WEEKLY MAGAZINE

B”HTHE SHUL

The Shul - Chabad Lubavitch - An institution of The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem M. Schneerson (May his merit shield us)Over Thirty five Years of Serving the Communities of Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Indian Creek and Surfside

9540 Collins Avenue, Surfside, Fl 33154 Tel: 305.868.1411 Fax: 305.861.2426 www.TheShul.org Email: info@TheShul.orgwww.TheShul.org Email: info@TheShul.org www.theshulpreschool.org www.cyscollege.org

SHABBOS PARSHAS BESHALACHSHABBOS SHIRA

SHEVAT 12-13FEBRUARY 7 - 8

CANDLE LIGHTING: 5:50 PM SHABBOS ENDS: 6:44 PM

SPONSORED BY MR. & MRS. MARTIN (OBM) AND ETHEL SIROTKIN& DR. & MRS. SHMUEL AND EVELYN KATZ

TU B’SHEVAT

MONDAY FEBRUARY 10

THE SHUL WEEKLY MAGAZINEEVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK

QUOTABLE QUOTEIn learning Torah the Jew feels like a

pupil with his master; in praying - like a child

with his father

– Hayom Yom, Tammuz 26

NACHAS AT A GLANCE CONTENTS

Weekly Message: 3Thoughts on the Parsha - Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar

Celebrating Shabbos: 4 - 5Schedules, classes, articles & more... Everything you need for an “Over the Top” Shabbos experience

Community Happenings: 6 -7Sharing with your Shul Family

A Time to Pray: 8Check out all the davening schedules and locations throughout the week

Daily Study: 9A complete guide to all classes and courses offered at The Shul

Inspiration, Insights & Ideas: 10 - 20Bringing Torah lessons to LIFE

Get The Picture 20 -28The full scoop on all the great events around town

In a Woman’s World 29Issues of relevance to the Jewish woman

French Connection 30 Reflexions sur la Paracha

Latin Link 31 Reflexion Semanal

Networking 32 -33 Effective Advertising

Numbers To Know 34Contacts at The Shul

Get The Picture 35 - 36The full scoop on all the great events around town

YUD SHVAT FARBRENGEN AT THE SHUL

THE SHUL HEBREW SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE LEARNING IN THEIR OWN TIME! PREPARING FOR THE REGIONAL HEBREW SCHOOLJEW Q CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHERE THEY WILL GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH CHILDREN FROM OTHER HEBREW SCHOOLS, 2 LUCKY WINNERS WILL WIN A TRIP TO NEW YORK TO COMPETE IN

THE INTERNATIONAL FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETION

THE SHUL CTEENS ENJOYED A BEAUTIFUL AND POWERFUL TALK BY HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR MRS. MARGO

3

This week’s Torahportion which actually names this Shabbos as

the Shabbos of the Song / Shabbos Shirarelating to the songs of Moses with the Sons of Israel and Miriam with the Daughters of Israelwhen they successfullypassed through the Sea experiencing the ultimate of all miracles “the Splitting Of The Sea”.

This Shabbos also prepares us for the Rosh Hashanah/New Year for trees and fruit on the 15th of this month known as “Tu B’Shvat.

The Midrash relates a very interesting fact that transpired as the Jews passed through the seabed which had become dry land as the massive waters rose up as two walls besides them on their left and right side. As the Jewish mother was walking through and her infant started to cry she stretched out her hand and plucked an apple or a pomegranate that was growing in the wall of water to assuage the child’s crying. Why did Almighty God create this seemingly unnecessary miracle as part of the greater miracle of the splitting of the sea?

This brings us to a more general question as to why did G-d choose the method of splitting the sea, exposing the seabed and making it completely dry as it was not necessary for the Jews to transverse the sea as they came up further upstream on the exact same side that they went in and the Egyptians could have been smitten by many other means that were in G-d’s infinite arsenal of weaponry?

There was an important lesson that the Jewish people had to absorb and internalize as they prepared to enter the world as a nation interacting with all that was necessary to be part of a general society.

Chassidus explains that everything that exists on earth, exists in the sea including vegetation, life, nutrition and even fire/energy/heat. It is only that the water conceals that which is underneath and we do not see it.

The objective here was to recognize that all which we see with our physical obvious senses does not, in any way

limit the fact that with proper transparency there is much beyond the epidermal externality.

So too on earth, is there an underlying force that exists behind all that we see. Purely from a physics perspective we know that there are billions of moving parts and forces underneath the shell of all matter and tangibility.

This concept is referred to as the “concealed world” that exists behind the façade of the “revealed world”. Underneath that which is so obvious is the Divine force that exists within all that is, vitalizing, energizing and actually bringing it into existence.

As such all that is created is for the benefit of us to be able to serve G-d and elevate all of creation to its intended level by refining and sanctifying it.

The message of the “splitting of the sea” revealing the inner core of what exists beyond the obvious, including our own inner essential core of our G-dly soul also emphasized that whatever we need from the world Hashem provides for us even fruits coming from the walls of water emanating from the depths of the sea.

As we transverse the desert of the world in our historical sojourn through the multiple continents, spaces and experiences, often seduced by the externality of the world and its powerful forces influencing our animal instincts and external beings with their crass physicality and sensuality we must recognize the underlying power and potential that is contained therein.

Our mission is to access that holiness and bring it to the surface revealing that which is concealed and transforming it to fulfill its objective to become an abode for the manifestation for G-d’s presence and purpose.

As we celebrate the Rosh Hashanah for trees and the beautiful delicious world that God has given us, let us always be conscious of the inner potential that exists within us and within everything around us.

Have a great Shabbos and a wonderful week

Rabbi Sholom Lipskar

THOUGHTS ON THE PARSHA FROM RABBI SHOLOM LIPSKAR

SHABBOS PARSHAS BESHALACH

4

Teen Boys

Grades: 9th - 12th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sephardic Shul

Zalmen RosenfeldDavening With Dad

Grades: 7th - 8th

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Montessori 3

Menashe NewPre-Tween Boys

Grades: 5 - 6

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Haime Library

Mendel ShurYouth BoysGrades: 1 - 4

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Montessori 3

Chayale LipskarTween Girls

Grades: 6 - 8

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Back Office

Sara Fraida KatanPre Tween Girls

Grades: 4 - 5

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Montessori 1

Chaya Mushaka Lipskar

Aleph Wonder Girls

Grades: 1 - 310:00 am - 12:00 pm

Montessori 2

Morah Malkie’s Tot Shabbat

Ages: 0 - 311:00 am - 12:00 pm

Back of Women’s Section

Kaylee AndrusierTeen Girls

Grades: 9th - 10th

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Teen Girls Room

Tanya AndrusierTot Shabbat 2

Pre1 - K10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Back of Women’s section

PARSHA IN PICTURESTest your Parsha knowledge. Can you tell the story of the parsha using the pictures below

CELEBRATING SHABBOS WITH OUR YOUTHEVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN “OVER THE TOP” SHABBOS EXPERIENCE

5

KIDDUSH THIS WEEK: Kiddush this week is sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Simon

and Jana Falic in honor of their Son in Law Eli Dominitz completing Shas.

SHALOSH SEUDOS THIS WEEK:

Shalosh Seudos this week is available for sponsorship.

KIDDUSHIM AT THE SHULPlease help us to provide our weekly Shabbos Kiddush and Shalosh Seudos by becoming a sponsor. Or join the Kiddush

Bank by becoming a Partner ($770 annually ) or Patron ($360 anually)

Next Week: Shabbos Parshas YisroCandle Lighting 5:55 p.m.Mincha 5:50 p.m.

Eruv Information We would like to emphasize that every Erev Shabbos, individuals should call the Eruv Hotline to make sure

that the Eruv is operational. The number to call is 305- 866-ERUV (3788). The Eruv message is recorded approximately two hours prior to candle lighting. Surfside:

The Eruv in Surfside now includes the walking paths along the beach. Pushing strollers and carrying is permitted on the paths, but not beyond the path or onto the beach.

Bal Harbour: The Eruv in Bal Harbour included the inner (western) walking path only. The pier at Haulover Cut is not included.

To pay your annual dues visit: www.miamibeacheruv.com

CELEBRATING SHABBOS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN “OVER THE TOP” SHABBOS EXPERIENCE

SHABBOS SCHEDULECandle lighting 5:50 p.m. Mincha / Kabbalas Shabbos 5:50 p.m.

Shabbos Day Hashkama Minyan 7:15 a.m.Tanya / Hayom Yom 8:50 a.m.Shacharis (Morning Services) 9:00 a.m.Children’s Programs 10:00 a.m.Upstairs Minyan 10:30 a.m.Kiddush 12:00 p.m.Daf Yomi 4:35 p.m.Men’s Shiur 4:35 p.m.Women’s Shiur 4:35 p.m.Shalosh Seudos for Boys 4:35 p.m.Mincha 5:35 p.m.Shabbos Ends / Ma’ariv & Havdalah 6:44 p.m.Weekly Video of The Rebbe

Sephardic Minyan Friday Evening Mincha / Kabbalat Shabbat 5:35 p.m.

Shabbat Day Shacharit 9:00 a.m.Mincha 5:35 p.m.Shabbos Ends / Ma’ariv & Havdalah 6:44 p.m.

The following dates are available for sponsorship:

Kiddush Shalosh Seudos Feb 22, 29 Feb 8 , 15, 22, 29

If you wish to become a sponsor, please speak with Milena

at 305-868-1411 ext 328 or email milena@theshul.org

6

13 Shevat Dr. Stephen Brenner13 Shevat Mr. Joseph Lekach13 Shevat Ms. Ilana Tabacinic13 Shevat Ms. Bonnie G. Weintraub13 Shevat Ms. Stacey N. Weintraub13 Shevat Mr. David Wolf13 Shevat Mrs. Natalie Wolf14 Shevat Mrs. Chana Brod14 Shevat Mr. Ethan Danial14 Shevat Mr. Abi Goldshtein14 Shevat Mr. Ronald Nyman14 Shevat Ms. Talya Esther Portnoy15 Shevat Mr. Ezekiel Mizraji16 Shevat Ms. Raquel Abraham16 Shevat Mr. Gabriel G. Berenfus16 Shevat Ms. Allison Diener16 Shevat Mr. Dovid Ezra Lipschutz16 Shevat Ms. Tali van Dam17 Shevat Mr. Avi Eliaz Bublick17 Shevat Mr. Jason Saka17 Shevat Mr. Elchonon Shagalov17 Shevat Mrs. Thalia Tisminesky18 Shevat Ms. Michelle Freund18 Shevat Mr. Ivan Kaufman18 Shevat Ms. Kaylee Ita Wolf19 Shevat Mrs. Zelda Rochel Katz19 Shevat Mrs. Kathy Lichy19 Shevat Mr. Avi Philipson19 Shevat Ms. Mikaela Saka

BIRTHDAYS

KID’S BIRTHDAYS

YAHRTZEITS

13 Shevat Ethan Henley Fargeon13 Shevat Benjamin Bogachek13 Shevat Gita Aidel Lipskar14 Shevat Sarah Gittel Jaimovich15 Shevat Aaron Yitzchak Katan15 Shevat Charles Meyer Gielchinsky15 Shevat Aaron Ginsburg15 Shevat Shilat Melamed17 Shevat Shav Hanania Cohen17 Shevat Yosef Yitzchak Gilinski

13 Shevat Irving ben Rafael obm Uncle of Mrs. Leslie Baum13 Shevat Akiva Ben Hersh obm Father of Mr. Sergio Zelcer13 Shevat Mercado Maya obm Father of Ms. Esther Vlosky13 Shevat Jacob obm Father of Mr. Alexander Matz14 Shevat Israel Rosenfeld obm Father of Mrs. Chani Labkowski14 Shevat Nosson Ha Cohen obm Father of Mr. Shmuel Levinsky14 Shevat Menachem Mendel ben Shraga Faivel obm Husband of Mrs. Cecilia Knoll15 Shevat Mordechai obm Grandfather of Mr. Mordechai Turgel and Mr. Alon Turgel 16 Shevat Moshe ben Zalman Dov obm Father of Mr. Sidney (Shaya) Gordon17 Shevat El-azar obm Father of Mr. Marvin Anhalt17 Shevat Ruhl bas Isik obm Mother of Mrs. Perla Gilinski17 Shevat Yitzchok ben Moshe HaCohen obm Father of Mr. Fred Farbman18 Shevat Yisroel ben Noach obm Brother of Mrs. Dorothy Failer18 Shevat Feivel ha Kohen ben Reuven ha Kohen obm Father of Dr. Gene Moteles18 Shevat Celia Lafer obm Grandmother of Mrs. Suzan Garson19 Shevat Elvira bas Raina obm Mother of Mrs. Loraine Rosengarten19 Shevat Ida Dekelbaum obm Mother of Mr. Max Dekelbaum19 Shevat Leah bas Baruch Leib obm Mother of Mr. Shabtai Plutno

ANNIVERSARIESMr. & Mrs. Fred & Judith FarbmanMr. & Mrs. Abe & Peggy SreterMr. & Mrs. Leon & Miriam WeinschneiderDr. & Mrs. Arthur & Rivka ShapiroMr. & Mrs. Ronen & Anat Michael

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGSSHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

After every Kiddush and event, The Shul donates the left over food to organizations or families in need. We are looking for volunteers to help

collect and wrap the food.

If you would like to help please contact the Mashgiach, Mordechai Olesky after the Kiddush.

Community service hours will be awarded.

7

REFUAH SHLEIMAHIf you have a health update on anyone listed please contact The Shul. We would like to

keep the listing current and remove names of people who have recovered.

SHEVAT L IGHT & POWERLight & Power and Wine for Kiddush &

Havdalah for the month of Shevat is Kindly Sponsored by

Yanky and Odelia Weissin honor of the Bar Mitzvah

of their son Mayerand in loving memory of Zlata bas Arie Leib obm.

“Those who establish Synagogues for prayer and those who come there to pray, those who provide lights for illumination, wine and grape juice for kiddush

and havdalah, food for the wayfarers and charity for the needy, and all those who occupy themselves faithfully with communal affairs - may The Holy One, blessed be He, give them their reward, remove them from all sicknesses, heal their entire body, pardon all their sins, and send blessing and success to all

their endeavors, together with all Israel their brethren; and let us say Amen.”

THANKS TO OUR DONORSWe sincerely thank the following members and supporters of The Shul

for donations received between 01/28/20 and 02/03/20We apologize for any errors or omissions that we may have made.

MENYehonatan HaLevi ben MalkaEliezer ben SarahAharon ben BeylahMeyer Eliezer ben SarahMenachem Mendel ben SaraYehoshua ben TamaraIsaac Gilbert ben Nelly EstherBentzion ben Nomi Rachel MargaliteEber Avraham ben Fruma EstherShlomo Yaakov ben Chaya Sarah RochelChaim Zelig Ben EidelAri ben Na’amaTzvi Yitzchak ben ChayaAryeh Leib ben Sura HenyaRafael Maya ben SolChaim Tzvi Hirsch ben Guttel

WOMENEsther Yocheved bas Raizel BrachaShima Leah bas GittelSarah Libke bas BaileChana Bayla bas MashaRina Chaya Miriam bas Leah BrachaGenya Baila bas GiselaSonia Simcha bat SultanaTzipora Pnina bas SlavaFeige bas KrandelTziporah Pnina bas SlavaChaya Miriam Yehudit bat ChavaClara bat CorinaRivka bat ShoshanaMiriam bat Risha RaizelChava bas Elka MenuchaMiriam Leah bas Helen

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGSSHARING WITH YOUR SHUL FAMILY

Mr. Jacky BenoudizMr. & Mrs. Michael BliskoRabbi Jacob BorensteinMr. & Mrs. Isaie BouhadanaMr. & Mrs. Santos ChocronDr. Brad Kenneth CohenMr. & Mrs. Emilio Liba CohenMr. & Mrs. Zev DrizinMr. & Mrs. Michael ElchadifDr. & Mrs. Raymond FailerMr. Morris GadMr. Daniel GielchinskyMr. & Mrs. Jonathan GilinskiMrs. Perla GilinskiMr. & Mrs. Joseph GoldbrennerMr. Berel GolombMr. & Mrs. Levi GreenMr. & Mrs. Sam GreenwaldMr. & Mrs. Sharon HakmonMs. Lydia HassonMr. & Mrs. Menachem KurantMr. & Mrs. Jaime LapidusMr. Yehuda LewisMr. Martin LustgartenMr. Salomon MaikhorMr. Rafi MamanMr. & Mrs. Eli MarderMr. Jamie MinzbergMr. & Mrs. Isser NewMr. Mordechai Olesky

Mr. & Mrs. Jack OsmanMr. & Mrs. Samuel OstrowiakMr. & Mrs. Alexander PonteMr. Ari PropisMr. & Mrs. Edward RosengartenMr. Andrew RothRabbi & Mrs. Dovi ScheinerMr. & Mrs. Mark SchnappMr. & Mrs. Shea SchneiderMr. & Mrs. Yosef SchwartzMr. & Dr. Elchonon ShagalovMr. & Mrs. Fred ShainbaumMr. & Mrs. Bentzy ShemtovMr. & Mrs. David ShlomovichMr. Mordechai Turgel & Mr. Alan TurgelMr. & Mrs. Ezzy WassermanMr. Hershy WeinbergMr. & Mrs. Paul WeintraubMr. & Mrs. Moises WertheimerMr. & Mrs. Lenny WolfeRabbi & Mrs. Aryeh WuenschMr. Arnold ZagerMs. Belinda Zaret & Ms. Liv-Tiferet De VittonMr. & Mrs. Adam Ziefer

THE SHUL WELCOMES CHAIM SILBERSTEIN

WHO WILL BE ADRESSING THE COMMUNITY ON SHABBOS MORNING

8

A TIME TO PRAYDAVENING SCHEDULES AND LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

EVENING KOLEL SCHEDULE - MONDAY AND THURSDAY 8:45 -9:30 PMMon & Thurs 8:45 - 10:00 pm Evening Community Kolel Chavrusah

DAILY LEARNING SCHEDULE AT THE SHUL6:20 -6:50 am The Rebbe’s Maamorim Chassidic Discourse R’ Zalman Lipskar

7:45 am Daf Yomi R’ Dov Schochet8:45 am (approx) Halacha Sephardic Custom R’ Shimshon Tzubeli10:15 - 11:00 am Maamorim Maamor of the Rebbe R’ Shea Rubinstein

DAILY CHUMASH & TANYA AFTER EVERY MINYAN

SHACHARIS MINYANIM (MON - FRI)Main Minyan 6:50 7:30 9:00

Sephardic Minyan 7:45

SUNDAY SHACHARIS MINYANIMMain Minyan 8:00 am 9:00 am

Sephardic Minyan 8:00 am

To our beloved Soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces, courageously protecting and defending

Eretz Yisroel. We pray for you and all of the soldiers safety and well being daily.

Menachem Mendel ben Chaya LeahDaniella Malka bat Natanya

Menachem Mendel ben AuritEden Chana bat Karine Cecile

Benyamin Aharon ben Jeniya Gila Rut

If anyone would like to send us the name of a soldier in the IDF we would love to add them.

HALACHIC TIMESBASED ON TIMES FOR FEBRUARY 12

Alot Hashachar / Dawn 5:45 amEarliest Talit & Tefillin 6:16 amNetz Hachamah / Sunrise 6:58 am(Earliest Amidah)Latest Shema 9:44 amZman Tfillah 10:41 amChatzot / Midday 12:34 pmEarliest Mincha 1:04 pmPlag HaMincha 5:05 pmShekiah / Sunset 6:12 pm(Preferable latest time for Mincha)Tzeit Hakochavim / Nightfall 6:36 pm(Earliest preferable Ma’ariv)

Times taken from www.chabad.orgPlease note that during the week times may Vary by a minute or two.

MINCHA / MAARIV MINYANIM (MON - THURS)Main Minyan 2:00 pm Early Mincha 5:55 pm 10:00 pm

Sephardic Minyan 5:55 pm Following

SUNDAY MINCHA /MAARIV MINYANIM

Main Minyan 5:55 pm

9

DAILY STUDYA COMPLETE GUIDE TO ALL CLASSES AND COURSES OFFERED AT THE SHUL

DAILY CLASSES

The Rebbes’ Maamorim 6:20 - 6:50 amPHL 101 PHL-301 PHL-501 Rabbi Z. Lipskar(Men Only)Daf Yomi 7:45 - 8:45 amTXT-220 Rabbi Dov Schochet(Men Only)

Chassisdic Discourses 10:15 - 11:00 am PHL-322 PHL-510 Rabbi Shea Rubinstien(Men Only)Community Kollel (Men) 8:00 - 9:30 pm(Monday & Thursday) LAW-154(Men Only)

SUNDAY

Daf Yomi 9:00 amTXT 220 Rabbi Dov Schochet(Men Only)

Tanya - Sichos 8:00 - 10:00 pmPHL-322 Rabbi Shlomo Haltzband(Men Only)

MONDAY

In Depth Chumash 1:30 pmTXT-110 Rabbi Dov Schochet(Men and Women)

Insights to our Torah Portion (Spanish) 8:45 - 9:45 pmPHL-120 Rabbi Shea Rubinstien(Men and Women)

Women’s Study Group 8:30 - 10:00 pmTXT-110 Rebbetzin Chani LipskarAt the home of: Please Call The Shul for details

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Purposeful Prayer 11:00am - 12:00 pmTXT-101 - Rabbi Shea Rubinstein(Men and Women)

Tanya Class In Spanish ( Women) 10:45 am - 12:00pmPHL-120 Mrs. Vivian Perez 198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

Senior Torah Academy 12:00 - 1:00 pmPirkei Avot ETH-101 Rabbi Dov Schochet(Men and Women)

Parsha (Men & Women)11:15 am - 12:00 pmTXT-501 Rabbi Shea Rubinstien

Senior Torah Academy (Men & Women)12:00 - 1:00 pmTXT-120 Rabbi Dov Schochet(Main Sanctuary) Book of Judges - Years 2780 -2835

Women’s Tanya Class (Spanish) 11:00 am - 12:00 pmPHL-320 Mrs. Vivian Perez Call Vivian for details - 305.213.3202

NUMERIC CODES INDICATE CYS COLLEGE COURSES

VISIT WWW.CYSCOLLEGE.ORG FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

ALL CLASSES LOCATED AT THE SHUL

UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED

Megillot - Men and Women 8:45 -9:30amTXT 121 Studies in the five MegillotRabbi Dov SchochetWomen’s Torah Class 10:00 - 11:30 amTXT-110 Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar Chassidic Discourses (Men & Women)11:30 - 12:30 pmPHL-320 PHL-501 Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar or Rabbi Zalman LipskarTanya Class - English 1:15 - 3:00 pmPHL-120 Mrs. Vivian Perez198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour VillageSpanish Kolel - Chassidus 8:00 - 10:00 pmPHL-301 Rabbi Shlomo Haltzband - (Men only)

10

Shabbat, 13 ShevatThe Sabbath[On Friday, Moses told the people,] “Tomorrow will be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath unto G‑d.” Exodus 16:23This is the first explicit mention in the Torah of the obligation to observe the Sabbath. It is appropriate that the Sabbath is introduced in connection with the manna, for the Sabbath and the manna share a common purpose – to underscore our complete dependency upon G-d as the true source of all sustenance. Belief that human effort is the sole determining factor for success makes it hard to justify giving up a full day’s income. Not working on the Sabbath is a clear affirmation of our faith that sustenance lies in G-d’s hands and that our work is no more than a vessel through which G-d’s blessings can flow.

Sunday, 14 ShevatSilencing Inner DoubtsAmalek came and fought against Israel at Refidim. Exodus 17:8The physical attack of the nation of Amalek was the outer manifestation of the spiritual attack of the people’s inner Amalek – their doubt regarding G-d’s care and involvement in their lives.This inner Amalek continues to plague us today, attempting to sow doubt and cool our religious fervor. It acknowledges that G-d exists, but tries to convince us that G-d is too great to care about the details of our Jewish observance. Doubt leads to doubt, and eventually our inner Amalek convinces us that G-d is not involved in human life altogether. That, in turn, causes us to abandon our search for G-dliness and spirituality.Thus, just as the Exodus from Egypt reoccurs in every generation and every day, so does the war with Amalek. Every day, we must silence the voice of doubt that seeks to halt our spiritual progress. Once we successfully leave our inner Egypt and overcome our inner Amalek, we are ready to receive the Torah anew and enter our Promised Land.Successfully implementing this process of spiritual growth on an individual basis will hasten its collective fulfillment, bringing the world to its Messianic Redemption.

DAILY WISDOMInspiring insights on the Torah

Monday, 15 Shevat Receiving the Torah Each DayJethro heard about all that G‑d had done for Moses and for His people Israel. Exodus 18:1The Splitting of the Sea, the war with Amalek, and Jethro’s conversion to Judaism were all prerequisites to the Giving of the Torah.We must relive these events in our daily lives, for G-d gives us the Torah anew each day, granting us new and higher insights into life every day from the infinite well of the Torah. But before this can happen, we must first subdue our inner Amalek, i.e., silence our doubts about Divine providence. Then, we must convert our inner Jethro, i.e., win over the part of us that still prefers to serve the idols of excessive material desires.But in order to take these steps, we must first “split the sea and enter it,” i.e., temporarily immerse ourselves totally in holiness, through our morning prayers and regular Torah study. The Divine consciousness we experience this way enables us to bring a higher awareness into all aspects of our daily lives: eating, earning a living, interacting with others, and so on. Then, when we make time during our day to study the Torah, we will be able to uncover new insights that make it eternally relevant, thus hearing G-d’s voice from Sinai on a day-to-day basis.

Tuesday, 16 Shevat The Torah’s Universal RelevanceMoses appointed leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. Exodus 18:25In Jethro’s plan, the people would be under the authority of judges who were beneath Moses’ stature. Nonetheless, G-d approved of this system, because this way even the simplest among the people would be able to solve their problems according to the Torah’s legal system, thereby submitting their lives to its authority. If Moses had remained the people’s sole judge, some of the people would have been too intimidated by his awe-inspiring presence and spiritual stature to approach him with their problems. This might have led these people to feel alienated, or beyond the Torah’s concern.This would have been most unfortunate, for the Torah was given to everyone, including unsophisticated, average people. It is to the Torah’s credit, and a demonstration of its truth, that its laws govern not only our most sublime moments but also the seemingly trivial concerns that crop up in our daily affairs.

11

Wednesday, 17 ShevatBrotherly LoveIsrael encamped there [as one united people] facing the mountain. Exodus 19:2G-d’s presence refuses to dwell amid discord and disharmony. Only when the Jews were unified in harmony with each other could they achieve the harmony with G-d necessary in order to receive His Torah.The same applies today. Anyone can study the Torah, of course, but the Divine inspiration that grants us additional insight and allows us to sense G-d’s presence in the Torah is ours only when we are actively concerned for our fellow human beings.There is an additional lesson here. The Jews were able to unite at Mount Sinai because they were “facing the mountain” – i.e., focused on the Torah. Since we all possess different intellectual faculties, emotions, character traits, and viewpoints, there is no natural way that we can maintain our individuality and still function as one unified body. Only if we are focused on G-d do our differences suddenly cease to be obstacles to unity. Our differences still exist, for they are all necessary in order to fulfill our collective Divine mission. But our shared devotion to G-d’s will transforms these differences into stepping-stones toward our goal rather than barriers to it.

Thursday, 11 Shevat The Power of EnthusiasmThe whole of Mount Sinai was asmoke because G‑d had descended upon it in fire. Exodus 19:18The fact that the mountain was asmoke indicated that the Giving of the Torah enabled the physical world to be affected by spirituality. This teaches us that the key to transforming all aspects of life – space, time, and consciousness – is making sure that all aspects of our religious life are imbued with “fire,” i.e., warmth and enthusiasm for G-d and His Torah.

Friday, 19 Shevat The Cure for EnvyYou must not desire your fellow’s house. Exodus 20:14G-d provides each of us with all the resources – possessions, talents, and strengths – that we require to fulfill our unique mission in life. We each achieve our ultimate fulfillment by dedicating these resources to our Divine mission and utilizing them to heighten the awareness of G-d in the world. Any resources that G-d has not provided us with at any given moment are thus not necessary for fulfilling our mission, and would in fact sidetrack us from the development of our fullest potential. Reflecting on this truth will cure us of any envy.

12

The first translation of the Torah into another language – Greek – took place in around the second century

BCE, in Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy II. It is known as the Septuagint, in Hebrew Hashiv’im, because it was done by a team of seventy scholars. The Talmud however says that at various points the sages at work on the project deliberately mistranslated certain texts because they believed that a literal translation would simply be unintelligible to a Greek readership. One of these texts was the phrase, “On the seventh day G-d finished all the work he had made.” Instead the translators wrote, “On the sixth day G-d finished.”

What was it that they thought the Greeks would not understand? How did the idea that G-d made the universe in six days make more sense than that He did so in seven? It seems puzzling, yet the answer is simple. The Greeks could not understand the seventh day, Shabbat, as itself part of the work of creation. What is creative about resting? What do we achieve by not making, not working, not inventing? The idea seems to make no sense at all.

Indeed we have the independent testimony of the Greek writers of that period, that one of the things they ridiculed in Judaism was Shabbat. One day in seven Jews do not work, they said, because they are lazy. The idea that the day itself might have independent value was apparently beyond their comprehension. Oddly enough, within a very short period of time, the empire of Alexander the Great began to crumble, just as had the earlier city state of Athens that gave rise to some of the greatest thinkers and writers in history. Civilisations, like individuals, can suffer from burnout. It’s what happens when you don’t have a day of rest written into your schedule. As Achad ha-Am said: more than the Jewish people has kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath has kept the Jewish people. Rest one day in seven and you won’t burn out.

Shabbat, which we encounter for the first time in this week’s parsha, is one of the greatest institutions the world has ever known. It changed the way the world thought about time. Prior to Judaism, people measured time either by the sun – the solar calendar of 365 days aligning us with the seasons – or by the moon, that is, by months (“month” comes from the word “moon”) of roughly thirty days. The idea of the seven-day week – which has no counterpart in nature – was born in the Torah and spread throughout the world via Christianity and Islam, both of which borrowed it from Judaism, marking the difference simply by having it on a different day. We have years because of the sun, months because of the moon, and weeks because of the Jews.

What Shabbat did and still does is to create space within our lives and within society as a whole in which we are truly free. Free from the pressures of work; free from the demands of ruthless employers; free from the siren calls of a consumer society urging us to spend our way to happiness; free to be ourselves in the company of those we love. Somehow this one day has renewed its meaning in generation after generation, despite the most profound economic and industrial change. In Moses’ day it meant freedom from slavery to Pharaoh. In the nineteenth and early twentieth century it meant freedom from sweatshop working conditions of long hours for little pay. In ours, it means freedom from emails, smartphones and the demands of 24/7 availability.

What our parsha tells us is that Shabbat was among the first

commands the Israelites received on leaving Egypt. Having complained about the lack of food, G-d told them that he would send them manna from heaven, but they were not to gather it on the seventh day. Instead a double portion would fall on the sixth. That is why to this day we have two challot on Shabbat, in memory of that time.

Not only was Shabbat culturally unprecedented. It was so conceptually as well. Throughout history people have dreamed of an ideal world. We call such visions, utopias, from the Greek ou meaning “no” and topos, meaning “place”. They are called that because no such dream has ever come true, except in one instance, namely Shabbat. Shabbat is “utopia now”, because on it we create, for twenty-five hours a week, a world in which there are no hierarchies, no employers and employees, no buyers and sellers, no inequalities of wealth or power, no production, no traffic, no din of the factory or clamour of the marketplace. It is “the still point of the turning world”, a pause between symphonic movements, a break between the chapters of our days, an equivalent in time of the open countryside between towns where you can feel the breeze and hear the song of birds. Shabbat is utopia, not as it will be at the end of time but rather, as we rehearse for it now in the midst of time.

G-d wanted the Israelites to begin their one-day-in-seven rehearsal of freedom almost as soon as they left Egypt, because real freedom, of the seven-days-in-seven kind, takes time, centuries, millennia. The Torah regards slavery as wrong, but it did not abolish it immediately because people were not yet ready for it. Neither Britain nor America abolished it until the nineteenth century, and even then not without a struggle. Yet the outcome

PARSHA MESSAGES SHABBOS PARSHAS BESHALACH

RENEWABLE ENERGY By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

13

was inevitable once Shabbat had been set in motion, because slaves who know freedom one day in seven will eventually rise against their chains.

The human spirit needs time to breathe, to inhale, to grow. The first rule in time management is to distinguish between matters that are important, and those that are merely urgent. Under pressure, the things that are important but not urgent tend to get crowded out. Yet these are often what matter most to our happiness and sense of a life well lived. Shabbat is time dedicated to the things that are important but not urgent: family, friends, community, a sense of sanctity, prayer in which we thank G-d for the good things in our life, and Torah reading in which we retell the long, dramatic story of our people and our journey. Shabbat is when we celebrate shalom bayit – the peace that comes from love and lives in the home blessed by the Shekhinah, the presence of G-d you can almost feel in the candlelight, the wine and the special bread. This is a beauty created not by Michelangelo or Leonardo but by each of us: a serene island of time in the midst of the often-raging sea of a restless world.

I once took part, together with the Dalai Lama, in a seminar (organised by the Elijah Institute) in Amritsar, Northern India, the sacred city of the Sikhs. In the course of the talks, delivered to an audience of two thousand Sikh students, one of the Sikh leaders turned to the students and said: “What we need is what the Jews have: Shabbat!” Just imagine, he said, a day dedicated every week to family and home and relationships. He could see its beauty. We can live its reality.

The ancient Greeks could not understand how a day of rest could be part of creation. Yet it is so, for without rest for the body, peace for the mind, silence for the soul, and a renewal of our bonds of identity and love, the creative process eventually withers and dies. It suffers entropy, the principle that all systems lose energy over time. The Jewish people did not lose energy over time, and it remains as vital and creative as it ever was. The reason is Shabbat: humanity’s greatest source of renewable energy, the day that gives us the strength to keep on creating.

Our Daily BreadThoughts on Shabbat ShiraBy Miriam Goodman

Several years ago, we lived in Modi’in. The back of my laundry room faced the parking lot, and after living there for a couple

of days, I noticed that a flock of small birds would congregate each morning and look for food. “What can they find in a paved parking lot?” I asked my husband. He made some comment saying birds are dumb. I took a slice of old bread, broke it into several small pieces and threw it out to the birds. Their initial reaction was to fly away, but a minute or two later, they returned and pecked at the bread. So started my daily routine of feeding the birds. Early each and every morning, I would open my window wide, call “birdies,” throw out my pieces of bread, and before I knew it my “bird friends” were pecking away. This ritual became sort of a family experience. Everyone enjoyed watching the birds eat, even though they laughed at me for calling the birds. Even our dog got into the act. He would jump up on a chair, put his two front paws on the window still, look around and hope a piece of bread would fall his way. Crumbs somehow always “fell” on the chair. After awhile, the bird population in my parking lot grew. It was as if the small birds told their friends and neighbors how to get free and easy food. It was amazing to see nature at work. Very early one morning, before I fed the birds, we heard the shutters in our laundry room rattle. At first we just ignored it, thinking it was the wind, but a few seconds later, the rattle was louder. I opened the shutters a little and to my shock, several birds were sitting on the window still. They knew where the bread came from and were looking for food. I remember thinking, “Is this what it was like, when the Jews were walking through the desert and their only food was the manna that fell from the sky each night?” Waiting and looking for your daily ration is a humbling experience.

Like the birds, we are dependent on G-d for our needs. Today, manna doesn’t fall from the sky. We need to work to provide for ourselves and our families, but it is G-d who decrees our livelihood. He is our Father in the Heavens watching over us, and we are His children. He knows our joy, he knows our pain. He is always with us.I don’t know where the custom of not throwing any leftover bread into the garbage came from, but I do know, if we collect the old bread and put it outside to feed the birds (and where I live now, the chickens), we will always have food on our table.We now live in Netivot. The birds congregate behind our apartment. Now it is not me who feeds the birds, but my husband who every morning, as soon as he sees the birds, goes and scatters the pieces of leftover bread and comes back to the apartment to watch them eat. When a cat comes around, the birds fly away; as soon as the cat is gone, back come the birds. More than once, he has chased a cat away who was lingering around trying to catch a bird to eat.On this Shabbat we, too, sing praise to G-d One day, a neighbor of ours, who happens to be a rabbi, saw my husband scattering the bread. He asked him what he was doing and when my husband said that he was feeding the birds, the rabbi told him that feeding the birds was a very important mitzvah.He reminded my husband that on the Shabbat on which the Torah portion of Beshalach is read, which is known as Shabbat Shira, one of the customs is to place crumbs outside for the birds to eat.The chirping of birds is not just idle noise. It is the way that birds praise Hashem for providing them with their needs. Because on this Shabbat we, too, sing praise of our Creator, we recognize the constant song of praise chirped by the birds and reward them by feeding them.After four years, on the last day that we lived in Modi’in, I finished throwing out my pieces of bread and I asked my husband, “Who will feed the birds tomorrow?”He told me not to worry. They’ll be fed.

14

The Woman’s Tambourines

Our Sages remark that the woman were so confident that G-d would work miracles for them in the desert and so they brought tambourines with them from Egypt in the expectation of celebrating. “In the merit of righteous women, the Jews were redeemed from Egypt.”

A woman’s contribution comes in controlling the emotional environment of the home. Women have a greater sensitivity to spiritual truth. A woman arrives at knowledge by establishing a personal bond with the idea she wants to discover. She makes it part of herself instead of treating it as merely an abstract concept.

Because her knowledge is internalized and personally relevant, she can share it with others more easily and in this way, upgrade the moods of her husband, children and the others around her. She looks beyond the immediacies of her present situation and sees a higher and deeper purpose.

That is why the women played — and play — such an important role as catalysts of redemption. When the women in Egypt contemplated their situation; they did not focus on the slavery and hardship. They understood that exile was merely temporary. They had heard Moses’ promise of redemption and did not regard it merely as a promise of the future; it was a real factor in their lives. And because it was real for them, it was real to their husbands and children and ultimately, it became a top to bottom reality within the world.

4 POWERFUL INSIGHTS FROM THE REBBE ON PARSHAS BESHALACH

Pharaoh’s Credit

The beginning of this week’s Torah reading: “When Pharaoh sent out the nation....” is puzzling. Why is Pharaoh given credit for sending them out?

The truth is that Pharaoh only existed to help the Jews reach Redemption. Some entities express their positive intent from the outset, others like Pharaoh require effort and even transformation before their positive qualities come to the surface.

There is nothing in G-d’s world that wasn’t created for the good. However in certain situations, He invites the Jewish people to work together with Him to bring that good to the surface. This is the role He gave the Jewish people: to confront Pharaoh and others like him and bring out the good that G-d invested in them.

15

Waging War Against Amalek

At the conclusion of Parshat Beshalach, the Torah relates that Moses appointed Yehoshua to lead the Jews against the Amalekites. During the battle, when Moses’s hands were raised in prayer the Jews were victorious.

The Torah goes on to say that when Moses’s arms grew weary, a stone was taken and placed under him. Rashi comments: “Because he was sluggish in performing the commandment [of leading the Jews in battle] and appointed another in his stead, his hands became heavy.”

We know that Amalek was only able to affect the Jews who straggled behind spiritually and who, as a result of their sins, were evicted from the Jewish encampment and the Clouds of Glory.

When Amalek starts up with a Jew who is “outside the encampment,” even if his being there is a result of his own misdeeds, the Jews “within the camp” must leave it in order to protect their weaker brother.

The Torah goes further: Even Moses, who essentially led the whole war — it was he who appointed Yehoshua as his emissary to lead the battle— should have participated in the actual battle. His failure to do so was considered slothfulness.

Herein is a lesson for even the greatest: Spiritual participation in the ongoing battle against Amalek is not enough. Merely praying for the welfare of those attacked by Amalek, or sending one’s emissary, is neither adequate nor acceptable; the person himself must do whatever is necessary to keep his fellow Jews from the clutches of Amalek.

Miriam’s Song

Miriam, the elder sister of Moses and Aaron, presided over the female encore to the Song at the Sea.

Miriam and her chorus brought to the Song at the Sea the intensity of feeling and depth of faith unique to womankind. Their experience of the bitterness of galut had been far more intense than that of their menfolk, yet their faith had been stronger and more enduring. So their yearning for redemption had been that much more poignant, as was their joy over its realization and their striving towards its greater fulfillment.

The great Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria writes that the last generation before the coming of Moshiach is the reincarnation of the generation of the Exodus.

Today, as we stand at the threshold of the ultimate redemption, it is once again the woman whose song is the most poignant, whose tambourine is the most hopeful, whose dance is the most joyous. Today, as then, the redemption will be realized in the merit of righteous women. Today, as then, the woman’s yearning for Moshiach — a yearning which runs deeper than that of the man, and inspires and uplifts it — forms the dominant strain in the melody of redemption.

4 POWERFUL INSIGHTS FROM THE REBBE ON PARSHAS BESHALACH

16

make the blessings in a low voice are mistaken.

The reader of the Torah and the one called to the Aliya must stand, and should not even lean. Some have a custom that everyone stands during the reading of the Torah. From when the Torah is opened one should not leave the Shul. One is also not permitted to talk during the reading of the Torah, even between Aliyot. If there is a pressing need, one may talk between Aliyot.

There must be ten adult men when reading the Torah, six of whom did not hear the reading yet. If the reading began with ten men and one left, as long as they already began the blessing of the first Aliya, they can finish without a Minyan.

When the Torah describes the water in Marah it says they could not drink them for “Marim Heim” (literally they were bitter.) Then Hashem shows Moshe wood to put in the water to sweeten it and make it drinkable.

The Torah is teaching us that the water was bitter for they, the Jewish people, were bitter. When we have a negative outlook it poisons the world around us. The solution is to take the wood, Eitz, which can be a reference to Torah. When we are connected to Torah the bitterness in our life can be transformed to sweetness.

Reading the Torah Monday and Thursday

After the miracle of the splitting of the sea, the Jews continue their journey through the

desert. Immediately they run into a problem, they have traveled for three days and can find no water. In a place called Marah, literally bitter because the water there was bitter, they complain to Moses. G-d instructs Moses to take a stick, throw it into the water, the water is sweetened and the problem was solved.

The Talmud tells us that this episode highlighted a problem for Moses, that a person cannot live three days without water. If that is the case with physical nourishment, then certainly that would be the case with our spiritual nourishment. How can we gofrom one Sabbath to the next with no Torah in between? Moses therefore enacted that every Monday and Thursday we should read from the Torah, thus we never have three consecutive days without reading from the Torah.

While Moses enacted that we read from the Torah Monday and Thursday, it was Ezra the scribe, the builder of the second Temple, who divided the reading into three parts and sections. Even in communities where they addAliyot to the reading on Shabbat or festivals (so that more than 7 people can be called) on Monday and Thursday we have exactly three aliyot, not more or less.

The general custom, with a few exceptions, is that we divide the first of the seven Shabbat readings into three parts. The first part is given to a Kohen, the second a Levi and the third an Israelite. The minimum amount ofverses to read is 10, so on weeks where the first portion is less than ten verses we read further into the

portion, similarly there are times when there is a unique custom to read more or less than the first Shabbat reading.

If there is no Kohen then a Levi or an Israelite takes the first Aliya, reading. While either can take it, if the Levi is a scholar it is appropriate to call him. If a non-Kohen was called but before they started the actual blessing of the Torah (even after saying Barchu) a Kohen entered, the Kohen should take the Aliya and the other person should wait to take the second or third Aliya (depending if they are a Levi or Israelite.)

If the Kohen is in middle of the songs of praise or the Shema (areas where one is not meant to interrupt), he should not be called to the Torah. If it is the only Kohen or Levi in the shul they may be called during the songs of praise (Pesukei D’Zimra). If they arein the middle of the blessings of Shema it is debated if they should be called, and it is best for them to leave the Shul. If they are called, they can accept the Aliya.

When being called to the Torah, one should take the shortest route to the Bima. If both routes are equidistant one should walk to their right. When making the blessings the person should make them in a loud voice sothe community can hear. Those that

HALACHA OF THE WEEKBY RABBI DOV SCHOCHET

17

STORIES WITH SOUL IT ONCE HAPPENED

him and said, “I am very happy with my purchase. I have no intention of returning it.”

The merchant was in a panic, “You know, I’ll sweeten the pot for you. I’ll add a few rubles ‘compensation’ for the ‘broken contract,’” he chuckled.

“No thanks,” replied Mottel.

“Well, how much do you want for that silly piece of paper?” the merchant asked, his agitation growing.

“I won’t settle for less than a thousand rubles!”

“What! Are you mad? For that sum, you can keep the stupid paper!”

But then the merchant’s wife entered the fray. “I promise that if you don’t buy that paper back, I will have a divorce this very day! I won’t spend my life with a man who could sell his portion in the World to Come! I don’t care if it costs you five thousand, or five million rubles! You get that paper back!”

Finally, the merchant realized he had no other choice. He gave one thousand rubles to Reb Mottel who handed him the document. Reb Mottel then told the merchant’s wife what had transpired and about the words of the Apter Rebbe. She was so impressed that she wanted to meet the Rebbe herself.

When ushered into the Rebbe’s study she said, “I have one question. Was my husband’s portion in the World to Come worth only one ruble?”

The Rebbe responded, “Before he sold it, it wasn’t even worth that much. But when he redeemed it by ‘buying’ the mitzva of dowering a bride, the value of his Future Life soared, for such a mitzva cannot be measured in money.

The Rebbe of Apta was accustomed to hearing many of the woes of his fellow Jews,

and so, he was not surprised when Mottel burst into his shul with tears streaming down his face. “Rebbe, please help me,” the distraught man cried out. My daughter is getting older by the day, and I still can’t raise enough money to provide her with a dowry.”

The Rebbe asked how much he needed. “I need one thousand rubles. And you see, Rebbe,” said the man as he turned his pockets inside out, “I have exactly one ruble to my name!”

“Well, my friend, one ruble is also something. My advice to you is to go out and with your one ruble, purchase the first piece of goods that comes your way. Surely, G-d will bless you and you will obtain all that you need.”

Reb Mottel was confused by the Rebbe’s answer, but he had faith in the word of the Tzadik. He would see how the blessing would materialize.

Mottel began his long trek home, but when exhaustion overcame him, he decided to rest at an inn. Soon his attention was seized by a group of rowdy fellows seated near him. From their conversation he deduced that they were diamond merchants. Suddenly, one of them noticed him.

“Are you interested in buying something?” the merchant inquired.

“Yes, I am interested,” he replied.

“Well, how much money do you want to spend?”

Reb Mottel squirmed in his seat. “One ruble,” he replied.

The merchants burst into loud laughter. “One ruble!” It really was ridiculous. Then someone spoke up, “I have something to sell for one ruble!”

Reb Mottel was astounded. “That’s wonderful, what is it?” he asked.

“My portion in the World to Come!” he blurted out. The assembled crew exploded with laughter. One of them ran to get paper and pen -- this would be a “legal” sale. Soon the contract was drawn up. Both the buyer and the seller signed their names, and the witnesses affixed their names as well.

“All right, now give me your ruble,” sputtered the merchant. Reb Mottel handed over the coin. The merchants’ laughter filled the inn.

Just then, a woman entered the room. Approaching the merchants, she said to her husband, “Why are you laughing so hard?”

He could barely contain himself: “You see that beggar over there? I just got him for his last ruble! I sold him something totally worthless!”

“What did you sell him?” his wife asked.

“Ha! I sold him my portion in the World to Come!” he chortled happily. He would have continued, except for the look on his wife’s face.

“What!” she cried. “You sold him the only thing of value that you own! Is nothing sacred to you? I will not live with a man who values nothing except money. You are vile and despicable! Give me a divorce!”

The merchant was shocked. Didn’t she know that this sale was just a sham? He protested, but to no avail. His wife was perfectly serious.

Realizing that his little joke had gone too far, the merchant called over Reb Mottel. “My good man, I’m afraid our little ‘bargain’ is off. I’ll give you back your ruble, and you’ll give me back my paper.”

But Reb Mottel just looked up at

18

TU B’SHVATCELEBRATING PLEASUREBy David Aaron

pleasure independent of G-d.

This is the root of all wrongdoing: when instead of seeing the pleasures of this world as a gift from G-d, enjoying them in the service of G-d and using them as conduits to a connection to G-d, we seek pleasure independent of any connection to G-d. In other words, is the pleasure about us, or is the pleasure about our relationship with G-d?

There is a fundamental difference between having pleasure and receiving pleasure. If we want to have pleasure, it doesn’t matter where it comes from. Having pleasure is void of any connection to a reality greater than ourselves. It is simply a selfish desire to experience a particular pleasure for its own sake. Receiving pleasure, on the other hand, is rooted in the soul’s desire to serve G-d’s purpose, which is to receive the ultimate joy of connecting to Him.

Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden fruit because they were confused about their purpose on earth and, consequently, what is truly pleasurable in this world. They were clueless about what would bring them meaning and joy in life.

Following Adam and Eve’s fatal mistake, G-d told them, “Because you ate from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from, the earth has become cursed.” G-d was not punishing the earth because of Adam and Eve’s transgression; rather He was informing them that their distorted orientation towards physical pleasures has turned the earth into a source of curse rather than blessing for them and for their descendants.

Depending on how we view the physical world, it is cursed or blessed. If we look at the physical world as a conduit to a connection with G-d, and if, as a service to G-d, we gratefully receive His gift of delicious fruits, we thereby experience His presence and the physical world becomes blessed. The physical world then becomes a bridge between the human and the divine. But if we fixate

The celebration of Tu B’Shvat--the 15th of the month of Shevat on the Hebrew calendar—is not

mentioned in the Bible. The oldest reference is found in the Talmud, where Tu B’Shvat is called “the new year of the trees.” The Talmud ascribes significance to this date only in terms of the legal implications of taking tithes (10%) from fruits.

About 500 years ago, the Kabbalists revealed the deeper meaning of Tu B’Shvat. They taught that Tu B’Shvat is an opportune time for rectifying the transgression of Adam and Eve. Amazingly, just through the simple act of eating fruit during the Tu B’Shvat festive dinner, we are able to contribute to this cosmic repair (“tikkun”).

But how? How are we “fixing” the transgression of Adam and Eve, according to the Kabbalists? First let’s explore the transgression of Adam and Eve, and then we can understand the mystical meaning of the Tu B’Shvat holiday, and why eating fruit is the way we celebrate it.

The Torah says that G-d put Adam and Eve in the garden “to work it and to guard it.” The Jewish oral tradition teaches us that this refers to the do’s and don’ts of the Torah. The do’s are called the “positive mitzvot” and the don’ts are called the “negative mitzvot.” Adam and Eve were given very little to do: “eat from all the trees of the garden.” And their only don’t--their single prohibition—was not to eat fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. What was that about?

The Torah teaches that G-d created the world so that we could experience goodness in general, and His goodness in particular. Experiencing His goodness—-bonding with G-d—-is the greatest joy imaginable. G-d empowers us to bond with Him by serving His purpose for creation. Just as when we do for others, we feel connected to them, so, too, serving G-d enables us to bond with Him. Ironically,

serving G-d is actually self-serving—-profoundly fulfilling and pleasurable.

If we eat and enjoy the fruits of this world for G-d’s sake-—because this is what He asks of us-—then we are actually serving G-d and bonding with Him. We serve G-d by acknowledging that the fruits of this world are His gifts to us and by willfully accepting and enjoying those gifts.

The root of Jewish life is, in fact, enjoyment—-the pleasure of connecting to G-d. We connect to G-d by serving Him, and this means obeying His command to enjoy the fruits of this world.

While in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve’s entire obligation was to enjoy all the lush fruits-—with the notable exception of one forbidden fruit. Sure enough, they went after that one. This misdeed demonstrated their confused orientation to the real meaning of pleasure. Rather than seeing the fruits as pleasurable because they are G-d’s gifts and enjoying them as part of their service to G-d, they wanted to partake of them independently of G-d-—in fact, contrary to His will.

The Art of ReceivingAs already explained, real pleasure is experiencing a connection with G-d. We enjoy the ultimate spiritual pleasure when we enjoy the physical pleasures of this world as part of our divine service. Then, the act of receiving and enjoying G-d’s gifts to us is amazingly transformed into a selfless act of serving G-d.

We can understand now that G-d’s only desire in giving Adam and Eve those two mitzvot was to give them the ultimate pleasure—-bonding with Him. True pleasure was not in the taste of the fruits, but in eating and enjoying these gifts from G-d. This was the way to serve and connect with Him—-the Ultimate Pleasure.

But Adam and Eve misunderstood this. They did not see physical pleasure as a conduit to the spiritual pleasure of bonding with G-d. Rather, they sought

19

eternal connection to G-d.

Tu B’Shvat is an opportune time to celebrate how eating and enjoying the fruits of trees can be a bridge to G-d, and how it can bring back the blessing to the earth.

When we enjoy the fruits of the previous year as wonderful gifts from G-d and affirm our yearning for G-d’s presence manifest in the fruit, we are like a baby sucking its mother’s milk with great appetite. We draw forth with great abundance the “milk of the earth”—-the sap in the trees rises up with great abundance, so that they will bear much fruit in the coming year.

Unlike Adam and Eve who sought pleasure separate from G-d and who turned physical pleasure into a barrier to G-d, we—-on Tu B’Shvat-—enjoy the fruits as G-d’s gift and experience their pleasure as a connection to G-d. In this way we rectify the transgression of Adam and Eve. We free the earth from being a curse for us—-a barrier to G-d. We transform it into a bridge, so that it becomes a wellspring of blessing and G-d-given pleasure.

on the physical, independent of any relationship with G-d, and mistakenly perceive this world as the source of our pleasure rather than as a bridge to G-d, then this world becomes a barrier to G-d and a curse for us.

Now that we understand the transgression of Adam and Eve, we can begin to appreciate how we can contribute to its rectification on Tu B’Shvat.

On Tu B’Shvat, the new sap begins to rise up into the trees. And we bring abundance to this process when we celebrate Tu B’Shvat.

The Talmud says that more than the baby wants to suck, a mother wants to nurse. The mother not only gets tremendous pleasure from nursing her baby, but the flow of her milk is actually generated by its sucking. The more the baby wants to suck, the more milk the mother has to give. This principle also applies to our relationship to G-d.

G-d wants to give us the greatest of all pleasures, which is a connection with Him. But if we don’t recognize that to be the greatest pleasure, and we don’t want it, then He can’t give it to us. Of course, G-d could give it to us, but it would just be a waste, because we wouldn’t recognize it for what it is.

The Power of a BlessingOn Tu B’Shvat, we take a fruit, and before enjoying it, we recite a blessing: “Blessed are you, G-d our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the tree.” In other words, “You, G-d, are the source of this blessing.” In doing this, we attempt to rectify the transgression of Adam and Eve.

An apple is not just an apple; an apple is a blessing. Maybe I could believe that apples come from trees, but a blessing could only come from G-d. If I really contemplate the mystery and miracle of the taste, fragrance, beauty and nutrition wrapped up in this apple, I see that it’s more than just a fruit—it is a wondrous loving gift from G-d. When I taste an apple with that kind of consciousness, I cannot but experience the presence of G-d within the physical. When I recite a blessing before I eat and acknowledge it as a gift from G-d, I reveal the divinity within it, and the transient sensual pleasure of the food is transformed, because it is filled with eternal spiritual pleasure. The food then feeds not only my body but also my soul. However, when I eat without a blessing, it’s as if I stole the food. Perhaps it will nourish and bring pleasure to my body, but it will do nothing for my soul. The soul is only nourished when it experiences its

20

RECENTLY IN THE NEWS SHANGHAI RABBI HELPS ELDERLY CHINESE AT SITE OF WORLD WAR II Providing all-important masks to those most vulnerable to coronavirusBy Yehuda Sugar

As China remained on high emergency with the death toll and infection rates from the

coronavirus rising—in a nation with more than 60 million people currently on lockdown and increasingly isolated from the rest of the world—one Jewish leader found a way to help in a historically meaningful way.

After morning prayer services on Monday, Rabbi Shalom Greenberg, who has co-directed Chabad-Lubavitch of Shanghai with his wife, Dina, since 1998, delivered 10,000 protective masks to the city’s Jewish Refugee Museum to be distributed to elderly Chinese. With the number of deaths from the virus in China climbing to at least 362 and the number of infected in the country to more than 17,000, protective masks are a requirement in many public spaces.

What made the action particularly poignant was that the museum where the masks are being distributed is located in the Hongkou section of the city, where tens of thousands of Jews fleeing Nazi Germany during World War II found safe harbor among the local Shanghai citizenry.

“We are honored to be able to help those who helped our people at a time of dire need,” Greenberg said in a statement. “Last week, the world commemorated 75 years of the liberation of the death camps,” he said, adding that during and after the war, “thousands of Jewish people found refuge in Shanghai in this exact area.”

The museum, which serves as the primary information point for what has been referred to as the “Miracle of

Shanghai,” activated its staff and extra volunteers to distribute the masks “door to door to allow the elderly the mobility to better organize their everyday needs,” said Greenberg.

He added that the measure was also aimed at protecting the seniors from further risk “by having to line up in the cold weather [for masks] at a time when gatherings can be potentially unsafe during an epidemic of this proportion.”

The museum memorializes one of the mitigating moments in Holocaust history, occupying the same structure that was the Ohel Moshe Synagogue during, before and for a time after the war.

The synagogue and surrounding community were built by Russian Jews in 1927, approximately 10,000 of whom fled there in the 1920s and 1930s following the Bolshevik Revolution. The community later served as the primary destination for the estimated 20,000 mostly European Jews who fled to Shanghai in the 1930s and 1940s.

Essential Donations from AbroadGreenberg pointed out that the elderly and the infirm are among the most vulnerable to the virus, which took the life of its first known victim outside of China on Saturday, a 44-year-old man from Wuhan who was visiting the Philippines. The masks came from an overseas Jewish sponsor, he said.

In addition, on Sunday, Magen David Adom emergency services organization in Israel sent more than 2,000 items of protective equipment for distribution by China’s Chabad centers. The protective kits, which include special suits, masks, glasses, shoes and hat covers, are designed to prevent infection when there is a need for contact with a person who has contracted the virus.

In its latest estimate, the World Health Organization reported that in addition to the thousands infected in China, more than 150 cases of the highly contagious respiratory virus in 23 other countries have so far been documented.

21

SPONSORED BY MR. & MRS. ZALMY AND DINA SHAPIRO

7:30 - 8:30 PM

22

23

Sept 16th

7:20 - 8:00

24

25

26

27

WITH RABBI DOV SCHOCHET

28

29

IN A WOMAN’S WORLDISSUES OF RELEVANCE TO THE JEWISH WOMAN

Women’s Mikvah:Please call Mrs. Devorah Failer for an

appointment: 305-866 1492 or 305-323-2410

Please Note: Shabbos & Yom Tov visits must be Prepaid

The Shul Sisterhood

Who we are...The Shul Sisterhood organizes all of The Shul’s programming and classes geared toward women in the community. Our objective is to bring women of all ages and backgrounds together to learn, laugh, experience, and rejuvenate their mind,

body and soul. Meet new friends,relax and get inspired!

If you would like to be a part of The Shul Sisterhood, please call 305. 868.1411

MondayWomen’s Study Group Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 8:30 - 10:00 pmAt the home of : Please Call The Shul for details

TuesdayPrayer Class Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 9:15 - 10:15 am1111 Kane Concourse Suite 618

Tanya Class In Spanish Mrs. Vivian Perez 10:45 am -12:00 pm198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

WednesdayMorning Torah Class Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 10:00 - 11:00 amThe weekly portion - Women’s PerspectiveHaime Library

Tanya Class in English Mrs. Vivian Perez 1:15 - 3:00 pm198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

Thursday

Women’s Tanya Class – Spanish – Mrs. Vivian Perez

Call Vivian for details – 305.213.3202

WEEKLY CLASSES

CHOCOLATE POUND CAKEBy Chef Laura Frankel

INGREDIENTS1 cup all-purpose flour½ cup best quality cocoa powder (I only use Valrhona)1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (I only use Callebaut 71%), melted3 eggs½ cup brewed coffee1½ cups brown sugar½ cup canola oil2 teaspoons vanilla extract

PREPARATIONWhisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 325℉.

Mix the chocolate, eggs, coffee, brown sugar and vanilla together in a small mixing bowl.

Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Be careful not to over mix or the cake will be tough.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick can be inserted and will have moist crumbs on it.

Place the cake pan on a cooling rack and allow to cool for 1 hour. Run a knife around the edge of the cake and unmold onto a plate. Dust with powdered sugar.

TIPSLightly grease a loaf pan with canola oil and then dust it with cocoa powder.

30

Les mangeurs de mannepar Yanki Tauber

Quelques faits sur la manne : elle ressemblait à une petite graine ronde et blanche. Elle

descendait la nuit, entre deux couches de rosée. Elle avait le goût de votre nourriture préférée. Elle ne produisait aucun déchet, contenant les besoins nutritionnels de celui qui la mangeait avec tant de précision qu’après que le corps ait absorbé ce dont il avait besoin, il ne restait plus rien. (Cette caractéristique du « pain du ciel » fut d’ailleurs source de quelque inquiétude pour les Israélites.)

Peu après que la manne ait commencé à tomber, nous reçûmes la Torah au mont Sinaï. Nous passâmes les quatre décennies suivantes à traverser le désert, mangeant de la manne et étudiant la Torah. C’est à peu près tout ce que nous faisions (quand nous ne nous mettions pas dans de beaux draps). Le Midrash voit un lien direct entre notre alimentation et notre occupation, déclarant que « la Torah ne pouvait être donnée qu’aux mangeurs de manne ».

Au bout de quarante ans de manne et de Torah, nous avons traversé le Jourdain vers la Terre Promise. L’étude de la Torah est restée une occupation à temps plein pour la seule tribu de Lévi (et pour certains individus d’autres tribus). Tous les autres se mirent à gagner leur vie comme agriculteurs ou commerçants. La manne s’arrêta, et nous passâmes au « pain de la terre » – le pain rugueux, épais et carré – du type dont les nutriments et les vitamines sont incorporés à un rembourrage jetable. Du type qui est digéré plutôt qu’absorbé.

La vie est principalement faite de déchets.

Nous passons toute la journée à travailler pour gagner de quoi payer les courses, une heure à faire les courses, une heure à faire la cuisine, quelques minutes à manger. Et où va la nourriture ? La plus grande partie passe à travers notre corps pour finir dans les égouts.

24 heures par jour nous sont allouées dont la grande majorité est passée à dormir, à se déplacer, à chercher une place, à faire la queue, à trier du courrier, à écouter des discours, à s’excuser, à échanger des banalités, à faire un dépôt, à faire un retrait... Et puis, dans les cinq minutes où nous faisons réellement quelque chose, la moitié du temps, cela sort tordu !

En fait, nous sommes tellement habitués aux déchets que même lorsque nous recevons quelque chose fait d’or pur à 100 %, nous nous mettons à le démonter à la recherche

de quelque déchet à éliminer. Nous cherchons des défauts dans l’âme d’un être cher, nous soupçonnons des arrière-pensées dans les plus belles amitiés, nous guettons « l’autre côté » dans les plus justes des causes. Même la bonté elle-même est jugée trop bonne pour être vraie.

C’est pourquoi, dit le Rabbi de Loubavitch, « la Torah ne pouvait être donnée qu’aux mangeurs de manne ». Une nation de mangeurs de pain se serait immédiatement embarquée dans un processus de « digestion ». « Aime ton prochain comme toi-même » – auraient-ils dit – voilà un truc propre et nutritif ; mais « Respectez le Chabbat » ? Pas applicable à notre époque. Ils auraient séparé les éléments politiquement corrects des éléments « primitifs », les éléments ça-me-botte des éléments ça-me-soûle, les « faits historiques » du « folklore », le « scientifiquement corroboré » de l’ésotérique, les « rituels » des « restrictions », etc. etc.

Notre monde a besoin de ses mangeurs de pain. Nous devons savoir discerner, embrasser le bien et rejeter le mal, faire des choix moraux. Mais nous devons aussi savoir quand sortir du mode digestion. Nous devons savoir reconnaître quand, dans un rare moment de grâce, D.ieu nous fait un don de pure bonté et de totale perfection. Nous devons savoir nous ouvrir à Sa Torah, et permettre à la totalité de celle-ci de nous nourrir comme la manne qu’elle est.

FRENCH CONNECTIONREFLEXIONS SUR LA PARACHA

Vivre avec la paracha

31

Conoce a Najshon ben AminadavPor Mendy Kaminker

Era un príncipe de la Tribu de Iehudá. Era el cuñado de Aron, el Sumo Sacerdote. Cuando todos

los demás vacilaron, el saltó dentro del mar. Era Najshon, el hijo de Aminadav.

Fue el tipo de persona que su callada acción dejó una gran marca en nuestra nación.

Origen de la familiaNajshon era la quinta generación descendiente de Iehudá, hijo de Iaakov.

Aparece por primera vez en la Torá cuando Aron se casa con su hermana: “Aron tomó como esposa a Elisheva, hija de Aminadav, hermana de Najshon”. La Torá generalmente escribe nombres sólo cuando mencionan a alguien nuevo, y los comentaristas se preguntan por qué el hermano de Elisheva es mencionado aquí también.

Sugieren que antes de casarse con Elisheva, Aron había averiguado sobre Najshon, su futuro cuñado. Aprendemos de Aron que cuando se busca una esposa, es importante saber de sus hermanos.

En la División del MarSiete días después de haber dejado Egipto, los Israelitas se encontraron atrapados entre el mar y el ejército Egipto. Luego Di-s le da una orden a Moisés que parecía imposible de cumplir: “Habla con el pueblo de Israel, deben viajar”.

La orden fue dada para que siguieran adelante, con o sin mar. Pero, ¿quién haría el primer movimiento?, en ese momento, la valentía y devoción de Najshon, salió a la luz. El Midrash y el Talmud cuentan lo siguiente:

Cuando Israel estuvo parado frente al Mar de los Juncos, y la orden de moverse hacia adelantada fue dada, cada una de las tribus se quejó diciendo: “Nosotros no queremos ser los primeros en saltar al mar”.

Najshon vio lo que estaba pasando, y saltó al mar.

En ese momento, Moisés estaba parado orando. Di-s le dijo: “¿Mis amados están ahogándose en el mar, y tú estás acá orando?

Moisés le respondió: “Amo del universo, ¿qué debo hacer?”

Di-s dijo: “Levanta tu palo y estira tu brazo sobre el mar, el cual de partirá e Israel entrará sobre tierra seca”

Así fue. Siguiendo al líder Najshon, los Israelitas entraron al mar y fueron salvados.

La recompensa de NajshonEl Midrash nos enumera las recompensas que Najshon recibió por su valentía:

Se le fue dado el nombre de Najshon, debido a que saltó dentro de las olas (najshol) del mar.

Hubo cinco héroes de Israel dentro de su descendencia: David, Daniel, Janania, Mishael y Azaria.

El eterno reinado de Israel fue dado a su tribu, Iehudá, y Moshiaj también va a ser de su descendencia.

Luego de que Moshé había completado el tabernáculo en el desierto, los príncipes de las doce tribus de Israel, ofrecieron sacrificios especiales de inauguración, y regalos. A pesar de que Iehudá no era el más grande de las tribus, Najshon, príncipe de Iehudá, fue el primero en traer el sacrificio. Esto debió haber sido una recompensa por su especial acción de devoción.

Najshon también estaba dentro de los setenta ancianos que Moisés les había conferido su espíritu.

Su fallecimientoHaber sido nombrado como un anciano tuvo una trágico resultado. Leemos que el segundo año después de haber salido de Egipto, “el pueblo buscaba quejarse, y era malvado en los oídos de Di-s.

El lo escuchó y Su enojo hizo que un fuego saliera, quemado los extremos del campo”. El Midrash explica que los “extremos del campo” es una referencia a los setenta ancianos, incluyendo a Najshon.

Un símbolo de fuerzaEl nombre de Najshon se hizo sinónimo de coraje y deseo de hacer las cosas bien, incluso si no es popular.

Inspirado por Najshon, el Rey David escribió en los Salmos: “Me he hundido en las profundidades fangosas, y no hay ningún punto de apoyo, he entrado en las aguas profundas, y la corriente me ha arrastrado. . . No permitas que la corriente de agua me barra, ni la profundidad me trague, y deja que el pozo no cierre su boca sobre mí”

El Rebe vio la acción de Najshon como una llamada de acción:

“Un hombre llamado Najshon saltó dentro del mar, y causó el gran milagro de la División del Mar. Técnicamente, no tenía la obligación de hacerlo, pero el sabía que Di-s quería que Israel se dirigiera a Sinai. Entonces hizo lo que tenía que hacer. Tenía un mar en el camino. Saltó dentro del mar y se dirigió a su meta.

La lección para todos nosotros es, que debemos centrarnos en nuestra misión de la vida, sin tener en cuenta todos los obstáculos”

Clases en EspanolPorcion Semanal

Rabbi Shea RubinsteinLunes 8:45 pm - 9:45 pm

Tanya( Women) Mrs. Vivian Perez

Martes 10:45 am - 12:00pm198 Park Drive, Bal Harbour Village

Jueves 11:00 - 12:00 Call Vivian for details - 305.213.3202

Analisis de distintos temas basados en la Perasha Rabbi Shlomi Halsband

Miercoles 8:30 - 10:00 pmDomingo 8:30 - 10:00 pm

LATIN L INKREFLEXION SEMANALParasha de la Semana

Clases y Eventos

32

NETWORKINGEFFECTIVE ADVERTISING

PLEASE READ ONLY AFTER SHABBOS

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENTS BY ANY RABBIS OR THE SHUL. THE SHUL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REGECT ANY AD SUBMITTED.

Let’s kick off the new year together.

Batsheva RivkinRealtor™718.450.5720 batsheva@compass.com

Compass Florida, LLC is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws.

Why not love where you live?

Buying Selling Leasing

I can help.

Sale by owner Very desirable area. Great location. Directly across from Chabad Shul.

Fantastic building on the beach. 24 hour doorman. Beautiful pool, spa, gym, billiards room, movie room and more.

This unit at the Soli Mar North tower Apt 806 with two bedroom 1260 sq feet very well kept and updated overlooking the bay, Bal Harbour Shul

and the shops Serious enquires only - Sale price $798,000

not many units available and this area is only getting better...

917-952-8752

SEE YOUR AD HEREFOR MORE INFORMATION

PLEASE VISIT

https://www.theshul.org/form/adv

Hello�and�welcome�to�the�winter�season!��Iʼd�like�to�take�this�opportunity�to�wish�you�a�Happy�New�Year.�

In�an�effort�to�jumpstart� �the��selling�season,�my�team��and�I��ha�ve���been��hard��at��work��promoting���my��clients��listings.�

�A�few�highlights�from�the�last�few�months:�

�In�November�,��Sothebys�and��I��sponsored�the�Young�President�Organizationʼs� conference� at� the� Faena� Hotel.� �Over� the�course� of� three� days,� with� hundreds� of� attendees,� we�showcased�my� listings� �along�with� some� of� Sothebys� new�developments.���My�clients�listings�had�optimum�exposure.

�In�December,�ART�BASEL� �was�a�busy�and�exciting� time.� In�partnership� with� Sothebys� and� a� �prominent� wealth�management� firm,� I� sponsored� a� �lavish� �cocktail� �party� and��dinner� at� the� Versace� Mansion� and� an� Art� Brunch� at� Art�Miami.�The�brunch�catered�to� �hundreds�of�� �high�net-worth�wealth�� managers� and� their� �affluent� client�ele�.� My� listing�brochures�were��on�display�and��included�in��hundreds��of�gift�bags.�

In�addition,��my�clients�beautiful�properties�were�featured�in�the��Art�Basel�M�agazine��through�paid�advertising�.�Exposure�for�my�clients�properties�is�always�a�top�priority.��

Recognized�as�one�of�the�Top�Ten�producing�agents�with�One�Sothebyʼs� International� Realty,� and� Top� 1000� WSJ/Real�Trends,� my� expertise� in� luxury� sales,� combined� with� the�global�power�of�One�Sothebyʼs�International�Realty,�exposes�you�to�some�of�the�most�exclusive�properties�for�sale�and�is�the� best� way� to� market� your� property� locally� and�internationally.

If�you're�thinking�of�buying�or�selling�in�Miami,�please�feel�free�to�contact�me.

Regards,Joelle�Oiknine

TURNBERRY OCEAN COLONYSOUTH #1904$3.895MDirect Ocean + Direct Bay, 4/6.5 +Staff Rm, 3735 SF + 1500 SF Terrace.

My�team�and�I�are�dedicated�to�providing�only�the�best�service�and�results�for�our�clients.�

Our�unique�approach�ensures�we�have�our�clients�best�interest�in�mind.

If�you're�looking�to�purchase�or�sell�property�in�Miami,������please�contact�Joelle�at�305-491-1885.

I�currently�have�listings�in�St.�Regis,�Oceana,�Turnberry�Ocean�Colony,��and�Surf�Club.

“Joelle has guided me through four real estate transactions... She has a great knowledge of the market & top connections. Best of all, she asks all the right questions... Joelle is the only person I met in this business that cares more about me than a transaction. That’s why she is the only person I will deal with.”

- Ray H. - Setai, St. Regis, Surf Club

OCEANA BAL HARBOURDesigner Ready | Direct Ocean 2/3+ Den, 2260 SF + 425 SF Terrace #1102 |$4.595M

SURF CLUB / FOUR SEASONSDirect Ocean 2/3 + Den, 2450 SF, 500 SF Terrace. Furniture Ready. Price upon request.

Closing Summer 2017

TURNBERRY OCEAN COLONYDirect Ocean + Direct Bay, 4/6.5 + Staff, 3735 SF + 1500 SF TerraceSOUTH #1904 | $3.895M

CHAMPLAIN TOWERS SOUTH8777 COLLINS AV #511 $835K |

Completely Renovated | 2Bd/2Ba | SE Ocean Views1672 SF | W/D in Unit | Easy Beach Access

OCEANA, BAL HARBOUR10203 COLLINS AV #1102 $4.195M |

Newest Tower in Bal Harbour! 2Bd/3Ba + Den2350 SF | Direct Ocean Views | 10’ Ceilings

SURF CLUB/FOUR SEASONS

CHAMPLAIN TOWERS SOUTH8777 COLLINS AV #610 $1.599M |

3Bd/2Ba + Den | Direct Ocean Views from all rooms2243 SF | Huge Wrap-around Terrace

9001 COLLINS AV #406 $20,000/Mo. |

Fully Furnished | 2Bd/2.5Ba | Custom Kitchen with Miele /SubZero Appliances | Four Seasons Amenities

33

NETWORKINGEFFECTIVE ADVERTISING

PLEASE READ ONLY AFTER SHABBOS

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENTS BY ANY RABBIS OR THE SHUL. THE SHUL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REGECT ANY AD SUBMITTED.

34

BOARD OF TRUSTEESSidney Feltenstein - ChairmanSimon FalicMatias GarfunkelAmbassador Isaac Gilinski Jaime GilinskiMax GilinskiSaul GilinskiSam GreenbergAbel Holtz Mike Izak

Alberto KamhaziShmuel Katz M.D.Leo KryssRabbi Sholom D. LipskarLazer MilsteinMichael PerezRyan ShapiroClaudio StivelmanMorris Tabacinic

Albert Pollans - PresidentJaime Gilinski David LichterRabbi Sholom D. LipskarMonroe Milstein - Treasurer

Steven M. Dunn - ChairDevorah Leah AndrusierJanice BarneyJoel BaumMaurice EgoziHenry EichlerMitchell FeldmanDaniel GielchinskyJacob J. Givner

Evelyn KatzRebbetzin Chani LipskarRabbi Sholom D. LipskarRabbi Zalman LipskarOrit OsmanMarc SheridanDaniel SragowiczCynthia SteinEric P. Stein

Rabbi Rabbi Sholom Lipskar Ext 311Associate Rabbi Rabbi Zalman Lipskar Ext 345Rabbi’s Executive Assistant / CYS Ms. Lydia Hasson Ext 311Rebbetzin Rebbetzin Chani Lipskar 305.992.8363JLAC / Adult Ed/ Singles Rabbi Shea Rubinstein Ext 342CYS College / Kolel Rabbi Dov Schochet 305.790.8294Accounting Mrs. Geri Kelly Ext 341Controller Mrs. Janice Barney Ext 318Events / Office Manager Ms. Milena Liascovitz Ext 328Director of Events and Marketing Mrs. Devorah Leah Andrusier Ext 313Youth Director Rabbi Shaykee Farkash Ext 329Operations / Maintenance Rabbi Shlomi Katan Ext 319Reception Mrs. Mindy Natoli Ext 0Mikvah Mrs. Devorah Failer 305.323.2410Pre-School Director Mrs. Chana Lipskar Ext 325Sephardic Minyan 305.868.1411 Hebrew School / Editor Mrs. Aurit Katan 786.382.9006Hashkama Minyan Mr. Lazer Milstein 305.349.3040Mashgiach Mr. Mordechai Olesky 786.262.9115

FOUNDATION TRUSTEES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CONTACTS AT THE SHUL 305.868.1411

NUMBERS TO KNOW

SHUL GABOIM

Mr. Andrew RothMr. David Portnoy

Rabbi Henry EichlerMr. Ettai Einhorn

Mr. David Ben-ArieMr. Seth Salver

Steven M. Dunn - PresidentMitchell Feldman - Vice PresidentRabbi Zalman Lipskar VP DevelopmentEric P. Stein - TreasurerJoel Baum - Financial TreasurerDovid Duchman - SecretaryCarolyn BaumelMax BenolielBoruch DuchmanVelvel FreedmanEli FreundBruce GelbIghal GoldfarbSam GreenwaldJerrod M. Levine

Rabbi Sholom D. LipskarAlexander MatzLazer MilsteinEzzy RappaportEliott RimonBrian RollerSeth SalverRyan ShapiroMichael TabacinicDavid Wolf