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Calendar 57 752014-2015 vwwga,Jewish
vwwc
“Shofar”, by Rosa Katznelson www.rosakatznelson.com
September 2014Elul 5774/Tishrei 5775
vwwga, hra,•swwga, kukt
ELULThe month of Elul is the time to reflect on the passing year, to examine our behavior and to correct any shortcomings. In synagogues throughout the world, extra prayers are recited daily and the Shofar is sounded every weekday.
THE KING IS IN THE FIELDWhen the king leaves his guarded palace and travels through the fields, he makes himself accessible to all – and the people stop what they are doing and come out to greet him, excited by the rare opportunity to see their king up-close. During the month of Elul, G-d is more accessible to us, His people. This notion compels us to stop and reach out to him through repentance, prayer and charity.
ELUL 18Known as Chai Elul, the “life” of Elul. Birthday of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698), founder of the Chassidic movement, and of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745), founder of the Chabad movement.
ELUL 25-26After midnight, we recite Selichot (special penitential prayers). We continue to recite Selichot every morning until Rosh Hashanah.
ROSH HASHANAHRosh Hashanah (literally, the “head” of the year) is the beginning of the Jewish year – and the “birthday” of all of creation. It commemorates the creation of Adam and Eve, the first humans. Man was the first to acknowledged G-d’s kingship over the universe, and on Rosh Hashanah we renew this commitment to G-d and His commandments.
THE SHOFARThe sounding of the Shofar (the ram’s horn) is a central observance of Rosh Hashanah. The Shofar calls many things to mind: It symbolizes our coronation of G-d as King, it is a “wake up call” to return to G-d, and it presages the coming of Moshiach, whose arrival will be heralded by the “Great Shofar”.
September 2014 - Elul 5774/Tishrei 5775
1
87
1514
2221
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kukt uElul 6
kukt zElul 7
kukt jElul 8
kukt yElul 9
kukt hElul 10
kukt thElul 11
Ki tEitzEiPirkei-Avot: Chapter 2
kukt chElul 12
kukt dhElul 13
kukt yhElul 19
kukt fElul 20
kukt tfElul 21
kukt cfElul 22
kukt dfElul 23
kukt sfElul 24
kukt vfElul 25
nitzAvim - vAyEilECh
Shabbat Selichot Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 5 & 6
kukt shElul 14
kukt uyElul 15
kukt zyElul 16
kukt zhElul 17
kukt jhElul 18
Ki tAvoPirkei-Avot: Chapter 3 & 4
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
kukt ufElul 26
kukt zfElul 27
kukt jfElul 28
kukt yfElul 29
hra, dtishrei 3
hA’AzinU Shabbat Shuva
hra, ttishrei 1
hra, ctishrei 2
1st day ofRoSh hAShAnAh
2nd day ofRoSh hAShAnAhEruv tavshilin
FASt oF GEdAliAh
hra, stishrei 4
hra, vtishrei 5
hra, utishrei 6
“At the torah”, by Rosa Katznelson www.rosakatznelson.com
October 2014 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5775
vwwga, iuaj•hra,
yOM KIPPURYom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. It is day of spiritual cleansing: We acknowledge our shortcomings and transgressions, with a firm resolution for a better future; G-d promises us forgiveness, and the chance for a fresh start. We refrain from work, and avoid any food or drink, as well as washing, using oils or lotions, marital relations and regular (leather) shoes.
SUKKOTThe name Sukkot is derived from the word Sukkah, or hut. In commemoration of the protective “clouds of glory” with which G-d surrounded the Jewish people on their way out of Egypt, we live in makeshift huts during the seven days of this holiday.During Sukkot, we observe the special mitzvah of shaking the Lulav (palm branch) and the Etrog (citron). Taken together with the Hadas (myrtle) and the Aravah (willow), these very different plant species represent the unity of disparate types of Jews who, each in their own way, are vital components of the Jewish nation.
SIMCHAT TORAHSimchat Torah marks the day we complete the reading of the Torah in its annual cycle. On the evening of Simchat Torah, (and in many communities, on the previous evening of Shemini Atzeret as well) we make seven Hakafot (circuits) around the table upon which the Torah is read, dancing and rejoicing with the Torah scrolls. During morning services on Simchat Torah, we complete the Torah, reading the last Torah portion. We immediately start reading the Torah from the beginning again–remembering that the Torah is an endless source of wisdom, each cycle challenging us to discover its ever deeper meaning.
October 2014 - Tishrei/Cheshvan 5775
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29
15
1 432
5
30 31
hra, zftishrei 27
hra, jftishrei 28
hra, yftishrei 29
new moon: 9:02 16/18 Pm
hra, ktishrei 30
iuaj tCheshvan 1
noACh
iuaj cCheshvan 2
iuaj dCheshvan 3
iuaj sCheshvan 4
iuaj vCheshvan 5
iuaj uCheshvan 6
iuaj zCheshvan 7
Rosh Chodesh Rosh Chodesh
yizkor yom KiPPUR
hra, ztishrei 7
hra, jtishrei 8
hra, ytishrei 9
hra, chtishrei 12
hra, dhtishrei 13
hra, thtishrei 11
hra, h tishrei 10
1st day of SUKKot
hra, uytishrei 15
hra, zytishrei 16
hra, zhtishrei 17
hra, jhtishrei 18
hra, yhtishrei 19
hra, ftishrei 20
2nd intermediate day 4th intermediate day3rd intermediate day
2nd day of SUKKot
hra, tftishrei 21
hra, cftishrei 22
hra, dftishrei 23
hra, sftishrei 24
BEREiShitBlessing of new month
isru Chag
hoShAnA RABA yizkorShEmini AtzEREt SimChAt toRAh
hra, vftishrei 25
hra, uftishrei 26
hra, shtishrei 14
Eruv tavshilin
Eruv tavshilin 2nd intermediate day
“noach’s Ark”, by tomer Camus, www.camusgallery.com
November 2014Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
vwwga, ukxf•iuaj
CHESHVAN 11
Passing of our Matriarch Rachel, wife of Yaakov. Rachel passed away in 1563 BCE as Yaakov was returning home to his parents. She is buried in Bethlehem.
SHMITAH – THE SAbbATICAL yEAR
The Jewish year 5775, which began this past Rosh Hashanah, is observed as the Shmitah, the Sabbatical year. The Torah obligates us to leave the land of Israel fallow, and that landowners relinquish ownership of all that does grow so that everyone, even animals, could freely enjoy it. This practice is repeated every seventh year.
Similar to the day of Shabbat, which is observed weekly, the Sabbatical year reminds us that the G-dly blessing is the true source of our sustenance. The Torah promises that farmers will have enough left from the prior year to sustain them until after the Shmitah. In addition, this year offered farmers the opportunity to spend some time focusing on higher, more spiritual pursuits.
November 2014 - Cheshvan/Kislev 5775
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
10
iuaj jfCheshvan 28
ukxf tKislev 1
ukxf cKislev 2
ukxf dKislev 3
ukxf sKislev 4
ukxf vKislev 5
ukxf uKislev 6
ukxf jKislev 8
ukxf zKislev 7
vAyEitzEi
Rosh Chodesh
iuaj jCheshvan 8
lECh lEChA
iuaj chCheshvan 12
iuaj dhCheshvan 13
iuaj shCheshvan 14
iuaj uyCheshvan 15
vAyEiRA
iuaj zyCheshvan 16
iuaj zhCheshvan 17
iuaj jhCheshvan 18
iuaj yhCheshvan 19
iuaj fCheshvan 20
iuaj tfCheshvan 21
iuaj cfCheshvan 22
ChAyEi SARAh
iuaj dfCheshvan 23
iuaj sfCheshvan 24
iuaj vfCheshvan 25
iuaj ufCheshvan 26
iuaj zfCheshvan 27
iuaj yCheshvan 9
iuaj hCheshvan 10
iuaj thCheshvan 11
iuaj yfCheshvan 29
toldotBlessing of new month
new moon: 9:42 17/18 Am
“Reb lazar’s menorah”, by Rosa Katznelson www.rosakatznelson.com
December 2014Kislev/Tevet 5775
vwwga, ,cy•ukxf
KISLEV 19
“Chassidic Rosh Hashanah”. Yartzeit of Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezritch, the second leader of the Chassidic movement (1772). Release from prison of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad movement (1798). His triumphant release marked a turning point in the spreading of Chassidic thought, and this date is celebrated in many communities throughout the world.
CHANUKAH
The kindling of the Menorah is the focal point of the Chanukah holiday, symbolizing religious freedom and the strength of the Jewish spirit. The menorah is kindled on each of the eight nights of Chanukah, this year beginning Tuesday night, December 16th.
The Menorah is placed at the left side of a central doorway of the home, or at the front window. The candles should be lit immediately following sunset, and should be prepared so that they will remain lit for at least a half hour after dusk. In keeping with Shabbat observance, the Menorah is lit before the Shabbat candles on Friday evening and after the Havdalah ceremony at the end of Shabbat.
Gather all family members and light the Shamash, the service candle. Recite the proper blessings and then light the candles beginning from the left. Then place the Shamash at its designated place, separated from the other candles.
December 2014 - Kislev/Tevet 5775
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
,cy stevet 4
,cy vtevet 5
vAyiGASh
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7 8 9 10
15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
12 13
14
11
ukxf jfKislev 28miKEitz
Blessing of new month
ukxf yfKislev 29
new moon: 10:31 Pm
ukxf kKislev 30
,cy ttevet 1
,cy ctevet 2
,cy dtevet 3
ChAnUKAh
2 3 4 51
ChAnUKAhChAnUKAh ChAnUKAh
2 3 4 5 61
2 3 4 5 6 71
ChAnUKAh
2 3 4 5 6 7 81
,cy ztevet 7
,cy jtevet 8
,cy ytevet 9
,cy utevet 6
Rosh Chodesh Rosh Chodesh
in evening begin tal U’matar
ukxf yKislev 9
ukxf hKislev 10
ukxf thKislev 11
ukxf chKislev 12
ukxf dhKislev 13
ukxf shKislev 14
vAyiShlACh
ukxf uyKislev 15
ukxf zyKislev 16
ukxf zhKislev 17
ukxf jhKislev 18
ukxf yhKislev 19
ukxf fKislev 20
ukxf tfKislev 21
vAyEiShEv
ukxf cfKislev 22
ukxf dfKislev 23
ukxf sfKislev 24
ukxf vfKislev 25
ukxf ufKislev 26
ukxf zfKislev 27
1 ChAnUKAh
21ChAnUKAh
ChAnUKAh
2 31
2 3 41
“divine view”, by haim R. Sherrf, (514) 9666-ARt(278) / www.sherrf.com
January 2015Tevet/Shevat 5775
vwwga, yca•,cy
TEVET 10
Observed as a fast day. On this date, Jerusalem was placed under siege by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, resulting in the destruc tion of the First Temple (422 BCE).
TEVET 24
Yartzeit of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad movement (1813).
SHEVAT 10
Yartzeit of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, sixth leader of Chabad Lubavitch (1950). Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak fought to preserve Jewish life in the U.S.S.R. until he was imprisoned, threatened with his life, and finally forced to leave (1927). In 1940 he came to the United States and established the network of Chabad-Lubavitch educational institutions throughout the U.S.A. and across the world.
This day also marks the beginning of the leadership of his son-in-law Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, known as the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
January 2015 - Tevet/Shevat 5775
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
4
321
5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
14
yca thShevat 11
BEShAlAChShabbat Shira
yca tShevat 1
,cy yftevet 29
new moon: 11:15 1/18 Am
yca sShevat 4
Bo
yca vShevat 5
yca uShevat 6
yca zShevat 7
yca jShevat 8
yca yShevat 9
yca hShevat 10
yca cShevat 2
yca dShevat 3
FASt oF tEvEt 10 Rosh Chodesh
,cy htevet 10
,cy thtevet 11
,cy shtevet 14
,cy uytevet 15
,cy zytevet 16
,cy chtevet 12vAyEChi
Shabbat Chazzak
,cy dhtevet 13
,cy zhtevet 17
,cy jhtevet 18
,cy ftevet 20
,cy tftevet 21
,cy cftevet 22
,cy dftevet 23
,cy sftevet 24
,cy yhtevet 19ShEmot
,cy vftevet 25
,cy uftevet 26 vA’EiRA
Blessing of new month
,cy zftevet 27
,cy jftevet 28
Rosh Chodesh
“Arrival”, by Rosa Katznelson www.rosakatznelson.com
February 2015Shevat/Adar 5775
vwwga, rst•yca
SHEVAT 15 – TU b’SHEVATIn Jewish tradition, the fifteenth day of Shevat marks the “New Year” for the trees, opening the season in which trees begin to bud in the Holy Land. It is customary celebrate this date by enjoying some fruit, especially the five fruits mentioned in the Torah in connection with Israel: Grapes, Figs, Pomegranates, Olives, and Dates.
SHEVAT 22Yartzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, wife of the Lubavitcher Rebbe (1988).
ADAR 7Birthday and Yartzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses), who led the Jewish people out of Egyptian bondage.
THE WEEKLy TORAH READING According to our tradition, the custom of reading from the Torah in the Synagogue every Shabbat is one of the oldest Jewish customs, instituted by Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) himself. The Torah was divided by Moshe into 54 portions, which is the maximum number of regular readings possible during a Jewish calendar year. The regular cycle is suspended during Jewish holidays, when we read holiday themed portions instead. Most years, it becomes necessary to occasionally group two portions together in order to complete the cycle on time for Simchat Torah. Our lives are built around the calendar cycles: The year, the month, the week. Every day, the current Torah Reading offers a fresh source of inspiration. Though repeated again and again, there is always a new insight, a new guidance, a new commentary on the here and the now. This is the Jewish way of “living with the times.”
February 2015 - Shevat/Adar 5775
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22
11
1
23 24 25 26 27 28
yca chShevat 12
yca dhShevat 13
yca shShevat 14
yca uyShevat 15
yca zyShevat 16
yca zhShevat 17
yca jhShevat 18
yitRo
yca yhShevat 19
yca fShevat 20
yca tfShevat 21
yca cfShevat 22
yca dfShevat 23
yca sfShevat 24
yca vfShevat 25
miShPAtimBlessing of new month
Parshat Shekalim
yca ufShevat 26
yca yfShevat 29
new moon: 11:59 2/18 Pm
yca kShevat 30
yca zfShevat 27
yca jfShevat 28
Rosh Chodesh
tU B’ShEvAt
rst tAdar 1
Rosh Chodesh
rst cAdar 2
tERUmAh
rst dAdar 3
rst sAdar 4
rst vAdar 5
rst uAdar 6
rst zAdar 7
rst jAdar 8
rst yAdar 9
tEtzAvEhParshat zachor
“Purim”, by Boris Shapiro, available at 646-247-3145 / [email protected]
March 2015Adar/Nissan 5775
vwwga, ixhb•rst
PURIMThe actual story of Purim, as told in the Scroll of Esther, is as fascinating and spellbinding as any best seller. Yet, though it is sacred scripture, we do not find the name of G-d mentioned even once! But within the intricate details of the Megillah, we can detect the unmistakable hand of Divine Providence. And the closer we examine the story, the more we discover that even seemingly insignificant events are precisely arranged by the hand of the Almighty.
THE MITZVOT OF PURIM ARE:• The Fast of Esther, held before Purim, to commemorate the day of
prayer and fasting which the Jews held before their victory.• Listen to the reading of Megillat Esther (the Scroll of Esther) at night
and day, recounting the story of Purim.• Send gifts containing at least two types of ready-to-eat food to one or
more friends on the day of Purim. These gifts, called Mishloach Manot (“sending portions”), should preferably be sent via a third party.
• Give Matanot L’evyonim (“gifts of charity to the poor”). While Tzedakah (charity) is a year-round responsibility, it is a particularly special Mitzvah on Purim. Give to at least two needy individuals during Purim day.
• Celebrate with a special festive and joyous meal.
We Wish You All a Joyous Purim!NISAN 11Birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson (1902).
March 2015 - Adar/Nissan 5775
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
11
1 rst hAdar 10 rst thAdar 11 rst chAdar 12 rst dhAdar 13
Shushan Purim
rst shAdar 14
rst uyAdar 15
rst zyAdar 16Ki tiSA
rst zhAdar 17
rst jhAdar 18
rst yhAdar 19
rst fAdar 20
rst tfAdar 21
rst cfAdar 22
rst dfAdar 23
vAyAK’hEil-PEKUdEiParshat Parah
Shabbat Chazzak Blessing of new month
rst sfAdar 24
rst zfAdar 27
rst vfAdar 25
rst ufAdar 26
Purim
Rosh Chodesh
Fast of Esther
rst jfAdar 28
30
rst yfAdar 29
new moon: 12:43 3/18 Pm
3129
ixhb tnissan 1vAyiKRA
Parshat hachodesh
ixhb cnissan 2
ixhb dnissan 3
ixhb snissan 4
ixhb vnissan 5
ixhb unissan 6
ixhb znissan 7
ixhb jnissan 8
tzAvShabbat haGadol
ixhb ynissan 9
ixhb hnissan 10
ixhb thnissan 11
“Az yashir – Song at the Sea”, by haim R. Sherrf, 514) 9666-ARt(278) / www.sherrf.com
April 2015 Nissan/Iyar 5775
vwwga, rhht•ixhb
CELEbRATING PESACH (PASSOVER) On Pesach we celebrate the birth of the Jewish nation with our miraculous redemption from Egypt. Pesach is celebrated by refraining from eating (or evening owning) any foods which are chametz (leavened), and by participating in a Seder dinner on the first two nights of the holiday.
THE SEDERThe Pesach Seder, conducted each of the first two nights of Pesach, is the central event of the Passover festival. • We drink four cups of wine (or grape juice), remembering the
redemption and its four stages.• We ask the “Four Questions” and recite the Haggadah, retelling the
story of Passover and the miracles of our redemption.• We eat Shmurah Matzah, the plain crackers which aren’t allowed
to rise, remembering both the simple bread of slaves and the swiftness of the redemption from Egypt.
• We eat Maror (bitter herbs), remembering the bitterness of the enslavement.
THE LAST DAy OF PESACHThe eighth and final day of Pesach is associated with the ultimate redemption through Moshiach, and our fervent hope for its imminent arrival. In many communities, a festive “Moshiach Meal” is organized toward the evening, to emphasize this day’s special dimension.
April 2015 - Nissan/Iyar 5775
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
ixhb zfnissan 27
omer 12
ixhb jfnissan 28
omer 13
ixhb yfnissan 29
omer 14ShEmini
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 1Blessing of new month
ixhb knissan 30
omer 15new moon: 1:27 4/18 Am
6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23
30
24 25
26 27 28 29
15
1 432
5 ixhb zhnissan 17omer 2ixhb jh
nissan 18omer 3
2nd intermediate dayin the evening count omer 4
3rd intermediate dayin the evening count omer 5
1st intermediate dayin the evening count omer 3
ixhb fnissan 20
omer 5
Eruv tavshilin4th intermediate dayin the evening count omer 6
ixhb chnissan 12
ixhb dhnissan 13
ixhb shnissan 14
ixhb uynissan 15
Fast of First BornFirst Seder
1st day of PASSovERSecond Sederin the evening count omer 1
ixhb zynissan 16
omer 1
2nd day of PASSovERin the evening count omer 2
ixhb yhnissan 19
omer 4
ixhb tfnissan 21
omer 6
ixhb cfnissan 22
omer 7
7th day of PASSovERin the evening count omer 7
yizkor8th day of PASSovERin the evening count omer 8
ixhb dfnissan 23
omer 8
ixhb sfnissan 24
omer 9
ixhb vfnissan 25
omer 10
ixhb ufnissan 26
omer 11
isru Chagin the evening count omer 9 in the evening count omer 10 in the evening count omer 11 in the evening count omer 12
in the evening count omer 14 in the evening count omer 15in the evening count omer 13
rhht tiyar 1
omer 16
rhht ciyar 2
omer 17
rhht diyar 3
omer 18
in the evening count omer 19in the evening count omer 18
in the evening count omer 25
Rosh Chodeshin the evening count omer 17
Rosh Chodeshin the evening count omer 16
rhht siyar 4
omer 19
rhht viyar 5
omer 20
rhht uiyar 6
omer 21tAzRiA-mEtzoRA
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 2
in the evening count omer 21 in the evening count omer 22in the evening count omer 20
rhht ziyar 7
omer 22
rhht jiyar 8
omer 23
in the evening count omer 23 in the evening count omer 24
rhht yiyar 9
omer 24
rhht hiyar 10
omer 25
in the evening count omer 26
rhht thiyar 11
omer 26
in the evening count omer 27
“lag Ba’omer Bonfire”, by Rosa Katznelson www.rosakatznelson.com
May 2015Iyar/Sivan 5775
vwwga, iuhx•rhht
COUNTING OF THE OMER:
Beginning the second evening of Pesach, we count seven weeks until the arrival of the festival of Shavuot. They correspond to the seven weeks, starting from the night of the Exodus, during which our ancestors eagerly awaited the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
PESACH SHENI
When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, this day offered a second chance to offer the Passover sacrifice for those who had been unable to bring their offering at the appropriate time.
IyAR 18 – LAG bA’OMER
On this date, in the early 2nd century, the students of Rabbi Akiva, the greatest sage of that era, ceased to die from an epidemic. Years later on this same date, his student Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, Mishnaic sage and author of the Zohar (the seminal work of Kabbalah) passed away. Having fulfilled his mission in this world he asked that the anniversary of
his death be celebrated as a joyous occasion. Throughout the Land of Israel – and indeed in Jewish communities throughout the world – this day is marked with festivities and bonfires. In particular, thousands journey to rejoice in the town of Meron, site of Rabbi Shimon’s resting place.
THE FESTIVAL OF SHAVUOT:
Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is on this day that we became G-d’s “chosen people”, and He formed a bond with us which shall never be broken.
SHAVUOT ObSERVANCES:
• All-night Torah-study on the first night of Shavuot. This is the best preparation for receiving the Torah!
• Reading of the Ten Commandments in the synagogue on the first day of Shavuot. Bring your children too!
• A festive dairy meal is served on the first day of Shavuot. Like milk for an infant, we receive all our spiritual nourishment from the Torah!
May 2015 - Iyar/Sivan 5775
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28
10
30
31
29
rhht tfiyar 21
omer 36
rhht cfiyar 22
omer 37
rhht dfiyar 23
omer 38
rhht sfiyar 24
omer 39
in the evening count omer 40in the evening count omer 39in the evening count omer 37 in the evening count omer 38
rhht chiyar 12
omer 27
rhht dhiyar 13
omer 28AChAREi-KEdoShim
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 3
in the evening count omer 28 in the evening count omer 29
rhht shiyar 14
omer 29
rhht uyiyar 15
omer 30
rhht zhiyar 17
omer 32
in the evening count omer 32in the evening count omer 31 in the evening count omer 33PESACh ShEiniin the evening count omer 30
rhht jhiyar 18
omer 33
rhht yhiyar 19
omer 34
rhht fiyar 20
omer 35EmoR
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 4
in the evening count omer 35lAG B’omERin the evening count omer 34
in the evening count omer 36
rhht vfiyar 25
omer 40
rhht ufiyar 26
omer 41
rhht zfiyar 27
omer 42BEhAR-BEChUKotAi
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 5Blessing of new month
Shabbat Chazzak
in the evening count omer 42 in the evening count omer 43in the evening count omer 41
rhht yfiyar 29
omer 44new moon: 2:11 5/18 Pm
iuhx tSivan 1
omer 45
iuhx cSivan 2
omer 46
rhht jfiyar 28
omer 43
in the evening count omer 47Rosh Chodeshin the evening count omer 46in the evening count omer 44 in the evening count omer 45
iuhx dSivan 3
omer 47
iuhx sSivan 4
omer 48
iuhx vSivan 5
omer 49BAmidBAR
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 6
in the evening count omer 49in the evening count omer 48
iuhx uSivan 6
iuhx zSivan 7
iuhx jSivan 8
1st day of ShAvUot
yizkor2nd day of ShAvUot
isru Chag
iuhx ySivan 9
iuhx hSivan 10
iuhx thSivan 11
iuhx chSivan 12
nASoPirkei-Avot: Chapter 1
iuhx dhSivan 13
rhht zyiyar 16
omer 31
“A Simche in Shtetel”, By Boris Shapiro, available at 646-247-3145 / [email protected]
June 2015Sivan/Tammuz 5775
vwwga, zun,•iuhx
A PERIOD OF MOURNINGOn the 17th of Tammuz is observed a day of fasting. On this date, in the year 68, the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans after years of siege. The Jewish forces continued to defend the Temple Mount for another 19 days, until it too fell on the 7th of Av. The Beit HaMikdash, the Holy Temple, was torched late on Av 9. The entire period, totaling 21 days, is observed by not scheduling weddings and in general holding no festivities. From the beginning of Av until after the Ninth of Av (excluding Shabbat), we refrain from consuming meat or wine and from various pleasurable activities as a sign of additional mourning.
TISH’A b’AV – THE NINTH OF AVThe Ninth of Av has been a sad day on the Jewish calendar from the earliest days of our history as a people. Just one year after our forefathers left Egypt, it was on this date that G-d punished that generation, decreeing that they would wander the desert for forty years, never entering into the Holy Land. The focus of our mourning, however, is on the destruction on this date of both the first Temple (422 BCE) and the second Temple (68 CE). The observances of the fast of Tish’a B’Av are similar to those of Yom Kippur. These include refraining from any food or drink, wearing leather shoes, washing or showering, using oils or lotions, and from marital relations. Additionally, on the eve of the fast, the scroll of Eichah (Lamentations) is read in the synagogue in a unique chant, which is mournful yet reassuring. Until noon we sit on low seats only, as a mourner does during Shiva.
May we merit seeing the ultimate redemption and rebuilding of the Temple by Moshiach, now!
Av 15Several joyful events have occurred on this date, including the end of the 40-year decree upon the Jewish people to wander and die in the desert after leaving Egypt. This date is particularly joyful as it occurs just as we conclude the mourning period over the destruction of the Temple.
June 2015 - Sivan/Tammuz 5775
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
7 8
1
9
2
10
3
11
4
12
5
13
6
14 15 16 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30
17
iuhx dfSivan 23
iuhx sfSivan 24
iuhx vfSivan 25
iuhx ufSivan 26ShlACh
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 3Blessing of new month
iuhx zfSivan 27
iuhx jfSivan 28
iuhx kSivan 30
new moon: 2:55 6/18 Am
iuhx yfSivan 29
Rosh Chodesh Rosh Chodesh
zun, ttammuz 1
zun, ctammuz 2
iuhx shSivan 14
iuhx uySivan 15
iuhx zySivan 16
iuhx zhSivan 17
iuhx jhSivan 18
iuhx yhSivan 19
BEhA’AlotEChAPirkei-Avot: Chapter 2
iuhx fSivan 20
iuhx tfSivan 21
iuhx cfSivan 22
zun, dtammuz 3
KoRAChPirkei-Avot: Chapter 4
zun, stammuz 4
zun, vtammuz 5
zun, utammuz 6
zun, ztammuz 7
zun, jtammuz 8
zun, ytammuz 9
zun, htammuz 10
ChUKAtPirkei-Avot: Chapter 5
zun, thtammuz 11
zun, chtammuz 12
zun, dhtammuz 13
“Whoever mourns for Jerusalem … will merit to rejoice in its rebuilding”, by haim R. Sherrf, (514) 9666-ARt(278) / www.sherrf.com
July 2015 Tammuz/Menachem Av 5775
vwwga, ct ojbn•zun,
KOSHERKashrut: Spiritual Diet for a Small Planet
For our physical wellbeing, few things are as important as a healthy diet. But the Kosher laws offer the soul similar benefits, and more. The mystical masters teach us that everything we eat has a bit of holiness – a “spark” of divine energy released when we eat foods prepared in accord with the kosher laws. Just as the body responds to the quality of the food that fuels it, so too the soul: With appropriate foods prepared in the prescribed manner, we absorb the Divine nourishment that makes for a healthy spirit. Adapting your diet to a kosher life style is easier than you might imagine. The shelves of your local supermarket are stocked with literally hundreds and even thousands of products produced under kosher supervision.
TEFILLINTefillin, or phylacteries, are donned every weekday by Jewish men and boys over the age of 13. The Torah describes Tefillin as a sign, a public statement of Jewish involvement. By donning Tefillin daily, an individual gives expression to his basic feeling of Jewish identity and its importance to him.
The Tefillin are placed on the arm facing the heart, and on the head. This signifies the binding of one’s emotional and intellectual pow ers to the service of G-d. The straps, stretching from the arm to the hand and from the head to the legs, signify the transmission of intellectual and emotional energy to the hands and feet, symbolizing deed and action.
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAyzun, sh
tammuz 14zun, uy
tammuz 15zun, zy
tammuz 16zun, zh
tammuz 17BAlAK
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 6
zun, jhtammuz 18
zun, yhtammuz 19
zun, ftammuz 20
zun, tftammuz 21
zun, cftammuz 22
FASt oF 17th tAmmUz
zun, dftammuz 23
zun, sftammuz 24
PinChASPirkei-Avot: Chapter 1
Blessing of new month
zun, vftammuz 25
zun, uftammuz 26
zun, zftammuz 27
zun, jftammuz 28
Rosh Chodesh
zun, yftammuz 29
new moon: 3:39 7/18 Pm
ct tAv 1
ct cAv 2
mAtot-mASS’EiShabbat Chazzak
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 2
ct sAv 4
ct dAv 3
6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29
15
July 2015 - Tammuz/Menachem Av 5775
1 432
5
30 31
ct vAv 5
ct uAv 6
ct zAv 7
ct jAv 8
ct yAv 9
dEvARimShabbat Chazon
ct hAv 10
ct thAv 11
FASt oF 9th oF Av
ct chAv 12
ct dhAv 13
ct shAv 14
ct uyAv 15
“mazal tov!”, by Boris Shapiro, available at 646-247-3145 / [email protected]
August 2015 Menachem Av/Elul 5775
vwwga, kukt•ct ojbn
ELUL 18Known as Chai Elul, the “life” of Elul. Birthday of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698), founder of the Chassidic movement, and of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745), founder of the Chabad movement.ELUL 25-26After midnight, we recite Selichot (special penitential prayers). We continue to recite Selichot every morning until Rosh Hashanah.ROSH HASHANAHRosh Hashanah (literally, the “head” of the year) is the beginning of the Jewish year – and the “birthday” of all of creation. It commemorates the creation of Adam and Eve, the first humans. Man was the first to acknowledged G-d’s kingship over the universe, and on Rosh Hashanah we renew this commitment to G-d and His commandments.THE SHOFARThe sounding of the Shofar (the ram’s horn) is a central observance of Rosh Hashanah. The Shofar calls many things to mind: It symbolizes our coronation of G-d as King, it is a “wake up call” to return to G-d, and it presages the coming of Moshiach, whose arrival will be heralded by the “Great Shofar”.yOM KIPPURYom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. It is day of spiritual cleansing: We acknowledge our shortcomings and transgressions, with a firm resolution for a better future; G-d promises us forgiveness, and the chance for a fresh start. We refrain from work, and avoid any food or drink, as well as washing, using oils or lotions, marital relations and regular (leather) shoes.
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
ct vfAv 25
ct ufAv 26
ct zfAv 27
Rosh Chodesh
Rosh Chodesh
ct zyAv 16
vA’EtChAnAnShabbat nachamu
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 3
ct zhAv 17
ct jhAv 18
ct yhAv 19
ct fAv 20
ct tfAv 21
ct cfAv 22
ct dfAv 23EiKEv
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 4Blessing of new month
ct sfAv 24
kukt vElul 5
ct jfAv 28
ct yfAv 29
ct kAv 30RE’Eh
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 5new moon: 4:23 8/18 Am
kukt tElul 1
kukt cElul 2
kukt dElul 3
kukt sElul 4
3 4 5 6 7 8
9 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 25 26 27 28 29
10
August 2015 - Menachem Av/Elul 5775
30
2
1
31
24
kukt uElul 6
kukt zElul 7
ShoFtimPirkei-Avot: Chapter 6
kukt jElul 8
kukt yElul 9
kukt hElul 10
kukt thElul 11
kukt chElul 12
kukt dhElul 13
kukt shElul 14
Ki tEitzEiPirkei-Avot: Chapter 1 & 2
kukt uyElul 15
kukt zyElul 16
“the Eye of the Fish”, by Rosa Katznelson, www.rosakatznelson.com
September 2015Elul 5775/Tishrei 5776
uwwga, hra,•vwwga, kukt
ELULThe month of Elul, the last of the Jewish calendar, is the time to reflect on our actions of the passing year, and to find ways to correct any shortcomings. In synagogues around the world, extra prayers are recited daily and the Shofar is sounded every weekday.
THE KING IS IN THE FIELDDuring the month of Elul, G-d is closer and more accessible to us than the rest of the year. When the king leaves his guarded palace and travels through the fields, he makes himself accessible to all – and the people stop what they are doing and come out to greet him, excited by the rare opportunity to see their king up-close. So too with us: The knowledge that G-d is more accessible to us this month compels us to reach out to him through repentance, prayer and charity.
ELUL 18Known as Chai Elul, the “life” of Elul. Birthday of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698), founder of the Chassidic movement, and of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745), founder of the Chabad movement.
ELUL 25-26After midnight, we recite Selichot (special penitential prayers). We continue to recite Selichot every weekday from Monday morning until Rosh Hashanah.ELULThe month of Elul, the last of the Jewish calendar, is the time to reflect on our actions of the passing year, and to find ways to correct any shortcomings. In synagogues around the world, extra prayers are recited daily and the Shofar is sounded every weekday.
THE KING IS IN THE FIELDDuring the month of Elul, G-d is closer and more accessible to us than the rest of the year. When the king leaves his guarded palace and travels through the fields, he makes himself accessible to all – and the people stop what they are doing and come out to greet him, excited by the rare opportunity to see their king up-close. So too with us: The knowledge that G-d is more accessible to us this month compels us to reach out to him through repentance, prayer and charity.
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25
27 28 29 30
15
September 2015 - Elul 5775/Tishrei 5776
1 432 5kukt yhElul 19 kukt fElul 20 kukt tfElul 21Ki tAvoShabbat Selichot
Pirkei-Avot: Chapter 3 & 4
kukt cfElul 22
kukt dfElul 23
kukt sfElul 24
kukt vfElul 25
kukt zhElul 17
kukt ufElul 26
kukt zfElul 27
kukt jfElul 28
nitzAvimPirkei-Avot: Chapter 5 & 6
kukt yfElul 29
hra, dtishrei 3
hra, ttishrei 1
hra, ctishrei 2
1st day ofRoSh hAShAnAh
2nd day ofRoSh hAShAnAh
FASt oF GEdAliAh
hra, stishrei 4
hra, vtishrei 5
hra, utishrei 6
vAyEilEChShabbat Shuva
26hra, ztishrei 7 hra, jtishrei 8 hra, ytishrei 9 hra, h tishrei 10
1st day of SUKKot
hra, uytishrei 15
hra, zytishrei 16
hra, zhtishrei 17
1st intermediate day2nd day of SUKKot
hra, shtishrei 14
hra, chtishrei 12
hra, dhtishrei 13hA’AzinU
hra, thtishrei 11
kukt jhElul 18
yizkor yom KiPPUR
20 21 22 23 2524 26
27 28 29 30 31
ChAnUKAh2 31
1 ChAnUKAh21
ChAnUKAh2 3 41
Fast of tevet 10
ChAnUKAh2 3 4 51 ChAnUKAh
2 3 4 5 61
ChAnUKAhRosh Chodesh
2 3 4 5 6 71
ChAnUKAh
2 3 4 5 6 7 81
Rosh Chodesh
October 2015 - Tishrei/Cheshvan 5776
December 2015 - Kislev/Tevet 5776
November 2015 - Cheshvan/Kislev 5776
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SHAbbATWEDNESDAy
4
6
8
3
5
73 42
2 4
621
1 3
51
5
7
96
8
107
9
118
10
129
11
1310
12
14
11 1512 1613
13
1715
15
1916
16 18
2017
17 19
21
18 2219 2320 2421 2522 2623 2724 28
25 2926 3027 28 29 30 31
14
14
18
Cheshvan 22
Rosh Chodesh Rosh Chodesh
tevet 8
tevet 15
tevet 11
tevet 18
tevet 9
tevet 16
tevet 12
tevet 19
tevet 10
tevet 17
tevet 13 tevet 14vayechi
tishrei 21 Cheshvan 26
tishrei 28
tevet 1
Kislev 3
tishrei 25 Cheshvan 30tishrei 22 Cheshvan 27
tishrei 29
tevet 2
Kislev 4
tishrei 26 Kislev 1tishrei 23 Cheshvan 28
tishrei 30
tevet 3
Kislev 5
tishrei 27 Bereishit
Kislev 2toldot
tishrei 24 Cheshvan 29
Cheshvan 1
tevet 4
Kislev 6Cheshvan 3
tevet 6
Kislev 8Cheshvan 2
tevet 5
Kislev 7Cheshvan 4noach
tevet 7vayigash
Kislev 9vayeitzei
Cheshvan 5 Kislev 10
Cheshvan 12 Kislev 17
Cheshvan 8 Kislev 13
Cheshvan 15
Cheshvan 6 Kislev 11
Cheshvan 13 Kislev 18
Cheshvan 9 Kislev 14
Cheshvan 16
SukkotSukkotSukkot
Simchat torahShemini Atzeret
Cheshvan 7 Kislev 12
Cheshvan 14
Cheshvan 10 Kislev 15
Cheshvan 17
Cheshvan 11lech-lecha
Kislev 16vayishlach
Cheshvan 18vayeira
tishrei 18
Kislev 19
Kislev 26Kislev 24
Kislev 21
Kislev 28
Cheshvan 23Cheshvan 19tishrei 19
Kislev 20
Kislev 27Kislev 25
Kislev 22
Kislev 29
Cheshvan 24Cheshvan 20tishrei 20
Kislev 23vayeishev
Kislev 30mikeitz
Cheshvan 25Cheshvan 21