at 10:00 am) 10:30 am Sephardic Roundtable (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 11:00 am Daf Yomi between Mincha Ma ariv Father & Son Learning (Senders Library) 5:30 pm PARASHAT CHAYEI SARAH Sephardic Minyan (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:15 pm Candle Lighting 5:15 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Rand Sanctuary) 5:20 pm Friday Night Live: Please invite someone to this Outreach Program 6:00 pm Maariv/Havdalah (Shabbat) 6:09 pm DAILY MINYANIM ASHKENAZI SHACHARIT Daf Yomi (Sunday - Friday) 7:00 am Sunday (Rand Sanctuary) 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 - Friday (Senders Library) 7:45 am SEPHARDIC SHACHARIT Shacharit (Sunday - Friday) 6:00 & 8:00 am MINCHA/MA ARIV Early Mincha (Sunday) NEW TIME 1:00 pm Mishna Berura Yomi (Sunday - Thursday) 5:05 pm Sephardic Minyan (Sunday - Thursday) (Sephardic Beit Midrash) 5:15 pm Ashkenazi Minyan (Sunday - Thursday) (Social Hall) 5:20 pm Daf Yomi (Sunday - Thursday) (Social Hall) 8:40-9:30 pm Late Ma ariv (Sunday - Thursday) 9:30 pm THE WEINBAUM YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL MINCHA SCHEDULE Mon 3:20 pm - Tues 3:05 pm - Wed 3:15 pm - Thurs 3:20 pm BRS WEST (At the Hillel Day School, 21001 95th Ave. (305) 725-2292 www.brswestonline.org) Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat (Note NEW time) Candle Lighting Morning Class with Rabbi Smolarcik Shacharit (Shabbat) Youth Groups Mincha (Shabbat) Maariv 6:15 pm 6:19 pm 8:45 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 6:10 pm 7:13 pm LIFE CYCLE BIRTHDAYS David Ostroff David Moshe Dina Drazin Maxine Wolgin Ayala Broide Gigi Kaminetzky Dani Matilsky Gabrielle Glaun Shoshanah Marcus ANNIVERSARY Neil & Baila Kaplan CONDOLENCES TO Betzalel Belolo on the passing of his beloved brother, Yechezkel Binyamin Chaim APPRECIATION Brenda Blisko and family extends heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Goldberg, Rabbi Moskowitz, Stan Smith, the Bikur Cholim, the Chesed Committee and the community for the outpouring of love and support shown to them through Mordechai s (Mark s) illness and during their recent bereavement. REFUAH SHLAYMAH For members of BRS Community. For all other Refuah Shlaymah needs, please see Tehillim Circle Rabbi Shmuel Jarashow Shmuel Tzvi ben Shayna Helen Ijac Cantor Lazar Wax Alta Haita bat Devorah Eliezer ben Sara Golda Ruth Sherman Sol Feldman Rochel bat Batsheva Shlomo Dov ben Chana Joan Noven Abraham Katzman Rochel Tova bat Malka Abraham Yehoshua Ha Cohen ben Chaia Beverly Kassirer Bernard Struhl Briendle bat Pessel Binyamin Eliyahu ben Chikah Ariella Berman Merv Jacobs Ariella Sarah bat Elisheva Malka Meir ben Sarah Lian Sae Bloom Robert Strauss Leah Sura bat Machla Feigela Coby Greenfield Beverly Kellman Coby Yechiel ben Chana Sarah Baila Rus bat Sarah YAHRZEITS Dr. Alan J. Goldman in memory of his mother Mrs. Debra Petrover in memory of her father Mrs. Lily Levontin in memory of her brother Dr. Joyce Hopkins in memory of his mother Dr. Wayne Kotzker in memory of his father Mrs. Janet Zwiebel in memory of her father Mrs. Sima Rubin in memory of her husband Ms. Naomi Stemp in memory of her mother-in-law Mrs. Rachel Bensimon In memory of her father Mrs. Shirley Eschwege in memory of her father Mr. Michael Stall in memory of his grandfather Dr. David Makover in memory of his mother Dr. Cynthia March in memory of her grandfather Mr. Franck Saragossi in memory of his father Dr. Ronald Gabor in memory of his father Mr. Jackie Markovitch in memory of his father Mr. Harold Mechanic in memory of his mother Mr. Leo Petrover In memory of his father Dr. Neal Weinreb in memory of his mother Dr. Jaimy Bensimon in memory of his mother Mrs. Fay Wolkowicz in memory of her mother Mrs. Celia Neuman in memory of her mother Rabbi Simcha Freedman in memory of his father Mrs. Hensha Gansbourg in memory of her husband Mrs. Hensha Gansbourg in memory of her husband Mrs. Helena Ijac in memory of her husband Mrs. Yvette Kaweblum in memory of her grandfather Mr. Irving Malinowitz in memory of his father Mr. Steve Rantz in memory of his father Rabbi Meyer Strassfeld in memory of his brother Mr. Jonathan Abrams in memory of his father Mr. Baruch Levi in memory of his father Ms. Linda Levy in memory of her father Dr. Jerry Herbst in memory of his grandfather Rabbi Chaim Shulman in memory of his father Thea Rosenthal, 17 Cheshvan Herman Winter, 17 Cheshvan David Manis, 18 Cheshvan Rose Svarc, 18 Cheshvan Joseph Kotzker, 19 Cheshvan Reverend Moses Nussbaum, 19 Cheshvan Leonard Rubin, 19 Cheshvan Tema Stempnitzky, 19 Cheshvan Salomon Abikhzer, 20 Cheshvan Nathan Hudes, 20 Cheshvan Abraham Levin, 20 Cheshvan Sylvia Makover, 20 Cheshvan Jack March, 20 Cheshvan Albert Saragossi, 20 Cheshvan Steven Gabor, 21 Cheshvan Simon Markovitch, 21 Cheshvan Lillian Mechanic, 21 Cheshvan John Petrover, 21 Cheshvan Sarah Weinreb, 21 Cheshvan Zohra Bensimon, 22 Cheshvan Luba Elbaum, 22 Cheshvan Esther Glixman, 22 Cheshvan Samuel Freedman, 23 Cheshvan Hirsh Gansbourg, 23 Cheshvan Rabbi Hirsh Gansbourg, 23 Cheshvan Paul Ijac, 23 Cheshvan Jose Kogan, 23 Cheshvan Jacob Malinowitz, 23 Cheshvan Philip Rantz, 23 Cheshvan Frank Strassfeld, 23 Cheshvan Melvin Abrams, 24 Cheshvan Avraham Levi, 24 Cheshvan Seymour Levy, 24 Cheshvan Moshe Scherr, 24 Cheshvan Pinchas Shulman, 24 Cheshvan Page 4
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS KIDDUSH Hashkama Minyan Kiddush sponsored by Dr. Wayne and Tova Kotzker in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Wayne s father, Joseph Kotzker. Shteibel Kiddush sponsored by Daniel & Michal Lunski in honor of the birth of their daughter, Tamar. Teen Minyan Seudah Shlishiet sponsored by the Kays in loving memory of Sharona Kay s father, Arieh Michael ben Chanan and Liese. Seudah Shlishiet co-sponsored by the, Hensha Gansbourg, Dr. Ronald & Lori Gabor, Dr. David & Reena Makover & Max & Janet Zwiebel. Guest Speaker: Dr. David Dalin, Scholar In Residence DR. DAVID DALIN, SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE THIS SHABBAT This Shabbat morning after davening in the Main Minyan: Israel, the Jewish Vote and Presidential Elections: Past and Present Rabbi s Class 5:05 pm: The Presidents of the United States and the Jews: From Abraham Lincoln to Barack Obama Seudah Shlishiet: Questions and Answers Dr. David Dalin is a widely published scholar of American Jewish history and has taught Jewish studies at several universities. He has been the Taube Research Fellow in History at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University and a visiting Fellow at Princeton University s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. He is the author or co-author of ten books, including Religion and State in the American Jewish Experience and The Presidents of the United States and the Jews. Dr. Dalin and his wife Miriam are BRS members and attend BRS West. SHALSHELET BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM It s not too late to join! Next class is this Sunday morning at 10:00 am in the BRS Sephardic Beit Midrash Any questions? Email Rebbetzin Goldberg at goldbergmom@gmail.com. NEW CUBBIES AVAILABLE We have installed brand new cubbies in the closet of the Senders Library. These cubbies will be available on a first come, first served basis at the price of $100 for the year. If you currently have a cubby by Sephardic Beit Midrash and are interested in switching over to the new cubbies, you will only be responsible to pay the difference of $25 for the remainder of this year. The new cubbies are part of the effort to maintain the cleanliness and organization our campus. Please be advised that any personal belongings, including but not limited to, Sefarim, Tallis bags and Teffilin bags, found lying around the building will be removed. To reserve your cubby, please email Kerry at Kerry@brsonline.org. MACHZOR DRIVE We are in need of Machzorim for the High Holidays for the Shul. If you are interested in donating a Machzor in memory or in honor of someone, please contact Linda in the Shul office at linda@brsonline. org. We ask that you specify either Rosh Hoshanah or Yom Kippur when sponsoring a Machzor. The cost for each Machzor is $50; if you donate six or more you will receive a 10% discount. Thank you for your participation in this Machzor Drive. AIPAC - BRS SHABBATON NEXT SHABBAT SPECIAL CARLBACH MINYAN THIS FRIDAY NIGHT In commemoration of the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Shlomo Carlbach, we will be having a special Carlbach Kabbalat Shabbat this Friday Night November 2nd, in the Social Hall. Please join us for a minyan that is unrushed and full of singing and spirit. CHASSIDISHE LEARNING AND FARBRENGEN FOR REB SHLOMO CARLEBACH S 18TH YARZHEIT THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, NOVEMBER 3 The entire community is invited to join in the Sephardic Beit Midrash of BRS this Saturday Night, November 3 at 8:30 pm, for an evening in honor of Reb Shlomo Carlebach s 18th yarzheit. We will have the privilege of learning about some of the great Chassidic masters. Everyone is invited to come and share a teaching or story, or lead a niggun, as we learn and celebrate into the night. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Dr. Orah Moshe at feliciaorah@gmail.com TIME CHANGE Just a reminder to change your clocks back an hour before going to bed on Saturday night, November 4. BOCA RATON JEWISH ACADEMY Boca Raton Jewish Academy, a new after school program for children currently not in Jewish Day Schools, begins classes this Sunday and Tuesday. For more information please call Rabbi Josh or Simone Broide at 561-929-4568 or email them at Simonebroide@yahoo.com. SUNRISE MINYAN AT THE BEACH Next Friday, November 9 at 6:15 am - Men & Women welcome. Watch the sun rise over the ocean as you connect with God through prayer and inspiration. Meet at the Palmetto Park Gazebo for a special inspirational Minyan. Please call the Shul office (561) 394-0394 to confirm your attendance. 5TH ANNUAL BRS HODU BOWL Save the date for the 5th Annual BRS Hodu Bowl. It will take place on Thursday, November 22 at 9:00 am at Veteran s Park (off of Palmetto Park Road between Lyons and 441). There is still time to sign up! The cost is $240 per team or $35 per individual without a team. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Eric Pinkis at epinkis@hotmail.com SAVE THE DATE Shabbat, November 24 9:20 am - 11:40 am in the Social Hall for the second installment of the Beginner Again Minyan. Join Rabbi Goldberg for a full Davening with introductions, explanations, no talking, and lots of singing (no sermon). Friday, November 9 AIPAC-BRS Shabbat Dinner for AIPAC Club Members in the BRS Community Featuring Gil Hoffman (Chief Political Correspondent for The Jerusalem Post) & Ed Miller (AIPAC s Deputy National Political Director) Schedule of Events: AIPAC-BRS Shabbaton November 10 Briefing featuring Gil Hoffman & Ed Miller (Following Shabbat morning services open to all BRS) Student Lunch featuring Gil Hoffman (For students only. Please call the AIPAC office for more details) BRS Policy Conference Reunion Tea & Cookies (3:30 p.m. at BRS open to all who attended last year s conference and for those interested in going this year) Rabbi s Class featuring Ed Miller: Post-election Analysis and Q&A (4:00 p.m. at BRS open to all BRS) Page 5
PEOPLE OF THE BOOK Explore the Words of Judaism s Greatest Authors, Discover their Monumental Works, the Story Behind them, and Their Lasting Impact, One book at a Time in One Year! To register for the BRS People of the Book course, or to find out more information, please contact Simone at (561) 394-0394 or simone@brsonline.org. The course fee is $75 for members and $100 for non-members. Nobody is turned away due to lack of funds. People of the Book classes take place at on Tuesday evenings from November 20 March 19 at 8:00 9:30 pm in the Social Hall. Chazal/Foundations November 20 Midrash Halacha November 27 Midrash Aggada Rabbi Philip Moskowitz December 4 Mishna/Tosefta Rabbi Mordechai Smolarcik December 11 Talmud Bavli/Yerushalmi Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Parshanut/Narrative December 18 Rashi/Rashbam/Ibn Ezra Rabbi Mordechai Smolarcik December 25 Ramban/Abarbanel Rabbi Philip Moskowitz January 1 Kli Yakar/Seforno Rabbi Mordechai Smolarcik January 8 Hirsch/Malbim Halacha/Law February 19 February 26 March 5 March 12 March 19 Rashi/Tosafot Rabbi Mordechai Smolarcik Rif/Ran/Ramban Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Mishne Torah - Rambam Tur/Shulchan Aruch/Rama Rabbi Philip Moskowitz Aruch Hashulchan/ Mishna Berurah and Others Page 6 Machshava/Philosophy January 15 Kuzari January 22 Moreh Nevuchim - Rambam Rabbi Mordechai Smolarcik January 29 Tanya February 5 Mesilat Yesharim/Mussar Rabbi Philip Moskowitz February 12 R Soloveitchik: Ish Hahalacha & Lonely Man of Faith Rabbi Chaim Lanner This groundbreaking curriculum-based course introduces participants to some of the most influential Jewish books written over the last two thousand years, what made them unique, and about their lasting impact. Carefully developed in consultation with Dr. Lawrence Schiffman, Vice-Provost of Undergraduate Education at Yeshiva University and renowned Professor of Jewish Studies, this course, with its high level of quality and content, is an excellent opportunity to explore Judaism through the many authors and books which continue to shape our tradition.
THE HAFTORA CLUB The Haftora Club Tuesdays 10:00 11:00 am with Rabbi Moskowitz. Join Rabbi Moskowitz as he explores the oftentimes overlooked weekly Haftorah read every Shabbos. Gain new appreciation into the eternal teachings of our prophets. WEEK AT A GLANCE DAILY DAF YOMI with Rabbi Ben Sugerman at 7:00 am in Room 211-212 RABBINIC MIND with Rabbi Zvi Yehuda at 7:45 am am in the Board Room HALACHA YOMI with at 15 minutes before Mincha NIGHT BEIT MIDRASH community learning in the Senders Library at 8:00 pm NIGHTTIME DAF YOMI (Monday - Thursday) with BRS Rabbinate at 8:40 pm in the Board Room ADULT EDUCATION WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN THE DESERT? In-depth study of Bamidbar via satellite with Rabbanit Avigail Rock begins Thursday November 29th. Classes are open to both men and women and space is limited. To sign up or for more detials, call Simone in the Shul office or Penny Pearlman at 561 361 6479. MATT LEVIN, CEO OF JEWISH FEDERATION, AT BRS MONDAY HEBREW READING with Rabbi Josh Broide at 7:30 pm in Room 101 ZUMBA CLASS (for women) 8:00 pm in room 205/206. TUESDAY CAFFEINE FOR THE SOUL with Rabbi Philp Moskowitz at 8:20 am at Hillel Day School PARSHAT HA SHAVUA with at 9:00 am in the Social Hall THE HAFTORA CLUB with Rabbi Philp Moskowitz at 10:00 11:00 am in Social Hall LUNCH N LEARN with Rabbi Josh Broide at 12 noon at Asia BASIC JUDAISM with Rabbi Josh Broide at 7:30 pm in Room 101 WEDNESDAY IN-DEPTH STUDY OF SEFER YEHOSHUA with Malka Morris at 9:30 am in the Board Room LUNCH N LEARN with Rabbi Josh Broide at 12 noon at Euro KABBALAH LEVEL 1: THE INNER WISDOM OF THE TORAH with Shoshana (Anne) Deakter at 7:30 pm in Room 102 THURSDAY JUDAISM A-Z with Rabbi Josh Broide at 7:30 pm in the Board Room KARATE CLASS (Men & Women (over 16 years old) with Sensei Allen Girnun at 8:30 pm in Room 206 SATELLITE LECTURES with Rabbi Yissocher Frand at 9:00 pm in the Board Room UPCOMING BRS FILM SERIES I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SIMON WIESENTHAL Saturday night, November 24 at BRS. Cost is $5.00 per person. FOLLOW ME: THE YONI NETANYAHU STORY Thursday night, November 29. Hosted at Temple Beth-El of Boca Raton, 333 SW 4th Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Cost is $5.00 per person. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS RABBI ELI MANSOUR Young Israel of Boca Presents Rabbi Eli Mansour, Raising Children Parents: An Essential Element in Chinuch Yeladim This Wednesday, November 7 at 8:15 pm. Refreshments & conversation will follow the presentation. YACHAD SHABBATON BAKE SALE Yachad is proud to bring back a Shabbaton to the BRS community Friday & Saturday November 16 & 17. As you know, participants with special needs require additional resources to ensure they are mainstreamed. An anonymous donor has donated 30 cakes from Caketory, and we would like to sell them as a pre-shabbaton sale Thursday and Friday, November 15 and 16 for $36 a cake. To purchase contact Deborah Young at deboraheyoung1@gmail.com Page 7
PILLAR SOCIETY THE 2012-2013 PILLAR SOCIETY CAMPAIGN IS NOW UNDERWAY launched the Pillar Society four years ago to enable our synagogue to continue to offer the highest possible educational, religious, and social programming to our community. Your support of the Pillar Society will enable BRS to continue to offer these outstanding programs and services to our community and beyond. In these difficult economic times, when many of our members are struggling to even pay basic dues to the synagogue, your help is more critical than ever. PILLAR SOCIETY 2012-2013 EMERALD Lynn Hahn Daniel & Caroline Katz PLATINUM Stanley & Ana Haar Bernie & Melanie Kaminetsky Martin & Ileana Flics Lothar & Carlyn Mayer Michael & Jill Rose Larry & Deborah Silver ENHANCED GOLD Dr. Albert & Evelyn Begas Joseph & Lisa Bensmihen Steven Berkeley & Dr. Rebecca Stern Howard & Bonnie Block Dr. Meyer & Laura Cohen Mark & Tilda Fisher Dr. Ben & Cara Freedman Michael & Barbara Frenkel Drs. Charles & Simone Griff Rabbi Efrem & Yocheved Goldberg Glen & Rosa Golish Dr. Mervin & Elaine Jacobs Dr. David & Sharona Kay Rabbi Tsvi & Shaindle Kilstein Drs. Joseph & Seema Loskove Stephen & Linda Melcer David & Joyce Muller Robert & Penny Pearlman Dr. Daniel & Rachel Rudensky Zorik & Ellen Spektor Teddy & Linda Struhl Michael & Risa Zimmerman Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous GOLD Dr. Steven & Yael Charlap Leo & Heni Ehrlich Nachman & Jaime Feig Hensha Gansbourg Gary & Judi Krasna Lenoff Family Dr. Michael & Dana Petrover Dr. Harold & Donna Richter Mike Senders SILVER BRJE ISRAEL EXPERIENCE 2013 Dr. Avraham & Elana Belizon Dr. Hillel & Chayi Cohen Dr. Chanoch & Rachel Harow Dr. Yehuda & Michal Marcus List in formation Pillar Society information brochures with additional information are available in the lobby. Please contact Matthew Hocherman at mjh@brsonline.org or (561) 491-2336. Page 8
SISTERHOOD Sisterhood Welcomes Each and Every Tot. Thank you to Gila Stern and Rachel Harow for assembling and delivering our sweet treats to the newest BRS members. Mazel Tov to all the families with new additions. May we only share smachot. SOCIAL ACTION In Why I m a One Issue Voter (Time Magazine September 19th), Rabbi David Wolpe of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles explained that his decision this year will be simple: I will vote for whichever candidate seems likelier to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. In his Yom Kippur address a few weeks later, Rabbi Goldberg cited Rabbi Wolpe s message. The stakes could not be higher this election cycle. Remember Iran and remember to vote. The existential threat to our homeland Israel is very real. The sanctions imposed on Iran have dealt a serious blow to Iran s economy, but the centrifuges enriching uranium continue to spin. We live in a country where voting is a right. It is also a responsibility. 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 BIKUR CHOLIM Bikur Cholim would like to recruit couples who would enjoy visiting patients together at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. This opportunity requires a commitment of one day per week for approximately two hours. Training will be provided. Call Stan at (561) 362-7345 only caring and committed couples apply please. CHESED If you are in need or would like to volunteer for our Chesed Committee, please contact Michal Marcus at (917) 804-6924. Many volunteer opportunities are available, including helping new moms, rides to doctors, and meals for the bereaved. BRS AUXILIARIES, ETC. 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, Asher Kaplan, Orelia Elkaim, Menachem Kaplan, Shabtai Kaplan, Jeremy Siegman, Noam Ivri (Makover), Charlie Pollack, Yakov Simcha ben Moshe Yisroel, Yehuda Strauss, Liel Reinfeld, Amichai Berman, Matt Firestone, 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 EMPTY NESTERS First exciting event of this year!!! Save the Date: Sunday, December 16 at 2:00 pm, to see Auntie Mame at Sugar Sand Park More details to follow. MAIMONIDES SOCIETY Save The Date: Wednesday, November 28 at 8:00 pm. Jewish Medical Ethics at BRS. DNR: Resuscitating the Resuscitation Controversy Can we withhold and/or withdraw? A talmudic review and topic overview. Instructor: Ari Ciment MD, FCCP Pulmonary/Critical attending and Associate Professor, Mount Sinai Medical Center and Nova Southeastern Medical School. Cost: Physician $10, Non-Physician $5, Medical student FREE WOMEN S MIKVAH The hours for the Women s Mikvah are Sunday through Thursday, 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm (last appointment is at 9:30 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 every day, appointments are strongly advised. Please call (561) 394-5854. 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 www.bocaeruv.org or by contacting Chani Salamon at (561) 392-1026 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. MEN S CLUB Save the date for the 5th Annual BRS Hodu Bowl. It will take place on Thursday, November 22 at 9:00 am at Veteran s Park (off of Palmetto Park Road between Lyons and 441). There is still time to sign up! The cost is $240 per team or $35 per individual without a team. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Eric Pinkis at epinkis@ hotmail.com. Miami Dolphins Football - Sunday, December 16 at 1:00 pm. Location: Sunlife Stadium. 2555 NW 136th Ave, Sunrise, FL 33056. Cost: $35. Adults and Children are welcome. SHADED Tickets and Transportation Included! Tailgate BBQ (not included). Only 20 tickets remaining. Single Malt & Scotch Whiskey Extravaganza - Thursday, December 6th at 7:00 pm. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. Adults 21 years and older. The cost is $135 not 130, that will include transportation. For more information please contact Leor Skoczylas at lskoczylas@yahoo.com. PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS Aba Chonah ben Hava Chana - Alan Gross American Jew Alan Gross has been wrongly held in a Cuban prison since December 2009. 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 www.jcouncil.org Yehonatan ben Malka - Jonathan Pollard Jonathan Pollard has been imprisoned in the United States since 1987. 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 www.jonathanpollard.org. Page 9
-BRS KIDS & TEENS- ANIMAL SHOW A HUGE SUCCESS BRS Teens with Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren Seudat Shlishit for High School Boys HS boys are invited to a weekly shalush shudos in the BRS board room. Songs are sung and Divrie Torah are shared. You don t want to miss this special opportunity. JUNIOR CONGREGATION Make sure to come on time this week to JuCo. The fun begins every Shabbat at 10:00 am. Get ready for amazing Davening, Parsha, guest speakers, games, talent, and of course great prizes. KIDS HASHKAMA CHABURA Rabbi Gershon Eisenberger, Boca s new star Rebbe, will be conducting a post Hashkama Minyan Chabura for boys at 9:30 am in Room 102 in the Jacobs and Rubin Youth and Senior Center. Make sure to come on time for the special kids Kiddush! Washington, DC - Boca Raton Synagogue Pro-Israel teens braved Hurricane Sandy to attend AIPAC s High School Summit in Arlington, VA. Teens attended sessions on Israel advocacy, Israeli history and current issues affecting the US-Israel relationship. Besides the incredible sessions, students got hands on training on how to best advocate for a strong US-Israel relationship. Students part- Two Great Options Next Shabbat Two amazing Shabbat programs are available for our teens next Shabbat. Make sure to sign up for one. #1 The greatest, most epic NCSY shabbaton is coming... Are you? Nov. 9th. Fall Regional Shabbaton in Tampa, FL. Contact NCSY for more details. #2 AIPAC Shabbat Lunch just for teens. Join Jerusalem Post editor Gil Hoffman and AIPAC Deputy National Political Director Ed Miller for an insider s view of current Israel events and a look at new reality post elections. Pillows123@gmail.com to reserve a spot. icipated in workshops where they practiced Making the Pitch. Students also heard from world class speakers and experts, from AIPAC staff members to Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren. Students also attended a college fair with Israel advocates from over 60 US colleges who shared their experiences with the teens who will one day join them. BRAND NEW!! Sixth Grade Girls Seudat Shlishit Announcing a brand new seudat shlishit for sixth grade girls. Reviving the famous NBA (No Boys Allowed) program, once a month sixth grade girls will gather at a local home to enjoy great food but even better ruach. Great songs, amazing and inspirational stories will be shared. The Bnot Sherut will join us to lead the way towards greater ruach. The first seudat shlishit will be at the Kaminetskys on Nov. 17 th. Celebrating Our Teens by Rabbi Uri Pilichowski This Week We Celebrate Our Teens Resilience Sometimes, although it is rare, our teens surprise me in a good way. I say it is rare not because they rarely do great things, exactly the opposite. Our teens are constantly impressing me with their chesed, Torah learning and activism that I've grown to expect the very best from them. Here and there they blow you away. This week was a prime example of our teens far exceeding expectations. This week I chaperoned our teens to a Summit in Arlington, VA. The plan was to travel to Washington for three days. Hurricane Sandy changed all of that, and a three day summit turned into a five day summit. Although Arlington was flooded and 40,000 people lost power, we were OK. What pleasantly surprised me was the lack of whining, complaining and moaning that can sometimes characterize a trip gone awry. Our teens eagerly anticipated and participated in a new elongated schedule. As the hurricane hit and our hotel shook and began to leak, our teens ignored the calamitous weather and delved into their studies. As news came of yet another delay and flight cancellation, not once did our teens complain, rather they took it on stride and went right back to the conference. Not only did their enthusiastic disposition make my job as a chaperon easier but it made the teens' experience all the more meaningful. This week I celebrate our teens' resilience in the face of challenge and hardship. If these teens can keep up their spirits through a hurricane and being away from home, I can't wait to see what they can accomplish. Page 10
Freilach Klezmer Traditional Kol YISRAEl - ktrah kue Howard Stein one Man Band / orchestra Weddings Bar / Bat Mitzvahs Shul Dinners Torah Dedications and More! For the Very Best in Joyous Music! B H www.howardsteinmusic.com (305) 770-2257 1 (877) ruach-4u 1 (877) 782-2448 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 33442 (561) 282-7985 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 561-276-3646 for an appointment. THANKSGIVING 2012 ESL Glatt Kosher Catering presents a veritable feast for Thanksgiving. Succulent Roasted and Stuffed Turkeys or Turkey Breasts with an Anjou Pear Cranberry Relish, heart-warming Fall Soup, Sumptuous Sides and Delectable Desserts. Check out www.eslcatering.com and place your orders without delay At ESL food is emotion, a Sensation, and Extravagance Generosity Glatt Kosher Catering under the Orthodox Rabbinical Board. Tel: 561 818-0872 E-Mail: eslcatering@gmail.com ASIA REINVENTED PINYAN OUR NEW CHINESE CHEF HAS ARRIVED!!! All new daily specials Great new AUTHENTIC taste We GUARANTEE TO TANTALIZE YOUR TASTE BUDS!!! TRY OUR CANTONESE AND SZECHUAN DISHES PLUS YOUR TRADITIONAL FAVORITES! FREE DELIVERY Within 1 Mile Radius (expires 11-9-12) (DINNERS ONLY) $30 Minimum Make your reservations now. (561) 544-8100
REGISTER TODAY!!! BOCA RATON SYNAGOGUE SEMINAR IN MODERN ISRAELI HISTORY 6 AMAZING DAYS! Shabbat, December 1 Thursday, December 6 at with Moshe Ben Baruch. Each class will be given both in the morning and evening, and each class will be preceded by a short film series. Registration $25 for members, $36 for non members. To register for this incredible opportunity or to find out more information, please contact Simone at 561.394.0394 or simone@brsonline.org. Nobody will be turned away due to lack of funds. Course Highlights Join this intensive, one week seminar that will review the history of modern Israel from the inception of Zionism to the present. We will study the ideological formations and Zionist nationbuilding (to 1949), the problems and successes of sovereignty (to 1979), and the quest for identity and normalization (to the present). This unique seminar is geared to both those with a deep understanding of Israeli history and those just beginning their learning. Shabbat December 1st Sunday December 2nd Monday December 3rd Tuesday December 4th Wednesday December 5th Thursday December 6th 9:00am Speak up for Israel Creation of a State Crossing the Line Israel in the Media Israel and the West: Shared Values 9:30am 7:30pm The Decisive Battle Over the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967 (Rabbi's Class 4-5pm Free) The City of Tzfat and The War of 1948 Speak up for Israel Ben Gurion is Not Just an Airport: Leadership in Crisis Creation of a State Palmach: Its Creation, Its Role and Its Politics Crossing the Line The Fascinating History of Gamla The Biblical and Modern Borders of Israel (Lunch & Learn 12-1pm Free) Israel in the Media The Exciting Story of Masada Israel and the West: Shared Values 8:00pm Israel Inside The City of Tzfat and The War of 1948 Ben Gurion is Not Just an Airport: Leadership in Crisis Palmach: Its Creation, Its Role and Its Politics The Fascinating History of Gamla The Exciting Story of Masada Moshe Ben Baruch lives in Israel and has worked for many years as an educator both in Israel and abroad. He holds a B.A in Bible and History and a Masters degree in Israel Studies from Bar- Ilan University. He has served as a paratrooper and captain in the Israel Defense Forces and gives entertaining, engaging, and inspirational tours of Israel. Moshe most recently served as the tour guide for a trip that Rabbi Goldberg led. Sponsored in loving memory of Joseph Silverman Hahn Judaic Campus 7900 Montoya Circle Boca Raton, Florida 33433 (561) 394.0394 www.brsonline.org